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madaqueue · 1 month

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PUSH AND PULL

something silent and intangible ties you to sukuna, and has for as long as you've known each other. but you can't help but wonder what would happen if you pull on that little red string of fate, bringing him closer than just friends.

pairing: ryomen sukuna x f!reader

themes/content: modern non-curse au, best friends to ???. suggestive/smut. language, pet names (pretty, baby, sweetheart), he calls you a slut but like as a joke, alcohol consumption, semi-public. 18+, MDNI (wc: 2.6k)

It was always just you and Sukuna, for as long as you could remember. Even as kids, the two of you found your home in the corner of the playground after he pushed someone off a swing you wanted to use; in highschool, you etched your names into the desks during some mundane class, landing both of you in detention. He wove his way into your life, and you into his, mending the frayed threads left behind by scissors and rough hands.

So of course neither of you ever dated - you didn’t need anybody else. Nobody would put up with (nor could handle) him and his moods. And you, well, nobody would dare get near you so long as you had him around.

To his credit, it took very little to scare any potential suitors off, oftentimes nothing more than a glare or a firm hand on their shoulder. And he seemed to understand that no one would ever quite compare to you, everyone else too boring, too bland, too pathetic to deserve his attention.

And so, you played along, this little game of pushing and testing and teasing and almost almost almost.

Yet, there was always something in the way, some invisible force keeping you from ever bridging the gap. “Just friends,” you both called it, a name for the insurmountable chasm between you. It was silent, unspoken, but always felt, a magnetic pull that kept you close but never allowed you to touch.

Tonight in particular, at this shitty house party of a friend-of-a-friend-of-a-friend, that pull feels almost tangible, lingering in the hazy air.

Music blares, flashing LEDs illuminating the thin layer of sweat covering both of your bodies. Every thump of the bass electrifies the air, your heartbeat vibrating in tune. Tattooed hands hold your hips firmly against his body, your ass pressed to his pelvis.

You love this song. He loves you loving it.

That smug grin plays across his face, shadows cast by the flickering party lights above making it appear far more sinister to someone who doesn’t know Sukuna. But to you, he’s perfectly content.

When the chorus hits, you bend at the waist, dropping forward and grinding against him. Always such a fucking tease, he thinks as a quiet laugh escapes his lips. His fingertips tighten their hold but he shows no other sign of his sinful desires (he was proud of his restraint, even after all these years).

Bending your knees, the pathetically thin material of your dress rides up just enough that a prouder man would feel obligated to look away. Sukuna, of course, just chuckles as you look over your shoulder.

“You look like a slut.” Bright white teeth shine through his grin.

“At least I can dance,” you retort, hips circling against the front of his jeans. “You look stiffer than a dead guy’s dick.”

Throwing his head back, a laugh overtakes him, seemingly louder than the shitty pop song playing through the speakers. Pink hair catches under the red lights, absolutely electrifying. “Jesus, I forgot how filthy that fuckin’ mouth of yours can get.”

Fully turning around, you press your chest against his, your dress doing little to hide the way your nipples harden at the mild friction. The now-empty cup in your hand dangles at your side as you stand on your toes, lips brushing against his ear. “I’m gonna go get another drink to wash out this ‘filthy fuckin’ mouth,’” you shout over the music.

Instead of verbally responding, Sukuna steps back, slapping your ass as you make your way to the kitchen.

You know, of course, that he wouldn’t let anyone else talk to him the way you do, and you, of course, wouldn’t dare let anyone touch you the way he does (and he sure as hell wouldn’t let anyone else do it, either).

The kitchen is brighter than the surrounding chaos, your eyes blurry as they adjust. Finding your way to the stash of bottles, you pour yourself some combination of juice and liquor. The fake marble of the table is cold against your skin as you hop onto it, crossing your legs as the liquid hits your lips.

It’s certainly palatable, you shrug.

You bask in the muted silence for a moment before it’s broken by Sukuna’s loud footsteps marching towards you.

He always commanded attention so effortlessly, eyes turning to follow his path. At first you thought it was the visible tattoos lining his skin and notably unnatural hair, but over time you grew to wonder if there was something more innate, something living within his soul that evoked the unyielding focus from those around him.

Ruby eyes lock on yours (surely an effect of the colored LEDs still flashing nearby) as he glides in front of you. Your legs part, dangling over the edge of the countertop as he slots himself between them, arms encircling you.

Placing his palms onto the table behind your waist, the scent of whatever expensive cologne he probably stole this week hangs on his clothes as he leans closer.

“Thought I finally got rid of you when you didn’t come back.” His voice is gravelly, lips pulled into a leering smile.

“Maybe I just finally got sick of dancing with someone who only wants to paw at me,” you chuckle sarcastically. Lifting the cup to your mouth, you take another swig. “And you’re awfully close for someone who smells like shitty beer and sweat.”

“Oh really?”

Before you can respond, his lips are trailing up your neck, his nose pushing your hair to the side as he nuzzles into your skin.

His breath is hot, tickling your earlobe as he lowly whispers, “Well you smell lovely.”

On instinct your legs try to close around him, a desperate attempt to quell the ache growing between them. You hate his stupid fucking voice, his annoying flirting, how he always goes just a little too far pushing your buttons.

But he’s your friend.

(And that’s all you’ll ever be to him, too).

All you can do is chug your drink, hoping the alcohol dampens the racing pulse of your heart.

“Thanks, I actually pay for my perfume, unlike you, you fucking delinquent,” you manage to spit out.

Finally he pulls back, eyes locked on you. There’s an intensity behind them you can’t quite name, but one you’ve grown familiar with.

He’s playing with you.

A low hum vibrates from his throat in response, his gaze traveling down to your lips. “What’re you drinking?”

He changes the subject, as he always does when things threaten to get too serious, too real. Always running away, afraid to face the ever-insistent voice inside him that evokes a pause the moment before he hurls himself over the edge into desire.

You smirk. “Why don’t you try it?”

Bringing the cup to his face, it rests on his lower lip as you tilt it upwards, the saccharine liquid pouring down his throat. His eyes never leave yours as he swallows. A small trail dribbles down his chin while you place the empty plastic cup onto the counter beside you.

“Messy boy,” you coo, tone as falsely sweet as the drink lingering on his lips.

Grabbing his face, you pull him towards you, close enough you can make out the faint freckles decorating his cheeks. You collect the sugary liquor on your tongue as it travels along his skin, slightly rough from his freshly-shaved stubble. When you reach the corner of his mouth, you place a teasing peck before releasing your grasp.

“Someone should really teach you some manners, ‘Kuna.” And that devilish smile spreads across your face.

You see, you can play with him, too.

He stifles the giddy laugh building in his chest as he fixes his gaze back on you. “And someone should teach you how to make a drink, that shit was nasty.”

“You entitled brat,” you snap back, pushing him away with a hand against his chest. “I make excellent drinks, otherwise why else would you end up drunk on my couch every weekend, hm?”

“Maybe I just like the couch’s company,” he grins, dimples poking through the darkened lines spanning his face.

You’re both just staring at each other, waiting for something to happen, for someone to make a move. The air is electric, buzzing with that imperceptible desire.

Fuck it.

Just as you move to lean into him, a noise cuts through the static.

“Sukuna!” someone calls from the depths of the party.

His head whips around before shooting you an almost apologetic glance. “Guess someone else requires my attention.”

“Wouldn’t wanna keep them waiting for everyone’s favorite asshole,” you mock. With a mirrored smack of his ass, you send him away into the chaos surrounding you.

In his absence, your head swirls, overwhelmed with the alcohol and the lights and the sudden heat in your core.

Just friends.

You’re just friends.

Taking in a steadying breath, your hands shake as you pour another drink.

But at what point does it stop being a game? When do you decide to stop playing?

With a sigh you knock it back in one gulp before wandering between the bodies crowding the space.

The rest of the party is all skin and noise. It’s fluid and blurry and utterly debaucherous, the way you throw your arms around your friends, the way your body moves with each increasingly loud and repetitive song.

By the time the next few hours have passed, your feet start to ache as you make your way from the swath of strangers crowding the makeshift DJ booth at the front of the house.

Stumbling towards the back, a familiar voice calls your name.

“Where ya goin’, pretty?”

Sukuna is sprawled across one of the stained couches lining the walls, an unfamiliar girl hanging on his side. Her hands rest across his chest as her eyes cover you disapprovingly, nails digging into his shirt when you refuse to give her an ounce of attention.

“Lookin’ for somewhere to sit down,” you sigh, shifting your weight from foot to foot.

“Got a free seat right here,” he smirks, patting his thigh. This fucker.

An angry glare forms along the girl’s face as she stares at you with a displeased grunt. Crossing your arms, you let out a breathy chuckle. “I would, but I wouldn’t wanna interrupt anything.”

Sukuna never even turns towards the girl who now traces her fingertips down his chest. “Nothin’ to interrupt here, baby.”

Exchanging a quick glance at the increasingly unhappy stranger lounged across him, she lets out an annoyed scoff as she rolls her eyes, finally removing herself from Sukuna. Brushing past you, she tries to shove into your shoulder before she misses, tumbling forward and back onto the dance floor.

You can’t help but giggle at the failed show of dominance, your eyes now finding their way back to Sukuna. He pats his thighs again expectantly, eyebrows quirking as he awaits your response.

He’s fucking with you, of course.

But before you know it, you’re standing between his legs. With a small sigh, you seat yourself on his lap, bare legs straddling him. A whisper of mischief dances behind his eyes while his hands make their way to your hips, holding you firmly in place.

“See? Isn’t this much more comfortable?” he taunts.

Heat builds in your core at how low his voice is, the rumbling of thunder just before a storm.

“Mmm,” you hum, letting your dissatisfaction show as you click your tongue. Wrapping your arms easily around his neck, your fingertips absentmindedly trace the lines of his tattoos to where they end at the neckline of his t-shirt. “It’s a bit better, but something’s still missing.”

“Oh yeah?” When he smiles, the lines adorning his skin crease invitingly. “And what’s that, sweetheart?”

You can’t help but grin silently. Because you can fuck with him, too.

Rolling your hips forward, your clothed pussy drags along the outline of his cock. The firm denim of his jeans provides just enough friction to have you stifling a moan. He inhales sharply through his nose, the soft sound cutting through the static noise surrounding you.

“Isn’t that better?” you coo teasingly as his fingertips dig into your waist.

A choked groan leaves his throat, his inability to let you have the upperhand fighting against the sudden desire to pin you down on this shitty couch and fuck you right here. Attempting to shake the thought off, his head falls forward into your neck.

Of course he’s thought about you like that before - you’re gorgeous, fucking hilarious, and somehow just as stubborn as he is. You’re everything he’s ever wanted.

But some small part of him worries that the moment he pushes you too far, you’ll run, just like everyone else in his life. He was always too intense, too angry, too much. But not to you - you seemed to love him in spite of it, maybe even because of it.

Maybe that’s why he lets himself play this eternal game of cat and mouse, the push and pull.

But fuck, right now he wants to pull.

He wants to pull you against him, dragging you along the length of his hardening cock through his boxers. He wants to pull you up and down as he fucks into you, feeling your warm walls meld around him. He wants to pull your lips apart with his, tasting how sweet you are, whispering things he wouldn’t dare say to anyone else. Anyone but you.

The words feel heavy on the tip of his tongue. I want you. I want you. I want you. They’re too weighted, he worries. Instead, he settles for biting at your neck, hoping that your skin between his teeth will be enough to satiate his body’s need.

“S-shit,” you stammer at the sensations of his canines digging into your flesh. “Acting like a fuckin’ teething puppy, hm? Need someone to train some manners into you? Or do you want me to tell you to sit, stay, tell you you’re doing a good job?”

And he does. But of course, he’d never tell you that.

Instead, he bites harder, leaving dark bruises in his wake, a reminder of his mark on you.

As his lips trace up your neck, he pauses to nibble along your earlobe. “Just don’t want anyone to get the wrong idea,” he whispers, his breath hot. “Wouldn’t want anyone taking what’s mine.”

You nearly whimper at the words - his? - but you manage to hold back, instead letting your neediness out with another circle of your hips. He hopes you miss the way his breath catches in his throat at the movement.

“Oh? I’m yours now?” you tease, silently pleading he doesn’t notice the lingering waver in your voice. “Quite possessive, don’t you think, ‘Kuna?”

You feel him chuckle more than you hear it, the warm puffs of air gently blowing against your hair. “I’m only possessive of things I want,” he growls. God, you always loved that rasp in his voice, like a gravel road lining the way home.

At this point, you’re sure your panties are soaked through, the tip of his cock dragging along your clit through them. You’ve never gone this far with him before, never been so bold, so desperate.

And he fucking loves it.

“And what do you want?” Your voice is airy, breathless, as your pace seems to pick up. You’re grateful for the dim LEDs flashing distantly from the depths of the party for hiding the blush undoubtedly dusting your cheeks.

Trailing wet kisses along your jawline, his mouth comes to rest just in front of you. His lips are soft, barely brushing against yours, a few millimeters apart. So close. So fucking close.

“I think it’s rather obvious.” His breath smells like liquor and desire as he whispers, “I want you.”

a/n: getting out of my writing slump by going back to my roots (wanting to fuck sukuna)

#q writes #oneshot #sukuna #sukuna ryomen #ryomen sukuna #sukuna x reader #ryomen sukuna x reader #sukuna ryomen x reader #jjk #jjk x reader #jjk fanfic #jujutsu kaisen #jujutsu kaisen x reader #jujutsu kaisen fanfic #sukuna smut #jjk smut #jujutsu kaisen smut

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cjayius · 6 months

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MAGNETIC — PARK SUNGHOON

SYNOPSIS. sunghoon had been stressed for weeks due to their comeback, and an argument with you makes him say really hurtful things, whether they were true or not. but at the end of the day, he knows you love him, and thats really all that matters to sunghoon.

pairing. idol!sunghoon x f!reader wc. 0.4k tw. kissing , slight angst , hoon and reader are fighting genre. fluff ( CATALOGUE )

the tension between you and sunghoon had been building for days. sunghoon barely spent time with you anymore. he was always at work, practicing for his new comeback, and when he was home, he was asleep.

of course, this was not sunghoon's fault at all. it's just that recently your schedules weren't aligning, and you'd rather be occupied than stay home waiting for your boyfriend, so you signed up for more work hours.

this arrangement led to the two of you being able to meet only once or twice in two weeks; you saw sunghoon less often, and you talked to him even lesser.

sunghoon wasn't stupid. he could tell something was wrong. his girlfriend had stopped responding to his messages, and this past month she had seemed off, but whenever he asked her about it, she brushed him off.

it started with a simple misunderstanding, as most arguments do. sunghoon had made a passing comment that struck a nerve, and before you knew it, the two of you were exchanging harsh words, each one stinging more than the last.

" you never listen to me ! " sunghoon's voice was sharp, you could hear the frustration oozing from his voice.

" i do listen, sunghoon, " you shot back, your own voice tinged with irritation, " you never take my opinions seriously ! "

the argument escalated quickly, fueled by the pent-up frustration and unspoken grievances. you both said things you didn't mean, and your words had cut deeper than you'd intended.

you resorted to sitting far from him, on the other end of the couch, refusing to communicate. sunghoon scoffed at your state, " you're always so quiet when it actually matters. you don't even care about us. "

his tone was accusing, and had unknowingly begun to dredge up insecurities you'd tried to bury. suddenly, the argument wasn't just about the disagreement at hand, you could tell that this had been on his mind for a while.

after a few minutes of staring, he was still met with silence from you. sunghoon stormed out of the room, leaving you alone with your thoughts and a sinking feeling in your chest.

hours passed in silence, but the argument hung heavy in the air. you tried to focus on other things, but your mind kept drifting back to sunghoon.

just as you were beginning to retire to the bedroom, the front door creaked open, and there stood your boyfriend, obviously surprised that you were still here.

he sighed, walking over to the kitchen counter behind you, pouring himself a glass of water. " i thought you wanted some space ? " he said, voice laced with annoyance.

you glanced up, you had spent enough time alone. " i don't need space, " you replied softly, voice barely above a whisper. " i need you, hoon. "

for a moment, there was silence, then, without another word, sunghoon crossed the room in quick strides, pulling you into his arms with a surprising tenderness.

" i'm sorry. " you smiled against his chest, as he whispered an apology in response to yours.

#enhypen #enhypen fluff #enhypen angst #park sunghoon #kim sunoo #yang jungwon #lee heeseung #nishimura riki #park jay #sim jaeyun #sunghoon fluff #sunghoon angst #enhypen x reader #enhypen imagines #sunghoon x reader #enhypen smau

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raven-at-the-writing-desk · 6 months

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What do you think Divus was like during his student years in NRC?

Personally I think he was a mixture of Ace, Cater, and Vil. A mischievous troublemaker who was also trendy and sociable with a good fashion sense. Since he is the potion and science teacher, I think he was in Pomefiore.

Also I don’t know if this is true or not, but I heard somewhere that Divus mentioned that he was always followed by two lackeys, who I have no doubt are the twisted versions of Jasper and Horace.

We actually already know some things about Crewel's student days from canon (mainly taken from his Unified Exams voice lines and/or from Happy Beans Day):

Trein was a teacher at NRC when Crewel was a student. They didn’t get along (Crewel was not enthusiastic to see Trein still teaching at NRC), but Trein is credited with teaching Crewel to respect his elders. They continue to bicker, usually passive aggressively and cheekily from Crewel’s end.

Trein says that Beansfest got out of hand during the time Crewel was studying there, which led to there being stricter rules imposed for the current iteration of Beansfest. (It is not known if Crewel himself contributed to that aforementioned chaotic run.)

There was an incident when student!Crewel accidentally overturned a pot of mandrakes. Their screams shattered all the glass in the Alchemy workshop.

Trein says that Crewel used to get into many fights.

Crewel tells us what he wasn’t as rowdy as the kids are nowadays.

He’s still in contact with two of his “henchmen” (ie his juniors) that he met back in school. Crewel says they aren’t clever, but that he can be himself around them; he also trusts them to dogsit for him. These two men are most likely twisted versions of Cruella’s hired help, Jasper and Horace.

From what we know of the canon, here are some conclusions I've personally drawn:

Knowing Trein and Crewel's current relationship (they disagree on trivial things like whether cats or dogs are better; it gets Trein riled up), I assume that they've never really gotten along. Perhaps Crewel was a constant sore spot for Trein or was frequently reprimanded for his behavior in spite of having excellent grades.

Crewel has a voice line in which he advises the player to not wholly devote their efforts to studying and keeping their head down, or else they will become inflexible as adults. He also advises them to “go wild once in a while”, but not so wild that professors will scold you. This makes me think that Crewel had a similar attitude when he was a student himself. That is to say, he was a good student, but also had his rebellious streaks and moments of acting out. Maybe he went too far sometimes, which is why he now informs the player to not cause trouble for their teachers in the pursuit of seeking thrills or a break from their studies.

As the sender has mentioned, Crewel has good fashion sense and currently teaches science courses, meaning he must be proficient in the area. These traits make him a suitable ex-Pomefiore student, as that dorm tends to have students that enjoy aesthetics and excel in potion-making. (This is also the popular headcanon within the fandom.

Crewel has what I would call “refined” tastes and interests, such as sports cars. I feel like he also had this discerning eye for quality and trends as a student.

Crewel is strong-headed and asserts himself well. He walks into a room and just commands it. Because of this, I see him easily being kind of a “leader of the pack” kind of guy—a cool, charismatic person that others can’t help but follow or admire, even if they hate his guts or find him pretentious. I don’t know if I would call him friendly (like, I don’t see him as outgoing), but rather he’s just got a magnetic presence that attracts people to him and definitely knew how to navigate a complex social web.

He gives me the impression that lots of his classmates looked up to him or called him “aniki” (as a sign of respect) 😂 (Twisted Jasper and Horace definitely do this www)

Sometimes I feel like Crewel’s leadership capabilities weren’t used for the… best purposes? Like I’m sure he had his spats of immaturity and led his boys to pull off some stupid pranks or fights or whatever. Maybe they put Lucius in a tree so they can all get out of an exam while Trein is looking for his familiar?? But then they all get an earful about it later… That’s just one example off the top of my head!

The student!Crewel I picture is a lot like Vil in many ways, but stands on his own due to his wild side. Someone who is cool, confident, fashionable… with his own set of rules and a slight edge to him that isn’t very Vil-like.

I hope that sufficiently explained my thoughts ^^

#twisted wonderland #twst #Divus Crewel #disney twisted wonderland #disney twst #Cruella de Vil #Horace #Jasper #notes from the writing raven #question #Mozus Trein #twst resource #twisted wonderland resource #twst headcanons #twisted wonderland headcanons #Vil Schoenheit #Lucius

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helen-with-an-a · 2 days

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First Time Meeting - Beautiful Girl series

Hiiiii, so I had an anon ask me to expand on the hc about them first meeting so here it is. I hope you enjoy.

Beautiful Girl Masterlist

Alexia Putellas x Reader

Description: When Alexia first met R

Word Count: 760 (sorry she's such a shortie)

Signing for Barcelona was the best decision of your life. From the moment you joined the team, everything seemed to fall into place. You were playing the best football of your career, dazzling the fans and earning the respect of your teammates. Each game felt like a new adventure, and you were thriving under the pressure, pushing your limits and discovering just how much you were capable of. Your talent flourished in Barcelona’s iconic colours, and the city quickly became your second home.

Off the pitch, you found a group of friends who felt more like family. Together, you explored the vibrant streets of Barcelona, shared meals at local tapas bars, and celebrated victories late into the night. The camaraderie was something special, a bond forged through both triumphs and challenges, and it made your time in Spain all the more memorable.

Yet, amid all the excitement, there was something – or rather, someone – who made your experience truly unforgettable. You met her. The one who would change everything. She wasn’t just a part of your story; she became the heart of it. Although you didn’t realise it at the time, this beautiful girl would soon become the most important person in your life. Meeting her felt like fate, a perfect encounter in a city where dreams seemed to come true.

You first met Alexia on your very first full training session with Barcelona. It was a day filled with the excitement of new beginnings, but it quickly became even more memorable when you encountered her. You were making your way down the stairs that led to the training pitches, with Vicky Losada guiding you through the complex layout of the facilities. The buzz of anticipation and the rush of adrenaline from the new environment were still fresh in your mind.

Suddenly, as you rounded a corner, you collided with someone coming up the stairs. It was a brief, unexpected moment, but it felt like time slowed down. You looked up to see her standing there, an apologetic yet radiant smile on her face. Her eyes sparkled with a warmth and curiosity that instantly drew you in. “Oof,” she grunted, her voice soft and melodic.

In that instant, your heart seemed to stop. The bustling sounds of the training ground, the hurried footsteps, and the distant chatter all faded into the background. It was as though the universe had pressed pause on your life, focusing all its attention on this single, profound moment. Her smile, so genuine and welcoming, created a bubble of stillness around the two of you.

As you extended your hand to her, shaking it gently, the contact felt electrifying. There was an inexplicable pull, a magnetic connection that made the world feel both intensely real and remarkably distant at the same time. It was as if the ground beneath your feet had shifted, and in that fleeting touch, you felt an overwhelming sense of something extraordinary about to unfold.

You were fairly sure you were in love with this beautiful girl

“Ah, Alexia, this is our new signing, Y/N,” Vicky said, her voice filled with enthusiasm. She gestured towards you with a warm, welcoming smile. “Y/N, this is one of our captains, Alexia.”

As Vicky spoke, your eyes met Alexia’s, and time seemed to stretch just a bit longer. You offered a polite, somewhat nervous smile. “Hi, Alexia.” The way your name rolled off her tongue was unexpectedly mesmerising, like a gentle melody that lingered in the air. There was something about the way you said her name that made Alexia’s heart skip a beat.

Alexia’s gaze was drawn to your hand as it extended towards hers. The touch of your fingers against hers was like a spark igniting a hidden flame. The warmth and softness of your hand were both soothing and electrifying, sending a shiver cascading up her arm. As the sunlight filtered through the windows, it played with your hair, creating a delicate halo that seemed to enhance your presence, making the moment feel almost ethereal.

Her breath caught in her throat, and she experienced a sudden, intense fluttering in her chest. It was as if her heart had momentarily been caught off guard, stunned by the unexpected depth of her reaction. The shock of the touch seemed to momentarily paralyse her, making her acutely aware of the palpable connection between you. But then, her heart began to race, its rhythm quickening with an exhilaration that was both thrilling and slightly disorienting.

Alexia was fairly sure she was in love with this wonderful stranger.

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kanekisfavoritegf · 7 days

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PERFECT LOVER: The Life of Nanami Kento the 35 Year Old Virgin

MINORS & BLANK BLOGS DO NOT INTERACT YOU WILL GET BLOCKED

SYNOPSIS: Kento Nanami, a 35-year-old introvert with a tendency to avoid social interactions, has made a conscious decision to steer clear of romantic entanglements. However, everything changes when he meets a new colleague at his birthday party, (Satoru's Idea). From the moment they meet, he is mesmerized, finding himself increasingly unable to resist her magnetic presence. Like taking a bite of forbidden fruit, he becomes ensnared by the allure, delving into a realm of infatuation and finding himself unable to break free. As he delves deeper into this newfound connection, Nanami begins to realize that he craves more than just a fleeting experience and yearns for more than just a fleeting taste of what she embodies.

Table of Contents

WORD COUNT: 1.5K

CHAPTER SIX:

Kento’s bathroom was nice, and it was also nice the last time you sat on the edge of his bathtub, hungover.

You stared at the drying white patch on the bottom of your dress and fought the urge to break out into uncontrollable laughter.

It was hilarious, it shouldn’t have been, but it was. This whole situation was starting to dawn on you; Kento Nanami, no matter how tall and how stoic and sneakily flirty he was, was a virgin—a virgin who was trusting you to be the calm and collected one. Running to the bathroom after having him release on you isn’t painting the image of a calm and collected person.

Opting for a calmer approach, you changed out of your dress first and threw on his shirt. It was black and oversized, with the words “Metallica” written in big white letters.

Metallica? He didn’t seem like the type.

When you opened your door, you were half surprised not to see Kento standing at your door waiting to usher you back into the kitchen, but he was nowhere to be seen. Walking down the dimly lit hallway and back into the living room, it was empty, with no sign of the blonde anywhere. You made sure to step over the rug and look over the couch to see Kento setting up the dinner table.

Candles lit and food already set down, Kento walked around the table, fussing over every last detail. It was cute to watch from a distance. You approached slowly and quietly, stopping once you were close enough to watch but far enough not to be detected. He hummed along to some jazz song that played in the background.

“Can I sit down, or should I keep watching you shift the cutlery to the right and then the left again?” You smiled at him, stepping into the warm yellowish candlelight. Its soft scent hugged your body and filled your nose.

“I don’t know…” Kento looked up at you, “I quite like my view right now. Maybe I’ll make you stand here for the rest of the night as I eat.”

“You wouldn’t be so cruel, Mr. Nanami.”

“I just might.”

Kento took your hand and led you to your spot. You were across from each other at the ends of the table.

“So Metallica?”

“Don’t seem like the type, do I?”

“Not in the slightest.” You laughed.

“Was very antisocial in high school.”

“More so than now?” Kento nodded before continuing,

“It was comical how bad it was. Anyways, my lack of want to socialize, along with wired earphones and a lock on my door, I found solace in music, loud, loud music.

Long story short, he was a big emo kid who swore that his life was not just a phase.”

“Awe. I was a big Orchestra nerd, Cello first chair, Always.”

“Of course you were.”

“I look like an Orchestra kid?”

“No, you look like the type to be perfect at everything.”

“You flatter me, Mr. Nanami.”

“Don’t let it go to your pretty head.”

“You think I am pretty?” you asked, taking another bite of the food, holding back the urge to moan at the taste.

Nanami didn’t answer immediately, taking a slow sip at his wine as he held your stare.

“You have no idea what I think about you.” You couldn’t look away even if you wanted to; it was like he dared you to break it first to give in. Kento was pulling you in each direction. Did he want you to take the lead, or did he want you to give in? Something in his eyes, a glimmer of defiance.

Take the lead, it is.

“Eat your food, Kento.” You said, a small smile painted on your face as it was your turn to take a long swig at your drink. The red wine slipped down your throat and warmed your stomach.

“I think you should do the same, Y/N. I can’t have you drinking on an empty stomach.” You laughed under your breath, taking a bite out of your food, watching as he followed along, only eating when you did.

Soon, nothing was on your plate and an almost empty wine cup.

“Come to the couch and bring the bottle with you, Kento.” Standing up, you didn’t wait to see if he had followed your order; you heard the quiet sound of his steps tracking behind you.

Sitting across from you, Nanami Kento looked on, a proud man.

“What do you want from me, Mr. Nanami?” Fear tightened its grip on your heart, uncertainty casting a shadow over your thoughts. You were both grown adults; there was no need to beat around the bush. Casual relationships were a familiar territory for you, but they always left someone hurt. Was Kento looking to be serious, or were you just a pawn in his game of manhood? A person must satisfy his desires and boast about them to Satoru. No matter how much you wanted to belive he wasn’t like that, he could be that type.

“I am a virgin.”

“As we have previously established.”

“I like you, but I am a virgin.” He took a deep breath before continuing. His eyes not on you fully. “I want to please you. I want to give you what others also could. But I— I don’t know how.”

“Kento… We don’t have to jump straight into the sex. It can wait.”

“I don’t want to wait. I want you to teach me.”

“Teach you?”

“Yes. So tell me what you want, and teach me how to do it. I’ll be good for you; I’ll be so so good if you give me time to learn.”

“You want me to teach you?”

His head nodded rapidly as he inched closer to you, and now on your thigh, ghosting over your damp-clothed cunt.

“Fuck.” You whispered under your breath.

“Is that what you want? Me to fuck you?” His head fell into your neck, panting as his hand pressed against your pussy.

You shook your heads at his words. You did want him to fuck you, but your head became less and less there as his fingers rubbed you over your panties.

“No? you don’t want me to fuck you?” He was teasing you. Mocking you.

“Kento.” You warned him as you pressed yourself into his hand more.

“Y/N.” He mirrored.

“I want you to make me cum.”

“Teach me.” He whispered against your skin. Hands tugging at your panties until they ripped. He discarded the wet fabric on his rug and kept his attention on you. More so, your aching cunt. With one thick finger now inside you, you writhed against him.

“Tell me what to do, Y/N.” He demanded.

“Pump in and out.” He nodded, watching your face as you let yourself be taken by the pleasure.

“Oh fuck, Kento. More. More Please More now.” You grasped his hair, tugging it back slightly as you moved your hips in time with his digit.

“Another one?”

“Yes, God Y-Yes.”

With another finger in you now, your whines and moans became more consistent as he forced them out of you.

“Curl your fingers up. Kento.”

He didn’t even verbally respond. He was too busy moaning at you, moaning as if your pleasure was just as much his as it was yours.

His head was already nuzzled in your neck. He took a long stripe at your jugular as his fingers made a come here motion inside you.

You were a mess, moaning and panting. It was like he was pulling pleasure from you on a string. His breath felt hot against you, and in between the groans of pleasure he received, grinding into your words so high pitched, so whiney they couldn’t have possibly been from him. But they were.

“Teach me.” A bite to your neck and a groan followed. You could barely breathe, let alone process his words to you.

“I am teaching you.” You slurred through a honeyed tongue.

“Teach me”, He repeated, licking over his previous bite. “Please, Y/N. Show me how to make you cum,”

“Y-You, are already doing– Fuck!” It was too much; you tried, but the words failed you. Your sentences became nothing but incoherent babbles,

“I thought you said you wanted me to make you cum,” Kento removed his fingers, taking them to his mouth, “So Teach me, Y/N.”

He raised your hips until your legs sat over his shoulders and mouth hovering outside of your wet entrance. He took a greedy stripe at your cunt; slowly, with so much pressure, a broken sob escaped you. It was a single lick, and he pulled away immediately, not before moaning at your taste.

“Please,” he begged over and over as he continued to force your hips against him.

“Teach me.” He licked again. This time, no moan left you. Despite your mouth being wide open in the shape of an “O”, You didn’t make a single sound. Your body convulsed, and you came all over his chin.

“Teach me,” Kento demanded one last time. And you nodded mindlessly along to his words, and Kento had cum again, just from the sight of you.

Preview...

“Bend over and be a good girl.”

TAG LIST: @marikuchanxo @sukunasstomachtongue @getosgirlfailure @allysunny @tojicvmslut @typefeisu @aiyaaayei @villsophie @sillysillygoofygoose @jinleft @rivversin @haikioo @destinyblue-jjk @ramonathinks @actuallysaiyan @actuallysaiyan @melisuh123 @ureuphoriasworld @jaeminsmilk @rileyglas @bonnieblue0606 @alwaysfreakingout @lovelyiida @ayesayman @dreamgirl5300 @swoozleee @belle-oftheball34 @zeunys @yuzu-ku @aomi04 @y0urpr3ttyp0ck3tpussy @zombriesworld @hazzelle-kento @miinhooo @lucilles-witchery @areyouflying @cosmolight @doingthisjusttoreadnanamihcs

CHAPTER SEVEN: loading...

CLICK HERE FOR A SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT!!!

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icanseethefuture333 · 9 months

Text

What blessings are coming for you in 2024?

collab with @sunkissedchld 💛

Please go check out her post here!

Pile 1:

Shufflemancy -

Half Full by JGrrey

Radioactive by Imagine Dragons

I by Jaden

Signs: 818, silver, wires, blue, green, white, ocean, the sun, blue daisies, braided hair or material, mandalas, wall tapestries, old keys, doors being locked, mirrors, rosaries, crosses, anointing oil, Poseidon, Percy Jackson, Yemaya, honey biscuits, & beignets

Service, Change, Mirror, Heart With A Key, The Sword & Rose, & Liberator

For 2024, pile 1, I see that there is going to be some big changes! "Out with the old, in with the new". In 2023, you could have paid a big service to others by helping them with their needs, which led to putting everyone else above your own personal goals. Helping others can be a good thing but it is alright to be "selfish" at times! I feel that you think if you do good by others you will attract good karma into your life or the universe will magically bless you for your good deeds, when that's not how it works. If you wish for change, you have to be the change you seek. For 2024, you should focus on your self concept and understanding how the 3D works. The 3D reality is your external world, it will reflect back to your most inner prominent thoughts. You have the key to manifest your best potential. Harness your skills and work on improving them. Be careful with your triggers as well. The universe will test you along your journey. So you may experience things that are an inconvenience or attract things you may not necessarily "want". For example, if you are manifesting wealth in 2024, but keep having issues with your finances. Instead of reacting to this and having thoughts or complaints that you're "broke". Release the fears that you have regarding abundance. If you are manifesting money but only receive a $20 dollar bill, be grateful for that $20 dollar bill, for someone else may not even have cash at all. Think of it as a small start to success. You have to liberate yourself from limiting beliefs and see the prosperity that surrounds you and that it is also given to you. If you are someone who sees things as "glass half empty", your perspective will change graciously and the blessings in 2024 will teach you how to see with a "glass half full". The new year will provide you with inner peace and clarity within yourself. You will also be divinely guided and protected during this time!

Pile 2:

Shufflemancy -

Glitter by Tyler The, Creator

Kolors by Monte Booker ft. Smino

Hey, Mickey! By Baby Tate ft. Saweetie

Signs: 222, Valentine's day, hearts, box of chocolates, kiss marks, pink, lavendar, red, lip stains on cups, baby cupid, Venus/Aphrodite, Persephone, Oshun, passion fruit, roses, makeup, bow & arrow, crown, metal, armor, knights, princesses, folklore, playing dolls, roleplay, fairytale romance storybooks, childhood nostalgia, 90/2000s movies, & Y2K

Love (2x 💕), Patience, Kisses, Cupid's Arrow, Soulmates, & Knight

Okayyyy!! This pile is stepping into their it girl/boy/enby era 💅🏽! This is too cute ✨️. You will be more popular than usual this year, pile 2. Your guides are wanting you to embrace this! You could be really shy and wish to avoid the spotlight, but you will be causing yourself a great disfavor by doing this! You are going to be so radiant, magnetizing, & beautiful this year and this is going to draw others to you. I am getting a vision of like those popular girls who walk down the hallway in a 2000s movie with their hair blowing in the wind and everyone else is just in complete awe of them. There could be significant changes to your hair, skin, and wardrobe, maybe even your physical features. Your hair could grow longer, healthier, and look shiny, while your skin would appear softer, dewy, and refreshed. I see that your guides will be blessing you financially to support this lifestyle and to overall enhance your beauty. "You have lived in the shadows of others for too long, you're meant to shine baby!" I feel that many people in your path have made you feel smaller than you actually are and your guides want you to know that you are meant to do something big in this lifetime. They wish to boost your confidence. In 2023, you were the underdog, but you are going to rise to the top in 2024. You will also have a lot of admirers this year! You will be weary of this and feel anxious, fearing that these people are trying to deceive you. There is no need to worry about this though, pile 2! Ease your thoughts and affirm that you are worthy of love, praise, and attention. Your inner beauty is going to be radiating through your physical vessel and this is going to be so intriguing to others. You could be attracting friends, lovers, & sexual partners. If you have been single for a while and waiting for the divine to bless you with a romantic suitor, then it is very likely that you will be in a relationship for 2024. There is someone here who is in love you and desires to be in a committed relationship with you. They will be very charming, romantic, and chivalrous towards you. I interpert this as self love as well! The love you have for yourself is going to transcend into the universe. It's like the Care Bear stare. The Care Bears were able to love others and reciprocate it as well. Allow yourself to give & receive this year!

Pile 3:

Shufflemancy -

Forever Young by BLACKPINK

Queendom by Red Velvet

Call Me Maybe by Carly Rae Jepswn

Signs: 333, giggling, laughing randomly or uncontrollably, people smiling at you, cameras, taking pictures, making videos, beaches, palm trees, upbeat music, nostalgic for music from your younger days, manic pixie character movie tropes, yellow, highlights, hair dye, bangs, high top sneakers, high waisted denim shorts, shuffling dance, longboards, swimsuits, pranks, Hermes, magic tricks, road trips, summer break, festivals, carnivals, & clowns

Self Esteem, Humor, Perservance, Girl Talk, Camera, Paradise, & Trickster

For some of you, the show "Dollface" or the movie "Joy Ride" could be significant. In 2024, you will be reuniting with some old friends of yours or making new ones. You could be getting over a break up from 2023 and the universe wishes to bless you with people who will stay in your life long term. This person you were with romantically or sexually could have left you feeling very depleted. As if they wasted your time and energy. You may have been feeling lonely or a bit lost, wishing you had people there for you to cheer you up. If you had friends that used to be close to you that you miss and have gotten out of touch with, it would be best to try contact them! You will never know unless you try :D! If you are someone who's never really had friends, then I see you coming across people soon. You will have to come out of your shell though and have the confidence to strike up a conversation with people. You will see that you are actually quite funny and a joy to be around! I'm getting a vision of like sleepovers and movie nights. This could have been your favorite to do when you were younger. I feel you should focus on creating new memories for yourself in 2024 and don't be afraid of doing those cheesy things you did as a teenager. Create photo books, make collages, talk on the phone all night long, go out ob trips on a whim, etc. There is so much more to life than just wanting to find your life long significant other. There's this joke that's I've been seeing on social media where it's like a young adult is either married or have kids and then people say "oh she 23? Shawty should be in the club" and it's true 😭! Don't waste your youth away worried about finding the one, just go have fun! It doesn't matter how old you are! Wear those heels and put yourself out there! You are going to regret it if you don't focus on your happiness in the future so make it happen. In 2024, your life will be spontaneous and adventurous!

Pile 4:

Shufflemancy -

American Girl by Bonnie McKee

Sweet by BROCKHAMPTON

SAD GIRLZ LUV MONEY (Remix) by Amaarae ft. Kali Uchís

Signs: 444, Seshat, Athena, money in hidden places or on the street, vivid dreams, orange, green, STEM student, university, class, fire, drug commercials, hospitals, blood drawings, shots, measurements, glass, gas, science, chemistry, ball & chain, monopoly, dice, game pieces, poker cards, & checkers

Happiness, Health, Addiction, Abundance, Passion, & Visionary

For some of you, it was possible you were suffering from a lot of issues with your health in 2023. You could have been more prone to getting sick and catching colds, the flu, etc. Your health will be doing much better in 2024! I also see if you are a STEM student, I see your grades improving or you will graduate this year! Congratulations! This message only applies to a select few, but in 2024 I see that you will successfully become sober and overcome any addictions you had! Regardless of which of these resonates with you - there is a big focus on achievements with your health. Whether that is your health or other people's health you are taking care of, things will be looking great ❤️‍🩹! I see that you are very passionate regarding your career as well and there could potentially be some opportunities coming your way in 2024. I feel that a lot of the people in this pile are studying or work in law, the medical field, or do something along the lines of STEM (science, technology, engineering, & mathematics). You are very studious, smart, and bright! I see that in 2024, you will not be taking no for an answer and will do whatever it takes to achieve your goals. Your determination will be admired by others and I see that you will pass many job interviews or receive a big internship soon. There is going to be an opportunity coming your way that will be blessing you financially. Pay attention to your intuition and how it will make you feel. If something makes you happy and feel good inside, it is meant for you. If you feel a bad vibe or something is not right, trust your gut instincts! Do not allow others to pressure, persuade, or force you into doing things you don't want to. I also believe this ties in with the addiciton factor, the people in your path could be codependent on you or they will try to push you into doing things that are not beneficial for your growth. You are not obligated to do anything these people say, focus on your best interest. Either cut these people off or stay away from them, pile 4! It is very important that when you go into the new year that you stay away from any substances that are harmful to your health. Regardless, you will be very happy, healthy, and wealthy in the upcoming year 🏆!

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apparentlytheproblem · 7 months

Text

j e a l o u s y

fandom- Harry Potter

pairing(s)- sirius black

a/n: im so sorry it took so long, my questions are flooded and im trying my best but regardless my requests are open luvs :)

so this is actually kind of based on a boy i liked (like) and i can't say its been as happy as this but that's where i found a bit of my inspiration for this and its honestly eh

requested- yes

warnings- there is a bit of insecurities and doubt showing, mature themes, jealousy (if that wasn't obvious), it could be seen as toxic, mention of a vagina

siri's masterlist . navigation

Sirius absolutley loathed Bertram Aubrey with every being in his body. His name itself was a bad omen, it was as if conjuring the evil spirits if anyone dared to acknowledge his presence anywhere near Black.

It's always, Aubrey is a liar, Aubrey is a cheat, Aubrey has no backbone, but Sirius would never admit why he targeted him so much without a second glance. his feud all led down to the same road

Bertram fancied the girl he's been pinning on for over two years and what has become of him when he was so easily placed at the same level as him? he's never had a problem with winning people over with his charisma.

So when he saw Aubrey anywhere near you, a cold sweat ran down his back. he had nothing to be afraid of. he knew you would never chose him, he could never be Sirius fuckin Black.

but why was there a burning sensation when his hands brushed yours, when you smiled back at him? it made the gryffindor see absolute red.

you were pulled into a broom closet in the middle of a an abandoned and dusty hallway by a familiar hand with familiar rings.

only a dim light entered the wooden box, enough to see an annoyed and arrogant face.

"Why are you so worked up?"

his right hand slid up your waist bringing you impossibly close to him while the other rested under your arse. he lightly nudged you to lean and place your support on the wooden surface as he observed your words.

"Because I can't stand the sight of him near you," Sirius whispered, his voice low and dangerous. hot.

His grip tightened on your waist, pulling you even closer to him. do you know when you feel butterflies in your stomach? you felt it in your pussy instead. she was aching. god.

You could feel the tension radiating off him, his body pressed against yours in the confined space of the closet. His eyes bore into yours, searching for any sign of betrayal.

"But he's just a friend," you protested weakly, trying to lightly push against his chest to create some distance between you, but Sirius wouldn't budge.

"friend huh?" he scoffed, his tone dripping with disbelief. "He wants more than that, and you know it. I've seen the way he looks at you. Its how I look at you."

You swallowed nervously, feeling the weight of Sirius's accusations. There was a part of you that wanted to deny it, to reassure him that Bertram meant nothing to you. But another part, a small and treacherous part, couldn't deny the thrill of attention from someone like Bertram.

Sirius seemed to sense your internal struggle, his grip softening slightly as he searched your face for answers. "Do you wanna fuck him huh?" he asked, almost hesitantly, as if afraid of the answer.

You opened your mouth to respond, but the words caught in your throat. How could you admit to Sirius, to yourself, the conflicting emotions swirling inside you?

Before you could form a coherent response, Sirius leaned in closer, his lips dangerously close to yours. "tell me baby," he murmured, his breath hot against your skin, "who do dream of?"

His words hung in the air between you, heavy with unspoken implications. And in that moment, with Sirius so close you could feel the heat of his body, you realized that the answer didn't matter.

All that mattered was the pull between you, the undeniable magnetism that drew you together despite everything else.

You reached up, tangling your fingers in Sirius's hair as you pulled him closer, closing the gap between you in a desperate kiss that left no room for doubt.

The kiss deepened, igniting a fire that had been simmering between you for far too long. Sirius's hands roamed over your body, leaving a trail of heat in their wake as he pulled you impossibly closer.

Time seemed to stand still as you lost yourself in each other, the world outside the closet fading away until there was nothing but the two of you.

Eventually, the need for air forced you to break the kiss, but you remained pressed against each other, chests rising and falling in unison as you tried to catch your breath.

"You. Only you." you whispered, your voice barely more than a breathless exhale.

But Sirius shook his head, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips. "That's what I thought" he said softly, brushing a strand of hair away from your face.

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writtenbyafan · 9 days

Text

Chance Meeting

David x fem!reader

As dusk settled over Santa Carla, Y/N stepped onto the boardwalk, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. The cool night air was a refreshing contrast to the day's heat, and the boardwalk had transformed into a vibrant tapestry of colorful lights and sounds.

Neon signs blinked cheerfully, guiding her toward an eclectic mix of shops. She wandered into a vintage bookstore, where soft music played, and the scent of old pages lingered in the air. She ran her fingers along the spines of worn novels and discovered a cozy corner with an assortment of local poetry. After chatting with the friendly owner, Y/N left with a book of local legends and a smile.

Next, she was drawn to a colorful kiosk selling hand-spun cotton candy in every imaginable flavor. Y/N chose a cloud of lavender-blue cotton candy and let its sweet, sugary strands dissolve on her tongue.

The distant laughter and music led Y/N to a bustling section of the boardwalk where the rides were lit up like fireworks against the night sky. After waiting in line, she climbed aboard the Ferris wheel. The rides slow, rhythmic ascent offering a panoramic view of the twinkling town and the dark, shimmering expanse of the ocean. At the top, the gentle sway of the gondola felt like floating on a bed of stars, and Y/N’s heart soared with the realization that her family’s move to Santa Carla might be full of new possibilities.

Y/N disembarked the Ferris wheel and strolled past the carnival games, where the rattle of game balls and cheerful shouts filled the air. She tried her luck at a ring toss, and though she didn’t win a prize, the friendly banter of the game operator made her laugh.

As she paused in front of a booth selling glowing trinkets and costume jewelry, something caught her eye—a figure leaning casually against a wooden railing. He had a magnetic presence, his ice-blue eyes sharp and observant. His demeanor was calm, almost too calm for the lively boardwalk atmosphere, and there was an air of danger that clung to him like a shadow. His platinum blonde hair shined like a beacon when pair with his dark attire and the dark backdrop of the night sky.

Y/N, feeling a sudden burst of boldness, approached him. "Hey, I couldn’t help but notice you’ve got a pretty sick style. What’s your take on the boardwalk tonight?" she said with a friendly smile.

The boy's gaze shifted to her, and a slow, enigmatic smile spread across his face. "I'd say it's a pretty average night. I've never seen you here before though. Are you new to town?" he replied, his voice smooth and intriguing as his eyes drifted over Y/N’s form.

Y/N tilted her head, curious. "I’m Y/N. I just moved here. Are you here to enjoy the boardwalk too, or are you just observing?"

He chuckled softly, a sound that seemed to resonate with the night’s cool breeze. "A bit of both, I suppose. I’m David."

They struck up a conversation, and Y/N found herself drawn to David’s mysterious charm. They wandered together, David offering her insights into the boardwalk's hidden gems—like the best spot to catch a glimpse of the fireworks or a lesser-known food stand that served the most incredible burgers.

Time slipped away as they talked and goofed around. They even had to make a break for it when David stirred up some trouble with a group he called the Surf Nazis. Y/N found David's company oddly comforting, even though he carried an air of melancholy. She felt a connection with him that she couldn’t quite explain.

As the boardwalk grew quieter and the rides started to wind down, Y/N glanced at her watch. "I should get going. I need to find my brothers and head home."

David's eyes seemed to grow darker, though the moonlight softened his features. "Of course. It was nice meeting you, Y/N."

Without much thought behind the action, Y/N gave David a quick hug goodbye. Although the contact was brief, Y/N felt the coldness of his skin beneath her touch. "Maybe I’ll see you around?"

David nodded, a hint of something unreadable in his expression. "Perhaps."

With a parting smile, Y/N slipped into the crowd, her thoughts still lingering on the evening's encounter. Unbeknownst to her, David watched her disappear into the sea of people, his gaze thoughtful.

As she vanished from sight, David's demeanor shifted. He straightened and turned, heading towards the shadows beyond the boardwalk. With deliberate steps, he moved towards a secluded alley where his vampire brothers awaited. The night was ripe for hunting, and Y/N’s chance meeting with him was a mere prelude to the night’s true purpose. David will later admit to himself that he very much enjoyed his time in Y/N's company.

David gathered his brothers, their presence marked by a quiet yet palpable sense of anticipation. The boardwalk, now a mere backdrop, held secrets that stretched far beyond the colorful lights and cheerful noise. And as the vampires set out to find their meal, the night’s dark promise unfurled, leaving behind the fleeting echo of Y/N’s laughter in the cool, crisp air.

#david the lost boys #the lost boys #the lost boys 1987 #the lost boys x reader #dwayne the lost boys #marko the lost boys #paul the lost boys #david the lost boys x you

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tosomeonessomeone · 8 months

Text

friends.

words・ 1.8k /pairings・ Seungmin x reader / genres・fluff / warnings・ little bit spicy?

Hello my dear, thank you so much for your request!!! I will truly spent a longtime trying to make it spicy and fluff ✨ @queen-in-the-shadows

Hi!! I saw youre open for requests, and this song always makes me think of skz. Its called Fuck Up The Friendship by Leah Kate, and I love it. I see it with any of them, but Im always looking for more Seungmin, Han, and Innie content 👀👀 spicy/fluff if thats okay? 🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼

As you, Seungmin, and the members of Stray Kids stepped out into the bustling streets of Seoul's vibrant nightlife, anticipation coursed through your veins like electricity. The neon lights illuminated the city, alive with possibility, and the promise of adventure hung in the air like a tangible presence.

The rhythm of the city pulsed around you as you made your way through the throngs of people, a symphony of sound and movement setting your heart ablaze with excitement. Stray Kids' infectious energy and magnetic personalities added an extra spark to the charged atmosphere, their laughter and banter weaving through the night like a melody.

The club beckoned like a beacon in the darkness, its neon sign casting a kaleidoscope of colors onto the crowded street, fueling the fire of anticipation within. As you entered, the music enveloped you like a warm embrace, the bass reverberating through your bones and setting your soul on fire. Lights flashed and bodies swayed to the rhythm, lost in the euphoria of the moment.

As the vibrant lights of the club enveloped the group, Bang Chan's voice cut through the pulsating music, urging everyone to stick together in the crowded space.

"Hey, guys, let's make sure we stay close," Bang Chan called out above the din, his tone firm yet laced with warmth. "We don't want anyone getting lost in this sea of people."

Nods of agreement rippled through the group as they clustered together, their camaraderie a reassuring anchor amidst the chaos of the dance floor. Stray Kids, united as one, moved with purpose through the crowd, their bond unbreakable in the face of the night's excitement.

"Stay close, okay?" Seungmin's voice was barely a whisper, but in the cacophony of the club, it rang loud and clear in your ears.

You nodded, a smile playing at the corners of your lips as you felt the warmth of his presence beside you. In that moment, surrounded by the pulsating energy of the club and the laughter of friends, you knew that no matter where the night led, you would always have each other's backs.

Seungmin grinned at you, his eyes sparkling with excitement as he pulled you onto the dance floor, his movements fluid and effortless. With every step, Seungmin remained steadfast at your side, a shine of comfort and reassurance in the midst of the night's chaos.

As the music throbbed and the lights danced around you, you and Seungmin found yourselves drawn closer together on the crowded dance floor. With each beat, the tension between you crackled like electricity, igniting a fire that simmered just beneath the surface.

As you moved and rolled your bodies in sync with the rhythm, the air between you grew charged with anticipation. Soft touches and playful gestures teased at the edges of something more, each movement a silent invitation to explore the depths of your desires.

With every breath, you breathed closer to each other, the heat of the moment enveloping you in its embrace. As your bodies swayed in unison, the line between friendship and something more blurred, teasing at the edges of forbidden territory.

With every touch, every brush of skin against skin, a spark ignited between you, a flame of desire that burned brighter with each passing moment. The heat of the club melted away as you danced closer, drawn together by an irresistible magnetic pull.

Seungmin's hand found the small of your back, his touch sending shivers down your spine as you pressed closer, the space between you evaporating with each shared breath. In the dim light of the dance floor, his eyes met yours, a silent invitation lingering in the air between you.

The club faded into the background as you and Seungmin spun and twirled, the boundaries between friendship and something more blurring with each passing second. In the electric atmosphere of the dance floor, the fire between you burned bright, igniting a flame that threatened to consume everything in its path.

But in that fleeting moment of intimacy, neither of you dared to cross the threshold into the unknown. The allure of what could be hung in the air like a tantalizing promise, yet the boundaries of friendship held firm, a silent reminder of the complexities that lay between you.

As the night wore on and the music faded into silence, you and Seungmin stood together, breathless and exhilarated, the echo of the dance still lingering in the air around you. In that moment, amidst the pulsating energy of the club, you knew that something had shifted between you—a spark had ignited, and the flames of desire burned hotter than ever before.

Amidst the neon-lit chaos of the club, you danced and drank with abandon, the cares of the world fading into oblivion with each passing moment. The hours melted away in a haze of joy and laughter, the night stretching out before you like an endless tapestry of possibilities.

As the clock struck past 3 A.M., the energy of the club began to wane, and the members of Stray Kids decided it was time to call it a night. Amidst the laughter and lingering echoes of the night's festivities, Seungmin turned to the group with a gentle smile.

"Hey, guys, I think I'm gonna accompany Y/N home," Seungmin announced, his voice soft but determined. "Make sure everyone gets back safely, okay?"

Chan nodded, his expression filled with understanding. "Of course, Seungmin. Take care of Y/N, alright?"

With nods of agreement and murmurs of goodnight, the group dispersed, leaving you and Seungmin standing amidst the fading lights of the club. As the last strains of music faded into the night, a sense of calm settled over the two of you, cocooned in the quiet stillness of the early morning hours.

Seungmin turned to you, his gaze warm and reassuring. "Ready to head home?"

You nodded, a grateful smile playing at the corners of your lips. “Yes!"

His smile widened, genuine and full of warmth. "Let's go then"

As you and Seungmin strolled through the vibrant streets of Seoul, the neon lights casting a kaleidoscope of colors around you, the conversation flowed effortlessly between you.

"So, what did you think of the club tonight?" Seungmin asked, a playful glint in his eyes as he glanced at you.

You chuckled, the memories of the night still fresh in your mind. "It was amazing! I don't think I've danced that much in ages. What about you?"

Seungmin grinned, his laughter echoing through the quiet streets. "Oh, you know me—I'm always up for a good time. But walking through Seoul at night like this? It's something else."

As you walked, the conversation meandered through topics both light and profound, laughter punctuating the quiet moments of reflection. With each word spoken, you felt the bond between you and Seungmin deepen, the connection between you growing stronger with every shared moment.

"I never get tired of nights like this," Seungmin remarked, his voice soft with nostalgia. "It's like the whole city is alive, just waiting to be explored."

You nodded in agreement, the magic of Seoul's nightlife unfolding before you like a wondrous tapestry. "Yeah, there's something special about it, isn't there? It's like every corner holds a story, every street a memory waiting to be made."

As you neared your apartment, the glow of the streetlights casting a soft halo around Seungmin's features, you couldn't help but pause and steal a glance at him. In that moment, the weight of unspoken words hung heavy in the air between you.

Your heart raced as you wrestled with the swirling emotions churning within you. The urge to voice your feelings tugged at the edges of your consciousness, each word teetering on the brink of revelation.

"Seungmin," you began, your voice barely above a whisper as you struggled to find the courage to speak. "There's something I need to tell you."

Seungmin's eyes widened in surprise, his expression a mixture of curiosity and apprehension as he watched you with bated breath. The silence between you stretched taut, pregnant with possibility as you searched for the right words to convey the depth of your emotions.

And then, with a trembling voice and a heart heavy with longing, you uttered the words that had been lingering on the tip of your tongue, waiting to be set free.

"Are you gonna kiss me?" you asked, the words tumbling out in a rush of emotion. "Because you're taking me home and it's four in the morning. You got me falling for you and I kinda want to... you know.. fuck up this friendship."

Seungmin's shock was palpable, his eyes widening in disbelief as the weight of your confession settled between you like a heavy fog. For a moment, the world seemed to stand still, the only sound the hammering of your heart against your chest.

And then, with a steadying breath and a resolve born from the depths of your soul, Seungmin spoke, his voice filled with a quiet determination.

"Can we talk.. inside?" he asked, his voice soft yet tinged with an urgency that sent a shiver down your spine.

The words hit you like a wave, a surge of emotions crashing against the walls of your heart. In that moment, a whirlwind of thoughts and doubts spun through your mind, leaving you feeling vulnerable and exposed.

But with a nod, you turned towards the door, the click of the lock echoing in the silence as you stepped inside, the warmth of the apartment enveloping you like a familiar embrace.

As you closed the door behind you, the air crackled with tension, the space between you charged with unspoken desire and the lingering echoes of Seungmin's request.

And then, without warning, Seungmin's lips met yours, your body responded with a hunger that you couldn't contain. You pulled him closer, your hands roaming over his body, exploring every inch of him.

As your lips collide in a passionate frenzy, you feel Seungmin's hunger matching yours, his touch igniting a fire within you that burns with insatiable desire.

"God, I've wanted this for so long," Seungmin confesses between heated kisses, his voice thick with longing. "Every day, all I could think about was holding you, kissing you, having you."

His words send waves of electricity coursing through your veins, intensifying the urgency of your embrace. You cling to him, your fingers tracing the contours of his body as if committing every inch to memory.

Seungmin's hands roam over your body with an urgency that mirrors your own, his touch setting your skin ablaze with desire. With each caress, each whispered confession, you surrender yourselves to the intoxicating pull of passion, lost in the depths of your shared longing.

Pressed against the wall, your bodies mold together as one, the world fading into oblivion around you. In that moment, there is only you—two souls intertwined in a dance of desire and devotion.

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updownlately · 1 year

Text

everything feels right (since you came along)

| ingrid engen x reader | fluff | 6.2k | inspo: fallin' all in you by shawn mendes and golden by harry styles | a/n: this one's been in the works for nearly a month now...definitely challenged me but we got there in the end. thanks for the req! hope this is to your liking! Idk if managed to capture ingrid's personality or not but i can at least say i tried ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

~~~

You loved challenges. Or at least that’s what you told yourself, convinced yourself was the truth. You took pride in tackling difficulties in your life, facing any and each issue head on. So when you showed up to the training grounds of the FC Barcelona team, you didn’t really understand why you were so nervous.

Wiping your sweaty palms on your shorts, you contemplated why you had accepted the offer. Here you were, six thousand miles away from your childhood home and one thousand away from your second home, alone, in a country you had visited less than a handful of times, on a mission to prove yourself. You hadn’t really didn’t thought this through, had you?

Mentally kicking yourself for doubting yourself and then for being so socially awkward, you shook your head. You had this. You didn’t become a top class midfielder by doubting yourself. You hadn’t put in all this effort only to question if you deserved this opportunity.

Shaking your head, you pushed the negative thoughts of your mind, rolling your shoulders in a successful attempt to gain some confidence before finally grabbing your bag from beside you and stepping out of your car.

Mentally hyping yourself up, you had just barely shut your car door before an unfamiliar voice reached your ears, the smile on the speaker’s face nearly audible.

“Hi! You’re the new signing right?”

Turning your head around, it took everything in you for you to hide your shock (and awe) at who stood in front of you.

“I- uhm, yeah- I mean yes, yes I’m the new signing.” Stammering, you willed yourself to act at least somewhat collected.

“Well I’m glad we get to finally play with you and not against you, speedy. If I remember correctly, you and Leah had given us enough of a tough time the last time we played you.” Thankfully, the teasing tone didn’t go over your head, a smile appearing on your face at the friendly nature of the other midfielder. She began to walk past you, looking over her shoulder and slowing down, silently beckoning you to join her.

Taking long strides, you quickly caught up to her, falling in step beside her as you both crossed the parking lot.

“To be fair, your guys’ attacks weren’t any easier to stop by any means. Especially those of the sneaky number 11. Seemed like she had magnets on her feet and the ball with how fluidly she moved across the pitch,” you smiled back, the nerves in your body lessening slightly.

“I like you…you’re going to fit in well.” There was a smile on the taller girl’s face, a fond shake of her head further supporting her belief.

“I hope so,” you whispered. Unfortunately for you, your voice came out more panicked than you intended, the nervousness clear from the way it slightly shook.

Stopping in her tracks, the blonde turned towards you and put a hand on your shoulder, your footfall also pausing.

“Hey…listen to me, you didn’t just walk into here demanding a spot on the team. You earned it. And don’t be nervous about the girls either, they’re all really nice, I promise. Just relax, be yourself, vale?”

You nodded in response, inhaling deeply to try and calm yourself.

“They’re all really excited to meet you, ever since you were announced. Mapi’s actually already been talking about how you and her could master breaking multiple defences with your speed and her passing.”

You grin this time, warmth spreading in your body at the fact that the girls were already accepting you into the team. Letting Alexia lead the way, you followed her as she led you through the halls.

It was a a few short minutes later that the two of you were standing outside the locker rooms, loud yelling and laughter audible even through the thick walls and shut door.

“Excuse them, they can be a little hyper sometimes…” Alexia stated, head shaking fondly as she opened the door and ushered you in.

Entering the room however, the whole immediately quietened, almost as someone took a remote to the room and hit pause.

You were met with over a dozen smiles, a handful of the girls waving at you as you looked around the area.

Nervousness taking over your body again, you bashfully smiled back, raising your hand and giving a timid wave.

Almost as if she was sensing your nervousness, Alexia stepped up from where she was behind you and addressed the team.

“As you all are aware, we have a new teammate joining us today, I know you all will be welcoming but still, do your best to make her comfortable and please don’t be weird around her, at least for today.”

Shooting you a soft smile, Alexia headed towards her own locker, wordlessly gesturing for you to do the same.

Glancing around, noting the only open locker being beside number 23, you hesitantly made your way over. Standing a mere few feet away from her, you waited as she looked up from tying her laces. You had met Ingrid a few times before, it came with being friends with Frida. Your interactions with the other midfielder were limited, yet, unbeknown to the Norwegian, you’d always been mesmerised by her confidence and beauty, admiring the way she so easily glided between teammates and fans.

Nodding in question when you met eyes with her, you raised your eyebrows, silently asking about the locker beside her. The taller girl answered in the same manner, shuffling over, shooting you a gentle smile, one that you returned with ease.

Settling down beside her, you murmured a small hello, too shy for anything else. Caught up in unpacking your kit bag, you failed to notice the admiring gaze that Ingrid sent your way.

Deciding to take initiative, the Norwegian spoke.

“Glad to have you here. It’s going to be fun playing Frida now, at least I can be the one bragging to her about our fantastic mid-line.” Head snapping up from where it was buried in your bag, in the midst of looking for a hair tie, you tried and failed to hide your surprise.

“I- uh, huh?” You squeaked. Disbelief rolled through you. Not only did the Barcelona girls just accept you into the squad without the least bit of doubt, Ingrid, class midfielder Ingrid, pro at reading attacking plays Ingrid was complimenting you right now. You couldn’t tell if life was real right now.

Stopping your internal fan-girling, you spoke again. “I mean, you guys have an amazing mid-line, an amazing team all-around really. I don’t think I can improve perfection.”

“Considering I nearly hated playing against Arsenal last season, I’d beg to differ.” The dark-haired girl shot you a cheeky smile, unknowingly melting your heart.

“Fine, fine. Just know I’m just as excited to be here. And if it counts for anything, games against you guys were some of the hardest.”

“Team of champions right? More so now that you’re here.” You couldn’t tell if the other girl was trying to turn you to mush or make you feel comfortable, but whatever she was doing, you didn’t want her to stop.

You could only respond with a smile and a “hopefully”, your heart beating too fast at her compliments to string any other words together.

The two of you silently finished getting ready, your hair still loose. Following the rest of the girls out together however, you both at the back, you were failing miserably at putting your hair in a bun, it too short to stay without something holding it in place.

Noticing your struggle, Ingrid took her spare elastic off her wrist and handed it to you. “You know you could just ask one of us? And definitely me?”

A sheepish smile on your face, you took the hair tie. “I do now.”

And as you walk out together, Ingrid asking if you’d like to partner up for the day, you couldn’t help but feel even more relaxed, the homey and welcoming nature of the club (and of course of the brunette beside you) bringing you a sense of calmness.

~~~

It seemed like nervousness was becoming a common theme for you here in Spain. You were currently sat in the team bus, waiting as the rest of the team filed in. A pre-season game saw you all travelling out to Buñol to play a friendly against Levante. It wasn’t the fact that it was a pre-season that had you so worked up however. Just before leaving, Jonaton had pulled you aside, quietly informing you that you would be starting, news that came as a shock to you.

Since joining the team a slight over a month ago, you had barely played as a sub, much less as a starter, still trying to get a feel for where you fit in and the high on-field intensity of the team, so the decision had you dumbfounded. You assumed it was so that the coaching staff could figure out where to play you and how to best utilise you without the stress of it being an important game, but unfortunately for you, the once low-stress game had now become the main root of your anxiousness.

Headphones blasting, you noted as the doors to the bus finally closed, the last few stragglers taking a seat. It was then that the seat next to you was finally filled, your new bus-buddy appearing with her signature smile shining.

You couldn’t help the grin that took over your face, overriding your inner turmoil, the taller girl’s smile infectious.

“This seat taken?”

“Ingrid,” you shook your head in amusement, “do we really need to do this every time?”

The girl in front of you shot you a teasing wink before sitting down, a playful ‘yes’ escaping her lips.

The first day that the team had to travel, you had apprehensively boarded the vehicle, unsure of who you would sit beside, very much aware that there was a system to this, regardless of what team you were on. You had anxiously looked around, slowly stepping further down the walk way until you had made eye contact with Ingrid, her waving a hand to beckon you over.

Walking up to her, you had asked her the exact same question as seconds ago, and the Norwegian had just fondly shook her head, tilting it to the side. “I saved it for you.”

Your head had ducked down in embarrassment, endearment causing a slight blush to coat your cheeks, before you had taken a seat beside the brunette, her passing you one of her earbuds before relaxing into her own seat.

Since that day, it had become a sort of ritual between you two. You had only had a few bus rides since but each one consisted of either of you reaching the bus, sometimes together, and claiming a set of seats in the middle. When the other would eventually join, headphones would be shared or connected, the both of you more than excited to share your love of music, bonding over your versatility in styles.

So, as per tradition, Ingrid sat down beside you and you passed her your phone, letting her set up the shared airplay for herself.

Your thoughts being drowned out by the music humming through your earbuds, you let your head rest against the window, your leg bouncing fervently, partially in beat to the music but also due to your unease. Really, your whole body was thrumming, nervous energy almost palpable by the girl beside you.

You weren’t sure how long passed, the two of you sat in a comfortable silence, the chatter of the team fading to mere background noise. All you were aware was that between the handful of genres and songs the both of you had queued up, at least seven had passed, your nervousness not lessening like you had hoped it would.

Turns out, it wasn’t just you that was keeping track of your kangaroo leg. Ingrid was nearly losing her mind seeing you bounce up and down. The blurry motion of your limb just barely managing on, seeming as if it would fly off if it hadn’t been attached to your torso. She wondered why you were so hyper. It was only a friendly game after all.

Taking a deep breath in, she reached out to you, placing a gentle hand on your thigh, just above your knee.

The touch snapped you out of your thoughts. You turned to look at the Norwegian, a wry smile on your face, an eyebrow raised in question.

“Your leg. It keeps bouncing. What’s the reason?”

Eyes widening, you contemplated telling Ingrid about what Jonaton told you. He didn’t say you couldn’t tell anyone right?

“Uhm- Jonaton just told me a little while ago that I’m starting. I think he wanted to give me the bus ride as time to prepare, but if anything, I think it just made me more anxious.” You let go of the breath you were holding, your chest easing just by telling the girl beside you.

“That’s good! Right?”

“I think so? I’m just worried I’m not gonna play well y’know? Even though it is just a friendly…”

“I think you’ll play great, really. Just pretend that it’s one of our practices and that we need to kick Patri’s butt so she doesn’t get too big-headed,” the brunette joked, hoping to get a laugh out of you.

It was a successful attempt, a slight smile appearing on your face.

Shoulder’s relaxing, you took a deep breath in, Ingrid’s relaxed demeanour bringing you a sense of calmness.

It didn’t last long however, your heartbeat reaching its earlier speeds as you realised that the dark-haired girl hadn’t moved her hand yet. You quickly peeked at where it was resting on your thigh, sneaking a glance at Ingrid as well. It seemed that the Norwegian hadn’t noticed where her hand was placed, and you didn’t want to bring it to her attention, too afraid she’d take the grounding touch away.

A small smile on your face, heart racing for all the right reasons, you let yourself get comfortable in your seat, eyes closing, revelling in the touch and ground presence of your person.

~~~

“Your cheeks are a bit too red for a team photo…everything okay?” You knew the taller girl meant it out of concern but you couldn’t help but flush more at her statement, finding the concern etched on her face endearing.

“I- yeah, no I’m okay?”

“Are you asking me or telling me?” This time Ingrid turned to face you, taking the time to really check in with you while the photographer was still busy directing the rest of the team where to stand.

You could feel your face heating up now, starting to fan yourself to make it die down just enough that you wouldn’t look like a tomato in the photos.

“I’m okay. Sorry this is nerve-wracking.”

“It’s okay. It’s very easy. I promise. All you need to do is smile and look good, and you are already really pretty, so I wouldn’t worry.”

Ingrid’s words brought another wave of heat to your face, you now ducking your head down in order to avoid anyone seeing you so red.

Laughing at your reaction to her statement, the Norwegian smiled, proud of herself for eliciting this response. Choosing to put you out of your misery, the older draped an arm around you, leading you to where she was supposed to stand, photographer’s positioning be damned. Her arm resting on your shoulder, she pulled you in beside her, shooting anyone who tried to question your new position a glare.

You knew she meant well, but with her arm around your waist, Ingrid had just increased the already bright blush on your face by tenfold, resulting in you nearly looking like you’d been poorly sunburnt. Just with the knowledge that she chose to comfort you, chose to wrap an arm around your waist where no one else could see but you and her, your smile became electric, shining brighter, true happiness reaching your eyes.

~~~

Your first game with the team had been a success, if you were to say yourself. You hadn’t got much playing time, only being subbed in for the last twenty or so minutes, but with the team already up 3-0, the lack of pressure to play well allowed you to focus on connecting with your team. Sure, practices had given you the opportunity to learn how to fit in on the field, but mid-game? That’s where the real test was. And you were pretty sure you passed it, most, if not all, of your passes connecting, no fouls or cards your way, and you almost assisting a goal if it hadn’t been deflected last minute by the keeper. All in all, you were happy.

The team could tell, having witnessed your restless form on the bench throughout the first and second half, and in the locker rooms during half-time, where you chose to stand, shifting from foot to foot until Ingrid had pulled you down to sit beside her, the sides of your bodies flush together in order to fit on the cramped bench.

So seeing you now, chasing Ingrid and Aitana after they had dumped their water bottles on you, your own in your hand spraying reckless behind them, was a refreshing sight. Even Lucy, someone you had been lucky enough to play with on the Man City team, hadn’t seen you this relaxed post-game ever. If you asked her, she’d tell you that she was glad you fit in well with the youngsters on the team, and especially with the Norwegian you had dubbed ‘your extrovert’. The sunshine personality of the tall girl had brought out a more care-free you, evident by the way you were being piggybacked around the sidelines by a now-drenched Ingrid as Aitana trailed beside you both, the three of you interacting with fans.

By the time you all had made it into the change rooms, there was a content smile on all of your faces, you leaning into Ingrid as she quietly ushered you to change, the both of you whispering and laughing, unaware of all the fond smiles directed at you.

Yeah, if Lucy had anything to say, she kept quiet, adoring the sight in front of her, glad you weren’t putting too much pressure on yourself like you normally would. Mentally making a note to thank the Norwegian another day, she turned back to her kitbag, hearing your shared giggles fill the space near her.

~~~

“So what you’re basically telling me is that you’re addicted to coffee?”

You were currently out in the streets of Barcelona, the taller girl having nearly dragged you out after practice so she could show you her favourite cafes around the city.

“No. I just love the way it energises me and I know what good coffee tastes like.” “Meaning you’re dependent on coffee to get you through the day and you’ve tried enough coffee to be able to identify the imperceptible difference between good and bad brews?”

“Alright, now you’re just spinning my words.”

You merely shrugged in response, a teasing smile on your lips. “I’m not doing anything.” “You’re so annoying.”

“Yeah, yet here you are spending time with me?”

“I’m not answering that.”

You stopped in your tracks forcing Ingrid to stop too since your hands were intertwined.

Turning back to face you, she cocked her head to the side.

“Okay, what now?”

“I win.” “Oh my god, you’re insufferable. Listen, I’ll make you a deal…if you can tone down the annoyingness to zero, I’ll get you an extra pastry.”

“Tempting. You do love my annoyingness though...”

Rolling her eyes, Ingrid couldn’t stop her smile. “Sadly I do love it.” I might just love you.

“You have a deal. A pastry sounds heavenly right now.” Leading the way, you tugged on the brunette’s arm, the eagerness in your step at the promise of food taking her heart away and putting it in your hands.

~~~

“Why do you do this to yourself? And by choice?”

“Because it’s fun, and trust me, Alexia said the view at the end of this one is great!”

The two of you were currently up at half past five am, on a hike recommended to you by the two-time golden boot winner. You had somehow managed to drag Ingrid to do it with you, promising her a picnic and that you’d buy the coffee for the next week. (You didn’t know it, but Ingrid would’ve done it with or without the promise of coffee or food, happy to just be in your presence).

So here you were, about 1 third of the way done through the one and a half hour hike, the taller girl trailing behind you, questioning just why it was you of all people she had to fall for, silently of course.

The sun was set to rise at just slightly past seven, giving the two of you plenty of time to set up the breakfast picnic that you were currently carrying in your backpack. Though, you’d have to make it up there, and at the rate that the usually excitable and energetic Norwegian was gruffing at, you weren’t sure if a completion was in the cards today.

Calling out behind you, you thought it would be worth a shot to bribe the midfielder even further.

“If we make it to the top before….,” you checked your watch calculating the time, “fifteen before seven, we can have a movie night tonight, and I’ll let you pick whatever stupid horror movie you probably want to watch. How’s that for some motivation?”

Turning around to face the brunette, you waited for a response, her having stilled in her movement at the offer.

“Two movies, I get to pick both, and it’s at my place so that we can make a pillow fort.”

You were just about to agree to her terms, well-aware that she was as much of a child when it came to day to day activities as you were when the other girl beat you to it.

“Oh, and I get to pick the takeout,” you were met with a smug look, Ingrid confident that she was going to be the clear winner in this bargain, knowing how excited you were to do this hike.

“Ingrid…”

“I don’t mind turning back around?”

“You’re so stubborn, you’re lucky I’m the one who suggested this…” You couldn’t believe the cheekiness of the girl in front of you, laughing to yourself and shaking your head.

“Deal you dork. Now c’mon, we have a hike to finish and a time to beat.” Reaching your hand out, you let her take it, intertwining your fingers and pulling her in beside you, hands swinging in the limited space between your bodies.

Of all the people you could’ve taken a liking to here in Barcelona, in Spain, hell, the whole world, of course you had to choose the human golden retriever beside you. The one that was so perfectly stubborn, so energetic, and your anxiety-reducing, lovable, ray of sunshine here in the city. If you didn’t know any better, you’d spend the next few minutes of whatever minimal darkness there was in the sky looking for a shooting star, hoping you could have her in your life forever, preferably with a different title if the universe was feeling particularly kind.

~~~

“You do realise you can just ask her out right?”

Caro’s whispering brought Ingrid out of her trance. The two of them were sat in Alexia’s living room, the team deciding to hold a movie night under the pretence of a bonding session.

The midfielder had been staring at you, at your curled up body on the floor leaning what looked to be uncomfortable against the front of the couch. You had your legs pulled up to your chest, arms crossed above and head resting on the back of your folded hands. There was no way that could be comfortable and Ingrid knew it, longing to be able to just tuck you into her side, let you rest as she held you through your nap.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Ingrid shot back, voice a murmur, careful not to draw the attention of the other girls in the room.

“So the puppy dog eyes, always partnering up with her, sitting beside her, sharing your music with her, coffee dates and all have just been because you’re friends? Ingrid…she might be blind but we aren’t. I’m not.” Caro leaned away from Ingrid, not extremely worried about the other girls hearing her. They all knew, could see the heart eyes you two had for each other. It just seemed that while the both of you communicated extremely well on the pitch, the same excellency did not translate to both of you off the pitch.

Ingrid’s heart raced slightly just at the thought that you might return her feelings. Trying to remain cool though, she dismissed Caro’s (accurate) assumption. “No. We’re just friends. She doesn’t like me like that.”

“So you do like her.” The finality in Caro’s tone has the dark-haired girl frazzled.

“I-no. I never said that.”

“You didn’t deny it…”

“I-no…listen, it’s-“

“Ingrid…just ask her out okay? One of these days, while you both are together, like you two always now seem to be, just ask her out. I don’t think the team could take any more of you both shooting heart eyes at each other when one of you aren’t looking.”

Head hanging down in embarrassment, Ingrid blushed at just how obvious she had been. Really though, she couldn’t blame herself. No one else ever had her smiling like you did. No one else brought butterflies to her stomach even close to what you brought each time you’d walk into the room.

“Are you sure?”

“About you two being obvious? Yes. It’s sickeningly sweet.”

“No, about her liking me back…”

“Oh. Yes.” The tone of finality in Caro’s voice wasn’t lost on the tall girl, her heart racing at the idea of you liking her back.

“Also, please could you get her to a more comfortable position? I rather not see her hunched over from back pain tomorrow…”

Cheeks hurting from just how much she was smiling, Ingrid went to gently shake you out of your slumber, pulling you up to a half-sitting, half-leaning position beside her in the limited space. In your sleep daze, you didn’t realise what was going on, your body focused on going back to sleep, and so you let yourself be pulled up and sat down, cuddling into the warmth beside you, blissfully unaware.

The two of you stayed like that for the rest of the night, you eventually waking up to the unabashed teasing of your teammates and the sight of a blush adorably coating your cuddle buddy’s face.

~~~

It was a few weeks later that a team dinner found the both of you sat beside each other, the rest of the team becoming accustomed to you two nearly doing everything as a pair. Even with something as insignificant as photos for social media, you both would always be stood by one another, Ingrid’s arm often slung over your shoulders, your own wrapped around her torso. So really, no one batted an eye when you both simultaneously scooted your chairs closer to each other, bursting out in laughter when you realised your shared action and timing.

And as the dinner went on, the two of you only jumping into the conversation once in a while, more content to be caught up in your own world, in your own little bubble, the team couldn’t help but tease you when you would chime in, exasperated at the fact that neither of you had admitted your feelings for the other. If they had it their way, the pair of you would have been locked in an equipment room together ages ago. Luckily for you however, Alexia had long warned the other girls not to meddle, a soft spot in her heart for the both of you.

Now though, the captain may have just slightly regretted that decision. Witnessing the two of you be so tuned in with each other, likely appearing as a couple to those that didn’t know you, all the blonde wanted to do was let the younger girls put their plan into motion.

“You know, I have a feeling it’d be a lot easier to tolerate you two if you just asked her out.”

Ingrid had just barely stepped away from the table to head to the washroom when Alexia quickly slid into the seat beside you.

“Huh what…I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Oh come one, you guys are so lovesick all the time. She shoots you heart eyes when you both get ready for training and you don’t stop smiling when she’s beside you. Honestly the sweetness is making me sick, it’s annoying. Ask her out, make it easier on us.”

Alexia sounded absurd to you. “She doesn’t like me like that.”

“Says who? You both are always touching in some sort of way. She always goes out of her way to stand beside you. And don’t deny how she always practically hugs you in photos.”

“She’s touchy with everyone.”

“Lo dice en serio? When’s the last time she gave anyone her hoodie? She gave it to you right away after you spilled water on your shirt.”

“She would’ve done it for anyone,” you argued. You couldn’t believe Alexia was really talking to you about this. You knew some of the girls like Aitana and Patri had been teasing you two about this but you’d never thought Alexia would join in. And so what if it was true that you did like Ingrid. She just liked you as a friend.

“So you’re telling me she would’ve told anyone that they look good in her clothes?”

Alexia’s words evoked your face to redden, mouth opening and closing a few times, words evading you.

“Listen, it’s not like that.”

Alexia hummed, turning to get up from the seat. “She’s probably coming back soon. You believe whatever you want to believe…”

You pouted at her statement, watching her as she walked across the table back to her seat just in time for the topic of conversation to appear in the vicinity.

Surely she didn’t reciprocate your feelings right? You would have been able to tell. If anything you both just got on really well and she appreciated that…right?

~~~

“You’ve been quiet. It’s not normal.”

Snapping out of your thoughts, you turned to look at Ingrid.

The two of you were currently walking down the streets of Barcelona, the dinner having wrapped up only a short while ago. You both had (after a lot of back-and-forth) agreed that you’d walk the taller girl home, you joking that precious cargo should always be escorted.

“Just thinking…”

“About?”

“….stuff?” You answered, the statement more a question than a solid response.

“Well that doesn’t sound concerning.” Ingrid looked over at you, eyebrows perked up in question, waiting for you to continue.

Eyes shooting away to look ahead, you willed yourself not to make eye contact, choosing to continue walking.

It was after a couple of minutes of silence that you finally found your bearings and decided to take the chance.

“You think that if, hypothetically speaking, if we were to date, would we be good? Like good together? ‘Cause everyone keeps saying it and…” Gaze drifting to see Ingrid’s shocked expression beside you, you quickly backtrack, embarrassment coating your cheeks. “I- uhm, forget that I said anything. It was a stupid question. It doesn’t matter anyways.”

Body slightly stiffening, you forced yourself to pretend like you hadn’t just made a complete and utter fool of yourself.

The pair of you walked quietly for a bit, both lost in your thoughts, too afraid to voice out your want for the other. Letting the hum of electricity from the dim streetlights and warm glow of the stars and moon soften the stifling silence, you let your mind wander into what the potential outcomes could be of this night. You could very well end up in a situation where Ingrid liked you back, yet that seemed so unlikely, too perfect for it to be true. What you were more concerned about at the moment was whether you’d lose a friend, one of the only people that brought you comfort in this new city and club.

Stuck in your musings, you didn’t realise when you were nearly outside Ingrid’s home, The sight of the familiar street nearly breaking you out of your thoughts, yet not distracting you enough. It was then, as you approached the front of her house that the Norwegian’s soft voice pulled you out of your own troubled thoughts of how much of an idiot you were.

As Ingrid stopped in front of the gate, you could feel your heart starting to pound increasingly harder. You really didn’t want to lose her as a friend. You didn’t know what you’d do. You hadn’t met anyone as energetic as her before, her sunshine personality drawing you in, trapping you in a warmth of light that you didn’t want to escape.

You knew you couldn’t fully tell her, but the way your heart would skip a beat when she’d casually drape an arm over your shoulders had you smiling. How she’d drag you throughout the numerous cafes she’s discovered in her time in the city, never failing to make your day. You were absolutely smitten if you were honest, and the thought of her not wanting to be friends after becoming aware of your feelings absolutely broke you.

Noticing your dazed expression, Ingrid grabbed your fingers with hers, the both of you now standing hands held, out in the night, almost like two fools ready to partake in playground activities. Her intent behind her actions however was successful, pulling you out of your thoughts and into the present with her.

Taking a deep sigh in, your eyes now looking up expectantly at her, Ingrid jumped off the cliff she’d been resting on since you joined.

“I’d like to think we’d be pretty good together.” You swallowed hard at her words, eyes growing wide, too afraid to say anything. “You aren’t the only one who’s thought about it…”

This time, it was your turn to be shocked. You couldn’t believe what you were hearing.

“Sorry- what?”

She took a deep breath beside you, eyes now barely meeting yours, instead staring past you.

Peeking over at you to assess your reaction, Ingrid let out the breath she was holding.

“I think…and I’m sorry if I make this weird…but I think- no I know I like you, like more than a friend. I think I always have, ever since you shyly sat beside me in the locker rooms that first day.” Sensing she had your attention and that you hadn’t yet nearly lost your mind at her, she continued. “I’ve liked you for a while now, I just didn’t want to make things weird between us…I don’t want to lose you as a friend though. So if you don’t feel the same please just let me know, because I don't know how much longer I can hold back the urge to be with you all the time.”

“You are pretty much with me all the time though, so I don't know what you’re holding back on.” You spoke, hoping your voice didn’t betray the smile on your face. You stood, staring at the ground, kicking at the little pebbles at your feet.

Ingrid looked up at you slowly, an incredulous expression on her face. “Is that all you have to say?”

Meeting her gaze, you revealed the smile that you were hiding. “I think…I think we should go on a date tomorrow. What do you think?”

“Wait- really?” Laughing at the surprise on Ingrid’s face, you stepped in a little closer.

“Yup,” you said, popping the ‘p’, a smile bright on your face, even in the dim light. “You and me and the cafe around the corner you like so much…I’ll swing by around nine?”

And as Ingrid eagerly nodded her head vigorously, you couldn’t help but wrap your arms around her midsection, a chuckle espying your lips at her enthusiasm, nervous butterflies in your stomach finally, for the first time since you moved here, settling down into a comforting hum full of hope and happiness.

It felt good to be nervous, you liked this kind of nervousness.

Pulling the Norwegian close, a hug full of promises and a ‘see-you-later’, you couldn’t help but believe that maybe this move wasn’t so terrible after all.

(Future you would agree, a handful of years down the line, as you’d inevitably drag Ingrid on another hike, promises of date nights and cuddles a misdirection as you’d finally reach the peak, the brunette seeing the beauty of another sunset before turning to see the sight of you on one knee.)

#ingrid engen x reader #ingrid engen #ingrid engen imagine #woso fanfics #woso imagine #woso x reader #fluff #my writing #fic req #efr #not properly proofread but fuck it im posting #woso #woso one shot

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withacapitalp · 8 months

Text

Reasons

I wrote this for the STWG daily prompt today which was "Joyce" and uhhhhh I'm sorry haha thank you for @stevethehairington and @hairstevington for beta and encouragement and generally being the best of the best!

Read it on ao3 here

The thing Steve had always loved most about the Byers home was the clutter.

There wasn’t a single surface that was bare. The tv stand was filled to the bursting with scratched up VHS tapes, the bookshelves crammed with dimestore paperbacks. There were always dishes on the kitchen table, magnets holding up dozens of drawings on the fridge, even the hallway was littered with picture frames. It was a complete contrast to the house he had grown up in, with bare cream colored walls and perfectly immaculate rooms.

It was a mess, and none of the things in the Byers home were worth much, but every item in the home was treasured, important, valued. Everything in their home mattered.

Now there was nothing left in the house. Nothing but boxes and empty air.

Boxes.

And Steve.

And Joyce.

“Where’d Jonathan and the kids go?” Steve asked when the silence had finally grown to be too much, looking around the barren space that used to be the living room.

Joyce had always apologized for how uncomfortable the couch was. Every single time he had ended up on her doorstep late at night, after every midnight mug of hot cocoa, every midnight conversation where Steve finally finally let some of his anxieties slip out, she had led him over to that couch and wrapped him in a hand me down quilt that smelled old and worn and loved and apologized to him about how lumpy the couch was.

Steve had never known what she was talking about. He had never slept anywhere that felt more comfortable.

But the couch was gone now. Probably tucked away in the big box truck outside, or sold at the garage sale they had held last week. Or maybe Joyce had just thrown away like the trash it had always been, finally getting rid of the dead weight of a couch she didn’t really like all that much.

She probably wanted a new couch for their new house. Something better.

“They’re all at the Wheelers. Jonathan snuck out around three in the morning to go stay with Nancy tonight, and all of the kids slept over in the basement,” Joyce explained, a wry little smile falling on her lips as she fondly rolled her eyes at her children’s antics, “One last campaign before we hit the road.”

Steve hummed, acting like this was fresh news to him when he already knew. He was the one that had driven Dustin, Lucas, and Max there. Hell, he had stayed to watch part of the campaign, and to give El and Will one last hug when it was just him and them.

He wasn’t exactly sure why he was playing along, why he was continuing to pretend, but it was easier than just staring at the place where the couch used to live in complete silence. Better than Joyce knowing exactly how little she knew about Steve’s life these days.

“I’ve missed seeing you around,” She tried, creeping just a little bit closer to where he was standing, “We haven’t really talked much since…”

Joyce trailed off but they both knew what she was talking about.

Since the realtor's sign had appeared at the end of the Byers driveway.

Since Joyce had finally had to admit that she was taking Jonathan, Will, and El away.

Since their big fight.

“I’ve been busy,” Steve said shortly, turning away from the living room and towards the kitchen, hoping that would take the spike out of his heart.

No, now the pain was worse, because the kitchen table was gone too, whisked away like it had never existed in the first place. Like Joyce had never sat him down there and patched him up after Billy’s fight, both of their eyes drooping with exhaustion but her fingers still sure and steady. Like Steve had never leaned against it, trying to understand his homework while Joyce did her best to explain why the color of curtains in a story mattered. Like there had never been breakfasts, or dinners, or midnight cups of hot chocolate that were only ever for the two of them.

Like Steve had never had a place here at all.

“What do you need from me? You said you needed something,” Steve asked in a rush, turning away from the kitchen as nausea began to bubble over in his stomach. He wanted to run, to break free, to escape Joyce and the house and all of the feelings that came along with it. He just wanted to give her whatever last thing she wanted to take and get away before too much of him broke.

“I did. I mean is there something else you’re doing today?” Joyce asked, startled by Steve’s sudden shift, “I thought you might want to be here when-”

“Robin and I are going to an interview,” Steve said, interrupting her in a flash. He definitely did not want to be here when they left, and he did not want to be here to say goodbye. He had already done that. He had already said his piece to Jonathan and Will and El.

Steve had nothing left to give to Joyce.

So why was he here? What could she want from him?

“It’s a big interview for a job for both of us.” He continued, laying it on thick when they both knew how thin the excuse really was. He and Robin could have done this any day, at any time. Now that the mall was gone, they had their pick of the litter for shitty jobs in town.

But Steve had purposefully asked Robin to plan the interview for today. He had done it the second Jonathan had told him their moving date. And Robin, saint that she was, had done it without asking why.

He made his bed, just like Joyce had made hers, and now they both had to lie in it.

“That’s…that’s great,” Joyce said, crossing her arms over her chest, her fingers twitching like she wanted to go for a cigarette.

“Besides it doesn’t look like you need me,” Steve said, unable to help himself. He looked around, a bitter smile on his lips, “You’ve got it pretty well handled.”

“Steve, honey…”

“Don’t,” He said immediately, stepping back when she tried to come forward to console him. That wasn’t her job anymore, it had never been her job in the first place, and Steve wasn’t going to fall for it again.

He was stupid, but he learned. Eventually, he learned.

“You already know what I think, and I don’t want to argue.” He said woodenly, the words coming out short and full of static.

He didn’t want to argue again. Not like last time.

Steve and Joyce had at least waited until Jonathan and Nancy had ushered all of the kids out of the house before exploding, but once it was just the two of them, it had been a supernova. Steve could barely remember what they had said, but he knew it was bad. That he had claimed she never cared about him at all, and she had told him that he wasn’t her responsibility.

Steve knew she had called him an entitled brat at some point.

Steve knew that he had called her a selfish bitch too.

And he had no way of knowing if Joyce actually thought he was an entitled brat, but he didn’t want to hear it. Not again. It had been hard enough to forget the way it made him feel the first time.

“It’s not an argument.” Joyce said softly, her voice as fragile as glass as she slowly lowered her hand down from where it had been reaching out to bring him into a familiar, warm, hug, “I just need you to know that it’s over now. I don’t want you looking over your shoulder for the rest of your life, trying to find monsters that aren’t there.”

“Do you really believe that?” Steve asked, finally looking Joyce in the eye, “Really?”

“Yes,” She said immediately. Steve could see it in her eyes, in her voice, in the way she held herself.

She did believe it. Joyce really thought it was over. Or, at the very least, she had made herself believe that she believed it.

“Then stay,” Steve whispered, loathing himself for saying it. He had promised himself he would never again beg for someone not to leave, but now he had done it twice in just a month. Twice. Because the first time apparently hadn’t been humiliating enough.

But Steve’s hope had always been more powerful than his shame, and he couldn’t help but pray that she would listen this time. Joyce would see what leaving was doing to all of them and change her mind. It didn’t matter that the house had already been sold and the truck was already stuffed to the bursting with their belongings, it could all be undone.

Steve would carry it all back in himself, even. The couch, the kitchen table, the hand me down quilt, everything that had made this house the first place he had actually felt at home.

She could undo it all. She could put their lives back together, back to the way they had been before, and Steve wouldn’t have to think about it ever again. He wouldn’t have to agonize over how Will and El would adjust to high school without the rest of their friends, or worry about Jonathan being alone in his senior year. He wouldn’t have to think about his own empty house and the bare cream walls that hated him just for existing.

He wouldn’t have to wonder why he wasn’t enough to care about. Why everyone eventually always left him.

“If it’s gone, then there’s no reason to leave,” Steve muttered, his eyes burning as he turned them downward to the floor between them, feeling like he was eight instead of eighteen. A child instead of the adult they both knew him to be.

An adult. Soon to be the last adult left in Hawkins that knew about the Upside Down. The last adult the rest of them had to rely on.

“There’s a thousand reasons,” Joyce sighed, pulling out her most beloved weapon, “And I have to protect my kids,”

Her kids. Her kids. Not her boys anymore, now her kids, because of El.

But what about Steve’s kids? What about Max and Dustin and Lucas and Mike and Erica? How was he alone supposed to protect them when the monsters came?

What about Nancy? What about Robin? They were older, but they were still kids, weren’t they? They still needed someone to be the adult.

And a quiet, almost silent part of him, couldn’t help asking

What about me?

“From what? If it’s really over, then what are you protecting them from?” Steve asked, a question he had already pressed her to answer in their last argument.

Joyce didn’t have an answer, because they both knew the truth. This wasn’t about the kids. Not Jonathan. Not Will. Not El.

It was about Joyce. What she wanted, what she felt like she had to protect herself from.

And the worst part was Steve understood. He got why she had to leave, why she couldn’t bear to stay here any longer than she had to, but what he couldn’t understand, what he would never understand, was the need to hide behind a shadow.

“You don’t have to say the truth, but, please, don’t tell me a lie,” Steve said quietly, Joyce sucking in a sharp breath as he carefully threw her own words back in her face.

She had said it to him dozens of times over the last year, and dozens of times he had caved and told her the truth.

But Joyce was not Steve.

“Steve, it's too late to go back on this.” Joyce said firmly, as if her tone would be enough to spontaneously change Steve’s mind. He scoffed, shaking his head and turning away from her to stare out the front window. He welded his lips together, planning to keep his mouth shut and ice her out until Joyce finally got annoyed enough to cut him loose.

It wouldn’t take long.

It had only taken her six weeks to pack up their whole lives and completely tear apart Steve’s.

“I want you to come with us.”

“What?” Steve said, the shock of Joyce’s words enough to make him speak without meaning to.

“That’s why I wanted you to come here before everyone else,” Joyce said, trying to walk towards Steve again. This time he was too startled to stop her and she entered into his space, a soft smile on her face. The same smile she used to give him when she would push his hair away from his face at night, and tell him that he didn’t need to stay awake.

That she would be there, and nothing was going to get between her and her boys.

She had always said it, and they had always both known that she meant more than just Jonathan and Will.

“I wanted to ask you to come with us,” Joyce repeated, laying a soft hand on his arm.

“I don’t understand,” Steve said helplessly, his heart starting to race, the bare walls beginning to close in.

“The house we bought has a little condo next to it that’s free, and I’m sure that Doctor Owens would be able to get it put in your name the way he got mine,” Joyce explained, a plan laid out neatly, too neatly, “There’s lots of jobs out in Lenora, or you could even go to the community college there. Take some classes while you figure out what you want to do?”

This was not a spur of the moment offer. Joyce had to have thought about it before this morning. More than once.

“You want me to move to Lenora with you guys?” Steve heard himself ask, a spring blossom blooming in his chest without his permission. A little seed of hope that had no reason to exist at all.

Joyce nodded, her smile growing, and for a second Steve let himself think about it. Truly and honestly think about it.

He let himself imagine a world where he didn’t go to his interview with Robin this afternoon, and instead stayed here. Packed up the rest of the boxes, hopped in the van with Joyce, and went out to California. Where there was never any snow to shovel, no Mother and Father to disappoint, no dead end job to hate.

No monsters waiting to jump out of the shadows.

A life that was only about what he wanted, what Steve thought would be best for him. A life that came with a family that wanted him.

“It’s over and done and nothing is holding you here anymore,” Joyce pressed, looking around the empty house, “There’s no reason for you to stay.”

And the dream was gone.

Crushed into bits, shattered like a plate against a skull.

Steve had reasons, seven of them. Seven people. Seven people who had gone through hell three times for a town that didn’t care and didn’t notice. Seven people who

Seven people who deserved someone to protect them. Someone who would put them first.

Steve had never been enough of a reason for anyone to stay, never been enough to put first. Not enough for his parents, not enough for Nancy, and now not enough for Joyce.

But he would never let his kids think the same about themselves.

“No, there’s no reason for you to stay,” Steve spat out, hating how bitter he sounded, but hating even more that he had let himself fall for the same trap again. Somewhere along the way he had let those walls down, let another person in, and let her put herself where she didn’t belong.

That was the truth wasn’t it? They both knew Joyce didn’t fit where they had put her. She was never going to be his mother, and Steve had never fit into her life, but he had played pretend anyway. Ignored all the signs, ignored all the little whispers in his head that told him he was getting too close, trusting too much. He had let her brush his hair, and help him with his homework, and say the words her boys like she meant to include him.

And now Joyce was just reminding him exactly how much he meant in the grand scheme of things.

And, really, Steve only had himself to blame for the way his heart was starting to break into tiny impossible to put back together pieces. His mistake. His stupidity.

He just never fucking learned.

“At least there no reason to stay that actually ever mattered to you,” He added with a laugh that did not sound at all funny, walking out the door before he could hear another one of her lies.

#Joyce byers #Steve harrington #hurt no comfort #stranger things #st #st drabble #st3 #post s 3 #yeah this one hurts #Steve has so many issues #stwgdailyprompt

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peachesofteal · 11 months

Note

Would it be selfish to ask for more information on the widow or what everybody felt when Johnny was alive and everything was happening still

This is fanfic babe, it’s all self indulgent and selfish, and that’s okay 🖤

Johnny didn’t want to fall in love with Simon. He never felt like he was missing anything, no. He had everything he wanted, you, a home, a life, a baby. He loved you so completely, he never even entertained the idea of loving another. So, Simon didn’t fill some empty part of his heart. There wasn’t anything lacking in his life. He was already standing in the sun.

Simon just… changed things. He/it started like an illness, plaguing him day in and day out, making him dizzy every time he caught a peek of LT’s skin between his gloves and sleeve, or a flash of flesh at his neck. Made him lightheaded whenever Simon called him Johnny, a name only reserved for you, but for some reason… he couldn’t find it in himself to argue. Being around Simon was intoxicating, addicting, and Johnny couldn’t stop. No matter what. No matter that he couldn’t eat, couldn’t sleep from the guilt, the awful, debilitating guilt that ate away at him, every minute of the day. How could he do this to you? How could he even entertain this?

Simon was content to treat his affection for Johnny like it didn’t exist. He knew about you, knew about Johnny’s life, about everything he had back home. He didn’t want to ruin Johnny’s life, didn’t want him to hurt. But the attraction was like a magnet. No matter what he did, he thought of Johnny. No matter where he went, whatever corner he rounded, Johnny was there. When he closed his eyes, he saw Johnny’s. It became more than affection, it became a gravitational pull. Pushing him closer and closer until one night, in the dark on a base in the middle of god knows where, Simon took off his gloves… and cradled Johnny’s face in his palms, like he was the most precious thing on this earth.

The mission was over two days later. Simon went home to an empty flat, and Johnny went home to his bonnie wife and new baby, heart overflowing with despair.

Your husband never lied to you. He never hid anything from you, didn’t have a dishonest bone in his body. So when you picked him up from the hangar that day, head slung low like a dog, fear prickled up your spine. Something was wrong. You knew it right away.

You just had no idea… it would be this.

“Was it- all a lie?” Was this something that had always been? Had he been having an affair with Simon… this whole time?

“No, Bonnie. No, ah love ye, ah’ve always-“

“How… how long has it been going on?” How had you not known? How did you miss the signs? You cursed yourself, but in reality, there hadn’t been any signs. Not until today. Your husband had always been yours, your Johnny. Loving. Caring. Sweet. A good man. A good father.

“Ah dinnae. Ah jus’ felt something. I couldn’t stop it.”

“How could you do this? We have a child!” You couldn’t understand. Couldn’t wrap your head around it, even though Johnny tried and tried again, to explain. What was wrong with you? Were you not enough? Did he ever truly love you?

“Ah know, ah- didnae mean to do it ah, ah love ye both so much. I swear it.”

It took time. So much time. So many nights of tears and torture and disbelief. Johnny begged you to stay. He pleaded, to try to save his family.

He even offered to leave the 141.

But you couldn’t ask it of him. You couldn’t cut him off from a piece of his happiness.

So you took a giant leap into something completely unknown. Terrifying. Foreign. You closed your eyes, and trusted in Johnny completely. You agreed to support him, supported a relationship with Simon. Even though, it hurt. A lot. All the time. Even though it led to fights and low points of your life- you both tried.

Your willingness to try, is what led Simon to stay for dinner that night after he brought Johnny’s tags home to you. It’s what convinced him to take you to breakfast the next morning. It’s what has him answering the phone in the middle of the night a week later when you’re having a panic attack, brought on by too many nights of no sleep. It’s what has him driving over in a panic when he has ten missed calls from you, only to find you asleep on the couch with the baby, phone wedged between your back and the couch, effectively dialing him every few minutes. It’s what eventually has him lingering by the door, watching you in a new light, seeing the way Johnny saw you; bright, beautiful, endlessly lovely and patient and kind, understanding and sweet, the kind of person that Johnny treasured. Protected. Cherished.

Also if wrote this fic it’d be 1000% current timeline: Simon/reader and flashback timeline: Johnny/reader and Johnny/Simon

And… this reader is definitely Darling.

#ghoap x reader #ghoap #peaches asks #ghost x soap x reader #simon riley #johnny mactavish

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saturnrevolution · 10 months

Text

Unlock your desire using your MARS SIGN

MARS IN ARIES

Your sexual expression is one of the most powerful tools that you have. You are in tune to what gives you pleasure and you know how to go for it. You are most satisfied with action, rather than words. You are all about being led by instinct and love to be taken by surprise. You desire animalistic behavior, one that is dynamic, raw. Arguments turn you on, so having a make out session after a fight is the dream. And if there’s some risky aspect to it, even better!

MARS IN TAURUS

The expression of your desire revolves all around the senses. You need to focus on smell, touch, sound…and make sure that the atmosphere is comfortable and inviting. You like to take your time when it comes to pleasure and allow the tension to build. There’s also a romantic side to you, so lighting up candles or making out in a cozy tent while it rains outside is the dream. Your sexual expression grounds you, so if nature is involved, even better!

MARS IN GEMINI

You enjoy expressing your desire through words. You are a fan of flirting, soft whispers and witty behavior. Hot and cold energy is what keeps you wanting more. There needs to be a lot of openness and flexibility in your sexual fantasies. Sharing what everyone is into and trying on different ideas that both parties enjoy is the way to go. Also, the kiss plays a huge role in your dynamic. Your mind needs to be stimulated, so some dirty talk will do.

MARS IN CANCER

Your sexual expression revolves around emotions. This means that the stronger the emotional bond, the more pleasure it offers you. You enjoy being treated with kindness and cared for. Soft and gentle touch, cuddles evolving into something more and a bit of mystery is what turns you on. You prefer to keep this side of you to those that are lucky enough to experience it and make sure that both parties feel like home. Intuition is what guides your actions.

MARS IN LEO

You enjoy expressing your desire in a direct, bold way, but there is also the side of you that is caring and loyal. You either take on the role of the dominant person or like to let the other take over. There’s always one that is in the center of attention. Either way, you enjoy it when your efforts receive recognition. Passion, romance, fun, playfulness. You are the actors on a big stage, so there is an emphasis on dramatic, bold moves and presence.

MARS IN VIRGO

Your sexual expression revolves around paying attention to details. Your style is grounded in the tangible world, with a focus on the senses and physical body. You have high expectations on yourself and other to perform and you like anticipating how the moments will unfold. The act of intimacy becomes a therapeutic exchange, a moment of connection that relaxes you within the daily life, so having fun while cooking sounds right.

MARS IN LIBRA

You are all about equality when it comes to sexual expression. That’s why, there needs to be honesty involved. You prefer the other person to take the lead and you might be passive at times. This creates a dance of reciprocity, where your give and take contributes to the overall harmony of your intimate relationships. Communication, romance, and aesthetics play great roles as well. You might enjoy dressing up in a hot fit and seducing with innocence.

MARS IN SCORPIO

You are into taboo things, deep intimacy and discovery of one another through physical touch, after admiring from afar. You carry a magnetic allure, drawing you towards experiences that others might find intimidating. There might be secrecy involved in the dynamic or a specific side of you that shows up behind closed doors. Desire is a blend of control and power play and in these private moments the story of your connection comes alive.

MARS IN SAGITTARIUS

Your desires are expressed through exploration and experimenting. You don’t shy away from trying something new and this is your way of learning what you like. You are spontaneous, adventurous and hold strong beliefs about what you are into. You take on the role of the teacher or student and are likely to experiment with people from different backgrounds than you. You don’t like wasting time and jump directly to the fun part, after all it’s all an adventure.

MARS IN CAPRICORN

You approach intimacy with a strategic mindset, viewing it as a part of your life goals and aspirations. You like things to be straightforward and simple. You might be attracted to lovers that are more experienced than you, and sometimes older partners. Consistency and making sure you perfect it to the point in which you know each other’s pleasure points is your approach. You take physical touch very seriously as it helps relax you.

MARS IN AQUARIUS

Your desires are expressed in a direct way. You know what you like and want. When it comes to physical touch, you might be one to turn friendships into something more, but there needs to be an intellectual attraction before anything. You might be into things that others judge as weird or unconventional. You seek freedom and exploring uncharted territories, pushing against societal norms to embrace what feels authentically you.

MARS IN PISCES

Your sexual expression is your door to escaping the reality. You like to let your imagination run wild, build scenarios and you daydream a lot about your desires. The emotional bond you carry towards someone matters a lot, especially the way they express their romanticism. As it’s a way to escape reality, anything that involves fantasy or creativity and imagination is welcome. For you, intimacy is not just a physical act but a spiritual experience.

#astrology #mars #desire #posted

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moonlight-tmd · 6 months

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Whenever I listen to Hooked On A Feeling by Björn Skifs I imagine a scenario of Blitzwing just being totally smitten by the little yellow autobot he just met and he's trying his best to court him.

He doesn't even hide it, he will just straight up ditch the entire fight to go talk and compliment the yellow mini and either the Autobots or Lugnut has to chase/drag him away.

The worst part is Bee is totally into it. He doesn't see why the heck this would be a bad idea, the big goofy weirdo(affectionate) just wants his attention and love. Said goofy weirdo is also not that bad-looking and strong. All of his oddities are just more of a lure to capture Bee's curiosity and interest.

Blitz would go and draw attention of citizen so the Autobots come and he'd sing and dance on a makeshift disco ring to flirt with Bee. When that fails he'd carve a giant ice statue of Bumblebee and present it to him and Bee will be so amazed. And when that fails due to the other Autobots dragging Bee away (as always) he'd show up to the emergency at the bridge Bee is at with Ratchet, stand nearby and hold up a sign saying "Please go on a date with me! <3" while blasting some love song he heard that the lyrics literally describe his feelings. Bee did jump off the bridge to get to him that time... unfortunately Ratchet had caught him and lifted him back up with the magnets before Blitzwing could catch him and run off.

Bee's teammates have to keep an eye on him at all times so he won't sneak out and go do something he'll regret. Bee is not happy that his friends don't want him to go and try be happy with another mech, he's very pouty whenever they tell him no he can't do that. So what if it's a 'con? He's never truly taken a side and only wears an insignia for the sake of having some leeway with other Autobots. All of them could be organics, monoformers, 'bots, 'cons or other-faction for all he cares. He just wants to have friends, doesn't matter what or who they are.

I imagine at one point in time on earth Bee took off the window in his room and has it on a latch or something so it opens like a hatch so he can sneak out via his room. He has a big trash container with a lid on the other side and few crates so he can climb down from the window. One time he manages to fool whoever is on the nightly watch over him so he won't sneak out (aka they check if he's still in his berth, this time he waited until the check pretending to recharge and then snuck out). He got out and drove to places he usually saw Blitz hanging out on patrols. He wasn't in any of those places but Bee waited some in one of them and sure enough Blitz did happen to come to that location that night. They were so happy to finally talk with each other properly without anyone hearing anything and interrupting every 3 minutes.

They hit it off near instantly. Bee is so curious and amazed by a unique mech like Blitzwing and Blitz is so enamored with Bee's personality and cute appearance. They dance, sing and laugh under the stars and it's like a love story come real. Of course, they meet few times in secret after that. Bee thinks about how to make others allow him to meet with Blitz... but just as he does that they hear a knock at the shutter and wouldn't you know, Blitzwing is standing there with big boquet of flowers and some small packages. Somehow he learned the location of where Bee lives by himself. Of course Bee grabbed his servo and led him in to play games together despite the others being very much startled by what the heck a 'con is doing in their house on a tuesday morning.

By that point they just give up all efforts to try to keep those two apart. It's pointless... At least Blitz doesn't seem as bad as they thought he was- he did bring them gifts to come into their favor after all.

So Blitz is a regular guest at the Autobot base. Bee is happy, Blitz is happy, and the others still keep an eye on them just in case. But they definitelly stopped being so paranoid over Bee.

#maccadam #tfa #blitzbee

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indeedcaptain · 1 month

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Regulatory Relations, Chapter 22: The Captain

Holy fucking shitballs, yall. This is the end.

Posted on my AO3 here.

All I really have to say after this is thank you.

☆☆☆

Dear Mom and Dad,

Dear Winona and George,

Guess what!

Hi,

[Are you sure you want to close the program? Your content will not be saved. YES / NO]

☆☆☆

On the first day after the trial, Kirk took ShiKahr’s public transit from Amanda and Sarek’s house through the city center, and out the other side. Alone on the train as it flew along its magnetic track, he watched out the window as the now-familiar sandstone buildings whirled by. They passed the judicial complex where he had spent the entire previous day: he had walked in a suspect and walked out a free man. It rose up before him, sprawling and imposing, passed in an instant, and then vanished. Kirk turned forward again, letting the rest of the city pass him by, and waited for his stop.

The Vulcan Science Academy complex was housed on the outskirts of ShiKahr, built without formal boundaries to account for its near-constant expansion. It crept further and further out into the Forge— the buildings nearest the public entrance were the oldest, their corners sandblasted into curves by the desert wind, but the newest ones, built to house new advances in technology and new fields of research, were still sharp-edged and angular. The hospital was one of the oldest buildings in the complex--- one of the oldest buildings in the city, according to the lecture Spock gave Kirk and Bones that morning over breakfast. It had originally been a temple, housing healers in the millenia before Surak, a holdover from Vulcan’s war-torn history. Even after the wars had ended, the people who lived on the planet needed care, and so the temple of healers remained, now known as one of the most advanced teaching hospitals in the galaxy.

Kirk gave his name at the front desk, which was manned by a young Vulcan woman wearing scrubs and a student badge, and was granted entrance. He rode a swift and silent elevator up to the eighth floor and stepped out into a warmly lit hall. Enormous windows at either end of the hallway and the recessed light bulbs set into the ceiling gave the impression of midday sun, despite the early hour. He heard voices coming from the left side, and so he turned that way.

Around another corner he found two Vulcan doctors and a third human one, deep in conversation next to a bench and a variety of potted cacti. The human doctor, with graying red hair and a petite build, turned to him as he approached and said, “I thought you might come by.” Sarah April nodded to the other doctors before she gestured in front of her, and Kirk fell into step beside her. She led him deeper into the labyrinthine building--- the layout designed before the Vulcan preoccupation with logic--- and eventually stopped next to a closed door with a Vulcan sign appended to the front, a phonetic translation of April’s name. She smiled with sad eyes and said, “I’ll be outside if you need anything.”

Kirk nodded, and opened the door.

Admiral Robert April lay quietly in a biobed, surrounded by beeping machines and sensors. His head had been shaved, electrodes stuck to his scalp in a neat grid, and his dark skin was sallow under the lights. For a moment Kirk stood in the doorway, unwilling to wake him if he was resting, but then April rolled his head on the pillow to look at him.

“Enter,” he said, and Kirk did. There was a chair tucked into the corner with a blanket folded over the back of it. Kirk dragged it next to the bed and sat. The whites of April’s eyes were yellowed with exhaustion. Kirk looked at him; the man who had set everything in motion. How much of his behavior was Elise pulling the strings? How much was April unleashed?

“What do you want, Kirk?” April’s voice was tired, dry, almost a whisper. Kirk had had grand plans--- he had rehearsed what he wanted to say on the train ride there. He had told Spock where he was going and what he wanted to do, and Spock had sent him off with a kiss and a promise to see him later. But his words failed when he looked at the battered body of the man he had thought was his enemy.

He still saw the phaser fire before it tore through Spock when he looked at April. He saw himself on his knees in the gritty dust of Kindinos, and saw the sniper with the plasma rifle settling her sights on both of them. But he also saw the blinking brutality of the neutralizer and April’s muffled screams beneath it. He saw April, months ago, trying to pull Spock to safety with a promotion to a science ship far from him. He saw April fighting that hidden programming to allow him and his crew to leave the 31 ship with Elise in tow.

Elise would have hated what he was about to do--- she never could have understood it. Maybe that was why he had to say it.

“Thank you,” Kirk said. “For what you tried to do for Spock.” April rolled his head away from Kirk, looking up at the ceiling, and scoffed tiredly.

“For all the good it did, in the end.”

Kirk shifted to the edge of his chair. He had expected defensiveness, or the silent treatment; not this bone-deep resignation. “For all the good it did? Admiral, if you hadn’t forced the issue, you would still be stuck on that ship and that woman would still be running Section 31.” April looked back at him. “Spock and I only put together all the pieces after we had to start talking about marriage and bonding, and we only did that because you were going to take him away otherwise.” Kirk considered April’s shaved head, the scattering of machines and their symphony of beeping and whirring. He could have left then, his mission accomplished. But something in April’s haggard face told him that the other man was lost.

“I’m sorry that she did this to you,” Kirk said recklessly. “And I’m sorry for putting you here.” April shook his head shallowly.

“I knew…” he said slowly. “I knew that the charges were a sham. I knew they wouldn’t stick. This was what I wanted.” His voice dragged, like he was having a hard time connecting his mind to his mouth. “You can go, Kirk.”

Kirk didn’t move. “What are you going to do next?”

“Resign,” April said. “Retire.”

“That’s it? You’re going to give up?” The volume of his voice rose involuntarily. April’s eyes flashed to him--- the first movement that matched the vigor that Kirk had come to expect from him.

“What would you have me do? Weasel back into a desk job after I defiled everything Starfleet stands for?”

“And how much of that was voluntary, Admiral? How much of working for 31 was voluntary at all?”

In a blink, the fight melted back out of him. April looked away from him. “I don’t know,” he said. “I don’t know anymore.”

Kirk leaned back in his chair, and for a moment they sat in silence, the only sound the beeping of the machinery. Then Kirk said, “Can I be honest with you?”

“I doubt anyone could stop you from doing so.”

“I don’t think it matters anymore, whether or not you know if it was voluntary,” Kirk said. “Enough of it wasn’t, and then you fought it. What matters now is what you’re going to do about it.”

April raised one hand weakly and gestured at the hospital room around him. “And what am I going to do about it?”

“Fix it,” Kirk said. “Find a way to talk about what you can’t talk about, and then help fix it.” When April finally looked at him again, there was a spark of life in his eyes: there was hope, a desperate hope, and the yawning cavern of an isolation that Kirk could only begin to understand.

“How?”

Kirk shifted his chair closer again. “Listen,” he said. “On Vulcan, what she did to us is called nekwitaya …”

Their situations were different, of course; the sheer volume of scarring in April’s brain was going to require a lot more hands-on medical care than Kirk had needed. But there was no better place for April to recover than on Vulcan, where a planet of telepaths and scientists understood the gravity of what had been done to him. Here, though there was no undoing what had been done, April stood a chance of healing from it.

When Kirk left, Sarah April was sitting outside the room, reading on her padd. She stood as he exited, concern pulling her eyebrows together and deepening the creases in her face. Kirk sent her Dr. Rowan McIntire’s contact information, and then he went home.

☆☆☆

The rest of that day was spent on logistics and organization. Kirk and Spock’s bonding would have none of the violence and circumstance of Spock and T’Pring’s koon-ut-kal-if-fee . They were not children, and there would be no challenge: they needed only their consent and a telepath to perform the bonding. Kirk was vaguely disconcerted by the sheer number of details that went into what was, in effect, a simple backyard wedding ceremony, and made a note to give Janice a commendation for coordinating both their engagement party and their first wedding with seventy-two hours’ notice.

Despite the fervent and genuine invitation that Kirk had extended, Neera Ketoul excused herself from the bonding festivities after he returned from his visit to April. “I do have other clients to attend to, Captain Kirk,” she said, but she shook his hand warmly when he walked her to the aircar that would return her to the transport hub and away.

“If there’s ever anything that we can do for you, just say the word,” Kirk said. “We could not have done this without you.”

“Maybe not,” she agreed, with her hand on the door of the aircar. She considered him, her dark eyes and skin shining under the hot Vulcan sun. “My people are not part of the Federation,” she said. “There is a lot of mistrust on both sides, perhaps too much to overcome. But men like you make me think that someday it could be.”

Later that night, as Bones washed and dried the dishes from dinner, Amanda reached out to the clan to request the services of a healer to perform the bonding, and Spock convinced a local restaurant to cater enough food for at least twenty people on such short notice, Kirk received a high-priority message on his padd from Starfleet HQ.

Dear Captain Kirk,

Congratulations! Though, naturally, the details of your court-martial are classified, I’ve received a new set of orders that make me think I can guess how it went. I’ve been called to Vulcan immediately to assist with [THIS MESSAGE HAS BEEN REDACTED].

My formal title might be regulations administrator, but not many know that this role includes enforcement, compliance, and oversight, as needed. I think I’m going to have a lot to do over the next few months.

I’ve been asked to assemble a team for it, which is why I’m reaching out today--- it’s a bit irregular, but if you’re willing to sign off on the transfer and if she agrees, I’d like to request Yeoman Janice Rand for it. She’s got an unparalleled grasp of how and why regulation works in practice, and I could use a mind like hers for what we’re trying to do.

Let me know what you think, and what she thinks.

My best to you and the commander. :)

LC Kathleen Lee

Kirk read the message twice before carrying it to Spock, claiming the open seat next to him at the island in the kitchen. Spock scanned it and said, handing it back, “If Yeoman Rand takes this post, I do not believe we will see her again in any short amount of time.” Bones turned to them curiously, leaning back against the counter with his arms crossed. He cocked an eyebrow up.

“Oh, I think we’ll see her again,” Kirk said. “It’ll just be when she’s running for president of the Federation.”

☆☆☆

On the second day after the trial, the morning of his and Spock’s bonding ceremony, Kirk sat undressed on the end of their bed and stared at the empty text block on his padd screen.

Dear Mom and Dad, I’m getting married today, again.

I’m Vulcan-bonding with my first officer today.

Did you go to Sam and Aurelan’s wedding? Would you want to come to mine?

Spock stepped out of the bathroom, barefoot and in an untied robe, and sat down next to him to look at what he was working on. Kirk closed the program and tossed the padd on the bed behind him before leaning into Spock. He was warm and fresh from the sonic, olive and bronzed from months on Vulcan.

“Do you wish your parents were attending?” Spock’s voice was gentle.

“Not enough to have written them about it earlier,” Kirk said, and when Spock leaned over him, one long hand against his sternum, he let Spock push him backwards onto the bed. “There’s so much to fix before we’d even get to that point.”

Spock’s lips brushed the skin behind his ear, down his neck, across one collarbone. “At our current rate, we will have another wedding in approximately eighteen months. You can reevaluate at that point.” Kirk laughed, and Spock’s hand skimmed down his arm, flipping their hands to be palm-to-palm and pressing his down into the mattress.

“I thought you were tired of parties,” Kirk teased. Spock nipped at him.

“I have been convinced of their utility,” he said, and slid his hands under Kirk’s hips in a clear attempt to distract him further. His efforts were successful.

The survivors arrived at the house just as the sun was beginning its graceful descent towards the mountains on the horizon beyond the Forge. Kevin wore his dress uniform, but the others were in civilian attire: Ellie and Tommy in near-matching black suits, much to Mira’s delight, and Martha in a dress. Mira wore a hot pink one-piece garment that Kirk couldn’t have named if he had tried, but he watched with a grin as Ellie teased her dryly about having brought party clothes to a court-martial (“We were only coming to testify!”) and Mira defended herself (“Wasn’t I right, though?”).

Bones also wore his uniform. He sidled up to Kirk as they greeted the survivors at the front gate, Vulcan’s closest approximation to a mint julep in hand.

“Seems to me like you’re starting to wrap things up here, Jim,” he said. “You’ve got more time. No need to rush back into things.”

Kirk glanced sidelong at him as his friends passed by, led by Amanda towards the garden where the bonding would take place. “I think I’ve had enough time away,” he said. “I don’t want to sit still any longer.”

Bones’s eyes were shrewd. “But you did sit still for at least a little bit, right?” Down the road a pair of figures began to materialize out of the heat shimmering off the pavement: a round human figure with a short dark thatch of hair, and a bear-sized lump of white and brown.

“I did,” Kirk said, and watched as the two abstract shapes slowly became Rowan and Suk’han as they approached. “Actually, this is someone I’d like you to meet.” Rowan wore her everyday professional attire that Kirk had come to recognize, but she had woven cactus blossoms into a crown and placed it jauntily over Suk’han’s ears.

“You’re looking well, Jim,” Rowan said, and smiled approvingly. He grinned and shrugged back at her before turning to Bones.

“Rowan, this is my chief medical officer, Bones. Leonard McCoy, this is Rowan McIntire. She, ah… she’s the new therapist.”

“Oh?” Bones extended his hand, turning completely towards her to get a better look.

“The famous Dr. McCoy!” Rowan shook his hand and accepted his inspection. “Tell me, how do you get Bones from Leonard?” As they clasped hands, some sort of mysterious medical understanding passed between them; when Bones smiled back at her, it was genuine.

“You ask him politely, ma’am,” Bones said, and Rowan laughed wickedly. Suk’han, apparently tired of not being the center of Kirk’s attention, pushed her head against his sternum and leaned a portion of her significant mass against him.

“Hello to you too,” he murmured, and passed his hands through the thick fur at the base of her neck. She nuzzled him sweetly, and for a moment, abandoning his pretexts at dignity, he threw his arms around her neck entirely. Then he released her, left Bones and Rowan to get to know each other, and went to find his husband.

The senior staff of the Enterprise were next to arrive. In small groups they beamed down outside the garden gates: Sulu, Chekov, and Pike, then Uhura, Chapel, Janice, and Priyal Khan at Spock’s invitation, and then Sal Giotto and Scotty. Uhura’s feet had no sooner settled into the sand before she was moving, throwing her arms around Spock and Kirk. Spock’s hand came up to stroke affectionately over the back of her hair, but Kirk couldn’t help himself: he picked her up and swung her in a circle as her laughter rang out. There were embraces and back slaps and handshakes all around from his friends; they accepted him back into their ranks as if he had never left.

“God, it’s good to see you all,” he said, grinning so hard his cheeks ached. He squatted next to Chris’s chair to hear him better over the hubbub. His crew mingled in the garden among the cacti and shrubbery with Spock’s parents, Rowan, and the Tarsus survivors. Amanda and Rowan talked quietly by the table of beverages, and something Rowan said made Amanda’s quiet laugh burble through the garden. Suk’han was ecstatic on her back as Mira, Uhura, and Chapel cooed over her spots and rubbed her belly. “How have things been?”

“Surprisingly quiet,” Chris said. “Seems as though you’re the magnet for most of the trouble that the Enterprise gets in.”

“Hey, now,” Kirk complained, and his eyes found Spock across the way, dark and handsome in the goldenrod light of dusk. “Spock was gone too. Maybe he’s the magnet.”

“You just keep telling yourself that, son,” Chris laughed. “Maybe someday you’ll convince someone else.” He navigated his hoverchair carefully around Amanda’s plants to talk to Spock, and Kirk basked in the presence of so many of his loved ones. As he stood alone, looking over the assembled, something painful twinged in his heart. Sam should have been here. After so many wounds had been healed and problems solved, part of Kirk thought that Sam and his ridiculous mustache should have emerged, laughing and whole, from behind some curtain. It didn’t seem fair that, after everything, Sam and Aurelan were still dead.

He took a sip of his drink and tilted his head back, letting the last of the day’s sunlight wash over him. I miss you, he thought fervently. I wish you were here for all this. He pictured Sam as he remembered him: throwing open the door to his hospital room, skipping classes with him after his return to school, showing him around the Academy campus when he first arrived, the holos of him holding baby Peter after he was born. He held the ache in his chest with both hands, letting himself miss Sam, before he opened his eyes again. The ache didn’t go away, but it took up a safe and manageable residence in his heart next to everything else. Then he exhaled and rejoined his friends.

Kirk was turned away from the garden entrance, talking to Scotty and Giotto, and so he didn’t see her when she arrived. He only heard the sudden hush that fell over those gathered, and in the silence, he turned.

T’Pau swept towards him through the garden, the edges of her robes disturbing the sand in tornado-like swirls. It seemed like even the insects and the night-birds had fallen quiet in her presence. Kirk raised the ta’al and glanced quickly at Spock.

“Elder T’Pau,” he said. “What can I do for you?” He felt, more than saw, Spock wind his way through the crowd and materialize at his side. T’Pau considered him, the half-light casting the wrinkles of her face in sharp contrast.

“ S’chn T’gai James Kirk,” she said finally. “Thee and Spock are to be bonded.”

“Yes, ma’am,” he said. She nodded once. Her eyes glinted in the fading light, no less shrewd for her age.

“Thee has done Vulcan a service,” she said. She raised one hand, her robes collapsing down around her elbow. “If thee will give thy mind, I will bond thee.” Spock’s shoulders settled back in surprise as he clasped his hands behind his back, and Amanda’s eyebrows shot upwards before she reined her facial expression back into a warm neutrality.

“It would be an honor,” Kirk said, when he found his voice. Spock shifted closer to him, their shoulders brushing, and they both sank to their knees under T’Pau’s titanium gaze. Their family, their friends, formed a loose circle around them and the leader of their clan as T’Pau raised both hands.

“I will bond thee in the way of our people,” T’Pau said, her voice sonorous in the desert evening. “What thee will witness comes down from the time of the beginning without change. This is the Vulcan heart. This is the Vulcan soul. This is our way. Kah-if-farr! ”

She lowered her hands, and for a second, before she put her fingers on Kirk’s face, she waited. Kirk closed his eyes and nodded. With that consent, she placed her fingers on his psi-points, and the world around him vanished.

It was dark in the meld. T’Pau’s mind was vast and echoing around him. He could feel the enormity of her intellect, her age, the reverberating katric energy that she carried. He felt very small. He was a speck in the darkness, one single star in the galaxy, and he felt the scrunity when that gargantuan mind came to focus on him.

James Kirk , T’Pau said. This is the Vulcan way. Thee gives thy mind willingly to another?

There was a tiny part of him, ancient and wounded, that longed to flinch, if only out of habit. But he had not spent the past four months excavating his heart to give in to that habit now. I give it to Spock , Kirk said, or thought. He felt the rumble of her approval rattle the world around him.

Speak our words, she told him. I would bond with thee, ever and always touching and touched .

Kirk repeated them back, stumbling at first but then growing in strength: I would bond with thee, ever and always touching and touched. He said them again and again until he could feel his heart beating in time with its rhythm. He heard the echoes of hundreds of thousands of bonded pairs singing with him in T’Pau’s ancestral memory. He repeated them until he could feel himself vibrating with it; he glowed with his conviction. This was for Spock, this was for his best friend and his husband, the man who had walked into hell for him and carried him out--- this was what Kirk wanted to give to him.

Then, in the darkness --- there was light. A golden sun erupted into flames on the far horizon of T’Pau’s mind. It soared from an impossible distance towards him, trailing a burning thread like a meteor shower behind it, before falling towards him. Kirk held out both hands and caught the tiny star in his palms. It burned. It loved him. It unspooled into thread and formed a glimmering road from his hands to some indescribable point in the dark void beyond, stretching on forever. He felt T’Pau’s sudden and fierce curiosity, so like Spock’s, and the roaring approval of those who had come before him as it lit the way forward.

This is the Vulcan heart , T’Pau said. Her voice was as stoic as ever, but beneath it, reverberating through the meld-space, he could hear something that was almost surprise. Guidance is unnecessary for thee now. Follow the bond. There was an enormous shifting around him as T’Pau closed parts of her mind off to him; it was suddenly quieter than he had ever experienced. There was only his mind, and his thrumming heartbeat, and the golden burning string that pulled him forward. Follow the bond, James Kirk, T’Pau said.

Kirk took a fumbling step forward in the darkness, feet falling unsteadily towards the invisible floor under him. Then another. Then another. The string pulled him forward, steadying him, anchoring him. He knew where he was going now. At the far end of the road before him was Spock, his ecstatic curiosity and his secret kindness and the beautiful mind that he had offered to Kirk without reservation.

Kirk wrapped both hands in the nascent bond before him and took off running.

Ever and always, ever and always, ever and always .

The bond grew hotter and hotter in his hands, glowing brighter until it had all but banished the inky void around him. He had been wrong about the color--- it was gold, but it wasn’t only gold. It was the silver of the Enterprise , and the burgundy of Spock’s old quarters. It was the cream and green and gold of wedding streamers, and the blue of a science tunic. It was the umber of Vulcan sand and the black of uniform trousers and the yellow of an Iowa cornfield and the teal of a Tarsus sky. It was everything that was both of them, and it burned in his hands.

The sense of T’Pau was fading, that ancient intellect melting away. It was replaced instead by the insistent surety that Spock was near, that he was following the same path from the other side. The sense of him grew with every step as the bond glowed white-hot until it was too hot to hold. Even when he dropped it Kirk could feel it in and around him.

He was in the center of a star, and it flared around him. He was going to burn with it. It was all-encompassing, inescapable, incomprehensible.

I would bond with thee, he said to the star. Ever and always touching and touched.

Spock said, I would bond with thee, and his voice was everywhere. Ever and always touching and touched . Spock’s mind was everywhere, and Kirk dissolved in it. He settled entirely into Spock’s hands as Spock spun around him.

My Jim , Spock said, nearly purring with satisfaction. They tangled in each other.

K’diwa , Kirk said. In the meld there was no hiding his delight. Honey! Spock’s mind curled around his, and Kirk threw his arms open to accept it. He had not known before how literal the translation ‘meld’ was for what he felt: there was no separating them now as they spun around each other, a binary star system, a hurricane, inextricably entwined. He had feared this intimacy so entirely when they had first married, pushing Spock away to prevent the opportunity from ever arising. But none of that fear remained. There was no part of himself that he wouldn’t trust Spock to see and hold. They swung around each other as the star of the nascent bond burned. It slowly consolidated, condensing down from uncontrollable flame into something more like a bridge. It refracted into every color Kirk had ever seen before it settled into a solid arc from his mind to Spock’s. It glowed.

Spock pressed on it, and it reverberated. Kirk laughed as he felt it vibrate through him, rumbling his bones, lighting up his mind.

Bondmates , Kirk said.

Telsu , Spock said. His voice was steady, but there was no hiding his emotion in the bond: it sang with his pleasure. Slowly Kirk became aware of his body again, as well as his mind and the bond. He remembered that there was a world outside of their minds, T’Pau and Spock’s parents and their friends, and he felt Spock’s amusement at his chagrin.

We will have time, ashayam , Spock said, and in the swirling abyss of the meld Kirk felt his arms come around him. With the bond glowing like a meteor shower between them, he carried them back to the world.

Kirk’s eyes opened. T’Pau pulled her hands from his and Spock’s faces, shaking her robes back down over her wrists.

“Thee are bonded,” she declared without preamble, and she only blinked once as the unruly humans around her whooped and hollered. She caught Kirk’s eyes, looking down on him from where he still knelt in the sand, and she nodded. They were now even, he thought, and somehow he was certain that he and Spock would be welcomed back to Vulcan whenever they chose to return. He turned to Spock, a wide smile splitting his face, and Spock pulled him to his feet. The touch of his hands seared through him. By the time he had turned back to T’Pau to thank her, she was already halfway across the garden, a black-robed mass vanishing into the dark. He watched her go until a pulsing warmth in the back of his head pulled his attention back to the garden. Spock watched him, outwardly stoic, but Kirk could feel him through the bond: a subtle and curious joy that he knew didn’t belong to him. The sun had set while they were in the meld, and in the evening twilight Spock glowed in his vision with some invisible, intangible psychic energy.

He held two fingers out, and Spock met him in the ozh’esta. His eyes widened as their hands met and that energy arced between their hands, flashing up his arm and making his hair stand on end. Spock’s amusement and the dark heat of a promise for later in the evening soaked into his mind.

“I get it now,” he breathed. For a moment the heat overwhelmed him; he only wanted to drag Spock back to the guesthouse and make love to him while the new bridge sang between their minds. But their friends were here to celebrate them; they would have time enough later. With the knowledge of what was to come heating his thoughts, they turned back to their family and friends to celebrate beneath the desert sky.

The night stretched on as Kirk and Spock mingled with their loved ones. Every brush of their fingers or casual touch sparked down Kirk’s skin, driving him to distraction, and Spock’s well-hidden amusement was evident through the bond. Kirk could feel him in the back of his mind, like Spock had a hand on the back of his neck, and he couldn’t stop himself from nuzzling his mind against the spot just to feel Spock glow with pleasure on the other side.

Eventually, both too soon and not soon enough, the guests started to say their goodbyes. Tommy and Martha left first, with the promise that they would come by the next day to see Kirk again before they went home, then Mira and Ellie. Rowan and Suk’han followed, much to Chapel and Uhura’s disappointment. Rowan gave Kirk a hug before she left.

“You keep my information, you hear?”

“Yes, ma’am,” Kirk said.

“My new best friend Bones will tell me if you need to reach out and you don’t,” she said, and Kirk’s eyes widened with betrayal.

“I never should have introduced the two of you!”

Rowan shrugged. “Maybe,” she said. “But it’s too late now.” She waited as Kirk pressed his forehead to Suk’han’s, fondling her ears and accepting a rough-scrape lick across his cheek, and then, with one more smile, she left. Bones appeared at his shoulder.

“I like her,” he said immediately, and Kirk slapped him on the back.

“I’m sure you do,” he said. The Enterprise crew started beaming back up to the ship as well; Bones retrieved his things from the main house and accepted hugs from Amanda and Kirk before he left. As Janice stepped forward with Uhura and Chapel, Kirk snagged her arm.

“If you don’t mind too terribly,” he said. “I have a work question for you.”

“Sure, captain,” she said, and nodded to Christine and Uhura for them to continue on without her. Kevin dropped in behind them, returning to the Enterprise rather than ShiKahr now that the trial was over. Kirk steered them a few paces away from the rest of the crew as Spock saw them off, trying not to twitch as Spock left his side for the first time since they were bonded, and said, “I received an interesting message today.”

Janice’s eyebrows went up. “Interesting how?”

“It was a job offer for you.” Her eyebrows went higher, climbing towards her braided beehive.

“What type of job?”

Kirk considered her, trying to gauge how best to explain Lee’s offer. He mentally backed up, and instead put both hands on her shoulders.

“Thank you,” he said first. “For all your help before the trial. I don’t know what we would have done without you.”

“Oh,” she said, pleased, and looked down. “I’m sure that it would have been fine, you had Kathleen---” Then she cut herself off, and to Kirk’s immense surprise, blushed. “Lieutenant Commander Lee,” she said awkwardly.

“Now, Janice,” Kirk said slowly, grinning, “What’s all this about?”

“Nothing, captain,” she said immediately. Kirk shook her by the shoulders.

“We are at my wedding, yeoman,” he said, and released her. “I think you can be a little personal, if you want.” She looked up at him, blue eyes enormous, and covered her cheeks with the backs of her fingers before she said, “It’s nothing. It’s really nothing. It’s just…” She took a deep breath and said, her blush returning with a vengeance, “I’ve never met anyone whose mind works like hers before. Like mine. Working with her…” She trailed off and looked down.

“You like her,” Kirk said, and Spock looked over at him in response to his pulse of delight over the bond.

“I don’t know,” she protested. Kirk had never seen her at a loss for words before. “I’ve never even met her in person. I just…”

“She offered you a job,” Kirk said, unable to hide the grin spreading across his face. “She messaged me today. If you want it, I’ll sign your transfer.”

“What?” Her voice was sharp with shock. She covered her cheeks again. The bond in the back of Kirk’s head vibrated and shivered as Spock approached.

“I believe her exact words were, ‘She’s got an unparalleled grasp of how and why regulation works in practice,’” Spock said. “She has been tasked with something in the aftermath of the court-martial, and requested you for her staff.” Janice pressed her hands harder against her cheeks.

“I… But…” She looked up at them, her eyes shining.

“Yeoman,” Kirk said, and felt Spock settle his hand at the base of his spine. The contact sent shivers over his skin, refracting in his vision. “Can I give you some advice?” She nodded. He leaned into Spock’s shoulder and said, “Take the leap.”

Janice closed her eyes and nodded again. Then she dropped her hands away from her face and straightened, and Kirk saw the steel in her spine reassert itself.

“By your leave, captain,” she said, voice high with excitement, and Kirk nodded. With one more mischievous grin breaking out over her face, she turned and ran to where Giotto was waiting to beam up. Kirk and Spock turned to the last of their guests. The rest of the crew then beamed back to the ship, and when Kirk watched them go, it was with the knowledge that he would be joining them soon.

He and Spock helped clear away the detritus of celebration, and under the light of T’Khut stole away back to the guesthouse. Before the door had even shut behind them entirely Spock had pushed him back against it. It clicked sharply in the silence, and before the echo had even faded away entirely Spock was on him, tongue and teeth against his skin and his hand sliding down into his trousers. Finally he could focus entirely on the new bond in the back of his mind. When he closed his eyes, tilting his head back against the door as Spock licked down his neck, he felt not only his own arousal, but Spock’s too, shuddering over the bond in great gasps. He pulled Spock’s face to his so he could kiss him. He slid his tongue past the seam of Spock’s lips as they parted for him, one of Spock’s hands coming up to cradle the back of his head and hold him in place. He listened, and felt it like the ocean: behind a barrier that he could only assume were Spock’s shields, some raging morass swelled. Kirk slid his hands under Spock’s robes, running them up his chest, and he could feel it: both Spock’s heat and skin under his palms, but also the mirror of the feeling through the bond, the way Spock tingled and lit up at his touch. Their mutual arousal bounced between them, magnifying with each pass down the bond of nails against backs and teeth against nipples and tongues against skin. Kirk pushed him backwards towards the bed, pulling Spock’s robes off his shoulders and sliding his hands greedily over the miles and miles of exposed skin. He glowed in the light of T’Khut through the windows, rippled scars and body hair and bony joints all illuminated for Kirk’s admiration. Spock was his, every inch and neuron, to touch and hold and love.

“Yours,” Spock murmured in response as he let Kirk push him backwards onto the bed. Kirk crawled over him, relishing the mirrored drag of skin and hair, the way Spock ground up against his thigh between his legs.

Yours , Kirk thought down the bond, as loudly as he could, and felt Spock’s mind throb in response. The dual sensations of both him and Spock were overwhelming. He was flying blind, but he followed his instincts: he pressed his mind messily against Spock’s shields as he kissed and licked and bit down his body. Let me in, let me see you.

Ashayam--- Spock’s mind-voice was breathless as Kirk took him into his mouth, kneeling between his legs. His own cock throbbed, untouched, as what Spock was feeling flooded over him. He felt giddy with overstimulation, high on the sensation of the reverberating bond, the tether between their minds bouncing with movement and arousal. He crawled back up the bed to retrieve the lubricant from Spock’s bedside table. When he settled back next to him to work him open, Spock peeled back the layers of his shields in a striptease unlike any other.

Kirk did not frequently forget that Spock was an alien, a completely different species than himself; but it had never been so apparent than it did when Spock’s senses started to leak down the bond. His hearing was far keener than Kirk’s, his color vision slightly different, his sense of smell completely different. He closed his eyes to take it all in as he opened Spock up by touch alone. The way Spock saw him, felt him, smelled his sweat and sex--- all of it pulsed and dripped like wax down the bond into his mind. His fingers in Spock sparked with latent psi-energy, now made tangible through their bonding, lighting him up from the inside. Then Spock brought his hand up to Kirk’s face, sliding over his cheekbones and settling onto his psi-points. They slipped into the meld.

His body continued to move on autopilot. He settled between Spock’s thighs and pulled him into his lap. Spock groped at his shoulders and bit his neck as he slid into him, but all of his attention was within. He no longer had any concept of controlling or directing his own thoughts; the bond and Kirk’s mind were flooded with Spock. Spock slid into his mind. Spock pressed him open, the sheer overwhelming depth of his regard and his arousal dripping and licking into every fold and crevice. He could see himself the way Spock saw him: he could see shades that Kirk’s human eyes never could have distinguished. In Spock’s vision, he glowed a thousand shades of gold.

Kirk laced his fingers through Spock’s, pinning his hands down against the mattress, and buried his face in his neck with his eyes closed. He listened to Spock’s sharp little gasps and let Spock’s mind push into his, tonguing him open, laving his love, his thoughts, his lust over everything he was. The bond drew them tighter and tighter, swelling with the energy that poured between them, vibrating until it was singing one clear note between them---

When they came, they came together, and the bond erupted into glimmering shards of light.

☆☆☆

When he awoke the next morning, Kirk’s padd had a notice on it from the Enterprise .

By order of Dr. Leonard McCoy, chief medical officer of the U.S.S. Enterprise, Captain James Kirk is authorized to return to duty, with no restrictions, effective start of next Alpha shift.

His jag of bright sharp happiness startled Spock out of sleep, who turned to him immediately, reaching for him across the bed. “Jim?”

Kirk flopped backwards onto the pillows and tossed his padd out of reach before rolling over Spock, straddling his hips and pressing his forehead to his. Spock skimmed his hands over his back and ass, his question floating over the bond and through his skin.

Kirk said, “Let’s go home.”

☆☆☆

Kirk and Spock prepared lunch in the kitchen of the main house before the survivors arrived. They would spend a few hours together before they scattered back to the far corners of the galaxy; Tommy and Martha to their university, Mira and Ellie to their school, and Kirk and Kevin back to the Enterprise . After they’d all arrived and eaten together, Spock extended a gracious hand in front of him and said to Martha, “Would you care to see my mother’s garden? She has encouraged many non-native plants to flourish here.”

“Yes! I meant to ask you about Vulcan pollinators last night,” Martha said immediately, and smoothed a hand over Tommy’s hair as she passed him and followed Spock outside. The door shut quietly behind them, leaving the survivors seated around the island. It struck Kirk that, without his noticing, he and his kids had sat around a table to share a meal for the first time since Farm School. He and Tommy had both found partners with whom they could share what they had endured, Kevin had carefully eaten nearly an entire plate with only one preliminary flinch, and with every moment spent in their company Ellie became a little less private. She was still reserved--- she and Mira had always had different temperaments--- but she shared more of her own interests, rather than letting Mira talk for both of them. Kirk learned that Martha and Tommy wanted children, that Ellie had a partner but Mira was uninterested in romance, that Kevin was the number one scorer across all of Starfleet on a popular holo-vid game. With every detail that he learned about them, their hollowed-out, desolate faces in his memory were replaced with them as they were now: scarred but alive, so alive. Even if they did not stay in contact any longer now that the trial was over, seeing them was a gift to him.

The survivors stayed for three hours, talking over their empty plates. Martha and Spock eventually rejoined them with Martha’s promise to send along her research on artificial pollination for transplanted flowers, and Kirk spent his afternoon drinking in the pleasure of their company. His kids, his friends--- he had asked for help and they had risen to the challenge with a grace he had never predicted.

Their time was winding down when Tommy said quietly, “I’ve been thinking about something since we got here.” All attention turned to him. He released his mask from the side of his head and rubbed the damaged skin self-consciously before resealing it. “I want to find Laika’s parents, and Madeleine and Natalya’s if possible, and tell them the truth.” Martha’s hand found Tommy’s under the table. For a second there was silence around the table as they remembered their fallen friend, the empty sixth chair, who had only tried to preserve their meager water supply and had died for it. They remembered the adults who had tried to save them.

“Yes,” Mira said, voice firm, and Ellie nodded. “They should know.”

“Madeleine and Natalya were Starfleet,” Kirk said, and looked at Spock and Kevin. “Their emergency contacts might still be listed in their cadet files.”

“One of my professors from the Academy had been on the Valiant ,” Kevin offered. “She might know something useful, too.”

Tommy grinned lopsidedly across the table at Kirk, and Kirk grinned back.

Kirk and Spock stood on the long, low front porch as the rest of the survivors called for aircars to take them to other transport or commed the Enterprise to be beamed back up. When it was time for each to go, Kirk pulled them in for a hug.

“Thank you,” he told each one, and each time he received a variation on a theme: I’m so glad you asked. I’m so glad you reached out. I’m happy that I could help you. Thank you for bringing us back together.

Then it was only him and Spock standing in the late-afternoon sun, and Spock asked, “Will you remain in contact with them now?”

“God, I hope so,” Kirk said. “Maybe I��ll let them all get home and settled before reaching back out again, though.”

Then his padd dinged. He pulled it from his pocket.

You have been invited to a group message by Mira Alcanzar: FARM SCHOOL FAMILY. Accept invitation? [YES / NO]

☆☆☆

Amanda and Spock prepared a special dinner for their last night on Vulcan: a wildly illogical smorgasbord of the foods that Kirk had enjoyed most during his time there. Breakfast breads rested alongside the vegetable wrap that he had eaten every day for lunch for three weeks in a row after first being introduced to it. There was a lot of soy; Vulcans had figured out ways to prepare tofu that even centuries of Earth vegans hadn’t attempted. Sarek, home earlier than usual from the embassy, joined them, and though dinner was quieter for his presence it was not tense or unpleasant.

“I’ll see you in the morning,” Amanda assured them after they all cleared away the plates, either stored or recycled what hadn’t been eaten, and Sarek had vanished into his office. “But the house will feel so strange once you’ve gone back.”

“I can’t thank you enough for everything you’ve done for me. For us,” Kirk said to her. He dried the dishes that she had deemed too delicate for the sonic and replaced them in their proper places. She handed him the last glass and leaned her hip against the counter, turning to look at him.

“Logic does not need to be thanked, Jim,” she said. Then she laid her hand on his arm. “And neither does family.” His throat tightened at the unexpected words. She smiled as he struggled with his composure and turned to the kitchen at large, where Spock wiped down the table.

“I hope you come visit when you’re able,” she said. “I hope it’s not another twenty years before we get Spock back here.”

“I’ll see what I can do, ma’am. But if you could send me a list of anything that would qualify me for clan protection again, I might be able to speed up the process.” He and Amanda laughed as Spock raised an incredulous eyebrow at him, and then they bid her goodnight.

They were halfway across the garden to the guesthouse when a deep voice called, “ Sa-fu. ” Spock straightened immediately and turned over his shoulder. Kirk turned with him as a spark of surprise flickered down the bond. Sarek stood by the back door, illuminated by the light of the main house; it swirled over the waves of his hair and caught in his robes.

“ Sa-mekh,” Spock said, and Kirk felt the twinge of question and confusion in Spock’s mind. When was the last time he had called his father by that word, instead of his name? Had it been before that last catastrophic fight, before Spock joined Starfleet?

Sarek hesitated for a moment, before he crossed to them. For a moment he looked at his son, and his son at him. Then Sarek extended something between them. Spock took it and held it up in the light: it was a wrapped packet of coiled ka'athyra strings.

“Your playing has improved since your youth,” Sarek said. “But it appears that the strings on your instrument have not been replaced.”

“ Ka’athyra strings are rarely sold off of Vulcan, and therefore difficult to acquire while on mission,” Spock said, and gently turned the packet in his hands. He looked at his father.

“Then it would be prudent for you to return in order to purchase them more regularly,” Sarek said. He looked at his son, and though his face remained still, something in his eyes softened. He drew himself up and said, in the measured tones of the perfectly logical, “Your mother would like it.” He stepped backwards, as if to distance himself from what he had said, and instead raised the ta’al . “I travel early in the morning for a meeting, so I will not see you before you depart. Live long and prosper, Spock. Captain Kirk.”

Spock and Kirk both raised the ta’al . “Live long and prosper, Father,” Spock said, and Sarek nodded once before turning and sweeping back into the house. Spock looked down at the strings in his hand before looking at Kirk with something close to abject shock bouncing over the bond. Kirk ran his hand over Spock’s back, leaning into him for a moment, and they continued back to the guesthouse to pack.

Before Kirk fell asleep that night, he sent a message.

Dear Mom and Dad,

I hope you’re both doing well. How is the U.S.S. Sausalito? Are you headed anywhere new?

I wanted to let you know that I’m married now--- to my first officer, S’chn T’gai Spock of Vulcan. We were bonded on Vulcan while we were on-planet for leave. If we ever cross paths, I’d love to introduce him to you. He’s great. I think Dad would like him a lot.

I also wanted to talk to you about something else. I’m not sure if you heard, but there was a court-martial recently--- I was cleared, but the trial brought up a lot of evidence about what happened when I was a kid. If you’re up for it, I’d like to talk to you about it. If you’re not, that’s fine. But the offer stands.

Anyway, that’s all. Safe travels.

Your son,

Jim

He closed his padd and dropped it onto the bedside table before rolling to wrap himself around Spock’s back. Part of him wanted to refresh his messages over and over until the battery died. Part of him hoped that his parents never responded. But he had done his part; the only thing he had control over was whether or not he had sent the comm.

They might respond and refuse to acknowledge that anything had changed, or refuse to talk about Tarsus at all. They might prefer to stay estranged and leave themselves at arm’s distance. But Kirk had reached out. He would leave that hand extended, because that was what he did: he would rather reach out and fail than never try and wonder forever.

In the end, he thought, what his parents decided to do now wouldn’t really matter. He knew that, either way, he would be okay.

☆☆☆

The next morning, Kirk pulled his uniform down off the hanger in the closet for the first time in four months. He held it in his hands, letting it slide through his fingers to the bed, before stripping off his sleep clothes and stepping into them. He sensed Spock’s approach before the door opened, and when Spock entered from the bathroom in his science blues, Kirk turned with his hands outstretched and said, “How do I look?”

Spock scanned him from head to toe and back again, and though his face did not change Kirk could feel him through the bond: pride and appreciation, a flicker of arousal that Kirk noted with curiosity and tucked away to consider in detail later, and his love.

“Ready for duty, sir,” Spock said, and bent to kiss him.

They met Amanda in the backyard with their bags. She was dressed to leave for her own work, hair wrapped carefully to prevent it being tossed in the day’s high winds, and unclasped her hands from in front of herself as they appeared. Kirk accepted a hug and Spock raised the ta’al .

“Please let us know how you’re doing every once in a while,” Amanda said to Kirk, eyes twinkling at them both. “Us human mothers do appreciate a sign of life.”

“I’ll make it happen, ma’am,” Kirk said, grinning. Then, with a lurch of joy and apprehension, he flipped open his comm. “Captain Kirk to Lieutenant Commander Scott.”

“Scotty here,” a welcome voice called back. “On standby for transport, sir.”

“Thank you again, Amanda,” Kirk said, and Amanda smiled warmly.

“You’re always welcome here, Jim,” she said. Then her focus turned to her son. “I love you, sa-fu. ” Spock inclined his head, and as Kirk gave Scotty the word and the transporter grabbed them, the bond twanged with gratitude and warmth and something that felt like daring.

“And I you, ko-mekh ,” Spock said. Before the transporter whirled them away, they got one good look at the expression on Amanda Grayson’s face as she registered what Spock had said. It was beautiful.

Kirk and Spock materialized on the starship Enterprise for the first time in four months, and it immediately felt like home again. Kirk closed his eyes, still standing on the transporter pad with his bag over his shoulder, and listened to the music of his ship: the constant low roar of life support and aircon, the beeps and whirrs of panels and machinery fans, footsteps in the hallway and the voices of his crew, and one Montgomery Scott at the transporter control panel calling, “Good to have you back, captain!”

“Ah, Scotty,” Kirk said, and grinned broadly. “There’s no place like home.” They stepped out of the transporter room and were immediately overwhelmed by a chorus of “welcome back!” and “good to see you!” from the crew passing through the halls. Tired engineers leaving the bay after Gamma shift passed bright-eyed Alpha scientists headed down to the science decks early--- the scientists did double-takes at Spock’s reappearance, raising the Vulcan salute and squeaking their hellos before darting down to the labs. Kirk bounced on the balls of his feet, drinking it all in. He had been returned to his ship, rested and repaired and more grateful than he had ever been in his life for the crew that had held space for him while he was away. He wanted to wrap his arms around the entirety of the ship and hold it close to him.

Spock pulled Kirk’s duffel bag off his shoulder and placed it onto his own. “I will return our possessions to our quarters and meet you on the bridge,” he said. Amusement and affection pulsed over the bond, spilling into his mind, as Spock thought, Go. I’ll see you in a moment. Kirk grinned at him, quietly pressing two fingers to Spock’s, and slipped with Scotty into the crowd.

He had thirty minutes before the start of Alpha shift, and he intended to make them count. He started by following Scotty down to Engineering to say hello to the engineers before shifting upward to the labs. He waved to Dr. Khan and Spock’s scientists, many of whom giggled and waved at the return of his formerly unexplained presence in the lab. He stuck his head in the crew mess to shout hello and grab a coffee, did the same in the officers’ mess, popped into the gym and Giotto’s office, and rode the turbolift just to hear the whooshing of it. He climbed a Jeffries tube and scared the living daylights out of an unprepared ensign when he swung out of it. He eventually found himself on the D deck: the longest strip of uninterrupted corridor on the ship, dead in the center and reaching from fore to aft. He didn’t see a single other person in the hallway; it didn’t have a formal use, and mostly served as a conduit to other places.

He raised his hands high above his head, stretching and breathing in the slightly stale tang of recycled air. The oxygen level on the ship was higher than that of Vulcan, and he was high on the difference. He would miss Vulcan. He would miss the guesthouse and Amanda’s kitchen and the purple tile of Rowan’s ceiling. But the Enterprise was his home; this was where he belonged. He bounced on the balls of his feet and relished the feel of his uniform against his skin and the comfortable tread of his work boots against the floor. Then, completely alone, unwatched, and free, he ran the entire length of his beloved ship, laughing like a kid.

Kirk arrived on the bridge thirty seconds before the start of Alpha shift. The turbolift door whooshed open, and it was like the past four months had never happened: Uhura at the communications console, Sulu and Chekov bickering at the front, Spock standing at parade rest by the sensors, already looking at the turbolift when Kirk arrived. Chris wheeled his chair around as a rush of warmth engulfed Kirk: welcome backs and hellos, and Spock’s pleased pride and comfort humming in the back of his mind.

“Welcome back, Captain Kirk,” Chris said.

“Thank you, Admiral,” Kirk said, and grinned. “I relieve you, sir.”

“I am relieved,” Chris said, and for a moment it crystallized between them: that unique love that a captain had for the ship they commanded, and their appreciation for the ship and the crew that they loved in common. Then Chris backed out of the chair-stall and Kirk strode down the steps to it. He flipped the seat back down and, after all his time away, sat back into it.

He leaned back and crossed one leg over the other. It felt a little different, after the alterations that Scotty had made for Chris’s chair. But he was different, as well, so that was alright.

“Your orders are to escort me, Morrow, and Drake back to Earth,” Chris said. “Then you’ll head back out to the black.” His eyes flicked to a padd that Kirk hadn’t noticed, resting on the arm of the chair. “That came this morning.” Kirk sat forward and flicked it open to read as Chris made his farewells to the rest of the bridge crew and steered himself into the turbolift.

HIGH PRIORITY

CONFIDENTIAL

Captain Kirk,

It’s been a productive few days for us, but it seems like every time we learn something concrete, it sends us down another rabbit hole of secrets. My prediction of a few months of work may have been premature. We’re not waiting for the investigation to be done, though, before we start rectifying some of the more egregious violations. Please see attached an assignment for after you return the admirals to Headquarters. If you find it more painful than helpful, let me know, but I’ve decided that you and Lieutenant Riley get the right of first refusal on this one.

Two other updates for you: first, Admiral April is remaining on Vulcan for the time being so that he can work with the VSA to repair the damage done by the neutralizer. Though communication is complicated on that front at the moment, he has indicated that he intends to remain embedded with my team until the work is done.

I did tell him what I was going to offer to you, and he said, and I quote, to “call it a belated wedding gift.”

Second: Janice says hello. Thank you again for signing her transfer - she has been invaluable already.

Reach out if you refuse the mission or if there are any complications. If not, report the outcome back to me once completed.

Best,

LC Lee

Kirk tapped on the bond to get Spock’s attention as he re-read Lee’s note. His attention snagged on the phrase ‘right of first refusal’ as Spock left his sensors to stand at his shoulder and read the padd in his hand.

Any guesses?

None that I am willing to put forth.

Kirk tapped to the next page and pulled up the mission itself. Across the top was branded FOR EXTRADITION: CRIMES AGAINST SENTIENT LIFE.

Then beneath that was LAST KNOWN ALIAS: ANTON KARIDIAN.

Anton Karidian was a man who seemingly sprang to life eighteen years previously solely to perform as an actor on various far-flung planets. Beneath the brief dossiere of information known about him was the formal assignment signed by both Lee and April: This alias may be used by the man formerly known as Governor Kodos of Tarsus IV. Investigate, confirm, and if confirmed, capture alive and return to Earth for trial and sentencing.

“My god,” Kirk said quietly, and covered his mouth with one hand. He scanned the information again: it wasn’t much, but it had come from April and Lee. Shock from him and comfort from Spock filled the bond in equal measure. A small part of him wailed in distress at the thought of facing the man who had killed his friends and destroyed Farm School. But there was a larger, louder, stronger part of him that called for justice.

He had already faced Elise and found justice for himself and his friends; here was an opportunity to do the same on a much larger scale. He thought about the eight thousand people that had died on Tarsus: his friends and his teachers and an enormous list of people that he had never met and would never know. They deserved accountability from the Federation; they deserved for their stories to be told. He turned his eyes to the viewscreen ahead of him. Below them was Vulcan, and ahead were the stars, so many little pinholes of light in a black velvet sky. But closer to him were his beloved bridge crew, his friends and his family, and they were prepared to follow him wherever he chose to lead them.

He looked down at the data sheet about Karidian. The troupe that he led was making its way through the Alpha quadrant; they could drop the admirals off on Earth and then continue on an intercept path to meet them before they got to Planet Q, where Tommy and Martha lived. He closed the padd. He would talk to Kevin before formally accepting, but he thought he had an idea about what Kevin might say about it. The Enterprise would take the mission, and he would tell his crew what their goals were when they were closer. He might tell the bridge crew why they had been assigned this mission, this man; he might even tell a select handful what he felt about it.

Kirk might find an unlucky stranger, or he might find the man who had walked through his nightmares. But he wouldn’t do it alone.

“Mr. Chekov, plot a course to Earth. Mr. Sulu, prepare for warp three,” Kirk said, and leaned back in his chair. He crossed his legs again. Behind him, Uhura called the Vulcan interstellar transportation authority to clear their exit, and his helmsman and his navigator in front of him ran through their checks together as they prepared for their departure.

His science officer, his husband, his bondmate stood quietly at his side, and rested one hand on his shoulder before returning to his sensors and scanners. Even when the touch of his hand had dropped away, Kirk felt Spock’s attention through the bond: partially on his console, partially humming at the presence of Kirk’s mind nearby. He would need to learn to shield, at some point, or risk distracting Spock every time he looked over and saw him bent over the scanners just so. But they would have time enough for that; in the meanwhile, he was enjoying the constant comforting hum of Spock’s ever-churning mind in the back of his own.

“Course locked, captain,” Chekov said.

“Ready for warp, captain,” Sulu said.

“Impulse power until we’re out of Vulcan’s range, Mr. Sulu. Then take us away,” Kirk said. The ship hummed and beeped and sang around him as his orders were followed, and he watched the stars shift through the viewscreen ahead until the ship leapt to warp and they smeared into blurry streaks of light.

Ad astra per amorem; and onward.

AUTHOR'S NOTES:

Martha and Tommy's first child, a daughter, is named Natalya. Giotto and his wife Miriam get to buy their house in Cairo, where they make up for the time they didn’t have. Janice and Kathleen Lee, along with Admiral April, have their work cut out for them. It’s ugly, and Elise does not let go without a fight--- but when it’s over, Lee will ask Janice to marry her. Sulu and Dr. Khan had a great time working together. When Sulu is offered his own command down the line, he takes her with him as his science officer. And Kirk and Spock, of course, live happily ever after.

#spirk #spirk fan fiction #k/s #k/s fan fiction #fake married #regulatory relations #my writing #JEEEEEESUS IT'S DONE!!!! IT'S FINALLY DONE!!!!!

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