#searching for answers without the bravery to sit with questions

[mosstrades]

im someone who stuggles not to let his curiosity and drive sometimes (often) cross over into an overwhelming and maladaptive need for answers, for explanation, for certainty. someone who, historically, sees making art as a primarily intellectual exercise. this is not inherently a bad thing, we all have our temperaments and this kind of attention can be a strength. but, you know that artist who makes a painting, and then only wants to show it while explaining it to you? thats me, sometimes, more often than i like. every story i used to write had another hundred page document behind it, explicating every single choice -- often i would simply read that, instead of ever actually write the story itself. the explanation precedes everything. the answers alone are the experience.

david lynch's work and philosphy has been and is a vital foothold in my efforts to learn to love the questions as our breath. learn to appreciate intuition and dreams, trust them instead of fear them. learn to see that the world has so much confusing, uncertain, strange beauty, that can be terrifying but turns sublime when you cease rejecting it from fear. when you embrace the unknown and dont try to immediately & anxiously explicate it all away, a whole new world opens up to you. that you need the darkness in order to dream, and you need dreams in order to live fully immersed in what the world has to offer. a foothold in learning to be okay with abstraction, with imperfect subjectivity, with uncertainty. to know it is not anthitetical to truth and meaning. know that to skillfully make ideas come alive into a work *is* to rationally pin them down, but that you cannot lose sight of the intuition they were born as.

his artistic intuition reminds me of what i need to have -- the trust and humility for experiencing the inexplicable and understanding that to be enough. a devotion to ideas and their realisation. a balancing force, for my endless inquiry -- to not forget to live the question in my the search for an answer. to allow some thing to go without clear or universal explanation, allow for some things to remain unresolved, allow for others to have that be their resolution. it's why his work equal parts captivates me and disturbs me -- i am very bad at this. but feel in my heart a need to get better at it. to be a better artist, a better thinker, a better searcher, a better person. you need to feel it, intuitively, quiet your endless noisy need for an answer and simply let it fill you up, let it resonate intuitively, and find in that how life makes sense to you and you alone. mediation, mindfulness, humility to sit with abstraction without trying to pin it down. more and more i try to understand this. some things don't need to make perfect sense. some things dont need answers, or their answers are not the point. some things dont need anything but to be experienced as they enter you -- like dreams do. that can lead you to the answer, and that can also be enough in itself. that can be just an intrinsic value in being alive to experience it. and so often, it is all in conversation with the search for joy. it's why he feels so captivating, so unique, so tremendously alive. why people use the word "visionary" when talking about him. because he knew how to use his medium in all the potential he could see, so that it let you live in the strangeness and questions. he understood them as sublime, he understood them as enough, he understood them as a joy. he understood them as beautiful. and his memory will remind me to do the same; always to seek the space to dream.

[rumbelleshowdown]

⭐️

Author: DancingFey

Group C: secret admirer; let’s get away; bees, honey

⭐️

The Bee's a Bookworm

“Snakeweed for the base, fennel for strength, garlic for protection…” Rumplestilkin hummed as he dropped each ingredient into a pot of boiling water. “Three out of four is not complete! Tell me, which ingredient do I seek?” 

His question was answered by his uninvited guest buzzing in his ear.

When they first arrived at the Dark Castle, he refused to break their curse without a deal. The fact that they couldn’t communicate was not his problem. He expected them to leave, but the little bug stayed even after multiple threats of shoe stomping. 

He took a moment to replace his spinner’s smile with an impish smirk before turning around to face the Apis Mellifera that had been haunting his castle. 

The bee hovered inches from his face. 

“Well! Li’l bee, since you refuse to leave, you may as well make yourself useful.” 

The honeybee flew in his face, ruffling his bangs before flying off towards his cabinet of herbs, landing on a jar. 

“Testy today, dearie?” He grumbled before fluffing his hair back into place and walking over. 

“Ah-ha! Thyme, of course!” He grabbed the jar and returned to the brewing potion. “How could I forget the herb for bravery in a Bravery Potion!”

Rumple extended his index finger, and the honeybee jumped from the jar onto his scaly hand without hesitation. He set the bee on his shoulder, where they would sit and observe as he worked. Not that it stopped them from flying down anytime he brought out a book.

At first, he had considered killing them, but on the fourth day, the honeybee found a passage that he had spent weeks searching for in an old botanist’s journal containing theories of how feyberry and dreamweave vines may react when dissolved with unicorn blood. Then, the bloody thing had to go and wiggle their butt high in the air, hop side to side, spin around, and perform an aerial backflip in what Bae would have called a victory dance. It reminded him so much of his son that his heart clenched at the sight. 

That was the moment he knew he couldn’t kill the damn bee. 

It became routine for the cursed bee to assist him in his research. They would point to paragraphs that contained the information he was looking for. And if he missed something from a previous passage, they directed him to the chapter by nestling their body between the pages, wiggling their black-striped backside to push their body underneath. 

He refused to acknowledge how cute they were or that he was rapidly lowering his defenses around them.

As he finished the Bravery Potion, a white dove tapped on his window. “Dove! Good, you're back! I have a use for you.” 

Rumple opened the window, and the shapeshifter transformed with a plume of grey smoke into a bald, scarred, muscular man.

“I did not expect you to take in another pet, master.” 

“Ha! One pet is more than enough work for me. No, you can give me your report on your mission later. For now, I need you to translate. You see, this poor, helpless creature is cursed! And only I can break it. But alas, a deal must be struck!” 

Dove stared at his master’s antics and sighed. “And what are your terms of the contract, master Rumpelstiltskin?” 

“Hmm, well the little bugger has been surprisingly…helpful. I will break their curse, returning them to their human form. In return, they will stay in the Dark Castle with me, and work as my research assistant for…oh, say five years.” 

A contract appeared on the table at the wave of his hand, and the bee instantly flew down to read it. Once finished, Dove translated their response. 

“They will agree to your terms if you make an amendment. They want to be allowed to write home with the concession that you can read and approve the letters beforehand.”

“Fine, but remember dearie, no one breaks a deal with me.” 

He swore the bee rolled their eyes at him before dipping their forelegs in ink and signing the contract. 

“It’s a deal!” He giggled before black, purple-tinted magic consumed the bee, leaving a beautiful young woman sitting on his desk with chestnut curls and eyes so blue they were like the reflection of light on the ocean.

“Did it work?” She frantically patted down her blue dress, “It worked! Oh, thank you. Thank You!” 

She jumped off the table and wrapped her arms around his neck. Rumple glanced at Dove for assistance, but he only raised an eyebrow and smirked—the bastard. 

“Yes, yes, dearie.” He awkwardly patted her back, “We made a deal…and now…” His voice trilled, “The monster has you in its clutches!” 

“You’re not a monster. You’re a scholar. The amount of knowledge you have is incredible! And your books! Some of those records have been lost for centuries. And you don’t keep them in some ostentatious display to collect dust. You use them. You’re…you’re a genius! I’ve seen you create potions and spells that no one has ever thought of!”

This woman was either a miracle or a hallucination. Rumplestiltskin was leaning more towards the drugs.

“Sounds like you have a secret admirer,” Dove nudged his shoulder. Rumple stared at him as if he’d also lost his mind, but the cretin only shrugged…and then left!

“I-Is it so hard to believe? For all your threats of squashing me, you never harmed me, and you’re so passionate about your work. How could I not admire someone so dedicated to their craft? I…I confess I have always dreamed of being a scholar. Perhaps this is not how I imagined it happening, but I am honored to be your research assistant.”

She took a deep breath and reached out her hand. “I never got the chance to introduce myself. My name is Belle.”

Rumple stared at her hand, confounded, but shook it, “I don’t believe I need any introductions, dearie?”

She laughed, “No, but now I can finally get you out of this room.”

“W-What?”

“You haven’t left this workshop at all since I got here! Not to eat, drink, or sleep. Heavens forbid, you step outside! Rumple, you need to take a break. Breathe fresh air. Feel the sun’s warmth on your skin. Come on, let’s get away from this lab.”

She grabbed his hand and led him outside. Stunned and still half convinced Belle was a hallucination, he followed. They walked until they passed through a thicket of trees that opened into a grove filled with wildflowers. 

“Isn’t it beautiful?” She let go of his hand and twirled around the flowers as if she belonged among them. 

Yes, you are. Rumple shook his head to stop such nonsensical thoughts. 

“When I was a bee, I was drawn here by the flowers' scent. They smelled so sweet and rich, unlike anything I had ever experienced as a human, and the flowers had so many vibrant colors, some of which I had never seen before! I thought this would be a great place to get away and have a picnic.”

“Picnic?”

“Yes, you need to eat, and I haven’t had human food since my ex-fiancé’s mother cursed me.” 

He would be asking her questions about that later. 

“A picnic, my lady wants. A picnic she shall get.” He gave her a mock bow before a picnic blanket with various dishes appeared. 

Belle looked to see what foods he had conjured, when her eyes widened, “Oh! Honey cakes…” She started laughing and looked at him expectantly, to which he only raised an eyebrow and tilted his head in a silent question. “Get it? ‘Bees, honey.’ Remember?” 

His face lit up at the memory, and he sang in a high-pitched voice, “Bees, honey. Oh, how lovely! A guest has arrived! A guest has arrived! Oh, what scheme has she contrived for this bee…is surely a spy!” 

“And then you caught me in a jar.”

“It’s not every day a cursed maiden flies into my workshop, honey. Odds were the Evil Queen sent you to spy on me.”

Wait, honey?! Where did that come from?!

“Yes, you were insistent in your interrogation, even though we couldn’t communicate,” Belle smiled. 

“You won’t be smiling at me for long.” He pointed a clawed finger at her, “I plan to work you to the bone.” 

“I’m looking forward to it.” 

Who was this woman? She wasn’t afraid of him, which already made her part of a small minority, but then she dared to not only make a demand from him but physically make him obey! Not Dove, Regina, or even Jefferson would be that bold! They would at least worry he might take revenge, but she treated him like a normal man, not a monster. She acted as if she saw him as a…friend. 

Hallucination or not, Rumpelstiltskin was never letting Belle go.  

He smiled back, and with a flick of his wrist, a red rose appeared in his hand. 

“A flower for my li’l bee.” 

Belle took the rose with a bright smile and mischief sparkling in her eyes. “I’m not a bee anymore.” She leaned across the blanket and kissed his cheek, “I’m your little bookworm.”

[aniisol]

hi! im shimp friend of the recipes

okay so fried rice is very simple and easy. but the two three four most important things i left out of the explanation above!

1. when you add the rice to the hot oil in the pan, it is best if the rice is dried out leftover rice bc that will fry best.

two! very important to add sauce. i like a large sploosh of soy and some sriracha and sometimes a drizzle of chili crisp.

iii. add any fixins. i recommend leftover meats/tofu/veggies of most kinds. i've had some success with fried rice made with leftover butter chicken for example. allow to sit, sizzle, and mix with the rice until everything is thoroughly heated. shimps would happen at this step.

4️⃣ add the flourish! this means egg! make a cleared space in the middle of your rice and crack however many eggs you feel like into the middle. scramble them so that the white and yolk are all mixed up, and then let it sit for a minute until the eggs are mostly cooked but still soft. then stir your spatula/spoon/utensil/chopsticks through! mix it all through the rice! then chop some scallions and add them, give a quick mix through, and youre done!!!!

-fried rice fiend friend of shimp 🦐 anon

And at once, the anonymous givers who used to put questions at my feet now offer answers into my hands. They guide me, kind in soul and beautiful in voice, formless, effervescent beings with the endings to every remark I speak into being. We join together in the dance that brings creation, a creation that sits perfectly in a cast-iron. It wasn't the divine who would answer my search for knowledge, but the people, the network, those who have gathered around me for so long. I would have come into and gleaned from their vast knowledge had I not let them sit in patient, respectful silence at the foot of the crown. I often wondered of the nature of the countless shrimp emojis that have been sent onto my dashboard without having the bravery to question their purpose. But now I see what I was always meant to. chili, siracha, eggs in the pan

[fandoms-rants]

Andrew Minyard, Neil Josten & Andriel Quotes Part 3:

(Quotes that remind me of (and/or I think they would say in canon or fanfics which I hope someone will write) Andrew, Neil or both of them and/or therir relationship)

"Do you not understand? I will not settle for anything less than a soul-deep, electrifying connection." (Andriel to Everyone who doubts them)

“Hearts are wild creatures, that’s why are ribs are cages.” (Andrew)

“I have a very intelligent mind but a goddamn stupid heart.” (Andrew **gay panicking** before he kissed Neil the first time)

“Light is easy to love. Show me your darkness.” (Andrew to Neil)

“She’s a combination of sensitive and savage.” (Neil about Andrew)

“Underestimate me. That'll be fun.” (Andrew)

“She will rise. With a spine of steel, and a roar like thunder, she will rise.” (Andrew post-canon)

"According to Greek mythology, humans were originally created with four arms, four legs and a head with two faces. Fearing their power, Zeus split them into two separate parts, condemning them to spend their lives in search of their other halves." (Andriel)

“The initmacy of being understood.” (Andriel)

“If you don't want a sarcastic answer, don't ask a stupid question.” (Andrew)

“Why aren't you scared of me? Whyy do you care for me?” (Andrew to Neil and Neil to Andrew)

“The silent ones are the most observant ones.” (Andrew)

“He pretty cute for a Monster.” (Neil about Andrew)

“"I am coming for all the monsters that ever touched him, I am coming for all the ones who twisted his stars into shadows, They turned him into a nightmare, So I'm going to be theirs." (**Neil about Andrew**)

“"When a devil falls in love, it's the most hauntingly beautiful thing ever. And you should be terrified, for he will go to the depths of hell for her." (Andriel)(You choose who the devil is ;)

"Hold him gently in your hands. He has been cracked enough as it is, and his heart is more shattered than he lets on." (Neil about Andrew)

"I defy the stars; I defy Heaven and Hell. The laws of the universe say that the man I love is lost to me. I say: Watch me save him." (Andrew during Baltimore)

"Golden child, Lion boy; Tell me what it's like to conquer.” (Neil to Andrew) Fearless child, Broken boy; Tell me what it's like to burn." (Andrew to Neil)

“I will not have you without the darkness that hides within you. I will not let you have me without the madness that makes me. If our demons cannot dance, neither can we." (Andrew to Neil and Neil to Andrew)

“"Survivors have scars. Victims have graves.” (Andriel)

“I became good at pretending. I became so good that after a while the lines blurred between my truth and fiction. And sometimes, when I did a really good job of pretending, I even fooled myself." (Neil)

“I am eternally, devastatingly romantic, and I thought people would see it because 'romantic' doesn't mean 'sugary? It's dark and tormented — the furor of passion, the despair of an idealism that you can't attain.” (Andriel)

“I am almost never serious, and I'm always too serious. Too deep, too shallow. Too sensitive, too cold hearted. I'm like a collection of paradoxes." (Andrew)

“If only my heart were as cold as I pretend it is, maybe I could get over this." (Andrew)

“I became bitter and untouchable. I craved affection but even the mere thought of someone caring made my stomach turn." (Andrew)

“I like the scars because I like the stories. Bravery, stupidity, pain-none of them come free." (Andrew to Neil)

“You can tell how dangerous a person is by the way they hold their anger inside themselves quietly." (Neil about Andrew)

“I will love you as misfortune loves orphans, as fire loves innocence and as justice loves to sit and watch everything go wrong.” (Andriel)

“You and Atlas are one and the same my dear, cursed to hold a weight you can't bare and still standing not because you can but because you have to.” (Neil to Andrew)

“Lift with your knees, Atlas, the heavens are a burden but in the starlit ink of constellations you have written: Endure." (Andrew)

“"I'm someone who's mostly dead inside but still has a little hope for something extraordinary, which, as I said, is the worst breed of human, because it means I know everything is bullshit, but that I secretly hope for the day when it might not be." (Andrew)

“My abuse isn't poetic. it was not justice or necessary. The earth left me to die and there is no such thing as karma. The gods watched idly by as i was killed in that house and not a damn person tried to help me.” (Andrew)

“You are allowed to grieve over the child you could've been.” (Neil to Andrew)

“"I spent my childhood learning how to fear, and now I spend my adulthood learning how not to." (Andriel)

**Im imagining this in a butcher!Neil or mafia!Neil AU. As a courting gift Neil brings Andrew the heads of all the men who abused him.**

*WARNING: About copyright, Quotes come from various places(ie. FanFiction, Tv, Movies, Music, Pinterest) so use in your own fanfic stories at your own.. I can’t think of the word but you know what I mean.*

[bontensucker]

Under your spell - Part I

Minors don’t interact

Summary : The great inquisition. In a small village during medieval old time, a young crusader has been ordained priest. A rumor of a witch cursing the place with plague has rapidly spread around. To find the witch and put her at the stake, the holy knight has instilled fear and mistrust but he finds resistance in you. Starting to have dirty thoughts about you, he get you jailed, convinced you’re the sinner he’s chasing after. But are you really the one you pretend not to be ?

WC : 2.1k

Content : Historical au, angst, names (whore, witch), corruption, blasphemy, toxic behavior, manhandle, reader is a smart ass.

Pairing : Crusader!Taiju Shiba x Fem!Reader.

Warning : The first part of this fic has a lot of male chauvinism to stay accurate to the time (dark age) where the story takes place + religious theme. If you’re not comfortable with it, don’t read it !

🕮  Next chapter

In a small village lost among the mountains, people are dying. A putrid air lingers above the city and corpses are to be found everyday. The great reaper do not have mercy. Rich and poor, innocents and sinners, they are all passing from life to death.

Rats are everywhere in the city, trespassing in the houses and cottages, even the livestocks got sick.

Not understanding what is going on, the rumor of a curse spread around the notables and the peasants.

One have seen a witch doing black magic, another saw a woman hiding in the dark, it said she’s talking to rodents and they obey her commands.

When the old priest of the village is found dead in his bed, stroked by the disease, the Church decides to send their best man, a newly ordained priest, well known for his bravery during the last crusade.

When he arrives in the village, Taiju starts to gather informations, deploying his troups to patrol nights and days. Several people are immediately arested and tortured when needed.

The knight is here with a purpose and doesn’t go easy on people. The villagers start to fear him. Everyone has to come to church, and prove they know their prayers and did nothing wrong.

To the newly father Taiju, it doesn’t matter if they are men, women or even children. Everyone is suspicious.

The inquisition starts, the neighbors mistrust one another and report people they’ve known barely their entire life.

They are emprisoned or hang up on the public place. No one is safe and the plague is still killing. 

Until someone gives your name. The girl leaving in a tiny cottage outside the city. They swore they have seen you gather strange plants in the forest and even petting a black cat.

It’s all when it started.

It smells like blood and fear inside the room. What did he do to her ?

It smells like blood and fear inside the room. What did he do to her ?

It smells like blood and fear inside the room. What did he do to her ?

“Sit” He says without looking at you. His feather his scratching the parchment and you already know you don’t like him. He’s everything you despise.

“Sit” He says without looking at you. His feather his scratching the parchment and you already know you don’t like him. He’s everything you despise.

The kind of man close minded, bigot, rude, ruthless. He may be a priest but he looks nothing like one. It’s just the almighty’s armed arm in front of you. A warrior that never really left the battlefield. You can tell he’s still at war in his mind. And you, his next opponent. Justice will be served with eyes wide open. You know that. You are well aware.

“Name ?” He ask, still not looking at you. You answer begrudgingly and he stops writting.

His eyes are searching for you before he even lift his head and you know it’s your first mistake. Indeed, he’s not the kind of man to tolerate such tone.

He take a deep breath and you know he’s already annoyed. Whatever.

“Are you baptized ?” You have almost time to answer, he’s already asking another question. And another one. And another one.

« Do you pray ? »

« I d- »

« Do you love God ? »

You frown but answer again « With all my heart »

« Have you ever done anything wrong ? »

« No ! »

« Why ? » he says without taking any break.

« Excuse m- »

« Why do you live alone ? Why aren’t you married? »

« Because I don’t need a man to take care of myself. »

Taiju gives you the cold shoulder. He doesn’t like what you said.

« This is not for you to decide. You should get married, obey your husband and produce children to honor our God as he commands you to. God as plan for the weakest sex... for everyone of us. »

« Then why aren’t you married ? »

You see him curl his fists really tight and grit his teeth. Oh, now he’s really pissed…

« I was fighting God’s enemies in the holy crusade.”

« Enemies ? Didn’t he created the humans to his own image ? Then do you really think he’s happy to see you killing his children ? »

A vein of anger dawn on his forehead, he opens his mouth and answer with a calm tone despite his murdurous stare.

« This is not for you to ask questions. And I do not expect for a woman to understand God’s will. »

You smirk and give him back the very same look. You hate him so much.

It’s a battle you are not going to let him win.

When he leaves his chair you straighten up a bit and think about that smell of steel in his office. Is it your blood he’s coming for now ?

He comes before you and leans on his desk, crossing his arms and you can see another vein running under the skin of his muscular forearm.

You didn’t realize he was so tall. So beefy. If you stand up, you can barely meet his torso. Most of men out there are not that tall.

And you can see why he is one famous holy knight. He matches every stereotypes the Church his looking for its army.

But in no way you’re going to play coy with him. You will not let him intimidate you. You’re a fierce and independant woman. And at that time, you still think no one can bring you down.

“Do you have anything to say, woman ?”

“Like what ?”

He squint and you can tell he is slowly losing patience.

“Witches have marks or stains on their body. Do you ? “

You try not to laugh at his face. This is ridiculous. “No I do not ! Of course no.”

But he catches your tone again and sight before going back to his seat. After a moment he speaks up “You do know lying is a sin don’t you ? And it is even worst when you do it in God’s house.” He looks at you and straighten up in his chair. “God may forgive you for your sins, but I won’t.”

And this is more than you can handle. You know your next move will not be the smartest considering he has the power to kill you on the spot but you can’t stop yourself.

You stand up and come closer to him. At the same time he push back his chair, always facing the enemy but he is not prepared for that.

“Then, should you inspect my body to make sure I am not lying ?”

You put your foot on the chair, between his legs and grab the hem of your skirt  you lift to show your bare leg.

He keeps looking at your face, inhaling sharply at your outrageous behavior but he doesn’t show you any other feeling. As a man of God, he knows he can’t bring himself to look at your body.

“See father ? There is nothing more than the promise land for a real man. Nothing else.”

And he knows that if he looks, it might be a sin but if he doesn’t, it means you are right and he is not a real man.

And he can’t let that happen. Ever.

His pride take over while he supports your gaze and then Taiju slowly lower his eyes to your legs.

« Are you trying to tempt me devil worshiper ? » He doesn’t wait for an answer and grabs your calf in his big hand. You didn’t expected a cold man to have such warm palms and it makes you shiver.

He pulls it forward so you unfold your leg and your mouth opens a little. Maybe this was not a good idea. You can’t fool him.

He looks at you without smiling and put his hand on yours so he can make you lift your skirt a little highter. Your thigh is now on sight for him to take a closer look at your skin.

His stare hover over you, looking closely for any marks. His hands are roaming and you feel your heart beat fast. No one has ever touched you like this. No one has ever seen your legs like this.

You decide it’s enought and try to lower your skirt, but the look he gives you tells you otherwise. And you know, you know surely, that if you do this, he will think you have something to hide and you’ll be done.

Instead, you look away, enable to support his gaze.

« I-I do not worship the devil. » and again, he’s fast to reply. « But you don’t fear the Almighty either ».

You chuckle ironically « I do fear God. But I don’t fear you...” His hand tighten unnecessarily on the smooth skin of your thigh and you breath hard, adding “unless you want to be God ?”

You gasp when his hands spread your tighs to look at the thin skin inbetween and you can’t stop yourself being upfront « Or do you want me to worship you like Him? »

The moment it past your lips, you know you’ve gone too far. You should’ve never said that.

Taiju is quick to react. He pushes you from him and grabs your throat, squeezing hard.

You let your skirt fall down in place and put your tiny hands over his big warm palm.

«  Let me go ! »

He push you furiously until your back hit the edge of his desk and gets so close to your lips you can feel his breath when he whispers.

« Blasphemy ! I am not going to let a filthy whore speaks the Lord’s name in vain in his own house ! I have put people at the stake for less than that ! ”

« I am not a whore ! » you say trying to breath but he’s so strong you can’t do anything.

« Yes you are ! If you were not, you would not have talked to me like that  woman, or let me see your legs. You should have reacted like the others. You are supposed to deny me the view, and stay a virgin until God finds you a good religious husband or you take holy orders ! »

He continue to call you names and witch, not letting you go. The more you try to fight back, the more he applies pressure on your throat and when he leans on you, you start to feel his hard on.

He will never admit it, but you did something to him. And the strange feeling you had when he was caressing your legs had his own call at the other end.

And he’s furious, because for the first time he can’t control his body. He can’t control the effect you, a witch, had on him.

You put your hands on his chest and you try to push him away, but he’s so strong compared to you. The crusader doesn’t move and you start to see black and white dots.

You let one of your hand run down his chest to his crotch in a desperate attempt and he feels your hand on his shaft.

Utterly shoked by the feeling that rush under his skin, he let go of you and back up.

You push him away when he comes back to you like a raging bull. « I am not a witch, I am not a whore and I am still a virgin ! I did nothing wrong to offense our God ! But look at you ! Lusting after me ! »

When he opens his mouth you shut him up, using the same warnings as him. « Don’t you dare lying in God’s house priest ! It is a sin you cannot forgive, remember ? »

This time, Taiju is left without anything to say. He feels remorse and something else when he looks at your face he can’t put up with.

You know something is out of place for you too. You hate him but what you felt everytime his hands were merging with your skin, even for the worst part had made your blood rush.

You decide not to stay any longer and take your leave, running out of the church but his soldiers are blocking the way out.

He comes after you and stops when he sees his men’s back because he can’t let them see him in such an embarrassing state.

He grabs your elbow and pull you back behind one of the large gothic column. Your back is pressed against his torso and your cheeks start to burn when you feel him. His breath his hot on your neck and you feel every nerves inside you tingling when he whispers to your ear « This is not over. »

He let you go but stay hidden to shout his orders out to his men. « Let her go. »

Taglist : @p-antomime @bubble4u @aasouthteranoswife

[minniepetals]

scream

❥⋆｡˚ anon said:  [ scream ] for a muse to hear another scream and run to them a mafia au

˚₊· ━━ WORD PROMPT

[ scream ] for a muse to hear another scream and run to them

genre: mafia!au

pairing: bts x reader

word count: 1.7k

˚₊· ━━ MASTERPOST

“If you do not agree to our terms then I can assure you that you will be at a disadvantage.”

Studying the man before him who sits in a relaxed position without any worries and a sly grin curled along the corner of his lips, Namjoon can’t believe he has the audacity to act in such a manner during a time of negotiation.

Crossing a leg on over towards the other one, he keeps his face as cool and as expressionless as ever. “You’re the one who wishes to ally yourself with our gang, what makes you think I will simply yield to you and let you do whatever you want?”

Despite the challenging brow Namjoon has raised his way, the man doesn’t look fazed one bit. Suspicious at the confident and cocky attitude, Jungkook who stood beside Namjoon on the right, discreetly steals a glance at Hoseok’s way. Surely being this confident must mean there’s something he isn’t telling them, right?

The eyes Hoseok returns him lets him know that he knows something is going on as well.

“Only a fool would think to keep his silence when Kim Namjoon questions them,” Yoongi speaks in a low tone, already bored of all this and wants to leave at this second. “Spit it out,” he demands.

“Well.” He sits back casually in his seat and turns his head to the side, watching the people on the first floor from the balcony seat with eyes that are quick to capture the one thing he had hoped to see. “You have quite the lovely little rose with you, don’t you? With the softest petals and the most beautiful blush of pink.”

Rose?

They look out the balcony, studying the room and wondering what he means by that.

“It’s quite a shame it has lost all its thorns to protect it from the greedy human hands.”

The moment Namjoon catches sight of you walking away from the crowd with no guard by your side, he’s quick to turn. “Taehyung.”

In a split second, the younger man is out the door while Namjoon kicks back his chair and guns from both gangs are pointing at each other. Namjoon keeps his gaze on the man which turns into a piercing glare that can kill if possible.

He’s beyond angry now but he also knows that he has to make calculated moves without risking anything that can potentially hurt you.

Taehyung just has to get to you on time.

“Ah-!” In that split second you let out a scream of fear seeing a gun pointed your way and the man ready to pull the trigger, someone grabs ahold of you and you’re wrapped in their protective arms as they quickly turn you about, allowing your face to hide right into their chest.

You flinch at a sting that touches your upper arm and hold yourself close to those familiar protective arms.

Taehyung keeps you against him with one arm, pushing you off to the side, while his other hand is already pulling the trigger aimed at the man that dared to point a gun your way.

The bullet shoots and he falls to the floor in an instant without a miss.

“Y/N.”

You look up upon his call, breath cut short and fast as your eyes shake with fear and his grip tightens on you. “Ah!” You hiss slightly and he holds himself back, eyes quick to search for the place where he had touched you.

At the sight of the grazed cut on your arm, Taehyung’s eyes darkens. If he had been one second too late, that man could have actually seriously injured you.

“I-I’m okay,” he hears you say, causing you to grab his attention again. “It’s just a small graze, Taehyung. I’m not hurt.” You look at him with eyes that show bravery in the way that he knows best. Because although those eyes are filled with fear, you’re trying your best not to show it so that he wouldn’t worry too much.

But Taehyung knows.

He knows in the way your hands are gripping onto his blazer so tightly your knuckles have turned white and in the way your legs are shaky and barely holding on.

So without a word, he lifts you up right into his arms while the world before him falls into chaos.

“Tae…?” You call his name questioningly with a gaze so innocent and pure he wishes he can take all your pains away. “What...what’s going on?”

“Namjoon will take care of it,” Taehyung simply states. “Just close your eyes for now, alright?”

Touching the back of your head, he brings your face to bury into his neck to hide your eyes from the dark world and you follow his words obediently, arms wrapping themselves around his neck and holding on tightly as he begins walking you away from the scene.

Meanwhile Namjoon stands tall before the man who’s now on the floor, his men already gone and dead, ready to die along with them.

“You need me,” he tries to convince. “I have information you want and if I’m gone, who’ll give it to you?”

“I would be a fool to keep someone who was hoping to hurt my precious flower by my side.”

Laughing nervously to try and keep his fears at bay, the man lets out a scoff as his eyes shakily scans the room for anything that would help his escape. “S-so what then? You’ll just kill me off?” He eyes a gun on the floor closest to him and quickly reaches for it, only to have Seokjin kick it away and stomp his foot right atop his hand, causing the man to scream out in agony.

“That would be the right idea, wouldn’t it?” Walking forward to forcefully place his foot on the man’s chest, Namjoon’s gaze does not leave his weak figure. “But I’m not going to do anything to you until I know exactly how my little flower is doing. The more shaken up she is, the harsher your death will be and, if you managed to hurt her even the slightest bit, you’re going to wish you never lived on this planet.”

Catching the trembling fear in his eyes, Namjoon lets out a single scoff at how pathetic he is before turning his head towards Jimin.

“She’s taken to safety,” the younger male answers before the question is even asked.

A few minutes later after the man is taken on his way back to their headquarters in order to be personally dealt with, they walk outside to meet both you and Taehyung.

“Namjoon!” He hears your voice before even seeing you and there you are, in your pretty dress with Taehyung’s black blazer over your shoulders as you run to him with open arms and falling right into him.

“Princess,” the boss sighs as he holds you protectively and leans in to breathe in your familiar sweet scent to calm himself down. “Thank goodness you’re alright.” He leans back just enough to take a look at you with a gentle hand caressing your cheek. “You must’ve been scared, huh? I’m sorry I couldn’t come to your rescue.”

“It’s okay, Taehyung came in time. I’m-”

With cold hands, Jungkook slides the blazer off your shoulders just enough to find your upper arm wrapped in white bandage. “What the hell is this?”

It’s new.

It’s definitely new.

“I-I,” you stutter as the group before you falls silent while their eyes say all the things that you need to know. “I’m fine, I-” You quickly turn to Namjoon, knowing he’ll be the most angry of them all and grab onto his arm while you see that his eyes are focused on the bandage Taehyung had wrapped you in a few minutes before. “Namjoon, I’m okay. It was just a small graze, it doesn’t even hurt that much. Please don’t be angry. I’m so sorry.”

He closes his eyes for a moment to take in a deep breath before opening them again and looking at you calmly in the eyes. “What are you apologizing for?”

Looking down at the floor upon their gaze, your face contours with worry. “I don’t want you to be angry.”

“You’re in a position where you could have gotten seriously hurt and you’re worrying about silly little things like that?”

“I’m sorry—”

“Don’t.” Grabbing ahold of your wrist, he holds your hand in front of him with a serious gaze to prove a point. “Look at this,” Namjoon says at the way you’re still shaking. “No matter how much you try to brave it, you can’t hide anything from us.”

“I...I know.”

And they know that part of the reason why you’re trying to hide it in the first place is because you know you play a role with how the enemies are dealt with. You don't like being responsible for someone else’s pain but how can they help it when they’re the ones that had planned to hurt you in the first place? Using such tactics wasn't ever going to go well with your boys.

“Princess,” fixing the blazer on you to keep you warm against the night breeze, Jimin calls your name softly and presses a kiss to your temple. “At times like this you should be worrying about yourself, not us.”

“We’ll take care of everything, okay?” Hoseok says. “So just focus on you for now.”

“Um…”

They watch you as you hesitate to say something but remain patient to hear your words. Your head turns to where Jimin has his hand on your shoulder before it turns back to the hand that still holds your wrist. Carefully, you reach up to take the grip away in order to take his hand and give it a gentle squeeze before looking up at him.

“Can you stay with me then?” You ask the boss as you nuzzle your cheek against the other hand that still remains on your shoulder.

It wasn’t often you spoke a selfish wish and with eyes like that, how can they ever refuse?

“Just let us take care of a few things first, alright?” Namjoon says, speaking in a gentler manner. “Until then, we’ll be all yours.”

[weelittleweasley]

Always Be Here | Fred x Reader

Requested by @pxroxide-prinxcesss: The war is over and the dust has settled. Many were dead and your mind cannot help but go to dark places; you may have lost Fred. But when you see him after the war, he is just as thrilled to see you alive as you are to see him.

Warnings: 18+ sexual content (soft smut), language, mention of death, blood

Word Count: 2.7k

It was over. The Dark Lord was dead. The good had prevailed through the darkness that contaminated your world for four years. You could finally breathe without the fear of your last breath being taken from you by a Death Eater. It was all over.

But with the victory came losses. People fought valiantly for the good and died heroes. Classmates, professors, parents, siblings all fought the good fight and did so with courage and bravery. But you couldn’t help but have tears well up in your eyes when you looked around and saw so much death. People carrying bodies out of sight, running others to the infirmary to prevent them from the inevitable, loved ones crying over bodies of the recently deceased.

As you looked around, anxiety and fear rose in your throat and your chest became tight. Your mind immediately went to a horrific dark place and you thought of Fred. Where was he? Was he alive?

You ran into friends and classmates, relieved to see them alive, hugging them as you encountered them. Sharing an embrace and tears streaming down your face to see them, you would prematurely pull away and ask, “Have you seen Fred?” Nervous for you, they would shake their heads no as your heart sank further and further into your stomach. A pit grew in your stomach and you grew increasingly impatient. Where was your boy? He had to be alive. He just had to be.

Running around the castle, you make your way around rubble and fallen stones, desperate to find your Weasley. Where could he be? You felt nauseous, your head fuzzy, vision blurry from the impending tears that threatened to fall from your eyes and roll down your cheeks. “Fred?” you call out, now in sheer hope that he would call back out for you. No response. Your breathing becomes more rapid with the rise and fall of your chest as you dart around the castle grounds. “Fred!” Nothing.

Your eyes scan your surroundings before catching the eyes of another Weasley, but not your Fred. “(Y/N)!” Ron yells out a smile on his face to see you alive, dried blood all over his face. You exhale a small sigh of relief when you see Ron as you run towards him to embrace him. “Thank Merlin, you’re alive.”

As you squeeze Ron tight, you start to cry a little harder, hoping that he would have the answer to the question that plagued your mind. “Ron,” you pull away from him. “Where’s Fred?”

Ron smiles and that’s when you let go of the breath you were holding. He was alive. “Come on,” Ron grabs your hand as he zig zags through the castle to bring you to where you assumed Fred was.

Pulling you into what once was the Great Hall, Ron stops in his tracks and looks at your face as you scan the room. And that’s when you see him. He’s sat next to George, head in his hands, leg shaking nervously, probably thinking the same thing that you thought about him moments ago. He’s pulling on his ginger hair in distress, but George stops him by pushing his shoulder and pointing in your direction. 

Fred looks up and meets your gaze. As he does so, you let a happy sob escape your lips as you cover your mouth to stifle it. Fred’s face immediately relaxes and you see him mouth, “Thank bloody Merlin.” 

Without hesitation, you start running to him and he rises to his feet to meet you halfway. Your feet couldn’t carry you faster to your love as you wrap your arms around his neck, him wrapping his arms around your waist, picking you up instantly. You wrap your legs around his long torso and burry your face in his neck as he holds you. Sobbing into his neck, you manage to speak through sobs, “Freddie, I thought I lost you.”

Fred strokes your hair to soothe you, like he always did when you were upset. His other arm holds you up with barely any effort, squeezing you impossibly closer to him. There was no way he was letting you go. “I told you I was going to see you at the end of this,” Fred calmly speaks, but tears are also streaming down his cheeks as he thanks Merlin that you were alive at the end of the brutality of this war. “I’m here. I’ll always be here. I’m not going anywhere, baby.”

You stay in his arms for a little while longer, not caring who watched you or how long you were there for. Your love was alive and okay and that’s all that mattered. You two came out of this alive. Fred gently puts you down, but still keeps his hands on you, hands resting on your waist tightly. The two of you look at the other’s face as if it were the first time seeing it. His eyes were intensely looking into yours with so much love, you couldn’t help but want to cry again. Your heart swelled with how much love you had for this boy. Pulling your attention away from his face, you notice the large gash he has on his forehead, fresh blood still trickling down the side of his forehead. “Freddie, you’re bleeding,” you cup his cheek and gently touch his forehead.

“Me and the rest of the people here, darling,” he rolls his eyes as you shake your head. Of course, he would joke about this right now. “I’m fine, I promise. All I care about is that you’re here and you’re okay.”

The two of you make your way to the rest of the Weasley family as you embrace George tightly. “Glad you’re alright, (Y/N). If you weren’t, I don’t know what Fred would have done,” George confesses as you decide not to think about if one of you had not made it. 

But now was not a time to think of the pain. You were grateful to be alive and even more thankful that Fred was next to you, holding your hand, kissing your forehead at the end of it. You were alive.

---------

That night, you found yourself in the comfort of the Burrow in Fred’s old bedroom. There was no way you were spending the night apart after today. Fred needed you by his side at all times, too scared to let you go. You had to insist that he took a shower without you much to his dismay for multiple reasons. 

It had been a while since you were in this room after Fred and George moved out of the Burrow and into their own flat above the joke shop. But the Burrow was always home. It’s where you and Freddie had your first kiss, where he asked you to be his girlfriend, where you two had slept with each other for the first time. The Burrow had become not only home to your boyfriend, but to you as well. 

Interrupting your thoughts, Fred emerges from the bathroom and into his bedroom, towel wrapped around his waist as he shut the door behind him. Fred looks at you and a warm smile appears on his face. “Hello, gorgeous,” he beams.

“Hi, Freddie,” you smile back as he sits on the bed beside you before you place a sweet his to his lips. You push his wet ginger hair out of his face, combing it back with your fingers. The two of you sit in silence for a moment before you break the quiet. “I can’t believe it’s over. It’s really done with, huh?”

Fred lets out a light laugh, “Yeah. I just can’t believe how much destruction there was. Hogwarts is in shreds. It’s crazy to see somewhere you called home look like that.” You nod your head. Even though the two of you had graduated from Hogwarts a few years ago, your memories of being a student were vivid as ever. Especially the ones you made with your friends and Fred. “It’s where we fell in love,” Fred adds, making you blush. He smiles and kisses your rosy cheeks. “I’m so lucky to have you in my life.”

You stroke Fred’s cheek gently and lightly smile at the beautiful boy in front of you. He leans into your touch and lets out a small sigh, the two of you looking at the other lovingly. “You’re the love of my life, Fred. There’s no one out there for me but you,” you admit to him. Fred knew that you loved him more than words could say, but every time you confessed it to him, it gave him butterflies.

He kisses the palm of your hand before pulling you onto his lap, you straddling him as the thin fabric of the towel covers his lower half. “And you are the love of my life, (Y/N). I will never love anyone like I love you. And I will say that until my last breathe. I love you,” Fred tells you, squeezing your hips as your heart swells with so much love. You were the only people in the world right now. You don’t know what to say to him. But that wasn’t a problem because Fred had something to say. “Marry me.”

His words make your heart stop for a moment and your eyes widen in shock. It takes you a moment to process his words. Your mouth is agape as you search for words. “What?” you manage to speak. That’s all you can say. What was happening?

“I know, it’s crazy, and I wanted to wait until we returned to some sense of normalcy before I asked you, but it felt right,” Fred admit. “I don’t have a ring, but I’ll get you whatever ring you like. I don’t care, I want to spend the rest of my life with you, (Y/N). The war made me realize that I don’t know what I would do without you if I lost you. You are everything to me and I want to be with you forever,” he rambles. “Marry me.”

The proposition was crazy, but you were crazier for Fred. This was the easiest question you were ever asked. “Yes. Done. Yes, Fred. Of course. Yes,” you excitedly answer, gripping onto his shoulders as you beam, laughing like a child as Fred joins you. “I love you.”

“I love you,” Fred repeats before pressing his lips onto yours for a sweet kiss. You wrap your arms around his neck as he pulls you in closer by your hips. The kiss turns more passionate as you open your mouth gently, letting Fred’s tongue enter your mouth, swirling around it as you tangle your fingers in his still wet hair. Fred lightly moans into your mouth as you rub your hips against his. “I love you,” he speaks again before kissing down your neck as you tilt your head, giving him more access to your exposed flesh. 

Fred pulls your shirt over your head, revealing your bare top, sitting on his lap now with just panties on. His eyes rake up and down your body before kissing across your chest and onto your full breasts. He takes one of your breasts in his large hand, massaging it as he takes the nipple of the other in his mouth, sucking and licking the sensitive area. You tangle your fingers in his hair deeper, pulling at his roots as you moan, rolling your head backwards. “Fuck, Freddie,” you moan out, continuing to roll your hips against his towel covered pelvis. 

Before you can say anything else, Fred has you underneath him as he tosses his towel to the floor. His erection hits his stomach, hard for you already. Fred kisses you again deeply, tongue sloppily massaging yours before pulling your bottom lip between his teeth. “I want to make love to you,” he whispers in your ear as you gulp. His words make your heat even more wet. You nod your head up and down. He huskily chuckles before placing a kiss to your jawline. 

He kisses down your neck as you reach out and start stroking his hard cock. Fred groans at the sensation of your hand wrapped around his dick, resisting the urge to thrust himself into your wet pussy. You stroke his cock, slowly, up and down, in a circular motion, making Fred let out a low groan into your neck. “Fuck, baby,” he breathes as you continue to pump his member.

You start to pick up the speed, but Fred stops you. “I wanna come inside of you,” he whispers, sending shivers down your spine. He reaches into his nightstand and pulls out a condom as he rolls it onto his hard length. 

He lines himself up at your entrance, slowly pushing himself into your dripping wet heat. You moan out in satisfaction, arching your back gently. Fred always filled you up delightfully. The sight of you writhing in pleasure was enough to get Fred off. “Oh, Fred,” you breathe out. “Move, baby.”

Fred obeys and starts slowly thrusting in and out of you. Each thrust is gentle, but feels euphoric. Fred laces his fingers with yours as he pushes in and out of you. “You’re so beautiful, baby. I love you,” he tells you between breaths.

His other hand snakes down your stomach until he reaches your clit, rubbing slow figure eights on it as your eyes screw shut. Fred knew exactly how you liked it and he lived to make you feel good. “Shit, baby, just like that, don’t stop,” you moan out as Fred continues to pump in and out of you and rub your clit. “Faster, please, Fred, fuck, please.”

Fred starts to thrust faster, his hips colliding into yours with each thrust, filling you up with his cock deliciously. Fred lets out low moans as he fucks you, pressing kisses to your jawline with each thrust. “Say my name,” he whispers in your ear.

“Fred, baby, yes,” you moan out, letting his name fall out of your mouth. He moans at the sound of his name falling out of your pretty little mouth. “Fred, you make me feel so good. I love you so much, baby. I love you.”

It’s music to Fred’s ears as he takes you like this, making you grip the sheets in pleasure. You arch your back up and Fred takes this opportunity to suck hard on one of your nipples, still drawing lazy circles on your clit, dick rocking in and out of you. You are overstimulated with pleasure, eyes rolling back, toes curled up. “Look at me, baby, look at me,” he pleads. “I wanna watch you come.”

You peel your eyes open and look into Fred’s eyes as he fucks you like this. Small moans escape your mouth with each thrust and Fred lets out a deep groan as he watches your eyebrows furrow in absolute pleasure, mouth agape as he makes love to you on his bed. “I’m gonna come, baby, fuck,” you tell him.

“Come for me,” he speaks. “Come all over me, princess. Moan my name, go on,” he growls. 

With that, you release all over his dick, rolling your head back as you moan, “Oh, Freddie, fuck.” Fred continues to thrust in and out of you before releasing into his condom moments after you, pleasure shuddering through his body as you watch him release, screwing his eyes shut and nuzzling his face into your neck as he comes. 

The two of you are breathless, chests heavy rising and falling with each inhale and exhale. Fred pulls out of you and rolls beside you, tossing the condom away. He wastes no time pulling you into his chest, cuddling you close next to him, kissing your forehead as you snuggle into his chest, wrapping your arms around him. “I love you, darling. I love you so much,” he tells you. “I promise I’m gonna make you the happiest woman in the world. I swear on my life.”

You smile into his chest before looking up at the man you love. “I love you much more. I can’t wait to spend forever with you,” you confess as he presses a kiss to your lips. “You’re my forever.”

[nonstoplover]

protagonist ~ joe liebgott (band of brothers)

my masterlist  |  my hbo war masterlist

pairing: joe liebgott x female reader

short summary: joe's assigned to search for the perfect house for easy's hq in the new town they'll soon arrive to on their way through germany and finds one with a girl in there who's like the protagonist of one of the comics he's read - courageous, fearless, heroic.

words: 2.5K

a/n: first of all, sorry for disappearing, exam season has started at my uni and i've been hella busy these past weeks (and gonna be for the following few as well,  u g h ).

anyway this fic came around from a conversation i had with the lovely @now-im-a-belieber when i was telling her about an idea i had and she technically came up with the base of this. thank you, Pearl, i love you xx (i hope i did justice to your idea)

oh and let's just say i have no clue if this would have been possible, at least the exact way i wrote it.

taglist: @how-are-those-nuts-sarge @50svibes @pennyllanne @nowinnablewar

gif credit: @basilone

Four loud bangs sound against her front door right as she starts washing the dishes after they finished lunch. With her eyes widening in surprise she rushes back into the room, telling the family of three to hide as she's drying her hands in her apron before making her way to the door.

After taking a deep breath she grabs the handle and opens it. The next thing she knows is being pushed to the side as a figure storms in past her without a word. A gasp leaves her lungs as her back lightly collides with the wall, head turning to watch as the soldier barges in the house.

What is going on? Has someone found out about them?

With a hand reaching behind her back she pushes herself off the wall and hurries behind the man. Trying hard to sound completely calm and innocent she asks him what is going on, but he only barks back something almost inaudible - only a few German words reach her ears.

The soldier is moving with such speed that she hasn't got a single chance to get a better look at his uniform as he's entering every room one by one. Who is he? Worry swiftly floods her veins - more importantly, what is he looking for?

She can only pray the family has had enough time to properly hide.

As he reaches that door, she holds her breath back, repeating her little prayer like a mantra inside her head. The man comes to a sudden halt just as he steps through the doorframe and in an instant fear makes her blood turn freezing cold. She carefully moves closer to glance inside next to his body, not knowing what to expect.

And what she sees makes everything else in her mind disappear - just the thoughts of all hell breaking loose any time now move around inside.

Her best friend crouches on the other side of the room, clearly frozen mid-movement as her body is still half out of the hiding spot, eyes wide as she stares at the soldier, not a single muscle moving. It's like everyone's got frozen in time, none of the three people makes a move.

Liebgott's mind slow to catch up to what he sees - he didn't expect to see that as he rushed through the house. He's only been trying to decide whether it's a good place for Easy's HQ, as he has been ordered to do when Winters sent him ahead of the company.

His eyes then start moving around the room, trying hard to find a good reason as to why that girl is half inside the wall. A book is laying on the table next to the door, open at around the middle. With one glance at the pages he recognises the letters of the hebrew alphabet, and suddenly it all makes sense.

She's a Jew.

His breath hitches in his throat as he struggles to comprehend this new information, and just in that very moment the silence is broken by a voice. And it's not coming from either of the two girls in the room - more like it's coming from inside the wall.

One simple sentence, ending with a Yiddish term of endearment - one he can perfectly understand. It came from a woman, asking the girl crouching facing him from across the room why she's stopped moving.

There are more Jews in there.

His lungs fill with a sharp breath he's taken and he spins around, staring straight at the girl who opened the front door only minutes prior. The question must be clear in his eyes as she starts stammering in defense, her voice audibly shaking.

Joe shakes his head, stopping her mid-sentence. "No, they're Jews, I can see it," he says in perfect German, and the already pale girl suddenly seems even whiter.

He swiftly grabs her arm and pulls her in the direction he remembers finding the dining room in, trying to find a chair for her to sit down on, as she's visibly close to fainting - though the reason behind it he can't find.

(y/n) flinches with utter fear, weakly trying to resist being pulled away - he most probably is now taking her away to kill her, right? He's a German soldier, that's what his job is. But no matter how hard she tries to wiggle away, his grip is too tight around her arm and she can't do a thing.

Just when they arrive to the dining room and he kind of pushes her into one of the chairs is when Joe realises that she's scared of him - she immediately pushes the chair further away from him as soon as he lets go of her. So that's why she's shaking so bad.

"No, wait, don't be scared," he rushes to say. "I'm a Jew too."

This finally breaks the scaredness - instead her eyes fill with utter confusion. Her forehead wrinkles as she tries to make sense of what he's saying. How can a German soldier be Jewish? It makes absolutely no sense.

With a sudden wave of suspicion she moves her glance down to his uniform, examining every detail she can lay her eyes upon.

Is he not German?!

Suddenly she can see differences - details about his uniform that she's never seen on a German soldier before, and she's seen her fair share of those in the past years.

But if he's not German, who is he and what is going on?

She takes a still shaky breath and looks back up into his eyes - seeing the waiting expression on his face as he's standing there in patient silence for her to say something.

"Are you-" Her voice cracks mid-sentence. It's not good. She clears her throat and tries again. "Are you German?"

All of a sudden he bursts out laughing - so loud, and somehow so dark that her eyes widen once again. She just can't decide if it's from fear again, or only surprise.

A minute or so goes by with nothing but Joe laughing - this must be one of the most hilarious things he's heard in the past couple years. That he is a German.

Then his laughter finally quietens down to slight chuckling and he speaks up once more to confirm the truth. "No, of course not," he shakes his head in amusement. One look in her eyes tells him that somehow she still has no clue about his nationality, so he opens his lips again to give an answer to her question in advance. "I'm American. Don't worry, you're not in trouble for that," Joe points back in the direction of the room with the hiding spot above his shoulder.

A loud sigh escapes her lungs, her shoulder visibly falling a bit as she slumps more into the chair. It feels like years worth of stress and nervousness have just come to an end - it's truly like an enormous stone has rolled down from her chest and shoulders. She somehow feels free again for the first time in years.

Relief completely replaces the worry and fear in her veins as all other thoughts leave her mind. She's not gonna die. At least not today.

"They're Jewish," the soldier speaks again - and it's not a question. More like a statement.

(y/n) nods, unable to say a word as she's still overwhelmed with her new feelings.

"You're hiding them?"

She just raises an eyebrow, and Joe mentally slaps himself - what a stupid question. He could've might as well just asked her the colour of the wall.

"Since when you've been hiding them?" He corrects his question.

"Ever since the whole thing has started," she answers, her voice so quiet it almost disappears in the air between them.

"Wow," Liebgott breathes out before he can stop himself. He stares at the girl in disbelief. She looks so innocent and young - she's probably one or two years younger than him. How could she pull off something such a thing? Such a dangerous and pretty reckless thing?

"Esther is my best friend, she's been ever since we were little kids, they all are like a second family to me, I've spent most of my days with them," (y/n) explains, the relief causing her to ramble and Joe - for about the first time in his life has to struggle to keep up with the German words that come flying out past her lips. "I just had to help them, you know. I couldn't just leave them here."

"Where's your own family?"

"My parents left to France to be further away from the chaos, and my brother joined the Luftwaffe, and since then I haven't heard from none of them."

"Why didn't you leave with your parents as well?" The young soldier keeps asking, moving closer to the table and sitting down on a chair on the opposite side, facing her. Pushing his M1's strap down his shoulder he places the weapon on the table, pushing it only a little further in order to calm the girl more. He knows he probably shouldn't do this - and keep Winters waiting, but he's too curious to stop himself, he has to hear the rest of her story.

"I love this town, I was born and raised here," she shrugs as if it's obvious. "But more importantly, I didn't want to leave and let innocent people like my best friend's family suffer. I wanted to stay and fight back as good as I could."

Joe subconsciously mumbles under his breath before he can stop himself - words that praise her absolute bravery, words that give away his true feelings he suddenly feels towards her - then he has to move his gaze away from her, fearing that she sees the embarrassment in his eyes. He tries hard to think of another question while also trying hard to forget the look of the half-smiling expression that took over her face just a moment before - it does nothing good for his heart.

"Did you make that hidden room yourself?" He asks in the end, thinking back to what he saw in the room.

"Oh," she giggles - and it's the prettiest sound he's heard in a very long time. "No, my father made it when me and my brother were young and often played hide and seek. I just improved it a little so they can fit in more comfortably."

Liebgott hums, not knowing how to tell her - or if he should even tell her in the first place - how absolutely super impressed she left him with every single thing she's told him and what he's seen. It's one of the craziest things he has ever heard, and he had a fair share of unbelievable stories told to him in his life. He simply couldn't even imagine how on Earth this girl could manage to do this - and not get caught. Throughout the whole war.

In that very moment he swiftly decides that he'll go and find another house for the HQ, and that he'll somehow get back to this particular one, no matter what it takes. He wants to get to know her better. He has to get to know her better.

She's the most incredible woman he's ever heard of, read about or met. She's a woman who fits in the stories of the comics he's been reading his whole life - as the protagonist, the hero. He can't leave this town without hearing more about her, seeing her face more. That would be the biggest regret of his whole life, he can already tell.

But for now, he has to leave. It wouldn't be a good idea to keep his officers waiting even longer.

He stands up, fingers reaching out to grab his M1 before looking back into her eyes. Damn, he doesn't even know her name.

"I have to head back to my company, but I'll come back later, if that's okay with you."

Her eyes are already on his, seemingly staring straight into his soul with that intensity that lays in her (y/e/c) orbs. The girl then rises to her feet - still never breaking the eye contact.

Thoughts race inside her head, and it's like an angel and a demon are sitting on each of her shoulders, one telling her to say no whilst the other trying to convince her to say yes.

What if he only wants to use her? What if he only wants to sleep with her? Maybe force her to do so, threatening her with his knowledge of the Jewish family. He might not even be who and what he says he is. How could she know?

But on the other hand, there is this feeling she has about him. A feeling that tells her that nothing she previously thought will happen. She doesn't know what it is, but it's there, right in her chest, and she can't fight it. He seems genuinely curious and impressed, and honest. And she feels a pull towards him. She wants to see him again.

In the end, the devil on her shoulder wins, and she simply nods - right before she could change her mind.

"I'm Joe," the young soldier moves around the table, one hand held out towards her.

A glance cast down and right back up to his face she takes his hand and gives it a shake, holding onto it tightly, as if only to let him know how strong she actually is.

It probably works, 'cause he raises an eyebrow, slightly tilts his head and the corners of his lips curve up into the smallest smirk she's ever seen - but it's there.

"(y/n)," she eventually answers with her own introduction.

A few seconds pass and neither has let go of the other's hand, not yet. They just stand there, staring into each other's eyes, only the small noises of them breathin breaking the silence.

Then Liebgott blinks, clears his throat, pulls his hand out from her grip and instinctively places his fingers upon his weapon hanging from his shoulder whilst nodding towards her as a gesture of saying goodbye without words.

She watches as he turns around and walks out from the room, and after a tiny, happy sigh she follows the sound of his steps.

Just as he opens the front door and moves through it is when she arrives to the hall. Joe glances back over his shoulder for one last time, offering her a small smile, then looks back ahead of him and continues his walk as if nothing has happened. None of the past dozen of minutes.

(y/n) leans against the doorframe and watches him right until he disappears in the distance with a dreamy look in her eyes.

She can't wait until he comes back again.

.::the end::.

(might write a part two if i'll have time and you'd like to read it)

my masterlist  |  my hbo war masterlist

[wanna be added to my taglist?]

[shadyteacup]

Hello! If you’re free, I was wondering if I could have a request where 15y/o Dazai meets his future s/o which he feels comfortable around them and has good impression abt them. Like he’s wandering somewhere and suddenly run into them. They have a chitchat abt their thoughts on something and have fun talking to each other. Then leave and meet again when he joins ADA. (s/o is a weird kind of person, like out of this world)

I’m not an English speaker so sorry for my terrible English y-y. Btw, i love your writings!!💟

This is such an amazing idea! I had fun writing this! And dw, your English is spectacular ♡ Enjoy, dove!

Dazai Osamu x gn! Reader||Reader has a time traveling ability

Timeless

You were a time traveler. Your ability allowed you to visit places from different timelines. The only drawback was that you aged no matter where you were, even if you were using your ability. This meant that if you wanted to enjoy the present, you had to ensure that you didn't spend much time in the past. You couldn't visit the future.

But that was okay. You loved finding out the root of all problems. That's why you joined the ada. Your ability helped them to identify who the perpetrator was. You would travel in the past and be there at the crime scene at the right time. Then you'd come back and reveal important information like the hiding place of the murder weapon, or if they had been looking at the wrong suspect all along.

You were currently investigating the death of a businessman. His body had turned up near the docks. It was highly decomposed, and probably atleast 2 years dead. You decided to travel 2 years into the past, and made your way to the docks. While searching for the potential crime scene, you bumped into someone. A mop of brown hair stood a few steps ahead of you. The boy wore bandages all over his arms and neck, and had an eye covered. Judging by the absence of any outline of his eye on the bandage that covered it, and the lack of moisture, his eye probably wasn't injured at all. He was probably only wearing bandages to appear weak. But this was just an assumption on your part.

"Ah, I'm so sorry, boy. I didn't see you there!"

He looked at you with a dead look in his eye, then gave you the fakest smile to ever exist.

"It's alright. May I ask what you are doing at a place like this?"

You were taken aback by his cold demeanor. It reminded you a lot of your own self.

"I'm here to investigate a death."

You said. His eyes darkened at your words.

"You see, the body will be discovered two years later. No tangible evidence will be recovered, then. So I must find something useful here, now."

The boy smirked.

"Time traveling ability?"

You smiled.

"Yup."

His smirk dropped and he glared at you.

"I see. This is a dangerous adventure, dear. You might get caught in a string of trouble, one that might lead you to harm."

The boy's aura and dark look had made you suspicious about his employers, but now you were certain that he worked for the mafia.

"Don't worry. I'm pretty positive that the murder wasn't committed by someone from the mafia."

His surprise was momentary, but obvious. It caught your eye.

"Before you ask, no, I don't know your future self. Also, the method of the crime doesn't match the mafia's M.O."

He nodded, thinking.

"Well in that case, I don't think you and I should be enemies."

He chirped, a happy look on his face.

You were taken aback by the sudden change in his mood.

"Sure, kid."

You said, patting his shoulder and walking away, trying to find the crime scene. The area was littered with compartments and shipment goods. It all looked so similar, almost like a maze.

"Hey, kiddo, can you lend me a hand?"

He blinked in confusion.

"Um. Sure."

He was confused as to why you weren't afraid of him. You clearly knew he was from the mafia, but you still acted so casually around him. It made him think that you either represented somebody powerful, or worked for an influential employer.

You rummaged through your pocket, trying to find the picture. Handing him the the snap of the crime scene, you observed him as he peered into the paper.

"This way."

He said, walking between two cargo containers, and leading the way.

"I never got your name, boy."

He shrugged, peering at you over his shoulder.

"Does it really matter?"

You mimicked him, raising your shoulders in a lazy shrug.

"Maybe, maybe not. But I'd like to call you something other than 'boy'."

He hummed in thought.

"How about 'knight in shining armour'?"

You scoffed.

"I get the whole 'I'm helping you, so I'm a knight' thing, but I'm no damsel in distress."

He smirked.

"Oh? And what if I were to abandon you here? What would you do?"

You smirked.

"I'd find my way on my own. I don't need you, eye-patch."

He grinned at you smugly, stopping in his tracks and moving towards you. He leaned in, his face almost touching yours.

"And what if I were to overpower you, hmm? What would you do then?"

You shuffled closer to him, much to his surprise. You whispered near his ear.

"I'll ensure that you'll never be able to have kids."

Pushing him back, you snatched the picture from his palm, and continued searching for the location. He was astonished at your bravery. He always comes across as intimidating, and that was putting it mildly. You were very courageous.

Following you like a lost puppy, he watched you hide behind a bunch of wooden crates.

You patted the space next to you, beckoning him to sit there.

"The show's about to start, eye-patch."

You took out your camera and were ready to click.

That's when two men, clad in expensive suits walked over. One of them was explaining something to the other.

You began clicking a few snaps.

The guy who was observing, turned his back on the other for a second. That's when he brandished his knife and plunged it into the other's back. You were furiously tapping away on the camera's button, determined to get every detail of proof.

The victim suffered atleast 50 stabwounds, 53 to be exact, when the killer decided to stop and hide the body. You snapped every single second of the ordeal.

When the killer left the crime scene, the two of you got up, and dusted your clothes.

"Do you have any plans after this?"

He asked you.

"Well, not really. I was planning to grab a drink, maybe something to eat, before heading back."

You said.

"Or heading 'ahead', since I'm going to the future. I don't even know."

Dazai nodded his head.

"How about I treat you to a drink?"

You eye him suspiciously.

"I have no reason to harm you. You literally don't belong here, so I've got no reason to hurt you."

You hum in acknowledgement.

"Okay then. Lead the way."

....

"How old are you?"

He asked, swirling his drink in his glass.

"A few years older than you."

"Cryptic."

"Intrusive."

"Touche."

"You have so many questions, don't you, eye-patch. "

Dazai hummed, taking a sip.

"Consider me intruiged by your... ability."

He turned in his bar stool to face you.

"Why didn't you prevent it from happening?"

"Because if I break the flow of time, or even mess with it, everything will go haywire."

"And if you were able to prevent it, without disrupting the flow of time, would you have intervened?"

You gaze at your own glass.

"I would do some heavy research before I make my decision."

Dazai was curious. Did you not want to save people?

"Everybody has a reason for murder. Nobody wakes up one day and decides to kill someone. I'll dig into their lives and find out why the killer did it. And I'll decide whether or not preventing the murder would save an innocent life, or harm many others in the future."

"So, in short, you intend to play God."

You chuckled.

"If given the power, who in their right mind would turn down the offer? Everybody wants to play God. Our entire society is built that way. The one who has more money, more power, more influence, has the right to play God to those beneath them."

Dazai found you very interesting. The way you viewed the world was so unique. You were a textbook 'good person' but could easily become the 'bad guy' if given the resources. Good or bad doesn't really matter to him, he finds the difference between the two very confusing.

"Doesn't that make you, and everybody who has power, a "bad" person?"

You chuckled.

"Funny coming from a mafioso."

Downing the rest of your drink, you answer his question.

"The distinction between good and bad is so distorted. The same set of actions can be termed as good for certain circumstances, and bad for others. The villain is always the hero when you try to see the world through his shoes, and the hero is always the villain for those supporting the so called 'bad guy' ."

"I agree. I don't care about what's 'good' or 'bad' ,either."

"Then what do you follow?"

"What do you mean?"

"There must be some set of rules that you abide by. What are they?"

"I.. Don't have any. I'm a free bird!"

You tap your chin in thought.

"One must have something to fall back on when they don't know what to do. Something to blindly follow. For example, I follow a set of rules created by my morals and values. When I don't  know how to proceed, I remember them and act accordingly. "

Dazai observed you as you spoke, absorbing every single syllable that floated out if your luscious lips. He was attracted towards opinionated, strong and focused people. He adores the look on people's faces when they speek about their passions, and express their opinions on matters. Even if he disagreed with them, the fact that they have a strong reasoning behind their actions, and the way they calmly portray their points so skillfully, makes him like them more.

The way you were effortlessly articulating your inner thoughts was something that he was fascinated by. He had so much going on inside, so much turmoil, that it was impossible for him to express it out in words. But you seem to be so sorted and disciplined. He loved that about you.

"You'll get there someday, eye-patch. Don't worry. "

You comforted, smiling at the young man.

He smiled back at you. For the first time that day, he had given you a genuine smile.

"You should smile more. It suits you."

He blushed at your words. It was a weird feeling for him. He didn't understand why his face was heating up, or why his ears felt like they were on fire.

Flicking your wrist to check the time, you sighed.

"Well, time to leave."

Dazai held your wrist as you were about to get up.

"Wait!"

You looked at him quizzically.

"Will we meet again?"

You tilted your head and smiled at him.

" I can't say for sure, but I do hope that we do."

With that, he watched you walk out of the bar. He only respected Odasaku. But now, he respected you, too.

....

Time skip to a few weeks later.

....

"L/N san, please get yourself together, we're expecting a new member to join us, soon."

You laid on the couch of the ada as Kunikida rambled on about how everyone must be in their best behavior to greet their newest member. Yosano was handling most of it, so Ranpo and you had no work to do.

"Yes, yes, Doppo. Also, it's Y/N."

You said, stretching your arms above your head.

"Y/N kun, you need to try this new type of cookie. It has two different flavors!"

Ranpo said, offering you a cookie from his bag.

You smile at him, accepting it.

"Yum!"

"I know, right!"

"Ranpo san, Y/N san! Please come here! Our newest member has arrived!"

Both of you lazily got up and strolled over to the front of the office.

"What is the big deal, Doppo-"

You stopped mid sentence when you saw the person standing at the doorway.

"Eye-patch!"

Dazai's eyes widened when he saw you, the one person who had managed to intruige him other than his deceased friend, standing in the office. The office where he was to work at, today onwards.

"Damsel!"

He said, pointing at you.

You scoffed at his choice of nickname.

"Ha! I knew your eye was fine!"

"Do you both know each other?"

Kunikida asked.

"Ofcourse they do. They met a long time ago, right, Dazai?"

Ranpk said, muching on his sweets. Ofcourse, he figured it out.

"Well, not that long ago for me."

You smiled.

Dazai had finally met you. He was elated.

"I'm glad we met again."

"Don't worry, eye-patch, we have a lot of time to catch up. ;)"

[thestorycfus]

The Sweetest Apparition - Part 3

Pairing: Peggy Carter x fem!Reader

Summary: Reader is a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent and historian who specializes in the life and legacy of Captain Carter. After Nick Fury uses the Tesseract to bring Peggy back, the Director of S.H.I.E.L.D. contacts the reader to help her navigate life in the XXI century.

Warnings and notes: Food, mentions of Steggy, mentions of Stucky, very small mentions of war. Other characters are also mentioned. This got way longer than the first two parts, but there’s also way more Peggy here. This series takes place after the last scene of What If… episode one, including spoilers to that episode. Reader uses she/her pronouns.

Word count: 2,304

Series Masterlist

It should be a short walk to your apartment, but you made a small stop each time Captain Carter was curious about something. You also got some take out on the way, making sure to pick at least four different options from separate places and a couple of desserts too, since you didn’t know her taste yet. It was a while before you made it to your street.

During the entire time, your chatting was limited to safe topics - how loud and bright the city was, how many screens there were, the amount of coffee options that existed now. You watched Carter fall in love with her caramel coffee and made a mental note to buy her more sweets.

Soon, the Captain would also need to go shopping. Fury had gotten her the formal white blouse and the black pants she wore now, an outfit much more discreet than the uniform she was wearing when she fell, but that was her entire wardrobe at the moment. That was another mission you should handle, but it could wait until after lunch.

When you finally got home, you placed the food over a kitchen counter and gave Carter a quick tour of the apartment. It wasn’t much, but hopefully it would be enough for both of you until she was more familiar with this century. The tour ended where it started: in your tiny kitchen. You pulled a stool for the Captain and presented her with the options for lunch.

“I suppose you’ve never tried some of those, so I got a few different meals. Burritos, sweet and sour chicken, calzones and Pad Thai. For dessert, there’s lemon tart and triple chocolate cake. I might have gotten a little carried away.”

Peggy took a seat and examined her options. You wondered if that would be, technically her first meal since the 40’s.

“They are all tempting, but I might start with this one.” Her eyes were fixated on a burrito as if it was the Holy Grail. Yeah, that was surely the first time she ate in seventy years. She dove in, so focused on her meal that you didn’t dare to interrupt. Meanwhile, you took the other stool and picked a calzone, eating it while you watched Carter.

You were still trying to wrap your head around the fact that she was really here, and it was surprising that you hadn’t completely freaked out so far, but the prospect of the rest of the day started to worry you. The Captain would certainly have a lot of questions and, if there were inquiries that Fury left for you to answer, they probably pertained more to her personal life than to great historical events.

If the registers about her were right, it wouldn’t be long before the real conversation started. Peggy Carter was too smart to have such a debate in the middle of the street, but she wasn’t known for stalling. As soon as she finished her meal, in the privacy of your (now shared) kitchen, you would have to provide about seven decades of answers.

Before you could try to prepare yourself, she was done with her second burrito. You almost suggested dessert, but the look she gave you left no room for pauses. Carter turned on her stool to face you directly, her posture becoming straighter and her eyes never leaving yours. She was the perfect image of Captain Carter, the hero, the legend who defeated all odds. Still, when she spoke, there was softness in her voice.

“The meal was lovely and so is the apartment. I can’t thank you enough for you kindness, Agent L/N, but I must ask a few things more of you. If you have studied about my life, you must know what happened to Steve Rogers after I was gone.”

You should be ready for that. Of course her first personal concern would be about Rogers. His story with Carter went down in history as a tragic tale of love, bravery and loss. To his last days, Rogers had made it his mission to honor her legacy, but that wasn’t all that he did. How do you tell a person that the love of her life went on to live a decades long, fulfilling relationship with someone else, even though, from her perspective, they were together the day before?

“Please, call me Y/N. And you can ask anything, Captain. I will tell you everything I can.” You took a deep breath, going through the words in your head in search of the best way to let her know. It was best to keep nothing out. Carter deserved that. “Steve Rogers continued to serve as the Hydra Stomper until the war had ended and all known Hydra operations had been eliminated. After that, he stepped out of the suit so that Howard Stark could continue his research with the Tesseract. I believe neither of them ever gave up on bringing you back, but, in many ways, they also moved on to build new lives.”

You made a small pause, in case she wanted to say something, but Carter only gave you a nod, encouraging you to continue. It was impossible to look away from her eyes, or to keep anything hidden when she stared at you with such intensity. Even in silence, sitting still, she emanated a power that kept you talking.

“A few years after the war, Rogers and Stark started an intelligence agency to keep the world safe from threats we could barely understand. They named it S.H.I.E.L.D., because of you. That is the agency I work for, directed by Nick Fury.” There was something poetic in the way that same agency ended up being the reason Peggy Carter was back, but it wasn’t your place to point that out. “Rogers never stopped fighting, even without the suit. He was a legendary agent, working along with James Barnes until they retired. They were also together for the rest of their lives.”

That was the piece of information you feared would break Carter’s heart, but she had a bright smile after hearing that.

“That suits them. All of them.” The joy in her voice sounded so sincere, and you couldn’t help but ask.

“Were you and Rogers… Together? It is said so in the official files, but…” In your studies, you sometimes wondered if their relationship was just a myth, maybe a publicity stunt to humanize the fallen super soldier. It was your job to question the data, but you had never paid that possibility much attention until now.

Instead of being offended by your invasion of her privacy, Carter laughed so lightly and freely that you felt your cheeks getting warm.

“Oh, darling, Steve Rogers had a heart too big to have only one soul mate. He was the love of my life, yes, and I was the love of his, but not the only one. A love so beautiful and dedicated is supposed to be shared. Of course I’m sad I didn’t get to share the rest of his life with him, but I’m relieved to know that he and Bucky had each other. And that’s not to say I’m a being of such virtue that I’m above jealousy. I felt jealous of Steve alright, many times, but I could never be jealous of him with Buck. They fit well together and they were good for each other. They were real, just as Steve and I were. Steve deserved to be loved through a lifetime. I’m grateful that he was.”

Carter’s eyes shined with tears, but she didn’t allow any to fall. Maybe she would let herself grief for the lost possibilities later, but for now she was handling such an emotional journey with more elegance than you thought possible. It didn’t seem to be an act at all. On the contrary, what touched you the most was the honesty in her words. That selflessness of being genuinely happy to hear of how her soul mate lived on without her, in love with someone else, told you more about Peggy Carter than any history book ever had. And that’s how she reacted right after being thrown into the next century, coming directly from a war and landing in a world she didn’t recognize.

“I don’t think history ever made you justice, Captain. The general public thinks of you as a hero, but they’re so far from knowing the person behind the suit... You know, it’s very nice to meet you.” You couldn’t help but sharing a bit of what was on your mind. To that moment, your hero was turning out to be even better than your daydreams, and it was only fair to let her know so.

At that, she gave you a big smile and your heart skipped a beat. You would have a hard time sharing an apartment with this woman.

“You are far too kind to me. To be honest, they never showed much interest on me, suit or not, until I went against official orders and started throwing tanks around and fighting the battles that needed to be fought. I am more concerned about what I am able to achieve, regardless of how they will see me. And there’s no need to call me Captain, Y/N. Heavens, we live and work together now and you’re my guide to modern life. Peggy is fine. And it’s nice to meet you too.” She took the initiative to get a slice of chocolate cake, already making herself at home. You had the feeling that her adaptation to this world wouldn’t be too difficult, all things considered. Peggy Carter would take whatever she was given and make more of it than anyone imagined possible.

“As you wish, Peggy. Speaking of that, there’s a lot I think you’ll like to see about life now. What else are you curious about?” You took your own slice of cake, trying to feel at ease in this conversation. You couldn’t be on high alert whenever Carter was around if she was going to be around all the time, but that was easier said than done. Your responsibilities here were enormous and, to be frank, you were determined to be your best self and impress her, even if just a bit. Maybe telling her about the wonders of nowadays technology would do the trick.

“I am curious about everything. I can’t wait to know all about the development of science, or what I missed in seven decades of sociopolitical turmoil, but there’s one more person I’d love to hear about before we get to that. You mentioned Howard moving on with his life, didn’t you? What exactly was that little menace up to while I was gone?”

Now, that was a rich topic of conversation.

“Well, Stark continued his research with the Tesseract and with many other projects, sometimes along with the US government, and he built a billionaire empire. Weapons, all sorts of technology, wild parties. The man had everything. He has a son, Tony, who inherited the tech, the money and the brains, but with a stronger inclination to heroism. You see, Tony Stark built himself a supersuit, partially inspired by his father’s Hydra Stomper, but with a larger variety of uses. It’s said that Steve Rogers was a sort of mentor to him, but I couldn’t get Stark to talk a lot about it when I interviewed him.”

You couldn’t tell which part made Peggy more excited. She nodded along as you listed Howard Stark’s achievements, as if it was all expected, and her eyes got wider when you told her about his son. When you mentioned Rogers, she almost jumped in her seat. She was already invested, but dropping that name sealed the deal.

“Fury gave me this.” She took two business cards out of her pocket. “It has his telephone number and Barton’s too. Could I use your telephone to call him? I would like to meet this Tony Stark, and I bet Fury would be able to reach him.” 

Giving Director Fury a call from your cellphone felt strange, but how could you deny Peggy that? If the Director gave her the number, he wanted her to be able to reach him, right? 

Instead of dialing yourself, you showed Carter how to use the phone. She looked like a kid on Christmas whenever she was given access to new technology. You would make sure she got a cellphone of her own soon so you could show her everything the device could do. 

She called Fury and you waited as they talked for less than two minutes. Peggy handed you the phone when she was done, with a smile that said she got what she wanted.

“So, what did the Director say?” You asked, anxious to know the outcome of the call.

“We’re meeting Tony Stark tomorrow at 2pm in his tower. Was it him who named it Stark tower or is that Howard’s doing?” She narrowed her eyes a bit, still smiling.

“The tower was built by Tony, so I think we can’t blame Howard for that one.” You joked. “Are you meeting Fury at S.H.I.E.L.D. before you two go to Stark’s?”

“Oh, Fury is not going. He booked the meeting for you and me, if you would like to accompany me.” Peggy sounded hesitant, as if she had just considered that you might not want to join her on that plan. 

"You’re asking me if I wish to be there when Captain Carter meets Tony Stark? Please, if I didn’t get the chance to be a part of that exchange, I would beg you for a detailed retelling as soon as you got home.” 

Your reply made Peggy laugh once more, and you were getting used to that sound very quickly.

[wishingtobeinadifferentuniverse]

My Lady (Boromir x Fem!Reader)

Warnings: Fluff, fighting

Word Count: 1719

Requested: @thespiritoflife

A/N I really liked writing this, and I hope you enjoy it! I figure it was about time to write for Boromir. For some reason, my first thought went to the Rohan, I don’t know why, so yeah, enjoy a person from Rohan falling for the captain of Gondor lol. Also, screw canon, Boromir lives y'all.

“So, this is the Captain I’ve been hearing about lately, fighting in all those battles,” I leaned over the counter, handing a mug to the rugged, handsome man across from me. He shook his dirty blond hair out of his face, smiling. 

“I suppose that would be me,” He said modestly. “But really, you should see my companion Aragorn in action, he is the best out of everyone.” I was surprised with the way he talked about this other person, rather than talking about himself. Most of the men I have talked to were like that. I looked into his eyes, searching for any hint of malice or dishonesty, but he was being truthful. He meant it. I was surprised, but after all, I should expect nothing less from a man of honor. 

I smiled cheekily. “Well, I guess I should then. Tell me, a fine man like yourself must have a sweet lady at home. She’s very lucky to have someone like you,” I blurted out without thinking.

He choked a little on his drink and wiped his mouth before smiling again. “Well my lady, you would be surprised to hear that this is not the case. I wish I had something like that, but not just one that sits at home.” He winked, and I hid a giggle, still embarrassed about what I said. 

  “Now, go enjoy your drink, Captain.” The minute he turned around, I cursed myself for being so forward. This was one of the reasons I wasn’t married yet, and my mother definitely liked to tease me about it. Very well, I went back to cleaning mugs, as the joyous noise swelled. Everyone was celebrating, for good reason, after all, these men helped to save us from ruin and despair. It was terrifying at Helm’s Deep, all of us women and children were shoved into the caves. Well, most of them...

The night began to draw to a close as the noise dwindled down. But there was still the hint of celebration in the air, and I smiled for the sake of it. A few people came back for their last drinks, and drunken steps followed. One person came back, that I had hoped to not see again. Alas, the Captain of Gondor stopped in front of me, not quite taken by drink and exhaustion. 

“Enjoyed the party?” I asked, cleaning up the last of the drinks. He grinned and nodded. “Glad to hear it,” I said, avoiding his gaze. I was still embarrassed about what happened earlier, and I really hoped it wouldn’t come up. 

Instead, he brought up something else. “I never got your name,” he said, moving his hand on top of mine. My stomach flipped over, how was his touch so intoxicating? I barely knew him. 

I swallowed the butterflies, and replied confidently, “My name is y/n. And I must admit, I have heard so much about you, but I’m not even sure as to what your name might be. It is Boromir, am I correct?”

“Yes, that would be me. Y/n, such a beautiful name.” He spoke thoughtfully, and my breath caught in my throat. We talked a bit more, but I slowed the conversation down. 

I withdrew my hand from his and went back to cleaning mugs. I couldn’t get involved with him, he was basically a prince after all. An emotion I couldn’t quite interpret flashed through his face, but he quickly stood up, understanding I wanted to be alone.

“Well, my lady y/n, I do hope we meet again.” He nodded his head and walked away. 

As soon as he turned a corner, I slumped down behind the counter. I knew that I could not be with him. I was just a woman of Rohan, nothing else. But there were so few men like him. Far too many would look down upon me, and there were only a few that would be respectful. But he was something completely different. It was such a short conversation, but I already regretted sending him away. At this point, there was nothing left I could do.

---------------------------------------Time Skip-------------------------------------

Death. Destruction. The ruins of Gondor loomed over me. Eowyn is missing. So many dead. I whirled around, trying my best to defend myself. Exhaustion wore me down. An orc hit me from behind, sinking its blade into my arm. I cried out, and with the last strength I had, I sliced its throat. I clutched my arm, trying to stop the blood from running down to my hands. I collapsed, curling up. As the world became dark, I could have sworn I heard someone yelling my name.

My head was ringing as I slowly opened my eyes, adjusting them to the light. I moved sluggishly, still trying to figure out what happened. I felt a cloth around my arm, binding it, and my face felt clean. Free of the blood and dirt that had been caked on it. But where was I? I sat up, breathing in the cool air. It looked like a healing ward, and someone else was here.

“Excuse me? Miss?” I called out to the other woman. She walked over briskly and set some pillows behind my back.

She flittered about, changing my dressings, all the while talking. “Oh I’m so sorry dear, I didn’t see that you were awake yet. I was told to give you the best treatment and to get you your own room, so here we are. I wasn’t sure when you were going to wake up, oh dear me. You should probably lay down for longer, you still have circles under your eyes. My you had a bunch of blood on you. I was so surprised to see such a young lady like yourself in such a horrid place. Bad luck I say, bad luck. Although I am so old, I have seen so much, but not something like this!” She babbled on, much to my amusement. She was a mother hen, pecking and poking into other’s business. But she was sweet. 

I interrupted her on another spiel, trying to get a straight answer. “I’m sorry, but who gave you these orders, to take care of me and such? I don’t mean to pry, I just want to know. Also, do you know how long this will take? I need to find some people.”

She smiled. “Oh dear, you have a lot in store for you. You’re fine to go walk around and find some people. However, I do suggest you take the path to the gardens, it is quite beautiful.” She winked, and exited the room, leaving the door open. I was slightly stunned, this was a lot to take in. I could not tell what she was hinting at though.

I pulled on some shoes and slowly began my way down. It was a clear path to where I was supposed to go, but I hesitated. What was with all this secrecy? I felt a knot in my stomach as I continued, wary of my surroundings. I knew there were no orcs, but something seemed off.

I turned a corner and heard a voice I did not expect. “I see your injuries have begun healing. I am glad to see it.” Boromir spoke softly, his gaze moving over me.

“Boromir?” I whispered, shocked to see him. “Wh-what is this? What’s going on?” He motioned me to sit next to him on the bench, and I did, a healthy distance away from him.

“I found you. On the field. I didn’t believe it was you at first, I thought my eyes were deceiving me, trying to give me what I wanted most. But it truly was you, and you were lying there, still, bleeding. I assumed the worst. I know we don’t know each other that well, so it must seem odd for me to care so much. But dear, you mean so much to me. More than you know. I’m not mad like the others for you being out there. I admire your bravery and the skills it must’ve taken to slay all the orcs around you. I wasn’t there, but based on the number of bodies around you, I would assume that would be your work. Well, I’m going on and on here, but what I’m really trying to say is, stay. Stay here, with me.” Boromir took a breath, his cheeks full of color. 

At this point, my stomach was exploding, I could feel that I was shaking a little. Sure, it wasn’t some love confession, but I didn’t need that from him. The fact that he wanted me to stay was enough. 

“I think I will stay, as long as we can visit Rohan often,” I said nervously. His cheeks grew even darker, and he held my hand and pressed the lightest kiss to it. I giggled, and he drew me into a warm hug. I nestled into his chest, hearing his heartbeat. Now, this is what I was missing out on this entire time.

“Wait,” I said, remembering what had happened at Helm’s Deep, what I hadn’t told anyone. “There is something you should know.”

Boromir cocked an eyebrow, obviously confused. “What do you mean?” He asked.

I looked down. “I, uh, might not have been in the caves with everyone else. In fact, do you remember the soldier that you saved from the spear? That might have been me. Possibly.” I smiled, and his face brightened.

“Oh yes, I know exactly who you’re talking abo- wait a minute. That was you? My lady, you are a brilliant warrior. The spear was a minor setback, you did amazing that night.” He gushed, and I grinned at how sweet he was being.

“Boromir, this does not bother you? That I was out fighting? That I, a woman, was part of a battle?” I questioned. 

He started laughing, his smile lighting up his eyes. He really was handsome. “No dear, not at all. In fact, it makes things even better. You are an amazing fighter and an amazing person. No, it doesn’t bother me one bit.”

The sun moved through the clouds, the rays hitting us perfectly. We sat and joked in the warmth all afternoon, forgetting the looming war for just a little bit.

Everything taglist: @hey-its-nonny 

[beewolfwrites]

The Oar in the Sand - Chapter Eight: Polyphemus

@cheshiya @tenseoyong @szallejhscorner @something-more-original-please @ofsunsetsandpoetries @nek0dzuken @allozaur @hiqhkey @serenzippity

Finally finished editing this! It certainly took long enough :’) Hopefully the Odyssey themes are starting to work their way in more now. 

Thank you for being so patient with me! I’ll get started on the next chapters as soon as possible.

AO3 Link. 

-------------------------------------------------

The beat of silence that followed stretched on forever, the way a moment of dread moves in slow motion, or the instance you run from a nightmare, only to find your heavy feet stuck to the ground. But this wasn’t a nightmare. Pinching my cheeks wouldn’t wake me up from this dream. 

And so, with a squeak of my shoe against the vinyl, I ran.

A series of crashes resounded behind me as he gave chase. Him. Niragi. The one who was supposed to be dead. Chishiya had torched him alive, Aguni had taken him down with the hotel… so how? 

And why me of all people? 

Why do I always get the short straw? 

I had no idea where I was running to, just that I needed to get out. Now. There were no signs for the exit, no matter which direction I looked, and I could feel him gaining on me as the hospital halls stretched on and on.

Ducking into one of the wards, I skidded to the ground and slid under one of the beds. The white sheets draped over the edges, obscuring me from view. It still wasn’t enough. I eyed the room from beneath the sheets, hearing the dull clap of footsteps and the slam of doors as he billowed through the hospital. 

And then his toes peeked around the door to the ward. He was barefoot, the skin becoming more blistered and red before the bandages around his torso hid the worst extent of the damage. That awful patterned shirt was still wrapped around his head, obscuring most of his face, yet his grin was unmistakable. 

‘Come on out, little spy,’ he sang, padding softly between the beds. ‘Let’s have some fun.’ 

Spy?

Was he still that paranoid? 

As he grew closer, I noticed the skin on his face was irritated and scabbed in places. He’d pulled his shirt over one eye to hide the damage. 

‘If you come out now, I won’t kill you,’ he said. 

Every nerve in my body prickled, attentive, as he stealthily came closer, inspecting each bed one by one. His feet appeared beneath the white sheets, and the mattress dipped with a creak above me. Under Niragi’s weight, my chest was crushed against the ground. 

I can’t breathe! 

I couldn’t move either. I was neither living nor dead, detached from it all in one numb vacuum as I stared at his feet from under the sheets - my only defence. 

And then, as if by some miracle, he stood up and the mattress lifted.   

With a hiss, he strode out of the ward and back into the main hallway. Slowly but surely, the pad of his feet softened into nothing and he disappeared. I wasn’t sure how I stayed there, swathed by walls of white linen, until I eventually inched out from under. 

He’s alive. 

Even now, I still couldn’t believe he had survived. During the final stretch of the Witch Hunt, he hadn’t hesitated to shoot at me, and now, if he got his hands on another gun I would be a dead woman walking.  

The hospital was silent once more, and there were no signs of Niragi anywhere. Though I wasn’t prepared to go back for the water dispenser; there was no energy left in me to lug the thing. The dread of what was to come was already far too heavy to carry home. 

Home. 

Is that what this was now? 

No, it wasn’t my home. It was a used furniture store in the middle of a city I was a mere tourist in. 

I trudged through the first emergency exit I saw and followed a set of steps down into the bushes overgrowing at the side of the hospital, before wandering out into the empty city once again. 

The air was cloying in my chest, and just as I dipped between two cars, I felt the first few drops of rain lightly speckling my cheeks. No matter how much the rain picked up into a strong patter, it wasn’t enough to break through this thick cloud. 

When I got back, Chishiya was on the roof, hood pulled up against the rain. I felt his eyes trailing after me as I walked up the steps and pushed through the entrance. The exhaustion suddenly became too much and I sank into an armchair, mulling over what had happened and wishing it would all go away. The front door opened as Chishiya joined me inside.

‘Let me guess, you cleared the Jack now too.’ 

It was callous. Uncalled for. I pushed my face further into the armchair. 

‘Actually, I thought you’d be clearing the Jack,’ I mumbled. ‘You didn’t go?’ 

I heard him sit down on the couch, and exhaled. The weight of his iron gaze was pulling me towards him, as if I was about to be scolded for something that wasn’t my fault. Again. 

‘Do you accidentally run into trouble,’ he said, ‘or do you purposely go out looking for it?’

I slowly shuffled around, wishing I could sink into the folds of the chair and disappear forever. Chishiya appeared either annoyed, apathetic, or something in-between. 

‘How did you guess?’ 

‘It wasn’t a guess. You’re just easy to read.’ 

‘Niragi’s alive,’ I said. 

There was no reaction, or at least something akin to the reaction I had expected. He hummed slowly and his lips tilted into a sly smile. ‘He must really want to survive.’ 

‘Did you know?’ 

‘Not at all.’ 

‘You don’t seem surprised.’ 

‘That’s because I’m not,’ he replied curtly. ‘If he survived after I set him on fire, he’d survive after Aguni knocked him over.’ 

‘It was hardly a knock,’ I reminded him.

The Witch Hunt already felt like a long time ago, but maybe that was because of how time is in the Borderlands. Without smartphones, traffic, work and the hectic stream of everyday life screaming into one constant blur, an hour stretched on for days. But I could still recall it so clearly, even if it was like recalling a dream, how Aguni, the man who’d once tried to force Usagi back to his room, decided to throw himself directly into the line of fire for us.

‘Did you get what you wanted?’ 

The bluntness of Chishiya’s question pulled me back to the present. ‘I’m sorry?’

‘You said there was something you wanted.’

For the slightest moment, I’d assumed he was throwing accusations around again

‘Not quite… I wanted a water dispenser. I thought it’d be good for us, instead of having all these bottles.’ Another thought hit me, and I rubbed my tired eyes. ‘We’ve run out of water too.’ 

‘Actually, we haven’t.’ 

‘What do you mean?’ 

He had that knowing expression, the kind when he’s solved a game within less than a minute and he’s only waiting for you to catch up. ‘I put some buckets outside when it started raining.’ 

That’s why he’s a genius and I’m not. 

How did I not see the obvious solution to our water problem? After all, the Beach collected rainwater and relied on it constantly. If there was a storm coming, we’d have more than enough water for two of us. 

The relief was peaceful, and the lull of the raindrops against the window was pulling me towards sleep. Truth be told, I needed a bath. But there was no point bringing the buckets in while it was still raining. Instead, I got up and dropped onto the couch beside Chishiya. He flinched a little when I lay down and rested my head in his lap, but he soon gave in, and his fingers wound their way into my hair. 

‘Don’t.’ I reached up and tapped his hand. ‘It needs washing.’ 

He ignored me and continued his ministrations. ‘So does mine.’ 

I started telling him all about my run in with Niragi in the hospital. Just discussing it was reassuring, as if I wasn’t the only one carrying this fear. When I saw him, he was all burnt up, the skin blistered and yellow where his bandages didn’t cover; no wonder he was searching for the morphine. However, someone had attacked him, and I wasn’t talking about Chishiya. He’d pulled his shirt over one eye, but the skin around it was blue and black, and his lip was scabbed in the corner. 

Fire didn’t bruise. 

But who? 

Who had the nerve to beat up Niragi?

‘Who wouldn’t want to beat him up?’ Chishiya chimed in, after I’d voiced my thoughts. ‘I’m sure the list is quite long.’ 

‘We’d be near the top of it. Whoever it was must’ve been brave.’ 

Chishiya huffed lightly. ‘I lit him up with a homemade flamethrower. Does that not count towards bravery?’ 

I thought of that rooftop where everything collided at a head. Chishiya had taken his time to build his own weapon. He’d come with a plan, and Niragi had been patiently waiting. 

‘Let’s put an end to this, shall we?’ 

‘If I hadn’t been there at that time,’ I asked, ‘would you have still gone after Niragi?’ 

‘Of course.’ There was no hesitation. ‘It was bound to happen anyway. I wanted to take him down while I was prepared.’

Or before Niragi found him first. 

‘He’ll kill us if he finds us, won’t he?’ 

‘Probably. But isn’t that part of the fun?’ 

I was too sleepy to answer. His fingers were trance-like, sweeping through my hair with a reassuring gentleness that someone like him would never admit to. I must’ve dozed off into a dreamless sleep, because when I woke up, the rain had stopped and Chishiya had disappeared, having placed my head on the couch cushion instead. 

Stretching awake, I found him messing around in the kitchen, boiling water from a bucket to make tea. 

A bucket. 

That’s right, we have water now!

‘Hey.’ 

Chishiya didn’t turn around, although his silence had become normal now. I had a feeling he was annoyed or uncomfortable about me using him as a pillow, even if he didn’t protest at the time. As he busied himself opening up a pack of tea bags, I wanted to wrap my arms around his neck from behind. The only thing holding me back was the knowledge that he’d hate it. 

‘I hope you don’t mind if I use some of the water for a bath.’ 

He continued as if I wasn’t there at all. Then in a quiet voice, he said, ‘Just don’t use it all.’ 

So he wasn’t entirely mad at me. Whatever was getting him down, I’d get to the bottom of it eventually. For now, I briefly ran my finger along the back of his elbow, like he’d done so many times to me. He stilled, but didn’t say anything more as I left the kitchen. 

A bath in the Borderlands was no longer a luxurious dip in a tub of hot water and bubbles. At the Beach maybe, but that life was in ashes now, slowly washing away into the river. Outside, I discovered the line of buckets that had gone unnoticed earlier. They were overflowing with fresh rainwater, and I carefully dragged one inside. It would be a waste of gas to heat it all up on the camping stove, so I took it straight into the bathroom and locked the door behind me. 

I tested the water with a finger and immediately yanked it out. 

Ah! It’s freezing! Though I suppose I can’t complain. 

When Kuina, Chishiya and I set up a camp here, we were pretty lucky. The bathroom had tile floors and a drain in the corner, and we cleared enough space for several buckets and a pitcher. It wasn’t like the hot showers and baths we’d grown used to at the hotel, but bucket baths were commonplace in a number of countries, and if it was good enough for them, it was good enough for us.

Removing my clothes, I used the soap, shampoo and pitcher to wash myself. Once I got past the cold, it was refreshing. I finally felt I could wash away all the traces of that hospital and the fear of being hunted. After everything we’d survived through, to die by Niragi’s hand would be humiliating, like admitting defeat. 

I reached for the bucket, and froze. 

What… what is this?! 

The water was thick with blood. 

[happyselves]

Drugs ( part 2 ) { Daniel Ricciardo x reader }

That’s when he called your name from the back of that room, and like an idiot you lifted up your head meeting his gaze from afar. He looked at you like he knew something was up ... and your heart broke again replacing it with dust as the elevator's doors finally opened in front of you. You entered it, looking at him one last time.

You were in that elevator, the door closed themself and you pushed the button. At this point there were no reasons for you to hide your tears anymore.The more you thought of that moment, that kiss, the more you were mad at yourself, why did the alcohol have to make you so brave like that ? Why couldn't you just gently push him away and blame it on the tequila ? Why does your selfish desire take over your reasoning ? It was too late now ...

The door opened on the floor below the one you were, letting people enter the small space. you squeezed yourself to the corner of it and waited for the door to close again, but as they were about to do so, you heard him. You hear him shout to hold the door and the old lady in front of you did. You couldn't believe that he just ran down the stairs this quick to catch it up. You could hear him panting, completely out of breath, holding himself on the door, the old lady looking at him like he was a crazy person and then he saw him search for you, his eyes desperate to find yours in those 5m². You were hiding again in your hood, why did you put your sunglasses in your bag you thought ...

Of course he found you, you were wearing his merch hoodie, but he acted like he didn't and entered the elevator, positioning himself on the opposite corner facing you, not saying anything. You felt like there was no oxygen in this room, nowhere to hide, nowhere to escape. He felt incredibly close to you yet so far, you were feeling his eyes on you, observing, wondering, searching for the answer to his unsaid questions.

You've reached the first floor after what seems like an eternity and the old left first, you were to follow where Daniel's arm just stopped you right there, blocking the exit. He looks at the people waiting outside the elevator to come in and go up.

Dan : I'm sorry we forgot something and we have time to stop on another floor, truly my apologies.

He knew exactly what to say, like he ran this scenario ten times in head before, you shared an apologizing look to the poor tourist waiting outside as the door closed again. The silence as he pressed their floor button was unbearable, he was looking at you anymore and you didn't say. He was the first to speak.

Dan : You were about to leave ...

Silence again, it wasn't a question it was a statement and you felt like crying again. He finally turns himself to look at you, getting closer to you, taking the hood of your head. What could you say ? You were busted, he wasn't wrong, you were a coward not facing him, but you couldn't because it was hurting you too much. Your eyes on the ground, your arms holding yourself,searching for a bit of comfort you heard Daniel press another button.

He litteral stops the elevator between two floors which definitely makes you lift your head up and look at him.

You : What are you doing ?

Dan : Answer the question

He already know the answer but he needed you to say it ... aoutch

You : You already know it

It was barely audible , like a whisper and you hated yourself for not being stronger especially with him and especially after all those years of friendship. The woman that he adored so much was no more now, replaced by a version of you that was scared and not confident, it was the version you were trying so much to hide from him but now it is out on display for anyone to see.

Dan : Why ?

Of course he wanted an explanation.

Dan : Why did you leave the room last night ?

How dare he ask why ? He bloody knows why and that was making you so angry right now that you wanted all the frustration you had in you to finally get out. The bravery from last night came back to you.

You : What do you mean why ? You know exactly why, we talk about it so many times !

Surprise was perfectly describing his expression right now, surprised of your tons bu confuse as well, he was clearly lost and that even make you want to slap him for playing dumb with you.

Dan : Is it because of the kiss ?

He was literally driving you crazy and you were ready to play sarcastic right now.

You : No it is because of that old lady earlier in the elevator .... YES this is why !

Your arm was making a Y right now from exasperation, this is exactly why you wanted to avoid him and leave him without a goodbye, cause you knew that " the kiss " like he said didn't mean anything to him and by just asking you this he was confirming it.

Dan : We were drunk ...

It was his turn now to look at his feet and whisper and this sudden change of behavior was shaking you. Your arms fall down, your body dejected. You were really going to discuss this right here, right now in this elevator.

You : Does it change anything, that we were ?

Dan : It changes EveryTHING !

You hit your back on the wall stunt at his reaction and he saw that right away, regret flashing through his eyes.

Dan: I'm sorry ... Can we talk somewhere else ? Because I am pretty sure we are bothering everyone in this hotel.

You crossed your arms and looked at him, challenging him.

You : No my fault there.

Daniel was losing patience.

Dan : I KNOW ...

Oh God he was getting frustrated, that doesn't look good for you and you can't even escape anymore, you know that you were about to have an hard time and that would will both end up hurt because you never saw him angry like that before and you both fight time to time, it was all because of you ... He pushed the red button making the lift go up again and stop at what was your floor before you called the reception this morning to check out. You both left the elevator, if your head could be on the floor because of how shameful you were to have made Daniel shout at you, you would have done it.

Dan : You room or mine ?

It could have sounded dirty if you didn't know what was going to happen next.

I don't have a room anymore, you said, still looking at the floor, trying to avoid him. You hear him sigh and that makes your face grin. You both end up in front of his door and you wait for him to open it. He entered first but you ? You felt stuck in front of it, incapable of making any moves. Knowing that as soon as you will cross that door, nothing will be the same, not like it didn't already change last night, but for you now it was a sweet fantasy and now it will put you right back into reality in the hardest way possible. You were about to lose that sweet fantasy of maybe being together and you weren't ready to lose him forever. This is why you didn't want this, because leaving him without saying anything would have left the " maybe " on stand-by in a corner of your head, but now it was about to get crushed in millions of pieces and thrown in the bin. Daniel was looking at you, with one luggage in each hand before coming to take them and put them against the wall in front of his bed.

Dan : Are you going to enter or are you planning to stay here, be a tree and grow some fruit until they are ready to be harvested ?

You snapped out of you though and took the first step into the end of everything that was making you feel alive. It felt like you were both strangers again, only on your side probably, Daniel not seeing what is wrong. But if he didn't see what was wrong, why was he angry at you and still cold in the way he was talking to you ? What he just said right here was some teasing, yes, but not like the usual bickery between the two of you, this was cold and sarcastic, he was annoyed by you. You were a little scared of him now, this was a new side of him that he didn't know he had in him and you weren't sure if you wanted to see the rest of that side. You sit on the edge of his bed, closing your legs together, your hand on your knees making yourself little and waiting for the next words that will come out of his mouth.

Dan : What happened last night ?

Out of everything he could have asked he chose this, putting both feet on the plate, you saw. You took a deep breath, all the bravery you had in the elevator was now gone and you were vulnerable now, like a prey trying to think how you could get away from the predator except that the man in front of you had nothing to do with one. Or maybe he was ? By the look he gives you, losing patience at what used to make him smile before now, your daydreaming session. You shake your head pretty hard to get away from your thoughts but it makes you dizzy from the hangover you had this morning after the crazy night full of drinks. You grinned again and put your hand on your head, holding it to relieve the small pain and you thought for a second, that you perceived some concern flashing through Dan's eyes. He left the room, going into the bathroom for a minute before coming back and giving you a glass of fresh water. You thanked him quickly before drinking a bit and gave him back the glasses that he put next to him as he sank himself into the chair in front of you. It was nice to see that he was caring about you like that,still...

Were you dumb ? Obviously he still does, for him nothing changes, but for you everything did and you were sinking like he did in the chair but your heart was.

Dan : Are you not gonna talk to me then ? Are you going to be like that from now on ?

You : What do you want me to say ?

Dan : You left me last night and you were about to leave me right now ... if I hadn't caught you, how long were you planning to ignore me ?

Shame again was running through your body, but you couldn't hold it anymore, you wanted to end this misery as quickly as possible.

You : Probably forever ...

Dan : You are not serious ... for a kiss ?

Shame turned into anger, switching as quickly as it did in that lift earlier.

You : You Don't Get It Don't YOU ?

His voice was now strangely calm, way to calm

Dan : Get what, explain it to me, I can't help you if you not telling me anything {YN}

Full rage was building up in you, you stood up facing him, tears starting to form in the corner of your eyes. At this point you were ready to let it all out, you didn't care anymore, it was torture for you and you wanted to be as far as possible from this man because you were starting to hate yourself. How could your heart still beat so fast for him right now, even when he is making you like this, burning inside, the love for him is stronger than anything. It was love that was making you go crazy, crazy for him. You were mad at him but most importantly you were mad at yourself.

You : YOU CANNOT HELP ME DANIEL, YOU WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO HELP ME !

The two of you were surprised at how harsh these words came out of you and the power of them made you lose your balance, making you sit right where you were, before continuing. You started and you were not stopping until everything you had in your heart was out.

You : How can you be so blind Daniel, how can you not see that this k. What happened last night wasn't a big deal to me ? To you sure, but to me ... after all this long .... all our late night conversations where you told me that you could never date anyone seriously to not make them suffer if anything happens to you .... you were the one that kissed me for god's sake Daniel, did you think about that ?

You weren't sure if he was listening because his face was close, lost in any emotion, just looking at you.

Dan : I was drunk, we both were ...

You : OHH stop that would you, what does it change ? We know exactly how we are when we are drunk and we were way out of being that drunk !! Tell me he was nothing ... tell me right now that this fucking kiss was nothing to you ...

His lips shout and he stay quiet, not knowing what to say cause it was impossible for him to say these words, he knows it in his heart that it was impossible, he felt it last night as much as you did, it's been a while now and he was trying so hard to denied it because it was against his number one rule. To not fall in love during his career. Several minutes pass and still no words from Daniel, you are trying to get calm now, breathing in and out, listening to your heart beating, seeing if it has calmed down as well.

You : It didn't hurt me at first, our conversation you know ... but how can you be so selfish by kissing me and expecting me to be cool with him, it hurts so much ...

Tears were flooding down your cheeks now, all the pressure you had these past months was resolving into this torrent of emotion. You felt two hands on your arms lifting you and bringing you closer into a warm hug. He was hugging you, he never hugs you, never. Yes was showing affection with some skinship but never did he hug you, this was new. You must look this miserable that he had pity for you and give you a hug, but you weren't complaining, after all it might be the last time you even feel him this close to you.

MASTERLIST

[dragonsareourfuture]

Mello/GN!Reader — I Forgive You (Part One)

⚠️ Warnings: mentions and descriptions of bullying/abuse. Please do not continue if you are sensitive about that kind of thing or do not enjoy reading about it.

I had this idea but did not have a character to put it to yet. I chose Mello because I thought it worked best with his aggression and inferiority complex. This isn’t meant to label him and his character as a bully, I love the man and would never say that, it’s just what worked well for the story. With that out of the way, hope you enjoy the first part, second part can be found here!

When you first arrived at the spiked gates that guarded the church-like building, you had figured it was a chance at a fresh start — an opportunity to build on what you had learned and grow from that in a more stable environment than the dirty streets of town had been. You remember standing eagerly at the entrance of the orphanage, watching the children around your age kick around a soccer ball, seeming so carefree. It made you yearn for the days when you would feel that way. When you could leave your past — pickpocketing strangers in order to eat and being roughed up by thugs and privileged brats with parents who barely regarded their actions — behind you.

What the orphanage brought you, however, was the opposite. Just your luck, the very first day of your stay you were in the wrong place at the wrong time.

You had been skipping back to your assigned room after getting a snack from the kitchen. Your mind was blossoming, filled with daydreams of the future to come when you probably should have been more aware of your surroundings. You just couldn’t help let your mind wander when you didn’t have to worry about your survival every spare second of the day.

You were broken out of your daydreams as the sensation of something hard colliding with your shoulder caused your small body to stumble. You toppled to the ground, howling with pain as your arm got caught underneath you and bent in the worst way possible.

With your mind clouded with searing pain as you clutched your arm close to your chest, feeling dizzy already, you searched for the source of your fall. A blurred vision of yellow and black sunk into view. It appeared to be the shape of a person looming above you, saying something that took a few repeats of the same sentence for you to hear without the ringing in your ears. The pain shot up your arm and, though you wanted to make sure the person you had bumped into was alright, you were focused on the fact that your arm, limp at your side as you sat up, was most likely broken.

As the pain got more bearable, the person standing in front of you became clearer. He was dressed in baggy black garments, standing at a height that couldn’t have been much taller than you were, but in this position it was hard not to be intimidated as he leered down at you. His jaw length blonde hair framed his face, casting a terrifying shadow. A scowl contorted his features in a way that told you he was having absolutely no shit today and that you would be better off running.

When you didn’t move, the kid crouched down and moved his hand towards you. For a second, you assumed he was helping you up. But when his fist shot towards your body with speed that made you wince, a brutal blow to the side of the head told you otherwise.

“What’s the matter with you?” His voice echoed, already dizzy from the burning pain in your arm and now disoriented thanks to the new bruise you were sure was forming on your scalp. “Can’t you watch where you’re going?”

As he was standing now, he delivered an aching kick to your stomach, causing your weak and broken body to flop to the floor pathetically. You choked on air, having the wind knocked out of you and your snack from earlier was threatening to show itself again. Your stomach churned painfully as you screwed your eyes shut. It was always best to just wait it out.

Images from the streets swirled around the depths of your mind, the thieves and gangs and bratty children who got sick pleasure out of beating you into unconsciousness resurfacing. This kid was no different. It was all the same and, the more you thought about it, you could never escape the same old shit.

You must have slipped into unconsciousness because after what felt like a blink later you awoke in a bed, your arm bandaged up and an ice pack resting on your head. Upon hearing you stir, what must have been the nurse hurried to your side and berated you with questions — were you feeling alright? Was the ice pack too cold? Did you know where you were?

All you could answer with was, “What happened?” Your voice groggy and rough as you attempted to sit upright.

The nurse pushed you back down, scolding you and telling you to rest. “You should thank that boy,” she said, adjusting your broken arm and the covers around your waist, “He brought you all the way here. Said you fell down he stairs.”

Although your brain was a bit foggy on the details, you were quite sure that was not what had occurred. You began to protest, but the nurse hushed you with her finger over your lips and instructed you to sleep a while. As she pulled the curtains around your bed closed, separating you from the other sick kids, you sighed in defeat. This was how it was going to be?

Once you had recovered enough from your injuries, you were released from the nurse. You scratched at the cast around your arm nervously as you walked down the hall to your room — your intended destination the previous day — however, much more cautious this time. The gray light that shone through the windows made the hall look much more eerie, raising your alertness to the height that it should have been the day you received your injuries.

However paranoid you were feeling, your nerves met their peek when the shadow of someone standing next to the window caught your gaze. Your head whipped around to face the person the shadow belonged to, coming face to face with your assailant from yesterday. He leaned against the glass, one hand buried in his pocket while the other held a bar of chocolate to his lips. You stared him dead in the eye, waiting for another attack that never came. Neither of your glares relented — yours filled with fear and his so aggressive that you felt your bandaged arm throb with discomfort — as you stalked past the blond.

“Nasty fall you took there,” He said, snapping off a chunk of the chocolate with his teeth.

You flinched at the sound, hurrying away after that.

To think that this treatment would cease after that encounter with the boy would be a foolish sentiment. Not only did it continue, but it got worse with each passing day. As you got older and more observant, you noted different behaviors of the blonde who’s name you learned to be Mello. Of course, that was only a code name, but it was his preferred alias so the kids at the orphanage referred to him as such.

Mello was number two in the training program held at Wammy’s Orphanage to become the next great detective, the one who would solve the world’s most dangerous yet interesting cases until their time was up and a new heir would be chosen. Whenever this other kid, Near, who was considered the first in line to become the next great detective, beat Mello in anything (whether it was in class or something as simple as who’s bed was made neater) the blonde would turn right around and take his anger out on you.

You tried to reason with him through the pain, spitting out blood and words of comfort towards the boy, but this only made him hit you harder, screaming about not wanting or needing your pity.

Once you got too old for childish beatings, rumors began to spread around the orphanage, some as tame as saying that you slept with a stuffed animal, while others were particularly nasty. This was worse than the beatings in your mind. You would rather experience physical pain for a short amount of time than have no one that wanted to talk to you for the rest of your life. Well, one person did stick around for you when you needed it most.

Mail Jeevas, or as you called him around the orphanage, Matt, was always by your side no matter what he heard about you from other kids. He seemed to think that the rumors were childish and cruel, going as far as to talk to Mello about retracting them but, as everyone knows, once you say something there is no taking it back.

It meant the world to you that Matt had even tried considering he was friends with Mello (how anyone could be friends with him, you had no idea) and standing up to the particularly violent kid was, in your book, a profound act of bravery. He never failed to stick by you even after Mello had ran away from the orphanage. You were so attached to your wonderful friend that you asked to go with him when he announced that he would be leaving as well.

“Please! I can’t stay here with you gone! I’m gonna go crazy here alone!” You begged, watching as Matt packed his clothes and belongings in a plain black duffel bag.

“(Name), I know you’re scared, but out there, in the real world, there are things that you’re not trained for.”

You lunged are the brunet, grabbing his arm desperately as if that would change his mind. “I don’t care. Anywhere’s better than here. Just...please.”

“This way is more efficient. You stay here-“

“This way is going to get us killed. You can’t handle yourself alone out there, no offense, and I will go insane if I stay here! No one is on my side here besides you.”

Matt glanced at the floor and then back at you. You pushed your bottom lip out and batted your eyelids pleadingly. He let out a breathy laugh and sighed, “Well, are you gonna start packing?”

“Yes, yes, yes! Thank you, Matt! I won’t let you down! We’ll be a team!” You exclaimed, jumping around before bolting off to your room to pack.

<•>

You had elected to stand on the sidelines. Sure, it would have been an amazing feeling to be able to throw that fact that you saved Mello’s life back in his face if he did survive the burns, but you couldn’t even bear the thought of touching him after so long of being free from his torture. 

So, you watched from the sidelines as Matt fearlessly dove into the flames to scoop up the blonde’s near lifeless body, charred and smelling of burning flesh, from the wreckage of the building that once stood as a warehouse, a base for Mello and his mafia associates. The heat from the fire distorted the image as Matt carried the boy closer to where you stood. You gazed down at Mello’s unconscious, helpless form, reveling in the triumph of seeing the previously indestructible (at least in your young eyes) boy so powerless.

Matt broke you out of your trance with frantic words. “We need to get him medical attention.”

“Do we really?”

Matt narrowed his eyes at you and you raised up both of your hands in defeat, “Fine. We can’t bring him to a hospital, so I’ll run out and get some supplies.” you instructed, beginning to walk through the rubble with Matt to the cheap car he drove, the heavily used Camaro being the only thing he could afford considering you both lived on your own with no job. “You take him back to the apartment and I’ll be back as quick as I can.”

Matt nodded in agreement and loaded Mello carefully into the back seat of the old car, being cautious of the bloodied burns that covered most of his left side. He dropped you off at the supermarket close by and took Mello the rest of the way home, fixing him on the bed and waiting until you finally burst through the door with a shopping bag full of medical supplies. You had to remind yourself to keep your face steady as you neared the bed with your childhood “friend” lying on it. Even when Matt had found him and housed him in the apartment, he had no problems with you renting another room in the complex. But now, what with all the medical attention Mello most likely needed, you had no choice but to stay by his side.

You cringed as you wrapped Mello’s body in clean, white bandages, every touch to his otherwise smooth, pale skin sending you back to your days at Wammy’s. You covered his arm with cloth, vivid images of  when you broke your own arm because of him flooding into your mind. But still, you wondered if this was payback, maybe karma. Mello having to endure the flames licking his skin as a punishment for all of the times he’s hurt you. You wondered if he ever thought about you in what he must have figured were his last moments.

You were torn from your thoughts when a gentle groan emitted from Mello’s lips. He raised his good arm to his head and ran his hand over his aching features. “What...hnng?” The blond managed, opening the eye that wasn’t enveloped in flames and now soft bandages to scan the room, jolting as he saw the figures of you and Matt sitting by the bed.

“Hey, Mihael...” Matt greeted softly in an attempt to ease the boy gently into consciousness.

“Who...eh...Matt? And...” Mello trailed off, propping himself up onto his elbows to get a better glimpse at you.

You avoided his gaze, bowing your head so that your chin rested on your shoulder, speaking so quietly that if it weren’t completely silent in the room, no one would have heard you, “So, you don’t recognize me when I’m not covered in bruises, then?”

Mello’s eye widened for a second before fluttering shut. “(Name)...it’s you?” If you didn’t know better you would say that he was exasperated when your name rolled off his tongue.

“Yeah.” You rose to your feet with a burst of confidence as though suddenly realizing that he was confined to a bed with severe burns all over his body and you were free to do whatever you pleased. “It’s me. Disappointed?”

“(Name)—“ Matt started, interrupted as you continued.

“Were you expecting the same weak little child that you could beat on all the time? Oh, but you poor thing, you can barely move, can’t you? I guess karma really does catch up to a person—“

“(NAME).”

You froze, unaware that you were now towering over Mello, fists clenched in fury and face a burning scarlet. Your breathing was heavy and ragged. Your eyes darted to Matt, then back to Mello. If you weren’t mistaken, there was a flicker of genuine fear in his eyes. Rather than filling you with pride, this fact terrified you beyond belief. You had no intention whatsoever of becoming like Mello, and as soon as you realized you were so close to acting upon your rage, you stepped back and retreated to the couch on the far side of the room.

Although you kept your face buried in the couch cushions, you could tell that someone was getting up judging by the shifting of fabric. To your disappointment, the slow and careful movements exemplified someone with an injury determined to not harm themselves any further.

The couch dipped as the blond sat next to you, grunting and rubbing his arm under the thick layer of bandages. “I...I’m...” he began, unable to get the words out before swallowing hard and trying again, “I’m sorry.”

You let out a dry laugh, lifting your head but not to look at Mello. “Oh, really? Because it seemed to take a lot just to get that word out.”

“Listen, you-!”

You jumped when his voice rose suddenly, pressing yourself against the armrest of the sofa, further away from the blond. Matt was listening in as well and at the harsh tone in Mello’s voice he stood from his chair, more than ready to intervene. But Mello had caught himself, releasing a deep breath from his nose.

“I really am sorry. I know you won’t forgive me this quickly but—“

“Tch, yeah, no shit.”

“Y’know, you’re making this really difficult.”

“I’m making this difficult? No, Mello. You made this difficult when you picked on me and tortured me. And for what!?”

“I shouldn’t have taken out my anger at Near on you, but I—“

“You can’t take back the past.” You finished. Mello nodded and stared down at his lap. Matt was still in ready position. “I just...I just need time. Can you give that to me? Some time...”

And that’s what you took, lots and lots of time to think things over. On the one hand, you hated the idea of forgiving him. He made your life, which was supposed to be better off at Wammy’s, a living hell. You had to work for years on rebuilding your shattered self esteem and had to learn how not to recoil when anyone so much as came near you. But, on the other hand, he could have changed. As you have built up your confidence and skill, he may have learnt kindness and guilt. It was possible, but even so, did it change anything?

Over the course of the next few weeks it was Mello’s mission to give you everything he took away from your childhood. The things you dreamed of while you lived out your days fighting for your life. First and foremost, you’d always wanted a parental figure — someone to hold you when times got tough and to give you advice about stupid little trivial problems like boys or what clothes to buy. How he knew this about you was not in the most honorable way, having stolen your journal as a child and made you watch as he smeared mud all over the pages but not before reading every single entry. But, he figured it was the only information he had and he was determined to use it for your benefit this time.

[arvandus]

Destruction & Creation

So.... this has been something that’s been bouncing around in my brain for a while and it finally got to a point that I had to write it out.  It’s longer than I intended, but that’s to be expected for me... 😆 Pairing: Jotunn Loki x GN! Reader

Word count: 1735

Warnings: 18+ ONLY, emotional SMUT/lovemaking, lots and lots of heavy poetic romance (cuz that’s how I roll 😎) Synopsis: Loki hates his Jotunn form.  So of course he never shares it with anyone.  Until now...

“Does it frighten you?” Loki asks. His words have their usual smoothness to them, but they’re contradicted by the stiffness of his posture.

He’s vulnerable.

You sit in front of him on the soft rug next to the fireplace as you stare at him.  The firelight dances across his blue skin, coating him in a warm orange glow.  Patterns cover his face, framing deep red eyes that watch you with guarded uncertainty. It’s so different from how you’ve known him, and yet…

“No…” you whisper.

You calmly reach to touch his face, but he shies away slightly. You halt your advance, your hand lowering yet never fully retreating.  Instead, it hovers in the space between you as a silent request.  An offer.

He stares at you. Scrutinizing, thinking. He can read the unspoken plea in your eyes.

‘Please… please trust me.’

But you never say it. You never ask for more than he’s willing to give.  Instead, you wait calmly, hand outstretched. 

You are patient.  Always patient. And he knows that if he were to turn away in this moment, you wouldn’t pursue it.  You wouldn’t be angry.

But you would be sad.  Hurt, even.

Slowly, his posture relaxes, and he returns to his position, eyes silently following your every move. You give a small, grateful smile as your fingers finally reach his skin, soft and gentle.  He sits still as a statue and nearly just as cold.  Your head tilts curiously as you run a thumb along one of the small ridges crossing his cheek.

“Where did these come from?” you ask.

“I presume I was born with them.” He replies.

“They’re beautiful.”

His breath catches in his throat, every instinct within him telling him to sneer at you and deny it. He hates them.  He hates what they represent, and he hates their permanence.

And yet…

Your fingers begin to trace over the lines.  Your touch is tender, loving, purposeful.  He stares at you, searching your face for any sign of fear, any clue of repulsion. Instead, your expression is soft, eyes sparkling with wonder as you take in his true form.  It’s as if you’re introducing yourself to him all over again, committing the image of him to your memory.  And that’s when he realizes…

You’re mesmerized by him.

It takes him by surprise, filling him with confusion.  He closes his eyes against it, squeezing them shut in denial.  He can’t see you look at him like this.  Not with that expression on your face.  Your reaction is so opposite of everything he’d expected. Everything he’s experienced. He feels a knot forming itself in his throat that he can’t seem swallow as he struggles against the waves that threaten to pull him under.  Fear, hesitation, hope, relief…

You notice, of course… how could you not?  It’s obvious in the thin line of his mouth, in the furrow of his eyebrows… and are those tears trapped in corners of his dark lashes? You stop your tracing and return your palm to cup his cheek.

“Loki…” you whisper. “Look at me.”

Surprisingly, he does, his red eyes opening to focus on you.

“You’re beautiful.” You say.

And then you do something he doesn’t expect.  You kiss him… on the forehead.  It’s gentle, the softest brush of your lips against his skin, yet the weight of it – of what it represents – is heavy as an anchor.  It grounds him, pulls him back from the threshold of panic he was teetering on. You begin to pull away, but his hand stops you, cupping your jawline.  Your eyes lock and you barely have time to register the meaning of his expression before he pulls you back to him and captures your lips with his own.  They’re perfect.  Intoxicating. Your air is stolen from your lungs, you heart pounding in jubilation.  You lean into it, your body pressing against his, and he groans.

He needs you.

He needs the unconditional acceptance that you’ve offered him without question or judgement.  He needs the love that you’ve worn plainly on your sleeve, as you’ve waited patiently for years for him to come and pluck it like a rose from a vine.  He drinks it in like a man parched, letting it soak into the deep dark places within himself like springtime showers falling over cracked and broken land.  It fills him, breathing the kiss of life into his lungs and watering the dormant seeds of his heart.  His own emotions spring forth unfettered, beautiful and vibrant. They consume him, choking him, until they can’t be contained any longer.  They’re not for him to keep, anyway… they’re for you. They’ve always been for you.  He has to give you everything.  He needs you to know…

It doesn’t take long before you’re scooped up into his arms and carried into the dark bedroom. He lays you gently on the bed, his body never straying more than a few inches from yours as he joins you, his limbs caging you beneath him.  Hot mouths, and cool touches.  Soft whispers and gentle caresses.  Warm firelight traded for cool moonlight.  And finally, the restriction of clothing traded for skin upon skin.

Making love with Loki in his Jotunn form is like making love with the universe.  It’s eternal, timeless.  In the heavy dark of the room, his blue-tinted skin becomes a deep midnight as his strong, lean arms hold you close.  His touch is cold, brushing across your skin like a winter breeze, goosebumps following wherever his gentle hands wander.  The ridges of patterns on his skin are etched across his body like a map of untraveled galaxy roads, alien and mysterious. Your fingers trace them gently, following them around his shoulders, his neck, his cheeks, memorizing every divot, every curve.  Ruby eyes stare into yours, ancient as the oldest red giant stars, and you fall into them without thought.  You’re powerless against him, trapped in the gravity of his stare, locked in an orbit that you never want to leave.

He’s ethereal, ancient, a creature of the universe. 

And real.  So real. 

His mouth is soft and tender against your heated skin, filled with enthralled purpose as he murmurs his worship in an ancient, foreign tongue.  The sounds trickle from his parted lips like the moonlight through the open window, a gentle tumble of rolling R’s and dancing vowels that find their way through your ears to bask your heart in their silver glow.

He’s a man, filled with need, raw and carnal.

You can feel the weight of him, feel the ripple of his muscles across his back as his hand wraps firmly around your thigh, lifting your leg over his hip.  It ushers in the sweet, burning pressure as he pushes into you, his hot breaths warming your parted lips.  Your sweet gasps sing your praise as he fills you, and your body trembles gratefully.  Your legs wrap around his waist in an effort to pull him closer, deeper, until the space between you is but a memory. He moans your name like a prayer, and you feel godly, placed on a throne so high you swear you can touch the stars.

His hair falls around you like a curtain, long strands black as dark matter, making the world around you fall away until everything is forgotten.  Everything except the touch of his skin against yours, the heat building in your core, and the sound of his ragged breaths. His face buries itself into your neck as your bodies move together, a perfect push-and-pull, give and take. He is the moon and you are the tide, bending to his will as he pulls soft moans from your parted lips only to swallow them hungrily in the darkness.

The heat within you builds as he pulls you closer to the center of his galaxy where promises of rapture await, burning the both of you away to leave something new and whole in its wake.  To let the imperfect universe as it exists fall into oblivion, leaving space for the creation of something far more perfect and indestructible.

He’s omnipresent and omnipotent.  His presence surrounds you, consuming you in mind, body, and spirit.  His power over you is limitless, supreme, and you have no choice but to answer his call.

When you finally explode, you explode together, bodies linked in shared euphoria.  Your back arches, toes curling as you cling to him, his name ripped from your lips with a cry. His arm holds you tight against him as he drives into you, words of love falling clumsily from his wet lips with a deep groan as he empties every drop of himself like an offering at your altar. You accept, your hands pulling his face to you in a tender kiss, even as your heart continues to pound and your body hums with the aftershocks of pleasure. You feel incorporeal, a floating balloon secured by the most delicate of strings, yet held by the strongest of hands.

Loki stays, placing his head upon your chest as hot, heavy gasps slowly give way to deep, steady breaths.  Your arms hold him, fingers running through his damp hair over and over.  It’s a soothing lullaby, sung through the soft brush of your fingers in a slow rhythm that lulls the both of you gently back to Earth.

He’s alien, yet human.  So human.

He holds all the same complexity that humanity does, fueled by the same motivations and fears. And like so many humans, he dances the knife’s edge of the worst and best versions of himself.  Hate and love.  Fear and bravery.  Suspicion and trust.

Destruction and creation.

Tonight, he’s chosen creation.  To create love and build a future that has you in it.  But he also must destroy.   He must destroy his loneliness, his isolation, his mistrust. It terrifies him; the fear of failure, the fear of success… but he knows it’s necessary. For only by culling some of the darker parts of his nature could he offer you a space within himself that is beautiful and worthy enough for you to occupy; a place where his demons can’t reach.

He wants to give you safety – a place to flourish - just as you have for him.  You are his home, his place of rest.  You may have given him the world, but he swears to give you the universe.

He is yours.

[sly-merlin]

Killing Me - 2| n.y

pairing : law student!reader + yuta

genre :    angst , mafia au/ arranged marriage au 

warnings : curse words, mention of murder, guns etc

words : 2908

summary :

“life’s never fair y/n. realise it as soon as you can . it is the only secret for living a regretless life.”

                                                  0r

                  “curiosity got the cat hitched!!

K.M Masterlist

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taglist :: (not tagging the old ones because they have read it already bt if u want , lemme know! )  @yiyi4657​ @sorrywonwoo​ @sillywinnergladiator​  @suhweo​ @exfolitae​

‘Where is she?’ a voice echoed from behind you. The police officer woke up from his little slumber one more time and stood up to greet the owner of voice. Before you could turn around, a fair, young man sat down in the place previously occupied by the officer. You straightened your back before taking a look at him. He was not too broad but couldn’t be considered lean either. His hair were darker shade of blue hooding his eyes. He looked too young to be a senior but who were you to judge someone’s capabilities.

“Is she alone” he asked the other officer, who nodded his head in response. The officer’s demeanour took a 180 degree turn from his previous one. He had a smug look on his face.

“Where’s the evidence?”

“Here it is!” your phone which was resting on the desk until now was in the hands of the senior officer. You watched him carefully going through the photos. He turned the chair to face the back wall hiding himself from you. You couldn’t understand why he has to be so sceptical about the evidence. It was enough to punish the criminal. And you weren’t even informed of the results of the search party that was sent earlier. You were cut out of your thoughts when the man turned in the chair and extended his hand towards you with your phone. You took the phone but didn’t open it.

“Is he dead?” he questioned the officer.

“Yes, but his body is disposed of. Nobody can trace anything back to him. Give me few days and I’ll delete his whole existence.” that being said, your heart stopped and a loud gasp left your lips. Their conversation wasn't giving away anything but you were smart enough to realise the scenario.

“Good. That’s exactly what I wanted to hear. You would be rewarded nicely. But she didn’t go to the higher officer, right? It’d take more time to clean it.”

“No. I know he is a pain in the ass, there was no need for you to come this far though .I could’ve handled this minor inconvenience all by myself.” he smirked towards you.

So he’s not the senior.              

Then what is he doing here?.

“Mr doyoung, what are we going to do with her” he pointed towards you like you were some disgusting rat he’s trying to get rid of.

“Taeyong would deal with her. You don’t need to worry. Your work is done here”.

Your hair fell on your face when the cloth was removed from your head. You tried to blow them out off your face but your action merely resulted in you breathing all the air through your nose.  Someone removed the tape, causing you to cough violently. Your cheeks pained, your lips felt like they were stung by bees. Your chest heaved up and down when you tried to take a breath. A soft hand removed all the hair from your face and tucked them behind both ears. The man then rubbed your back to help you regain your senses.

Following that everything happened in a blur. The said man, doyeon or something got up abruptly from the chair, took your phone, yanked your hands backwards and handcuffed them. He was so swift in his movements that few seconds later you were ushered into a small car. You tried to speak but he taped you and face was covered with a cloth. You shuffled in the passenger seat but the man didn’t seem to be fazed by your antics as he drove wordlessly.

After travelling for what felt like hours he finally pulled up somewhere. You were forced out of the car by your arm. The only thing you were sure of was that you passed 3 doors, following which you were made to sit on a metal chair.

“Hey, you alright?

You gestured towards your arms instead of responding.

“What’s your name” you looked up to see another blue haired man asking you in a hoarse voice.

“Open her cuffs doyoung!” your saviour, what it felt like at the moment, ordered the man. He came forward and did as told. Once free, you got up from the chair while rubbing your wrists and took shelter behind the same chair.

You scanned the room to find about 10 men, in their pyjamas, staring at you. They didn’t look dangerous, at least not in their current state. Out of nowhere, you felt something on your head. Of course, there was someone behind you. You tried your best not to show any panic on your face, but it was an impossible task for someone who’d be dead in a few minutes. You didn’t know what to do next. Your hands found solace in the hem of your shirts which you continued to twist and turn until one of them spoke,

“y/n” you answered timidly, purely to show them that you were nothing more than an innocent girl caught up in a wrong situation. It was the only way you’d be back home safely.

“What were you doing near that street and what did you see?” the same man questioned again but with more irritated voice. You parroted the whole story in the same way it happened. It was like giving report to the police officer. But this time a slight fear was in charge of your senses instead of the confidence you had earlier. The more you explained, the more ridiculous it sounded to you. Your courage and zeal were your best traits, as told by many people including your professors and these two traits were going to lower you in the ground today. being courageous and senseless was serving as the dangerous combination for you.

“You are quite amusing and smart, miss. Had it been someone else, we’d have let you go but it’s about yuta so we can’t take any future risks, you know” a man who was more on the shorter side, spoke. As said, you were a risk to them but eyeing your current position, you felt more threatened than they were by you.

“What are you going to do with me?” you blurted.

“Kill her” the voice behind you advised in a harsh and growling voice. His voice was rougher than the other one and he sounded like he was getting impatient in your presence. You felt tears prickling in your eyes at his statement. Prediction of your death and hearing a declaration made to that effect, the latter sounded scarier without doubt. You never wanted to die like that. You wanted to make a good life for yourself. The rational part of your brain was suggesting to beg for your life but another was telling you to hold it till last. Your dilemma was causing an incessant headache by now. Because of your reckless act of bravery, you were now at the mercy of some criminals who probably killed humans for their jest.

“Anyway, where are the photos, doyoung?” a man with red hair spoke.

“She’s quite a photographer you know” doyoung says slyly to the red haired man while handing him his phone. He went through the photos with stoic look on his face. He didn’t look scary but you could only hope if his heart and brain tallied with his face.

He curtly nodded before handing the phone to person standing next to him and just like that the phone was passed to everyone in the room where at last it reached right behind you. The man with the gun gave a snort which you assumed was his reaction to the photos. Nobody looked pleased. why would they be!The quietness of the room was taken over by soft whispers which did nothing more than to increase your anxiousness. The red haired man whose name was yet to be unveiled, was having a kind of discussion with everyone. One by one, all men gathered around him except the one who you dreaded the most in this state.

“I’m taeyong, the leader of Neos.” the red haired man said and your countenance at his words stopped him from further explaining anything. He watched your wide eyes and now trembling hands.

“You are a feisty one, ain’t you!” you yelped at the voice which surely didn’t go unnoticed by others but they rather chose to ignore it. Why they would be worried for your wellbeing, you thought. You’ll end up dead, if not by a gun, then by heart stroke from the sneaky little bitch. To distract yourself, you looked around the room but found nothing worthy of your interest. The room was medium sized but there was only one tube above the door which shone its lightening down to where the chair was situated. Everything else was void of any light, now including you and your possible killer.

A loud cough from the men interrupted your screening of the room. You were anticipating the outcome they had possibly reached at but that didn’t mean you were ready for it. Your stoic face was hiding your faltered confidence and their glaring eyes weren’t giving anything either.

Neos didn’t have a face!

Until now.

“And we’ll deal with you in the morning.” he waved his fingers in your direction and before you could comprehend his actions, you were knocked out with a press of fingers on your neck.

You woke up from your enforced sleep with a pounding head and a numb side. You tried to wake up, propped on your elbow but your effort remained futile. You were once again lying on the cemented floor with your arms placed on your middle. The room was not as dark as it was earlier. There was a small window giving its way to the rays of the light but it wasn’t enough to lighten the whole room. The electric tube was off. You were in a basement. It was morning, you realised. And it was no dream. Yesterday’s acts would serve as life lesson for you, that is, if you lived.

Your train of thoughts came to a halt when the metal door opened with an ear screeching noise. You got up hurriedly on your feet, the dizziness you felt making you stumble a little on your feet. Your body was poorly soar. A giant figure walked towards you. He handed you a water bottle. You were indeed thirsty. You gulped half of the water down your throat, the liquid filling you with relief.

“What if it was poisoned?”

“The bottle was sealed.” you immediately replied. He seemed to be impressed by your quick wit answer.

“I’m Johnny” you would’ve thanked him for getting you out from those restraints yesterday, had they not knocked you out of consciousness. He was heads taller than you and broader as well. You couldn’t even take a glimpse of the door behind him.

“I’m going to tell others that you are up!” with that he waved you goodbye but before he could close the door, you shouted-

“How long I have to stay here? “You questioned innocently with hope that maybe he would drop a hint about their verdict but he only chuckled in response, leaving you alone with your thoughts.

Not long after Johnny was gone, the door opened again with same noise. But this time, the whole army was there. You stood up from the chair in defence as you saw them approaching you. The red haired man walked with long strides towards you and stopped before you with crossed arms.

“Read doyoung.” he ordered.

“y/n l/n, orphan. Parents died when she was 4. Grew up in an orphanage. No siblings. Lived in the orphanage till university. She started working in high school to make herself independent though her orphanage is fully funded.Got a full scholarship in SNU in law department and is now pursuing masters with same benefits. Her dorm number is XXX. Her roommate’s name is chelin. She is in psychology department.  Y/n has 4 friends including her roommate. Very antisocial. She has special inclination towards music and books. Never had a boyfriend or girlfriend. She wants to be an attorney under Choi’s but they didn’t had an opening last year so she took up master’s course. No current internships. And she gives tutoring to law students on weekends. Her other source of income is freelance writing. And she loves green” he sighed before putting his phone in pocket.

You gasped loudly at the end of his speech. You were stunned. Doyoung recited your whole life story like a mantra in span of few seconds. Each and every word was correct. They caught up to your past in such a short time and now your future was in their hands too. You felt your eyes moistening as you took in everything. They were a lot more powerful than you had thought. They were Neos after all. One of the best.

“Do you know why you aren’t killed yet?” taeyong said monotonously. You shook your head as no.

“because yuta is the one who needs to be reprimanded from being careless not you but here we are. we are mafia. we are supposed to be careful so common people doesn’t get involved in our mess. But as you can see we can’t let your little curiosity ruin our business. Hence, I’m bound to take action as the leader here. You have seen yuta on a crime scene. You have seen all of our faces making you the sole outsider to know what neos look like.  We can’t let you get out of here-

“What if I stay quiet? I won’t tell anyone about you people. Take my word for it! and I didn’t ask for your name anyway” you interrupted him to state yourself.

“That’s the problem here! We can’t trust you. I don’t have anything personal against you but it is what it is. We can’t just leave a mole out there! And besides it’s a mutual decision. We decided to find a middle ground. Both of you are going to solve this amicably or else I’ll have to take some strong measures”. He finished with a sigh. He was awfully calm for someone whose business was on the verge of expose.

“b-both of us?” you stammered. Your voice turned smaller and eyes glossier.

“You and yuta” he pointed towards a blonde man who was standing uninterestingly at the back. He was the same killer. A smirk and wave was sent your way. You turned your head to face taeyong again.

“What about me and him?” you were now tired of asking questions.

“There’s no easy way to say this, but if you both get married then I can make sure that-

“I’m not going to marry him or anyone for that matter.” you exclaimed loudly to make yourself clear to each and every person in the room. You were horrified to say the least.

“You will! He retorted with same aggression. “You will marry him. You don’t need me to tell you the other option, kid!” he said with a raised brow.

“Kill me for all you want” you mouth blurted out without any second thought. You wiped your tears with rough motion. No way in the world you were going to marry the man who was a brutal murderer and this was only one side of him that you had witnessed yet. Dying suddenly sounded like a better option.

“How about we convince you” taeyong proposed as he put his hands in the pocket.

“I won’t let you” you spitted.

“Give me a chance, then decide”

Earlier in taeyong’s office

“For fucks sake, stop shouting yuta!” Johnny cursed at yuta who was causing a havoc in the room. He was just informed about his penalty and he had lost his shit since then.

“You ain’t the one getting married, so shut up! Yuta growled at Johnny who only glared at him.

“This isn’t your first time yuta! And we can’t waste more of our time in cleaning up your mess. You need to improve your manners. You are getting reckless and this is not how underground works. You almost exposed us. Apart from doyoung, nobody is aware of the members and even he has to go every other month to clean after you. This has to stop and I’ll make sure you don’t forget the consequences ever in your life.” taeyong fumed at yuta while swinging your bio data papers on his face. Donghyuck had worked for whole night to collect your information.

“She’s not trustworthy”

“I’ve thought it through! Just agree already.”

“I’m not doing it”

“If you don’t then mark have to! You have an hour to think. You or Mark.the finality in taeyong’s voice was clear.

“Why can’t you just kill her?”

“You already know why!”

And yuta knew he had no choice. Taeyong was a man of his words. And mark won’t even try refuse him either. He picked the papers up and stormed out of the room.

“Wasn’t that too harsh. You are practically throwing him into hell. Are you sure about this. She’s a mere girl. We can just get rid of her with money as well!” jaehyun, who was standing beside taeyong, questioned the leader’s absurd decision.

“I know we can. But I want him to learn a lesson and besides she’s not just a girl. She’s going to be an asset.”

feedback is always appreciated. i know there are plenty of grammatical mistakes as english is not the local communication language so i tend to make mistakes!

WELCOME NEW READERS! I HOPE YOU ENJOY THIS !!