#screaming and shouting in shock and horror

[sohighsohaii]

APCA: Sisterly Bonds

TW! The aforementioned sexual exploitation, pretty much non-con, humiliation, slave play (DO NOT READ IF NOT COMFORTABLE)

"Oh my god! Unnie! What are you doing to her?" Chaeryoung screamed in terror, then looking to you in rage. You ignore Chaeryoung, instead turning to Chaeyeon, removing her blindfold. You leaned towards Chaeyeon, whispering to her all as she saw her sister trapped the same way she was, and knew that the same fate that had befallen her would now befall her sister. "I want you to listen to me Chaeyeon, I like you, you're one of my favourites. Your master tells me you're fully broken but I don't buy it. In case you get the sudden urge to attempt to escape, resist, do anything, I'll make sure both you and your sister get some sisterly bonding in your master's playroom. If you cooperate, however, show absolute devotion and submit to me with no hesitation, I'll make sure your life and your sister's improves. Do you understand?" You could see Chaeyeon's eyes widen in fear, before she turned to you.

"I understand…Master." Chaeyeon shakily said as you smiled. "No! Unnie! Don't call that bastard that!" Chaeryoung screamed, shaking against her bonds. You chose to ignore her though, turning around and walking closer to Chaeryoung. "Let me borrow this for a moment." You walk toward Chaeryoung, detaching the collar and leash from her neck, chuckling as Chaeryoung's futile struggle only intensified her pleasure, as she was essentially rubbing herself on the vibrator that was slowly driving her insane. Looking down, you ran your hands across Chaeryoung's pussy, feeling its warmth as it pulsated, the vibrations sending Chaeryoung so close to the edge that just your hand cupping her pussy almost sends her into an orgasmic frenzy. "You have a really nice pussy Chaeryoung, has anyone ever told you that?" You say nonchalantly, as if you had just praised her singing or dancing. "Fuck you!" Chaeryoung shouted as she tried to wriggle her pussy out of her hand, only for it to backfire once again, causing her to moan in pleasure again. "Hmm, sharp tongue. Alright then." You commented, turning around, cutting Chaeyeon free. "Put this collar on, then crawl to me." You say, tossing the collar onto the ground, walking to a rack on the wall, where paddles, whips, and some anal beads hung. Running your hand through the toys, you settle on a small studded paddle, taking it as you swung it in the air. "mahther" You heard the muffled voice of Chaeyeon at your feet, the leather handle of her collar in her mouth. Good, she was getting the game. "Good dog." You praise, putting your hand under her chin as you began to pet her, almost as if she was an actual dog. "Pet, your sister insulted your master, what do you think should happen to her?" You ask, tugging Chaeyeon's leash harshly as she stumbled over her hands and feet, struggling to keep up. "She…She should get punished, Master." Chaeyeon whispered, lowering her head in shame as she couldn't bear to look her sister in the eyes, who stared at her with shock and confusion. "No, no, she can take whatever punishment I inflict on her, what will really hurt her, Chaeyeon?" You pretend to think, amused as you saw realisation dawn on Chaeyeon's face. "Punish me, Master." "Splendid idea Slave." You applaud, rewarding her by reaching down to her pussy, your fingers toying with her folds as she wantonly moaned, head thrown backwards all while her sister looked on in horror. "No, Unnie, no…" Chaeryoung's face morphed into one of absolute terror. "Hang on pet, I need to adjust the playpen. Be a good dog and masturbate while I get to work. Make your sister sees it all. And Chaeryoung, until I move you properly, if I see you not looking at your sister debasing herself, I promise her punishment gets worse. Is that understood?" You say, strutting up to Chaeryoung, a rough grip around her cheek as you glared at her. Chaeryoung glared at you, mouth shut. "Alright. New Plan. Get up here." You say, pulling a lever.

With a push, the collaboration of strings holding Chaeryoung falls, leaving her laying horizontally. With her whole body now off the floor, Chaeryoung began screaming, panicking as she struggled against her bonds. "Pet, do me a favour, get up there and shut your dear sister up, with your, well, otherwise useless fuckhole." You go, patting her on the ass.

Chaeyeon hesitated, tears welling up in her eyes as she looked at her younger sister Chaeryoung, who was now helpless and exposed, her body shaking with fear and the relentless vibrations of the toy inside her. The sight filled Chaeyeon with a sickening mix of pity and dread, knowing that she was about to be forced to humiliate and hurt her dear sibling.

"Please Master, please don't make me do this," Chaeyeon begged, her voice cracking with emotion. She lowered her head, the leather collar tight around her neck as she gripped it in her hands.

You yanked on the leash harshly, forcing Chaeyeon to look up at you with tearful eyes. "I said, get up there and shut your sister up with your cunt, now!" you barked, punctuating the command with another sharp tug on the leash.

Sniffling and trembling, Chaeyeon slowly crawled towards Chaeryoung, her heavy breasts swaying beneath her. She positioned herself over her sister's face, her dripping slit hovering inches above Chaeryoung's mouth.

"No, Chaeyeon, please don't! Don't let him make you do this!" Chaeryoung pleaded, writhing against the restraints that held her down. Her face was flushed with humiliation and panic.

Chaeyeon closed her eyes, a single tear rolling down her cheek as she descended, smothering her sister's pleading cries with her pussy. She grinded her hips, rubbing her clit against Chaeryoung's mouth, smearing her sister's lips with her arousal.

"Lick it, you stupid slut," you ordered, cracking the studded paddle against Chaeyeon's ass, leaving a red welt on her soft skin. "Get your tongue in that cunt! Now!"

Chaeyeon whimpered pathetically as she felt her sister's tongue reluctantly start to lick and lap at her folds, the vibrations from the toy inside Chaeryoung making the sensation overwhelming. She ground her hips more forcefully, essentially using her sister's face like a toy for her own pleasure.

Chaeyeon's body began to tremble uncontrollably as the depraved act of using her sister's mouth pushed her closer and closer to the edge. Her hips bucked and gyrated shamelessly, grinding her clit against Chaeryoung's struggling tongue. Obscene wet squelching noises filled the room as Chaeyeon's arousal coated her sister's face.

"Ahhh, I'm…I'm going to…to cum!" Chaeyeon panted, her voice ragged with humiliation and impending climax. Her pussy clenched and spasmed, the walls fluttering wildly around Chaeryoung's invading tongue.

Just as Chaeyeon was about to reach her peak, you grabbed the leash and yanked her off her sister with a harsh jerk. Chaeryoung gasped for air as Chaeyeon was ripped away, her face glistening with her sister's juices.

"Get on your knees, whore," you commanded, forcing a sobbing and disoriented Chaeyeon to kneel before you. "Put your hands behind your head and spread your legs. Let your sister see what a depraved slut you are."

Chaeyeon scrambled to obey, tangling her fingers behind her head as she presented her dripping, needy cunt to you and her sister. She couldn't bear to look at Chaeryoung, knowing the horror and disgust she must feel seeing her beloved older sister debased like this.

"Look at you, using your own sister like a fuck toy," you sneered, stroking your hardening cock. "Admit it, you fucking loved it didn't you? Loved cumming all over that cute little face."

"No…no, I didn't…" Chaeyeon whimpered, but her body betrayed her, still trembling with the aftershocks of her shameful climax.

As Chaeyeon tried to deny it, you turned the vibrator's intensity up to its highest setting inside Chaeryoung. Her screams of protest turned into a high-pitched wail as the toy buzzed violently, making her writhe and thrash against the bonds holding her down. Her eyes rolled back, tongue lolling out as the overwhelming stimulation pushed her towards a forced, unwanted orgasm.

"Beg for it, slut!" you demanded, gripping Chaeyeon's hair and forcing her to watch her sister's distress. "

Chaeyeon watched in horror as her little sister convulsed and screamed, the intense vibrations forcing Chaeryoung towards a painful, traumatizing climax. Tears streamed down Chaeyeon's face as she witnessed her beloved sibling being pushed beyond her breaking point. In that moment, Chaeyeon knew she had to do something, anything, to stop Chaeryoung's torment.

"Please, please stop!" Chaeyeon begged, her voice raw with desperation. "I'll do anything, Master! Just please, turn it off!"

You smirked cruelly, enjoying the power you held over both sisters. "Anything, you say? Well then, beg for it like the desperate slut you are. Beg me to fuck you, to use you, and maybe I'll consider sparing your sister from any more of this… stimulation."

Chaeyeon's face burned with humiliation, but the sight of Chaeryoung's anguish outweighed her shame. "Please Master, I'm begging you! Fuck me, use me, do whatever you want with me! Just please, turn off that thing inside my sister! I'm your toy, your fucktoy, your slut! I'll do anything, ANYTHING!"

As Chaeyeon debased herself, pleading for you to violate her, you reached down and turned off the vibrator. Chaeryoung immediately collapsed, going limp against the table, gasping and shaking from the aftermath of her forced climax.

"There, there, I stopped it for now," you said mockingly. "But you better put that mouth of yours to good use, whore. Worship your Master's cock like the obedient slut you are."

Chaeyeon nodded desperately, crawling towards you with renewed purpose. She knew she had to be the perfect slave, the ideal fucktoy, to keep her sister safe from any more torture. She knew it wouldn't end here, and failure to comply would lead to more time in…the playroom. She almost broke down just thinking about it

Reaching your hips, she nuzzled your hardening length, her tears dripping onto your shaft as she planted kisses along the thick flesh. "Thank you, Master," Chaeyeon whimpered, her voice dripping with desperate gratitude and humiliation. "Thank you for giving me purpose, for letting me serve you. I'm your slut, your toy, your pet."

With that, she took your cock into her mouth, sucking and slurping noisily, determined to be the best dick-slut. Chaeyeon moaned around your cock, taking you deep into her throat as she gazed up at you with teary, pleading eyes. She bobbed her head, slurping and sucking with wanton desperation, her tongue swirling around your shaft. The wet, obscene sounds of her debauchery filled the room as she worshipped you, determined to prove her devotion.

"Mmmph… thank you, Master…" Chaeyeon mumbled, pulling off your cock just long enough to catch her breath before diving back in, taking you to the hilt. She could feel you hitting the back of her throat with each thrust, but she didn't gag or resist. Instead, she relaxed her muscles, letting you use her mouth as you saw fit.

As you fucked Chaeyeon's face, you glanced over at Chaeryoung, who was still recovering from her ordeal. Her chest heaved with each shuddering breath, tears leaking from the corners of her eyes. You smirked, knowing that the sight of her dear sister debasing herself was likely seared into her mind forever.

Chaeyeon could feel your cock throbbing in her throat, and she knew you were close. She doubled her efforts, sucking harder and faster, desperate to taste your cum. She wanted to prove her worth as your perfect fucktoy, to show you that she could satisfy you in any way you demanded.

"Fuck… you want to taste your Master's cum, don't you slut?" you growled, gripping her hair tighter. Chaeyeon nodded frantically, looking up at you with pleading, desperate eyes. "Beg for it then. Beg for your Master's load like the cock-hungry whore you are."

"Please Master!" Chaeyeon gasped out, stroking your shaft rapidly. "Please give me your cum! I need it so badly! I want to taste your hot, thick seed flooding my dirty mouth. Please, Master, fill me up! Paint my whore face with your essence!"

With a grunt, you obliged her shameless begging, gripping her hair and holding her in place as you erupted. Chaeyeon moaned in delight as spurt after spurt of your hot cum shot down her eager throat. She gulped and swallowed, not wanting to waste a single drop of your precious offering.

You released your load deep in Chaeyeon's eager throat, pumping spurt after thick spurt of your hot, virile seed directly into her greedy mouth. Chaeyeon gulped and swallowed it all down, not wanting to disappoint you or waste a single drop of your precious cum. She licked and slurped, cleaning your shaft thoroughly as you pulled out, ensuring she got every last bit of your essence.

"Such an obedient little cum slut," you praised mockingly, pushing Chaeyeon back onto the floor. "You've pleased your Master well."

Chaeryoung watched the depraved display through teary, shocked eyes. The sight of her beloved sister eagerly swallowing another man's cum, debasing herself for the twisted pleasure of her tormentor, filled her with a sickening mix of despair and betrayal.

Chaeyeon knew her sister was watching, could feel the weight of Chaeryoung's gaze on her back. But she had no choice, no other option but to be the perfect fucktoy, the ideal slave, to keep Chaeryoung safe from any further pain and torment.

"Now, get on your back, legs spread wide," you commanded, already positioning yourself between Chaeyeon's thighs. "Show your sister what a desperate slut you are for cock."

Chaeyeon scrambled to obey, lying back and spreading her legs as wide as they could go. Her pussy was dripping, swollen and needy from all the stimulation. She could feel Chaeryoung's eyes on her, taking in the lewd display.

"Look at this hungry cunt, so desperate to be filled," you taunted, running a finger along Chaeyeon's slick slit, feeling how ready she was. "Tell your sister how badly you need your Master's cock. Beg her to watch as I claim you, ruin you, make you mine."

"Chaeryoung, please…" Chaeyeon whimpered, tears streaming down her face as she looked at her sister. "Please watch…watch me be a good girl for Master. Watch him fuck me, ruin me, make me his perfect fucktoy. I need it…I need him inside me…"

Chaeryoung looked away, unable to witness the impending defilement of her sister. But you grabbed her chin roughly, forcing her to watch as you positioned the swollen head of your cock at the entrance of Chaeyeon's weeping pussy. "Watch, you little slut!" you snarled at Chaeryoung. "Watch as I claim your sister, as I ruin her tight cunt and make her my personal fucktoy!" With one brutal thrust, you slammed your hips forward, burying your thick cock deep inside Chaeyeon's needy hole. She screamed in pleasure, her back arching off the floor as you stretched her open around your invading length. "Yes, Master! Yes!" Chaeyeon cried out, her nails digging into your back as she wrapped her legs around your waist. "Fuck me, ruin me, make me yours!" You set a punishing pace, pounding into Chaeyeon's pussy with harsh, brutal thrusts. The wet, obscene sound of skin slapping against skin filled the room as you used her, claiming her, breaking her in. Chaeryoung could only watch in horror, tears streaming down her face as she was forced to witness the violent defilement of her beloved sister. With each thrust, she saw Chaeyeon's body jolt and shake, her large breasts bouncing with the force of your fucking. "Fuck, this cunt is mine now," you growled, gripping Chaeyeon's hips hard enough to leave bruises. "This slutty hole belongs to me. Say it!" "It's yours, Master!" Chaeyeon screamed, her voice raw with pleasure and humiliation. "My pussy is yours, all yours! I'm your fucktoy, your cock sleeve, your slave!" You could feel her clenching around you, her pussy gripping your pistoning cock like a vice. You knew she was close, teetering on the edge of another shameful climax. "Beg for it, whore," you demanded, hammering into her harder, deeper. "Beg your Master to let you cum on this magnificent cock!" "Please, please Master!" Chaeyeon wailed, her eyes rolling back in ecstasy. "Please let your slutty whore cum on your glorious cock!" Chaeyeon cried out, too far gone in her lust to care how pathetic she sounded. Her pussy clenched and spasmed wildly around your pistoning length, the wet squelching sounds of her arousal filling the room.

You could feel her body tensing, her climax building to a fever pitch. With a final, brutal thrust, you buried yourself to the hilt inside Chaeyeon's spasming cunt. "Cum for me, you filthy whore!" you commanded, your voice booming through the room.

Chaeyeon let out a scream of pure, unadulterated ecstasy as her orgasm crashed over her. Her pussy convulsed almost violently, gripping your cock like a hot, slick vice as her juices gushed out around you. She thrashed and writhed beneath you, her body wracked with pleasure so intense it bordered on pain.

"YES, MASTER!" Chaeyeon screamed, her voice hoarse and ragged. "I'm cumming! I'm cumming on your magnificent cock! Thank you, thank you!" Her eyes rolled back, tongue lolling out as she rode out the waves of her shameful but intense climax.

Chaeryoung watched, horrified and transfixed, as her sister lost herself completely to the depravity of her lust. She had never seen Chaeyeon like this, so utterly consumed by her own pleasure and desperation to serve you. It broke Chaeryoung's heart to see her dear sister reduced to little more than a set of holes for you to use.

As Chaeyeon slowly came down from her high, you pulled out of her dripping pussy with a wet plop. Thick rivulets of her cum dripped down her thighs, pooling on the floor beneath her. You smirked down at your new fucktoy, proud of her performance.

"That's it, that's a good girl," you praised mockingly, giving Chaeyeon's ass a sharp smack. "You've done well today, slut. You've pleased your Master greatly."

You hooked the leash back onto Chaeyeon's collar, giving it a sharp tug. "Come, my perfect little fucktoy. Let's leave your sister to think about her choices." With a lewd, wet sound, Chaeyeon struggled to her feet, her legs shaky and unsteady from the intense fucking she had just endured. She followed behind you, head hung low, the leash leading her out of the room like a dog on a leash. The metallic click of the door closing behind her echoed like a gunshot, leaving Chaeryoung alone with you.

Chaeryoung flinched at the sound, her mind reeling with the horrific images of her sister debasing herself, screaming in pleasure as you used her. She shuddered, knowing that was only the beginning of the depravity her dear sister would suffer at your hands. The thought of Chaeyeon being your personal fucktoy, your plaything to ruin and defile as you saw fit, made Chaeryoung's stomach turn.

You turned to face Chaeryoung, a cruel smirk playing on your lips as you approached her bound form. You could see the fear and revulsion in her eyes, the way she tried to shrink back from your touch. It only spurred on your dark desires.

"As the days go by, your sister will suffer more," you said, trailing a finger along Chaeryoung's jawline, tilting her chin up to force her to meet your gaze. "More pain, more humiliation, more degradation. I will push her to her limits and beyond, until the only thing she knows is the feeling of my cock inside her, the taste of my cum on her tongue."

Chaeryoung whimpered, tears welling up in her eyes at the thought of her sister's impending fate. "Please… please don't…" she begged, voice trembling with fear and despair.

"But perhaps there is a way for you to spare her," you mused, your hand drifting down to Chaeryoung's most private place. Without warning, you delivered a sharp slap to her sensitive mound, making her yelp in pain and shock. "Volunteer to take your sister's place. Play my games, follow my orders without question. That, or your sister will entertain every drugged out drunkard at any bar i find" A lie, but she didn't need to know that. You could see the conflicting emotions warring in Chaeryoung's eyes - the desperate need to protect her sister, and the bone-deep revulsion at the thought of suffering the same fate. You smirked, enjoying her distress.

"Well? What will it be, little one?" you asked, giving her pussy another condescending slap, relishing her pained yelp. "Will you be a good girl and take your sister's place? Will you give yourself to me completely, to be used for my pleasure in any way I desire?"

Chaeryoung trembled, tears streaming down her face as she struggled to find the words. She knew she couldn't let her sister suffer any longer, but the thought of being at the mercy of this monster filled her with dread.

"I…I…" Chaeryoung stammered, her voice barely a whisper. "I'll do it. I'll do whatever you want. Just…just please, leave Chaeyeon alone."

A cruel laugh escaped your lips as you heard Chaeryoung's reluctant acceptance. "Excellent choice," you purred, giving her mound another possessive grope. "I look forward to breaking you in."

With that, you reached down and turned the vibrator back on, cranking it up to its highest setting. Chaeryoung screamed as the intense, unrelenting buzzing filled her core once more, her body convulsing against the restraints holding her down.

"There now, let that motivate you to be an extra good girl for me," you said with a wicked grin, watching her writhe and moan in helpless pleasure. "Remember, your obedience and submission is the only thing standing between your sister and a life of endless fucking and abuse."

You turned and walked out of the room, leaving Chaeryoung to her torment, the sound of her screams and the buzzing vibrator filling the air. You knew she would be a tight, virgin hole, and you couldn't wait to ruin her completely.

You stepped into the dimly lit room, the air thick with a mixture of sweat, sex, and the faint scent of ozone from the electric collar around Lia's neck. The scene before you was one of debauchery and depravity, but you had to maintain your facade, to play the role of the cruel, sadistic master to the hilt.

Your gaze fell upon Lia first, her lithe body slumped in the chair, head lolling to the side as she teetered on the brink of consciousness. The electric collar around her slender throat glinted coldly in the low light, a silent testament to the punishment she had endured each time Ryujin and Yeji had found their release. Lia's body was a work of art, toned and taut from years of rigorous K-pop idol training, her porcelain skin marred only by the red welts and bruises from your "punishments." Even in her dazed state, you could appreciate the delicate curve of her collarbone, the swell of her small but pert breasts rising and falling with each ragged breath.

Beside her, the sight of Ryujin and Yeji was equally devastating. The two women were splayed out on the obscene contraption you had left them bound to, their lithe dancer's legs splayed wide, ankles and wrists still secured to the seesaw. Ryujin's long, toned limbs jerked and spasmed each time the mechanical arm plunged the thick, veined dildo into her tight, dripping pussy. Her creamy skin glistened with a sheen of sweat, and her full, pouty lips parted in a silent scream of unwanted ecstasy with each thrust. Beside her, Yeji's body undulated in counterpoint, her own generous curves bouncing and jiggling as the dildo plunged into her over and over, her tight cunt gripping the intruding toy like a vice.

You felt a twinge of sympathy for these poor, innocent women, forced to endure such depraved torment. But you had a job to do, and playing the role of the cruel master was the only way to infiltrate this sick organization and bring them to justice. You had to make them believe that their suffering brought you some twisted sense of pleasure, even as your heart ached for their plight.

You approached Lia cautiously, unhooking the electric collar from around her slender throat with a soft click. She let out a shuddering sigh of relief as the painful pressure disappeared, gingerly rubbing at the reddened skin beneath. You could see the fear and exhaustion etched into every line of her delicate face as you set a glass of water down in front of her bound hands.

Lia looked up at you with wide, terrified eyes as she tried to sit up straight in the chair, her wrists still secured to the armrests, her ankles still splayed and tied to the legs. "Please," she whispered hoarsely, her voice raspy from screaming and dehydration, "what…what are your intentions with Ryujin and Yeji? With all of us? Please, just let us go. We won't say anything, I swear it!"

You let out a low, mocking chuckle, circling around Lia's chair like a predator stalking its prey. You knew you had to tread carefully, to build the illusion that her obedience could somehow spare her friends from further torment. It was a cruel lie, but a necessary one.

You leaned in close, your face inches from Lia's as you spoke in a low, threatening tone. "Let you go? Oh, my sweet little flower, if only it were that simple." You reached out, tucking a strand of her silky black hair behind her ear, your fingers lingering on the curve of her jaw. "The truth is, Itzy has been…underperforming. Their sales, their popularity, it's all been declining. Why else do you think it was so easy for us to capture you girls?"

Lia's eyes widened in shock and disbelief. "What? But that's not true! We've been working so hard, training every day…"

You cut her off with a sharp laugh, gripping her chin firmly. "Hard? You call that hard work? It's not enough. Not nearly enough." You released her chin and stepped back, beginning to slowly pace around her chair.

"That's where you come in, my dear Lia. You, my sweet little pet, have the potential to change everything. If you please me, if you obey me completely, I can make Itzy shine again. I can make them the sensation they were always meant to be. Of course, your fellow members will have to be obedient too, but you get to be the first, my dear girl." "You can be the shining star that saves them from ruin, Lia. Imagine it - the headlines, the adoration, the fame and fortune that would be yours if you simply submit to me. I can give you everything your heart desires, but only if you give yourself to me completely."

You paused, letting the weight of your words sink in as you stared intensely into Lia's eyes. "I want to mold you, to shape you into the perfect little toy. I'll train you to crave my touch, to live for the feeling of my skin against yours. Your pleasure will be mine to command, your orgasms belonged to me."

Lia trembled at your words, a confusing mix of fear and shameful excitement coursing through her. The thought of being the savior of Itzy, of giving everything to protect her members, warred with the humiliation of debasing herself for a monster like you. But what choice did she have? She had to be strong for Ryujin and Yeji, for all of Itzy.

"Please…" Lia whispered, tears welling up in her eyes. "Please, I'll do anything. Anything you want. I'll be your toy, your pet, your plaything. Just please, make Itzy successful again. Don't hurt them anymore."

You smirked, knowing you had her, knowing she was ready to be broken in and molded to your whims. "Good girl," you praised, reaching out to stroke her cheek. "Such a good, obedient little flower. You're going to make a wonderful pet."

You turned to the one-way mirror overlooking the room where Ryujin and Yeji remained bound and tormented, their bodies jerking and bouncing in sickening unison. "Watch," you commanded Lia, pointing towards the glass. "Watch as your obedience saves them from any more pain. Watch as you become my perfect, eager little fucktoy."

Lia turned to look where you indicated, seeing her dear friends being violated and used like mere objects. Tears streamed down her face as she whispered, "Please…please be gentle with them. I'll do anything you want, anything at all. Just please…make us successful again."

You circled around Lia's chair like a predator, your eyes roaming over her bound, trembling form. "Now then," you began, your voice dripping with dark promise, "it's time for your first lesson in obedience. You're to address me as Master at all times, do you understand?"

Lia nodded quickly, fresh tears springing to her eyes. "Y-yes Master," she stammered out, her voice quivering with fear and humiliating excitement. "I understand, Master."

"Good girl," you praised, reaching out to cup her chin, tilting her face up to meet your intense gaze. "You're a quick learner, Lia. I'm going to enjoy breaking you in."

You released her chin and stepped back, circling behind her chair. "First things first - I want you to start by thanking me for the water I gave you. Thank me like the grateful little slut you are."

Lia swallowed hard, knowing she had to play along, had to submit completely to your twisted games. "Thank you, Master," she began, her voice shaking as she tried to pour as much gratitude into her words as she could muster. "Thank you for giving this worthless slut water, Master. I am so grateful for your mercy and kindness, Master."

You smirked at her clumsy attempt, but it would do for now. "Better," you said, giving a sharp smack to her ass, watching it jiggle from the impact. "Now, let's see how well you follow orders. I want you to beg me to spank you, to punish this naughty body of yours. Beg me to redden your ass and slap your needy cunt until you can't sit right for a week. Go on, beg for it like the desperate little whore you are."

Lia let out a choked sob, her face flushing a deep crimson as she struggled to find the words to beg for such a degrading act. "Please…please," Lia whimpered, her voice trembling uncontrollably. "Please punish this worthless slut. I've been so bad, so disobedient…"

She paused, realizing she had made a mistake in not addressing you correctly. Fresh tears sprang to her eyes as she quickly corrected herself. "Punish this worthless slut, Master! Punish me hard, Master! I need to be punished, Master! Please spank my naughty ass and slap my dirty cunt until it's raw and aching, Master!"

You could see the revulsion and humiliation in Lia's eyes as she begged, but also a spark of shameful arousal. She was trying her best to follow your orders, even if every fiber of her being recoiled at the degrading words spilling from her lips.

You gripped her ass hard, sinking your fingers into the supple flesh as you lifted your hand and brought it down in a sharp, stinging slap. Lia yelped, her body jerking in the chair as the pain radiated through her. "Ah! Thank you, Master!" she cried out, her hips bucking instinctively.

You smacked her ass again, and again, each blow harder than the last. Lia wailed and begged, her voice rising in pitch with each strike. "Please, please Master! It hurts!" she sobbed, trying desperately to hold still in the chair even as her body screamed to escape the searing pain.

"Please, I'm sorry! I'll be a good girl, I swear!" Lia babbled incoherently, her mind starting to fray at the edges from the overwhelming sensation of pain and unwanted arousal. "I'll do better, I'll be your good little slut, your perfect fucktoy! Just please…please stop!"

But you didn't stop. You continued to rain down blows on her tender flesh, watching with dark satisfaction as red handprints blossomed across her once pristine ass. You smacked her pussy next, the lewd sound of skin on skin filling the room as Lia howled and begged for mercy.

"Please Master, please!" Lia screamed, her voice raw and hoarse from the relentless onslaught of pain. Tears and snot streamed down her face as she bucked and wr writhed against the chair, her body no longer able to stay still. "It hurts so much, Master! I can't…I can't take anymore!"

You paused, your hand poised in the air, ready to deliver another stinging slap to her red, throbbing flesh. You could see the desperation and agony in Lia's eyes, hear it in her wailing pleas. She was close to her breaking point, teetering on the edge of shattering completely.

You paused, your hand poised in the air, as Lia's desperate pleas and the raw agony in her voice registered. Her body was shaking uncontrollably now, tears and snot streaming down her face as she begged you to stop. You could see she was at her limit, teetering on the brink of a complete mental collapse.

You smirked, realizing you had successfully broken through her defenses, shattered her pride. Lia was now ready for the next phase of her training. You released her wrists and ankles from the chair, allowing her to slump forward, her body wracked with sobs.

"Enough for now," you said, your voice cold and dismissive. You grabbed Lia by the hair, wrenching her head back and forcing her to look up at you. "You've done well, pet. You're learning your place."

You let go of her hair and reached for a collar and leash, roughly securing it around Lia's slender throat. She whimpered as the leather tightened, the metal buckle digging into her skin. "Come," you commanded, giving the leash a sharp tug.

Lia scrambled to obey, dropping to her hands and knees on the cold, hard floor. She followed behind you, crawling awkwardly, her ass still red and throbbing from the brutal spanking. Tears and drool dripped from her chin as she struggled to keep up with your long strides, the leash pulling taut and forcing her to stumble forward.

You led her out of the room and down the hallway, passing by the one-way mirror where Ryujin and Yeji remained bound and helpless, their bodies still bouncing and jerking as the dildos violated them without mercy. Lia dared a glance up at the glass, her eyes widening in horror at the sight of her friends' debauchery.

Finally, you reached your private chambers. You opened the door, revealing a spacious room filled with all manner of BDSM toys and furniture. Lia's eyes widened in fear as she took in the sight of the spanking bench, the various whips and toys hanging on the walls.

You dragged Lia by the leash into the room, the cold metal of the collar digging into her tender throat with each stumbling step. Her eyes darted around the room, taking in the vulgar sights before her - the towering cage in the corner, the ominous-looking restraints bolted to the walls, the various toys and implements of torture scattered across every surface.

You brought her to a halt in the center of the room and released her leash, giving it a sharp tug to make her stumble and fall to her knees before you. You loomed over her crouched form, looking down at the broken girl with a mix of disdain and dark satisfaction.

"On your feet, slut," you barked, grabbing her arm and hauling her up none too gently. Lia yelped in pain as her bruised knees and sore muscles protested the sudden movement. "Get in the cage," you ordered, pointing to the dog cage in the corner.

Lia hesitated for a moment, a flicker of defiance sparking in her tear-filled eyes. But one look at your stern, impatient face quickly extinguished any thoughts of disobedience. With shaking hands, Lia crawled into the cage, curling up in a tight ball in the confined space.

You grinned wickedly as you slammed the cage door shut, the lock clicking into place with a harsh finality. You could see the humiliation and degradation etched into every line of Lia's body as she huddled there, reduced to a mere pet to be caged and contained.

"There now," you purred, circling the cage and admiring your new acquisition. "Isn't that so much better than that chair? So much more…suiting for a filthy little whore like you."

You reached into the cage, gripping Lia's chin and forcing her to look up at you. Tears streamed down her face as she stared at you with a mix of fear and reluctant acceptance. "Thank you for locking this worthless slut in your cage, Master," she whimpered out, her voice broken and defeated. "This worthless slut loves being your prisoner, Master."

Hearing that, you turn, throwing a towel over the cage, further isolating Lia, before turning to your bed, face falling into your hands. This was too much, as memories of your previous self rushed to the surface, and now you had given it too much time outside. No, this couldn't be. This was just for the mission. It'll be okay soon

[spookberry]

Ya know in TGWDLM when Paul and Emma are like "you gotta think about the IMPLICATIONS!!" "oh god i didnt think about the implications!"

Thats what Danny Phantom fans do all day long

[ratherchili]

𖹭 cw: suggestive, edgy, mdni

part one | two | three | four | five ‹soon›

You are in the kitchen fussing over a curry when your big brother's friend sukuna returns the very next day. Alone. Toji had the decency to warn you, so when sukuna sneaks up behind you, you manage not to jump out of your skin. You do however, shoot a glare at him over your shoulder when he powers off your Bluetooth speaker and gives your ponytail a hard tug. "Hey brat," he says, sniffing over your shoulder. "Miss me?"

"Smells good," he says, when you don't dignify his question with a response.

"It's not for you," you huff.

"Not talking about that slop," he says, close enough that you feel his breath against your neck.

"Back off," you round on him, brandishing your curry-stained spoon.

"Scary," he says, before he leans in and licks the utensil with the broad flat of his tattooed tongue, much to your dismay and his subsequent amusement.

You groan as you turn away to rinse the spoon in the sink. Why Toji thought it would be a good idea for his overgrown lackey to stay here until his return, you just can't understand. Doesn't help that he refuses to explain it to you. "Just tell me if he leaves," he had rasped at you before abruptly hanging up. You question what gods you have angered to put you in this situation as you watch the suds circle the drain.

"Toji says you have to stay so-"

"I don't give a fuck what Toji says," he interjects.

"So you're leaving?" You ask hopefully as you dry your hands.

"No."

"Then we should set some ground rul-" you trail off as you turn to see him tugging his shirt off over his head with his lower pair of arms. His chest and abdomen are tattooed in a similar linear pattern as his jaw line, you notice. Bold black marks like nature might bestow on some highly poisonous insect as a warning. Fitting for him, then.

"You were saying?" He prompts with a smirk as you realize you are staring instead of speaking.

"Can't you do that somewhere else?" You snap, rapidly losing what little patience you had to begin with.

"Do what?" He asks, as if he doesn't know. He crosses both sets of his stupidly muscular arms over his stupidly muscular chest, making every striation and vein stand out. On purpose. He does it on purpose. Why does he have to look like that? It's so annoying. You hate him. Hate him.

To your horror, you feel heat creeping up your neck all the way to the tops of your ears. The flush must be visible, judging by the amused expression on his face, which makes you even angrier.

"I don't know," you begin, gesturing wildly at him, "Exist? Could you just go exist somewhere fucking else?" You realize distantly that you are shouting. He is smiling and inching closer. "And if that's too much trouble, maybe you could - I don't know - do the world a favor and fucking kill yourself, huh? How about that?"

You continue on screaming at him, expelling at top volume and long last, your extensive list of grievances. You don't even realize that you have been backing away from him until your ass connects with the counter. By then, it is too late because his upper hands are cupping your chin, squishing your cheeks so that your words come out slurred just before he silences you completely with his mouth. You can taste the curry as your lips part for his tongue, out of pure shock, of course.

Your lips remain parted even after he breaks the kiss, panting as he grins at you. Before you can collect your scattered thoughts, movement drags your eyes down his abdomen, which, to your horror, splits open just below his navel. At first, you think he's injured, but when a large, wet tongue lolls out of the opening, you realize that it is just another anatomical anomaly. Stomach mouth. Why not? You scream all the way to your bedroom. His laughter echoes after you even after you've slammed the door shut.

A vague desire to not burn your brother's house down - at least not with yourself still in it - finally pulls you from your hiding place. The monster is nowhere in sight and, it would seem, he turned off the stovetop for you. The curry is salvageable, although a bit of the sauce is burned to the bottom of the pan. Your pride, on the other hand, well, that remains to be seen.

part one | two | three | four | five ‹soon›

taglist ‹ age in your bio to be added ›

@orikixx ; @scorpiosugar ; @just-lilita ; @shesabeeler ; @maybe-a-bi-witch ; @cairo-morningstar ; @rawwrrgal ; @sukubusss ; @raedollsstuff ; @expiredbred ; @ieathairs ; @frieddelusionparadise ; @hishearttohave ; @vellichor01 ; @mimiluvzu2 ; @lem-hhn ; @msrr-ws ; @paradisestarfishh ; @yuj111tadori ; @iminlovewqr0w ; @linaaeatsfamilies ; @samisfunky ; @noyaskneepad ; @shxyxyxxxx ; @00frenchfries00 ; @chubbyblckgirl ; @mysticranger575 ; @waterfal-ling ; @chiizuyu ; @contaminatedcupcake ; @littlesnoopy ; @dizzydotjpeg ; @sugufushi ; @missbunnybunny ; @go-go-gadget-autism ; @grapelover2000 ; @mmeerraa ; @tsukikoxo ; @slqttttt ; @akumazwrld ; @christiannugget ; @zlimeyzenin

[boy-with-the-pink-hair]

Yeah, I made a comic. Why? Cuz, I love to suffer. OTL

Based on my fic.*shameless self-promo* Relevant snippet below the cut.

...

Stepping deeper now into the cavernous inner chamber, he kept a hand on the wall to guide him as he peered into the gloom, wondering what could've caused the machine to malfunction. He took another few steps forward, nearing the far end of the chamber, his hand sliding along the wall until it passed over an open panel and a small round protrusion. Suddenly, his foot bumped against a thick cable on the floor and he shifted his weight in surprise. That's when he felt the protrusion beneath his hand sink into the wall with a click!

He stumbled back and saw the control panel where his hand had been, the buttons labeled on and off. He soon realized what he'd done as the chamber let out a heavy CLUNK and began to whir and hum, the glowing lines of circuitry growing brighter as the sound crescendo'd to a deafening peak. Danny heard his friends calling out to him in surprise, but he found himself frozen in place as he turned to see a bright green light bloom at the end of the chamber into a brilliantly blinding flash!

Suddenly, a massive surge of energy ripped into his body! It took his breath away--pulled from his lungs in a painful scream as his muscles contracted violently, body spasming and convulsing as every nerve burned and sizzled! His heart pounded erratically in his chest, harder and faster than he'd ever felt in his life, as though it might explode! He clutched at his chest with another painful spasm, doubling over in pain as he tried to take a breath. It was an agony like nothing he'd ever felt before. It felt like dying. Like his body was being ripped apart, molecule by molecule.

Then as quickly as it began, it was over. His eyes rolled back as he collapsed to the floor, a blackness overtaking everything.

...

While the two friends busied themselves with their own activities, they didn't notice the atmosphere of the lab change... until it was too late. The CLUNK of the machine quickly drew their attention and both Sam and Tucker dropped what they were doing to watch in horror as it whirred to life. The hum of the machine grew louder and louder--a growing static-charge making the air feel crispy--and Sam's heart sank in dread. "Danny?" she called out to her friend, "Danny, what's happening?!" Tucker rushed back to the portal entrance to see what was happening, and joined in Sam's concern. "Danny, get out of there! Something's wrong!" he shouted over the noise, but it was too late. A bright flash of light burst from the machine, forcing the pair to shield their eyes as the deafening hum was replaced by Danny's agonized screaming and the crackle of electricity. "DANNY!!" Sam dropped her camera and lurched toward the portal entrance, but Tucker caught her by the waist and pulled her back. "Sam, don't! It's too dangerous! You could get hurt!" "But Danny's IN THERE!! We have to SAVE him!!" she argued, pulling against his grip, but Tucker held tight. "I’m sorry, Sam... there's nothing we can do." He knew the odds of saving their friend were slim, and the odds of joining his tragic predicament, extremely high. But Sam refused to just stand by and do nothing while her best-friend was in danger. She broke free of Tucker's arms and rushed forward-- but it was already over. Danny's body crumpled to the floor with a thud and laid motionless beyond the threshold of the machine as the chamber crackled and a swirling green vortex formed inside.

The two friends stared in quiet horror, before Sam stumbled forward into the machine, dropping down beside Danny's still form. She knew immediately that something was wrong and quickly moved to drag his limp body back from that sinister green vortex, as it grew to fill the entire chamber. She felt her heart clench as she dragged him back into the lab and laid him onto his back. His hair, once a jet-black, was now a shock of white, and he felt cold beneath her fingers. A faint stench of burnt flesh wafted from his body, his suit a charred black and the rubber ashen. She knelt beside him, a hand on his chest, the other gently brushing the hair from his face. "Tucker..." She looked back at the other boy in restrained panic, her voice wavering as she spoke. "He-- He's not breathing."

---

Read the rest here.

[sixeyesonathiel]

bet on blue — f1driver!gojo x gf!reader

fluff, meant to parallel free throws & figure drawings. there's just something so fine about gojo satoru going bonkers once the love of his life bets on him <3

you weren’t supposed to say it.

not like that.

not now—when the air still hums with anticipation, when the scent of engine oil and tire polish settles thick on the back of your tongue, when your heart’s already pounding like it knows what’s coming, trying to match the rhythm of countdowns and pit crew drills.

but you do.

because you can’t keep your mouth shut around him. because your skin still buzzes from watching him tear through the track like a man possessed. because there’s something so sharp and untouchable about the way he moves—fast, unrelenting, devastating—and it makes your chest ache with something too big to name.

because satoru gojo is the most terrifying and beautiful thing you’ve ever seen when he’s racing. and you were never any good at playing it safe.

“i bet on you.”

the words leave your mouth without ceremony, unpolished, tumbling clumsily into the space between you.

he's got his back to you, adjusting the straps on his helmet, his focus sharp as he readies himself for the race. the top of his fireproof suit is already unzipped, the fabric clinging to his torso as he shifts, every movement deliberate and calculated. the suit, darkened in spots where the sweat's started to settle, emphasizes the lean muscle of his frame. his hair is messy and damp, wild strands of white falling into his eyes, evidence of the heat and pressure he’s already been battling all morning.

his shoulders go still.

you don’t see his face at first, but you see the shift in him—like the gears in his head lock suddenly. like the whole world slams on the brakes. he turns slowly, glancing over one shoulder with narrowed eyes, the pale blue of them catching the light like fractured glass.

“what?”

you fold your arms, shifting your weight onto one leg, trying not to let your nerves show. your tongue presses hard against the inside of your cheek.

“like... sports betting,” you say, and your voice is too light, too nonchalant to be casual. “on today’s race. i put everything i had in savings on you.”

his jaw drops.

literally.

you watch the whole thing unfold like a slow-motion scene—the way his mouth opens slightly, the way his brows lift, how the color in his face flickers between confusion and horror. he looks like he just got slapped with a wet towel.

“you’re joking.”

you shake your head, biting down a grin. “nope.”

one beat. then another.

you can practically hear the static between you.

“you—are you insane?”

there’s genuine panic in his voice now, laced beneath the disbelief. he takes a step forward, then another���hands half-extended like he doesn’t know whether to shake you or pull you into his arms. finally, he grabs you by the shoulders, fingers curling into your jacket like he’s trying to keep you from evaporating.

his palms are hot. a little sweaty. a little trembling.

“you bet how much?”

you tilt your chin up, pride and nerves fighting for dominance. “ten thousand.”

his reaction is immediate and dramatic—his eyes widen, his lips part in shock, and he makes a noise that can only be described as a strangled gasp-scream hybrid. he spins away from you like he’s trying to physically escape the consequences of your words, dragging his hands through his hair until it’s sticking up in all directions.

“you WHAT—”

you dissolve into laughter. his horror is tangible, full-bodied, like it physically hurts him. he paces in frantic, looping circles, muttering to himself as if trying to rewrite the last thirty seconds.

“baby—do you have any idea how bad that is?” he finally exclaims, spinning back toward you with wild eyes. “what if i crash? what if the brakes lock up? what if some asshole takes me out on turn two again?”

you shrug. “then i go broke. and i sell feet pics.”

his face twists in agony. “NO!” he shouts, like you just proposed a blood ritual. “no, no, no—i’m going to win. i have to win now. i have to—i’m going to destroy everyone. i’m going to lap verstappen.”

“don’t think that’s possible on this circuit.”

he points a finger at you, accusatory. “i will make it possible.”

his eyes are blazing—like holy fire. and his hair, still spiked in wild directions, makes him look unhinged. like a beautiful lunatic.

you snort, watching the way his chest rises and falls with quick, shallow breaths. you reach up and touch his face, the pad of your thumb brushing just beneath his cheekbone. his skin is flushed and sticky, a thin sheen of sweat catching the light. he flinches slightly at your touch, like the gentleness startles him, then leans into it.

just for a second.

“you’re cute when you’re feral.” you murmur.

his eyes flutter shut briefly. like it grounds him. like you ground him.

you always do.

but he’s not cute on track.

he’s terrifying.

when the lights go out, he launches off the line like a missile.

you watch with your heart in your throat as he threads through corners with razor precision, faster than physics, faster than common sense. lap after lap, he pushes the car like it’s an extension of his will, shaving off milliseconds with each turn.

“manage pace.” his engineer warns.

he doesn’t even pretend to listen.

“you’re purple sectoring too aggressively.”

his voice crackles back, tight and low—“she bet ten thousand. i need more purple.”

the commentators laugh, but it’s a nervous kind of laughter. the kind that comes before something historic.

by lap fifteen, he’s broken the lap record. by twenty, the race record. by twenty-five, he’s leaving the field in the dust, overtaking cars like they insulted his ancestors.

he crosses the finish line thirty seconds ahead of p2.

the stands erupt. the commentators go breathless. the scoreboard lights up like a war won.

but none of that matters.

he’s already moving—yanking off gloves, hands shaking, helmet off and thrown somewhere onto the pit wall. his hair is soaked through with sweat now, sticking to his forehead and temples in wild strands.

the moment the car stops, he climbs out like it’s on fire. his boots hit the ground, and he’s running—ignoring the team, the cameras, the crowd.

you. he’s only looking at you.

amidst the roar of the crowd and the crackle of radio chatter, it’s like the rest of the world disappears. your eyes lock, and time stretches, the chaos around you fading into a blur. you’re still by the barrier, hands trembling against your mouth, eyes wide in disbelief. you can’t move, frozen in the instant. his gaze is all-consuming, like he's pulling you into his orbit.

he reaches you in four strides, swift and confident, the tension in his muscles unmistakable as he closes the distance between you.

“you—” he starts, voice hoarse from exertion, but then the words cut off, and without another word, he lifts you off the ground.

your feet leave the earth. your heart does too.

his grip is firm, his hands at your waist, and for a moment, you feel weightless. the adrenaline still vibrates through his body, and it sends a ripple of warmth through yours. his eyes, wide with disbelief, are only on you. there’s a mix of awe and frantic joy in his gaze as if he can’t quite believe this is real.

“ten thousand dollars!” he shouts, voice louder now, and then—without warning—he pulls you into him. his lips crash against yours, messy and desperate. it’s like a collision of everything—teeth, tongues, breathless gasps, and all the tension of the race exploding in a kiss. it’s uncoordinated, a beautiful chaos, and it tastes like victory. like danger. like home.

he pulls back just enough to catch his breath, his forehead resting against yours, his hands still clutching you like he can’t let go, even if he wanted to. “you fucking gambled on me,” he murmurs, his voice ragged with emotion. “what kind of insane, gorgeous, genius idiot are you?”

you laugh, breathless and caught in the aftermath of his kiss. your fingers curl into the collar of his half-unzipped suit, your knuckles brushing against the damp skin on his neck, feeling the heat still radiating from him. his pulse thunders against your chest, the rhythm in sync with yours.

“the kind who knew you’d win.” you whisper, and the words feel like the truth. you always knew he would.

he stares at you for a beat, his mouth twitching into a crooked grin. “you’re not allowed to bet on anyone else ever again.”

you raise an eyebrow, trying to act like you’re considering his request, but you know it’s a losing battle. “what if i bet on you every race?”

his smirk is cocky, his eyes gleaming with mischief. he presses his forehead to yours, the contact grounding. his breath is still ragged, and his smile is utterly smug. “then i’ll win every race. world records be damned. i’ll win everything.”

there’s that unwavering confidence in his voice. and you know—he means it. he will win everything. but right now, all he cares about is you. and you can’t help the warmth blooming in your chest.

when he finally sets you down, it’s with reluctance, like he’s dragging himself away from something he doesn’t want to leave. but he doesn’t let go of your hand—no, he tangles his fingers with yours, his grip firm and possessive, pulling you along with him through the pit lane, through the chaos of the crowd.

his body language is effortless, his movements commanding, as if he’s always in control. but there’s something in the way he holds your hand, the way he keeps you close, that says more than any words could. he’s not just the fastest driver on the planet. right now, in this moment, he’s completely and utterly yours.

the media swarm as soon as you make it to the front. flashes of cameras blind you both, the noise overwhelming. satoru’s got you tucked under his arm like a prize, and he doesn’t seem to mind one bit. you’re still trying to steady your breathing, but all you can focus on is how he’s still wearing that grin, the one that makes him look like he owns the world. his hair is a mess, damp and wild from the race, and his fireproof suit is half-unzipped, barely clinging to his chest. he doesn’t care about any of it. all he cares about is you.

the flash of a camera catches you at just the wrong angle, and you wince when you feel the lipstick smudge along your lips. your heart skips when you catch sight of it—a small smear on the corner of his mouth, and a dark streak of color against his cheek from where you kissed him so urgently. it's messy, but the evidence of the kiss only makes him look even more alluring.

“this win’s for her,” he announces into the mic, all charm and teeth, like he’s not sweating, like he didn’t just push his body to the limit to win. “she believed in me. also, she bet her savings on me, so if i lost, i was gonna have to start an onlyfans.”

the press laughs, but you can’t find the strength to smile. you bury your face into his shoulder, mortified by the lipstick smudge on his face that you’re certain is going to become a headline. you feel the warmth of his skin against your cheek, and then, you feel his chuckle rumble in his chest. his fingers brush the edge of your face, gently adjusting your hair, before he leans down, pressing a soft kiss to your temple. it’s like he’s claiming you all over again. “don’t worry,” he says, voice teasing, “i’ll make sure no one notices.”

you’re still in a daze, trying to recover from the whirlwind, but the thought of everyone seeing the mark you left on him has you cringing. satoru, of course, doesn’t seem to mind at all. if anything, it seems to amuse him.

“anyway,” he grins, pulling back just enough to look at you. “guess it’s her turn to buy dinner now.”

the crowd erupts in cheer, but you’re barely aware of them. all you can hear is the sound of your heart thundering in your chest and the warmth of his lips still lingering on your skin. maybe this is it—maybe this is the moment when everything shifts. because as satoru’s hand tightens around yours, you realize that the win he’s really talking about isn’t the race.

it’s you.

and to satoru gojo, that’s the only victory that matters.

a/n : you then get banned to five betting sites for insider trading 💔 dont nitpick about the race pls i did my best😔 if u saw the wrong version of this earlier no u didn't🩷 did i ever mention transferring my works from my drafts to tumblr is hell?🤗 IT HAD TO ESCAPE MY DRAFTS WHILE I WAS STILL EDITING TOO. i feel like i would implode from embarassment every damn time this typa shit happens😭

anyways this my apology to satoru for reader only betting the minimum on his team at free throws and figure drawings LMAOOO.

[niwaart]

SEE WHAT I CAN DO

<PART1> <PART2> <part3> <part4>

Y/N finds out that the spoiled rich boy is Batman, and not only that, his new partner is Richard... She's been home for two months and Richard for a month, so why is Richard becoming so close to the rich boy? At first he was mad at her and her father, and now they're like family? She suspected it for a week, and now she finds out why, Batman and Robin... Another reason to hate the spoiled boy and his adopted son. Ever since she found out this secret, her hostility towards the spoiled boy and his adopted son has become stronger and stronger.

Her fights with Richard were continuous, she didn't yell at him or start any fights, but he was the one who created the problems which Y/N ​​ended either by hitting him or threatening to burn their things which made him silent and afraid until he found a new problem to create, and worse? Her father, the spoiled boy, stands by his adopted son instead of his own blood daughter, but it's okay, she's not as easy as her father thinks, during Richard and Y/N's fight, Richard was the one who started the problem by saying that he doesn't like her to be in the same room as him, Y/N ignored him, after all empty talk doesn't do anything and can't affect anything, but Richard couldn't stand her silence so he took her headphones from her and broke them... Richard came to his senses after breaking Y/N's headphones and wanted to apologize but it was too late because Y/N didn't hesitate to take Richard's stuffed animal and throw it in the fireplace to burn, Richard screamed in horror and tried to pull his stuffed animal out of the fire, tears were streaming down his face while Y/N looked at him coldly. It was the perfect time for Bruce to enter, all Bruce saw was Richard rushing to his doll, he leaned down next to Richard and asked him what happened while wiping Richard's tears. "Y/N threw the only gift I have from my father into the fire!" Bruce was shocked and turned towards Y/N angrily while Y/N was collecting the scattered pieces from her headphones "Why did you do that?!" Bruce stood up and approached her, Y/N did not show the slightest horror or fear from him, on the contrary she looked at him angrily. Her silence was a signal for Bruce to slap her... Richard trembled from the loud sound of the slap, while Alfred rushed into the room... Bruce felt a moment of regret for hitting her, as he watched Y/N's tears.

Y/N turned and ran... not to her room, but to the Batcave, Bruce saw that she didn't go upstairs so he followed her and was surprised that she was inside the cave, he and Alfred quickly ran and what he didn't expect was that Y/N would destroy his things, starting with the computer whose screen was broken and Y/N who was breaking the keyboard, Bruce tried to grab her and stop her but he failed as Y/N quickly ran away from him and grabbed a small bomb which she activated and threw at the place where Batman and Robin's suits were, Bruce shouted "No! Stop!!" Y/N felt a burning sensation from the blow on her cheek, so she wouldn't stop until the pain stopped. The bomb exploded and Robin's suit was completely burned while Batman's suit was damaged and half burned. Bruce quickly grabbed Y/N and shouted at her angrily as Y/N looked at her work in the place with a smile and tears staining her cheeks. Alfred ordered Bruce to be quiet as he led Y/N out of the cave, Richard was standing at the entrance of the cave looking in horror at the destruction inside the cave and to Y/N, he swore that night that he would never come near her again or try to cause trouble for her again.

After that night, the atmosphere in the house was worse than before, Richard was avoiding Y/N and keeping a distance between them, Bruce couldn't look Y/N in the eyes who was still staring at Bruce coldly and with anger now, and Alfred who always tried to lighten the mood. The situation continued like this even after Richard and Y/N turned 19, where a huge fight happened between Richard and Bruce, after which Richard decided to move out of the house, less than a month later Bruce adopted another child, Jason Todd, Alfred asked Y/N to welcome him, but her trust towards the people of Gotham was zero percent now, he didn't bother her but he was intrusive on her in the smallest things.  He annoyed her by asking her what this is, how this is, why this is... but he was better than Richard to her, he called her big sister which surprised her, so she accepted him a little... but he is still Robin, who helps Batman, her damn father... Y/N turned to look at Jason who was sitting with her reading a book, maybe Y/N was spoiling him a little, he asked her if it was okay if he read her book, Y/N didn't mind so she gave him the book, but she didn't expect him to take the book and sit next to her like an obedient child... Jason was much thinner and smaller than her, she couldn't stop herself from giving him candy... yes she spoiled him a lot.

It was a normal day, Y/N was sitting in the park under a tree next to Jason who was holding one of her books, Jason looked nervous, he would glance at her from time to time, Y/N noticed his strange behavior so she pushed her shoulder towards him while looking at him curiously, Jason opened his mouth but closed it then opened it again... "Y/N... Can I ask you a question?" Jason looked at her expectantly, Y/N nodded yes, Jason continued "You can't... Can't you talk?... I asked Alfred and he said he didn't know if you could talk or not, so I was just wondering if you were mute, and I don't mean anything bad I promise! I was just curious-"

Y/N looked at Jason with a small smile."Who said I was mute? I'm not."

Jason jumped up in surprise and looked at Y/N and grinned widely. “You can talk!” Jason looked at Y/N like a little puppy wagging its tail excitedly. Y/N nodded her head as she petted his head, something she was used to doing now. Jason hugged her tightly “I’m happy, can you talk to me more?” Jason looked at Y/N with puppy eyes which made Y/N hesitate to turn him down “Um… okay, but only when we’re alone, okay?” Jason nodded towards Y/N vigorously “Yes! Yes! Only when we’re alone!” Y/N laughed at Jason’s excitement as Jason smiled proudly for making his sister laugh..

Y/N never expected to wake up one day and find that her little brother is dead... She was standing in the rain while Alfred held her umbrella and Bruce sat on the ground in front of Jason's grave, muttering apologies and blaming himself... Y/N couldn't hold herself back from screaming at him. "Yes, cry you son of a bitch, this all happened because of you!" Alfred and Bruce were surprised. It was the first time in over 5 years that Y/N spoke. Bruce was about to reply but Y/N didn't finish yet. "Shut up!! You're the one who caused his death!! You're bringing nothing but trouble with you!! So crying and apologizing for your sins doesn't do anything!! And you call yourself the protector of the city when you can't protect your assistant!!! You fucking lying useless son of a bitch!!" Y/N pushed Alfred behind her and headed to the mansion while leaving Alfred behind with Bruce who was in shock, Y/N wiped her tears as she headed to her room, she would never forgive that bastard, her mother died first, and now her little brother, she would definitely ruin his life now.

@crazycaoticsimp

[writing-girlie]

Beside you

Pairing: Jack Abbot x Wife!Reader

Blurb: In the wake of Pittfest you have to prepare to confront your past when you and Jack are called in to help.

WC: 1k

Note: I'm so obsessed with this man. Might write part two!

Evenings like this were a gift. Neither of you are getting ready for a shift or leaving for one, coming home tired or returning to an empty house. 

You’re on the couch together, the warm glow of the living room lamps casting soft light. The remnants of dinner are scattered across the coffee table - empty plates, a half-drunk bottle of wine. The only sound in the room is the quiet hum of the TV, playing something neither of you are really watching.

Your head rests on Jack’s shoulder as you trace shapeless patterns on his thigh. His arm rests around your shoulders, holding you close. 

“I could get used to this” you murmur as your eyes close. 

Jack chuckles softly, his lips brushing the top of your head. “It’s nice, isn’t it?” 

Peace never lasts long cause not even a minute later Jack's ringtone echoes through the room. He picks it up from the side table and answers. 

“Hey Robby, what's up?” As soon as you hear him say Robby your eyes open, and you look at the clock. 5:50pm. He'd still be on shift, and although you can't hear what Robby is saying you can hear the urgency in his tone which makes your stomach knot. You sit up, and your heart begins to race as you watch Jack's face. The conversation is brief, but the change in his body language is enough. He puts the phone down

“It’s PittFest,” Jack says, his voice almost too soft. “There’s an active shooter. They're calling in staff.”

You don't speak at first, you can't. Your legs suddenly feel weighted as you stand up. Jack also stands and his eyes search yours, he cups your cheek providing some comfort. His expression softens just for a moment before he shakes his head. “You don’t have to come. Robby said he understands.”

You turn your head slightly and kiss his palm. “You know I can't do that” You try to hide the shake in your voice. “I can't sit this out when I know what's happening, knowing I can help” His thumb brushes over your cheek, grounding you, but your mind is already slipping elsewhere.

6 months earlier

The first shot barely registers before the second and third ring out in quick succession. Then—screaming. Footsteps pounding in every direction. A rising, frantic noise that doesn’t stop.

Pain flares hot and sudden in your side, sharp enough to steal your breath. You get down to the ground, your hands instinctively pressing to the wound—already slick and warm with blood.

Around you, the chaos doesn’t slow. Bodies blur past. Shouts echo. Sirens wail in the distance, growing louder. You blink hard, forcing yourself to stay conscious. 

You don't know how much time passes before you're getting dragged into the back of someone's car along with other wounded and raced to the hospital.

The ride is fast and uneven, the tires screeching around corners. You are then being pulled from the car and sent inside, a pink slap and around your wrist. You try to listen to what the people around you say but you feel disorientated, a pitchy squeal still ringing through your ears.

“Abbot!” 

Robby’s voice cuts through the noise, sharp and urgent. It's enough to get him coming over as fast as he can. 

“What's going on-” He freezes. Just for a second. Long enough for the horror to register.

Then he moves. He’s at your side, hands already reaching, hesitating, afraid to hurt you, but needing to touch. “No, no…” His voice is barely above a whisper. “I’m here, I’ve got you. You’re okay. You’re okay.”

Your throat is so dry and you're in shock that only a squeak comes from your mouth. 

His hand grips yours, thumb sweeping over your knuckles, grounding you. “Stay with me, baby. I’ve got you.”

“Jack,” Robby says behind him, a quiet warning.

Jack closes his eyes for one second. Then he lets go of your hand. He straightens, wipes his face with the back of his glove, and turns to the chaos.

“McKay, get to the red zone. They need hands. Go.” She doesn’t question it—just does it. 

“Robby, you’re with me,” Jack says, voice tighter now, cold and clear.

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

The hospital is quieter now. People still line the halls but the chaos has died down. The weight of everything lingers in the air. 

After Jake has checked in on others around he circles round to you. His shoulders fall slightly, just enough to show you that he’s been holding himself upright on pure adrenaline.

He leans on the gurney. His fingers run through your hair. “You scared the hell out of me," he admits, his voice barely above a whisper.

You glance at him, a teasing smile tugging at your lips despite the ache in your side. “C’mon, Jack. I think you’ve seen me in worse shape after a night shift.”

He lets out a laugh, short but real. “Yeah, but at least then you're not bleeding out.”

“Well, next time I’ll try to give you a heads-up.”

He shakes his head, pressing a kiss to your forehead. “You're not funny.”

“But you love me?” You murmur, guiding him for a proper kiss.

“I do” He kisses you again. “So damn much” and again.

Now

You don't even have to think, muscle memory kicks in as you both rush to get ready. The drive is fast and quiet. He glances at you briefly. “You okay?”

“No,” you admit. “But we don’t have time not to be.”

When the hospital comes into view, the chaos has already started and your stomach knots. You remember too clearly what it was like arriving in the back of someone’s car, bleeding and barely conscious. Tonight, you walk in on your own two feet.

Jack grabs your wrist as you reach the sliding doors, just for a second.

“You’re not a patient this time.”

You nod. “I know.”

Then the doors open and the noise swallows you both. You gear up and head your different directions. 

“Dr. Abbott,” a nurse calls, breathless. “They need you in Trauma 2.”

“I’m going to triage,” you say, already pulling on gloves.

Jack catches your arm before you disappear. “Don't hesitate to come to me if you need something."

You give him a soft look. “I’m not the one you need to worry about.”

“I’m still gonna,” he says.

“I know” You give him a kiss. “I love you”

“I love you too”

[demonic0angel]

Anger management is in deep trouble with the villain of the week. Jason is trying to recover from being thrown through a couple of walls and plan out his next step when Jazz calls for her brother. Danny comes running full eldritch form.

Jason grit his teeth and tried to think of what to do next. His head was spinning and his back was sending him flares of pain that reached into his brain, only increasing his headache. His eyes drifted to Wolf, who was similarly woozy and injured as she stood on shaky legs, trembling like a newborn fawn.

“W-Wolf…!” He grit his teeth. “Run! They— They want me so—”

“If you think I’m going to run and leave you here, you probably have brain damage,” was her scathing reply. Jason choked on a laugh, his bones literally feeling as though they were creaking in his skin.

She approached him and gently brushed gloved fingers under his exposed eye from his broken helmet. Jason closed his eyes for a moment and then reopened them. Her other hand was fumbling for her gun, and realizing that she couldn’t find it, having lost it in the previous fight, she cursed softly. Jason watched her with half lidded eyes, still trying to think of a plan.

A roar from their previous assailant, who was extremely close, echoed through the air with a terrifying timbre and interrupted his thoughts.

Jason’s eyes widened. “Wolf!” He hissed again. “Please, I mean it, just run! Go! If you can get away, maybe you can get reinforcements—”

“I’m not leaving!” She snapped. She hugged him protectively, pulling his broad body into her arms as gingerly and quickly as she could. “I have a plan. Can you trust me?��

Jason blinked again. Well, he’d done crazier things with people he trusted even less than her.

“Of course. I trust you with my life.”

He couldn’t see her face through her helmet, but she seemed happy, before she took in an audible inhale.

And then— “DANNYYYYYY!!!”

The air seemed to still after her shout and then the creature that had beaten them roared again and thundering footsteps ran in their direction. Jason swore heavily but didn’t move as Wolf hugged him, pressing his face against her chest. Just as he could feel the ground shake and the huffing breaths of the monster, there was a bright green portal opening up some distance away from them.

Jason’s mouth dropped in both bafflement and shock as a white blur ran out and then tackled the beast that didn’t even get a chance to growl before it was crushed to a pulp. There were green and white flashes, incomprehensible body parts, and maybe even tentacles, and a very loud, drawn out scream from the dying monster before there was silence again.

Then there was the sound of slurping and crunching sounds like bones being crunched by teeth.

Jason stared and listened with horror.

“W-What the fuck was that?!”

Wolf sighed and stroked his back soothingly. Jason had a brief thought to mourn the fact that they were both clothed and armored so he couldn’t feel her warm skin, before he was back to being horrified as she replied nonchalantly with a large amount of fondness, “That was my little brother.”

“… you’ve gotta be kidding.”

“No. He comes when we call. Oh! There he is now! Hey, Danny!”

Jason turned around slowly, only to meet bright glowing eyes like two green suns staring at him with a terrifying amount of irritation.

“G̴̡̧̼͎̗̰̰̬̔̾̈́̊̇̎ė̵͕͔̝̱̖̗͆̂̆͌̈́͘͜t̴͕͓͚͕̥͚̂̂͐̍̂̀͊ ̷̝̎a̸̢̩̫͖̘͙̝̪̒̑̊̇ẃ̷̼̩̭̰̰͓̠̦̏̽̈̚ḁ̸̡͓̦̗̍̀̎͘͘͜y̴̧̖̫̰̮͒̊͛͜͠ ̸̩̝̬̥͉͇̇f̶̺̑͛̿͊̋͘͠r̴̜̪̥̓ó̵̥͐̍͐̎̇̆m̷̡͈̳̥̰̙͒̊̑͌̄ ̴͔̾̂̓ṁ̵̩̏̇̚ý̴͇͊ ̴̡̟̺̭̋s̶̠̰̦̦͑́̅̈́̋̍͝͝i̴͍̫̻̰͛͌̃̑̈́̃̔͝s̷̨͎͚̈̿̈́́͊̃͝͠t̵̘͇̔͑̾́͐̎e̴͔̯͔̪̮̝̫͌͑̊̃̎r̴̢̥̭̥̱̚.̶͓̲̮͋͌͋͊̄͠”

(Note: that last part is Danny saying “Get away from my sister.”)

[s0urw00lf]

Can you do something for Issac Lahey? Maybe like him reacting to reader getting hurt or him being overly protective but he’s been too scared to share his feelings

Your protector

Pairing: Isaac layhey x reader

Summary: Isaac has been extra protective since you joined him in the supernatural world

Warnings: best friends to lovers, protective Isaac, sweetheart Isaac

AN: whoever requested this i want to give you a kiss because i love Isaac so much, he was so adorable and not talked about enough throughout the teen wolf fandom. Also this may be really long so bear with me here.

Isaac is your best friend, or was, about seven months ago he decided to drop you with no warning and joined the group of kids that everyone wanted to be apart of led by Scott McCall. You’d be lying if you said you werent completely broken by it, but you accepted it. You guessed after his dad died he decided he’d shed his old life and make a new one. He also had began dressing and acting different. He had this strong aura around him, he was confident and it showed. You were happy for him, that he gained himself a new family, you just wished he’d taken you with him.

that leads you to today, it was raining lightly and you were still getting used to walking home from school alone, even though after all of this time you should be, you weren’t. You and Isaac had been walking home together since first grade when you moved to beacon hills and befriended the boy two houses down. You were walking past the animal clinic when you heard something ruffle behind you, you quickly turned around and squinted trying to see what you could, but after a couple of seconds of nothing you turned back a round and resumed your walk. Why you decided not to bring your bike today? You didn’t know but now you were cursing at yourself for the stupid idea. You heard another ruffle behind you but it seemed closer, you turned around again but saw nothing. But you heard it, it was something big and its breathing was heavy. Almost dog like.

‘Hello?” You called out, bringing your hand up to shield your eyes from the rain, “look whoever you are this isn’t funny” you shouted, people in school, specifically Jackson loved to torment you now that you were alone almost 99% of the time. You quickly turned around and continued walking with a faster pace, deciding against the cliche horror movie following the sound move. A knot grew in your throat as you tried to conceal your anxiety.

Then out of nowhere you heard another growl from right behind you. You didn’t take the time to turn around and look that time, you just took off in a sprint. You only made it a couple of steps before you slipped, no thanks to the slippery ground. You hit her head pretty hard, all of a sudden a huge animal like figure was standing above you huffing, almost angrily, your breathing picked up but you couldn’t move. It was like you’d been glued to the ground. The animal circled your trembling form, you hoped that if you didn’t make any move the animal wouldn’t consider you a threat and leave.

You quickly figured out you were wrong, because after thirty seconds of circling you the animal bit you on her leg, you let out the most blood curdling scream as the animal ran off back into the woods. You sat up looking at your now blood covered leg, the shock suddenly hit you and everything went black.

You woke up to an intense pounding in your head, and the bright light shining above You did not help. “Christ” you muttered covering your eyes with your hand, only then did you feel the burning in your leg. You hissed, suddenly moving to grab at the injury, “you might not want to do that” a voice spoke entering the room startling you. “Sorry it was time for me to feed the animals”. It was the man you had known to own the animal clinic, suddenly confused you sat up. “Am i in the animal clinic?” You asked tilting your head. The man nodded before turning around and grabbing a bottle of pills handing them to you “should help with the pain” he said. Still confused you spoke “is this not for animals?” You asked. The man paused “you’ll soon find that my specialties lie beyond animals. I’m deaton by the way.” He said “take those and here is a water. I have a phone call to make. What is your name, may i ask?” He said handing you a small bottle of water. You eyed the pill bottle suspiciously “y/n, y/n l/n” you said. The man nodded walking out of the room, you guessed to go make the phone call.

‘what the hell’ you thought, before downing the pill. Anyone would’ve called you crazy for trusting the guy but you didn’t care, you had just experienced the most terrifying thing ever and you were in pain and desperate.

You sat in the room alone fore a round 25 minuted before you heard three new voices, which you recognized fairly well. You hopped off the table and snuck into the next room, careful not to put too much weight on your injured leg. In the room stood Scott stiles and… Isaac. All four of the men stopped conversing when Scott made eye contact with you over deaton’s shoulder. At the sudden silence deaton turned around toward where the boys were looking and saw you standing in the door way. “Y/n id like you to meet-“ “i know who they are” you cut him off. You tilted your head “i don’t understand why are they here?” You asked, eyeing Isaac who wouldn’t even meet your gaze. “Y/n we should talk.” Scott said taking a careful step towards you. You nodded “okay.” You complied. “you might wanna sit down” stiles said pointing to the row of chairs.

With the help of Scott you were able to do so with no casualties. The three boys sat down in front of you. “Okay” Scott spoke. “What happened to you today is gonna change you. For the better or worse is your decision. It’s gonna make you faster, see better and hear better. Along with some other things” Scott trailed off. You took in what he was saying, “is it what happened to you two?” You asked pointing at Scott and Isaac. They both pulled surprised faces, while stiles looked offended “wait why wouldn’t you assume it happened to me?” Stiles asked. You looked at him as if he was crazy “they randomly got good at lacrosse. You still… suck to say the least” you said. Stiles squinted at you eyes twitching. Scott cut stiles off before he could cause a scene. “Yes thats what happened to us” he answered, you nodded. “Wait am i like a, vampire or something?” You asked, dread filling her veins. Scott glance at Isaac, confused on why you were so cool about it who shrugged. “Uh yeah, something like that but more animal..ly” he said. “oh so like a werewolf” you said. He nodded.

after they finished giving you the rundown and was shocked at how well you took it they offered you a ride home and of course after the day you had, you accepted. The two boys in the front chatted mindlessly as if this was a normal occasion but you could practically feel the anger radiating off of Isaac. Which was funny to you because last time you checked, you were the one that should’ve been mad.

When you arrived at home you thanked them and hopped out sparing a glance at Isaac before closing the door door and walking away. What you missed was Scott basically forcing him to go talk to you, so when you heard the car door open and close again then quickly drive off you turned around confused until you saw the blonde curly headed boy. You waited for him to reach you before silently entering your house, inviting him in.

You went to your room and Isaac almost timidly followed you “You know you don’t have to stay with me out of pity” you said. He sighed entering your room, noting the small changes that’d been made “it’s not pity y/n” he said eyeing your picture collage that surprisingly hadn’t changed at all. You squinted “no? Then what is it? Guilt?” You said.

After all this time you thought you weren’t angry, but now that he was standing in your face, you were angrier than ever. “Me getting bit is what it took for you to finally look in my direction again is that it?” You took a step forward. Isaac averted his gaze to his shoes . “I was trying to protect you.” He quietly spoke. You let out a laugh “protect me? Well you did a great job at that, look at me now i have a bite on my leg that i don't even know if ill live from, and if i do i just so happen to ill have creatures and people trying to cut me in half or rip my heart out so thank you for ‘protecting me’” you said sarcastically.

”it wasn't supposed to be like this” he said finally looking you in your eye. “well tell me what was it supposed to be like Isaac?” You asked getting louder. “not like this y/n, you weren’t supposed to get involved in this life” he matched your volume. “Right and completely cutting me from your life was the best way to go about that” You shouted, your heart began to race and the anger in your chest began to fester like it was burning your skin. Isaac’s eyes widened “y/n calm down” he stated carefully. You glared at him “no i don't think i will” you said stalking forward. Isaac quickly grabbed you and before you had any chance to retaliate he turned you to face the mirror you had on your wall. Your eyes were glowing a bright orange, the shock hit you like a ton of bricks and the glow immediately disappeared. “What the hell? Do yours do that?” You asked him, Isaac stood behind you wide eyed “yeah, but not that color” he answered. You turned around in confusion “what do you mean?” You asked. “I think we should call Derek” he said pulling his phone out of his pocket “hale?” You asked incredulously. He nodded.

‘what the hell’

[lovebeinaprincessworld]

Tragic Love (Cato Hadley x reader)

Masterlist

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4

Description: You made it out of the arena, but the Games are never really over.

Warnings: oral (fem receiving), p in v, no protection, talk of death, slight overstimulation, fingering

7791 words

Everything after you had thrown the berries to the ground was a blur. You remembered Peeta collapsing as soon as you entered the hovercraft, being rushed into surgery and a screaming Katniss being taken away. And what you vividly remembered was Cato having to be sedated so that they could separate the two of you. It hurt your heart to see him fighting to stay with you and you were in shock, seeing him being taken away.

You had seemingly been sedated too, because the next time you awoke was in a white room with no windows, dressed in just a nightgown and no idea how much time had passed. You felt weirdly smooth, all scars and scratches and dirt from the arena gone, your hair neatly cleaned and brushed and even your fingernails were clean and shaped perfectly.

Only your memories reminded you of the horrors now. And you truly wished Cato was with you, holding you close. But you had no idea where he was, and there was no way you could get to him if they didn’t want you to.

An Avox boy brought you a bit of soup, and you must’ve at least been out a few days considering that filled you more than enough - your stomach shrunken from lack of use. When the door opened again and the boy picked up the tray, you could suddenly hear loud commotion from the hallway.

You couldn’t make out what the voices were shouting, but you just knew it was Cato. „What’s going on there?“, your voice was a bit scratchy, and the boy looked at you with wide eyes, scurrying out of the room quickly. With furrowed brows you looked at where the door previously was and willed yourself to stand.

You were surprisingly steady on your feet, padding across the room barefoot and moved your arms around infront of the wall in hopes the door would open again. After a few minutes of trying you gave up, when suddenly the door did open and two exasperated mentors stood in front of you. Cecilia and Enorbia looked exhausted and you just stared back wide eyed.

Cecilia did crack a smile after all, even going as far as pulling you into a hug. „Congratulations honey, you did it“, she whispered and you couldn’t help but hug her back when it sank in that you would actually be going home. Your brain didn’t yet register that the games were over, the Captiol building feeling just as dangerous as the arena to you.

„Where is Cato? Is he okay?“, you turned your worried gaze to Enorbia when Cecilia let you go and she gave you a little smirk. „Yeah he’s just fine, a bit too fine if you ask me“, she rolled her eyes and you were confused. Too fine?

„What she means is that he won’t calm down“, Cecilia explained and you were worried again, „everytime they take him off the sedatives he flips out and won’t let anyone near him, demanding to see you right away.“

„Which is messing with our plan to have you reunite when the Victors are presented, but we decided to keep him from long lasting bodily harm - not sure how long Brutus can hold back anymore - we’ll take you to him“, if even his mentors seem unnerved he really had to be going crazy over there. But you could understand him, if you would’ve been the type to outwardly show and demand what you wanted you would probably act the same. Instead you had locked your desire to see if he was fine away - your were incredibly relieved you could see him now.

„Come on“, the women motioned for you to follow them and follow them you did. You didn’t have to go far, just down the corridor and then the door with loud voices behind it opened in front of you and a stone you didn’t know was there fell from you heart when you saw Cato standing in the middle of the room aggressively arguing with Brutus and Woof - who seemed to try to mediate between them.

Brutus noticed you first. „Thank god, now you can finally calm down, there she is, you lunatic“, Brutus crossed his arms and stepped back, Catos eyes immediately finding you and the breath was knocked out of you when they met yours.

You only managed to take a step towards him when he was already in front of you, pulling you into his arms immediately. You closed your eyes against the onslaught of emotions almost overpowering you, but here in his arms everything felt bearable, like nothing evil in the world could reach you. „Thank god you’re okay“, he murmured into your hair, his big hands holding your head to his chest securely and your hands gripped his shirt tightly. He was wearing the same color clothes as you, just a shirt and pants.

„Are you okay?“, you asked not pulling away yet and your voice stifled by his chest, but he still managed to hear you. „Yeah, now I am“, he pressed a gentle kiss to the side of your head, and you could hear the other people in the room moving towards the door. „We’re going to give you a moment“, Cecilia said, ushering a still angry Brutus out of the room, the others following.

„You better be acting like hell when you’re 'reunited' boy!“, Brutus called just before the door closed and it was quiet in the room except for Catos heartbeat thundering under you ear. Cato relaxed a little now that you were alone, moving you two backwards until he was leaning against the bed, with you standing in between his legs.

„Heard you caused quite the ruckus?“, you smiled, your hands finding purchase on his chest and his on your waist. „Couldn’t help it, I had to see you“, he grinned and then as if he knew you were waiting for it, he leaned down, softly pressing his lips to your own, the familiar prickling in your stomach, the tingling on our skin making you sigh and lean into the kiss even more.

„I can’t believe we made it out“, he sighed between kisses, one hand moving to your face and pulling you into a more passionate kiss, your hand slipping to his biceps and taking note of how his muscles only seemed to have grown in the arena. „Yeah“, was the only thing you could say, pushing any and every thought of what this would mean for the future away - especially the one that you would both be living in different Districts.

————————

When you looked in the mirror while your prep team was hustling around you, you saw how much you had changed. It had only been a few weeks since you left home, and you looked significantly more mature, a bit skinnier too and while your eyes still had that kind look, they simultaneously reflected the horrors they had seen.

The interview with Caeser Flickerman and the big reunion were about to happen, and your brain was going haywire with thoughts about what would happen after. You still had your interview tomorrow, but after that you would get on the train home - Cato getting of in District 2 and you in District 8. You wouldn’t see him until the Victory Tour and after that you’d only see him once a year as long as you two were mentors.

It felt like a nightmare, you were able to make it out together and now you were going to live separate lives far away from eachother. You doubted the Capitol would make an exception for one of you to move Districts, and even if the would that would mean one of you had to leave behind their family, which was at least just as devastating as not seeing eachother.

„Come on, we have to go honey“, Aspasia seemed to understand your gloomy mood more than your team, but still firmly urged you towards Cecilia and Wuff. „Thank you“, you squeezed her shoulder lightly and followed your mentors to your platform under the stage.

You could already hear the audience going wild, impatient to finally see the four winners of these years hunger games. It was still crazy to you that the gamemakers let all of you live, but you were immensely grateful nevertheless. „Come here, give me a hug darling“, Woof grinned uncharacteristically and you stepped into his arms with a sense of doom.

He buried his mouth close to your ear in your hair, seemingly not wanting anyone to see what he was about to say and your heartbeat surged without him even starting. Something was wrong. „You’re in trouble (Y/N). The Capitol is furious having been shown up like that in the arena, they’re the joke of Panem“, he muttered just loud enough for you to hear and you did your best to freeze your smile in place and not to let anything show.

He let you go and gently urged you into Cecilia’s arms. „You need to convince them you were so desperately in love you didn’t know what you were doing. Your love story is definitely more believable than Katniss and Peetas but you still need to watch it“, she whispered, hugging you tightly before ushering you onto the platform that would take you up to the stage with a pounding heart.

You knew what she meant with more believable - you and Cato were from different districts, and Cato didn’t profit from you relationship at all, so people wouldn’t think you pretended to be in love to have advantages with sponsors or anything. But you were still deathly afraid at the thought of the Captiol being angry with you, knowing what gruesome retaliation they committed in the past.

The four of you were probably in much more trouble than you could comprehend, but the platform was moving after everyone from the teams were introduced and then you had to smile convincingly. As soon as you could be seen, the light blinding you for a moment, the crowd went wild, screaming all of your names, whistling, clapping, cheering.

You were entranced by the sight for a moment, before suddenly being swept into two strong and familiar arms, giggling between the kisses Cato pressed to your lips and holding onto him tightly. Cecilia was right, you didn’t even have to act. His big hand was cradling your face gently, while the other was holding you close by the waist, not planning to let go anytime soon.

The crowd was going crazy, and you could only imagine Katniss and Peeta looking similar to you. Caesar tried to interrupt Cato after a few minutes, but considering he was much taller and stronger, Cato just ignored him and didn’t even budge in favor of keeping on kissing you. You didn’t complain. Finally Cecilia did manage to get you to get him to move over to the couches Katniss and Peeta were already waiting on for you, cuddled together and wearing grins that seemed just a bit over the top.

The two of you sit together, Cato pulling you close, one arm securely around your waist and the other laying on top of your lap, gripping your thigh firmly with a smirk, making the crowd whoop. You blushed, while Caesar started with a few jokes and then you watched the summary of the games.

It was hard to keep a positive face while watching all those horrible moments again, basically reliving them and you were glad you had Cato next to you. Seeing your own reaping was weird, and it was terrible to watch every single death again, especially the ones from the tracker jacket nest that Katniss dropped on the careers shortly after you left - and damn were you glad that you did, and that Cato followed you.

Rue’s death was especially tragic, you didn’t even know that her and Katniss were allies but you liked the girl from district twelve even more for that. Watching the scenes of you and Cato kissing was kind of uncomfortable, but the audience loved it so you just smiled shyly. It became clear to you more and more the further you got into the summary why Peeta and Katniss did have to prove themselves more than Cato and you, your own love story just appearing more natural. But you could definitely see that there was something between them, Peeta at least was seriously in love.

After the moment with the berries, and the end of the Games, the anthem played again and you stood when Presdient Snow himself took the stage. The crowd went wild again, and then you could hear the confusion when they saw there was only one crown. But then he gave it a twist, and it separated into four individual slender crowns, and the crowd uhhed and ahhed excitedly.

He started with Cato, reaching up to place the crown on the tall careers head, before stepping infront of you with a smile that gave you goosebumps. He placed the crown on your head, his eyes snakelike, but when he placed the crown on Katniss head who was standing next to you, you could see a shift, and you knew even if all of you were willing to eat the berries, she was the one he blamed, she was the one he saw as the instigator.

————————

The Victory Banquet was as uncomfortable as one would imagine, shaking hands with sponsors and talking to everyone for hours, but at least Catos angry stare kept men from trying to dance with you, so you only danced with him a few times (which was a nice break from the turmoil around you). Katniss wasn’t so lucky, and you could see her cringe in the arms of a stranger a few times.

What was at least something positive, was that Cato and you were staying on the same floor, you had moved into the female tributes room on the floor from District 2, which was a weird feeling considering the last person wo slept here was Clove.

You would have your private interview with Caeser tomorrow at 12, Katniss and Peetas turn was after you at 2pm, and so Brutus had sent you both to bed immediately after dinner, not giving you alone time with Cato whatsoever. He still seemed a bit pissed at how Cato acted when you got out of the arena.

Now you were laying in bed wearing some comfortable pyjamas and the only thing you wanted was Cato. You couldn’t sleep, your thoughts running way to fast with everything that happened and all the things that could happen, and you were contemplating sneaking over to Catos room.

Everyone else should be in bed by now, you hadn’t heard any movement from the other side of the door the last hour, so after contemplating for another 30 minutes you finally got up and carefully slipped out of your room. Sneaking through the hallway you prayed that you wouldn’t encounter Enorbia or Brutus (you were pretty sure Cecilia and Woof wouldn’t make you go back to bed) and when you turned the corner and almost made it, you ran into somebody.

You would’ve screamed in shock if a big hand hadn’t muffled the sound - thank god because you really didn’t wanna wake anybody. „It’s just me“, a familiar voice whispered and Cato slowly took his hand of your mouth. „You scared me half to death!“, you hissed, but he only chuckled quietly and pulled you into his arms without much resistance from your side.

„Were you coming to see me?“, he smirked and you couldn’t help but blush eventhough he was obviously on his way to you too. „Couldn’t sleep“, you mumbled, and he pressed a kiss to your head. „Seems we had the same idea then“, he whispered, „come on.“

He picked you up effortlessly and carried you towards his room bridal style, closing the door behind him quietly and moved the both of you under the covers, before wrapping you in his embrace securely.

„What are we gonna do Cato?“, you finally broke the tense silence between you, knowing you had to talk about it. You pulled back a bit and saw how he only closed his eyes in agony instead of answering. „We won’t be seeing eachother for months, and after the Tour…“, you let the sentence hang in the air, not being able to say out loud how you would only see eachother once a year without choking up.

„Brutus says they want to play our lovestory from the tragic side“, Cato finally broke his silence, „he says…he says well never be able to be together.“ It was what you had anticipated, but hearing it out loud, made it real - and the pain that came with that was almost as intense as when you thought Cato would die. Because once one of you wouldn’t be a mentor anymore, you would probably never see eachother again.

Before the two of you could sink any deeper into your despair, Cato pressed his lips to yours in desperation. „Let’s just forget about that tonight“, he panted between kisses, his hands gently gliding underneath your night shirt, „please.“ The agony in his voice could’ve made you cry if it weren’t for the heat pooling in your lower body, when he took your shirt off.

Maybe it was best to be as close as possible tonight, try to savor it, try to savor him. You quickly got rid of his shirt, your hands roaming over his muscles. They moved beneath his skin when he pulled down your Pyjama pants, throwing them somewhere and leaving you only in your panties.

Breathlessly he pulled back, his eyes taking in every part of your body, seemingly trying to burn every detail into his memory. Cato wanted to make sure you wouldn’t forget him, because he sure as hell would never forget you. Even the thought of you moving on with some boy from you district made him see red, pushing you onto your back and kissing you in a way that feels like he’s trying to show your body on an instinctual level who you belong to.

He needed to make you cum, needed to feel your body comply with his actions, needed to know that you would always be his. His lips skipped your breasts, his body moving straight towards where you needed him most. In his desperation he tore your panties straight off of you, making you yelp in shock, before it turned into a moan when he dove straight in without giving you room to breathe.

His tongue spread your folds with a groan, his lips wrapping around your clit immediately and your back was arching with the intense pleasure that flooded through you. „Cato“, you whimpered, trying not be too loud and your hands found purchase in his hair while he mercilessly stimulated your clit with his tongue.

It didn’t take long for you to approach your high, the familiar feeling in your belly rising. You were about to give him a warning, when suddenly his teeth grazed your clit and you were thrown over the edge with such an intensity that your thighs clamped around Catos head while you were grinding your pussy into his greedy mouth.

„Good girl“, he growled when you came down from your orgasm, but he didn’t let you catch your breath. He was a bit more gentle, but he still flattened his tongue against your overstimulated clit, slowly moving and holding you in place so you couldn’t twitch away.

„Cato“, you whined, pussy clenching around nothing and you weren’t sure if you wanted to move towards the pleasure or away from the tongue moving against your swollen and sensitive folds, „it’s too much.“

„Shh baby, give me one more, I know you can“, he hummed against your pussy, the feeling spreading through your body liked fire, even your fingertips tingling with the sensation. You only registered his fingers when they were knuckle deep inside of you, curling into your sweet sport and stretching you out.

You didn’t know up and down any more, god this was so much more intense and overwhelming than your first time, and you could only guess how much Cato held back then. Not that you were complaining that he wasn’t holding back now.

His fingers were relentlessly moving in and out, your cunt clenching tightly around him as if you couldn’t wait for him to replace his fingers with his cock. But he needed to feel you cum for him a second time before taking you fully.

You were already so riled up that it didn’t take very long, he expertly stroked the spongey spot inside of you while his tongue lapped at your clit. You were whimpering, trying to keep your moans quiet and when you finally snapped and came hard around his fingers, you had to clutch your hand infront of your mouth to suppress the sounds escaping you.

After helping you ride out your second orgasm Cato finally pulls away from you for a moment to shed his pants, his rock hard member already leaking precum. You were still panting when he laid down on top of you, his cock sliding through your messy and wet pussy, coating him enough to easily slip inside of you.

„You ready?“, he asked, lightly nipping at your neck and you were momentarily stunned by how much in love you were with him. „Yeah“, you stared up at him lovingly when he pushed himself onto his forearms above you, „I love you.“

Catos heart stumbled when he heard you, no matter how many times you’d say it, it would always make him feel like the first time you did. He kissed you gently, sliding into you steadily and your breath hitched. „I love you“, he mumbled against your lips, starting to move right away, not being able to hold back - fortunately you were so wet you didn’t really need time to adjust.

His hips found their rhythm, pounding into you hard but oh so good. You tried to soak it all in, the way the head of his cock relentlessly brushed against that one spot inside of you, the way the stretch burned so good, and the way his hand snuck down between you and started circling your clit so perfectly you couldn’t form any coherent thoughts anymore.

Cato could tell the both of you wouldn’t last very long, emotions were running too high and he could feel you clenching around him tightly as if to pull him in even further. He littered your pretty face with kisses, one hand grabbing your thigh and pulling your leg higher up around him, the changed angle making you moan so loudly he had to quiet you with a kiss.

And then suddenly you came, gripping him so hard he followed you right off the edge, pushing into you as far as possible and spilling his load deep into your still fluttering pussy, making a satisfied hum leave your lips.

He buried his head in your neck, almost being overwhelmed by his emotions. This felt just like the night on the rooftop, the possibility of barely seeing eachother again looming over the two of you. But here in the dark, in eachothers arms, you were able to push it aside in favor of holding onto the other and reveling in the feeling.

——————————

The private interview with Caeser without an audience went as good as it could’ve, but that also meant that you were back on the train and in less than an hour Cato would be the first to get off in District 2. You were currently sitting in the back of the train, in something resembling a sunroom, big windows lining the couches that were put in there.

You were lying in Catos arms, both of you dreading the moment Enorbia or Brutus would come to tell you it was time. You had managed not to cry just yet, but after many gentle kisses and caresses the door did slide open and it was Brutus who delivered the bad news. Cato had to go.

He even looked a bit emphatic, and now that you were following him through the train towards the door where Cato would get off, you couldn’t help your tears anymore. Cato was walking in front of you, holding your hand tightly so he couldn’t see the tears silently running down your face and you tried to calm down before reaching the door and wipe them away.

You didn’t succeed. When you stopped and Brutus gave you a moment while going to collect Enorbia and Catos team, he turned around and his face fell wenn he saw your tears. He opened his mouth as if to say something, but closed it again and just pulled you into his arms. Then you really couldn’t stop the tears anymore.

„Its gonna be okay love“, he whispered, and you could hear people starting to pour into this part of the train, his prep team, mentors and so on, but they were giving you two space. You didn’t say anything, your throat closing up anytime you were even thinking about letting him go, so you just held on tighter when you felt the train pull into the station.

„Cato we need to go“, Enorbia said next to you, and you could hear the train door whoosh open, probably giving the cameras outside the perfect view of the tragic couple. You could hear the crowd cheering for their victor and forced yourself to release Cato.

„I love you“, he said one last time, cupping your cheeks and wiping your tears away. „I love you“, you chocked out, and then he kissed you for the last time in months, before stepping outside to be greeted by his district and leaving you behind.

—————————

The past months had been agonizing, and it was terrible to think that this was your life now, seeing Cato once a year if at all. It was great to see your parents and your younger brother again, and your were so happy that now that you were a Victor you could provide a better life for them. Your district welcomed you back proudly, but you could definitely feel the underlying tension, the unhappy grumbling people did more openly, criticizing the Capitol.

Your last months had been filled with lots of time spend with your family, who didn’t have to work anymore now that you’ve won the Games, but also lots of time to think and overthink. You and Cato hadn’t had any chance to contact eachother, as contact between districts was strictly forbidden and sanctioned if caught.

But it was almost time for the Victor Tour, and while you didn’t look forward to the Tour itself, you could barely wait to see Cato again. You were incredibly excited to see him again, but also a bit nervous. Since you hadn’t had any chance to talk to eachother, you didn’t know what had happened back in his district. Maybe he thought the long separation wasn’t worth it or maybe he met someone else. Not that you honestly believed that, your brain was - as usual - playing the worst case scenarios.

Your prep team would arrive today, fixing you up and filming your talent for the audience. Your talent was obviously going to be embroidery, it was what you could do best and it also represented you district.

You heard them before you saw them, the bell ringing and your mother welcoming them, your father and little brother had left to go to the market and avoid the Capitol crowd for now - the both of them didn’t like the hustle they brought with them. Your mother didn’t either, but she knew you needed someone there.

„We missed you so much!“, Jaethe basically squeaked, the small man with orange hair embraced you warmly, followed by Loidy and Agatha, completing your prep team. „Aspasia wants us to get you back to a blank canvas, she’s downstairs and left you to our capable hands“, Loidy grinned, already unpacking all the ointments, creams and tools the brought with them. You shivered when they mentioned a blank canvas, that meant every hair on your body was going to get waxed. Ouch. „We have so much to catch up on!“, Agatha added. Double ouch.

—————————

You loved our prep team and Aspasia, but you would be lying if you said you weren’t glad to finally be on the way to the train. You were, of course, sad to say goodbye to your family again, but atleast this time you weren’t in danger of dying. Also there were only a few minutes separating you and Cato, making your heart pound so hard you could feel it.

The Tour would start in District 11, going towards the Capitol and leaving out the Districts of the Victors, which you would seperately visit afterwards. It was much more complicated this year, as the four of you came from different districts.

This would also mean, that Cato was the first one that had been picked up, you had watched his farewell in his district on the tv, the smile not being able to be wiped from your face again. And now it was your turn to be picked up, the train rolling into the station. Somewhere in that massive metal construction, Cato was waiting for you. At least you hoped he was - hoped he was still as in love with you as you were with him.

When the door opened with a hiss, Cecilia ushered you forward and as soon as you took the first step into the wagon, a big hand pulled you in all the way, strong arms tugging you into a familiar broad chest. You knew the cameras were most likely rolling, but you didn’t care, you were just so relieved that Cato seemed to have missed you just as much.

Without saying much, he pulled you away from the others immediately, away from the prep teams, mentors and cameras, towards the end of the train and the sitting area you had to say goodbye in last time. The door closed behind you and you had some privacy, and you were about to say something when he interrupted you with a desperate kiss.

You gasped in surprise, your hands shaking slightly from all the overwhelming emotions, but simultaneously holding onto his shirt tightly. One hand was grasping your waist firmly, while the other was holding your face gently and he was changing pace, his lips moving softer and slower now.

When you finally pulled back panting, you weren’t sure how you ever made it without him for so long, without that deep feeling of belonging and safety, and of course his kisses. „I missed you so much“, Cato rasped, his thumbs trailing your jaw, your eyes meeting his and your lips pulling into a smile that made his heart skip a beat.

„Missed you too“, you whispered, letting yourself be pulled down onto the couch and into his arms again, just enjoying what little time you had together for now. „I don’t know how we’re supposed to live like this“, he sighed, his forehead resting against yours, and instead of answering, you just kissed him again

——————————

You had greeted Katniss and Peeta with a hug when they entered the train, showing a united front to the cameras outside, but also because you really liked them and actually did consider them friends. You were in this together. And now you were sitting through Effie’s summary of the upcoming tour together.

„Yes and of course after we’re done in District 1, you’ll have the great honor to attend and enjoy the party at the presidents mansion thrown just for you! You will be staying in the training center of course, but that’s exciting too isn’t it?“, she was ranting on and on, asking questions without really wanting an answer and eventhough she really romanticized all of this, you couldn’t even be really mad at her, she was just too naive.

„Okay Effie I think they got it, why don’t we send them off to bed they have and early morning tomorrow“, Haymitch finally interrupted her and send you victors a small wink. „Yes, yes you’re quite right, you should get some sleep, go on!“, she ushered you out of the dining room like a ruffled chicken, and the lot of you couldn’t keep in the small chuckles and giggles that left you, on the way to your respective bedrooms.

Peeta and Katniss went into their rooms separately, while you and Cato had to walk down the hallway a bit further into another wagon to your rooms. Instead of going into his though, Cato followed you into yours naturally, sending you a smirk when the door closed behind the two of you.

„I really did miss you“, he hummed, taking steps towards you until he stopped right in front of you. „I missed you too, so much“, you whispered, holding your breath in anticipation when his fingers grasped the bottom of your dress, pulling it upwards slowly. „Gonna show you how much“, he grumbled, pulling your dress over your head and laying you down on the bed. You really missed him, and you definitely missed this too.

——————————

When you were stepping out onto the stage in District 11, the first district of your tour, you could immediately feel the tense atmosphere. Peeta had volunteered to give the speech, and you were glad, because even if you hadn’t known Rue very well, she was the death that hurt the most. You could see how hard Katniss was trying to rule in her emotions at the devastating picture Rues family painted.

„Thank you. We’re honored to be here with you today“, Peeta started reading the speech Effie hat written for him, and your eyes wandered over the disgruntled faces in the crowd, the high number of peace keepers all around, and you wondered what happened here. „And to be with the families of your fallen tributes“, he continued, but stopped for a moment letting his gaze roam over the crowds too. And then he put away the paper with Effie’s speech, and Cato held your hand a bit tighter.

„Though they fought and lived with honor and dignity until the end, both Thresh and Rue were so young. But our lives aren’t just measured in years, they’re measured in the lives of people we touch around us. For myself, for Katniss, for all of us, we know that without Rue and without Tresh we wouldn’t be standing here today“, Peeta spoke from his heart, and you could see the people of 11 appreciated that.

„So in recognition of that, knowing that it in no way can make up for your loss, we’d like to donate one month of our winnings to the families of the Tributes every year, for the rest of our lives“, the people applauded his generosity, and you thought it was a really sweet gesture. But it also was something that’s never been done before, and you had a bad feeling about what the Capitol might think about it, and what might become of this.

„Thank you“, Peeta said, and you were turning to go back inside, when Katniss suddenly spoke up. „I just wanted to say that, I didn’t know Thresh. I only spoke to him once. He could have killed me, but instead he showed me mercy - he showed us mercy“, she found your gaze, reminding you of the way he sacrificed himself at the end of the games and let you go, a wistful smile on your lips. „That’s a debt we’ll never be able to repay.“

„I did know Rue. She wasn’t just my ally, she was my friend. I see her in the flowers that grow in the meadow by my house. I hear her in a Mockingjay song. I see her in my sister Prim. She was too young, too gentle. And I couldn’t save her. I’m sorry“, a few lone tears were rolling down Katniss cheeks, matching your own, while you held onto Cato tighter.

Suddenly an old man in the crowd whistled the melody you recognized as Katniss and Rues signal from the games, raising three fingers to his mouth and then into the air. Then the whole crowd followed his example. And while you were being pushed from the stage, watching in horror as the old man was dragged onto stage, the people in the crowd screaming and being beaten, you knew your bad feeling was right. Just as the door was about to be shut, you could feel yourself scream when you saw the old man being executed.

———————

Haymitch had ushered you through the Justice Building through corridors and up several stairs, until you were finally in some dingy attic, where you were sure nobody could overhear you. And he looked pissed. Your mentors stayed behind to distract people and deal with the fallout. „You four had a really simple task“, he joked humorlessly, and you knew something bigger than what you knew was going on.

„I never meant for anyone to get killed! He has to know that“, Katniss was in tears and you were trying to hold it together, only managing so with Cato silently being your rock and holding you securely. „What are you talking about?“, you asked, and Haymitch seemed to be just as confused adding, „Who has to know what?“

„Snow. He came to see me.“, and that was the moment you all knew you were in bigger trouble than you thought, „He’s worried about rebellion in the districts.“ Now the scene downstairs made a bit more sense. „He thinks that they didn’t believe our love story. Mine and Peetas that is, because I had the idea with the berries.“

„So he wants you to make them believe it?“, Haymitch inquired, pacing back and forth. „To calm things down“, Katniss was breathless. „You know Katniss, you shoulda told me that before I went out there, and tried to give these people the money!“, Peeta was angry too, and you could feel Cato getting angry behind you. „I’m sorry, I didn’t know what to do! He threatened to kill my family!“, Katniss was desperate, but you also had to admit she was thinking of herself in that moment.

„We have families too, Everdeen! People we need to protect, this isn’t just about you, we’re all in this together if you haven’t noticed“, Cato sarcastically spat, while Peeta just covered his mouth and shaking his head at Katniss. „What about them? Who protects them?“, Haymitch pointed out the tinted window, and you knew he was right, „Katniss what were you thinking?“

„I was thinking about Rue“, Katniss was so devastated you had to step in. You gently grabbed Haymitch sleeve, making him look towards your frightened face. „Haymitch please, please can’t all of you just help us make it through this trip? Just help us get through this“, you pleaded with him, and Katniss nodded in support.

„This trip girl? Wake up“, he snapped his fingers impatiently, „this trip doesn’t end when you get back home. You never get off this train, you four are mentors now, that means that every year they’re gonna drag you out and broadcast the details of your romance, in your case“, he pointed to Katniss and Peeta, „all the happy milestones and in yours“, he nodded towards you two, „they’re never gonna let you be together, dragging that tragic love story form two districts out every year. They want to punish you, every year, your private life becomes theirs. From now on your job is to be a distraction, so people forget what the real problems are.“

„So what are we gonna do?“, Peeta asked, and the sense of dread settled deeper and deeper into your stomach. „You’re going to smile, you’re going to read the cards that we give you, and you’re going to play along. Think you can do that?“

———————————

The districts weren’t calming down, it felt like they were getting angrier with every pre-written speech and fake smile. And you also couldn’t stop thinking about what Haymitch said, how you and Cato would never be allowed to be together to keep the tragic romance going, your outlook on life getting severely darker.

Cato seemed to be affected too, you didn’t really talk about it, really no sense in discussing what you couldn’t change, but you noticed how he was with you every minute that was possible, always touching you in some way. He wasn’t good with words, but you heard him anyway, in his own way.

You made it through the Districts, Katniss and Peeta deciding to get engaged in the Capitol to make their romance more believable, and the people were eating it up. One more thing you and Cato would never be able to do.

You were in the Presidential Palace, „the party of the year“, as Effie had called it, and were currently dancing with Cato. You were still trying to wrap your head around the fact that people here threw up their food on purpose to eat more, and in other Districts children starved to death, when you spotted Katniss dancing with the middle aged man you were earlier introduced to called Plutarch Heavensbee. He was going to be the new Headgamemaker - after his predecessor Seneca seemed to have met a premature end.

You were just happy that Cato, once again, threw harsh enough glares at all the weird and kind of slimy Captiol men who looked like they wanted a dance with you, so that they left you alone. Suddenly the anthem started playing, effectively stopping your dancing and making everyone turn towards the balcony.

„Tonight, on this, the last day of their tour, I want to welcome our four Victors. Four young people, who embody our ideals of strength and valour. And I personally, want to congratulate two of them on the announcement of their engagement“, Presidnet Snow started and the crowd was cheering and you could see how uncomfortable Katniss was, Peeta could fake it way better.

„Your love has inspired us, and I know it will go on inspiring us, every day, for as long as you may live“, President Snow ended the speech, raising the glass and a firework started. Everyone was looking at it, but you always noticed the little things, not missing the interaction between Snow and Katniss. He shook his head.

————————

Saying goodbye to Cato was rushed this time, the Peace keepers basically pushing you out of the train and holding Cato back, the rebellious mood cutting the celebrations in your respective Districts shorter than normal, and only when you were laying back in your own bed, could you really start to miss him.

Over the following months you missed him dearly, every day the ache was there, even if it grew more dull. And life back at home was harder. Peacekeepers were even stricter than before, whipping people, imposing curfews and even executing people here and there, it was horrible. You still remembered the scene from District 12, where Katniss was about to stop the new Headpeacekeeper, when the broadcast cut off, so you figured it wasn’t different in the other Districts either.

You and your family were sitting on the couch together, waiting for the Quarter Quell to be announced, President Snow stepping onto the balcony. You were nervous about what you had to deal with as a first time mentor this year. „Ladies and Gentlemen, this is the 75th year of the Hunger Games. And it was written in the charter of the Games, that every 25 years, there would be a Quarter Quell, to keep fresh for each new generation, the memory of those who died in the uprising against the Capitol“, he started, and you already had goosebumps in anticipation of whatever horrible twist those games would have.

„Each Quarter Quell is distinguished by Games of a special significance. And now on this the 75th anniversary of our defeat of the rebellion, we celebrate the 3rd Quarter Quell. As a reminder that even the strongest cannot overcome the power of the Capitol“, he continued, and you leaned forward in dreadful anticipation of what that meant, „on this, the 3rd Quarter Quell Games, the male and female Tributes are to be reaped, from the existing pool of Victors in each district.“ The scream you let out was agonizing, your mother pulling you into her arms sobbing.

————————

It was horrible, walking up towards the stage on the day of the Reaping, only you, Cecilia and Woof being up there, knowing you’d have to most likely go into the arena again. It was either you or Cecilia, and you wouldn’t expect either of you to volunteer for the other. The Reaping in 12 was already over, you heard it was Katniss and - after volunteering for Haymitch - Peeta again. You could cry thinking about going trough this again with the same people, knowing at some point you couldn’t be allies anymore.

And you also had no way of contacting Cato about this, no way of talking about this horrible turn of events. He was the only one of you four that actually had a pretty good chance at not being reaped, considering there were so many Victors in his District. But you knew him, and you knew that the Reaping from District 8 happened several hours before District 2, and should it be you that would be chosen, he would volunteer instead of whoever got reaped in his District to be with you, to protect you. You just knew it, knew how stubborn he was. And you loved and hated him for that at the same time.

„We‘ll start with the gentlemen this time“, the escort for your District smiled uncomfortably, pulling out the lonely paper that was at the bottom of the big jar, „Woof Jasone.“ Emotionless the old man stepped forward and faced the crowd. Your heart was basically jumping out of your chest. Now was the moment of truth. „Your turn Ladies“, you couldn’t even think of how inappropriate she was being in this situation, just staring at her hand reaching into your jar.

She opened the piece of paper slowly, your hands all clam and cold with fear. „(Y/N) (Y/L/N)“, she read the same name she said last year. Yours.

===========

Finally finally a third part and I’m incredibly sorry, I just sometimes can’t motivate myself to write!! Also funny thing I just moved from Germany to Australia for a year so that’s exciting :) Let me know how you like this part and if you wanna read more and want to be tagged! xx

Taglist: @lisedanie @iskamr @fangirlninja67 @star611 @markeyateallyourfood @urmomsbananabread @faces-ofvenus @hopefulatrocity @inej-ruination-ghafa @trainboom @dxrkheavensworld

[fantasydreamland]

My Saviour

jon snow x fem reader

Summary: After escaping a wildling raid you find yourself being chased by a hungry wolf until a man of the Nights Watch rescues you. Your first night sleeping at castle black has you shivering to the bone until you seek warmth in your rescuer.

Notes: 18+ ONLY!!! some violence in opening story, smut, loss of virginity, p in v, fluff, some spoilers.

word count: 3k

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You just barely escaped your village being raided by wildlings. You saw some others escape in the opposite direction while everyone else was slaughtered like animals. You sprinted as fast as you could into the woods after seeing your family killed before your eyes.

Once you managed to get far enough away to catch your breath you stop behind a tree, panting onto your frozen hands. A twig snaps and your eyes dart up to meet a pair of vicious golden eyes through the thick snow watching you from another nearby tree. The wolf growls and before you have time to think it sprints towards you. You let out an unintentional scream and bolt in the other direction trying to twist and turn through trees to throw it off your path.

Frozen tears run down your face and your skin screams from the frost bite as you run for your life. Eventually you are led to a small frozen river. You carefully step a foot onto the ice and it lightly cracks. You quickly remove your foot until you see the wolf turn from behind a tree and spot you. You hold your breath and quickly tiptoe along the cracking ice. The wolf chases after you but then stops dead at the edge of the ice as if it knows the danger.

Halfway to the other side of the lake you slip and smash into the ice scraping open your exposed skin and causing the ice to form a much larger crack. You freeze in horror as you watch the loud crack slowly expand.

“Here! Quickly!” You hear a man’s voice shout to you. He spots the wolf on the other side as it turns around and leaves.

You look up to see a very handsome man in all black jumping off of his horse and pulling off his large fur cloak. He throws one end of the cloak towards you to grab onto. You grab it tightly as he slowly pulls you towards him. Your mind was in such a state of shock you no longer felt the ice nipping at your skin as you slid against it.

You began to shuffle closer and the ice let out another loud crack.

“Careful.” The man’s wide eyes met yours, he looked nearly as scared as you. “Remain still, just let me pull you.”

You nodded and put your full trust in this total stranger as he carefully pulled you off the ice and lifted you to stand. You instantly begin to fall over, your frozen bones not able to hold you up any longer.

“Gods, you’re frozen.” the man says as he wraps the cloak around you and rubs your arms to try and warm you.

“Do you think you can get up?” He says gesturing his head to his horse.

You nod, unable to speak through the shivering. He puts a hand on your back as you put your foot through the stirrup. His strong hands grab your sides and lift you up onto the horse. He quickly gets on behind you. You sigh as his warmth radiates against your back, you couldn’t help but press into him.

His arms remain tightly around you as he rode quickly. To where? You didn’t know. But the man just saved your life, you couldn’t help but trust him.

“Thank you.” You choked out in a breathy whisper.

“Shh,” he said as his arms squeezed you tighter. “You’re safe now.”

**********

You barely remember the rest of the ride as you drift in and out of consciousness.

“Rider!” You heard a man yell far in the distance.

A loud horn blows and you open your eyes again. Your blurry vision adjusts to a giant wall of ice. The wall. This was Castle Black and this was a man of the Nights Watch. You felt slightly relieved as they’ve been known to protect the people against wildlings.

The large dark door began to creek open slowly. Finally, it loudly came to a halt and he rode in.

Your mind was too hazy to comprehend your surroundings. You could barely see the blurry visions of men dressed in all black through the snow. Soon you began to drift off again.

“Who is this?” You heard a man say.

“I don’t know. I heard a scream then I found her being chased by a wolf.” Your rescuers voice radiated against you as he held you in his arms. You couldn’t even remember him taking you off the horse. “She’s frozen half to death.”

“Bring her inside.” The other man said.

**********

The next time you awoke you felt much warmer. You open your eyes to see yourself in a bed of furs in a small dark room with a warm fire going. You look to your side to see the man watching you from a chair. He flinches when you make eye contact with him.

“I- I’m sorry I just wanted to make sure you were alright.” He says shyly. You give him a soft smile.

“Thank you.” You say quietly.

He nods. “Are… are you alright?”

“I think so…” you say unsure.

“Well, there’s a warm bath and fresh clothing waiting for you.” He gestures to a tub in the corner.

You sit up and hiss in pain. You suddenly became more awake and aware of the pain radiating throughout your entire body. The man jumps out of his chair to help you out of the bed.

“Thank you again, sir.”

“Jon,” he says. “Jon Snow.”

“Jon.” You smile at him as you take his hand. “I’m (y/n).”

He gives you a sweet smile. He helps you up and leads you to the tub.

“I’ll give you some privacy.”

“Could you…” you quickly say. “I don’t know if I can do this on my own right now…”

“Oh, um, yes. I can- I can help you, if you want.” He says timidly.

You nod and turn your back as he comes closer to you. He unties the strings of your tattered dress and his fingers brush against your skin causing electricity. He turns his gaze away as you slowly pull your dress off your body, leaving you fully exposed. Your heart races as he lends you his hand to hold while you step into the tub. Heat rises in his cheeks and it takes all his will power to not stare at your naked body.

Your weak arms shake as you lower yourself into the warm water. Your hand grasps on the edge of the tub as your other squeezes tightly onto Jon’s. The warm water soothes and stings your skin at the same time. You lean forward so all he can see is your bare back which was covered with cuts and bruises.

The air is tense as you both move in silence. He sits down on the stool beside the tub. He grabs a sponge and soaks it in the water before lightly wiping your back. You hiss and quickly he pulls away.

“It’s ok.” Your eyes meet his with a soft look.

He nods as he continues to gently wipe the dried blood from your skin. The tenderness of his touch makes you sigh. When he’s finished he grabs a small pale beside the tub and scoops up some water.

“Lean your head back a little.” He says almost in a whisper.

You do as he says and lean your head back. You close your eyes as he pours water over your hair. You sigh and lean more into his touch as his fingers work through your hair. The new angle giving him a slight view of your exposed breasts makes him nearly choke on air.

You turn your head and look into his eyes as he gently wipes the remaining blood from your face. The world felt still as you gazed at each other. Staring deep into each others eyes felt like you had known one another for a lifetime. He softly wipes the blood from your lip and couldn’t help but think of what it would be like to kiss them. He thought you were the most beautiful and intriguing woman he had ever seen.

“What happened?” He breaks the tense silence.

“Wildlings raided my village…” you said quietly, turning away and looking down into the water. “I barely escaped. I was running from them then suddenly I was running from a wolf chasing me… I don’t know how I’m still alive right now.”

“Did anyone else get away?” He asked.

You met his eyes. “Some. I saw people escaping the other direction.”

He nods, a sad expression on his face. “And your family?”

You shook your head looking back down.

“They could have escaped…” he says reassuringly.

“No.” You said flatly. “I saw the savages kill them.”

“I’m sorry.” He said lightly brushing your shoulder. Your breath catches at the touch.

Jon grabs you fresh robes and sets them on the stool before turning to help you up. You take both his hands as he lifts you from the water. The candle light illuminating your naked frame. He can’t help but glance at your wet body before meeting your eyes again, making you blush. He awkwardly looks to the side with red cheeks as you step out of the tub holding onto his hands. He passes you the robes to put on and steals one last glance of you from the corner of his eye.

“I’ll be in the room right next door if you need anything.” He says shyly.

“Thank you, Jon.” You stand near the bed as he heads towards the door.

“Goodnight (y/n).”

“Goodnight.” You say as he leaves the room and you crawl into bed.

**********

You wake in the middle of the night shivering. The fire was dull and the warm room turned cold. The wind whistled loudly from a storm raging outside. After trying hard to fall back asleep you give up and get up from bed, wrapping one of the furs around you.

You sneak out the door and into Jon’s room. Your heart stops and you gasp as your eyes connect with the red eyed white wolf laying next to Jon’s bed. You stumble back and bump into a table causing a clatter that wakes Jon.

“(y/n)?” Jon says hazily as he wakes up. He notices your terrified expression toward the wolf.

He gets out of bed revealing his exposed upper half which manages to distract your thoughts for a moment before you turn back to the wolf who was still laying down leisurely.

“I promise he won’t harm you. He’s not wild, I’ve had him since he was a pup.” He walks towards you and turns to the wolf. “Ghost, come.”

The wolf stands and slowly walks over causing you to stumble backwards again.

“Shh it’s ok, I promise. Here…” he says taking your hand.

You timidly move your hand with his towards the wolf. You held your breath as he sniffed your hand then gave you a small lick. Jon lets go of your hand as you continue to pet Ghost, all the fear easing away.

“He likes you.” Jon smiles.

You smile and stand as Jon opens the door for Ghost to leave. “Wait outside boy.”

He turns back to you, rubbing his bare arms as he starts to adjust from being out of his warm bed.

“Is something wrong?” He asks, slightly shivering.

“No, I just can’t sleep.” You say as you begin to shiver again too.

“The nights can get very cold here.” He says, noticing your obvious shivering. “We can share the bed… if you want.”

You looked at him for a moment and didn’t respond before walking past him toward the bed and slowly crawling under the furs. Your eyes met his and he followed as he also climbed under. The shivering did not stop and eventually your teeth began to chatter.

“Come here,” Jon said pulling you closer.

You let him pull you into his arms until he was cuddling you close. Your heart raced and you swear you could feel his racing against your back.

“I’m not hurting you am I?” He suddenly asks, remembering your injuries.

“Not at all.” You whisper back.

The room is still cold but the warmth of him behind you soothes some of the shivering. You shuffle closer into him but then freeze as you felt something hard pressed against you. You knew he noticed your reaction as you felt him also tense.

Your breath quickened and you didn’t know what to do. After a moment, you took a deep breath and relaxed against him. You feel him relax his arms before hugging you tighter. Although you managed to relax your body you were still filled with nerves. Pushing your fear away you boldly press yourself against him again, this time clearly intentional. Jon groans in your ear and pushes his member harder into your backside.

“Jon…” you breathe as he slowly begins kissing your neck while you grind against him.

You turn around to face him and your eyes meet full of bewilderment and lust. He takes your face in his hands and kisses you hard. His tongue demands entrance to your mouth and you happily oblige. He kisses you like it’s the last kiss he’ll ever have.

You pull him closer against you before your hand moves from his waist trailing down his torso. He gasps into the kiss as you lightly grab his hard member over his trousers. You reach for the strings of his pants but he quickly grabs your hand to stop you.

“I can’t…” Jon says with a pained look on his face, clearly not wanting to stop.

“Why not?” You whisper.

“I- I swore a vow. As a man of the Nights Watch.”

“Oh… They make you swear not to lay with a woman?”

“Something like that… we swear to never marry or father children.”

“So… you do not actually swear off of… sex.”

“Well I- Yeah… I guess not…” Jon furrows his brows at the realization.

Without another word he throws caution to the wind and reaches between you to pull the ties of your robe before pushing it off your shoulders. He grabs your breast and leans forward to put the other in his mouth making you let out a quiet moan. His lips make their way up your collarbone to your neck until they land back on your lips. His hand begins to explore your body until his fingers lightly brush against your most sensitive area causing you to gasp and break the kiss.

“Jon…” You sigh, “I have never…”

“Me neither…” he whispers back.

You smile and lean over to capture his lips again. This time he lets you pull the strings of his pants before he pulls them fully off. You barely get a glimpse of his lower half before he’s on top of you littering kisses all along your jaw and neck.

“Are you sure?” He whispers as you feel him rubbing his length against you.

The feeling makes your brain fuzzy and you quickly nod staring deep into his eyes.

“It is going to hurt… at first.” He says.

You nod again and he pushes into you making your jaw drop and your face scrunch in pain as you grab hard onto his biceps. He stops but you pull him closer signaling to keep going and you hear a low groan escape him as he pushes through. Once he’s fully inside you he stills. You pant through the pain as you adjust to him. He waits not just for your sake, but with the way you squeezed so tightly around him he was already struggling to not lose control and finish before this has even begun.

After another moment he begins to move slowly as your foreheads are pressed together. You breathe through the pain as it starts to fade. Your pained expression soon turns into pleasure and you’re suddenly desperate for more of him.

“Jon please… faster.” You whisper to him.

Without another word he starts thrusting faster into you until your moans begin to fill the room. He kisses you hard in a failed attempt to keep you quiet.

“Shh.” He smirks down at you, slowing his pace. “You are going to wake everyone up.”

“Sorry…” you whisper and giggle.

His speed picks up again and you bite your lip to hold try and hold back your loud moans. Your hands tangle into his curls and tug hard. He groans in your ear and gently bites your neck in response then kisses the tender spot. It becomes harder and harder to keep quiet as he slams into you harder and harder. You bite down on your lip so hard you thought it might bleed again. You gasp his name as the pressure in your belly builds. Every cell in your body ignites and you begin to see stars. Suddenly everything snaps and he quickly covers your mouth as you scream out. His thrusts become more sloppy as he quickly reaches his own peak and pulls out. He can’t stop himself from grunting loudly as he spills himself onto your stomach. In that moment his mind was so blurred by the feeling of you he completely forgot where he was. You nearly faint at the gorgeous sight of him above you as he came.

He crashes down beside you and reaches for a cloth before cleaning you up.

“You are going to wake everyone up...” You tease.

He chuckles, “I would be very surprised if we did not.”

“Well… at least I am no longer cold.” You give a shy smirk.

He smiles and kisses your temple before pulling you in close so you’re laying on his chest. You would face your problems in the morning. Right now you just savor the feeling of your saviours strong arms wrapped around you and his heart beating against your ear as you both drift off to sleep.

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[another-argo]

*○☆ Open Starter☆○*

TW: Derealization, Confronting mortality (kinda), Vomiting

Wake Up.

[ANYONE CAN INTERACT]

Argo hasn't slept in very long, that much is obvious. So, when you convinced him to go to sleep- you were a little shocked, but pleasantly surprised, since he clearly need it.

When he started shouting and screaming for mercy in his sleep, you felt less relieved.

"I- I want to be good- please," they whimper, tossing and turning, folding in on themself as they sleep.

"But you know that's not possible," a voice responds from the darkness. It's physically there, it's not in Argo's head.

"How would you know anything about being good-" Argo mumbles, still sleeping. It would seem like they're just having a nightmare- but you HEARD that voice.

"I could help you be better. Your father said you should find loopholes- being a 'good person' doesn't have to mean morally correct."

A tendril of shadow comes out to stroke Argo's face.

"Stop- please-" he begs weakly.

"You know, you're not even really a person. That was part of the deal. You're only here to serve others; why not do that properly?"

"Stop-" Argo's voice gets quieter- he seems to be drifting off into a deeper sleep.

"You're not alive. You're not real. Even when you're awake, you're still sleeping. Sleeping is just you slipping further. Wake up if you can."

Argo mumbles in distress in their sleep before bolting upright; letting out a horror movie scream; another streak of their hair turning gray.

They turn to their side, trying to cover their mouth. They gag- then vomit, a mixture of blood- something black, and bone fragments.

What do you do?

taglist (ask to be added or deleted): @orion-the-hunterpt2 @lilacnightshade @pain-is-forever @reyno-solis-real @faceless-bugger @unlicensed-field-medic @the-great-emperor-commodus @the-eclipsed-sun @sophia-hunter-of-artemis @daughter-of-thanatoss

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REST & RECOVERY.

𝐊𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐝𝐨 𝐓𝐚𝐧𝐣𝐢𝐫𝐨 𝐱 𝐟! 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫.

★ 𝟏𝟖+ 𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐎𝐑𝐒 𝐃𝐎 𝐍𝐎𝐓 𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓.

𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲! You were almost too used to seeing Tanjiro in a battered state, suppressing your feelings every time the slayer was sent on a mission. Enduring constant sleepless nights, praying he'd make it back in one piece. Just how oblivious was he to your aching heart? Is there a way Tanjiro could ever make it up to you?

𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬! female bodied reader, very slightly tsun reader (i can’t help itt), smut (dur), recovering tanjiro, sneaky sex, lovemakinggg, piningggg, slight angst, pet name use, raw sex. All characters are of the appropriate age in this work.

𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭: 6.5k (why am I allergic to writing short fics...)

☆!☆!☆: call me butter cuz i'm on a rollllll. lol, tried adding more feelings to this one, sooo enjoy!! ;) (divider: @cafekitsune)

Kneeling on the cool wooden walkway outside the Butterfly Mansion, your hands scrubbed at the stubborn stains that clung to soaking garments. You let your thoughts pass peacefully, slipping into a tranquil daze as you focused on the task at hand, dutifully completing your chores whilst the other attendants worked within the Mansion.

It was another quiet, sunny afternoon, with the sounds of cooking, cleaning, and light chatter echoing around the estate. Views of the lush greenery in the courtyard welcomed a serene atmosphere, a stark contrast to the bickering and yelling that normally surrounded you when your slayer friends were all under the same roof. The lively trio you knew and loved were away on another mission, their longest one yet, and the uncertainty of their well-being lightly tugged at your heartstrings— a sensation you were no stranger to at this point. Each mission was riskier than the last, the boys sporting insane injuries upon their return, nearly fatal each time. Especially Tanjiro, his protective and righteous nature always causing him to suffer the brunt of whatever attacks were thrown towards his teammates.

You quickly shook your head, clearing your mind of the incoming gruesome images, and just decided to enjoy the temporary quiet in the meantime, knowing they would soon return. Hopefully safe and sound. Although, deep down, you knew the chances of a bloody aftermath were too high to ignore.

The soft sounds of splashing water and foaming soap filled your ears, slowly drawing you back into the present, until you could sense a commotion drawing near.

A panicked, frenzy of clashing voices grabbed your attention, sending you scrambling to your feet, almost knocking over the bucket full of laundry and water. It seemed as if a small mob was forming just behind the other side of the gate, forcing the kakushi from inside the manor to hurriedly rush past you and towards the source of all the racket. You were hearing buzzwords like 'medic!', 'help!', 'quickly!', being shouted full of urgency and alarm.

'What on earth was happening??' You thought to yourself, stunned as you watched the fearsome scene unfold before your eyes. The gates were flung open, numerous kakushi shouldering the weight of badly injured swordsmen, bringing them into the estate.

Your stomach sunk, seeing your friends' faces scrunched up in agony, expressions of pain and exhaustion written all over them. Your eyes landed on a familiar redhead, with his sister's arms wrapped around his midsection, guiding his battered body towards the mansion with the help of other kakushi.

'Tanjiro!' You screamed internally, a hand raised to cover your mouth, which hung open in shock. Your heart almost leapt out of your chest at the sight of him. He was definitely alive, but it seemed as if the beatings he had received had left him on right on death's doorstep. To your horror, the other two of the trio, Zenitsu and Inosuke, looked equally wounded. Dried and smeared blood, deep scratches, broken bones, darkening bruises, it was all too much to witness. You could never get used to seeing them like this, it was so frightening each time.

With your heart pounding in your chest, you flew off the walkway, rushing towards the swordsmen. Your sandals hit the ground as you ran, kicking up dirt in its wake. A barely conscious Tanjiro lifted his head ever so slightly to watch as your figure approached him, cracking a pained smile at the sight of you.

His vision was blurry as ever, but it was hard to ignore the aura of worry and panic that surrounded you, his dear friend. He hated having to return to you in such a state, however he knew this result came with the territory of being a demon slayer.

"[F/n]..., I'm back," his hoarse, broken voice greeted you. "We did it." Those few words, full of grief-stricken triumph, were the most he could muster as he started to slip in and out of consciousness.

"Tanjiro! Oh Gods...," jumbled speech tumbled past your lips. Your hands immediately came up to touch him, but stopped short of his torn jacket, afraid to make contact. You glanced at Nezuko, her sorrowful eyes meeting your own. You took a moment to look at the rest of her. Although her injuries were nearly healed, you could see the remnants of a fierce battle in the state of her clothing. A bloodied, ruined yukata, disheveled hair, and light scratches slowly dissolving into her skin. Tears pricked at your eyes, welling up and blurring your vision. But you held them back, assuming the position of the kakushi at Tanjiro's side, shouldering his weight and trudging towards the infirmary together.

⭒ ⭒ ⭒

The past few weeks were trying, filled with suturing, bandaging, and administering healing balms to the injured boys, making sure they were on the path to a full recovery. As a non-combative slayer in the Butterfly Mansion, your role was mostly dedicated to research and drug experimentation alongside the insect Hashira Shinobu. However, in cases like these, medical aid was another duty you were expected to carry out, luckily for you, it was one of your strong suits.

There was almost no end to the bloodied sheets and tools, but alas, you knew you needed to be the one to do the job. But to the boys' dismay, after providing them with their much needed medical care, you would swiftly exit as quickly as you entered. You no longer lingered around to chat, becoming less and less fond of being faced with evidence of their impending ruin. Graphic imagery was not something you could easily stomach, despite all your experience, and the jarring feeling of knowing your loved ones may one day be ripped away from you—again, hardened your heart into stone.

Your growing distance did not go unnoticed, especially not by Tanjiro. He started to pick up on your curt responses whenever you were around long enough to talk. Not even humoring the bickering sessions that Zenitsu or Inosuke would engage in, like you usually would. Now avoiding his eyes, a notable difference compared to the times you would gaze at him with such tenderness. His warmth seemed to hit a wall with you, unable to reach. It deeply saddened him, the thick scent of sorrow following you everywhere you went. He couldn't help but feel, guilty, hoping he wasn't burdening you with the traumatic aftermath of his battles. He was at a standstill, unable to figure out what he could do to make it up to you. He missed your affection more than you knew, and was going to earn it back. Some way, somehow.

Deep orange hues of a setting sun streamed in through the windows, illuminating the infirmary with a warm glow as the three men lay sleeping in their beds, quiet snores reverberating in the room. They had been healing quite well, gaining back their energy little by little, however, the strength of the medicinal teas and serums they were frequently ordered to ingest could easily knock out an adult horse.

"Thanks Aoi," you whispered, grabbing the pail of water and clean rags from your friend. Your voices were hushed as to not wake up the sleeping swordsmen.

"No problem. But let me know if you need any help, okay? You don't have to do this all by yourself y'know...," Aoi replied, a look of concern gracing her features.

"It's alright. Wouldn't be the first time," You laughed dryly, shooting her a half-hearted smile, as to not worry her any further.

"Okay, if you say so," she said softly, a bittersweet tone in her voice as she left you to work.

Turning to face your sleeping friends, you sighed as you quietly pulled up a chair next to their beds, rags and pail in hand. You started with Zenitsu, moving his blonde locks away from his forehead to run a cool, damp rag across his face, wiping away sweat and bringing down his temperature. You moved his blanket down to reach his neck, and any exposed skin around the chest area of his sleepwear, then folded the cloth into a neat rectangle to place above his brow. The same routine was repeated for Inosuke, moving his mask further away from his pillow to give you some space to work. Last was Tanjiro. Hesitantly, you approached his bed and sat in your chair next to him.

Solemnly, you watched how his chest rose and fell, a peaceful expression on his face as he slept, hinting nothing of the horrors he had seen not too long ago. His deep crimson hair framed his handsome features, luring you in to brush any wayward strands from his face. It would be an understatement to say you missed him while he was away. It was a little unfair to the other two, but Tanjiro's presence was special to you. His ability to ease your mind and comfort you so willingly whenever you needed him, drew the two of you closer. Whether it was engaging in playful banter, or sharing a long conversation to alleviate the stress of your day-to-day duties, you could always count on the redhead to brighten your day. It surprised you a little— just how quick he could coax you out of your reserved demeanor. A hand on your shoulder or a warm hug immediately melting your stern exterior. But you no longer allowed yourself to openly indulge, only yielding when you were alone or he was asleep, unable to question your behavior.

Bringing the dampened cloth to his face, you gingerly wiped his skin. Your touches were gentle, afraid to hurt him any further, as if he would break if you pressed hard enough. You admired his unwavering strength and resilience, but it never failed to leave a bitter taste in your mouth, knowing how much he had to endure. But without skipping a beat, he'd always come back to you, facing everyone with the same warm smile and firm optimism.

As you cleaned him, your mind wandered to your past conversations, eventually bringing you back to your most recent chat, occurring the night before he left.

★ ★ ★

It was pretty late, and Tanjiro happened to be awake, unable to sleep after much tossing and turning. Certain things had been weighing heavily on his mind, so he figured it would help to sit outside for a bit. Enjoying some fresh air and admiring the nighttime view of the estate would surely do him some good.

On the other hand, after working tirelessly for several hours on a new concoction in the butterfly lab, you decided to call it a night, making a few stops on the way back to your room. That's when you had found him outside, a scolding already waiting for him on the tip of your tongue.

But as sharp as ever, Tanjiro had already sensed your presence, turning to greet you.

"Oh! Hello [F/n]," He softly called out to you with a smile. "Couldn't sleep either?"

After seeing him in such a relaxed state, you bit back the fierce lecture you intended to give him, instead opting to park next to him with a sigh. He wasn't disturbing anyone, so you would just let him be for now.

"I was stuck in the lab all day. But unlike someone, I was actually heading to bed just now," you chided, giving a playful roll of your eyes.

He chuckled a little, the corners of his eyes crinkling with amusement at your faux attitude. He never took your sternness personally, knowing there was a sweet side of you hidden just beyond the surface.

"Well I'm glad you decided to join me, it's always nice to see you," he replied warmly, keeping his eyes locked with yours. You ignored the blush threatening to creep up your cheeks. It's like he knew exactly what to say to make you feel all flustered and clammy.

"Yeah yeah, It's nice seeing you too," you murmured, breaking his strong gaze to focus on something else, like the way his sleep shirt lightly billowed in the cool night air. "But seriously, why are you out here so late? You know lights out was a while ago, right?"

"Yeah, I know," he began, his tone taking a more somber turn. "If I'm being honest, ...I've been struggling to sleep for a while. After each mission, it's gotten harder to shake some of the things I've seen." His brow was furrowed in deep thought, and you could practically see the images flickering through his brain of past encounters with demons.

Your heart faltered a bit. You knew killing such unsightly creatures must've taken an enormous toll on him. His mental fortitude was unlike anything you’ve ever seen, however, his tattered body and soul after each mission couldn’t be ignored.

Scooting a little closer, you reached out and placed a light hand on his shoulder, in an effort to comfort him.

“I’m sorry to hear that Tanjiro… I wish you would’ve let me know sooner,” you said, patting his shoulder & looking back into his eyes with all the sincerity you could muster.

“I know I probably can’t help with the mental part of your missions, but it’s my job to make sure you recover physically too. And that includes sleeping properly. If there’s anything, and I mean anything you need from me, don’t hesitate to let me know… because I do… care about you and whatnot…” you stated, trailing off a little towards the end. However, you maintained an expression of deep concern and seriousness, hoping your words reached him. You wanted him to understand you would be there for him no matter what. Not just as another member of the corps, but as his friend.

Tanjiro’s eyes widened for a moment, mouth slightly agape from processing your words. But without skipping a beat, a look of genuine happiness washed over his face. His gentle smile returned, and his hand came up to softly pat the top of your head.

“I appreciate that, [F/n]. I’m glad to have a wonderful friend like you by my side,” He replied, gently smoothing your strands. He watched a look of relief brighten up your beautiful features. In truth, he held back the urge to state that he did need something from you. More than just your medical care and aid. He knew that deep down, he wanted a place in your heart. Even though the trials and tribulations of being a demon slayer often broke it. But he held his tongue, knowing he would be asking for too much. He could not guarantee you the love you deserved, much less his own life after each mission. But it was why he fought so hard each time, to protect the ones he loved. To protect you.

Meanwhile, you were tempted to swat his hands away from your scalp. But you had to admit, it felt pretty nice. You secretly relished in the moments where Tanjiro would dote on you, as an affectionate older brother would. Not that you would ever tell him such a thing.

“Of course. Anytime,” you replied.

You both sat there for a moment, gazes turning back to the pretty moonlight illuminating the courtyard. Not realizing how close the two of you had become. Physically.

Tanjiro’s arm had wrapped around your back in a side embrace, a hand cupping your right arm comfortably. You leaned on his chest, his shoulder supporting your head. You nestled more into the heat of his body, soothed by the light drum of his heartbeat. And you both stayed like that for a while. Not speaking, simply enjoying each other’s company.

It didn’t occur that you should be leaving, until your eyes snapped open, the muted hues from the approaching sunrise invading your vision.

Did you doze off? Goodness, for how long?? You could feel Tanjiro’s cheek & chin basically forming an imprint atop your head from the weight of his body. His arms totally enveloped your figure in a bear-hug embrace. Was he always this heavy? Or was it because he was so… close?

At least he smelled good. Really good too. Smoky undertones, with notes of light wisteria emanated from him and clung to his night shirt. And just when did you wrap your arms around his waist, cuddling him so tightly? It was certainly too late— er, rather too early to be out here. You both should’ve been on your way to bed by now.

Hastily unwrapping your body from his grasp, you happened to wake up the also snoozing Tanjiro, who reluctantly came to after feeling the loss of your body heat. Rubbing the sleep out of his eyes, he noticed your frazzled state.

“Mmh… [F/n]? What’re you—“

“Uh— I should go.” You blurted out, face exploding with heat at the realization of you spending most of the night with him. A little disoriented, you quickly rose to your feet, smoothed a hand over your clothes, and shot him a quick ‘goodbye!’ before speeding off in the direction of your room.

Tanjiro watched you leave, quite abruptly in fact, and couldn’t help but laugh softly to himself, the scent of embarrassment right on your tail.

★ ★ ★

You had just finished wiping down the three young men in the infirmary room, and was now in the process of gathering your things to leave, when the sound of rustling sheets caught your attention. You quickly glanced in the direction of the noise, only to be met with the familiar sleeping faces of the injured men.

A sigh of relief escaped you and you turned back around, continuing to place all used cloths into the bucket.

“[F/n]..?”

Tanjiro’s voice, laced with raspiness from his slumber, called out your name.

You chose not to engage, turning on your heel to leave, before he called out to you again.

“[F/n], wait— don’t leave. Please.” He pleaded softly, his voice dropping in volume. He just wanted a little more of your time. He regret that he couldn’t prolong your tender touch, aware that it was you who cared for him a few minutes ago.

Facing him, you could see the heavy disappointment pooling in his eyes, and consequently, averted yours. You couldn’t bring yourself to answer him, and instead, waited for him to speak.

He arose from his cot slowly, his feet meeting the cool wooden floor before he fully stood, lightly stretching his limbs with a yawn. His sleeping shirt was left atop his sheets, allowing you to see his broad chest and abdomen— peppered with long-faded bruises and scar tissue resembling the shape of slashes. His battle scars. His pajama pants hung loosely around his hips, encouraging your eyes to follow the path where his skin dipped underneath, the defined shape of a v protruding from—

‘What am I doing? I should wrap this up quick so I can go’

You dismissed any wayward thoughts crossing your mind, ignoring the creaking of the floorboards as he made his way over to you.

“[F/n]…”

Gods, he needed to stop saying your name like that. Softening his voice to damn near a whisper, trying to coax you out of your hiding place, as if you were a stray kitten.

You kept your eyes trained on the skin of his chest, which was a foot or two away from your face now.

“Are you… upset with me?” Tanjiro looked down to find you refusing to meet his eyes, reaching forward when a few strands of hair fell in front of your face as you looked down at your socks.

You paused for a moment, chewing your bottom lip, trying to gather your thoughts. He was standing so close, and you imagined how mortifying it would be if he saw your quickly reddening face. You almost didn’t register the swipe of his fingers tucking your hair behind your ear.

“No, Tanjiro. I just— I don’t think we should talk… well, not about this, not here…,” your thoughts came out jumbled, and you were suddenly having such a hard time speaking.

Without much of a response, the redhead took your hand in his, and started off in a random direction away from the infirmary, tugging you along with him.

“Woah—! Can you slow down?”

He didn’t answer. His grip was firm and unchanging, and you found yourself being yanked in the direction of a supply closet, to then be pulled inside with him.

In total darkness, there were sounds of a door clicking shut and some shuffling, before the cord to a lamp was pulled, illuminating the confined space.

You’ve only been in this closet maybe a handful of times? Just to quickly grab medical supplies, cleaning materials, and other miscellaneous items that lined the shelves on the wall— in instances where you couldn’t make it to the larger ones. You kept your trips short due to the the restricted amount of space in the room, which could probably only hold around 5-6 people (un)comfortably. Needless to say, the proximity between the two of you shrunk further than what it was in the infirmary.

“…Tanji—”

“Why have you been avoiding me, [F/n]?” Tanjiro placed both of his hands on your shoulders.

For a second, you thought he was going to rattle you back and forth like a snow globe. Or even gift you with one of his famous headbutts. However, he held a serious expression, eyes scanning your face for signs of an answer, any indication of what was brewing inside that head of yours. With his sense of smell, he could pick up on inklings of several emotions. Anger. Hurt. Sadness. Even guilt. As well as something else he couldn’t quite place a finger on, its depth was strange and confusing. 

You snapped your head up to meet him,  a look of incredulity as clear as day. There was no way he could be so clueless.

"Are you kidding me?" You hissed, narrowing your eyes at him. "Am I just supposed to sit by and watch you get killed?"

Tanjiro had to admit, he was a little taken aback. He was moreso expecting you to lash out about something he may have said or done, much less a fear of something so gruesome. You watched his shoulders fall a bit, concern now paintings features. Not waiting for a response, you continued.

"I'm not sure I can do this anymore... watching you all suffer like that… so often...," you struggled to finish, taking a step back. Your throat closed up each time you attempted to swallow the lump lodged in it. Several memories of the boys returning within an inch of their lives, flooded your mind. Burning tears welled up quickly, and you forcefully blinked them back. 

"I don't know how much more I can take...," your voice cracked. Hot, fat droplets began to roll down the curve of your cheeks, streaking your face with tears. 

You felt strong arms gently pulling you into his chest, and wrapping around your back. Your face was pressed to his warm skin, tears staining the area.

"Oh [F/n]... I'm so sorry... I didn't know." He consoled you while you quietly sniffled, trying to hold back the overwhelming emotions crashing over you in waves. His hands rubbed giant circles around your back, coming up to cradle your head. "I didn't know you were suffering so much, and all alone..."

"What would I do? If you never came back?...How am I supposed to move on?"  You hiccuped, your words muffled the way you hid your face so deeply, flushed with embarrassment.

"It's okay," He whispered into your hair, lightly rocking you from side to side. "I'm not going anywhere, I promise. I'm sorry I've made you worry so much, love." 

You pulled back a bit, craning your head up to examine his features. He gazed upon you with such heartfelt concern, that you had no other option but to let your hardened exterior melt away once more.

"You promise?" You repeated. One of his hands came up to swipe away drying tears with his thumb, holding your face in his palm. The other was placed at the small of your back.

"I promise."

Your eyes trailed from his burgundy orbs to his warm smile, and down to the taut chest with your now-dry tears displayed.

His thumb inched closer to your puffy lips, smoothing over your bottom lip, eyes trained on your little pout. Everything about you was undeniably beautiful. His heart soon became heavy. He couldn't believe he was the source of so much of your pain, and better yet, failed to notice your suffering. His pretty companion. Tanjiro intended to rectify the situation in any way he could.

The complicated scent his nose was picking up on earlier had grown tremendously, now a bit more recognizable. You were sexually frustrated in a way, with all these negative feelings suppressing any urge you had to express romance, affection, or anything similar. He would take care of that. He would take care of you.

"Can I make it up to you, [F/n]?" He breathed, his eyes low. It was more of a suggestion than a question, as he leaned in, taking note of the way your eyes had already fluttered closed, anticipating the touch of his lips.

"Ye— mmph!" Your reply was cut short with the soft collision of his lips on yours. You couldn't deny the way you wanted him, locking lips in a rhythmic fashion, and following his lead. The kiss was romantic, passionate, with feelings of warmth and desperation seeping through. His rough hands trailed down to grab the flesh of your ass, palming and squeezing it. You let soft, wanton moans slip past your mouth, and he swallowed them all, tongue now hotly wrestling with yours. 

His hand trailed back upwards to undo the knot in the back of your apron, pulling away to slip it off, then reattaching his lips to yours.

The apron lay discarded on the floor as you continued to lock lips with the redhead, pants and heated breaths now filling the small space.

Pulling away, Tanjiro admired the way you looked. So soft and sweet, he wanted to shower you in affection. He knew it wouldn't make up for the pain you've experienced, however he was determined to try. He placed a kiss to your forehead, then to your cheek, hands caressing the sides of your face, then holding the first button of your jacket between his fingers.

"Can I?" The request came. He needed to know you were okay with this, and if you'd allow him to take care of you in any way he could.

"Yeah," you nodded, a little bashfully. You couldn't really look him in the eyes while he unbuttoned your uniform jacket, revealing the bindings you wore underneath, holding your breasts.

Tanjiro smiled softly, finding your slight embarrassment to be endearing.

"You know, every inch of you is beautiful," he began, as your eyes rose to meet his. "I'd like to prove it to you, if you'd let me."

Hands trailed up your waist, cupping your tits through the fabric, squeezing and slipping underneath to meet skin. He pulled you in more, with a hand returning to the small of your back, and the other pawing at your breast, finding the nipple and lightly tweaking it. Chaste, warm kisses trailed from your jawline down to your collarbone, and you felt yourself arching into him, melting under his touch. You allowed his hands to roam freely, slipping off your bindings, and holding your tits in place for his mouth to latch on.

The temperature in the closet soared, and you felt as if most of it was condensed within your body, the way Tanjiro's touches lit you on fire. You were struggling to keep quiet, even more so when you felt the rough pads of his fingers slip past the waistband of your skirt and panties, finding your clit.

"Oh... fuckkk," you drawled, feeling his fingers rubbing circles on your sensitive nub. His breath fanned your neck as he pressed his body to yours, fingers keeping a steady pace. Your hips had a mind of their own, bucking into his hand a few times, whines and gasps falling past your lips. Jolts of electrifying pleasure shot through you, and you could feel yourself coating his fingers with your slick the more he rubbed your pussy.

"Pleasepleaseplease..." you begged, rocking your hips more into his hand while he held you in place. You were almost there.

"That's it, keep going my love," Tanjiro doted on you, encouraging you to chase your high under him.

The tightness in the pit of your abdomen grew, your cunt spasming around him. You couldn't hold back much longer.

"C-cummingg, i'm cumminggg," you whined, eyes fluttering as you let the tension snap, creaming on his fingers.

Tanjiro felt you coming undone, rubbing your wetness around the opening of your entrance. He used the lubrication to push in a middle finger into your heat, feeling how you tightened around the intrusion.

"Good girl, you can give me another one right?" he praised you.

You groaned at the feeling of being stretched open with only a single finger, an orgasm softening the sensation. Curling it, his finger rubbed against your plush walls, soon being joined by another, then another, making it a tight fit. Your head lolled back, the sounds of your sopping wet cunt filling your ears. You lifted a leg around his hip, for easier access, as he steadily pumped in and out. His eyes were trained on you, watching your expression as you mindlessly ground into his hand more, still recovering from when you first came. You were already reaching your next peak rapidly, struggling to catch your breath.

"Hnghh... Again... it's gonna– i'm gonna-!" Your words melted into gibberish as you found yourself cumming again, quiet, broken cries of Tanjiro's name on your tongue.

He shuddered, feeling how you twitched underneath him. His cock was straining freely in his pants, pressed against against your hip. He wasn't wearing any undergarments to catch the weeping drops of precum you elicited from him.

Picking your head up, you gazed at him with a hazy look in your eyes, cheeks rosy with an afterglow. He wanted to picture you like this forever, a beauty nestled in his arms.

Hooking his thumb under his waistband, Tanjiro pushed down his night pants with ease, letting his member spring free. You glanced down to see his cock bobbing heavily, droplets slick on his tip. His hand reached to grab underneath your knee, holding your leg up to his hip for support.

"You think you can guide me in, my pretty girl?" He sighed, the length of his cock resting underneath your slightly ajar panties.

You bit your lip and nodded, reaching for him. Your hand wrapped around the girth of his cock, giving it a test stroke. You felt how hot it was, and how you couldn't fit it all in your hand, even if you tried. You imagined how it would feel inside you.

Tanjiro focused on keeping his composure, trying not to buck into your warm hand, but how could he? The girl of his dreams was stroking his dick, and all he wanted to do was let you keep going. But instead, Tanjiro reached underneath that uniform skirt, and pulled your panties to the side, letting you insert him in. His free hand returned to holding the plush of your ass.

Using his tip to gather some wetness, you rubbed his dick on your slit, then pressed the head into you. A shaky groan left his throat, Tanjiro's eyes locked on where he disappeared under your skirt. Fitting him inside was a team effort, as there was no way you could get him inside on your own, even as wet as you were.

The redhead used his pelvis to push inch after inch into your heat, cock twitching the deeper he sunk in. The slow stretch burned, and tears threatened to prick the corners of your eyes.

Tanjiro leaned forwards to press a kiss to your forehead, comforting you through the initial pain.

"You're doing so well, pretty girl, just a little more for me, okay?" He cooed, his breaths becoming labored at your temple.

You could only mewl in response, wrapping your arms around his neck, squeezing your eyes shut, and letting the sensation of his cock filling you up overtake you. He was impossibly deep, sliding against places you could never reach with just your fingers. Your pussy tightened around him further, bullying his still-weeping cock into wanting to cream your walls.

"S-so tight, g-gonna start moving now," Tanjiro gave a quick thrust, fully bottoming out, letting out a sultry moan at your ear. You were basically incoherent, his name a repeated mantra at your lips. He pulled his hips back, dragging his cock out, to then plunge back in, almost knocking the air out of you. His thrusts were hard and deep, passion embedded within each one. He ground his hips into yours, keeping a steady pace... he was going to savor this. He could feel his tip hitting a spongy surface, bumping at the entrance of your womb every so often, and directed his thrusts into that very spot.

Your stifled moans clashed and melded in the space, the two of you drowning in pleasure together. It felt as if no one in this world existed but the both of you in this very moment.

Tanjiro picked up the pace, leaning you back a little to reach further inside, as much as he could, the sound of skin-slapping and squelching in his ears. His deep grunts and sighs continued, each time he pounded into you.

" 's too muchh, I can'tt" you droned, feeling yet another coil twist aggressively in the pit of your belly, threatening to snap at any moment. Your standing leg grew tired, overexertion settling into your side.

"You're almost there, you can do it my love," Tanjiro whispered, intending on making you cream on his cock again, and again. Pounding into you a few more times, he felt the siren's call of your orgasm, your cunt tightening around him, then wildly spasming. You leaked all over him, soaking the front of his pants.

"Such a good girl for me, aren't you?" He mumbled, watching your mouth fall open, eyes roll upwards, and your body shuddering underneath him.

He fucked you through your orgasm, slowing the pace once you started to come to. He let his cock drag out of you, still painfully hard. He hadn't yet finished, his dick begging for release, but he ignored it just a little longer. Fortunately though, his stamina was excellent, one of the many pros of being an experienced swordsman.

Once your eyes met his, albeit with a fucked-out expression all over your face, Tanjiro gave you a request.

"Do you think you can jump up here?" He motioned carrying something with the hand not holding your spasming thigh. "I promise i'll catch you," he cracked an amused smile at your look of disbelief.

"O-oh okay, but I don't wanna hurt you," You hesitated. You were met with a simple shake of his head, and Tanjiro tapped the side of your thigh, signaling that he stood firm on his decision. You took a deep breath, tightening your arms around his neck, and leapt up, using the last of the strength in your trembling legs.

He caught you with ease, wrapping your legs around his waist tightly, and placing his hands under your ass, giving it a light squeeze.

"See? Nothing to worry about princess," he chuckled. A small whinny of protest left your throat as he reached back under your skirt to move your panties out the way. However, he wasn't careful and ended up tearing through the bottom of the underwear's fabric, with a quick ripping noise audible in the space.

Tanjiro's eyes widened, immediately meeting yours. The look of pure shock was actually a little funny, and you giggled when he sheepishly mumbled a 'sorry', placing his face in the crook of your neck.

A hand held your ass, and the other placed his cock back at your entrance, and you braced yourself for the brief stretch as he sunk you back down onto him. A strangled moan left you, and you clenched around him, letting yourself feel him drag your cunt up and down the length of his member.

Up and down, up and down, Tanjiro hands gripped the fat of your ass, bouncing you on his dick, returning to the quick pace he once had. You were leaking profusely, dripping from his dick to his balls, wetting the top of his pants even more.

Despite trying to keep it down, the sound of skin slapping echoed each time he slammed you down on his dick, the both of your hushed cries and broken grunts and moans filling the atmosphere.

Tanjiro finally felt himself nearing his peak, with your ass bouncing & clapping so well on him, sending him barreling towards his release.

"Fuck, I-I think i'm close," he groaned, his dick pulsing heavily inside you. You could feel how it throbbed harshly, bumping at your g-spot, bullying your poor cunt. She was about to come undone as well.

Tanjiro slammed your hips into his a few more times before lifting you up, shooting warm spurts of his seed all over your orgasming cunt. Quiet, breathy moans of your name fell from his lips over and over, burying it into your neck he as he rubbed his cock through your folds, smearing his seed across your cunt.

He held you for a couple more seconds, pressing slow open-mouthed kisses to your throat while coming down from his high. You sucked in deep breaths, feeling your body begin to relax after experiencing wave after wave of pleasure. You were definitely at your limit. But you couldn’t be more content, after making amends with the boy your heart yearned for.

Placing you down gently, Tanjiro made sure to keep a steady hand at your waist, guiding you.

“We should probably get ourselves cleaned up. Okay, my love?”

® 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬-𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬. 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐝. 𝐃𝐨 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐩𝐲, 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭, 𝐧𝐨𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐦𝐲 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐮𝐦𝐛𝐥𝐫 𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦. 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐬, 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬, & 𝐫𝐞𝐛𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐞�� <𝟑

[papathe5th]

Could I possibllyyy ask for a Perpetua x reader where reader has been appointed his prime mover and must travel with him…I beg…

I hope to Lucifer that you have as much fun reading this as I had writing it. You didn't specify what flavor, so I prepared for you a bit of all three: fluff, angst and smut.

I would love to write some more about a hypothetical Prime Mover, but this is all I can muster for today.

READ THE SECOND PART HERE: PART TWO

Papa V Perpetua x Prime Mover f!Reader

Words: 1500

Rating: 18+

There was no way in the Nine Circles of Hell you were sitting your ass on a five star hotel king-sized bed all day waiting for the ritual to start. You were going to join the band at tonight’s venue for rehearsals. You will stand by Papa V Perpetua’s side as Satan intended. Until death do you apart and after the end of the world.

“You should be resting.” He moved his lips much to your annoyance. 

You had but two more strokes before finishing his black Cupid’s bow, but he just had to move those mesmerizing lips of his and distract you. 

“And you shouldn’t concern yourself with such menial tasks.” He looked at himself in the dressing room mirror. “We have a make-up artist for this.”

“You don’t need her,” you snapped back, barely disguising your disdain at her mention. “You do a better job of it anyway. And you have me to help.”

Papa watched your shaking hands and how they struggled to reassemble the make-up kit. And he lent your supposed helping hand a hand of his own. 

“Mia Prima,” his voice is low, like it was meant for the depth of your soul, as it was on your wedding night.

You became the Prime Mover less than three months ago. The night you were sworn to Papa V Perpetua was the first time the two of you met. And he addresses you as “Mia Prima,” his First and Everlasting. You heard his low voice over the scripture read by Papa Nihil’s spirit and you felt his gloved thumb stroke your trembling hand.

Now, as he was arresting your hand, pulling it away from the pile of products, he didn’t say his vows. Papa used his power to be rid of you. Again.

“Go back to the hotel and get yourself ready for the ritual.”

“I am ready,” your voice is also a whisper, but only because you were trying your best not to shout. “Do you not like my dress?” 

You already saw the way his eyes lit up when you showed up in the little black dress, the way they took little bites out of your figure when he thought you couldn’t see them through the dark holes in his mask. But now that you were being sent away, you doubted what your own eyes were witnessing. 

“It suits you,” he assures you, rising from the make-up chair. “And so does the jacket,” he smirked and you saw the work you did on his lips come to life.

The jacket was black leather, so worn it looked grey in the sunlight.  He had worn it in his youth and brought with him to the Ministry along with the little he owned from the outside world.

One of his treasures was a collection of Hammer Horror VHS tapes. They became your treasures too during the night of your wedding when, instead of consummating the marriage, you fell asleep in each other’s arms to the screams of dead movie stars.

You would be celebrating three months before either of you could blink, but he had been too busy building an image for the Ministry to use to reach the outside world. And, before you could settle into his chambers, you were out on the road for the first leg of the Skeletour.

“It does, doesn’t it?” You mirrored his smile. “It looks better on me than it ever did on you.” 

“Does it?” He teased you, and stroked his chin with a flourish, the test make-up came off before he could stop himself.

“Papa,” you chided him. “I was just finished with that.” 

“Don’t worry. I’ll just have the make-up artist—“

“No.” You stand your ground, actually speaking your mind this time. “Nobody else gets to see your bare face. Nobody.” 

Papa took a step back in surprise. And you covered your mouth in shock at what had just escaped through it.

“Are you…jealous of the backstage crew?”

You couldn’t bear to look at him. He was probably mocking you, looking down at you like you were still a lowly servant. And you suppose you were still servicing him, only as a wife instead of a sister. But your marital bed had been so cold without him.

Papa reached for you, running his leather clad fingers down each of your shoulders. “Confess to your Papa.”

You hugged yourself tighter, your back turned away from him so that he wouldn’t reach your heart.

“Mia Prima,” he whispered in your ear.

“Am I really your First and Everlasting? You haven’t even touched me!” And you said all this as he was struggling to encircle his hands around your shivering body. 

“It is me who should be confessing,” he breathed into the back of your neck. “I’ve been a terrible Papa. Just as my brother…our Frater feared.” 

It wasn’t just you who was trembling now. He curled himself around you as he opened his heart to your closed off one. “Forgive me. They put the weight of the end of the world on my shoulders and I can’t even…I am too weak to carry it.”

The pressure you have been feeling since the members of the Clergy informed you of your new role was his pressure. While still among the Sisters of Sin, they swore they heard that Papa V Perpetua himself wanted you before the elders made their final choice. When they appointed you his Prime Mover, they split that pressure down the middle for you to carry separately instead of together.

“But you don’t have to do it alone,” you turn towards him, and he rests his silver forehead against your bare one. “We can come together.”

“Together as one,” he breathed over your lips, his breath hot and heavy.

You closed your eyes, waiting for him to take your mouth, to claim your body and finally consummate your marriage right there, right then.

“Have they shown you the stage yet?”

You opened your eyes to see he had moved his mouth along with the rest of his face. 

“I’ve seen it before.” 

Still, you take his arm when he offers it.

“Not this one you haven’t.”

Papa was right. You had never seen a stage this big before. It was the biggest venue that they had played so far and the stage they built was massive. The giant ghrucifix hanging from the ceiling was enough to inspire religious zealotry which was exactly what the Ministry intended.

Under its majesty, Papa spun you around and you freely fell into his embrace. The only one who could distract you from Satan was him, so you didn’t even see the ghouls chasing the crew backstage. You didn’t even notice that you two were left alone in the intimacy of the unlit arena.

“Will you join me in unholy matrimony?” Papa asked, taking both your hands in his as he did during the ceremony. “Again?”

“Yes,” you giggled. “Again and again and again.”

He kissed you. Again and again and again. The face paint you so meticulously applied was all over your mouth and you didn’t even care. You tasted the black, his tongue gliding against yours as it snakes into your mouth.

You moaned around it, your legs melting under you and your hands clawing at his curls to keep your body from falling and your mouthed interlocked.

When he released you and you both took a respite, he poured golden honeyed words into your open mouth.

“Will you be my first?” He kissed your top lip. “My everlasting?” He kissed your bottom one, suckling it before surrendering it back to you. “My unholy mother?” He kissed your chin and moved his mouth under it and downwards.

“Yes,” you moaned and he kissed the sound as it formed in your throat. “Yes.”

Then, he bit the side of your neck and you arched right into his teeth. “Will you take me into you?”

“Yes.” You pulled on his hair and he growled against the sensitive skin of your neck.

“Do it again,” he nuzzled into the bruise purpling there. “Again.”

You scraped your nails against his skull first and then you pulled. 

“Again,” he scrapes his canines against the sensitive spot behind your ear. “Harder.”

You indulge him so that he sinks his teeth into you again. Both of you gasp for the same air. And both of you have trouble standing up straight.

Papa lowers you both, his mouth latching onto the lobe of your ear as he lays you down onto the floor and under his shadow.

“Will you take my seed into your womb and give me The Son?” 

You looked up at him through the thick haze of your arousal, and saw how bright his white eye shone. All the rituals, all those nights, all this time he was holding down because of the pressure of his position.

Right there, right then, you saw Papa V Perpetua unleashed, his jagged teeth bared, his racing heart open and his cock straining in his tight trousers, standing at your attention.

You stroked his hair again, gently this time, and he nuzzled into the palm of your hand. 

“Make me yours, Papa.”

“Mia Prima.”

[cokoladasljesnjakom]

WHEN YOU’RE LOST IN THE DARKNESS

summary: the world went to hell. to say at least. a man lost his daguhter, the only person that kept him alive, and then? boom! all of the happines he had? thrown in the water. same happened for the two young girls. lost both of their parents to infection. what will happen when the man and two young girls meet the paths? will they kill eachother or somehow get closer? guess we'll find out.

joel miller x platonic! reader, ellie williams x older sister! reader

word count: 18k (im sorry)

warnings: outbreak!, zombies, heavy angst, major character deaths, PTSD, panic attacks,guns, knives, a lots of blood, gore, attempts of su!c!de, se*ual ab*se and attempts, tears, cann*ball, anxiety and lots of it.

a/n: first off i wanna say, that i made myself cry with this, let alone watching the gameplay AND the show itself. i had this on my mind lately and it irked me so much i had to get it off my chest. this is a series if you havent noticed! i put my soul and my heart into this. putting myself into their shoes and tbh? i felt it. anyway! enjoy reading.

masterlist haunting past (oneshot)

BOSTON, NEW YORK, AUGUST 2006.

Two years had passed since the outbreak, since the world as they knew it fell apart. That was the day everything changed. The day Anna made the decision that would alter the course of her life—she chose to keep her baby, Alex.

When Anna told others, their eyes turned cold with judgment. How could anyone even think of raising a child in such a world? Why would anyone bring a baby into the chaos that had engulfed the world? The whispers were relentless, but Anna never wavered.

Instead, those whispers only fueled her love for Alex. And when Alex was born, Anna’s heart swelled with a love she hadn’t known was possible, even in a world that had been reduced to dust. Despite the chaos, Alex was the one thing that kept Anna grounded, the one thing that made the world feel like it still had some light in it.

As Alex grew, she became aware of the sounds that filled their nights—loud, haunting screams that pierced the silence, the growls of infected just outside their door. And every day, she'd wake up to find her mother’s arms wrapped tightly around her, keeping her safe from the horrors outside.

But being a Firefly, especially with a child, was never easy for Anna. Even with her boyfriend Kyle by her side, she often felt like the only parent in the relationship. Kyle and Anna would argue almost every night before one of his missions. The fights weren’t always about big things, but the little things—the words, the harsh tones, the way they shouted at each other—it all cut deep. It hurt more than either of them could admit.

Before the outbreak, their relationship had been simple. Yeah, they had their disagreements, but they never felt like this. There was a tension now, a weight to every word they said, and it was taking its toll.

One evening, while Anna was putting Alex to bed, the shouting began again. Alex, clutching a small, worn-out toy in her tiny hands, heard the voices raised in anger. The sound of her parents’ fight made her chest tighten, and tears welled up in her wide eyes.

Anna’s heart broke as she saw Alex’s tears. She immediately knelt down in front of her, scooping her up into her arms, murmuring softly, “Shh, baby, it’s okay. Mommy’s here. You’re safe.”

Kyle froze, his eyes meeting Alex’s with a flash of guilt. He hadn’t realized how much his anger affected her, and the shock of seeing his little girl so scared hit him harder than he expected. Without another word, he grabbed his jacket, walked to the door, and slammed it behind him as he left the apartment. The loud bang of the door closing made Anna jump, and Alex flinched in her arms.

Anna looked down at her daughter, her heart aching as she saw Alex’s small hand reach up to gently touch her cheek. Despite the tears that still clung to Anna’s eyes, Alex smiled up at her, a small, innocent smile that broke Anna’s heart all over again.

“Mama no cry,” Alex whispered, her little hand brushing away Anna’s tears. “Make mama happy.”

Anna smiled through her tears, pressing a kiss to Alex’s forehead. “I’ll always be happy with you, baby,” she whispered, her voice barely audible as she held her close, the weight of the world pressing down on her shoulders but, for a moment, forgetting everything except the warmth of her daughter in her arms.

--

Three years later, not much had changed. Anna, Alex, and Kyle still lived together in the Boston QZ, in the same apartment Marlene—Anna’s childhood friend—had secured for them years ago. But this time, something was different.

Anna, now six months pregnant, waddled carefully toward the kitchen, one hand resting on her belly. Another baby. They didn’t know the gender, but it didn’t really matter. All that mattered was that the baby was healthy.

“Mama! Dada!” Alex’s little feet pattered against the floor as she ran toward them, gripping a squeaky toy in her small hands. Her face lit up with excitement as she waved it around. “Got new toy for baby! Now baby and me play when she come!”

Her toothy grin was infectious, and Anna and Kyle couldn’t help but exchange a glance before laughing together.

“Wow! That is so cool, baby!” Anna said, crouching down with a hand on her belly. She steadied herself by holding onto Kyle, then reached out to gently run her fingers through Alex’s hair.

Kyle noticed Anna struggling, so without hesitation, he scooped Alex up into his arms, settling her into his lap before helping Anna sit down beside him.

Alex giggled, wrapping her little arms around Kyle’s neck and planting a kiss on his cheek. “Love Dada so much!” she announced before turning to her mom with a bright smile, waving her hands excitedly. “And love Mama too!”

Anna’s heart swelled. She leaned in, kissing Alex’s forehead as Kyle held them both close.

For a moment, the outside world didn’t matter.

TWO MONTHS LATER -

Night had fallen, and with it came the same routine. Another mission. Another night where Kyle had to leave with the Fireflies. And another night where Anna had to stay behind, waiting.

"Why do you have to go?" Anna whispered, her arms tightening around him as if holding on hard enough could make him stay.

Kyle sighed, pressing a soft kiss to her lips before resting his forehead against hers. His hands cradled her face like she was the most fragile thing in the world. "You know I have to. It’s my turn to do the shit we volunteered for."

Tears welled in Anna’s eyes as she buried her face into the crook of his neck, breathing him in. Gunpowder, grime, and leather—his scent. The one thing that made her feel safe. The one thing that told her he was still here.

"But you don’t have to," she murmured, her voice barely above a breath. "There are others now. You don’t have to go." She pulled back just enough to look into his eyes, pleading. "I need you here. Alex needs you here. The baby needs you here. You can’t just go. What if something happens? What if the smugglers get you? What if—"

Kyle cut her off the only way he knew how. His lips crashed against hers, desperate and deep, like this was the last time he’d ever get to taste her. Because maybe it was.

He memorized the way she felt in his hands, the way her body fit against his. But even as he lost himself in her, his mind drifted—to Alex. To his little girl. God, he loved her so much it physically hurt. If he could rip his own heart out just to make sure she never had to cry, he would.

Tears streamed down his face as he pulled away, his hands still cupping Anna’s cheeks.

His voice was raw, shaky, but sure.

"I love you." His thumb brushed away a tear trailing down her skin. "I love you so much it makes my heart hurt. I love you so much it drives me crazy. To the point where I’d tear myself apart just to be near you."

A small, broken smile tugged at his lips. "I love you on your bad days. When you throw shit at me, when you scream at me over stupid things I did. I love you because you’re you. I love you because you’re the mother of our children. I love you."

looking at him with the purest pook she ever gave him, she broke down. sobbed so much it hurt her to breathe. her chest felt so heavy, it felt like her lungs were caving in on itself, and every breath she took, felt like it was last.

the fear of loosing him, coiled in her stomach making her feel sick everywhere. 'what if he hurts himself? what if he gets stuck alone and there is no one to save him?' the last thought on her mind, god, it hurt her to even think about that. she hated every second of it. she hated how they joined the fireflies in a hope that, maybe, one day, everything could go back to normal.

despite the pain in her chest and heart, a broken smile got on her face. kissing him softly, she said while caresssing his face. "you are such an asshole, you know that, right?" Kyle smiled teasingly, bringing her closer to him, while kissing the crown of her head, softly whispering. "well, you are dating this asshole. so tehnically, not my fault."

now looking at him seriously, Anna whispered out. "I love you. so much its making my head hurt just thinking about you. i love you when you have that deep frown on your face every time you think about something. i love you when youre trying to do something, youre doing it with a passion and not like youre forced to do that. i love you even though it makes my sides hurt and when I want to put myself next to your soul."

kissing him softly, she smiled, despite crying, again. "I love you when youre playing with Alex, making sure she gets all of the happines in this cruel world. i love you when im mad and youre still here, next to me, trying to make me forget about my problems. i love you for the way you are. i love you."

Kyle opened his mouth trying to say something, but then a little voice broke him out from his thoughts and he turned his head around to face the little voice. Anna saw his head turning away, so did hers. and when it did, they saw their little babygirl standing, with a blanket in her one hand and her toy in the other.

Alex’s voice now sad, and her eyes full of tears, seeing her parents crying, she cried too. "Mama? dada?" when she saw their heads turning and seeing the tears on her moms face, she runed towards her amd cried. "mama no cry. dada no cry."

kyle picked her up and wiping his tears, his voice now full of happines, because he was truly happy. his two best girls and the baby on the way, made him the richest man on the world. "hey lexie. how's my girl doing?" kyle asked trying to keep his voice calm and steady, but the crack in it made Anna cry silently. watching her little girl and the man that she loved made her heart full.

Alex’s hand wiped his tears and kissed him on the cheek, while doing the same to her mom. "me sad. mama and you crying. have bad dream." hearing her words, splitted their hearts apart, making them beat fast aganist their chests. when she had nightmares, both of them would curl up next to her and hold her like they wanted to protect her from everything in this world. Anna clearing her throat said, while wiping her tears away, ner hand now on Alex’s cheek. "oh, my little girl had a bad dream. you want kiss to make you feel better?"

Alex nod her head and both of them, Anna and Kyle, kissed Alex on her forehead, cheeks, nose, ears, neck and whenever they could do that. giggling, Alex said during the kissess she was reciving. "that tickles! no more kiss!"

both of them now grinning, Anna and Kyle kissed her once again, before Anna asked Alex, her voice quiet not to startle her. "what was the dream about, lexie?" Alex looked over her mom and her lips stared to tremble, before speaking. "monsters screaming. dada saved me and you kiss me on cheek. then i was happy."

locking eyes, Anna and Kyle looked at eachother and nod their heads, Kyle speakijg up first. "dada will always save you. i will be next to you whenever you want and i will always love you."

his hand slowly dragging over Anna’s now 8 months pregnant belly he noded down, pointing at her belly to Alex. "I will always protect you, your baby sister and your mama." kissing Alex slowly on forehead, his voice cracked before speaking up again. "Im always going to be right here." he pointed to her heart.

Anna cried softly, before speaking up after Kyle. "mama is going to be here, too. im always going to be here. to kiss your boo boo's away. to make you feel better. to make you feel the happiest in the world." caressing her cheek, Anna spoke again. "you, your baby sister that im sure it is now, and your dada, are the most important people in the world. i will always love you."

in their little moment, everything felt like it stopped. the time. the cruelness in this world. it felt like just four of them exsisted. Anna, Kyle, Alex and her little baby sister.

before Anna could say something more, a knock on the doors stopped her. the doors opening, it revealed Marlene. Kyle looked over his shoulder and his stomach dropped. he felt sick and so scared. leaving his family was the worst thing he could ever do. he didnt wanted to be on that mission. he wanted to be here, with his little family. god, if there was a chance to change the situation he was in now, he would do it without missing a beat.

Marlene watched the scene unfolding in front of her, and it made her heart feel heavy. watching her best friend and her boyfriend with a daguhter in his hands, with a upcoming baby, it made feel like she was the bad guy in here.

clearing her voice, Marlene called out, her hand gripping the door handle. "its time." and with that she closed the doors and walked out.

Anna, now looking at Kyle, her eyes full of tears, shaked her head no at Kyle, trying to make him stay. "no, please. dont go. Kyle dont go." and Kyle watched her in silence, his tears now sliding down his face. "Im sorry. Im so sorry."

Alex watched her parents cry and it made her cry too. "dada, dont go. stay." even being a kid, Alex was smarter than anybody ever could be. kissing Alex on the crown of her head, sniffing her scent in, trying to memorize the feeling of having her in his arms and then finally kissing Anna, like its the last kiss hes ever going to have feel. he leaned his forehead on hers, sobbing, and said his voice shaking, saying the words so quietly so that only she could hear them. "I love you. so much. i love you guys so much."

turning his head around to face Alex, he whispered out to her. "daddy loves you too. so much." and then finnaly he dropped Alex down on the ground, before he himself dropped on his knees, his forehead pressing aganist Anna’s belly, pressing a kiss on it, before softly whispering. "I love you kiddo. so much. be careful with mommy."

getting up from the ground, he once again pressed his lips on Anna’s, like he was saying goodbye. kissing Alex once again too, he whispered out to her. "I love you 3000." before picking his stuff from the floor and with one last glance he called out. "wait for me." and then he got out.

watching him leave, Anna felt something inside her shatter. her vision blurred, her breath hitched, and without thinking, her knees buckled. she collapsed, slowly sinking to the floor.

Alex, noticing her mother’s distress, didn’t hesitate. she ran toward Anna, throwing her small arms around her in a tight embrace. “Dada come back. Don’t worry.”

she said those last two words with such certainty, like they were a fact, like there was no other outcome. and that only made it harder.

because hope—God, hope had killed more people than Anna could count. hope was dangerous. it made people believe there was something better waiting for them. it made them believe they could survive just a little longer, just until things got better. But things never did.

still, Anna pressed a soft kiss to Alex’s face, her voice gentle, careful, as if she was trying not to break a promise. “yes, baby. daddy’s going to come back. and then it’ll be just me, you, your sister, and dada. just like before.”

and for the first time in a long time, she let herself believe it. because maybe, just maybe, he really would come back.

THREE HOURS LATER -

it was a late night, something between 3am. stars covered the clear sky, making the moon shine. Kyle had his riffle on his shoulders and a gun in his hands, just in a case. walking on a rooftop, where it was hard to be noticed, he thought about them.

his chest hurting and his breathing shallow, the photo in his fingers made him calm. him, Anna with a 4 month baby bump and Alex in his hands. the pogotovo was taken not long ago, when Anna found out that she was pregnant.

he remebers that day so clearly, like it was yesterday. the shock on his face when she told him the news and when he hugged her so thightly, Alex came in a view. her big doe eyes, stared at them in confusion, asking her dad, her head tiltling. "why dada hug mama?"

looking away from Anna, Kyle crouched down to face Alex, took her in his arms and spun her around, while yelling with a big smile on his face. "mama's pregnant!" and Alex, now giggling, when her dad spun her around, her little eyes were so wide, that it looked like they were going to pop out. "YAY! ME HAVING A BABY SISTER!" while yelling with her dad, both of them having big smiles on their faces.

Anna watched them, her hands on her belly, with a big smile on her face. she felt like the luckiest girl in the world, even though everything fell apart. the chance of being happy in this time, made her feel like she was the richest person ever. having a boyfriend, who actually loves her, no matter what argument they had, he always looked at her with so much love.

"why are you so sure its a girl?" Anna asked Kyle, burrying her nose in his neck, while he bringed her closer to him, kissing her hairline softly. "I just do. its like i have this tingle everytime i touch your stomach. its like shes responding to me, look." putting his and Alex’s hand on Anna’s stomach, he gently caressed it, before he felt a slight kick on his side. Alex now grinning when she felt the baby kicking too, whispered like she was not trying to scare off the baby.

"baby kicked mama. baby loves Alex and me loves baby sooo much." she said, her eyes twinkling, and Anna could feel a bonding moment between her and the baby. its like she knew, that one day, Alex will protect her sibling no matter what.

Anna had laughed, her eyes shining with unshed tears as she watched them. Kyle closed his eyes at the memory, pressing his lips into a tight line.

his chest ached. his throat burned. God, he missed them.

kissing the photo softly, and putting it back in his pocket, the tears in his eyes stinged so much it hurt him. his throat closed up making it hurt to breathe or to say something. because he knew, that if he said something, he could break right here.

too lost in his thoughts, his walkie-talkie ringed back to the life. a male voice called out. "kyle? come in kyle, over." quickly takjng his walkie out from his vest, kyle whispered out, his voice slightly shaken up.

"Im here. whats up?" his hands shook slightly, while gripping the walkie-talkie in his hands.

"Jason said that someone has to go to check the mall, to clear out the area." the voice called out. the words hit Kyle like a punch to the gut. "didn’t we lock down the mall for a reason?" he muttered, glancing up at the empty streets. "the place is crawling with infected."

the voice sighed and Kyle swore that he could hear the annoyance behind the voice. "I dont know man, ask Jason. he gave the orders not me." the voice paused for a second, then called out again. "and the last time we checked, the mall was empty. not a single soul was in there, so youre safe."

Kyle’s chest tightened, his heartbeat thudding in his ears. his breath, once steady, now felt too fast, too shallow. the thought of facing the infected again—the thought of dying and leaving Anna and Alex—sent a sickening churn through his gut.

he didn’t fear death itself. he’d always known it was coming. but leaving them alone... that was a thought he couldn’t shake. it made him feel weak, vulnerable.

with a deep breath, he forced himself to focus, his grip tightening on the walkie-talkie. "roger that. I’ll check it out." but as he took another step toward the mission ahead, the image of Anna and Alex lingered in his mind, a haunting reminder of what he had to lose.

--

after a few minutes of walking, Kyle found himself standing in front of the mall. he remembered this place—once bright, alive, filled with people carrying shopping bags, laughter echoing through the halls. friends chatting, families smiling, voices blending together in a hum of normalcy.

now, it was nothing but a hollow shell, its walls crumbling, its windows shattered, the silence pressing down on him like a weight.

he let out a slow breath, adjusting his grip on his rifle. his other hand held a flashlight, the beam flickering as he stepped forward. careful, quiet. the entrance loomed before him, sealed off for a reason, but orders were orders.

the doors creaked as he slipped inside, darkness swallowing him whole. dust clung to the air, and each step felt heavier than the last. he knew where he had to go—the electrical room. if he could get the lights on, he’d be able to see what he was dealing with.

navigating the ruined corridors, Kyle reached the door to the electrical room and eased it open. or at least, he tried to.

the second he let go, the universe decided to turn against him. the door slammed shut behind him with a deafening thud.

his breath caught, his heart hammering in his chest. his grip on the rifle tightened as he froze, listening. nothing. just the sound of his own pulse in his ears. he cursed under his breath, shaking his head before turning to the breaker panel.

his fingers traced over the worn-out wires, his eyes scanning for the right one. a second later, he found it. exhaling softly, he applied pressure to the loose connection, then reached for the switch.

with a flick of his wrist, he pulled the handle down.

the mall flickered back to life. lights buzzed overhead, casting long, eerie shadows across the broken floors. the silence that once suffocated him was now replaced with a low hum, the kind that made his skin crawl.

his eyes flickered to the empty storefronts, once bursting with life—shoppers darting in and out, their hands full of bags, their voices blending into a constant hum of conversation. now, the windows were shattered, dust-covered mannequins stood frozen in time, and discarded clothes lay strewn across the floor, faded and torn.

then, his gaze landed on the arcade.

for a moment, he swore he could hear it—the distant echoes of game machines beeping, the laughter of kids as they raced from one game to another, the rhythmic clatter of tokens falling into slots. his lips twitched into a faint smile.

this place—it was where he met her.

eighteen years old, desperate for an escape, he had found solace in arcades. the flashing lights, the familiar weight of a joystick in his hands—it was the only way to quiet his mind. that day, he'd been focused on setting a new high score when he noticed her.

she stood by the claw machine, blonde hair tied back in a loose ponytail, a few strands escaping to frame her face. despite the neon glow of the arcade, her eyes were the brightest thing in the room. and that smile—god, that smile—lit up everything around her. her freckles stood out in the dim light, scattered like constellations across her cheeks.

he remembered how she had huffed in frustration when the claw dropped the stuffed animal too soon, hands planted on her hips in defiance. he had laughed, unable to stop himself, and she had turned, eyes locking onto his.

"what?" she had asked, brows raised, though there was a teasing lilt in her voice.

"nothing," he had shrugged, stepping closer. "just thinking I could probably win that for you."

she had smirked, arms crossed. "oh yeah? big talk for a guy who’s probably never played this thing."

that was the start of everything.

standing there now, in the ruins of what once was, Kyle swallowed hard. the memory felt like a punch to the gut. he could almost see her—eighteen again, laughing, rolling her eyes at him.

Kyle stepped into the arcade, the faint neon glow still flickering against the walls, casting eerie shadows across the dust-covered machines. the air was thick with silence, but if he closed his eyes, he could almost hear the echoes of laughter, the chorus of game soundtracks blending together, the rhythmic clatter of buttons being mashed in excitement.

his gaze landed on a claw machine near the back.

a stuffed elephant sat among the pile of toys, its fabric faded but still intact. his heart clenched at the sight of it.

it was just like the one he had won for Anna on her birthday. he remembered how she had clutched it to her chest that night, smiling so wide it made his entire world feel lighter.

swallowing down the ache in his throat, Kyle started searching the room for coins. he moved cautiously, sifting through the dust and debris until his fingers brushed against something cool and round. a grin tugged at his lips as he picked up the scattered coins, dropping them into a small plastic bowl he had found along the way.

making his way back to the claw machine, he took a deep breath and slid a coin into the slot. the machine hummed back to life, its colorful lights blinking as if waking from a long slumber.

Kyle cracked his knuckles and placed his hand on the joystick, maneuvering the claw toward the elephant. he pressed the button, and the claw descended, gripping the toy by its ear—only for it to slip through and drop back into the pile.

"are you kidding me?" he muttered, brows furrowing.

determined, he tried again. and again. each time, the claw teased him, lifting the elephant just high enough to give him hope before letting it go.

frustration bubbling in his chest, he exhaled sharply, shaking out his hands. "alright, one more time."

he lined up the claw, eyes locked on the prize, and pressed the button with full force. the claw lowered, latched onto the elephant’s ear again, and— It held.

Kyle barely breathed as the claw inched toward the drop chute. his hands clenched into fists, his heart pounding as he silently begged the universe not to screw him over this time.

and then— the elephant tumbled into the prize slot. Kyle let out a breathless laugh, fist pumping the air in triumph. "hell yeah!"

reaching into the machine, he gently pulled out the stuffed toy, brushing off the dust before carefully tucking it into his backpack.

just the thought of bringing it home to Anna and Alex made his chest feel lighter, even in a world that had long since forgotten what joy felt like.

for them, he would always find a reason to smile.

walking out of the arcade, Kyle adjusted his rifle and flashlight, moving quickly but quietly, trying not to draw attention. the silence was suffocating, broken only by his own breath and the faint crunch of debris under his boots. his heart pounded hard in his chest, making it difficult to focus.

he checked another store, sweeping his flashlight across the dark corners. empty.

another sigh left his lips as he stepped out, gripping the walkie-talkie from his vest and pressing the side button.

“Aaron? come in. over.”

static crackled before a familiar voice responded. “Aaron here. you clear the mall? over.”

Kyle ran a hand down his face. He was exhausted. “yeah. nothing. place is dead.”

“copy that,” Aaron replied. “head back. Marlene’s gonna lose her shit if she sees you’re not in your spot.”

Kyle stopped mid-step, brows furrowing.

“…what do you mean ‘if she sees’?” his grip on the walkie tightened. “you didn’t tell her I was sent into a sealed-off building? alone? ith fucking infected crawling around?”

Aaron sighed. “look, man, not my call. Jason said it had to be done. I just passed it along.”

Kyle let out a humorless laugh. “had to be done?” his voice rose. “Aaron, are you fucking serious?”

his knuckles whitened around the walkie. “for fuck’s sake—I have two girls waiting for me. a baby on the way. and Jason just threw me into this shit without telling Marlene?”

a beat of silence. then Aaron muttered, “I didn’t have a choice. you know how bitchy Jason gets. you don’t do what he says, and suddenly you’re pulling double shifts.”

Kyle exhaled sharply, rubbing his temples. “I don’t give a shit about him. he knows I have people waiting for me. and he didn’t even clear this with Marlene?”

Aaron groaned. “Kyle, I know. but don’t put this on me, man. I’m just doing my job. not like I’m getting paid enough for this shit anyway—”

Kyle barely listened as Aaron kept talking. his focus shifted to the exit, quickening his pace, eager to be done with this place. he didn’t notice when the picture and knife slipped from his pocket, hitting the floor with a soft clink.

the noise sent his heart hammering against his ribs. he spun around, scanning the darkness, only to realize what had fallen. “…shit.”

rushing over, he snatched them up, stuffing the picture into his vest for safekeeping. he wasn’t risking that again.

Shaking off the nerves, Kyle adjusted his pack and strode toward the doors, Aaron still rambling in his ear. gripping the handle, he pushed— nothing.

Kyle frowned. tried again. the door didn’t budge. his stomach twisted. “you have to be kidding me.” cursing under his breath, he yanked his backpack off, rummaging through it for supplies. the next few minutes were a blur of failed attempts—pulling, prying, shoving. his patience wore thin.

then, with a sudden snap, the handle broke clean off. Kyle stared at it in his hand, then at the door. then—

“mother fucker!” his voice echoed through the empty mall.

frustrated beyond belief, he made a decision. fuck it. If the door wouldn’t open, he’d make it open. bracing himself, he threw his weight against the door. hard.

BANG.

Again.

BANG.

the noise was too loud, way too loud, but he didn’t care. he was so close. just one more— CRASH.

the doors burst open, slamming onto the ground with a deafening clang.

Kyle barely had time to grab his bag before— a scream. blood-curdling. echoing from deep inside the mall. his blood ran cold. every muscle in his body tensed. slowly, he turned his head.

eyes. empty, dead, and locked onto him.

one infected. emerging from the shadows, crawling over debris, snarling, its hunger razor-sharp. Kyle’s breath hitched. then they ran. and so did he.

his walkie-talkie clattered to the floor, forgotten.

--

pacing the room, Marlene glanced at the map, then the clock on the wall. 5 AM. still no sign of Kyle. no Aaron bursting through her door with a stupid grin, cracking some half-assed joke to break the tension.

something was wrong. with a frustrated sigh, she pushed up from her chair and stormed out of her office, boots thudding against the floor. her mind raced. what if something went wrong? what if they’re stuck? what if— she clenched her jaw, forcing the thoughts down. she needed answers.

reaching Jason’s office, she knocked— three sharp raps. a voice called from inside. "come in." taking a breath, she pushed the door open and stepped in, shutting it firmly behind her. Jason was at his desk, flipping through a file, barely sparing her a glance. too casual. too at ease.

"what's up?" he muttered, eyes scanning the papers like she wasn’t standing there, burning holes into his skull. Marlene folded her arms, stance rigid. her voice came out sharp. demanding. "where are they?"

Jason didn't react. didn’t even blink.

"it’s five fucking in the morning, and they’re not here. What did you do?"

Jason laughed. a quiet, dismissive chuckle, shaking his head. he still wouldn’t meet her gaze. "I don’t know what you’re talking about."

wrong answer. Marlene saw red. she was done. done with his smirking, his arrogance, his bullshit. in a flash, she moved—circling the desk, grabbing his collar, yanking him up from his chair.

Jason staggered, hands gripping her wrists, but she didn’t let go.

Marlene sneered, her voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "don’t bullshit me, Jason." she tightened her grip. "tell me where Kyle and Aaron are. now."

Jason’s breath hitched. he grabbed at her wrist, struggling, trying to pry her off, but she held firm. he gasped, his hands dropping limply to his sides as the oxygen left him. his eyes darted wildly, fear creeping into them. finally, in a ragged, desperate breath, he choked out, "okay, okay—I’ll tell you, just please—"

then— BANG. the door slammed open, rattling the walls. Marlene’s head snapped toward the entrance as Aaron stumbled in, panting, chest heaving.

"Marlene..." his voice was raw, urgent. his hands trembled as he tried to catch his breath. "Kyle—he’s in trouble."

for a split second, everything stopped.

Marlene’s grip slackened, and Jason collapsed back against the desk, coughing violently. but she didn’t look at him. she was already moving. her boots pounded against the floor as she rushed to her office, ripping open drawers, grabbing weapons, supplies—anything she could carry. Her mind screamed at her. this is your fault. you shouldn’t have let him go. you should have stopped him.

Marlene shoved a pistol into its holster, slung a rifle over her back. her hands were shaking. she swallowed the fear, turned to Aaron, and barked, "get what you need and come with me." her voice wavered. she didn’t have time to pray.

but still, under her breath, she whispered, "please. just let him make it."

--

breathing heavily, he clutched his side of ribs, trying to stop the bleeding. the blood gushed through his hands, the color now grimson red. cursing he looked down at the huge cut and hissed. "fuck... this shit really hurts huh?" kyle spoke up between the quick breaths looking at the infected, now dead, talking to himself.

scoffing and turning his head around, the sight making him gag. the sight of blood always made him like this, and yes he knows its stupid. six years into the apocalypse he saw a lots of blood and the stuff anyone was supposed to see.

sighing he thought about the times when the only problem in his life was how to get a girlfriend without making a fool out of himself. the time when he got to see his mom's homemade meals and the times when he argued with his dad over stupid things. the time when he met her. the love of his life. when he first told her that he liked her and the time he got the chance to kiss her. the time when he told her that he loved her. god, just thinking about that made him smile like a highschooler.

over years he thought about one thing. spending the rest of his life with her. growing old with her, their children next to them while their grandchidren ran around the yard, screaming and playing together. and yet he didnt got the chance to ask her the only one thing he always wanted to. to marry him.

every day he saved his money, hoping that maybe one day, he would have the balls to ask her that. and every time he had the chance, he chickened out. what if she doesnt wants to spend her life with me? what if she doesnt loves me anymore? what if im not good enough for her? those thoughts were driving him crazy. made him wanting to rip his own heart out and yell out how much he loved her. how much he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her.

and the time when he actually got the courrage to ask her that question, the world went to hell. he remebers the day so clearly, like it was yesterday. the time when she called him, her breath stuck in her throat, sobbing violently and begging him to come and save her. "kyle- something is happening, something bad. people here are screaming and-." static. the line cut off. so he ran. he ran like his life depended on her. thats because it was. he couldn’t do this alone. not without her.

the ring in the box, hidden from her for months was laying down on the ground, forgotten in a rush. to this day, hes always cursing himself for forgeting the ring. if he only had the chance to go back to time and ask her sooner, he would do it all over again.

too bussy reminding himself of his past, the veins on his side grew. bit by bit, his whole side was covered in spores. right. the bite. he knew what was coming. and he wasnt running away from it. for the first time in his life, kyle accepted his fate.

crying softly taking the picture out from his vest, he smiled at it. bringing the picture closer to his lips, he kissed the picture, imagining his little family. his Anna, his Alex and his his unborn baby. it hurt knowing that he wont be there to watch his baby girls grow up. to watch the love of his life spending her life alone. without him. "I love you guys so fucking much." he whispered to the photo, as if they were here, next to him.

he imagined the way that Anna would wrap his side trying to make the blood stop from seeping away. the way that Alex would prepper the kissess on his face, blabering about anything to make her dada feel better. the way that his hand wouldnt leave Anna’s pregnant belly, feeling the little kicks on his hand.

the pain on his side was nothing compared to the pain in his chest. the hoolow ache making his breath heavy, his heart pounding in such a cruel way. to remind him that it was over.

hearing the faint sound of footsteps, Kyle’s hand instinctively reached for the gun at his side, his fingers tightening around the grip, preparing to defend himself. but the voice that broke the silence made him exhale sharply.

"you don’t have to shoot. It’s just us. just me and Aaron." Kyle’s shoulders slumped, exhaustion weighing him down as he lowered the gun, grunting in pain.

“could’ve said that earlier,” he muttered through gritted teeth, his head tilting back against the wall. the world felt distant as the room seemed to tilt. blood pooled around him, and for a moment, he forgot where he was. the pain was nothing compared to what was coming.

Marlene’s voice broke through the fog of his thoughts. "what happened? Why are you here? how did you get in here? Kyle—"

he raised a hand, cutting her off. "stop," Kyle rasped, his voice barely above a whisper. "you know what happened. you know how it went down. it just… happened." he stared at the ceiling, his voice quiet. "i tried to stop it… but my mind kept drifting to them. to her. to them… and I couldn’t… I just couldn’t fight it."

Marlene’s eyes filled with tears as she took a step closer, her face pale in shock and disbelief. “Kyle, please… we can stop the bleeding, I can help you, I just need—"

Kyle’s laugh was bitter, the sound rasping in his throat. "help me? Marlene, you and I both know what’s coming. there’s no helping this. I’m gonna turn. I’m gonna be one of them. and there’s nothing anyone can do about it." his voice cracked, the tears slipping down his face as he struggled to hold it together.

"please," he whispered, his words pained and desperate. "please, just—" but Marlene wouldn’t let him finish. she cut him off, her voice shaking. “don’t you dare say that. don’t you dare ask me to—” Kyle’s eyes snapped to hers, his voice cracking with emotion. "you think I don’t want to go back to them? you think I don’t want to hear their voices again? feel her touch? hold them just one more time?"

he was shaking now, his chest rising and falling rapidly as the emotion spilled out. "God, Marlene, I would do anything to go back. anything. but I can’t. it’s too late. it’s too far gone." tears mixed with the blood on his face as he reached for her. "please," he begged, his voice hoarse. "i need you to do it. i need you to kill me before I turn. you promised—" he choked on his words, barely able to speak. "you promised you’d protect them if something happened to me."

Marlene recoiled, horrified by the request. “i can’t… i can’t do that. i can’t end your life. not like this. not like you’re asking me to.”

Kyle’s hand fell weakly to his chest, his breath shallow. "Marlene, please." his voice was barely a whisper. "you promised."

Marlene hesitated once again, her hands shaking and her mind racing. the thought of killing her best friends boyfriend made her sick. "what about her? what do I tell her? what do I tell to a three year old, whos asking for her dad, waiting to come back?"

she choked up on her words, she wanted to take them back, she wanted to change everything. "what do I tell to Anna? do I tell her that i killed you? do I tell her I killed you juat because you wanted that? huh?"

kyle sighed out, a slight smile on his face just thinking about them. "you tell them i love all three of them so much. you tell my Anna i wished that if the things were diffrend, that i would make her mine forever. that i would marry her with no hesitation."

tears were framing his face now. the breaths he took were fast and ragged. "you tell my Alex that daddy loves her so much. that she is going to be my baby forever. you tell her I love her 3000."

even through his tears, talking about his family made him happy. it always did. but then he remembered the baby.

“you tell our baby I’m sorry,” Kyle whispered, his voice breaking. “for leaving. for not being there. for making her grow up without me.” his fingers trembled as he clutched the photo tighter, pressing it against his lips. “tell Anna to name her Ellie. our little Ellie.”

with a grunt, he reached for his backpack, fumbling through the blood-soaked fabric. his breath hitched as he pulled out two things: a small stuffed elephant and a knife. “you give these to them.” he held up the elephant first, his voice shaking. “Alex gets this. she loves elephants.” then he looked at the knife. “and this… this is for Anna.”

Marlene watched, frozen in place, as Kyle kissed the picture one last time before carefully stuffing it inside the elephant’s worn fabric. his bloody fingerprints stained the toy as he pressed it to his chest, his body wracked with sobs.

“tell them I’m sorry,” he choked out. “for everything. for not listening to Anna. for not being there when it mattered.” his breath came faster now, his body trembling violently. “Marlene.” he met her eyes, desperate. “do it. now. please. this is the last thing I’ll ever ask of you.”

she shook her head, her grip tightening on the gun at her side. “I can’t.” Kyle let out a broken, guttural sob. “please! Ppease, Marlene! kill me before I—” his words cut off in a strangled cry as his body jerked, muscles seizing, his eyes wild and unfocused.

then, he moved. It happened fast—too fast.

“DO IT!” he screamed as he lunged toward her.

the shot rang out before she could think.

a body hit the floor. silence.

Marlene stood there, her breath ragged, her hands shaking so hard the gun nearly slipped from her grip. the room was suffocatingly still, except for the quiet, broken sobs that fell from her lips.

she had done it. she had killed her best friend’s love. she had killed Alex’s father. she had killed Ellie’s father.

and now, she had to tell them why.

--

Anna paced the room, her arms wrapped around herself, her breath uneven. the lump in her throat made it hard to swallow, the tightness in her chest making every breath feel shallow. worry gnawed at her, twisting in her gut like a knife.

she stopped abruptly, pressing a hand to her stomach as sharp kicks jabbed at her side. the baby was restless—just like her. A soft smile tugged at her lips despite the anxiety weighing her down.

"hey, you," she murmured, running her fingers in slow circles over her belly. "you feeling okay in there?" another kick. a stronger one. Anna chuckled, blinking away the sting in her eyes. "sorry for making you upset. I'm just worried about your dad."

as if in response, the baby kicked again.

"you love your dad, huh?" another kick. "okay, okay, I get it. you love him more than me."

the small moment of warmth settled over her like a fragile blanket, but it didn't last. her eyes drifted to the bed where Alex lay curled up, wrapped in a thick blanket, her tiny fingers gripping the teddy bear Kyle had found for her. that bear was her lifeline—but not as much as her father was. Alex adored Kyle, always trailing after him, laughing at his silly jokes, teaming up with him to tease Anna.

Anna smiled, brushing a few strands of hair from Alex’s peaceful face before pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. her heart ached with memories. she remembered the first time she told Kyle she was pregnant with Alex—how terrified she’d been, how she had braced herself for disappointment or fear in his eyes.

but his reaction had been nothing like she expected.

she could still see it so clearly—his wide-eyed shock melting into the biggest grin she had ever seen. and then, before she could even say another word, he had grabbed her, kissed her breathless, and spun her around like an idiot.

"I'm gonna be a dad!" he had shouted to anyone who would listen. "do you hear that? I'm gonna be a dad!" she had laughed, embarrassed, but his excitement was infectious. that whole day, he wouldn’t shut up about it, telling everyone in the QZ, beaming like he had won the lottery.

but she also remembered the looks they got—pitying glances, quiet murmurs. a baby in this world? what were they thinking?

and honestly, she had wondered the same thing. when he caught her growing quiet, he had cupped her face in his hands, pressing gentle kisses across her cheeks, her forehead, her lips.

"ignore them," he had whispered. "fuck 'em all. this? what you're carrying? it's a goddamn miracle." he had kissed her again, softer this time, and rested his forehead against hers. "and I love you for it. I love us."

now, sitting beside Alex in the dimly lit room, she wished she could hold onto that moment forever. but the ache in her chest reminded her of reality. Kyle wasn’t here. and the waiting was killing her.

Too lost in her thoughts, Anna barely noticed the soft murmur that came from Alex. "Dada... miss Dada." Her heart clenched. The ache in her chest sharpened, spreading to her sides. Just hearing those words made her mind spiral. She tried to steady her breathing, to push down the storm building inside her, but it was useless.

Leaning down, she pressed a soft kiss to Alex’s forehead, whispering into her ear. "Love you so much. I’ll be back."

She slipped off the bed carefully, making sure not to wake her, then moved to the door. Her fingers trembled as she turned the key, locking it behind her.

With each step down the dimly lit hallway, her breathing quickened. She ran through everything she wanted to say, everything she needed to ask—but no words felt right. By the time she reached the other side of the building, she wasn’t even thinking anymore. Just moving.

Anna stopped in front of Marlene’s office and knocked—three times, sharp and deliberate. Silence. Her pulse pounded in her ears. She tried again, rattling the doorknob harder this time. "Marlene."

Nothing. Her chest tightened. Panic crept up her throat. She slammed her fist against the door, her voice breaking. "Open the goddamn door, Marlene. Just—please, open it."

The silence stretched, thick and suffocating. Anna’s breath hitched as she pressed her forehead against the door.

"Marlene." Her voice wavered now, quieter, but no less desperate. Still no answer.

Her hand curled into a fist, nails digging into her palm. She tried to breathe through the anger, through the grief clawing at her throat. But it was useless. With a sharp inhale, she stepped back and slammed her fist against the door again.

"If you don’t open this fucking door, I swear to God—" The lock clicked. The door cracked open just enough for Anna to see a sliver of Marlene’s face. Tired. Hollow. Eyes heavy with something Anna couldn’t place—regret? Guilt?

Anna’s breath hitched as she met Marlene’s eyes, stepping inside and shutting the door behind her. Marlene didn’t turn, her gaze locked on the window, hands trembling at her sides. That didn’t go unnoticed.

"Hey," Anna murmured, stepping closer. "You seem shaken up. What’s wrong?"

When Marlene didn’t answer, Anna pulled her into a hug, her limbs aching with every movement. The second their bodies touched, she felt it—Marlene was stiff, barely holding herself together.

Something was wrong. Anna pulled away, searching her face. "Hey, hey, what’s going on? Did something happen to you? Are you okay?" Marlene’s breath hitched—and then she crumbled.

Her shoulders shook as she broke down in front of Anna, sobs tearing through her. Anna froze, her heart slamming against her ribs. Something happened.

Her mind raced, possibilities running too fast to catch, but one name lodged itself in her throat. "Did—did something happen to anyone? To Kyle?"

Marlene flinched. And then she sobbed harder. The floor beneath Anna may as well have shattered. A sharp gasp escaped her as her vision blurred. No. No, that wasn’t right. Kyle was fine. He was safe. He was coming home. Just like he promised.

"Kyle’s coming home, right?" Anna whispered, desperation clawing at her throat. "He’s on his way to me, to Alex. Right, Marlene?" Marlene shut her eyes, her entire body trembling. "I’m so sorry. I’m so fucking sorry."

The world cracked open. Anna’s breath turned ragged, her chest caving in on itself. "No—no, you’re lying. You’re fucking lying." She stumbled back, gripping her hair with one hand, the other clutching her belly. The kicks against her ribs sharpened, a cruel reminder of reality.

But she refused to believe it. "Kyle—he’s coming back to me," she choked out, shaking her head violently. "He’s alive."

Her voice wavered, but her anger did not.

Something inside her snapped. "STOP FUCKING LYING!" The scream tore through her, raw and broken. "HE’S COMING HOME TO ME! DON’T YOU DARE LIE TO ME!"

Then the punching began. Her fists slammed into Marlene’s face, her sides—anywhere she could reach. She wasn’t holding back. She couldn’t. The pain was unbearable, and this was the only way to let it out.

Marlene caught her wrists, pinning them to her sides. Their foreheads pressed together, hot tears mixing between them.

"He’s not coming home," Marlene whispered, her voice cracking. "And I am so, so sorry." Anna’s body trembled, her head shaking weakly. "No," she sobbed, fresh tears spilling down her face.

With every tear that hit the floor, she felt herself breaking further.

Her insides ached, but nothing compared to the agony in her chest. God, her heart.

It felt like someone had taken a knife to it and twisted, over and over again. The baby kicked, grounding her, but all it did was remind her—Kyle was gone. Alex and the baby would grow up without him.

Without their rock. Without the man who made them feel safe.

And she—she would have to live without the love of her life. The man who showed her what love was. How it could make her the happiest in the world and, at the same time, completely destroy her. She sobbed, the sound ripped from her soul.

Marlene slowly pulled away, her face twisted with sorrow as she reached into her bag.

Anna barely registered her movements until something soft and cold was pressed into her hands. She looked down. A bloodied stuffed elephant. A knife. Her breath hitched. Her fingers trembled as she lifted the elephant to her chest, clutching it like a lifeline. The knife—God, the knife—her lips pressed to the blood-stained handle, where his hands had once been.

He was still here. Just for a moment, she could still feel him. But it wasn’t enough. It would never be enough.

“He told me to give you the knife and the elephant to Alex.” Marlene’s voice wavered, thick with grief. “There’s also a photo inside the elephant.”

Anna barely registered the words. Her fingers tightened around the stuffed toy and the blade, both stained with his blood. They still felt warm, like he had just been holding them.

Marlene took a shaky breath and stepped closer, cupping Anna’s face in her trembling hands. “He said he loves you,” she whispered. “He loves Alex, too. And… he said to name the baby Ellie.”

Anna let out a laugh—sharp, broken, and soaked in tears. It bubbled up from somewhere deep, somewhere raw. “That idiot,” she choked out. “That absolute fucking idiot.” Her voice cracked, betraying the ache in her chest.

She flipped the elephant over, hands unsteady, and pulled out the photo. And god—god, it hurt. Kyle’s face stared back at her, frozen in time. His wide, stupid smile, his face smudged with dirt, his hair a mess. Alex was in his arms, grinning just as big, her tiny hands clutching his jacket. His other hand rested on Anna’s belly.

A life that was theirs. A life that was supposed to be theirs.

Anna’s breath hitched as she pressed the photo to her lips, squeezing her eyes shut, as if holding it close enough could bring him back.

Anna’s breath caught as she pressed the photo to her lips, squeezing her eyes shut as if holding it close enough could somehow bring him back. “I love you so much,” she whispered, her voice trembling. “I promise, I’ll keep an eye on them, no matter what.”

A shaky smile tugged at her lips, though the tears kept falling. She could barely speak through the sobs. “And I promise... you’ll be the only man I ever love, for as long as I live.”

14 YEARS LATER -

"Ellie, for the love of God, stop! You're going to break your arms off," Alex muttered, her voice a mix of frustration and disbelief. She was sitting cross-legged on the dusty floor, surrounded by piles of debris, while Ellie—being Ellie—was still trying to force her way out of the handcuffs with all the determination of a bull.

"No," Ellie snapped, her short response enough to explain everything. The 14-year-old tugged again, her brow furrowed in concentration as she yanked on the cuffs, refusing to give up.

Alex rolled her eyes, slumping against the wall with a resigned sigh. She closed her eyes for a moment, her mind drifting back to three weeks ago. Back when their life—at least the little bit of peace they'd managed to find—felt somewhat stable.

She could still picture it clearly: the cramped room they had shared, the excitement in Ellie’s eyes when they'd gotten the new bunk bed. It wasn’t just about the bed—it was a piece of normalcy they hadn’t had in years. Ellie had jumped at the chance to sleep on top, her laughter echoing through the small room as she declared victory in their little sibling battle.

"Top bunk’s mine," Ellie had grinned, practically bouncing as she climbed to the top.

Alex had tried to argue, of course. She was the older one. "No, I’m the oldest! I get the top bunk."

Ellie had looked at her, giving that defiant grin that Alex knew all too well. "Doesn’t matter. I’m going up there. You can deal with it."

And so, Alex had huffed, crossing her arms in mock frustration, even though a small part of her had been relieved. At least she wouldn’t have to deal with Monica’s snoring anymore. That alone made the bottom bunk more bearable. But now... now those simple moments seemed so far away. The bunk bed, Ellie’s defiant grin, the moments of peace—it felt like a lifetime ago.

Ellie was still tugging at the cuffs, but this time Alex just watched her for a second longer, a faint smile tugging at the corner of her lips. She remembered what it felt like to fight over something so small, something so... normal.

"You're impossible," Alex muttered, not with real anger but with that familiar affection. "You know that, right?"

Ellie shot her a quick glance, grinning despite the situation. "Yeah, I know. But you love me anyway."

And for a brief moment, Alex did love her. Maybe a little more than she had before. Because, despite everything—despite the madness and the loss—they were still here. They were still fighting. And that, for Alex, was enough.

-- 

It was a late night, rain falling from the sky, the sky was pitch black, just perfect time to sleep. At least that's what Alex thought. Climbing the window, the poles were wet and impossible to hang on. After a while she finally reached the top, her hand landing on something sticky. She raised her hand to see what's on it and she cursed under her breath. It was a shit from the bird.

The white, sticky substance made Alex's stomach churn. Deciding to ignore it for right now, Alex took one final reach to the window, opened it and got quietly inside. Opening the window, Alex got inside, first taking off her shoes and her wet jacket that had sticked on her like it was her second skin. ‘ew.’ just the thought of having the jacked on her frame a bit longer, made her feel like she wanted to throw up.  

Turning to the wall, Alex took off her jacked and her boots, while changing her clothes. huffing out breath when shirt stuck on her face, she cursed once again and, well, tried get her head out from the damn shirt. After a minute of fighting with a shirt, Alex took off the shirt and sighed out when the shirt finally came off from her. Ready to go to her bed, she turned around and then- a figure screamed out, their knife close to Alex’s face. Alex defended herself, twisting the knife from the person’s arm and grabbing them by their arms and put their head on Alex's bed. “You do that one more time, I swear to god, I am going to throw you out the window.” Alex spoke out, her breath catching in her throat and adrenaline radiating in her veins. 

“Yeah, well you should announce yourself when you're back, not getting in like you're trying to kill me.” Ellie sighed out, her breath quick and her heart pounding in her ears. “Plus, if you throw me out from the window, who's going to annoy your ass?” Ellie winced from the pressure, Alex was pressing to her head, and she tried to get away from her grasp, but Alex only glared at her and smirked. “Yield, then I'll let you go.” Ellie shook her head no, pride filing her voice. “No fucking way, ‘ll rather die than do that shit-” Alex pressed harder on Ellie’s head, and then finally, Ellie yelped and chocked out “okay! Okay, Jesus fine! I yield! I yield!”  

Away from her grasp, Ellie straightened up, her back cracking with each move she made and then she glared at Alex. “You're stupid, you know that right? You wannish for like a week, and then you decide to show up again, like you’re some sort of magician.” Ellie starred at her while Alex starred at her, worry and regret filling her eyes, for leaving her little sister lone. “I'm sorry, I thought it was going to take just a day, and it was going to, but then Jason told me that I have to go on another location and I just-” the next thing that Alex felt was Ellie's pair of arms around her frame, pulling her in a tight hug. The hug that could heal deepest wounds and make you feel like you're safe in someone's arms.  

Alex had no hesitation and circled her arms around Ellie, their limbs pressing onto each other's. She felt horrible for making her little sister worried. Whispering in Ellie’s ear, Alex spoke out, kissing Ellie’s head. “Sorry for worrying you, I promise that for the next two weeks, you and I are doing whatever you want.” and the look that Ellie gave it her made her want to take that back, because the grin on Ellie’s face? Oh yeah, Alex was in deep shit.  

“Really? Anything that I want?” Ellie giggled, stepping away from Alex and looking at her with an evil twinkle in her eyes. “Oh, I want to take it back so bad right now.” Alex whined while Ellie just smiled.  “Can I take it back? I'll take it back. You’re impossible to talk. I swear to God Ellie, if it's something stupid, I am really throwing you out the window-” 

“Don't worry, it's her way on convincing you that there is nothing to worry about. Right Ellie?” then a figure spoke up behind Alex. Turning around, Ellie and Alex saw Riley climbing up the window and with few huffs and puffs, Riley got in the room and closed the window. “Hey, what are we talking about?” Riley now stood tall with her hands on her hips and smile framed her face. Being next to window made her freckles shine under the light, making Ellie blush slightly and looking away. 

That didn't went unnoticed by Alex who was now grinning from ear to ear, teasing Ellie. She wanted to tell Alex to fuck off, but Riley beat her to it. “What? You’re not going to say hi? Or at least say that you’re glad to see me?” Riley asked, her hands dropping on her sides.  

Ellie just glared at her and turned around to go back to her bed. “Why would I? You decide to just sneak away for a night and then never come back.” turning around, Ellie faced Riley, her eyes stinged at how much she had tried to keep them away from falling down her face. Ellie paused, her voice barely above a whisper. “Everyone is leaving me. You, Alex. If you guys just want to leave forever, then fucking say so.” 

Alex’s eyes widened and a pang echoed in her chest. She didn't know that leaving her alone made her feel this way. She hated being the reason when her sister was sad. Looking away, Alex spoke in a slow voice, guilt filling every part of her body. “I'm sorry for making you feel like that, Ells. I swear, fuck- I'm sorry.”  riley on the other hand looked to the ground, avoiding Ellie's eyes, shame filling her entire body. If she knew what Ellie was feeling now, she would be mad too. Just the thought of Ellie or Alex disappearing out nowhere, made her worried. “I’m sorry for making you feel that way. It wasn't my intention. I was just trying to surprise you.” 

Ellies eyes were now full of anger, sadness seeping out of them. “Surprise me? How Riley? By leaving me alone? By making me feel like an idiot? Like I'm some toy, you decided to throw away?” Ellie’s voice was louder now. Loud enough to make an echo in their shared room; the room that Ellie, Alex and Riley had shared.  

Riley paused and then spoke up, her voice thin and quiet. “Surprise you by making you have the best night of your life. With me. With Alex. Nobody else, but us.” tears were sliding down Riley’s face, her eyes red and filled with guilt.  

Ellie’s face fell. Her face before angry, now it was shocked. She was angry at herself for bursting so easily for taking her anger out on her sister, the person who was always with her, who was always on her side, no matter what. On Riley too, she was the person who made Ellie laugh so hard, her stomach filling with butterflies, sending her on the cloud nine. She was the one who Ellie felt seen but not exposed. She was the person that Ellie finally realized that she is in love.  

Ellie’s breath caught in her throat. Her heart was at war with itself—anger clawing at the edges of her chest while something softer, more vulnerable, tried to break free. She wanted to scream, to run, but she also just wanted to be held, to be understood. 

Sighing Ellie rolled her eyes and wiped them dry, because the tears were falling down her face. Punching Riley’s and Alex's shoulders, she told them, her voice slightly cracking. “Yeah, I'm sorry for lashing out, I guess.” Alex’s face grew in a smile and riley just laughed her face stained with tears. “Yeah, you're sorry because you want to see the surprise.” Alex spoke up.  

Giggling, Ellie threw a pillow on Alex’s face and before she could catch it, it was already on her face. “Well, then, take your big girl pants on and follow me, my lady.” Riley spoke up, her voice now playful and teasing. 

--

Waking up from the short nap, Alex opened her eyes, and she saw Ellie, who was pulling on the chains an hour ago, now fast asleep on her shoulder. Being stubborn in this world carried a lot of consequences, but Ellie being Ellie, she loved that. She loved having control of her own actions, even if it meant that she is going to get in trouble for whatever reason. But having an older sister was even better. Ellie loved Alex so much, that even if having an absolute control of her actions wasn't even enough, because it means that Alex was, the one who always reminded her that she is going to be her sister forever and ever. It meant that Alex was going to annoy Ellie about how dangerous it was to be reckless, to be stubborn, to not accept that people come and go, whether we like it or not. 

Feeling Alex's stare at her, Ellie grumbled in her sleep and slowly opened her eyes. “You know its disrespectful when you’re starring at people like that? You’re scaring them off like that.” Alex just shrugged her shoulders and said with sarcasm dripping in her voice. “Well, that makes two of us.” 

Rolling her eyes, Ellie got up from Alex’s shoulder and stretched out. “How long was I out?”   

“Don't know, maybe like an hour?” 

“And you didn't even bother to wake me up?”  

“Why would I wake you up Ellie? To watch you pulling on the chains?” 

“Exactly! Because unlike you, I'm trying to get us out!”

Alex rolled her eyes and opened her mouth to say something, but the sound of the doors opening stopped her. Glancing on the other side, she saw a woman in her thirties, the same woman who has been ‘testing’ her and Ellie to see if they are going to turn. Ellie, however, got up from the floor and glared at the woman who was 6 feet away from them, as if she was keeping her distance from them. Ellie looked at the plate she and Alex had from the other day and pushed with her foot, forcing it away from her.  

The woman looked at her papers, a pen in her hand, writing down something. Then she spoke up. “Count slowly and steady.” Ellie rolled her eyes and began counting fast. “onetwothreefour-” the woman looked up from her papers, her voice annoyed and clipped. “Slowly and steady” Alex, now enough of her shit, got up from the floor ang began to count instead of Ellie, because she knew that if she began to say something, she’ll have to deal with it, and she wasn't in the mood for that.  

“One, two, three, four, five” with each number she recited she stared at the woman, her eyes sharpening with every move the woman made. “Six, seven, eight, fuck you.” and then a smirk appeared on Alex's face, her middle finger raised at the end of her sentence. Ellie who was next to her, smiled so big Alex could swear that the heaven above blessed her. “Fuck yeah, that's what I'm talking about!” Ellie high fived Alex, who had the same smile on her face.

The woman rolled her eyes and grumbled something under her breath. Writing something down, she spoke up again. “Now hold up your ha-” and there stood Ellie and Alex, their hands extended out, their posture still. The woman wrote again something in her file. Sighing woman shook her head slowly and spoke up, her voice clipped and short. “State out your names. Slowly.” 

Muttering under her breath, Ellie spoke up annoyed. “Veronica. The same as today, the same as yesterday, and the day before and the day before and the-” Alex cut her off by speaking up. “Alex Williams. Something else?” and she swore, Ellie's eyes fell out from her head, her mouth opening in a shock. “Dude! What the fuck? Why are you stating out your real fucking name?” Ellie whisper shouted.  

Alex turned to face Ellie, and she shrugged her shoulders. The woman wrote something gain and then she closed her file, clutching it to her side. And then she turned round and got out from the room, while them man appeared behind the woman and took the plate from the ground, his back now facing them as he slammed the doors behind him, getting out from the room.   

“Hey!” Ellie shouted and her voice muffled when the doors closed. “HEY! People are gonna come looking for us. People from FEDRA.” her voice cracked with every word she said, breaking Alex's heart. She hated to see Ellie broken apart, her face once filled with smiles, now with nothing else but guilt and anger. “You hear me?! Let us go or you’re gonna pay motherfuckers!”  

Alex saw Ellie's distress and she called out her name. “Ellie, leave it.”  Seeing tears falling her face, she pulled Ellie in a tight hug. The kind of hug that healed all the wounds, the kind of hug that made Ellie forget about all the problems she faced. “Why won't they let us go home?” Ellie said, her voice cracking with every word she said.  Alex could feel her heart breaking in pieces. The tough of Ellie carrying all the problems alone, made her feel uneasy. It made her chest feel like she can't breathe.  

Taking Ellie’s face in her arms, Alex said, wiping away Ellie’s tears. “Hey, hey, Ellie. Hear me out, okay.” Sniffing, Ellie raised her head and looked Alex right in the eyes, when she did, she saw a smile on Alex’s face, like it was the only thing that grounded Ellie from going insane. “There you go. Listen- maybe one day, the day that we are going to escape from this hellhole, we are going to have our own place. The place to live together, to laugh, to eat, to make new memories and the place where we are going to pretend like everything is okay.” tears were dropping on Alex's face, her mind wandering to her dad, to her mom. The time when everything was perfect, even though the world went to shit.   

She can remember her mom’s laugh, it sounded just like Ellie's, her face scrunching up and the way her teeth were showing up every time she smiled. She looked at Ellie one more time and she nodded her head. Yep, just like their mom. She could also remember her dad. She remembers the way his face would scrunch in confusion, his eyebrows making a weird shape that she had. She knew that because Ellie told her so, million times. She remembers the way that he would cackle and the way his eyes would shine so bright, lighter than a diamond. Both of Ellie and her had his eyes, but Ellie had the shape of her mom’s, while Alex had the shape of her dad’s. 

Ellie is energetic, just like their mom, while Alex is calmer, just like their dad. While Ellie is the sun, Alex is the moon. Ellie is sharp on her tongue, she does not care what other people think about her, she's her own person. While Alex is the kind of that will search for comfort in the people that she's closest with. She will run away from her problems, not wanting to face them. Not wanting to remind herself of them. She will pretend like they don't exist. Ellie was like mom, brave, sharp and stubborn, while Alex was like dad. She will protect her loved ones even if it meant that she will be the one who will be gone at the end of a day.  

“We can go to the moon; we can go back in time and see all the dinosaurs you're interested in. We can explore various of books we want to read, the songs we want to listen. We can have monkeys as pets.” hearing that, Ellie laughed, her chest shaking and her smile so wide that could heal all Alex's wounds. “Can we have Captain America as our neighbor?” Ellie asked her tears shining with tears sliding her face, the happy tears. Alex's eyes were so wide and the sound that she had just made, it was hilarious. It gave comfort to Ellie. It gave her hope, that maybe one day, everything could be perfect.  

“We can even have Thor as our teacher about space.” and with that Alex hugged Ellie ono more time, but this time it felt like the darkness, the ugliness and everything in this world didn’t exist. It felt like everything was just like it was supposed to be.  

Alex sighed out a breath she was holding, and she whispered out to Ellie, like she was the only person she was supposed to hear, and no one else. “I love you 3000.”  

Ellie grinned and whispered out. “I could say the same about you too, sis” and with that Alex punched Ellie in the shoulder, while both sister’s laughs echoed in the room. 

--

After many hours and how Ellie would say it ‘more like thousand years later’, a knock interrupted their peaceful sleep. Alex's eyes fluttered open, the sun blocking her view. Ellie jolted awake and as if on command she began counting again. “One, two, three, four-” and then Ellie was the one who saw the woman in her thirties, her skin dark and her curly hair wrapped in a low ponytail, few strands of her hair framing her face.  

On her sides, the woman carried two backpacks. One was Ellie's and the other was Alex's. Nudging Alex, Ellie whisper-shouted to her. “Hey, Lexie wake up, man” With heavy sigh, Alex craned her neck and looked at the woman. The woman looked skeptically at the girls, her eyes widening with every move they made. Finally, deciding to give the girls their backpacks, she threw them on the floor. Ellie was the first one to pick up her own backpack, her fingers opening the zipper and then finally- she sighed out and took the knife and held it closer to her chest, her fingers fiddling it with it. Alex on the other side, looked at the woman and then took her own backpack and slowly opened the backpack, her eyes scanning the inside of it. When her eyes fell on two things, she sighed out and she closed it, clutching the backpack so close to her.  

“You're not scared.” Alex voiced out, her breath slow and her eyes sharpening with every move the lady made. She really didn't look scared, and it made Alex uncomfortable. 

“Then unlock us” Ellie voiced out both for her and Alex. She really hated the feeling of the cuffs on her hand.  

The woman just scoffed and said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “How about we start with thank you?”  

Alex and Ellie said at the same time, their faces confused. “For what?” 

The woman cocked her eyebrows and told them, her voice loud enough for them to hear. “For saving your lives? For telling them not to shoot at you girls? That was me, just in case you didn't know.”  

“And who are you?” Alex asked, her curiosity winning. 

The woman smiled and shook her head. “I'm Marlene.” and Alex swears, her eyes never widened so fast. So, she is the woman who was the leader of the fireflies. Alex thought.  

However, Ellie didn't care for Marlene's name, so she asked her the question that been bugging her since she came in here. “Why did you stop them?” Marlene just shrugged and answered. “We’ll get to that.” 

Deciding to unlock the cuffs from the girl's hands, Marlene leaned forward causing for Ellie to raise her knife away from her and Alex to grab the broken glass from the floor and pointing to Marlene's way. Marlene leaned back and raised her hand, revealing the key in her hand. When the girls saw the key in Marlene's rasp, they looked at each other and nodded their heads. Marlene unlocked Ellie's cuff and then did the same to Alex.  “So, Veronica... Alex” Alex just glared at her while Ellie just giggled at Alex's face. “How do ya feel?”  

“The same.” Alex answered for both of her and Ellie.  

“Is it gonna happen?” Ellie asked, fear filling her voice. The thought of turning in one of them, scared her more than she thought. 

“So, can we go?” Alex asked.  

“We won't tell anyone about any of this, I swear.” Ellie slowly said, her voice full of hope, that Marlene would let them out and they could go back home. The thought of being in this hellhole for one more day, made her feel insane. It made her skin crawl with fear.  

Marlene leaned backwards, her arms crossing and her eyebrows cocking in confusion. “And where are you gonna go?” her voice was now loud and sharp. “Back to FEDRA military school? Are you that desperate to be a solider?” then she turned to Alex and asked her the question that made Alex's heart stop and her breathing gone.  “And you Alex? Do you want to kill your sister, just because she has to kill you? Because you want to make sure that the world one day everything comes back to normal?” Marlene spat. 

Just thinking about that made Alex curl up to herself and never wake up again. Just the thought of her little sister not being here anymore because of her, it made her stop and think about what Marlene just said. ‘Kill Ellie?’ the thought ran around Alex's mind like an echo, her mind glitching and imagining every worst-case scenario. No, she couldn't, she can't, Ellie- she's her little sister. The person who she loves the most, the person whom she promised that she is going to be next to her forever and ever. She promised her mom that she is always going to protect Ellie, no matter what, that its always going to be Ellie and her to the edge of the universe.    

Snapping back in the reality, Ellie's voice broke Alex out of her trance. “You think we chose that place? That we want to be a part of their shitty community that just-ruins the humanity more than it does?” Ellie spat out, her voice trembling with every word she said. “They put us there when Ellie and I were barely old enough to stand on our own. It's for orphans.” Alex continued, her voice small and quiet.  

She can remember the time when she and Ellie just got in there. The weird stares and the hushed whispers with fingers pointed in their direction. She held Ellie closer to her chest, whispering out the soft words to Ellie because she noticed how upset Ellie has gotten. Day after day, week after week, counting turned into years, the stares stopped, but the judging grew. The kids who were surrounding them made them feel like they didn't belong here, like there was no place for them. 

Marlene watched the girls, and a smile appeared on her face, making Ellie frown. “They didn't put you here.” she paused and then said again “I did.” 

Ellie watched Marlene with a shock on her face while Alex just stood there. She felt like something, or someone was telling her that, maybe, Marlene knew her parents. She knows that there was a woman who was her mom’s best friend, and she remembers that the lady had the dark skin and curls, but she couldn't remember her face. The feeling irked her, it made her want to claw out her yes and to remember the lady, to know who she was to her parents.  

“... are you my fuckin mom or something” Ellie asked, a chuckle in her voice.  

“Do I look like your mom?” Marlene asked with a small smile on her face.  

Ellie turned to Alex as if she was searching for answers and i almost made Alex laugh, but instead she just shook her head no and then Ellie turned back to Marlene “no, you're not” 

“As I told you, my name is Marlene. though you probably already know that.” she turned to face Alex, and she saw the stare Alex was giving her. Like she as trying to find the lost piece of her memory in her eyes. A shook of wave ran in Marlene's veins, and she looked back at Ellie, though she could still feel Alex's stare at her. “I'm the leader of the fireflies in the Boston QZ.” 

Ellies eyes widened at the sudden confession, so she asked. "Why would terrorists dump us with FEDRA?”  

Marlene sighed out and she leaned forward.” because its where you'd be safest, and you were safe until you decided to sneak out and-” Marlene paused and thought about the next words she’s going to say, because she knew that they were going to hurt. “Terrorists? Was Riley a terrorist?” 

The words that she said fell like bomb. The grip on the knife Ellie held was so strong, Alex thought her hand would bleed out, so she held Ellie close to her, while she could feel the tears dropping on her face. “Why won't you let us go home?” Ellie asked while the tears swelled up in her eyes as well.  

Noticing the tears of the girls, marine's heart dropped to her knees. She knew how much Riley had meant to the girls. Just like Anna has to her. Being her friend since the childhood mad it harder for her to process her death. even now, she grieved, but she hid it so well. “Because you, Ellie, gave a greater purpose than any of us could ever imagine.” 

Alex looked at Marlene so wide, she thought her fuckin eyes were going to pop out from her skull. The purpose? What purpose? Why is Ellie special to them? What are going to do with Ellie? Are they going to take her away from Alex? No. No no no no no- they- they couldn't. They shouldn't. She swears that the day they take Ellie, is the day that she will burn the whole world just to find her, just so her little sister could be with her again.  

Ellie looked at Marlene, confusion written so clearly on her face. Wanting to ask about more, Marlene interrupted her.  “So, we’re leaving tonight, and we are taking the two of you with us.” 

The knock interrupted the heavy tension in the air, the tension that was hard to swallow. “He's here.” the same woman who tested out Ellie and Alex if they ever turned, and Ellie being the menace she is, she stuck out her tongue at the woman and the woman rolled her eyes and closed the doors. “Five minutes.” Marlene said.  

When the doors shut close, Marlene spoke up, the seriousness in her voice clear than ever. “What I'm about to tell you, cannot be repeated to anyone. Because if you do-” Marlene's words were firm and short. “I assure you; you will die.” 

FEW HOURS LATER -

Looking back, Ellie wished she wasn't born. She just wished that Alex, her mom and dad had a happier life. But no, the universe had a dumb way of saying ‘hey! So, this is the life you’ll live from now on. Have fun!’ and she hated it. She hated the fact that her and Alex had to live in this world, the world that's consumed by murder, by hope. Hope. Fuck that shit. She hated that feeling. she hated when it got the best of her, only to let her down.  

Her thought interrupted the talking of a man and woman, probably Marlene fighting with some jackass. Then there was the real fighting, the wrestling and then- gunshots. She looked at Alex and her eyes were wide. Alex knew what is going to be the next thing Ellie's going to pull off, so, she shook her head no at Ellie and tried to grab her arm from walking out from the door. Ellie got her arm out before it could fall into Alex's grasp and she slowly waled to the doors, her footsteps quiet. Finally, she reached the doors, and she pressed her ear against it. Hearing the faint footsteps, she told Alex to quiet it down and he pressed herself harder against the doors. Alex, now sick of Ellie, she stepped closer and tried to get her away from the doors, but then a voice spoke up behind the doors, making her stop in her tracks. The voice was gruff and heavy, looks like it was a man’s voice and then she heard a soft-spoken voice, the woman’s voice.  

Now Alex did the same thing as Ellie, she pressed her ear against the doors, making Ellie grin widely. Opening her mouth to say something snarky, Alex's hand stopped Ellie, and she glared at her. Then the footsteps stopped. Why did they stop? Did the man and the woman found out that they are behind the doors, listening to them? What are they going to do? Are they going to hurt Ellie? The thought run around Alex's mind like a mantra, making her breath stop.  

And then Ellie decided to do something stupid. In a moment of a haze, Ellie threw herself at the doors, and got out falling against a man who was probably in his 50’s. Her eyes wide and her breath quick, Alex cursed loudly and called out for Ellie.  “Ellie! What the fuck are you doing-” and the next thing Alex saw made her stop in her tracks and takeout the gun from her waistband she hid from Marlene. A man pushed Ellie against the wall, making her drop to the floor, his gun pointed at her. A switch turned in her head and she stepped closer to the man and put her gun on his head, nudging his head with her gun. The man craned his head to look at Alex who stared at him, her eyes burning his skull.  

Then a voice interrupted her interaction with a man, her eyes snapping to the voice. Marlene and Kim-the woman whom she just met. “Joel?” her eyes snapped back to Ellie’s; her concern bigger than the awkwardness in this room. “Marlene?” the man spoke up. How do they know each other? Alex wanted to ask Marlene, but her attention was on Ellie, who was having a hard time breathing, a man's gun pointed at her. Seeing that Alex spoke carefully. “Put the gun down, or I'm gonna blow your brain out.” the man looked at Alex once more and scoffed, his gun still pointed at Ellie.  

Marlene looked at Ellie and pointed out, her voice annoyed. “Jesus, Ellie, you can’t be stupid like that.” 

Joel scoffed and then the woman behind him spoke up. Her face stitched up, probably because, well, she was injured. “So, this is who Robert screwed us over with?” her face showed a sign of annoyance, and she continued. “The Che Guevara of Boston? I mean the war must be going shitty for you to buy merch from scumbags like him.”  

Marlene sighed out and she held her now bleeding side “Yeah well it has been. The merch was bad, and he obviously didn't take ‘fuck off’ for an answer.” 

Ellie listened the conversation and her hand flied to her pocket, where her knife was hidden. The knife was safely tucked in her pocket- wait. Her knife.  where it is. Ellie patted her pockets, and her eyes met Alex's as if she was asking her for help. Alex took a deep breath, and her eyes scanned the hallway, and then- the knife. It was next to Joel's leg. Finally seeing it, Ellie reached for the knife, only to be under Joel's foot, away from Ellie's grasp. “Give me my knife” “Give her, her knife.” Ellie and Alex spoke up at the same time.  

Joel only ignored the girls, and his head turned to Marlene. “What do you need a car battery for? "Ellie did the stupid move again, making Alex's heart stop. She stuck her hand out to grab the knife, and Joel pointed his gun again at Ellie, his voice now threating. “Don't.” 

Alex just pressed her gun at Joel's head harder and she sneered at him, her voice full of venom. “Drop the fucking gun.” while Marlene pointed her gun at Joel and said, carefully, her voice filled with worry. “Not at her. Point at me.”  

Then Marlene decided to tell Alex the thing that she didn't even dare to do. “Alex, drop the gun.” Alex just scoffed and pressed the gun to his head. “Alex for the love of God, drop the weapon.” and then with a final glance at Marlene, Alex dropped the gun down, her hands dropping to her sides.  

“To answer your question, I need it for better reason than you do. No offence, but tommy’s just one man.” Marlene clutched her side.  

“how's he just one man-” Marlene interrupted Joel. “it's our business to know things.” 

“To know things?” Joel asked. “you're the cause of it.  you turned my own brother against me.” 

God damn, this guy had it all, Alex thought.  

“That was a lot of gunfire. FEDRA’s gonna be on the way.” Kim pointed out, the women who was on Marlene's side. 

“We were gonna move Ellie and Alex outta the zone tonight, but we won't make it anywhere like this. Not for a while anyway.” Marlene pointed out. “So, I think you're gonna do it.” Marlene pointed to Joel and Tess.  

What? Why them? No, not a way in a hell, Alex thought. She was going to take her alone in there, even if it meant that bunch of FEDRA officers are going to be on her for that.  

“We are not going with them” Alex and Elie said at the same time.  

“Let me take her.” Kim said. 

“Kim, you don't have a fuckin ear on your head, don't you dare to take her.” Marlene pointed out. 

“Tess, we don't have time for this.” Joel and Tess were ready to walk out from the hallway, their missions now dropped in water. “You don't have time?” Marlene asked the pair.  

“Who are they to you?” Tess asked Marlene. It really irked her off, the thought that they must take the girls.  

“To you, they're cargo.”  

“We don smuggle people.” Joel pointed out. 

Marlene sighed out. She wanted to bang her head against the wall until it falls off from her shoulders. “there's a team of fireflies waiting for he two of them at the old state. I know what's out there. We are going with an entire squadron for that very reason.” Marlene spoke up. Looking at Ellie and Alex, their faces twisted in confusion, she continued. “But now I don't have a truck, I don't have a squadron. FEDRA’s five minutes away. What I do have is you. And I know what you guys are capable of. For better or worse.” Marlene finished; her breath quick at the speed she spoke.  

Ellie was, at least to say, surprised to what Marlene just said. Jesus that's a lot of work. Ellie thought. “What are they capable of?” 

“You need to get her and Alex safely there. They will get you what you need. Not just a battery. The whole thing. Fueled up trucks, guns, supplies all of it. I swear.” Marlene said.  and the second Ellie head the word guns coming out from Marlene's mouth, her eyes widened in excitement. Alex just shook her head no and she mouthed out to Ellie ‘no fucking way, stay where you are, Ellie.’ and then with a swift of his leg, Joel kicked Ellie's knife away, making Ellie to curse at him. “Asshole.” 

Joel paused and then he turned his back, and he pulled Tess to the side, the two of them talking it out. The second he did, Alex rushed to Ellie's side and engulfed her in a tight hug. “What is wrong with you. I told you to stay back, you shithead.” Alex whispered out to Ellie.  

Then Tess broke out from Joel's distance and spoke up. “Okay here’s the deal. We'll get them to your crew at the statehouse. But before we hand her over.” she pointed to Ellie. “They give us everything what we want. If not, we kill ‘em there and then.” Tess finished talking.  

“Deal.” Marlene just nodded.  

What' oh hell no. Alex will kill them before anyone touches her little sister. No way in hell. Just the thought of handing Ellie to someone Alex didn't believe in made her feel like Shes trapped in a trap.  

“Really, that fast?” Ellie spoke up, her face offended.  

“you two are all that matters.  my team will not jeopardize that.” Marlene told Ellie and she looked both girls. "Remember what I told you. Now go get your backpacks.” Ellie hesitated while Alex didn't wait a second, before marching off and taking her backpack with her. “Now Ellie.” Alex voiced out to Ellie.  

Ellie got up and took her backpack from the room they were once in and then she got out, looking back at Marlene and then she knocked her shoulder against Joel's, making him slightly stumble from the impact.  

Joel, who was already walking away from Marlene heard a soft spoke voice, coming from Marlene. “Joel. Don't fuck this up.” and with that he walked out from the hallway into the streets.  

-- 

After few hours passed by, Alex and Ellie were still sitting in the chair. Suddenly the snore snapped them out from their conversation and Ellie spoke up. “You mumble in your sleep.” 

Joel just rolled his eyes, and he got up in a sitting position, facing the girl. Ellie continued with her rambling. “I've ever been on the other side of the wall. Look at how dark it is.” Ellie glanced at Joel and then at the window again. “you guys go there a lot?” 

Joel just sighed out and spoke up. “I guess.”  

Alex just stared out the window, listening to their conversation. She got out a lot. She seen the city, the last bits of the fallen Boston. She seen the infected a lot of the times. She killed them too. Not just infected, but the people too. it's not something she’s proud off. After all she was forced to do that. she can hear the screams of the people begging her not to take away their lives. 

“When was the last time?” Ellie asked, looking out the window.  

“I don't know, maybe a year. Why ask?” Joel questioned.  

“You know where to go. So, we are gonna be okay.” Ellie whispered out. Alex noticed the discomfort in Ellie’s posture, so she did something that she knew would calm Ellie down. The though f losing Ellie over something stupid, made he feel like she wasn't worth her. Ike she wasn’t worth of being Ellie's sister. “Hey, hey, it's okay, c'mon.” Alex whispered out to Ellie, her arms circling around Ellie.  

Joel noticed the sudden change between the sisters, softly called out to the girls. “Yeah. So, what's the deal with the two of you anyway? You some kind of bigwig's daughter or somethin’?” his eyes never leaving Alex's.  

“Something like that.” Alex spoke up, her voice quiet before turning her attention to the window once again. Joel raised his eyebrows in shock. So, the girl can speak. 

“The radio came on when you were sleeping.” Ellie spoke up, making Alex grin slightly, knowing what she was planning to do. And like on the sign, Joel's back stood up straight and the panic in his voice, made Alex grin even more under her palm. “What? What was the song?” Joel asked. 

“Something like-” Ellie continued, her eyes now turning to Alex's waiting for her to finish the sentence. “Wake me up before you go-go?” Alex finished out. And just on the cue, Joel sighed out and cursed under his breath, not before running the hands on his face.  

Ellie grinned and opened her mouth to say something more, Alex interrupted her. “Gotcha. 80’s means trouble. Code broken.” Alex finished out and hen looking over to Ellie, her hand raised out to high five Alex.  

Then a switch turned in Joel's had. Damn it. The girls guessed the code.  Joel who was sitting on the couch, he stood up from it and he walked over to the girls, his footsteps heavy and his voice shuddering.  “Listen-” and then the rattle of the doorknob interrupted him, Tess getting inside the room and locking it behind her. “The spot under Lancaster looks good. "Then she turned Alex and Elie and asked them. “you two got a jacket in those backpacks?” 

Alex was the first one ho nodded her head yes and answered “yeah.”  

“Okay, get it. It's time to go.” Tess pointed out to the girls.  

The girls, Alex and Ellie. Goth their jackets out from their packs and put the jackets on and their backpack on their shoulders. The sudden change in the air made Alex take a deep breath and to prepare herself for the worst-case scenario. Joel, Tess, Alex and Ellie got out from the doors; the apartment now empty.  

-- 

To say that the rain wasn't still falling, Alex could only lie to herself. Yep, she still hates the rain. While Ellie is enjoying the feeling of the droplets of the rain in the fucking tunnel they were in. Alex could handle guns, knives, blood and even maybe a pair of infected, but water on her skin? Ugh she hated that. Stuck in her own thoughts Ellie broke her out from it, and she told her, a smile on her face. “Ahh the water. You love this part, right Lexie?” and Alex just shoved Ellie's shoulder, making her stumble against the wall.  

Finally, after what it felt like a decade of walking around in the tunnel, Joel stopped and began climbing up the stairs. Wait, what? The stairs? Like the one who are stuck to the wall? Alex gulped and began slowly climbing up after Ellie her breaths rushed. After a while Joel stopped once again, and Alex swore that she never had a tight grip on something. Finally, once again, Joel lifted the cover and slowly got out, then Ellie and Alex following her and Tess being the last one. After checking if anyone got safely out, Joel placed the cover back. And then Ellie deciduate up from the floor and look around, shouting. “Holy shit, I'm actually outside!”  

Alex's eyes widened and she took Ellie by her hand and pulled her down to crouch once again, before whisper shouting “what are you doing? are you out of your mind?!” then the light flashed out in their direction, Alex pulled Ellie on the ground, her breathing uneven at how much stuff was happening right now.  

“Okay we’re gonna tail the left edge around the buffer zone. You stay close and you follow my lead. Got it?” Tess whispered out to the girls, but mostly to Ellie. Because she noticed how much she wanted to see around her. Alex and Ellie nodded, and Tess spoke up again. "Let's go.” 

The group finally moved Tess leading again and Joel checking up if anyone was following, while the girls just followed Tess, their hands brushing lightly. Alex watched the way Tess walked towards, and her mind started to wander. She remembers this way. The time when she was sent on the mission, she was only 16 years old. sent off alone in the mall. To see if the mall was empty, if there were any signs of infected. She had spent the whole night in there, checking the corners around. luck was on her side, even tho she didn’t believe in it.

The group finally moved Tess leading again and Joel checking up if anyone was following, while the girls just followed Tess, their hands brushing lightly. Alex watched the way Tess walked towards, and her mind started to wander. She remembers this way. The time when she was sent on the mission, she was only 16 years old. sent off alone in the mall. To see if the mall was empty, if there were any signs of infected. She had spent the whole night in there, checking the corners around. Luck was on her side, even though she didn’t believe in it. She remembers the time when FEDRA used to hang people just because they wanted to have a touch of a freedom once in their lives. The screams, the sounds that people made, it engraved in her brain. Ellie being curious didn't make it any better. She wanted to see what's like out there, to see why everyone is going outside the walls. Ellie and Riley wanted to see what's like out there. Alex fought with her blood, sweat and tears for Ellie not to go there; she tried the same with Riley. But Riley didn't listen. So, she left, she left and explored the walls, the malls, the areas that were restricted trespass into. And then she joined the fireflies. While Alex left the fireflies, Riley joined them.  

The shuffling of the footsteps broke her out from her trance, the voice sharp and horribly familiar. Before she could have a chance to take Ellie by her arm and to run away, a voice stopped her. “What the fuck? Hey! Hey, hey, hey! Don't move! Don't move!” Tess and Joel immediately stopped and raised their hands up, while Alex just shoved Ellie to the side. The officer just gasped and whispered out to Joel and Tess “You gotta be shitting me.” 

“Okay let's just talk this out.”  Joel said his hands shaking, trying to find a way to get the hell out from here. The officer just scoffed and pointed his riffle to the group. “Turn around.” Joel tried again, his voice still. "Wait, hold on-”  

“Get on your knees! Get on your fuckin knees!” the officer yelled out; his patience thin while the light on his riffle flashed out and revealed Tess, Joel, Ellie and Alex. And just on a cue, the officer starred at Alex and chuckled out, pointing his riffle now on Alex. “So, you're the famous Alex Williams, huh? Wanted to follow your daddy’s steps, right?” Alex’s throat bobbed and her hands shook, her mind rewinding the time when everyone from the fireflies used to make fun of her, just because her dad was in there. All the stares she got, the pitying looks, it made her feel weak, and she didn't like that. So, she closed herself up and just did the tasks she needed to do. Plus being an older sister to a newly born sister was a hard thing to do. Even when growing up, Alex used to tell her all the memories she had from her parents. Ellie loved that and even if she never met their parents, Ellie learned to love them. 

 The officer saw how uncomfortable Alex looked so, he just continued “guess that didn't work out, huh? Man, I wish my dad was now next to me-” Joel stopped the officer, yelling out and noticing the way Alex's tears started to swell up in her eyes, her breath shaking and her lips trembling, like she was in some kind of trance. “Hey! Focus on me. Not her alright?” 

The officer just smirked and spoke up, his voice filled with nothing, but venom. “Why, so she could escape? Yeah man. Keep fuckin dreaming. Now get on your damn knees!” 

Tess sighed out and she got on her knees, her back facing the officer now, and Alex, Ellie and Joel got down and did the same thing as Tess. “Just get on your knees. Just get on your knees, c'mon.” Tess told them.  

The officer now dropped his rifle and walked over the group, while Tess spoke up. “Listen, you let us do this run... we'll split the cards with you.” the officer just scoffed and spoke. “Oh, will you?” Tess nodded her head “yeah!” 

Sitting on their knees, Alex and Ellie looked at each other as the officer took out the device, their eyes wide and Ellie’s eyes starting to sting. That was it. The officer is going to kill her for even finding out. Alex is going to be alone, and she is going to grieve Ellie to the rest of her life. Alex took out the knife from Ellie's pocket and hid it in her sleeve, ready for the attack.  

“Oh, I'm so blessed. Hands on your head, eyes forward. Hands on your head!” the officer just yelled out.   

The group interlocked their fingers and put them behind their heads, ready for the scanning. Ellie looked at Alex and whispered out to Alex. “I'm scared.” and when Alex looked at her, she could feel thousands of emotions flooding through her eyes. So, she just whispered out to Ellie, her voice filled with worry. “It's okay, we’re okay.” and Ellie just nodded her head.  

Tess saw the device and she grumbled, her voice annoyed. “Really man?” 

The officer just nods his head. “Yep. we're doing this by the book.” 

“Jesus Christ.” Tess grumbled. 

The officer put the device on Tess's head, and it beeped, showing the green screen, meaning she is not infected. Then next was Joel and the officer did the same thing with Tess. The device beeped and it showed the green screen, making Joel sigh out.  

“Unauthorized exit. They'll hang you for that.” the officer said.  

Joel rolled his eyes and spoke up, craning his head to look at the officer. “Fine! Everything off this run and half of the pills!” 

The officer just scoffed and spoke up. “Half of? No, all off!” 

Next up was Alex, and the officer stood behind her, grabbing her by her hair, making her wince out and he scanned her neck. “Risk my job for half of the fuck-” the officer stopped and spoke up the grip on Alex's hair tighter now. “Oh, I'm so going to get rich for this girl right here. Isn't that right Alex?” 

 The officer took the device out from Alex's neck, and he looked at it, then the screen got orange, making the officer furrow his eyebrows and ask Alex, his voice curious. “What the hell is this supposed to mean?” and Alex just shrugged, her smirk wide and dangerous. “Don't now.  why scared I might kill you?” and the officer ignored her stepping closer to Ellie and scanning her neck. The next thing Alex pulled happened in a blur. She got the knife out from her sleeve and jabbed it into officer shoulder making him grunt and yell out, while she just pounced on him, moving Ellie out of the way. 

“Fucking bitch! I'm gonna fucking kill you-” the officer got up from the floor pointing his gun at Alex, her stance still, only for officer to laugh in a mocking manner and he spoke up. “Oh! Look at that! Joel Miller being the protective daddy that he is.” then the officer said again, his voice full of hatred and will to kill Alex. “Get out of the way!” 

Joel stood in front of the officer, his hands raised in front of him, trying to stop the things from going south. “Wait! We can fix this!” his hands hook and his mind wandering off on the memory he didn't want to remember.  

The officer just stared at Joel, and he yelled out. “Move! Move you fucker! MOVE-!” and then Joel pounced on the man, and hitting him with his fists clenched up, bruising the man’s face, and Joel’s knuckles filled with the officer's blood. He continued to punch the officer until he was unconscious. Then he turned around and saw Ellie and Alex, looking at him in shock and then the man who was probably dead.  

Tess however saw the device and looked at it, screaming out to Joel. “Joel! JOEL LOOK AT THIS” and Ellie noticed that and raised her sleeve, revealing the wound to Tess, trying to convince her otherwise. “No! No, no. Look! I'm not sick!”  

Alex saw the encounter between Tess and Ellie, and she stepped in, her voice shaking.  “No- Tess, she's not- she isn't infected-” Ellie just yelled out, her hands shaking. “I'm not sick! Look! This is three weeks old! Nobody lasts than a day! Does this look like a day old to you?” 

“i should fucking kill you! When did it happen?” Tess asked, sneering at Ellie. Alex heard what Tess had said and stood in front of Ellie, and she got into Tess's face, her voice threating. “You do that, and I'll make sure you have the slowest and the most painfull death ever-” 

Elie shrugged Alex's arm of her and spoke up again. “It doesn't matter! You have to trust me! They're gonna catch us if we don't run!” 

Joel looked at Tess, Alex and Ellie and he spoke up. “The pipsqueak is right. We have to move.” he looked at Tess and he spoke up, picking up the riffle officer had and flung it over his shoulder. “We gotta move Tess. C’mon.” he looked at the officer, who was on the ground, now definitely dead from Joel's powerful punches on his face.  

He turned around and followed the girls and Tess, going through the fence, the sharp edges scraping his skin, burning him. 

While they walked, Alex wondered how will everything turn out after Ellie saves the world?  What will happen to her? Will there be any consequences? Will Joel and Tess be there when the situations get ugly, while they travel all the way to the fireflies. The ones that Alex gave up from long ago, before becoming her own person and doing everything on her own. Only the universe will know. 

Until then, she will make sure that nothing happens to Ellie. Ever. Or that's what she thought. 

[hemmingsleclerc]

Interruption┃remus lupin

summary: where remus and his girlfriend try to have a romantic moment but sirius and james interrupt them

marauders!era

It was a quiet Saturday afternoon in Gryffindor Tower, and most of the students had taken the opportunity to take a nap or catch up on homework. But Remus and his girlfriend, Y/n, had other plans. They had managed to sneak off to the boy's dormitory for some much-needed alone time.

As they lay in bed, cuddling, the room filled with a romantic tension that had been building for weeks. Just as things were heating up,the door to the dormitory burst open.

“moony have you seen my—” Sirius' voice echoed through the room, followed closely by James.

Y/n let out a shrill scream as she scrambled to cover herself with the nearest blanket. Remus, his face a bright shade of red, did his best to shield them both with the blanket, as he stared at his best friends with wide eyes.

Sirius froze in his tracks, his mouth hanging open in pure horror. “OH MY EYES! MY INNOCENT EYES!” he wailed, dramatically throwing an arm over his face. “I’M TRAUMATIZED FOR LIFE! WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING”

James, meanwhile, covered his eyes with his hands and stumbled back towards the door. “I DIDN’T SEE ANYTHING! I SWEAR!” he screamed with his eyes closed.

“SIRIUS, GET OUT!” Remus shouted, his voice with embarrassment and fury. He tugged the blanket tighter around himself and Y/n, trying to shield as much of her as possible from his idiot friends.

“GET OUT? I’M BLIND, MOONY! I CAN’T SEE THE DAMN DOOR!” Sirius wailed, clutching at his face. “PRONGS, HELP ME!”

James, who was still trying to get out of the room without looking, collided with a chair and crashed to the floor. “I CAN’T SEE EITHER!” he screamed in panic. “THIS IS A MESS!”

Y/n, who had already partially recovered from the initial shock, couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity of the situation. "Sirius, turn around and go!" she shouted, still in Remus' arms.

“DON’T LAUGH, Y/N! THIS IS A SERIOUS TRAUMA!” Sirius retorted, finally turning around and stumbling toward the door, still with his arm over his eyes.

James, still trying to find the door, tripped over with sirius' clothes on the floor. “PADS, WAIT FOR ME!”

Remus sighed deeply. “Padfoot, Prongs, I swear if you don’t go in the next ten seconds…”

But before he could finish his sentence, Sirius managed to find the doorknob and threw it open, dramatically waving his other arm as he stormed out. James quickly followed, eyes still closed, and slammed into the door frame before staggering out after Sirius.

When the door finally closed, Remus and Y/n stood in stunned silence. Then, unable to contain themselves any longer, they both burst into uncontrollable laughter as Y/n grabbed her wand to lock the door.

“Well,” Remus said between laughs, “that definitely wasn’t what I expected.”

“So....., where were we?”

Remus leaned down and captured Y/n's lips in a passionate kiss. The blanket that had once been a shield was now forgotten. And they returned to their original plan.

This time, with no interruptions.