#misc fics

[confused-stars]

this is just a plot less one-off thing because i enjoy making them have conversations, but anyway, here’s lawlight

__ Light woke up to L staring at him. It wasn't an unusual occurrence - so far, it seemed like the detective only slept in cat naps during the day when he wasn't alone with his suspect - but normally Light didn't wake up until morning. He'd never been prone to nightmares, and couldn't remember ever having been woken up by one, but the Kira investigation was slowly chipping away at everything he'd known about himself until now. He was exhausted. And frustrated. And, right now, his heart was pounding.

"God, Ryuzaki, can you stop staring at me for one minute?" he snapped, glaring because he refused to turn away from L and show even more vulnerability. It felt worse to know L's eyes were boring into the back of his head anyway. Being chained to him was bearable most of the time, when he reminded himself why they had to do this, but Light longed for some privacy. It had been months since he hadn't been constantly under observation. His nerves, in this moment, felt raw and exposed. How much longer could he really keep this up? For the first time in a long time, he wished he had a couple minutes to just be a teenager and maybe have a little breakdown because he had damn well earned one.

Unfortunately, L was merciless.

"I'm afraid I can't do that, Light." He didn't even blink, still peering down at Light from where he was perched against the headboard of the bed, illuminated blue by his laptop screen. It made him look almost ghostly, his skin even paler in the dark, his eyes pinning Light down like...

"Were you the kind of kid who'd collect bugs to pin them down and study them?" Light asked, brushing some sweaty hair out of his eyes. Gross. He wanted a shower, but even showering was annoying with L present on the other side of the curtain.

"Books sufficed," L said, thumb between his lips. "But I would never compare you to a bug. That would indicate I think of you as inferior, and that's simply not true. Kira may very well be my equal."

Light ground his teeth together until his jaw protested with a stinging pain. "Well, I'm not Kira, so I guess I am a bug."

Kira was the very last thing he wanted to talk about right now. So he did finally turn his back to L and tugged the blanket tightly around his body to signal he was going to try to go back to sleep.

"Was that what your nightmare was about?" L hadn't gotten the message at all. Or, more likely, he'd chosen to ignore it.

Light had to resist the urge to do something childish like try to smother L with a pillow. He glared at the wall instead. "I'm not going to talk about that with you."

A beat of silence. "So it was about Kira."

Light wished he could just storm out right about now. It wasn't an unfamiliar instinct. "Ryuzaki," he growled, "I will punch you again."

L hummed. "Interesting."

Fucking. Interesting. Light turned his head into his pillow and let out a drawn out groan of frustration. "I'm just going to go insane from this," he told the pillow, "I'm going to go insane, and then when you catch the real Kira, you'll look like a real idiot."

"If you're not insane at this point, I doubt being in my proximity will be what does it." There was still no inflection whatsoever in L's voice, but Light knew better than to judge his emotions based on that. He didn't even think it was on purpose, L just didn't express himself like other people did. Light could still tell that he was amused, based on his words alone.

"But if I were Kira, I'd already be insane and hiding it. So me keeping it together this well until now could be suspicious in itself." Light hated that he was playing along. He couldn't help it. Something compelled him to say out loud what he suspected L was thinking. There was a thrill in those little hums of agreement, in the way L naturally expected him to be on the same page, barely waiting for a breath when he spun his deductions. Light's ego was easily stroked, apparently. At least when it was the world's greatest detective doing it. Keeping pace with him was exhilarating. Using his brain, even against himself, made him feel alive. And L knew that, too.

"Normal human reactions would alleviate some of my suspicions, yes," L agreed, "Though whether or not Kira is insane depends on the definition we apply. Insanity is so unspecific. I believe he is delusional and has a God complex. A dangerously overinflated self-confidence, and a sense of self-righteousness that he uses to justify his actions to himself."

Light turned his head away from the pillow to look up at L, who wasn't looking at him anymore, but staring out the window with his thumb caught between his teeth.

"He sounds like a real piece of work. It'd be really unflattering if you were talking about me." Light didn't think he was any of these things. Alright, maybe a little self-righteous. But not to the point where he would murder people and call it justice.

"Yes," L murmured, that lilt to his voice that Light could only ever describe as wistful. "I suppose it would be, wouldn't it?"

Silence. Light didn't want to think about how he didn't hate some of Kira's ideals, as far as their understanding went. Some people were too dangerous and shouldn't get away with their crimes. But Light also didn't think himself above the law in any way. He knew that rules were in place for a reason, and while he was exceptionally smart, he was only human and didn't have a right to decide who should live and who should die. In the end, neither the current system nor Kira were ideal. What would his solution be, if he could choose? What would L's be? Clearly he thought very little of Kira's idea of justice. He also didn't think very highly of Kira himself, but also considered him an equal. Hm. Maybe he had self-worth issues that he hid incredibly well.

Light tucked an arm underneath his head, still peering up at L. "Ryuzaki, do you think you're a good person?"

Normally, he never would be asking such personal or direct questions. It was deeply impolite, for one. His father would have been mortified. But it was the middle of the night, and it was just him and L. And L understood him so intimately that Light found he didn't mind dropping his manners just a bit. Normal human reactions would alleviate his suspicions? Fine, then Light would act like a normal human being with fears and doubts, who could slip up and be rude. L didn't expect him to be perfect. If anything, L probably appreciated authenticity. He'd overanalyze everything Light did and said, but it wasn't like Light had anything to hide. Annoying and callous as he was, Light needed to... trust L. That was something Kira definitely would never do.

"An interesting question," L said, and Light could guess that his train of thought had wandered in the same direction. "How would you answer if it was directed at you?"

Deflecting. He wasn't going to answer. Light shrugged. "I'd say that I try to be, but nobody can be perfect. Nobody is free from flaws and selfish impulses. All we can do is work to be better."

"A very diplomatic answer." L sounded like Light had just confirmed something he'd been thinking. Sometimes Light wondered if he scripted out entire conversations in his head before they happened, and then just followed along the predicted lines.

"... are you going to give me yours?" Light asked, already suspecting a no.

But, to his surprise, L turned to look at him and shrugged. "I don't believe in good or evil people. And if we're considering a hypothetical scenario where the world is like that... then I would still not fit into either category, I think. I do a lot of good. But are my motivations pure? Am I terribly arrogant to believe my own judgement to be superior? Would everyone agree that my methods are justified, or would there be months of debate on whether I am going too far, whether I need to be controlled somehow? Whether I'm a monster that they can't understand?"

Light stared at him. He thought back to what it had been like in that cell. That was something he'd agreed to, he himself had asked L not to let him out until he could be sure. But it had still been awful. He'd drifted off into a dream world half the time, trying to hold onto his sanity. And then, his father pulling a gun on him. Misa begging for his life. Screaming.

"You do what's necessary." Light tried to sound firm. "It's not like any of it is your fault. You react. It's the criminals that make the first move, and you do what it takes to catch them. When a case reaches the point where your involvement is needed, the situation is already bad enough that we need to compromise on ethics. Kira is a monster. He's killed an insane amount of people. Anything you might try to do is fully justified. It doesn't make you not a good person. It just makes you utilitarian."

L tilted his head and blinked. "You sound like you're trying to reassure me. I don't need it. I'm content with the way I am, regardless of some morality others might assign me. But I suppose it is interesting that half the things you said apply to Kira as well. He reacts. He compromises on ethics for his own image of justice. And yet, you call him a monster but not me?"

And there it was again. Why hadn't Light ended this conversation when he'd had the opportunity? Now L's suspicions had grown a bit again. How was he supposed to talk his way out of this one? He didn't agree with Kira!

"You don't go as far," Light said slowly, calmly, "It's ridiculous to compare the two of you. He's delusional, as you said. It might be more about his ego than justice... and I know you're driven by winning, too, but you'd never kill people to prove a point, like he did with those FBI agents. You're not a murderer. You still work with the authorities and follow procedure. You don't claim to be above humanity as a whole." L was... odd. He didn't act like other people did. But when he did show real emotion, he was almost painfully human. At least to Light. L was more real and authentic than most people he knew. And Light thought that L loved humanity, in his own, distant way. Despite seeing all the horrors people inflicted on each other. He obsessed over justice because he saw it as his form of kindness. Giving victims the closure they deserved.

L wasn't particularly good at being nice. But he certainly was kind.

And Light believed that was where the difference between him and Kira lay. Kira was cruel and callous and treated human lives like chess pieces on a board that he owned. And while L played the game with him, his true feelings were different. L had placed himself upon the board with firm courage, and he intended to see it through side by side with his team. Fighting for the world as part of the world. Not as a capricious deity.

Light turned around again, resolute in his intention not to roll back over this time. "You're not a monster. You're human, and you're aware of it. At peace with it. Kira's pushing away his own humanity. That's what makes him monstrous."

L was silent for a long time. Long enough that Light was actually starting to get sleepy again.

"It seems you've studied me closer than I thought you would be able to," he finally murmured, in that soft tone again. "You might be the only person in the world who could do that and like what he sees."

Light didn't know what to do with that. So he didn't say anything.

He did like L.

He liked him quite a lot, even if he was the most frustrating human being on the planet.

"... that lack of humanity is why you're so afraid of being Kira, isn't it?"

Never mind.

Light glared at the spot of the wall that had become his designated glaring spot days ago. "Ryuzaki, I know you don't need to sleep, like, ever, but I'm actually quite tired and if you want me to be useful at all tomorrow, you should probably let me sleep."

L was quiet again. But it was clearly the kind of quiet that meant he was deliberating on what to say next. "The truth always shows itself much more readily during these hours. You're tired and your guard is down. That's also why you've been refreshingly open with me."

Was L really just keeping this conversation going because Light was more likely to slip up and say what he was thinking? ... yeah, that sounded like him. Opportunistic bastard.

"I've been..." Light broke off. If he told L that he had been honest with him all this time, the lie would either be called out or brushed over. But L definitely wouldn't buy it. L always knew. Instead, Light changed gears. "I've been worried about your suspicions being right, that's true. And yeah, it's not because I'd get arrested and executed if that were the case. At the moment, I don't wish for anything more than to not be Kira."

He hadn't planned for this much actual honesty, but maybe L was right and the slight drowsiness and the late (early) hour was influencing him more than he was aware of.

Something warm touched his shoulder, but it was gone by the time he craned his head to look up, and L had his face turned towards the moonlight, eyes closed. "If it helps you at all to hear it, I'm hoping for the same thing. For once, I would be quite happy to be proven wrong." He sounded sad again, and Light watched him for a long moment.

L really did care, didn't he? He was a kind person, somehow. He believed, at the moment, that Light wasn't Kira but had been and could be again, and so he was offering him all the comfort he could at this time. This in-between. Light cleared his dry throat.

"Do you think I'll disappear? If I become Kira again? Do you think I'd still be in there, or would I be a completely different person? Dead, for all intents and purposes?"

His nightmares had him watching helplessly as his body moved about his life, as his mouth formed around honeyed lies, as he watched his victims drop like flies. Not just people Kira had actually killed, but his father, his mother, Sayu, Matsuda, Aizawa, Watari, sometimes even Misa. Often it was L. He knew the detective believed he was capable of such things, and as long as it was all in theory, Light could pretend to think like Kira, could visualize his thought processes and relate to his ideals. But in practice... it made him feel sick.

"I don't intend to find out," L said softly, opening his eyes to look at him, "You have my word that I'll do my best to protect you, Light. Even from yourself, should that moment ever come."

His eyes seemed darker than usual in the night, boring into Light. Intense, like he'd just sworn an oath.

Light rolled onto his back. "For all that it's worth, I'll try to protect you, too, Ryuzaki. I would, even if our fates weren't tied together by these handcuffs. You really are my first friend, too, you know?"

L blinked, and Light knew he'd managed to surprise him a little. That lifted his mood somewhat. It was rare. Then, the corners of his mouth raised into an oddly wobbly smile. It looked out of place on his face, but somehow endearing at the same time. It wasn't the mischievous little smirk that Light had grown accustomed to. It was... cute. "If we both survive this, I would like to stay friends," L said, his voice a little firmer than before, as if he wanted to convince Light he was serious about this. It was also warmer. Less calculating. This was an honest desire L was voicing.

Light watched him for a moment, letting him stew, then he laughed. "If we both survive this, I'll give you a run for your money as the world's greatest detective soon enough. I'm currently learning from the best, after all. A little competition between friends has a lot of benefits for everyone involved."

L's smile was wider now, and a deep chuckle rose from his chest. Light had never heard that sound before. He stared at L, dumbfounded for a moment. It was such a nice sound. Warm and rich. A shame he didn't get to hear it more often. Unless he tried harder to make him laugh again.

... that was a totally normal and heterosexual thing to think, surely.

"I dare you to try and come for my title," L said, holding out a hand.

Light grinned as he propped himself up and reached over to shake it. L's hold was strong and firm, his skin a little cool to the touch. Their eyes met, understanding flaring between them, and... oh, who was he even kidding?

Light dropped back down onto the mattress and closed his eyes.

Shit.

He really liked L, didn't he?

This had to be the worst timed crush in the history of the world.

The detective shifted next to him, and the chain connecting them jingled in a way Light could only describe as mocking him specifically.

[another-lost-mc]

Holiday Rush

JONAH CLEMENCE x f!Reader | Ikemen Revolution 2.4k Words | Fluff, Misunderstandings, Angst with a Happy Ending Prompt: Jonah and his lover have a misunderstanding about the appropriate times to put up holiday decorations.

Jonah’s carriage came to a creaking stop in front of the Black Army headquarters. He saw his brother’s familiar figure waiting for him just beyond the main gates. After murmuring some instructions for the driver to wait for his return, he stepped down and huddled deeper into the plush lining of his coat. The biting cold wind felt like needles scratching at his skin.

Luka fell into step beside him as they both walked in silence towards the main building. Jonah noticed the spruce trees that lined the snowy pathway were decorated with silver bows. There were tasteful holiday tapestries hanging from balconies and windows on the higher floors. Twinkling fairy lights wrapped around vibrant green garlands that hung above the door and window frames. 

“I’m surprised the Black Army is capable of such niceties,” he said half-heartedly, a weak attempt at an insult. Luka ignored him and led him up the front steps and they paused in front of the door, stomping the snow off their boots. Jonah glanced at the elaborate wreath hanging in front of him. The giant black bow tied at the bottom of the wreath looked like it was made from real silk. The embroidery was made of glittery silver thread. Luka pushed the door open and moved aside to let Jonah enter first.

It took a surprising amount of willpower to stop the audible gasp that caught at the back of Jonah’s throat. He stared wide-eyed at the entrance hall that was brilliantly lit with candles. Garlands of holly and pine wrapped around the staircase banister leading to the second floor. Similar to the exterior, black and silver bows and twinkling fairy lights decorated the doorways. An enormous Christmas tree stood in the large sitting room nearby. Large glass and ceramic ornaments hung off the branches while strings of colourful lights wrapped around the tree. The only thing missing was a tree topper.

Jonah pulled his scarf loose as he walked around slowly, scrutinizing every detail of the transformation that had taken place here. He wouldn’t call the Black Army headquarters decrepit, but from his few visits in the past he remembered it was normally utilitarian and bland. The Red Army headquarters, although regal and elegant in its own right, had yet to be decorated for the holiday season and was clearly outdone.

Luka must have read his thoughts in the expression on his face because he offered his brother a mysteriously smug smile. “I think we have the Red Army beat this year,” he said. He motioned for Jonah to follow him and they slowly circled the tree. Up close, Jonah could see that the Black Army officers had their own custom-made ornaments hanging proudly from the branches. The officers had hand-sewn snowmen crafted in their likeness. One wore the same hat and cloak as Ray, another had a belt with pistol holders similar to Fenrir. There were several personalized ornaments with the names of other prominent Black Army soldiers too. The elaborate writing on the ornaments was familiar to him.

Jonah felt something sink in the pit of his stomach as realization washed over him. “I suppose you had help planning all this since I doubt your uncouth lot could come up with half these ideas on your own,” he said bitterly, the awe he felt only moments ago turning sour in his mouth.

“Of course we did. Alice has so many wonderful talents, wouldn’t you agree?” Fenrir’s voice echoed cheerily from somewhere above him. Jonah heard several pairs of footsteps descend the stairs nearby and he turned to face them, hackles rising. The unexpected invitation from his brother was beginning to feel like a trap.

“Perhaps she could help liven up the Red Army headquarters as well?” Seth suggested with an innocent tone that fooled no one.

“Oh, wait,” Fenrir said with a drawl, “she already tried that, didn’t she?”

Jonah glared at the Ace of Spades who stood at the bottom of the staircase with his hands on his hips and a triumphant smile on his face. The smile didn’t reach his eyes, however - they glinted with something menacing.

Sirius put his hand on Fenrir’s shoulder and squeezed. It would’ve looked friendly if Fenrir didn’t wince in pain. “Despite how clearly he doesn’t deserve her, we know that Jonah would never hurt Alice knowingly. Isn’t that right?” The older man’s question was laced with an unspoken threat. Jonah bristled with indignation at the accusation.

“If you’re all done posturing, I’ve finished the ornament for the top of the tree if you’d like to see it,” a child’s voice said nearby. Jonah glanced wearily at Oliver who was wiping his hands on a handkerchief. He looked almost comical with his sleeves rolled up and a startling amount of glitter and pine needles stuck in his hair. The Black Army officers hurried past him, their excited voices fading away down the hall. “And then we can help you figure out how to fix this little misunderstanding with Alice,” he said, giving Jonah a pointed look before leaving the room expectantly. 

“Isn’t it a bit early to be decorating for Christmas?” he had asked Alice one morning when he saw she had hung a wreath on their bedroom door. The fall harvest celebrations had just ended, and the weather was still mild. Her face fell for a brief moment before she smiled at him, nodding her apparent agreement. By the end of the day, the subject was long forgotten from Jonah’s mind. She never brought it up again.

If someone told Jonah his thoughtless question would provoke his darling Alice enough to turn the Black Army headquarters into a winter wonderland, he wouldn't have believed it. Caught up in the frenzied schedule of the holiday season, he failed to realize how much time she had spent here rather than at the Red Army headquarters. He despised the idea that his brother and the Black Army fools were able to soothe her disappointment in him by giving her a place to nurture her excitement for the holidays. Surrounded by the evidence of his failure, he realized that the wreath on their bedroom door had quietly disappeared without him even noticing.

In the large workshop Oliver had commandeered for himself, the Black Army officers were huddled around a table, watching the tree topper he’d made slowly rotate on a mechanical base. On the outside, it looked like an ordinary star shape made of stained glass. Somehow, Oliver’s invention shot out little puffs of real snow accompanied by bells that chimed a loop of different Christmas melodies. Oliver said something about the not-so-legal use of magic crystals to keep the mechanical device inside the ornament filled with water and able to conjure snow at specific timed intervals.

Jonah felt like an intruder as he watched the officers nearby collect the ornament and run off, eager to add the finishing touch to their tree. He slumped over at a nearby workbench, elbows on the table, head in his hands. He’s not sure how much time had passed, but he felt a small poke in his side. He glanced at the child who sat beside him.

“I knew Christmas was her favourite holiday, but I didn’t expect…” he trailed off, gesturing vaguely at the boxes that lined Oliver’s workspace, filled to the brim with unused decorations, “…all of this.” 

“Do you really hate decorating that much?” Oliver asked. Not judging, simply curious.

Jonah shook his head. “With all of our other duties taking priority, updating our seasonal decor is usually done closer to the holiday itself. It’s my own fault I didn’t talk to her about it properly as soon as she showed an interest in it.” He looked away, attempting to hide the shamed flush staining his cheeks. “I hate that I made her feel like I wouldn't want this for us too.”

Oliver snorted and hopped up from his seat. “You’re an idiot if you think all these decorations are only for the Black Army,” he said as he pulled a random ornament from an open box and tossed it to Jonah. It was a red bow with Zero’s name embroidered with gold thread. “I think she was waiting for you to be more receptive to the idea, so she’s been making everything and storing it all here. If you want to make up for your stupidity," he said with a smirk, "I’d appreciate your help getting all these boxes out of my workshop and taking them where they belong.”

Jonah thought for a moment before he finally smiled. “If you’ll put up with the intrusion for a bit longer, I have a favor to ask of you and Blanc.”

Jonah paced in the entrance hall of the Red Army headquarters as he watched Alice’s carriage grow smaller in the distance. As promised, Oliver recruited Blanc’s help in luring Alice away early that morning, using some ruse about finalizing celebrations planned in the Central Quarter.

Once she was out of sight, Jonah left with his group of volunteer soldiers to retrieve the boxes of decorations from the Black Army. One of Jonah’s many other tasks that day was securing the largest tree he could find that would reasonably fit in the Red Army hall and arranging for its delivery. He ordered different potted trees, poinsettias, and other festive plants with extras to spare. He was not going to let his plans be side swept by miscalculations on his part.

One task Jonah did not enjoy was explaining his sudden urgency to overhaul the Red Army headquarters within the short window of Alice’s absence. The other Red Army officers laughed at his clumsy rebuke of Alice’s early decorating for the holidays which somehow led to a clandestine makeover of the Black Army’s base of operations. Jonah framed the daunting task as a competition since he knew most of the Red Army soldiers wouldn’t dare back away from a challenge if their pride was on the line.

Once all of the boxes had been delivered and unloaded into the main hall, the officers began sorting through them with obvious appreciation of Alice’s beautiful decorations. The King of Hearts personally took over the task of organizing the exterior displays and installing the new greenery. Jonah watched with dwindling patience as the others bickered over who should get to decorate the tree. He told them to figure it out amongst themselves with as little bloodshed as possible and left the room. When he returned ten minutes later, Edgar stood proudly beside the tree, hardly a hair out of place, with boxes of ornaments and lights opened and ready at his feet.

“How did you convince Blanc to keep Alice away for the entire day?” Edgar asked as he struggled to untie a knotted ball of string lights. No one wanted to risk her early return which would ruin the surprise.

“I suggested she take some of the carrot recipes she’d been saving as part of his Christmas gift,” Jonah’s voice replied from behind the Christmas tree. He had climbed up a ladder and was hanging decorations on the higher branches.

Edgar laughed - it was a clever idea on Jonah’s part. Blanc loved anything carrot-related and would spend the entire day in the kitchen taste-testing if time allowed it. “If that’s the case, then we’ll be lucky if Blanc doesn’t just keep her overnight,” Edgar teased. He ducked his head when a golden bauble came soaring at him from Jonah’s direction.

You stood in front of the large doors, stunned by what you were seeing. You first noticed the new brightly-lit trees that lined the path on your return journey home across the Red Bridge. You recognized many of your decorations hanging from the balconies and windows above you. The giant wreath on the front door had two ornamental birds made of felt nested side-by-side on a branch of holly. The red silk ribbon had Merry Christmas embroidered in beautiful golden script. You had only finished making it a week ago; the pine smell was still so fresh.

After a few moments, the doors opened wide and Jonah’s beaming smile greeted you. He had changed out of his uniform and was wearing a simple cream button-up shirt with a red scarf tied around his neck. He took your hands gently in his and led you through the elaborately decorated entranceway. Somewhere nearby a Christmas carol chimed; apparently Oliver had made two identical tree topper ornaments without you knowing.

You didn't know where to look first. You didn’t know what to say.

“I’m sorry that we couldn’t share this experience sooner than this, because of my own ignorance,” Jonah said quietly, remorsefully, “but I promise to try not to disappoint you so gravely in the future.” You could hear the truth in his voice and saw his eyes were bright and pleading as they stared into your own.

You wrapped your arms around him and hugged him. You felt his hands grasp your waist and pull you closer to him in response. You nuzzled his chest, soaking in his warmth and comforting scent. Your eyes felt hot with tears but when you looked up at him, your smile was wide and full of love. “I’ll forgive you if you give me the grand tour - I want to see the tree!” Your growing excitement was a soothing balm for the lonely disappointment you tried so hard to hide from him all this time.

You and Jonah held hands as he led you from room to room, eager to show you the efforts of a very long day's work. Along the way, Red Army soldiers stopped you to compliment your decorations and thanked you for your generosity. Some of them told you stories about how all the officers had asked for volunteers to help and how Jonah watched every step with a critical eye to make sure no decoration went unused.

Kyle congratulated you when he walked past you both, a red ribbon tied in his hair and a bottle tucked under an arm. Edgar found the pair of you as you were leaving Lance's office. He told you where he’d placed the stockings you’d made for each of the officers. He suggested that Jonah’s stocking be stuffed full of coal - the bauble incident from earlier was clearly not forgotten.

Eventually the hour grew late and exhaustion was finally starting to overtake the happiness you felt. Jonah smiled knowingly and steered you to the familiar hallway leading to your room. He found the wreath you made for and returned it to its rightful place on your bedroom door. Your names were embroidered on the silk ribbon, a memento of your first Christmas together.

“If you’ll permit me, I have one final surprise for you,” Jonah said with a twinkle in his eye. You admired the way his cheeks flushed in the dimming light. It was so adorable when he got flustered about something.

“I’m not sure I can handle anymore surprises after the evening I’ve had,” you said with a laugh as he pushed the door open then pulled you close to him.

“There’s one last holiday tradition that I refuse to overlook,” he said with surprising seriousness, his voice low and tinged with heat. He nodded his chin upwards. You followed his gaze and saw a sprig of mistletoe hanging in the doorway above you. He silenced your delighted laughter with a kiss.

[thekrazykeke]

Title: We Always Do This (Sneak Peek #2)

Fandom(s): College Craze

Summary: It has always been Phylicity’s deepest wish to find a partner that understood and respected what she could not change. Perhaps it’s Jay, or maybe it isn’t. Jay, on the other hand, recognized awhile back that Phylicity does things in stages, and while he wants, he knows it’s better to wait, instead.

Pairing(s): Jason “Jay” Choi x Phylicity “Phy” Carr

Warning(s): Awkward shenanigans

I write in second person though Phylicity is an original character with her own developed personality and background. Although it’s not exactly stated or remarked on at any point (so far), Phy is on the graysexual spectrum side of things. Jason Choi, or Jay, belongs to PrettyInk and is apart of the College Craze universe. 

The sneak peeks are highly subjective to change. Some scenes might star in a chapter going forward, or they might not. I’m mainly flexing my out of use writing muscles and trying to work up the nerve to eventually get back into smut writing. 

To keep up wit me on my never ending bs about Jay and the other characters of this game, y’all can join the fan server here.

~

You’re on a mission and you’re going to succeed.

That was the single thought ringing through your brain as you stride from the hallway entryway over to where Jay is seated on the leather couch. He looked up as he heard your approach, lips parting to say something, but then his mouth snapped closed as you carefully set yourself astride his lap face forward, legs spread and bent at an angle so that they’re on either side of his waist.

Arms winding around his back and leaning forward to brace your chin against the crook of his neck.

“Phylicity.” Jay’s normal confident tone is slightly strained, but that didn’t stop him from wrapping an arm low around your back in return, probably trying to make sure that you’re comfortable and didn’t do something embarrassing, like fall. How that could happen while sitting as y’all are is a mystery but with your luck, it’s possible. “What is you doin’, girl?”

“Missed you.” It’s simple and easy, the truth tumbling from your lips as long as you’re not making direct eye contact. “A lot.” And it’s even easier to press a kiss against his tattooed throat. Pressed up as close as y’all are, it’s impossible to hide the fact his pulse is hammering, and now that you’re actively paying attention, he’s… 

“Oh.”

He’s got a slight hard-on. 

Not that you consider it an accomplishment, as he wasn’t fully hard, that is.

Jay chuckled quietly. “I can practically hear yo galaxy brain spinnin’,” His hands find their way to your waist, about to lift you. “And we already covered that I ain’t an experiment or yo little distraction.” Thankfully, he doesn’t seem mad, just bemused by the overall situation.

[anitalenia]

⋆˙⟡♡ 𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐒. ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

RATINGS — s , smut | f , fluff | a , angst | d , dark content

none yet…

⋆˙⟡♡ 𝐃𝐑𝐀𝐁𝐁𝐋𝐄𝐒. ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

˖⁺ ⊹୨ monster boyfriend who… ୧⊹ ⁺˖ ( s-ish ) ━━ some headcanons exploring your relationship with your monster boyfriend, nothing serious just for fun. ˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆

⋆˙⟡♡ 𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐒. ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

none yet…

── ·˚꒰ 𝐇𝐄𝓐𝐑𝐓 & 𝐃𝐈𝐀𝐌𝓞𝐍𝐃. ꒱ ₊˚ˑ

˖⁺ ⊹୨ candy coated hearts ୧⊹ ⁺˖ ( a-ish ) ━━ you’ve been kidnapped somehow or another, bound to be another plaything for this pair of twisted brothers. ˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆ ✧･ﾟ:* This drabble is based off of A Dimensional Tune, an og trilogy I read many many years ago. I remembered how much I loved the brothers, Heart and Diamond. So, I wanted to make my own story with brothers based off of them. There’s many similarities but the differences are clear. Anyway, yeah, enjoy 🥰

[mycroftrh]

Far worse, in my opinion, than the famous “he wouldn’t fucking say that” is “he WOULD fucking say that, as part of his facade, but you seem to think he would mean it genuinely”

[misc-obeyme]

Some random demons are talking shit about MC at RAD. They're unaware of the fact that Mammon & Satan are in the classroom.

Mammon: Yo, you hearin’ this?

Satan: *not looking up from his book* It's unfortunate we have such idiotic classmates, isn't it?

Mammon: *stands up, grinning* Let’s rumble.

Satan: *snaps his book shut* Fine, but please never say that again.

Destruction ensued. Satan & Mammon refused to tell MC why they were hanging from the ceiling later that day.

masterlist | Thank you for reading!

[yoonia]

A Christmas Fix | kth (teaser)

⤑ Summary | One-night stands are supposed to be nothing more than just. It shouldn’t have involved seeing those two red lines looking back at you weeks later without a name or a contact number linking you back to your mystery man. Nothing more but his face. The unforgettable face that would sometimes appear in your dreams at night. So unforgettable that you immediately recognise him the moment he walks into your family home at Christmas, hand-in-hand with your older stepsister.

⤑ Title | A Christmas Fix

⤑ Pairings | Taehyung x female reader

⤑ Ratings & Genre | +18 / M for Mature; Secret Baby!au, Second Chance!au, Strangers to Lovers!au

⤑ Word count | estimated: 30k 45k 50k words; teaser: 1,403 words | writing progress per Jan 31st, 2024: posted!

Part of the Jingle All the Way collaboration

Beautiful banner by @kithtaehyung

“Seriously, baby,” you whisper to the non-existent bump under your sweater, “Please take it easy, will you? I’m really struggling here, and you’re not making things easy for me. Trust me, it would be too soon for everyone to find out about you. At least wait until we can find a clue about your Dad, okay?” 

As if the baby inside you is listening, even if it is still barely a fetus at this point, your body grows calmer and the nausea slowly wanes. 

“Thank you, baby,” you whisper to your stomach once again before finally focusing on the stove and the oven, deliberately taking your time with what you do just so you can have a reason not to join the dramatic reunion happening right this minute. 

From this side of the kitchen, the front door isn’t completely visible. But you can hear everything as the door opens and your stepfather joyfully welcomes his daughter. 

Hearing his voice makes you smile. You may have had a tumultuous relationship with your stepsister, but the same cannot be said with your stepfather. Cliff has always been a great role model, and your relationship with him has always been great from the start. 

It makes you feel guilty when you think about the previous encounters where you and your stepsister simply gave each other cold shoulders or when you were met with altercations just because of how different the two of you are. But there is no helping it. Nothing has changed over the years no matter how hard you tried. Not even once you have become adults. 

You can’t even remember how it first started. And frankly, you no longer care. Last year’s incident was already enough to let you know that the sisterhood that your parents have been forcing you into was beyond saving. 

The voices coming from the front door continue for a moment longer. This time, you get to hear your mother’s voice joining in the conversation and Alia's soft voice answering her questions. You make no effort to listen to what they are saying and tune out their voices, until your mother’s voice calls out to you. 

“______, your sister is here. Come and say hi.” 

Your mother’s words make you stop. Slowly, you turn down the heat on the stove and turn to make your way towards the front door to join the family reunion. 

“It’s stepsister,” you mutter under your breath as you drag your feet, taking your sweet time while you try to compose yourself before having to face the unwanted guests. 

As you turn around the corner, merely moments before the front door finally comes into view, you get to hear another voice speaking. The voice that you couldn’t clearly hear from the kitchen while you were tuning their conversation out. 

“I’m sorry for intruding. But thank you for having me here.” 

That voice. 

You immediately come to a halt. An uneasy feeling runs through your body when you realise that you recognise this voice and have grown to know it quite well. 

There is no mistaking it. You may not have gotten his full name on the night you met, and his face has somewhat become a faint mirage in your dreams at night whenever you are taken back to the night of your hookup.

But you cannot say the same about his voice. 

That deep and gentle voice will always be engraved in your memory. Even now, the only thing you would need to do is close your eyes and listen, and allow the voice to take you back to that specific night once more, where he used this voice to say sinful words that you could feel caressing your fragile heart while he was bringing you to the peak of pleasure.

And now you are hearing that voice here, at your home, idly chatting with your mother by the front door. 

“_______, are you coming?” your mother calls again, and you know that there is no avoiding it. You have to face reality, even if that means you must come face to face with the man who is responsible for placing you in this situation.

Tamping down the rush of nerves going through your body, you slowly march ahead. Bracing yourself as you turn around the corner and enter the living room where everyone is currently gathering in.

Your eyes fall on your stepsister first. 

Alia has always looked so vibrant and beautiful, drawing all kinds of attention from everyone in the room when she is present. Yet when you look at her now, there seems to be a new kind of light emerging from her. Even her smile seems brighter as she chats along with your stepfather.  

And you soon realise the reason why she is shining brightly today as you turn your gaze to look at the person standing beside her. To finally see him. 

He looks just like how you remember him. Tall and lean, with his arms and chest filling up his sweater. He has his hair falling over a part of his face, just enough of a mess that seems as if he has been running his fingers through the wavy strands. As he converses with your mother, he shows his boxy grin that seems familiar to your eyes. 

Too familiar. 

Because it looks just the same as the wide grin that was teasing and flirting with you on one eventful night at the transit hotel weeks ago. 

No. That can’t be.

The baby’s daddy is here. The man who you were planning to look for once you return to the city. 

He is here, today, appearing at the front door of your parents’ home together with your stepsister. His long fingers that had once entangled between the strands of your hair are now entwined with your stepsister’s dainty fingers. And there is no mistaking the matching couple rings that are glowing under the sunlight coming from their entwined hands. 

Before you get the chance to process what is happening, you hear him introducing himself to your stepfather, “It’s good to see you, Sir. My name is Taehyung.” 

No. 

You stifle a gasp. It feels like you have been sucker-punched right in the chest that you can barely breathe. 

Taehyung, you wonder. Tae? 

All of a sudden, you feel as if the ground beneath your feet is spinning. And since you seem to have lost the ability to move your feet, the only thing you can do to stop yourself from falling is to clench your hands tightly by your side. Tight enough to feel pain as your nails are sinking into your palms, convincing you that this is not a dream. 

Yet you are still in denial as you watch the interaction happening right before your eyes. Because there is no way this is happening. There is no possible way that it is truly him. 

Please. Please don’t let it be him. 

It must have been your mind playing tricks on you. Because there is no way that he is here. Not as your stepsister’s new boyfriend. 

This must be a mistake. Yes, you are probably confused and all the thoughts of finding your baby daddy are messing up with your head, forcing you to believe that your stepsister’s new boyfriend is your mysterious baby daddy. The fact that they have the same name must have been pure coincidence. 

For once in your life, you don’t want to be right. You have to be wrong. 

Please tell me that it’s not him. 

Just then, as if life was listening to your prayers, as if life has yet to have enough of its games to play around with your heart, the man turns his gaze away from your parents. And those pretty eyes land on you. 

As if there is a switch turned, the brightness in his gaze fades. His beautiful eyes are filled with recognition. It is so subtle that you are quite sure that nobody else around you notices it, but it is enough to let you know that your memories have been right all along. 

Because those are the same eyes that you saw looking back at you with pure lust and sin while he was bringing you wanton pleasure, when you made love as if both of you had been under a spell, right on the very night that may have changed your fate forever. 

Fuck. 

Me.

Coming soon (hopefully) this month! Join taglist here!

[captainkirkk]

✩ WEEKLY FIC ROUND-UP ✩

All the fics I’ve read and really enjoyed in the past week-ish. Reminder: This list features any and all ratings and themes. Please look at tags and warnings on ao3 before reading.

BNHA

something else to pretend by beeclaws

Bakugou apologies. Somehow, this makes things worse.

Retrograde by redrobin1989

Retrograde /ˈretrəˌɡrād/ adjective: directed or moving backwards noun: a degenerate person. verb: go back in position or time.

Seasoned pro heroes Midoriya Izuku and Bakugou Katsuki are mentally transported back to their younger bodies due to a quirk. All they have to do is wait for the quirk to wear off for everything to return to normal. But sometimes the journey is worse than the destination.

DC

dick move by konan_konan

Part 1 of batfam twitter shenanigans

dim trake ☑ @timdrakeceo・52min guys what if dick grayson IS batman. that’s why he thought he was getting cancelled. it all makes sense. 784K Views | 142 Retweets | 52 Quote Tweets | 63.9K Likes

tason jodd ☑ @jsntdd・49min ↳ replying to @timdrakeceo asshole last week you said i was batman 461K Views | 88 Retweets | 16 Quote Tweets | 18.3K Likes

or: a civilian overhears a conversation between batman and nightwing. twitter does what it always does: makes things worse

the rules of playing make believe by hoebiwan

“We can’t squat in some dead guy’s mansion, Damian,” Tim says. Damian, in the midst of packing all their meager belongings into grocery sacks, ignores him.

“Why not?” Jason demands. “It’s not like he’s using it. Finders keepers, losers weepers.”

Or: Homeless!Reverse Robins squat in Wayne Manor.

Nine Worlds

with a winged heart by celebros

"Cliopher. Cliopher. Cliopher." I blink. It's Conju, standing with his hands on my shoulders, and I go to answer him and realize that I am already speaking, babbling, and Franzel is behind him, wringing his hands and looking near tears. I try to focus on what I'm saying, but it's like a stream, light and splashing past me, too quick to hold, not enough to catch, somehow, somehow – A few weeks before the start of the viceroyship ceremonies, Kip finds himself the unwitting recipient of a truth serum.

Original Work

That Frightful Nest Inside the Throat by whereveryouroam

Part 1 of That Dreadful Clockwork Beats Below

Living horses were in vogue among the high and mighty of the great families, but Peter’s new owners had sent proud motorhorses, clicking over in a blur of cogs and wheels, to draw the carriage. It was a very nice carriage - plush and cushioned. He couldn’t help but think this was sinister. Masters didn’t transport slaves in finery. At least, not slaves like him.

Peter’s spent years under the cruelty of masters who want the Monster inside him to become their weapon. He is quite sure that Lord and Lady Arken will be no different.

Percy Jackson

Through rose-colored glasses (the past is perfect) by Mo13

Part 1 of Rose-colored glasses verse

Luke/Percy were in a non-consensual 'relationship' when Percy was twelve. Percy deals with the aftermath, while constantly convincing himself that his relationship with Luke was fine (IT WAS NOT). Mostly cooperates with canon up to the end of Heroes of Olympus.

The Goblin Emperor

A Complete Education by bomberqueen17

Preparing for the Emperor's wedding, everyone has some things they need to learn about.

Emperor's Best Friend by imaginary_golux

Ino and Mireän decide their cousin Maia needs a special present for his twentieth birthday.

a burning coal of kindness by egelantier for Morgan (duckwhatduck)

When Maia is kidnapped by a faction hoping to halt the construction of Wisdom Bridge, Beshelar, gravely injured, is by his side. It might just be their undoing.

The Stairs Beneath the Heart by hermitknut

Part 1 of Keystone

The reign of Varenechibal IV is over; the reign of Edrehasivar VII has begun. The transition, however, is anything but smooth, as the Alcethmeret household navigates grief and worry as well as adapting to the new emperor.

A series of missing scenes and unseen moments centering around the Alcethmeret household over the course of the first few months of Maia's reign.

[drwcn]

apparently I'm not done with my newly resurrected chengqing bullshit -

semi crack semi angst idea that wen ning did to his sister what wen qing did to wwx, aka: wen ning had listened to wen qing all his life, but by god he was not gonna like her die for his mistake.

wen ning went to lanling by himself maybe with the rest of the wens.

in any case when the cultivators stormed the burial mount after wwx's demise, lwj found a-yuan, jiang cheng found wen qing.

just imagine the awkward lock-eye between these two dumb bitches

I won't snitch if you don't snitch.

obviously wq and jc has to work through some stuff but like...

very quickly jc realizes ppl straight up don't recognize wq. Think about it. She showed up for 35 seconds at Cloud Recesses and never attended class. And then... the war happened and she was never really a player. Probably some ppl met her, but how many of them are still alive?

Sure jc had to hide wq the first couple of years, but after jgs mysteriously bit the dust... things relaxed by a lot.

Jc being that bitch that stares everyone in the eye whilst lying to their faces: how dare you accuse my wife of being a dead war criminal.

Jgy: she is clearly wen qing.

Jc: Prove it.

Lqr *furious* : wangji, is this not wen qing?

Lwj: .....it is not.

Lxc & lqr: ????????

Wwx's resurrection would be wild.

[murdrdocs]

Hear me out...playing house w/ hazel while mrs callahan is out of town and hazel goes feral at the sight of you just in her mother's robe...I rest my case 🤍

when she first sees you, she wants to say something sexier. maybe something that would have your knees weak, or head spinning with images of what you two could do together in this empty house. instead, her words have you pouting at her, eyebrows furrowed as you stare down at the robe you wear.

it's one of her moms more tamer ones; baby pink silk material with feathers at the end of the extremely long, bell bottom sleeves. the end of the robe sweeps the floor behind you, and through the slit in the front hazel can just barely see your skin.

"are you sure that thing's clean?" her words were the opposite of sexy, spoken with a slight stutter. now, she stands before you, hands fiddling at her sides as she itches to touch you, tongue nervously sliding over her lips as she suddenly craves kissing you more than anything.

"it is ... i think? i found it in the laundry room," your thumb hooks over your shoulder. "should i take it off?"

the speed at which hazel disagrees is extremely embarrassing, but currently hazel needs you to the point where she can barely focus on how she's feeling, or the brownie mix she was working on. instead, her every thoughts focuses on the way you smile softly and how she can't make out an outline of a bra beneath the robe but she can see two pebbles beneath the material instead.

"keep it on. please."

getting into it, you cross your arms over your chest, your limbs pushing your tits up just enough for hazel to see the start of your cleavage. her hands flex at her sides once more, and she takes a step forward to place them on your sides.

instantly, your hands rest at her shoulders, your head tilting as you bat your lashes at her. "d'you think i look pretty like this?"

hazel thinks you look pretty no matter what, but she still nods her head vigorously. her thumbs start to play with the material that ties the robe around your body. she listens to you hum, and she listens to the way her heart rate increases.

she pinches the fabric between her thumb and forefinger, and begins to pull it, ignoring the resistance from the loose bow.

"i think you'd look even prettier out of it."

[bytedykes]

[ID: Scum Villain fanart. In a forest, Liu Qingge crouches down in front of a large flower which has a baby in it. His face is obscured by his hair and most of the baby is obscured by the flower. He reaches out with one hand to pick up the baby, and the baby, in turn, reaches for his hand. The drawing is colored with blue tones to indicate that it's dark. The second image is a pencil sketch of a direct view of the same baby in the flower. It's asleep and has a kind of scrunched up expression. There's a caption that says, "it's free plant baby!" /end ID]

art for spring in bloom by @princess-of-purple-prose !!! this fic is sooo good and perfect for u if you like pidw creatures, accidental baby acquisition, totally serious banter, and liu qingge. i had so much fun making this au with kay, u could almost say that it's. that it's our

[hyuckmov]

himbo haech

[lvlystars]

23:47 — s.mg

“okay, promise you won’t get mad at me?” mingi holds out a pinky to your blindfolded figure, and you’re left in confusion when you feel his pinky finger grazing your hand. you furrow your eyebrows. “why would i get mad at you, love?”

“just promise!” he urges you, and you hold your hands up in the air before letting out an ‘okay!’ and hooking your pinky with his, promising that you wouldn’t get mad over whatever he had planned.

“you’re not crossing your fingers or anything, right-”

“mingi get on with it!” you push him, growing impatient as you both stood outside your apartment door, ready to go in and just ring in your birthday while you're in bed, peacefully cuddled up in your sheets and sleeping.

mingi holds you back from entering your home last minute as he whispers in your ear. “just to let you know that although i am your boyfriend, this was all wooyoung’s idea-”

“YOU TOOK AN IDEA FROM WOOYOUNG?!?!” you exclaim, now dreading what state your apartment is in. you step backwards as you stumble a little, the black blindfold still restricting you from seeing anything around you, making mingi hold you tightly in his arms as he grows nervous.

“listen, we wanted it to be a surprise…” mingi trails off, then clears his throat. “let’s just go in, yeah? and then you’ll see the surprise!” he smiles brightly, trying to keep any evidence of stress or nervousness evident on his face.

you both soon walk into your shared apartment, and you take off your blindfold to be met with about an army’s worth of mingi cutouts all facing you, staring you down as you stare back at them with shock. you couldn’t even count up to 20 before losing track, and you feel all the colourful words come up into your mouth. turning towards him, mingi grins sheepishly at you before bolting out the door, whipping open the door to the staircase as you chase after him.

“SONG MINGI!” you scream, running up the stairs and following him into a random open apartment as he screams bloody murder, throwing his arms up in the air as he waves them around.

before you can register where you even were at the moment, the lights flash on and screams erupt all around you as cameras are pointing towards you.

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY Y/N!!!!”

you pull your phone to check the time, and shining right back at your face were the numbers 00:00, indicating that it indeed was your birthday.

you start to thank everyone as they wished you happy birthday, some people giving you pats on the back while others were screaming in your face and lightly giving you birthday beats. as you talk to everyone, you can’t help but look for a particularly tall, silver-haired man who might be lurking amongst the crowd, hiding himself from your wrath, when you spot him in the hallways towards the bedroom.

mingi doesn’t even notice you marching over to him before he yelps out as he’s dragged into a bedroom.

“did you plan this?” you ask him, crossing your arms as you look up at him.

“YOU SCARED THE SHIT OUT OF ME!” he shrieks, holding his chest as he breaths heavily. you slap his arms as he flinches, putting his arms down. “well?”

“...yes.” he hangs his head down.

you fake a scowl before giving in and going in for a hug, taking mingi by surprise as he slowly hugs back.

“thank you.” you whisper to him, pinching his side playfully.

“AH- oh uh, you're welcome, baby.” he breathily laughs, flinching as he wraps his arms around you in a warm embrace, rubbing your shoulders in endearment.

you both stay silent before you interrupt the silence.

“now where’s wooyoung?”

wc. 643

a/n: for miles! heppy birdday kilometres @star1117-archives

tagging 🏷️ —

@welcometomyoasis @etherealyoungk @amxlia-stars @seuonji @spicyseonghwas @haowrld @kyeomyun

networks 🔗—

@preciousillusions-net @cacaokpop-fics @k-labels

ⓒ lvlystars

[thekrazykeke]

Title: If You Want Love

Fandom(s): College Craze 

Summary: It takes a village to raise a child.

Pairing(s): Helms x Phy (one-night stand; offscreen). Jay x Phy.

Warning(s): Light angst. Fluff. Spoilers for the game.

This one-shot is based on the idea that Helms would be miserable if MC got pregnant by him. 💀 The twist I talked about in the server is that Jay would stick around and raise the kid as his own 🥰😈

So here we go! Let’s get it!

**The name of the hospital mentioned in the story is the creation of Ageha from the fan server (I’m notoriously bad at naming things and people, we all know this ❤️)

~

“I… are you sure that… that it’s mine?”

So it seems that men remain little boys regardless of age, especially when it is time to take responsibility. 

Giving Helms a tight-lipped smile, Phylicity looked the chief of police straight in the eye. “Considering the delicate nature of the situation, don’t you think it would be wiser to speak more carefully to me?” 

Clearing his throat, Helms sternly stared the young woman down. “Miss Carr, if you think that you can blackmail me…” 

“I could,” Phylicity stated simply, bored of his blustering. “And you can even look at it as I am, however in the interest of saving my precious time,” Reaching down, she picked up a simple clutch and unzipped the purse, pulling out several officious documents. “Fill these out, please.” Leaning forward, she placed the papers onto the desk before sitting back in her chair.

“What is….is…this is-” Reaching into the desk drawer, he pulled out a glasses case and then placed a delicate pair of spectacles onto the bridge of his nose. Phylicity watched as he read the documents slowly, the furrow in his brow deepening. “I, I-.” Lost for words, he flicked his gaze up to hers. 

Perhaps for anyone else, the torment clearly visible in that icy blue gaze would be enough to feel guilty. “It’s essentially me granting your wish. The termination of your parental rights.” Clicking her tongue, Phylicity tilted her head to the side just slightly. 

Tearing his spectacles off, Helms tossed them onto the desk. “I-I couldn’t…” Placing a hand over his eyes, he spent several long minutes quietly weeping. Phylicity rolled her eyes but made no move to comfort or hush him. 

Eventually, he got himself together, removing his hand over his eyes to see her patiently watching him. He blinked more stray tears away. “I’m… I’m a good man. I have a loving wife. I go to church on Sundays and my kids, my kids…”

Sensing his wavering, Phylicity decided to go for broke. “You’re still a good man, Joe.” The lie fell off her tongue quickly. “Sometimes good men…make mistakes. It doesn’t define you, I promise.”

Much to her relief, that seemed to do the trick. Helms signed the documents without any more fanfare and then slid the documents back over to her. Phylicity gathered everything up briskly, placing the papers nearly back into her purse before standing up and striding for the door.

Hand on the knob, about to leave, Phylicity paused as she heard him call out her name. Glancing over her shoulder, she stared at the chief of police, waiting.

“Be safe out there. Things are getting violent with these new dealers.”

Something about that sentence... Part of her being wanted to just leave, not entertain the ramblings of a guilty man. After all, what are the chances she’s going to run into any drug dealers? 

Yet her feet didn’t move. 

Turning around fully, Phylicity made eye contact with Helms once more, mouth unconsciously pulled into a frown. “‘New dealers?’”

The guilt grew stronger in his eyes. “I shouldn’t have said anything. I’m sorry.”

Irritation crawled up her throat but Phylicity’s tone remained level. “Do you have any leads? Names?” Some emotion flickered across his face and Helms pressed his lips together, silent. “Please.” Her right hand went to the flat of her stomach and his eyes followed the gesture. 

Helms sighed, looking away for a moment, visibly struggling with his (shaky) moral compass. “Well, there's two of them we suspect are involved, even if only one pulled the trigger. Trey Clemmens is one, he goes by Triggs. The other just goes by Jay, but his real name is Jason Choi."

Feeling a pit open up in her stomach as she recognized those names, Phylicity nodded curtly and kept her features neutral as she swung the door open and Jose nearly fell face forward, obviously trying (and failing) to properly eavesdrop. 

“Jose!” Helms barked sharply, aghast. Disgusted but not altogether surprised by the other man’s reprehensible behavior, the police chief rose up from his seat. 

Shaking her head and rolling her eyes heavenward, Phylicity walked around the man and quickly left the premises.

The last thing she needed is to be caught up in all that drama. 

~

9 months later

Aleida Arroyo Memorial Hospital 

“He is so small.” Chris marveled, voice barely above a whisper as he nestled his grandson (he had a grandchild!!!) carefully in his hold. “So small, and ohh, ladybug, he looks like you.”

“That’s funny. I was thinking he looked like you, Papa.” Phylicity chuckled, voice quiet as well, still mildly exhausted but gaze locked on her son.

It had been a difficult road to get to this point. 

Mostly brought on by Phylicity’s independent streak and stubbornness, really. 

The thought that it was her choice, so she had to face the consequences of being pregnant alone. Or so she attempted, anyway. Mal was the first to catch onto the fact that something was wrong with her baby cousin, followed by Stephen. The duo shifted their schedules and routines in order to better help Phy out, taking her to doctor’s appointments, buying baby essentials, etc. etc. And perhaps in the end, it was inevitable that everyone else would find out the truth too, though thankfully, that happened closer to the end of the second trimester, when her pregnant belly became far more noticeable.

Christopher had pretty much hit the roof and made some unreasonable demands and assumptions, the most audacious being to know the paternity of the unborn child. Phylicity had refused to disclose that information and simply stopped talking to her father altogether, for months. Honestly, if not for the combined cajoling of Mal and Aunt Tara, Phylicity would never have spoken to her father again.

Almost as if he could hear her pensive thoughts, her father looked at her, eyes wet with unshed tears, “Ladybug, I know I didn’t say it enough, but I am sorry,” he said simply, but sincerely. “I acted like….like….my father,” There’s decades of unresolved pain in his voice as he brought up his old man. “You didn’t deserve any of that.”

Breathing in deep, she contemplated addressing the elephant in the room that was her fraternal grandparent and ultimately resolved to let sleeping dogs lie, “No. No, I did not.” Phylicity stated simply, tone even. 

“...What are y’all gonna name him?” Christopher inquired, returning his grandchild to his daughter’s arms and turned to the other occupant sitting quietly in the corner of the room, easily overlooked. 

Jay rose from his seat to amble over to Phylicity’s side. “Phy chose the name Jeremiah.”

“And we agreed that if I had another boy, he’d get to choose the name first.” Exasperated, Phy briefly glanced at her father. “Don’t be fooled, Papa. I was super into him being involved with picking the names too, but he was all ‘its up to me’ and ‘whatever you want’.”

“Sounds like a guilty conscience, ladybug.” Christopher joked, unable to help himself.

“Papa!” Phylicity whisper-yelled. The baby, Jeremiah, woke and started to fuss. 

“See, look what you did.”

Jay shook his head with a wry little smile. “Let me get em, Phy.”

And just like that, it was as if the duo forgot that he was in the room. 

Their focus entirely dedicated to that baby. That suited Christopher just as well, as he watched unobtrusively as possible, taking note of the little things, such as the quiet yearning in Jay’s expression as he fed Jeremiah and the way Phylicity watched him with her child, fiercely protective but equally as yearning. 

Right until the critical moment, Phy hadn’t uttered a word about the paternity of the baby’s father. Though when it was time to sign the birth certificate, Jay had stepped up to sign... and Phylicity hadn’t contested the decision. Still, he let these observations go and resolved to let the secret remain buried as so many he’d collected, for far less altruistic reasons. 

~

5 years later

“L’l man, l’il man, where you hidin’?” Making a show of glancing around the baby and toddler proofed living room, Mal pretended not to see the tiny boy underneath the table. “Could you be…by the tv?” Turning her back just slightly, hearing Jeremiah as he darted from his current hiding spot to behind the couch. “Maaaybe the bookshelf?”

Jeremiah darted once again from his hiding place, straight for the door. And right into Stephen’s leg, falling backwards onto his rump, little tears appearing at the corner of his eyes.

“Adventurer Jer thwarted again! Oh no. But never fear—“ Stephen said dramatically as possible, bending down to swoop the boy up into his hold, making airplane sounds.

“Cap’n JerJer is here!!!” Tears forgotten, Jeremiah hollered excitedly at the top of his lungs, hanging onto his uncle’s neck tightly as he ran away (i.e. he briskly walked) from auntie and down the hall, into the kitchen. “Daddy!!!!”

Stephen helped his rambunctious nephew down and the little goofer immediately latched onto Jay’s pant leg, staring up at his father with Bambi eyes. To Jay’s credit, he did resist - for 2.5 seconds then he was lifting his son onto his unoccupied hip.

“Don’t say it.” Jay murmured, adjusting Jeremiah in his hold as he unlocked the back door. 

The scent of barbecue ribs, pork chops, and hotdogs wafted into the house. Triggs is working the grill, Phylicity had a little girl in her lap, and there was music playing softly in the background.

Mal entered the kitchen just as Jay stepped outside, closing the door behind him. “I ain't even say nothing!” Stephen rolled his eyes. “Sensitive ass…”

Flicking him on the neck, Mal lifted their chin as Stephen turned his head and pecked her on the lips, not once but twice. “I love you, Mr. Reed,” Hands wrapping around his middle, Malicia rested her ear against his chest, hearing how his heart was beating so steadily.

“Love you more, Mrs. Reed,” Squeezing gently, Stephen did nothing to stop the tender moment. Didn’t tease or joke, just enjoyed it. 

Meanwhile, outside, Jeremiah was let down at his pleading and he played (gently) with his baby sister, Kamilah. Jay wandered over to Phylicity’s side, as always, wanting to be close and from her seat, she looked up at him with that happy, contented little smile, reaching out and grabbing his hand and his heart stuttered.

“Wanna know a secret?”

He nearly teased that she was terrible at keeping them. “Depends. Is it a good or bad secret?” Jay instead decided to play along. Phy made the gesture for him to lean down and he did so.

“EWW MOMMY, DADDY, DON'T KISS! DONT LOOK, SISSY! DON'T LOOK!”

“Ay, ay, ay, what’s this ‘ew’? How else y’all bad selves think y’all was made?” “By KISSING? Unc...you lyin...”

Maybe he would be more worried about emotionally scarring his spoiled as all hell children, specifically, Jeremiah, but as it is, but Uncle Triggs got that handled, and even more than the kiss, Jay is reeling from the ‘secret’ he’d been told. 

Or secrets, rather.

Jay looked at Phylicity, then her stomach, and the words slipped out. “I get to pick the baby names out this time.”

Phy guffawed. “You’re impossible!”

The arguably most precious secret, those three words he had been waiting to hear back, he kept those close to his heart.

[angelkissiies]

neighbor!leon who always asks you to feed his fish while he’s away on missions.

his key ring is on a simple silver carabiner, two or three other misc keys floating around as you thumb by them to reach his house key. living across the hall from leon kennedy had its perks, one being that you got the chance to interact with the man— at least for as long as he could manage to stay, that is. the other being that he offered an obscene amount of money to you, simply for the service of feeding and caring for his pet fish— one he refused to disclose the name of— who you’d come to call leon jr.

as you stepped through the threshold into the man’s apartment, a wave of seasonal air freshener washed over you— marking you in fall spices as a ticket for entrance. “good morning, leon jr! please still be alive!” you called out, closing the door gently behind you as you then made a b-line for the cabinet of fish supplies tucked away beside the entertainment center. this is the way it always was, you come over— chat up the fish, feed it, make sure it’s tank is cycling— and then you leave. it was beyond easy.

you secured the shaker of fish flakes, strolling over to the tank to switch the ambient lights on. “g’morning sleepyhead.” you hummed, shaking some of the food from the container out onto the surface of the water. as it slowly began to sank, the fish began to eat, you then squatting down to watch as he swam gleefully around the tank to catch the falling food. “you’re a pretty cute fish, I’d say.” you began, a finger coming to trail along the chilled aquarium glass. “must take after your dad.”

in all of your chatting with the fish, you failed to hear the door open and close again— allowing an extremely intrigued leon to ease drop on your conversation, his bags long forgotten at the door as he shuffled slightly to avoid spooking you.

“i didn’t really peg him as the pet type either, so you must be pretty special.”

leon rested himself against the wall, arms crossing over his chest as he suppressed a chuckle. you weren’t wrong, he really wasn’t the kinda guy to have a fish— or any animal really. he was so consumed by work that it was almost impossible, he’d only come to change his mind on the situation— when he met you. his thought process was, ‘if i can manage time for a fish, i can manage to find time for her.’ and— he was right.

the man cleared his throat playfully, watching as you shot up from your place before the tank to standing before him— wide eyed and flushed. “hello? oh my god?” you breathed, a hand coming to rest on your chest as you stared at him. “how long have you.. been here?”

the blonde attempted to suppress a smirk but failed, his pink lips curling as he shrugged nonchalantly. “long enough to know my fish takes after me, apparently.”

you played faux confusion as you shrugged back at him, shuffling towards the door. “i, personally, have no idea what you’re talking about— anyways!” you nodded, turning on your heel to grasp the doorknob, throwing the door open. “gotta go, got work, have things to do— bye! glad you’re alive!” you rushed, bolting into your apartment at the speed of light, pressing your back against the now locked door as you took a small breath— heart hammering in your chest as you slid down to sit on the floor.

a few moments passed, silence occupying your apartment as you ran back through what had just happened. “oh my god.” you groaned, holding your face in your hands, glowing pink with embarrassment. that was, until a slip of paper nudged the denim of your jeans from under the door.

‘dinner tomorrow, 8:30, my place.

p.s. the fishes name is lila.

- l.k.’

[misc-obeyme]

Heya, CC - hope you're doing well!

First time submitting off anon but I noticed you didn't have a Flufftober promt yet for Lucifer so I'm hoping to throw my hat in the ring

I sort of hc that MC carries around eyedrops for when Lucifer overworks himself and his eyes start to hurt😅

Idk, nothing too crazy but I think he'd appreciate the little things <3

Looking forward to your uploads regardless! ^.^

Hello there, my friend! It looks like you were still on anon when you sent this, so feel free to reveal yourself if you'd like! But no pressure, you are welcome to stay anon, too. :)

Now listen, this is exactly the kind of thing that would matter so much to Lucifer.

And since this is Flufftober, well... I definitely fluffed it up lol. I sometimes get a little cheesy when writing fluff, but I also feel like that's just the nature of fluff, you know?

Thank you for submitting a prompt!

FLUFFTOBER 2023

GN!MC x Lucifer

Warnings: none!

Lucifer was an important demon. He had a lot of others depending on him, a lot of work he had to do every day, so many demands on his time. It required all of his energy to keep on top of everything and yet he managed to do it. And he made it look easy.

To everyone else, Lucifer was the one they could always turn to for help. He could take care of anything. The responsibilities he shouldered were heavy things that he carried every day and he never faltered.

And then you showed up. You became another person for him to take care of and at first he only did it because Diavolo wanted him to. But as time passed, he had to admit to himself that he enjoyed your company. There was something about your very presence that made all of his burdens seem lighter.

For a while, Lucifer just allowed this reality to exist within him. His pride let him tell you directly that he liked when you were beside him, but his pride also prevented him from telling you why.

Lucifer noticed right away when you started doing things that perhaps would mean very little to someone else. You would do something as simple as asking him if he had eaten yet or when the last time he stood up from his desk was. Things nobody else would think to ask because they would just assume that Lucifer was on top of it the way he was with everything else.

But every time you checked in like that, every time you brought him coffee without him needing to ask, every time you simply showed up to sit in his office with him, every time you did some insignificant thing to lighten his load, Lucifer fell for you just a little bit more. He didn't even realize it was happening.

It was a late night and Lucifer still had piles of paperwork to get through. He would never say it out loud, but he was fairly certain that this was some leftover torture method that the Devildom never quite phased out. He was hunched over his desk, fully consumed in the work before him, determined to get through the current pile before the night was over.

You were sitting across from him, quietly reading a book. You often sat up with him, even if every half hour he tried to get you to go to bed. You would just smile at him and say that you weren't tired.

And Lucifer let it go for another half hour. He let it go because he wanted you there.

When he finally finished the last page of the pile he was working on, Lucifer sat up straight, leaned back in his chair, and sighed heavily.

You looked up from your book. "You're finally done!"

Lucifer smiled at you, but it was a weak, tired smile. "I only succeeded because you were here with me, MC."

You rolled your eyes. "Oh sure, Mr. Why-Don't-You-Go-To-Bed-Now."

Lucifer chuckled. He put down his pen and rubbed at his eyes, fingers pressing into them as they burned.

He didn't see you standing up from your chair, but he opened his eyes when he heard you put your book down on his desk. He watched as you pulled a small bottle of eye drops from your pocket and handed it over to him.

Lucifer took the bottle and looked at it with a baffled expression before looking back at you.

"You're rubbing your eyes again," you said, as if it was obvious. "So use some eye drops."

Lucifer frowned. "Do you have problems with your eyes, MC?"

Now it was your turn to look confused. "What? You're the one whose eyes are hurting, not me."

"But you carry these drops in your pocket," Lucifer said. "You must need them if you keep them on your person all the time."

You blinked for a moment, then smiled a little sheepishly. "Oh. Well. I started carrying them for you. This isn't exactly the first time I've seen you rubbing your eyes like that."

Something thudded in Lucifer's heart. Something he didn't know about until that very moment. Something that had been working so hard and taking care of so much that it had forgotten the feeling of someone else taking care of him.

It was so small. Such a little thing. And yet, for Lucifer Morningstar, it was everything.

He put the bottle down on the desk. He would use them in a minute. Right then, he cared far more about coming around his desk to hold you.

You seemed a little surprised when he put his arms around you without speaking. But after a moment, you pressed your face into him, as though his embrace was the one place where you belonged.

The way you so effortlessly made his life better with every little thing you did indicated to Lucifer that it was indeed where you belonged. Right there, beside his heart.

flufftober | kinktober | masterlist | Thank you for reading!