#maybe you lay in bed looking up at the ceiling with this station on- maybe you look out the window- either way its grounding

[nuclearbyproduct]

Thinking about the radio station in Str*ngetown that is only on air from midnight to 4 am. It only plays spacey ambient tracks. No one knows who's running it, but those up late enough to hear it, enjoy it. It's a comfort to many of the night owls in that little desert town.

[luveline]

Hi Jade! I had an idea for a request! I was thinking about reader with a really low sex drive and maybe one day she starts to get a little worried and insecure about it and one of the boys just reassures her that he doesn’t care about it<3 idk if that made sense but write for whatever boy you want to I don’t have a preference love you 😚

How Remus, James and Sirius would comfort you when you worry your low libido is a problem. fem, 2.2k

❥ Remus 

Remus sits with his legs crossed in the corner of the settee, a book open on his thigh, though his attention has been caught and kept by the TV. 

You think some grovelling may be in order after last night. Quiet, you round the settee and climb onto the seat next to his, body turned away from the TV, arm creeping onto his thigh. 

“Hi,” he says. 

“Hi.” 

He encourages you closer, leaning back to give you room to lie on him. His right arm does most of the work to keep you up, sandwiching you to his chest, an almost not quite hug. “What’s wrong?” he asks. 

“How do you know something is wrong?” 

He taps your back with his fingers, looking up at the ceiling with a sarcastic smile. “What could it be?” 

The hints of green in his irises are more pronounced when he’s sitting in the sun like this, rays cutting in through the window, turning his pale skin slightly tanned and his hair a warmer chestnut colour that curls behind his ears. The scar on his lip relaxes as his joking smile fades to a proper one, a lovey-dovey type that melts you. It’s nice to be looked at so nicely, like just the sight of you inspires happiness. 

You shift off of your legs, deciding you might as well lay flat with your head in his lap instead. He lets you sink down. His hand takes up station near your cheek, the back of his curled fingers brushing the skin just shy of your eye. 

“This is nice,” he whispers. 

“I have to say sorry,” you whisper back, drawing shapes into his t-shirt, the soft muscle of his stomach pillowy to poke. 

Remus nods emphatically. “Yes, you didn’t come and see me as soon as you woke up. I heard you on your phone in bed. That’s not very nice, is it, depriving me of your company?” 

You shake your head into his thigh, a slow, guilty movement. “No, about last night.” 

“What about last night?” 

Last night, Remus had given you a very slow kiss. He’d been half asleep and you’d been more so, but it was a lovely kiss and his hand had been rubbing sweet half circles into your hip, but it still made you feel awful when he asked if he could touch you and you’d told him you were too tired, even if he didn’t mind. He’d just kissed your cheek and snuggled into you like a life-sized teddy bear. He never takes your rejection as an insult. 

“You… you wanted to fuck and I didn’t, I’m sorry. I feel like every time you ask lately I say no.” 

Remus frowns at you. Deep frown, eyebrows pinching and brown eyes bordering sullen. His fingers uncurl over your cheek and cover your ear as he cups your face. “I don’t want you to be sorry. The reason I ask is so you can say no, you can always say no.” 

“I kiss you, and I wind you up, and then I can’t–”

“Which I enjoy. You don’t have to worry about that.” He leans down to kiss you but doesn’t fully get there, your noses touching, and then he’s leaning away again. “Please don’t say sorry. You know you don’t have to do anything you don’t want to.” 

“I know that. I’m not trying to make you into the bad guy.” 

Remus taps your nose with his and leans in again. “I know you’re not. You aren’t one either. Sex is just another fun thing to do, okay? If you don’t want to, that shouldn’t bother me, and it doesn’t. I promise.” 

You curl your arms around his neck. He lifts his head, subsequently lifting you as he moves, his arm curling behind your back for a hug. 

“Sometimes I want more of you than you want to give,” he says, “but it’s just because I love you, not because I need it. Don’t be silly, dove. Don’t say sorry.” 

He presses the heel of his palm to your back and begins the heavy pressure of a back rub. You won’t say sorry if he doesn’t want you to. You shouldn’t anyways. But he’s your boyfriend and you love him, so his being accepting of it is a relief. 

Like he can read your mind, he says, “You never have to say sorry for this.” 

“I know.” You lift your chin. “Kiss?” 

Remus kisses you quickly before tucking you into his neck for a long hug. 

❥ James

“You’re beautiful.” 

You’re boiling. James doesn’t notice, kissing and kissing and kissing, your neck flushed with his touch and his murmured compliment. “James.” 

He tilts his head, weaving in on the other side of your neck to give it the same loving treatment. “Pretty doesn’t cover it,” he says in a rush, his teeth scratching dully up to your jaw, his kissing like nips without any pain behind them as he reaches your cheek. 

You catch his face in your hands and push him away gently. It’s so hot in here you can’t breathe, and you’re not in the mood for any further action. It’s funny. You adore his kisses and James is undeniably a good fuck, but your libido is low no matter how pretty your boyfriend is, or how pretty he finds you. You’d always wondered if that meant there was something wrong with you. 

James doesn’t seem to think so. 

“Sorry,” he says, beaming, “that’s enough, right?” 

You feel a weird sharp stab in your chest. “Sorry?” 

“I’m getting ahead of myself.” James sits up where he’d been lying on top of you, having manoeuvred such a position in the midst of all his warm kisses. He sits back on his calves, kneeling in the space between your legs, a hand falling instead to your knee. “It’s fucking hot in here, isn’t it?” 

“Sorry.” 

“Did you make it hot?” 

You look at your hand on your chest. He’s noticed you don’t want to take it any further, you hardly ever do. You knew he’d see that eventually. You have the libido of a panda, where James is an athletic young man who loves you. 

“No, I mean. I’m sorry, because I never want to when you want to.” 

Your serious tone surprises him. “Baby, what the fuck are you talking about?” he asks. “I am so lost.” 

“Just– Most of the time when you try to sleep with me I turn you down. You know already.” 

“Baby, that doesn’t matter.” He leans in again, only to hold your wrists, two big hands curled around your arms to stop your fidgeting. Two pet names in quick succession is unlike him, and it relaxes you before he’s begun to explain. “It doesn’t matter at all. Just makes it better when we do manage to want it at the same time.” 

You grimace. “Are you sure?” 

“You want me to be honest?” 

You’re not sure. “Yeah. Please be honest.” 

“Sometimes we kiss and you know I want you,” his eyes dart down, prompting a surprised laugh from you, and an easy chuckle from him in return, “and it’s frustrating, but it’s not ‘cos of you. I can go shower and sort myself out and it’s not the same as being with you, but it’s not your fault. It’s just a reaction.” 

“But I feel bad for making you deal with it yourself.” 

“What are you supposed to do? You can’t force yourself if you’re not in the mood. That’s the last thing I want you to do. I’d rather have it fall off.” 

You laugh again. James’ smile is glowing, and warm as he presses it to your wrist in a chaste kiss. “We can do other things. If you feel that badly about it, you can give me a scalp massage, please. You shouldn’t feel badly about it, but still. If you’re okay with it, I’d love one.” 

He presses his cheek to your chest in want of your hand. 

You press your fingertips to his hairline and weave your fingers into the roots of his soft hair, shaking them, nails scratching lightly at his scalp like you know he likes. “How’s that?” you ask. 

“Better than sex.” He is unmistakably sincere. 

❥ Sirius 

“Did you lock the door?” 

Sirius hums. 

“Close the kitchen window?” 

“I did,” he says, waving your hand gently where he’s holding it between you both. You lay straight in bed with the duvet up to your chests and the TV playing one of his favourite movies. 

“Okay. Did you take your medication?” 

“Yeah, sweetheart. Everything’s done. You can relax.” 

You pick your book up and open it to the first page. You’ve been meaning to read this one for a while, you’re happy to get the time, but you’re feeling queasy about something. 

Sirius is a loud guy. He loves the glitz and glamour of life, he likes to go out, play fast and hard, he’s electric most of the time. He can be quiet, too, like you tend to be, but you’re worried that you’re another night closer to him deciding he’s bored. It’s been weeks since you went anywhere, and you haven’t fucked in almost as long. 

“Can I have this?” he asks, pulling your hand to his lips. 

You smile as he kisses your knuckles, barely there presses of his lips to your skin that linger. 

“You haven’t turned a page yet.” 

“It’s hard to start,” you tell him. 

“What’s it about? Fantasy?” 

“No, just a romance, I think.” 

“I like your romances. You read the complicated ones with the good love, like ours.” 

It’s a very nice thing to say, even if you’re not sure how he knows what romance you’re reading. He enjoys listening to you talk about books when they’re done, so perhaps the details have sunk in.

You let the book flop to the side and curl up around your joined hands. “I love you,” you say. 

He curls into you in return, “You should. That was a good line,” he says teasingly. “I love you too, my girl.” He speaks it with a quiet, gentle cadence that suits him and the pet name well. “Lift your head. Wanna see you.” 

You angle your face up to give him a view of the half that isn’t hidden by the sheets. “I’m so boring.” 

“Says who?” 

“Everybody, probably. All we do is watch TV and sleep.” 

“Good thing I love both of those things.” He wraps an arm around you, palm to your shoulder. “And it’s not true. We went to the cafe yesterday after work. On the weekend, we’re going to the cinema. Why, do you want to do more?” 

“It’s not me I’m worried about, Siri. Aren’t you bored?” 

He stares at you. Long, non-judgmental looking, his dark lashes kissing in the corners as his gaze wanders down to your neck. “Is this about something else?” 

“No.” 

His mouth turns sympathetic, a wobbly frown. “Are you sure, lovely? You can talk to me.” 

You weigh each word as you say it, determined not to embarrass yourself, “I’m worried that I don’t make your life very interesting. We don’t go out much, we don’t drink, and I never…” 

You turn your face down, your forehead to his chest. Sirius hums unhappily and encourages your head back to see you again almost immediately. “You never what?” he asks. 

“Never mind.” 

“No, please. Tell me, Y/N. You can tell me anything, I won’t care.” He’s getting so serious about it and it’s making it even more embarrassing than before, but you don’t want him to worry. You spit it out. 

“I don’t put out. We hardly ever have sex.” 

“Does that upset you?” he asks. 

“Well. It upsets me if it upsets you.” 

“It doesn’t.” His hand cups your cheek, his forehead drops down to yours. “It doesn’t upset me. Did I make you think that?” 

“You’re just so cool and I’m your loser.”

He laughs happily. “You’re my loser,” he agrees. 

“The last couple of times I’ve said no. I guess I just worry you want more than I’m giving out, so. I don’t want you to wish we were having more sex, but I can’t make myself want it more.” 

“I see.” 

You listen to him breathing, the warmth of his exhale like a kiss all its own as it fans over your mouth.

He rubs your cheek with his thumb. “Can I tell you what I think?” You nod, and he continues, “I only want to have sex with you, that’s one of the consequences of being in love. It’s a good one. So if you don’t wanna have sex, it’s safe to say I don’t want to either. Okay? Love you just as much with or without it.” 

Unlike him and not to be this tender. You bite the inside of your lip.

“Promise?” you ask. 

“I promise.” 

[god-complex-12]

Anomia

— Paring; Sgt. John “Soap” MacTavish x male reader. Fandom; Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III

Anomia: (n.) the inability to recall the names of people or things.

Quote; “John MacTavish.”

Description; When someone is gone for so long, you can only remember so much. Disclaimer; SPOILERS TO THE NEW COD:MW3!! Angst, grief, major character death, sad, established relationship, forgetfulness, loneliness.

Word Count: 0.7k

Masterlist

A/N: No, I haven’t watched anything on the lore part of Modern Warfare III, however I have had plenty of spoilers and I’ve seen the specific cutscene of both Soap and Graves (was it Graves?) and TF141 being all sad and pouty.

It’s been months. Months and yet still grief resonates in Y/N. It feels like just yesterday he was embracing such the warm presence of his now dead lover. Y/N can’t sleep. His tired, exhausted demeanor was evident to everyone, but no one dared to ask what was wrong. They too grieved, but not as hard as Y/N did.

Everything feels so dull. So dull and cold. Y/N lies wide awake in his once shared bed. He doesn’t dare lay on John’s side. Even when gone, Y/N couldn’t bring himself to mess with John’s things. The bed felt so much bigger. He never notices when John was deployed, but the sudden immortality of it left Y/N no choice but to realize it.

Y/N doesn’t talk about John and no one asked about him. Y/N finds himself forgetting how to say the man’s name, or maybe it’s just because the name has become so foreign to him. He’s forgotten the sound of John’s voice, desperately searching his camera roll for any recording to remind him. He’s forgotten what it felt like to hold him.

Y/N hates he can’t remember now, but it’s become so hard. The only thing he can’t seem to shake is when he found out.

Y/N stares at the ceiling. His hand wrapped around the metal slabs with numbers in the name “John MacTavish” indented onto it. He plays with the dog tags, looking at them, his thumb running over his boyfriend's name. He doesn’t cry. Not this time at least.

Y/N holds the tag up, so the moonlight from the curtain makes the words more visible. He ignores the rest, his focus just on that name. The room was dead silent except for the sound of a dog breathing.

“John MacTavish.” He whispered. Y/N’s nose scrunched up, cringing. It doesn’t sound right anymore.

Y/N kissed it. He then rolls over and puts the dog tags back in the nightstand drawer. He sat up and swung his legs over the edge of the bed. This catched the dog’s attention. Y/N stands up and puts his shoes on. He clicks his tongue at Angel. “Come on, girl. Get up.”

She happily gets up, excited for a new adventure as she follows Y/N downstairs. Y/N grabs a jacket, quickly putting it on. He puts Angel’s harness and leash on, grabs his wallet, and out he goes.

Y/N has completely convinced himself he’s just getting fresh air. Getting fresh air and buying flowers at a gas station with a light up sign that says “OPEN 24/7”. Getting fresh air and walking a mile away from home. Getting fresh air and standing in front of a rock with that same damn name.

Y/N’s shaky hands lace the flowers in front of the grave. He knows John’s not really buried there, but he can pretend. He sat down on the damp grass, Angel using this as a chance to try and lick his face to which Y/N quickly pushed her away.

He stared at the name. He nudged Angel and gestured to the gravestone as if she could understand. “Say hi to him. I bet he misses you so much.” He then chuckled. “Probably mad you have to sleep on the floor now. He’s not around to convince me to let you in the bed anymore.” He teased.

Y/N ruffled the dog’s fur. He then kissed Angel’s head. “I bet you miss him too, huh? Upset you have to live with me instead of him?” He asked. “Well, I miss him too, girl.”

[slytherinshua]

DEATH'S LONGING

genre. angst. the tiniest most minuscule sprinkle of fluff. flower language never gets old in fics </3. warnings. major character death. reader has a terminal illness (not mentioned what it is) and is hospitalized. just general angst... not proofread. pairing. yujin x fem!reader. wc. 1.7k. request. requested by 🪩 anon from the prompt list but i did slightly change the prompts to fit the story better. a/n. i'm very sorry for this... i didn't mean it for be this angsty.... but don't blame me blame disco for this mess. divider by @/saradika.

It was lonely in the hospital. Apart from mealtimes and daily checkups, the nurses didn’t have time to keep you company in the room. You knew you were running out of time. You didn’t blame Nurse Park or Nurse Jung for not wanting to spend extra time on their shift talking to the girl who would be dead in a couple weeks. You were sick of being a burden to people. Maybe if your terminal illness would just hurry up and do its job, you wouldn’t have to cause mental stress for other people.

You had been offered euthanasia, a rare occurrence in such a small town hospital. But people pitied you, or maybe they just wanted you gone as fast as possible. You declined it, despite knowing that you would be in more pain. You were still waiting. Still waiting for him one last time.

Yujin’s face was stained with tears. He looked out of the train window, wishing that there was any way to get there faster. He just wanted to see you. He didn’t want to be late; he wouldn’t let himself be late. He was the only person you had left, and if there was one thing he was determined to do, it was to be with you for as long as possible.

He had received countless letters from the hospital, each with updates on your condition. He couldn’t bring himself to read most of them. He didn’t want to accept such a cruel fate. Why were you the one who had to suffer?

You had always been close to Yujin, supporting him in everything he aspired to do. Growing up in a small town, the community was tightly knit. Everyone knew that you and Yujin were inseparable. It was easy to tell that there were romantic feelings involved, especially as you grew older.

But unlike Yujin’s future, which was bright and full of endless possibilities, you didn’t have a future. Yujin’s dream had always been to move to a big city, one with skyscrapers reaching to the sky, one bustling with life and innovation. You were never allowed the privilege to dream as big or bright. It always seemed pointless.

But there was one thing you did allow yourself to dream of. One thing that you had always wanted. To be loved, to be in love. You wanted the same thing all the leads in books or movies had. But now as you lay in your hospital bed, staring at the ceiling and the artificial lights that were way too old to shine bright, you were starting to accept that even that small dream would die with you.

“I wish I could just see him one last time…” You gulped. The small plea was heard by no one, and you were once again reminded that you were so, so alone.

Yujin was breathless when he reached the front desk. The train station was a few miles from the hospital, and he had decided that running would be faster than waiting for a ride. Usually he would get tired from such a long distance, but the adrenaline and desperation to see you allowed him to sprint all the way to the small hospital.

The lady at the front desk, who recognized Yujin from a sprained ankle when he was 5, struggled to understand his hurried and stuttered speech. But, she eventually figured out that he was looking for your room, and directed him to the second floor.

He ignored the signs stating that running was not allowed in the halls, rushing past the elderly patients whose eyes widened at the young boy. All Yujin cared about was getting to you as fast as possible, and when he finally reached room 204, his heart finally stopped racing as fast. 

He took a second to breathe, wiping the sweat that had collected on his forehead. He wanted to look composed and calm in front of you, as if none of this actually affected him. Although, maintaining that in front of you would almost certainly fail. It had already been over a year since he had seen you. Letters and short phone calls were the only contact he had been surviving off since he first left for the city.

He slid the door open and his eyes met yours. Like a habit, your face brightened, and you opened your arms for Yujin to run into. It all felt like the last missing puzzle piece coming together. You held him as tightly as possible, as if he was the one who was going to disappear instead of you. Sobs wracked your body, your one wish allowed to live on for a few moments longer. The boy you loved was in your arms once again; you had survived long enough to see him one last time.

“I thought I wouldn’t make it in time.” Yujin whispered breathlessly, tightening his grip around you as well. He wanted to memorise everything about the feeling before it was too late, so that the last memory he would have of you would be pleasant.

“I waited for you. I would’ve waited longer if I had to.” You told him earnestly.

Yujin’s eyes stung, and he tried to blink back the tears. He couldn’t imagine how hard it must have been for you. Alone, faced with nothing but the heartbreaking reality that was dealt to you. He felt guilty for wanting to chase his dream, for not staying by your side for as long as he could. 

“I had to see you again before I said goodbye.” You whispered, face buried in his neck, relief present in your every movement, every breath, every word. Now that you were in Yujin’s arms, death’s sting couldn’t harm you anymore. You weren’t afraid. Although you still wished for more time, you knew it was impossible. So, instead, you were beyond grateful that at least your final moments weren’t spent alone.

Yujin shook his head, unable to hold back his tears for any longer, “I’m too scared to lose you. Don’t die, please, not yet. I can’t let you go yet.” He stuttered, brain panicked as he held onto you tighter, as if he could give some of his life to you. 

You pulled back, wanting to see his face and not just hear his voice. A smile graced your features when you met his eyes. Although he was crying, nose and eyes red and cheeks stained with tears, he still looked beautiful. You cupped his face, wiping one of his tears with your thumb. His lip quivered, and he tried to choke down the wave of emotions that was threatening to hit him. He sniffed, wiping his face of the rest of the tears and clasping your hands with his.

His heart constricted feeling how cold they were. The sight of the IV you were hooked up to, distributing pain medication. His gaze drifted to the monitors to the side of your bed, and the small table in the room. He saw his letters still open on the top of it, neatly ordered from first to last. Even the envelopes were carefully preserved by you. He looked back to you, soaking in your features. You just smiled at him.

“How can you still smile?” He wondered aloud, both awed and dismayed at the sight.

“You came back to me. How could I not be happy?” Your eyes crinkled as your smile brightened, a feeling of pure happiness filling your body, replacing the old feelings of hopelessness and loneliness. You touched his cheek again, tracing the line of his cheekbone and down to his jaw. You had only been away from each other for a year, yet he had still managed to grow more handsome than ever before.

“I wanted to tell you something.” You said softly, immediately grabbing Yujin’s full attention. “Thank you.” It was such a simple statement, just 2 words, yet it felt like Yujin’s heart was completely shattered by them.

You continued with a breath, “Thank you for staying by my side. And thank you for loving me even though you knew you would have to say goodbye. And… thank you for coming back to me.” 

Yujin closed his eyes, kissing the palm of your hand. It was enough to convey his thanks back to you, as well as another message. I love you. He knew if he said anything, he would probably end up crying again. It was better to stay silent, basking in the last moments he would ever have with you.

“I want to kiss you.”

Yujin opened his eyes again, eyes softening as he heard your request. He nodded softly, leaning forward to a distance where you could reach his lips. Your touch was tentative and gentle. It was your first kiss, and you knew it would be your last as well. At least, you were fortunate enough to share it with the boy who stole your heart.

It seemed like you both knew that time was running out. As you rested your head back on the pillows and Yujin swallowed back painful emotions, you were once again faced with your unavoidable end.

“I love you. I know it was hard to wait for me… but you can rest now. You don’t have to fight it anymore. I love you, and that’s why I’m letting you go.” Yujin said softly, mustering a smile for you. Just for you.

“I love you.”

It had been months since he confessed those words to you, yet they seemed to follow him wherever he went. Your hospital bed was long empty. The sheets had been neatly folded on the foot of the bed and the room sanitised, the last traces of you eradicated. It no longer held your possession, nor did it smell like you. But Yujin could still feel your presence somehow. 

Not just in the hospital, but whenever he visited the columbarium just to stare at your picture again. He brought you flowers every time; pink camellias, which had been your favourite since childhood. They represented longing.

Longing.

That was the feeling that stayed with Yujin every day. It was bitter at times, sweet at others. Memories of you played in his mind and made him smile or laugh. The thought of never seeing you again bruised his heart. But he kept going for you, who had always believed in him, always knowing he was capable of anything he put his mind to. While you were still beside him, your words kept him motivated. Now, your memory served the same purpose. Even when you were gone, you were still with him. Not even death could shadow your love for him.

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[outerbankspov]

Forbidden love.

- warning: fluff, supportive best friends, jealous kie..

Requested by- @giannadrichardson-blog 💋

.. When you hear “kook and pogue” all you think is the rivalry between the two groups who live on the opposite side of one island, dating one another is FORBIDDEN. So why is y/n bailing JJ Maybank out of the county jail. “J you can’t keep doing this baby” you tell him as he leads you to the side of the station and kisses your neck. “Come on, I’m sure it turns you on when you bail me out of jail.” He mumbled. “Not my bank account. Come on” you kiss him And quickly went inside your car. Getting situated you look at him. You secretly love bailing him out.

“Take me to yours?” He says. You smile and agreed. God you love him so much and it’s so bad that you do because he’s a kook. Everyone wants you to date the kook king Rafe Cameron but he is your beloved best friend since diapers and surprisingly he’s okay with you and JJ because he wants you happy and he quoted. “No one is better than me on this island so go for it”. You would Just role your eyes at his self centered self.

Once you get home JJ’s eyes lighten when he sees his dirt bike sitting in her driveway. “Baby…. How in the hell?” You look at him and gives him a kiss to distract his mind. “Come on” you say as you get out the car and drags him with you. “Stay the night” you begin as you give him the best puppy dog eyes. “Baby….” He groans already knowing he’ll say yes because he loves you too much. “Okay deal.” He walks up close to you and starts kissing your soft lips and groans when they finally touch.

JJ lays on your bed and pulls you with him, chin resting on his chest. “Do you ever think about how different our life’s would be if everyone knew about us?” You ask as he massages your head, relaxing you. He hums And looks up onto the ceiling. “I do, and baby believe me when I say I want to go public more then ever.” He begins as he moves and places you onto his lap, pushing your long hair behind your ear and pulling your lip out from underneath your top one. “I wish we can-”

“DUDE COME ON!” Pope yells as John b takes his blunt while driving. “What?” He laughs while smiling at pope. “Guys?” Kiara begins. They all look to their left to see JJ’s dirk bike in a kook’s drive way. Y/N DRIVE WAY. “No fucking way. That can’t be” Kiara says almost sounding jealous. John B And pope look at one another and immediately knew what to say. 

“Maybe it’s not even his. A lot of these kooks like to copy us yuh know?”

“Maybe it’s someone else’s!” Pope joins along for what John B has said. Trying to not get her worked up. “Let’s just go to the wreck, I’m starving” John B says And drives away fast.

-

“So, how about you take me outside And watch me catch a sun tan ?” You smirk knowing JJ loves to see u in your bathing suits and sundresses. “Say no more” he grins and you smile. A little later JJ was chasing you because you had his hat. Bare feet on the fresh cut grass. “JJ wait-” he picks you up and spins you around. “Did I ever tell you how hot your hands are” you smile as he wraps his arms around your waist. John B And pope decided to circle back after dropping Kiara home and see JJ and Y/N almost acting…. In love?

“No fucking way” pope says looking in shocked.

“He did it! That pussy. John B laughs as he watches His best friend look incredibly happy with Y/N. He knows how it feels, he has a Y/N and that’s Sarah for him. He knows how it feels to fall in love with someone who’s forbidden to be with.

[maiackmn]

"I'll fix him - Toji Zenin X Reader" [Toji Fushiguro]

🌸If you're interested in reading the Story check out my Wattpad, I'll continue the story THERE and NOT here on Tumblr. My name on Wattpad is @/maiackmn and the story name is the same!🌸

Laying in his bed with his eyes fixed on the ceiling, he is fighting with himself, with everything he's thinking about right now. "Why is she so annoying?" He asked himself.

He met a young woman last month, she was so kind to him without a reason, although when he was so cold towards her. She always approached him with a big smile on her face.

He put his hands on his head and groaned, thinking about the last month again and again. Satoru introduced her to him because she wanted to meet him and he doesn't even know why.

He isn't well known for his always kind behaviour, he's a bad guy in fact and Satoru knows that. But he still introduced this stupid brat, the most beautiful woman he ever saw to him.

Toji felt so stupid, he doesn't even know why he thinks so much about that situation, about Satoru and her. He's confused and doesn't know what's going on. Maybe he's just annoyed about it that Satoru just wanted to show off his girlfriend or something like that. Or is it even his girlfriend? He doesn't know and also doesn't give a shit about it.

After a lot time passed, what felt like hours he took his phone and went through some messages, trying to clear his mind. He deleted a lot messages and blocked some contacts from his previous hook ups he had.

Some of them where crying about why Toji never answers their messages, or asking him when they can meet again to fuck around but he wasn't in the mood to reply to any of them.

After looking through his chats he is starting to go through social media. But nothing works for him because his mind is only filled with that woman.

He decided to go out, ignoring the fact that it's three in the morning. He's putting on his grey sweatpants, a black shirt and a jacket before leaving his apartment.

He lives in a very small apartment in a bit more dangerous quarter of the city. A lot of stuff is happening here everyday. You can always hear someone scream, barking dogs who sound like they want to kill someone, people who are beating up each others asses and a lot more shit like that.

He chose this apartment only because it was cheap, so he had more money to use for sport bets.

He's earning his money from killing People, like a contract killer, an assassin. His clients always sent him pictures of the victims and their informations. He gets paid a lot of money for that, but he isn't good in spending his money. He's acting like a little child when it comes to that.

He took a deep breath of this beautiful fresh air in the middle of the night, it was round about early spring time and it's still a bit cold. But the temperature was just fine for Toji, even when he's only wearing a shirt with a thin jacket.

What he wants to do at three in the morning? He doesn't even know himself, he just wants to get this annoying woman out of his head. He first wants to head to a gas station to get some cigarettes and something to drink. After that he's just looking what this night brings for him.

"Give me theses." He said pointing towards the cigarettes he wanted. After receiving the cigarettes and paying for them he left the gas station and lit on his cigarette. He took a drag from his cigarette, closing his eyes and enjoying the taste of it in his mouth. But his joy didn't last long because when he reached for another taste someone took his cigarette and threw it on the ground. After that he saw how someone stepped on it and moved his foot on it to completely destroy the cigarette.

"Did you know that cigarettes are unhealthy as fuck dude?" A guys voice spoke to him, and Toji immediately recognised this provocative voice.

He can be lucky that they know eachother, otherwise he would have knocked him out until his face wasn't able to be recognised.

"Thanks, I didn't notice." Toji said and took another cigarette and put it in his mouth. He covered his mouth with his hand, and with the other one he lit the cigarette with his lighter.

But he couldn't even taste this one because it went straight to the ground again. Toji looked up now, a bit more annoyed now.

"You would be chasing me down in my fuckin nightmares you know that Satoru?" Toji asked sarcastic.

"Oh yes, and I would do it with pure enjoyment." The white haired man said smiling.

"Now really, what do you want? I don't have enough energy for you at three in the morning."

"Am I not allowed to visit my friend whenever I want? I thought friends are always there for eachother?"

Satoru said while patting Tojis back.

"We are friends? Never heard of that."

Toji said while rolling his eyes back. He took a step back and wanted to leave but Satoru stopped him.

"Wait wait! I wanted to talk with you."

"I don't have the energy for a Satoru Gojo at three in the morning now leave me the fuck alone and just message me or something." Toji said and he attempted to leave again.

"Do you have time this weekend? Suguru suggested a party, it's a bigger event with a few artists there. You want to join us?" Toji was speechless, his peace he had before Satoru arrived was destroyed because of something like this?

"And for this you are following me around like an old disgusting creep?" Toji asked him and Satoru made a gesture where he pretended like he's been hurt. "Ouch."

"You're so annoying please why are you looking for me in the middle of the night for this shit?"

Toji is losing his patience, he's already regretting his decision to go out tonight.

"Please? Y/N is also going."

Satoru said and Tojis eyes widen for at least a second.

But after this second he looked even more annoyed than before. This is the last name he wanted to hear of today.

"And now? I don't care if your little girlfriend is going to a party or not." After Toji said this Satoru looked even disgusted.

"You are a creep, she's my fuckin sister you jerk."

Toji looked a bit confused.

"You have a sister?" He asked disbelieved.

"Bro you are such a piece of shit, you know that?"

Toji nodded and a little smile leaves his lips.

He exhaled loudly "I probably know."

"So? You're coming or not?" Satoru asked again.

Toji was unsure, trying to get his head clear but since Satoru mentioned this woman again he can't think straight. He looked up, looking into this beautiful clear sky. The moon is shining bright and the stars are looking beautiful as usual. Just like her.

His eyes widen at this thought and he looked back to Satoru, who was still waiting for an answer.

"I'm not coming Satoru."

He said and turned around to go back home. He just wanted to get away from this annoying freak.

"If you change your mind just message me alright? You won't regret coming I promise!"

He said and Toji groaned annoyed, yeah sure.

Toji headed back home now. He doesn't want to risk it to see the whitehead again this night. He wanted to go out in peace and not to meet this big clown in the middle of the night.

He put his hands in the pockets of his pants because his hands were freezing a bit.

His thoughts are lost again, what he wanted to avoid, to even forget this night is now a even bigger topic in his head than before. This woman is a mystery, why is she in his head like a strong magnet that can't get pulled out? He doesn't even know much about her, he just talked a bit with her because of Satoru.

She was speaking a lot and it seemed like she would never stop speaking, but that was something that Toji didn't mind. He would die for it, to hear her voice until his last day.

"Tzzzzkk" he hit his head against the wall beside his apartment door. And again, and again. She's not leaving his mind and it kills him.

He opened his eyes in disbelief, why was he acting like that? That isn't normal, this is just sick.

He opened the door to his apartment and just throws himself onto the coach. Hiding his face in the pillow.

He just wanted to sleep, hoping after a long peaceful sleep he would feel better.

He was wrong. After a few minutes just laying there he heard his phone, he got a notification.

It took him a bit to finally take the phone in his hand to look what message he got.

From an unknown number.

Hey, my brother came home right now and told me that you are coming with us to the Party. I'm glad to hear that and I'm excited to go there with my brother and you. :)

~Y/N

Toji wanted to scream.

He hates Satoru so much.

🌸I hope you liked that chapter, if yes please visit my Wattpad so you won't miss the new chapters coming out. I already wrote 4. I would appreciate comments, likes and maybe a follow. Thank you for your time <3🌸

[ddaz3d-and-cc0nfused]

I'm feeling sooome...bed sharing. That good ol only one bed trope with Daryl. It's over done sure, bit my heart just loves the shit out of it. Thank you so much for sharing your talent and writing for us!

༉‧₊˚. 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 || 𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐲𝐥 𝐝𝐢𝐱𝐨𝐧

― pairing: daryl dixon x plus size!reader

― era: season 4

― summary: after being separated from everyone when the prison fell, you found yourself paired up with daryl, the man that, to him, you had been unknowingly pining for.

― warnings: literally none! it's all fluff!

― wc: 875

⋆ a/n: bed sharing is such a good trope! i'm a sucker for it every single time! this was such a fun right and honestly it made me all tingly inside.

masterlist | AO3

When the prison fell, your future and hope fell with it, only leaving a black pit of survival deep within your chest. You were grateful that Daryl had found you, tugging you along with him. Maybe it was because he was the only one that could ever bring you the feeling of safety in a time like this, or maybe it was because you were in love with him, unbeknownst to him.

You two had been on the run for what seemed like ages, your legs aching, skin sticky and sweaty, your stomachs empty as you fought away the feeling of exhaustion and irritability. You guys had been desperately trying to find somewhere to settle down on behalf of trying to find everyone else, which was quite difficult mind you. So, when you both had stumbled upon a gas station, you could’ve started crying, and if you were going to be honest, you kind of did. You had hoped there were still some snacks left despite the few cans that were split amongst the two of you.

You were more than eager to enter the run-down place, and surprisingly there were no walkers, just the putrid smell of rotting flesh.

“Hold on a damn minute, woman.” You heard Daryl grumble from behind you. “I’m okay, and there’s literally no one here.” You said as you scanned the shelves, eyes lighting up as you spotted a few bags of mini-potato chips. They were most likely stale, but you were in no place to complain, food was food now in days. “Ya don’ know that.” His crossbow was still raised. “If it makes you feel better, then you can double check everything, D. ‘See if I missed anything.” It was a compromise that you knew would bring the older man some peace of mind. He did exactly that, opening the back room before saying, “It’s clear.”

You followed up behind him, your eyes landing on a relatively clean mattress on the floor. It was no bigger than a wide twin bed. “Oh my god, I’m going to cry.” You gasped dramatically. You could hear him snort as you flopped down on the comforter, a wave of dust exploding from either side of you. “Well, that’s charming.” You laughed, Daryl biting back a smile as he disappeared back to the main part of the store.

As night began to fall and dinner was eaten, it was safe to say that you and him were completely pooped for the day.

“I’ll take the floor ‘nd you can take the bed.” His words left no room for an argument as he had already begun to lay out a blanket that he had found. “Are you sure, Daryl? That ground does not look comfortable or.. cleanly.” He just shrugged, flopping down on his back as he grunted. “’Had worse.” He mumbled. You just sighed out an, “Okay.” Before laying flat on your back.

You had no idea how long you had been awake, looking up at the rotting ceiling while your hands rested clasped together on your stomach.

“Daryl, you awake?” You whispered, as if you were afraid something could hear you. “Mhm.” Was your grunted response. You swallowed your nerves, fidgeting with your fingers. “Could you uh- could you maybe come up here with me?” A moment of silence settled over the two of you, and before you could chide yourself for asking a dumb question, he was up and moving, his movement causing you to scoot over. Your bodies were pressed together, hip-and-hip, shoulder-to-shoulder. His body heat was welcoming, comforting even as you resisted leaning your body further into him.

“Thank you.” You said quietly. “Ain’t no problem.”

“This is more comfortable, isn’t it?” You teased, never breaking eye contact with a certain spot on the roof that looked like a leak. You could feel him nudge you light-heartedly with his shoulder. “Do you think everyone’s okay?” You couldn’t help but ask. “Yeah, they’ll be alrigh’, they’re strong.” Your arms dropped down at your sides, your hands brushing up against one another’s. Your heart rate picked up, body beginning to feel hot as butterflies swarmed your stomach.

“I’m glad I got lost with you, Daryl.” You were being brave, bold even as you allowed your fingers to intertwine with his. Finally, you turned your head to look at him only to find that he was already staring at you. “I love you.” Your confession came out in a bated breath, like you were afraid of what he was going to push you despite his hand tightening around your own. Daryl didn’t know what to say no matter how desperately he wanted to say that he felt the same, that he loved you too. His eyes fell to your lips before looking at you again.

It was as if there was a silent agreement, your heads moving until your lips brushed up against each other.

“It’s okay, D. I want this.” You said with a soft smile. He finally kissed you. It felt like everything was finally falling into place. When you separated, he was blushing, the tips of his ears a bright pink.

“You’re a damn good kisser.” You complimented.

“Shut up.” He said bashfully, but equally teasing.

ೃ⁀➷ my lovely taglist!: @alina02 @louderfortheback @minervadashwood

[dvrk-moon]

LOVE ME (NOT) - YANG JUNGWON

TEASER 2

synopsis : fake dating your enemy, yang jungwon, for the sake of getting your mutual friends to stop playing matchmaker is the worst idea you’ve ever heard in your life. however, it’s a bit more enticing when $100 is thrown in the mix.

word count : 1k

warnings : one killing joke

genre : enemies-to-lovers, fake dating, slow burn, jungwon x fem!reader, private school au, high school au

playlist : tba

expected release date : maybe a couple weeks

send in an ask / leave a comment to be added to the taglist!

ii. GYUVIN’S (LACK OF) GOOD IDEAS

You rolled yourself across your twin-sized mattress as you turned to face your two best friends, Minji and Gyuvin. You’d called them over to your family’s apartment to catch up, which was a much needed occasion, as you three hadn’t had much time to talk recently.

Minji and Gyuvin had just entered your bedroom door and stepped into your room, which was littered in posters, pictures, and art. Your room had always been cluttered (or “used to its maximum capacity” as your mother liked to phrase it) like this so your best friends weren’t surprised at anything when they walked in.

“Thanks for knocking.” You sarcastically remarked, pushing yourself onto your forearms to look at them. You watched as your two friends made their ways to the area in front of the foot of your bed, and saw as Minji took a seat on the rug on your floor. Gyuvin opted to take your desk chair and roll it to sit next to Minji, yet be eye-level with you.

“You look stressed,” Gyuvin commented, teasing you, “but what else is new.”

You flopped your face into your bed and let out a muffled and sarcastic, “Ha, ha.”

You heard a smacking sound and then an “Ow!” from Gyuvin. Minji stood up and made you scoot over so she could lay next to you in your bed, “Ignore him. His panties are in a twist right now for some reason.”

You turned your head to the left to look at her for a moment before dramatically flopping back into the mattress.

Minji patted your head, “What’s wrong, Y/N? You’re not usually this dramatic when we come over.”

Gyuvin stifled a laugh before quieting as soon as Minji sent him a pointed look.

You dramatically rolled over to face the ceiling of your room, “Why are boys so horrible?”

“Oh, don’t tell me you have a crush,” Minji groaned, “I’m no good with those.”

“No, no!” You rushed to correct her, not missing how Gyuvin was taunting in the mean time. He sung, “Ooh~ Y/N has a crush!”

“He is not a crush! He’s the worst person I’ve ever met!”

“Come on, Y/N,” Minji poked you, “he can’t be the worst person you’ve ever met. Think about Gyuvin!”

You rolled your eyes at Gyuvin, who was still taunting you with his song, “Gyuvin, shut the hell up!”

You watched as Minji lifted a hand that threatened to fall onto Gyuvin’s exposed thigh, and to which Gyuvin immediately shut up.

“What guy are you talking about?” Minji asked, looking back down at you.

“He’s this guy from the new school. He’s such an asshole to me for no reason. I mean, there might be a reason, but I can’t think of a valid one.”

“What does he do?” Gyuvin pitched in, finally getting his attention piqued from the conversation at hand.

“Like, everything?” You let out, “I’m not even sure where to start.”

“Saying ‘everything’ gives us no idea what this guy does, Y/N.”

You groaned dramatically before filling your friends in on the entire situation with Jungwon:

“I haven’t really told you guys about this guy before,” you started, using your hands to explain your story. Minji nodded as you told your story, while Gyuvin was spinning in his chair endlessly. You continued, “but there’s a guy at the new school, his name is Jungwon. Yang Jungwon.”

“Yang Y/N~” Gyuvin teased. Minji reached over to harshly smack his leg.

You rolled your eyes, “Anyways, he’s basically the worst person I’ve ever met. His dad runs a corporation of local gas stations, so he’s basically filthy rich. I say this because not only is he like every other private school kid that makes fun of my wealth status, but he’s also threatened to sue my parents multiple times. Most of the time he has no reason.

“The reason I’m so particularly upset about him is because I went to my school friends’ country club. You guys remember Wonyoung?” They both nodded, because as Wonyoung was your closest private school friend, of course your actual closest friends knew about her existence.

“Okay,” you said, “so we were at her country club, but her boyfriend and his friend are also there, and you’ll never guess who the friend is! Jungwon!

“He’s an ass to me basically the whole time while I’ve been trying to be nice to him,” you sighed, “I don’t know what his problem is. I didn’t even do anything to him. Anyways, we were partnered up because we were playing doubles tennis at the country club, because Wonyoung wanted to be on the same team as her boyfriend. That’s understandable, and I haven’t held it against her or anything. But he is not only a sore loser, but just a jerk to me.”

Minji nodded in sympathy at you while Gyuvin made his presence known, “Kill him. Easy as that.”

“You’re sick in the head, you know that?” MInji questioned him.

“He’s a private school kid, Y/N.” Gyuvin said, standing up from the chair to stand over you. “I really don’t know what you’re expecting from someone like him. He’s probably never been told ‘No’ in his life.”

“I’m also a private school kid…” you murmured.

“Yeah, but you weren’t brought up that way. He undoubtedly was.” Gyuvin said.

You nodded, “You’re right.”

“Always am.”

“The problem is that it’s my senior year,” you lamented, “and I don’t want it to be bad just because some pest can’t leave me alone. I just don’t know how to get rid of him.”

“You could always drop out.” Gyuvin offered, going to sit back down in the chair.

“That’s a horrible idea,” Minji said, “don’t listen to him. I’m sure that as long as you don’t pay much mind to this Jungwon guy then you’ll be fine. Plus, you have Wonyoung. They’re basically the same height, and she could probably beat him in a fight.”

You laughed, “I don’t know, I like Wonyoung a lot, but she’s basically Ivy Hills royalty. She has a reputation to manage. I’m sure fighting with Jungwon wouldn’t do her much good.”

“I would pay money to see that fight.” Gyuvin announced.

“You’re weird.”

“My mind is an enigma. I wouldn’t expect commonfolk like you to understand.”

a/n : hey long time no see

[hellishere7980]

Whatever It Takes (CH-5)

Three days after Ra’s Al-Ghul died

She was shaken out of her thoughts as the train rattled to a stop. Such broken down trains were very uncommon to see in the USA these days, but okay, illegal businesses aren't meant to be all hi-fi and attention catching. She got up to the train onto the station, ensuring that her bun and cap were securely in place. The reason she picked this place was? You ask? Well, the only way to defeat the bat-technology was to use technology they were not accustomed to. Sadly, there wasn't much technology, or frankly, no technology that the bats weren't used to, so she used the next best thing- outdated technology. Awfully hard to make the technology corporate and a perfect grainy cover to always keep people in doubt. A lady, maybe in her 30s, looked over curiously at her.

“Are you fine, dearie? Is there someone you're looking for?” The lady asked.

She'll give up her favorite dagger if people agreed that it didn't sound creepy. Who asks a young girl if there is someone going to pick her up? That's like asking for a kidnapping. Or maybe a robbery. She'll give her the benefit of doubt.

“Why don't you mind your own business already? Desperate is not a good look on you.” She let a nice New York rockin’ accent slip in.

“Excuse me?!” The lady said, completely mortified.

“Excused.” Mariam replied while turning away.

The lady got up, huffed, and walked off, muttering something along the lines of, “Kids these days. They have no respect. No wonder the country is–”

Now before you get all judgey. This is simple human psychology. A person would be more cooperative to help find a victim if the victim was a sweet little girl. That sparked human pity. Nobody would go too much out of the way to help her rude little brat they saw on the train. While it's sad that this is the situation of the society, it's true. And she had tried it enough places to know that it worked like a charm.

Soon, Mariam got off the train. She made her way to a boarding ship that was leaving for Spain. In about 5 hours. Not her smartest choice to go there, but… She'll have time to find something in one of the boxes to wear! Shopping malls were not guaranteed to have outdated cameras. Grainy surveillance could very much stop a person from being caught shoplifting. As Mariam was looking around the boxes, she found pale pink leggings. Perfect. She thought. No excessive fabric to ruin motion. She snooped through a couple of more boxes and found a black T-shirt with purple lines on it. Another great find. These clothes are the definition of an ordinary outfit. She got into the box, changed, and then got out.

I'll just lay down for a little while. Mariam thought. Frankly, running around like a demented hooligan did tire her, despite the level of stamina she has. As she leaned against one of the crates in the shadows. She tried to think why she wasn't in her comfy bed in the league. Sure, it was just a futon on the floor, but it beat the wood scraping her back any day. Right. She thought. Just killed their Leader, so… May not be so open to the killer.

She sighed and looked up at the ceiling. Can it be called ceiling if it's the ceiling of a ship? Does English have a different word for the ceiling of a ship? I don't think so. Oh, good. I'm procrastinating. This procrastinating will definitely reduce my effectiveness. And now I sound like Mother. This will be the news of the town. Trained assassin killed due to negligence caused due to procrastination. Procrastination: The number one enemy of mankind. Huh, sounds like a good title. Again procrastinating. Mariam sternly told herself. Stop procrastinating. OK, deep breath in. Deep breath out. Feel your toes. Do not faint down. Mariam tried to calm herself, repeating the chant her mother taught her as a young kid whenever her focus would go off stream.

You just killed your grandfather. You declared your mother the head of the League of Assassins. You did not stay with your father or your mother. Instead, you chose to flee because you're too much of a COWARD to-look-your-brother-and-mother-in-the-eyes, because-they-have-the-same-EYES-as-your-grandfather.

She let out a sigh.

No good overthinking it now. I decided all the pros and cons before I did it. Who knows maybe this new ‘Life’ may not be so bad. It's not like I'm abandoning them. I'll still go visit and… It will work out. Hopefully. She drew a deep breath in. The breath out. No mother to help you out of a panic attack. Mariam told herself. You're on your own, kid. You can handle this. (Taylor Swift pun intended.)

With that, Mariam got into the crate, making sure that she had proper air circulation and that the crate would not shift with the ship's movement. She allowed the gentle to and fro motion of the sea to lull her into sleep. A sleep filled with green eyes, golden goblets, and murderous intentions, popularly known as her grandfather, Ra’s Al-Ghul.

She got up after one hour. League training ensured that she was always aware, even while resting. She went back to sleep. This continued to happen throughout her journey through the Atlantic Ocean. Food had never been a concern. She had too good of a stamina to let her awareness be affected by it. Soon she was woken before her one-hour gap due to the shouting above deck.

Two possible reasons. She thought. Number one, we are being taken over by pirates. Or we have arrived at our destination.

The latter reason turned out to be correct. She got off. There was a beautiful Spanish sunset. Looks like any sunset. Mariam thought in the privacy of her mind. She got off and made her way to the nearest train station.

“Excuse me?” She asked the man sitting at the counter In passable Spanish. “When does the train leave for Plymouth?”

“The day after tomorrow, kid.” The guy replied back.

He didn't even look up. Mariam thought, scrunching her nose at the man. Too busy playing Galaga underneath the desk, I see. (Avengers, pun intended.)

“Is there any way to reach there earlier using layovers?” She politely asked. This statement, however, got the guide to look up and squint his eyes at Mariam.

“Why?” He asked.

None of your business is what she would have said. Buuuut, she wanted the guy to be cooperative. So instead, she said. “It's for a school project. Our topic is to find out the difference between a straight path time and a layover path time.”

The guy looked at the chart in front of him and said, “There is a way, but it will take you about 7 hours more.”

“Thank you.” She smiled, replied and left.

Six hours later, she was asking a different counter guy for a layover ticket to Plymouth.

Another trick she learned from the guy who was teaching her. Never EVER go dot to dot. That's asking for a clear trace path. She has to use all her cards if she's trying to hide herself from the League of Assassins and the Bat Clan.

[dragonmaiden39point5]

No Escape (3)

Aight l waited long enough, here take this.

All characters depicted are over the age of 18

Summary: You grow tired of Bakugo's bad behavior and after 4 years as a couple, you make a run for it.

Katsuki Bakugo x Black!Reader

❗Ft. Dark!Deku❗

Darkfic. Stalking, humiliation, non-con, mild Daddy!kink. Potentially some untagged triggers.

Torino was very happy after the visit with his loved ones. He didn't say anything specific (he wasn't a particularly chatty old man) just that Toshinori-- the man who hired and paid you-- and his stepkid always knew how to put a smile on his face.

You did your standard routine of arranging his meals for the day which was made easier by he and his guests having harvested; Then you were on your way to work via your 18 speed bike.

Even though everything was following your new normal, you couldn't help but get this prickly feeling, like you were being watched. Just like before you left *him*. Customers were unusually scarce and there were dense rain clouds in the sky. As time dragged on during the uneventful shift your stomach began to tighten; It felt like the same one or two black SUVs with limo tinted windows were the only cars you'd seen driving by all day. It couldn't be who you'd thought it was-- Not this far away. Not here where you were safe and self-sufficient...It was certainly your imagination running wild. Just a bit of nerves, like when you first ran. Nevertheless, by the time you got off around 5pm you felt sick. That foreboding, doomlike feeling hung over you even after the clouds had burst and a downpour soaked you all the way through to your underwear as you rode your bike home.

When you got home, it was dark and you were supremely exhausted from riding around with such low visibility. Your clothes sagged off of you, oversaturated with the water that had just bombarded you. Entering through the front door, the cold air from the A/C made goosebumps rise across your skin. You stood there in the entryway for a moment, dripping a puddle onto the rug... "Thunder?" You called out, he didn't come.

You felt a wave of nausea and swallowed dryly; Torino hadn't answered either.

Without hesitation you sprinted upstairs, heading straight for the old man's room. He was fast asleep, under his reading light, radio very low playing on some golden oldies station. You sighed backing away as you closed his door.

Turning around you nearly leapt through the ceiling, covering your mouth in a silent scream. Toshinori's hulking frame stood behind you inquisitively, if not a bit surprised.

"Oh, Hey! You're finally home." He said with a smile, "You, look like you've seen a ghost."

"Ha-ha, hi-- Toshinori. I didn't know you'd be here today is all... I was just.. You startled me."

Toshinori eyed your soaked, trembling body briefly before he responded. "I wasn't supposed to stay, but the news said there'd be some flooding tonight and tomorrow so I decided to stick around instead of heading to my apartment... You know, you should really warm up." He said, careful not to stare and how the drenched fabric clung to your shivering form, how goosebumps were spread across your skin, and how your hardened nipples pushed up against your shirt.

"Oh, I uh, yeah-- Just... Where is Thunder?"

"In my room sleeping. Do you want to check? You seem pretty on edge."

"Yeah..." you nodded, walking carefully down the hallway to the room that Toshinori kept as his own. The door was already cracked, with Thunder laying across the foot of the large bed. As you pushed the door further open, he sat up and looked at you before lazily flopping down in place.

"See? Everything is fine." Toshinori said, from the hallway.

You sighed with some relief, but still a sick, sinking feeling in your stomach.

Maybe it was something you ate.

"I'm sorry. I just... It was a weird day." You lied; Other than a gut feeling it was pretty uniform that there were no customers before a major weather event.

"I'll go get cleaned up... Thunder can stay here since apparently he's so comfy." You forced a chuckle.

"Alrighty." He said eyes locked on you, shrugging. "Have a good night, then."

"Yeah, y-you too." You swallowed thickly, hurrying away, back downstairs.

You scurried through the first floor of the house in a blur hurrying all the way to the basement. Gripping the railing for support, you dragged your feet down to the last stair and sat on it, covering your eyes.

Near tears, you hadn't felt this way in so long. That feeling of being watched, like there were eyes on you all day made you sick. You would've thought that it was just paranoia-- An onset of your anxiety creeping up from back when you first moved, until you heard the rapidly approaching footsteps.

Your blood ran cold as you came face to face with Izuku Midoriya. As you attempted to stand on wobbly legs, he swiftly reached out to firmly grasp your arm. "Hey." He says, "It's been a while."

You couldn't find the words to respond, gulping in air like a fish out of water. Kacchan's best friend. A different brand of the same type of degenerate. He snatched you close, coiling one arm around your waist and using the other to stroke the damp skin on your cheeks. He didn't seem to care that the wetness from your clothes was seeping into his.

He looked at your face with great scrutiny, before moving his lips in to press a kiss to the corner of your mouth. "Wow. You are so beautiful up close... I can see how Kacchan got obsessed." He said, sticking his tongue out to lick the side of your face.

Heated tears began to cloud your vision as he started to kiss you. You struggled against his hold, but he owned a gym after all-- You were only tiring yourself out. "Come on now." He chuckled, lifting you up with ease and carrying over your couch, upon which you were dropped upon without care.

"H-how did you find me?" You sputtered.

He lifted an eyebrow, starting to pace; one of his excited ticks. "Funny you should ask. Toshinori is my stepdad. He married my mom before you and Kacchan started dating."

You tried to clear your mind enough to speak but couldn't, instead settling for shakily forcing yourself to stand.

He continued. "I was just coming for a visit now that I have the time but, boy I sure got lucky. Thunder recognized me immediately. I can't believe you moved into a house that my family owns!"

He laughed, almost giddy at the idea of your misfortune, before slowly falling silent and eyeing you up and down. You were trembling violently in the cold air, but you likely wouldn't have fared any better regardless of the air's temperature. He stopped pacing and turned to face you completely, harshly shoving backwards onto the couch and climbing on top of you before forcing himself between your legs. Caressing your cheeks he pressed an excited kiss to your lips, forcing his tongue into your mouth.

You tried not to react, but he was very persistent, holding you in place to let his tongue fully explore your mouth. It had been ages since you were touched in such a way, yet still the tiniest wick of fire began to slightly simmer within you.

You didn't like it.

His hasty, intense approach reminded you of Kacchan and then suddenly you felt the anchor of guilt comfortably settling in with the hyper-alert anxiety that plagued you... And that tiny ping of arousal. His intensity lessened and he pulled back a bit, gazing into your eyes as he pecked and licked at your lips.

He stroked one of the stray curls near your ear that had escaped your high puff. "Gotta get you out of these wet clothes." He said, just above a whisper. That was all the warning you got before he leaned back and snatched his own shirt off, before pulling your own above your head along with your sports bra. With tremors still running through your body, your hands flew to your bare breast to cover them but he snatched them away with a petrifying amount of force.

"Don't be shy now," he chuckled, "With all the pictures and videos of you that Kacchan has shared, I know what you're *really* like." Undoing his pants, he thick erection sprung free and he pinned your wrists, squeezing them with an excess of force until you whimpered. "Play nice." He hissed, grinding against you.

You could feel all of him, the full girth of his dick as he fucked against the outer layer of your thin workshorts. He rubbed insistently over where your clit was, precum leaking from the tip and smearing all over the black fabric, effectively soiling them. You felt the betrayal of your body as your pussy throbbed from the continuous nudging and he began to kiss you, sealing his mouth over your own.

Maybe you should've bit him, screamed, knocked something over-- anything at all-- But your brain stalled out and blanked, leaving you frozen in apparent surrender. His hands released your wrists and moved to your tits, exploring the soft mounds nearly frantically. He squeezed and pinched, teasing your dark nipples as he molded and pushed the supple flesh.

Throat tightening and eyes stinging, you moaned underneath him. Your body was not your own and moved without thought as you subtly wiggled your hips.

"That's right." He huffed, "I know you like it..."

Suddenly gripping your shoulders, Midoriya jostled you around until you were laying flat on your back and he was shoving his pants the rest of the way off. He moved to sit on your chest, dick resting right between your tits. He gripped them firmly and pushed them together as he thrusted in earnest, more of his pre leaking out to defile the tender flesh.

Your eyes burned with tears, shame flowing through your veins that you could actually feel that excited wetness building up between your thighs. You had to resist the urge to reach down your pants and pursue rubbing that nagging feeling of need until you soaked yourself with release.

Midoriya's dick was swollen to full size, ready to burst and empty on you. He grabbed you by the hair and scooted up your body a bit further, now overly urgent to chase his orgasm in your mouth. To him you were so pretty when you cried, he wasn't like Kacchan who didn't care for tears. The big sad droplets pouring off of your face only motivated him to further fuck down into your intake. He loved the way your lips strained around his girth and how you gagged miserably as your already tight throat attempted to squeeze him out. He didn't stop as you sputtered and drooled around him-- that was a part of the excitement. A woman's throat constricted on its own when she cried-- as well as her mouth being hotter and more full of drool... He took one more glance at you pinned between his legs and finally came. You choked harshly but he held your head still until he had emptied every drop of the warm semen into your mouth.

You still throbbed with unspoken pleasure, even as Midoriya pulled away his fully spent cock and collapsed into the other corner of the couch with a happy sigh and left you coughing with a mouth full of his load.

You sat up slowly, cum dripping down your front and all over your hands. A small sob came from your chest and you sniffled your runny nose.

"You know, you're never gonna get away again right?" Midoriya snarked, "What do you think, Kacchan?"

You startled, wiping the tears that blurred your vision and looked across the room. Sure enough, there was the only person who had gone out of their way tomake your life a living hell, right there on the love seat.

💥💥💥💥💥

[minawritesfanfic]

Backyard Boy Part 2

Rodrick Heffley x Reader

Word Count: 3,000+

Summary: You and Rodrick go ok that long await ice cream and skate ‘date’, it’s not a date though well okay maybe it is. A friend date, you can go on dates with your friends right…?

Part 2

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I lay in my bed staring blankly at my ceiling, the room was dark but slowly being illuminated by the rising sun. I knew that it was already nearing eight a.m. and that I hadn’t slept a wink last night. At first, I thought me and Rodricks hang out tomorrow, wait no that's today, was just a simple meeting between friends. My mom on the other hand doesn’t believe that, she asked so many questions and gushed about how I already had a date. Now that she brought it up this hangout is seeming more and more like a date.

I groaned and covered my face with my hands, trying and failing to pretend that it wasn’t already morning. I knew that I had to get up in a few hours and that I had stuff I needed to do before then. I forced myself to sit up and climb out of bed, I shivered once my feet hit the cold hardwood floor and quickly put on my house shoes. With a yawn I undressed and got ready to take a shower, I hopped in without checking the temperature and I was jolted wide awake. I adjusted the temperature and quickly warmed up, at least I was more awake and conscious of what was going on.

By the time I had gotten out of the shower, it was a few minutes past eight-thirty, I now sat at the kitchen counter eating breakfast. Homemade french toast and a glass of sweet vanilla almond milk, way better than normal milk I’d say. Despite it being eight a.m. on a Saturday I knew both my parents were out of work already, Dad was always in and out of the house since he was almost always on call at the station. Whilst mom’s job just had a weird work week, who the hell works Friday through Tuesday? I don’t even know what she does anymore since we moved, just that she’s out for hours at a time on the weekend.

I finished my breakfast and decided to start on chores early, so it wouldn’t be a problem later. I grabbed my ipod and started to clean with my epic playlist ‘Doghouse Jams’, it was chaotic but it was perfect for practically any mood. I nodded my head to the music blaring through my earbuds as I cleaned the dishes from breakfast and whatever meal my parents ate last night, they probably came in late and ate the leftover lasagna from last week. Regardless I scrubbed and rinsed away the leftover food bits and put the plates onto the drying rack, eventually the sink was empty so I switched sponges and started cleaning off the counters. I had spilled a bit of syrup and cinnamon on the counter, so I might as well get the rest of the counters while I’m already cleaning them.

It only took half an hour to finish up in the kitchen, so I decided to just hang out on the couch for a bit and let the rest of my playlist play. It was still only nine a.m. so I had a little over two hours before I could even think about getting ready to leave. I let out a sigh and snuggled deeply into the couch, I let my eyes flutter shut. I would just rest my eyes for a bit to waste some time.

★ ✮ ★

I awoke with a yawn, as I sat up with a stretch. I felt incredibly disoriented and stood as I rubbed the sleep off my face. I walked through the hallway towards my room and happened to glance up at the clock on the wall. If I wasn’t awake before, I definitely was now when I realized the time.

11:57 am

“Shit, shit, shit! I’m so gonna be late!” I bolted down the hall and up the stairs to my room.

I quickly gathered everything I needed to go out on my bed, phone, chapstick, wallet, and fuck where did I put my keys? I scavenged my dresser and any jacket pocket I could to find them, it was only after several minutes that I found them in a discarded pair of jeans. This made me realize that the pants I was currently wearing were way too nice to wear to a skate park, so I wasted a few more minutes looking for a replacement. Eventually, I found a nice loose-ish form-fitting denim pair and put them on, then my sneakers. I made sure to grab a hoodie before I left my room, as I walked down the stairs to the front door I organized everything I needed into my various pockets. I lifted my head when I heard a knock at my door, and it was then that I remembered my skateboard was still upstairs. I quickly rushed back and grabbed it before answering the door, only after calming my heavy panting first. I swung the door open and I was met with Rodrick, who stood with his hands in his pockets shifting awkwardly in place.

“Hey! Sorry, I’m a few minutes late. I woke up barely an hour ago.” He said with a nervous laugh avoiding my eye contact, while I just breathed a short sigh of relief.

“Hey, it’s fine I was running a bit late too. Are you ready to hang?” I said stepping out my front door and shutting it behind me, giving the nob a quick twist to make sure it was locked.

“Yeah, ice cream, and then I’ll show you that skate park as promised.”

“Glad to see you’re a man of your word.” I joked as I followed him off my porch toward the ominous white van I just realized was parked in my driveway. It had ‘Löded Diper’ painted on the side, I just stared in awe.

“Do you like it? I drew it myself.” He said with a proud grin as he looked over at me.

“Yeah, I’m speechless. I didn’t realize that was how your band name was spelled, it’s unique though. I like it.”

“Thank you, it’s totally spelled like that on purpose. I picked the name myself, and I love it. Anyways, after you my liege.” Rodrick did a dramatic bow as he opened the passenger side door for me, I laughed and climbed inside.

He climbed in after me on the other side and then put his key into the ignition to start the car. He pulled out of the driveway a bit recklessly so I gripped my seatbelt tightly and knew I would have to apologize to my parents for the damage to the front yard. But just like that we were on our way down the street, it was silent for a while inside the car. I could occasionally catch Rodrick sneaking a few glances over at me as he drove, which reminded me a lot of my own mother's driving. Unlike my father’s uptight and stickler for the rules driving, my mother was uncaring and drove with her hands in the wind, literally. She occasionally let go of the wheel and put her arms out in the air, thankfully she at least used her thighs to somewhat drive the car when she did that.

It was a relatively short drive and we were already pulling into the tiny parlour’s similar tiny parking lot. The building looked quite old but through the large windows I could see the inside was certainly more modern. I left my skateboard on the floor of his car and climbed out of the van, the sound of passing cars was loud and led to there being a breeze despite the stagnant wind. I stuffed my hands into my pockets as I rounded the back of the truck and met Rodrick, we walked up to the parlour in a somewhat comfortable silence. Rodrick opened the door for me keeping up his chivalrous act, as I entered I was hit with a wave of coolness and sweet scent. I stepped up to the glass protecting the several dozen containers of ice cream as I looked for my favourite flavour.

“Welcome to Old-Timey Ice cream parlour, what can I get you guys today?” The blonde clerk asked as he gestured to the rows of ice cream.

I ordered my favourite flavour but then saw the different cone options, “Oh, and can I get that in a waffle cone too please?” I asked as I held onto my wallet in my pocket.

“And I’d like a mint chocolate chip in a normal cone,” Rodrick said, stepping up beside me at the counter.

“Are you ordering separately or together?” The clerk asked as he quickly scooped my ice cream up and handed it to me, then did the same for Rodrick.

“Sep-“ Rodrick put his arm out in front of me and cut me off, “Together, how much is it?”

“Your total is eleven thirty-five.” Rodrick pulled out his wallet and paid for the ice cream before grabbing my hand and leading me outside.

“I don’t know what to comment on first, you choosing mint chocolate chip, you paying for both our ice creams, or you holding my hand. It almost seems as though we’re on a date right now.” I said with a quirked eyebrow as I savoured that first lick, Rodrick met my gaze and hesitated for a moment looking from me to our linked hands.

“You say that like it would be a bad thing!” He said with a smirk letting go of my hand and wrapping his arm around my shoulder instead. “Also, mint chocolate chip IS the best flavour in the world.”

He waved his ice cream in my face offering the first taste I just made a disgusted face and ducked under his arm, “Gross! I bet you like eating toothpaste, you weirdo!” I said with a laugh putting a couple steps in between us.

“No, now that’s gross, I just really enjoy brushing my teeth. I’m not a crazy person y’know.” He flashed a toothy grin, albeit not having the straightest teeth his teeth were on the whiter side.

“Mmm, maybe not that type of crazy person but definitely still a bit crazy. Anyways, are you still going to show me that skate park?” I asked licking away at my ice cream happily, Rodrick nodded and we walked back to his car.

The drive over was much shorter than the one to the ice cream parlour, Rodrick had me hold his ice cream while he drove. But of course, he had to multitask and have me hold the ice cream near his face whilst he drove, which had me hoping there was somewhere I could wash my hands. I now had sticky ice cream and Rodrick’s spit all over my hand from failed attempts at eating ice cream, not to mention I learned Rodrick bites into his ice cream due to the fact he bite my finger.

I’m honestly struggling to decide which is the weirdest and the grossest, though in my heart it’s still probably the flavour. I really hate mint chocolate chip.

“Andddd here we are Plainview’s one and only skatepark, there's also a playground hidden on the other side.” He pointed over to the park as he pulled into one of the parking spaces, my eyes were fixated on the skatepark packed with people a few hundred feet away from us.

“Oh sick, there’s already people here. Thank you, Rodrick, I literally was going to die if you guys didn’t have a decent park and skaters here. Maybe your town isn’t so ‘plain’.” I snickered as I handed him his ice cream.

I climbed out of the van and cleaned my hand off with one of the napkins I took from the parlour, I’d still have to run it under some water on it as it was a bit sticky. I made sure to grab my board and we walked over to the skate park, it was a beautiful sight to see. Girls and guys all skating freely, doing tricks, falling on their asses, it had everything it did back at home. Down to the trio in one of the corners smoking and laughing their asses off every time someone fell, this was really starting to feel like home. I turned to say something to Rodrick and I could tell from his body language despite there being a smile on his face he didn’t really want to be here. The way his eyes darted back and forth, or how he hid one of his hands in his jean pockets. He even was eating his ice cream slower than before, he was almost done with it but had barely made any progress since we left the car. I looked from him and back to the park thinking for a moment, before ultimately deciding that I visit the skate park on my own another day.

“You’ve said you haven’t skated before right, Rodrick?” He whipped his head towards me, a bit surprised I said something.

“Yeah uh no, I haven’t skated before. Why..?” He asked skeptical but I just smirked and didn’t respond.

I tucked my board under my arm and took his hand then pulled him off towards the street beside the skatepark. I quickly finished the rest of my ice cream, enjoying the sweetness of the waffle cone as I did. I set my board down in the middle of the street after checking for any cars, once the coast was clear I started my lesson.

“Why you ask, well today we’re going to start your skateboarding lessons is why Rodrick! I promise it’s just as easy as driving a car, with waaay less rules though.”

“Wait what, since when was this happening?”

“Since like right now, skateboarding is fun and all but it’s a whole lot more fun when you’ve got a skatemate. So this is also me officially asking you to be my skatemate, I’ll teach you everything I know in return.” I said flashing him a smile, he hesitated for a moment looking from me to the board, and back at the skatepark before responding.

“I mean I guess I’ll be your skatemate, which is a stupid name by the way.” He said with a shrug shaking his head, I feigned hurt and wiped an imaginary tear from my eye.

“Ouch Rodrick! My poor poor ego, me, and my friend upstate came up with it. Oh how cruel you are, is this revenge for calling your band lame?” I teased with a curious expression, though it didn’t seem like he caught on to my teasing.

“Oh well uh actually it’s stupid in a cool way, yeah like that book is stupid but it’s still really good..?” He said nervously, clearly worried that he’d hurt my feelings, I tried to stifle my laughter but failed, confusing him even more.

“Pfft- oh my gosh, Rodrick I was kidding! Yeah, it’s a stupid name, you didn’t actually hurt my feelings. Literally, something me and Lorei came up with when we were like ten.” I said, shaking my head and giving Rodrick a reassuring pat on his shoulder.

He didn’t say anything and just looked away, though I could still see the faint pink hue on his cheeks which made my stomach flip at the sight. Though I shook away the image that was slowly ingraining itself into my mind and cleared my throat, we'd been standing here and I had yet to be able to get to my point.

“Anywaysss, first lesson standing on your board! First, we need to figure out if your stance is regular or goofy, please do me a favor and turn around.” Rodrick looked skeptical but turned around, before he could ask why I gave him a barely gentle shove forward.

He tumbled slightly, catching himself on his left foot, “Hey what the hell! What does that have to do with skateboarding?!”

“Everything my dear, you caught yourself with your left foot so that basically means that is your dominant foot. Which means you ride goofy just like me, so you’ll probably feel most comfortable standing like this.” I stepped onto the board balancing carefully in a demonstration, “Also sorry for shoving you. It’s kind of a right of passage my friends and I used to do, so it’s a really bad habit. Anyways it’s your turn, try to step on and balance.”

“You and your friends sure are wei-“ He tried to say as he stepped onto the board but wasn’t paying attention, the board slid off to the side from under his foot. He fell forward towards me, I just barely managed to catch him and keep us both from falling to the floor.

“Pfft- maybe try watching the board when you’re stepping on it. But here you can hold onto me. I'll help you balance since it’s your first time.” I tried to avert my eyes knowing how red and embarrassed I was the first time I tried riding.

Eventually after a bit more back and forth and with my guidance Rodrick was able to almost effortlessly ride up and down the street. I clapped as he turned around using a side street and headed back towards me, he came to a stop —well more like tumbling to a stop— panting heavily and smiling wildly. It was obvious Rodrick was having a blast and even though I’d barely been able to ride I was too, Rodrick’s smile and excitement were contagious so it was hard not to smile and celebrate alongside him.

“I cannot believe I’ve been missing out on this my entire life, I really appreciate you teaching me this has been so much fun. Though I haven’t fallen on my ass this much since I tried learning how to ride a bike.” He said with a laugh as he carried the board over to me while he pushed some of his hair back and out of his face.

“Ugh, don’t remind me of that! My grandpa straight up removed the pedals to teach us how to ride, I have no idea how it worked but it did.” I took my board and we sat down off to the side on the curb.

“What? I refuse to believe that actually worked, that sounds more like torture.” He sat down next to me, closer than I was expecting as our thighs were squished up against each other.

“Probably cause it was, I struggled with it but hey my grandpa was certainly on to something. How did you learn how to ride a bike though, Rodrick?” He paused for a moment staring down at the pavement below our feet.

“Uhm well I never really learned how to ride one, I tried but I just couldn’t get the hang of it.” He admitted quietly as he kicked the gravel further into the road, I didn’t know what to say.

“Really? Guess that means I’ll take up your time next weekend and teach you that too, we could put the no pedals method to the test yeah?” I nudged him lightly with my elbow and smiled over at him.

He looked up from the ground and up at me carefully reading my expression, he opened his mouth to say something but hesitated before just smiling and nodding. “Yeah, that sounds nice. I appreciate it.”

We sat for a while in a thoughtful silence enjoying each other’s company and our sugar rush coming to an end. I brought a hand up to cover my yawn, my eyes crinkling in the corners as I did. I turned to see Rodrick staring forward, his eyes following any car that happened to drive past, eventually, he turned to me as he felt me staring.

“ I didn’t get the chance to ask this earlier but who’s Lorei?” I was a bit surprised by the question, I hadn’t expected him to pick up on the name let alone ask about them.

“Lorei aka Lorelai was my next-door neighbor and ‘bestest friend in the world’, as she would describe it at least. We grew up together and were, well still, really good friends. We became friends because she had crawled through a hole their dog made in the fence to my yard , and her parents went crazy looking for her. But we had a blast crawling and rolling around in the dirt together, she loves the outdoors and is the reason I skate.” I said staring off with a fond smile as I thought back to the bubbly purple-haired mess I called a friend.

“Wow, she certainly sounds fun and like a really great person. I’m sorry you had to move away and stop being neighbors.” He nudged me gently with his elbow in what I think was meant to be comforting.

“Yeahhh, it’s alright though. I got a new neighbor to have crawl through a hole into my yard.” I said easing the mood with a grin, Rodrick laughed at my comment shaking his head.

“I don’t know about crawling but I’ll climb your fence if that’s what you want.”

“I could use something new so I guess that’s fine, but don’t sue my family if you break your neck doing so!” He rolled his eyes at me but we both laughed regardless.

Nothing about the conversation was particularly funny but we still laughed heartily, it was less of a joke and more of a positive energy building between us. The air felt softer and less like it would consume me if I embarrassed myself, and the conversation was light and a lot less like two teenagers who had met just days before. It was starting to feel like two friends who’d known each other for years and could truly be themselves around each other.

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[punkassfrance]

Sierra Nevada - Chapter IV - Ellie/Abby

Chapter IV: Fester (Work length ~1.9k) This work is rated M for canon-typical violence and gore. Please look here for a full list of warnings for the series, specific warnings will be provided at the start of each chapter. This chapter contains: (stable, but) critically injured minor, mentions of blood. Previous Chapter - Full Series - Next Chapter

Abby

Lev tries to turn over a few times as he sleeps through the day— Abby has to jump up to stop him every time, redirect him onto his uninjured side. He mumbles in his sleep, names, pleas, things Abby can’t make out. She can’t focus on any of it. Her comfort is half-hearted, mind wandering far from the room they’re in. It wanders all the way to Salt Lake City. To Jackson. Places she doesn’t care to revisit.

Some part of her regretted all that had happened, after Santa Barbara. Watching a skinny, bloody girl on the beach, sobbing into the water as Abby left her behind— it forced some kind of empathy. Still coughing up water, even then, she knew on some level she’d done something irreversible. Maybe something worse than murder.

Ellie. Miller.

“Abby?” Lev rasps, trying to sit up. She pulls herself up on the bed beside him, taking his hand.

“What do you need?”

He looks around, squinting. “Where are we?” The room they’re in is painted off-white, relatively clean with dark wood floors and a rectangular window by the ceiling. It looks the size of a master bedroom, but she can’t understand why Ellie wouldn’t take it for herself if that was the case. Their supplies sit up against a wall, a few personal affects on the nightstand. She figured he would like some comfort when he woke up, the little she can offer him.

“I think we’re in Truckee. I found someone to help— we’re safe for now.” She helps him sit up and look around the room, keeping a careful eye on his leg. Once he’s up against the headboard, he takes in their surroundings and looks up at Abby.

“Was that…”

Abby nods, swallowing hard and looking down at the bed. “She’s…gonna be helping us for a bit.”

“Who is she?”

Abby hesitates, looking up to meet his eyes. He still hasn’t asked, after everything. After the theater, after the pillars, he never pried. Never asked Abby too much about what came before him. As much as she appreciated not having to explain, he has the right to know by now.

“…her name is Ellie. I’ll explain later, I promise. She kinda… hates me, but she said we can stay for now.” She squeezes his hand. “At least until you’re fixed up.”

“I can— I can go, we don’t have to…” He tries to sit up before Abby keeps him down, hand on his shoulder.

“Hey, you need rest. And we’re really lucky to be able to stay here,” she leans in, conspiratorially. “Look, I know you’re wanting to get back on your feet, but relax for me. Yeah? It’s kinda nice here.” It might be the only angle that could work, convincing him to relax because Abby wants to. He would never take a break without some kind of fight. Even with the few memories she has, he still reminds her of Yara.

He frowns, eyes drifting back to the bed before he concedes and lays down.

“What happened? I don’t remember all of it…” he reaches for his stuffed shark on the night stand, pulling it under the covers to hide with him. He’ll never admit that he’s happy to have it, glad Abby stuffed it in her backpack before leaving for the Seraphite island. “We were at the gas station, right?”

“Yeah, someone…beat us there. Thought they could get the jump on us.”

“They did,” Lev mutters with a small, tight smile.

“They didn’t make it out of the gas station alive. They’re rotting, and you’re still breathing. That’s what matters.”

He’s silent, sheets pulled nearly to his chin. His brow creases as Abby pulls the comforter up to cover his torso. “…I should have heard them.”

“Lev,” she admonishes, wincing. She crouches beside him on the bed, bringing herself closer to his face. “Look, shit like this happens all the time. Everybody has a story like this, you’re not the first person to get caught off guard.” She leans in, squinting. “Did I ever tell you what I did in Everett?”

Lev shakes his head, adjusting as much as he can to look at her. “I don’t think you have.”

Abby smirks, lips pressing together.

-

Ellie

“…and that’s not even the worst part— when I got back, Manny had the flu and was quarantined in our room, so all of my stuff was stuck in there and I had to recover in Nora’s room. I think she was ready to finish the job by the time I could leave.”

The kid snorts on the other side of the cracked door, the sheets shuffling around just enough to hear. It’s the most energy she’s heard from him in the day he’s been here, barely enough to giggle at Abby’s dumb story. Her throat tightens at the mention of Nora, a blood-splattered name she’s tried to forget— one of many.

She knocks on the doorframe, swallowing and holding up bag of supplies. When they look over to her, Abby’s smile falls. “We have to change his bandages.”

Abby nods and starts pulling the blankets back, pushing herself up to sit on the bed by the kid’s feet. “Just tell me what you need.”

“Hold his leg off the bed.” Ellie pulls scissors out of her back pocket, crouching by his bedside as Abby tucks a hand under his knee. They managed to get him into basketball shorts and a clean t-shirt, easy enough to keep out of the way as they sutured him up the day before. She sets the bag down beside her and cuts the bandages along the side of his leg, a few inches away from the wound.

Ellie has minimal medical training- really, none at all. But she’s had nearly a year in this godforsaken cabin with shelves of books, some medical, and she bores too easily to ignore them. Despite her lack of formal training, she still managed to keep Joel alive- there may be hope for this kid after all.

Well. She managed to keep Joel alive for a little while.

Her hands still as she rolls up the old dressings to dispose of, heart heavy. She can’t think about it too hard- if she does, she’ll have blood on her hands all over again. Panicking as she feels her eyes well up, she sets the used bandages aside and picks up the alcohol pads.

“What’s your name, kid?”

It’s a weak distraction, she knows, but if she dwells on the past for another minute—

“Lev.”

Ellie nods as she cleans the sutures, trying to be gentle with the rubbing alcohol. “How old are you?”

Lev shifts a little as she pulls back to grab a clean towel. “Fifteen. I remember you.”

Ellie presses her lips together, but doesn’t stop what she’s doing. “…figured you would.”

Abby squeezes Lev’s shoulder, still holding blankets out of Ellie’s way. She looks down at the sheets, expression blank, wisely keeping her mouth shut.

“Why are you helping us?” Lev asks, frowning. He looks down to get a glimpse of the cut as Ellie wraps him back up, grimacing at the sight.

Ellie doesn’t respond at first, busy fixing the wrap in place. Her throat is tense and painful, the sight of dried blood bringing back unkind memories.

…or I can make it so much worse.

“You didn’t do anything wrong.”

Once the wound is re-wrapped, she stands and gathers her supplies, tucking the old dressings inside the bag to deal with later. She doesn’t spare a glance to Abby, just draws in a slow breath and tightens her grip on the bag. “I’ll do it again in the morning. Get some sleep.”

Lev nods and looks back down to the pillows, exhaling as Abby pulls the blankets back over him. There’s nothing else for him to do right now, after all.

Abby pushes herself off the bed and follows Ellie as she turns to leave, too fast for Ellie to slam the bedroom door in her face.

“Ellie—” Abby starts urgently, but stops to look down and think on what to say. Ellie stares her down, tempted to say don’t call me that. Her name feels too affectionate, too personal, but she has no way to correct her. If her name is short for something else, something less intimate, she’ll never know.

“He’s gonna be fine.”

Abby looks up, leaning against the closed bedroom door. “You’re sure?”

“No.”

Chewing on her lip, Abby crosses her arms and lets her eyes drift to the side. She’s gained some muscle back, it seems. Not quite as intimidating as Ellie’s fragile memory asserts, but the definition in her sinewy arms is notable at the least. Impressive even, as much as Ellie hates to give Abby credit of any kind. She could be useful.

“The snow’s coming soon. Tomorrow I need to clear out the gutters and take care of a branch hanging over the roof that won’t be strong enough for the snow. You’re gonna help.”

Abby just stares down at the floor, head tilted like there’s something fascinating on the ground. She wants to demand Abby’s full attention, snap at her, do something, but Abby nods. “Okay. Do we have what we need?”

“I have a ladder, a handsaw, and rope. That’ll be enough. He should be okay for a couple hours while we work, but crack his window so we can hear if he needs help.” Ellie crosses her arms, glancing at the bedroom door. “…it’s good that he’s talking.”

Abby’s face softens as she looks up to Ellie, tucking her hands in her pockets. “You think?”

“Book says he’s probably not in shock anymore. If we can keep it from getting infected, he’ll be fine.”

“…thank you.”

Ellie reaches up to rub her eyes, pressing her lips together. “You… you’re fucking lucky. Do you get that?” She’s not even sure precisely she means, but she means it. If enough time hadn’t passed, if Lev wasn’t just a kid, if Ellie didn’t have enough to atone for…

“I know— I know. I just…want you to know how much it means. I…” She trails off, shaking her head and looking away. She won’t look Ellie in the eye- it’s alright. Ellie doesn’t want to look at her anyway. All she’ll see is cold blue eyes looking down at her from across the room, blue light through snowed-in windows.

“Whatever. I get it.” Ellie’s not sure she does, but it doesn’t matter. She doesn’t care to figure it out. She turns and walks away before Abby can respond, steadying herself on the railing beside the stairs.

“Wait.”

Ellie pauses, but she doesn’t turn back to look at Abby.

“I… I didn’t know who you were.”

That much is clear. She didn’t know Ellie’s name, but that doesn’t feel like what she’s saying. Abby missed more than a name. “Yeah. Figured.”

There’s silence.

The bedroom door opens, then closes behind her.

-

Abby

Trying not to fall into the growing pit inside her, she hides her face from Lev as she grabs an unused pillow off the bed and collapses to the floor. Lev doesn’t seek her attention, or maybe he’s asleep again— either way, it doesn’t matter. So long as he doesn’t catch her holding the pillow like a lifeline, face buried in the fabric. It smells like dust, but it’s warm.

When she gets the nerve to pull her face out of the pillow and look at her trembling hands, in the darkness, she can almost see splotches of blood.

that tfw face when you've become the monster you sought to destroy, amirite? Hope you're enjoying so far!

Thank you to @plum98 for the forest divider! Feel free to say hi or drop your thoughts in my askbox, check out my AO3 or my about me if you're interested!

Series Taglist: @a-little-bit-of-everybody

[wolven91]

Creepy, Loving, Universe

Charles lost traction as he attempted to turn the corner at full sprint. His trainers should have been replaced long ago, but whilst he had loathed to let them go before now, in that split second of him flailing, he wished with every fibre of his body that he’d gotten space faring boots.

Skidding and tumbling he slammed into the wall before dropping into a crumpled heap. The man was dazed but unhurt, opening his eyes and risking a glance back the way he came, he saw the abomination of chitin, legs and pincers scuttling over the ceiling, down the wall and low along the floor he had ran over not seconds before. It moved far too fast for something that big.

Pushing off into a full sprint again he found new energy in the terror that was gripping his chest. His legs pumped like pistons whilst his heart thundered against his chest as he willed himself onwards.

His panicked mind despaired; he was on a preservation station, they were small and designed to protect and host any space faring sentient who found themselves in distress, there was nowhere for Charles to run or escape to! The escape pod had no controls! It would just come straight back here!

He could hear the creature behind him as it scuttled. It had unfurled itself from one of the beds in the living area of the station as he had entered, unaware of the apparent danger. It was massive; longer than four or five of him laying head to toe, its shiny black carapace and bright red legs had set off every alarm in the poor Human's already frazzled mind, never mind the pair of leg sized pincers that looked like it could dissect him with ease. He could practically feel them connecting either side of his neck and snipping it straight off!

A thought occurred to Charles; the SOS signal was already broadcasting, perhaps he could hide from the giant-space-centipede until help arrived? Oh god he just needed to get away from it first.

Unfortunately he tripped. 

A loose shoelace had tangled around his other foot and the resulting failure to keep up with his torso sent the young pilot skidding to an abrupt halt, rolling over himself as he stop. The giant-space-centipede was upon him in moments, he was bodily lifted immediately and entangled in a long body, surrounded by legs. The human immediately assumed death would be next.

Charles expected screeching, blurbling or outright roars, but the cooing, motherly voice that erupted from it, kind of left his mind in the lurch however. It was a complete disconnect of what he had expected. 

"Oh! Oh no, you poor baby! Mama's here! Did you have a nasty fall? Let me see, did you hurt yourself? Oh dear! Magic pincers! Magic pincers will make it all better!"

He felt uncountable legs all over him, light pinches on what he assumed was a scraped knee as he was carried straight back to the room that served as living quarters whilst occupants waited for rescue. It didn’t bother to take the floor, it traversed the walls and ceiling whilst carrying the confused human without any hint of difficulty, all the while it whittered and worried over him. 

"Why were you running about? You could have hurt yourself-" "If I could just-" He tried to interject, "Your plates haven't even started to grow in! Honestly, your broodmother... Oh you poor thing, you're filthy, let's get you all sorted..."

"Will you get off!?” the struggling human started to demand, but the wiggling mass of chitin and legs corralled Charles towards the (to him) oversized cushioned bowl that counted as a bed according to the wider community amongst the stars.

The Broodmother happily poured herself into the depression encircling the wriggling youngster.

The poor dear was obviously young, possibly only hours old; his pink flesh showed no signs of hardening yet, covered only by thin cloth material. Someone had obviously cared for the little one by providing these rudimentary bandages that covered his four limbs, maybe the dear was a runt? Was that why he was alone? Oh her hearts, each broke in turn for the poor thing, she'd never abandoned such a vulnerable cutie.

The Broodmother, as she was known by her children, had successfully raised millions of offspring at this point. Countless eggs and the delightful youth that came soon after, she was made and born to be a mother through and through.

Those days were behind her now to her dismay. In her old age she missed the feeling of being needed, of giving care and support. To see a child grow from a beautiful egg to a regal centipede with the knowledge that if they were knocked back, she would be there to catch them without fail and without judgement.

But now this, admittedly, odd creature, needed her. He smelt of smoke and fear, her mandibles clicked in worry.

Charles on the other hand was easily manhandled into position at the centre of the bowl and the Broodmother’s body. Her many legs manipulated his far smaller and lighter body so it was also curled up, his back against the softer, warmer underbelly of the Broodmother and her legs curled protectively around his body.

"Sssh, it's okay baby. It's okay. You're safe now..." the motherly voice from above and around him crooned.

Squeezing his eyes closed for a moment, Charles took the opportunity to actually take a breath.  The running had left him panting and the ensuing struggle hadn't allowed him to recover.

"There we go.. Good boy... ssh shh shh..." Her soothing tones continued, feeling him settle.

Some of her legs began to tap gently at this skin in lazy waves, travelling from the back of his neck, down his arms and sides, before following down his legs. His flesh pimpled as a wave of goosebumps rolled across him.

"What happened darling? Can you remember?" Her voice enquired gently, as if she were talking to a vulnerable child that had hurt itself.

"I... it was a micro-meteor shower. There was nothing on the maps, took out my engine in one fell swoop..." Charles explained, hoping to regain some lost authority. He may not have been military, but he was a freighter pilot, he was self reliant, he'd always had to be.

"Oh I bet that was scary, it's over now baby, it's over.." yet more claws dragged themselves across his hair.

"Where's your carers dearie?"

"I don't have any, I have no ne-"

A gasp and a tight squeeze silenced him mid sentence as lights from the room were blocked out by the giant-space-centipede ball growing tighter.

"You do now. I'm here.. I'm here little one... you're safe now. Mama's here..."

"It's fine, I'm fine, there's no need for this, you can let me go." He tried to reassure her, but he wasn't released, only caressed lovingly again and again. The sensations, weirdly feeling quite pleasant.

"You're so brave, but there's no need now. We'll rest here, mama will look out for you and when we're feeling better we'll see about getting you under my care permanently."

 "I don't think you'll be able to do that, I'll need to get back to work before long." charles chuckled as he tried to explain again on to deaf ears. Wherever they were on her body. The rippling laugh that came from The Broodmother felt strange. 

"Oh no, it won't be an issue. My children either own or run this system and the surrounding ones too. They likely own the company you work for or are at least contracting for, they'll let mommy worry about their employee if I ask, you'll be mine to look after from now on..." She said with finality.

Charles blinked as he worked over the ramifications of this rather alarming bit of information.

“err..”

The Broodmother enclosed around him again keeping him within the safe confines of her body and love.

After roughly a day had passed, the The Galactic Community rescue crew arrived at the station to retrieve the occupants. They found a healthy, but elderly crit'yun broodmother and an exhausted young male human within. Both were in good health although the human was difficult to extract from the centre of what was a protective centipede ball. It took almost as long as the rescue itself to explain that she didn't have to wait for his skin to harden, they were ‘just like that’.

The broodmother made a solemn vow in that moment to head to the human home planet as the young, soft creatures obviously needed protecting in such a dangerous universe. No one had the heart to explain to her that it was quite the impossible task.

Some time had passed since Charles had the pleasure of meeting the crit'yun known as The Broodmother. Oddly enough, whenever he mentioned her title, everyone had at least heard of her.

In the month that had flown by, he'd found out that his contract with his company had been bought by another company, quoting something about the lost commercial ship as the catalyst. He'd also found out the fine print of said contract left him with little choice but to accept the new company or be forced to not work for a whole year which he absolutely couldn't afford to do.

Upon getting home on board a sluggat station bordering The Edge, his entire hab-block, a building that housed over a million people, had been bought and all tenants had to vacate immediately. He sat on the edge of his bed looking around the cupboard sized home that he lived in.

It was tiny, sad and in desperate need of refurbishment, but Charles was at a loss as to what he was supposed to do. He rubbed a hand across his face as he leant forward, holding his head as the quiet hum of the apartment soothed him. 

When his door buzzer shook him from his meditation, he shouted that he still had 4 days to vacate, they couldn't force him out before then. But the buzzer buzzed again.

He sighed and pushed up off the bed and keyed open the door. His heart jumped at the sight of familiar black chitin and red legs.

"Oh darling there you are! Mommy's been looking everywhere for you!"

She surged into his one room home, her massive bulk instantly filling the place and causing Charles to stumble backwards and fall onto his bed as it hit the back of his knees. Her head and long antennas swung round to check him over. The long undulating appendages gently stroking his arms, shoulders, neck and finally settling on resting against the underside of his jaw.

"Baby, I know you're a big boy now, but I've been listening to the news and I heard about your troubles."

"I have a feeling you might be behind some of this 'Broodmother'." Charles replied, a wary look on his face, unsure just how much control she had over his life.

Her upper body rose up and he was once again grabbed, pulled off the bed, and pressed into the softer scales of her underside.

"I would only ever work for what's best for you baby! Mommy only wants what's best for her baby. Wouldn't she? Yes she would!"

He was bodily swung from one side to the other as he was held captive against her. He tried to struggle, but the fluid hydraulics that powered her biology rendered her incredibly strong and him woefully incapable of escaping her clutches.

"So! Mommy has a surprise. She's going to take you back to hers, where she will pamper you, and feed you and make sure you never have to work again!"

"That's not- I mean.. shouldn't I work? Earn my way... er... mother?" Charles asked, trying to play around her game.

"Mommy." She corrected him firmly. "And no! Look at you, your plates still haven't grown in! Ah ah! You can't expect me to believe those idiots about you not supposed to have plates. I promise not to let you out of my sight,-" She tapped his nose once to emphasise her point. " until they all grow in."

"And what am I to do while I'm there?"

"Why, be my child of course! If we're to encourage your plates to grow in, we'll need to start all over and make sure that we undo the damage your last caretaker did. I'll sing you to sleep, bath you, entertain you- we'll have a marvellous time together." She promised.

“H-hey! Wait!”Charles struggled again as she scuttled out of his apartment and into the hallway, also occupied by more crit'yun.

"Pack up his belongings, we'll decorate the new crèche with his things." She commanded them. The last he saw of his original home was several smaller crit'yun entering it to retrieve all his worldly possessions.

[valyalyon]

2 Harvest Whispers

Previous Post | Next Post SEA MASTER LIST OR #LYONSEA DIVIDERS

CW: Police officer character, smut, p in v, unprotected intercourse, explicit language, descriptions of sex, cheating, open relationship, slight societal homophobia, hints at queer identity for main character. MDNI. 4.1K Words.

Star woke up later in the morning of January 6, 2019. She was in the master bedroom of Jasper Conrad’s guest home and the man was asleep beside her.

He was laying on his back, eyes closed staring up at the ceiling. Star was stunned for a moment because he wasn’t making any sound. She wasn’t surprised by how quiet he was, she was more so scared as something terrible showed itself to her.

It’s not fair to try and explain what she saw, so here is an excerpt from her perspective:

When I woke up that morning at his side for the first time, I saw him laying in his coffin.

His arms were over his chest, there was no more breath in his lungs. He was… dead. His hair laid neatly, he was dressed so properly in the coffin.

That’s what he wanted, though. He wanted to shake God’s hand dressed formally. He wanted to thank him personally.

When it was all too real, he breathed… and I laid back down in the bed, hugging him.

Jasper was snoring lightly, holding her close to his chest. She listened to his heart beat, calmed her shaking breaths and watched as his chest moved.

For a moment, Star questioned where she planned on going once he woke up. She couldn’t stay there, she had to leave and find her own place somewhere else.

Truth be told, she had nowhere to go, though.

Star had moved into Heliosea with her parents when they were still alive. She couldn’t remember much about them, or the move, but a lot of times she remembered her favorite white sand beaches from her home.

She’d returned there only once, as a teenager, and spent a couple weeks along her home island. Eventually, though, Star had gotten caught and was sent back to Heliosea. She was a minor and had no documents to travel, having snuck onto the island illegally. Not to mention, she had ran away from her foster family.

One of many families that tortured her until she finally turned 18. She lived on the Southeastern coast of Heliosea when she finally became an adult, and packed her bag at 11:50pm the night before.

She snuck out of the foster’s home just a little after midnight, and arrived at a bus station shortly after. From there Star took several different buses, getting out of that corner of the country and arriving on the Red Highway.

She hated the SE with a passion, so she couldn’t return there and the Red Highway… well… Lazarus was probably still looking for her. Star didn’t know if there was any point in going to the SW coast, and she was there in Sunwoods, now…

At the same time, she didn’t think she could stay with a married man. What situation could he even show her that would make it a good idea for her to stick around? Still, she had to admit she was wildly attracted to him.

Star figured she’d be quickly proven that staying around would be a bad idea, so she figured maybe she should try to enjoy the feeling of his chest against hers.

Just as she was admiring his muscular frame, his snoring began to cease and his eyes began to flutter open. His green eyes looked up into the ceiling of the room, before adjusting his position and kissing the top of her head.

She smiled up at him, and Jasper kissed her lightly, looking away to say, “let’s go start the day. How are you feeling?”

“I’m good,” she commented as the two got out of the bed and Jasper opened the bathroom door for her, she walked in, “thank you.”

…

Jasper walked Star into the main house through the sliding patio doors, which were already open when they came up. Star was mesmerized by his ranch, and she hadn’t seen all of it yet.

When they walked in, they were immediately in a very large living area with high ceilings and open windows. She thought it was beautiful, and her eyes scanned the room quickly.

Immediately, she noticed there was a fireplace with several family photos sitting on top. Her eyes pulled away quickly, not wanting to pry, but Jasper had noticed her eyes already. He looked over to where she had been, “ah, I probably should show you a couple of those so you believe she’s my wife.”

He walked over normally, grabbing a picture off the mantel, “this is probably one of the better ones.”

Jasper brought it back to Star and showed her, “this is my wife, her name is Dahlia Conrad, and these are our sons, James and Emery when they were younger.”

Star looked at the photo, maybe imprinting it in her mind. The photo had Jasper and Dahlia sitting side by side, with James and Emery on either side of them.

James and Emery were younger than six, with only their eye colors being noticeable features about them.

James had large, pitch black eyes almost — the darkest shade of brown, and messy black hair. He wore formal black pants with a red button down. His little sleeves were rolled and he stared at the camera in annoyance at being photographed.

Emery had a similar expression of annoyance to his brother, but his eyes were large blue pools, his hair the same black though a little more put together. He wore formal black pants, and a cute blue sweater that matched his eyes.

Dahlia wore a fairly dated but black dress. She looked like a typical 1950s wife in a dress, but her hair was a lot longer in this photo with balayage highlights and gold wavy hair. Her eyes were a deep brown, almost as dark as her sons.

Jasper was definitely the center of this photo. His smile was perfect for the camera, and his green eyes really popped in the photo. He wore a black suit, with the suit open slightly, exposing the white shirt underneath and no hat on his head. His black hair matched that of his sons perfectly.

“Hmm… Conrad Sons really does make sense,” Star commented, handing the photo back to Jasper, as the man chuckled.

“They are the spitting image of me, aren’t they?” Jasper chuckled.

Star was about to agree, just as Dahlia came into the living area and stopped to look at Star.

Her eyes ran up and down Star’s figure, and her expression showed her surprise, “how much money did he have to offer you for you to be around him?”

“Are you saying I look like a slut…” the young girl asked timidly. Dahlia was in her 40s or 50s, Star assumed.

The older woman shook her head of blonde hair quickly, “no, no, I’m sorry. That didn’t come out right at all! You’re gorgeous, I’m just shocked you’d want to be around an old man.”

Star laughed slightly and tried not to meet the woman’s eyes, worried she was offending her in her home, “I’m sorry… I am attracted to older people quite a lot if my history proves anything…”

She wouldn’t lie, she found Dahlia gorgeous and very sexually attractive. There was just a natural energy the woman had, and Star couldn’t help but be attracted to beautiful women.

“Dahlia, this is Star Bennett,” Jasper said, placing his hand on Star’s lower back, and bringing her and himself closer to his wife.

“Hi, Star,” Dahlia smiled at her and gave her hand.

Star shook her hand, smiling up at her, “good morning, Mrs. Conrad.”

The older woman gagged, then laughed, squeezing the hand of the younger woman’s a little, “ew, no… you always call me Dahlia.”

She was looking up into the woman’s dark brown eyes, and she smiled again, “sorry, good morning, Dahlia.”

“Well, Dahlia, do you want to start explaining us to her? I’d like to have Star around if she wants to be here. I need a new girl on my arm, and she’s… well, you can see her for yourself,” Jasper spoke so confidently, and showed off the girl to his wife.

Dahlia laughed, “you make us sound so creepy old man.”

Dahlia did nod her head, and turned her attention to Star, “if you’re attracted to him, though… You have no competition in me. Him and I were forced to marry each other by our wealthy families. His father just doesn’t want me to misbehave or make his son look bad.”

“What about your sons? Did you two not love each other when you had them?” Star asked, and she realized after she did that she probably sounded very childish.

The blonde woman laughed and looked back at Star, “we love each other as best friends. That’s about it. Our sons, while I love them, were like a payment to his family.”

“A payment?” the young girl looked up at her curiously, the woman was taller and gorgeous, but the statement was odd, “how do you mean? Did they go to live with his family?”

“No, they lived with us until Emery decided to disappear and then James did too. Don’t blame them, though, they weren’t made for life in Sunwoods high society,” the old woman shook her head, “really, who is? As for payment, his family requested that I provide two children into the family soon after marriage.”

“We would only have sex during ovulation, so I could get pregnant, and I was pregnant soon. We didn’t have sex again until we went to have the next baby, and it was the same thing essentially.”

“Do you sleep with each other now?” the younger girl asked, she wanted to sleep with Jasper. She didn’t want to involve anyone else just yet, but she wanted to understand what their boundaries were like.

“We’ve had threesomes with each other and another girl since having our sons, but we haven’t done that in years. I discovered, since I’m very sheltered, that I’m a lesbian. I have girlfriends and I date and sleep with them, while Jasper has his own…” Dahlia explained.

“You feel free, stick around as long as you want. I think you’re gorgeous and you should do whatever makes you feel happy.”

Star blushed and looked at Jasper, who was smiling down at her. She hugged his wife goodbye, and Jasper took her out of the house to show her around the ranch.

…

The Conrad Sons Ranch was massive with fields full of farm animals and crops. She wasn’t sure what they were growing, with everything being cold, but there were tall stocks growing in the rolling fields.

There was mud anywhere they tried to off road, following a bit of a cold rain that happened in the early morning, but Jasper’s truck took the roads easily. Star looked out the window of the truck, watching every field pass by.

In the land of Gods and Monsters, I was an angel living in the garden of evil. Screwed up, scared, doing anything that I needed.

In that moment, Star was reminded of nights in the center of her island. For awhile, she would go into the farms and get lost in the fields. She remembered all the golden corn, the feeling of the hot sun on her face. All of it was something she missed so much in Heliosea.

Yet, here she was in Sunwoods, driving through a massive farm with the town sheriff and being reminded of that place. She felt at peace, for a second, and caught herself too comfortable.

Why did she feel so safe?

During drives, Jasper didn’t speak too much, only turning the music up for Star, and smoking out the window at the same time.

He knew that she liked to disappear in memories on drives, he knew that she seemed to disassociate into the all nature around her. She would sink into it, she’d be at peace. He’d see it out of the corner of his eye, and he couldn’t help but be entranced by her.

Despite having had other girlfriends before, the man was never quite pleased or satisfied by anyone. Everything always broke apart so easily, because he struggled to ask for anything or take any initiative. He just… would get bored so easily.

Usually though, he would hold onto girls for longer, even if he didn’t feel anything.

This — with her… it was different. Star, his Ember… that girl with those beautiful green eyes, that passenger princess lost in thought. He was interested in her without touching her, just by being near her.

Jasper parked the truck at the top of a hill on the property line, and jumped out the car. He walked over, opening the door for Star, who hopped out with his assistance.

She smiled up at him as he took her hand and led her to the back of the pickup truck. He’d parked in reverse and opened the bed of the truck, helping her up onto it.

He easily got himself beside her, and the two sat staring at the hundreds of acres. Full of animals, crops, homes, roads… And in the distance, she could make out Sunwoods, where the road ended and the Ranch would start.

She looked up at him, “this is so beautiful.”

“Thank you,” Jasper laughed, “I think you’re more beautiful, of course.”

Star blushed and shook her head, “I really don’t know why I’m so into you…”

“So, you admit it,” he smiled, and took her small hand in his massive one, “I’m into you, too… Do you have somewhere to go?”

She didn’t know what to say, she didn’t want to admit it, but she dropped her head, shaking it, “no. I’m an immigrant and a criminal.”

“What’s your wanted status?” he asked completely seriously, but continuing to hold her hand.

He was stable, and always so able to calm her down somehow, especially when he added, “we’ll just change your hair… You and those green eyes with some blonde hair? The Feds will never know.”

A smile broke on the young girls face, and she turned her eyes back up to his, “I’m always down for a hair change.”

Jasper’s dark green eyes hid so much, but in them Star always saw such pride, strength, and intelligence. His smile, too, was so comforting.

Star wondered in that moment why her heart seemed to so easily jump between people.

Reflecting, she didn’t think her heart ever fully jumped to Rocco. She thought she loved him, and she might have, but something was always happening in the background. How long had he been assaulting her in her sleep, or did he really only do that once?

In the end Rocco admitted to nothing and Star always knew with him that she just wasn’t cut out to be his forever. She could never imagine herself in Laguna Hills for longer than a day or two, living in that community of celebrities and wannabes felt impossible.

Star was a confident, beautiful woman that desired to be worshipped by her partner in private. Rocco treated her like she was an accessory to his performances, to his place in the spotlight.

She wouldn’t have minded that treatment if in private he was more honest and less critical.

Sitting on the truck bed, looking out at the Conrad Sons Ranch, she felt a sense of calmness. The hills all around the area were beautiful, and the land seemed so alive still in January. She sighed a relaxed breath and turned towards Jasper as he began to speak.

“I want you to stay here,” the man said, tightening his grip on her hand a little, “I don’t want to pressure you. If you stay, though… I want you to be my girlfriend.”

Star’s eyes ran along their clutched hands. His hands didn’t seem old, they were large and strong, veiny hands, a little calloused and rough. Her hands were small in his grasp, “are there any expectations of me, any boundaries or rules?”

“So many,” Jasper said with a laugh, but his tone relaxed as he continued, “it involves telling you quite a lot about me, Ember… There’s a lot about Sunwoods society that I am unfortunately a massive part of.”

“I am the wealthiest man in our area and I am the chief of police. My jurisdiction for policing extends from Sunwoods to all the desert towns along the Opportunity Highway until the Red Highway. That intersection is the end of my control,” then he stopped and chuckled.

When you talk, it’s like a movie and you’re making me crazy ‘cause life imitates art.

“What? You’re cute when you laugh but what is going on inside your head?” Star was curious, she wanted to understand it all before she agreed to anything.

He laughed, hopping off the truck then walked towards the edge of the cliff and pulled a cigar out of his jacket. He started smoking, looking at the endless view of all his land. Jasper looked over at Star, who still sat on the truck bed, “it’s the end of my legal control.”

Her eyes widened a little, and she tilted her head at him, “I’d love for you to elaborate on that…”

He held his arms out, his cigar in between his fingers, as he explained, “As we all know, the Red Highway is lawless and I own the middle third of it. Sometimes I go over there to check on all the gangs and get what they owe me. Sometimes I go to gamble illegally, sometimes I get in trouble.”

Hearing about the Red Highway again, this time from Jasper who lived hours from it… It almost spun her world out from under her, but she was still so fixed on him. She felt herself tremble as she began to realize that he could probably just hand her back over to Lazarus.

Star didn’t want to think about it, though. She brushed the thoughts aside, and asked him, “what would you expect from me?”

“As my girlfriend, you’ll have to wear dresses when out with me in Sunwoods or out publicly with me anywhere, including the Red Highway. I want to explain that this isn’t because I want to control how you dress.”

“My father is senile and on the verge of death. He’s been this sick for years, but I show him pictures of me with other women in dresses and he doesn’t know they’re not my wife. Since I have mandatory attendance at public events in Sunwoods, those will be where we’ll be photographed.”

Star stopped him, “does the town not know that you’re cheating on your wife?”

“Everyone knows, this isn’t a secret but my father has been told these are different women before and he doesn’t process that. He shuts down, pretends to be asleep, and then when he sees a picture of that girl again he will say that Dahlia looks so beautiful as always,” Jasper sighed, smoking his cigar from the stress.

“I’m sorry you’ve been going through that with your father,” Star got off the truck bed and walked over to him, reaching up to touch his cheek.

He leaned forward into her hand and his eyes opened to look into hers, “he was a terrible man who karmically deserved what happened to him. I just don’t want him modifying his will in this state and the court system refuses to assign me or anyone to control his assets.

“The only way someone would be able to prove to him that I was cheating publicly, is if the girl was photographed wearing a short skirt, jeans, leggings while beside me… Anything he considers non-traditional and unbecoming of a rich wife in Sunwoods Society.”

She nodded her head as she stared up at him. He always spoke so genuinely, so she asked, “you keep saying publicly… Am I allowed to wear anything I want inside the guest house and anywhere on the ranch? Or…”

“Of course, wear whatever you want here. As my girlfriend, you have your own space in the guest house, and this property is your home, too. Enjoy it freely,” he nodded his head.

“You won’t judge me?” she asked, furrowing her brows together and staring up at him.

“For wearing what you want around here? No. Your body is beautiful, you deserve to display it however you want. I wish you could do that anywhere with me, but not until he’s dead… I don’t give a single fuck then,” he promised, holding onto her face.

Star smiled and looked up at him as the two shared a kiss. The kiss was sweet and gentle, at first…

I’m singing, “fuck, yeah, give it to me, this is Heaven, what I truly want”. It’s innocence lost.

After a few more sweet kisses, the intensity started. Their mouths began to open for one another, tongues playing as she reached her arms around his neck, “mmm…”

He led her back to the truck, where he helped her up into the bed of the truck. He hopped up himself, and the two continued kissing. Jasper pulled off her top, then her pants, while Star pulled at his shirt and reached for his belt.

Next, he laid her upper body along the top of the pickup truck, making her stand close to the open back window, her ass spread. Her fingers reached back to help in spreading her cheeks, and Jasper got on his knees momentarily.

He ate her out, starting with circles at her clit, and then following along her slit to her vagina. His tongue forced its way in, and swirled around inside. Star moaned and trembled against his invasion.

Jasper stood back up, and pressed his hard tip right to her entrance, “you’re beautiful… did you decide to be my girlfriend or not?”

“Is the only rule clothing?” She asked in between moans, as his cock began to slowly push its way in.

“Don’t sleep with any other men,” Jasper said as he began to thrust steadily, “besides that, nothing else.”

She looked over her shoulder at him, and his dark green eyes met hers. The sun was setting behind him and it was beautiful, the cold creeping in, and Star felt amazing, “I’ll be your girlfriend… Don’t sleep with any other girls without me.”

He chuckled, “I promise…”

His thrusts intensified, and he began to kiss her back as he fucked her, “couldn’t imagine anything better than this, though…”

“Aaaaahhh, Jasper… mmm… you’re so amazing,” her legs were trembling with every hard thrust, the sound of their bodies meeting filling the darkening air.

He pulled her hair, and she moaned into the air, begging to be kissed which he happily gave in to. They swapped spit, their tongues connecting with saliva as they pulled away, and as Jasper felt himself beginning to cum.

“I want to fill you up, real bad, real full, too… can I cum inside you, my Ember? Do you want it as bad as I do?” He asked against her ear, his thrusts not easing up on her even though he desperately wanted to fill her.

“I do,” she moaned, nodding her head and kissing him again, “please… all of it…” She moved her ass to meet every thrust now.

They came together, making out as they reached their orgasms. Jasper released a huge load in Star, and her legs were dripping wet from her orgasm and his leaking cum, “fuck, you pervert… You got me all wet.”

“Doesn’t that make you the pervert?” He asked, slowly pulling his cock out and chuckling as he heard her pussy pop, “you’re little pussy did such a good job, Star.”

She felt him rub her clit, and he collected a lot of the leaking cum from her pussy, shoving it inside Star’s hole with two fingers. The girl moaned as she felt his fingers start to fuck her, but before she could get too excited…

He pulled away, and helped her clean herself off.

Hope you all enjoyed little love bugs <3 Took a little bit to write, but I really love this story and wanted to give it the attention it deserved instead of rushing anything. Next post will have an unknown release date, I'm thinking by Sunday but I have nothing for the next post just yet. Part of me wants to release a preview or something for the next character, so there might be a separate poll for that later.

SONG REFERENCES Gods and Monsters by Lana del Rey

[c-e-d-dreamer]

I Was Enchanted To Meet You: Part Four

A/N: Look! I'm posting today's chapter at a normal time! Anywho! What's that? ✨Feelings✨? Sure hope these two don't start acting a fool or anything 😉 Hope everyone enjoys! :) @elucienweekofficial

Read on AO3 // Chapter Masterlist // Previous Part // Next Part

Lucien

Lucien still hasn’t decided how he feels about seeing the infamous Prince Cassian on the news. He knows that he should be happy, that he should be excited for Elain to get her supposed true love back, and yet he… doesn’t. Instead, he feels almost disappointed. In fact, he had half started to convince himself that Cassian didn’t actually exist, that he wasn't actually coming to whisk Elain away again, but there he was, stabbing a bus with an actual sword on the news.

Lucien sighs softly and rolls over onto his back, blinking up at the ceiling. The morning light has already started flooding through the windows and into his room, and if he listens closely, he can hear Elain and Willow speaking quietly from the kitchen. He knows that he needs to get up. He knows that he should get up. And yet here he lays, desperately trying to put off the inevitable.

He shouldn't be feeling this way. Thankfully, with Elain’s help and two tickets to an upcoming ball, he was able to repair the damage of the previous day with Nesta. He should be focused on her. He should be thinking about what they’ve built over the past five years, about the ring that sits ready and waiting in the back of his sock drawer. He should be happy that, if all goes well, after today, Elain will finally walk out of his and Willow’s life, and they can finally go back to that comforting routine.

But something about Elain just keeps drawing Lucien in, like a golden thread tied right in the middle of his chest and tugging. There's just something in those bright brown eyes. Something in that too sweet smile. Something in that lilting laugh. It’s dangerous territory, has Lucien standing precariously on the edge of the cliff and questioning if he should jump.

Another sigh and Lucien drags himself up and out of bed. He pulls his hair up and away from his face and pads into the kitchen, finding Elain and Willow sitting at the table with what remains of a large stack of pancakes plated in front of them.

“Morning, Daddy,” Willow greets brightly, syrup dripping down her chin.

“Good morning,” Lucien offers back, bending down to press a kiss into her hair.

“Are we still able to go down to the news station today?” Elain asks, sipping at her cup of tea. “To see if they have Cassian’s information?”

Lucien forces a smile and pointedly shoves down the feelings twisting in his chest. “Of course. We can head over there after we drop Willow at school.”

“Perfect,” Elain tells him brightly, gathering up the plates and walking over to the sink.

“Perfect,” Lucien mutters.

~ * * * ~

The office that houses the news station is relatively quiet when they step through the glass doors and into the lobby. A woman sits at the front desk, typing away at a computer even when Lucien and Elain step over to her. It’s only when Lucien clears his throat awkwardly, that she finally looks up at them.

“Can I help you?” the woman asks, raising a single, manicured eyebrow.

“Yes, hi. We were actually wondering if you might have some information on a news story that you ran last night,” Lucien explains, offering his best winning smile.

“It was my Prince Cassian,” Elain adds, earning a confused look from the woman behind the desk.

“He was the one on the bus, with the sword.”

“You mean the psycho with the weird velvet outfit like he jumped out of a renaissance fair?” the woman asks dryly.

“Psycho…”

“That’s the one,” Lucien confirms, cutting Elain off.

“What about that news story?”

“Well, we were wondering if you had any information about the man, Cassian,” Lucien continues. “Maybe a number or an address was taken down by someone?”

“Sorry, but all we had was that video we aired from an onlooker and an interview with the busdriver. The man you’re looking for ran off when the police arrived, way before we got there.”

“Oh, no,” Elain sighs dejectedly, the sound pulling right at Lucien’s heartstrings.

“Thanks for your help,” Lucien tells the woman before gently guiding Elain out of the news station and out of the building.

When they step back out onto the streets, Elain has her arms wrapped around herself, her brows pinched together and lips tipped down in a frown. She looks over her shoulder back at the new station, her expression almost forlorn, before her gaze sweeps across the buildings and people bustling around them. She looks so lost, and Lucien hates it, his fingers itching to reach out to her.

“I’m sorry,” Lucien offers; although, he’s not sure his words provide much comfort.

Elain takes a deep breath, and when she turns her head back toward Lucien, she’s smiling again. “It’s alright. Cassian is looking for me, and I know that he’s going to find me.”

The words sit heavy on Lucien’s tongue, begging to be released. Words of disagreement. Reminders that the city is a big place and statistics aren’t on her side. Arguments that if this Cassian had any sanity, he would just move on. But Lucien swallows them all down despite the sour taste it leaves in the back of his throat.

“I’m sure he is,” Lucien assures her, praying Elain can’t hear the falseness in his tone. “You know, there’s a bakery just a few blocks from here. Maybe it will help lessen the sting of the news station not having any information.”

“That sounds lovely.”

The sweet scent of chocolate and the buttery smell of other baked goods floods the air as soon as Lucien opens the door for Elain to step inside. The bakery is relatively quiet, so after ordering some pastries and tea, they settle into one of the small tables set near the window. The sun’s rays pour in like a personal spotlight, showering Elain in golden light as she carefully stirs her tea. It bounces off the soft strands of her hair where they fall in wavy curls along her shoulders, off the warm brown of her eyes, and when she smiles softly at Lucien, he has to duck his head to focus on his own drink.

“Thank you for taking me to the news station today,” Elain tells him, gently clinking her spoon against the rim of her teacup before setting it down.

“Of course,” Lucien assures her. “I’m happy to help you get back to…”

“Andalasia,” Elain finishes for him. “You’d love it there. It’s so magical. The Enchanted Forest stretches on and on, and there’s a beautiful, crystal blue river that cuts through it.”

“It must be quiet. Compared to this city.”

“You’d be surprised. Especially, when the bluebirds get into another of their arguments.”

Lucien has to bite back a smile at that, taking a sip of his drink. “I’ll take your word for it.”

“I do hope you and Willow can come visit. You’re both, of course, invited to the wedding, and I’m sure she’d love it there.”

“Yeah,” Lucien agrees quietly, thinking of his daughter and her love of all things fairy tales. “I bet she would.”

“Does she miss her terribly?”

“Who?”

“Her mother.”

The change in topic takes Lucien by surprise, and for a moment, all he can do is blink dumbly at Elain. Despite the years that have passed, despite all the work he’s done to move on, to keep himself and Willow protected from that past, it’s a patchwork at best over that wound. One tug could send the whole thing unraveling. It’s why he keeps those cards so close to his chest, why he almost never talks about her, about Jesminda, about what happened.

But the earnestness, the sincerity, in Elain’s eyes, in her expression, has Lucien wanting to tell her. Wanting to crack himself open until every scar is on full display. Because, even though he’s only known her for a few days, he knows he can trust Elain, knows that she would never judge, never ridicule. Knows that she’d only show him more of her kindness, more of her compassion.

Even now, Elain watches him with patience, nothing but openness in her gaze. He has to swallow around the lump trying to press in around his throat, but Lucien is able to find his voice again.

“She… she left us,” Lucien explains quietly. “It was when Willow was still just a baby, so thankfully she doesn’t remember her really.”

“I’m so sorry, for you and for Willow. You were in love, weren’t you?”

Lucien smiles sadly. “We were. It’s how I know all that true love you talk about isn’t real. Happily ever after doesn’t exist in the real world.”

“You’re wrong,” Elain argues, reaching her hand across the table to give Lucien’s a squeeze. Lucien’s eyes snap down to the contact, warmth radiating up his arm and spreading through his chest. “And one day, something wonderful will happen, and you’ll see.”

~ * * * ~

Elain

“I want Elain to help me get ready for bed.”

“I would be honored,” Elain tells Willow, before looking to Lucien to make sure that’s okay.

Lucien gives an easy shrug of his shoulders where he’s scrubbing down the dishes from their dinner at the sink, so Willow grabs Elain’s hand in hers, pulling her out of the kitchen. Willow leads the way down the hallway and into her bedroom, and Elain takes a moment to admire the pink floral wallpaper plastered to the walls, the gauzy fabric hung like a canopy over the bed, and the pile of stuffed animals stacked neatly atop the blankets.

“These are my pj’s,” Willow explains, pulling free a pair of bright yellow pants and shirt from her drawer.

“Perfect.” Elain glances around the room again, spotting the small basket piled with various hair products, hair ties, clips, and a hairbrush. “How about I help tie your hair back for sleep?”

Willow’s face completely lights up at the suggestion, her smile wide and toothy, until Elain can’t help but smile back. She instructs Willow to sit on the bed, and Elain settles on the mattress just behind her with the basket. She grabs the hairbrush first, carefully pulling the bristles through Willow’s bright red hair, a near perfect match for the little girl’s father’s hair.

“Let me know if I tug too hard.”

“It’s okay,” Willow assures her, practically slumping back into Elain.

Elain continues to brush through Willow’s hair until all the knots are detangled. She splits the hair in two next, tying off one half while she focuses on dutch braiding the other. She hums quietly while she works, her fingers working in practiced movements until two braids curl around Willow’s ears and down her back.

“There,” Elain declares, leaning forward and giving Willow’s shoulders a squeeze until the little girl falls into a fit of giggles.

Elain gets up from the bed and gathers back up all the hair supplies to put away. While she does that, Willow changes into her pajamas. Elain helps her to clamber up into the bed, pulling back the blankets and tucking her back in. Willow gets comfortable, gathering up all her stuffed animals into her arms as she snuggles in.

“Would you and your friends like a bedtime story?” Elain asks, running a soothing hand through Willow’s hair.

“Yes, please. I have all my storybooks on that shelf over there.”

“Oh, don’t you worry. I know plenty of stories.”

Willow scoots over in offering, so Elain slides into the bed beside the little girl. She curls her arm around Willow’s shoulders, and Willow cuddles in close, resting her head on Elain’s collarbone and peering up at her with wide, excited eyes.

“Now, I have this chipmunk friend named Pip…”

By the time Elain finishes her story, Willow is fast asleep, little puffs of breath tumbling past her lips as she lay curled up against Elain. Elain smiles softly at the sight, her heart practically ballooning in her chest. Carefully, Elain raises herself from the bed, gently guiding Willow down so she’s laying against the pillows. She tucks one of the stuffed animals back into Willow’s arms, and slowly backs away from the bed, keeping her steps light and quiet so as to not wake the little girl.

When she’s sure she’s finally in the clear, Elain turns back around only to come face to face with Lucien. He’s leaning casually against the door jamb, arms folded neatly across his chest, and those russet eyes already pinned on Elain. His smile is fond, but when Elain jumps slightly at seeing him there, that smile morphs into a smirk. Just that small expression sends Elain’s heart skittering and squeezing, and she raises her chin stubbornly, strolling right past Lucien and out of the room.

“That was a nice story that you told her,” Lucien says, closing the door to Willow’s bedroom.

“Yes, Pip does have some fun adventures,” Elain agrees, stepping into the living room and the bed that’s become hers on the sofa.

“You know, I was thinking…” Lucien begins, following behind Elain. “I could help you if you want. Find a job. Find a place to stay. Get you back on your feet.”

“That’s very kind of you, Lucien, but it’s not necessary. Cassian is going to come for me, and then we’re going to go back to Andalasia.”

“I know what it’s like to be disappointed. I told you about Jesminda earlier. You don’t have to keep putting on this front.”

“I’m not putting on a front,” Elain argues, crossing her arms across her chest and stepping closer to Lucien. “Cassian is coming for me.”

“And what if he doesn’t?”

He says the words with such kindness, such genuine concern, but all it does is have heat flaring through Elain’s veins like molten lava. It sends her heartbeat thundering in her chest, fingers curling into her palm until her fists are clenched. It’s certainly a new feeling swirling away in Elain’s gut, but she grasps onto it with two hands.

“He is coming.”

“I don’t think he is, Elain. No.”

“No?” Elain snaps, her voice raising in volume. “Is that the only word that you know? No?”

“No, I just—”

“There it is again,” Elain cuts him off, shoving at Lucien’s chest until he stumbles back a step. “All this negativity. All this no, he’s not coming. All this no, over and over again.”

“Elain—”

“Gods, it just makes me so… so… sometimes, you just make me so…”

“I make you so what?”

“Angry!”

The word hangs in the air, in the space and the time between them. It feels strange putting a word to the feeling crashing through Elain. Stranger still for it to be an emotion she’s so unfamiliar with. And yet, at the same time, it’s exhilarating.

Before Elain knows it, she’s laughing. She can’t help it. She tries to press her hand to her mouth, to stifle the sound, but there’s no stopping it. No stopping her excitement at feeling angry. Soon, Lucien is laughing with her, that deep melodic sound of his. Elain clutches at Lucien’s tee and laughs and laughs until her sides start to feel sore, until tears of joy begin to prickle at the corners of her eyes.

It’s only when Elain finally stops laughing that she realizes just how close she and Lucien are standing. Practically toe to toe, and close enough that every breath has their chests brushing together. Close enough that Elain has to tilt her head back to keep his gaze.

Of course, his eyes are already on her, an emotion that Elain can’t quite put her finger on swirling and burning amongst that russet color. It has a shiver raking its way up her spine, a quiet gasp falling past her lips. The sound has Lucien’s eyes dipping down to her lips, and almost instinctively, Elain leans forward still, presses up onto her toes.

Suddenly, the moment feels like something more, feels precarious. Suddenly, Elain feels like she’s standing on the edge of a cliff, like she’s standing back at that wishing well about to tumble down head first. But this time, Elain doesn’t feel scared. In fact, this time, Elain wants to jump, a voice in the back of her mind goading her, whispering at her to leap leap leap. It promises safety beneath, promises strong arms and a net of golden thread waiting below.

A second passes. Two. And then Lucien steps away from her, the moment shattering around them like broken glass. Lucien clears his throat, pushing a hand up and through his hair and keeping his eyes on anything but Elain.

“Lucien…” Elain starts quietly, unable to find the words to finish the thought, but it doesn’t matter because Lucien is already turning away from her.

“Goodnight, Elain.”

—

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[alx-magazine]

TV Galactica 🛰️🌌

Cornfield chase by Hans zimmer is playing as I'm laying in bed trying to sleep.

I can't help it, the way nocturnace strikes me, I try to close my eyes and drift off to sleep, the only thing that drifts away is my mind.

The wonders of my mind take me away Everytime, whether it's spiraling into new visions, ideas, and endeavors; sometimes it's the longing to hold you tightly, oh how I wish you were here in my bed, laying in my arms instead of living in my head.

Looking up at the plain ceiling of my neon lit room, I close my eyes, then open them again, blurry visions of the posters on my wall, the colours of my room, and the late night TV programs.

Present by Lloyd Vaan is playing as I am about to get up.

Looking at the clock, it's about 3:33AM, interesting is the time. I conclude that I can't sleep for the life of me. There's something quite liminal about being awake at this time anyways, going to the kitchen, opening the fridge, maybe I'll crash on the couch tonight.

I go to the living room and turn on a movie, lighting up a candle, I have my tea steeping in the kitchen, maybe I'll smoke a little.

Memories of grass by Perila starts playing as I hear a small, still voice.

I'm sitting on the couch with a movie turned on, enjoying the drift with some quiet music playing in the background, blowing out smoke in front of the candle, my definition of perfect solace. I then hear the words,

"Staying up too late again ? Open up your window and look at outside."

Stellar by diedlonely. , énouement starts playing as I look out my window

With my eyes and mouth open wide, I look astounded at what surrounds me. There is no grass, no trees, no parked cars, and neighboring homes beside me.

Although I am taken aback by the stellatus sky, I am wary to step out into the void, fearing I won't know my way back home.

Time traveler by Koloah starts playing as I hear static coming from my TV.

I look over to my TV and notice that the channels have changed, now I feel a bit haunted. I start watching the channel to see what it could all mean,

"Galactica?" I read off of the screen.

The words "Ye needn't be afraid to step out into the unknown" are written on the screen followed by more static and the number 222 flashing afterwards.

222... I wonder what that could mean as I'm fiddling with the small beard on my chin; I hear a small, still voice once more, saying "Trust in the process."

"Fine, I guess I'll see what's out there." , I say to myself.

And at that moment I hear a loud thump hitting the side of my house, I flinch and look over to my window startled some.

Interstellar fantasy by Greg Foat, Ayo Salawu starts playing as I am on my way to opening the door to see what's out there.

An astronaut is attempting to knock on my window, and I'm starting to feel a bit worrisome. After all, the activity seems rather paranormal.

I swallow my doubts, eyes closed, I whisper to myself, "I mustn't be afraid, just have trust in the process."

The astronaut is trying to show me something, reaching out for my hand. I grab onto their hand, having them take me away.

Backside of the moon by The orb begins to play as I am soaring through the galaxy into the unknown.

Astonished I truly am, I can see the backside of the moon from here, I can see the Earth getting smaller as I move further, and the scorching sun, light years away but I still feel the heat.

How come all are suited besides I ? Shouldn't I be dead from this ?

All very valid concerns but I mustn't overthink it, I'm still alive aren't I ?

I can somewhat see the destination from here, and my house, that's long gone, looking like nothing but a mere speck of dust now.

Innate abstraction by cruel diagonals starts playing as I am arriving to this foreign interstellar station.

It's all a bit abstract to me, how I flew out here suitless in space, not holding back, just to land myself in this all white room, pristine in condition. The monitors beeping in perfect sequence, almost melodic to the hum of the motors, a harmony divinely so; an observation I'll hold onto.

The astronaut takes off their helmet to reveal themselves, and it all became so heartfelt. "Mother-", I stuttered in shock, "How could it be?"

I felt the hairs of my arms stand up a bit, she says to me, "You're so big now.", all teary eyed, I run up to her for a hug, it's been so long.

Sitting on these big, cushioned chairs, she made us hot cocoa for warmth and comfort. We sat by this enormous window with the upmost galactic view as she told me various tales, legends, and sang lullabies; I don't remember much more.

Going home by twin color is playing as my mother is carrying me in her arms, soaring across the galaxy to take me back home.

I awake the next day, everything as if nothing had occurred, I look over to my bedside table, finding a note.

The note is slightly dusted in some unknown, clinquant substance; the note read,

"You ever wondered why you could soar through space without a suit ? My son, you are made of stardust, and whenever you can't sleep, remember where you can find me, mom loves you."

I hold the letter up to my heart as a tear rolls down my face and crack a slight smile.

Interstellar. By Pandora.,chillwithme, cødy is playing as the scene of me laying in bed with the letter up to my heart fades to black.

Memento quod amor meus omnia per universum extendit;

memento mei cum sidera spectes et caeli noctis 🤍☄️.

- com amor, Alx Moreira

*for Spotify premium users // you can queue the songs (bolded text) in order to follow along with the soundtrack*

Happy listening (~: !