weedpencil5

[felixbit]

up all night

pairing: bang chan x gn!reader w. 3.9k genre: shameless smut summary: chan is in the studio working late, stressed about a deadline and pushed to his limit. you convince him to take his mind off work. warnings: reader has somewhat implied afab anatomy but no gendered terms/pronouns are used. petnames used: baby, love, honey a/n: making my smut debut with chan! written for the best person ever

As of late, Chan has been in the studio far more often than you'd like.

You knew he was a workaholic when you got into the relationship. He cared about his career, music, and group so much he'd push himself to the brink. He wrote, composed, and produced all of his own music and wouldn't have it any other way. If he wanted success, he needed to make it himself.

It came at a cost, though. You saw the way his mental health would deteriorate around the time of deadlines. He'd spend almost entire days in the studio, perfecting every last word and beat. You watched as he shaped this music from his hands, sculpting them to smooth out every edge and imperfection.

Even Chan was far too aware how bad it was for himself. You'd try to find ways for him to take breaks, always bringing him food and water to keep him going. He'd thank you in a million ways, with words and fond touches but it ended in him going back to work.

When he finally was home, he returned to the kind and gentle boyfriend you knew him to be. Holding you as you fell asleep and buying your order at the local coffee shop before you woke up. He'd make you breakfast in bed when he had the time, writing love notes whenever he had to leave before you woke up.

As it always happened, a new deadline was approaching. Chan often slipped out after schedules to the studio and worked himself down to the bone. You tried your hardest to spend as much time in there with him, even if it was just laying on the couch scrolling your feed. Every little thing helped.

That night, you'd ordered him some takeout but it was eaten long ago. The time on your phone showed it was half past three in the morning and Chan was at it in earnest. Headphones on, replaying samples and tweaking sounds.

You looked over from your phone when you heard him swear under his breath and take his headphones off. Chan let out a long sigh and covered his face with his hands for a moment before looking back down at his work.

"It- it just won't sound like I need it to. It's not right, it's.." Chan rambled into the air.

You got up from the couch and walked behind his chair, putting your hands on his broad shoulders and massaging them with your fingers. "I know, Channie. Is there anything I can do to help you right now?"

"No, I'm sorry," Chan let out a long sigh and smiled up at you weakly, "You being here is enough."

You felt a stirring in your stomach at the sentiment, but you wouldn't give up that easily. "I can't just let you suffer alone here. Do you want to take a break or wrap up for the night?"

"I won't remember how I want it tomorrow. If I give up on this now, there's a chance I never fix it and it goes out sounding wrong. I can't do that."

"Chris," You stopped massaging his shoulders to turn his chair around, looking down at him, "I know you want it perfect. Write it down on a sticky note what you want and take a break. It's gonna be four soon and I'm not letting you spend another all nighter here."

Chan looked up at you curiously before deflating back in his chair. "I mean- are you sure? If I forget, it's gonna be noticeable, and-"

"I'll remind you. I'll put it in my phone and tell you exactly what you need to fix. Here, tell me what it is and I'll write it down. Got it?"

Chan paused for a moment before nodding, allowing you to open your phone before speaking. He gave you the exact timestamps of the song and the strange producer jargon that you couldn't quite make sense of. You wrote it down word-for-word just as he needed it.

"There, it's in here for you later," You recited it back to him and he gave a confirmatory nod, "You're all set for tomorrow."

"Tomorrow? I can't be done for the night, there's too much to work on and not enough time. I'm sorry, just another hour. Please?"

You shook your head and set your phone down on the table before sliding into his lap, straddling him in the chair. "You're not working another second on those songs tonight, Chris."

Chan looked up at you a little stunned before a sly smirk crossed his face. "Baby, you know that's not fair to me. I need to work and you're doing something dangerously distracting."

"What are you going to do, then?" You replied back, unable to hold back a grin, "You gonna remove me from your lap to do some boring work instead?"

You could see Chan chew on the inside of his cheek before sighing. "It's not boring, and I really should get back to it.."

"Then you're going to have to remove me yourself, because I'm not moving."

Chan let out a dramatic sigh before his hands moved up the outside of your thighs, resting right next to your hips. "You know damn well I'm not going to do that."

"And why's that, Channie?"

His hands moved over your thighs, giving a light squeeze. "God, you're driving me insane. Coming into the studio every night and making yourself useful at every opportunity.. I wanted so bad to stop just to make you feel good. You deserve that, instead of me working the whole day."

"Your opportunity has finally come, I'm all yours if you want me right now."

Chan chuckled, "You could ask me that a thousand times and I could never say no."

You leaned in to his ear and whispered, "Then make your move."

There was a moment of silence before Chan pulled you in for a kiss, messy and rushed. His hands were all over your thighs, waist, back. He couldn't pick a spot and stick to it, deciding instead everywhere needed to be felt over.

You tried to keep things centered, your arms wrapped around the back of his neck. One of your hands played with the curls growing on the back of his head, enjoying the soft feeling through your fingers. It was the only thing keeping you sane.

His hands finally found a place to reside when he hooked them on the hem of your pants, giving light tugs as you felt him squirming under you. Pulling away from the kiss with a grin, you looked down at Chan and his flushed appearance. "So eager.."

"Can you blame me? Now stand up and help me get those off," Chan demanded with a rushed voice, helping get you to your feet as he followed in your footsteps. His usually deft hands were fumbling as he desperately pulled your pants off of you and discarded them to the floor.

Watching him undo his own sweatpants like a madman had you giggling at the sight. "You go one week without any action, and this is how desperate you get?"

"I'm a starved man, honey," Chan's face was red and already had sweat on his brow, "I can't wait any longer, not after all that teasing."

"Teasing? What-"

"Get on the damn couch."

That much was enough to have you laying down on the couch without hesitating. His sweatpants joined yours on the floor, showing off the black boxers he was sporting underneath. A quick glance showed he was pitching an obvious tent.

Although as quick as you were, Chan caught you looking. He raised his brows and laughed, "And I'm the eager one here?"

"You are the eager one here, hardly put your hands on me and you're giving those boxers a run for their money," You responded with your own laugh.

"You little.." Chan shook his head and leaned over you, putting his weight on one forearm on the couch as he kissed you once more. Instead of the fast and desperate pace he had set before, Chan was far slower and delicate. It was almost infuriatingly slow.

You couldn't show how much you wanted him to go faster, that would only prove his point. Instead, he was slowly breaking you down by the second, one arm stabilizing himself and the other hand on your neck, softly stroking your jaw with his thumb.

The waiting game paid off when Chan suddenly took your bottom lip between his teeth, giving it a small tug before he pulled away. "I can't keep this up. You win. Damn you, I'm eager."

There wasn't time for any words to respond before Chan was back where he was before, sloppy and fast. He kissed down your neck, excessive in his biting and sucking at the sensitive skin. Not expecting it, a sound broke its way out of you.

You did your best not to give in to the rest of his harsh and aggressive kisses down your neck. After a week of downtime, he was making up for it in marking your neck as his own. Nobody was going to know who the perpetrator of the hickeys were later (other than the upset staff), but it was the idea that mattered.

There were bigger problems actively stealing your attention. Namely, the small amount of friction made with him moving ever-so-slightly between your legs. It was easy to ignore at first, but the neck kisses were causing the pleasure parts of your brain to kick into high gear.

With one harsher movement than the rest, you were unable to bite back a small, unfiltered sound that escaped you. Chan broke contact with your red and bruising skin to look up with a grin on his face.

"What was that, love?" Chan's tone was starkly different than before, far more teasing and with a dark edge to his voice that you only recognized coming out in bed.

Attempts to take his attention off of it failed and you were forced to fess up in the moment. "You have to stop moving like that, it's driving me crazy."

"Moving like what?" Chan shifted his legs, slotting his thigh directly between yours and pressing firmly against you. This elicited a frustrated sigh, the feeling too strong to push away.

Upon no immediate response, Chan pushed his thigh forward and forced a fuller, more in-tact moan out of you. "Fine, fine- that. Putting your thigh between my legs. That's the thing that's driving me crazy."

"There you go," Chan's words were sickly doting in a way that made you break at the seams, "What do you want instead?"

With his thigh slotted firmly between your own, finding coherent strings of words was difficult. "Just.. get this underwear off me and use your fingers instead."

Chan smiled, clearly pleased with your answer. He moved his leg out from between yours, relieving the pressure and allowing you to breathe. He sat back on his legs as he removed the last layer of clothing from below your waist, tossing it to the growing pile on the floor.

He nudged himself closer, Chan's hand finding its way to where his thigh was once situated before. His middle finger teased you with a circular motion around your entrance, so close to where you needed it most.

"Chan." You demanded, shooting him a glare.

"Okay, okay. Just admiring how worked up I've got you," Chan smirked before his finger pushed inside, slowly filling you up and drawing out a long sigh. He worked slowly yet decisively, knowing exactly how you like it.

That was one of the things you loved about Chan: he knew your body like the back of his hand. Where you were most sensitive, what drove you wild, how rough you liked him to get. He could push your buttons perfectly, string you up in his words until you were tied up into a nice present for him.

Before you could process the first, Chan had already added a second finger and was growing more confident. He worked his fingers in and out in a steady rhythm, not slow enough to leave you wanting more nor fast enough to want to slow down.

"That good, baby?" Chan's eyes met yours, and you saw a different side of him for a moment. The way he sought your approval and made sure everything was right had your heart melting. He had confidence in his abilities, but occasionally needed reassurance.

You nodded eagerly, on the cusp of desperation. "It's good, Channie, you're doing so good," You said between soft moans as his fingers pumped deep, feeling him tease a third and giving him a nod.

The third was always a stretch that had you biting back whines in conjunction to moans, but the feeling was too good to beat. The feeling of being full, on his fingers or otherwise, was what drove you wild.

He kissed you once more, slow and tender as his fingers continued to work. It was hard to keep properly connected, devolving into moaning against his lips with small kisses in between.

"Chris," You said, "Can't wait any longer. Need to have you inside, baby."

Instead of his usual entourage of teasing questions, Chan nodded. He made quick work of his boxers, tossing them haphazardly towards the pile as he moved back to you. He was painfully hard, already leaky and worked up.

"Can I?" He looked down for your reassurance, which came with a nod as he lined himself up. His hips moved forward slowly, feeling him filling you up more by the second. It always took a second to adjust to the size, catching your breath as he bottomed out and waited for your signal.

When you gave him the go-ahead, Chan couldn't help but begin a slow and steady pace. He knew better than to go fast right off the bat- he was a lot to handle. But you could hear him whining softly over top of you and knew he was desperate.

Looking up at him, you cupped his face and pulled him in for a quick kiss. "You can go faster, Chris. You won't hurt me."

You heard Chan let out a breathy laugh before his thrusts grew harsher. Instead of the slow, fluid motion of before; he was faster, precise. Every movement had purpose, each angled just right and hitting the sweet spot.

The sudden adjustment had you whining and letting out louder moans, unable to properly cope. It was overwhelming how good he was at it. All you could do was wrap your hands around the back of his shirt and claw at it helplessly as he had his way.

The fabric getting in the way of your fingers on his skin was beginning to frustrate you. "Off," You managed to get out, "Shirt- off."

Chan grinned, sitting up for a moment and slowing down to a snail's pace to pull his black t-shirt over his head and discard it. You reached up, dragging a hand down his chest and over his abs. Every muscle was yours to touch, to claim.

"You like what you see?" Chan said with a laugh.

Deadpanning, you shook your head. "Shut up."

In a second, he was back over top of you and his pace was back with a new force he didn't have before. It was often he was without clothes, but you weren't under the impression a shirt would be the thing holding him back. Either way, you relished in the fact his back was open to you.

Your nails dug in to his tanned skin, dragging along as he fucked into you steadily. You could hear him sucking air in between his teeth followed by his soft moans. He was always one to endure a little pain.

An idea popped into your head when you thought of before, sitting in the chair in his lap. "Chris, stop for a sec." He immediately halted all movements, looking down at you to make sure everything was alright. "Sit normally, facing the booth."

Chan looked at you perplexed for a moment, but pulled away. He did exactly as you told him to, sitting with his legs spread facing the booth he was just sitting in front of not twenty minutes ago. "What are you planning?" He asked.

You sat up and climbed over to him, straddling his waist with your legs and feeling him hard underneath you. "What I wanted to do to you when I was in your lap earlier."

The realization slowly filled his eyes and a knowing smile returned to his face as he sat back, leaning against the black couch cushion behind him. "Go right ahead."

"If you make me do all the work, we're going to have problems," You glared at him as your hand guided his cock, slowly sinking down on it with a sigh.

Chan's large hands wrapped around your waist, slowly guiding you as you moved up and down. Riding wasn't always the easiest job, and it definitely took some getting used to at the start. Your thighs were slowly building up muscle from the practice.

"God, you're so pretty like that," Chan's voice pulled you from your thoughts, looking down at him to see him smiling up at you. His face was pink and he almost had stars in his eyes.

Seeing just how infatuated he was made your heart race and your face flush, almost forgetting to continue to move. "You're pretty, too."

Your hands were situated on his shoulders to keep steady, but one dragged down and you couldn't resist feeling up his chest a bit. Chan looked up at you smirking again. "Do you ever keep your hands off those?"

Snickering, you pushed down a little harder to see him whine and catch his breath before you responded, "If you're going to keep your clothes off all the time, I'm going to feel up the assets you work so hard on."

"Why do you insist on teasing me all the time? You know what happens when you do that," Chan had a dark look in his eyes that you knew far too well.

Shrugging, you moved your hand up to run through his hair. "Did you ever consider I might like what happens when I tease you?"

"So be it."

Without hesitation, you felt Chan's grip around your waist suddenly tighten. You leaned forward instinctively, both of your hands secured around his shoulders.

He began to thrust up into erratically, fast and without caution or precision. The sound of your skin connecting was obscene, thanking the amount of soundproofing around you as a chorus of moans spilled out of you. Every movement had him deep inside you as you attempted to roll your hips along with him.

"Fuck, Chris," You whined, his pace unrelenting and seeming like he wasn't going to let up any time soon, "Close."

There was a distinctive feeling growing, one you knew too well. The amount of pleasure from every movement was rapidly growing as your body was being overwhelmed. Chan heard you, but didn't stop for a moment. It was almost if it was a sign for him to fuck you faster.

Either way, you were tipping over the edge before you had time to process it, spasming around him as you let you a whorish moan. He slowed down, letting you ride out the high. "That's it, baby," He coaxed, "You got it."

Just as you settled down, you felt him start to work himself into a moderate pace again. Your legs felt shot from your energy levels dipping so you asked, "Do you want to me to move, baby? I don't think I have much in me to keep going right here."

"If it's not comfortable to be right there, of course we can move," Chan said with a smile as he allowed you to reposition to pretty much the same spot you were in before. You laid on your back, Chan coming back over top of you. "That better?"

"Much better," You said with a nod as he went back to the pace he had set before. It wasn't as rough as before your orgasm, but steady enough to keep you whining and your brain somewhat fogged up from the constant pleasure.

Meanwhile, you could see Chan was already getting worked up. His face was redder than usual, his eyes trained on one spot, breathing hard as he kept the effort going to thrust his hips in one continuous pace.

His deep groans and whines had begun to turn into full-fledged moans and swears under his breath. His hands eagerly gripped and kneaded at your waist, seeming like he might accidentally bruise the skin. You were about to open your mouth when he said something.

"Honey, I-" Chan was cut off by his own faltered moan, "I'm close, so fucking close."

You pulled him down to kiss him briefly, keeping his face inches from yours as he continued to erratically thrust. "You don't have to wait, cum for me."

Chan nodded vigorously, his hips snapping back and forth at a speed that had you holding onto the couch for dear life, hearing him let out strained moans and teary-eyed cries as he climbed closer and closer to the top.

All of the sudden, he pushed deep inside you, letting out a gasp and a whine as you felt him come deep inside. His hips stuttered as he slowly rocked them, riding out the high. "Oh my god, that.. that was amazing."

Allowing him a moment to catch his breath, you smiled up at him and gave him another quick kiss. "I've missed you, Chris. I've missed this," You admitted after another silent pause.

Chan nodded, pressing his forehead against yours and sighed. He had finally mellowed out, still buried deep. "I've missed you, too. I'm sorry I haven't been able to do this with you and.. be a good boyfriend."

"No, you're okay. I know how much work matters to you and getting things right means that you see that success you've always wanted. I just always miss you in the times you're working, even if I'm in the same room as you."

"I just feel bad when you're here til way too late at night. Speaking of, what time is it?" Chan slowly pulled out, leaving his mess inside you as he quickly grabbed his phone from the floor, "Oh my god. It's half past four."

Your jaw dropped, standing up quickly as Chan hurried around the room to find something to help you clean up. He settled for his own black t-shirt, telling you he'd just go home shirtless if he had to. Of course it looked terribly stained when you had wiped yourself down, sighing while knowing it probably cost a crazy amount.

Digging through a closet, you found one of Chan's old jacket. Chan was standing shirtless and pacing with the rest of his own clothes on, the defiled shirt balled up in his hand.

"Channie, guess what I found?" You asked with a grin, hiding the jacket behind your back.

Chan looked at you with a nervous smile. "Is it something good? I'm just not super stoked to walk home shirtless at four in the morning.."

You tossed the jacket to him, Chan opting to drop the shirt in his hand before he caught it to not get the filth on it. He happily slid it over his shoulders and zipped it up all the way, picking up the soiled shirt once more.

"Shall we go?" Chan said as he double-checked his pockets and walked towards the studio door.

"We shall."

[worldofkuro]

Painted Smile

Painted Smile XXIX

<- Previous Chapter I Next Chapter ->

Summary: You couldn't wait to meet new friends. What you didn't expect was this smiling little boy, only one year older than you, that would take such a big place in your life.

Notes: Hoho dear... This chapter might be hard for some of you, I'm sorry. I enjoyed this chapter and I'm even more excited for next chapter. TW: Killing, gore, forced cannabalism, cannabalism, smut, death, Alastor being his creepy self. I hope you will enjoy this chapter, tell me your thoughts.

You walked with Alastor, gripping his forearms. The sun was now low in the sky but the air around you was still warm. You didn’t know where you were walking to, but you trusted Alastor. Tonight, you would get rid of those catholic freaks who dared disturb your peaceful life.

Your heels were hitting the ground but you couldn’t hear the noise, all you could hear was your heart beating. You weren’t calm, not at all. You tried to convince yourself, you killed so many times, it was going to be easy, just like your previous victims. But you couldn’t shake a bad feeling. You felt like something was going to turn badly tonight. 

You looked at Alastor who was looking at you. He must have sensed you were beginning to feel anxious. Even more after seeing him being possessed last night. Seeing Alastor controlled by something else was scary. He wasn’t someone who could not be taken down, he was the hunter, the killer, the star of the show. He wasn’t the prey, the victim… He was Alastor Sanglar, your husband in every realm that existed.

“ My love, talk to me.”

You looked at his eyes, so full of fondness for you. You didn’t want to bother him with your questions, with your anxiety and yet… You knew he would rather hear your thoughts than letting you handle yourself. Before every murders, he would ask you to tell you how you were feeling.

“ I’m… I have a bad feeling, Alastor.” you whispered, leaning your head against his shoulder. You felt his body tensed at your words. He knew to never take your feelings lightly, even more the one that was connected to the spirits’s realm. You didn’t know how you could sense if something was going to turn badly but you could just… feel it. You wondered if it was a gift from Papa Legba..?

“ How so?”

“ It’s the first time we are going to fight against opponents that have… powers, like us. We don’t know how we are supposed to fight. How are you supposed to take them down?” You close your eyes, gripping his jacket harder. How could he be so calm about all this? 

“ Darling. They are using the power of a failed angel.” He sneered at the sky. “ What could have happened?”

“ The power of the failed angel possessed you…” You opened your eyes and looked at him. You saw his body tense before he let out a sigh. He turned his head toward you, his smile a bit smaller than usual as he stared at you with a warm glint. “ How are you so calm..?” you whispered shakily.

“ I know you are scared. This might be the hardest fight we have to win… But Darling, when we first killed my father, we were powerless and yet we fought against this man. No demons, devils, angels could be… stronger than my father. He made me live through Hell.” He looked at your hand, taking them into his hands. “ We won’t lose. Not when we are together. Remember the three rules..?”

You nodded with a shaky smile. He stared at you and you opened your mouth.

“ Rule number one: Never drop your guard.” You closed your eyes when you felt him kiss your lips, encouraging you to continue. “ Rule number two: No one is stronger than you.” You smiled against his lips as he kissed you once again. “ Rule number three: Give up…”

“ That’s right, my love. Give up your fears, I’ll be there.”

You turned your head when you felt something poking your waist. You smiled when you saw Alastor’s shadow grinning at you, tugging at your shadow, showing themselves. It seemed like it was trying to tell you you weren’t alone because they were here too. You giggled when your own shadow poked at your belly with his hideous smile.

Yes, you weren’t alone.

You took a deep breath and looked at Alastor with a new found confidence which made Alastor smile immediately.

“ Perfect, then, how are we going to do it?”

“ Well, darling ! They are hiding in an abandoned church not too far from here. How subtil. There is a cave, which isn’t even locked. We will send our shadows first so they can see what is happening downstairs, and then we’ll attack. We won’t be greedy tonight, let’s not play and just go straight into killing. Don’t play with your prey, my dear.” He pocked your nose with a mocking smile which made you frown. He was the one playing with his victim!

“ You didn’t bring any weapons..?” you tilted your head.

“ Oh, dear, do you think me a fool? My shadow holds the weapon, I couldn’t be walking in New Orleans with a rifle and a knife, could I?” He laughed as you looked at his shadow and gasped when you saw his shadow having the shadow of a rifle and a knife in his hand. You rolled your eyes with a smile, how impressive. Once more, Alastor was amazinging you with his limitless talents.

You walked until you saw the abandoned church. Nobody was around which made the task easier. The doors were opened, mostly because one of them was missing. Alastor was already checking around the building, taking mental notes about the exit of the building. 

You were dressed in your hunting outfit, which made it easier to move and of course, to kill. You stretched yourself, moaning in bliss when you felt Alastor’s shadow massage your stiff shoulder. You turned toward your husband who was motioning you to come closer. You both looked at each other before sending your shadows inside the church. 

You looked at your husband who was waiting patiently before nodding to you. He entered the house of prayer without looking back. You inhaled deeply before following him. 

Once inside, you looked at the beautiful architecture. You always loved going inside religious buildings, it was always beautiful to see. Who would have thought this beautiful abandoned building would be so deceitful, hiding your prey like this… Your shadow was happily running around, looking at everything with childish curiosity.  You walked toward Alastor who was kneeling toward the altar. He was looking at a door on the ground. You didn’t make any noises, you knew Alastor was trying to hear any sounds from underneath that door. His eyes turned red and he sank his hand into his own shadow before taking out a rifle and a knife.

‘ Which one do you want, my love?’

I’m still not good with a rifle, give me the knife. I’m an expert with that.

You took the knife from his hands but before you could step back he tugged you against his chest and kissed you with hunger. You sighed against his lips, as you ran your hand into his dark curls. 

‘ This isn’t the last time I hug you, you hear me ?’

You nodded at him with warm eyes. He nodded before gesturing to his shadow to go check what was under the door. You did the same with your shadow which followed Alastors. You both stayed quiet, waiting for your shadows to return. You were gripping on your knife, your memories of your shadow being trapped and almost burned alive was still fresh in your memories. You didn’t want it to live this painful experience once more.

You felt relief when your shadow came back, gesturing to you that it was safe to enter. Alastor went first and then waited for you and the end of the stairs. You looked around, everything was dark, the only light you could see was far away, from a room on the other side of this dark corridor.

Should we separate? 

‘Check each room on the right. I’ll check the one on the left side, don’t enter the room at the end of the corridor before I’m here, okay?.’

Yes, sir.

You could see him roll his red eyes at you which made you grin. You nodded at each other before you walked quietly toward the first room. You sended your shadow inside it and when it came back with you, making an O with its finger you went inside. You looked around, you could see broken mirrors, burned books… You made a grimace of disgust. The foul odor was making you gag and leave the room hurriedly.

You did the same for the four other rooms, sending your shadow then going inside to see if you could find anything useful. The last room seemed to be an old office, you walked toward a desk in a pitiful state. You looked at the paper on it, some seemed more recent than others. You took a letter already opened but unfortunately you couldn’t read its content. The letter seemed to have been left in water, making the ink drip into unrecognized words.  You looked at the bottom of the letter and froze when you saw the signature.

Felleur.

You grasped the letter harder in your hand, feeling fury swirling inside your body. It was the Felleur seal. Your shadow was fuzzing behind you, seeming to share your hatred. 

Was John the one who sended those lunatics at you? Why was he still obsessed with you and Alastor? And when did he decide to work with the church? What was going on?

Darling, John might be the one behind all this.

‘ Please, do explain.’

After explaining what you just found, Alastor joined you into the small office and looked at the letter with an angry smile.

‘ We really need to get rid of him.’

You nodded,putting the letter away, in your pocket. Alastor walked toward the corridor once more and looked at the enlightened room in front of you. You could hear noise, were they talking..? It meant they didn’t notice you inside the church, that was perfect.  

Alastor went inside the room as quietly as possible and hid behind a wall, almost completely broken. You followed him, trying to be as quiet as him. He tilted his head, leaning where the wall was broken and he smirked. You did the same and there they were.

The man and woman who made your life a different kind of hell was smiling at each other while talking about their daily life. You frowned when you felt something wasn’t right… You watched as Alastor took his rifle, as quietly as possible, and aimed at their head. You looked around, feeling your heartbeat way too fast…

You sat on the ground and looked in front of you. It was going to end. You were going to be free of this torment soon enough… 

You looked at the ceiling and froze when you saw a big eye staring at you and Alastor. The  eye’s sclera was reddish, like it had been watching you without blinking for too long, but the pupils of the eyes were yellow, almost gold like. You didn’t know what to do, you couldn't move your body, you were petrified. 

You felt your shadow grab your arm, making you flinch before jumping on Alastor when you heard a loud noise. You opened your eyes and felt dread in your body. The place where you have been standing not a seconds ago was now under a big rock that seemed to have fallen from the ceilings.

“ Did it get them?” You heard the woman say.

You looked at Alastor who was staring at you, his smile no longer on his lips. He gestured you toward the rock.

‘ Can you lift it?’

You stared at him before looking at the rock and tried to lift it with your telekinesis. It was so difficult but you needed to do it quickly. You felt your shadow trying to help you as it could, making you smile a little. You could feel the rock’s weight on your body, but you managed to lift it and throw it toward the couple’s direction. You fell on your knees as you heard them panicking. 

You missed, damn it.

You looked as Alastor wiped a liquid from your nose. Were you already bleeding ? Did you already use too much of your power? 

“ A reminder to you all. Not to mess with my wife’s life.” Said Alastor with a big smile on his lips, his shadow taking more place in the room.

You looked at him as he aimed toward the couple. You stood up quickly at your husband's side. You watched as the couple were standing in front of you. The man was standing in front of the girl in a protective manner while she was opening her Bible, if it was really a bible..

“ You’ve made a mistake by coming here.” said the girl, her voice shaking but her form was ready to fight. The man was gripping at an ax, staring at Alastor.

“ You’ve made a mistake by threatening our life.” You said as power began to swirled inside you, your eyes turning red. “ No God or Devil is going to save you tonight.” You spat while Alastor was grinning ears to ears, his aim still trained on the couple.

“ I wondered how you could think you could take us down.” asked Alastor with a mocking voice. 

“ We managed to possess you, didn't we? Mickeal and I know you both are the serial killer that haunts New Orleans!” Shouted the girl, her hands gripping her book harder. “ We need to clear this city from evil!”

“ And yet, you killed an innocent woman, didn't you?” spat Alastor, his smile never leaving his face. You looked at the man, Mickeal, who was gripping his ax harder. You focused on the weapon and tried to make it move away from Mickeal. You knew, as soon as you would succeed, it would be time to fight.

You concentrated on the ax but you freezed when Mickeal’s eyes fell on you. He must have realized what you were trying to do because he pushed the woman behind him.

“ Don’t bother, Louise. Those are demons, Voodoo’s hippies. We must kill them.”

Why was he protecting the lady so much? Was she the one holding the spiritual power? Were they lovers? Well, you didn’t have time for this. 

You smirked when your shadow jumped on the man who, surprised, tried to get it off him. You telekinesised your knife to plug it into his thighs. Mickeal stared at you, not flinching once.

‘ Good shot,dear.’

You couldn't respond to your husband as Louise managed to free the man who rushed toward Alastor, blocking a bullet from your husband’s rifle with his ax. Alastor pushed you out of the way, avoiding a slash from the deadly weapon.

You turned your head toward Louise who was flipping pages from her book. You focused on the grimoire she was keeping and made it fly up in the ceiling. She looked at you with fury as you smirked at her. 

“ What? You can’t do anything without it? Just so you know, I’m more of a street smart than a book smart.” You smiled before running toward her. She tried to step back but you caught her hair and threw her on the floor. She gasped as you sat on her belly and began to strangle her. You have to be quick.

She was moving underneath you, trying to escape your hands but she couldn’t do anything. You were stronger, you have taken dozens of lives, you knew where to kill. You were–

“ Darling!”

You turned your head toward your husband's voice and managed to stop your own knife that had been thrown by the man. If you hadn't stopped it, the blade would have stabbed your throat…

You winced in pain when you felt Louise kick you off from her. She was like a little mouse, she wasn’t very dangerous… You watched as she ran away toward the other side of the room. What a coward…

You turned your head toward Alastor who was avoiding every slash of ax with an annoying smile which seemed to anger Mickeal more and more. You focused once more on the ax, making it way heavier than it was supposed to be. The man looked at his weapon with a look of disbelief before looking at you with pure hate. You winked at him before Alastor punched him so hard the man had to take a couple steps back. 

You screamed when you felt yourself being lifted up from the ground. You looked as Alastor’s shadow rushed toward you. You glanced behind you and scrutinized at Louise who was studying you with a mocking grin, with a book in her hands.

“ Just so you know, I’m more of a book smart than a street smart.” she spat at you, wiggling the book in her hand. “ Did you really think you had the right grimoire?”

That bitch.

Alastor’s shadow was banging against the shield that seemed to have formed around you. It snarled in furry before rushing toward the girl who began chanting, protecting herself with a goldish light. You inspected the shield around you, how could you get out of this. You knew Alastor was already thinking about saving you more than his own battle. 

Louise was busy with Alastor’s shadow, Mickeal was still fighting Alastor… Which meant… You searched for your shadow and found it on the ground underneath you. It was making big gestures toward you that you couldn’t understand. It frowned before showing itself then yourself…

Oh, yes !

You closed your eyes, calming your senses before sending your soul into your shadow. Your shadow rushed toward the woman, going behind her. It seemed like she didn’t sense you. Well, being weaker was more useful sometimes. You ordered your shadow to claw at her legs which made her scream in pain and drop to her knees. You went back into your body as the shield around you vanished, surely because the woman lost focus. 

You screamed as you fell toward the ground but Alastor’s shadow caught you before you hit the ground and put you on the floor. You touched it, it seemed like it had been burned by the goldish light that was emanating from Louise while she was chanting.

Damn that woman.

You were already ready to throw your knife toward her but then you saw Alastor being slashed by Mickeal’s ax. You felt like the world stopped spinning. You didn't know you could make such a scream with your voice. You projected Mickeal off from Alastor and ran toward your husband.

“ Alastor !”

You looked as his torso was cut deeply, the blood already dirtying his jacket. You pulled him behind a wall that wasn’t even one meter tall. You took off his top quickly, tearing off his clothes. Alastor took his rifle, put bullets inside it and aimed at the couple, as he sat up to aim. You didn’t even stop him as you began to lick the cut. You felt his body tense but never stopped. You had blood all over your lips and chin but you didn’t care. Alastor kept shooting at the couple even if you couldn’t see if he was touching them.

And then you felt it.

You freezed as you felt an anguish of pain going from your collarbones to the end of your belly. You weren’t moving as the pain was making you lightheaded. It was like you were being cut open, it was so painful you bit your hand to not bite your tongue off.

“ Darling, are you still with me ?”

You couldn’t answer, you were in so much pain and you were also afraid this injury would cost your baby’s life. But you couldn’t let Alastor with his pain, you couldn’t…!

You opened your eyes as the pain lessened and looked at Alastor who was looking at you with worried eyes, his rifle against him. You nodded at him, your body still twitching from the previous pain you had just felt. Your husband’s body was still tense but he accepted your answer nonetheless.

Alastor vanished inside his own shadow while you tried to calm yourself.  You could do it. Alastor was okay. Your baby was okay. You were okay…

You stood up slowly from your hiding place and looked at the couple in front of you. Mickeal was playing with his ax, staring at you. 

“ How do you wish to die?” he asked you as he walked toward you. “ Like your husband?”

Did he think Alastor was dead..?

You walked toward him, your hands in the air. Louise was looking at you with a mocking smile, closing her books. You looked at the man who was looking you up and down, like he was trying to see if you had any hidden weapons on you. 

“ Why did you do this?” you asked, your voice a mere whisper.

“ We need to clear this city. We were hired to watch people that needed to die. But you don’t need to know more, you life ends here, Mrs. Sanglar.” He lifted his ax up.

You raised your shield. You didn’t know if it could take such a blow, but you needed to try. Your shield was invisible, so even yourself, you weren’t sure if it was tougher than the other times. You would have to try your luck. 

You stared at the man as his ax clashed against your shield, the weapon leaving his hand and before you knew it you heard a scream so loud you wondered if someone else was here.

But no, Alastor had apparead from the man’s shadow and had taken the ax as it flew from Mickeal's hand and dug it into the woman's chest. You blinked as Louise was staring at the ax inside her body, before her legs gave out and she fell at Alastor’s feet.

“ Louise!” Mickeal cried as he ran toward her. You raised your hand and created a shield around Mickeal, squeezing it around him until he couldn’t move a single muscle, he couldn’t even speak.

Alastor smiled at Mickeal as he crouched in front of Louise who was breathing hard. She would die soon enough… You tilted your head before gasping as you watched your husband act.

He was cutting open Louise’s torso, not caring about her cries for mercy. He then took out her heart from her body, showing it to Louise who was already on the verge of death.

“ Thank you for the gift.”

You watched as Louise died, her body not moving anymore. You walked toward Alastor, making sure the shield that was trapping Mickeal was still keeping him in place. You peeked as tears were streaming down his face.  Alastor stood up with Louise’s heart in his hand and walked toward the man.

“ Make it so he can move his head, dear.”

You did as he asked and watched with curiosity what Alastor was doing. He took Mickeal’s chin and forced him to open his mouth before putting the bloody heart against the man’s lips. Alastor managed to put some of the heart inside the man's mouth and forced him to munch and swallow it. He then asked, with a mad expression.

“ How does your beloved’s heart taste?” he asked with genuine curiosity. “ I’m the one who killed her, I’m the one who took her from you. How does it feel? Do you hate me ? Do you wish to join her in death? Did you appreciate her heart wholly?” he sneered at the man who looked at Alastor with pure fear.

Yes, they might have worked with the devil, but Alastor was something of another kind.

You took your knife and walked toward the man, spinning the blade between your fingers. The man was looking at you with fear and confusion. Was he afraid because you were in love with a monster like Alastor? What did that make you? You didn’t care for those questions, but you could understand that other people would wonder about it.

“ If you don’t mind, I like to take souvenirs.” You smiled at him before taking his right eye from him. You didn’t care about his screams, you just looked at the eye with a satisfied smile. Now everything was over, they wouldn’t touch you anymore. They wouldn’t be a threat anymore. “ Do what you want Alastor, I’m done.”

Your husband chuckled as he looked at you fondly but then he looked at the dead woman’s heart, still inside his hand. You tilted your head, what was he thinking…? You watched as he brought the heart toward his lips and he bit into it, chuckling.

He bit it.

He bit the heart.

He bit a human organs.

He bit something that wasn’t you.

Maybe you were crazy, but you were more upset that he decided to bite someone that wasn’t you. He munched on the heart in front of a horrified Mickeal. He turned his head toward you with an innocent face.

“ Do you want to taste it?”

You stared at the heart and shook your head. You pouted as Alastor stared at the heart with a new form of fascination. You didn't want him to forget you because he found a new hobby !

“ You are crazy…!”

You looked at Mickeal who was shaking even inside of your shield. Alastor stared at him with a horrifying smile. You scoffed as you saw the front of Mickeal’s pants getting wet. 

“ Well, well, are you that scared of a mere human when you worked with the devil?” Alastor asked, chuckling darkly at the man. He walked toward you but you turned your back toward him, you were mad at him ! “ Darling ?”

You gave him a dark glare but he only giggled before hugging you from behind. 

“ Why are you upset ?”

“ You bit into someone else's flesh.”

…

You flushed as you realized you told the reason you were upset out loud. You were jealous? In this situation, were you jealous? He just bit a human being's heart and you were being jealous? You felt Alastor squeezed you harder, whispering darkly near your ear.

“ Do you want me to eat you?”

You shivered, looking into his red eyes. Being eaten.. By Alastor..? You turned your head to the side, not ready to have this discussion and not ready to understand why you felt hot. You moaned when you felt Alastor’s teeth dig into your neck, making you cling to him. This sensation after a murder was so… elating. 

Alastor kissed the place he bit you before going to Mickeal after taking your knife, throwing the heart away. He carved his usual smile into the man's flesh before killing him by slicing his throat.  He turned his head toward you with a small smirk.

“ Well, we should clean ourselves.”

“ And where should we do that, young man?” you asked, crossing your arms on your chest. Alastor guided you into the corridor and took you into a room and you gasped when you saw a bucket with water inside.

“ This is where they took their bath I guess.” He smirked at you as his hands began to undress you. You still were angry with him so as soon as you were naked you walked away from him. “ My Love?”

“ Why should I clean with you? You bite someone else? Maybe next time you should carve runes into it, would you like that Mr.Sanglar?” you said, batting your eyes at him. You knew you were being petty but you couldn’t help yourself. You didn’t understand why you were angry at him for biting into a heart when you should be… Afraid? Disgust? You didn’t know, but you never felt such a feeling when you were with Alastor.

“ Still jealous, I see.” He said with a knowing smile. “ I would love to dig my teeth inside your heart my dear, feeling your heart beating against my lips, feeling your life inside my hands, being the one who can decide whether you live or die. I want to be the one who takes your life but at the same time… I don’t want you to leave me.” 

You sat on a chair, still naked with bloody decorations on your body. You held your hand toward him, staring at him. Was it normal for you to feel this way? Why was he so attractive right now…? You looked at him as he took your hand in his and kissed it. He wanted to play, alright.

You fell to your knees in front of him and hid your smirk when you saw his pupils getting bigger. You gently took off his pants without breaking eye contact with him.

You never gave oral to Alastor, most of the time he always wanted to be the one to give you pleasure. To control what you were feeling, when you were feeling it. And you enjoyed every time. But this time, you wanted to take revenge for making you jealous of this scandalous act he did.

You licked your lips as you saw his member getting hard. You looked at him, wanting to see if he was okay with what was going on. Alastor gently stroked your cheek before running his fingers in your hair, inviting you to suck his penis by pressing your head toward it.

“ Are you trying to take control, my love?” he asked, teasingly.

"Um, huh." You grunted in frustration, but you kept going. You let the tip of Alastor land on your tongue. You could sense Alastor hardening up immediately. When your mouth started to tease your husband, it didn't take much for him to harden and become aroused. Just as a few beads of precum welled out of his slit, you flicked his tongue over it, maintaining your mouth around the entire head of his penis. 

“You’re really quite a natural at this. Have you been fantasizing about this, dearling?” Alastor sighed in bliss. You flushed, sucking on his penis, trying to give him as much pleasure as you could. Of course, you wanted to punish him so you were trying to edge him. 

Periodically, he would demonstrate his dominance by rolling his hips and forcefully pushing his penis into your mouth. You had to fight each time to keep from choking. You became further hotter and more agitated at his violent gesture. You always loved when he was showing how much stronger he was than you, even if you wanted to control the situation, you knew Alastor would easily take control. But you could sense he was teasing you, letting you take control even if he knew you wanted him to take charge.

"Mmm hmm." Alastor groaned sleazy, giving you all control. You rocked back and forth on your knees, sucking him off, giving it your all to blow him off. You licked your way up the shaft, savoring every last shred of skin and relishing in the flavor of Alastor. You didn't give your growing arousal any thought because you were too busy trying to get Alastor off. As if your life relied on Alastor's penis, you wanted to worship and show it affection. Every groan that left his mouth was a victory in your mind. You could feel his finger grabbing your hair, forcing you into a rhythm that made your eyes roll back.

You opened your eyes when you felt him stroke your cheek with a smirk, his breathing echoing into the empty room. You could see the madness in his eyes, you wondered what he was thinking. 

You, you were loving this moment. You never thought about giving oral to anyone, but right now, you felt like you needed it. Alastor was yours, no matter what could happen. You gagged as Alastor’s shaft hit the back of your throat, your eyes tearing up but you never stop looking at him. You could feel his penis throb against your tongue, was he close?

“ Darling… If you look at me like this…” he whispered in his deep voice, the one that he would never use for the radio. The one that was for you. And only you. 

You opened your mouth wider, staring at him, silently telling him to use you as he fit. He grabbed your hair and rolled his hips against you, his rhythm breaking as you felt him getting close.

“ Where do you want it?” he asked, panting.

Inside. I want to swallow everything.

Alastor groaned and not a minute after he came inside your mouth. You closed your eyes as you took everything your husband had to offer. You gulped everything and opened your eyes when you felt him let go of your hair. You licked his slit one more time before leaning back, looking at him with a smirk.

“ Did you enjoy it?”

Alastor was looking at you before taking your knife and pressing it against your throat. You giggled as he smiled down at you.

Noises could be heard from the abandoned church, but most of them were happy laughter.

Tag List: @lukneetoonz @martinys-world @littlepoetnova @sirens-and-moonflowers @eris-norwega @tiredflame132 @mo-0-o @vvollerie @sodavizz @boogiemansbitch @tessemerick @slytherin4ever @kammsinn @alastorssimp @t0xic1vi @diamond-almond @fangirlbitch02 @saccharine-nectarine @thenorthnightingale @bibliophile-yomna @itzjustj-1000 @mothraantics @yourdoorisunlocked @phamtasic @karmakillz @holographicage @sarcastic-sourwolf @akuraluna2468 @everwolf-20 @thesunandmoons-blog @songbrita @noraunor @fandomsbookclub @hokkaido97 @catticora @gasiacos @charlottemorningstarsdarling

[prime-adeptus]

feverish | baizhu x gn!reader

A little secret is revealed in the backroom.

✦ CONTENT: Sickfic, pre-relationship, some fluff, pining, medical inaccuracies (source: I made it up). Qiqi and Changsheng make a cameo. MC is a bit of a menace. ~0,7k words

✧ NOTES: Just a little thing dedicated to bestie @eanul-rambul bc it's pride and I had to let him out of the basement (¬‿¬ ) enjoy

AO3 | Masterlist | Requests | @houseofsolisoccasum @interstellar-inn

“Until your fever goes down, I’m afraid I can’t let you leave,” comes Baizhu’s chiding voice. “I know you’ll sneak off the moment I let you out of my sight. I will personally oversee your treatment.”

You grumble. “It’s not like I can’t take care of myself.”

“You can, but you don’t,” he retorts swiftly. “As a doctor and your… friend, I can’t allow that to happen.”

The dull ache in your temples and the heat across your skin convince you to stop arguing with him for once. You slump against the pillows in defeat, your stubbornness finally broken down and him once again taking the last word—again. You watch as he flits across the room, hard at work concocting the right antidote for you. Though you’d insisted earlier that you were fine and that the fever would go away on its own, Baizhu is equally stubborn as you, if not more.

Taking care of patients is beyond second nature to him, so being treated the same way is far from an unusual thing. But the amount of work he had coupled with his own problems makes you feel guilty in a way. You don’t want to take up too much of his time, yet here he is, fussing over you like the worrywart that he is.

Qiqi lies on your bedside, feet dangling off the edge as she stares up at you, cheek resting against her hands. As much as it hurts to move, you gently pat her head with a fond smile. Baizhu had given her a break today, now that he has time to manage the pharmacy himself. The child could’ve gone wandering in the outskirts of Liyue, but she’s chosen to stay with you. It’s as if she’s developed an attachment to you somehow, even if you haven’t known her for a very long time.

Bitter over him reading you too well, you continue to sulk with your arms crossed over your chest, lips jutting into a pout. It’s not like you can’t heal yourself! Long journeys and family traditions have given you more than enough medical knowledge. It’s just that you’re a little weak today—nothing more. A good nap would have you back up and running in no time. That’s what you told him, only for him to decline as soon as you even stepped behind the counter.

“Doctor Baizhu wants to take care of you himself,” Qiqi speaks up after a moment of silence, idly kicking her legs as she subtly nuzzles into your hand. “He’s worried about you.”

“Qiqi…!” he sputters, momentarily freezing in his tracks. 

Much to your amusement, she ignores him, choosing to comfortably nestle into your side instead. Despite the butterflies fluttering in your stomach and the warmth in your cheeks, you find yourself smiling in joy. Decidedly flustered, he continues to have his back turned to you, but the crucial piece of information she had let slip confirms it. The puzzle pieces are falling together at last.

“You’re worried about me, Doctor Baizhu?” you tease, entertained by how stiff he’d gotten. “Wanted to take care of me yourself, huh?”

He clears his throat. “It’s my job as a doctor.”

“Is that all?”

A pause. He nervously makes his way back to you, medicine now ready as he tries his hardest to avoid your curious gaze. As he’s about to put the tray down on the bedside, you wrap your hand around his wrist and peer at him mischievously.

“Hey…” you murmur. “You’ll take care of me, won’t you?”

Baizhu’s face is flushed and he can’t look you in the eye, something you find more than endearing as he shifts where he stands, uncharacteristically awkward and flustered. He clears his throat again, though he remains speechless.

“He’s gotten a lot warmer,” Changsheng adds mirthfully. “This is the warmest he’s been.”

“Ooh, you like me!” You grin, playfully nudging him. “You know, I’d kiss you if I wasn’t sick.”

“I… I’d be able to withstand it,” he says quietly. You only find yourself becoming giddier, thoroughly enjoying the sight of the composed Baizhu so shy. “W-Well! This shouldn’t be hard to swallow, I did my best to make sure it’s flavourless. One spoonful a day should do.”

“Will you be taking care of me every day too?” you ask, unable to resist teasing him some more.

His eyes widen. Trying to regain his composure (and failing, but you don’t mention it for his sake) he gives you an affirmative nod. You want to pinch his cheek in endearment, but you decide that can wait. You’ll savour this sight of him and this moment the best you can—fever and all.

“If that’s what you’d like,” Baizhu breathes, “if you’ll let me.”

[sudsyv2]

You guys know that audio that goes

“My wife, she’ll get upset if she sees you touching me on my chest”

“I am your wife”

“…sup”

Ghost loosing his memory for a short period due to a tbi during a mission, doesn’t remember who soap is but knows that he does have a husband. (Who is soap)

And because ghost doesn’t remember who his husband is, he tries to not let soap touch him in any way. “You shouldn’t be touching me. I have a husband” ghost would say, mumbled and low due to just waking up from his injury. Trying to get soap to move his hand away from his thigh.

And soap would laugh, not bothering to remove his hand. He can’t wait to tease his husband after this.

This would be great blackmail.

“Ah am your husband, si”

Silence

Ghost didn’t respond even after a couple minutes. Soap didn’t mind though, patiently waiting as he felt the familiar stare from his husband.

‘He’s always been real observant..’ Soap reasoned in his mind.

Normally most people would be devastated but Soap knew his LT would be back in shape soon enough. He was also already notified by the nurse that ghost would regain his memory in a couple days. All soap had to do was wait and be there for his husband.

He smiled slightly as he saw ghosts eyebrows knit together and his eyes squint, obviously deep in thought.

“..you do look familiar.”

“Mhm!”

In his own thoughts, Soap absentmindedly rubbed a comforting hand on ghosts thigh. “You’re doing so great, love.” Soap cheered his husband on with a big grin. Trying his hardest to hold a laugh when he sees a blush creep on ghosts face.

“You’re pretty.”

“Huh?” Soap said, snapping out of his thoughts to look at ghost. Who was staring at him with such intensity it would’ve made soap shrink in his seat if he wasn’t used to it.

“You’re really pretty.” Ghost repeated himself. Looking at the new red tint spreading itself on Soaps face. “It seems I’m very lucky.”

Not wasting any time, he gently grabbed soaps hand. And squeezed it as best he could, rubbing his thumb across the others palm. The sound of their rings clinking together as ghost ran his hand across soaps own.

“We have rings” ghost said to himself, in both awe and suprise. “We’re married you idiot, I told ya! You don’t ever take yours off, love. But neither do I.” Soap said, smiling to himself at a fond memory.

(“You gonna keep it on even during our missions?” Soap exclaimed, surprised that his now husband would wear the ring everywhere they went. Ghost has always been the more cautious one so it was a suprise for the man to want to wear something so precious all the time even during their line of work. “Of course.” Ghost answered. “Not like anyone would say something. Everyone knows we’re married, hell price was our pastor. I think they were all more excited than we were while we were getting married.” ghost pointed out. Soap only laughed at it, how absurd is it to have their captain unite them through marriage. “I’m thinking of wearing mine too!” Soap said, his usual bright smile shining on his face)

“You’re smile is amazing. No wonder I married you..” ghost said, staring intently at soap. “So pretty too, you look like what poets write about.”

“If you didn’t tell me you were already mine, I think I would’ve gotten on my knees and proposed a second time.” Ghost laughed, not noticing the shiver that ran through soaps body.

(Seems ghost is a flirter when he loses his memory)

“Y-you..” Soap stuttered out, not sure whether to look away from the gaze of his husband or to just straight up kiss him.

Now it was Ghosts turn to laugh at his husband. “I’m?” Ghost said, a small grin forming on his face.

“You don’t even act like this when you’re drunk. Trying to get me to cry happy tears huh?” Soap said breathlessly, leaning in to plant a soft kiss against the corner of ghosts mouth. A smug grin forming on his face as he felt ghost try to lean in to soaps kiss.

“Wouldn’t think of making someone like you cry, less it’s in bed.” Ghost said trying to sit up. Already snaking a hand to soaps back.

But after soap heard the pained groan come from ghost he stopped it. Removing ghosts hand from his back.

“Let’s leave it off right here, we can save the lovey dovey stuff for when we get you out of here alright?” Soap said, gently pushing ghost back into the pillows on the hospital bed.

“…” ghost didn’t say anything, only staring at soap. “What’s the matter?” Soap asked, worried that his husbands injuries had maybe worsened while they talked.

“Nothing, nothing at all. I would like it if you- I mean- can you..” soap looked expectantly at ghost. Patiently waiting for him to finish what he was saying.

“Stay please” ghost reached out with a bandaged hand, trying to grab at soaps shirt

Soap laughed lightly

“You couldn’t get rid of me even if you tried, Si” and soap took ghosts hand, kissing it gently.

“I would never”

It took 4 days for Ghost to regain his memories.

“Well, hello there!” Soap popped his head into ghosts hospital room. Today was the day that ghost would be able to leave and hopefully the day he would remember everything.

“Hey…” ghost responded with his usual gruff tone, staring at soap making his way next to ghost by the side of his bed.

“What happened while I was out?” Ghost asked, he had heard he shortly lost his memories from the nurses. Outside he looked real calm, like usual, but inside Ghost worried if he had done anything to soap while he didn’t remember him. Worrying if he had hurt the other.

Soap only answered with a warm smile, the same smile that had grounded ghost when he was nervous to recite his vows.

“Nothing crazy happened!” Soap said, waving his hands around.

“Really?”

“Yup!” Soap smiled, only he will know what ghost was like. And he’d use it to tease his dear husband later.

Just not right now

Soap was too excited to take his husband home, to their cute cat and their comfy bed.

[beanghostprincess]

Usopp keeps the toad he had on Wano and brings it with him to the ship without anyone noticing (because he fears what Nami will say to him, honestly) and Sanji catches him one day with it in his workshop. Usopp tries to make up a excuse, saying the toad just jumped into the ship with them and it has nothing to do with the fact that he has grown very very fond of it, but Sanji knows better. He suddenly goes away and Usopp fears the worst, thinking they're gonna make him get rid of his baby. But then Sanji comes into the workshop again, this time with a little plate in his hand and Usopp can't believe the sight in front of him.

Sanji is visibly uncomfortable but trying to keep up with a smile. "This is the hardest thing I've ever done. For fuck's sake, get this thing away from me or I'll throw up instantly." But he's referring to the plate he's holding, and not Pyonnosuke. Because he's prepared what seems a dish with some insects and stuff they use to catch fishes and other animals. Basically, Sanji got into the storage room and grabbed the insects they use for bait to give them to the toad.

Usopp never thought he'd fall in love more with Sanji, but turns out he still can.

So he just grabs the plate for him and starts feeding Pyonnosuke with a huge grin on his face. He thinks that Sanji will still be disgusted, but he's knelt right beside him watching the toad eat, being the happiest Usopp has ever seen him.

The sniper rests his head on Sanji's shoulder and looks up. "Isn't this... Extremely disgusting for you?"

"The insects?" He shivers at the thought. "Fuck, yes. I fucking hate them. But-" Sanji keeps staring at Pyonnosuke, and, you know, it looks adorable. "I think I like this little guy a lot. Cute thing you've got there, Usopp. How could you hide it from me?"

Usopp looks away, a bit embarrassed at the confession. "I didn't think you'd like him, honestly. You don't seem very fond of... Amphibians?"

Sanji shrugs. "I'm fond of whoever eats my food happily and looks just as adorable as this little thing. Right, cutie?"

And so Usopp has to watch Sanji get along with Pyonnosuke for a long, long while, talking to the toad as if it were their real child. And turns out Usopp isn't even bothered about Pyonnosuke jumping to be on Sanji's hands and loving him, perhaps even a bit more than he loves Usopp. The sight he's witnessing is the most adorable thing on earth.

After a while, Usopp just has to ask. "Are you... Going to tell anyone about this?"

"What?!" Sanji seems so offended that he ends up yelling, Pyonnosuke jumping to rest on his shoulder. "No! I love Nami-san, but she would kick this baby out of here. I'm not letting anybody do this to our little family, mon coeur."

Little family.

Okay, that rewired his brain completely.

Usopp stares at Pyonnosuke falling asleep on Sanji's shoulder. Thing he does only when he feels safe enough to be with somebody. He's just as frightened of the world as Usopp is, no wonder he only feels safe around Sanji. The sniper can't fight the smile he makes when he sees this. "I think he likes you."

"Really?" Sanji pats the toad on his little head. "I love him already."

I love you, Usopp wants to say. But he doesn't. He just approaches Sanji without any warning and steals a soft, short kiss from him. The cook blushes uncontrollably while deep red takes over his cheeks. "What was that one for?"

Usopp shurgs his shoulders. "I think I like you even more than Pyonnosuke does."

Sanji can just laugh at that. "You two are very similar, after all." The cook holds his hand while he caresses the back of his palm. "I like you a lot too."

[plooto]

𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 ⊳ 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐧𝐞

synopsis . colonel miles quaritch—respected, feared, a machine . now, only bluer and younger the recom was near perfect. that is, until he catches the scent of a younger, field trained scientist. a distraction..but maybe that’s just what this programed machine needs.

warnings . pretty simple chapter , reader hasn’t met quaritch , pinky is reader nickname ,

words . 1.3k

notes . tag lists now open , js shoot me a pm or an ask and i’ll get you added.

you were the last recom to wake. it was.. different. you felt as if you haven’t moved, like you were in a coma. you tried to make your movements as fluid as possible, the tail behind you making things wayy more difficult than it needed to be. curling itself when it shouldn’t have, obnoxiously wrapping itself around your arm, after a bit of time, you grew fond of it, like a little you that couldn’t hold a secret.

they dropped you off at a computer to have you watch a video of you. wait what? you didn’t get much time to process before the video was playing in front of you. you pulled your brows together, confused. it really was you—well, human you.

“ hi! so i’m not sure if you’ve caught on yet, but.. you’re me! surprise ! ” you giggle to the camera, you look around for something to talk about, biting down on your bottom lip.

“ let’s see.. i’m a field trained researcher, and i worked with grace, eywa rest her soul, so..i know quite a bit about the na’vi and their ecological systemm. i know i said i’m field trained, but i only got that because zdog double dared me.. we do not back down from double dares and we don’t break pinkie promises. ” you smile, shaking your head and covering your mouth with the back of your hand to stifle your laugh. commotion in the background made your head turned, only for you to be engulfed in a headlock by your close friend, zdinarsik, but everyone calls her zdog. “ zee! get offf! ” you huffed, trying your hardest to get out of her grip. “ this is all-hmph! recorded y’know. ” zee paused her antics to wave to the camera before messing up your hair sone more before the colonel called her.

“ that’s my closest friend, she knows everything about me.. the things i wouldn’t dare say out loud, she already knows. ” you begin to ramble, you could go on and on about the people in your life, your new life here on pandora. it was absolutely breathtaking—aside from the animals who wanted you to never see the light of day once they get their teeth in you.

“ pinky! pinky, c’mon there’s a time limit on these things! ” you rolled your eyes at parker, calling you by the nickname grace so lovingly bestowed upon you. all because of one pinky promise bet you made to jake! it was simple really..you bet jake that he wouldn’t be able to get his own banshee, and he came back saying if he did, you’d have to go by pinkie around base till the end of time, or pandora is safe for humans. whichever came last that is.

“ wish i could tell you more! take good care of yourself, okay? zee too.. she acts like she doesn’t care, but she does. ” you stood up, holding your little finger to the camera, curling it as if the person on the other side looped it with yours. you blinked a few times before smiling and waving bye to the camera.

you looked around you, watching as more human-na’vi hybrids are pulled from what you assume were incubation tanks. you watched for a little, before you were directed out and onto a ship, headed for pandora. your ears perked up, blindly taking the breathing machine as you looked at the people floating in front of you. they didn’t look much smaller, at least not from your perspective. you strapped the mask over your face as you got on the ship. pulling at the straps securely, you made sure the mask was on tight enough one last time before you dazed off, wondering how much it has changed since you were last there, thankfully, it was a long way down to pandora.

the shift of the ship landing woke you. looking around slightly confused. you’re on pandora. you removed the straps, standing up and stepping out. feeling the heat of the sun against my skin, you stretched your limbs, your tail joining in on the fun.

“ this way, ” you follow behind the humans, leading you to wherever they needed you to go. you didn’t pay attention, you were too busy looking around, eyes landing and scanning everything around you.

“ the general, ” they state, snapping you out of your dazed state, you looked down, seeing a lady already engaged in conversation.

“ general ardmore? ” you spoke softly, not trying to stop their conversation, but just let her know you were here. she turned, bidding farewell to her colleague before fully turning to you.

“ y’n l’n, good to see you. ” you sat down on your knees before saluting. looking down so far hurt your neck..

“ we’ve brought you back to continue the avatar program. we want better avatars. with your research and you being the one to work under the late grace, you’ll be overseeing and ensuring our avatars are in the best shape. ” i nod once,

“ great. where can i set up? ” you say, pulling yourself to stand, gripping the straps of your backpack.

“ easy there, you’ve gotta learn your own avatar body first. ” your face turned a little darker, embarrassed that you missed that after working with the previous avatars.

“ right, thank you, general. ” you nod once, excusing yourself to find your room. getting in, you took a moment to look around. it wasn’t much, a bed, table and a bathroom. talking a breath, you settled, dropping your bag at the foot of the bed and plopping on the bed which was surprisingly soft. you groan, your lower back thanking you for giving it a rest. a soft chime rang through your room, confused you sit up. another chime. inwardly whining, you got up, opening the door only to be tackled in a bone crushing grip.

“ oh it’s really you! dude, took ya long enough! ” the much taller avatar pulled away from you, grin on their face, chewing gum. your brows pulled together, your mind putting together the puzzle pieces. your face lit up, jaw dropping and voice raising a pitch,

“ zee? ” she nods, bringing her hand to mess up your unruly hair. grinning, you threw your arms around her middle, tail swishing excitedly behind you. she laughed,

“ heard you had to go do some motor tests, so i opted to help ya, took the colonel forever to a king request though. ” she shrugged. you pulled back, telling her you needed to change, you turned, opting for some shorts and a cropped shirt they had for you in a bag.

“ ready? ” you turned to her, pulling your hair and kuru out of your shirt. she nods, gesturing for you to follow her. walking next to her, you jogged every now and again to keep up with her long strides. passing other avatars you concluded you were definitely irregular height. at 8 feet tall, you definitely we’re definitely an anomaly..

“ pinky! ” you jumped, head snapping up to zee, who just shook her head, pressing a flat hand to your forehead, you closed an eye, ears falling flat against your head, “ get outta ya head, you’re short, no biggie. just means you’ll be able to move faster. ” she smirked at you, looping an arm around your shoulder as the two of you reached a large room with various numbers of equipment and obstacles.

“ hope you’re ready cos ‘m not going to go easy on you, ” you huffed, pulling your hair into a makeshift bun before following her to the first piece of equipment.

published . september 28 , 2023

[dizzyjelly]

Beautiful Girl

Read part 2 here!

Word Count: 2.3k

Summary: you have to go to lunch with your terrible father and Abby comes to the rescue, bringing you back to her house afterwards where you guys kiss.

Cw: homophobia, bad relationship with father, daddy issues ig

You set your phone down, bringing a hand to rub down your face frustratingly as you'd just gotten off of a twenty minute call with your father. A man you weren't very fond of, he'd never been the best. When you were younger, he was always making you cry, and that hadn't changed even though you'd gotten older. Mostly, it just bothered you how He could talk to you the way he did, say the things he said.

You stood to make your way to your kitchen, already dreading lunch with your father later. It wouldn't be the worst, but it'd be the worst. Every time you had to sit down with him, the conversation always went south. It was anything but nice.

Then your phone buzzed, and you let out a guttural annoyed groan as you threw your head back in annoyance. What did he want now? But, much to your surprise, you'd actually gotten a text from someone else. Somebody whose name on your phone put a smile on your face. Abby, your best friend.

'Wanna go thrifting? There's this super cool spot that just opened downtown:))'

As desperately as you'd wanted to say yes, you already had plans, unfortunately. It took nearly every bone in your body to not fake sick and cancel with your dad. But you were better than that.

'Sorry I can't today :/ going to lunch with my dad.'

You responded.

'Oh, you alright?'

Abby would answer, knowing all too well about how terrible your father was.

'I'll be fine. Very unexcited but I'll get through yk'

You'd say, telling nothing but the truth.

'Ok, well just call me if u need anything'

She answered, you let out a light chuckle fondly. It was nice to know there was someone that would always be there for you. Abby never failed to remind you of that.

Eventually it was time for you to head out, which you did reluctantly. You'd worn this dress you bought the other day, and it had already become your favorite item in your wardrobe. You turned up the radio as loud as it could go on your way there, trying your best not to list every worst case scenario in your mind.

Once you arrived, you sat in your car for a good minute or two. Then you'd gotten out, entering the local diner to find your father already waiting for you. He smiled at you before it quickly turned to an uncomfortable grimace as he eyed you up and down. You bit back a scoff and just smiled back.

"Hi, Dad!" You did your best to feign excitement as you went to give him a hug.

"Hey darling, you look... fun." He chuckled awkwardly.

"Thanks I guess." Your voice was plain and unamused.

"No sorry I just- new dress?" He asked.

"Yeah! I got it the other day actually, you like it?" You asked with a smile, excited that he'd noticed.

"Mm, sure." Jesus he was a terrible liar.

"Come on dad, if you've got something to say just say it." You snapped slightly.

"I mean- it's a bit skimpy, no? Listen I just think if you dressed more modestly you'd do a lot better." He brought his hands up defensively as he spoke.

You let out a shock gasp, your brows furrowing. You really shouldn't have pushed. Because now you just felt insulted, and uncomfortable in your own skin. A waitress came and told you to sit anywhere you'd like, you followed your dad as he chose a booth.

Then, the kind lady came back with two menus and glasses of ice water and a smile. You took the menu and the water, gulping down a few sips as the lunch was already going terribly. Your eyes skimmed the menu, deciding on a basic and safe chicken fingers with fries. (Picky eaters rise 👊)

Your dad would order something complex, that you weren't even slightly interested in. He'd ask why you always ordered just chicken and fries, claiming it was boring. You'd respond with the fact that it's something you know you like.

You tried your hardest to avoid talking about yourself while you waited for your food, encouraging him to ramble on about his work and other projects he had in the works. Your efforts failed, because of course he'd find a way to direct things back to you.

"You know, Y/n, there's this guy I work with. He's very nice, fairly good looking. I think you two would get along well." He smiled smugly.

Now you let your eyes roll, a small groan coming from you.

"Dad, how many times do I have to tell you I'm not into guys?" You reminded him, and immediately he shifted in his seat with discomfort.

You'd come out as a teenager, your mother had been confused but was supporting nonetheless. Your father on the other hand, he was beyond angry. It wasn't the first time he'd tried to set you up with a guy, a trend that'd been going on since the day you told them you were gay. He insisted you had no idea what you were talking about.

"Look, I know you think you like girls but- honey I just think you're not like that. I-I know it in my heart." He brought his hand to his chest dramatically.

You let out a small huff through your nose.

"Ok well I know that I in fact do like girls. I don't really care whatever your heart is telling you, because mine only fancies women." You sighed once you finished your small rant.

"Are you kidding me right now?" He spoke aggressively.

He opened his mouth to say more, but was interrupted as your waitress came by with your food. You thanked her and your father just nodded, paying no attention to the plate in front of him as he turned his focus back to you. You swallowed nervously.

"Listen to me girl, I am tired of being embarrassed to tell people about my daughter. My gay daughter. Honestly, it's disappointing. Why can't you just suck it up and be normal? Is it really that hard? For your old man, please." He spoke sweetly towards the end, but the words before shot through your heart like a sharp dagger.

Tears welled in your eyes and you felt extremely hurt. Your chest felt heavy and there was a deep pit growing in your stomach. Your mouth fell open in shock, and you stood as you grabbed your bag furiously and stormed out of the diner.

It took you way longer than it should've to fish your phone from your purse, tears now streaming down your face relentlessly. Your breathing was shaky and erratic as the sound of your phone ringing filled your ear, you waited for Abby to pick up. She answered after about three rings.

"Hey, what's up?" She answered gleefully, but immediately began to worry as she heard how you were barely breathing on the other end of the line.

"Hey, hey what's going on? Talk to me." She spoke fast now, something she always did when she was worries.

"Ugh, it's my s-stupid fucking d-dad." You managed to choke out, harsh sobs interrupting your words, "can you c-come get me pl-please? I'm too w-worked up to drive right now." You hiccuped.

"Of course, can you please just breathe for me? You sound like you're gonna hyperventilate." She let out a light chuckle, trying to lighten the mood with a joke.

After a few failed attempts, you finally got your breathing regulated enough that you could form a sentence. You let out a long sigh of relief, sniffling as you put your phone on speaker to share your location with Abby. She was just getting into her car.

You sat on the phone in silence for a while, the light hum of her radio being the only sound. That and your small breath along with your sniffles. You brought your hand to wipe your tears, which were still pouring out as you couldn't get your fathers words out of your head.

They just played on repeat, disappointment, just be normal, embarrassed. It just hurt, you knew he wasn't fond of your sexuality but that was harsh. He'd never gotten that mean, but now that he had you had no interest in ever going to lunch with him ever again. Or any other meal for that matter. You'd be happy if you never even spoke to him again.

Abby arrived after a short ten minutes, rushing up to where you stood outside the diner. She pulled you into a hug, one of her hands rubbed up and down your back soothingly. The other one went to the back of your head to massage your hair. You melted in her embrace, your tears wetting her shoulder.

"It's ok. I've got you." She whispered, her tone soft.

"Abby," you let out a small whimper, "h-he was just so m-mean." You sniffled, burying your face into the crook of her neck as you searched for comfort from her.

"I know, I know. Don't even worry about that right now." She reassured you, tears forming in her own eyes at how upset he'd made you.

As if things couldn't get any worse, he happened to stumble upon the two of you. And of course he'd jump to conclusions, immediately starting to yell at you.

"Oh, and whose this? Your girlfriend, hm? I mean seriously, you're just gonna flaunt it in public like this?!" He held his hands on his hips.

"Oh my God, Dad, no! Just stop it, I don't care what you think!" You shouted back now, fed up, "just leave me alone, I-I hate you!" And that was the last thing you said before running to Abbys car and getting into the passenger seat.

She stopped him from following you, saying it'd be best if he just left it alone. She told him you'd come around in a day or two, but knew it wasn't really true. Then she made her way to the car, driving off in silence as she worried about you.

Your head turned away from her, and you chewed at your thumbnail as you stared out the window. The tears had stopped but you felt just as hurt, and you weren't entirely sure when you could get those stupid words out of your head. Soon, hopefully. Abby had taken you to her house, since it was closer.

She'd gotten out of the car with a defeated sigh, making her way to open your door for you. You'd muttered a small thank you then followed her inside, taking a seat beside her on the couch. You didn't really think before snuggling into her side, the main reason being that you needed comfort right now.

She was more than happy to give it you, wrapping her arm around your shoulders as her other hand came to hold one of yours. You sniffled slightly, feeling tears well in your eyes once again.

"Do you wanna talk about it?" She asked in a whisper, the feeling of your tears wetting her shirt making her feel nothing but sympathy.

"Not really. He's just such a piece of shit." You cleared your throat.

"Yeah, I know baby I know." She caressed your arm lovingly.

"You know what he said? He told me I was a disappointment" your sobs became more erratic as you repeated his words from earlier, "asked why I couldn't just suck it up and be normal." It honestly physically pained you to say it.

"Fuck," She groaned, "Well he's insane. Y/n you're perfect, there is nothing wrong with you, ok?" She took her hand from yours and brought it to your chin, forcing you to look up at her.

"Ok." You responded with a small nod, although you didn't really believe what she said was true.

It was impossible to keep your eyes locked with her own, instead they focused on her soft chapped lips. They looked unbelievably kissable, but you figured she was straight. You'd only ever know of her relationship with Owen, and she probably didn't even like girls.

Maybe you were dreaming, but you could've sworn she was doing the same. Looking at your lips while licking her own. The words 'she's straight.' playing on repeat in your head. However, they stopped as she leaned forward and brought her lips to your own.

It was better than anything you ever could've imagine. The way she sucked lightly at your bottom lip, keeping a tight grip on your chin. You sighed dreamily into the kiss, bringing your hands to her hair. After a moment you tugged lightly and she let out a breathy moan against your lips. This gave you perfect access to slip your tongue into her mouth.

She tasted fucking amazing. It was only a few minutes until you were full on straddling her, her hands on your hips as he tongue swirled around your own in a way that made you see stars.

Once you'd finally pulled away, you sat in her lap, the two of you catching your breath as your hands rested comfortably at the back of her neck. She smiled up at you, rubbing at your hips.

"You have no idea how long I've wanted to do that." She spoke breathlessly.

"Really?" You chuckled, "You know I always thought you were straight." You joked.

"Please, with a beautiful girl like you walking around how could I not be into women?" She joked back.

You let out a flustered laugh, your cheeks turning red at the compliment. After a second or so, you let yourself lay on her chest, resting your head on it and smiling as she rubbed your back soothingly.

[gothic-daydreamer]

-Gifts-

Larissa Weems x Fem!Wife!Reader

*oneshot*

Summary: Your wife is irritated by an overly-affectionate friend.

Warnings: Jealousy, angst, dark Larissa if you squint.

_______________________________________

"Jenny- I can't possibly accept that!" Jenny giggled at my outburst from her place across from me on the sofa, waving a hand dismissively "oh please, I couldn't wear that. Doesn't suit me. You on the other hand, that would look a million dollars on you"

Jenny was always dressed to the nines, resplendent in silver and the finest clothes money could buy. I admired her for how well she held herself, anyone would mistake her for a rich woman when in fact she was just a secretary to some businessman. It was obvious that most of her pitiful salary went towards her appearance which, sadly, often left her without essentials. That was the main reason I didn't want to take such an extravagant gift from her, knowing it would leave her out of pocket.

"Jenny I can't. That must have cost a whole month's wages!" Jenny sniffed, a little smirk on her face "I like to spoil my friends, especially you. Anyway, I missed your birthday last week so I owed you one" she took a drag on the cigarette she held in her hand, pinching it between her fingers as it neared snuffing out. I tried my best not to show my distaste openly, the smoke smelled awful.

I didn't like cigarettes, ever since I was little I hated the smell. That was one of Jenny's features that I didn't like, it clung to her fancy clothes and her hugs enveloped me with the tobacco smell. I still wouldn't trade a friend like Jenny for the world.

"Jen, no" I gave her the hardest, sternest look I could whilst trying not to appear ungrateful. Jenny's smirk widened, holding the stare and raising an eyebrow at me "You can't win, sweet. Now move your hair so I can put this on for you" I glared, huffing defeatedly as I turned away and swept aside my hair to expose my neck.

Jenny's warm hands brushed my skin as she set the cool silver necklace and it's small, intricate pendant against my sternum as the chain sat around my neck. I heard the quiet click as she clipped it shut and pulled away her hands. Jenny let her fingers linger for a moment too long, and a slightly uncomfortable shiver ran through me. She was always physically affectionate to a somewhat extreme degree, Larissa wasn't very fond of it.

"there... Beautiful" Jenny smiled as I turned back to her, smoothing down the front of my shirt. I returned her smile and cleared my throat, trying to think of how to carry on the conversation. Thankfully Jenny spoke up, a dramatic gasp upon checking her Swarovski watch "oh dear, I've overbooked myself. Got to run" she gave an apologetic smile as she returned to look at the necklace "very nice. Pretty, even"

Without another word Jenny stubbed out her cigarette, slung her red blaser over her black Vivienne Westwood dress, and stood up with an elegance I envied. I stood up to walk her to the door, but we both stopped at the sound of heels in the hallway outside.

"is that Larissa?" Jenny sounded a little excited and seemed to glow when I nodded, I wasn't sure why. Larissa was always apathetic and cold towards Jenny, and in private she was borderline hateful. Jenny looked at her watch again, and frowned "ugh, I really have to go"

I was pulled into a hug and instantly overwhelmed by the smell of smoke and traces of an expensive perfume, it took a moment to relax into her touch as she rubbed her hands across my back affectionately. I heard the hinges squeak as the door opened, and Larissa's heels stopped in the doorway. I could imagine her scowl, her scrunched up nose at the smell of tobacco.

Jenny pulled away, not sparing Larissa a single glance. I saw her sweet smile as she leaned in to kiss my cheek, I did the same to her as quickly as I could so that I could turn to Larissa. The Headmistress had a smiling expression, but her eyes didn't have their regular shine "Jennifer, how nice to see you again" she tried to smile, but it was more of a grimace.

Jenny grinned at the taller woman, her arm around my waist still from our hug. Larissa's gaze lingered on it for a moment, and her eyes hardened a little, but she quickly regained her composure and put a fake smile on once again "have I missed much, darling?" Larissa looked at me, her hands clasped in front of her. I couldn't help but notice the tired lines under her eyes, the stiffness in her shoulders. Poor Larissa had clearly overworked herself again.

Thankful for the chance to free myself from the awkward hold Jenny had on me, I tried to make it look casual as I practically raced across to Larissa. I relaxed into her side instantly, breathing in the relaxing scent of lavender and freshly pressed paper that always surrounded her.

"not much, but look at the necklace Jenny gave me!" Larissa took the pendant between her fingers, raising it a little to see in more detail. Her frown was less concentrated and more of irritation, and when she met my eyes I saw a flash of a scowl cross her face. When I pulled away from a direct hug, Larissa kept a hand on my shoulder and steered me to her side "lovely"

Her lips were pursed, Larissa obviously didn't find the gift 'lovely'. Her hand gripped my shoulder a little tighter "That was most kind of you, Jennifer" Larissa's imposing stature loomed over Jennifer, making the statement sound more threatening than her tone originally did. She didn't scare me, but god Larissa could be intimidating when she wanted to be.

Jenny cleared her throat, awkwardly "I suppose I'd best get going" she muttered, smoothing down the front of her dress. She lifted her handbag, settling it on her forearm. Larissa gave her a polite smile, more sincere than the others.

"a shame I couldn't have spent more time with you, Jennifer. You seem like a lovely girl" the way she says girl makes Jenny visibly irritated, as if Larissa is cementing her place as her superior. Jenny gives a tight smile and nod to Larissa, who I noticed looked a little smug. Jenny didn't meet my eyes when she mumbled her goodbye.

Jenny shut the door after herself, leaving me with my eyes to the carpeted floor beneath us. I took note of Larissa's black 3 inch block heels, elevating her to an even greater height. Cool cream gloves came into my eyeline as Larissa tilted my head up, she looked down at me with loosely veiled satisfaction.

"don't look so timid, little love" her thumb stroked over my lips, and Larissa smirked a little as my breath hitched. Through her gaze she saw doe eyes. A perfect, innocent angel looking up at her as if she was a god. Larissa had never felt so appreciated, so adored as when she was with me. It was refreshing for someone to, finally, see the beauty Larissa often missed in herself. That was her justification for how she spoiled me, she wanted to give back the adoration.

I couldn't look away from her, blushing fiercely as Larissa assessed my face for thoughts. She looked to my right cheek and her lips pursed in annoyance "you have some of Jennifer's lipstick on your cheek" Larissa nearly spat her name, a quiet fire behind her eyes. I raised a hand to touch my cheek, but Larissa took my wrist in a gentle hold "let me"

With a liquid flourish Larissa hastily took her handkerchief from her blaser pocket, it was flower-pattern embroidered specially for her with L.W in the bottom corner of the fabric. It was soft on my face as Larissa wiped the beige pink traces of lipstick from my cheek, so gently it reminded me of my grandmother's tender hand. I looked up to her eyes, but she was focussed on removing the stain from my skin.

With a satisfied smile, Larissa pulled her soft handkerchief away from my face. I smiled like a giddy schoolgirl, I felt almost like one of her students. I wondered how many of them must admire her like this and felt the green monster of jealousy simmer beneath the surface, but it was quickly quelled when Larissa set a lingering kiss upon my cheek. The same one she had just cleared.

She waited a second, maybe two before pulling away and a self-satisfied smirk filled her red lips. I knew she was intentionally replacing Jenny's lipstick mark with her own. Larissa leaned down a little, and I found myself standing closer to her to hear her whispered words "you suit red better, doll"

With that she walked off, leaving the room through the same door Jenny had left through a few minutes earlier. A little swagger to her step, a sauntering sway to her hips. She was proud of herself for leaving me a blushing mess in her wake.

...

It was a few days later after Jenny's visit and I was in the library of Nevermore, my workplace. In that moment I was seated behind my desk with my assistant Silvie, a springing 20 year old who had freshly joined the staff, dealing with students looking for specific books. She was a sweet, young girl. Between the two of us, I like to think we do a good job of maintaining the functionality of this book-mansion.

I clicked on an email from Miss Thornhill, requesting fresh 'botanicum' work-books for her senior students. As always, the email ended with a little smiley face. I laughed at that, Marilyn was such a sweetheart.

There were no fresh emails, so I scrolled down a little to check for any missed requests from other staff members. A notification dinged at the top of my screen, and my stomach fluttered when I saw 'Mrs Weems' as the messenger.

I flew to click on it, it was short but still I was delighted.

To: Cecile Weems

From: Larissa Weems

I want you to wear it when I see you tonight x

I felt my eyebrows furrowed and my lips downturn in confusion, what the hell did she mean? I was answered by Silvie calling over from the reception desk "Cecile! There's a delivery for you!"

I stood up from my desk, feeling the ache in my thighs from sitting so long. I made my way over to the desk and waved Silvie off to deal with the growing queue of students. On the desk in front of me was a large, beautiful bouquet of Gardenias and Anemones. My favourite flowers. Tied with a bow to the surface of the square vase was a nearly flat rectangular box, which rattled a little as I untied the silk bow.

I took a moment to read the label.

Swarovski

I vaguely remembered mentioning that Swarovski was my favourite Jeweler in an idle conversation Larissa and I had years ago. I didn't think she was listening, since she was busy typing away at her computer, but turns out she was. My heart melted.

Sliding the lid from the box, I gasped. A beautiful choker necklace with rectangular cut crystals sat upon a white velvet pillow, i ran a finger across the surface of the silver and nearly shivered at the cold. It was gorgeous.

I saw a label printed on the inside of the box, which made my eyes widen.

£900

I nearly jumped away from the box with the shock I got. I was going to kill that bloody woman for spending so much.

A few stares were being sent my way, so I quickly calmed myself down. I took a deep breath and leaned against the desk, rubbing my temples in irritation. Larissa was going to get the silent treatment for sure... Right after thank you sex.

Silvie was beside me now, baring me an awkward smile "uh... A note came with it, sorry I didn't see it earlier" I nodded reassuringly, taking the little note card from her outstretched hand.

"no worries, Silvie. This was an... Unexpected delivery" we shared an awkward laugh before Silvie wandered off to help Bianca Barclay with something, likely aquatic plants for Miss Thornhill's class. I sighed, looking around at the students. I was glad they were taking such interest in their studies.

With that thought I turned back to the note in my hand, it was short and sweet. I smiled, Larissa was such a romantic.

My darling,

I hope you liked my gift, sweetheart. Who knows? Maybe you'll get another tonight...

Larissa hadn't signed the note. Well, not traditionally. Someone had kissed the bottom of the note, someone with bright red lipstick that left a mark, just like the one I'd let sit on my cheek as a proud display of Larissa Weems' love for me.

God, i thought as my face flustered red, I love my wife.

[jamespottersmixtape]

september 16: binge 1,173 words @rosekiller-microfic

It’s their movie night! just rosekiller being in love tbh (ft. Regulus freaking out)

After careful contemplation, in which he heavily weighed the pros and cons of each day of the week, Evan has decided that Saturday is his favourite.

This isn't that surprising—Saturdays are great. No work, no school, no need to wake up early or go to sleep before dawn. Pure unbridled bliss to spend a day however one pleases.

But that isn't why Evan loves them.

No, Evan has become rather fond of Saturdays because for the past year or so since he and Barty started dating, they've made it a goal to host a movie night. Just the two of them.

It started off as a complete accident—Saturday being one of the only days the two were free, unburdened by Evan's university classes and Barty's part-time job. So one night they found themselves sprawled over Evan's couch, watching a movie and eating takeaway because they hadn't felt like leaving the flat. Then the next week found them in a similar position, only at Barty's place, completely by coincidence.

By the third week they realized the pattern and made a truce—every Saturday that they could manage they'd stay at one of their flats, order in, and put on a random movie or show to watch together.

It quickly became a favorite date night for the both of them—choosing to ignore the rest of the world for one night a week and keep each other company. It was more than enough. Soft, tender touches under a blanket and rowdy laughter directed at a particularly shitty movie Barty had picked out. They would always end the night with their limbs tangled together, whether that be on the couch or one of their beds.

Now over a year later Evan still feels the same excitement bubbling in the pit of his stomach as the clock hits 5pm—their official designated start time.

He figures Barty will arrive any minute now and let himself in, so he turns the TV on and grabs some blankets from the closet, setting up the couch as comfortably as he can.

He's in the kitchen looking over menus when he hears the turn of a key and the click of the front door closing. He smiles to himself, soft and hidden, as feet patter across his wooden floors.

A warm presence ghosts along his back as steady arms wrap around his waist. Barty tugs him closer and hooks his chin over Evan's shoulder, pressing a soft kiss to his neck.

"Hi Ev," Barty mumbles; he sounds tired. Evan knows he went home to see his mother today, a visit that usually leaves Barty drained no matter how much he loves her. He tries his hardest not to be so reserved around Evan; he's definitely gotten better with opening up about his home life, but it can be hard.

Evan has learned to be patient.

"Hi baby," he hums, turning his head and capturing Barty's lips in a kiss. It's sweet, chaste.

He turns around fully so he can run his fingers through Barty's hair, cupping his face with his free hand. "How was today? Your mum's well?"

That's another thing they've worked on: communication. Sometimes just a simple How was your day? or a Can we call later? I miss you, makes all the difference when both of them lead such busy lives. The two of them are far from perfect, but they try their best.

Barty shrugs, but smiles nonetheless. "She's good, not very busy these days. Father wasn't home so we went out for coffee," he wrinkles his nose at the thought of his father, and Evan laughs. He can't say he disagrees with the sentiment.

Barty tugs Evan closer where his hands still rest on his waist. "And what'd you do today? Other than wait for me to grace you with my presence, of course."

Evan rolls his eyes. "Actually I was dreading this. I'd much rather go back to studying like I've been doing for the past 6 hours. It's very fun," he loops his arms around Barty's neck, staring up at him with a devilish grin.

"Oh I'm sure," Barty nods along. "I should make my swift exit then, don't wanna take up too much of your time Mr. University."

"Shut up and kiss me, idiot."

Their lips meet again, warm and slow under the yellow lighting of Evan's small kitchen. It's unhurried, no intention other than re-familiarizing themselves with each other. Still, kissing Barty always makes his entire body light up—fireworks or tingles or electricity; whatever you want to call it—and he shivers from head to toe at the feeling.

God, he's painfully in love with this stupid man.

They pull back, Barty's hand never leaving Evan's hip as they go about chattering aimlessly. They choose a restaurant and Evan forces Barty to call in—pizza, even though Barty complains that his mother sent him home with enough Italian food.

They laugh at nothing as they wait for the food, Barty recounting to Evan how Regulus called him at 8pm the previous night to freak out when he found a ring in James' sock drawer.

Honestly Evan's surprised they're not married with two kids yet. They've been dating for ages, and James looks at him like he built the solar system. It's gross—and also about damn time that man proposes.

The food arrives in record time and they make themselves comfortable, Barty laying half of his body weight on Evan's legs. Not that he's complaining.

Barty chooses a show for them to watch tonight—some random sitcom he's been binge watching the past few weeks—and they settle into a comfortable silence, munching on their food.

"Hey, B?" he asks halfway through the second episode; food long gone and plates piled in the sink. He's wrapped in Barty's arms now, a blanket thrown over the both of them.

The chatter on the TV is low enough that he knows Barty heard him, but he doesn't make a move to acknowledge it.

Evan pokes one of his hands. Nothing.

He sighs, long and drawn out. "Baby."

Predictably, Barty turns his head to face Evan. He looks smug, the bastard, and raises a questioning eyebrow.

"Rosie?"

"Ugh, you're horrible. Why do I tolerate you again?"

Barty smiles, a bright and open gesture that radiates even more warmth under the soft blanket. "Cause you're just as bad as I am," he wraps his arms tighter and noses at Evan's hair.

"Am not."

"Are too."

"Am n–"

"Watch the show, Ev," Barty interrupts, leaning down to kiss his cheek.

Evan scoffs but resigns himself to sink into the surrounding warmth, the rise and fall of Barty's breathing a comforting lull. The domesticity of it all makes his chest ache.

They go through another episode before Evan begins to feel the effects of sleep taking over, his brain peacefully blank and his eyes struggling to stay open.

"Sleep, Ev. I'll wake you later," he hears Barty whisper lowly next to his ear. Evan smiles, and lets his eyes close.

This, he thinks. This is perfect.

[forsythi-amitie]

Also marionette. Shu. Nazuna. The way they both smile.

"Kagehira... Nito.... So that's it. That's what it was. Aah.... then was I the fool for thinking of giving up? I had thought that not letting you fail was love. If you show any sort of weakness, then they'd surely come for you, I'd thought. That's why, that's why I..."

"It's too late to regret it all now. Ah, what a horrible noise.... it's truly terrible, there's no harmony at all. Valkyrie's live performances have always been perfect with no exceptions. And yet, their voices aren't even in unison."

"But that's to be expected, isn't it? You've never practiced singing together before. And here I thought I was protecting you.... I was blind, unable to see the true value of it."

"To stumble even a little bit and come apart entirely... we truly were a relic from the past, a real antique doll. By the time I realized it, it was far too late. Trying to crawl back up will only result in sinking deeper into the muddy depths."

"And even still, please let me stand with you until the end. Nito, Kagehira, my precious youth, my beloved Valkyrie."

Nazuna: "And so, we sang. Our voices resembled the sound of coughing up blood and someone's dying screams. The reception from the audience was terrible. That was the first and final time we ever sang together live."

*

Sorry that was long but. I think about this moment, and Shu's reaction, how it was sort of a sudden, unceremonious realization; a very "Oh." Moment. And also how their last moments were also very. Undignified? Inelegant? These three, out of practice, out of tune, out of sync, fell apart like a light that just sort of fizzles out. Like, yes it was dramatic, what with their audio malfunctioning suddenly, but idk. To me it feels more "abrupt".

And how shu, in their final moments looked at them with fondness...

I didn't include this, but when the music cut out, Nazuna freaks out and turns to Shu, who had also stopped in shock. It was Mika who had tried to continue performing despite everything, and upon seeing mila try his hardest , nazuna gained the confidence to sing too, no matter how bad. And i think about it, how he seems like the "weak" one in comparison, in both his age/lack of experience, and shu himself noting how mika has "only his looks"... Nazuna had entertained the thought of trying to step up, but ultimately was too afraid to do it until the very end... In that, doesn't it make Mika the stronger one in a sense? And it was Mika in the end who kept Valkyrie together, even if it was just him and Shu... Um.

Anyways idk i think there's something sort of.. how to put it... Not chilling, exactly but. (I hope the vibes get across..) About how they absolutely killed it (derogatory) on stage. They totally sucked. And yet that was their first ever performance together. And yeah i likened it to a dying swan in my head.

(god this went on way longer than i wanted it to. Oops.)

[am30000]

So How did Y/n react/meet April?

summary: So in my headcannon April and Y/n met after the turtles kept sneaking out of the Lair for an unknown reason.

Raph Leo Mikey Donnie Y/n April

The turtles tip toe inside the lair trying there hardest not to make a sound. It was dark and it was 4 am.

"Guys remember be quiet! We don't wanna wake up mom or else we're done for."

Raph said in a whispery tone.

"Lets hope mom isn't already awake. She should be getting up soon to start breakfast."

"Lets make sure we get to bed muy rapido before then so mom doesn't realizes we snuck out."

"Too late boys."

The brothers instantly turn to see Y/n sitting on the couch with an annoyed and tired look.

"Look mom its not what it looks like- "

Y/n raises an eyebrow looking for an explanation.

"Okay it is what it seems like."

"Mother I had absolutely nothing to do with this they dragged me along. Plus it was Leo's idea to sneak out."

"What the- Donnie!"

"I don't care who's Idea it was to sneak out. The fact of the matter is you all snuck out and I want an explanation."

"Alright fine. You know how you said to stay hidden and whatnot? Well we may have been spotted by a human"

"I'm sorry you were what?"

"Its alright though cause the were totally cool with us and everything! We're friends with them!"

"And how long ago was this?"

".....Around a year ago?"

"And you've been sneaking out why? To see them?"

"Sort of?"

Y/n sighs, clearly annoyed.

"Well who are they?"

"Her name is April and she's really cool and nice and funny!"

Y/n begins smirking with a teasing expression.

"So you've all been sneaking out to see a girl?"

"Don't say it like that! She's just our friend that happens to be a girl!"

"Sure she is."

Mikey gasps as an idea pops in his head.

"We should get you to meet her! Trust me you'll absolutely love her!"

"Oh i'd love to meet her. Since you boys obviously are so fond of her i'd love to see what the hype is all about."

"Trust us you're gonna love April! She's awesome! She's even gotten Donnie to open up to her in like a month!"

"Oh wow that's impressive. Took me two years to get Donnie to actually tolerate me. Lemme guess did he tried to bite her and hissed at her when they met?"

"Oh haha very funny."

"No he didn't but that's cause he was interested in interacting with a human that wasn't you for the first time. He had so many questions for her he practically took up most of her time when they met. Speaking of meeting, Donnie text April to meet us in the Alley near the Tony Lou's Pizza place after she's done with that school thing she keeps talking about."

Donnie waves his phone gently.

"Already 2 steps ahead of you Nardo. She asks why though. What should I tell her?"

"Tell her we want her to meet someone."

"Alright and sent."

"Tell you what boys. I'll let you guys off the hook if I like your new friend. But if I don't you're all grounded."

"Alright fair."

TIMESKIP

Now its the next day. The boys wait patiently with Y/n in the alley near the Tony Lou's Pizza place. Then a dark skin girl with glasses, brown hair and a green jacket runs in.

"Sorry It took so long. I got held back to finish a science project."

"And you didn't ask me to help? I feel offended."

"No offense Dee but I kinda don't want my project to turn into a killing machine again."

"I have never done such a thing before."

"Sure you haven't. Now who did you guys want me to meet?"

The boys move to the side to reveal Y/n.

"April. This is the wonderful woman who raised us. Our mom. If you wanted to know where Donnie got his oh so lovable sarcasm she's the woman to blame."

Y/n walks up to April and examines her with an unreadable expression.

"Oh um... Its nice to meet you Ma'am. I'm April, April O'Neil."

April holds out her hand nervously to shake Y/n's.

"So you're the girl the boys kept talking about all night? With all that yapping they did they failed to mention how absolutely beautiful you are!"

Y/n's smiles and shakes her hand.

"Names Y/n but please call me mom or ma dear."

April smiles, her nervous expression drops completely.

"Oh. Alright!"

"Oh wow deary you are way too skinny. Please join us for dinner at the Lair."

"I'd love to! The turtles constantly brag about how good your cooking is! They even brought some left overs of it when I forgot my lunch and asked Donnie to bring me some food."

"Oh so that's where the left overs went?"

"I am not sorry in the slightest this woman had not tasted really food until they tried yours."

"Tell you what April. I will personally make you lunch and have one of the boys deliver it to you."

"Oh I'd love that! Thanks Ma!"

"You're welcome. Now lets get going to the lair. If you thought my left overs were good then wait till you start trying food when its off the stove. Trust me its way better. Especially since I made it extra special since I'd already assumed you were coming over anyways."

"You already had me at extra special. Lets go!"

Timeskip to night time.

Dinner was over and April was laying back in her chair, rubbing her stomach.

"Good right?"

"I'd never thought i'd ever have food better than Mikeys. I was proved wrong."

"Who do you think I learned it from? Trust me I know I'm good but this woman is a whole other species of good."

Y/n walks in with a tub of Ice cream.

"Everyone ready for dessert?"

"Im going to leave with a stomach bigger than a whales aren't I?"

"Yup. Hope you saved some room."

"Don't worry April. I know you can't have any more food since your stomach is so small compared to the boys so I'll just pack some in a container for you so you can have it later."

"Thanks ma. You're awesome."

April checks her phone.

"Oh I gotta get home. I'll see you guys later. Thanks for the meal and lovely night ma'am! Bye!"

April gets up and runs off the turtles look at Y/n.

"So what do you think of April?"

"Yeah are we grounded or not?"

"She's a wonderful young lady. I can see why you guys like her. And no you aren't grounded. But please stop sneaking out. I don't like not knowing where my boys are."

"Deal."

[cloneshipping7567]

Romantic Confessions Part 16

Part 16/30

16. "Is it so obvious how infatuated I am?"

Pairing: Fives x Tup

Rating/WC: M (borderline E towards the end)/3913.

Warnings: jealousy, mentions of past character death, Fives is kinda angsty at the beginning lol, almost explicit content towards the end.

Notes: Hey guys! I wanted to try a sort of different style this time, push out of my comfort zone a little. Please let me know what you thought!

~~~

“When are you just going to admit you want him?”

Fives had, before this conversation, been under the impression he was incredibly good at hiding how he truly felt. Not just about certain people, but about everything. Before just a few moments ago, in the overcrowded booth in an absurdly dark corner of 79’s, he had viewed himself as a closed book, impossible to read; the type of person to keep his cards close to his chest and put on a perfect sabacc face. 

The only person who had ever been able to tell what he was thinking was Echo. None of his other batchmates had ever been able to tell when he was upset, what he was thinking, what he thought of them or anyone else. No one at the Rishi outpost could tell when he was lying through his teeth, was able to call him on his banthashit. Not even Captain Rex had been able to read his face or body language, has always bought any story Fives wove, always chose to believe his words even when he stared at Fives dubiously and tried his hardest to get into Fives’s head. 

No one had known about how in love he was with Echo. Not until after it was already too late to matter. 

Maybe he simply got worse at it, in the after. Maybe he lost the ability to carefully control every muscle in his face, to keep his eyes light and honest no matter the lie he concocted. Maybe he’s developed a tell since, some tick that his friends he’s made in the after can easily detect. Because before, Echo hadn’t been able to tell him how he knew Fives wasn’t being honest; he just knew. 

Echo was just like that. He just knew Fives, inside and out and frontways and backwards. 

“What are you even talking about?” Fives asks, carefully molding his smile into his typical teasing smirk, the one he uses when he feels relaxed and safe. Not the one which eventually twists into a mean snarl, the one he only forms when he wants to warn off whoever he’s talking to. The one he meticulously designed to scream back off, you’re getting too close to a flayed nerve. He tosses his arm over the back of the booth, over Jesse’s shoulders, and wraps his other hand loosely around his glass. 

“Everyone knows it!” Hardcase almost slurs, his smile big and dopey. It’s one of Fives’s favorite things about him-he smiles with his whole body, pure in his joy. “You’re so gone on him, man.”

Fives scoffs, forces it to sound lighthearted and forces his smile to remain friendly. “We’re friends. He’s my best friend, even.” He laughs at Hardcase’s affronted whine, his eyes crinkling in the corners. “That doesn’t mean I want to be with him.”

“Yeah, you’re friends; but you’re also very in love with him,” Kix chimes in, leaning forward over his drink. Hardcase thanks him for his support by slapping him hard on the back. “You’re different with him than with the rest of us.”

Fives only laughs, plays at being highly amused. If he only denies hard enough, he can make them start to doubt their own convictions. “Yeah? Okay, then what do I do that’s different?”

Jesse, the traitor, turns his head to look at Fives with an evil glint in his eyes despite his fond smile. It’s less threatening than it could be, considering he’s leaning into Fives’s arm and his tongue is slow with the alcohol coursing through his blood. “You notice him, for one thing. You find him, like no matter where we are. It’s kind of funny, actually, we have an ongoing tally of how quickly you’re able to sense Tup’s presence in a room.” He wiggles his fingers at Fives, smiling wider to show his teeth. “Like a jedi, almost. It’s kinda creepy.”

Fives has to work hard to keep his smile playful, to not tighten his jaw. “What does that even mean, Jess?”

“Your record is eight seconds,” Dogma pipes up, always slightly nervous to add to any conversation, as if everyone will tell him his presence is no longer wanted. He’s been like that since Umbara, Fives has noticed. He used to interject his thoughts freely, sometimes despite the actually there obvious discomfort of his friends. He used to speak each and every thought that would enter his head, even when it was abundantly clear to everyone else his presence was truly no longer welcome. 

Fives wishes this felt like an improvement, like the answer to the wish they all had silently made back then. It doesn’t. 

“That’s hardly noteworthy,” Fives argues, takes a sip from his glass before he continues. “That’s actually pretty bad. There’s no way it takes any of you that long to notice someone else walking through a door.”

“No; we mean like, in the mess hall or here or on a battlefield. No matter how many people are there or where we are or who’s firing at you. You just gravitate to his appearance.” Kix leans back again, smirking. “The eight second record was when we were in the Resolute, there were hundreds of us milling in all at the same time.”

Fives sighs deeply, fighting off the urge to glare or roll his eyes. “That doesn’t mean anything; how do you even know I was looking for him? Maybe I was looking for the general or Rex.”

“How about the fact that you always take every chance you can get to spend your down time with him?” Jesse asks instead, pulling away from Fives again to get a better look at his face. “You’ve blown us off to go find Tup more times than I can count.”

“He’s my best friend,” Fives reminds him, and sharpens his smile meanly. That’s one thing Echo knew about him that no one else seems to: Fives is mean at heart. Cutthroat when he needs to be, viscous even when he doesn’t. It was his idea to try and throw the other Dominoes under the bus and get him and Echo transferred. It was him that knew exactly which sore spots to dig his knife into when Rex needed the extra push to defy Krell; him who took careful notes on Rex’s biggest insecurities and deepest regrets in order to use them later. All while everyone else either doesn’t notice or believes he’s simply being honest. But Fives knows how to push without drawing blood, he knows how to tell the truth without shooting to kill. Sometimes he chooses not to; sometimes he wants to hurt. “How many times have you ditched us to bother Kix in the medbay?”

Jesse’s smile drops, his eyes widen in hurt and confusion. Fives hadn’t needed to flirt the line between exposing Jesse and proving his point; he didn’t need to remind Jesse that Kix hasn’t expressed any sort of reciprocity. That was simply to be mean. 

But it was said innocently enough to pass off as a meaningless comparison, perhaps an accident even. 

Echo would have side eyed him with disapproval. No one else notices Fives’s cruelty. 

“That’s different,” Hardcase cuts in, taking the attention off of Jesse’s faux non-reaction. “Jesse is a lieutenant and Kix is the CMO. They have jobs to do. You and Tup blow us off to hang out together for no reason. You just like him,” he ends the sentence with a teasing grin, finishing the last of his drink.

“You think he’s pretty, too,” Kix interjects, flagging down a waiter and asking for another round. “You stare. You watch him. Like you can’t help it.”

Jesse leans back against the booth, allowing Fives’s arm to stay where it is above him. He doesn’t risk teasing Fives again.

“Especially when he is tying up his hair,” Hardcase does tease, wiggling his eyebrows with a shit eating grin. “But also when he’s running laps, or when he’s sparring, or when he’s eating, or when he’s breathing-”

Dogma laughs at that, drawing Hardcase’s attention to him and that in turn making him blush. 

“Tup is very pretty to look at, to be fair,” Jesse mumbles, almost inaudible over the music and chatter of the club. Fives accepts the truce, letting his arm fall to truly rest over Jesse’s shoulders. 

“I mean, that vod over there sure seems to think so,” Kix adds, nodding to somewhere over Fives’ shoulder. He hides his smirk behind taking another sip of his drink. Asshole. 

Hardcase is significantly less subtle, tearing his eyes away from Dogma to crane his neck and search. “Oh, damn. Get it, Tup!”

Fives feels his blood go cold, and fights the urge to whip around. Instead he turns his head in the direction Kix and Hardcase are looking slowly, feigning only the barest of interest. He wishes he had just allowed his imagination to run wild. It would have been easier to deal with, Fives thinks.

What Tup is doing can hardly be considered dancing. His elbows are resting on his dance partner’s shoulders, both hands weaving his fingers through the slightly longer than regulation hair. Tup’s own hair is half falling out of its messy top bun, certain strands perfectly framing his face. His brilliantly flushed face, with his eyes wide and dark with lust, mouth hanging half open as he pants into his partner’s face. 

He’s so beautiful that Fives hurts. 

His dance partner has one hand down the back pocket of Tup’s civvies, and the other riding his shirt up his side, exposing some of the skin of his torso to the rest of the club. While they are technically swaying in what could be considered an approximation to the beat of the song, they’re mostly focused on grinding their hips together. 

It’s so distracting that Fives forgets himself. Feels his smirk melt into a jealous frown, feels his teeth grind at how tightly he sets his jaw. Tightens his grip on his drink and his other hand forms a fist to rest on Jesse’s shoulder. 

Tup’s mouth lifts into a smile at the corners, probably huffs a laugh at whatever the vod said, turns his head to the side and looks up him through his lashes. Leans into it when his dance partner surges forward to connect their lips in what looks like the beginnings of a filthy kiss. One hand leaves the other man’s hair to feel at his abs and run up his chest.

“Fives?” Jesse whispers in Fives’s ear, too quiet to be noticed by the rest of the table; not that they would notice anyway, Fives realizes as he finally tears his gaze away. They’re all transfixed by the sight as well, Kix and Hardcase with amused grins and Dogma with a slightly horrified expression. 

Jesse turns so he can whisper directly in Jesse’s ear, using the other man’s face to hide his words should the others turn to see. “Do you guys really think it’s obvious how much I love him?” he double checks, pulling back to watch Jesse’s face. Jesse frowns at him sadly, shooting one longing glance at Kix before making eye contact again. Fives leans back in, bringing his glass closer to his body. “Then why hasn’t Tup noticed?”

Jesse reaches under the table to place a comforting hand on Fives’s knee, lightly knocking their foreheads together. Leans past Fives’s face to reach his ear, to whisper back. “Fuck him, Fives. Anyone would be lucky to have you.”

When Fives turns his attention back to the table at large he notices Kix quickly looking away, his own jaw set in a mimicry of Fives’s just seconds ago. If Fives were a good person, he would point it out to Jesse. Encourage him to make his move. 

But Fives is mean, and now he’s feeling like taking his jealousy and frustration out on others. He smirks at Kix, knows he’s still looking at them out of the corner of his eyes, and downs the rest of his drink. He leans back into Jesse’s space, his lips brushing the shell Jesse’s ear. “You know I would if I could, Jess.” It makes Jesse smile and blush at the connotation, makes him laugh breathily as he attempts to keep quiet. “Dance with me?” Fives asks instead of excusing himself to wallow alone.

Jesse squeezes Fives’s knee again and nods, finishing his own drink quickly. 

Fives scoots out of their booth and offers his hand to help Jesse up, drawing the attention of Hardcase and Dogma. “Going somewhere?” Hardcase asks. 

Fives looks to him as an excuse for why he didn’t take a step back, forcing Jesse to stand entirely in his space, the front of his body flush with Fives’s side. “To dance. Wanna come?”

Hardcase’s eyes light up and he turns to Dogma, giving him a small and questioning smile. “Wanna?”

Dogma gives him a small smile back, ducking his head just a bit, and nods. “Maybe not like Tup, though,” he jokes, drawing a loud laugh from Hardcase and small chuckles from the rest of them.

Fives finally steps back, pulling Jesse by the hand to the dance floor and positions them perfectly so he can see Tup and Jesse can see Kix, who stays at the table alone. Neither of them are particularly good dancers, but the beat is loud and fun and the alcohol is making their limbs loose; they find themselves able to mostly copy the moves of their fellow vode, bouncing on beat and twisting their bodies just slightly to mimic some sort of coordination. 

It’s fun. His heart is pounding louder than the deafening music, they’re sweating and panting together, blood pumping for a reason unrelated to the war. It’s almost easy to forget everything that’s ever made him miserable, to pretend he’s never felt anything other than how he feels right now, pumped up and excited and a little drunk. Fives gets lost in it, just watches Jesse’s face as he also starts to relax and have fun.

Jesse’s hands fall to his shoulders, and it’s natural for Fives to rest his own hands on Jesse’s hips. Jesse yells something that Fives can’t hear, but he doesn’t need to. Jesse turns them around anyway, and Fives is forced to notice that he hadn’t noticed Tup leaving the dance floor. He’s sitting at the table now, a new drink in hand and face flushed. His hair is completely down now, and he’s talking obliviously to Kix, who’s unabashedly staring at Jesse and Fives dancing. 

Someone bumps into Fives, and he stumbles more thoroughly into Jesse’s arms, Jesse locking his wrists together behind Fives’s head. He laughs at their new position, leaning to yell into Fives’s ear. “You can go talk to him, if you want. I can find someone else to dance with.”

Kix glares at him, openly and unashamed, maintaining eye contact with Fives. Fives smirks at him, still feeling mean but seeing a chance to do something nice for Jesse. He keeps eye contact with Kix, raising an eyebrow as he moves his hands to Jesse’s ass and starts to forcibly move Jesse’s hips in a swish he’s sure looks good. He kisses Jesse’s neck, making him shiver, never taking his eyes off of Kix. 

“Better stop if you’re not going to follow through,” Jesse warns, tilting his head to expose more of his neck to Fives’s lips anyway. 

Kix downs his entire drink, slamming it a bit too harshly back to the table. Come and get it, Fives mouths, before moving his lips up to Jesse’s ear. “Thank me later,” he teases as Kix stands. 

“Huh?” Jesse asks, pulling back to look at Fives. 

Fives smirks and steps back as Kix comes up, one hand landing on Jesse’s lower back as he leans in, probably to ask for the next dance. 

Jesse’s eyes light up and he turns a smile to Fives. Fives winks at him and starts to head back to the table, watching Jesse’s attention be completely monopolized by Kix. 

Fives sits and grabs a drink from a passing tray, the waiter turning to cuss him out before scoffing at Fives’s smile. He turns back the way he came and Fives gets to keep his drink. He turns to Tup, fighting to keep his expression neutral despite the sight before him. 

Tup’s face is flushed such a pretty shade of pink, framed so deliciously by his sweaty curls. His lips are wet and kiss-swollen, quirked into a genuine smile. His shirt is askew, the collar stretched out and hanging half off his shoulder now. It shows off the light hickeys and bite marks on his neck and shoulder. 

“Had fun?” Fives asks, voice aiming for teasing. Misses slightly, hopefully unnoticeable in the loudness of the club. 

Tup nods, absolutely beaming, and he’s so beautiful that Fives can’t stop himself from smiling back. Can’t tear his eyes away, despite the jealousy coursing through his blood. “I don’t even know his name!” Tup announces, like it’s something he’s proud of. “He was so much fun.”

Fives takes a couple swigs from his drink, setting it down carefully again. “I thought you were going to take him home,” Fives teases, keeping his smile playful. “Or the ‘fresher, at least.” 

Tup flushes darker, biting his lip and looking back out at the dance floor. Fives almost follows his gaze, almost attempts to see the face of the vod that stole Tup’s attention all night. Can’t tear his eyes away, can’t deny himself the view. He’s just so pretty, and Fives gets it now. He gets what his friends were pointing out earlier. He’s not good at hiding how he feels about Tup. It must be pathetically obvious to anyone who’s looking. 

Tup suddenly looks back at Fives, his smile gone and gaze so intense that Fives straightens up. “What do I have to do to get you to admit you like me?”

Fives’s eyes widen, and he feels his jaw drop in shock. 

Tup cocks his head to the side, eyes looking over Fives’s face. “I know you do. No one else has ever looked at me the way you do. Even when they want me, they don’t look the same. How obvious do I have to be before you get it?”

Fives blinks, and then he feels his face split into an enormous grin. Feels himself start to laugh, feels like the weight of a bantha has been lifted off his chest. He stands and walks to the other side of the booth, forcing Tup to scoot in as he crowds the other man’s space. “Is it so obvious how infatuated I am?” he asks, smirking as he pulls back to see Tup’s face.

His eyes are darkening, and he bites his lip as he takes in Fives’s face. “Pretty obvious,” Tup agrees.

Fives hums, leaning in and gently biting Tup’s earlobe. It pulls a gasp from Tup’s own lips, makes his hand grip at Fives’s wrist. “You’re the most beautiful person alive, Tup. You’re so pretty it hurts, makes me lose my mind.” Tup’s other hand goes to Fives’s neck, fingers tangling in the hair at the base of his skull, grip strong enough that Fives is sure he couldn’t pull away if he wanted to. “I never thought you would ever look at me the same way. I’m yours, love. All you had to do was ask.”

Tup pulls Fives’s hand into his lap, gasping at the initial contact. “Keep talking,” he begs.

Fives smirks, shifting closer and grinding his palm where Tup put it. His other hand slides up Tup’s back under his shirt, feeling how hot and sweaty his skin is. He starts to kiss from just below Tup’s ear down his neck, lips covering the bruises already there. “Everything about you drives me wild, darling. It’s like you were designed with everything I’ve ever wanted kept in mind.” He bites gently at Tup’s shoulder, drawing such a delicious whine from his throat. “God, the noises you fucking make. Indecent. Makes me wonder what else I could pull from you if I tried hard enough.”

“Fives,” Tup gasps, almost moans, head tilted back spreading his legs so Fives can have better access. Shifts, as if he wants to face Fives instead of forwards, but doesn’t want to dislodge Fives’s hand. 

“I want to put my mouth on you so bad,” Fives groans, moving his lips back up to Tup’s ear. “I want to make you feel so good that you scream. I want to crawl under the table and make it so obvious what’s happening to you that everyone here notices. I want to know what you taste like, want to know what face you make when I finish you. Want to swallow down everything you give me, until there’s nothing left and you’re squirming to get away. I want-oh!” Fives cuts himself off with a gasp, eyes dark with need, pulling back to greedily watch Tup’s face.

Tup whimpers and bites his lip, shivering and grinding up into Fives’s palm erratically. His face is so red, and his breath is coming so shakily, and his eyes are half closed. “Don’t stop, please, I’m so close, Fives.”

“Here?” Fives asks, licking his lips at just the idea of it. At the knowledge that his words have such a strong effect on Tup. The booth is dark, sure; but it’s still visible.

Tup whines in impatience, fingers tightening on Fives’s wrist, before he shakily pulls the hand away. “Tease,” Tup accuses breathily.

“After the show you put on for me just then with that other vod?” Fives asks, scraping his teeth over one of the darker bruises. “You’re one to talk.”

Tup blushes again, pulling Fives back enough to stare at him with dark eyes. He’s about to respond, opens his mouth to say something, when their little bubble gets so rudely burst. 

“Oh, about time!” Hardcase yells, scooting into the booth and pulling Dogma with him. He’s grinning at them, and Dogma even has a knowing blush on his cheeks. “Was starting to think I was the only one with any balls at all in this group.” 

Dogma gasps at the language, and Tup only rolls his eyes and sticks his tongue out at Hardcase. Fives shakes his head fondly and points his head in the direction of Kix and Jesse still dancing. “Some of us just need an extra push, is all.” Hardcase and Dogma turn to watch Jesse sticking his tongue down Kix’s throat, both of them having given up on actually dancing. Hardcase starts to whoop loudly, and Dogma even smiles and leans into him, making Jesse flip them off without looking. 

Fives uses the distraction to slip out of the booth, pulling Tup with him. “I wasn’t talking just to talk, by the way. Come home with me,” he whispers in Tup’s hair.

Tup flushes and starts pushing at Fives, just to get him moving. “See you guys back at the barracks,” Tup says, then smirks over his shoulder. “Maybe give us a head start,” he warns, earning a surprised bout of laughter from their table. 

Fives smiles at him, smitten; he doesn’t know how the night turned out so perfectly, but he’s damn sure not going to question it. He puts his hand on Tup’s lower back and starts to lead them towards the exit instead.

[sidekick-hero]

Here is my hand, my heart, my throat, my wrist.

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, AO3

(steddie | 3k | sfw)

March 1986

Deep down, he always knew he’d end up here, one way or the other. Steve Harrington does not get to keep the people he loves. He thought he’d learned that lesson with Nancy but apparently, he hadn’t.

Not everything has a happy ending.

How foolish of him to assume that meant something as simple as his own death.

Walking away from Eddie and Dustin had been the hardest thing he ever had to do in his life. He knew they would be safest of all, just decoys, not to engage with the fighting in any way. It was still terrifying to leave them behind. He remembers the relief he felt when Eddie had called out his name, clearly as unwilling to part as Steve had been. They’d just found each other after years of wasted time.

They looked at each other then, both lost for words; because what was there to say that didn’t sound like goodbye?

Now, he thinks, he might have to live in a world in which Eddie’s last words to him are “Make him pay.”

As soon as Vecna had vanished, Steve had turned heels and ran back towards the Upside Down version of Eddie’s trailer. The sinking feeling in his stomach had gotten worse with every passing minute and by the time he reached the trailer park he felt like his stomach tried coming out through his mouth.

He sees Eddie’s trailer about 50 feet to his right and a bit further ahead, he can make out a figure, kneeling on the ground. Steve pushes himself to run faster, his lungs burning and his body aching. He doesn’t care, can only think of big eyes the color of dark amber, looking at him with so many unsaid things. He thought they had time. Stupid. So fucking stupid.

It’s Dustin who's knelt on the ground, sobbing uncontrollably. In his arms lays Eddie. Dustin looks at Steve with so much despair in his eyes that Steve can barely stand looking at him. He failed him. Failed both of them and Eddie is paying the price. “Steve – he – he just cut the rope, I’m sorry, I don’t know what – You have to – “ a hiccup, the tears spilling over his cheeks in rivers of loss and despair “you have to help him, please, Steve, please.”

As Steve falls to the ground on Eddie’s other side, he sees the wounds. The blood. The paleness of his skin. Eddie’s eyes look even bigger than usual as they slowly turn to him. There’s a droplet of blood at the corner of his mouth that spills over as he tries to smile at Steve.

“Heya, Stevie.”

His voice sounds weak but has lost none of its warmth. Even dying Eddie manages to have only affection and care for Steve and Steve’s hit with how fucking unfair it all is. Eddie had always been a good guy, had always taken care of Steve for no reason except he wanted to. He doesn’t deserve to die. Steve gets it now, understands why Max loves that damn Kate Bush song so much. He’d make a deal with God if he only could, too.

“Hi.” His voice breaks and he swallows down the rising bile. “Are you – how do you feel?”

Steve wants to smack himself in the face, but Eddie just chuckles wetly. “I’ve been better.” His eyes never leave Steve’s face, like he's trying to memorize every little detail. “It’s not so bad, now that you’re here. I – “ his whole body shudders and Steve sees his breath comes out in little puffs of frosty air. “I’m just so cold.”

Steve grasps Eddie’s hands between his and closes his eyes for a moment as he feels how cold they are. “Let me keep you warm then.”

Steve starts to rub Eddie’s hands between his own, just like Eddie had done for him before. He smiles down at the other boy, crooked, and a tear drops down onto their clasped hands. Then another. And another. His voice shakes as much as Eddie’s body when he says “This reminds me of the first time we met. You remember, the woods? I had a concussion, and it was really fucking cold, I forgot my jacket, and you warmed my hands, just like that.”

Eddie looks at him with a fond look and Steve wants to scream at the universe to take him instead.

“Not the first time.” Eddie says with a smile. There’s blood between his teeth.

Steve blinks at him, baffled. “What?”

“That’s not the first time we met. But I warmed your hands just like that back then, too.”

“It wasn’t – but, that can’t be. I would know – I would remember you.” It couldn’t be right. Steve could never forget someone like Eddie Munson. He hadn’t been able to stop thinking about Eddie since that first time back in ’83.

Eddie eyes are still fond, but Steve can see how tired they are, how much effort it costs him to stay awake and talk to Steve. “I was being a dragon, remember? Look!" and with that, Eddie puffs deliberately, his frosty breath turning to smoke once more.

It hits Steve like a punch in the face. He remembers now. The little boy he met after he ran away from home and got his jacket stolen. His father had been furious. He always remembered that but had forgotten all about the little boy who had been a dragon. The little boy who had warmed his hands and had gotten him home safely. Just like Eddie had done so many times in the last few years.

“Eddie – “ he breathes out, almost inaudible. Can’t say more because this is too big, too much.

“You were my first friend, Stevie – even when you didn’t remember me, I’ve never forgotten you. After I ran into you in the woods, your pretty face all bruised and messed up, I swore to myself to look out for you the best I could. You clearly weren’t willing to do so yourself.”

Before Steve can say anything to that, like ‘Why couldn’t you look out for yourself, too?’ Eddie goes on. His eyes are closed and his voice has gotten quieter. Steve has to concentrate hard to understand what he is saying. “I just wish I had more time, y’know, ‘cause I get the feeling you’re one rash decision away from doing something selfless and stupid again.”

“No!”

He looks across Eddie at Dustin, who’s said it at the same time as Steve.

“You’re not dead, you hear me? This isn’t the end, Eddie. You can’t just quit man. We can fix this, right? Right, Steve?” Dustin looks at him, pleading with his eyes for Steve to help him, to save the day like he always does. And Dustin’s right, Eddie wasn’t dead. Not yet. They had to try.

Steve’s about to move to gather Eddie in his arms when Robin and Nancy arrive at the scene. Both are out of breath, and he thinks they want to be pissed that he just took off as fast as he could but one look at Eddie on the ground, clothes soaked in blood and Steve’s hands clasped firmly around his, and they realize why he did it.

“Oh Steve.” It’s Nancy, who knows exactly how Steve looks when he’s gutted at the prospect of losing someone he loves.

He looks at her with everything he feels laid bare for her to see. “Help me. Please.”

She takes a step towards them, fierce determination morphing her tired, dirty face. Steve never met anyone as fierce as her in his entire life. If anyone can do this, it’s Nancy Wheeler.  

Together, they will save Eddie Munson’s life. They have to.

One week later

Steve’s in his room, dressed in nice pants and a dress shirt. He tries to tie a tie around his neck, too but his hands tremble too bad and he has to re-start yet again.

“Fuck.”

He rips it off his neck and throws it away, uncaring as to where it goes. Who gives a fuck anyway if he wears a tie or not, certainly not Eddie. It’s the only opinion that matters to him right now and he can’t even ask him, has to assume his stance on ties. Fuck.

The tie sails across the mess of clothes on his floor and lands on his unmade bed, right next to a denim vest full of patches and pins. Steve goes over to his bed and picks up the vest instead of the tie.

“You would have hated the fucking tie.” He says to the empty room. “I should just put on the vest, shouldn’t I? It’s way more metal.” Steve nods and smiles, like there was an actual answer only he can hear. He puts on the vest and makes his way down the stairs, where Robin and Nancy are waiting for him. They both look at him open-mouthed as he descends the stairs.

Nancy recovers first. “Steve, you really think this is –“ she starts but Robin interrupts her. “He would have loved it.” That settles it quickly.

“You go ahead and wait in the car, I just need to pick something up real quick.” With that, Steve turns around and runs back up the stairs to his room while Nancy and Robin go to wait in his car.

Steve joins them not even five minutes later.

When they enter the cemetery only eight other people are there, spaced into three groups. Wayne Munson and Chief Hopper stand at the head of the burial site, and a bit to their left the three guys from Eddie’s band. At the other end across from Munson and Hopper, Dustin, Mike and Lucas are gathered in a tight circle. Steve can see masses of onlookers behind the gates, gawking at them and whispering to each other, but no one dared to enter. He suspects that’s Hoppers doing and he’s thankful beyond words for the man who cheated death to come back to help them.

Dustin spots them first and he turns towards them with a serious expression on his face. He looks older now, they all do. Pain and grief do that to a person.

“You’re late.” The quip has nothing of Dustin’s usual tone and Steve thinks of the way Dustin had begged him to help Eddie, to save him. He doesn’t think Dustin will ever be quite the same as he had been before that.

“Sorry, tie wasn’t cooperating.” Dustin just nods, not commenting on the dirty denim vest Steve’s wearing; not even Mike Wheeler has one of his snarky remarks for him. Steve would have given anything for one of the little shithead’s insults right now.

“Should we start?”

They all nod and turn around towards the open grave. There’s a casket in it but it’s empty. They never found a body to put into it and Steve thinks that’s the worst for Eddie’s uncle, to not have that kind of closure. To always wonder, what if. What if his nephew was still out there. What if they had been wrong. What if there still was a chance. He seems like a nice guy; someone who loves Eddie and has a hard time letting go of him. Steve can relate. He doesn’t deserve that kind of pain, but Steve can’t do anything to take it away from him. Not today.

When everyone is gathered around the open grave, Wayne Munson steps forward. “My nephew was a good boy, a kind boy. He had not been without faults, no one is. But he always tried to be better. Better than his father, his reputation. Better than this shitty, narrow-minded town deserved. Better than I deserved. I was supposed to take care of him but really, he took care of me. That’s just what Eddie did; took care of people. I just wish the world would have taken better care of him.”

With that, he kneels at the grave and throws in a mug. Steve couldn’t see what was on it but it must have meant something to Eddie and Wayne. Wayne gets back up and walks to stand beside Hopper again. There are tears on his face, clearly visible but he looks without shame, doesn’t even move to wipe them away.

“You can say goodbye now, too. It means a lot that you’re here, means a whole lot to know that some people knew Eddie, and cared about him.”

His eyes stay on Steve for another long moment, taking in his outfit, the vest that clearly belonged to his nephew and still bore signs of the hardships they went through together. Dustin had been the one to talk to Wayne because Steve just couldn't. He had never been the one good with words.

Everyone steps towards the grave and mumbles a few words, mostly too quiet to hear and throws something into it. Everyone respects the unspoken desire to have something that just belongs to the grieving and Eddie, so they all keep their distance from the grave until it was their turn.

Steve waits until everyone else had their turn and walked away from the grave, towards the exit of the cemetery. Only then does he step forward.

“Hi Eddie.” He pauses, unsure what to say. This was all so stupid.

“I brought you something, too. It’s probably stupid, but so is this whole thing. Hell, what am I supposed to say? That I’ll miss you? That I wish you were here? That I wish I had told you how I felt about you sooner, wasted less time with figuring stuff out? Yeah, well. I won’t say that to an empty grave, sorry.” He takes a deep breath. Then, he reaches behind himself, to the back of his pants where he tucked something. He gets it out and holds it in his hands. “I thought you might find this funny. Or sweet. Or maybe not. Don’t know you well enough to tell, I guess.”

With that, he looks at the tiny stuffed dragon in his hands. He considers it for a long moment before tucking it back into his pants, the vest covering it up.

“I see ya, Munson.” He turns around and walks towards his car. Everyone else had already left; they knew he needed to do this alone.

He gets into the car and starts driving out of Hawkins. Leaves that godforsaken town in the rearview mirror. Vecna is still around, parts of the Upside Down have spilled into their world and the next battle was just ahead of them. In his not so proud moments, he just wants to floor it, to get the hell out of dodge and let other people deal with this shitshow.

Steve shuts those thoughts down for now. He just drives for almost an hour before a tall building appears around the next corner. He steers the car towards it, parks his Beemer and gets out. There’s no one at the reception when he enters but he doesn’t worry. There never is. The building looks abandoned. Steve knows it isn’t.

He knows his way by now, so he strides towards an unmarked door on the third floor with long steps. The eerie silence around him should be creepy, but somehow it comforts him. It feels like a bubble, protected from the burdens of the outside world. He reaches his destination and pauses in front of the door for a second. His hands reach for his hair, and he fluffs it, just a bit. Shakes his head at himself. Straightens his shirt and adjusts his pants. Then, he enters.

“Hey sweetheart, sorry I’m late. The – everything took a bit longer than expected. How’s one of America’s best kept secrets doing today?”

Big, brown eyes turn towards him, and a smile greets him.

“Hey there, big boy. Pleasure to see your pretty face. I dig the outfit.” Eddie still looks tired, his wounds a stark contrast against his too pale skin and the meds for his pain have him a bit woozy, but it’s getting better. For someone whose heart stopped more than once he looks exceptionally well, Steve thinks. “I’m okay-ish? I would feel better if we could let Wayne into that well-kept secret at least. How’s he taking it?”

Steve thinks about lying but decides against it. It wouldn’t help Eddie, who’d see right through him, but only himself. And he’s trying to be done with that.

“He’s taking it pretty hard. Hopper and Joyce take turns visiting him and keeping an eye out. I think it helps, to not be alone. And it won’t be forever, you know that.” They actually don’t know that. The government puppets keep a tight lid on what was about to happen next. Steve had other priorities so far to really push. He changes the subject, subtle like a ninja.

“I brought you something. A little pick-me-up to motivate you to get better as fast as possible.”

Either the meds are affecting Eddie more than he lets on or he decided to let Steve get away with his clumsy attempt at brightening the mood. Either way, Eddie’s smile broadens and his mood turns flirty. “The thought of getting out of here to have my wicked ways with you again is all the motivation I need, darling.” Steve blushes at the memory, but his grin is pleased.

“Well, then consider this another motivation.” And with that, he pulls out the little stuffed dragon and places it in Eddie’s hands. Eddie looks baffled for a moment before his face lights up so much, it’s blinding. Steve’s glad he didn’t throw it in the empty grave. “You like it?”

“Like it? I love it!” He presses a kiss to it before cuddling it to his chest. “I’ll name him Stevie and I’ll take him with me to bed every night.”

“You think he’ll share with me?”

“Only if you’re real nice to me.”

“Deal.”

__________________________

OMG it's finally done. My first steddie multi-chapter fic and my first steddie fic I ever wrote. Thank you so much @baronsamediswife for your unending support and awesome cheerleader skills. I would crash and burn without you. 😘

And thank you @legitcookie for spitballing ideas with me, cheering me on and beta-ing that final chapter. Writer Soulmates for sure! 💜💜💜

And last, but certainly not least thank you @thefreakandthehair for giving back to the fandom and organizing that winter fic challenge. It was exactly what I needed to find my way back to writing and it's been the best thing ever since 🙏😍

And @urmomification you wanted to be tagged :)) (which still blows my mind tbh)

[hannahsmusings]

Jackson

*Jackson’s heart leaped in his chest at the soft nickname, knowing he would never tire of hearing it as he made his way into the bed, his heart fluttering in his chest at the domesticity of all of this, of how intimate and natural it felt* *he had been engaged to Madison for a year, having ‘courted’ her and ‘dated’ her for 2 years before that, and nothing ever felt natural with her. She was a nice girl, and Jackson grew to care for her, but he never thought about making her breakfast in bed, or even seeing her in bed, there was always a guilty conscience eating away at him for that but it was just the truth, he didn’t believe that anything could feel like what he was feeling right now, and now that he had it, he wasn’t going to let go ever* *his brows furrow as you mention midnight pancakes, his movements stopping as he wracked his brain, remembering the trip to New York and the fight he had with his father and the bad way he was in, but nothing about pancakes stood out to him* *he hands you the plate and looks at you, his eyes still soft and bright blue but there was a question in them, it being obvious that he did not remember and he was trying his hardest to* *Jackson was not the blacking out type, he never let go of control ever, even when he had surpassed a level of healthy intoxication and woke up the next morning, the lines were only ever slightly blurry, never to the extent where he lost an entire night, that making a knot of dread curl into his stomach but he tried to push it away, knowing that if you didn’t quit after or act weird with him, then he did nothing too heinous… but still, he hated knowing that he lost control, even for a short time* I… I don’t remember. Enlighten me. *his eyes lock on yours as he waits for you to tell him the story, his voice soft and his head cocked, bringing his own mug of coffee up to his lips and taking a sip* *his face softens even more as you thank him, giving you his classic lopsided grin, shrugging a bit in nonchalance* I hope you like them… hopefully they’re as good as these mystery pancakes you made. *his eyes twinkle with mirth before he turns back towards the tray and starts putting some chocolate chip pancakes on his plate with some fruit, his mouth salivating at the childish food that he never allowed himself to have anymore, always being an egg white omelette with veggies or some other shitty healthy breakfast food type of guy* 

__________________________________

*smiles a little as I take the plate from you and see how confused you looked, chuckling a little to myself as I reach across to stroke your cheek affectionately* Don’t look so worried, you were fine. *smiles gently, leaning up and kissing your jaw affectionately because I could now, having had to bury these affectionate impulses for so long and now I couldn’t stop touching you or kissing you, I was just so happy* I remember you’d met your Dad for some business, and it had gone very wrong, and you didn’t come back for ages but when you did, you were completely sloshed. *grins, a twinkle in my eye* Completely pissed and in a foul mood, it was terrifying. I remember just looking at you in the hotel arm chair, with your whiskey and it was the first time I’d ever seen you look human, vulnerable even. *my face softens at the memory, not wanting to bring the mood down too much but I remembered how broken and defeated you’d looked, your suit and hair were all dishevelled and you were exhausted* All I wanted to do was take care of you. *smiles softly, having had such a strong urge of protectiveness even back then, seeing what your Father had done to you* My mum used to make me midnight pancakes when I couldn’t sleep. *heart pangs as it always did at the thought of her, smiling gently at the bittersweet memories* I offered to make you some and you requested chocolate chip. We made them together. *glances up at you, eyes warm and fond* Or, you stood and watched for the most part. *giggles a little, looking back on us back then and realising how far we’d come, grinning to myself as I turn back to my plate and drizzle on some syrup with a smile* I’m sure these will be equally amazing. *murmurs softly as I gently cut into the with a knife and fork, bring a bite up to my mouth and humming immediately as the taste overwhelms me, eating it and grinning brightly at you* They’re perfect. 

[messers-moony]

King and Queen | S.B

Paring: Sirius Black X Fem!Potter!Reader, James Potter X Fem!Twin!Reader

Summary: James goes through a lot during his time at Hogwarts but his sister is always by his side.

Inspiration: Click

A/N: If this comes off insensitive to anyone please let me know and I will remove this.

James Potter was a handful. From the minute he was born, he had this gleam in his hazel eyes that raged and burned with trouble. His twin, Y/n Potter, was almost the opposite. The soft smile that laid on her features and the glitter of calamity in her eyes. Euphemia and Fleamont were in for a lot the minute their twins were born. 

Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder is most comparative to having a web browser up with one too many tabs. James had always been unable to focus and was naturally messy. Truth be told, he thought it was normal, just as everyone else did. It wasn’t until his second year at Hogwarts did he realize something was genuinely wrong with him. 

Remus told him that he had this muggle thing called “dyslexia,” which was a difficulty in interpreting words, letters, and other symbols. However, it never affected his overall intelligence because everyone knew that Remus Lupin was indeed and wholly brilliant. It got James wondering, did his inability to focus, be organized, and hyperactivity have a deeper meaning?

His twin - Y/n - was quite the opposite. She made quick friends with Remus, Sirius, and Peter, who were close friends of her twin. Y/n was top of their class, creating a friendly competition with Remus, but she was always able to focus. Often she would hyper-focus, which would leave her working for over five hours at a time without realizing it. In those times, James would have to snap her out of it. 

Over the summer, James expressed his concerns to his parents. He was talking about how this could be a real issue he’s facing using Remus’ dyslexia as an example. Eventually, they gave in, letting James go to a muggle doctor. James had to fill out a questionnaire that would come back with his results in one week. That week was probably the longest week of his life. Nonetheless, his test results had come back positive. 

Fleamont and Euphemia would be lying if they were surprised. After hearing about the disorder, it was almost the definition of their eldest son. Fortunately for James, the muggles had come up with a cure - no, not a cure - dammit, what was it again?

Impede the symptoms! That’s what those muggle pills do. James was required to take two pills a day, one in the morning and once at night. Y/n was in charge of making sure he did so because - more times than he’d like to admit - he would forget everything if it wasn’t for Y/n. 

In third year, James was as energetic as ever while getting on the Hogwarts Express, “Aren’t you excited, Y/n?!”

She chuckled, “Yes, but Merlin, you don’t need to literally jump with joy.”

“But I’m excited!”

“I know that.”

They made their way to the compartment that held Remus, who was reading a book. James sat in front of him while Y/n took her seat beside Remus, “‘Ello Remus.”

“Hey, Potter pair.”

Y/n sighed, and James groaned, “That nickname needs to go away.”

“I quite like it.” Remus stated smugly, “Suits you both.”

“What’s that suppose to mean?” Y/n accused falsely, “It means that wherever one of you are, the other isn’t that far behind.” Remus replied. 

James had zoned out already, and Y/n snapped in his face, “Take your pills?” 

“Forgot.” James muttered guiltily, “Oh Godric.” She whispered. 

“Pills?”

“James went to a muggle doctor this summer.”

Remus quirked an eyebrow, “Did you now?”

“Got diagnosed with ADHD.” James informed, and Remus looked amiss, “Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder.”

“Ah, I’ve heard of that.” Remus said, and James smiled sheepishly, “I feel kinda odd, like out of place.”

“Why?”

“Dunno, just, why can't I be normal?”

“You are normal, James.” Y/n reassured, “And anyone who says differently obviously doesn’t care about you.”

The compartment door slammed open, “Who doesn’t care about who?”

Remus snorted, “Ever the dramatics, huh, mate?”

“‘Course.” Sirius flopped down beside James, “It comes with my charm and devilishly good looks.”

“Ah, yes.” Y/n said, chuckling, “Don’t you see how I’m swooning for you?”

The back of her palm was against her forehead, “Come off it.” James swatted at her and then elbowed Sirius, “Better not make my sister swoon.”

Sirius chuckled and shrugged, “Can’t help it. I’m just that irresistible.”

The four of them laughed at Sirius’ dramatics and continued talking about the new term. Remus and Y/n were talking about books they couldn’t wait to read. Remus was even kind enough to gift her some muggle books he bought over the summer holiday. Sirius and James bickered about what pranks to do this year, along with which ones were better. 

Third-year was fun. It was a year of flooding corridors, turning Slytherin robes red and blasting music in the common room after a Gryffindor victory. James was a brilliant Quidditch Chaser, and Y/n was a fantastic Seeker. Nothing was quite like the Potter pair. Something about them was just unforgettable. 

Maybe that’s why Sirius was so fond of her. Something about the Potters made people around them smile on the hardest of days. They made sure that every moment was a night to remember. Every memory was worth reliving. So adventurous, so reckless, yet so kind and loving. 

By the time fifth year rolled around, Sirius Orion Black had fallen off a cliff into a lake called love. Sirius completely submerged himself in love for Y/n Potter. The younger twin by just 20 minutes, but something about her was so divine. Was it her silk and glittering h/c hair? No - maybe it was her gleaming e/c eyes. Perhaps it was for her strive for adventure and extreme kindness. 

Nonetheless, Sirius fell hard.

And who better to tell than James Potter himself?

Causally - as usual - Sirius opened the door to the Marauders dorm. It was empty aside from the brunet boy with glasses on the bridge of his nose. His hazel eyes were focused on a textbook - Potions textbook - maybe it was to impress Lily. Sirius couldn’t care less, so he pulled the chair out in front of the desk and sat before James. 

“Mate, I need your help.”

“Running from Filch?”

“No. Something- Something worse.”

“Something worse?” The textbook shut loudly.

Sirius nodded, “Way worse.”

“Alright then, come into my office.” James teased, and Sirius grinned. 

It was silent, “I’m in love with your sister.”

James sputtered, “Excuse me?”

“I’m in love with Y/n.”

“No, no.” James waved his hand horizontally, “I heard you.”

“Then what else would you like me to say?” Sirius asked. 

“Literally anything else.”

“Sorry, mate.” Sirius muttered, “I- I really didn’t mean to.”

James chuckled and wiped his hand across his face, “I suppose you can’t really stop love, huh?”

“You really can’t.” Sirius agreed, “I tried. I promise I tried.”

“It’s not that big of a deal late.” James assured, and Sirius looked at him with wide eyes, “I trust you just-“

“Just?”

“I’m worried about her.” James completed, “I- I worry about her every night.”

Sirius softened, “It’s like you with Regulus-“ James continued before Sirius could interject, “And don’t pretend. Your silencing charms are bloody terrible.”

“I know you still care for Regulus, you worry about him every night, and I do the same for Y/n, except my silencing charms are better.” James teased sightly, “I trust you, Sirius. You’re the brother I never got but always wanted. You know, the brother I can play Quidditch with, rough around with, the brother who’s just as sneaky and mischievous as I.”

“But Y/n is still my blood. She's my twin, my best friend, my partner in crime. She was the mind behind my pranks before Remus.” James elaborated and then smirked, “Remus and Y/n make a great team, ya’ know?”

“They are quite brilliant.”

“Anyway, what I’m trying to say is, take care of her?” James looked like the eleven-year-old boy again, “Don’t make her a fling and don’t make this temporary.”

“Y/n is a strong woman, and she isn’t for weak men. I’ll be honest,” James chuckled, “She doesn’t need a man. She doesn’t even really need me. I need her more than she needs me. Regardless, take care of her. She deserves a man worthy of her. Someone that’ll get her ice cream at 4 a.m. because she’s craving it. Someone that’ll go on sporadic trips with her. Someone that’ll understand that after a hard day, all she wants is a book and coffee.”

Sirius was appalled; he’d never seen James look so passionate, “Growing up, mum always told me to be a gentleman. I know it may not seem like it sometimes, but she always raised me as one. To hold a door for them, push and push in their chairs for them, give them my jacket even if I’ll freeze.” 

“Those kinda things. Dad said I should practice on Y/n, and I did. From then, Y/n always got treated like a queen, and she deserves no less. I won't lie, my parents treat me like a king too, and I don’t want any less either.” James explained, “Be the king that’s worthy of my sister.”

“That’s all I ask of you.”

Sirius nodded, “I’d be honored to serve her as my queen.”

“And if you show her no less, she’ll spit you out like chewing gum.”

He shuttered, “I hate how accurate that phrase is.”

James laughed, “I know her more than you think.”

By sixth year they were dating. Sirius would be lying if he wasn’t eternally shitting himself when Y/n said yes to going to Hogsmeade with him, alone, as a date. In fact, James almost wanted to throw him a party for finally not being a little bitch and asking out his sister. This party consisted of a bottle of firewhiskey and chocolate because that’s all that was in the boy's dormitory. But a party nonetheless. 

When Lily rejected James for the last time before graduation, he was utterly heartbroken. He’d spent and dedicated seven years of his life to this gorgeous woman. Despite all his efforts and all his charms, she still wasn’t interested. James tried. He really tried. He wanted Lily so bad. His heart broke when she said her final words of goodbye.

“I’m sorry, Potter. Maybe in another life, just not this one.”

Tears had ebbed at the corner of his eyes as he made his way back into the castle from the Black Lake. In the common room, where he felt like he had just got dowsed in water. James made his way to the girl's dormitory. His hand curled into a fist and knocked lightly on the wooden door. Shuffling was heard from the other side, and the door finally opened, revealing his sister. 

Without warning, James crashed into her arms, forcing his nose in the crook of her neck, “Woah.”

“Are you okay, James?”

His body shook with sobs as he shook his head no, “It’s okay. Let’s go lay down, okay?”

Gently she led him to her bed. He curled up beneath the navy blue comforter and placed his head on the silk pillow sheets. If he tried hard enough, he could forget the way Lily’s hair smelt today or the way her green eyes glistened in the sun. Now engulfed in his sister's scent, trying to remove every feeling for Lily possible, he dug his nose deeper into the comforter. 

Y/n sat beside him, her back to the headboard, and ran her fingers through James’ already untied hair, “What's got you so worked up?”

“It’s done.”

“What’s done?”

“L- Lily and I.” James choked, “She- She really doesn’t want me.”

A new wave of tears overcame him, and Y/n continued to try and soothe him, “Well, she’s a tosser.”

James narrowed his eyes, “James, you know I love her. She's my best friend, but if she can’t see what’s right in front of her, then she’s an idiot.”

“Can I- Can I stay here tonight?” He asked hesitantly.

“You sure you don’t want me to stay at your dorm?” Y/n questioned, “Because you know who sleeps here.”

“Will you stay with me?”

“Till the end.”

After a couple of minutes, Y/n and James made their way down the steps to the boy's side. They walked up more steps and finally made it to the boy's dormitory. James collapsed on his bed in the left corner of the room, and Sirius perked up at seeing his girlfriend enter the room. 

“Whatcha doin’ here, love?”

“Staying with my brother.”

Sirius nodded and stood up to hug her, gently pecking her forehead, “If you guys need anything, let me know, ‘kay?”

“Thanks, Siri.” 

Gently Y/n pulled back the maroon curtain and sat down beside him again. James reached for her hand and intertwined their fingers. Something they used to do as kids. When a thunderstorm would go by, James would always seek sanctuary in his sister's comfort. 

He fell asleep that night, knowing he was safe, loved, and knew that someone cared about him. Even if Lily didn’t love him, at least someone else did. He had his boys, and he had his sister. Right now, that’s all he needed beside him: Screw Lily and her idiot decision skills. Y/n was right; she was a complete tosser. 

When Hogwarts was over, James and Y/n got a flat together. Sirius, Remus, and Peter got one only a floor above. Realistically this wasn’t the plan. James always planned to buy a house with Lily, but he was still healing, and after everything going on, it was vital for him to hold his sister close to him.

Euphemia and Fleamont barely lived to see their children graduate. Not too long afterward had died due to the horrid dragon pocks. It devastated both twins and Sirius. While Sirius wasn’t their true child, he very well could’ve. Euphemia noticed Sirius’s lingering stares on Y/n and the loopy smile that graced his features.

She was the one who got Sirius to man up. She was the one who gave him advice. She was the one who told him what books were her favorite, which chocolate she liked the best, her favorite quills. Euphemia was one of the main components in getting Sirius to date her daughter, and when it finally happened, the parents couldn’t have been happier.

James’ ADHD still remained even in his adulthood, making regular everyday tasks much harder and twice as long. Most of the time, the pills were able to help him complete those tasks. But sometimes, when Y/n wasn’t there to remind him, he would miss his days. When Y/n got home from work, she had barely taken off her shoes to see the apartment spotless.

It was a pleasant surprise, but James was never really one to clean, not that she really minded, but the apartment didn’t have a speck of dust on it. Hesitantly she put her keys on the island along with her bag.

“James!”

“Yes, Y/n?”

He appeared in the kitchen where Y/n was, “Um, did you clean the apartment?”

“Yes, I did!” James nodded enthusiastically.

Y/n sighed and gave her brother a sweet smile, “What did you not do today?”

“So, you know how you told me to go to the pharmacy?”

“Mhm.” Y/n nodded, “Indeed I do.”

“Well, they were out of my meds.” James informed, “I have to wait a week.”

“Oh, Merlin.”

“On the bright side!” James was already causing her a headache, “It’s gonna be a fantastic week! I’ve got so many things planned for us! We’re gonna go-“

James continued to ramble as Y/n grabbed her keys, bag and slipped back on her shoes, “I’m going to Sirius’!”

“Thought you were my sister.” James faked pouting, and Y/n smiled, “I love you, but you’re crazy.”

“I love you too!” He yelled as she closed the door.

[tsunderedoctor]

If it's not too much trouble, could I ask for an emergency request? My grandparents passed away two and some years ago. I know people say time is supposed to lessen the pain, but today is my birthday and I still hurt. They would always call me on my birthday, first thing in the morning to sing happy birthday to me, and it still breaks my heart that I didn't wake up to that today. I just... They were among the few who I believed actually loved me, ya know? And this is the one thing that hits hardest. Anyways, I'm sorry to ramble at you, could I maybe request Law, Katakuri, Benn or Marco just comforting someone crying? But not romantically? I just want to feel small and loved again.

I will do my very best on this!! So, I kind of made it to where the reader was maybe a sibling figure to these characters. I hope that’s okay!! I love you so much!!💜💜

Seeing your crying face reminds him of Lami, a dark part of his past he always tries to push down. Staring at your shaking figure, the brunet glares at the floor, uncertainty finding it’s way in his blood. 

Patting your shoulder softly, the man sat next to you as you turned to face  him. Your eyes puffy and red from crying. “You can talk about it, if you want I mean.”

His voice held a shaky grasp, but his eyes shown that he was serious, he was here for you and would listen to whatever you needed to say. Reaching out to the older man, you gave him a hug. His body already going stiff as you cried on his shoulder, damn this brought back memories.

Letting out a sigh, the man only patted your back once more as you got comfortable by his side. Even if he hated to admit it, you were still family and for that he would be there.

It wasn’t something new to the man, his younger siblings always came to him for advice or some form of protection and comfort, usually from their mother. So seeing your crying face, he accepted it whole heartedly and let you in his room. 

Expressing yourself to the large man, you told him your past, how your family was gone but you wanted them to be near again. Part of him could understand that, with everything happening in the world and the fall of his mother, it seemed like his own family was falling apart. 

Handing you a donut, he let out a sigh as he took a bite of his own. “There isn’t much we can do to change the past, but let’s try to make a better future together.”

Using the rest of his break time to sit with you, he smiled softly as you told him stories of your family and how they made you the person you are today. 

Always the patient one in the group of pirates, he didn’t raise a brow as you came to him with wet eyes and a disheveled face. Believe it or not, he was used to this, Shanks sometimes coming to him drunk, moping about the past and how he was getting old. 

Putting out the cigarette, he only hummed in thought as he listened to you speak. Unfortunately, he couldn’t relate, family wasn’t something he was fond of, but you always managed to be his soft spot. 

Leaning against the railing of the deck, he spoke softly. “I might not be able to fix this, but know we all care for you and are here for you, we are your family now too.”

Comforting people was never his strong suit, but he would do his best for you. Ruffling your hair, he grabbed two beers, handing one to you as you toasted to new family. 

Ah, those tears reminded him of his freckled crewmember and friend, a younger brother he came to love, just as he loves you. Giving you a patient smile, he waited for you to speak up about the problems clouding your mind as he nodded in understanding. 

“Ace was the same way, while Pops was able to help him, he isn’t here for you. But as acting captain, I suppose I’ll take you under my wing.” Cracking a wry smile, the man walked ahead as you followed after him. 

Smiling once more as you two were side by side, he stared out at the ocean. Listening to you ask questions about the old commander, someone you hadn’t gotten a chance to meet yet. 

Spending the rest of the afternoon together, you both spoke about your loved ones and how you treasured them. Marco found himself smiling more as you began to look more energetic and alive, maybe being captain wasn’t so hard after all.