#my senses all fail except for my nose

[https-furina]

List 5 things that make you happy, then put this in the askbox for the last 10 people who reblogged something from you. learn to know your mutuals and followers.

omg aya my love <3 hii (as if i don’t talk to you daily—)

1. wriothesley

2. wriothesley..

oh.. wait-

— despite my allergies, the smell of bloomed flowers <3 i miss working in a florist

— the smell of freshly baked bread!!

— the smell after it rains 👹

— the ocean (but it also scares me ?!)

— sPOOKY SEASON.

time to omg.. invade ppl 🌚

[harufluff]

bed head - park sunghoon

warnings - sunghoon is really clingy and has cute bed head 😊😊

genre - fluff, sunghoon x gn!reader, established relationship au

wc - 0.4k

sorry its short lol this is what i was talking about when i said update soon but i found it in my drafts and decided to finish it :) enjoy!!

your senses finally came to you ask you rubbed your eyes. the sun was peeking through the shades in your room, unfortunately brining you to a stop in your peaceful slumber.

when you finally put in enough effort to open your eyes, the events of last night came to your head. you and your boyfriend had stayed up past one am eating snacks and binging some action tv show about some zombie apocalypse.

you smiled to yourself, remembering how he had screamed every time there was a jump-scare and burry his face into your neck. being the sunghoon he is, he immediately pretended it never happened and he’s still your macho guy boyfriend.

wait- where was sunghoon? you turned around as quietly and with as little movements as possible to make sure he wouldn’t wake up if he haven’t yet.

after turning around, all you say was this crazy spiky puff of black hair. you pulled up your duvet to cover your mouth, as an extra safety precaution of giggling just the slightest bit too loud.

your hand moved to to the top of his head, where you rolled his hair between your thumb and pointer finger. at the beginning of your relationship, you always thought people failed to notice how soft his hair is and how well he takes care of it…

but you later realized later on that he never let anyone touch his hair except for you. it was something you took pride in. that he trusted you enough to let you play with his hair, as funny as it sounds.

you started hearing groans coming from him, his face still stuffed into his pillow and laying on his stomach. you took your hand away and ran your hands down his back, slightly scratching it as well.

‘noo keep doing that…’ sunghoon said mumbling still. you giggled to yourself again. his head turned in your direction with a puffy face and barely open eyes. ‘morning…did i wake you up? sorry, hoon.’

‘of course not. i was kinda already awake…c’mere.’ he said. you scooted a little closer to him and put your arms around his cute bed head while he circled his arms around your waist.

he pulled you closer than you were, somehow, considering you were already as close as you could be. ‘i love your bed head you, you know that?’ he chuckled and nuzzled his pointy nose into the crook of your neck.

‘alright. we should get up and get he day started.’ you patted his back to let him know you were getting up, but he just held you tighter and started pressing sweet pecks to your neck.

‘10 more minutes?’

©️harufluff 2023

[wh0reforcoriolanussnow]

A memory || Young President!Coriolanus Snow x reader

GIF by @sommerspage divider by @firefly-graphics

Summary: You have never questioned Coriolanus about what happened during his exile as peacemaker. But when the truth is revealed, Snow’s past quickly comes to haunt him.

Warning: blood, mention of infidelity, miscarriage

Wc: 1,818

Coriolanus Snow Masterlist

“I really don’t think this is a good idea y/n.” Snow paces around the room as you sip your tea. “I’ll be fine Coryo, It’s a duty as First Lady that I need to do. It brings hope and somewhat unity to the districts.” Snow stops to look at you, his piercing blue eyes never failing to make you squirm under his gaze.

“If any of them touch you I swear-“ He storms your direction before you cut him off, “No one is going to touch me Snow. The baby and I will be perfectly fine.” You reach for his hand and place it on the barely there swell of your stomach. He lets out a sigh, dropping to his knees as he leans his head gently on your stomach.

“I want you back in one piece, untouched.” He softly says as you put your hands on either side of his face. “I promise.” Was all you said before kissing his forehead, the tip of his nose, and finally his soft tender lips that moulded perfectly against yours.

A knock at the door made you look behind your back, “The train is ready,” A voice called out. Snow stands up, towering over you as you embrace him in a tight hug. “Be safe. I love you.” He says against your hair as you rub his back. “I love you too,” You say, muffled slightly against his chest.

The trip to all the districts was going to take some time, around 3 months or so. 3 months away from the Capitol, 3 months away from your Coriolanus. But as First Lady, it was your duty to bring a sense of unity and hope to everyone, including the districts.

Coriolanus was against this trip ever since your brought it up. After his exile, he never spoke about what happened during his years as a peacekeeper, all you knew was that he sacrificed so much to return and become President. You never probed him into telling you exactly what happened, you just knew it was something he rather kept a distant memory.

~

Visiting each district went smoothly. Majority of the people respected you. And you only treated them with equalness and kindness. That was just who you were. Coriolanus ensured that the most strongest guards accompanied you. You felt safe most of the time.

Except for an attack during your visit to district 8. You weren’t harmed but shaken up to say the least. When news of this came back to the Capitol, Coriolanus urged you to finish your trip that instance and return but your refused, saying it would only make people perceive you as weak, and just like the others at Capitol.

Nearly 3 months had passed and you finally made it to the last district, district 12. You were already 3 months pregnant. District 12 was the poorest and smallest district, but you personally enjoyed it the most. Lots of singing and dancing happened around which you enjoyed after an exhausting 3 months of travelling.

You were sat at the back of a bar where everyone was dancing and singing along to the female singer on stage. Guards were by your side, ready for anything that may come your way. All of a sudden, a woman came up to you, she had a cloak over her head, slightly covering her face.

The guards came closer to you but you gestured them to back off. “Lady Y/n, It is an honour to see you here in our district,” Her voice spoke. You smile, “It’s my pleasure. I find district 12 my favourite, but don’t go telling the other districts that” You chuckle as the woman does the same.

“What’s your name?” You ask, trying to search her features that were covered. “Lucy. Lucy Gray Baird.” That name. It was so familiar to you. “Have I met you? Lucy Gray?” You try and dig through your memories seeing if you could match the name to a face.

She chuckles. “I don’t think so. Though I am familiar with your Husband, the President.” She pulls back her hood and it all clicked. Lucy Gray. Coriolanus’ tribute during the 10th hunger games. “I’m familiar with you now Lucy. The tribute my husband mentored, the tribute he cheated for.” You nod your head at her as she smiles.

You knew Coriolanus was a peacekeeper in this very district. What you didn’t understand was why he was relocated from district 8 to district 12. A surge of curiosity courses through your veins. Curiosity to what happened here while Snow was peacekeeper, what sacrifices he had to make in order to become President.

“Would you like to sit down? I have a few questions I hope you are able to answer for me, please.” Your voiced out in slight desperation. Lucy studies you for a moment before nodding her head. You look towards the guards who nodded their head and give the two of you space, but still on watch out.

“My husband was to be a peacekeeper in district 8 yet he was relocated here. Do you know any reason as to why that happened? I need you to be completely honest with me Lucy.” You felt a sense of guilt. You promised Snow you wouldn’t dig into what happened during his exile, but you couldn’t help it.

“I will be completely honest with you, Y/n.” You take her hands in yours as she glances down at your hands. “Coriolanus relocated here because of me,” She slowly said as you search her eyes to see if she was lying. She wasn’t.

You swallow as you urged her to continue. She then revealed everything to you. From bobbin being murdered by him in the arena, to him killing the mayor’s daughter Mayfair, and the death of Sejanus which she suspected was Snow’s doing. Lucy also revealed to you her relationship that she had with Coriolanus.

It started even when you and Coriolanus were together, but you just had no idea. You tried to stay as far away as you could from the hunger games. You were utterly shocked. It made so much sense to you. Snow’s words hinted what he did and Lucy’s words backed them up perfectly.

“And what happened between you and him?” You fidget with your fingers. “I was scared. So scared of him Y/n. I thought he was going to kill me when he found guns in the cabin. And that was exactly what he tried doing but I escaped.” Lucy let out a shaky breath as you listen intently. “Thank you. Thank you for telling me this.” You hold her hands before placing money in them as her eyes widen.

“Take care Lucy Gray.” Was all you said before you got up, leaving the bar. “This trip comes to an end right now.” Your voice was shaky as you step into the train back to the Capitol. Your mind was swirling with thoughts. What Lucy Gray told you made you question so many things about Snow.

You knew he would never hurt you. But there was still the lingering thought that he might. You knew Snow came back a changed man, but you never knew how much he had changed and what sacrifices he had to make. The trip back felt like an eternity. You could hardly sleep, drink or eat. Thoughts plagued your mind.

The train came to a halt, but you were deep in thought to even realise. A hand touched your arm, “Are you okay?” Coriolanus asks in a worried tone as you stare at him in confusion. “Y/n? Y/n!” Was all you heard before you saw blackness.

~

You slowly open your eyes as you adjust to the bright light. You look around your surroundings and felt a heavy weight on your hand. “Coryo?” You weakly say as he wakes up in surprise. “Y/n. Thank God you’re okay,” He hugs you tightly.

“What happened?” You touch your head that was pounding, “You passed out on the train. The doctors said you barely ate anything or slept. What happened?” He asks as he cups your face in his big hands. Memories of what happened came running back to you.

Lucy Gray’s words came back to you. You suddenly push Coriolanus off of you. He looks at you in shock. “Did I do something?” “Get out.” You softly say, refusing to look at him. “What? Y/n-“ “I said get out Coriolanus!” You say this time louder and more stern. He swallows hard, before leaving you alone just as you asked.

You uncontrollably start to sob. Your heart was aching so much. You understood he had to do whatever it took but killing those innocent people…. You couldn’t wrap your head around it. As you sobbed you felt something wet in between your legs. You pause. No. No.

You quickly throw the blanket off of you as you scream at the sight of blood. “Help! Someone please help me!” You scream as tears continue to fall down your face. The door burst open to reveal Snow there, a horrified look on his face at the sight of blood. “Why me?” Was all you said in between your sobs as Snow runs out.

~

“I’m so sorry,” The doctor says to Coriolanus as you lay on your side, your back facing him as hot tears streamed down your face. You had just lost the baby. Exhaustion, lack of sleep and food led to it. “Y/n…” Snow’s voice was soft, you flinch at his touch on your shoulder as he backs off.

“She told me everything.” You manage to say, you turn over but refuse to look him in the eyes. Confusion etched his features at what you possible could mean. “Lucy Gray. She told me everything” Coriolanus’ features harden at the sound of her name. “She’s lying. You honestly trust a district’s word?”

“Everything she said made pretty darn sense Coriolanus. The sacrifices you made? You mean killing your best friend and innocent people! And you and Lucy. Look me in the eyes and tell me that never happened.” He looked taken back. You sobbed as you cover your mouth in disbelief. “I can’t believe this oh my god!”

“Do you even love me?” You asked. Coriolanus rushed to your side, taking your hands in his. “Of course I do. Of course I love you Y/n. More than anything. I did whatever it took to come back to you. You have to understand that.” A few tear drops fall from his eyes as he pleads.

“I just need time and-and space. Please.” You screw your eyes shut as you look away. Coriolanus sniffles before standing up, straightening his jacket as he nods. “Of course, I understand.” As soon the door shut closed, another round of tears gush from your eyes.

[mariasont]

Bumper to Bumper - A.H

a/n: this is so self-indulgent i am probably the worst fucking parker you've ever seen it's wild & i also just watched a vid of mgg parking someone's car and went feral so there's that

‧₊˚ ✩°｡⋆♡ ⋆˙⟡♡ ⋆˙⟡♡⋆｡°✩˚₊‧

pairings: aaron hotchner x reader (i don't think there is any use of pronouns just nicknames like honey)

warnings: none? rough day, reader is beefing with parking, tooth-rotting fluff

wc: 800

"Hotchner," came his voice, rough like sandpaper across the line, as you fought back the swell of tears, your lower lip caught in the anxious trap of your teeth.

Your eyes fixed on the parking spot before you, the very sight of it forming a lump in your throat as your frustration mounted. The morning had unfolded like a series of unfortunate events--your coffee machine had sputtered its last, your favorite book left forgotten on the porch to be ruined by the rain, and now, this parking spot seemed to mock you, its yellow lines almost pulsating with contempt. 

Your hand glided across your dampened cheek, exhaling a shaky breath as you juggled the phone between your ear and shoulder. "You know, I don't think I've said this enough, but you're an exceptional boss. Honestly, you're—"

You sensed the sigh in his breath before he spoke. "What do you need?"

"I know I'm late," you managed to get out, a small hiccup halting your sentence as you did everything in your power to avoid crying, but the waver in your voice gave you away. "But I have a good reason--"

Once more, he stopped you mid-sentence, as he often did. "Where are you? Is everything okay?"  

"I'm fine, it's silly."

"If something's wrong, I want to hear it. What's happening?"

"I just... I can't seem to park my car," you choke out, cheeks aflame with mortification. "I've been trying and failing, over and over, it's embarrassing. The spot's too tight, and of course, it's the only one left because 'M late."

"Hold on, I'll be right there," he said, and the line went dead.

You were left staring at your phone, a fresh wave of embarrassment washing over you. You cringed, feeling smaller with each passing second, knowing he was swamped with work and here you were, unable to perform the simplest task of parking a car.

The moment you saw him step out of the building, your racing heart began to slow, his presence alone easing the knot of anxiety in your chest. He approached and opened the driver's door, and you were suddenly spilling over with apologies, the traces of tears still evident on your cheeks.

He looked at you with a gentleness that melted away the last of your defenses, reassuring you with a simple. "It's okay. I got it."

He took your place behind the wheel and parked the car with ease. As you stood there, you realized how his unwavering steadiness had become a pillar you leaned on more often than you'd like to admit. 

As he stepped out of the car, you approached, your voice barely above a whisper, "Thank you, and I'm sorry. I know it's such a small thing..."

He gave a slight sigh, one that seemed to brush away your concerns, a hint of a smile in his eyes and said, "There's nothing to apologize for. Don't be so hard on yourself," he reminded you gently, his hand coming to rest on the soft of your shoulder. 

A silent nod was all you could muster as you lifted your gaze to meet his. Your eyes were still red-rimmed from crying, and your nose, slightly pink from the number of tissues you had abused this morning. In a soft plea, you murmured, "Can I have a hug?"

Without a word, he simple open his arms, an unspoken invitation that you immediately accepted. As you nestled into his arms, your body relaxing as you inhaled his familiar scent. A soft sniffle escaped you as Hotch quietly said, "Five senses..."

You closed your eyes and focused on the sensory details--the comforting touch, his reassuring voice, the sight of his concerned gaze when you opened your eyes, the taste of the air mingled with his cologne, and the grounding scent of him. As your breathing evened out, he gently placed his hand on the pulse point at your neck, counting your heart rate in his mind. 

You stepped back, a sheepish grin spreading across your face. "I suppose driving school is next on my training agenda?"

Hotch's expression softened into a subtle smile. "I'd agree, considering I just got you that car, I'd prefer it if you got the chance to enjoy it first before crashing it," he teased back lightly. "You sure you're okay?" he asked, his eyes searching yours.

"Promise."

Hotch glanced at his watch, a decision forming in his eyes. "I think I can free up some time later. How about we get you another copy of your book?"

As your smile broke through the clouds of your frustration, it was as if the sun had pierced through the overcast sky of his day, bathing him in a light he never wanted to leave. "Really?" you responded, practically glowing with delight.

Hotch's heart swelled at the sight, feeling lighter than he had in ages. Gently, he cupped your face, drawing you closer to plant a tender kiss on your forehead. "I love you, honey," he said, his voice a low rumble.

You giggled, a little surprised by the public display of affection, you blushed, responding with a shy, "Love you too."

[jyoongim]

BLOOD & BLISS

Human!Alastor x wife!Reader

Themes: 1930 based! Human!Alastor x wife!Reader, domestic life! fluff, smut, devotion, slight manipulation, mention of children, pregnancy,  blood, murder, secrets 

Chapter four

Chapter Five

—————————————————————————————————

Something smelled.

Every time you entered the kitchen, a putrid scent would assault your nose.

You didnt know where the smell was coming from, but you were determined to find it.

You had cleaned every inch of the kitchen, thinking it was some old food you had failed to dispose of.

But it still lingered.

You followed your nose, trying to locate the smell.

It led you to the cellar.

Did some animal get in and die from the heat? You mentally groaned at the thought at having to find some decomposed vermin and having to clean it up.

You held your reflex to gag as you descended the stairs. God it was rancid.

You didnt even bother to turn on the light as you traveled down to investigate. You looked around and from what you could see nothing was out of the ordinary.

But there was trash bags stuffed in a corner.

Alastor usually did well in making sure the trash didnt overflow, but you guess he had forgot.

Mustve been the deer you thought as you grabbed the bags and tried to move them.

But one bag was all too heavy for you to carry.

You huffed and grabbed at it again, thinking that carrying it at a different angle would help, but the contents of the bag shifted and must have not been sealed properly as something spilled out.

Cold, slimy liquid splashed your bare feet and you cringed.

This was definitely what was causing the smell.

Your stomach did flips as the smell assaulted your senses.

You figured you needed the light and made your way to find the switch.

Now seeing your surroundings clearly, you turned to see where you left the bag and froze.

Red. 

That’s what your eyes registered first. 

Thick red liquid was leaking out of the bag and when you approached further to the dumped contents your blood ran cold.

Was that a hand?

You felt bile rush into your throat.

There must be some mistake…what was a…a body doing in your cellar?

You shook your head and waddled back up the stairs.

Your heart was pounding in your chest. You were frazzled.

You poured yourself a glass of water. Maybe there was an explanation for this. There had to be right?

You took a deep breath. There was a body in your cellar. There was a dead person in your cellar. Could you even consider them a person? The state they were in…

Your eyes drifted to the pot on the stove. You approached the pot and opened it. The beef stew Alastor made. You sniffed it.

It smelled normal.

You picked up a piece of meat and examined it.

It didnt look like any meat you knew.

Your stomach curled as realization dawned on you.

Your husband had fed you human meat…

Your head was in the trash can before you knew it. Throwing up the water you had just sipped.

NO NO NO. NO NONO NO NO

You made your way to your pager, the line beeped and the deep brawl of your husband answered “Honey! Is everything ok? Im kind of busy”

You were panting, shock settling in you “I-I just wanted to know if you could come home straight from work today?”

The man chuckled “Of course dear. Why don’t you rest a bit you sound rattled” you bid him goodbye and sat on the couch.

Theres no way this was happening…

——————————————————————————————

Alastor quirked a brow when you didn’t come to greet him home.

The house was dimly lite except for the kitchen.

He smiled and found you sitting at the table, rubbing your swollen belly.

”You’re not indulging in a late night drink are you my dear?” He nodded towards the bottle of whiskey and glass in front of you.

You jumped slightly, having not heard him come home.

You quickly gathered yourself and have a shaky smile “of c-course not. I thought after a long week you would like to whine down”

He let out a low hum and made himself a glass.

Alastor noticed how you seemed…nervous.

You didn’t met his gaze and fidgeted in your seat.

”What’s troubling you cherie?” He asked downing the drink.

You wanted to blurt out and question him about the thing in your cellar, but you didnt know how he would react.

You had to wait for the right moment.

So you shook your head with a smile “Baby been giving me trouble that’s all. Didn’t realize how much I missed doing simple things without being out of breathe”

He laughed and leaned to place a kiss on your temple, a large hand over your very big bump. “You should take it easy. I told you you ain’t have to do anything. Just sit pretty and grow our child”

Your heart buzzed. 

There was no way your husband, your Alastor was a killer.

Maybe the hormones was making you delirious.

Maybe it really WAS just a deer carcass.

But you were certain you saw right…

”Did you clean today? You know chemicals aren’t good for you to be around. You shouldn’t be putting unnecessary stress on yourself darlin”

You pouted, wrinkling your nose “Something was rotten. You know how I feel about my kitchen Al.”

If you didnt know your husband, you wouldnt have noticed when he tensed up, but as quickly as it happened, it passed.

”Rotten?” He asked, face frowning.

You nodded “I threw out the strew, I think it went bad”

Alastor’s fingers drummed on your stomach and then he shrugged.

”guess Ill have to do better next time” he pulled you up and lead you unstairs to rest for the night.

”Guess Ill have to do better next time” what did that mean?

You had got dressed for bed and settled beside Alastor who pulled you to snuggle into his side.

You let out a yawn, eyes getting heavy “Al?”

He hummed in acknowledgment as he looked over some scripts.

“You would tell me if something was troubling you right?”

He glanced down to see you looking at him.

”Of course dear why?”

You shook your head, closing your eyes 

“Nothing just wondering”

Your soft snores filled the room and Alastor let out a sigh as he set down the papers.

He slipped out of bed and made his way to the kitchen.

He looked around. While he had made sure to thoroughly clean up his mess, your cleaning was another level.

He sniffed and nothing but chemicals greeted his senses.

Something was rotten

Could you have…

He made his way down into the cellar. Flicking the light on, his eyes scanned the room.

The black trash bags were still in place.

His eyes narrowed noticing the red liquid coming from th bag.

Oh that just wont do.

He hauled the bag over his shoulder and went into the backyard.

Alastor wouldnt let his clean reality be faltered by his sinful deeds.

After all…

you didn’t need to know your husband dirty little secret….

—————————————————————————————————

Hi Jyoongim here !

I am at the point of the story where everything is now about to shit and dont know how long this story will be. Im thinking at least five more chapters (They will be long) but who knows. Blood and Bliss WILL have a second series, but until then…i would like to address something…. The next few chapters will have heavy themes. As a black writer i feel it is important that I show the history of my people and what African Americans had to deal with in the early centuries in the South United States. With that being said; be mindful and open-minded about the themes that will appear in the next few chapters Thank you

————————————————————————

@th3-st4r-gur1 @yourdoorisunlocked @popamolly @doggone-devil @rulesareshadesofgrey @zombiesnips-blog @boney-horse @ilikemyteawithmilk @alastor-simp @alastorsgirl48 @alastors666creampie @alastwhore666 @alastorssimp @alastorsaries @al1fers-haven @dasimp777 @thewinchestah @certifiedcrybabyyy @markster666 @okay-babe @catherine1206 @angelicorpses @hazelfoureyes @yunimimii @smoky000 @siiv3r @southern-bayou-beau @luzzbuzz @karolinda007-blog @catmunist @ivebeenthearchersstuff @evedenn @luluxx118 @vexendoe @preciousbabypeter @justtnat @willowshadenox @celestial-vomit @over-the-little-blue-house @impulsivethoughtsat2am @purplecatsandhearts @strawberrypimp666 @peachedtvs @peachedtv @altruisticalastor @chanty-loves-turtles @cxrsedwxrlds @nightshadelm @theangeliclibrarian @voxsmalewife

[moonlitdesertdreams]

Too Sweet

A/N: Hi friends. I haven't written anything in a while, as I've been tussling with my mental health and raging SAD from the weather near me. Please accept this Mandalorian drabble? Rambling? Takes place between the end of season two and Din's appearance in the Book of Boba Fett. Tags: The Mandalorian, Mandalorian x Reader, Din Djarin x Reader, Mandalorian x F!Reader, Apostate!Din WARNINGS: None Summary: You've been a safe place for Din Djarin for years. He comes to you at his most vulnerable, but always has to leave before you're ready. Title inspired by the Hozier song of the same name.

Word count: 1.6k+

Hours later, you’re still in shock.

Din Djarin is in bed next to you, sans helmet.

It wasn’t unusual for him to be in your home- hell, it would be more unusual for him not to be there between jobs. Your Mandalorian had spent years visiting, hovering somewhere in between a lover and a partner. He shows up in the afternoon one day, and is gone early in the morning before you wake. When he returns, beaten and bruised, you chastise him for leaving without saying goodbye. The routine was comfortable. Familiar. 

Except every other time he had been there, you had never seen his face. 

It feels like a dance each time he comes. You tend to his wounds quickly but gently, lathering cuts and bruises in bacta before wrapping bandages or slings where necessary to let the medication heal. Once you’ve played nurse, Din secludes himself to your study to eat dinner. And each time, without fail, he leads you to the bedroom to extinguish the fireplace and blow out your candles. His hands find your body, and he ravishes you in the darkness. 

Key word being darkness.

Today was the same song and dance. He’d limped into your cabin without greeting, shaking snow from his armored body and settling himself into a kitchen chair while you fussed. A tube of bacta and half a roll of bandages later, he silently trudged away to eat in the study. There was a distinct lack of little green child with him today, which was a major concern after the past year. You suspected it had something to do with the oppressive sense of sorrow following him through the house. So you carried on with your usual routine, asking little to no questions. It wasn’t until he’d crowded you up against the sink, bowl still in your grip as you rinsed it, that he spoke. 

“Mesh’la.”

Strong arms wrapped themselves around your waist, and you leaned back into an unarmored chest. In hindsight, you chastised yourself for not noticing the words lacked the electrical buzz of a vocoder. 

“Din.” You returned.

He only grunts, right hand gliding up your side. It grips your shoulder, and presses until you turn to face him, bowl still gripped in your damp fingers. 

“You know, words are- Din!”

The porcelain bowl shattered as it collided with the kitchen floor. You’d dropped it out of pure instinct, hands flying up to cover your eyes. As much as you’d tried to forget what you saw, it was burned into your brain. Wavy hair, long nose with a scar crossing the bridge of it. Big, brown eyes that couldn’t possibly belong to someone so stern and ruthless. It flashes across your mind, and you almost tear up at the thought of Din breaking his Creed after all these years. 

But he’d pulled your hands away and explained - while your eyes are still pinched closed- that he was an apostate. The Child was returned to his own people, but at the cost of Din’s Creed. It had taken minutes of coaxing and reassurance, but you’d opened your eyes and cursed the universe for being so cruel as to hide such a face. From the set of his brow to the nervous biting of his lip, you basked in seeing so much bare skin. It took less time for him to attach his lips to yours and lead you out of the kitchen.

He’d taken you to bed, and now here you sit. 

Your room isn’t anything special. Quaint and cozy if nothing else, with two small windows that face out over the mountain’s edge. A fireplace flickers opposite the bed, its warmth trickling out to the sheets and heating your toes. Two bookshelves border either side of your headboard, with a nightstand tucked on Din’s side of the bed. On it, the usually extinguished candles burn bright. 

The firelight flickers against Din’s tan skin, highlighting each bead of sweat and curled tendril of hair where it sticks to his forehead. He’s naked, back propped against the headboard and covered in a maroon sheet from the waist down. You’ve donned a short silk robe, black and bordered with laces where it plunges between your breasts. You lay between his legs above the sheets, head on his chest. One of his large hands caresses your scalp and trails to the ends of your hair. The other hand is occupied by a half-full glass of old Corellian whiskey. 

You trace a line of yellow bruises on his hip where they extend below the sheet on his lap. 

“What happened to you?”

His chest rumbles. “I fought an Imperial Moff. And Imperial battle droids.”

Your eyes widen, and you sit up. Din’s hand leaves your hair to grasp at your waist, pulling you to face him.

“Stars, Din.” You reach out to touch a patch of black and blue skin over his collarbone. “No wonder you’re so beat up. I’ll get you some more bacta before we go to sleep.”

He lifts your fingers from his collarbone to his mouth, kissing each fingertip. “You’re too good to me, cyar’ika.”

“You deserve it.” Is your instant reply. 

If there was anything you knew about Din, it was that he never quite comprehended the good he brought to the world. 

The Mandalorian brings the whiskey to his lips and takes a swig. You opt to push an errant curl behind his ear. 

“I’m not a good man,” Your name falls off his tongue like honey. “Spent my whole life as kyramud.” 

You tilt your head at the Mando’a. He’d called you some pet names for years- mesh’la, cyar’ika. But this… kyramud was new. Without his helmet, hearing anything out of his mouth was like a drug. But Mando’a warmed you to the core, building off Din’s comfort and fondness when he spoke the ancient tongue. You yearned to know more. 

“Teach me Mando’a.” You kiss him gently, tasting the whiskey where it lingers on his lips. “So I can tell you why you deserve every bit of kindness.”

Din adjusts your legs so you’re sitting square between his, rear end on the bed and legs straddling his waist. He props you up with the ridiculous amount of pillows lying around. 

“I’ll teach you anything you want.” Din strokes your knee. “Where do I start?”

You chew on your bottom lip. “What am I to you?”

“Ner cyare.” He pauses, debating. The whiskey makes another appearance, and you’re distracted by his Adam's apple bobbing deliciously in the column of his throat. “Naysol uj par ni. Each day I see you is aay’han.”

“What does that mean?”

Din tilts your chin up. “My beloved. Too sweet for me.”

You blush. “What about the end? Ay-hen?”

“Aay’han. Mourning and joy. At the same time.” He finishes the whiskey. “I mourn when I leave you here.”

Much to your annoyance, tears prick your eyes at the reminder that when you closed them, he would be gone before you woke. “Don’t remind me. Please.”

Din leans forward to capture your lips with his. The sensation only serves to make the stinging behind your eyes worse, and a single tear drips down your cheek. He’s quick to kiss it away, large hand curling into your hair. You climb all the way into his lap, suddenly desperate for closeness. His skin is hot and damp, and you’ve never felt anything better. 

“Ni ceta. I never meant to hurt you.”

You sniffle against his neck. “Just promise me you’ll say goodbye from now on.”

He wets two fingers with his tongue and extinguishes the candles before cradling you in strong arms. Two words are murmured into your hair, quiet but sound.  

“I promise.”

You grip him tighter than ever, warmth sadly fading as the dread of morning envelopes you. 

*

The reflection of daylight off snow-covered ground wakes you. 

It bounces in your windows, bathing the room in cool white light. You blink slowly, a heaviness settled on all of your limbs. It’s a familiar soreness that aches from your shoulders to between your legs, dredging up memories of the night before. Din’s bare face, and all the sweet words in Mando’a that he tried to teach you before you remembered he can never stay as long as you’d like. You sigh, letting one of your arms dangle off the edge of the bed. The thought of turning over and seeing the candles, thinking about him blowing them out on each visit was too fresh. It’s easier to lay and stew in your sadness, watching fluffy flakes of snow fall. The clock on your wall reads ‘1457’, another unintentional reminder of your late-night escapades.

You hate to admit that the feeling makes you tear up again. So you lay in bed, curled beneath a thick comforter while the fireplace crackles its last few breaths towards your feet. It’s easier to stare at the snow than it is to close your eyes and think about Din. 

“Damn it.” You breathe. 

“What are you damning?”

You swear that you stop breathing for a moment. Despite the fact that he had already spoken, you ask aloud, “Din?”

The sounds of bare feet padding across the floor nears, and the Mandalorian appears in your vision. Barefoot and clad only in a pair of loose gray lounge pants that tighten at his ankles. His abdomen is without cover, displaying an array of healing bruises and deep scars. You sit up, letting your feet hang off the bed. 

“You’re still here?” You look at the clock again. “At 1500?”

Din smiles, kneeling in front of you. He presses a mug of steaming Caf into your hands and a kiss to your forehead. 

“If it’s alright with you… I might be for a while.”

It’s your turn to smile as he smoothes away your bedhead. 

“No arguments.” You sip at the warm mug. “I’ll keep taking my Caf in bed, though.”

___________________________________________________

As always, if you enjoy please like/reblog and check out my links for more :)

Masterlist | Send me ideas

[steddiealltheway]

After a steady amount of failed dates, Steve finally breaks down. He can’t stop the thoughts that maybe he’s broken and unlovable.

He takes a six pack from his fridge and downs the first beer on his way to the backyard. He sets the five remaining drinks by the pool and immediately gets in - not bothering to strip off his clothes. He floats in the center, closing his eyes, trying to not think about Barb or Lover’s Lake or the fact that apparently he’s a bullshit boyfriend and always will be.

A short while later, Steve has downed four of the six pack and lays at the bottom of the pool, staring up at the surface. The water muffles the sound of a car pulling up in his driveway, but he hears it nonetheless. He prays that it isn’t his family.

He sees something move by the surface of the pool, and then the still surface breaks. He sees Eddie of all people diving in beside him, panic clear in his eyes until he sees Steve’s moving. He still grabs onto Steve and pulls him to the surface.

Eddie gasps for air and possibly in fear, pulling Steve into his arms. “I thought you were a fucking goner, man. What the fuck are you doing?”

Steve clutches onto Eddie hard and replies, “I was clearing my head.”

Steve can feel Eddie shake his head as he paddles them towards the edge of the pool. “In your jeans?” Eddie questions but Steve doesn’t reply. He pulls himself out of the pool and lays on the concrete reaching out for another beer he knows lays nearby.

His hand is smacked out of the way, then Eddie sits next to him. “What’s going on, Steve?”

Steve looks Eddie in the eyes and instead asks, “Why are you here?”

“Well, we had Hellfire tonight and-”

“Dustin!” Steve sits up and gasps.

Eddie instantly grabs Steve by the shoulders. “Hey, hey, hey, it’s okay. I gave him a ride home. Told him I would check on you.”

Steve nods. He isn’t even a good babysitter anymore. It’s stupid, but the thought pushes him over the edge. Eddie’s pulling him into his side in no time, letting Steve bury his head into his neck and wet hair. Maybe he won’t notice the tears added into the mix of pool water.

Eddie runs a hand through his hair, and pulls him in closer. “Let’s get you inside before you get hyperthermia and Dustin never forgives me.”

Steve didn’t even realize he was shaking. He guides Eddie into his house, not making eye contact with him. He hears the chatter of teeth behind him though and slowly turns, taking in the sight of Eddie with his nose red and lips blue. He’s almost forgotten that he had jumped in after him.

Steve rushes upstairs into his bathroom and turns on the water for the tub. He yanks a towel out of the closet and goes to hand it to Eddie. Instead, Eddie reaches into the closet and grabs three towels saying, “Don’t worry about me right now. Let me take care of you.”

Steve melts at the words, but he immediately wants to protest. This isn’t him. That isn’t his role. He wants to say something, but Eddie beats him to it and demands, “Take off the wet clothes.”

Steve’s eyes widen and his heart races. Eddie must notice this because he rushes to say, “Except your underwear! I’m… I’m going to as well. If that’s okay with you. Can’t exactly take a bath and avoid hypothermia with wet clothes on.”

Steve just nods because it makes sense and he’s too tired to think. He sluggishly tugs off his shirt but struggles to undo the button on his pants with shaking hands. He finds Eddie’s hands hovering above his. “May I?” Eddie asks.

Steve whispers, “Yes.”

Eddie easily pops the button off and pulls down the zipper sliding the jeans down. Steve swallows thickly. Eddie helps to remove his wet socks as well and throws the clothes into a pile. “Get in the tub please.”

Steve doesn’t protest. He climbs in noticing that Eddie must’ve turned off the water at some point. How long did it take for him to take off his sweater? He almost asks but then Eddie is shucking off his clothes ungracefully, and Steve loses all track of his thoughts.

He makes his way to the tub, awkwardly crossing his arms slightly shivering. Steve can’t decide if he’s trying to cover up, warm himself up, or both. Probably both.

Steve stands up and gestures for Eddie to climb in. He does with his eyebrows raised in confusion. “You sit first,” Steve mumbles, hoping Eddie doesn’t refuse or question him.

He doesn’t. Steve looks down at Eddie and settles between his legs, pressing his back against his cool bare chest. Eddie doesn’t tense up like he expects him to. Instead, he reaches out and grabs the shampoo off the ledge. Steve hears the telltale squirt of the shampoo bottle and feels Eddie massage his scalp.

He relaxes into the touch and closes his eyes. “What were you thinking about earlier?” Eddie prompts.

Steve’s too tired to fight the question. “I’m unloveable.” It’s simple. It’s fact.

Eddie’s hands pause for a few moments and then resume their motion. “And why do you think that?”

Steve sighs. “The only real girlfriend I had was Nancy, and according to her I’m just bullshit and that was all bullshit. And I can’t, for the life of me, find another girl on all these dates that I can actually connect with. And the one time I do it turns out… she’s not even interested in me. And never will be.” His head starts swimming simultaneously drowning with all his thoughts. “Plus, all these fucking kids don’t need me now that the world is saved for good. Maybe every once in a while for a ride, but I don’t know. But I can’t even remember to pick up Dustin. Robin has Nancy and doesn’t ever talk unless we’re working. So. Maybe… Maybe Vecna should’ve chosen me or something.”

Eddie’s heart thuds against Steve’s back and he can hear his breathing speed up after the admission. His soapy hands drop from Steve’s hair to his waist, thumbs making little circles near the scars from the bat bites. Eddie hesitates before dropping a quick, hard kiss on Steve’s temple. “You, Steve Harrington, are anything but unlovable.”

A tear falls slowly down Steve’s face and at first he thinks it’s Eddie’s, but as one falls on the other side, he realizes it’s his own.

“You are the most metal person I’ve ever met. With apparently the softest fucking hair.” Steve laughs at that and relishes in the feeling. Eddie continues, “And all the kids adore you. Need I remind you that Dustin worships you? Still does. In fact, tonight he spent half an hour going on about you because Will and Lucas were there to supply more things about the great Steve Harrington. And… I may have also joined in for a while.”

Steve tilts his chin up to look at Eddie, convinced that he’s joking with him, but the usual telltale smile is gone, replaced with sincere, watery eyes. Eddie stares down at him and adds on, “And Nancy adores you. Even though you and her didn’t work out, she would still die for you and nearly did. Robin is just caught up in a new relationship and will eventually come down from that high. She loves you every bit as much as she loves Nancy just not… romantically. And those failed dates well…” Eddie trails off dramatically before finishing, “Maybe you’re looking in the wrong area.”

Steve shoots him a confused look and asks, “Somewhere not in Hawkins?”

Eddie’s expression is incomprehensible. He takes a deep breath and says, “All I’m saying is, I find you pretty damn lovable.”

Steve stares at Eddie for a few minutes, letting the words sink in. Something has shifted between them, and Steve can’t understand what it is. Then, Eddie’s eyes flicker down to his lips.

Oh.

Oh.

Steve stares at Eddie and asks, “Are you saying that maybe the solution to those failed dates is right in front of me?”

Eddie freezes for a moment and replies, “Well, I would say right behind you, but depends on how figuratively or literally you’re asking.”

It’s such an Eddie thing to say, and it’s exactly what Steve needs right now. Laughter begins bubbling out of him, and he hopes Eddie doesn’t take it unkindly. But it’s so funny to Steve. Eddie was literally right in front of him the whole time.

Eddie the one who saved the world and nearly died doing it. Eddie the one who stayed by his side and went through the same process of recovery from the demobats. Eddie who is the fucking leader of the hellfire club, and still sometimes targeted in the community as a serial killer. Eddie who jumps into freezing pools and cradles Steve in the bath while listening to his darkest thoughts.

Steve laughter dies down immediately as he thinks - Eddie who is right in front of him now looking scared out of his mind, and Eddie who he needs to kiss right now.

Steve’s eyes flicker to his lips and he leans in the small distance that is separating them. He goes slowly, giving Eddie the time to lean in and meet him in the middle.

It takes a moment, but then Eddie is leaning in, too. They kiss gently, and it’s the most comforting kiss Steve has ever had in his life. He deepens it momentarily, hoping it gives Eddie the promise of more to come. As soon as he breaks away, he settles back against Eddie’s chest.

Eddie’s hands come up and continue running the shampoo through his hair while kissing him on the cheek every few moments, listing more and more reasons why Steve is loved.

And Steve feels pretty damn lovable.

[crystalflygeo]

The dragon and the sacrificial lamb ft. eroded!Zhongli + gn!reader

cw/tags: rape/non-con, angst, bad ending, yandere-ish zhongli? feral/eroded zhongli, biting, crying, restraints (courtesy of improper use of geo as usual ehe)

notes: Alright this is a special one get ready. There's two "version" of this story bc I couldn't decide which path I liked more. This one is the dark/bad ending. Both stories are exactly the same at the start, changing a few word here and there but then reach a point where they divert completely in reactions/emotions and the underlying feeling of the stories are very different. They can be read independently ofc so by all means feel free to choose which tags you vibe with more or enjoy picking up the differences between both!

Bittersweet ending version here!!

Once upon a time…

A long, long time ago…

The people of Liyue revered their beloved Archon Rex Lapis. Just and kind, he led his nation for millennia, upholding order and contracts, defeating countless enemies, and defending their safe Harbor.

It is said the Lord of Geo took a human as partner, and fell in love deep and pure.

And his partner loved him just as much.

A love that would tragically become a twisted obsession.

It is said the God understood that even he himself was not immune to erosion, and it would one day be his downfall. So, he made sure his people were ready to live on without him. That his adepti were strong enough to subdue him if the day ever came.

As for his lover… well…

-----

Your bare feet crunch along the soft grass as you run and run, panting, gasping for air, almost tripping and letting out a yelp but quickly regaining balance and scurrying faster, past the falling golden ginkgo leaves, past the soft sound of rushing waters.

The golden sunset is gorgeous, dying the sky pink and orange with pastel hues but you simply ignore it, having grown tired of it, sick even. It is fake, an illusion. Just as everything else in this adeptal abode.

Everything except, of course, you and the beast you are currently fleeing from.

It is useless to try to escape, this you know, and your heart clenches painfully as tears prickle at your eyes. You’ve done this before, played this game many many times. But at least for one moment… just one moment…

A roar turns your blood to ice and against all common sense you look over your shoulder to see a massive long dragon twisting in the air and diving straight towards you.

Your legs tremble and fail you as you fall down, the grass is soft but your body aches, tired, burning. You scramble around frantically to stare at the beast again and your eyes widen in panic as it lands right on top of you, majestic and terrifying, caging you with its serpentine body. The golden claws alone are as long as your forearms, digging on the ground at either side of you.

You whimper.

The dragon lowers his head, growling at you, fangs mere inches apart and you squeeze your eyes shut, tears running down your face.

“Why do you run away from me?”

“Leave me alone!” You scream.

“Are you not happy with me? My mate?”

At the words you only sob harder.

Mate.

Oh, how much joy did that word bring you once. And now you can only feel your heart shatter.

You feel a shift in the wind, in the energy, in the light around you, and when you open your eyes, the massive dragon has faded to a more human appearance. He changes back to the form you’re most used to.

Long strands of dark hair tipped amber, striking golden eyes with stunning red lines that highlight their sharpness, a handsome face and a muscular body with arms died black, and lines of gold… lines that run along his cheek and down his neck. Cracks, like a broken glass, like scars, under his eyes and around his chest, ruining the pristine skin and unable to disappear despite his ability to change forms.

The undeniable marks of erosion.

You snap back to attention when he dips down and starts nosing at your neck, his hands pulling at the robe you’re wearing, the only article of clothing you picked up before scurrying away from the mansion. It parts open easily, revealing your naked body to his eyes, littered in past bruises, hickeys and bite marks. Claims from the dragon.

“W-wait. Stop-!” You try to push him back, panicked, desperately pressing your palms against his broad shoulders, but of course he’s immovable as stone.

You kick and trash until he gets irritated and suddenly your arms are immobilized, held above your head and pressed onto the ground by heavy geo cuffs.

“Submit.” He growls.

You squirm a little more until your body sags into the ground, exhausted, panting. There is no use. Instead, you shudder as his hands grope and rub all over your body, rough and callous.

He spreads your legs and slots between them as your breath catches. His palm presses at a spot on your navel possessively, a glittering geo symbol engraved on your skin there, glowing subtly like his horns. You whine.

Then his touch goes lower and teases at your entrance, circling the hole and dipping in just barely.

“Z-Zhongli-!”

Another growl comes out of his throat, deep and guttural. “You dare speak another man’s name in my presence? In my realm? When you belong to me?!”

Your whole body shakes, with rage, with fear. Your heart about to burst. You grit your teeth and glare at the dragon god with as much venom as you can.

“I don’t belong to you!”

He snarls, eyes widening to serpentine slits.

“Insolent. No matter, I’ll fill you up again and show you.”

The eroded God leans down to bite at your neck and you yelp, sharp fangs break your skin and you cry as you feel the warm blood spill. His claws prick at your thighs as he starts unceremoniously humping against you. The ridges on his draconic cock making your hole twitch and you gasp as he presses in, dipping slightly inside your thigh warmth. No need to prepare your body after so many years of coupling. Your hole already soft and molded to him like a worn-out toy.

“No, please… n-no.” Your voice breaks, tears running down your face.

Everything turns blurry, fuzzy, and your head spins.

How had things ended up like this?

You see no love in his eyes, no recognition. And you don’t recognize him either anymore. This creature, this beast… he is not your lover. He is not Zhongli…

And hasn’t been for who knows how long…

Zhongli raises one of your legs and rests it on his shoulder while straddling the other and pushes further in the slick warmth, ignoring the sounds you make. “Too big! I can’t-!” You scream and it just urges him to slam it in. “No- Ahh!” Sheathed all the way to the hilt, Zhongli groans as you clench around him.

He immediately starts thrusting and you feel the world tilt. It’s all too much, the sound of skin slapping against skin, your walls getting battered by his thick member, his animalistic grunts and groans, and the way your body betrays you… a speck of pleasure mixed in with the pain.

It's so cruel.

“Sto- gh! Stop it! Zhongli, please…!” You sob.

Zhongli hisses, muscles taut and flexing as his hips buck into yours, finally finding that spot that has you choking out a moan, your body shivers, forced to surrender and feel everything, a hot coil building on your lower stomach where the mark of geo glows as he continues to take what he wants from your struggling form. He laps at your skin and nuzzles there, almost lovingly. “Mine.”

Your moans start turning sweeter, previously pained sounds turning to vocalizations of carnal lust, your eyes glassy. You try to fight it, conflicted, but the stimulation is too much.

You come with a raw cry through gritted teeth, tears flowing down your cheeks and your own juices coating your skin causing you to feel dirty in more ways than one. Zhongli continues through your overstimulated state, chasing his own pleasure as his thrust become erratic until finally, he stills deep inside and moans long and low, painting your insides white.

You feel him twitch inside you and groan, absolutely exhausted, overwhelmed with emotions, feeling sick, used and abused. He lowers your leg but doesn’t bother pulling out, keeping you there as he nips at your skin, murmuring soft words. “My mate. All pretty and filled up. All mine. Love you.”

You can’t bear to hear those words, spoken in the voice you continue to love after all this time. It shatters your soul, breaking it to pieces like the corroded dragon’s destroyed mind.

Feeling about to pass out, you close your eyes and your head lolls to the side, sniffling against your own forearm as tears continue to fall. “I love… Zhongli. Miss him. I hate you…”

He dissolves the geo shackles into specks of gold and holds your unconscious body in his arms, satisfied with the claims and scent he’s left on you. His tail swishes slowly, pleased with himself as he carries you back to the abode’s mansion.

Home.

Were he’ll keep you safe, bound to him.

Forever and always.

-----

…It is said that his lover is the key to keep the eroded God confined.

Trapped by the possessive dragon in a sealed realm, to keep him ensnared, enchanted and bound to them.

Until they both turn to dust.

[softdykellie]

ੈ✩‧₊˚ illicit affairs | ellie w.

PAIRING : dealer!ellie x fem!reader

SUMMARY : ellie williams has been in love with her best friend for as long as she could remember, there was only one problem: her girlfriend. that is until reader finds herself needing some comfort.

WARNING : cheating and somewhat nsfw!

WORD COUNT : 1,027

Your head was in Ellie’s lap for the fourth time that week, the familiar smell of weed and sandalwood overwhelming your senses as she exhaled the cream smoke facing towards the ceiling. Abby had cancelled on you again, urgent basketball practice, desperate excuses, bashful nicknames, a promise that would not be kept of making it up to you. Ellie passed you the blunt placing it right between your softly opened lips and watched with eager green eyes as you inhaled, her teaching, as you could finally avoid the embarrassing coughs rejecting the substance from your throat. Nothing could get past your best friend, especially not the tears that prickled your eyes in abnormal gloss.

“Hey” she said softly, taking hold of your chin between her fingers, squinting eyes as you exhaled directly at her face as a failed distraction tactic “Abby’s a fucking asshole, alright?”

“Don't talk about her like that” you defended instinctively.

Ellie raised both her hands in defense before snatching the blunt from you and placing it down, unusually letting it go to waste and bringing a pout to your face in response “All I’m saying is if I had a pretty girl like you waiting for me to get back every day I would do absolutely nothing of my life except going home to you”

You had kissed once, years back. Two sixteen year olds who had gotten into the liquor cabinet blissfully unaware of when to stop, challenging each other for one more chug. When the world spun out of control, a staring match bloomed for grounding. She’d figure you’d both burn out laughing at the nothingness, but your irises turned out to be magnets. Twenty seconds you stood in silence, basking in each other's personal sunlight beaming of indecipherable desire. You leaned in first, she remembered. Strawberry lip gloss like an ode. She still licked her lips after every taste of strawberry milk– remnants of you. You never spoke of the kiss again.

“She's got half the cheerleading squad chasing after her at every game, way prettier girls at every corner-”

“They've got nothing on you, have you seen you? Fuck, you are breathtaking. I'm a fine arts major and half a blunt away from going asthmatic, trust me I know breathtaking when I see it”

“What did you lace your smoke with, I think it's messing with your brain”

“I’m not being funny” she said seriously, scooting in a way that forced you to sit up from her lap and face forward. You weren't entirely oblivious to the romantic undertones of your friendship with Ellie, it had been there long before either of you fully knew what it meant and it would likely stay long after you have decided to act as if it wasn't there, this was just the first time you felt impulsed to act on it. The way she looked at you drew shivers up your spine and tired your eyelids, feeling completely seen and understood under the warmest gaze. You had thought yourself insufficient many times, unloveable a hundred more, and though not fully anyone's fault but your own, those doubts seemed to only slip away when Ellie had you trapped by her gaze. You watched intently as she lowered her eyes towards your lips. Your voice reacted before your body could.

“Ellie we can't-”

“Shh” she mumbled, leaning in “tell me when to stop”

Her lips ghosted over your own and you closed your eyes at the feeling of her warm breath so close, you were only children when your first and only kiss had occurred and Ellie has had plenty of experience afterwards, nowhere near as shy as you had remembered her to be. Her nose caressed your own in the lightest of touch and her hands reached up behind your neck, gripping you. You whispered her name in disapproval as it was all you could bear to do with the fast approaching lump in your throat blocking all senses. She hushed you again, leaning against your face and getting abnormally close to your ears, taking a strand of hair and placing it behind it.

“Tell me to stop and I will” she whispered in a low voice.

Before you could process anything her lips sucked in your earlobe softly, you let out a gasp that only made you feel her smile against your skin, slowly trailing wet kisses down your neck stopping by the clavicule. She stopped herself to look you in the face, demanding softly you opened your eyes and against all judgement you complied. Inches stood between you, there was still time to look back. Except maybe you didn't want to. You were desperate for attention and there it was, being handed to you on a silver platter by someone you so dearly trusted. It had been the second time you were first to lean in. You captured Ellies lips in the softest of kisses, melting into her touch that held you at the waist as though any gust of wind would carry you away from her reach. Soon enough the kiss was hungry, desperate even, your hands at her hair pulling it down, letting her groans echo inside your mouth, she leaped you into her lap and traced the arch of your back underneath the oversized shirt you wore till it reached and undone the clasp of your bra.

“Breathtaking” Ellie mumbled against your lips, grabbing a fistful of your breast and squeezing it, proud of herself at the moan you let out. She kissed down your neck once again, pulling on your shirt so you'd raise your arms and allow her to pull it off you. She wanted to hear her name come out of your lips, wanted to claim territory in every inch of your skin and dip herself between your legs with such earnest desire you'd know deep in your bones your girlfriend had never touched you this way.

And then your phone rang. The pet name baby lighting up your screen. You looked between your phone and Ellie for a moment, and then you picked up.

“Hi, yeah, I'll go find you. I missed you too.”

[dsknsk]

I love how PM keeps playing with tropes. We've seen the tropes that they deconstruct within Limbus (in fact, it is a theory of mine that each Sinner is based on a stereotypical character from gachas), the way that they pick up the cyberpunk trope and basically throw it across the room, but another huge one is...

Carmen.

Look. I think that Carmen was and is based on the traditional 'Mary Sue'. Because...well, some traits that are said to belong to the 'Mary Sue', are turned brilliantly on their head by PM. So, for typical 'Mary Sue' traits, there's:

Pretty in the traditional sense. 'Mary Sues' always look perfect, peerless and never have to work hard to maintain their image. While, as far as I know, there hasn't really been made an in-universe compliment on Carmen's physical appearance...you'd rather stop and listen to someone who at least looks like they can be trusted wouldn't you? She's likened to the sun, as Oswald called her that, and is inside the light. (Also, out-of-universe: she is certainly pretty in my eyes. She adheres to the modern beauty standards at the very least).

Related to the above: charming. The 'Mary Sue' often has an innate charm that attracts others to her. The way that Carmen has this is through her voice, which already was powerful enough to let her traverse the dangerous Backstreets unarmed, standing out from all those other Backstreets preachers somehow and draw in the most cynical noblemen, but is even more charming after death. She doesn't even need to give a breaking speech or anything, as we've seen, she just gives you questions and comments on things. Which falls in line with...

Powerful, yet without having to break a sweat. Even before dying, she was already drawing in people without having to get physical (at least, none we know of). The only time we fight her as of yet (Kether realisation), Angela needs to use an attack that depletes all her HP to win, after five phases have already passed.

The 'Mary Sue' is often a so-called spotlight stealer. She will have a major role in the story, inexplicably, at least one other character will fall in love with her and she will overall have a large presence. So far, Carmen is the only character who has appeared in all three of the games, and if you count the Distortion and the Library, she has influenced WonderLab, Leviathan and Distortion Detective as well. She was also relevantly connected to the main cast of LobCorp and has influenced most of them in some way (i.e Ayin, Angela, Giovanni, arguably Kali, etc.). She remains to be relevant to several major story turns and has left her mark in them, in some way.

Unusual eyes. It's a stereotype that 'Mary Sues' always have unusual eyes. A common type is heterochromia (which is why I often jokingly call Hong Lu a 'Mary Sue'), but other types exist like sparkly rainbow or them changing like a mood ring or something. Carmen has red eyes, which are a common side-effect of body enhancements (Vergilius had them and the R Corp pack leaders too)...except, as we said, for as far as we know, Carmen hasn't had any. They are also a trait of Bloodfiends, but she isn't (yet) confirmed to be one. Either way, red eyes are a sign of the not-weak in the City.

Oftentimes, 'Mary Sues' are referred to as divinity, as pure grace from an utmost high all-powerful deity. They may or may not even be that deity. With Carmen, she practically had a cult of personality around her when she was alive...and she also had an analogue in another pale-skinned, red-eyed being that is also treated like this. She was described as this paeon of altruism and someone who genuinely wants the best for humanity.

Meaningful name. While not so immediately on-the-nose like 'Flowersparkle', Carmen's name can be seen as a reference to the infamous prototype of the femme fatale, once again hinting at that charming quality of hers.

Perfect. A 'Mary Sue' never fails at what she does...and that's where PM shows through that...

...Carmen is a parody on the 'Mary Sue'. A so-called 'Parody Sue'...but not played for laughs. The thing is that she is described as being all this...by those she already has enthralled. Those that aren't really involved with her - Hokma (was more loyal to Ayin), Binah (who wasn't in the picture during Carmen's life), and Roland (a stranger to LobCorp to begin with) have their say during Ruina and offer us another view at Carmen, our first, and one thing becomes clear:

A real 'Mary Sue' would be weird as fuck.

Carmen shows us how weird a 'Mary Sue' would actually be in a world that isn't sunshine and rainbows - an extremely uncanny, severely misguided being who nonetheless draws people to herself, who show a creepy amount of belief and devotion to her. Carmen thinks that the 'be yourself' message - so omnipresent in media - should prevail...in a world where the majority of people are either pieces of shit or are living such a dreary, miserable life that they just give up all hope.

But all of this is only revealed in the second game and pulls the player out of the dream. And so, Carmen does end up failing to convince some people like Dongbaek and Dongrang who manage to develop E.G.O instead.

Because despite what she was painted as in the past, in reality, Carmen is not a 'Mary Sue'. And she is not perfect.

That's why she's such a great PM character.

[just-dreaming-marvel]

Arc Reactor

MAIN MASTERLIST / MARVEL MASTERLIST

Tony Stark x Fem!Reader

Word Count: 7,680ish

Summary: You love Tony's arc reactor. But what if it's the thing that can cause you the greatest pain?

Warnings: torture, unwanted touching, transplants, ptsd

Notes: Wow. I have not be able to write this much in a short amount of time in such a long time. It feels good. I hope people enjoy this one. It's a long one. Sorry if there's any errors, I really wanted to just get it out.

Tony and you were laying in bed. It was one of the few occasions that you could convince Tony to come to bed and he could actually sleep. This time, you were the one not sleeping much, content to run your fingers around the edges of his arc reactor. The glow allowed you to see the outlines of his face in the darkness. The softness of his features when they were fully relaxed reminded you about how much you love his wrinkles when he smiles. 

“You’re staring,” Tony grumbled after a while.

“I’m sorry,” you whispered. “I’ll stop.” But you made no move to look away or to stop running your finger over the rim of his reactor.

Tony opened one eye to look at you. “You’re wide awake.” He moved slightly and opened both eyes to get a better look at you.

“Yes, we’ve seemed to switch positions tonight.”

“What’s going on?”

“Nothing. Just couldn’t stop staring at you… you’re very pretty.”

Tony chuckled. “Pretty?”

“You heard what I said.”

“Well, my dear, you’re prettier.” Tony scooted closer to give a peck to the tip of your nose. He pulled away and studied your eyes. “Are you sure the only reason you’re awake is because I’m pretty?”

You shrugged. “Sometimes I like watching you sleep.”

“Hmm.” He glanced down at your fingers that were running over his arc reactor. “Is it the light? I can put a shirt on.”

“Don’t you dare.”

Tony chuckled a little before the two of you sat in silence for a moment. “I’ve been thinking about seeing if I can get rid of this thing.”

“What?” Your hand stopped its movements as his statement shocked you. “Is that even an option? The reactor is keeping you alive.”

“I’ve looked into some doctor’s that I believe could help me take the shrapnel out of me.”

“That’s… that’s…” 

Your eyes fell to the glowing reactor. This object was inside of your boyfriend’s chest, keeping him alive. It was an object that brought an odd sense of peace to you, especially when missions were hard and you didn’t think you or Tony were going to make it out. It was your personal night-light, connected to the most important person in your life. What would life be without Tony having a reactor in his chest? Would the suit’s work the same? Would Tony’s heart be okay? What if he didn’t survive the surgery? What if Tony—

“Honey,” Tony pulled you from your thoughts through his words and gently taking your face in his hands. He could tell that you were spiraling. You met his gaze. “I promise that I would do anything unless I’m a 100% sure it will work. I will consult every doctor, including Bruce, and I’ll have JARVIS run every possible scenario. Okay?”

“Okay,” you gave a slight nod.

Tony could tell that you still weren’t all in. “And I promise that, after collecting all the research, I won’t do anything that you don’t want me to.”

You sighed. “If it’s really what you want, I will support you.”

Tony gave you a tight-lipped smile before leaning in to give you a light kiss. “We can talk more about this in the morning.” He wrapped his arms around you and pulled you into his chest. “We should sleep.”

You giggled. “Said Tony Stark. The Sleepless Wonder.”

“Well that’s a new one.” 

Sighing, you snuggled into Tony. “Goodnight, Tones.”

“Goodnight, my dear,” he pressed a kiss to the top of your head. “Love you.”

~~~

The talk of removing Tony’s arc reactor failed to me talked about more in the morning. Instead, the two of you continued your lives like the talk hadn’t happened. Well, except for the fact that Tony had started pulling together research on doctor’s and procedures. 

Weeks went by and you barely remembered the conversation anymore. Tony and you were just living your lives: trainings, meetings, lab time, date nights. Life was good.

“How big do you think this mission is?” You asked Natasha as the two of you walked to the conference room.

“Well, since everyone’s being called in for this, I’d say pretty big,” she responded.

“Great… Just what I want to deal with.”

Natasha laughed. “It’s been a while since we’ve all be called out together, it might be nice.”

“It’s only nice for you because your boyfriend isn’t as overprotective as mine.”

“I don’t know, the Hulk can be very protective.”

“Yes, but Bruce isn’t. Tony is overprotective all the time.”

Natasha opened the door to the conference room. “I guess you’re right, since your boyfriend saved you a seat and mine’s standing in the corner.”

You let out a laugh as the two of you entered and found your seats. Tony shot you a smile as you sat down behind him. “Thanks for saving me a seat,” you whispered.

Tony turned in his chair and reached over to take your hand, bringing your hand up to press a kiss to the back of it. “Anytime.”

Steve quickly got started with the briefing and Tony didn’t let go of your hand through it all. It was a big mission, everyone was needed. The plan was to take down a major HYDRA facility located near the North Pole. You and Tony were tasked with entering the facility, wiping the drives and placing the needed explosives. The rest of the Team would be outside as the distraction since it was clear that the facility was not empty.

“Is everyone clear about their assignments?” Steve asked. He looked around the room to see the multitude of nods and ‘yes’s heard. “Alright. Pack up and rest up, we leave late tonight.”

Everyone stood up but Tony and yourself. Tony’s thumb was rubbing the back of your hand. You could tell that he was nervous, he always was when it came to you going on missions. Once everyone left, you rolled your chair closer to his.

“Are you alright?” You asked softly, trying to pull him from his anxious thoughts.

“Just… something doesn’t feel right about this mission,” Tony admitted. He wasn’t usually one to feel this way, it was usually you. 

“I’m sure that it’s just my normal nervousness getting to you.”

“No,” Tony shook his head. “That’s not it.” He turned his chair and looked you in the eyes. “This mission isn’t going to end well.”

“When does any mission?”

“I’m not joking, Y/N. I… I think we need to stay back.”

“We can’t, Tony. The whole Team is needed. I’m sure that we’re just switching roles again. You haven’t been this nervous about a mission in a while. It was about time.”

“I guess you could be right…” He sighed. “We should get ready.”

“Yeah.” You leaned in and gave him a kiss. You could tell that his anxiousness about the mission wasn’t going to go away until you were all back in the safety of the compound. “I love you.”

Tony pressed out a smile for you before kissing you. “I love you more.”

~~~

Tony was an anxious mess the whole flight. He choose to fly the quinjet to help ease his nerves but that caused the flight to not be as smooth as it should have been. Everyone kept eyeing you, trying to get you to do something but you knew that taking him away from the controls would be worse. 

“Is Stark okay enough to do this?” Steve whispered to you as you finished getting ready in the back of the quinjet. “I haven’t seen him this bad in… well, in ever.”

You sighed. “He has a bad feeling about this mission. I’m starting to as well.”

“It’s too late to back out now.”

“I know. I’ll keep a close eye out on him and let you know if we need back up in there.”

“Please. We don’t want to lose either of you just because Tony’s not fully focused.”

“I can handle him, Steve. Trust me.”

~~~

“Y/N! I need you to hurry, we have more company coming!”

“Well if you hadn’t lost the damn drive, I wouldn’t have to erase everything manually!”

You were frantically typing on the facility’s main frame, trying to erasing everything as fast as you could. Tony was just outside the room, shooting down any HYDRA agents that came your way.

“I told you this mission wasn’t going to end well!” Tony shouted.

“It’s not over yet, Stark! Focus!”

Suddenly, you heard a loud explosion come from the hall. It shook the place, causing you to fall to the ground.

“Tony!” You shouted, pushing yourself up to rush into the smoke filled hallway. “Tony!” You coughed as you tried to search for him through the thick, gray smoke. “Tony!” You pressed a finger to the comm in your ear. “Captain, can you hear me?” No response. “Anyone? I need backup. Now!” Again, nothing.

Hearing footsteps, you grabbed the guns from your thighs and held them up. You took a few careful steps, still unable to see much, before you tripped. You rolled over whatever you tripped over as gracefully as you could then turned to see if you could tell what you tripped over. You gasped as you saw the familiar gold and red appear through the smoke. You crawled closer to see that it was Tony. He was completely passed out with an EMP attached to the chest of his suit.

“Tony!” You exclaimed as your hands took hold of his face. “Tony! Wake— Up!” You began to cough more and your eyes grew tired. It was clear to you now that the smoke wasn’t just smoke. “JARVIS?” You called, trying to see if the AI would respond. You needed to get Tony out of here, even if his suit did all the work. “JAR—VIS… Any… one…”

Feet stopped right in front of you and Tony before you passed out on top of him.

~~~

“Has anyone heard from Stark or L/N?” Steve shouted as he threw his shield at a group of HYDRA agents.

“Not at all!” Natasha responded as she fought.

“They’re taking too long,” Clint noted from where he was shooting arrows from a tree.

“JARVIS,” Steve called, “I need information on Stark and L/N and I need it—“

Steve was cut off by the facility exploding. The Team members on the ground were thrown by the blast as were many of the HYDRA agents left.

“Tony! Y/N!” Clint yelled as he tried to get them to respond on the comms. “Damn it!”

“Captain,” JARVIS came through Steve’s earpiece, “I am unable to locate or connect to Mr. Stark or Miss L/N.”

“What?” Steve responded. “Since when?”

“Since about eight minutes ago.”

“Call Fury, tell him to send in SHIELD agents. All of them. Coulson, Hill, everyone needs to be on this. We need to find them.”

~~~

You didn’t immediately open your eyes when you finally came to. You wanted to get any information you could on what was going on before HYDRA knew that you were awake. You were strapped to a leather chair. Metal cuffs were keeping your ankles, wrists, and neck in place while large bands ran across your stomach and thighs. You had been stripped of your suit, leaving you in biker shorts and a sports bra. 

The room around you was a cooler temperature. You couldn’t tell yet if it was whatever the room was made out of or if they were purposefully keeping the temperature lower. The only other thing you could sense was that there was someone else in the room.

Finally, you opened your eyes. The room walls were cement and you were sure that whoever was keeping you here was keeping the room at a cooler temperature. As best you could with a metal cuff around your neck, you looked over to the side of you. You gasped when you saw Tony and the state he was in.

Tony had been stripped of his suit and clothes, leaving him in his boxers. He was strapped onto a matching chair in the same way you were. The thing that concerned you the most was the wires that started at his partially destroyed arc reactor and went down on either side of him, along the floor, and disappeared into the wall. You also noticed that Tony had medical equipment attached to him and a nearby monitor, allowing you to see that his heart was still beating.

“Tony,” you rasped, your voice not really there from lack of use. You cleared your throat the best you could before trying again. “Tony.” He groaned in response, slightly moving. “Tony, wake up.”

“Mhm?” He hummed. “Y/N?”

“It’s me, it’s me.”

His eyes blinked open, slowing taking in his surrounding. He glanced over to you before looking down at his chest. “I told you the mission was a bad idea.”

You couldn’t help but laugh a little. “I’m sorry for not believing you. Are you alright?”

“For now. Are you?”

“I’m in better shape than you. Your arc reactor is damaged. You have wires running out of it to who knows where and you—“

“Woah, woah, woah, honey, breathe. I need you to breathe for me.”

“Tony, what if—“

“We are going to be okay, alright Y/N? We are going to get out of here.”

“Tony, I—“

You were cut off by the door opening. A smug, middle-aged man in a suit waltzed in with two armed guards behind him.

“Nice to see you both wake,” the man said. “And it’s nice to finally meet you both. Especially you, Tony Stark.”

“Am I supposed to know you?” Tony responded with his usual sarcasm. “College? A frat party? You know I was constantly drunk until recent years so—“

“You wouldn’t know me, Mr. Stark. But you sure knew my father, Obadiah Stane.” You noticed Tony’s jaw clench. “My name is Phillip Stane. My father had me in secret and didn’t want much to do with me until he realized that I was almost as smart was you. I went to MIT a few years after you, did everything my father wanted to make me like you. Then you killed him. HYDRA found me not too long later and offered me a deal. I’ve been working with them in secret.”

“What do you want with us?” You broke your silence.

Phillip chuckled as he walked between the two chairs. “You haven’t figured it out yet? My father raised me to be Tony. The only things that I’ve been missing is his suits and reactors… well, and his girl.” Phillip ran a finger along the side of your stomach.

“Don’t touch her!” Tony shouted.

“What are you going to do about it?” Phillip smirked. “You’re all tied up and so is she. Not to mention that the only thing keeping you alive is damaged.” He leaned over and looked at Tony’s reactor. “It is a beautiful piece of equipment. Too bad that it won’t keep you alive for much longer. Our facility here needs to run off the grid and your reactor is the perfect thing to do it. Before we make our own, we thought we’d test out the real thing. Just to see if it works.”

“That will kill him,” you sounded more scared than you would like.

“Oh? Will it? I guess that just a part of it. Call it revenge. Well,” he laughed to himself, “part of the revenge. Wire her up.”

The two armed guards moved around you. They grabbed wires that had clamps on the ends and placed them on your open skin and the cuffs and bands keeping you in place.

“I told you not to touch her!” Tony shouted again, trying to get free.

“You can’t stop me,” Phillip taunted. “And, if it makes you feel any better, I won’t be the one hurting her. You will.”

Tony’s blood ran cold. His eyes followed the wires that were attached to you and found that they lead to a small box of buttons near the wall. There were wires running out of the other side of the box and into his arc reactor.

“No. No. No!” Tony tried fighting harder, to at least get some of the cords loose.

Phillip cackled. “Your reactor will power this facility and torture your girlfriend.” He leaned down to Tony’s ear. “I can’t wait to see who gives up the ghost first.” He cackled some more as he leaned back and headed for the door.

“When I get out of here, I will kill you!”

“You won’t get out of here alive.” Phillip pressed one of the buttons on the box on the wall before leaving the room with the two guards.

Tony groaned as the power in his arc reactor began traveling through the wires. The power split up, some going to power the facility and some going to the wires connected you. You shouted out in pain as the electricity hit you. Quickly, you fisted your hands together and ground your teeth, trying to not worry Tony too much.

“Honey, honey,” Tony called, trying to remain as calm as he could. “You’re okay. We’re going to get out of here.” You groaned, clamping your eyes shut to focus more. Tony began growing emotional. He realized that this form of torture was meant to hurt, but not to last long for either of you. “Y/N… I love you and I’m so sorry… I’m going to get us out of here. I promise. You will not die in here. I will not let that happen…” 

You groaned again, this time louder as the pain was getting worse. Practically mirroring each other, tears ran down yours and Tony’s cheeks. 

“Ahh!” You couldn’t hold it in anymore. “Tony!” You cried out. “Ahh!”

“I’m right here, honey. I’m not going anywhere. I promise.” Tony could feel himself growing weaker and could see the light of his reactor dimming. “I love you. I love you. I love you.” Tony repeated through your screams and cries as the minutes went by agonizingly slow. “I’m with you. I’m here. I love you.” You suddenly grew silent, terrifying Tony. “Y/N? Sweetheart?” He glanced over to see that you were still breathing, but it was not well. You had clearly passed out due to everything. “I’m going to be right behind you, sweetheart… I can feel it.” The light in Tony’s reactor was dimming with each passing second. “I love you more than anything… I am so sorry about everything…” Tony was fighting to keep his eyes open as he began to felt pain in his heart. “Who knew? Tony Stark dies of a broken heart… Too bad it… won’t be a… headline… Y/N… sweetheart… I… love… you…”

Tony couldn’t fight it anymore. His eyes closed and the medical machine next to him let out a long and loud beep.

~~~

“Found them!” Natasha shouted as she burst into the room you and Tony were being kept in. She gasped when her eyes saw the damaged arc reactor. Her hands quickly went to his neck and wrist to check for a pulse. “Tony’s down! We need medical!” She rushed over to your side. She was revealed to find even the slightest of pulses with you. “We need medical for Y/N too! She’s hanging on by a thread.” Natasha quickly straddled Tony and began pumping his chest. “You are dying on me! Not today Stark!”

Steve and Clint rushed into the room with two SHIELD medical teams.

“Let me switch you,” Clint urged, as Steve pulled Natasha off of Tony. 

The medical team got machines hooked to you as they moved Tony onto a stretcher. Suddenly, the machines connected to you went haywire.

“She’s coding!” One of the SHIELD agents shouted. 

Steve was quick to come over and began compressions on you. “We can’t lose them! We need to get out of here, now! Coulson, how’s the situation out there?”

“We’ve caught the man who did this,” Coulson responded through the comms. “We’re on our way to the compound for interrogation.”

“I’ve got the quinjet ready for when you get here, Rogers,” Maria came over the comms.

“We’re on our way!”

~~~

The electricity had done some serious internal damage to you, while the shrapnel had entered Tony’s heart. That caused you both to be immediately taken to surgery when the Team landed at the nearest hospital. Everyone was terrified that neither of you were going to make it. But, deep down, they were even more terrified that one of you would and the other one wouldn’t. How would the one left react?

“Rhodey, Happy, and Pepper are on their way,” Bruce said as he reentered the private family waiting room the group was put in.

“Good,” Steve answered with a nod. “How long has it been since we’ve had an update?”

“Three hours,” Clint said. “It’s been seven since we’ve got here.”

“The will survive,” Thor stated. “They are both strong.”

Steve sighed as he ran a hand down his face. “Seven hours and they are both still back in surgery? Bruce, do you know any reason why it would be this long?”

Bruce shook his head. He had found a seat over in the corner, with Natasha resting her head on his lap, asleep. “It’s not good for either of them.”

A gentle knock sounded at the door before it opened, revealing a nurse and a doctor. The Team stood up, nervous to hear the update.

“Both Miss L/N and Mr. Stark are out of surgery,” the doctor stated. “But, they are both still in dangerous waters. We are looking into organ donors for both of them?”

“What for?” Clint questioned.

“Y/N needs a liver. Fortunately, we can take that from a live donor as we only need to take a partial lobe.”

“I’ll do it,” Steve stepped up. “I have the best recovery chance.”

“Thank you for your willingness, Captain, but we need to test you to see if you’re a match first.”

“Whatever, I’ll do it.”

“If any of you are willing to get tested, we can do that.”

“What about Tony?” Natasha asked.

The doctor sighed. “Mr. Stark’s story is different. Since the arc reactor was damaged, the shrapnel was able to enter his heart and tear it up so much that we aren’t able to fix it. He will need a heart transplant. We are recommending that he be taken back to the compound or a nearby hospital to it for a better chance of getting a heart.”

The Team was in shock. Both of their teammates needed a transplant, but two very different types.

“We are also recommending that we wait for Miss L/N’s transplant until she’s back at the compound as well. It will be easier for her to heal somewhere familiar.”

“I’m going to call Rhodey,” Bruce said, heading out of the room. He needed to leave the room because he could feel the Other Guy trying to push to the surface. 

“We won’t move them until they’re more stable, but are willing to work quickly to get them moved. Nurse Beck can take anyone who wants to to get tested for the liver transplant.”

“Thank you, doc,” Steve said. “We’ll start putting things together.”

~~~

Just as Steve had hoped, he was a match and fought Natasha on giving the liver needed for the transplant. Steve won as his super soldier serum had him at an advantage for healing. Clint and Thor worked with the doctor to get the quinjet prepped for transport. You were stabilized first and placed in the quinjet. Natasha held your hand tightly as she studied you, unable to take her eyes off of you. 

Tony was brought up next, about an hour later, in much worse condition than you. That got Natasha to burst into tears. Bruce came over and held her close as she cried while Clint got the quinjet into the air. Steve sat between the two beds, constantly checking on either of you. It was his duty as Captain to protect his Team and he was feeling like a failure.

“Y/N told me that Tony had a bad feeling about the mission,” Steve whispered. “I should have talked to him and canceled it.”

“It’s not your fault, Rogers,” Thor told him.

“I’m the Captain of the Team. Fury has entrusted me with it.”

“That doesn’t mean their lives are in your hands. Stark and Y/N knew what they were getting themselves into. It’s part of their jobs.” 

“What if Tony doesn’t survive this? A heart transplant is much more critical than a liver transplant. If Y/N survives and Tony doesn’t…”

“We can’t afford to think like that. They will both survive.”

“Are you trying to convince me or you?”

“Both.”

~~~

The compound was ready to receive you and Tony as soon as you landed. Due to not having a heart yet, Tony was taken straight to a room where Happy, Rhodey and Pepper went to watch him. Steve and yourself were taken straight to the operating rooms. The surgery took six hours. You and Steve were taken to the same room, simple curtains splitting up each of the beds. 

Steve had been awake for a few hours by the time the doctor’s decided to try and wake you. The curtain between you and Steve’s bed was pulled back so that he could watch as the Team gathered around. They kept the curtain closed between Tony and your’s beds so that you wouldn’t immediately freak out. The Team waited with bated breath to see you breathe on your own. Slowly, your eyes began to blink open. 

The light bothered your eyes as they tried to focus on anything. You began to panic slightly when you couldn’t recognize where you were. Natasha’s red hair came into few and focus first, when her face slowly following.

“It’s okay,” she cooed, standing above you to try to calm you. “You’re safe now. You’re okay.”

“T—T—Ton—Tony…” you stuttered. “T—Tony…”

You noticed Natasha glance at someone across from her. You looked over to see Clint standing there. The look they were sharing did not bring you any comfort. You tried to swallow the roughness in your throat.

“W—Wh—Where’s… Tony?” You tried.

“Here,” Bruce handed Natasha a cup of water with a straw.

Natasha took it and held the straw to your lips. “Drink,” she told you.

You didn’t argue, knowing that you needed fluid. You took a few sips before clumsily waving the cup away.

“Where’s Tony?” You repeated.

“We’re so glad that you’re okay,” Clint said, clearly trying to change the subject.

“You’ve been through a lot,” Natasha said. “You had a liver transplant. Steve gave you part of his.” She motioned with her head over to Steve, who was laying in the bed beside yours. 

“What?” You questioned. “Steve… you didn’t have to.”

“Yes, I did,” he responded.

“Thanks… for saving my life… all of you… But… No one has answered my original question… where is Tony?” The Team shared another bunch of unsettling looks. “What are you not telling me? What happened?”

“Y/N,” Natasha began gently, “what do you remember?”

“I remember being in the HYRDA facility and some explosion going off. I went out into the hallway and found Tony passed out on the floor due to an EMP. I was out not long later. When I came to… Tony and I were cuffed to chairs, stripped of most of our clothes. They had damaged his arc reactor and hooked up wires from it to the building and to the wires they added onto me. They used the power of his arc reactor to torture me and to run some power to the building… the pain… it was too much.”

“Do you remember who did this to you?”

“Yes,” you swallowed. “Phillip Stane.” You looked over at Pepper, Rhodey, and Happy. “Obadiah Stane’s secret son.”

“That matches with the information Coulson is sending in from interrogation,” Thor confirmed. 

You realized that Happy, Pepper, and Rhodey were awkwardly standing near the curtain divider. Listening carefully, you could hear more medical machines on the other side. Your heart rate began to pick up.

“Where’s Tony?” You repeated.

“Y/N, we need you to—“

“WHERE’S TONY?!” You screamed, not caring that you interrupted Bruce.

“Pull the curtain,” Steve ordered.

Rhodey nodded, taking the divider and pulled it across the room. You gasped as Tony came into view, looking worse than the last time you had seen him. Tears began cascading down your cheeks.

“Oh gosh!” You exclaimed. “Tony!”

“The damage to his arc reactor caused the shrapnel to tear up his heart,” Bruce carefully stated. “Due to that, Tony is in need of a heart transplant. We don’t know when—or if—he’ll get a donor.”

“What happens if he doesn’t get one?” Everyone remained silent. It was an obvious question but you couldn’t help but ask it. “He—I—He can’t—“ The machines you were connected to began freaking out. “I—“

Natasha quickly grabbed the oxygen masked and held it to your face. “You need to breathe, Y/N,” she coaxed. “In and out. Slow and deep.”

“I’ve been on the phone with all the local hospitals,” Pepper said. “Due to the state he is in, Tony is at the top of the list. The next available match will be his.”

“The doctor’s are prepared to do anything they can to help him stay alive long enough to get a heart,” Bruce added. 

“I—I can’t lose him,” you cried through the oxygen mask. “I… I can’t do it…” Your stats began to skyrocket.

“I’m going to give you something to calm you and help you sleep.” Bruce went to the cart by your bed.

“No,” you shook your head. “No. Please, I can’t—“

Bruce was quick to inject a liquid into your IV. You feel asleep almost immediately. “We have to keep her calm, especially as she heals.”

“She’s not going to remain calm while Tony’s in this state,” Natasha said.

“Then we may have to keep her sedated.”

“We must hope and pray that Tony gets a heart,” Steve said.

“Tony wouldn’t want someone else to die for him,” Rhodey said.

“He doesn’t have an option,” said Clint.

~~~

You were in and out of sedation for a few days due to the fact that you couldn’t remain calm. Every time you saw Tony and thought about the state he was in and that he may not survive, you panicked. You simply couldn’t handle the possibility of life without him. The Team was always coming and going from your room, someone always in there with you and Tony. Especially after Steve had been released just a day after your surgery.

Phillip Stane was still in lock up in the compound, but Coulson and Fury had made plans to move him to a high security unit. You had only learned that because you had pretended to still be asleep while Fury and Clint were watching over you and Tony. 

So far, there hadn’t been any matching hearts in the area for Tony. You could tell that the Team and staff were trying to remain positive, but every day you could see them lose that positivity more and more. You even knew that they were being more positive around you than they actually felt due to your continued reactions.

After about a week of you being in and out, you had finally calmed yourself to be released from the doctor’s care. That didn’t mean you were leaving the room any time soon though. You found yourself in a chair next to Tony, holding his hand. You barely spoke, even in the brief moments that you were alone with him. You didn’t have anything to say. All you wanted was your Tony back. You wanted his sarcasm and his wit. You wanted his romantic side and his soft, nervous side. You especially missed his arc reactor that you knew was no longer there under the bandages that were wrapped around his chest. His arc reactor meant that he was alive.

“Y/N! Y/N! Y/N!” Steve shouted as he bounded down the med-bay halls, toward the room you were in. You turned to see him as he slid into the room. “They have one! There’s a heart on the way!”

“What?” You breathed out. “Are you serious?”

“Serious! The nurses are on their ways now to take him back to surgery.”

“He’s getting a heart?”

“He’s getting a heart.”

You turned to Tony, tears slipping from your eyes. “You’re getting a heart.” You stood up and kissed his forehead before resting yours on top of his. “You’re going to make it through… you have to… I love you… I love you… I love you…” You repeated it, like a prayer, remembering how he kept doing the same when the two of you had been captured. “I love you…”

“We’re here to take Mr. Stark,” a nurse said as they entered with three others.

“I’ll see you on the other side.” You kissed his forehead again as the tears came harder. Steve walked over and pulled you away, turning you so that he could hold you against him. You watched as they pushed Tony away until you couldn’t see him anymore. “He has to make it, Steve… I don’t think I could live if he doesn’t.”

~~~

Twelve hours. You paced the waiting room for twelve hours. No one was able to convince you to sit and rest. Thankfully, you did take food and drink. No one came out for updates, making you even more on edge. By the time the doctor’s did come out, you were shaking but wouldn’t let anyone help you.

“The surgery was successful,” the doctor said. You felt like you could breathe some. “We will have to see if the transplant takes, but we are hopeful.”

“He’ll make it?” You questioned.

“We’re hopeful.”

“Thank you, doc,” Steve said.

“We’ll let you know when Mr. Stark is available for visitors.”

As soon as the doctor left, your body gave out. Luckily, Steve was there to catch you. He hoisted you up and took you up to your room. He tucked you in and left, leaving JARVIS to watch you while you slept.

~~~

You groaned as you slowly began to wake. It took you a minute to realize where you were and where you believed you should be. You jumped out of bed and rushed down to the med-bay. Thankfully, no one questioned where you were going and that they had placed Tony in the same room as before. You were grateful to see that Tony wasn’t alone and that Natasha and Clint were with him.

“Hey there sleepy head,” Clint commented.

“How is he?” You asked as you went to sit beside him.

“So far there’s been no scares,” Natasha said. “The doctor’s are hopeful that they may be able to wake him later today.”

“Really?”

“Really.”

~~~

It was about eight pm when the doctor’s decided to try and wake Tony. You sat back, holding your breath as they pulled tubes and cleaned him up a little more. The moment Tony’s hand twitched and a groaned escaped his mouth, your heart leaped for joy.

“Y/N…” He groaned again. “Y/N…”

“I’m right here, Tones,” you said, standing up to be beside him. You took his hand and made sure that you could be seen by him when he finally opened his eyes.

“Y/N…” His eyes slowly opened, immediately locking onto you.

“You’re alive,” you cried. 

“You’re… alive,” he repeated.

You pressed a kiss to his forehead, allowing your tears to fall onto his skin. “I was so worried.”

“Same.”

You let out a watery laugh before starting to ramble. “I’m sorry for not supporting you immediately when you said you didn’t want your arc reactor. It’s my fault. It shouldn’t have been—“

“Hey, hey, hey.” Tony shakily reached up and cupped your face. “It’s alright… I’m right here… None of it was your fault.”

“I was so scared.”

“I was too.” He groaned as he tried to move slightly. “Let me guess… new heart?”

“Yes.”

“Where’s Pepper? I need her to send a note and check to the person’s family.”

“I’m sure she’s already on it.”

Tony nodded. His eyes scanned what he could see of you. “Are you alright?”

“I’m okay…” You nodded. “Steve had to give me a part of his liver, but other than that, I’m okay.”

“Are you sure?” He didn’t believe you one bit. 

“I am. Especially now that you’re awake… I missed you… I love you so much Tony.”

“I love you more.” 

Tony pulled you down to kiss you. He savored the flavor of your tears that flowed down your cheeks and mixed into the kiss. He understood that this all was hard for you and would only continue to be. Tony didn’t even know how he was going to sit mentally since he had been awake for mere minutes. What he did know, is that he’d do anything to make sure that you’re going to get out of this alright.

~~~

It took two weeks for Tony to be released from the med-bay. He could have been released after one week, but everyone had agreed that Tony wouldn’t rest if he wasn’t under the careful watch of the medical personal. You rarely left Tony’s side. This allowed you both to see how the other was truly doing. 

Tony could tell that you were going back there every time you closed your eyes. Almost every night, you would end up curled in a ball at the end of his bed whimpering and crying out for Tony. Pulling you out of the nightmares wasn’t the easiest thing to do. When he finally was able to, you would close yourself off and say that you need a drink, leaving the room. Unfortunately, Tony couldn’t follow you but he had JARVIS track you. You often didn’t make it too far and would end up in a ball on the floor crying.

You, on the other hand, could tell that Tony wasn’t sleeping at all. Thankfully, you persuaded his doctor to help with that problem but he could only do it for a few days. Besides the lack of sleep, Tony was also barely touching you. It was like he was scared to. You didn’t blame him for anything but you knew that he blamed himself for everything. It’s what he did. Tony’s guilt always ran deep, especially if he dealt with someone he cared about.

Everyone on the Team could see that both of you were struggling. None of them wanted to impose until Tony was released, wanting to see if some would fix itself.

Waking hand-in-hand, Tony and you made your way to the common room where the Team had thrown together a small party for the two of you. It was a nice and easy party, letting you truly relax more than you had in a long time. You were sitting off to the side with Natasha. She was talking but you weren’t listening, just watching Tony across the room with the guys.

“Okay,” Natasha pulled you from your thoughts by tugging your arm lightly. “What’s up?”

“Nothing,” you shook your head. “Just tired.”

“Mhm… then why don’t you get Tony and head to your room?”

“Because, we’ll get there and neither of us will sleep and I will try to jump his bones because it’s been so long and I’m so glad he’s alive.”

“I don’t see the problem with that. The doctor cleared both of you.”

“He won’t touch me.”

“What do you mean?”

“Hand-holding is really all we’ve done since he woke up. And I’ve initiated all those times.”

“But you’ve kissed, right?”

“The day he woke up… I know what’s going on, he’s blaming himself for what happened. Especially since it was the energy from his arc reactor that caused my injuries.” A few tears escaped your eyes and you quickly wiped them. “I’m just going to go to bed.” You stood up.

“Y/N…”

“Tell Tony that I went to bed, please.” You walked off.

Natasha sighed. She got up and moved toward where the men were gathered. “Stark,” she called.

“Sounds like someone’s in trouble,” Clint mumbled.

“What’s up, Red?” Tony responded. He glanced around. “Where’s Y/N? I thought that she was with you.”

“She went up to bed.”

Tony knew that you heading out without telling him wasn’t good. “Do you know why?”

“I think that you two need to talk, sooner than later.”

Tony nodded. “Thanks for the party. I’ve got to go.”

Tony rushed out of there, not caring what anyone was going to say. He needed to talk to you, especially if you left without telling him. When he reached your shared room, he carefully walked in and looked around. You weren’t in the main bedroom, so Tony looked to see light peaking out from under the bathroom doors. He walked over and leaned his ear near one of the doors. His heart broke as he heard your sobs.

“Honey?” He called. “Can I come in?”

Hearing Tony’s voice caused you to stand up straight and quickly wipe your face off. “In a second!” Your voice cracked as you responded.

“I know that you’re crying in there.”

You sighed as you went to the door and unlocked it. You twisted the door knob and pulled it slightly open, leaving Tony to do the rest. Tony pushed the door open and you suddenly launched yourself at him. You tightly gripped at his jacket as you bury your head in his neck and let the sobs loose.

“Sweetheart,” Tony whispered as his arms came around to hold you close to him. “I’m right here… I’m right here…”

Tony held you as you sobbed. His hands ran up and down your back as he tried his best to comfort you. After a few minutes, your sobs began to die down to painful hiccups. Without a word or letting go of you, Tony moved the two of you over to the bed, guiding you to sit down next to him.

“Talk to me, honey,” Tony urged.

“I can’t close my eyes… every time I do, we’re back in that room. And I—I can’t breathe and I watch you die and I… I…”

“I’m feeling a similar way. Every time I close my eyes or look at you… it’s all my fault. All the pain you went through… I caused that.”

“No,” you shook your head as you pulled away from his neck to look at him. “You did not cause me pain.”

Tony pressed his lips into a line. “But I did. It was my arc reactor that gave them the power to torture you.”

“But you didn’t hook me up to the wires. You didn’t do that. You tried to fight for me. You kept me going with your words as they tortured me… You didn’t hurt me, you kept me alive, Tony.”

A tear slipped out of one of Tony’s eyes. He looked up to try and control his emotions. “I was so helpless… They were hurting you and I couldn’t do anything to stop them… I never want to feel that way again.” He looked at you. “You are my everything… I promise that I will never let anyone hurt you like that again… I will never hurt you like that again…”

“Oh, Tony,” one of your hands went up to his cheek to wipe some of the trailing tears. “I promise that I will never let anyone hurt you like that again… I hated seeing you like that.”

He leaned in and kissed you. “I love you so much.”

“I love you more.”

~~~

Slowly, the two of you began to work on putting yourselves (and each other) back together. Tony found you both a therapist, deciding it’s what you both needed. The two of you talked more openly with each other and worked on sleeping in your bed instead of staying up in Tony’s lab working (which had become a big problem for both of you). Tony had began to keep a hand on you anytime he was near you, which you didn’t mind. You knew that it was how he was coping with everything now. 

Two months since Tony woke, you and him were laying in your bed, trying to fall asleep. Your fingers were lightly trailing Tony’s scars on his chest. You sighed as your fingers found his arc reactor scar and began trailing it.

“What is it?” Tony quietly asked upon hearing your sigh.

“I miss it,” you admitted.

“Miss what?”

“Your reactor. Especially on nights like this. Its faint glow would help me sleep.”

Tony stated quiet, clearly thinking about something. After a moment, he kissed your head and pulled himself away, getting out of bed.

“Where are you going?” You sat up.

“Just stay right there. I’ll be back.”

Then Tony disappeared out of the room. You sighed as you threw yourself back on the bed. What could he possibly be getting? It wasn’t long before Tony returned with a familiar glass box.

“What are you doing with your original arc reactor?” You asked as he came over to your side of the bed.

“It still glows,” he answered. He sat on the edge of the bed and placed the box down on your bedside table. “I’ve added a switch.” He reached around to the back and flipped the switch. You smiled as the old reactor glowed. “What do you think?”

“It’s perfect.” You pulled Tony in for a kiss. “Thank you.”

“Anything for you, my dear.” He kissed you again. “Think you can sleep now?”

“Maybe,” you smirked, “after I thank you properly.”

A cheeky grin grew on his face. “I think I can get behind that.”

[theemporium]

Ok your jealousy fic gave me an idea… what about if Daniel actually does find Sunshine behind bars after a night out gone wrong

this was written in like 15 minutes because I couldn’t help myself shshshsbsj but enjoy! and thank you for requesting!🫶🏽

.

Daniel should’ve known better.

In the past, a lot of his relationships failed because of a lack of understanding. Whether it be the world of his job or the group of people he hung out with, most girlfriends didn’t make it very long before they realised they wanted more and went running for the hills.

You were different because you were already immersed in the world of Formula One. You were an engineer, you travelled with the team, you understood what pressure he was under a lot of the time.

And it meant you understood the other drivers too, that his friends were your friends before you both started dating. Daniel loved that, he loved that you got along so well, he loved that your lives were so intertwined.

And yet, in moments quite like this one, he can’t say he’s all that grateful for the friendships you made.

He should’ve known better when you said you were going out with Max and Lando. He was invited, after all it was summer break and they had weeks to enjoy before they were flying across the globe again. But he declined, happy enough to kiss you on the lips and tell you to message him if you wanted him to pick you up.

Except, he never got that text. In fact, he received no text at all. Instead, Daniel had been woken up by the shrill of his phone ringing, his hand blindly reaching for his phone from his spot on the couch where he dozed off.

But his eyes shot open once the words ‘police station’ and your name was found in the same sentence.

That was how he found himself walking into the local police station in Monaco, haphazardly dressed in whatever hoodie and shorts he could find before he quickly made his way over. He followed the officer into the back, finding you sat between Lando and Max, all with sheepish looks on your face as you sat in the holding cell you had been locked in for the hour.

“Hey, baby.”

Daniel shot you a look—one that was equally reciprocated to both boys on your side, before he turned to the officer again.

A whole load of paperwork and twenty minutes later, the cell was opened and the three of you were scampering out like scolded puppies with your tails between your legs.

It wasn’t until you were all back at your shared apartment where the silence broke. Daniel was far too tired to drop the other two boys at their own homes, just muttering that they could each take a spare room.

After they gave him an explanation.

“Listen—”

“This better be good,” Daniel grumbled, his hands placed on his hips. It was nearing an ungodly hour in the night and he wasn’t sure how much of this story he could handle.

“It wasn’t my fault,” you said to him.

“Really?” Daniel deadpanned. “Then who’s fault was it? Because you were the one in the cell.”

“This bitch!” you insisted. “She wouldn’t leave Lando alone! He’s a baby! He needed help!”

Lando nodded solemnly. “I am a baby. A hot baby, but a baby nonetheless.”

Max’s nose scrunched. “That’s not how that works.”

“So, what? You’re in jail because some chick didn’t leave Lando alone?” Daniel interrupted, pressing his fingers to his temples. “Sunshine, that doesn’t make any sense.”

“Well no,” you started, a sheepish expression on your face. “I was in jail because even after all the verbal warnings, she wasn’t getting the hint.”

“She tried to stick her hand down my pants,” Lando added.

“So I punched her in the face,” you finished.

Daniel blinked. “You punched her?”

“Yes,” you said, without an ounce of regret in your voice. “Right in the face. Think I broke her nose.”

“Oh, you definitely did,” Max hummed. “I heard it crack.”

“I—” Daniel sighed deeply before looking at the two boys. “How did you two end up in jail then?”

“Some dude got involved and tried to hit me—” you started.

“So, I hit him first,” Lando said with a slightly embarrassed smile. “It hurt. Like, a lot.”

Daniel could barely wrap his head around the whole matter before his eyes fell on his teammate. “And you?”

“I don’t really know,” Max admitted with a shrug. “It was either punching the security guard who tried to throw us out or the hundreds of euros worth of damage we made at the bar after I shoved the man Lando punched into the bar and all the shelves came crashing down.”

Daniel pressed his hand against his chest like he was genuinely winded.

“Baby—” you moved to step closer to your boyfriend.

“Just…let’s get you all to bed, yeah?” Daniel murmured. “I can feel a headache starting and I need at least a few hours of sleep before I can deal with this.”

Both boys didn’t need to be told twice before they ran off down the hall, knowing where their spare rooms were already. However, you stayed where you were, looking nervous as you stared at your boyfriend.

“Are you mad at me?” you whispered, your voice soft and quiet and unlike you.

“Sunshine,” Daniel’s face instantly softened as he moved forward to cup your face. “Of course not, baby, I’m just…overwhelmed. You were just protecting your friend…even if it got really out of control.”

“I’m sorry you had to come bail us out,” you murmured, your arms wounding around his torso.

“Just gives me plenty of ammo to use against you three,” he joked playfully before leaning down to kiss you softly. “C’mon, let’s get you to bed before you start planning your next felony.”

You rolled your eyes. “You’re acting like I’m a criminal.”

“Well, in the words of Britney herself, I’m in love with a criminal,” Daniel grinned widely.

“You’re cheesy.”

“You like it.”

.

[ssahotchnerr]

A soft little Aaron thought<33

Aaron waking you up with kisses all over your face and neck. No sexual motivation behind it. Just lovey little kisses to you. He's so smiley when you open your eyes sleepily. He says "Good morning<3:)" and kisses your lips and brushes his nose against yours<3333. It's his favourite SOFT way to wake you up 🤭🤭.

Hope this is okay bestie<3. First thing I thought of when you asked for soft!Hotch<3

closer

that's so so sweet 🥹 cw; bau!reader, established relationship, minor aaron angst about him not sleeping :( but so so much fluff

despite how soft aaron's lips were, their gentleness never failed to arouse you. it was the most serene way possible to slowly pull you from sleep, lightly bringing you back to the awareness of the world but not all at once.

pepper-light kisses started at your temple, before trailing down to your cheek, then to your jawline, and moving even lower to find home at your neck. from there, even more kisses were scattered along the surface of your skin before the route restarted at your cheek, but not before stopping momentarily at your lips.

there was a time in your life where an alarm clock signaled the start of your day.

this was better.

your hand moved upwards, your fingers weaving into aaron's dark hair, scratching your nails against his scalp softly to indicate you were awake.

"good morning." aaron's voice was clad with sleep, a bit hoarse from the disuse.

"hmph." you hummed in response, a small smile taking form on your face as you stretched. as you opened your eyes to find your favorite person, his hair was tousled, the comforter pulled up past his shoulders- he looked adorably comfortable. his own eyes were lined with an eagerness, full of content now that you were awake. with the relaxed expression adorned on his face, it appeared almost as if a younger aaron was staring right back at you.

you would never forget; when you first had first joined the bau, aaron would enter the roundtable room, exit his office, with the heaviest eye bags you've ever seen. it wasn't an every-once-in-a-while thing either, it was a daily occurrence.

it appeared as if he never slept, which you almost believed to be true at one point. almost nightly, he would remain in his office as everyone else left, scribbling away at paperwork, rifling through case file after case file, a fresh cup of coffee on the side.

and when you arrived back in the morning, the same visual was there. pen working furiously, a stack of never ending files, another steaming mug of caffeine nearby. his shoulders were tense as he held his posture while sitting, but it was seemingly forced, as if he disguising or refraining from letting them slouch with his exhaustion.

and now, his previous dark circles under his eyes were almost nonexistent. they almost never appeared, except for the instance a case took a heavy toll, and you had a lot to do with the result. in addition, the obvious change was what indicated to the team he was seeing someone, and soon afterwards that someone was revealed to be you.

he was well rested, relaxed, happy.

it also gave you a feeling you couldn't quite put into words- knowing you contributed in giving him a sense of peace; peace he never thought he was capable of experiencing again. night, for him, no longer served the purpose of overworking, or overthinking, but rather a time where rigid shoulders didn't have authority.

"always waking me up, aren't you hotchner?"

a sweet laugh escaped him, his eyes simply glowing as he gazed at you lovingly. unable to help himself, he lazily pressed his lips to yours once more, brushing his nose to yours and staying close. "i missed you."

you rolled over slightly, draping an arm around him, and then doing the same with one of your legs, hooking him strictly to you. "haven't gone anywhere, my love."

and never planning on it.

his face easily found the crook of your neck, where he once again began littering it with kisses. his breath was warm against your skin as he spoke, scooting himself even closer to you if it were possible. "doesn't matter."

the two of you remained like that, unwilling to part, not ready to begin the day just yet. moments like these were your favorite, whether in the morning or at night as you both fell into the depths of sleep, where the two of you could just be together. or rather, just be. nothing else required your attention, no other responsibilities, not needing anything else in the world but each other.

as aaron had the most comfortable, soft yet solid torso, you nearly began dozing off again. but he spoke up, his mumbled voice vibrating against your neck.

"i think i'll always miss you. no matter how close you happen to be."

[kastelixa]

ᶻ 𝗓 𐰁✰ You do it to yourself

Title from Just by Radiohead

summary: Giving Leon a shower blowjob right after the events of the gaming situation.

¡This is a continuation of this!

you don’t have to read it but this will make no sense otherwise LOL

cw: Reader has male body parts and is referred to as he/him, smut but no penetration, praise/degradation, Leon is a little condescending, porn and very little plot lol, blowjobs, shower sex?, weird set up, set friendship/relationship.

wc: 3,377

note: Leon and Reader have a rather odd relationship sooo,,, LOL don’t take it too seriously. There’s more of a focus on actions than dialogue, but that’s just because I get lost in the scene. No one asked for this except for that one person on ao3 so this is for you random person that I now love :33

You almost slip on your way to the bathroom, heart lurching out of your chest in the process. Leon laughed, of course he did. “Careful there, sweetheart.” he smirks, all arrogance and teasing. Christ, never fails to get a pout out of you.

“Shut up, asshole.” You grumble in return, though it’s lighthearted. Kinda. You’re all bark and no bite. Someone steps on your tail and the only response you’ll give is a bitchy whine. Leon likes that, a lot. Maybe too much.

He keeps a hand on your arm the whole way, to which you try to ignore. Really, you’re preening under all this attention; you can’t help but stare at Leon. His bulging muscles that flex at the slightest movement, his chest that you just wanna motorboat, those fucking thighs that could crush your head like a watermelon.

He has you wrapped around his finger. As do you to him. Inseparable. Finally reaching the bathroom door, you slap Leon’s hand away when he tries to open it. Cause you’ve gotta do it. No reason to it. Just friendly competition. Of what? Who the fuck knows.

Ignoring his glare, you smirk to yourself cheekily. The smell of jasmine and eucalyptus bombards your nostrils, making you let out a soft hum of delight. Gotta love those Glade air fresheners.

The both of you are practically dying to get into the shower. Dried cum sticking to your inner thighs making your pants feel stuffy and moist is gross and uncomfortable. Gives off a musty scent that makes your nose scrunch up. You’re practically fucking waddling like a penguin, sensory issues all around.

You want to get in first, but being the nice person you are, you gesture to the shower lazily and nod towards it. “Hurry up,” you huff in mock irritation. Leon only raises a brow, already in the process of undressing.

“What?” he mumbles as his arms stretch to pull off his shirt, lovely pecs and chiseled abs making your pupils dilate. “We’re showering together. I thought that was clear?” he says that last part mockingly. Makes you wanna bite him.

“Fuck off. There’s no way we’re gonna fit in my tiny ass shower.” You scowl, crossing your arms over your chest defiantly. Leon rolls his eyes. Typical. You’re a stubborn one, aren’t you? Should shut you up with a cock shoved deep in your throat. Would be a fucking wonder to his ears.

“We’re showering together wether you like it or not. Suck it up,” he frowns. The bastard has the balls to put his hands on you, forcibly yanking your clothing off your body and ignoring your squawks of protest. You have to hold onto his shoulders when he gets to your pants, considering how you almost end up flailing over.

“Besides, it saves water *and* time.” He grinned, as if he cared about *your* damn water bills. It’s not like he’s the one paying them anyways, right? Finally regaining some sort of control, you swat his hands away, wanting to do the rest of the undressing by yourself.

“Fine fine, whatever. Just don’t blame me when you slip and bust your ass.” You grumble, stepping out of your pants which were bunched up at your knees due to Leon’s poor and rather reckless attempts to get them off. Reaching up, your hands pause at the elastic of your boxers, butterflies pooling in your tummy.

Leon notices this and openly stares in amusement, “What? Getting cold feet?” he taunts, making you shoot him a dirty look. “Shut up, just feels weird.” You retort somewhat meekly, unable to maintain eye contact for long.

“Weird?” He parrots, confusion painting his face. “What’s so weird? We just finished humping each other and busting our loads in our pants.” he states crudely, no shards of shame in this man. Absolutely none. He just loves to fluster you, knows it gets to you real good. Fucking funny.

“Jesus, don’t be such a freak,” you scowl. Makes you look cute, that little mad expression on your face. Makes Leon wanna pinch your cheeks and be mean to you some more. It’s like pushing a puppy around. “What? Scared of the truth?” he scoffed. “Just whip it out already.”

“Fuck’s sake, alright alright!” You finally relent, though with some last slivers of hesitation. You decide to bite the bullet, yanking your boxers off in one sloppy motion and kicking out of them. So now you’re just standing there like an idiot, cock and balls out and about.

And Leon’s just fucking staring like the perv he is. He’s doing it on purpose, a smirk on his face and his hands on his hips as if he were examining some enigmatic museum painting. It makes your hands shoot down to cover up, an action that has Leon almost burst out laughing. “Ah, get a hold of yourself. My junk and your junk aren’t so different.” he teases, before fucking finally walking towards the shower to turn it on.

Now you’re the one staring. Of course you are. His ass looks nice, got some pretty cocoa colored birth marks on it. Your hands itch to reach out and just start groping and squeezing to your hearts content. Also, he’s a fucking liar. His dick is way bigger than yours; thicker too. It’s got a mushroom head, uncut, and god does it look tasty.

He’s also hard.

You can tell due to the way his cock stands at attention proudly, twitching against his lower tummy, precum beading at the rosy tip. Would you be able to take that up your ass? Probably not. Doesn’t stop you from craving it though.

Now you’re hard too. And you hate it. Because you know Leon’s gonna say some stupid shit and taunt you. So while he tries to tame the water temperature to be something handleable, you desperately try to tame your cock down.

How? You don’t even know. Maybe thinking of something that would turn you off? Like your mom or… fuck, that just made shit weird. Groaning internally, you try to think of something else, but everything fails. Because Leon’s stupid face keeps popping into your mind unwarranted.

“Someone’s happy to see me,” Leon’s voice suddenly drawled out, the smugness in his tone palpable. God, fucking damn. You’re mortified, almost near flinched. Somehow, getting caught with a hard on makes your cock twitch with need, precum starting to pool at your own tip.

“Fuck off, it’s just… it just happened.” You try to save yourself, but there’s no doubt at what’s happening here. You’re both turned on by each other, and the tension is as fucking weird as it is sexy. Before Leon can say anything, you step forward, pulling the rest of the shower curtain aside so you could fit in, “Just get in already.”

Leon chuckles lightly, “mhm,” he hums with that cheeky smirk still on his face. He joins you in the shower, and immediately you two are pressed up against one another. You weren’t lying when you said the space was small. Leon doesn’t seem to mind. No siree. Not one bit. In fact, this is the best day of his life.

Staring down at you, he practically towers over you, casting an ominous shadow over your frame. Your brows twitch, curving into a frown. “Hurry up before it gets cold.” you huff, lips pouty and head dipping shyly. It’s a natural submission, one that you don’t even notice. He thrives off of that.

Without another word, he took a white rag and a bar of soap from the shower caddy, lathering up the cloth until it gained suds and a eucalyptus scent. Made your nose twitch and the tension ease out of your body. You’re a sucker for some good scents.

Somehow, this feels strangely intimate. Leon feels it too. It’s enough to get the both of you to cut the teasing and taunting bullshit for now. Your eyes flutter shut, humming delightedly as the warm spray of water cascaded down your back, dowsing the both of you in a cozy glow.

A shudder goes down your spine when Leon starts to run the soapy rag down your body, rubbing it along your arms, neck, back and so forth. Every part of you. “Feel good?” he murmured, his usual cocky expression gone in favor of a much softer one. It felt odd, considering how you two were just friends, but were doing something lovers usually did. Lovers. That word felt foreign to you. Scary, even.

“Mhm,” you hum quietly in response, leaning into the soothing touches. Leon smiles. He scrubs you good, making you feel squeaky clean. Makes sure to get that clumped up mess of cum between your thighs too, subtly smirking when you stiffened slightly.

Placing the cloth down and the bar of soap back into their places, he retrieved the shampoo that laid in the caddy. Gaining some of that viscous liquid in the palm of his hand, he brushed it through your hair, lathering it up until it felt foamy and puffy. Only then did he wash it out. Honestly, the whole process felt like a blur to you. It just felt too good, to be cared for like this.

Almost fell asleep. Once he was done pampering you with delicate touches and massages, your eyes fluttered open. Reciprocation was craved. “You don’t have to,” he mumbled, “I want to.” you said. And you did. Using the same soapy rag, you took care of him. Your fingers occasionally traced over scars and patches of bruised skin, lovingly grazing dotted marks like constellations. You’re enraptured.

You shampoo his hair too, running your fingers through those blonde locks that feel silky and smooth to the touch. Leon shuts his eyes, his shoulders drooping into a state of relaxation. He feels the same. God, he’s usually such a worrywart. It feels nice to let go like this. To be touched and appreciated. Worshipped.

He sighed, letting the stream of warm water wash away remaining suds and scented foam. He doesn’t want to leave. Not yet. Hunching over a little, he buried his face into the crook of your neck, shifting modestly to be able to properly face you in such a cramped space.

His lips ghosted your skin, arms wrapping around your waist to pull you flush against his chest. It’s suffocating in the best way possible. You wrap your arms around him too, holding him as if he were your lifeline. “You smell good,” he mumbled, kisses becoming more frequent along the sensitive row of flesh that belonged to your throat.

You don’t have anything snarky to say. The thought is there, but you don’t want to. Not worth it. Not at all. “Uh huh,” you let out a shaky breath, rewarding him with a mewl when those kisses turn into gentle suckles. Your cock twitches against your lower abdomen, and his presses against it. Slowly, he starts to rut into you.

Cocks rubbing together, he continues to lather you in affection, hands gliding up and down your back, occasionally squeezing your ass or rubbing your shoulders. You moan softly, nestling closer. Any longer in this shower and you’ll start to prune, but damn does this feel good.

Unable to properly peer up at him due to the continuous fall of water, you settle in for nuzzling your face into the column of his neck, tentatively sharing lovely kisses of your own. He parts from your throat, cupping your cheek in his hand to pull your head up. You don’t get a chance to speak before he mashed his lips against yours, tongue slipping in to dance.

You whine into the kiss when you felt his freehand snake down to grasp onto your dick, starting to slowly pump it up and down. “Leon,” you whimpered against his lips, hips involuntarily bucking forward. God, your water bill is going to kill you.

“Shh,” Leon cooed, reluctantly parting from the lip locking, “Just enjoy it.” his thumb occasionally found purchase on your rosy tip, rubbing vertical lines onto the tiny slit to coax out precious drops of precum. Fuck, that felt good. Made you louder, Leon noted.

He does too much for you, you think. You wanna touch him too. Wanna taste him. “Leon,” you mew softly, eyes big and pleading once you manage to gaze up at him through the relentless spray of water. Drops of it clump up your eyelashes, but you don’t care. “Can I suck you off? Please?” you beg prettily, and Leon just can’t bring himself to say no to you.

“Fuck, yeah, you wanna?” he groans, cock twitching excitedly at the thought. “Uh huh, yeah, I wanna,” you whine. Shit, how can you go from stubborn boy to whiny bitch in mere seconds? Hell if he knows. You don’t wait for a response, instantly getting on your knees. The hard floor makes your bones hurt, flesh turning rosy, but that’s okay. Yes, that’s perfect.

His cock aligns with your face, and you just have to kiss it; so you do. Your pillowy lips plant against the heated tip, hot tongue darting out to kitten lick away the milky precum. You don’t mean to tease, you’re just completely lost in the sensation. It’s new to you, sucking a dude’s cock. Leon can tell. So he doesn’t rush you, but damn. He needs more than just cute licks.

“Fuck yeah, keep going,” he encourages, hips tilting forward in a silent plea for more. You comply, mouth parting to take the head in first. You start sucking on that, like a baby with a pacifier. You look stupid. He loves that. His hand cups the back of your head, practically fucking begging you to just take his fat cock into your mouth already.

Finally, you do. It’s not quick, but you slowly slide the rest of his meat into your mouth. Gagging instantly due to his size, he grunts when your throat squeezes around him. Whining, you try to get used to the feeling. It’s not everyday you get a cock in your mouth. Especially one that belongs to your best friend.

Slowly, so fucking slowly, you start to bob your head up and down, feeling the veins and ridges of his shaft tickle your insides. It’s weird, an almost alien feeling. But fuck, it’s amazing. Addicting. Your cock agrees, considering how it continues to twitch and throb pathetically.

Cute, Leon thinks. Getting a sloppy blowjob from his best friend while in the shower was not something he expected. His skin is already starting to prune. He focuses on the pleasure he’s feeling, biting his bottom lip to keep a particular moan from spilling. You’re progressively getting better, learning from the noises he makes and the slight twitch his thighs give when you do something that he likes.

Your tongue swirls around him, lips suctioning and swelling. You’re drooling all over him, making a hot, sloppy mess on his dick. Not to mention how embarrassingly loud you’re being, slurping as if you were starving. Maybe you were. “Mmngg,” you whimper and grunt around him, voice sending vibrations throughout his entire being that made his toes curl and his eyes squeeze shut.

“Fuck, fuck, so good,” he hissed through his teeth, unable to keep himself from abruptly thrusting into your mouth. He shoots you an apologetic glance when you gag and his tip hits the back of your throat, but god, he can’t help himself. Can’t wait anymore.

So he gives in, starting to gently thrust into your mouth. He can feel that coil tightening up, the telltale signs of an orgasm approaching, and fast. You take as much as you can, even as you gag and choke. Somehow, that makes it so much better. Makes you start to move your hips too, only you’re humping air instead of someone’s face.

Poor thing. So needy. Fucking the air like a goddamn dog in heat. Makes Leon pity you. His thrusts become heavier, balls starting to slap against your chin. “Shit. Fuck. Gonna cum soon,” he panted softly, “Love your mouth, gonna cum all over it. Y’gonna swallow?” he huffed out his breaths, keeping one hand on the back of your head. The other one was splayed against the slippery shower wall to ground himself.

You do your best to respond, letting out a pathetic ‘mhm!’ in between muffled mewls and whimpers. You can feel yourself about to cum from just this. From just Leon fucking your face. “Good boy,” Leon hummed, satisfaction playing across his features. Snapping his hips forward, he ignores your wet gagging and pleading whines for mercy.

“Fuck, i’m cumming. Swallow it all,” He demands. Not like he needs to. He knows you’d do it regardless. You do as told, eagerly swallowing as much cum as you can as soon as he starts to shoot his load in between grunts and moans. Even as your cheeks start to puff up due to holding so much in your mouth and some spills out. You’re trying your best, and that’s all that matters, right? Right.

It’s all so much. So much that you can’t take anymore. With a loud whimper, you bust your own load, heavy cum spewing from your twitching cock in thick ropes. One, two, and then three. It all immediately gets washed away by the water spewing from the shower head. How the water hasn’t gone cold yet is beyond you.

Finally, Leon’s cock starts to soften in your mouth and he slips out with a wet pop noise. His chest heaved with every breath he took, muscles starting to relax. “Atta boy,” he murmured soothingly, looking down at your dazed and flushed expression with a smile on his face. Pulling you up carefully by the arm, he held you against his chest, rubbing comforting circles against your back with his palm.

Your knees hurt like hell, but you’re too content to think about it. Leon notices and winces, crooning sympathetically, “shit, sorry.” he mumbled sheepishly, attempting to stabilize your wobbling form. You chuckle tiredly, “it’s okay,” yeah, more than okay. “Kiss me please?” you plead, glancing up at him with a small pout. God, since when did you start asking for this willingly?

Leon hesitated, a bit taken aback by your request. It’s sweet, seeing how needy you are. Some part of him feels guilty, but the warmth that seeps into him from your pleading tone is enough to make him relent. “Alright,” he mumbled, taking claim of your lips once more. It’s sweeter than the first time. Saliva and tongue exchanged. It’s like your melting in his mouth, being all syrupy and cute like this.

He sucks on your lips, and then your tongue, making you whine. Another minute and he finally parts. His heart flutters in his chest and it feels strange. Like butterflies are swarming his belly. Can’t tell if he likes it or not. He doesn’t want to break the spell you both seem to be in, but he does eventually.

Lightly chuckling, he ignores your eyes, “We should step out now. We’re getting all pruny.” it’s a lame and rather awkward attempt, but it seems to work considering the halfhearted glare you shot his way. Much better. Hesitantly, you reach past him to turn the shower handles, cutting the heavy stream of water off. Ugh, bad idea. The cold air made you shudder, goosebumps forming along your skin.

“Alright alright, c’mon,” you huff, stepping out of the shower on slightly wobbly legs. Leon follows, much more steadier than you. Back to your regularly scheduled program of teasing and playful jabs, you suppose. You grab a towel for yourself from underneath the sink cabinet, and another one for Leon. Only you throw it at him lazily.

He manages to catch it before it hit the ground, “rude,” he huffed in feigned indignation. You only roll your eyes, “Oh, shut up.”

Doesn’t hide the smile that played at your lips. But it’s a good try. Drying your hair off with the rough towel, you’re both quiet, with only the sound of fabric rubbing on skin present. You’re both lost in thought. Processing things.

“You’re paying my water bill.”

“Absolutely not.”

[ravenromanova]

My Shining star

Pairings: Insecure Bucky x Healer Female reader

Summary: You’re the official healer for the Avengers. When Steve comes in begging you to heal Bucky you immediately say yes… But Bucky is hesitant (giving you guys a lil something before my next post)

word count: 1.7k

Warnings: Ptsd, talk of torture, Mentions of abuse and blood, (not really a warning but soft bucky 🥹 ik we all love him)

Main masterlist - Send me requests!!!

-

Ever since you joined the team 5 years ago you’ve been the north star to light the way. You were originally brought on as Bruce Banners second hand, But quickly became the teams personal healer. They figured out you had healing powers when one day Tony came in carrying Morgan who was in tears. He told you she had cut her finger on a piece of metal and wanted you to see how bad it was.

When you walked over to her you saw her puffy eyes and her snot filled nose. You held her hands and told her to take some deep breath with you. Once you two fell into a rhythm you saw a orange-ish glow emit from your hands. Before you could comprehend what had happened her cut was healed.

You dropped Morgan’s hands and freaked out looking at Tony and Bruce. They both looked at Morgan’s finger and saw that the cut was completely gone. Bruce asked you if that had ever happened before, and you said no. They proceeded to ask you about your family and if you knew of anyone who had powers, again you said no.

Eventually after they calmed you down they asked if they could run some tests to see what it could be. After a shit ton of tests and long nights you three finally found and answer. Biotherapeutic Manipulation was what your power was. Unfortunately you have no idea where it came from but, it’s assumed it’s a gene in your family that lies dormant.

That was two years ago and ever since then you’ve been the official team healer. Everyone comes to you for your healing powers along with them just loving being around you. The team loved having you around because you were just a ray of light.

No matter how hard you’ve been working. No matter what’s been going on in your personal life you were always happy. So it was a no brainer when Tony asked you to move into the compound. You accepted the offer with the brightest smile. And within a week you were moved onto the same floor with Steve, Sam and Bucky.

A few months went by and you got a lot closer with everyone on the team. Well everyone except Bucky. He was never a man of many words to begin with, But since you joined he was even more silent. He also never let you heal him. Bucky claimed that the serum would do it and that he didn’t need it.

So for months now when everyone else comes into the lab to get healed…Bucky without fail will tell you he’s fine.

You didn’t really think anything of it until he came back from a mission really beat up. He had three stab wounds, and at least two gunshot wounds as well. Steve brought him into the lab begging you to heal him. And again without fail he told you he was fine and that the serum would fix it for him.

“you’re not fine Bucky! you are profusely bleeding and you’re lucky you have passed out yet” You say a little annoyed at the super soldier.

“i will heal in a few hours y/n really i don’t need it” He continues to protest and Steve just sighs.

“Punk let her heal you ok? you can’t keep refusing when you’re seriously hurt” Steve tried to coax him into letting you heal his friend.

Bucky just shakes his head in response and You and Steve just sigh. It takes you a second to come up with an idea. Once the lightbulb goes off you give Steve a look that tells him to leave.

“i’ll give you guys a minute” He says as he leaves the lab with a nod and you walk back over to Bucky.

“why won’t you let me heal you?” The question is laced with concern as it leaves your lips.

“i don’t des- need it.” He switches he word choice thinking you won’t notice but of course you do.

Suddenly everything makes sense. Why he doesn’t talk. Why he trains alone. Why he doesn’t let you heal him. It’s all because he think he doesn’t deserve good things.

“Bucky- do you think you don’t deserve to be healed?” You ask as you slowly reach for his metal hand. He’s hesitant but he lets you hold it as he looks up at you.

His blue eyes meet yours and you can feel the sadness in them. Bucky slowly nods his head at your question. Your heartbreaks and this realization.

“Well that’s just not true. You deserve it just think the rest of the team does” You simply state trying to ease him into it.

“No i don’t. Not after everything i’ve done. I don’t deserve your kindness or your healing” He protests shaking his head and you grab his face and make him look at you.

“Listen to me very carefully James. You deserve good things. okay? You are a good person. And before you try to use your past to say you don’t. Let me ask you something. Did you ask to be taken by hydra?” You ask already knowing the answer but needing him to respond.

He shakes his head no at your question.

“Okay now did you ask to be turned into the winter soldier?” You question again as you drop your hands from his face.

He shakes his head again.

“Now lastly.. Did you ever ask to do what they made you?” The words are softer coming out this time.

Bucky shakes his head no and looks at you.

“Then it’s not your fault James. They did awful things to you. Yes it was your body doing it… But it wasn’t your mind. It wasn’t you. Because YOU are a good person. I know we don’t talk that much around here but i know you’re a good person James. Everyone around here knows that. Now let me heal you and show you something good” You kinda ramble on but you hope your words made an impact.

Bucky stares at you in response not quite sure how to respond. It makes him a few minutes before he mutters out an ‘okay’. You smile softly as you approach him taking off your white gloves to reveal your perfectly manicured hands.

“this might be a little awkward but i need you to take off your shirt” Bucky’s eyes widen at your words “I can’t heal the wounds if i don’t touch them” You continue to explain hoping it would ease his mind.

“o-okay” He stumbles out as he lifts up his shirt and takes it off. It takes everything in you to not stare at his broad chest. You rip your eyes off his toned abs and approach him.

“you’re gonna feel a tingling sensation but it won’t hurt okay? you can even watch what i do if that makes you feel better” You say as you place your hand over a small cut on his chest. Once you close your eyes and focus your breathing a orange glow emits from your hand.

Bucky watches as you place your hand on the cut and it slowly fades away. His eyes widen in amazement. Sure he’s heard of the power you hold but he’s never seen it in person. He watches as you go from wound to wound healing him. Suddenly you stop at his left shoulder and run your finger over the scar tissue.

He worriedly watches you as you place your hand on his shoulder blade. You hum to yourself as you attempt to heal any nerve damage in his shoulder due to the metal arm.

“H-how did you do that?” Bucky asks as he feels the pain disappear in his shoulder.

“Well i figured that HYDRA didn’t properly give you that arm so i had i feeling you had some nerve damage- plus Steve has also mentioned it before” You respond and you finish up the last cut on his face.

You’re suddenly really aware of how close your faces are. You notice how his deep blue eyes are focused on you. He grabs the hand that’s on his cheek and brings it to his lips. Bucky softly kisses your palm before holding your hand softly.

“Uh thank you for helping me- you really didn’t have to” He shyly says as he hops off the table and stands in front of you.

“Don’t do that- I helped you because yes it’s my job. But i also wanted to. I will gladly be the one to show you that you deserve any shred of good humanity has to offer” You respond as you start to clean up the lab a little.

“But still it means a lot that you healed me. You know you’re like the only person besides Steve to not look at me like a monster? or like i’m broken..” He says trailing off as he looks down at his feet.

“well you aren’t a monster nor were you ever one. And like i said you deserve nice things” You say finally looking up and meeting his gaze with a smile.

He nervously rubs his hands together before he speaks again. “would you like to maybe go out sometime? like to dinner or a movie?” Bucky asks still not meeting your gaze.

You laugh a little at how nervous he is. Even though you aren’t quite sure why he’s so nervous when he looks like that you still find it cute. You walk up to him and gently lift his head to look at you.

“I’d love to James.” You smile and he reaches for your hand and intertwines your finger together.

“how about tomorrow around 7?” He says with a goofy smile on his face. You admire his smile before you respond.

“sounds perfect” The excitement in your voice makes him smile wider. He runs this thumb over your knuckles for a moment as he looks at you.

“It’s a date then” He says before kissing your cheek and walking out of the lab. You stand there for a moment smiling like a idiot.

As bucky leaves he can’t contain the smile on his face. He finally got a date with the woman he’s been pining for since she’s arrived. You’re finally gonna be his shining star

~the end~

i do not give permission for my work to be translated or posted on other sites

[cineflections]

You know, if there was one manga that would be adapted to live action and succeed, I never would have guessed it to be this one.

I'm ofc talking about the One Piece Live Action on Netflix

A whole day binge right after release, I was READY, and thankfully, I was not disappointed. There are cuts and streamlining of the story, characters coming in earlier than in the manga/anime, and some of the emotional bits don't hit as hard as in the original. Still, I can feel the love the production team has of One Piece. The characters are goofy and lovable, but they are also serious and straight-faced.

One thing that I noticed throughout was the constant close up to faces and sometimes straight on, as if almost breaking the 4th wall. The very first scene with Luffy is like this, but there he DOES look into the camera directly, but the pov of the camera is revealed to be a newsbird. It's like a statement that they know this is a silly pirate romp, they know that some people will not take this seriously, but they will not do 4th wall breaks silly, but in-universe silly. Does that make sense?

I laughed at several points in the show, big and wide smile on my face and pointing at the screen several times...

But I do wonder how much of my laugh was on the show's on merit or if I was only calling back on the the source material. At times I did feel the straw hat crew not being as iconic as in the manga/anime. The extreme reactions, the over the top noises and actions, at the same time I realize that real people generally don't act like that.

I appreciate the show runners attention to details. Putting stuff in to tease future arcs, adapting some cover stories, some of the complete unhinged behaviors of characters (Garp I'm looking at you!).

This show adapted Romance Dawn, orange town, syrup village, baratie, and arlong park.

There are so many moments that are almost scene by scene taken from the manga. Luffy in the barrel and meeting Koby. Alvida with her giant spike club. We got to see some pre-captured Zoro moments (particularly him killing a baroque works agent!), Nami being a sneak.

Then we meet the one and only clown Buggy! They hammed him up, they made him a showman and a real clown (with a real bulgy nose as well, props!). I loved Buggy. Goddamn what a show stealer. Excellent casting, his devil fruit was show cased so well and it looked good!

Usopp's introduction is the most changed. The kids are gone and the Black Cat pirates never call in the entire crew or Jango. Instead of the fight on the slope by the beach it's instead in Kaya's house from which they cannot escape. The actor for Kuro nailing the mannerism and hand movements, altho his "teleporting" looks a bit wonky.

With Baratie we are finally introduced to Sanji! Who's British now 😆. And Mihawk's introduction tho! Badass and just so over the top and goofy. I love him so much! This is where we got the biggest change where we instead get Arlong and crew coming in smashing the place up (a tiny bit). Arlong may not be as tall as he should be but I love the practical approach instead of CGI, which means he actually feels present! All the fishmen we see are guys in costume and prosthetics!

Arlong Park felt a bit more rushed than the earlier parts, but I do think they nailed *that* scene tho.

If the bar for live action adaptation was below the ground, I would say now there's a new bar, which is on the ground 😅. I think it's a solid show but it might be my bias talking. I do have some gripes tho.

One thing that was constant in East Blue Saga was how much village people hate or are scared of pirates. I think they got the marines right, and the pirates, but they failed to really have the village people be a character in their own right. In the manga and anime the villagers are mostly a monolith who will think and act alike in situations and be part of the happenings either by watching or fighting. We got just about none of it here, except a mention in Arlong Park. They did some really good and cool world building with lots of people populating the sets in the background - but that's it, they're just extras to fill out the screen. There are ofc a few exceptions but I felt it was not enough.

I wish they had Luffy be more agile when using his gum-gum powers. Whenever he springs a pistol or a whip is stands in place, which I found boring (and they did so well with Zoro's fights!). I do think the explanation is that they decided for Luffy to be coming into his powers as we go. That we will learn with him all the things he can do (him not knowing he can blow himself up like a balloon proves this). I hope that in season 2 (please netflix!) they show the growth in his fighting!

But to end this long post. I just wanna say how much I fucking love the dude playing Mihawk. Goddamn he's so fun. MVP.

For the straw hats, I would say that Usopp feels the closest to manga version, and Luffy feels the most distant from it. But I don't dislike this, and I think the actor for Luffy has so much potential to really make the role his own.

It will never be "just like" the manga and anime, but that's ok! It's a new adaptation (in live action) made by people you can tell loves the source material and really really tried to make it work! I respect that, and I respect this show. Please watch it on Netflix! It's a fun and silly time, just like it should be!