#or at least something william felt he couldn't act on

[gguk-n]

Mission- Cheer up Logan

I've just had a sad dream with Logan in it and I told him how much I love him and how important he is after watching all the shit Williams and Vowles have been doing. I need this to heal myself. I hope it heals everyone rooting for Logan too

Summary- Literal Logan fluff.

Y/N didn't dislike many people and hate would be a strong word in her dictionary but right now James Vowles and the Williams racing team made her hate them with the tirade they had going against her poor boyfriend which was pissing her off; worst of all, it was affecting Logan. Her happy puppy of a boyfriend was lost. He would either be at work or looking lost and depressed at home. They no longer had witty conversations going on or Y/N teasing Logan any and every chance she got. He would barely smile at her at times. So, Y/N took it upon herself to make her Logan happy.

It was one of those days, the weather was bright and sunny, Logan didn't have to go to work and the previous GP may have been bad but it was slightly better. It was around 9 and they were still in bed. Y/N woke up to Logan 'asleep' at least he pretended to be. She knew him like the back of her hand and every time he acted like he was sleeping his eyes would be shut tight. This habit of his made her smile. She looked up at him while resting her palms against his chest.

Y/N POV

"Good morning, baby boy" I whispered followed by a kiss on the lip which was followed by a grunt and covering his face with the blanket. "Babe, we need to good shopping, we're out of everything." I emphasised. "You can do that alone" he said, still under the duvet. "Yes but you know I hate shopping alone and I wanna show off my super hot racer boyfriend to the world, come on." I said while pulling the covers off. His big blue eyes met mine and I pouted my lips. "I won't take long, I promise. Pinky promise." I exclaimed while holding out my pinky. "You're hurting my ribs, babe." came a strangled cry only to notice my elbow jabbing his ribs. I giggled while apologising and dragging him to the bathroom. We were dressed in 20 minutes and out the door. As Logan started the car, he looked at me and said, "The only reason you're taking me along is so that I can drive you there, right?" I was appalled at the accusation but replied with a smile, "one of the reasons, babe." I said. He laughed asking, "Couldn't you drive there yourself?" "Why would I do something when I have a pro who can do it for me." Logan shook his head. "I have the hottest formula 1 driver at my beck and call so am not even allowed to show him off; is an atrocity I say." dramatically sighing. Logan let out a big laugh, one I hadn't heard pass his lips in ages. It made my heart flutter and tears spring up in my eyes.

The car ride was filled with singing along to songs playing on the radio which we hadn't done in so long. It felt nice to be able to have my Logan back. The trip to the grocery store was uneventful. Once back, I made quick work of putting every thing away. I went back to Logan sat on the couch in the living room and made myself comfortable on his lap, "darling, what would you like for dinner?" He was pulled back from whatever thought he had as I sat on his lap, "Pizza and Pasta" He said. I looked him in the eyes and asked, "What about we go on a date?" Logan looked at me quizzically. "It could be a home date, like the good old days. We could cook together and then dress up to have dinner together. I even bought a few dresses I didn't get to show you." I elaborated.

Logan's POV

In all honesty I couldn't care what we did. I didn't really wanna go out and getting dressed just to eat at home was such a waste of time. But I couldn't say no, when her face was literally hoping for me to say yes. She kept looking at me expectantly and I didn't wanna let another person down, so I agreed. The way her face lit was better than winning any GP. She leaned in and gave me the sloppiest kiss and pulled me to the kitchen to help her cook. I would never say I could cook when Y/N did all the heavy lifting. "Baby boy, you look lost in thought. Is there another woman that is occupying your thoughts?" she said in a southern accent while placing both her arms around my shoulder and wrapping them around my neck. It made my breathe hitch; the effect this woman had on me even after so many years was shocking to say the least. I placed my hands on her waist and replied in an equally fake southern accent, "Darling, there ain't no woman worth my time when you're standing in front of me." "You better." she said while leaving multiple kissed on my face making me laugh. The cooking ended quiet quickly for two people; where one of them couldn't cook and the other kept violating ever health and safety protocol by kissing and touching the person next to them.

Y/N POV

We were almost done with dinner and I asked Logan to go dress up. I would get dressed just before plating the food in the guest room because I didn't want Logan to see the outfit I had planed for him. About 15 minutes later, Logan was back at the table and I left to get dressed. It took me only 20 minutes which was a record. I wore a black lacy mini-dress which barely covered my ass and tits at the same time but it made me look hot and that's all that mattered. I stepped out of the room to an eagerly waiting Logan.

Logan's POV

My mouth was on the floor when I saw what she was wearing. "You don't plan on wearing this out, do you?" I said and then quickly added, "If you did, I don't mind. I can fight but I need this image burnt into my retinas." I ogled. She giggled and walked towards me, "You can take it off, once dinner is over." She whispered in my ear. Dinner was done in record time. We headed to the bedroom so that I could hold her to her words.

While cuddling, Y/N said, "You know, you are the best thing that has ever happened to me." I cut her off because she was the best thing that has ever happened to me. Y/N shushed me, "Right now, I'm talking and you're gonna listen. I love you Logan Sargeant more than there are words that I can use to express myself. I'm so happy every day to wake up next to you and support you in achieving your dreams and aspirations. I hope you remember how good you are and deserve everything you've worked towards. A couple fuck ups don't undermine the talent and hard work that is Logan Sargeant. No matter what anyone says, you are the most handsome and talented driver that deserves to be in F1. Those assholes are blind to not be able to see your pure raw unfiltered talent. I love you baby boy." She finished her speech. There were tears in my eyes that had started flowing which Y/N wiped away with a kiss. I pulled her closer and pressed a kiss to her forehead. "I'm so lucky to have you. Thank you for sticking with me. I promise I won't let you down or let anyone make me feel like crap again." She smiled while drawing a heart on my back. We fell asleep wrapped in each others arms.

[misshoneyimhome]

What think about a smut where Willy he finds out that you faked an orgasm so he gives you an experience that you won’t forget?

#slutforwilliamnylander

Oh babe! You can't just spring something like this on me - there were loads of possibilities here 🙈 And naturally, I couldn't quite make up my mind on how to approach it, so I opted for a more straightforward route - but there were countless potential outcomes here 😜

Willy would of course never let you off the hook for faking it - need I say more? - but we all know that reaching the peak isn't always a walk in the park, even for the most skilled 😉

So, having said that, I hope you find it enjoyable 🤍

Tropes & warnings; established relationship; Smut 18+; unprotected sex, cum inside, oral stimulation (f receiving), fingering, tying up, sex toy (vibrator), overstimulation, more unprotected sex (p in v), more cum inside;

Word count; 4.8K

Taglist; @couldawouldashoulda50 @findapenny @justwanderingbutneverlost @cixrosie

➼｡ﾟ

Fake it till you make it I William Nylander 🖋️⚡️💦

You knew you were taking a risk as soon as you did it. You had never done it before. But tonight, just wasn’t your night, and you ended up faking an orgasm while being intimate with your boyfriend, William Nylander.

William was always amazing in bed - on the sofa, on the kitchen counter, in the shower, in the car – the list went on, but no matter where you were, he always made sure you reached climax. At least once, and preferably twice or more.

Just not tonight. Maybe you were too stressed out about work, or maybe your body and mind just weren’t in sync. But whatever the reason, you just couldn’t get there. Even though he felt so good inside you, moving at different paces as he listened to your moans, even hitting your G-spot with the tip of his cock, it still didn’t do it.

You even tried suggesting switching things up a bit – carefully not mentioning that you weren’t close – and as William took you from behind in doggy style, usually the perfect position to make you both moan loudly and climax together, it seemed that William was the only one about to come.

And at this point, you had given up on your own orgasm. If this position, with the intensity of William’s thrusts, didn’t do it for you, nothing would. So, instead, you did what you never thought you’d do with him inside you; you faked your moans louder, consciously clenched your walls around his member as a signal of your fake pending orgasm. And then, as you heard his deep groan, mixed with the words, “Fuck yes baby, I’m about to come,” you also pretended to climax.

Even after he had shot his load into your depth, you kept up the act by pretending to gasp for air as you came down from your fake high. Yet, when William then held you close as you drifted off to sleep, you couldn’t help but feel a bit guilty.

_

Your sex life with William had always been described with words like amazing, mind-blowing, incredible, and overwhelming. Occasionally, you even had light physical challenges after an intense night with your boyfriend – especially when he’d returned from a road trip, and you were both longing for each other’s touch. But it was always worth it.

From the very beginning, he had had a knack for navigating your body, finding the erogenous zones, and stimulating you just right. He was the first man you’d been with who took the time to find your sensitive spots and simply enjoyed your moans and small squirms when he did something just right. Whether he used his fingers, his mouth, both, or his cock, William always found ways to make you moan his name loudly, mixed with cries of pleasure as your juices covered him. And usually, he’d never be in doubt whether you’d come or not.

Of course, there were times of trial and error with positions, angles, and timing. You were both rather creative and adventurous in exploring each other and finding new ways to stimulate one another, though it wasn’t always without small challenges. Figuring out how to bend the legs without it hurting too much, avoiding gagging too hard, tying something just right – loads of things had happened over time. However, most of the time, you both managed to reach climax. Only a few times had William not been able to come, but that had just been because he was too tired after an intense match or training. And instead, he’d just focused on how many times he could make you come.

So, it was nothing but a mystery to you why you hadn’t been able to reach your high. And what surprised you even more was that William hadn’t noticed you’d been faking it. Though you never really liked the sound of your own moans, you were sure they sounded different when you faked them. Yet, it seemed your little act had convinced him.

It’s not that it hadn’t felt good. In fact, it had felt just as amazing as per usual. You could sort of feel the orgasm building up, so maybe your moans weren’t completely fake. However, you just couldn’t push yourself over the edge into that blissful state of mind. So, you settled for simple, nice stimulation, while William managed to fuck his way to his own climax.

In a way, you wanted to tell William, as you knew communication was key to incredible sex with a partner. However, you feared he might be too disappointed or even annoyed with you for not saying anything in the moment. And with his focus on the end of the regular season, you decided to live and let go. You convinced yourself it was just a one-off and perhaps it was better to ignore it and move on so you could enjoy the next time you and William were intimate.

Yet, that evening didn’t quite start the way it usually did.

_

What seemed like a regular Saturday game day against the Detroit Red Wings quickly turned into something much more sexual. While William was still completely unaware of your little act a few nights ago, you were chatting with your best friend about how to handle it.

And unbeknownst to you, your boyfriend had just returned from his morning skate in order to rest before the match. So, while you were in the kitchen, chatting away as you made pancakes for his return, he simply stopped his movements.

“I swear, it has never happened before,” you said, looking at the delicious pancake you were preparing. “I just had to fake it… I know it wasn’t the best thing to do… yeah, I know, but Willy was giving his all, and it did feel so good… I know he’s got these moves that just make me ugh… they’re so good… I know, and I still couldn’t get a fucking orgasm… I know… hmm, yeah… but I don’t want to tell him with the last few games coming up… hmm, yeah… I don’t know, it’s not like he’s bad in bed or anything… it was just one time – I’m sure it won’t happen again, right? … Yeah, maybe, I’ve been quite stressed about work… alright… yes, we’ll chat soon.” You hung up and let out a soft sigh as you prepared the next pancake.

What you didn’t know was that William had heard every bit of your conversation as he stood in the entryway. He hadn’t wanted to interrupt and instead ended up accidentally eavesdropping. But it didn’t take much to connect the dots: you’d faked an orgasm while having sex with him.

And naturally, he couldn’t accept that.

_

Being good in bed was something William knew he was. It wasn’t something he’d brag about, except maybe occasionally to the boys when they were chatting about girls, but he just knew he was skilled when it came to the female body.

If not, then all the girls he’d been with had been great at faking it. Including you. And to say he’d been with several women might be a bit of an understatement. Not that William necessarily used to hook up with a new girl every week, but before you came along, he had a handful of female names in his contact list that he’d bring over when he needed it.

But then he met you. Someone who caught him completely off guard, even though he didn’t think he’d be up for dating.

You simply came into his life without a warning, and almost immediately, he was intrigued by you. It started as nothing but a simple one-night stand, where you got a pretty good taste of who William Nylander was. But then the one time became two times, and then your name was added to the existing contact list.

To put it in short, you were a great match for him. You showed up when he wanted and gave him the space he needed. It was simple and uncomplicated. However, as weeks turned into months, things just kept progressing, and William suddenly found himself wanting to see you more than the other girls on his list. You were the first one he’d call or text, and to his surprise, he’d feel disappointed when you weren’t available, having to settle for someone else instead.

This though, wasn’t something he’d really experienced before. With you, he simply felt a different connection. It wasn’t just sex between the two of you; it was so much more. You would laugh, talk, and cuddle. Quickies turned into longer sessions where you’d explore different positions and angles, maybe even toys if you felt like it. Late-night sex became late-night talks, and the moments when you’d grab your things and leave turned into you staying the night and showering at his place before heading off to work in the morning.

It was simple enough.

However, with William’s demanding career and schedule, and trying to manage your own work-life balance, you knew you couldn’t keep going like this. Though you liked William more than anyone you’d ever liked before, you knew this casual thing wouldn’t work out in the long run.

So, you gave him a choice—something you initially weren’t too keen on doing but felt was necessary. You told him either you’d keep it to only sex and nothing more, or you’d date and explore the idea of being exclusive.

William, of course, didn’t like the idea of having to choose, but he understood your position. And being a typical guy in his mid to late twenties, his first choice was to keep it just sex so he could focus on hockey. And surprisingly enough, this arrangement worked out alright – well, at least for a few weeks.

As is common in friends-with-benefits scenarios, William realised he didn’t like the idea of you starting to see someone else. And the mere thought of not having you available if he let you go made him swiftly change his mind, so he agreed to make it exclusive.

And this turned out to be one of the best choices he’d ever made. The shift from friends with benefits to romantic lovers felt almost natural and went a lot smoother than you’d expected. So soon after, you made it official to your friends and families (who weren’t really that surprised), as well as on his social media account—which, for you, was a huge step.

_

But when William heard your little confession to your friend, he decided to act as cool as possible about it—because naturally, you shouldn’t get the chance to be prepared for what he suddenly had in store for you.

Instead, he used the element of surprise to his advantage and greeted you with a simple kiss as he entered the condo and found you in the kitchen, his hands resting on your hips as his lips found the crook of your neck as you’d finished your call.

“Well, hello there, mister,” you chuckled lightly, flipping over the pancake.

“Mmm, smells so good, baby—you’re spoiling me,” William mumbled into your neck, his hands still tightly on your hips.

You couldn’t help but smile. “Of course, you deserve nothing less.”

“Yeah, because you faked it the other night…” William thought, yet he kept that to himself.

“Can’t wait, babe,” he instead simply said, before placing a kiss on the back of your head and making his way to the fridge to grab his favourite toppings.

You then flashed him a great smile, thinking everything was good and that he was just tired after his morning training. And so, you finished the last couple of pancakes before joining him at the dining table.

Yet, as the two of you enjoyed the deliciousness, you couldn’t help but sense something was off when William didn’t talk much. Usually, he’d praise you a lot more for making him pancakes without him asking for it. And though he knew you could have just made them as a gesture before the playoffs, he seemed to sense that you did it out of guilt.

And he wasn’t completely wrong. Even though you didn’t realise he was onto you, you made an effort to put him in a good mood before tonight's game by playing your best cards. But William had something else on his mind. He felt like you had deceived him, and he couldn’t just head off to the game tonight without making sure you had learned your lesson.

So, after you both finished the pancakes and tidied the table, you would have expected him to go for his usual afternoon nap, yet, to your great surprise, he simply walked slowly towards you as you stood by the dining table.

"What’s up, Willy?" You asked with curiosity as his grin widened. But he didn’t reply. Instead, he gently lifted you to sit on the table, and hooked two fingers under the hem of your comfy shorts as well as knickers, before tucking them down as he knelt before you.

Helping him by lifting yourself a little, you couldn’t help but smile as you anticipated what he was about to do. William was certainly skilled in the art of oral pleasure, and you never missed an opportunity to let him indulge in your core. And given that this particular scenario before a match wasn’t entirely uncommon, you simply relaxed into his movements, leaning back on the table as he positioned himself before you, lifting your legs over his shoulders while he kissed his way up your inner thighs.

Soft moans escaped your lips as he drew closer and closer to your most sensitive area. And as soon as his expert mouth made contact with your delicate flesh, you couldn’t help but let out a louder moan, tilting your head back and closing your eyes, while running your hand through his hair.

"Oh yes, Willy!" you moaned breathlessly, feeling arousal starting to pulse through your body and mind.

You could almost sense William smirking against your throbbing centre as he wrapped his arms around your thighs, keeping your hips in place as they occasionally lifted upwards in response to his ministrations.

It was sheer bliss as he sucked and licked your core, his tongue alternating between flicking your sensitive clit and delving into your entrance. He simply showed no restraint.

William’s aim was solely to make you squirm under his touch, to elicit louder and louder moans as he drove you closer to orgasm. And he could already sense it when your thighs pressed against him, your fingers tugging at his hair, your heels digging into his back, and your breath becoming rapid.

But as you quickly neared climax, he abruptly stopped and withdrew from your warmth.

"What—?" you panted, swiftly opening your eyes to find a thoroughly satisfied boyfriend before you. "Willy?" you asked, still bewildered by his sudden halt.

But William's plan had worked perfectly. And with a giant smirk, he slowly hovered over you, coming intensely close to your ear so you could feel his hot breath and smell your own juices on his glistening lips and beard.

"Not so fun to be teased, huh?" he chuckled darkly, pulling back gently to meet your gaze. His pupils dilated, his grin wide and almost devilish as he growled deeply. "Yeah, I know about your little act the other night... You think you can fake it with me? Hmm, I think I'll have to teach you a lesson and make sure it never happens again."

You were left utterly baffled, in disbelief. You knew William possessed a dominant character, especially in the bedroom, but you had never heard him growl like that. And never before had he denied you an orgasm in such a manner. He had skilfully brought you to the brink of climax faster than ever before, only to leave you hanging, without release, and simply strutted off to his match.

"That motherf-..." you muttered under your breath, still lying on the table while William busied himself getting ready for the arena.

Normally, he wouldn’t be in such a rush to leave, as he was usually the last to arrive. But today was entirely different, and a giant smirk was plastered across his handsome face as he left you high and dry – well, more accurately, almost high and definitely wet.

_

The match against the Red Wings didn’t end well for the Leafs, unfortunately. Despite all the players giving their all, the result was a disappointing 5-4 victory for Detroit.

And with the intense match, packed with power plays, penalties, hits, and more, you assumed William had long forgotten about the little encounter the two of you had before he left for tonight’s game. Even you had nearly forgotten about it as you felt the rush of adrenaline while watching from the side-line.

However, to your surprise, the loss only seemed to fuel William's inner fire even more. And as he quickly whisked you away from the hallway, almost interrupting your conversation with Sanna, he grabbed your hand and led you to the car park.

"Willy, slow down," you tried to say as you hurried to keep up with his pace. But your boyfriend had no intention of slowing down. And as you sat in the car, ready to head home, he simply gave you a dark, stern look while biting his lower lip.

"You don’t get to tell me what to do, baby... I'll be the one to tell you."

His words were simple, yet his voice dripped with raw desire and pure lust. It was a side of him you hadn’t truly experienced before, only catching glimpses of it after an intense night. But tonight, it seemed like you were getting the full show. And you couldn’t help but feel your arousal building at the mere thought of what he might do to you.

However, you shouldn’t get too excited just yet. William had already started the game by teasing you earlier, and you sensed he was still up to no good. So, as he navigated through the streets of Toronto, you tried to control your breathing and relax as much as possible.

You were nothing but curious to find out more about his plan, and fortunately, you didn’t have to wait long. As soon as you entered the lift taking you to one of the high floors, William pinned your hands above your head, pressing you against the wall as his lips crashed onto yours.

His tongue forcefully pressed against your lips, seeking entrance, and you immediately obliged, letting his tongue explore yours. It was already incredibly hot and steamy, and you hadn’t even reached the apartment yet.

And as soon as you reached the floor, William left you breathless, before he dragged you to the front door of the condo, where he simply threw you over his shoulder, giving your arse a quick, hard slap before he carried you to the bedroom, where he tossed you onto the mattress.

“So, you think you can fake an orgasm?” he chuckled darkly, untying his tie with a smirk spreading across his face.

Though you couldn’t help but smile a little, gazing up at him with pressed lips, you shook your head. Leaning back on your arms for support, your eyes followed his every move as he undressed down to his boxers, still grinning before he knelt onto the bed.

“So, you didn’t fake it?” he inquired with a cocked brow as he crawled closer, his movements naturally spreading your legs. Then leaning over your body, placing an arm on each side, he gently forced you to lie down on your back.

And this time, you nodded. “I did…” you admitted in a light whisper, trying your best to suppress a smile.

“Hmm,” William merely groaned. “I guess we’ll have to make up for it then.”

You knew William wasn't exactly Christian Grey, or any other extreme dom. For the two of you, it was usually more about fun and play rather than something serious and structured. And though he had a naturally dominant character, you were equals in bed, often smiling and giggling as you pleased each other.

So, when he said he wanted to teach you a lesson, you knew it was more of a playful tease than an actual reprimand.

“Stay still,” he then simply commanded before crawling back, leaning down to reach for his tie. Of course, you complied, curious to see what he had in mind. And as he then came back and placed your hands above your head, doing his best to tie the fabric around your wrists and connect them to the headboard, you felt an exciting sensation coursing through you.

“Be a good girl for me.”

His commands were simple, and you knew better than to misbehave. Instead, you wanted to play along to ensure both of you felt pleased. And as you remain in position, William slowly began to undress you, removing your jeans, socks, and then your bottoms, leaving you in just your jersey, proudly displaying his last name and number – which he seemed to enjoy a little too much.

With your core fully exposed to him, you couldn’t help but let out a light gasp as you felt the cool air brush against your sensitive area. Especially when William carefully ran his larger hands over your thighs, spreading your legs wider to give him the perfect view of your cunt.

“Mmm, yes… and it’s all mine,” he muttered under his breath as he slowly let his fingers draw closer, gently sliding them between your folds, feeling your wetness.

“Oh Willy…” you moaned softly as he brushed over your clit, sending waves of pleasure through you.

“You like that, baby?”

Of course, you did. William was incredibly skilled at pleasuring you, and he knew it. So, you simply nodded, keeping your hands in place as your eyes followed his movements and you bit your lip. “Mmm, yes…” a soft whimper escaped you. It was almost embarrassing how needy you sounded, but you couldn’t help it. William had you completely under his control, and your body was his to use.

As he then pressed a finger against your entrance, you let out another soft moan.

“So wet already? We haven’t even started,” William chuckled as he easily slid his middle finger inside you, feeling how wet you were for him as he gently massaged your inner walls.

“Mmm yes… just for you,” you moaned, feeling the pleasure slowly building within you as he curled his finger at just the right angle.

“That’s it, baby... all for me,” he growled once more, adding another finger and stretching you a little further as he pumped his digits in and out. “Is this what you want? Will this make you come?”

His questions were somewhat rhetorical, but you couldn’t help but nod in response. Meanwhile, the wet sounds of his fingers working inside you only spurred him on further. William knew your body well, and this was definitely a good sign.

So, curling his fingers at just the right angle to find that particularly sensitive spot, he increased his speed and force, fingering you with the sole mission of pushing you closer to orgasm.

And he was succeeding. With your hands tied firmly above your head, you couldn’t help but let the pleasure consume you, surrendering to his touch as you closed your eyes and allowed your mind to drift freely, embracing the approaching climax and the euphoria that followed.

“Yes, Willy… yes…”

And just like that, you let out a louder moan as he pushed you over the edge into a blissful high. Bucking your hips upwards, arching your back, and tilting your head backwards as your eyes rolled into the back of your head, you surrendered to the ecstasy.

Reaching the peak was nothing short of amazing, yet as you slowly calmed from the high and opened your eyes, you were met with a thoroughly satisfied William before you.

“Was that good?” he chuckled, prompting another nod from you. “Well, then I guess we’ll have to do it again then.”

You understood William’s mission. Since you’d faked one orgasm, he was determined to see how many more he could elicit from you. And this was just the beginning of many more to come.

The next one came from something entirely different: namely a vibrator. Though William wasn’t usually one to incorporate toys into your intimacy, tonight seemed like the perfect opportunity to change that.

“So, you couldn’t come from me fucking you, huh? But maybe you could with this?” he said as he knelt between your legs once more, bringing the buzzing toy closer to your heat. And quickly a cry of pleasure escaped your lips as the vibrating sensation made contact with your sensitive flesh.

“Oh yes…” you moaned louder this time, your legs almost trembling as he dragged the toy against your folds and clit, bringing you even closer to your second climax by every movement. And with your hands tucking on the fabric above your head, you couldn’t do anything but let him play with you.

However, as much as William enjoyed your whimpers and cries beneath him, he found even greater pleasure in hearing you moan out his name when you reached your peak. So, he didn’t delay in allowing you to reach your orgasm. And seeing the wetness he was creating between your legs, the sheets completely soaked from your juices, filled him with satisfaction.

“You’re so fucking hot, baby,” he breathed deeply before leaning down to forcefully capture your lips, stealing away all your breath as he kept the toy against your heat.

But it became too overwhelming. And upon reaching your third orgasm quickly after, you let out another soft cry. “Please, Willy…” you pleaded in a whisper. “I want you…”

And that was all the encouragement he needed to toss the vibrator across the room, swiftly removing his last piece of clothing and freeing his incredibly hard and throbbing cock.

Then moving into the missionary position once more, he leaned in close to your ear. “You want me?” he growled once again, his member pressing against your core as the tip teasingly brushed against you.

“Yes, Willy… please... fuck me.”

And your words spurred him to thrust himself entirely into your depths with one forceful movement, eliciting a loud moan from you.

“Fuck!” you almost screamed as he hit the deepest parts inside you.

But that only drove William wilder. Feeling his own urgent need for release, he swiftly picked up the pace, pounding into you with vigorous motions, stimulating your walls with each movement.

“Shit, yes, baby,” he moaned in sync with you, your breaths mixing in the close distance as he thrusted mercilessly.

It was almost too much for you to handle. Your arms above you felt sore, and your lower body was close to going numb from the intensity. However, your mind was completely immersed in a euphoric haze as William brought you to your fourth and probably most intense orgasm.

You couldn’t even warn him about it. However, he knew by the way your eyes remained closed, your head sinking into the mattress, your breaths becoming incoherent, and your muscles tightening around him. And this time, William was sure it wasn’t fake.

Mixed with beads of sweat on your skins, caused by the intense activity, he could almost feel himself being soaked by your essence as he continued to pound into you. And with your loud moans echoing through the room, coupled with the sound of skin colliding, William then pushed himself closer to his own release. With a deep grunt, he finally reached his much-desired climax, releasing strings of cum deep inside you.

The air felt thick and heavy as you both gasped for breath, slowly coming down from the pleasure-induced high and regaining strength in your bodies. With slow and gentle movements, William managed to untie your hands from the knot.

He wanted to hold you close, and you wanted the same. However, with the heat radiating from both of you, you simply rested next to each other, turning your heads to share wide smiles.

“So,” William breathed, turning his body to lean on his arm and elbow. “Just to make sure... this wasn’t fake, was it?”

You couldn’t help but let out a soft chuckle, turning to face him with a cocky grin. “Hmm... I’m not sure,” you teased, prompting William's signature laughter.

“Well, in that case,” he smirked once again, positioning himself on top of you and causing you to roll onto your back. “Maybe we should do it again... just to be sure.”

You knew he was teasing, yet the devilish glint in his eye had you doubting. And with your body already sore and overstimulated, you knew what the sensible answer should be. However, as the playful banter between you two was a never-ending game, you couldn’t resist the challenge.

“Maybe we should.”

Did you immediately regret it? Perhaps. But did you end up experiencing two more intense orgasms? Yes, indeed you did.

[lovelyladyabsinthewrites]

New Meat

Pairing: Mike Schmidt x Reader

Warnings: mentions of weed, reader is definitely unphased by the whole ghost kids controlling animatronics things, i'm sorry i just had to, i've watched that fucking movie over six times now, it's a disease, i don't understand why i'm being pulled back into my fnaf days, more to come most likely, piereced!reader

Words: 1187

Summary: You train Mike in being a Fazbear Security Guard.

Susie

Mike didn't really know what to expect for this security job. Mr. Raglan said the owner was sentimental and that was why the place hadn't been demolished yet.

At least he would be paid. The first night he wouldn't even be alone either. There would be someone to train him on the night shift. A veteran Fazbear security guard that has been working there for a little more than a year. A record, Raglan exclaimed in reverence.

What kind of person would work at such a shitty job for that long? Must be as desperate as he was for employment. Beggars really couldn't be choosers.

Making sure Abby was set with Max, Mike made sure to show up at least fifteen minutes before his shift started. When he tries for the front door, there are chains that prevent him from opening it.

"Around the corner."

He jumps at the tired voice. You slump your shoulder against the corner of the building and watch him. "You'll want to enter from the backdoor." You offer him a wan smile. Underneath your heavy 'security' jacket was a metal band t-shirt. Piercings line the curve of both of your ears, studs and rings alike. A weary shadow is cast under your eyes.

You hold your hand out to him in introduction. "Nice to meet you Mike."

When he grabs your hand to shake he finds it shockingly cold.

Mike follows you as you give him the grand tour of Freddy Fazbear's Pizzaria. The main stage held three, tall animatronics. A smaller cove, you explained, housed the animatronic known as 'Foxy'. A spare closet room housed crumpled, metal forms in various stages of disassemble. More than anything in the restaurant that was the one room that really had Mike's skin crawling. Something about it didn't feel right.

Every step you take, Mike notices something bobbing along your leg. Initially he thought it was your flashlight but you held it in your hand. When you entered the lit security room, Mike finally realizes it's a large taser hanging from your utility belt.

You catch his eying and show him the taser. "I'll leave this with you for tonight."

Incredulously holding it in his hand, he feels it's heavy weight. "Is this really necessary?"

"You never know who you'll encounter here at night. Could be an aggressive tweeker or something. . . worse." Your voice trails off. "Keep it on you at all times. Trust me."

Wearily you rub at your eyes and collapse into one of the computer chairs in the security room while Mike takes the other. He leans back against the chair's weak support. You were scheduled to stay and help Mike the rest of the night shift. Then tomorrow night you'd finally be able to get some relatively good sleep. You've been awake for far too long. Feeling rather shitty, you grab for you bag of Red Vines to fill the dullness. There was little possible the Fazbear gang would act up tonight. They stayed quiet when it was someone's first night. Like they were trying to feel out the new security guard. You gave them a talk before Mike had shown up.

Really, it was Bonnie and Carl that you were worried about the most. They were particularly aggressive and wouldn't hesitate to take a chunk out of the new guy.

Eyes leisurely moving to check the cameras just to be on the safe side.

Vanessa told you that Mike wasn't allowed to know the truth. Her father instructed the both of you that much via phone call. Plus after having worked there for some time now, you knew better. William Afton wasn't someone you wanted to disobey.

But it ate away at you. The longer you were around him, the more guilty you felt for not screaming 'Run! Get out of here and don't come back!'

Many other night shift security guards have come and gone; either quitting or being killed by the animatronics. Only you have been able to survive past your fifth night.

You had an advantage though that the others didn't. One that made them more docile around you.

"Hey, if you want to leave early then go ahead." Mike says out of nowhere after some time basking in the silence. "I think I got it."

You shake your head. "I need the hours." His offer was tempting. They were shitty hours with even shittier pay but any little bit helped. Just enough so you could afford to go to college. Receive a degree and maybe get out of your little town.

That answer didn't seem to be the one he was looking for as he anxiously runs his tongue over his lower lip in contemplation.

Eyebrow arching, you tilt your head in puzzlement. He made it obvious he wanted you gone. You felt like you should take offense to that. Maybe you came off as too uncaring. Positive it wasn't your body odor. While your dietary needs were lacking you made an effort to be as hygienic as you could. When you work double shifts (which is often) you tend to sleep in your car. It worked out fairly well when you put down your back seat and cushion the bottom.

Nowadays Freddy Fazbear's felt more like a home than your actual apartment.

Mike just slumps in his chair.

"You'll be in for a long night if you don't at least bring something as entertainment."

"What do you do?" He asks after a moment.

You open up your backpack and show him the overstuffed contents, including a strong stench of marijuana.

Word searches. Crossword puzzles. An embroidery hoop with plastic bag of different colored threads. Two books. Mike could see the stitching of your backpack beginning to tear. He pulls out what he thought was a notebook but it was actually a Mad Libs. At that he glances up at you.

You shrug. You couldn't just tell him that the animatronics loved them. He wouldn't understand.

Placing your backpack back onto the floor, you go back to your licorice.

"You're allowed to smoke this here?" He gestures with his head to where you kept your weed supply kit.

"'Course not but you really think the boss stops here to check? I've never met the guy. Just spoken with him over the phone." You zip up your bag and push it under the desk.

Now Mike is staring suspiciously at you. "And you don't fall asleep?"

It makes you roll your eyes. "Relax newbie. Besides checking the cameras frequently, this job is a breeze. And believe it or not, when I'm high, I'm incredibly productive. I wouldn't recommend you taking drugs during your shift though. You're still new. At least get a hang of things before you start fucking off."

You couldn't help but add "Also- if any of them give you trouble, just tell them that you know me."

His brows furrow. "Them?"

He wouldn't believe you even if you told him everything. What sane person would?

Sighing, you reach into your jacket pocket for the playing cards you had. "You know how to play 'War'?"

[yellowbunnydreams]

Do you need some Vitamin D? (Incubus! William x Oblivious! F! Reader) [Part 9]

~I'm sorry reader - but know that tomorrow is another day~

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* Want more or something different? *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

@ruh--roh-raggy @xp-doggy @redbunny03 @marigold-petalz @seviliet @astinkerofarat @iamnotwiddle @imtiredshow

CW: 18+ MINORS DNI. Fluff, age gap (Reader 20's - William Afton 40's(?)), teratophilia, meet-cute, punny pick-up lines, scenes of working out, minor porn-logic, ditzy! reader, could be classed as bimbo! reader?, size-difference, flirting, monster-lover, sexual innuendos, Monster! AU. Angst

William Afton had successfully kept you away from your apartment for another week, and as he placed the last of the boxes from his car down into the empty space, he wondered how he was supposed to let you go and live your life without waking up in the same house every day.

He thought of every day he made you laugh, how sweet it had sounded, how he had for the first time in many years relished the sound and felt like he was able to relax around somebody that wasn't 'in' on his secret. How good it had felt to thump and twitch and do his silly little bounce that he couldn't quite control when he was excited. He'd cared for you, he'd tried every pick-up line over the past week, trying to play, perhaps a little selfishly, on that hormonal change to potentially forge a connection between the two of you that didn't feel like he was left staring at where you were and wondering if he was getting too old for that shit.

'Are your parents bakers? Because you're a cutie-pie.'

'Are you made of copper and terillium, because you're CuTe!'

'You must have been speeding, because you've got fine written all over you.'

'Do you have a map? Because I'm lost in your eyes.'

'You know, you're so small against me even when I'm human. It's okay, I can give you some extra inches.'

But you hadn't batted an eyelid, even at his latest, more lewd attempt. You were infuriating, but William had felt himself growing more and more dejected with each rejection.

Just as you had grown more dejected each time William had rejected you.

You hadn't quite given up yet, Valentines Day was approaching and you had thought about coming out with it and asking him, but you thought that was too direct and didn't follow your plan that you had laid out with Claire. William had received a picture of you cuddling the Spring-Bonnie plush in the room just down from his, you'd even captioned it 'Not as good as the real rabbit'. The text you'd received back was enough to make you sigh loudly enough that William followed up with 'Are you okay?'.

'Yeah, rabbits are pretty cuddly and soft.'

You had been texting Claire when you had the chance, wanting to know that you weren't going crazy when you touched William's arm and smiled up at him, texted him flirtatiously, even tried to make him breakfast one day, much to his delight and then horror as you burnt one of his pans. She was running out of ideas too, and you couldn't help but feel like you were coming to your last resort.

You were going to have to ask William Afton out directly.

But as you turned and looked into his softly smiling face, any bravado you had faded away and left your mouth dry. At least you might get some perspective from your slightly odd landlord, Dave, when he appeared to welcome you into your apartment.

"Well hello sugar, you didn't tell me you were having guests over so soon."

That raspy voice that set you on edge made you look past William and give a polite smile, seeing the lanky, gaunt man leaning against your doorframe. His dark circles looked more bruise like in the low light, and he was wearing an oversized, threadbare sweater than seemed slightly out of place compared to the black slacks he seemed to always wear. Aside from being half-naked the last time you saw him.

"Hi Dave, why don't you come o-"

"Bunny, I wouldn't do that." William growled, making you blink as you had never heard your boss acting like that. The low rumble in the back of his chest made the hair on the back of your neck stand up slightly as Dave simply cocked up head and raised an eyebrow.

"William, what's going on?" You asked, not receiving an answer as the tall, broad man fixed his eyes firmly on the man in front of you both. Blinking as you realised William's eyes were purple and had become slit-pupiled, making you tug at his rolled up shirt sleeve slightly. "Will, your...eyes..."

"My my, you didn't disclose that she knew William. I thought that you said she didn't." Something about the coolness in Dave's voice made your stomach turn uneasily, the two men staring at each other like animals sizing each other up for a fight. But you kept your hand on William's arm and slowly stroked over it to soothe him, practically feeling the reverb coming from his continuous growl that slowly ebbed.

"That was then."

"And this is now. You know, me not coming in is just a courtesy right? You should really introduce her to checking contracts for any...hidden...clauses."

"You wrote yourself entry?"

"Relax, nothing has been signed, has it, sugar?" Dave's darting gaze fixed on you, tilting his head to one side as he gave you that same crooked smile that he had when you first met.

"You're a monster too?" You asked him, watching him shrug and smile lazily as he reached up and tousled his greasy hair before gesturing to himself with one bony hand.

"You're looking at a top class predator, apex if you will. I, sugar, am a vampire." You blinked, the pieces slotting together in your head from years of having to cover literature and then finding out that monsters really did exist. Both of your bosses were different ones, and now your landlord too? And they knew each other? You vaguely recalled that William had said that monsters liked to band together in communities, so you guessed that you were going to be seeing a few more around since there was a monster friendly building in Hurricane.

"Ah, cool."

Dave blinked, his smirk disappearing as he gestured to himself again. His brow slightly furrowed.

"Cool? Did...Did you not hear me? I said, 'I'm a vampire'."

"No, I heard you the first time." Shrugging your shoulders before looking up at William, who was pursing his lips and running his hand over his beard like he was trying desperately not to laugh at the scene before him.

"Are you not...afraid...compelled by my charm and good wit?"

"I mean...I can pretend to be shocked if you want?" You offered innocently, and William couldn't take it any more as he burst into laughter, startling more than Dave's revelation. Smiling broadly up at the incubus as he clutched onto his stomach and leaned against the wall whilst he wheezed, the deep rumbling laugh making your heart throb and ache that you were running out of chances to hear that whenever you wanted.

"Are you even going to be phased if I come around, drinking blood?" He asked, scowling at William, his eyes darting around once more in behaviour that made a lot more sense now that you had context. Shaking your head and shrugging your shoulders again, much to Dave's disappointment. "Fine, alright, I give up. Sugar, you should have all your keys now, apart from the emergency one I have. Give me a call if you need any utilities hooking up, you'll have to invite me in, but you can rescind the invite any time."

You looked at William, who was just recovering from his laughter as he wiped away tears from his eyes, giving you a broad smile and ruffling your hair in that affectionate way that he always seemed to. You remembered what he said about incubi liking touch, which was why so much of your flirting had involved touching his arms and his back. Smiling down at you as he leaned down and bumped his head into yours softly, feeling his stubble scratch against your forehead slightly as he stroked your arms too.

"And here I was, worried that you wouldn't know how to deal with that asshole." You raised an eyebrow at his statement, moving your head slightly so that you could get a better look at Afton's greying hair and now silvery eyes.

"You knew Dave was a vampire?"

"I knew he was picking up property in the area, I just didn't know he would be your landlord." It was only a minor lie on his part, William knew that Dave was there all along, he would never mention the mild stalking Dave had previously done outside of William's house because of his curiosity about you. But, knowing that you now knew, and that you seemed to be aware of how to handle him, William felt less guilty about leaving you in the vampire's watch.

At least, he hoped you would be able to find somebody as happy as you made him.

"So what did he say to that text?"

"He said 'You're sweet, but I don't need any sugar for my coffee.'" You sighed and placed your head back against the exterior wall, eyes closed as you tried to soak in the cool air. Claire and yourself were on lunch break again, and you were discussing your latest attempts at flirting with your boss, trying to get him to notice you. Or at least, notice you how you noticed him.

Claire stared out across the back of the lot as she thought, wondering what on Earth she was going to do with you, and honestly, what she was going to do to Afton if she got a hold of him. She was too short to shake him by the shoulders, but she was semi-convinced she might convince Henry Emily to join in on it all if she talked to him. But then again, Henry Emily and William Afton had been friends for more years than Freddy's had been around, and Claire wasn't convinced that he would do anything other than scold the pair of you.

"You know...you should try one more time." She eventually said, looking at you from the corner of her eye and making you glance over at her. Hearing the sound of car doors opening and closing towards the front of the lot as you could both vaguely hear the sound of the music playing from the speakers and animatronics through the doors as they opened and closed with each patron coming and going.

"And say what, exactly?"

"Ask him how he'd like to be asked out."

You sat up, looking at your friend with sceptically raised eyebrow.

"You're not serious?"

"Deadly. Look, who else would know better how William Afton wants to be asked out, than William Afton himself?" She proposed, turning to you and making you think over it as she crossed her arms across her chest. She wasn't wrong, you realised with a slight sigh. He would know how he wanted to be flirted with and asked out best of all.

"I hate that you're right."

"Of course I'm right! Look, it's fool-proof and if he doesn't take you up on it, he's stupid as hell. I know a bunch of ladies who'd love to date you if you're into that kinda thing." Wriggling her eyebrows and you smacked her arm playfully, grinning at her as she mocked a pout and rubbed her arm where you had caught her. "Seriously! He's a fool."

"He's still our boss." You pointed out, chewing your lip as Claire shrugged her shoulders.

"So you have to get a job at Sparky's. Or you pretend like nothing ever happened and I'll get you a little bell to ring and Pavlov your ass out of this crush."

"Can you even do that?"

"Oh yeah, legally it's a bit grey, but technically you can do anything like that." You realised that you associated cherry candies with William already, how he always had a handful of them in his pocket ready to go and always seemed to be sucking or crunching on one as he walked around Freddy's when he wasn't in the parts and services room out the back.

"Fine, I'll ask him. But I'm not going to get my hopes up." Sighing as Claire wrapped you up in a hug and squeezed tightly, making you squeeze back before she clapped you on the shoulders and grinned at you broadly.

"Faz-fucking-tastic! Let's go!"

It was going to be a long day, you could already tell.

You paced around your new bedroom floor. feeling your heart pounding in your chest as you glanced at your phone, sat innocently on the bed-spread next to your Spring-Bonnie plushie that William had given you. Chewing over your lip and trying not to bite at your nails as you wondered if you were really going to go through with it.

Asking your boss out, that was.

It was just a text, he trusted you to see him as a giant rabbit man, hell, he'd brought you period products and spooned you with cartoons on to make you feel better about the whole thing. He'd been the one who offered for you to stay at his home despite the fact it could have been dangerous for him because you needed it.

You could send a damn text.

'Hey William, are you still up?'

Your fingers shook slightly as you sent the text, glancing at the clock on your bedside table and realising it was nearly eleven o'clock at night. Would he even be up at that time? The notification sound of your phone going off making you snatch up the device again quickly.

'Half-asleep, but I sure am bunny. What's up?'

'How do you ask a guy out you like?'

William stared at his phone, bleary eyed and suddenly his attention was fully on the small mobile phone in his hand. His knuckles turning white as he gripped the sides of it. For some reason, he found it hard to swallow as something ugly flashed through him for the first time in a while.

Jealousy.

Taking a deep breath, he focused on not breaking his screen as his clawed fingers tapped away on the keyboard. Thumping his foot against his mattress unhappily as his brow furrowed, lips pursed into a fine line.

'Well, guys like it when you're blunt with them. You should just ask them.'

You took your own deep breath, steeling yourself and typing out the words that made your heart race inside your chest wildly.

'Would you like to go out with me?'

The little bubble popped up that he was typing, the quickness of it making your stomach turn slightly in nerves and anxiety as you tried to imagine how he might try to gently let you down, or the hopeful answer of 'yes', you had so many images in your head of how you would handle the answer gracefully.

'Yeah, just send that to whichever guy it is you want to ask out.'

It wasn't until your screen began to blur in small dots that you realised you were crying. Whatever you had expected, you didn't realise how much it would hurt this much to be turned down by your crush.

Locking your phone, you crawled into bed, staring blankly at the wall and feeling the tears coming thicker and faster as you realised that you needed to talk to somebody. Picking your phone back up as you cuddled Spring-Bonnie closer with one hand, shakily texting Claire to let her know how it all went.

How you thought you'd ruined your only chance with the incubunny.

[caramel-whiskeys-writing]

William T. Spears ~ First Kiss

Black Butler Masterlist

It had been a long week for you as you had a few issues with some of your reapers, but that wasn't the worst of it. You knew that Will was going to come by and argue with you about your job and what you should've done. You sigh and roll your eyes at the thought. You were already tired and just wanted to go home without any more problems. You quickly packed up your stuff once you were done with work and made your way for the door.

You got to the door, and before you could even turn the handle to open it, someone else pulled in open. Not to your surprise, it was Will. Trying not to look annoyed, but more shocked, you kind of both just stood there until he greeted you and walked inside your office.

"If you don't mind Will, I was planning on heading out." He turned to face you and said in response,

"Not before we talk about this week." You were now really trying hard not to sigh and get him pissed off. You placed your bag back down beside your desk and sat back down in your chair, rubbing your face. You saw Will's face fall a bit. Maybe it was because you looked like shit or maybe he was having second thoughts of starting an argument. You know it was the first one when he started going off about why those reapers messed up in the first place. You let him talk it out for a good five minutes before he said something that really got under your skin.

"It makes sense that they don't know what they did wrong. They were never told plainly to do so. It makes sense why since you're not even paying attention to me right now, and you're their teacher." You stared him in the eyes and were ready to get into a heated argument with this man who always thought that he was hot shit. You cross your legs and arms, ready to bite his head off.

"William, do you really think that this is appropriate? to come in here and scold another reaper who works in the same department as you while you work with Grell, who is nothing but problems. At least my reaper's can learn and change. At least I don't talk shit in your face at the end of the day instead of finishing work." You were starting to get decently angry with him now as he acting like you are not good at your job, but you're his co-worker.

"You know, I have never seen you pull this crap with any other reaper. It seems like I'm just the only person who doesn't know how to do their job. And it's strange because you helped train me, so maybe it's your fault." Your voice was now very loud, and you knew that you couldn't stop going now. You kept cutting into him for another two minutes before he stood up, which made you stand up as you thought that he was walking away from this. He walked closer to you as you kept yelling at him, knowing that at this point, someone was probably listening.

He stared at you dead eyed for a bit before he reached out and grabbed the collar of your jacket. He pulled you aggressively into him and slammed his lips onto yours. Your eyes widened at what was happening. You still felt angry, but you were more confused than anything else. After a bit, you felt yourself ease into the kiss right before he pulled away. You stared at each other, trying to figure out what had just happened and if it should've happened. The answer is obviously no it shouldn't have, but it did. You both kind of just stood there, not talking, Will was rubbing the back of his neck, and you were holding your arms together. He finally decided to say something to you after a bit.

"I... umm... I don't know what made me do that." You glance at him, but he wasn't looking at you as he continued.

"I understand if you get even more angry with me after that. And I um..." he stopped for a few seconds before you spoke up.

"While I'm not happy with you right now, I think I can forgive you after that." You face him as he brings his eyes back to you. He knew that what he had done, both the kiss and the argument was very unprofessional of him, but something about the way you looked at him after the kiss told him that he might not get scolded for it.

[mychoombatheroomba]

Show Them What You Can Do

Between the Bones (Leon x GN! Reader) - Chapter 27

Training begins at Fort Benning, and Leon realizes just how far he's come.

(Cross-posted from Ao3)

Previous Chapter | Next Chapter

Chapter Index

CW: assholes in the army in the 1990's and some slander against tank operators

The ride to Fort Benning was a long and strange one. 

When Leon had been "recruited" into STRATCOM, he'd been promised that they would teach him how to handle every kind of situation. He supposed that he hadn’t really expected that to include tanker training. More than that, he hadn’t expected to leave the base he'd called home for so long. He knew it was for more than just tank training that you were all heading there, though. Krauser needed time. He needed to convince the men upstairs that this training should be tell-all. 

To tell everyone what sort of horrors they’d be thrown up against. 

Leon tried to imagine their reactions. They might have heard rumors of Raccoon City and the undead that had stalked its streets, but that was all too different from knowing that such a thing was possible. That it existed. 

Assuming that Krauser could get access to what he needed. 

That was what he thought of as he sat in the Humvee, wishing that you had been put in the same vehicle as you. Or, at the very least, that there was some music. Instead, he'd sat with Valeria, Anderson and Alejandro, while Alenko drove and prattled on about the tanks that awaited them all. 

The man’s eyes lit up even more when you all arrived, searching for the heavy machines he was so excited to see. 

Fort Benning was massive. Large enough to house hundreds of soldiers, as well as the tanks and open space large enough to drive them. Your squad's home base wasn't even half that size. It was meant to be small. Covert. Everything about this place was shock and awe by comparison. 

And the soldiers being trained there acted like it. 

Your base had an air of bravado and arrogance to it, sure, but the men here were on another level. The minute your squad unloaded, Leon felt eyes on him. Heard whispers and snickered jokes. He supposed that driving around several-ton machines that were designed only to kill, could inflate one's sense of confidence. But he soon learned that it was more than just the tanks these men drove that made them eye your squad like vultures. 

"You'd think they'd never seen a woman before," Williams grumbled as everyone filed into the barracks, passing too many leering cadets on the way. 

"They haven't," Alenko shook his head. "At least, not here. The Armor School's never admitted women before." 

Leon had frowned at that. "What?" He'd looked over to you for confirmation, and you barely nodded before Valeria grinned and butted in. 

"So, these boys get to see history in the making. Lucky them," she said, giving one particularly offended looking cadet a wink, and even if Leon didn't like or trust her, he couldn't help but smile at the sentiment. He saw that even you did, as much as you tried to hide a positive reaction to anything Valeria did. 

And even if it was more training, more exertion and more methods of dealing death to learn, there was some excitement to be found in the fact that this squad was making history. And Leon soon found some small excitement as the squad lined up in the motor pool on the first day, and you were all surrounded by massive metal beasts. Things Leon had never thought to be so close to, much less operate. That excitement spread through most of the squad, he could see it in their eyes. 

But in your eyes, he saw something else. Something he only glimpsed at lunch in the mess hall, or when you would all retire to the barracks. Your eyes would linger on the soldiers of Fort Benning - not the ones that would cause you and the rest of the squad trouble, but rather the little groups they’d formed amongst themselves. Leon saw you watching them laughing together at mealtimes, talking in groups before turning in for the night . . . 

It didn’t take a genius to imagine why. You’d spoken very little about those you’d been stationed with before, but the Army had been your life. Your purpose. And the people in it . . . well, Leon knew you well enough by now to know that you hadn’t always been so guarded. 

He wondered if you’d shared laughs like that with your brothers in arms, once. If you’d shoved someone when they told a bad joke. If you’d shown the side of yourself that Leon had been lucky enough to know more freely. 

There was little time to think about it, though. Not when you were all essentially learning two Army roles at once. When you weren’t all learning how to operate and maintain the tanks, you were sent into the woods alongside the cavalry scouts, rifles in hand. It was more work in less time than either role would traditionally have to deal with, but Leon expected no less of Krauser. Even if the Major wasn’t there, he was still pushing you all to the limit. 

And you and Leon pushed yourselves harder still. 

Your sparring sessions continued in your off hours and, somewhat begrudgingly so, Williams, Alenko and Valeria joined you most nights. The staff had seemed intrigued when you both asked for the practice knives necessary, and your sessions quickly drew crowds. The cadets wanted to see what was so special about these STRATCOM recruits, it seemed. And the five of you gave them a good show. Good enough that Leon heard the cadets whispering. At least, it started as whispering. Then it gradually grew loud enough for Leon to hear the words. 

“Don’t see what’s so special about them.”

“Shit, bet we could lay ‘em out.”

“I’d like to lay that pretty one out-”

“Which one? That boy with the fringe is prettier than all of them-” 

Leon’s eyes narrowed, ducking under a swing from Valeria as he heard the words. If his sparring partner noticed the conversation happening around them, she didn’t seem to mind it. 

Who did mind, though, was watching with crossed arms from the sidelines, giving Williams and Alenko notes in a way that reminded Leon of a bit of Krauser. He didn’t know how the Major would react to the comments, but you . . . he saw the annoyance on your face grow more and more.

Williams beat you to the punch, though. 

“You assholes don’t have anything better to be doing?” she asked, stopping her fight with Alenko and looking over at the sneering cadets. 

The leader of the little group just smiled. “Trust me, sweetheart,” he said, looking past Williams and to Valeria. “There are lots of other things I’d rather be doing.” 

The fight between Leon and Valeria ended quickly then, as the dark-eyed woman noticed the attention on her. “Don’t think you could handle me,” she said, and even if it was in her usual confident tone, the sharpness of her eyes betrayed that she didn’t appreciate the attention.

With a self-satisfied smile, the leader of the pack stepped forward. “Think I’d like to try, though.”

“Don’t be a dick-” Alenko began to protest, but Leon was a little faster.

“If you’re looking to get your ass handed to you, go ahead,” Leon said, because he of all people knew that Valeria could shut this man up with little effort. Any of the five of you could, he was sure. But this man didn’t seem convinced. 

“Bet she’d put up more of a fight than you,” the man said, stepping closer to Leon now. Two steps were all he managed to take before another voice joined in. One that made Leon smile, despite the irritation he was feeling.

“You wanna run your mouth all night, or you wanna fight?” you asked, looking over at the cadets that had been dealing out the trash talk. 

The men looked surprised, and then they looked far too smug. “Oh, yeah?” one asked, a young man with broad shoulders and short-cropped hair. A jaw that Leon thought was exceedingly punchable. “Didn’t think you spec ops types were allowed to mix with the rest of us,” he said, drawing a hard line between your group and his. 

You just held his eye contact, and Leon felt a surge of utter adoration for you as you spoke again. “We all have to get our hands dirty sometimes.” 

The cadet sneered, looking to his fellows before stepping forward. “Alright. Never thought I’d get to kick a spec ops soldier’s ass.” 

Your reply was cold and swift. “You won’t.” 

That sneer turned into a full-bodied frown, his eyes flashing with the fire of a wounded pride. “You think you’re special? An army of girls and pretty boys? What do they teach you over there, huh? How to paint your nails? How to style your hair?”

“How to humble assholes like you.” Leon couldn’t say where the comment came from, and he didn’t much care. He took some small pride in the way the cadet’s gaze snapped towards him, all angry fire. 

“You think you can take me, pretty boy?” It was amazing how, from you, the nickname sent chills down Leon’s spine. From anyone else, though - and from this cadet specifically . . . Leon just felt it stoke the need to show this arrogant bastard what you’d all spent so many hours learning. What so many bruises and black eyes had taught him. 

“I don’t just think it,” Leon answered, and he saw you smirk out of the corner of his eye. You and the rest of your little training group.

The square-jawed cadet tilted his head, popping the bones in his neck in an over-exaggerated way. “Alright then,” he said, stepping up to Leon. "Let's do this." 

This man, whoever he was, was massive. He was built well, no doubt from hours spent training. He looked like the kind of man who could knock someone unconscious with a single punch. 

So, Leon wouldn't give him the chance.

"Armed or unarmed?" Leon asked, his heart steady. Steadier than maybe it should have been. 

The answer came quickly. "Unarmed." 

And so, Leon handed his knife to Valeria, who gave him a devilish smile. "Fuck him up, blanquito ," she said and stepped back. Leon looked over at you, watching from a few feet away. You wore a smirk that matched Valeria's. A silent urging that he could see plainly in your eyes. 

Show them what you can do.

Who was he to disappoint you? 

So, he took up his stance a little ways away from the challenger, bringing his arms up. He had never liked the idea of violence to prove a point. He'd never been one to pick fights, and all the ones he'd chosen as of late were not out of malice or anger. But if the man was going to say shit like that, Leon could make an exception. Besides, he wanted to spar anyway. Krauser's words echoed in Leon's head, and they made him have to suppress a smirk. Might even learn something. So, as the cadet met him, taking up a ready stance as well, Leon exhaled a breath, and found that there was no fear to expel from his body. 

Only the need to teach this asshole a lesson. 

The cadet attacked first, as Leon expected he might. His fist came forward with a power that Leon knew would bruise, the force of it parting the air as the man across from him swung. But the blow never landed, and Leon met the man's strength with his own as he blocked the strike. 

And then, with a speed that he'd honed at the end of your knife, Leon moved.

There was no knife in the man's hand, but Leon knew that certain techniques would carry over anyway. Techniques like controlling the arm, his hands closing to keep it in place. Keeping the cadet he was fighting still long enough for the quick knee Leon brought up into his stomach to connect. He pulled the blow just enough not to hurt the man too badly, but the cadet still had his air forced from him as it landed. And then even more air as Leon leveraged his arm and forced the cadet face-first to the ground, pinning him down in the dirt. 

And from there, from his place of near-effortless victory, Leon knew exactly how you'd felt that first day he'd met you. He knew how utterly powerful you must have felt, taking someone down like it was nothing. He remembered so vividly what it was like to be the one down in the dirt. The one who'd been so thoroughly defeated. That day, part of him had thought he'd never know what it was to be the victor. 

But here he was. And as he looked up at you, as he saw the utter pride in your expression, he couldn't help but feel pride in himself, too. 

Pride enough for him to do as you did on that first day as he let the squirming cadet up, looking down at him with a smirk of his own. "Again?" 

The man was furious, Leon could see it in his face. Ears and cheeks red, eyes narrowed . . . but his pride wouldn't let him stop. He spat the word Leon was waiting for. "Again."

⧫⧫⧫

And again. 

And again. 

And again.

You watched Leon humiliate the cadet who'd challenged him over and over again that night, and with each victory, you felt something swell in your chest. Pride, yes, but something else too. Affection. Adoration. You thought back to that first day, when you'd faced down a frustrated and overwhelmed rookie, one you'd never imagined yourself caring for.

One you'd never imagined yourself falling for. 

You'd fallen for Leon's kindness. His empathy. His determination. But as you watched him fight that night in Fort Benning, you found yourself falling for another part of him entirely: his power. His skill. His steadiness. He'd come so far, and as the sun dipped beneath the sky and Leon went on, sweat beading at his brow and his beautiful blue eyes focused on his opponent, you couldn't have been prouder. More . . . 

You didn't let yourself focus on that deeper emotion bubbling in your chest. The one that bellied all others, which made the world a little brighter when you looked at Leon. When you spoke to him. When he kissed you. 

You didn't want to focus on that. Didn't want to name it. Instead, you watched as Leon brought the cadet he was fighting down with a powerful kick to the side, sending the man sprawling. 

And finally, it seemed, the man had enough. 

He stood slowly, trying his best to keep his balance after the thorough thrashing Leon had given him. His eyes told you that even if he'd been defeated, though, this fight wasn't over. "Fucking spec ops-" he spat, and the crowd that had gathered to watch the fight murmured a little. "None of that shit is gonna help you behind the controls of a tank." He was grasping at straws. Trying to keep some semblance of his tattered pride. 

Your squad, though, wasn't having any of it, and you found your heart stirring for a different reason when Alenko stepped up beside Leon, clasping a hand on his shoulder. "No. And bruises won't help you behind those controls, either. So, I'd suggest you go get some sleep."

"Or stay," Valeria piped in, crossing her arms and smirking. "If you want some more." 

You watched from the sidelines as your fellow recruits stood by Leon, backing him up. Supporting him as a squad should. It had been so long since you'd felt that. Camaraderie. Unity. And then, even if it should have frightened you, it made you crack a small smile.  

The cadet Leon had beaten looked between you all, then to Leon, and his rage simmered behind his eyes. Still, he waved a hand, turning and storming off. Some of his fellow Fort Benning cadets followed him, throwing harsh glances at Leon. Not all, though. Some approached, grinning or giving respectful nods. Some congratulated him on his string of victories, their respect earned. 

And then it was just the five of you, and you were all smiles. 

"Fucking beautiful, Kennedy," Williams said, stepping up to Leon and then punching him a little too hard in the shoulder. "Next time, though, leave some for me." 

Leon laughed, and the sound only made your smile grow more. "Deal,” he nodded, and Alenko piped in. 

“There might be a next time, you know. Guys like that don’t like being made a fool of.” 

“Good,” Valeria grinned. “Because I think I’d like to see you land a few hits on him,” she looked at Williams, and you missed the way it made the taller woman go pink because you looked down, overcome with a sense of longing that you’d never quite been able to bury. A memory of smiles and witty comments, and a radio playing stupid, happy songs. A sense of togetherness that had been ripped away from you. 

And you realized then, when it was just in reach, how much you’d missed it. 

“Sarge-” your title. Always your title with everyone but Leon. It was that way by your own design, you supposed. It was less personal that way. But the way Valeria said it now, like more of a nickname than a rank . . . it made you look up, and you almost didn’t begrudge her the too-knowing look she shot you. “Aren’t you going to congratulate your boy?” 

Your boy. 

You should have been pissed at her for saying something like that, for risking even an implication of that connection. Instead, though, that frustration melted when you saw how Leon looked, smiling and surrounded by his squad mates. 

It made your troubled eyes soften. 

You didn’t move closer, not yet, but you did nod. “Never enjoyed seeing someone get their ass whooped so much,” you said, your eyes finding Leon’s, saying more to him with that look than you ever could with words. 

The smile it brought from Leon was worth more than anything in the world. “Learned from the best,” he said, and you wished that you could just grab him and kiss him, then and there. 

Instead, you volunteered for fire watch that night. 

And when you were sure that everyone else was asleep, when the shadows of the new barracks were at their darkest, you made your way to Leon’s bunk. He was dreaming, you could hear him shifting uncomfortably in bed, and you knew that his eyes were likely shifting back and forth beneath their lids. It made you feel less guilty about waking him up, placing your hand on his shoulder. You heard his sharp intake of breath, and he sat up a ways, the outline of him turning to look at you in the dark. 

Neither of you spoke - not wanting to even risk a whisper. You just kept your hand on his shoulder, and you felt his clasp over the top of it. A silent gesture.

It was a risk, but you leaned down, pressing a kiss to his lips. 

Even if it only lasted a second or two, it was enough. You didn’t let yourself wonder how the hell you’d gotten here; how you’d fallen so hard. No, you just smiled at Leon through the dark and gently pushed him back down, silently telling him to go back to sleep. You felt him squeeze your hand and then obey, and you resumed your watch, glad of the dark for hiding the stupid smile that graced your face.

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Chapter Index

[skylarstark4826]

Sparks were a huge part of Warren Peace's life.

Everything seemed to start with them. His mother and father had felt that proverbial spark, fucked, and created him.

He, in turn, shot sparks from his fingertips, just like the old man. They created huge, blazing bonfires, or small blazes.

There was a spark of evil in his father. It drove him insane, made him commit heinous acts that make Warren cringe mentally. (He tried to never let pain outside).

One thing was for certain, at least.

Warren had never experienced any good kind of spark. The only time he felt at peace (no pun intended) with the flames inside him was when he put on his show for his mother. Even then, he felt as though he were trying to atone for a crime (or several) that he didn't commit.

(He didn't bother to remind himself he was being a hypocrite; hadn't he blamed Stronghold for something his father did? And it wasn't as if the old man hadn't deserved it. But still).

Stronghold.

Just the name made Warren's blood boil.

The kid was so incredibly stupid. He was immature and naïve and worse, he still had round, childish features.

He couldn't understand why Gwen Grayson liked him so much.

Not that Warren had ever liked Gwen, either. He hadn't. She was like the brunette, superhero version of a Barbie doll, and he couldn't stand it.

In his opinion, they were a match made in heaven. Or hell. Depending on the perspective.

What was painful was watching his old sidekick friends stare after him like lost puppies. Especially Layla Williams. Her gray eyes held so much hurt and betrayal, he couldn't stand to look at her for long. (So why did his eyes constantly rest on her whenever she was in sight?)

He found himself observing her. The way she walked (and how her ass looked when she did it) the bright red of her hair (he clenched his fists, imagining tangling his fingers in it while he… or better, while she…), her smile.

Her smile.

For some reason, it got to him. It looked almost familiar, and made something stir inside him that he kept trying to push back.

Warren decided he really needed to get laid. Soon. Get these damn hormones out of his system so that maybe he'd stop noticing Stronghold's friend. (Even if it was his subconscious messing with him. On a conscious level, he still hadn't really registered this fatal attraction).

Because everyone knew that "future villains" and hippies just don't mix.

Warren really fucking hated his boss.

Seriously. Warren wasn't even fucking Asian. He'd picked up quite a bit of their language, and had recently started taking tons of shifts, but that didn't mean the retarded, short, Yoda-like pig could yell at him like an indentured fucking servant. In Chinese.

Asshole.

Warren huffed out a breath and resisted the urge to roast him, instead reaching for a wet cloth and wiping down one of the tables.

He tossed the cloth back into the sink, and was about to get a fresh one when one of the women yelled from the kitchen.

"There a girl that been sitting there for long time. Ask if she need something!"

If there was one thing Warren hated, it was customer interaction.

Grumbling under his breath, he approached the booth she had pointed at. "Still workin' on that?"

The girl looked up sharply.

Red hair.

Gray eyes.

Tantalizing curves she never showed off properly.

Fuck.

"Hey," Layla said.

"Hey." Well. This was awkward.

"We go to school together."

Warren nodded, shifted on his feet. "You're Stronghold's friend." Stronghold's, Peace. Fucking Stronghold's. Pull yourself together, would ya?

To his surprise, Layla scowled, and Warren watched in a little bit of awe as the flower in the vase on the table wilted a bit. "Not for long."

Warren couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at that, but then he looked away. Just because she and Stronghold were having issues didn't mean he was nominated for Replacement BFF. Or better, FWB. "Yeah… So… Uh….Want me to heat that up for ya?"

Layla looked back at him, seeming shocked. "You're not supposed to use your powers outside of school!"

Oh yeah. That was in the handbook, wasn't it? Warren vaguely remembered skimming over it before turning it into ash.

Unable to resist, he leaned closer to her, so close he could see the blue flecks in her eyes. "I was only going to stick it in the microwave."

Layla's eyes widened, and she blushed as red as her hair, then leaned back jerkily. "Oh."

Warren smirked.

"Um, I was, um," (Did he really get her that worked up?), "supposed to be meeting Will here, but…You wanna sit down?" She gave him a small smile. Not the one he loved, but…

Warren blinked once, not quite believing this was really happening, then glanced back to make sure the boss from hell wasn't watching.

"I guess they can spare me a minute," he sighed, and slid into the booth across from her.

He felt his knees touch hers and froze as he finally felt what he'd wanted to feel his whole life; good sparks.

Warren's entire body relaxed. He looked her in the eyes. The he smiled, really truly smiled, and a tiny blaze lit on his finger.

Layla had started to smile back, probably without even realizing it, then her eyes jumped to the flame.

Warren reached over and lit the candle in front of them, then let the flame extinguish. She giggled.

(She didn't berate him about the no-powers-outside-of-school-thing, either. Mission fucking accomplished.)

"So Stronghold ditched ya?" Warren asked, leaning forward subconsciously, trying his hardest not to stare at her lips.

"Yeah. He's been…a jerk lately." He could tell she was holding back, and it irked him.

"Don't hold back. Call him what you want to." He deserves it. Warren smiled, "I promise you won't corrupt me."

Layla ran her eyes over him, and Warren felt a sort of warmth rush throughout his body. Girls checked him out on a daily basis, but this felt different.

"He's been a complete and utter… Ass! A total asshole!"

Warren grinned, extremely amused. "Ha! Wow. Never thought I'd hear Hippy cuss. I'm proud."

And in some weird way, he was.

Layla smiled a little and shrugged, looking down at the table.

"So why'd he ditch you? I mean, I always figured he was a few tools short of the whole shed, but…" Damn. He hadn't meant to let the compliment slip out.

But it made Layla smile a little more. It was so close to that smile… "He's probably off with Gwen."

Figured that was what was going on… "I would say green isn't a pretty color, but that's pretty much all you wear."

As though his emotions were connected to hers, he could sense something change instantly inside Layla. She turned from docile and harmless into a hurricane in less time than it took to blink. "Damn it, I am not jealous!"

She slapped her hand down on the table, and Warren resisted the urge to jump. That was a violent gesture, and even though he didn't really know Layla Williams, he knew she was not a violent person. At all.

"I'm mad! No, I'm furious! Will has been my best friend since we were in diapers, and now we go to a new school and he sees one pretty- well, okay, perfect- girl, and all of it's down the drain? I mean, what the fuck. This is ridiculous, I don't even know why I'm still here."

She was so goddam hot when she was pissed.

She flushed in the most delicious of ways, and warm tremors ran through Warren's whole body, and he could practically see sparks flying off her from pure anger. He wasn't sure if they were good or not.

But he liked them.

Still, she was throwing quite a fit, and if Boss Man saw him sitting down the last few minutes of his shift… "Geez, Hippy, take one of your chill pills would ya? There are other customers in here."

Layla froze across from him, every inch of her body going rigid. He watched several thoughts flit across her face at once, and none of them were good. (He was amazed. She wasn't guarded the least bit. She was completely pure and expected no one to take advantage of her. Deep down inside, it made Warren feel protective over her, but there was no way in hell he'd admit it).

"Oh my God," she breathed, and just as instinct told him to reach over across the table and put his hand over hers before she had a complete meltdown, and his fingers twitched, about to do just that, she focused those gray eyes on the flower in the vase, and he watched as it bloomed bigger than it had been before.

She created, and he destroyed.

He never felt so unworthy in his entire life. (Guiltily, all the half-realized fantasies he'd been having surfaced, and he almost blushed with shame. Only almost, though. He was Warren Fucking Peace after all).

Finally, he said, "You okay?"

"Um, yeah. God, Warren, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to- I mean, I-" Layla stuttered.

Warren inconspicuously glanced at the clock. Shift over. Yes. "Just stop. Wait here."

He got to his feet and yanked off the stupid apron he was forced to wear. (Why the fucking hell did he have to wear the damn thing anyway? He wasn't a dumb ass cook).

He retied his hair back because the stupid loose strands got on his nerves (not for Layla Fucking Williams), then swung his jacket over his shoulder.

He was overheated enough without wearing it.

He grabbed a fortune cookie on the way out, one of many with the same fortune inside it, along the wall in a thousand cardboard boxes. Sorting those out was such a bitch.

He grabbed one that he thought fit Layla's situation. It could come in handy.

He also grabbed another, a bit of a plan forming.

Maybe if he let this whole Will thing get out of her system, she'd give him a chance.

"Come on."

"Where are we going?"

"I'm taking you home," Warren said it as casually as possible, and he hadn't realized until just then that that was his intent, but whatever. (He was such a motherfucking retard. He didn't even know where she lived and this was Stronghold's best friend and she was too innocent for him anyway and this whole stupid ass thing was a bad idea.)

But Layla didn't question him. She nodded slowly, left a ten on the table, followed him outside.

His body followed hers automatically, and they fell into step walking down the sidewalk.

"Normally I'd ride my bike, but I don't think we're quite to that level yet." Warren smirked, carefully observed her reaction.

"You have a motorcycle. Why am I not surprised? That's very cliché you know." Layla teased, but was that a flash of nervousness behind her eyes? Interesting.

(And "yet"? What the hell did he expect to happen?)

Still, roles seemed to be reversed with her. She was the flame, he the moth.

And for once, he didn't really mind.

"Oh please. I'm the only one around here that can really pull it off." He bumped against her, unable to resist himself.

She grinned, and Warren's stomach tied itself into knots just like a fucking girl. "That's more like it." That was hissmile.

HAD THAT BEEN OUT LOUD? FUCKING HELL, PEACE.

Layla looked away and cleared her throat a little, and he resisted the urge to flame up and punch something. He was so incredibly retarded.

"I really am sorry. About that. That is not me, not at all." She apologized sheepishly.

"I know. So. Will is with Gwen, and now you're in agony because you're in love with him."

Oh, the bitter irony. The one girl he feels that fated spark with, the one he's waited pretty much his whole damn life for, and fucking Stronghold turns her on.

To his surprise, Layla's mouth dropped open in indignation. "I am not in love with Will Stronghold!"

Warren simply eyed her doubtfully, refusing to hope.

"I'm not!"

"You have to be at least crushing. It's incredibly obvious." Warren couldn't resist an eye roll.

"Crushing I can admit to," Layla said.

Crushing Warren could deal with. He'd made plenty of girls swoon that had "crushes" on other guys. Crushing was in no way permanent, and not nearly as sticky as loving.

"So why don't you just ask him to Homecoming and get it over with?"

"Two problems: Gwen, and also his stuck up attitude here lately. He won't even answer my calls, out long acknowledge me in person." He could hear the sadness in her voice, see the way her shoulders slumped as she stared down at the concrete.

Familiar anger rushed through him on her behalf. Stronghold really was an ignorant asshole. Couldn't he see what was right in front of him?

"Stronghold really is an idiot," he huffed. No harm in letting her know that he thought well of her, right? "Alright, Hippy. Just ask him. Get to the bus stop early tomorrow if you have to. I'm assuming he's been avoiding you there, too?"

Walk before you run, Peace. She wants Stronghold.

For now.

Deciding now was a good time to break out the first fortune cookie, he took it out of his pocket, bit into it. "Besides, to let true love remain unspoken is the quickest route to a heavy heart."

Warren always had liked how poetic these things sounded, to be wrapped up inside a bland, twisted little cookie.

Layla stared at him, clearly impressed. "Wow. That is really deep."

Silly Hippy. Hadn't she seen him eat the fortune cookie?

"Yeah," Warren nodded, fighting back a smile. "And your lucky numbers are 4, 16, 5... and 49."

"Oh my God, you read that off a fortune cookie?" She laughed, and he focused on her smile, letting her snatch the little piece of paper from him.

"Doesn't make it any less true," he shrugged.

They stopped walking in front of a standard looking two story suburban house.

She glanced over at him, looking half shy and half extremely grateful. "Thank you. Really. You're actually pretty great when you're not hurling fire at people."

He had that one coming, but he still rolled his eyes. Again. "Yeah whatever."

Abruptly, Layla pressed herself up against him, skinny little arms wrapping around him as best they could.

He was surprised at how it felt. She was so soft and warm. She was at least six inches shorter than he was, fitting snugly against his chest.

His entire body could have burst into flames, and for once, he never would have noticed.

She smelled like lilacs.

He awkwardly wrapped one arm around her and squeezed back. She was so tiny nestled there against him he felt like he could snap her in half. (He had never been good at hugging anyway.)

"Step away before I singe you." Seriously, if she didn't back off, he was going to catch fire right then and there, which would potentially be very bad for Layla.

"You just have to ruin the moment don't you?" She sighed, and he let her think that that was what he had meant.

He gave her the fortune cookie for Stronghold, and a few seconds later she was wiggling her fingers at him and he was trying not to glance back at the woman in the window watching them.

He walked back to his bike with the feeling of sparks running up and down his fevered skin.

Oh yeah. He was in deep shit.

LINE BREAK!

The day started out normally enough.

Warren rolled out of bed. Took a shower. Bent over to kiss his mother on the cheek because she was working on some huge assignment for some government or other and looked worn out. Stuffed cereal down his throat. Went to school.

That's where things started getting weird, which probably shouldn't have surprised him seeing as it was a school for fucking super powered teenagers, but still.

Layla was dressed to kill, shoving books in her locker with more force than necessary, talking to Stronghold.

He couldn't tell what they were saying from this far away, but she looked pissed.

Warren frowned a bit. She should look happy. Hadn't Stronghold used the one brain cell he possessed and told her yes?

(He wanted to run his hands over her pale thighs, up under the tight skirt, feel her-)

Layla slammed the locker shut, jarring him out of his fantasy. "Will, SHUT UP."

You tell him, Hippy. 

"I don't care what you think, I don't care who you're taking to, and I don't care for your incessant whining. What I do is no longer your concern."

Sounded like a break up line if Warren ever heard one. Not that she and Stronghold had ever been together, anyway…

He couldn't resist staring at her as he passed, in smug satisfaction. And lust. Lots of lust. God, he wanted her, he wasn't even going to deny it now.

(It kind of freaked him out a bit).

Warren liked space.

More specifically, he liked personal space.

Which was why he wasn't too damn upset that no one would ever sit with him at lunch.

So as fucking hot as Layla looked today, and as proud as he was of her for telling Stronghold off, it still kind of irritated him when she plopped down across from him.

"Hi Warren."

She was nervous, that much he could tell.

"Did I say this was okay yesterday? Because it's not."

She tried to smile at him, but it was totally fake. Not the smile he wanted to see. Not the one that gave him good sparks. "Haha, you're so funny. But, no, seriously. So, I was just about to ask Will to Homecoming this morning, and wouldn't ya know it, I told him I was going with you instead."

Warren couldn't do anything but stare at her. Was she serious? He did not do school functions. Of any kind. "You're kidding."

Layla shook her head and went back to nervously poking her salad.

No wonder she was so tiny. She didn't fucking eat.

Out of no where, in swooped the purple sidekick. (What was her name? Magenta? Damn. Her parents got real creative). She almost reminded Warren of himself, except minus all the daddy issues.

This didn't mean he particularly liked her though.

Glow-Stick and Popsicle sat down next, and Warren felt his blood begin to boil. Layla he could handle. Layla he wanted to handle.

These people? Not at all.

Layla grimaced all of a sudden across from him, and he followed her line of sight.

Ah. Will and his posse were making their way over.

Fucking fantastic.

"Hang on a second Gwen," Will said when he had approached their table. "Layla, can I talk to you?"

He practically dragged her out of her seat, and Layla followed him hesitantly outside.

Oh hell no.

That little prick was not getting Layla alone.

Without really thinking about it, Warren jumped out of his seat and followed. If nothing happened, then it was just a precaution. If something did….

He waited just outside the doors.

"What?" He heard Layla ask. She sounded exasperated.

"Look. I don't know what's wrong with you lately, but I want it to stop." Way to be forceful there, Stronghold.

He sounded like a whiny little kid.

"I'm not acting any differently." Layla didn't sound very upset.

"Warren's probably having some kind of effect on you, I told you to stay away from him-"

Of course. Blame it on the super-villain's kid. Classy.

"Warren is a great guy!"

Warren hardly dared to breathe. She was defending him. Against her long time best friend. Holy shit. "If you actually took five seconds to talk to him, you might realize that."

A pause, and then, "Layla, I'm begging you. Break it off."

"No."

Elated heat seared through him at her declaration.

"Break it off."

"No!"

Warren shifted just a bit so he could see…

"I said dump him!" Warren saw Stronghold grab Layla's arm, heard her wail and fall to the ground.

Without even thinking about it, he was blazing, and fury consumed him. It was easy to throw Stronghold against a wall, denting it.

It was difficult to resist tearing him apart.

"Touch her again, and I'll run a stake through you like the goddam marshmallow you are, then roast your puny ass." Warren snarled.

The image was a comfort.

Stronghold jumped to his feet and took off, and if Warren hadn't been so concerned about Layla he would have went after him and taught him a real lesson.

But as it was, Layla was still slumped on the filthy hallway floor, and his first priority was her. (When had that happened?)

He crouched down in front of her, tilted her chin up. He was shocked to find her eyes and cheeks dry.

She was a lot stronger than people gave her credit for.

"You okay?"

He wasn't even ashamed when his voice came out all soft and caring.

"Yeah. He didn't mean it, really, he's super-" No fucking way was she defending the bastard.

"Strong, I know. Doesn't make this okay."

He reached for her arm, but she jerked it away. "Don't!"

Her eyes were wide; confused and hurt and tired and frightened all at once.

"I won't hurt you, Layla." Not ever. Please. Please let me… 

She held out her arm trustingly, and Warren held back a triumphant grin. He rotated her arm gently.

"He could've done a lot more damage," he finally proclaimed.

It didn't make him want to kill Stronghold less.

Still, he had to get this bruise taken care of before it made her arm start to swell. "It'll definitely bruise, but it should fade in a week or so. Come on."

He held his hand out and resisted the urge to shudder when Layla put her hand in his without question. Her fingers rested against his perfectly. Her skin was so soft.

He lead the way to Nurse Spex's office, and he left Layla waiting outside. As badly as he wanted to get Stronghold at least a detention for what he did, he knew she'd protest.

The little old woman was behind her desk, check marking a paper absently. "Hey Nurse Spex."

She looked up, then broke into a wide smile. "Mr. Peace. Back for some burn salve again?"

Warren gave her a small, respectful smile. He'd had to practice it in a mirror a dozen times freshman year. She had been the only one not to be afraid of him, or mention his father. When he got in trouble for starting- or ending- fights, she was the only one to see right through his anger, the only one to calm him down with a single reproachful look or light touch.

She was the closest thing to a grandmother he'd ever had.

"Nope. Bruise salve and some ice."

"Mhm," she murmured, eyebrows shooting up. Warren shrugged sheepishly, letting her think he'd done something wrong yet again, instead of something very right. "Don't you send any more kids in here today Warren Peace!"

Oh. That was right. He had slightly injured that stupid ass in first period this morning when he made a snide villain remark…

"No mam, I won't." Nurse Spex was the only person he'd called mam in his entire life.

She handed him the salve and the ice.

"Thanks."

"Sure. You're a good boy, Warren. Act like it every now and then," she urged, patting him fondly on the shoulder.

Warren had to laugh at that. "Not a chance."

She nodded in a figures kind of way and waved him away.

He couldn't resist grabbing Layla's hand again, and this time he led her outside, to what he thought of as his Cooling Off Place. Whenever he got too angry or upset to think clearly, even to talk to Nurse Spex, he stormed right through those doors and out here. None of the windows in the school looked out into this little corner, so no one saw him ditch. "This way."

"We're probably not supposed to be out here." Layla bit her lip, and Warren had to resist the urge to lean in and bite it himself.

"Probably not. Oh well." He settled on the grass, and Layla sat down next to him. He rubbed the cool substance on her arm.

"Thanks."

"I've had a few bruises in my time." More than a few.

He couldn't stand her looking so unhappy. He had to make her laugh, had to make her smile that smile… "I think the nurse has a thing for me." He winked to add to the joke.

That did it. She laughed, and Warren sighed a bit.

He wrapped the ice around it next, then leaned back against the tree. He liked the feeling of the bark against his back. What to talk about…? "Going dress shopping soon?"

The fuck, man? Dress shopping? Way to make her think you bat for the other team. 

She didn't seem to think anything was wrong with his question though. "I don't know. Maybe."

She looked away, quiet for a moment, before she added, "I'm sorry about that, by the way. I didn't mean too, it's just that he gets me so worked up and I wasn't thinking."

It took him a few minutes to catch up. Oh, right. She'd told Stronghold (who'd told everyone else) that they were going to Homecoming together.

How could he deny her when she was the only one to defend him? And against her lifelong best friend, as well?

"Don't give yourself a brain hemorrhage, Hippy. I'll go along with it."

The light in her eyes when he said it made it worth it. "Really?"

"Mhm. Just don't expect me to rent a tux." He hated the damn things.

"…Okay." Thank God she didn't throw a bitch fit like most girls would.

Layla settled on her back, and within ten minutes she was out like a light.

Warren couldn't help but stare at her. The way her red hair shown in the sun, the way her pale skin met the grass, the way her chest rose and fell evenly.

She was beautiful, a word Warren wasn't very familiar with.

He woke her when the final bell rang, and she yawned and smiled at him, and he couldn't help but imagine her waking up next to him like that, in his bed, her lips swollen and their bare bodies pressed together…

He almost had to shake himself to get the image to leave his mind enough for him to speak. "Here, keep this. Put it on every night, okay?"

"Sir yes sir." She smirked.

He couldn't resist. To hell with letting her come to him in her own time.

He leaned in close, so close his lips were almost against her ear. He could practically taste her. The smell of lilacs and earthy tones and just pure Layla overtook him, and he almost groaned aloud. "That's Mr. Peace, sir, to you."

He smirked, and to his complete and utter delight, Layla fucking shivered. Hell yes.

"Don't think I didn't notice that," he said, and he couldn't hold back the triumphant grin this time.

She flushed bright red.

He was really beginning to look forward to Homecoming.

She was driving him fucking nuts.

And he loved every bit of it.

Not only her, but her friends. (Worse, he was beginning to like the sidekicks. They were growing on him, attaching to him like barnacles.) They sat at his table every day and kept up a constant (often very amusing) chatter.

And after school, when he went to work, Layla would eventually show up and stay until closing time.

That's what was driving him crazy.

He'd found, over the hours and hours and hours they spent together, that he could touch her. That he fucking lovedtouching her. And she wouldn't shirk away from him, or flinch, or anything.

In fact, she welcomed him.

The night that she held his hand, really held it, with their fingers interlacing, had been the most intense thing he'd ever experienced. And he wasn't even a fucking virgin.

Her tiny fingers had slid down his thigh easily, innocent of what she was doing to him, and slipped in between his with ease.

His entire body had shuddered, and when their eyes met, he felt so many good sparks he'd thought he'd flamed up right there.

He wasn't even sure this could be called a spark anymore. It was so much more, so much larger.

He hadn't been able to help himself. He was tired of denying himself. He leaned in, and she did too… so goddam close…

And then the boss yelled.

Warren had stormed into the kitchen and screamed Chinese curses for half an hour after that, glad that the kitchen was well insulated so that Layla couldn't hear.

His boss stopped being such a douche after that. Not entirely though.

He'd never taken things so slowly with a female before, and it was torture. A slow burn, eating it's way through him.

When he got her on the bike, and her hips had fit against his, and he could feel her breasts crushed against his back, he didn't think he'd be able to concentrate enough to drive. He imagined turning around, crushing their fronts together, smashing his mouth against hers with bruising force.

Christ, he wanted her.

But he wanted her to be comfortable with him, too. He wanted to share the things he loved with her, wanted her to know him.

So he had to show her what the bike could do before he showed her what he could do to her on the bike.

Damn these newfound emotions of his.

Layla was lying on top of him, and Warren was pretty sure he'd died and gone to heaven by some rigging of the books.

Actually, he was pretty sure that had happened when she'd sat down on his bed, her gray eyes staring so intensely up at him.

When she'd kicked off her shoes and laid back easily, casually, he'd almost had a heart attack. Surely she wasn't going to suggest they…

She didn't.

He wasn't sure if he was relieved or disappointed, or both.

Still, as they talked, she slowly moved closer to him. First her head ended up on his shoulder, both of them sprawled on their backs.

Then she'd put one of her legs across his, and eventually she rolled over, onto his chest, and just like he'd wanted, their fronts were pressed together.

He'd instantly brought an arm up to secure her to him, and brushed his fingers through her hair like he'd wanted to from the moment she walked into Sky High.

"And if you're so tired of being stereotyped, stop wearing green so damn much."

It really was beginning to wear on him.

She rose an eyebrow. "Oh yeah? What color should I wear instead, then?"

He studied her, imagined her in lingerie of every shade.

The sexiest he could think of was, "Red."

She was quiet for a moment, and he just enjoyed holding her.

What if he were to tilt her chin up, like he had the day Stronghold had hurt her arm? What if he were to kiss her right now, softly, the way she deserved to be kissed? Rolled her underneath him and touched her the way she should be touched?

"Why did you agree to go to Homecoming with me?"

The question jarred him more than it should have, and he found he didn't want to answer. "Why did you tell Will I was your date?"

He always called Stronghold 'Will' around Layla.

"Touché," she mumbled.

He stared at his ceiling and tried to think of something profound to say.

He almost jumped out of his skin when he felt her lips against his cheek.

It took every ounce of self control he had not to turn his head to the side and press his lips against hers.

Then she moved to his jaw, and it struck him how wrong it would be, to ravage her right here and now, in his bed, with nothing to stop them. They hadn't even been on their date tonight yet, for Christ's sake!

Layla deserved better than that.

Better than him.

So carefully avoiding touching their lips, he turned his head to look at her.

How was this amazing person lying next to him right now? How could Stronghold give this up?

Fucking moron.

He brushed her hair out of her face gently, and she sighed contently, looking so kissable he almost combusted. "We should get going if we're gonna make it to the movie."

Her face fell, and the satisfaction Warren felt from the fact that she wanted to kiss him too was bittersweet. "You're right."

"Tell me."

"No."

"Come on, Hippy, just a hint!"

"Not gonna happen."

"Let me know the color, at least! It's not green, is it?"

If her dress was green, he'd burn it right off her.

Not that he wasn't thinking of doing that regardless of the color, anyways.

"I will get this out of you," he threatened, absently swiping the grungy rag across the table a few more times.

"You can try…" she said unconcernedly, and Warren couldn't help but think of all the different ways he could persuadeher to tell him.

He shot a glare at her that he didn't really mean and tore his apron off. She just smiled, not intimidated at all by his menacing attitude.

When they got on his bike, he took it slow, wanting to savor the way she fitted against him, enjoy the way her chest moved against his back when she breathed.

She relaxed against him and laid her head on his shoulder blade.

No one had ever been relaxed around Warren before. (His mother didn't count). He found he liked the feeling.

Layla had pointed Stronghold's house out to him once, and when they came upon it they found bright lights and pulsating music.

Stronghold was having a party.

He heard (and felt) Layla scoff behind him and grinned wickedly.

He wouldn't mind Layla grinding up against him to the beat, and if it pissed Stronghold off, well, that was just icing on the cake.

"Wanna crash it?"

"Sure!"

He sped up and hit the curb, rode up the slight incline to park right in the front yard. Layla squeaked and he smiled a bit.

She took his hand again, leading him to the doorway. He couldn't help but feel proud to walk in with her. He didn't understand why, but he knew he liked it.

The inside of the house was nice in classy sort of way, and he could tell the place was normally kept immaculately clean. Furniture was over turned now, spills stained the hardwood and carpet, and some things were broken. Reflected light leant a weird glow to the place, and most kids there were either wasted out of their mind, making out, dancing, or all three.

"Shittiest party I've ever been to," Warren declared, and it was. Stronghold was clearly an amateur at this.

"Ditto," Layla nodded, but he could tell she was pretty innocent when it came to these things. Her eyes were wide in shock and disgust, but really, this was pretty tame.

Layla moved forward, looking around, and that's when one of the Pennys closed in.

Warren squeezed her hand, frowning protectively, and almost missed the grateful little smile Layla shot his way.

Gwen popped up out of fucking no where then. "What the hell do you think you're doing here?"

"Who invited the sidekick?" Penny called out, and just like that, everyone in earshot turned to look at them.

Warren's free hand clenched into a fist. Layla can handle this.

"Where's Will? Tied up on a leash out back?" Layla's voice held more bite than he'd ever heard it.

"He's avoiding you, actually. Come on, Layla. Will knew you liked him." If that were true, and Stronghold had still hurt her the way he had, Warren would fucking kill him.

Layla didn't seem very concerned though. "Did he?"

He shuffled closer to her when he felt her start to tremble. (Whether it was in anger or pain he couldn't tell, but he couldn't stand it either way). She leaned back against him and he resisted the urge to wrap both arms around her.

"Uh huh. Obviously he'd not interested. He's just too nice a guy to tell you so himself." Gwen smiled then, and if she wasn't clearly a female, Warren would have hit her. Hard.

"He wasn't too nice," one of the Pennys said, "to tell us, though. God, he is constantly whining about what an obsessive little bitch you were, calling and trying to make plans all the time."

Layla did a full body flinch against him, her head and shoulders drooping just enough for him to notice. "Whatever."

Gwen just wouldn't let up. "I mean, take a goddam hint, would ya? He's going to Homecoming with me, he's throwing a party and didn't invite you, and he's too embarrassed to be seen with you at school."

Layla's voice was borderline desperate now, and Warren began searching for a way to step around the bitches without them being able to block them from leaving.

He couldn't find one.

It was killing him to just stand here and let her take this, but at the same time he knew that if he didn't let her stand up for herself, she'd be pissed at him in the end, too, and he couldn't have that.

"I don't care, alright? Whatever was going on with me and Will- or not going on- is over now, so just back the hell off!" Layla yelled, and seeming to read Warren's mind, she tried to sidestep Gwen and failed.

"Oh, that's right," Gwen said, her gaze settling on Warren. He snarled at her. "Layla's got a new boy toy now. Warren Peace, resident psycho."

Resident psycho? Was that really the best she could do?

Gwen looked back at Layla. "Careful, Layla. You never know when he'll turn evil. Wouldn't want to get too involved with a guy destined to end up like his father; worthless and locked up like an animal."

As angry as that made him, it seemed to make Layla furious. More upset than when they'd been ragging on her even. Her entire body tensed, and Warren knew the feeling well; she was about to go off.

He couldn't let her do that. Not on his behalf. She'd feel so awful about it later. "Whoa, Hippy. Calm down."

Gwen snorted. "Like she could do anything."

"You wanna see what I can-" Layla started, then stopped. Warren felt her take a huge breath, felt her muscles relax slightly. "Come on, Warren, let's go. This was stupid."

He slid his hand down her arm until he felt her fingers, then guided her to the door as swiftly as he could.

This had been a very horrible idea. What had he been thinking?

"Layla!" He heard Stronghold call, and grinded his teeth together. Two more seconds, and they would've been out the door!

Fucking hell.

To his delight, Layla didn't seem to be in a chatty mood. "Fuck off."

He'd definitely made a dent in her vocabulary, that was for sure.

But, but, I mean," Stronghold stuttered.

Enough was enough.

"Save it," Warren growled, allowing his free hand to finally ignite in a warning.

Stronghold's face hardened. "When did you become such a, a, a bitch Layla? You used to care."

Layla turned away, and Warren saw her face crumple.

The little bastard had made his Layla cry. Oh hell no.

"Have fun with Gwen, Stronghold," he spat, throwing a ball of flame and barely missing Stronghold's head. "You two are perfect for each other; you never did deserve a second of Layla's time."

Warren ushered Layla out of the house and slammed the door behind him. She stumbled down the porch steps, her torso shuddering with her sobs, her arms crossed across her chest.

Warren had never felt pain for another person before, except for maybe his mother, and even then, it was tinged with resentment because she had brought it upon herself. Layla had done nothing to deserve this. Nothing at all.

"Whoa, whoa," Warren said softly. "Whoa, Layla. Shhh. Calm down."

Unable to resist himself, he wrapped his arms around her. She buried her face against his chest and he drew soothing, mindless patterns against her back with his thumbs.

"I'm so sorry, Warren," she gasped. "I'm so sorry, this was a horrible idea."

She thought this was her fault?

Guilt consumed him. Why hadn't he just drove her home? Why did he have to let his ego get in the way?

"I was the one to suggest crashing, if you remember," he huffed. Fuck me. "This was my fault."

"No," Layla shook her head against him. "It's Will's."

Warren couldn't argue with that.

"Layla?"

Warren turned his head to see the Commander and Jetstream strutting up their walkway, looking confused and concerned and heroic.

Warren absolutely refused to let Layla go even for one second. He just stood there with her wrapped securely in his arms, observed the man responsible for his mother crying alone in her room for hours on end, even though both she and everyone else knew his father had deserved it.

"Layla, sweetheart, what is going on here?" Jetstream asked, and it shocked Warren for a moment that Layla was so familiar with the couple before he remembered that she had been their son's best friend since they were in diapers.

Small fucking world.

"Will is throwing a party," she sighed.

"Well we can see that. Why? And why are you so upset?" This bumbling idiot was the one that saved the world every other day?

"I guess because his prissy little girlfriend asked him to," Warren answered the Commander's first question.

For the first time, the Commander seemed to really see Warren. His eyes widened in recognition and Warren glowered, knowing what was coming next.

"You're… You're Barron's boy!"

No shit Sherlock. "Yeah."

Jetstream instantly interfered. "Layla, I apologize for whatever Will has done. Warren, it was nice meeting you. Come on, Commander, we've got a son to severely punish."

Warren didn't recall saying his name, but it didn't surprise him that she knew it.

She dragged her husband to the door, and unlike him, didn't spare him a second glance.

"Where are we?" Layla sniffled, her arms crossed across her chest.

She looked tired. Sad. But most of all, she looked guarded, something she had never been. It killed Warren. Made him physically ache. Nothing in the world should ever make her look like that. Certainly not a fucking pussy like Stronghold.

She was so beautiful, even now. He'd never wanted anything more in his life than her.

"Come here."

She moved instantly, standing just a few inches in front of him.

He thought about fucking the show he had planned and just kissing her senseless right then and there, but he took a deep breath he hoped she didn't notice and focused.

His eyes met hers, and when they did he tapped into his power, and a large circle of fire sprung up, thirty feet away in either direction.

Layla's eyes went wide and she gasped, and Warrens smiled. This was so going to be worth it.

Might as well give her the background story.

"When I was little," he began, "around six or seven, when I was finally able to control my powers, my mother and father went to war again. It killed her to do it, because she loved him. Still loves him."

He didn't fucking get it. How his mother could be so infatuated with such a man. But if she felt anything for Battle like Warren felt for Layla, he supposed he couldn't blame her. (Even though a small part of him did blame her, and always would).

Layla listened intently, and that made it so much easier to just make the words flow.

"Sometimes, when she thought I wouldn't notice, she'd go lie in bed for hours and not get up. She didn't sob her eyes out, and I almost wished she had, because that would've made sense, ya know? But she just laid there and one tear would come out at a time…" Warren had forbade himself from remembering those days, and he sure as hell had never discussed it with anyone.

But he could share this with Layla.

He was almost ashamed of the soft, ragged way his voice came out, but then he noticed her stray tear, and when he wiped it away, he figured that emotion was probably a good thing.

Well. With Layla it was a good thing.

"I couldn't stand it. And I thought I was adding to the problem; I have the same power as my father, and I got to thinking that all the destruction I caused when I lost control made her even more sad. So I came up with a way to show her that fire isn't just destruction, and also make her happy again. Practiced for hours outside, while she laid in bed."

His body starting to get in the groove of things again as he told his story, he let another ring pop up outside of the first, burn brighter and larger. Layla's eyes flickered to it, and then back to his.

"It worked. It made her happy again. I still do it sometimes, when things get really bad." He stepped a few feet away from her and stripped his shirt off, not giving himself time to think about stupid ass inhibitions.

By the way her eyes widened, and the way she licked her lips, Warren had nothing to worry about.

He opened his palms toward her, and felt the telltale heat start underneath his skin. Soon little drops of fire began dripping off him, into the grass. Sometimes they landed on his wrist though, and he deliberately let them grow, let them follow the path of his red tattoos, farther up his arm, onto his shoulder. Soon they cascaded down his chest, and he kept his eyes on Layla and her clear amazement.

He'd never been so proud of his ability in his entire fucking life.

Layla smiled that smile at him, and he smiled back, and it was the first time he could remember that he didn't have to put any effort into it.

He bounced a ball of fire back and forth across his shoulders and she laughed.

He let another ring pop up around them, then another, closer and closer to them. He wanted to see how she reacted.

She didn't flinch. She didn't shy away.

This encouraged him, and he decided to try something he'd only ever done once.

It was easy to set his torso and arms and hands on fire. It was as easy as breathing. He had to think a bit about his legs, and he never deliberately did anything above his shoulders.

But once, his mother had come staggering in from an interview sobbing her eyes out, sliding down the front door.

His little show hadn't been enough to cheer her up, and then he'd come up with an idea.

He'd burned the back of his throat and had been unable to eat anything but soup for two weeks.

He knew he could do it now. Could do it for Layla.

So very slowly, he let the heat inside him build up, travel through his neck, line the inside of his throat. He felt it thrum through his pulse point.

He took a deep breath, then opened his mouth wide and released it. Above him, bright flame filled the sky, and he released his entire breath before letting his head drop back down.

He wasn't hurt at all.

"Oh my God!" Layla laughed, looking at him in utter awe.

He laughed too, enjoying her reaction to him. That was one of the best "Oh my God!"s he'd heard in reference to him ever.

He felt the excess energy in him spread out into the ground, and he let geysers of flame burst up everywhere, and turned it all different colors.

Just not green. Green really got on his fucking nerves.

"You're amazing," Layla breathed, then blushed like she hadn't meant to actually say it.

Warren smirked. "I try."

And he would try. For her, anyway. Everyone else could go to hell.

He made the flames on his body smolder out, then stepped closer to Layla, until he could see all the little blue flecks in her eyes. "Now for the grand finale," he murmured. He took her hand in his, loving the way she let him do it, the way she was no longer guarded at all anymore.

"You have to trust me completely for this to work, alright? You can't freak out."

A flicker of excited apprehension darted across her face. At least it wasn't outright fear. "What's going to happen?"

"You'll see. Pick a color." He knew what she would say as soon as she opened her mouth, so he cut her off. "Not green."

"Prejudiced," she grumbled, but didn't seem truly miffed. She smiled. "Blue."

An image of her in nothing but a blue lacy thong popped into his head. It had been the second hottest. "Is that the color of the dress?"

"You'll have to wait and see," she teased.

He couldn't resist an eye roll. "Alright. Blue it is."

He felt the fire start in his hand, then immediately transferred the energy to Layla's hand. Her palm caught on fire instantly, the blaze a pretty blue.

She yelped and started to yank her hand away, but Warren was prepared for this and held on tight. "I told you not to panic, Hippy. If you freak out, it'll burn you."

She relaxed instantly, her eyes flickering from the dancing flame to meet his.

It took him a moment to find his voice. She made him speechless without even fucking trying.

"Purple."

He changed it instantly.

"Oh wow. This is incredible. How are you doing this?"

He shrugged, not quite able to find the words to properly describe the energy, the heat in his veins. "I dunno. How do you make flowers bloom?"

He could tell she didn't have a sufficient answer for that either.

"Thank you, Warren. So much." She whispered, looking up at him with those eyes and those gorgeous lips that made the smile…

He let go of her hand, and his fingers tingled where he'd held it.

Fuck it. The time is now.

He wanted her.

Now.

Slowly, half expecting her to step back, to tell him no, he brushed some hair out of her face. He shuffled closer, giving her plenty of time to escape his advances.

She didn't.

He was pretty sure his heart was about to fucking combust it was beating so fast. He'd never felt like this with a girl before. Figured it would be the goddam hippy to break him.

He brought his hand up to cradle her cheek, felt her jaw and cheek bones, brushed his thumb against the edge of her lips.

"Warren…"

His name came out like a plea, and he almost lost it. He almost flamed up, almost created an explosion of flame that would've consumed them both.

Out of the corner of his eye, he did see the flames on the ground that were still going burn higher, brighter.

"Layla…" he breathed, and it was the closest thing to a prayer he'd ever uttered in his life.

Then his mouth was on hers and everything he could possibly comprehend was pure Layla.

Her fingers twisted into his hair, pulling him closer, and this shocked him more than anything else. He expected Layla to want soft, gentle, but here she was, pressing herself against him so passionately it made his head spin.

Getting over his initial shock, he clutched at her lower back, licked her bottom lip. She tasted so sweet, like honey almost.

She opened her mouth instantly, rubbing her tongue against his. Her moan went right through him, and he deepened the kiss, taking over her mouth with his tongue, rubbing it against the roof of her mouth.

She gasped and rubbed herself against him, and he made a mental note to do that again.

He could feel their powers clashing, trying to find balance, and knew she felt it too. His fire was burning higher, brighter, hotter, and he knew he'd lose complete control soon if they didn't find some common ground.

Fire and earth didn't mix. Period. He could feel the heat in his veins trying to take over, to consume, to destroy.

He'd been to fucking kindergarten. Smokey had taught him all about forest fires, and he was terrified to hurt Layla.

Already he could feel himself holding her a little too tight, kissing her a little too hard. Not that she was complaining. In actuality, she was matching him stroke for stroke, kiss for kiss.

Just as he thought he'd have to break away, have to call it off, boom. Something clicked.

Several images flickered through his mind at once. A picture of the sun, huge and glowing. Sunlight filtering through tree leaves. The Earth's molten core, lava spewing from a volcano, making life possible.

A never ending cycle. A way for fire and earth to be completely compatible, completely reliant on each other.

Layla felt it the second Warren did, and he broke their kiss to breathe while holding her against him firmly.

He couldn't stop touching her though. He wouldn't. Not now that he knew what he knew. That they were made for each other, that she wanted him as much as he wanted her.

Mother fucking love of God, he wanted her.

They were both breathing hard, panting almost, and he ran his tongue behind her ear, sucked on her neck, scraped her collarbone with his teeth. She pressed little kisses to his cheek and jaw and bare chest, any part she could reach.

He lifted her up against him on instinct, and she wrapped her legs around his waist. He felt her grin against his mouth, and that was almost better than this kisses.

But only fucking almost.

Then she went back to kissing him and flicked her tongue against the roof of his mouth in payback. Shudders went down his spine, and he growled playfully. He let her go to tangle his fingers in her hair, pressing her lips against his more urgently. She supported herself, clenching her legs around him, and messing with his hair too.

Almost hesitantly, she rubbed her center against the bulge in his jeans, and he almost fainted like a damn girl. He groaned, and she moaned, and the frenzy started all over again.

When they finally stopped millions of years later, Warren felt short of breath, unsatisfied, and extremely sated all at once.

He had a hickey where his neck met his shoulder and Layla's lips were swollen.

He felt amazing.

"I should get you home," he managed, and almost kicked his own ass. I should get you home? Damn it all, Peace.

"Probably," Layla muttered. She didn't seem to like the idea.

Unable to help himself, he kissed her again, sweetly and lightly this time. When he dropped her off, he kissed her a little deeper even though he knew her mother was watching out the window.

His mother looked up from her tea when he came in with a small smile on her face. "How's Layla?"

"Fine," he said shortly. He thought of the desire in her eyes, thought of the way her body arched and moved against his. He smirked. "Well. A little better than fine."

His mother's eyebrows shot up, and then she grinned. "About time."

"Go to bed," he called over his shoulder as he went up the stairs, smiling sheepishly. She just laughed.

He was in love with Layla Williams, and he wasn't even ashamed to admit it.

He. Had. Nothing. To. Wear.

Why had he been an arrogant prick as usual and refused to go rent a tux like every other normal teenager with a school dance?

He couldn't show up looking like a fucking retard now. Not when Layla meant this much to him.

He huffed at his image in the mirror. A pair of extremely singed khakis were not going to cut it.

His mother's voice from his doorway startled him. "Need some help?"

He refused to admit it. He just stared at her.

She giggled a little, then turned and gestured for him to follow her. "Come on."

He trailed downstairs, to her bedroom, and sat on the edge of the bed while she rifled through her clothes to reach the back of the closet.

She reemerged with a long garment bag. "I know you have daddy issues, but…"

And she unzipped it to reveal a tuxedo.

His eyes met his mother's for a full second before he snatched it and disappeared into her bathroom to change.

The damn thing fit fucking perfectly.

Well son of a bitch.

"You're more handsome in it than your father ever was," his mother said.

Damn straight.

"Layla is one lucky girl."

That he couldn't quite agree with. He was the lucky one.

He was almost late by the time he got there. The decorating committee had tacky taste, but what could you expect from a bunch of teenage supers?

He spotted Layla instantly, talking to Mr. Boy, and his stomach almost dropped through the floor.

She was wearing red. 

More specifically, she was wearing the sexiest red dress he'd ever seen in his life. It clung to her like a second skin, and he couldn't help but imagine peeling it slowly off of her, revealing creamy skin and curves.

The fuck-me heels she was wearing wasn't helping his overactive imagination either. He could just picture her in absolutely nothing but those, all bent over and-

He stopped himself right there. He took a deep breath before approaching her.

"Don't mind him. He is such a jerk," Layla was saying to Mr. Boy.

"Hope you're not talking about me," he said, and Layla whirled around.

He scanned her from head to toe, trying to memorize the way she looked. God, she was beautiful.

No, gorgeous.

No, flawless. That was it.

"Red, huh? Nice choice." Perfect choice.

"I thought you weren't going to rent a tux?" She asked quizzically.

"It was my dad's," he shrugged, trying to be blasé. "He doesn't have much use for it in solitary."

He appreciated her effort to hide how touched she was by his gesture. She leaned in and pressed her lips gently against his. He smiled when she pulled away.

After they'd made enough small talk, Warren pulled her over to a corner of the gym. He kissed her the way he'd been dying to since he told her goodbye outside her house. His hands were on her hips, and he slid his leg between both of hers.

He tilted his head, and she ran her tongue between his lips, stroked her hands across his shoulders. He couldn't get over how incredibly sensual she was.

He pulled away from her, ran his tongue across the shell of her ear. She shuddered, and he imagined her doing that while underneath him. "I fucking love what you're wearing."

She shivered against him and pulled his head back around so that they're lips were touching again for another searing kiss.

"I thought you would," she breathed when she pulled back, smiling. He couldn't resist staring at her, letting his gaze linger on her cleavage and the shape of her hips…

She pulled back the jacket and collar of his tux to reveal the quarter-sized purple blotch she'd made. Her smirk sent waves of heat rolling through him, and he groaned when she bent her head to lick his bruise. It ached in the most delicious of ways at her touch.

"Maybe we should just ditch this shindig altogether."

"Most powerful super-being ever to walk the halls of Sky High… Me!"

Layla snapped her head to the side at Gwen's announcement, and Warren followed her gaze just in time to see Grayson rip her skirt right there in front of everyone, revealing some sort of suit of armor and a helmet.

"What the fuck?" Warren managed.

What looked like bolts of lightning burst from Gwen's fingertips, and out slid signs reading Royal Pain.

Warren knew a thing or two about villains, and he knew enough to realize that this was not fucking good.

A weird little elf thing cackled and skipped onto stage, releasing a secret hatch on the podium and handing Gwen some sort of gun.

Magenta rushed over and grabbed Layla's arm. "What the hell is going on?"

"I…I don't know…" Layla stuttered.

Zach and Ethan were right behind Magenta, and together, they moved closer to the refreshment table, closer to the exits.

The voice of the Commander rang out. "Royal Pain… is a… girl."

"Yes I'm a girl, you idiot." Gwen's voice did not sound like Gwen's voice. It was unnatural, robotic. "Now prepare to be Pacified."

Layla and Warren shared a worried glance while the Commander scoffed. "You really think you can kill me with that thing?"

"My dear Commander, who said anything about killing you?"

And then she pulled the trigger. Energy that looked light lightning shout out and hit the Commander square in the chest. He shrunk immediately, and the sound of a baby crying echoed throughout the gym.

Bursts of more lightning-stuff shot out as Royal Pain aimed at others, hitting adults and students alike. People screamed and panicked, running as fast as they could-

Only to have the exits barricaded by Speed, Lash, and Penny.

"Boomer, get the kids out of he-" the principal started to scream before she was also hit.

"Sparky, find an exit," Coach Boomer ordered Warren, and started to continue, before he was hit as well.

Served him right for starting with the whole Sparky nickname anyway, dammit.

Still, an exit would be nice.

"Come on," Warren said, looking around a bit before spotting their way out; the vent in the wall.

He held Layla back, his first instinct to protect her, then sent fire hurtling toward it. It fell off easily, and Magenta rushed past them, crawling inside. Layla followed, and the boys fell in line behind them.

They crawled as fast as they could, and Warren tried very hard not to think about the way Layla's dress hugged her and the fact that Zach was behind her, not him.

They twisted and turned, leaving the screams and bursts of light behind. After awhile, they slowed down, and Magenta asked, "Where the hell are we?"

"In a vent?" Zach said in a duh sort of tone.

"Smart ass," Magenta hissed.

Warren held back a snort.

"Hey Warren, how about a torch?" Ethan asked.

Frustration ate his way through him. He was utterly worthless in these damn vents. Helpless. "Not unless you wanna be barbequed."

An eerie green glow filled the vents, and Warren saw the girls fall to the side in front of him to let Zach past.

"And then all the reindeer loved him…" Magenta sing-songed.

Well what do you know. Little freshman actually does have a power.

"Hey, way to glow man!" Ethan snorted.

Warren came upon Layla, and she reached out to stroke his cheek, squeeze his hand.

He appreciated the sentiment, but now was not the time to get all sappy.

He huffed and blew hair out of his eyes, motioning for her to go on.

And this was why he didn't fucking do school functions.

"We've gotta get out of these goddam vents," Magenta griped in irritation.

Warren couldn't agree more.

"Head this way," he suggested, pointing randomly. There was another vent opening in the wall.

They did, and as soon as Zach reached the metal barrier, it was ripped away.

"Sup, kid?" Zach said.

Magenta and Layla crawled out after him, and Warren saw Layla freeze. He was on his feet next to her in an instant.

Stronghold was here, and Layla was clearly not okay with that.

He threw a protective arm over her shoulders, and felt her relax minimally.

Ethan fell out of the vent, then popped back up. "Hey, Will."

Way to be smooth there, Popsicle.

"You guys are never going to believe this! Gwen-"

"Is Royal Pain's daughter?" Layla asked flatly.

"Yeah! And she-"

"Stole the Pacifier?" Zach chimed in.

"Right, yeah, and she's turned everyone into babies, including your parents, dude." Ethan sighed.

Will looked more than freaked out. "Okay, that I didn't know."

"I think this is more than anyone can handle." Layla groaned, turning and leaning against Warren.

He loved that she trusted him enough to take care of her.

He especially loved the look on Stronghold's face when she did.

"Who, you and Warren? The rest of us are only sidekicks." Magenta hissed.

Stronghold sighed. "Just because someone has powers doesn't make them a hero. Sometimes it just makes them a jerk. It makes me a jerk."

Layla stiffened in his arms and turned around at that, and Warren felt his heart begin to crack again.

Fuck it all, she was going to forgive him, and forget all about Warren.

Stronghold went on. "Layla, I'm so sorry. I never meant anything that's happened these last few weeks."

Warren braced himself for the blow.

"And in case my homecoming date ends up killing me tonight," Stronghold just didn't know when to fucking stop did he? "I just want you to know-"

No. Please no. NO. 

"No Will. No." Layla's voice echoing his exact thoughts startled him, and he watched as she took a step back, away from her former best friend and crush.

What the fuck was she doing? 

Apparently Stronghold had no more of a clue than she did. "W-what?"

"I said no. I-" Layla cut herself off, then continued. "I'm in love with Warren, okay?"

Warren fully believed he was dreaming. There was not another explanation for this fuckery.

"Please tell me you're joking." Stronghold said weakly.

Layla turned her head to stare up at Warren, and he got lost in her gray eyes. "No. I'm not joking."

"I love you too," he whispered, feeling his heart speed up at her declaration and his own words, not caring he was in front of bunch of her- okay, their- friends, and he leaned down to kiss her-

"Isn't that sweet? I hate sweet," Penny snapped from behind them, standing between Lash and Speed.

"You guys are involved in this too? Why am I not surprised?" Stronghold asked, glaring.

Uh, weren't these his fucking friends? How the hell had he not been able to tell they were evil?

Still. It was time to take these fuck-tards down.

"Go take care of Gwen," Warren said darkly, "we'll handle these bitches."

With one last despairing look at Layla, Stronghold ran off, straight through a wall.

Show off.

Lash reached out, grabbing Magenta by the throat. "Hey there little rat. Hard to transform now, huh? Worthless. You shouldn't have even been allowed into this school."

"Maj!" Zach yelped, reaching out, catching her when Lash let her go. He pulled her back into the air vent, and Warren could hear her gasps and wheezes, and Zach trying to take care of her.

Last straw.

Warren stripped off his jacket and flamed up. Speed rushed past him, and Warren took off running.

He barely had time to register the Pennys going after his Layla. They turned in the opposite direction, towards the cafeteria.

He remembered how fierce and strong she could be, though, and decided not to worry too much.

Speed stopped at the end of the hall, and zoomed around in zig-zag patterns and circles. "Come on, hit me!"

Warren through some fire and missed. Speed was just so damn fast.

"Right here!" Speed cackled, then moved out of the way again.

He zoomed past and Warren went running after him again, back the way they had come. He barely had time to see Ethan emerge from the bathroom (vaguely he wondered what had happened to Lash) when Ethan melted and Speed went skidding.

Warren through a fireball one more time, one of his largest yet, and it hit Speed straight in the back. He went hurtling through a wall, and continued to flame.

Warren smirked, approaching Ethan. "Fuck yeah, Popsicle."

They bumped fists.

Warren could see the use in having hero support.

He heard Layla's heels clicking before he saw her. He raced back through the halls and met her where they conjoined.

She raced to him, and he held her tight against her. She was safe. "Hey," he breathed, kissing her. He noticed the glass in her hair, cutting into her shoulders, and began picking it out.

"Come on, there's no time for that. We need to get to Principal Powers' office," Layla grabbed his hand and drug him along behind her.

"What, why?"

"Because we need a map to the antigravity device. Royal Pain sabotaged it, we have ten minutes until we start falling." She summarized.

He started to run.

They hit the door head-on, Warren blasting right through it. They scourged the cabinets and finally found what they were looking for- the internal map of the school.

They found Ethan, and ran back to the vent together. "Zach, Maj!"

They crawled, out, Magenta still seeming shaken. Layla explained once again and laid the map out on the floor.

Warren leaned against the wall, keeping watch, while they tried to come up with a plan.

"Here's the antigravity room," Layla pointed.

"Didn't Royal Pain seal off every route?" Magenta pointed out.

"Hey, what about this?" Ethan pointed.

Zach snorted. "Yeah right, you'd have to be like a rat to fit in there."

Everyone instantly looked at Magenta. She winced and averted her gaze. "Don't use that word."

Zach's eyes widened in understanding and he reached out, drew her to him, kissed her on the forehead. It was about time he stepped up. He'd been drooling after her since Day One. "C'mon, Maj, You're the only one who can do this."

After a moment's hesitation (What choice did she fucking have?) she nodded.

Warren really hoped Stronghold was as capable of fighting as the Commander. He and Layla were racing through the halls, trying to find him and Royal Pain.

They followed the sound of fighting back to the gym, now empty of babies and barricades.

"Will!" Layla called when she saw him pinning Royal Pain down.

He glanced up, and Royal Pain hit him hard, sending him flying backwards and crashing through the window.

"No!" Layla yelped.

Warren stood there stunned. He basically hated Stronghold, but he had never wanted to see him actually die.

(Well, okay. Maybe he'd wanted that once or twice. At his hands.)

"And there goes your last chance at stopping me," Royal Pain announced.

"We'll see about that," Layla snarled, taking several steps forward. Warren held her back. He couldn't lose her.

Surprisingly, she stopped mid-step, and that's when Warren noticed that Stronghold was hovering outside the window, flying.

Fucking figured. (Still, he couldn't help but feel a little relieved. He told himself it was for Layla's sake.)

"Surprised?" He called. "Yeah, so am I."

"You're flying?" Royal Pain gasped. "That's impossible."

Stronghold surged forward, grabbing her and carrying her upwards, then dropping her and hitting her as hard as she'd struck him. Her helmet went flying off and she laid motionless.

For a beat everything was still, and then Stronghold was up and running to grasp Layla in a bone crushing hug and she returned it, and Warren couldn't even find it in himself to be angry, but he still tried to pull Layla away while clapping Will on the back-

And then the floor dropped out from under him.

Layla shrieked and grabbed onto Warren. "The school is falling!"

"Oh God, if we make it out of this I'm going to kill Magenta," Warren groaned, and gathered Layla to him.

They could hear Ethan and Zach screaming out in the hall, and Warren just wished desperately that the free-fall feeling in the pit of his stomach would go away.

He would never admit it, but he was more terrified than he'd ever been in his entire life.

Layla clutched at him, and he held her tighter.

It wasn't fair. They were going to die before he even got to make love to her.

"Warren," she cried, and it was then he realized she was sobbing.

He knew they only had a few precious seconds left.

He gritted his teeth and held her tighter, pressed a kiss to her forehead.

He loved her so much.

He couldn't help but think of his mother, all alone when he was dead, splattered across the destroyed gym floor like a bug.

And just like that, it was over.

They stopped falling.

Slowly, they started rising, and Warren couldn't stop shaking.

"Oh my God," Layla whimpered, their hold on each other just as tough as it had been when they were falling.

"Holy fucking shit, mother of Jesus," Warren gasped.

They laid there on the floor together until they stopped moving, and even then, it took effort to peel themselves from their spots.

Then Ethan, Zach, and Magenta came running in.

Anger licked its way through Warren. "Took you fucking long enough!"

"I'm sorry!" Magenta squeaked.

Layla hugged her, and Zach and Ethan clapped Warren on the back.

Will came flying back in. "Ron Wilson needs us, but first we should probably take care of Royal Pain and her posse."

They decided to put them all in the detention room until Principal Powers was back to herself and could decide what to do.

They unloaded all the babies, and then stood around awkwardly.

"Um… Now what?" Layla asked.

"Perhaps I could be of assistance," a small voice piped up.

Yep. Warren was officially done with school functions.

After everyone was back to normal, Principal Powers called all the students and faculty back into the gym. "I think it's only fair we let the students continue their night! School will be out all of next week, however; we need to make repairs."

The assembled teenagers cheered.

The group looked at each other, standing in the back corner. "I really just wanna get out of here," Magenta muttered.

"Me too," Layla nodded.

"I've had enough excitement to last me a long time!" Ethan yawned, rubbing a hand over his face.

"I don't wanna leave you alone," Warren frowned, brushing a curl off of Layla's neck.

He never wanted to let her out of his sight again.

"I don't want to leave any of you guys," Zach said.

"I have an idea." Will said. "Layla, is your mom still up for hosting sleepovers?"

Layla smiled slowly. "I think so."

"Hang on," Will held up a finger and then went to his parents. After a few minutes of talking, he came back. "They said they could call all of our parents. They don't think we should be split up after everything that's happened tonight, either."

Looked like Warren would be spending the night with a bunch of sidekicks, his former arch enemy, now tolerated friend/enemy, and girlfriend.

He could think of worse ways.

Layla's mother had seemed delighted to have a house full of teenagers.

She seemed especially delighted to get to know Warren.

Layla's father, however, had made a not-so-subtle threat. Layla had cracked up. Warren had grumbled under his breath and made sure to be extra polite when he was in the room.

Waking up next to her in the morning, though, with her tucked safely underneath his arm, was so worth it.

His mother had loved Layla's parents, and he figured that could've gone worse. Even the Strongholds were civil, telling his mother how good a kid Warren was.

He didn't exactly want to conform to that label.

They bowed out of the barbeque the parents had planned early that night.

Warren finally had Layla all to himself, and he wasn't about to pass the opportunity up. They kissed their way from the driveway to the living room, and he was filled with so much longing he began to think the couch was just as good as the bed.

Her tongue rubbed against his, and she slid his shirt up and over his head. She sighed and traced every part of his chest, stomach, arms. He shuddered underneath her touch.

"I love you," he whispered raggedly. She had to know that before they went any farther.

It struck him suddenly that when he though of sex with Layla, he called it making love and not fucking.

"I love you too," she breathed back.

His fingers slid up under her shirt, teased around her belly button. She moaned and arched her back (God, he loved her noises), then kissed down his neck, across his collar bone.

His hand trailed down to squeeze her ass, then he hiked her leg over his hip. She brought her mouth back to his.

He picked her up and carried her upstairs to his room. Her shirt got lost somewhere, and then her jeans, and then hisjeans, and suddenly there was nothing but skin on skin, delicious touches and moans and friction and pleading and ecstasy and pain and declarations of love and ivy growing and tiny bursts of flame moving up and down their entwined bodies.

And the sparks Layla created were his whole life.

[vikkirosko]

👓 Henry Emily x Reader platonic Oneshot I can hear her voice ⚙️

You and Henry have known each other since you were teenagers. You've seen his most beautiful and most terrible moments in his life. You remembered how he first assembled the animatronics and remembered how he lost his son. You stayed by his side as his friend. You knew he had William besides you, but you didn't trust him. You knew that he was dangerous, although you couldn't fully understand why, but the feeling of threat when you were next to him never went away. However, Charlie's death was an even stronger blow for Henry. He lost his whole family and William acted like it didn't mean anything. It bothered you more and more. You saw Henry every day and every day he looked like he had risen from the grave, he was getting worse and worse, but he kept on working. You tried your best to help your friend in any way, however, and you began to feel strange every time you came to the pizzeria. You couldn't quite explain what exactly that feeling was. Sometimes it seemed to you that someone was looking at you, although you were sure that there was no one else in the room besides you. Sometimes you thought you heard a voice. It was Charlie's voice, you could have sworn on anything that it was her voice, but you understood that it was impossible, she was not among the living and she could not speak. It was just a cruel joke of your mind. You came to the pizzeria again, but this time you felt that everything was different. You went there on a day off knowing that Henry was there. You wanted to check on him and, if possible, take him home so that he could get some rest. You were ready to stay with him there, in a house where everything reminded him of his family, or to invite him to your home so that he would not feel so bad, if that was even possible after what happened. However, when you came, you immediately felt someone's gaze, you could not understand what it was, as if someone was very close, however, looking around, you did not find anyone. It was scary, but you couldn't just give in to an inexplicable fear, it wasn't something you could do now. After walking a little further along the corridors that were so familiar to you, you heard a voice. That voice again, the voice of the girl who was so dear to your friend. Charlie's voice. You could have sworn she called your name. It really scared you, but you couldn't avoid that fear anymore. So you went to see where the voice was coming from. You thought that this obsession would disappear and you could go to Henry, and all this would remain just a bad memory, like many of the last ones. However, all this was frightening and at the same time aroused more and more curiosity, you wanted to know what it really was. Was it possible that it was Charlie? You doubted it. You've never believed in ghosts or anything like that, but maybe they do exist after all? The voice led you to the room where the puppet was. You remembered what Henry told you a week after your daughter's death. He said her body was found next to the puppet on the street. You didn't know how the animatronic got on the street, but it was too strange a coincidence. You listened, but there was no voice anymore, but the feeling that someone was looking at you intensified. You felt cold not only outside but also inside, as if your very bones were covered with frost. You didn't understand how it was even possible, and you didn't understand why Charlie's voice brought you here. However, a touch on your shoulder brought you out of your thoughts. It was William. You didn't expect to see him, which made you cry out in fright and only then looked at him. He wasn't supposed to be here today, at least you didn't know about it. Henry said he would work alone, but then what was William doing there?

"What are you doing here? I thought you had a day off?"

"I came to check on Henry, he hasn't been out of here for several days, I'm worried about him"

"Is that why you came to the Puppet room? I think you're a little lost."

You didn't tell William that you heard Charlie's voice. He would think you were crazy and you yourself were not completely sure what you really heard. You couldn't tell anyone. It would have been an even bigger blow for Henry, he would have gone crazy if he hadn't already, and you didn't trust William. He continued to make you uneasy and the way he spoke sometimes... It seemed to you that he was much more dangerous than he could seem. You didn't understand exactly how it was all connected. Charlie's death, the missing children, the deaths of Elizabeth, William's daughter, all this was clearly somehow connected and you intended to find out especially now. Now that you've heard her voice.

[princess-kaulise]

Butterfly Effect

Fandom: Code Lyoko Word Count: 1953

Ao3 Link

Hi, @sapphicfolch! I'm your Santa for @codesecretsanta! I was going to do holiday celebrations, but then t he idea of Yumi getting possessed by Xana didn't leave me alone. So here we are!

Aelita tapped her foot anxiously against the metal pole on the chair. Ulrich was supposed to tell Odd, and Yumi had to get free of her brother, and Jeremy couldn't get free of Milly and Tamiya. William had answered and said he was already on his way! But it didn't do much to calm her nerves, or the air of unease settling in her bones. The longer that they waited, the more time they gave XANA...

The more risk her father was at... 

Aelita rested her forehead against her balled hands. Thankfully for her heart, she heard the tell tale woosh of the old elevator doors creaking open. 

"Guys!" She shot up, spinning around in the chair. And it... wasn't all the people she had hoped to see, but it was something. It was William and Yumi. Jeremy was supposed to be on his way, and she trusted that - He'd be able to transfer Odd and Ulrich when they got here. 

"I had to promise to do Hiroki's homework for a month..." Yumi seemed a little annoyed, and Aelita couldn't blame her. She could offer to help out with that later... 

"A small price for saving the world, right?" William, on the other hand, seemed incredibly enthused, just as much as he had been the day before, when they had made sure he was inducted properly into the warriors.

"Doing sixth grader math isn't my idea of a good time..." But it was a sacrifice she was willing to make, and Aelita wished she could explain properly her thanks that Yumi made all the sacrifices that she did.

Aelita opened the self virtualization program and hopped off the chair. "Hopefully the other boys will be here soon." She joined Yumi and William in the elevator as she hit the button to go down to the scanners. "Thank you guys for getting here."

The air in the elevator was thick and heavy as they descended towards the scanners. And worse yet, Aelita felt in her bones that something was going to go wrong.  The same kind of feeling that Odd had to explain that future sight felt like. 

And then the scanners opened, and it wasn't time to be worried anymore. It was time for action. ________

“So this is home sweet home, huh?” The voice was right, that was Yumi. But the tone was all wrong.  “Yep! Your family is waiting for you!” Aelita was terrified of what came next. They had run into Hiroki at school, and that had been a near disaster that was avoided by the sheer fact that Ulrich was at least familiar in dealing with Yumi’s little brother.  But Hiroki had just been willing to accept that his sister was a little sick after a sleepover in the dorms. That she wasn’t supposed to have, but… … Yumi’s parents had been a pain to convince. And sure, mimicking Yumi’s voice was the trivial part. The super computer did that so easily, it was one of the first functions everyone figured out how to use. But acting the part was another story. Nailing just the right level of seriousness without coming off as cold (because Yumi wasn’t.) and still sounding polite and respectful. It was hard to put that into words. And this clone wasn’t it, not really. YUmi had confessed once that her family was already worried about her mental health, and her ‘rebellion’...

“So that’s my mom and dad and… he said his name was Hiroki, right?” The clone checks, resting a finger on her cheek in thought. “Yes.” Aelita was good at being patient, but she couldn’t help the rising feelings of how this shouldn’t be necessary. That someone should have been able to save her.

“Can’t wait to meet them!” “Remember, you already have, okay? Just pretend.” The clone grinned at her. Aelita smiled back. Maybe it’d be okay, just until they saved Yumi.   ________

Maybe they should consider themselves lucky that William distracted the mantas for so long. They were able to take him out, but he wasn’t exactly an experienced pilot on the overbike, and he drove pretty recklessly. (No more recklessly than Odd on a good day, sure, but recklessly nonetheless.) Aelita and Yumi fly out to the landing on the back of the Overwing, and with a nod, they both leapt off the vehicle. They’d just have to fight their way up to the core anyway. This way, it’d be faster. 

“I’ll handle the closer ones. Aelita, can you get the ones that are further away?” Yumi asked quickly, raising her fans up immediately to catch a laser flying in her direction. “I like to think my aim’s better than Odd’s.” As if to prove her point, her first attack hits true, and the creeper explodes into pixels. Above them, the core is still being attacked, but Aelita is able to relax, just a little bit, now that they’re here defending it. If she and Yumi can so much as delay the attackers, then they would be okay. 

Yumi opened her fan by Aelita’s head, successfully blocking an attack headed straight for her, and her other fan was thrown at the offending Manta. It also landed true, and returned safely to her hand.  “Let’s keep going.” She turned and began jumping further up the platforms of the core room, and Aelita followed.

There were a lot of enemies, raining lasers down on their heads. And as they ascended higher and higher, a stray shot got lucky, nailing Yumi in the side as she stepped forward to throw her fan. Jeremy’s warning didn’t come fast enough, and Yumi was knocked off. The offending creeper was immediately destroyed by Aelita, but that was too little too late. 

“Girls, watch out! There’s a Sycphozoa! What could it be planning- YUMI!” Yumi had been snatched out of the air with an agileness that Aelita doesn’t expect from the slow squid like monsters, “Gh… Aelita, you have to do something!” “On it.” Her first attack hit a manta that she was sure wasn’t there before, and with frustration she fired another attack to the same result. They were protecting it…. And yes it whittled down the numbers, but Aelita’s heart sank as the monster dropped Yumi and she slowly stood up.

“Dang it- Just hang in there, Aelita. Odd and Ulrich are on their way.” Jeremy sounded frustrated. 

Aelita’s bad feeling was justified wasn’t it, she thought faintly as Yumi turned on her with her fans finally making their way back to her hands.  ________

That first night they stood at the gate together, and Aeita pulled her phone out of her pocket to check the time. It was just about when they said they’d check in with her family for dinner. So they could sit down and eat before going upstairs to have a sleepover. 

Aelita had stayed over at Yumi’s once, almost a year ago at this point, when she had first come to earth and she was just “Yumi’s Pen Pal”, before she had a solid story for her return to earth and she was Odd’s cousin instead. And if it weren’t for that prior explanation, Aelita didn’t know if her request for a girls night would have gone over nearly as well. 

She wanted a girls night, but not like this. 

“Let’s roll!”  Aelita shook her head. “Yeah. We wouldn’t want to be late, they’d get mad.” And they wanted to try and keep them from being mad as much as possible. Aelita wished she knew Yumi’s family better, that she could in some way know what to expect.

To everyone’s credit, the meal started with all in high spirits. Aelita had only gotten to have traditional Japanese food a handful of times in her life, and she was at least looking forward to that experience… if her stomach would settle down enough to eat.

… The dinner wasn’t as big a mess as Aelita feared it would be, but it wasn’t great either. The clone sucked with Chopsticks for one, and Aelita could only do so much to cover the fact that The clone didn’t know much about the people who were supposedly her family. It was only when the conversation landed on their friends that Aelita could relax a little. And it was at this moment, Aelita learned the clone was, perhaps, a little boy crazy. This would be fuel for Hiroki for weeks… And worse, what her parents would think…

This had to be only a week that it took to save Yumi. What would happen if it wasn't? ________

Aelita’s fingers are gripping the back of Jeremy’s seat tightly. So tightly that it was probably bad for her hands how tightly she was holding.  William was asking Jeremy questions as he typed, ones that he was only answering in muttered words as he reluctantly tapped the enter key. The screen lit up as two scanners activated. Odd and Ulrich didn’t make it in time, and so they were forced to return to Earth empty handed, barely avoiding the destruction of Lyoko. But at least they made it home. 

Aelita knew what she’d find when she slid down the ladder to the scanner room, but she had to check. (The first sign was that only two scanners were active, the third already sitting open and empty.) But seeing the center and left scanners open confirmed it anyway. There was Ulrich, with his fist balled up against the side of the scanner wall, and there was Odd, immediately sliding to the ground, hitting his head on the back of the scanner. 

She had the feeling they already knew. And they would have no choice but to climb up to the main lab and hear it for themselves.

And hear it for themselves they did. With his hands balled against his cheeks, Jeremy makes the terrible awful announcement that he couldn’t bring Yumi back in. Couldn’t even find her on the network. William comforts Jeremy, pointing out he didn’t even get into the core room in a fit of annoyance. He could have done more. Ulrich sulks off to a private corner of the  super calculator room, and Aelita slides down the wall now that she’s made it back up the ladder. Odd takes a seat next to her.“At least you were here in time. Ulrich and I didn’t even manage that.” And what a sight it was, when even Odd couldn’t manage to  be cheery about it.

Lyoko is destroyed. The kids flee the factory, unable to stay. They can’t bear going back to school right now. At least the Hermitage was private. ________

“They seem like nice people!” Aelita bites the inside of her cheek, trying to not say a word as she takes a cross legged seat on the floor by Yumi’s giant Totoro plush, and the clone sits on Yumi’s- her? - bed. All splayed limbs and relaxation and Aelita couldn’t relate at all.

Dinner had been really difficult to sit through. 

“You love them, that’s what you always told me.” Aelita said finally, though she doesn’t know how to even begin to put into words all of the fights she had heard second hand, and the misguided but true worry. Or how much Yumi had been struggling to balance all aspects of her life and how little this was going to help.

When they saved Yumi (they would. They wouldn’t ever leave one of their own behind.), she was going to have fun cleaning up the mess her clone left her. But she would have her friends to do it with. Aelita wasn’t going to leave her.

“I can see why.” The clone agreed. They just had to hang in there.

[liquid-geodes]

Fnaf challenge: write one scene that explains the relationship between Afton and The Crying Child. What are The Vibes?

(Feel free to go over if you feel you need, but I'm looking for a one shot.)

I think I did exactly zero of what you asked, but I like it anyway

Obviously it's Canon typical violence, character death, you know the drill

A joke.

That's all it was supposed to be, although admittedly it wasn't a very funny one. Michael tried to justify it, rationalize in his mind how this couldn't possibly have been his fault, though everyone in the restaurant that night knew all too well the truth. Even still, Michael tried to pin the blame anywhere but himself. Maybe if Evan hadn't been crying the springlocks wouldn't have went off. Maybe if their father wasn't so busy all the time they wouldn't have had to have his birthday party at the restaurant he hated so much. Maybe if Michael had better friends they would have talked him out of it before it was too late. Maybe if their father paid just a bit more attention to Michael, he wouldn't have acted out as much as he did.

He knew it was ridiculous to blame his father for this, especially with the stress he already knew he was under. William used to do his best to be there for his children, but once Elizabeth died he found it hard to be as present as he once was, opting instead to throw himself into his work in hopes to drown out the sorrow he felt. At least, that's what Henry said the reason was, Michael however remained skeptical of his father's behavior. That skepticism didn't hold up very long as he faced his father now, silver eyes darting along the gory scene before him, with Michael standing in the center of it all.

At first William thought the blood was coming from Michael, who didn't look terribly injured enough to cause such a panic. He grabbed his son's shoulders, trying to get as much information from the boy as possible, though his attempts were in vain. Michael wouldn't say a word, he couldn't say anything after what he had just done. Would his father be angry? Would he ever forgive him for what he's done? Would he ever forgive himself for what he's done? These thoughts continued to block out his father's voice for quite some time, until eventually he noticed his father had gone silent. After a few questions had gone unanswered, William let his gaze wander to the rest of the room, hoping to somehow piece together a series of events to explain the chaos around him. Everything seemed normal at first, until his eyes scanned over the main stage.

Then he saw it.

Hanging limply from the jaws of Fredbear was his youngest son, his body far too still for his liking. What spurred his next movements wasn't hope, but desperation that maybe this time there was something he could do to prevent the loss of another child. He quickly releases Michael from his grasp, climbing over the edge of the stage, immediately soaking his knees and hands in blood, and making his way towards the animatronic. William wasn't sure what his plan was in that moment, but he vaguely recalls tossing his keys towards Michael and instructing him to start the car while he worked quickly, yet carefully, to free his youngest son from the jaws of Fredbear. Miraculously, Evan was still breathing, however faintly, and William briefly considered how cruel a fate this must have been despite the smallest sliver of hope that took root inside of him.

He spoke softly, his voice wavering and threatening to break as he carefully cradled Evan in his arms, desperately searching for any sign of acknowledgement as he made his way outside. Somehow Michael had managed to start the car despite his shaking hands, but he decided to remain outside the moment he watched his father approach the stage. He certainly didnt want to be in the room when Fredbear's jaw was pried back open.

William made it to the hospital in record time, somehow still mindful of not driving too reckless despite knowing Michael was holding Evan still in the backseat of his car. At the very least, he had wrapped his coat around the smallest boy, preventing Michael from becoming covered in any more blood than he already was.

The news wasn't good. Despite his heartbeat still holding steady, Evan had been declared brain dead at the hospital. He was alive, but he'd never wake up again. He would survive outside the hospital, but not for very long. Either way, William had lost his son despite his best efforts to save him.

Evan was brought back home and placed carefully in his bed. If he was going to die, William wanted him to be comfortable, somewhere that was familiar. He didn't go to work the next morning, or the day after that, or the day after that. For five days and five nights William stayed glued to the spot at the side of Evan's bed, his hand holding tightly onto his son's. Michael only managed to visit once before he felt sick to his stomach with guilt. There was something about watching his father cry that felt... unnatural to say the least, but he knew it couldn't be a put on. There was no one in the house to fool besides himself.

On the sixth morning, Evan had passed silently in his "sleep". Michael had to call Henry to inform him of Evan's passing, and Henry had to remove William from the room so proper arrangements could be made.

William wasn't the same person in the weeks following Evan's death. He was withdrawn, working all hours of the night on something not even Henry was aware of. A few months later, Charlotte Emily was found dead outside the pizzeria. William strangely didn't have much to say on the matter. Children started going missing as well, and again William Afton remained chillingly undisturbed by the events, maintaining a steady workflow amidst the chaos of several investigations, each one labeling him as their number one suspect, and yet he still continued to work. It seemed as if each time a child went missing, another animatronic was pulled into parts and services for maintenance only William deemed necessary. Henry never questioned it, but he wishes he had.

Years would pass, a new pizzeria would open, more children would go missing and the animatronics would begin to smell. An old break room would soon be sealed up, and William Afton himself would wind up missing as well.

[lostonehero]

Burn the slow burn slow

I dunno they are both dumbasses

William stared at Henry. He was laid out on his couch. "What will we tell Micheal?"

Henry's black eyes opened and looked at William. "William." His accent is heavy and thick, causing William's mouth to dry like he ate sand. "We'll just tell him the kids are handling it. I'm sure he will be happy with that."

William nods and curses internally as his room shifts and the couch Henry is on turns to a bed. "I... uh"

Henry blinks and shifts his weight, stretching his form over the bed. Spider legs from his back spread out to each corner of the bed. "Are you alright?"

William swallows the lump in his throat, staring at his friend. Henry wasn't in his suit. He was wearing welding gloves as an attempt to cover and hide his claws. He had a black button-up, with blood red suspenders on, and black dress pants. He was wearing a hat to cover his horns as well. It didn't do a good job, though. He was alluring, and he was afraid he was already in his friend's web.

"William, are you ok? I haven't hurt you, right?"

"N-no." William stutters covering his face. Maybe if Henry hurt him, he would be able to stop these thoughts, these doors from appearing. There weren't any new doors, but the lights in his office dimmed.

Henry raised his brow, sitting up on the bed. "Do you want me to leave?"

Oh, that was the last thing William wanted. He nearly jumped, hearing the door to his office lock shut. "I, uh.... bloody fuck." He covered his face. When he uncovered his face, Henry was gone. His office felt cold.

....

Henry blinks and sits up in his bed. William didn't come out with him. He didn't know why he felt something twist inside him, with his friend not here. He hasn't been able to control his form since Micheal got hurt. He thought if he saw Clara get hurt, it would fix it. It hasn't, and now William is odd, and he hoped it wasn't his fault.

He sighs, staring at his alarm. Maybe he should sleep in one day to talk to William. It always took his friend a while to open up even in normal conversation.

He stretches and yawns, getting out of bed. A shower will do him well, and proper breakfast will help him wake up. Maybe William will join him for breakfast, or at the very least, come out of his office. He was acting off, and he hoped it wasn't because of his actions during the night.

William has never seen him be cruel or angry like that. He really hoped he didn't scare him. He chuckles. Maybe the bed was because William thought he needed rest. They both needed a break after dealing with Clara. Maybe when Micheal headed over, he could get William to come out.

Henry pauses scanning over his closet. An old pair of suspenders stood out to him. "Didn't think I kept these old things." He chuckles, what he wore these on opening day for the diner. Maybe he could wear them again. His thoughts traveled back to William. Did he like his suspenders? He shook his head. He didn't know where that thought came from.

He took out the old pair and some nice casual clothes to go with them. He should plan a good breakfast. Cooking helps clear his mind. He must be lingering on something that's probably why he felt so off that William wasn't out with him.

Breakfast was mundane and quiet for the first time in a month since William entangled himself in Henry he felt alone. He sighs, cleaning his dishes, he had more time to kill, waiting for Micheal and Jeremy to come over. Maybe Jen or Margaret will visit again.

He has gotten used to silence to being alone. He has been alone for ages, he visited family, and he did travel, but he always returned here. The old home was too big for one person, but he couldn't bear to leave this place.

He sighs, placing the clean dishes on the drying rack. He's been so focused on the museum and just making sure the kids were happy that somewhere along the line, he burned the bridges with everyone but family. He sighs, he couldn't just go back to bed to chase after William.

He picked up his phone and sighed. A few messages. James tells him that he'll break his vegetarian streek for those ribs. Jen gave him the message that she got Margaret home. Margaret wants to bake Micheal a cake and wants to know his favorite flavor. A few messages from the security guards who report nothing is wrong. Even his stockholders were happy.

He frowns, putting his phone down. He needed something to do. He had to get rid of this growing feeling, eating away at his sound mind. He didn't have a name for it, but it didn't matter. He sighs and heads to his workshop in his tool shed. Building something can help. He just needed to create something.

.....

Micheal wondered around the empty house. "Did you find him?" He had worry knawing at his mind. He didn't know where his uncle had gone.

"No, but his phone is on the charger." Jeremy pokes his head through the door. "Micheal, he's probably fine. His phone is here, which means he came home last night."

Micheal sighs, looking out back. He notices that the lights are on in the tool shed. "I think he might be out back." He heads out back slowly, heading towards the shed.

Micheal knocks on the door and jumps out of the way as the door swings open. "Oh... Micheal?" It was Henry. He moved his welding mask off his face. "Sorry, I started a new project. I didn't realize how much time had passed." He gives back inside, putting back his mask and gloves and putting his apron on the hook. "Are you alright, kid?"

Micheal nods and surprises Henry with a hug. "Yeah, I'm ok. I'm ok. I'm ok."

Henry pats Micheal's back. "Hey, I'm ok. Last night went fine. The kids handled everything." He smiles, ruffling Micheal's hair. "Did you get enough rest?"

Micheal shrugs. "Jeremy helped me sleep. I uh didn't realize you were working."

Henry chuckles. "Your father is in his office, and I thought I could start a new project waiting for him to come out. I let time get away from me."

Micheal shakes his head and chuckles. "It's ok, I'm just glad you're ok."

Henry stretches. "Ah well, I hope you two are ok with leftovers, I seem to have run out of time to cook anything."

"That sounds great, Uncle Henry." Micheal smiles following his uncle back inside.

....

Henry doesn't notice William at first, Jeremy sees him first in a mirror. They're in the living room, and William is trying to look presentable. He's a mess. His cowboy shirt has been replaced with a crop top that just says, "Please." his shorts are somehow even shorter and now made of jean material. He's not even wearing socks, and his hair is past his ears curly and a mess.

William spots Jeremy, then Micheal and his clothes blink to a purple button-up and black shorts. His hair remains the same length.

Jeremy raises his brow. He opens his mouth to speak and then shuts it. He's leaning on Micheal while he talks to Henry about his new machine he's building. The two don't notice William has come back out.

William mouths. "I didn't mean to come out." He looks back at Henry then to Micheal. He vanishes for a moment, then returns. He shuts his eyes and covers his face. He uncovers his mouth and mouths. "I can't go back inside."

Jeremy bites his lip, suppressing a smile. He is extremely happy he has mastered reading lips, even if it was just for this moment. He did feel slightly bad. William looks like he was having a rough time, but equally, this was hilarious. They probably just had their first time, and neither know how to react.

William sighs, looking back to Henry. He clears his throat, getting the man's attention. "Henry, why didn't you tell me they were visiting?"

"I thought you would come out sooner." Henry smiles.

William tilted his head confused when he felt a surge of relief from Henry. He was learning quite quickly he didn't feel anything from him unless the emotion was strong. "Right well." He looks to Jeremy. "How's Micheal doing?"

Before Jeremy could speak. "Father, are you ok? I know how mom treated you..." Micheal shifted awkwardly in his spot, sitting up straight.

William relaxed and sighed. "She was no problem. The kids handled her."

"The kids handled her, just like your uncle said, Micheal." Jeremy gives a 'I told you so' look.

Micheal playfully pushes him. "Stop." He huffs. "I just wanted to make sure ok."

William smiles. "I'm fine. I'm glad you care."

Jeremy hums. "He says thank you."

....

Henry hums a song William doesn't recognize as he washes the dishes. "Are you ok? I wanted to apologize for earlier." William sighs. "Just when I think I have some control.."

"Apologize for what?" Henry smiles, putting the dishes down to dry. "I should be apologizing. I didn't think my alarm would drag me out like that."

William bit his lip and looked away. Did Henry get what his showed him? Did Henry want the same thing he did?

"I didn't think I looked that tired, but I guess you thought otherwise. Why else would you put me in a bed?" Henry chuckles. "Thanks for looking out for me."

Something clicked in William's mind, and his outfit changed to jeans and a hoodie. His hair was shorter as well. "Y-yeah the evening with Clara. I was just worried about you."

Henry frowns. "Did I upset you?"

"No..." William sighs. "I uh can't control my outfits."

Henry pauses. He didn't like this creeping feeling growing inside of him like he did something wrong. "William..." He stops not knowing what else to say.

William raised his brow. "Henry, I'm fine, truly." He sighs. "We shouldn't keep the two. They are insisting we watch a movie with them."

Henry can't shake the feeling it only grows. He nods. "You're right, but it's mostly Jeremy pushing the movie. He says it's about cowboys."

William hums. "Westerns are fine."

"He didn't say it was a western." Henry shrugs. "Something about a mountain in the title. Micheal might veto it he got really concerned when he suggested the movie."

"Can't imagine why. Westerns are a safe bet unless the film industry has changed since I've died." William floated next to Henry as he made some popcorn.

"It has, but it still feels like they play the same movies, just updated graphics." Henry smiles.

....

"Isn't that a bit on the nose?" Henry raised his brow, looking at the movie on the screen.

Jeremy has his arms crossed and is leaning on Micheal. "I'm telling you, Brokeback Mountain is fine, Mr. Emily has experiences on a ranch."

"I do in my youth. I did all sort of farm work, including helping out with the livestock." Henry smiles. "But that doesn't explain why you want this movie... Night at the Museum, again, isn't that a bit on the nose."

Micheal sighs. "If you don't like it, Father can pick."

William was curled up in his hoodie that Henry had noted gotten larger. He looked over purple gaze dull, and he had a mix of bored and tired gazes on his face. "Pick what?"

Jeremy points to the TV. "A movie, since Mr. Emily doesn't have a preference, and Micheal won't let me put on Brokeback Mountain."

William sat up he was barely floating off the floor. "Where's the vhs tapes to pick from?"

"Micheal, what's a Vhs?" Jeremy whispers to Micheal.

Micheal covers his face. "I keep forgetting you're like a baby." He sighs and points to the TV. "Father, there all on the TV now. You can just pick one."

William looked at the TV, then back to Micheal. "I uh...." He looks to Henry then back to Micheal. He just shrugs. "I've been dead."

Jeremy takes the remote from Micheal, who promptly wrestles it back from Jeremy. The remote ends up on the floor while the two men wrestle on the ground.

Henry picks up the remote. William watches him scroll through the TV through different pictures, which he assumed was just different movie posters. He stopped on a poster William recognized, as the movie Blazzing Saddles.

The two men on the floor don't realize as Henry pressed play as he moved the popcorn bowl from the ground. Henry looked to William and smiled. "Westerns are fine."

"I suppose a comedy is fine." William shrugs.

.....

Henry chuckles, watching the two men head off to bed. "You know they sure have less energy than we did at that age."

William gives Henry a look. "They aren't going to bed, Henry."

"Well, of course they are. They wore each other out. Ah, to be that young and free again." Henry smile fades as he watches William pull over his hood covering his face, leaving his purple eyes to glow in the dark.

"I think I rather turn in." William sighs he feels the blockage preventing him from returning has long been chiseled out.

Henry frowns. "It's not that late. We can..." He stops William has already vanished. The growing feeling in his chest only intensified as he stared in the spot William was in. What did he do? What was he doing wrong? He grits his teeth, rubbing his temples. He had to stay in control of his emotions, even if he didn't understand why it hurt.

....

Henry turns in early, he couldn't excuse himself going into his workshop, Lord knows if Jen or Margaret find him going through old habits working at night, they will drag him out by his ears. Shutting his eyes and opening then his home, his mind was a war zone.

Henry shuddered, someone, no William was going through his mind. He didn't understand why it felt weird. He gave his friend permission. Maybe he should find him. His mind wasn't exactly clean at the moment, and could he get hurt? He didn't want to find out.

...

William was just being selfish. He knew that. He knew that rooting around his friends mind was bad, and he shouldn't be looking for things in his friend's memories. He jumps as a light explodes above him. Right, he breathes this is just his friend's mind, and it's just a reflection. Henry was probably in a bad mood, no thanks to him.

William nearly tripped over... a cane? It wasn't Henry's. He would recognize that thing, Henry built it when his legs started to get bad, carved the top like the puppet after Charlie. This was more old-fashioned. He picked it up and tried his fingers over the brand on the side. It was burned into the wood, not carved. He probably should stop he didn't recognize anything around him.

William hugs the cane against his chest as he jumps again. The path where he just came from sealed itself off. Ok, so he wasn't going back that way. Maybe he should have just stayed in his mind soaking in his misery. He took a breath and kept moving forward. This area didn't look like Henry's home either.

He remembered the first month's in the museum. It was decades since he saw Henry. He didn't even realize it was his friend who caught him. He was older, and his dirty blonde locks were almost completely white. Well, he also had a buzz cut, which didn't help, and his beard was shaved completely off. He looked like a shell of his former friend at the time. Well, he didn't look much better, a corpse in a springlock suit.

William sighs, lost in thought he didn't even see the man in front of him. He blinks on the ground, staring up at the man, no teenager he knocked into. Did Henry have another ghost in his head? Was that why he wasn't so freaked out?

The teen looked down at William. "Put ma's cane down. She ain't like it touched." The kids' accent was thick enough. William had trouble understanding it.

"Excuse me?" William blinks, examining the kid in front of him. He was pure muscle like he did nothing but work since he was able to walk. His eyes were hidden under sand brown hair. He didn't even have facial hair yet. His clothes were patchwork of several different items put together to fit his frame.

The kid frowns, amber eyes poked through the long hair. He pointed to the cane in William's hand.

William put the cane next to him as he got up. "It's rude to point." He says with no true bite to his word, holding out the cane to the boy. The boy makes no motion to take it. "Well, don't you want this?"

The boy looks up at William. "You must be lost, mister." His accent thick, and he didn't exactly give the most inviting look.

William frowns. Did his friend have skeletons in his closet? This kid looked young, probably not older than 13. Did he have another kid before Charlie? "Uh, excuse me, what's your name?"

The boy turned away from William, and he walls deeper into the unfamiliar area, vanishing as a new sound makes William jump. The area shifts and jerks violently as William is spit back into a familiar living room.

He was holding onto the cane he picked up like a lifeline as he came crashing down to the ground. Black eyes stared above him, and sharp ichor cover claws ripped the cane from his grasp, then the smell of smoke, and it was gone.

"Willaim?" Henry had an unreadable expression on his face as he looked down on his friend. "I don't mind you looking through my mind, as I said before, but maybe come back when it's not a mess."

William sat up, realizing his clothes had changed back to dress pants and a button-up shirt. He blinks, looking around. "I think I got lost."

Henry laughs, and it doesn't comfort William the way it should. "Lost? William, you know my home like the back of your hand. Maybe you confused your pathways for mine." He pulls William up to standing.

William shrugs. "I didn't want to fester in my mind."

"Like I said before, you are welcome to look around, but again, wait till I manage to clean up. I don't want to risk you getting hurt."

William raises a brow. "I'm already dead Henry, there isn't much more you could do."

.....

Henry sat cross-legged on William's bed as he watched his friend sweep up nonexistent dirt in his mind. "Did you see a memory you didn't mean to see? I'm not mad, just curious."

William pauses broom, vanishes from his hands. "I didn't look at any of your memories, I just got lost." He spots that cane he found in the corner of his room like it was tempting him to follow, to ask.

Henry hums. "I don't know why it's such a mess. Maybe I might be coming down with a cold, and it always makes my thoughts sluggish when I get sick."

William looked back at Henry. This is the second time he hasn't been able to look normal. He wasn't complaining because he looked good as a monster, but he was worried. "Are you ok?"

"I'm fine." Henry smiles, and his spider legs double from 4 to 8 behind him.

William raises his brow. "Did that hurt?"

"Did what hurt?" Henry tilts his head confused on what William was asking.

"N-nothing." William shakes his head as he sits on his couch. So Henry was lying, but he didn't know about what, and he didn't know how to move forward. He has never been good talking things out and would much rather turn to the easier solution such as the bottle or letting his wife use him like a toy. Honestly, being in Henry's living body forced him to look at himself in a mirror and go over himself. It was like a forced therapy, and he hated to admit that he felt mentally healthier than he had in a very long time.

Henry pauses and then summons a pair of welding gloves. "Ah, I knew I forgot something."

William frowned, watching Henry put on the gloves. "Your claws aren't an issue if you don't use them. You don't have to cover them."

"It's safer if I do." Henry doesn't lose his smile.

William nods, pausing a chess set that appears in front of him. "Huh, I didn't know I could do that."

"It's your mind, William. Why wouldn't you be able to summon objects, you know?"

William frowns, Henry did have a point. He sighs. "Would you like to play?"

"I'm not good at chess, but sure, a game wouldn't hurt." Henry smiles, sliding off the bed and into the chair across from William.

....

Henry was humming as he made breakfast. He woke up a little later than he normally would, but he felt relaxed. William was by his side he is drawing something in the notebook he took from his mind. He was learning how to work his powers, which was a good thing.

Henry chuckled, seeing Micheal drag himself into the kitchen his hair was a rats nest. "Shouldn't you be more awake kiddo, you two did go to bed early."

Micheal raises his brow and stretches, the red and purple marks on his neck that his hair barely covers, and answers the question Henry doesn't even have on his radar. "Mmmh, I slept late."

Henry's mind catches up with him. "Ah." He looks to William, who just gives him a look. "It's been a while since I was young."

William's notebook vanishes as he loses focus. He turns his attention to Micheal. "You were busy."

Micheal hums and smiles. "Jeremy is gonna sleep in. Can you leave some breakfast on the side for him?"

That answers a second question Henry isn't prepared to think about. "Of course." He smiles politely and returns his focus to cooking.

[brutclhonesty]

★ CADE HOLLINGSWORTH on the cover of this week’s most recent tabloid! many say that the 26 year old looks like THOMAS DOHERTY, but i don’t really see it. while the ACTOR is known for being INTENSE, my inside sources say that they have a tendency to be ARROGANT. i swear, every time i think of them, i hear the song MILLION DOLLAR BILLS by LORDE

details.

name: cade william hollingsworth

dob: october 6th, 1997

zodiac: libra

face claim: thomas doherty

gender identity: cis man (he/him)

sexuality: heterosexual

profession: actor

hometown: kensington, london

spoken languages: english, french

positive traits: dedicated, honest, hard working, charismatic

negative traits: impulsive, stubborn, brutally honest, not reliable

about.

privilege, wealth, & fame were the cornerstones of the hollingsworth family, so cade has never known anything else. born the grandson of the both the legendary hollywood director, joseph hollingsworth, and the starlet of the silver screen, evelyn sterling, cade grew up around performers his entire life, which might be the reason you're never quite sure if he's being real or putting on a show. his parents, both famous in the industry, moved back to los angeles from london when he was twelve, which proved to be a challenge for him since change was never something he handled well. entering into his adolescence with a chip on his shoulder & an entitled attitude, cade quickly established the role of the 'it guy' at his private school; throwing the best parties, taking his pick of the numerous girls who fell for his smooth accent or his bright green eyes. all of it felt hollow, like something was missing, but he'd grown up in a family where status was everything, so cade couldn't identify what it could be. after graduating, cade began working alongside his father, adding his name to the credits of several big name films before he decided to pursue acting. he hated his first big role, the one that took him out from under his family's shadow, as it was exactly the opposite of the kind of films he wanted to make. the reality was, romcoms did well, so cade went on to do three of them before calling it quits and ending the trilogy. his arrogance seeped through his charming persona in various interviews, but his talent made up for how unpleasant he could be to work with. on the outside, he was the golden boy of hollywood, with the famous family and the private jet, while on the inside, he was a hollow mess. as time went on, cade continued to search for meaning, to find something of substance in the shiny world of los angeles, all the while keeping up appearances with partying & a few perfectly executed PR relationships. while the world thinks they know cade hollingsworth, he's an actor- and it's all an act. with his days of being a leading man behind him, at least for now, cade is intent on lining up solid projects that will help him grow as an actor, despite his parents encouraging him to take whatever role will end in the biggest payday. the son of two selfish creatures, it's no wonder he turned out the way he did; his whole life, he's had to look out for himself because god knew his parents wouldn't. they saw their son as an accessory, a prop to be brought out for a photo op or whenever there was a cheating scandal in the magazines. when they had no use for him, he was left for the nannies and drivers to take care of. these days, when he's not on set or off filming on location somewhere, cade lives in a beachfront villa with his own staff, the picture of confidence & wealth. his elusive white whale, finding meaning in the cold game of life, has yet to be captured, but cade has never backed down from challenges & he won't start now.

[e1igius]

couches have always been a little small for him ; but it's better than sleeping outside. and at least the place is warm. the man's pretending to be asleep , half wake in some bizarre state of exhaustion. when he'd arrived in town two weeks ago he certainly was not expecting to have reconnected with anyone there. and the last person he'd expected to reconnect with was the man now sleeping in the other room. but as thoughts waned and melted away he wasn't sure what to do with them all. there was so much happening , and just like last time he felt like an outsider to it all. as if he had gotten there late. as if he had never been meant to be here. he wants to know what to do , what the right next step is. but he can't do most of the things he wants to ; not right now. with the fbi searching for him across the country. with his name plastered on the news in every major city in texas &. california. he has to be careful.

it's pure surprise that he hasn't seen it here. but even then he's hesitant to stay in a motel or hotel and risk leaving a paper trail. he had broken into empty houses the first week. slept on peoples beds but never in them. he's eventually found a place to rent , but it isn't available till the end of the month ( a couple more days ) , so he was just planning on sleeping on a park bench somewhere. the marine corps is good at teaching you how to be homeless. he certainly hadn't been expecting the biker to wake him up from the midday nap in the park and ask him why he had all his shit with him. one thing left to another and he'd been offered the couch for a few days. a strange act of kindness form an even stranger ally.

so there he was , sleeping ( or pretending to ) on a rundown couch someone had probably fucked on. but he was thankful , even if he didn't have the strength to say the words aloud. he couldn't do anything right. and the thought of it was just exhausting. even the one thing he was good at ; he'd ended up failing.

as minds race , they move , he does. a soft groan escapes the thrity-two year old's lips as he moves into a seated position. he can't sleep. so he's not going to bother. hands find his hair as he starts to mess with it. trying to think from one thing to the next , his head is focused on the missing. the missing men from the town that no one seems to remembers. but he remembers , and caed remembers , and --- and he feels bad. as if his return has caused it , or maybe if he had been there sooner it wouldn't have happened. he doesn't know why , this place always feels like he's made it at the wrong time. it's aching for him to return , but it screams at him to leave. he tosses his head back. reaching into his travel backpack for a can of coors. downing the can in seconds and tossing it into the nearby trashcan. his entire life is in the bag. a cell phone sitting at the bottom has two numbers saved on it. a passport , his old military id , cash , and a fresh change of clothes. everything else had been taken by the government. he'd lost everything.

he wanted to kill everything. everything that had caused this downfall needed to be removed form existence. everything needed to die. but one thing at a time , one step in front of the other , one mystery , one tragedy , one crime at a time. the missing men ; he needed to focus on it. william was missing. eddie was missing. and he doesn't think he'd be where he was today if it wasn't for either of them ( though that might , have been a good thing ). it's then that he remembers something. they've looked everywhere there used to be portals. but the portals before were linked to ---- their childhoods , their important locations , their impactful moments. and huck would venture a guess that , all of those are different now. he knows for sure none of his life moments are here , all except --- one. so , they're probably looking in the wrong places. all of which would be great , except he doesn't want to wake up caed. because he's probably wrong and overthinking it. or under thinking or something.

but his feet move before he askes them to and before he knows it the man is knocking at the door of the other's room at three in the morning. with an unhinged theory and a fresh can of beer.

@prettybrawler gets a early 2000s lets save the s/t world starter

[yellowbunnydreams]

The Blood Runs Thicker (part 9) ~vampire!William Afton x F! Reader~

~Surprise double upload! Because I can and I am a cruel, cruel writer~

Tag-List; @ruh--roh-raggy @randymeeksisafinalgirl @sleepy---head @robin-the-enby @hungrhay @likoplays @slxsher-whxre @nicolezghostz @spiderlilytengu

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* Want more or something different? *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

CW:Minors DNI, (18+ ONLY), Female Reader, legal age gap (Reader- 20's, William - 50's), graphic acts of violence, biting, knife-play, blood, blood-drinking/licking, mention of dead children, anaemia. A lot of sexual tension...like a lot. Possessive behaviour. The suit stays ON

The water pounded against William's chest as he laid his head back against the tiles. His chest heaved slightly with each breath as he tried to let himself even out after preparing lunch for you. It'd been adorable almost, how you'd curled up under the covers again so quickly and needed to be shaken awake. The way your eyes lit up as you saw some of the snacks and drinks you'd brought on the tray along with a more healthy lunch than whatever Michael had fed you for breakfast.

Thinking of Michael had William's fists clenching, pounding them against his thigh lightly as his jaw twitched and his lip curled up in a snarl. But he'd dealt with Michael, for now at least. And he tried to make himself relax and turn off his senses, eyes closed and feeling the coldness of the tile seeping into his skin, focusing on the hot water and trying not to let his aching body take over his mind again as he thought of you curled up in his bed.

You on the other hand, had just finished cleaning up after lunch. Wiping your hands on your jeans and listening to the house for a moment, you wondered where William had disappeared to, having looked inside the fridge and noticing that the shoe-box of his demented capri-suns was restocked, one sat on the shelf in plain view, like he'd thought about taking it but then had become distracted.

Picking it up, you tucked it under your arm. Unsure what you planned on doing with it, but wondering if perhaps you could take another shower despite taking on earlier in the day. You felt dirty, used. Somewhat glad that William had avoided answering any curiosities you may have had as to where his son had gone to, even though there was still some tiny quiet part of your mind that wondered whether he was alive or more dead than he previously was.

Heading back upstairs, you sighed as the cold packet under your arm made you feel cold again. Still not entirely sure what you planned on doing with it if you didn't find William, but carrying it with you anyway.

Your thoughts wandered back to them being curled in bed, his warmth against your front and the feeling of his large hands against your back. How peaceful he had looked when you were sure he was asleep, the way his glasses dug into his nose when he'd fallen asleep. Your cheeks heated up as you recalled the way his legs had looked, the way he so gracefully moved around the bed and even his briefly flustered face when you'd thrown the pillow at him in embarrassment. Smiling to yourself as you were lost in thought, not hearing anything as you pushed open the bathroom door.

You blinked as you opened the door and were faced with a wall of hot air, confused as you stood there blinking. Suddenly aware that you could hear the water running and turning your head towards the tub, cheeks heating up and almost tripping over your feet as you spotted William with his head pressed back against the tile. Seemingly not having spotted you yet as you turned to leave quickly. Glad you couldn't see more than his head and a bit of his shoulder from behind the curtain.

"You could have asked nicely if you wanted to join me, rather than barge in." He murmured, making you squeak and freeze as you silently cursed yourself for forgetting how sensitive his hearing seemed to be.

"I-I um.. sorry, I'll just go. I didn't mean to intrude." Voice wavering as you headed for the door, William's arm shooting out in the small space and holding the door closed as he lazily opened his eyes and glanced at you. Smirk spreading across his face as he saw how flustered you were.

"You'll only waste the hot water, get in, bunny. I'll even close my eyes for you." Your head snapped towards him as he made a show of moving his thick, muscular arm and placing his hand over his closed eyes. Moving so that he was fully behind the curtain once again. Torn between disobeying him and potentially making the predator angry, or obeying and praying that you didn't see anything nor that he would see anything either.

Stripping down quickly, you placed your clothes in a pile with his and opened the curtain at the opposite end of the tub, eyes squeezed so tightly closed it made your head hurt, hand reaching in blindly as you tried to step in. Foot giving out on the slick tub for a moment before a large hand whipped out and caught your upper arm, making you yelp as he righted you and made sure you were upright. Loosening his grip once he was sure you were securely in the tub, keeping yourself facing the wall and all too aware of the looming presence behind you. Too short for where he'd set the shower to actually get wet, but you daren't step back in case you ran into all too bare flesh.

William opened his eyes, having to as he heard you slipping as you entered the tub. His eyes instinctually raked down the curve of your spine, feeling his lip curl into a snarl as he saw the marks on your shoulder from where Mike had bitten you. Feeding you his blood had certainly made it almost guaranteed that there would be no scar from it, although it also appeared you wouldn't scar from anything he'd done to you either. A small flare of disappointment running through him as he found himself wishing one of his marks had remained against your pretty skin.

He could always make more, when you were stronger again.

Ignoring you for a moment, he grabbed his shampoo and began to wash his hair. Brushing against your back slightly and feeling how you tensed as he had to lean forwards slightly to wash it out. Glad that the water around you helped to dampen your smell, taking a deep breath anyway in case he could catch some of the intoxicating scent, frowning as he couldn't. Frown turning into a scowl as he noticed you keeping a distance, staring at a singular spot on the wall like your life depended on it.

"Are you all shy now bunny?" He teased, reaching forwards and grabbing your arms, making you gasp as he pulled you back into his body. Feeling his broad chest against your back, the way the hair felt against your back and the curve of your spine seemed to fit perfectly against his stomach. Cheeking burning and body shaking as you held your hands up, gripping onto your shoulders and thighs pressing together as you tried to protect your modesty.

But the water was warm, and it washed off some of the grossness that Mike had left behind. Feeling William shift against your back and lean in, breathing over your ear as he chuckled.

"Now this, this is naked, bunny." Referring to your accusation earlier, only making your cheeks burn harder and the blush spread down your neck and onto your chest. Swallowing hard as you tried to not create a mental image of what William Afton looked like against your back, how muscular his body was, how it felt like muscle designed for function over form, or let your mind wander to the trail of hair you had caught a glimpse of before.

Shaking your head, you curled in on yourself more, making Afton laugh before he straightened up. Hearing a bottle click above your head before you gasped, cold being poured onto your head as you recognised the smell of your shampoo, his thick fingers tangling into your hair and massaging it into your scalp. Your tense shoulders relaxing after a moment as a soft groan of appreciation fell from your lips.

"You're still a bastard."

"We went over my legitimacy earlier, bunny. I didn't realise you'd quite gotten that stupid." He chuckled, especially as you started to move your hand backwards as if to slap him before realising that he was very naked too, and watching as your cheeks flushed at the realisation your hand could land somewhere very different than its target.

"How anybody put up with you long enough to produce a child, I'll never know." you scoffed, feeling him pause before that low chuckle reached your ears again, dark and sending shivers down your spine as he spoke lowly and slowly.

"Oh I had three." Leaning in closely and whispering into your ear to see how you reacted, watching your expressions carefully as he almost growled out the words. "Maybe if you turned around, you'd have one of the reasons why about level with your stomach."

Your cheeks flushed something horrid, a tiny squeak escaping your lips as even your chest started burning up. Heart pounding as you turned your head slightly and found him incredibly close to yours. Watching him grin wickedly as he was able to drink in your flustered apperance.

"You're disgusting."

"I'm actually quite clean thank you, as proven by me being in the shower." That sarcastic grin still on his face as he refused to move from how close he was to you. Glad there was little space between your hips as he was sure he would have perhaps been a little bolder had you been pressed up against him so wholely.

"You said you're already dead. So as far as I know, dead guys don't get hard." You fake pouted, trying to recover some of your sarcasm as he had thrown you so completely by forcing such a close situation. Watching William's expression open up and his eyes widen, mouth opening in slight shock before he snapped back to his usual frown, lip curling up in a snarl before he spoke in that growling tone again.

"There are more ways than using my cock to fuck you, bunny. I was an engineer, I'm quite good with my fingers...or I could always taste you in a different way." Pushing out his long tongue and licking your cheek for emphasis and making you flinch away slightly, chuckling at how your face flushed, though something about you smelt slightly different as he did it. Making him raise any eyebrow curiously as to what had changed, eyes flickering to your lips as he remained close, watching how they trembled with your breath. "How does that sound, little bunny?"

"Like....m-my worst nightmare." You managed to swallow through your words, earning another chuckle as he could so clearly see the lies in your words, standing back to his full height before his large, rough hand moved up to your shoulders, touching and feeling the skin there and how it was feeling as it healed up. Feeling your body trembling and shaking as he almost massaged you, enjoying teasing you and playing the game of cat and mouse you had unofficially established together.

The prize was your body...although William wanted it in a much different way this time.

He quickly finished up and allowed you to wash yourself, stepping out confidently and unashamed. Your eyes naturally following the movement initially, flustering yourself all the more as you caught a glimpse of his back, broad and scarred. The way the muscles moved under his pale skin making your chest tighten before you managed to snap your attention back to the task in hand. Hoping he would leave the bathroom quickly so you could dry off in peace at least.

Wrapping a towel around his waist, Afton stood infront of the mirror, a soft sigh coming from his lips as seemingly the empty bathroom stared back at him. It was still such a naturally movement after all these years to look there, as if he could see his face staring back at him. Running his hand over his growing beard, he wondered if he should attempt to shave, wincing as he thought back to the last time he'd done so and how he'd sliced open a good chunk of his face because he couldn't see. It wasn't like he could go to a barber's either.

Stepping out of the shower, you turned off the water and grabbed the nearest towel, wrapping it tightly around your body as you gazed at Afton. Chest tightening as you realised he was only in a towel, staring into the mirror with disdain and a little defeat. You looked into the glassy surface and your eyes widened slightly as you saw that there really was no reflection for him, his eyes searching it like he might find himself if he looked hard enough. The way his hand scrubbed at his face telling you that something was bothering him.

Despite the fact you wanted to get out of there as soon as possible, you padded softly over to him. Carefully manoeuvring so that you could jump up on the counter and keep your modesty, his grey eyes flickering to you, eyebrow raised as he realised you were voluntarily seating yourself near him.

"What do you want, brat?"

"Do you...Would you like me to help?" You asked, taking a pause between words as you tried to figure out how best to approach it without sounding condescending. William paused at your question, frowning before you remembered that you'd brought in a blood bag, picking it up off of the counter and wiggling it like you might do so to bait on a hook. "I brought snacks if that helps?"

His lips twitched and threatened to curl into a smile before he regained control again, shrugging his broad shoulders and opening a drawer on the counter, pulling out a straight-razor and some shaving cream, handing both to you.

"Don't try and slit my throat." Growling as he positioned himself so that you had him between your knees, watching as you put some shaving cream on your hands and gently spread it on one side of his face. Wanting to divide and conquer the task at hand. You carefully picked up the razor and placed your hands on his face, running the blade against his skin loosely, trying not to shave too close to the skin in case you cut him.

Silence settled between you, your hands trembling softly and lips parted slightly in concentration as the blade moved over his face. Washing it regularly to check on the cut and how it was progressing. It was a lot slower than when he'd been able to do it for himself, but he felt himself relaxing slightly under the careful touches. Eyes closing and allowing you to turn his head back and forth to get the best shave. There was something theraputic about it for the both of you, and incredibly trusting to allow knives near either, but it didn't cross either mind on how easily you could attack him and escape in that moment.

After a while, you grabbed a hand cloth and wiped down his face, frowning as you realised you had been a little too careful and left stubble across his face rather than a clean shave. Afton opening his eyes again and rubbing his hand over his face, smiling as he realised you'd left a bit of stubble.

"I'd almost say you prefered me like this." He teased, and you smacked him lightly, rolling your eyes and gasping as he caught your wrist in his hand, holding it close as he allowed himself a genuine smile in front of you. "Thank you, bunny."

"I can't imagine how..frustrating...it must be, to not see yourself." You murmured, earning a hum in reply as he shuffled, placing his free hand down by your hip as he leaned in, studying your face as he continued to smile, almost warmly.

"Oh it is incredibly... That's why I like watching your expressions so much, I get to see it. It's the thing that unless you look in a mirror, you can't see.. like me." his voice was soft, almost purring as he seemed to think for a moment, his lips ghosting yours and making your chest tighten, breathing becoming difficult as his lips softly hovered just above yours. Your breath becoming his and his becoming yours for a brief moment before he pulled away. Grinning widely as he watched your expression, the conflicted desperation for closeness, the nervousness as he moved back from you, allowing your wrist to fall back into your lap.

"I'll leave you pyjamas on the bed, and grab you some snacks. It's been a very long day for you, for both of us." Walking out of the room and closing the door behind him, padding towards his bedroom as he left you on the counter, shaking and breathless from a kiss that never came.

And you weren't sure why you had wanted it so much, but you swore to yourself as you tried to gather your thoughts regarding the predator you seemed to have developed some form of crush on.

[dewmie-in]

I seriously just have some garbage with spelling errors within a few seconds of each other in Buddy's Book for evidence of this, so this may qualify more as a headcanon, but...

Just as Bill gave Jamie the position as director of the community theater? I think William gave Buddy the library so he could keep writing.

idk if the nature of William and Buddy's relationship is going to play out the same way it will with Bill and Jamie, but I could totally see a recurring theme of 'Deweys giving people they care about stuff that will make them stay in Beach City', though.

It makes you wonder if the Deweys feel like they can never leave town for an extended amount of time.

[lokisprettygirl]

H-Hi um I was wondering if you could write a FanFiction where Loki has been really busy lately and forgets an important date, like an award she is receiving or she is an artist opening her first gallery, to the reader but she acts like she’s fine and doesn’t say anything because she is heartbroken. Loki goes on and on about his busy life and talks to reader when he can only to stumble upon the calendar since he is actually home for the weekend and realizes that he missed something so important to her. When confronted she just cries and runs away from him instead of talking through it because she doesn’t want to be a burden? S-Sorry for the lengthy request… I actually went through something like this a-and would love a fluffy-smutty ending to it instead of what’s actually happening

I'm so sorry dear that you are going through this but I hope everything will get better soon. Sending all the love 💚❤️

Warning : 18+ Some smut, wife reader

You looked around the bustling gallery filled with different people and your eyes teared up. All these people around you were here for you, to see your work and to support you but you still felt lonely. Your first opening and he knew how important it was for you, you have been talking about it for months. But he still wasn't here. You missed your man, your husband, the love of your life. You just wanted him to be here with you.

"Hey y/n what are you doing? Mr. Williams wants to see you, he wants to buy a few pieces for his new mansion" your coordinator dragged you away from the corner and you faked a smile.

When you reached home that night, you showered and changed, you couldn't even cry, it was as if you didn't want to believe that he didn't make it to your first opening. You called him as you also felt worried, he had been on a mission but he must have gotten back to the tower in the morning, his phone was turned off so you called Thor

"Hello sister y/n, how are you?" he asked you and you smiled, you could hear the music blaring in the background, another Stark party you assumed.

"I am fine, I uhh is Loki there?" You asked him and he told you that he was with Tony meeting with a publicist or something.

You hung up when you realized that he was safe and he just didn't remember an important day of your life.

About an hour later he returned home, you smelled the expensive perfume he had on from the living room. You walked out and he smiled so you returned it, you knew there was no point in discussing this with him. He walked towards you to kiss you and then he pulled you in a warm embrace

"I have had the longest week darling, couldn't wait to get back to you, three days without you felt like hel" your eyes teared up as he said that. He loved you, you never had to question his feelings for you but sometimes he forgot that you needed his support as much as he needed yours.

"Would you like coffee?" You asked him and he sighed

"Yes please, thank you. Stark wants me to make that social media thing, I think it's called Twitter? He thinks people of midgard would reveal in my sarcastic opinion about..well everything" he mumbled as he took his shoes off then he loosened his tie. You only hummed in response,

"Oh by the way I loved that city Paris we went to for the mission, and I think we should go there for our third anniversary" you smiled and nodded. At Least he remembered that

"Why don't you go shower? That will make you feel better" you asked him and he smiled

"Want to join me wifey?" He asked you and you shook your head

"I just showered an hour ago" he furrowed his brow. Two years of dating and three years of marriage has made him learn enough about you to know when you are lying to him.

"Darling are you alright? Something wrong?" He asked you and you shook your head so he sighed and went to the bedroom. He was a busy man, an Avenger and if you didn't feel important to him then be it. You didn't want to hurt yourself further by talking to him about it.

He put his phone down to charge, his phone died in the morning and he didn't have time to even breathe today, Tony didn't allow him a moment of peace. When he came out of the shower, he checked his phone, you called him several times in the evening, and there was a message too "When will you get here? I am so nervous babyy 🥺"

His eyes widened when he saw the message and the event notification popped up. The gallery opening, he missed it. That's why you looked so upset. Why didn't you say anything to him?

He quickly put a shirt and trouser on and went back to the kitchen where he caught you wiping your tears.

"Darling I am so sorry" his eyes teared up as well, while he went on and on about the party and his busy life, you were hurting and he didn't even see that. You wiped your tears and poured his coffee in a cup then you walked past him, picked up your car keys and stormed towards the door

"Where are you going? talk to me" he followed you and grabbed your arm so you turned around to look at him

"Just leave me alone like you did today okay? I don't want to fight with you and I am so tired of being your second priority, sometimes I feel you don't even consider me or think about me when I'm not there with you"

Tears fell down on his cheeks, your words pierced through him and your broken voice hurt him to the core.

"You know that's not true love, I love you, you are my wife.." you slipped past his grip and stormed out of the apartment. You didn't know where you were going but you knew you didn't want to be here and fight with him.

Loki felt horrible, how did he forget the day? You have been talking about this for months, that's why he even put it on his schedule so he'd be reminded, why didn't he charge his phone? So many questions were running through his head but the answer was the same, there was no one else to blame for this but him. You have been there for him whenever he needed you so how could he miss one of the most important days in your life?

He called you but you didn't respond, and then you turned your phone off. Served him right, he deserved that, but he was worried about your safety. Around 1 am when you finally returned you found him pacing in the living room, you closed the door and stood in front of it. This was awkward, you and him had never gotten into a fight like this. Even when you had disagreements you both sorted it out as quickly as you both could.

He walked over to you and you looked down because your eyes welled up and you didn't want him to see that

"Princess I am sorry I am sorry darling I am sorry" he went down on his knees and wrapped his arm around your waist, placing his head on your torso he kept apologizing so you would at least listen to him, he didn't want you to leave again.

"Lokiiii baby please get up " you mumbled softly but he shook his head. He had hurt you badly this time and the guilt was unbearable, you'll never get your first show again, it happened and he missed it, he wasn't there. He couldn't stop his mind from picturing his sweet precious wife so nerve strickened, so scared and staring at the door every few seconds to see her husband walk through it and support her on her big day. He couldn't stop thinking about how hurt you must have felt.

"I am sorry, I really wanted to be there and I .. I would have if" he stopped himself as he realized he was going to make an excuse for something that could have been avoided. He didn't have to be at that party, it definitely wasn't more valuable than being there with you.

"I have done something irreversible and I don't know how to fix it but please darling don't leave me like that ever again" you wiped his tears and cupped his cheeks then you made him look at you

"I just don't feel as if I'm important to you, I don't want you to pick me over your job, what you do is very important and I'll never stop you but I just–" you sobbed and his heart broke in tiny little pieces "Am I even your second priority if not first?" He got up and pulled you closer to him, he can't allow you to think like this. You, your marriage and his life with you was the most important thing to him

"You know darling you are my everything, you know that. My work is not my first priority, I'll never pick anything or anyone over you, you are my everything and I failed to show that to you tonight but I just need another chance please sweetheart, I love you..I love you..I love you" you put your head down on his chest and he hugged you tightly

"I don't expect you to forgive me just yet, but don't give up on me and my love for you, when I asked your hand for marriage I promised myself that I would never let you down or make you feel lonely again but I failed, and.."

"Loki, I just need you, that's it. I just wanted my husband by my side today, I wanted you to be proud of me for once" he kissed your forehead as you said that.

"Darling I'm always proud of you and your accomplishments, not a day goes by when I wake up and not feel happy about this life that I'm building with my sweet girl" you cupped his cheeks and got on your tiptoes to kiss him. He instantly picked you up and wrapped your legs around his waist as he took you to the bedroom and laid you down on the bed.

He took his t-shirt off and got on his knees on the floor then he grabbed your thighs and pulled you closer to the edge of the bed to wrap your legs around his neck, he took off your pajamas and your panties followed, his mouth latched onto your slit and you moaned as you felt him sucking on you as if you were his last meal.

"Ohhh God" you gasped and he flicked his tongue over your clit

"If I was able to, I would happily spend all my time right here, with my head between your legs, drinking from you while you'd moan and whimper for me, my pretty pretty goddess" it's been a week since you had him last and his words made you shiver.

"Ohhh baby yess keep going, earn your apology" you arched your back, gripped your thighs around his head and he didn't stop until he had you convulsing with an intense orgasm, this wouldn't make up for what he did, nothing would but he just wanted to make you a little happier after hurting you so badly.

"I love you baby I love you so much" your eyes teared up as you came down from the high and so did his.

"And I love you more than anything, I'll do anything for you my darling and I will make up for it I promise"

You never doubted that he loved you, you can't when he treated you like this, but he made a mistake and he promised himself and you that he would never repeat it again.

"Okay you are forgiven, do you want to see the pictures I took today?" You asked him like a baby and his heart swelled.

"Show me everything I missed princess" he cleaned you up and his face, then you cuddled him on the bed while you showed him the pictures on your phone.

He felt horrible for missing the event but it was a learning experience, when you stormed out on him, he almost wanted to stop breathing and existing in this realm. He vowed to himself that he'd never hurt his princess like that again.

You are his wife, his main priority in life, his reason to move forward and he just wanted to make you feel that way from now on.

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