#the lingering heart issues are just Annoying at this point))

[61below]

[untolduttering]

Desires

Summary: Law does routine check ups on all the crew members, and decides to take advantage of the situation when it’s your turn.

Tags: nsfw, medical setting, inaccurate medical practice, I would say dubcon just to be safe, medical malpractice, vaginal fingering, piv, unprotected sex, female reader

Word Count: 3k

In order to keep a healthy and functioning ship, Law had each crew member do a monthly check up with him. Simple and short, it was merely to give anyone the chance to bring up possible ailments or small issues that may have gone under the radar. You hadn’t known about this routine when you first joined as Law wanted you to get comfortable with your new life on the Polar Tang. Now that months had passed and you were melding in smoothly, it was time for your first one. As you approached the infirmary, your nerves were getting the best of you, and now wished you had asked Ikkaku what you were in for.

Unsure what to do once at the door, you knocked, and heard Law call, “Come in,” right after.

“Captain,” you said as you gently closed the door.

“Y/n-ya. I’ll need you to strip down and put on the gown on the bed, if you’d please,” he gestured to it with his hand. “I’ll step outside while you do so.”

You froze, caught completely off guard. You didn’t know what to expect, so nothing should have really thrown you, but this was completely blindsiding.

“Strip down? Like take off… everything?” You asked.

“Yes,” he said as he got up. “Just the gown.”

You swallowed and nodded. “Okay.”

He nodded back as he passed you and left the room.

In the time you’d been on the Polar Tang, you had developed some sort of feelings for your captain. The idea of having to be nude in front of him left your skin buzzing, both in excitement and dread. But you wouldn’t be naked, you’d have a gown on. You picked up the said gown and rubbed the material between your forefinger and thumb. The material was thick like normal clothes, and so technically, you wouldn’t be naked in front of him at all.

On the other side of the door, Law was questioning his morals. No, this was not standard procedure. There wasn’t any point in making his crew change clothes, not when it was a ten minute check up. Ever since you joined, you had been this annoying itch in his skin. You sat deep beneath, somewhere he couldn’t reach, something he didn’t know what to do about. He imagined all the ways he could have you, either between your legs or in that special place in his chest. And so he gave himself this one thing, this one abuse of power, and that was it. He’d give some reason why the next time he didn’t make you change, that the first time is different, more thorough possibly. He just wanted to have the knowledge this one time that you stood before him with nothing beneath that gown. Just this once.

After changing into the gown, you folded your jumpsuit and underwear, setting them on the corner of the bed with both bra and panties buried deep inside the suit. You took off your boots and socks as well, and set those at the foot of the bed. Sitting propped on the edge with ankles crossed and hands pressed into your lap, you called out, “Okay. I’m ready.”

You couldn’t bring yourself to keep your gaze on his face, instead opting for his chest and the stethoscope around it. You missed his heavy lidded gaze, and wrote off the momentary jump his chest made when he inhaled sharply.

He was regretting this indulgence heavily now. Staring at your exposed legs, he was caught by the part of the gown that was hitched up, showing more thigh than he had anticipated. He felt ridiculous about how little he was getting riled up over. And still he needed more.

“Any concerns before we begin?” he asked.

You wracked your brain, but nothing ached, there wasn’t any lingering pain from past issues. Just the usual bumps and bruises that came with maintaining a pirate���s life. “No.”

“Alright. I’ll be starting with your heart and lungs. I’m just looking for any abnormalities, like an irregular heartbeat or a struggle with breathing. I’ll need you to lean forward so I can access your back.” He washed his hands as he spoke and put on a pair of gloves.

You did as he asked, staring hard at the floor as you waited. You watched his feet approach and stop to your right. The cold from the stethoscope made you jump, and almost like it was instinctual, Law lightly grabbed your knee, as if to steady you. Your heart began to pound wildly, and the heat began to grow in your cheeks. He’d know it was his touch that made you nervous, and then he’d ask you why, and you’d have to tell him that just his mere presence made you light-headed, and so of course your heart was going to explode from his hand. And then he was never going to come anywhere near you again. Your damned heart was going to ruin it all.

But he didn’t ask about your heartbeat. He only asked for a few deep breaths before he stepped back, taking the plugs out of his ears and resting the whole thing back on his neck. “Sounds good,” was all he said. He didn’t admit that your nerves pleased him, that it might mean you felt something towards him. But he tried to smother it. He was not something that anyone could possibly desire.

“Alright, now for your eyes. Similarly, I’m looking for any abnormalities, something like cloudiness or an irregularity in the iris or pupil.” He pulled a slim cylinder from his array of tools, and asked you to open your eyes wide and to stare at his right ear. He turned it on, and a bright light blinded you. You didn’t move, doing your best to do as he asked and be a star patient. You always felt the need to find some sort of approval from him, as he wasn’t the type to give it out liberally, and that made it even more worthwhile. He switched to the other eye, asking you to look to his left ear. He stepped back, murmuring, “Good, good.”

“Now I’ll be looking into your ears. I’m just looking for any irritation, anything foreign, blockage, or possible damage both to the ear canal or the eardrum.” He grabbed one of the many tools displayed across the counter. Softly, he grabbed your chin and tilted your head so that he could look. This sudden and continuous intimacy was overwhelming; he had never touched you before. It simply must be how it went with everyone else on the crew. With the way he usually spoke to you, it was clear he held no secret fondness just for you. This was just work. When he switched sides, his leg pressed against yours, and he kept it there. You didn’t know exactly what about this was bringing him so close, but you hoped it would never end.

“I have to check your throat now. If you could open your mouth and stick your tongue out, please.” Once again, you did as told. You expected him to reach out again for one of his tools, for him to just simply look in, but instead his forefinger and middle finger were pushed in and pressed down on your tongue. You let out a small and surprised yelp. You squeezed your thighs together, tight, against the shot of pleasure you felt, and grabbed onto Law’s coat.

Law knew damn well this was not the right way to do it. He had those wooden sticks, neatly tucked away in a glass jar. But he needed to feel the warmth of your mouth, the slick of your spit wetting his fingers. His left hand immediately gripped your thigh as soon as that sound left your mouth. Law wasn’t really seeing, he couldn’t focus on anything but how you felt beneath his hands. He slowly dragged his fingers down your tongue, savoring the sight before fully removing them. He didn’t move away though, nor remove his other hand. He was incapable of it. Belatedly, he registers the hands gripping his coat. His eyes meet yours.

You immediately let go and leaned back, misreading his look as one of questioning and annoyance. Heat burned your cheeks as you held your mouth open, waiting for his next instruction.

He cleared his throat and managed to pull himself away. “You can close your mouth. Everything looks fine.”

Law turned away, and stood back in front of the counter. He looked to be contemplating something, staring at the items splayed before him without touching them. He rested his hands on the counter, a finger on his right hand tapping and tapping away. Nerves started to claw at your stomach.

“I’d like to do a vaginal exam,” he said suddenly. Your stomach swooped and your head felt light immediately.

“You can say no, it’s not necessary, it’s merely on offer, a precaution.” Law was cursing himself. He was being unbelievably stupid, he knew it, and yet he couldn’t stop himself. He stayed facing the wall, rigid and unmoving. It was a gamble and one that he immediately regretted. If you said no, it would marr the way you looked at him for the rest of both of your lives. It was too far of a jump from a regular exam, you’d see right through it and know him for the pervert he was. He was being gross and was crossing too many lines, all for the slim chance you might accept. And if you did, then what? What the fuck was he doing right now?

A different war was going on in your own head. It was an intimate and vulnerable suggestion, one that would bring him closer than ever before. Could you let him do something like that? What even would he do? Would he simply look, or would he stick his fingers in like he had just now? The thought sent another pleasant shiver through you, and the heat at your core was building once again. Fears and nerves and need made you so unsettled, and the need for him to touch you became unbearable all of a sudden. It was a professional formality, nothing more, and you were taking more from it than he was, turning it into something it wasn’t, but you didn’t care. He didn’t have to know you were enjoying it, that it was something you were going to use to get off to later, and multiple times more after that. It made you feel dirty but you didn’t care.

“Yes,” you said. “I’m okay with that.”

Law finally looked at you, the surprise clear on his face. For a second, you feared that you missed something, some queue that meant you were supposed to say no. But then his face cleared, he nodded, and placed himself in front of you.

“I’ll need you to lift your legs up. I can position them for you, if you’d prefer.” Law was barely keeping himself together. He couldn’t believe you agreed, and didn’t want to make the wrong move and ask for him to stop. His entire self was currently a sea of desire and self hatred.

“Yeah,” you said. “I’d prefer that.” Your voice was soft, anxious over spoiling the moment as well as what came next.

Law nodded, and pushed your gown all the way up your thighs. He was desperately trying to keep his hands still, to keep his composure and professionalism. But the more skin he exposed, the farther he took it, the more he started to lose it. He then gently grabbed both of your knees, and proceeded to lift them and push them to your chest.

All the air rushed out of Law’s lungs as you were now fully exposed to him. You could hear it as it happened, and as you watched his face for further reaction, you saw his tongue dart out to quickly wet his lips. It was not exactly what you had expected, but it was an ideal one nonetheless.

As he let go of your legs, pressed your toes into the mattress to keep yourself in the position he placed you in. Law’s movements seemed slower, and his eyes never left your pussy.

“I’m…” he trailed off, his emotions finally breaking through the barrier he’d placed. “I’m going to put my fingers in now, okay?”

You nodded, noticing that he did not give the medical reasoning behind it. It didn’t matter to you, as long as he touched you.

He slipped one finger in, emitting a small sigh from you. It went in easily, the wetness having already coated your hole. He curled the digit, just barely moving it in and out, feeling around your walls. Law placed his other hand just beneath your thigh, leaning in closer, terribly focused. He felt your walls tighten at his touch and proximity, and began to feel smug.

“Feels nice in here,” he said. It came out breathy, and a grin tugged at the corner of his mouth.

Feeling bold, he added another finger, and reached deeper. You rocked your hips forward and let out a whine.

At this, Law finally meets your gaze. He looked to your mouth and leaned in close. His eyes flit back to yours, to your mouth, and then your eyes again, asking. His eyebrows furrowed. Pleading. You barely nod before his lips are smashed against yours. Law is a starved man, and he devours you greedily. He pulls his fingers out and rips off his gloves, desperate for that skin to skin contact. You buried your hands into his hair and moaned into his mouth. It was messy and heated, kissing until it became a sloppy make out. You parted your lips to let his tongue in, and Law did not hesitate to explore your mouth. His hands had moved to grip your thighs, keeping them in position and kneading them as he did so. They moved lower and lower, teasing. He inserted his fingers into you again, and started properly pumping them in and out. You pulled away to breathe and moan, and Law took the opportunity to latch onto your neck.

It was divine to finally have those skilled doctors fingers inside you, working you open. He scissored them as he went, his palm hitting your clit again and again, and it was better than all those daydreams. His mouth was hot where he sucked on your skin, and each playful scrape of his teeth made you groan.

Law kept a fast pace, his fingers hitting that spongy sweet spot again and again, but it wasn’t enough, you wanted more.

“Law,” you breathed. “I want you.”

He lifted his head and pressed his mouth to your once again, muttering, “You want me? Say what you want.”

You whined again before saying, “I want your dick. I need you to fuck me.”

He hummed and said, “You do?”

He could be so frustrating, such a tease. Huffing, you said, “Law, please.”

He finally obliged, taking his fingers out and licking them clean before working his belt undone and unzipping his pants. He pushed them and his underwear down just enough to pull his cock out. Law dragged his tip through your folds, coating himself in your fluids and relishing the way his actions made you squirm. Right before you were about to complain, he pushed himself inside, taking it slow to let you adjust. It wasn’t all that thick, so the burn of being stretched was pleasurable, but it was long, and he was deep by the time he bottomed out.

“You feel good, pretty girl?” Law asked.

“Yeah.” You took a deep breath. “Yeah, I feel good.”

Law pulled himself out, till just the tip was still barely inside, before slamming himself all the way back in. You cried out, your back arching, and Law kept fucking into you, setting a brutal pace. Every accidental brush of your hand against him, every longing look he gave you when you weren’t paying attention, and every ache that Law felt when he was near you was put into each thrust. He wrapped his arms around you and squeezed you close, until your chests where flush against each other. To have you so close to him was making him wild, and to have you mewling and crying out into his ear made him go positively insane. That added with the way your walls squeezed around him made him want to never let you out of his sight ever again.

Your own thoughts were completely filled with Law. It was impossible to think of anything else. The way he held you so close and slammed into so wantonly, your skin making lewd slapping sounds and the wet squelching of your cunt being fucked, that it was him filling you up so nicely, it all was so overwhelmingly good that it made tears prick at the corners of your eyes. Incoherent sounds spilled from your mouth, and as the heat started to build in your lower stomach, you whined out Law’s name again and again.

He reached down between you and started rubbing your clit with his thumb. You moaned out at the new sensation and gripped Law’s shoulders harder, nails starting to dig in.

“There you go, baby. There you go,” Law murmured, sounding strained. “Just let go for me.”

Your brain had gone blank at this point, focused on nothing but the man before you and the heat building in your core. Your words were slurred as you chanted out a “please, please, please.” The feeling built until it suddenly snapped and you came with a cry.

“There it is, just like that, so good for me.” Law’s words came out all strung together, talking you through your orgasm just as much as he was talking to himself as his own came closer. He kept rubbing your clit as he fucked you through your high, pushing you close to overstimulation. At a final pulse from your pussy, Law came inside you. He removed his hand and pulled you close again, his hips stuttering as he finished.

Law rested his forehead against yours, both of you panting and trying to collect yourselves. Once you caught your breath, you broke the silence.

“Did I pass?” you asked.

Law groaned and rolled his eyes as you giggled. He pressed a kiss to your mouth before saying, “Yeah, you did.”

[bedoballoons]

Genshin Men headcanon? With a cute Obedient Wive/Girlfriend.

I don't want to put it in too details so I'll just keep it short and simple, basically it's a family thing where the wife have to be obedient with their spouse, but they can break following the spouse order if the spouse request is unreasonable, dangerous and etc. :)

Also can you add Cyno? Thanks

Awe housewife vibes! Also thank you for making it simple for me! Sometimes I find it difficult to understand longer requests so I really appreciate it, I hope you enjoy <3

─⊰⁠⊹ฺ✿𝔾𝕖𝕟𝕤𝕙𝕚𝕟 ℍ𝕖𝕒𝕕𝕔𝕒𝕟𝕠𝕟𝕤⊰⁠⊹ฺ✿─

{༻~Obedient wife~༺}

CW: Just fluff!, established relationships and reader uses she/her pronouns! (Pet names: Lyney: Mon chérie and my love, Kazuha: Dearest, Neuvillette: Mon amour, Cyno: Beautiful)

(Includes: Lyney, Kazuha, Wanderer, Neuvillette, and Cyno!)

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

𑁍༄Lyney:

Lyney walked up behind you, wrapping his arms around your waist and hiding his face in the crook of your neck, his eyes lingering on the table set with your delicious cooking, "Thank you my love for preparing this for everyone...it all looks perfect." He placed a gentle kiss against your skin, making your face blush that perfect shade of pink he adored so much...he always knew how to get you flustered, "Anything for you dearest, speaking of which, do you need your clothes ironed? How about your hat, have you organised the tricks in it recently?" You awaited his response eagerly, wanting to do the best for your wonderful husband.

He chuckled softly, placing another sweet kiss on your cheek, "Mon chérie, you've done everything I could ask for, right now the only thing left is to spend time with me while we wait for my siblings...if you'd like to of course." You turned to face him, kissing his lips as if the answer were so obvious...cause it was, "There's nothing else Id rather do."

𑁍༄Kazuha:

"Dearest, could you bring me my sword? Make sure to be careful, even a sheath cannot always contain the blade...I don't want you getting hurt." Kazuha glanced at you from his workstation, flashing that soft sweet smile that always made you swoon and gesturing to his sword not far from you. Even though you didn't know much about weapons, you liked helping him, following his instructions and being the most perfect wife you could be.

You carefully retrieved his sword, watching him with admiration as he sharpened the edges and repaired the handle, by the time he was finished it looked like new again and you were in awe. "You look amazed..., I promise this isn't as impressive as how I handle the blade. " He gently moved your hair away from your face and kissed your forehead, hoping to impress you even more later on.

𑁍༄Wanderer:

You loved Wanderer with all your heart, you enjoyed pleasing him with home cooked meals, a clean house, but most of all you enjoyed his little requests he'd make. Most of them when the two of you were alone, he'd ask you to sit in his lap and talk with him about his day, or he'd ask for many kisses because he was truthfully addicted to them at this point.

Only issue was, every now and again when the two of you were in public and he was feeling particularly jealous he'd request...more forward things, not that consent was a issue, the two of you were married after all, but with so many people around...you had a hard time giving him what he wanted.

"Come on...just one extra deep kiss, I want to make sure everyone knows you're my wife, especially that annoying server who kept eyeing you." Your face was more than a little blushed, the server and most of the customers watching the two of you like you were modern day entertainment...but there wasn't anything wrong with what wanderer wanted...so you couldn't just say no...

"Very well...one more kiss..."

𑁍༄Neuvillette:

You set a stack of documents on Neuvillettes desk, straightening out any other loose papers for him and taking his crystal clear cup so you refill it with some more water, "Neuvillette, can I get you anything else?" He looked up from his work, his eyes instantly filling with warmth when they met yours...sometimes he got so wrapped up in his cases he forgot how gorgeous and sweet you were, "Mon amour...I apologize for not saying thank you earlier...I was to focused on my work. You've done more than enough for me, I appreciate it immensely...in fact I'm not sure what I would do without you."

You blushed at his kind words and leaned in to give him a kiss, his hand intertwining with yours while the other touched your cheek, "I love you Neuvillette."

"I love you too."

𑁍༄Cyno:

Cyno held your hand softly, walking with you around the many shops in Sumeru city, keeping a eye out for any wrong doers while you picked out fresh food for dinner. This time you held up a water melon for him, wondering if he'd like it for dessert... "Hmm what about this for desert honey?" He looked at the fruit for a moment, smiling in a way you knew meant he had a joke he wanted to tell you, "I'd have to arrest you for a melony if you don't make that for desert...get it? Melony, felony?"

You giggled happily and reached over to grab some more vegetables, holding up a carrot with a mischievous smile, "I get it...but I'm afraid I do not carrot all for your joke." You winked at him and he had to stand there for a minute to recuperate, he was actually dazed from falling for you so hard...all over again, "I...I love you so much. Never leave me..."

"Your wish is my command my love."

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

ଘ(੭*ˊᵕˋ)੭* ੈ♡‧₊˚Have a nice day*⁠.⁠✧

[stitcherofchaos]

Kidnap Fam vs Earendil and Elwing controversy: Regarding the twins

Maybe I’m too practical-minded, but I see a lot of people either supporting or exaggerating kidnap fam, hating it with all their being, or ignoring the whole ‘love grew between them’ to translate into ‘emotional manipulation, hatred, resentment… etc (being anti-canon)’. I’ll respect opinions, frankly, I really could care less about them, but it does get irritating when people throw canon away for the drama (I certainly get annoyed when extreme pro-kidnap fams fans make it all sunshine and rainbows as if it wasn’t a difficult time or situation).

By the way, I can and will say that the twins can feel emotions, they are allowed to do that. Resentment and love can exist at the same time (for only a period of time) but one or the other must fade in order for the other the linger. One has to be consumed in order for the other to burn.

But just a thought, Elrond and Elros could love all of their parents equally, no more, no less than the others. One became a healer and the other, a king, I think they came to understand their foster father(s) and their bio-parents’ decisions.

(Ay maybe I just suck at emotions and all this feelings stuff and have no idea what I’m tolkien about)

And I’m not trying to call out or bash anyone!

I saw (and wanted to share) the quote,

“if your anger burns the furnace in your soul your whole life, you will be forever cold in the grave.”(I’m paraphrasing, I can’t remember the exact quote)

I cannot imagine Elrond or Elros being resentful to the point were they are vicious or unforgiving, whether it was towards Elwing, Eärendil, Maglor, or Maedhros (I really don’t think he was involved too much but if you swing that way).

I don’t want Elros to be cold in his grave, and I certainly don’t want Elrond's fëa to be burning for the rest of his immortal life.

Then I also had the thought, 'if the Fëanorians had never committed the third, worst, kinslaying, then Elwing would have never flown the Silmaril to her husband and they would have never gotten the help of the Valar.'

I personally headcanon that it was Eru’s work at hand to have Maglor raise Elrond and Elros. Think about it, what if they were spoiled in an alternate universe? What if something worse had happened to the twins? What if? What if?

What if they didn't become who they were meant to be if it wasn't for who they were raised by?

By the way, I read LOTR, I know Elrond refers to Eärendil publicly as his father and he makes no mention of Maglor. I analyzed this in three ways. 1.) Elrond must keep (the memory of) Maglor closed off, locked in his heart rather than talking about him more. 2.) It would've caused drama in his realm and in the counsel. 3.) Elrond really doesn't care, his father is his father, that's it. Zip. Maglor raised him, but Maglor is gone now. In a way, Eärendil is more present than Maglor in Elrond's life by the third age. Elrond can physically see the star, but he can't see Maglor.

I see it in the third way mostly. Eärendil is Elrond father, biologically, so why would he do this "My 'real' father" BS? It just seems like a waste of time. Tolkien probably didn't want to confuse anyone since the Silmarillion couldn't be published with LOTR.

Remind me of that quote from Yondu, "He may have been your father, boy, but he wasn't your daddy." But I really didn't want to refer to that quote considering Peter and Yondu's relationship is not the best example to compare this cluster of daddy issues to. Nevertheless, there is a point to be made in that statement. There is a difference between relation in regard to Nature vs Nurture, and the effects of it.

I guess the whole point of this post is, the fandom tends to take canon lore to the extreme or over analyze things to the point where they're just projecting. Trust me, I've been there, done that. I've learned my lesson (I think) and I wanted to share what I've learned.

Also (this is purely opinion) I don’t think Maglor was manipulative about anything, in the book, he just didn’t come off that way, for as little as he appeared, he actually seemed to be pretty optimistic (*regarding Eärendil) and honest (*the debate with Maedhros). He didn’t try to excuse himself or get the twins to pity him. Maglor raising the twins was out of pity/mercy, yes, but love grew (like what Tolkien said). He probably educated them on the facts and encouraged them to form their own opinions, whether that costed him their love or not. Maglor did have the more accurate moral compass compared to his brothers (in the end of the book!- Put down your pitchforks Maedhros stans!), especially if he knew that the Silmaril was better beyond their reach than where the enemy can also reach it. It was an accurate moral compass, although not a big one.

Argue, agree or disagree, or discuss with me! I want to hear different perspectives or opinions on this matter.

[jester-lover]

do you have to let it linger?

Dorm leaders and their greatest insecurities in a relationship (part 2 with some fluff)

cw- angst, de@ th, image issues, slight hurt/comfort, just a lot of sadness gn! Reader

Riddle

With his temper, and his need for justice, Riddle is feared amongst his fellow students

His insecurities in your relationship largely revolve around his inability to understand calmness and his lawful nature

Riddle fears that one day, one horrible day, you will find someone more easygoing, who won’t live with such stern rules

He fears that you will deem him a tyrant, someone who holds you back from your future potential, someone who holds you back from having fun in your youth

Riddle is scared of you fearing him.

Riddle is scared of you hating him.

Leona

Growing up, Leona was always a afterthought

His most important moments have been diminished for his brother’s, he just wants someone who puts him on top

But deep down, Leona knows his achievements are mediocre compared to the brilliant, energetic minds around him

Leona knows he will never be at the top of anything, including your priorities

He clings to you when you’re alone together, wondering if you would prefer a more lively person

Leona knows you don’t deserve to be married to a second-best prince, you are the light in his eyes and the breath in his throat

Leona knows he needs you, he doubts that you need him.

Azul

Azul keeps his eyes on every mirror he can find, looking for any irregularities or marks

If he finds one, he feels dread fill his stomach, as he desperately tries to hide away any imperfections from you

Azul is a deeply complex young man, he cares a lot about his appearance, and controlling those around him

He has fears of abandonment that run deep, so he tries to keep himself ‘perfect’ in your eyes

But when those cracks slip open, the scared little boy who hides inside of him is open for you to see

Kalim

Kalim throws wealth around like it’s nothing almost every single day

He has such little respect for savings or otherwise, and he often gets comments about being ‘out of touch’

He often fears that one day you’ll get bored of him and drop him

He tries his best to relate to you, but at some point he’ll have to realize how privileged he is compared to the common person

Vil

Vil can be critical of practically everything, including you on the occasion

He fears being second best, and he fears you seeing him as such

He has this inferiority complex around other beautiful people, and he is desperately afraid that one day, you will simply find someone more beautiful

Vil keeps himself set to a high standard of beauty, knowing that it’s one of his only advantages in your relationship

Idia

Idia truly can’t understand why you would want to be with him, a greasy nobody who sits in his room all day

No matter what positive traits you show him about himself, his underlying feelings of unworthiness will always be there

Idia disassociates for long periods, just thinking about what he’ll do once you finally understand your worth and leave him behind

Malleus

Malleus is so excited to have a partner, but there is always a sense of urgency to your relationship

Malleus will live forever, and you will live for a fraction of that time

He tries not to dwell on it, but in the late hours of the night, when he’s walking beside you as you ramble on, he can’t help but think about how fragile you are

His heart sinks.

All malleus can imagine for a brief moment is the passage of time, how quickly you will grow grey hair and wrinkles on your face, and how quickly you will slip away from him

Sebek

Sebek has struggled with his sense of self for a while, he’s caught in the middle of two very different identities

His loud boisterous nature has caused people to stay away from him, except for you

He fears that one day, you will also see him as annoying or rude, when he’s stuck trying to dissect his human identity alongside his fae one

Sebek is most afraid that you will see him as a weak minded young man, unable to decide what his role is, even if that’s the least of your concerns

I added my favorite boy as a bonus, also I’m sorry for the Kalim part, he’s literally so chill idk what he’s be insecure about. I’ll most definitely be working on a sequel to this.

[theoutsiderslove]

Helping and Loving

Darry Curtis x Fem! Reader Tags: Angsty-ish. References of violence. Financial issues. Darry is stressed. Word Count: 2.3k “If you really don’t mind…that’d be great,"

“Darry, why don’t you come to bed?” You called with a calming, sweet voice.

Darry was listening, but he didn’t pay any attention to your suggestion. His back was turned to you from where he stood at the tattered dresser in his bedroom.

He had a basket of dry clothes that he was working on folding and putting away, but his stewing was more obvious than anything.

“He just doesn’t ever think,” Darry grumbled, his head shaking in irritation. “He’s always got his head stuck somewhere else.”

He was talking about Ponyboy, of course. The only person in the world that Darry could get so sore and annoyed with was his youngest brother.

It had been a stressful day for Darry. Work was exhausting and he received a notice for being behind on the electricity bill again this month. Darry had mentioned to you that money was tighter than usual right now.

Soda was picking up extra hours at the DX to make up for it, considering that he had more time to spend now that he had dropped out of school. Darry was taking on more roofing jobs and spending extra time bookkeeping for the company.

He already had a lot on his plate, and today had only made it heavier.

Tensions between Greasers and Socs had been higher lately. Socs were getting too comfortable stepping outside of their side of town, harassing and assaulting any Greaser they could get their hands on.

All Ponyboy did was walk home from the movies. For weeks, all he talked about was the new Paul Newman film coming out.

He wanted to be one of the first ones to see it, since he anticipated it for weeks.

Getting jumped by a group of Socs definitely put a damper on his afternoon, his screams and cries as proof to it. The gang was quick to his rescue and Ponyboy was relatively unharmed...but it had scared Darry something awful.

You hadn't been there when it happened, but when you showed up to the Curtis' home around dinnertime, you knew that something wasn't right.

Darry was quiet all through dinner. Sodapop did his best to crack jokes and start up conversation, but the energy between his older and younger brother was too much to break through.

You really knew something was wrong when Ponyboy couldn't have cared less about answering your questions about the Paul Newman film that was fresh on his mind. You made a mental note to ask him about it later when things cooled off, because you really wanted to know all about it.

Ponyboy finished up his homework in his bedroom after dinner, Sodapop retreating to the shower to rinse himself of whatever traces of diesel and gasoline might've been lingering on him.

That left you and Darry with the dishes, where he told you all about the day's events...not leaving out a single detail.

After homework was finished and everybody was cleaned up, bedtime called and the house was put to rest for the night.

Darry, however, was still fired up.

You had been in bed for at least an hour now, but Darry was pacing the room and was basically beating up his poor laundry.

Darry wasn't really angry. His way of expressing concern could come off as aggressive. You knew this from experience and from understanding him, which was the only reason you were keeping your cool with him for being so harsh.

“He knows better than to walk anywhere alone. Especially after what happened to Johnny,” Darry sighed a harsh exhale of air. “He could’ve at least been carryin’ a blade.”

There was a sudden urge to defend Ponyboy within your heart. In these moments where Darry was at odds with one of his brothers, you tended to not to take sides. Most of the time, you could see clearly from both points of view.

But Darry scolding Ponyboy for not having a knife on him was unfair, because you knew what Darry would’ve said if he had.

“You would’ve gotten on to him if he had been carrying one,” You pointed out, and Darry sighed again. “And he shouldn’t have to watch over his shoulder just walking home from the movies.”

Darry didn’t say anything. He continued to fold his clothes and all but slam them into the drawer.

“Darry,” You said sternly. “He’s alright. That’s what matters.”

Darry’s hands stopped fidgeting with the gray t-shirt that he was close to creating a permanent crease in. His head lowered with defeat and the knowledge that you were right.

There was no sense in fretting over it now. He hoped that Ponyboy would be more careful after this. He could at least feel somewhat better that Pony was planning on spending his Saturday with Dallas and Johnny.

Actually, that didn't make him feel all that comfortable.

“Yeah. I know.” He set the t-shirt inside and closed the drawer.

Darry was trying his best, and he often felt like his best wasn't good enough. He didn't know how to raise and take care of a 17 and 14 year old. He already had so much to worry about.

He supposed he could add "being worried about his little brother getting beat to a pulp" to the list.

You couldn't see his face, but you didn't need to see his expression to know what he was thinking. He wore his stress and he showed the weight on his shoulders physically. You could see the anxiety and the strain from a mile away.

"Hey," You said to get his attention. His head raised and he turned at the sound of your voice that called to his heart in the most beautiful way. "Come here."

Oh, he looked so tired.

His eyes were glazed over and the dark circles under his eyes had gotten so much worse lately. He couldn't take much more of this. Darry was strong and capable, but even the strongest and most capable had a limit.

His limit was being pushed like never before.

You always let him know when you were concerned. Over and over again you had reminded him that you were there for him in any way. Oftentimes, he felt insanely upset for making you troubled.

Ironically, he felt stressed that you were stressed about him being stressed.

You tried not to show your concern too much, simply just to keep him from feeling so bad.

But when he looked into your pleading eyes that were looking at him so intently, he knew you were worried. The desire to comfort him was written all over your face. The least he could do was give in to your needs.

After all, he could lay the events of the day to rest and start over tomorrow.

His steps were heavy and slow as he approached his side of the bed. A soft bed and his favorite girl appealed to him far more than manhandling his laundry. His strong, superman frame slid into bed, a quiet groan escaping his chest at the feeling of the mattress offering his muscles and bones so much relief.

You turned off the lamp on the table next to you, sending the room into darkness. The only light came from the moon in the sky outside and the street lamps on the road. Together, they offered just enough light so that you could make out his face and features.

His eyes fluttered closed, but he wasn't asleep. No matter how tired he was or how downhearted he felt, he never went to sleep without chatting with you for at least a few minutes.

"Didn't even ask about your day," Darry's brows raised in regret. "I'm sorry."

His legs intertwined with yours, his arm snaking around your waist. His hand rested on your lower back and rubbed in soothing, gentle circles.

"It's okay. I worked the breakfast and lunch shift. Nothing special." You shrugged, taking one of his large hands into yours and fiddling with his fingers playfully.

Darry's eyebrows went from apologetic to confused. It was funny talking to Darry when he was half asleep because his expressions still changed accordingly.

"You did that one day last week. Are you workin' double shifts now?" He asked.

"Just once a week. I'm hoping the extra cash will help me out."

Darry almost laughed. He understood that better than anybody.

A few moments of silence passed. Darry was enjoying having you here and so close to him. His sleep would still be restless, but it made him feel better to know that the three most important people in his life were all together, safe, and accounted for.

He felt somewhat at ease, and if he could go to bed in a halfway relaxed state, then that was a good end to the day.

But he wasn't surprised when you brought up the previous conversation.

"Pony loves you a lot, you know. He wants to make you proud," You placed a stray set of hairs back with the rest. "He looks up to you."

"You sound like Sodapop," He grumbled, his closed eyes twitching once. "Always stickin' up for the kid brother."

"That's not true," You responded with a soft voice. "I just understand what both of you are feeling. Seeing the two of you so at odds is hard."

Darry only sighed. This wasn't the first time that you had brought this up to him. He knew that you were only trying to help, and he appreciated it endlessly.

He was thankful that you were so understanding with the obstacles that came between the two of you. Those obstacles often had nothing to do with your relationship, but Darry had to juggle so much that it was inevitable that some of it would creep its way in.

Darry couldn't understand how you were so patient. How you could put up with him -- a guy who rarely had enough time for you and was always giving the majority of his attention to his brothers -- was a mystery to him.

Whatever the answer was, he was forever thankful for it.

“I’m working the dinner shift for the next several days,” You said. “How about I take Pony to school on Monday? That way he can sleep in — and I’ll make sure he gets fed and to school on time.”

His eyelids shot open. The frustration and hardness from before in Darry’s eyes faded into something softer. It was a cross between love and adoration…with a sprinkle of guilt.

“You don’t have to do that.” Darry sighed, his heart sinking but also swelling at the thought of you helping take care of his brothers.

The last thing Darry wanted was for you to feel obligated to help out with Sodapop and Ponyboy just because it was such a priority for him. Darry never wanted to make his duties become yours.

Even the little things like washing the dishes after dinner or helping Ponyboy with his homework made Darry feel like he was bestowing responsibilities upon you that you didn’t ask for.

You always offered to do these things or just did them because you wanted to. Darry’s biggest fear was that you would feel like the only way to earn his affection was through picking up the slack that he fell behind on.

“I really don’t mind,” You smiled. “Besides, if I’m going to stay here all the time, the least I can do is help out.”

Darry knew that all of these little chores that you helped out with did take pressure off of him. The smallest of tasks really made a big difference at the end of the day.

“It’d be a huge help, but…I don’t know…” He held the back of his neck, hesitant to give in to your offer.

“Darry, I wouldn’t offer if I didn’t want to,” You rested a warm hand on his cheek. “I’ll take him to the diner for breakfast. He loves the pancakes.”

Pancakes. Darry could’ve teared up. Not only were you going out of your way to get him to school on time, you were going even further out of your way to feed him a breakfast that he loved…and also one that he didn’t get to have very often.

In many ways, lending a hand around the house and taking care of the boys was because you loved Darry.

Loving Sodapop and Ponyboy as your own? That was loving Darry. Washing dishes after dinner and hanging wet clothes on the clothesline — that was loving Darry too. Driving Ponyboy to school and letting him pig out on chocolate chip pancakes…was most definitely loving Darry.

“If you really don’t mind…that’d be great," He nodded, eyes closing again. "I know Pony would really dig that."

"Good," You brought the palm of his hand to your lips. "And I don't want you feeling guilty over it."

He couldn't help but chuckle, a genuine smile spreading on his face.

"Alright. I'll try." He agreed.

He chuckled again when you pressed a kiss to the tip of his nose, his grip tightening around you slightly and bringing you closer to him. He caught your lips in a kiss this time, humming with content at the feeling of your smile underneath.

He couldn't help but think about how lucky he was. A woman as wonderful as you, working double shifts and taking on extra responsibilities and yet you still made time for him.

He had a lot of time to make up to you. He owed you a date night if nothing else, and even then, that wasn't really repaying you at all.

But for now, the best he could do was be here and be in the moment. If kissing you and keeping you close was making you happy, then that was the least he could do.

He didn't stray far from you for the rest of the night. The two of you slept closely, sharing kisses and soft hums throughout the night whenever you stirred one another awake.

This was something that Darry wished for. And perhaps one day, he could have this all the time. Not today, but maybe someday.

And he couldn't wait for that day to come.

[loveisanimaginarydagger3000]

The Babysitter (13)

Let's Go Home

MILF Wanda Maximoff X Reader

Summary: In need of money and a way to escape the problems at home, you get a job babysitting two lovely boys named Billy and Tommy Maximoff. What happens when you start to feel things you shouldn't for their mother? Will it bloom into love or leave you heartbroken?

A/N- I would just like to say that there will be some sensitive issues in this story such as alcoholism, homophobia, anxiety as well as more mature content such as smut so, if you continue to read this, please consider this warning.

The Babysitter Master list | General Master List

Chapter 13- W/c 3.4k

Tag list- @Natssluttt @cerberus-spectre @dorabledewdroop @bibliophilicbi @hopelesslyfallenninlove (Comment if you want to be added)

Let's Go Home

Sleep was cruelly torn away from you at the sound of a phone alarm blaring, the incessant noise not abating with its ridiculously joyful tune. Who could be that happy this early in the morning?

You groaned, burying your face into the soft, pillow-like object in front you, desperate to ignore the chiming phone and let sleep take over once more. A chuckle was all that you received in response, the body in front of you shaking at your moody state before moving their arm to slide the alarm off, granting your wish of stopping it.

"Good morning, Detka," came the soft whisper from Wanda, breaking the silence that replaced the annoying alarm. A reluctant and displeased groan was all she got in return, a smile playing on her lips as she gathered you were clearly not a morning person.

Snaking your arms around her, you continue to snuggle into what you discovered was her chest, letting out a pleased sigh at the warmth and comfort you found there. A mutter of, "Good morning," was muffled against her shirt, her arms wrapping around your shoulders to try and keep you close while enjoying the moment a little more.

"Come on Detka, we have to get up," she murmured lovingly into your hair, pressing a faint kiss there in encouragement. Another begrudging groan left your lips, tightening your arms around her waist while the tangle of legs became more present as you slotted a leg between hers to keep her there.

"Five more minutes," hot breath tickled her neck as you tilted your head up, eyes still tightly shut due to her comforting embrace lulling you back to sleep.

"We just had five more minutes, sweetheart," she sighed out with a smile, unable to stop her heart melting at the small pout that formed on your face. "If you get up now, I'll give you an extra kiss before you go to college," eyes immediately fluttered open at her words, a drowsy smile tugging at the corner of your lips. "How does that sound, hm?" soft was the only way to describe her tone, her lips pressing a delicate kiss to your forehead, the warmth of her lips lingering.

"Make it an extra two," you mumble, an adorable giggle escaping her at your demand, your heart leaping in your chest as you wish to hear that noise again.

"Ok Detka, Ok," her lips press against your forehead once more before she starts to untangle herself from you, poking your sides to get you to move. "Come on or you'll get no kisses at all," you shoot her a pointed look, her daring you to try and challenge her. When she tilts her head at you, all disobedient thoughts fly out of your mind, immediately doing as she asks with a shy smile.

Around an hour later, you're both dressed and ready for the day, Wanda about to take the twins to school while you go to your dreaded college classes. You were to wait behind though, only until the twins were gone before you could leave as you both did not want them to know you stayed over last night.

"What time are your classes finished, Detka?" Wanda asks, checking she's gotten everything while you sit on the edge of her bed, messaging Natasha saying you'd be on your way to college soon.

"About 1:30?" your tone not too confident as you think off the top of your head, the older woman nodding before walking in between your legs, a charming, toothy grin on her face.

"Well, if you're free, you're welcome to come back here and keep me company," there's a playful and hopeful hint to her voice, her bottom lip trapped by her teeth as she awaits a response.

"Hmm, I'll have to think about it," you tease, both of you knowing that you planned to return here and help (distract) her while she works.

"Oh, do you?" biting your own lip to prevent the smile that wants to stretch across your face, you nod to her frivolous tone. "Would this help convince you?" her mouth lowers to yours, claiming your lips in such a soft and affectionate manner you can't comprehend the amount of care she's pouring into the kiss until it turns passionate. Hungrier.

Her hand cups your jaw, tongue swiping over your bottom lip before her teeth claim it, biting down gently and pulling it back, eventually releasing it so her lips can reclaim yours. She pulls back sooner than you would have wanted, your eyes that have gotten considerably darker, fluttering open to gaze into the pools of green that overflow with tenderness, flickering down to her smirk.

"Convinced?" she breathes out sultrily against your lips, the back of her fingers moving to brush over your cheeks as you're stuck in a daze, the last few seconds on repeat in your mind.

"Yeah," your voice barely above a whisper as you dumbfoundedly nod your head, offering a smile while her hands cradle your face.

"Oh, and feel free to sneak into my office," she adds, heat rushing to your cheeks at her suggestive tone.

Her lips peck yours once more, keeping her promise of two extra kisses, before she leaves the room, pausing at the door frame and waving you goodbye, calling for the boys to get in the car ready for school.

***

"And where were you last night?" is the first thing Natasha asks you, her eyebrow raising in her signature fashion as she leans against the wall, her arms crossed over her chest. A smug and teasing smirk is engraved onto her face, already knowing the answer but she wants you to tell her.

"Nowhere," feigning innocence in your voice, you simply mirror her raised eyebrow and move to stand next to her, bumping her shoulder. "Where were you last night?"

"In my bed," you don't miss the way she emphasises the fact it was her bed, smiling to yourself as you remember falling asleep with Wanda in her bed.

"Alone?" you ask in riposte, her staying suspiciously quiet making your jaw drop.

"Shut up," she grumbles playfully, pushing her body off the wall and starting to walk to her class, you on her tail with a shit eating grin plastered on your face, an array of teasing comments filtering through your mind.

The rest of the day passed by in a breeze, you and Natasha taking turns teasing one another. You almost spat out your water in the cafeteria when she asked if you called Wanda mommy too, the entire scenario causing the redhead to burst out laughing, almost cackling when she saw the blush on your face.

Before you knew it, you were back on the doorstep of the Maximoff residence, knocking on the door and waiting to be let in. The door quickly opened, Wanda on the phone while offering an apologetic smile, letting you in before pressing a chaste kiss to your lips and motioning she was going to go back to her office. You nod in understanding, moving through to the kitchen to find yourself a quick drink.

Whilst waiting for the kettle to boil, you noticed a few dishes left in the sink and quickly washed them, wanting to help Wanda out, even if it was only a small action, before grabbing your freshly made tea and backpack, climbing up the stairs to reach her office.

Knocking quietly on the door, you poked your head through the small gap, seeing Wanda scribbling something down on a notepad and deciding to scare her. Concentration was key as you ever so gently placed down your mug on the side, opting to keep your backpack on as that would be too loud to take off while you cautiously stalked towards her. You waited until she had finished writing, the small sigh turning into a scream as you wrapped your arms around her suddenly, semi-shouting 'boo' to scare her.

"Shit," she relaxed immediately when she realised it was you, tilting her head back and glaring up at you, the action only fuelling your laughter. "That was mean," she mutters, burying your face at her neck to muffle your laughter.

"I'm sorry," you chuckle out, not really feeling that sorry as it was so funny. She continues to mutter something in Sokovian, you just laughing as you can assume she was swearing at you based on her tone.

"You can sit over there now," she points over to the chair at the other side of the room, as if you were a naughty child in need of punishment. Your eyes widen in shock and offence, her trying not to smile at your reaction. "No cuddles till I'm finished, sweetheart," her tone teasing as she has already finished, only wanting to play around you.

"What?" you say as you sit in the chair, Wanda taking note of how obedient you were, always aiming to please. "You're being mean today," you mutter, remembering how she also threatened no kisses this morning if you didn't get up. Taking pity on you, she laughed and beckoned you back over to her, a smile returning to your face.

"Well you're lucky I'm finished Detka," she whispers before pulling you into her arms, giving you a hug you so desperately craved. Melting into her embrace, you savoured her comfort for a few minutes before deciding to do some of your school work, Wanda starting a new work task while you studied.

It turns out, trying to do anything while Wanda was close by was near impossible, your eyes subconsciously always flickering up to gaze at her, sometimes even staring at her in admiration. Even though she knew you were watching her, Wanda made no effort to comment about it, secretly finding it adorable how you seem to get lost in thought while looking at her.

Eventually, you gave up trying to do Mr Stark's work, propping your head in your hands and blatantly staring at her, smiling when you realise she knows you're watching her work.

"Enjoying the show, sweetheart?" she murmurs while typing an email up, turning her head to face you when she's finished. You hum in response, tilting your head and offering her a beaming smile.

"You make adult life look so fun," you joke, earning a small chuckle as she sends another email, Wanda checking the time to see how long she has until she needs to pick the boys up from school. 

After a few more minutes of silence you speak up, not too sure how Wanda will take what you're going to say. "I was thinking of going back home today," her head instantly snaps over to you, making you quickly finish your sentence, "Just to take a few more of my things out."

"Detka..." she trails off, hesitance and apprehension written all over her face. Gradually, she rises from her chair and walks over to you, thinking of the right words to say. "Is that a good idea?" your hands reach out for hers, interlocking your fingers in an attempt to ease her worries. "I just... I don't like the way she treats you sweetheart. I don't want you to get hurt," she brushes her thumbs over the back of your hand, pressing a brief kiss there as well before angling her head back up to meet your gaze.

"She should be at work right now," you inform, Wanda still uneasy about the whole ordeal. Since she met your mother last night, she would go as far as saying she despised the woman. Your mother had clearly said things to provoke you, to hurt you on purpose, making Wanda see red at the timid and pained expression on your face at your mother's words. She wanted to talk to you about what had happened last night but decided it wasn't the right time to discuss the relationship between you and your mother. "I'll be alright," your tone reassuring but the gut feeling inside of Wanda said otherwise.

"Can I come with you? I can drive us there," her tone pleading as she wanted to make sure you were alright, having plenty of time until she needed to pick the boys up and the perks of being the boss and deciding when she wanted to work.

"Yeah," part of you is grateful that she offered to join you, not really wanting to go alone.

***

"Are you sure about this Detka?" Wanda murmurs against the back of your hand after raising it to her lips, pressing a delicate and soothing kiss there to try and ease the tension building inside you, nerves and anxiety clear on your face as you look at the building you once called home. "We can come back another day if you want," she continues to whisper, keeping her eyes transfixed on the way your eyes roam around outside the car window.

"Yes," you whisper so quietly that Wanda has trouble hearing you, despite the close proximity. "I.. There's a few things I want to get," the volume of your voice only marginally increases but it's enough for the older woman to now hear.

The whole reason you were here was to retrieve a few old shirts from your cupboard, the whole idea sparked by the oversized shirt Wanda wore to bed last night. The loose black tee reminded you of the shirts your father gave to you when he no longer wanted them, always wearing them to bed when you were younger, giggling as they went past your knees until you sort of grew into them. They helped you feel closer to him after his passing and with the way your mother was currently treating you and the way she mentioned him yesterday, you couldn't help but desperately want to get them all of a sudden.

"What do you want to get, sweetheart?" the angelic voice next to you softly spoke, her fingers interlocked with yours as you finally tore your gaze away from the apartment building.

"Some old shirts that were my dad's," you mutter, a look of understanding washing over her face, not that you would notice due to your eyes being on the hand holding yours.

"Do you want me to help you get them?" she hesitantly asks, not sure if you just wanted this moment to yourself.

"No it's ok, I can get them myself," you say after thinking about her words, lifting your head to finally look at her. The amount of care and love present on her face almost overwhelms you, leaning forwards to gently claim her lips before pulling back and leaning your forehead against hers. "Thank you," the words leave your lips in a gentle whisper, lips pressing a brief kiss to her forehead before you climb out of her car, looking over your shoulder and sending her a smile while you walk into the building.

Anxiously playing with the key between your fingers, you hover by the door for a second once you reach it, contemplating whether this was actually a good idea. Your mind was made for you though when your neighbour's door opened, quickly letting yourself in before they saw you and decided to tell your mother you stopped by, not wanting her to know you were here.

Disgust was evident on your face when you looked around the apartment: empty alcohol bottles littered about the place, old takeaway bags and boxes piled up on the kitchen counters while the bins were overflowing, the smell creating a nauseous feeling to bubble inside of you. Due to the repulsive odour, you swiftly ventured around the apartment to your room, searching through your drawers to find the desired items.

Just as you were leaving your old room with a filled plastic bag of the shirts and other various items you decided you wanted, the front door opened leaving you frozen on the spot. Your eyes snapped over to the figure that entered the room, fear coursing through you at the angry expression on her face once she saw you.

"So it is that whore I saw yesterday waiting outside in a car," she gritted out, anger immediately replacing the dread at the horrid way she talked about Wanda. "Finally decided to come home?"

"Don't you dare call her that," you spat at the woman, your voice laced with venom. Your mother recoiled a little in shock at the tone of your voice, both of you surprised at the way you spoke to her as you never normally stood up for yourself.

"Don't you ever dare take that fucking tone with me again," she matched the hostility of your voice, smacking her fist on the side near her. When you flinched at the action she paused for a moment, looking at how you had a bag of clothes stuffed in a bag, assuming you were going back to Wanda's. "It won't last, you know?" she chuckled out, as if the whole thing humoured her, the big, massive joke of your life.

"What?"

"You and... her," She says, emphasising her dislike and disappointment in you with the mention of Wanda, her words hurting you like she intended. "Oh come on Y/n," she laughs when she sees the pained expression that flickered across your face, "You really thought it would last?"

Tearing your gaze to the floor, you don't see how she walks closer, letting her words echo around in your head when you know they shouldn't. One of her hands cup your cheek in a motherly way, tears brewing as you look into the eyes that once loved and cared deeply for you.

"Oh Y/n," she almost coos and you're stupid for thinking, even for a brief moment, that she was being genuine. "How could someone ever love you?"

"Please don't," you whisper, letting her fingers press into your face as her grip tightens, not caring if the tears were from her words or the pain caused by her hand.

"Do you really think anyone will love you after what you did?" she mutters, your hands reaching up to try and pry her fingers off of your face. "What you did to this family?"

"It wasn't my fault," your tone shows the lack of confidence in your words, hands contrasting the weakness of your voice and throwing her arms off, pushing past her to prevent her from saying anymore.

"Where are you going?" her hand reaches out for you once more, grabbing your wrist and trying to turn you around. You let her turn you around and when you see her you just...snap.

"Just leave me the fuck alone!" you shout, taking her by surprise. "I get it, I'm a fuck up, I'm the worst daughter possible and you hate me," the words you've bottled up for so long spill from your lips. "I didn't kill him, the drunk driver did, so stop blaming me for that because it wasn't my fault!" Her mouth opens to interrupt you, most likely blame you once again but you cut her off, "If you hate me that fucking much then just leave me alone! Please...Just leave me alone," your voice cracks a little at the end with the amount of raw emotion you spoke with, wiping your eyes to rid the tears you can feel before grabbing the bag and leaving, your mother remaining frozen on the spot at your outburst.

Ignoring the sound of your name, you leave the building, Wanda immediately getting out of the car when she sees how upset and angry you look, pausing in her tracks when she sees the red mark on your face.

"Detka," she whispers, voice wavering as her fingers gently brush against the red skin, her eyes flickering between sadness and rage at your state. Your lip trembles as you look up at her, Wanda pressing a brief kiss to your forehead before pulling back and asking, "What room number?" You grab her hand and pull her closer, shaking your head at her determination to have her own word with your mother. "Sweetheart, what room is she in?"

"Don't go," you whisper out, vulnerability swirling in your eyes making hers soften, the vexation still coursing through her veins, "Please stay. Please don't leave me."

"I will Detka, I'll stay," she whispers, letting you snake your arms around her middle and bury your face at the crook of her neck, your favourite place of comfort and safety. "I'll never leave you, Detka," she coos and you just hold her that little bit tighter before she guides you to the car, "Come on sweetheart, let's go home."

Home.

[tabibitto]

Megumi Fushiguro | Headcannons

m.list

A/N: Im an anime watcher for this series and i havent finished s1 yet lmao bare with me

CW: not proofread, fluff

As cannonly stated, this man doesn't give a double-doggystyle damn what you look like

so long as your personality attracts him, thats what counts and i very much agree with him

Megumi would be a little awkward and timid at first, poor boy is too scared he'll scare you away

So please, be patient, cuz he's gonna ask a fuck ton of questions and stare at you a lot

worry not though, he just want to know you real good so he can spoil you later and see that beautiful smile that makes his heart flutter

if he sees your gaze linger on something at the store, he will find a way to buy it for you

Expect flowers on occasion, or chocolates. It's not too often he gives them, but he makes up by giving you fun little charms and trinkets every now and then. Anything he thinks you will like

Again, on the gift giving end it is not an everyday thing. His affection is mostly shown through touch or words.

And hes an introvert so he'll be touching you a lot, if you don't mind

Anything from back hugs, holding your hand or keeping your head gently cradled on his shoulder

hes not rlly a pda guy, especially because all his friends and his teacher are annoying as shit and Megumi has even less patience with them if their teasing is directed at you

only if it bothers you, if you dont mind or even enjoy it he wont mind either, unless their stealing you attention for too long

Megumi is protective, not in a controlling way but more of a motherly concern.

The annoying one sometimes, he always makes sure you have your phone charged, on, and that you carry protection with you if you sre not a sorcerer.

Fushiguro has both abandonment issues and enemies in the world of curses do he worries a lot if you go out quite far from him for long periods of time.

Though he'll make sure his check-ins are every so often, he doesn't want to annoy you to the point you leave him even if he sometimes overthinks everything

Which brings me to my next point, once your at a point where is really comfortable with you

you need to give him lots of reassures :(

Fushiguro is no stranger to loss, he loves you so much he fears one day he wont be with you anymore

So please, excuse the days where he wanders into your room, and quietly asks for your assistance in destroying his stupid thoughts

he trusts you, he really does, but he trusts you do much he fears for you

When he gets like this or if you need it, he'll give you snuggles and kisses and snacks and whatever you want.

He doesn't admit it often but he enjoys feeling your warmth against his, feeling like your safe and comfy and content makes him happy

Your happiness is his, and without you he wouldn't know what to do now. You complete him and for as long as you allow him, please, let him protect and love you

As he only means to show you, to the best og his abilities how precious you are to his little soul

[damn-stark]

Chapter 4 One rule

Chapter 4 of Stargirl

A/N- Nancy brings out y/n’s mommy issues.

Warning- Swearing, ANGST, violence and blood, fluff! SLOWBURN, long chapter.

Pairing- Steve Harrington x fem!reader, male!oc x fem!reader

Episode- 2x08 and a part of 2x09

(Let me know if you want to be tagged)

————

He only gave you a few rules. Only a few. One which doesn’t matter—well it probably will after tonight, but the important rule was NOT to go to Hawkins Lab.

And what are you doing?

“I don’t see him,” Dustin comments as you come to a stop on top of a hill that overlooks the sleepy town.

Lucas pulls out his binoculars in some hope he’ll see the roaring monsters heard in the distance, but it’s dark now, there’s trees everywhere, he won’t see shit.

“It’s the lab,” Lucas interjects and lowers the binoculars. “They were going back home.”

They need you, so you’re going to Hawkins Lab. Even though there’s multiple of those monsters.

“We should go somewhere that’s not monster infested,” you try to suggest to the group. “We can go to my house, ask my dad for help. Ask my uncle Jim for help since he knows about this shit. We can’t—”

“Wait,” Dustin cuts you off while you continue to walk towards Hawkins Lab. “Wait, rewind. Your uncle Jim? Chief Jim Hopper?”

Both Lucas and Dustin look at you with shock, and you don’t know why they’re in disbelief.

“Yes,” you respond slowly. “Jim Hopper is my uncle.”

Dustin hums. “Hm, they don’t look like brothers,” he says.

You scoff and shoot him a pointed look. “Half brothers,” you clarify.

“Why didn’t you say?” Dustin query’s.

You shrug. “You didn’t ask. And why would I?”

“Because I was talking about him when I told you everything!” Dustin exclaims out of annoyance. “Because it’s important information.”

“To who?!” You yell back. “It’s not important I haven’t even seen the man in years! It doesn’t matter, what matters is what we’re doing! We can’t go to that lab with one gun, a flimsy wrist rocket and a bat with nails. We will die.”

“We’re just going to scope the place out,” Lucas interjects. “See what brought them all here. And if there’s some way to get rid of them, we will then call for support.”

You nod slowly. “Yeah, children and high school teenagers?” You quip. “What can possibly go wrong?”

Dustin nods as if nothing is wrong with what you just said. “Yes. But hey you can run home to your daddy if you’re scared.”

You scoff, and Steve cuts in now. “She has a gun. She leaves so does the gun. We need her. So stop fighting, you're all getting on my every last nerve.”

You let out an annoyed exhale and decide to walk ahead considering you’re the one with the gun. And you are one of the eldest.

“Hey,” Steve nudges you as he falls beside you. “You okay?”

You look down at your palm that’s not bleeding anymore and then look back at him and nod. “Yeah, children just drain my patience. It also doesn’t help that we are walking to death.”

Steve sighs and nods lightly. “Yeah that does it, but think about this. We’re helping something bigger than us.”

You let your gaze linger on him before you smile at the ground. “I suppose you’re right.”

“I almost ran too, you know? I was where you are now,” he adds, pulling your gaze back to him. “But—”

“It feels nice being needed?” You fill his sentence.

Steve draws out a deep breath and averts his gaze. “That’s not what I was gonna say, but,” he pauses and looks ahead. You watch him ponder before he nods. “It’s a part of it.”

You hum softly and follow his line of gaze. “Then why did you go back?” You probe.

Steve slides his eyes to the corner, and you slide your gaze to the corner to meet his.

“I was being stupid,” he mutters. “I couldn’t just leave her behind.”

You begin to smirk. “So you didn't pretend you didn’t care.” You nudge him. “And you got the girl.”

Steve scoffs as he rolls his eyes. “Yeah I suppose you’re right….thank you for being stupid earlier. Luring them with your blood saved my ass.”

Your smirk turns to a soft smile and your heart skips a beat. “I couldn’t just leave you behind.”

Steve’s eyes soften and a small smile tugs on his lips. You hold his gaze for a lingering moment, but you then look at the darkness ahead.

You still feel it. You shouldn’t, you really shouldn’t, but that pining is still there. It only burns hotter as you feel his gaze on you, as you feel how close he walks beside you. As you see how brave he is.

You could avoid him until all these feelings fade away, but you also don’t want to, you’ve dug into each other's souls too deeply to come out with nothing now. So you’ll just ignore these feelings, you will. You’ll even stop coming back to the same thoughts. Because it’s happening. You’ll walk the rest way towards Hawkins Lab in silence, focusing on the monsters.

The kids walking behind you threaten to break your silence and focus, but you manage to ignore them. You focus and manage to lose some of your fear as well.

However, just as you approach the end of the tree line a voice calls out in the distance.

Can it be that the monsters somehow learned to talk? Mimic voices?

“We’re going towards the voice?” You ask fearfully.

Dustin walks past you. “Yes, it can be help,” he mutters.

“What if the monsters learned to mimic voices,” you whisper sharply out of fear it’d hear you.

“You watch too many scary movies,” Steve comments back.

You scoff in protest, but pick up your pace to walk beside him with your gun pointed ahead.

“Who's there?!” The voice yells out again.

You narrow your eyes and notice…Nancy?

“Who’s there?!”

It’s Jonny too.

You lower your gun and when you walk out of the tree line they both come at full view. And they look just as shocked as all of you.

“Steve?!” They both call out.

You strap your shotgun around your shoulder and meet Nancy's bewildered look.

“Y/N?” She asks with confusion.

You offer her a tightlipped smile in response.

“Nancy?” Steve questions.

“Jonathan,” Dustin names.

That’s right Jonathan. Ha.

“What are you two doing here?” Nancy directs at Steve and you.

You part your lips to give a summary, but Steve interjects first. “What are you doing here?”

“We’re looking for Mike and Will,” Nancy responds.

Mike and Will? Mike and Will? They sound familiar…

Aha! Dustin’s friend, and the boy that disappeared but came back!

“They’re not in there, are they?” You point to the lab with your thumb.

“We’re not sure,” Nancy answers quieter.

“Why?” Jonathan asks.

And as if on cue the monsters screech out, making a chill crawl up your spine.

At least Nancy’s is here now. After trying to look for her she’s here where you least expected. Now you can all die together. Yay.

“Don’t you hear them?” Dustin asks and walks towards the closed front gate.

Nancy blinks in confusion and again as if on cue the monsters screech from inside, shooting terror in both Nancy and Jonathan that’s clear as day.

“Whatever we need to do,” you interject. “Let’s do it fast before they decide they want to come outside again.”

“Well the damn gate is closed,” Jonathan points out, drifting all of your eyes to the abandoned station. Which isn’t good, all your instincts are telling you to get out, that there’s more than meets the eye.

The lab isn’t abandoned, there should be guards. One at least. If not out here there should’ve been one already coming out to shoo you away.

But do they listen to you? No! They all want to be heroes, and you…are following them too…

“Well yeah the power is out,” Steve says as if seeing the lab basked in darkness doesn’t make that point obvious.

“Is this what you’ve been doing?” Nancy asks. “Chasing these things?”

“Yeah—”

You snort, causing Steve to stop and for all pair of eyes to fall on you in confusion. “What?” You quip. “We didn’t chase ‘em. We lured one and then got ambushed by multiple. We barely escaped with our lives. We wouldn’t have if it wasn’t for…” you trail off since you have no idea what called them away so suddenly.

“Something called them here, we don’t know what, or why, but they came here,” Dustin finishes for you. “That’s why we’re here. We’re following they’re trail.”

Steve hums in agreement, and Nancy's gaze still doesn’t leave you.

“I still don’t understand why you’re here y/n?” She asks for clarification.

You sigh. “They needed help and I had a gun. That’s literally how I got involved in all this.” That and you also are unofficially helping your father.

Nancy hums in comprehension and you catch the pointed glare she directs at Steve. What for? Getting you involved? Jealousy? Who knows. She did it and Steve just looks confused.

“Are the people you’re looking for really in there?” You ask her now.

Nancy and Jonathan share a worried look before Jonathan shrugs and answers. “That’s what we came to see. Will wasn’t home. Have you guys seen Will or Mike at all today?”

“We haven’t seen Will—”

“I haven’t seen him since…”

They all begin to talk over one another, making you sigh in annoyance. Luckily Nancy departs from the group and points something out. “The powers back.”

You break away from your spot by Steve and follow Nancy, noticing all the lights of the lab slowly turn on floor by floor until finally the entire area is lit again, and they’re hopes of getting in are rekindled.

Nevertheless, when Jonathan tries to open the gate the buttons still don’t seem to work.

“Let me try,” Dustin butts in and leaves your side to begin to argue with Jonathan inside the box.

“No—”

“Let me try, Jonathan!” You hear Dustin complain. When you look over you see him urgently press the same button, but to not avail.

“Does anyone know how to rewire wires?” You ask the group.

Max looks back at you and redirects your question. “Do you?”

You shake your head and lean back against the car. “No. I was just asking so we can find a way in.”

“Try talking to your dad again,” Steve says over his shoulder.

Let’s see if he answers this time.

You slide your backpack off your shoulder and twist back to reach for your walkie, however, as you do strain your hand a sharp pain hits you where you cut your palm. “Oh fuck!”

You’ve been so preoccupied that the pain doesn’t even register until now.

“You haven’t gotten that patched up?” Steve query’s and turns around completely to face you.

You cradle your wounded hand and shake your head. “I haven’t had the time. Can someone please reach in and grab my walkie?”

Steve moves to do what you asked, but Nancy is closer so she beats him to your aide. She ends up quickly finding the walkie, and places it on your waiting hand, but she cuts in too. “Turn around.”

You slowly do as she asks and see her holding a bandage and alcohol. “found this in your backpack. Let me help you.”

The corner of your lips pull to a smile and you don’t hesitate to give her your hand. Albeit before she can begin any progress the doors begin to open, pulling everyone’s attention to it.

“Hey!” Dustin chuckles. “I got it! I got it!”

Jonathan and him step out of the box and with not a second to spare Jonathan hurries to the parked car.

“Nancy get it, the rest of you wait here,” he throws out.

“I’ll help you after,” Nancy now directs at you and hands you your stuff back. “Can I borrow your gun?”

Your eyes widen. “My gun?” You ask nervously. “Do you know how to use it?”

From the corner of your eyes you see Steve shake his head before he interjects. “She has a thing about guns,” he talks about you.

You sigh as you hesitate, but you don’t want to go in and potentially fight more monsters so you pull your gun off your shoulder and hand it to Nancy.

“Hey!” Steve remarks.

“Don’t lose it,” you warn her and step away from the car as she hurries to the passenger seat. “Please.”

Nancy offers you a tightlipped smile and a quick assuring nod, which isn’t that assuring at all. None of her response is reassuring, but you watch as Jonathan drives away with her and your dads gun, leaving you once again before you can even talk.

“How come you let her use it?” Steve immediately complains.

You meet his gaze and shrug. “I mean when you asked for a gun, I thought all this was fake. I mean I heard about all this weird shit, but a part of me didn't want to believe it. Now that I’m here, after I fought a monster, I would have let you use it.”

Steve scoffs, and you shoot him a small smile before you hand him your first aid supplies Nancy got out. “Just help me please.”

Steve lets out a deep sigh, but he snatches your hand towards him and begins to wrap the bandage around your cut.

“Please disinfect first,” you interrupt his attempts.

Steve glares up at you, but he pulls the bandage off and hands it to you so he can rip open the alcohol wipe. You snicker and watch him carefully wipe it over your wound.

“Does it hurt?” He asks in a softer voice.

You feel the alcohol stinging your cut and wince before you can assure him with a lie. “Yeah,” you mumble.

Steve continues to wipe your cut softer this time.

“I thought of something,” you interject with a tiny smile. “A game of sorts.”

Steve briefly glances at you. “Okay,” he probes. “What is it?”

“We have to say a goal we want to accomplish after making it out of this,” you share happily. “One or two, how many you want. It just has to be a goal. Something you’ll commit to.”

Steve lifts his head and drops the dirty wipe and slightly narrows his gaze out of curiosity. “Okay, I’ll play. You go first though.” He takes the bandage from you and once again begins to carefully wrap the bandage around your hand.

“Okay,” you laugh giddly. “I want to learn how to play the drums. My friend Eddie invited me to join his band, but I am musically untalented, so I want to learn to play the drums. Maybe join a band when I’m good. An all girl band,” you giggle. “That’d be cool.”

Steve hums and nods along with what you said. “Okay,” he mouths. “That’s cool. Good goal.”

You nod. “Yep. That is if I make it out.”

Steve meets your gaze. “You will, we all will,” he assures you. “Unless we suddenly get ambushed by those dogs.”

You frown in discontent and roll your eyes before you now press him. “It’s your turn. Go.”

Steve focuses on what he’s doing and ponders for a moment before he shares his goal. “Uh, graduate. I want to graduate.”

“Pft,” you blow out. “You are going to do that. It has to be something different.”

Steve finishes bandaging your hand and pats the back of it before letting it go. “I have shitty grades,” he mumbles at the ground. “I don’t know if I will. Might just disappoint my dad even more and have to repeat senior year.”

You frown a pity frown and tilt your head down to meet his upset gaze. “Tell you what,” you interject. “I will help you study and you can help me impress the guy I like.”

It will probably be weird since you do like him too, but you can’t just hold onto hope for him no matter how much you like him. You have to direct all your focus on Zion because he’s single and does like you. Or you hope so.

Regardless, Steve slowly lifts his eyes to meet yours while he lifts head, and you mirror his movement. “I have a study partner—but…” he sighs deeply and looks past your shoulder. “You know yeah, I think I can squeeze you in.”

You flash him a grin. “Good,” you say softly. “Will you help me? You are the love expert.” You tease him.

Steve scoffs in amusement while he rolls his eyes at your comment. “Yeah,” he gives in. “I'll help you too. But are you sure you’re, like, smart?”

You shoot him a pointed glare and mock him. “Are you sure you’re, like, smart?” You push him away and counter. “Duh, that’s why I’m offering my help.”

Steve chuckles lightly. “Got you.”

“Whatever,” you grumble and walk away to try and contact your dad. But no matter how much you try and try, nothing. There’s static and silence. So much for emergencies! You could probably be dead already!

You try again until you hear multiple gunshots that don’t come from your shotgun. Yet all you can do is wait now, there’s nothing you can do but that since you’re already worried.

Thankfully not so much time passes before headlights pop out from down the driveway, it’s Jonathan and Nancy! But they’re not alone, a bigger car follows behind them. When Jonathan and Nancy pass, the truck stops and you notice it’s a cop car.

“Let’s go!” The driver urges.

Since you were behind the group you can’t see who’s driving. You don’t see until the kids begin to climb in the truck.

“Holy shit,” you gasp with bewilderment. “Uncle Jim?!

Said man blinks repeatedly in confusion, he doesn’t seem to recognize you at first, not until you begin to approach the passenger side as Steve climbs in the back.

“Y/N?” Your uncle Jim muses and leans over.

You finally climb in the car and share a relieved but also nervous smile.

“What are you doing here?” Your uncle asks you.

You exhale with relief and then reply. “I’ll explain on the way. Let’s get out of here first.”

——

“Here.”

You turn around and see Nancy with your gun. After a lot of explaining to your uncle, after arriving to a house filled with a lot of colorful paper, after some introductions with Joyce Byers, and Nancy's brother, you finally find time to talk to her. Just like you wanted to do before.

“Thank you, I didn’t end up using it but still thanks.” She adds.

You take the gun and nod softly while you smile at her. “No problem.”

Nancy puts her hands in her pockets and looks at you with curisoty. “How are you holding up? All this…” she sighs. “Must be scary.”

You let out a breathless laugh and nod. “Yeah. Yeah. It’s fucking terrifying, I want to go home, but…I’m involved now. They need me so…fuck it, right?

Nancy laughs softly and nods.

“Are you okay?” You ask her.

Nancy blinks with surprise and takes a moment before nodding. “I’m fine. I think. It’s been a long week.”

You smile and nod. “Tell me about it. Is that hangover cured?” You tease her. “I tried talking to you after the party, but I never saw you or could actually get a hold of you.”

Nancy parts her lips, but remains speechless for a few seconds before she smiles softly at the floor. “It’s all cured. I’m sorry about that,” she groans and then meets your gaze. “I remember you helping me that night. Thank you for that. You didn’t have to, but you did. Thanks.”

You offer her an assuring smile, and let her continue.

“Uh, how about we make up that mall date we never got to? After this I think it’s overdue.”

Your smile begins to widen and you nod a bit too eagerly. “Yeah, yeah. That would be cool. It’d be nice to take my mind off everything.”

“Cool,” Nancy nods and begins to shuffle towards Jonathan talking to his unconscious brother on the couch. “We can agree on a date later.”

You nod in agreement and then turn around, and can’t help but grin happily. Finally!

“Hey, kid come call your dad for me,” your uncle Jim directs at you as he hangs the phone up.

You hurry to take the phone and quickly dial the house number. As it begins to ring you give your back to the kids as they begin to argue with your uncle.

“They didn’t believe you did they?” Dustin questions.

“We’ll see,” your uncle mutters.

“Come on answer,” you mumble the ringing phone. “Where the hell are you?”

“We’ll see,” Nancy's brother, Mike exclaims before he continues to yell at your uncle. You however don’t pay attention to them since you catch Steve staring at Nancy sadly, while she comforts Jonathan.

Did he catch something you don’t comprehend? They are just friends, no? Jonathan and Nancy.

Steve proceeds to turn around and sniffles, and before he can catch you staring you focus on the fact that your dad did not fucking answer.

“God—ugh,” you groan and then call again.

This time however, the phone gets snatched from your hand and your uncle pushes you out of the way.

“Hey!” You protest. “I'm calling him!”

Your uncle gives you his back, so you walk around him and wait with anticipation. But just like before, your fucking dad doesn’t answer.

“Look Rowan, it’s Jim. Your brother…we—your daughter needs your help, bring your guns, we need them all….” He follows by giving the curtain address before hanging up.

You try to question him but he just walks away.

“Rude,” you scoff.

Now what?

You wait, but for what? An army that didn’t even say they’d come, for a father that hasn’t answered the phone or walkie? For the monsters to attack?

You should go home now, go to sleep and wake up to just listen about the aftermath. But…no, you wait and let the silence slowly kill you. You can’t even talk to Steve, he…doesn’t seem like he wants to talk because besides the obvious exhaustion of today's events, there’s this solemn look he carries; he doesn’t try to talk to his girlfriend or comfort her. He stays away and lets her comfort Jonathan.

The same guy who took her home after the party…did they? Are they?

So many questions rise to mind but you don’t dare to ask any. Instead you lean back against the wall hoping the phone will ring, hoping your walkie will go off, but nothing.

“Did you guys know that Bob was the original founder of Hawkins AV?” Mike finally breaks the silence, but with a matter which doesn’t interest you, so you tune it out until Mike adds a daring comment. “We can’t let him die in vain.”

You slowly pick your eyes off the floor and look at Dustin as he exclaims.

“What do you want to do, Mike? The Chief’s right on this. We can’t stop those Demo-dogs on our own.”

Demo-dogs?

“Demo-dogs?” Max questions your exact same thought. Albeit she sounds a bit judgmental, you…think it’s pretty creative.

“Demogorgon dogs,” Dustin explains whilst he also explains with his hands. “Demo-dogs. It’s like a compound. It’s like a play on words—”

“Okay,” Max cuts him off.

You drop your head and snicker quietly.

“I mean, when it was just Dart, maybe,” Dustin continues to say.

“But there’s an army now,” Lucas adds for him.

Dustin nods. “Precisely.”

“His army,” Mike mutters, causing you to slowly lift your head as you grow confused and intrigued.

“What do you mean?” You probe.

“His army,” Mike repeats louder. “Maybe if we stop him, we can stop his army, too.”

You furrow your eyebrows in confusion, but before you can ask what he really means, Mike runs off. Lucas, Dustin and Max follow him, so Steve and you share a knowing look before you both follow them to a child’s room filled with the same posters.

“The shadow monster,” Dustin names the scary spider-like monster terrorizing over some drawn out woods.

It’s just a drawing but it doesn’t fail to cause you to grow scared.

“It got Will that day on the field,” Mike explains. “The doctor said it was like a virus, it infected him.”

You blink in disbelief while you take the drawing from Dustin to study it better.

“And so this virus,” Max says. “It’s connecting him to the tunnels?”

“To the tunnels, monsters, the Upside Down, everything,” Mike says rapidly.

“Whoa,” Steve cuts in. “Slow down. Slow down.”

You hand the drawing to Steve and pay closer attention to what this kid says.

“Okay, so, the shadow monsters inside everything. And if the vines feel something like pain, then so does Will.”

“And so does Dart,” Lucas says after Mike..

Mike nods. “Yeah. Like what Mr Clarke taught us. The hive mind.”

You’ve heard of that behavior. It’s an interesting behavior.

“Hive mind?” Steve questions.

You nod and look at him. “It’s a collective consciousness. It’s a super-organism,” you explain to him excitedly. “It’s seen in bees, ants, and birds. Of course none to that level where they share the same pain, but think of it like that. Just in a bigger scale!”

Steve doesn’t seem to understand, but Mike cuts in before you can explain it in simpler terms. “And this is the thing that controls everything. It’s the brain. Like the mind flayer.”

Lucas snaps his fingers, and you actually don’t understand that connection, so just like Steve and Max, you also utter the same word. “What?”

But once again they don’t explain it right away, they grab some game manual and then gather everyone around the table, except for the boy Will and his mother. Once everyone else is gathered though, Dustin begins to explain what was brought up.

“The Mind Flayer.”

“What the hell is that?” Your uncle questions.

“It’s a monster from an unknown dimension,” Dustin explains. “It’s so ancient that it doesn’t even know it’s true home. Okay, it enslaves races of other dimensions by taking over their brains using its highly-developed psionic powers.”

Not like a bee.

“Oh my god,” your uncle snaps. “None of this is real. This is a kids game.”

“No, it’s a manual,” Dustin quickly rebuttals. “And it’s not for kids. And unless you know something we don’t, this is the best metaphor—”

“Analogy,” Lucas corrects him, making you slowly look at him in annoyance.

“Analogy?” Dustin quips. “That’s what you’re worried about? Fine! An analogy for understanding whatever the hell this is,” Dustin shouts, making you back away from him.

“Okay,” Nancy interjects, “so this mind flamer thing—”

“Flayer,” Dustin corrects her. “Mind Flayer.”

Nancy sighs and then asks her question. “What does it want?”

“To conquer us, basically,” Dustin explains. “It believes it’s the master race.”

“Like the Germans?” Steve adds quite confidently.

He should’ve sticked to just listening.

“Uh, the Nazis?” Dustin asks.

Steve catches the judgment and just nods. “Yeah, yeah, yeah, the Nazis.”

Oh god he’s going to need a lot of help.

“Uh,” Dustin says. “If the Nazis were from another dimension, totally. Uh, it views other races, like us, as inferior to itself.”

“It wants to spread, take over other dimensions,” Mike now adds to the explanation. Which helps somewhat understand what they’re trying to get at.

“We are talking about the destruction of our world as we know it,” Lucas cuts in.

You sigh and feel your fear heighten.

“That’s great. That’s great,” Steve comments nervously. “That’s really great. Jesus!”

You swallow thickly and try to probe for more. “Okay, so if this thing is like a brain that’s controlling everything.” You approach the table and take the book to study the description. “Then if we kill it…theoretically, we kill everything it controls.”

“We win,” Dustin agrees.

You glance at him. “Theoretically?” You ask.

“Yes of course,” Lucas agrees.

You hum and watch your uncle take the book from you as he now also interjects. “Great. So how do you kill this thing? Shoot it with fireballs or something?”

Dustin chuckles and shakes his head. “No. No, no fire—no fireballs. Uh, you summon an undead army. Uh, because…because zombies, you know, they don’t have brains, and the mind Flayer, it…it…it likes brains…”

Oh.

“…it’s just a game. It’s a game.”

You sigh and rub the bridge of your nose.

“What the hell are we doing here?” Your uncle complains and throws the book down.

“I thought we were waiting for your military backup,” Dustin snaps.

“We are!”

“Even if they come how are they gonna stop this?” Mike also argues with even more anger.

Why is he so angry?

“You can’t just shoot this with guns.”

Hey, you did.

“You don’t know that!” Your uncle yells back. “We don’t know anything!”

You would say you killed one with a gun but you’re scared to get yelled at, so you just keep your mouth shut.

“We know it’s already killed everybody in that lab,” Mike adds.

“And we know the monsters are gonna molt again,” Lucas reminds the group.

“And we know that it’s only a matter of time before those tunnels reach this town,” Dustin adds to the argument.

“They’re right,” a new voice interjects, pulling your gaze to the kitchen entrance and spotting Joyce—“we have to kill it.” She nods. “I want to kill it.”

Your uncle breaks away from his spot and walks to her. “Me too, Joyce, okay?” He says. “But how do we do that? We don’t exactly know what we’re dealing with here.”

“No,” Mike cuts in. “But he does,” he refers to Will while he walks out of the kitchen. “If anyone knows how to destroy this thing, it’s Will. He’s connected to it. He'll know it’s weakness.”

Isn’t he the one that alerts the demo-dogs where he is?

“I thought we couldn’t trust him anymore,” Max says your thought outloud. That he’s a spy for the mind flayer now.”

“Yeah,” Mike agrees. “But he can’t spy if he doesn’t know where he is.”

And just like that everyone spreads out to find ways to cover the shed in the backyard. You help them to keep your mind off everything, to not just sit and wait for your dad to respond back. To not think of your fear mostly.

And it works for a while, whilst you help everyone cover the inside of the shed your mind gets distracted. But that doesn’t last long because once the inside of the shed is covered, Jonathan, his mother, Mike and your uncle interrogate Will. It seems a lot of today has been spent mostly just waiting for something to happen, for the Demo-dogs to take the bait, for Nancy and Jonathan to go to the lab in search of their family, wait for the army people to answer, wait for your own father, and even now you wait for answers.

Waiting should be boring, but it’s just stressful. Tension weighs your shoulders down. It probably ages you ten years too.

If you were home, living ignorantly—or just vicariously through your dad, you’d be out with Zion right now. At least that’s what you agreed to…He probably hates you now. You left him a voicemail since no one picked up at his house, but he still probably hates you for flaking. You’d hate yourself.

After today albeit, you wish you can live ignorantly. Pretend nothing happened and just go out on that date and not have to worry if you’ll get eaten. You even…and this is a pain to say…but you would even be down to watch one of your mothers movies. And that’s not said lightly.

Nevertheless, throughout all that thinking as you wait in the tense silence, you do end up nodding off on the couch. It felt like eternity, but you only wake up 30 minutes later because the house phone rings.

Albeit, Dustin quickly hangs it up.

“Oh it isn’t a dream,” you grumble as you rub your eyes. “Is it the army?” You ask groggily.

Everyone’s tense?

“What’s—” you get cut off by the sound of the phone ringing again.

This time as Dustin is going to hang it up Nancy yanks it off the wall and throws it to the ground.

“Do you think he heard that?” Max asks.

Oh right! That. Will can’t know, right, right.

You get off the couch and approach the kitchen.

“It’s just a phone,” Steve comments. “It could be anywhere. Right?”

You swallow thickly and at that moment catch a paper with dashes, dots and the word “Close gate” on it.

“Is that the solution?” You ask and turn the paper to stare at it.

“We hope,” Nancy says.

You sigh and then glance at the door out of fear. There’s a possibility that Will wouldn’t figure it out, but considering this is his house, he’s in his own shed, he probably has some idea of where he is. He just needed a last hint.

And of course the phone ringing was his push to figure it all out because not so long later growls echo in the distance.

“Shit,” you mumble and face the front window. “That’s not good.” You maneuver past the kids watching the window and pick your gun off the floor.

Jonathan, Joyce, Mike then rush inside with a now unconscious Will. And while joyce lays Will down somewhere your uncle marches inside soon after that.

“Hey, hey, get away from the windows!” He orders.

You cock your shotgun and stand guard in front of the window.

“Do you know how to use this?” Your uncle directs at Jonathan.

“What?” He asks.

You peer back and notice his confusion.

“Can you use this?!”

“I can,” Nancy steps up, making you smirk.

“To being stupid teenagers?” Steve whispers to you as he falls beside you.

You slowly look over at him and nod stiffly. “To being stupid teenagers,” you repeat.

Steve sighs and then looks ahead, you follow his line of gaze and point your gun out at the window. The demo-dogs sound closer now, you can hear them rustling, screeching louder.

“Where are they?” Max asks impatiently.

You clench your jaw and exhale shakily. The monsters growl, and you can’t help but tighten your grip around your gun.

A loud thud then hits something outside, making you and everyone else turn to face it and be ready. Yet none of them show up at the window or try to take the door down. They just seem to stay outside.

“What are they doing?” Nancy asks shakily.

Leaves rustles as they pass, but still nothing.

“Are they messing with us?” You question their tactics.

Before anyone can answer though, a snarl sounds outside the window, causing you all to turn again. But still nothing, one actually seems to screech in pain, and more make the same noises, but then out of nowhere one hurls through the window.

You yell along with everyone else and point your gun at it to get ready to shoot, but it doesn’t move! It’s…dead.

“Holy…shit,” Dustin muses.

Your uncle slowly approaches the dead demo-dog, and you slowly lower your gun.

“Is It dead?” Max asks.

You nod slowly. “Seems so.”

When your uncle Jim reaches the demo-dog he moves it with his foot, and it continues not to react. However, wood then creaks from the outside.

The monsters don’t make a sound anymore, so what is it?

The lock then turns and your heart begins to pound harder.

They can’t do that can they? What the fuck!

The chain lock gets pulled off like something from a horror movie, and the doorknob slowly turns before the door begins to open.

However, when the door gets pushed open, it isn’t some demo-dog standing outside menacingly. It’s a girl with gelled back hair and a bleeding nose. Everyone seems to be unthreatened by her, so you lower your gun and lean towards Steve. “Who is that?” You ask.

Steve leans over and responds quietly. “Eleven, the girl Dustin told you about….”

The girl your dad is looking for. Holy shit. The girl that can lift shit with her fucking mind!

“Eleven,” Mike mumbles as they close the gap left between each other with a hug.

“Mike,” Eleven gasps.

You brush your hand over your walkie and step back.

She’s the one who can end this all? The one that started it…or at least that’s what Dustin said.

Hm. Interesting.

Now since you don’t know her and she doesn’t know you, you walk to the kitchen as they reunite with her, as your uncle talks to Mike privately.

Your dad said he wanted to end this. All of this terror that haunts this town. You haven’t seen a fraction of what the others have, but from what you’ve lived through today that’s enough terror for you. Enough terror for them. So if she’s the part that’s needed to ending it…shouldn’t you help your dad?

End it and you also get to finally settle down and live.

Besides, even after all that’s happened, this little town is a good place. You already have friends, a home, you don’t need to go back to Washington DC, you can stay here. And the only way is to get rid of all of it. Your dad can’t do that if he doesn’t know where she is though.

However, before that can happen you need to know something else, so you wait. And as predicted Joyce brings her to the kitchen to speak about the answer Will gave.

“You opened this gate before, right?” Joyce asks Eleven.

“Yes,” Eleven mutters.

You fold your arms over the table and watch her cautiously.

“Do you think if we got you back there, that you could close it?” Joyce continues to question her.

Eleven glances at her and then looks ahead, she agrees quietly, but this time your uncle argues against her. “It’s not like it was before, it’s grown. A lot. And I mean, that’s considering we can get in there. That place is crawling with those dogs. ”

He’s protecting her…

This may be a problem.

“Demo-dogs,” Dustin corrects him.

Your uncle sighs. “I’m sorry, what?”

“I said, uh, Demo-dogs? Like Demogorgan and dogs.”

He’s at it again.

“Like, you put them together, it sound pretty badass—”

“How is this important right now?” Your uncle cuts him off.

Dustin looks away and retorts. “It’s not. I’m sorry.”

You sit up and look back at your uncle. “I can help. I killed one with my shotgun,” you let him know with a smirk.

Your uncle shoots you a pointed look and shakes his head.

“It’s true, Uncle Jim” you exclaim. “I killed one!”

“Uncle?” You hear the girl, Eleven, question your comment.

“No,” he spats. “You’re not helping. Your dad hates me enough. I’m not putting you in harm's way.”

“I can do it,” Eleven then cuts in, turning your attention back to her.

“You’re not hearing me.”

Eleven nods. “I’m hearing you. I can do it.”

“Even if El can, there’s still a problem,” Mike interjects. “If the brain dies, the body dies.”

You blink in confusion and question that. “I thought that was the whole point?”

“It is,” Mike agrees. “But if we’re really right about this…I mean, if El closes the gate and kills the mind flayers army…”

“Will’s a part of that army,” Lucas finishes for Mike.

“Closing the gate will kill him.”

You look down and share something that’s been itching your brain. “Not exactly. You said it was a virus. It’s not a part of him. He’s just like a…voice, that’s putting it simple. A puppet. Right? You just have to cut its string. Or in this case make the host inhabitable.”

All eyes fall on you, no one adds anything as they all think, Joyce gasps though out of a sudden and then walks away. Before you can follow Steve puts his hand out.

“Nice,” he compliments you.

You high five him and shoot him a smile. “Thanks. That’s what homeschooling gets you.” You get off your chair and follow him after the others.

“Whatever.”

“He likes it cold,” you hear Joyce mutter inside the room.

“What?” Your uncle asks.

“It’s what Will kept saying to me. He likes it cold.”

You peek inside and watch Joyce close the window. “We keep giving it what it wants,” she says.

“It’s just like y/n said,” Nancy interjects. “We have to make the host uninhabitable. So if he likes it cold…”

“We need to burn it out of him,” Joyce adds.

“We have to do it somewhere he doesn’t know this time,” Mike shares his thoughts.

Dustin nods, “yeah, somewhere far away.”

And just like that your uncle suggests his cabin, or his grandfather's cabin. All things get set in motion now, Jonathan and his mother will take Will, your uncle will take Eleven, and you will lead your father to her.

So while Steve and Nancy search for heaters out in the junk thrown out from the shed, and while the kids fare Eleven good luck, you go to the bathroom and try your dad one more time.

“Dad,” you let the button go and wait. You watch it as if that would do anything.

And this time rather than static and nothing, your dads voice responds. “Y/N? Baby, where have you been?”

You sigh with relief and quickly respond, but not in English, you can’t risk letting anyone hear, so you speak to him in Mandarin. “<I will explain it all later, swear. That girl you’re looking for, the anomaly. She’s going to the lab with uncle Jim. Now. You promised we’d find a home after right? Well this is your chance. I want to stay here.>” You let go of the button and wait.

Your dad takes a moment but he then makes sure you hear him sigh before he responds. “<I have so many questions, but I’ll get those later. Thank you.>”

You smile softly and then quickly make sure to add a short warning. “<Before you leave just know that when you get there monsters are going to be there. You have to wait until the girl closes a gate inside the lab, okay? That’s how we get rid of them. Make sure to wait until after that gate is closed! Understand?>”

Once again your dad sighs, but he doesn’t question you. “<Fine. I understand. Go home. Don’t wait up. Just know when you wake up breakfast will be ready.>”

You laugh softly and nod even if he can’t see, even if you don’t plan to go home yet. You just don’t want to argue with him. “<Be careful.>”

“<I will. I love you, baby.>”

Before every mission he never failed to say that. And everytime he said it genuinely and with no struggle.

It’s you who felt embarrassed.

“I love you,” he repeats with amusement. “Copy?”

“Copy,” you giggle.

“Say it.”

You roll your eyes. “I…love you,” you say back. “Be careful.”

“I will. Over and out.”

You sigh. “Over and out.”

Yeah, you’re going to the lab too. He hasn’t faced those monsters, you have, he’ll need your help. But your uncle will never let you ride with him, so you’ll wait. Act normal.

You walk out of the bathroom and catch the man you were just thinking of. He seemed to be walking out, but when he catches you walking to the living room he turns and stops at the end of the hall.

“You,” he points at you. “You stay here. Got it? Stay out of trouble. If your dad decides to answer, tell him where I am. Or to pick you up. Understand?”

You nod in agreement. “Yep. Be careful.”

Your uncle nods stiffly and walks out. When he’s out the door you sit on the couch and watch the window until both cars can’t be seen anymore. You continue to wait though, Mrs Byers car is outside so you’ll use that to get there. You just can’t catch up to your uncle so you'll wait a few minutes.

After a few moments pass of everyone doing their own thing, the silence finally breaks. “Mike, would you just stop already?” You hear Lucas complain.

Said boy stops pacing and faces his friend. “You weren’t in there, okay, Lucas?” Mike rebuttals. “That lab is swarming with hundreds of those dogs.”

“Demo-dogs,” you mouth. And just as you predicted, Dustin corrects him like he corrects everyone else who hasn’t said it.

“Demo-dogs!”

“The Chief will take care of her,” Lucas tries to assure Mike.

“Like she needs protection,” Max comments.

“Plus,” you add so later you won’t sound suspicious. “My dad is going to help. I managed to get ahold of him.”

Mike drags his gaze to you and counters sassily. “And what does your dad do?”

You smirk. “He was a CIA agent. He’s skilled enough.”

Mike rolls his eyes like if he doesn’t believe you, but doesn’t say anything, letting Steve cut in.

“Listen, dude, a coach calls a play in a game, bottom line, you execute it. All right?”

You snort at his comment before you pick at it. “First of all, this isn’t a sports game, and second we’re not even in the game. We’re on the bench man.”

Steve holds your gaze and nods slowly before he begins to stammer. “Right, so my point is—”

You lean forward from where you sit and quirk your brow.

“Right,” Steve agrees. “Yeah, we’re on the bench, so, uh, there’s nothing we can do.” He puts a towel cloth over his shoulder and sighs in defeat.

However, Dustin interjects now. “That’s not entirely true. I mean, these Demo-dogs, they have a hive-mind. When they ran away from the bus, they were called away.”

“So if we get their attention,” Lucas cuts in, and Max follows by adding to the plan.

“Maybe we can draw them from the lab.”

“And clear a path to the gate,” Mike says.

“Yeah,” Steve cuts in. “And then we all die.”

“That’s one point of view,” you counter.

Steve shoots you a pointed glare and shakes his head. “No that’s not a point of view. That’s a fact. Weren’t you just scared of them?”

You nod but shrug him off instead.

“I got it!” Mike exclaims and walks past Dustin and Steve, you get off the couch and follow him along with the others—”this is where the chief dug his hole,” Mike points to a spot on one of the colorful papers. “This is our way into the tunnel. So…” he trails off and walks to another spot.

“Here,” he points out. “Right here. This is like a hub. So you get all the tunnels feeding in here.” He crouches and continues to explain. “Maybe if we set this on fire…”

“Oh, no yeah? That’s a no.” The kids ignore Steve though.

“The mind flayer would call away his army,” Dustin shares his theory.

“They’d all come to stop us,” Lucas adds.

“Then we circle back to the exit,” Mike continues. “By the time they realize we’re gone—”

“El would be at the gate,” Max says excitedly.

“Hey,” Steve exclaims, finally catching everyone’s attention. “Hey! Hey! This is not happening.”

“But—”

“No, no, no buts,” he interrupts Mike. “I promised I’d keep you shitheads safe and that’s exactly what I plan on doing. We’re staying here. On the bench. And we’re waiting for the starting team to do their job. Does everyone understand that?”

You nod. You’re the only one who does.

“This isn’t a stupid sports game,” Mike argues with annoyance.

“I said, does everybody understand that?” Steve presses. “I need a yes.”

Before anyone can answer though, an engine revs outside, stealing everyone’s attention to the window. But only Max and Lucas run over to get a better view through the wicked

“It’s my brother,” Max announces, piquing your curiosity. “He can’t know I’m here. He’ll kill me. He’ll kill us.”

You take a step forward and probe. “Who’s your brother?”

Max looks back at you with worry. “Billy Hargrove.”

Oh, that guy?

“Stay here,” Steve orders suddenly before he walks out of the house before anyone can argue.

You join the kids by the window and watch Billy climb out of his car and meet Steve half way. And since you can’t hear the interaction since they’re speaking too low to hear them clearly, you watch them confront each other.

They remain calm for a moment. Only for a moment before Billy points at all of you in the window.

“Fuck,” you mumble and slide down along with the kids.

“Shit, did he see us?” Dustin asks panicked.

You nod. “Yeah, he saw us.” You get up and point your head to the kitchen. “Go.”

The kids run after you, but the door then gets slammed opened as Billy storms in.

“Well, well, well,” he greets everyone and slams the door shut.

Where’s Steve?

“Lucas Sinclair,” Billy just names him and ignores his sister and the rest of you. “What a surprise.” As he approaches him he glares at his sister. “I thought I told you to stay away from him, Max.”

“Billy, go away,” she mutters.

“You disobeyed me,” Billy says quietly. “And you know what happens when you disobey me.”

“Billy…”

“I break things,” he says and then suddenly grabs Lucas by the collar and drags him away to slam him against a cabinet in the kitchen.

“Hey!” You exclaim and chase after him without helping Steve. “Stop! Leave him alone!”

“Billy stop! Billy!” Max yells out.

“Get off of me, you—”

“Since Maxine won’t listen to me, maybe you will.” Billy sneers at the boy. “You stay away from her. Stay away from her! You hear me?”

You have enough and manage to shove Billy to the wall beside him. “Leave the boy alone, asshole.”

Billy stares at you with surprise at first, letting you pull Lucas behind you so he can sneak away back to his friends.

“It’s you,” Billy chuckles.

You scoff smugly. “It’s me.”

Billy proceeds to push you, making Max react.

“Leave her alone Billy.”

You however, don’t let him push you around, you close your hand to a fist and then without warning hit him with an upper cut.

Billy groans and stumbles back since you catch him off guard. You don’t stop there though, you see his threatening stance, you saw him with Lucas, and predict what he did to Steve, so you throw a right hook too.

“Nice,” you hear Dustin say.

You proceed to knee Billy in the balls. “Don’t touch me,” you warn him. “Or them ever again.”

Billy groans and holds his crotch, but rather than writhing in his pain, he begins to laugh, making you step back and watch him in confusion

“You’re so dead, bitch.” He hisses.

You swallow thickly out of fear, but stand your ground.

Albeit, Steve then pushes you away and takes your place in front of Billy. “No,” Steve says. “You are.” And before anything else can be said or done, Steve throws Billy a strong right hook that makes him stumble.

Steve then grabs Billy by the collar and turns him to throw him back against the table. And like before Billy begins to laugh.

“Steve,” you try to warn him.

Said man meets your gaze and points his eyes to the side, letting you understand that he wants you to get out of the way.

“Looks like you got some fire in you after all, huh?” Billy laughs. “I’ve been waiting to meet this King Steve everybody’s been telling me so much about!”

“Get out,” Steve warns Billy as he pushes him back.

Nevertheless, Billy throws a punch. Steve luckily ducks it and also throws a punch that lands on Billys face.

“Yes! Kick his ass, Steve!” Dustin exclaims with excitement.

There’s no point yelling. Its either get beat up, or beat him up. You don’t want Steve to lose, so you let him fight Billy.

“Murder that son of a bitch!” Dustin shouts as Steve hits Billy again and again, and again until Billy is against the sink laughing like a maniac.

“Get that shithead!” Mike yells too.

“Kill the son of a bitch!” Dustin cheers Steve on. But as he does Billy slams a plate against Steve’s head.

“Steve!” You cry out and try to approach him, but Steve puts his hand out to stop you.

You don’t listen and meet him halfway as he stumbles away from Billy. Steve grabs your arms as you secure your hold around him.

However, you miss Billy storming over and don’t catch him until he kicks Steve out of your arms.

“Hey!” You bellow and try to shove him back, but this time he’s more aware of you. Before you can touch him he swings his hand back and slaps you harshly with the back of his hand.

“Fuck,” you hiss and hold a part of your face that begins to sting.

“Y/N,” Lucas calls out and approaches you with the other kids in tow.

You shake your head and face them to assure them. “I’m okay. I’m okay.” You nod and then drift your attention to the men, catching how Billy picks Steve up by the collar.

“No one tells me what to do!” Billy spats and then slams his head against Steve, making him fall back. “Whoo!”

“Stop!” You cry out. “You’re gonna kill him! Leave him alone, you made your point!”

Billy climbs over Steve and begins to punch him repeatdly. Your mind threatens to keep you there, but you snap out of your stupor and run to grab your gun from the corner of the wall you kept it against.

You don’t plan to shoot Billy, you just need to scare him by shooting beside him or something.

Nevertheless, just as you face Billy, Max beats you to it and stabs a needle in the side of his neck, causing him to finally stop hitting your friend, and shut the boys up.

Billy follows by getting up though to face his sister with disbelief, letting you drop your gun and fall on your knees by Steve.

“Oh god,” you mumble shakily as you see the blood all over his face. “It’s okay, you’ll be okay.” You press your ear against his lips and hear him breathing. He’s just unconscious. “You’ll be okay.” You whisper to his unconscious body.

A body thumps against the floor, so you look over, and catch Billy falling unconscious himself. He makes sure to laugh first though.

Creep.

Max picks up Steve’s nail bat and lifts it up to warn Billy. “From here on out, you leave me and my friends alone. Do you understand?”

“Screw you,” Billy mutters, making Max swing the bat down between his legs.

“Say you understand!” Max yells back angrily. “Say it! Say it!”

You look over at Billy and see him lick his lips before responding. “I understand,” Billy whispers.

“What?” Max asks.

“I understand,” Billy repeats before falling unconscious.

Max doesn’t wait to drop the bat and take the keys out of her brother's pocket. “Let’s get out of here,” she tells the boys.

About that.

It’s later than you wanted, but its okay.

“I’m going to Hawkins lab,” you let the kids know as you get up and walk to the kitchen to get a cloth to clean Steve’s face. “I’m using Mrs Byers car and meeting my dad there.”

“What?” Dustin asks as he follows after you while you get other things to clean Steve’s cuts. “But—”

“My dad doesn’t know about these things, not enough anyway. He…he’s going to help my uncle,” you lie. “But he’s going to get caught up in the mess, I need to help him. He’s the only family I have, I can’t let him die.”

Dustin parts his lips to argue, but he doesn’t say anything.

“Good,” you say and peer over your shoulder. “You guys need a ride first?”

“No!” Max exclaims. “I got it! You go, help your dad.”

You turn and face her as she also follows after you. “You drive?”

Max hesitates but then nods. “Yeah, my mom taught me.”

She’s too young for that, but you only have your dad, he’s what matters most in this world, so you take her word.

So now after you clean and bandage all of Steve’s cuts, after you wipe all the blood off his face, you get in Mrs Byers car and head to Hawkins lab. Your dad might not even need you for what he needs to do, but you were serious. He’s all you have. Your mother is a deadbeat, so you can’t lose your dad, you love him too much to lose him. So you go to him even with your fear of these Demo-dogs, even if it might mean having to harm that girl.

But if she’s the means to an end then…is it not worth it?

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Tagged- @middle-of-the-earth @x-theolivia @redskull199987 @lilyhw1

[liaromancewriter]

New York Moment

Premise: Max and Sienna get cast as extras on a movie set, and funny antics soon follow.

Book: Open Heart (post series) Pairing: Sienna Trinh x Max Valentine (M!OC) Rating/Category: Teen. Fluff. Words: 1,425

A/N: This fic was requested by @trappedinfanfiction from @creativepromptsforwriting Meet Cute list (prompt 15). Tagging for reblog to @creativepromptfills. I'm using @choicesflashfics week 29, prompt 3 (in bold). Submission for @aprilchallenge prompt "dance"

The streets of Manhattan were teeming under the steaming summer sunshine. Native New Yorkers walked determinedly about their business, and tourists ambled on sidewalks, smartphones in hand, ready to capture their New York moment.

Cars honked, buses wheezed, and people yelled. It was noisy and exciting, annoying and fascinating. It was New York.

Sienna Valentine watched the drama unfold from the relative peace of a shaded sidewalk patio in Greenwich Village, and thought, “I’ve missed this.”

She’d attended medical school at Columbia, and this city had been home for four years. She had so many memories here. Studying in Central Park on a warm spring day. Taking the A Train downtown for a night out with her friends. Ice skating at Rockefeller Center.   

Sienna had enjoyed her life in Boston and loved living in DC now. But whenever her husband Max needed to visit New York for work or family, she tagged along if her work schedule allowed.

Luckily for Sienna, Max had no issues making non-work trips either. An overnight trip to watch a Broadway show, a quick day trip to go shopping in Midtown or a romantic weekend getaway.

Life with Max was never dull, Sienna thought dreamily, looking away from the view outside to watch him walking toward her.

“Sorry about that. The guy just wouldn’t stop talking,” Max said, sliding into the chair across from her. He started to reach for his wine glass but suddenly stopped. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Like what?”

“Like you want to drag me to the nearest restroom and have your wicked way with me,” he grinned lasciviously.

“I’d rather wait until we get back to our hotel,” she countered with a wink and a smile. “And then I’ll have my wicked way with you. So you might want to load up on carbs.”

“Good plan,” he chuckled. “Check, please!”

Sienna burst into laughter. Definitely not boring, she thought again.

They finished their lunch, talking and just enjoying each other’s company, lingering over their wine. While Max settled the bill, Sienna quickly called their nanny.

“Noah okay?” Max asked, clasping her hand in his as they left the restaurant.

“Yes. Mrs. Banks said he was still asleep and to take our time.”

They started walking east toward Washington Square Park for an open-air concert, passing leafy residential streets lined with brownstones and avoiding the crowds on Bleeker Street by cutting through Cornelia Street.

They were two blocks from the park when they saw steel barricades and a clump of trailers and trucks lined up along one street. Security guards held back crowds as a film crew set up for a shoot outside the park; light stands, cameras and film equipment were everywhere.

“Now what?” Sienna said, disappointed at having their afternoon plans disrupted. It would take time to go around the barricades and crowds.

She turned toward Max, but he was standing a few feet away, reading an information notice taped to the side of a tree trunk.

“Hey, Si? Wanna be an extra in a Hollywood movie?”

When Sienna glanced at him in confusion, he grabbed her hand and pulled her to his side, pointing at the sign.

Intrigued, Sienna read the words block printed on bright yellow paper. “Extras wanted. Couples only. Report to Production Office.”

“Well?” Max smiled, a hint of adventure in his eyes. “It can be our New York Moment.”

“I thought our New York Moment was that extravagant proposal on The Highline?”

“Who says you can only have one?” he challenged, arching his eyebrow.

Intrigued by the idea, Sienna found herself nodding, her apprehension about being on camera carried away by Max’s enthusiasm.

They were outside the production office a short while later, standing in a queue with other couples. A production assistant collected their details and directed them to a trailer for a wardrobe check. That done, they joined the others in a closed-off waiting area near a fountain.

“What kind of movie do you think this is?” Sienna said, craning to see if she could spot any stars.

“Definitely not a porno, given the location,” Max teased, his lips quirked in a half-smile. “I was really looking forward to seeing you in a leather catsuit.”

Sienna snorted. “I don’t have time for your prurient fantasies, Valentine.”

“You say fantasy, I say, meet me at midnight.”

Max took her hand and twirled her into an impromptu dance, their hips swaying to the jaunty tune drifting from a street musician behind the barricade. He tightened his grip on her hand; his other hand splayed across her lower back.

Well used to their rhythm, Sienna readied herself for the backward dip, confident he wouldn’t let her fall. Suddenly, Max tugged at her, and she tripped over her feet, falling against him.

Sienna giggled at her clumsiness, but his smug look and hands cupping her ass made her think it was on purpose.

She locked her hands behind his neck and leaned in, kissing the open space at the base of his throat where he'd left the buttons of his shirt collar undone. She felt his breath hitch before he pulled back slightly. But she wasn’t done.

Sienna stretched on her toes and drew his head down to place her lips against his ear.

“Are you trying to seduce me in public?” she whispered.

He chuckled. “What a thing to say? I’m just rehearsing. For all you know, my character is a suave international spy trying to throw the assassins off his scent by dancing with a beautiful stranger in the park.”

She scoffed. “We’ve both seen that movie, and it usually ends with the spy seducing the woman before jumping out the window.”

“Maybe in this movie, the beautiful woman is the seductress,” he said, amused. “And hopefully she has handcuffs so the spy can’t escape her bed.”

He said the last in such a deadpan manner that Sienna burst into laughter. She laughed so hard she had to wrap her arms around her stomach and gasp for air.

The production assistant walked over, still talking into a headset, clipboard in hand.

“All right, folks. Thanks for your patience,” he said hurriedly. “The AD’s just finishing setting up the shot, and then we’ll escort you to the set. Just some house rules….”

Sienna tried to school her face to pretend interest and attention. It didn’t help that Max moved behind her, wrapped his arms around her waist, and leaned down to speak in her ear, cracking jokes.

“Don’t feed the pigeons? Why would we do that?” Max murmured, deliberately twisting the production assistant’s words about not disturbing the actors.

Sienna covered her mouth with one hand so people couldn’t see her laughing, but there was no hiding the tears spiking her eyelashes.

“Wait? I thought this was a family feature. Why would we be dancing naked in the square with a clown?”

Sienna guffawed, and the production assistant stopped to stare at her. Embarrassed, she pretended to cough and waved a hand in apology. The man continued his instructions, squinting suspiciously at her.

She could feel Max’s body shaking in mirth behind her. As soon as the coast was clear, Sienna slapped the arm around her waist and hissed in annoyance.

“Are you trying to get us kicked off the movie? And you know he didn’t say anything about naked dancing. The extras are supposed to be couples dancing in the park to a summer concert.”

She shivered as Max kissed the sensitive spot behind her ear.

“Tomayto, tomahto,” he said, voice smug. “Want to go back to our hotel for naked dancing?”

Before Sienna could tell him to behave himself, the production assistant announced it was time to head out.

They took their places on discretely placed x-marked spots on the floor. After listening attentively to the director’s instructions, they turned to face each other.

The more it dragged on, the technicians adjusting lighting and whatnot around her, the more nervous Sienna became.

Max placed her hand on his shoulder and put his arm at her waist, ready to swing her into an impromptu dance on a beautiful sunny day. The setup was so similar to what they’d been doing in the waiting area earlier that Sienna’s nerves vanished.

“It’s a good thing we rehearsed earlier,” Max said, a winsome smile hovering on his lips, reading her thoughts perfectly.

Sienna kissed his jaw. “Don’t worry. If you mess up, we can keep practicing back in our hotel. Clothing optional. One more New York Moment.”

“And cut!”

Bonus

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

All Fics & Edits: @annfg8 @bluebelle08 @coffeeheartaddict2 @crazy-loca-blog @doriopenheart @genevievemd @headoverheelsforramsey @lucy-268 @jamespotterthefirst @jerzwriter @lady-calypso @mainstreetreader @peonierose @potionsprefect @queencarb @quixoticdreamer16 @rookiemartin @socalwriterbee @takemyopenheart @tessa-liam @trappedinfanfiction

Submissions: @choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics

Max & Sienna only: @aallotarenunelma @storyofmychoices @kyra75

[shion-yu]

Day 22 - Punishment

“Would it make you feel better if you hit me?” Whumptober 2023! I’m using the @ailesswhumptober's prompt list. This story is about my OC Cliff - here’s his profile if you’re so inclined: https://toyhou.se/23741453.cliff 

CW: Vague mention of child abuse

Elliot was pissed. He knew it wasn’t truly a big deal - Cliff hadn’t meant to leave an open half gallon of milk in their dorm room over the weekend on purpose. It was just a bad smell that would go away. But it was so hot being the very end of the summer that the horrid scent just lingered, sticking to everything insistently. Elliot had to spend his entire laundry budget for the month washing everything, although Cliff had paid him back. They had scrubbed everything down with disinfectant twice and yet, still, Elliot felt like he could still sense it ever so slightly.

Cliff claimed he didn’t smell it anymore, which just made Elliot more annoyed. “Just because you have the observational skills of a teenage boy doesn’t mean I should have to suffer,” Elliot had snapped at him.

“Aren’t we both teenage boys still, technically?” Cliff asked. They were in the second semester of freshman year of college and had been rooming together since after Christmas break. They were dating, Cliff had issues with his college football roommate bringing girls back to the dorms, and Elliot’s roommate had decided to study abroad for the second semester... It made sense to room together at the time, even though a lot of people said maybe being dorm roommates and dating wasn’t the best idea in the world. Now Elliot saw their point.

He liked living with Cliff most of the time. But Cliff could be insufferable at times and when he was, there was no escape - just their tiny little room with two twin beds and nothing more than six feet of space separating them at maximum. One of them would have to physically leave their living space if they wanted some air and it could get tense really fast. 

“Cliff, I don’t know what to tell you. Just don’t do it again,” Elliot sighed. 

“Would it make you feel better if you hit me?” Cliff said like it was a perfectly natural thing to say.

“I - what?” Elliot stared at him in confusion, then horror. “Of course not! I would never hit you, are you crazy?” He looked hurt, too. “Do you really think I would want that?”

Cliff shook his head. “No, I just wanted to ask. It’s not that weird.”

“It is weird, it’s really weird,” Elliot muttered. “Don’t tell me you have a kink for that or something... Do you?”

“No!” Cliff exclaimed defensively. “I just... that’s what I’m used to.”

Elliot blinked. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Your parents never hit you?” Cliff asked genuinely.

“No.”

“Oh.”

There was an awkward silence. Neither of them seemed to know what to say next. Elliot sighed, this new information weighing heavily on his heart. “Cliff, I don’t know if it was just discipline or... worse, but whatever it was, my family definitely never hit me. They don’t believe in that,” Elliot said. “I would never want to hit you, and I’d never want you to hit me. Would you?”

“No,” Cliff said. Elliot wasn’t sure how he managed to look so horrified when he was the one who had brought up corporal punishment in the first place. “I don’t want to hit you.”

“Okay. Good. No hitting,” Elliot said. “That doesn’t mean I can’t be mad at you.”

Cliff was quiet as if he needed to consider this new way of life seriously. If Elliot didn’t hit him, how would he know he was excused? Might as well ask... “So how do I know when you’re not mad at me anymore?”

Elliot sighed in exasperation. Cliff really had grown up so differently from him that it was hard to reconcile at times. “I’ll tell you, how about that?”

“Okay,” Cliff said. “Does it help if I say I’m sorry again?”

“I know you’re sorry. You don’t have to keep saying it,” Elliot told him. Sometimes it was like teaching a kid with Cliff, he swore. “I’m going to take a walk, and when I come back it’s all okay, alright?”

“Alright,” Cliff said. “I’ll wait here.” He looked like a hopeless puppy. Elliot couldn’t help but smile a little to himself. Cliff really did have the best intentions most of the time, even if he was misguided and confused for half of it. Sometimes teaching him how to be a normal person was exhausting, but it could also be endearing. Elliot decided he could be patient for him; it was worth it.

[andvys]

Hi!

I just read chapter 18 of "I'd Knew You'd Linger" and BOY I was not prepared for the conversation/confrontation between Nancy and Cheer. How I rolled my eyes at Nancy for saying Jonathan and she didn't cheat. I know that when Cheer saw them, Steve and Nancy had broken up, so not cheating at that point. However, Nancy was cheating on Steve and thought it to herself. I view her cheating as Steve's karma for cheating on Cheer (as immature as that mentality is). I also know it's unlikely Nancy would admit that to Cheer. Ugh, I think it's cause I'm so bothered by people who dodge accountability. Plus, I'm still annoyed at her for her being mad at Steve for pining after Cheer while she was full on cheating with Jonathan AND how she spoke about Reader from way in the beginning.

Anyway, to segue this away from ranting about Nancy more, I still wonder back to what Nancy yelled at Steve/what they were thinking to themselves: Why were they dating when they obviously loved other people? Especially Steve, since HE was in a relationship with Reader first. I think for me, if I were really Cheer, I would want that question fully answered. An "I don't know" would not suffice. Like, I would think to myself, "No way can I trust this man if he can't honestly tell me what prompted him to cheat on and dump me for this girl because he liked her while he LOVES me." As much as I'm living and loving Steve's soul searching arc, him acknowledging and unpacking his own insecurities, and that he finally broke things off with Nancy, he never should've been with her in the first place, especially in the way he pursued her. How does he know he really won't do something like that again if Cheer takes him back?

I remember the chapter where Mrs. Harrington told Steve that he's similar to her brother, who was in love with a girl but still cheated on her. She eventually left him, and now Uncle Harrington pines after this woman, even long after she's moved on from him and living her best life. Maybe Steve could talk to this uncle, and Uncle Harrington can give him some words of wisdom? But then again, I guess what I'm really asking is why people who are in happy relationships still cheat and leave for their affair partners, especially after realizing that they love the partner they cheated on?

Anyway, thank you for this story! It's been a fun, long, messy ride that I can not get enough of. No matter what everyone's HEA looks like, I know you'll figure it out! Even if it's not in the way all the readers are expecting or wishing it to be! Good luck and happy writing 💜💜💜

Hi!

You will actually get another conversation between Nancy and Cheer! Maybe Cheer should actually confront her this time? About all her wrongs 👀

I think that Steve doesn't even have the answer himself, he let his insecurities guide him and the breakup is not something that he planned -- it was just a very huge mistake in a moment where he felt very very insecure.

He broke her heart before she could break his because he believed that that is something she would end up doing. And he decided to leave before it got worse (for him) cause he was already dealing with jealousy and trust issues -- even though he never ever had reasons to not trust her.

Steve talking to his uncle though? Hmm, that actually sounds like a good idea 👀

"I guess what I'm really asking is why people who are in happy relationships still cheat and leave for their affair partners, especially after realizing that they love the partner they cheated on?" Honestly, that is a question that I keep asking myself as well and I'm trying to figure out as I'm writing this story but I'm still just as clueless as before -- I will never understand why people do that

Thank you for reading and for giving me this amazing feedback, I really appreciate it! 💕💕

[tcplnyteens]

Review: We'll Always Have Summer by Jenny Han

We’ll Always Have Summer is the last book in Jenny Han’s The Summer I Turned Pretty trilogy, which was made into a TV series in 2022. I wasn’t even planning on writing a review for the first two books because I didn’t have many strong feelings about them, but that obviously wasn’t the case for the third book.

Belly (short for Isabella), the protagonist, is now in college, but at heart, she’s still the same hopeless romantic who likes summers, swimming, and boys. The first two books saw Belly and her family spend the summer at Cousins Beach with their close family friend Susannah and her two sons Conrad and Jeremiah (Belly’s two main love interests), then fight to save their beach house and childhood memories after Susannah’s death. Those carefree summers at Cousins Beach are a thing of the past now, but Belly has found solace in her newfound relationship with Jeremiah. She attends the fictional Finch University (coincidentally, the same school that Jeremiah attends) and everything is going amazingly… until it isn’t. 

The plot kicks off when Belly and Jeremiah have a falling out because he cheated on her, even though he minimizes the issue and spouts a slew of excuses when Belly confronts him about it. What follows are the two most insane things to ever happen in this drama-filled trilogy: Jeremiah proposes to Belly, and she accepts. (At this point, my mouth was actually hanging open. The entire proposal and thought of marriage came as such a surprise that I didn’t really register what was happening until several chapters later.)

The rest of the book consists of drama, wedding planning, angsty inner monologues about Belly’s lingering feelings for Conrad, and more drama. Belly’s parents try to talk her out of marrying Jeremiah, saying that she should wait until she finishes college, but Belly adamantly refuses. I was hoping this would turn into a book about Belly discovering herself, casting off both Jeremiah and Conrad (both of whom treated her pretty badly in the previous two books), and following her dreams, just like Susannah wanted her to. Unfortunately, it didn’t. Eventually, Belly wins her parents over and her mother has a complete change of heart and starts supporting her in the wedding. However, Jeremiah and Belly’s relationship hits a few snags, and she can’t stop thinking about her feelings for Conrad. By the time she finally realizes that she loves Conrad, it’s the night before the wedding—thankfully, they call it off. 

I don’t often give negative reviews, but I had really high hopes for this book. The previous two were teenage romances through and through, but they also contained some really interesting ideas about friendship, family, siblings, and grief. I actually enjoyed seeing Belly grow in the previous two books. I liked learning about her study in Latin and her passion for swimming. I really hoped the last book would see Belly grow into a strong young woman who is ready to create a place for herself in the world. I get that college kids are often immature and self-centered, but usually they’re more mature than they were in high school. I got more and more annoyed with Belly as the book progressed because she was so caught up in her own feelings that she couldn’t take a step back and see that what she was doing was actually hurting everyone around her, including herself. Honestly, all of the characters in this book were really just the most obnoxious versions of themselves. What happened to the sweet, mature kids in the first book? 

Aside from the questionable character development, the entire premise of this book made me cringe. I became skeptical when the book glossed over the fact that Belly basically chose to go to Finch University just because Jeremiah was there. It was explained that it was a good school and Belly liked it, but it still made me uneasy that a factor in such a huge decision as where to go to college was the fact that her high school boyfriend was there. Even though that was a clear red flag, I brushed it off and read eagerly on. 

Well, the next red flag popped up quickly: Belly deciding to marry Jeremiah. At the age of eighteen, before she can legally drink, barely two years out of high school, not having dated anyone else besides two brothers from the same family. I can see so many problems with this decision, and the fact that neither Belly nor Jeremiah seemed to have put much thought into it made it worse. The brain normally finishes developing and maturing in the mid- to late-twenties, and Belly and Jeremiah are eighteen and nineteen at the time of the proposal. Even I know that it’s not a good idea to make utterly life-changing decisions like marriage before you’re even twenty. And the fact that Jeremiah basically used the proposal as a way to distract Belly from his unfaithfulness just did not sit well with me.

I really, really hoped their parents’ objections would convince Belly and Jeremiah to call off the wedding and do some reflecting and communicating about their relationship. Imagine my utter disappointment when Belly and Jeremian not only didn’t listen to their parents, but somehow managed to convince them to support the wedding. Even by the end of the book, when they call off the wedding, it’s never addressed that the entire thing was just not a good idea. It’s framed as Belly realizing her true feelings for Conrad and letting Jeremiah go, not Belly realizing that getting married to someone when she’s still basically a teenager who hasn’t even finished her education is not cool. In my opinion, things like this—a spontaneous proposal without any real communication—appearing in books targeted at teenagers could create a lot of misconceptions about marriage that end up doing more harm than good. 

Overall, We’ll Always Have Summer is an extremely disappointing end to a series that started off really well. The characters that were so nuanced and complex in the previous two books—especially the first; I really liked the portrayal Conrad and Jeremiah’s relationship—are reduced to two-dimensional versions of themselves. Conrad is the self-sacrificing, brooding hero; Jeremiah is the irresponsible and unstable ex; and Belly is a doormat who doesn’t know how to put herself first. This book especially did Jeremiah dirty, because it often went too far to make him seem undesirable compared to Conrad. The entire premise of the book—the wedding—was also unhealthy. Honestly, if you enjoyed the first two books of this series like me, I would recommend not reading We’ll Always Have Summer. 

~Tania

[garoujo]

HOW THEY APOLOGISE AFTER AN ARGUMENT — JUJUTSU KAISEN

feat : gojo satoru, fushiguro toji, fushiguro megumi, itadori yuuji + geto suguru

♱ warnings — none, sfw . f! leaning petnames used.

♱ note — this came 2 me so suddenly in the shower also everyone say hewo 2 toji <3 this is rly like how they make you feel better after an argument -not proof read-

・✶ ｡ﾟGOJO SATORU

you and satoru didn’t argue a lot but when you did he was always annoying, as much as he wanted to solve the issue you just always felt like he wasn’t taking you seriously — you knew that his more playful attitude was more a coping mechanism, and sometimes it worked to make you feel better — but not all the time.

you’re in the kitchen angrily washing some dishes when you hear a few knocks on the door followed by gojo’s all too familiar drawl, you’d left the room around half an hour ago and you know he was probably giving you time to calm down before he made his move. “there’s my sweet girl. y’okay?” he hums, and although his tone carries a softer undercurrent than it usually does — you still refuse to turn to face him when you hear him begin to approach you. “the silent treatment, huh? you’re gonna break my heart.”

gojo’s words are accompanied by his arms wrapping loosely around your waist, pulling you into his chest as his chin rests along the dip of your shoulder from behind — occasionally inching closer to the crook of your neck until you finally speak to him. “what do you want?” you ask sharply and you hear the snowy haired sorcerer hiss like you’ve burned him before he’s pressing a short kiss against your neck and gently turning you in his hold — your soapy hands and all as he gives you a fond sort of look when your narrowed gaze meets his.

“y’know i hate when you’re mad, princess.” gojo groans, lips almost jutting out into a pout just so he can see the whisper of a smile that’s threatening to curl at the corners of your lips. “hey.. i’m sorry. jus’ talk to me.” his words are earnest and accompanied by one of his large palms smoothing along your waist to squeeze the skin affectionately, the other resting against your cheek before he’s following the touch with a lingering kiss against your temple and a slow grin. “you’re so annoying, ‘toru.” you huff, but you allow yourself to lean into his touch before he’s pulling away to let his smile tug even wider. “oh? but something tells me you love it, sweet thing.”

・✶ ｡ﾟFUSHIGURO TOJI

he was never exactly one to beat around the bush, during arguments he was always blunt and straight to the point — it’s what you’d expect from him his natural dominance and sharp edges, but that doesn’t mean he liked arguing with you. toji would be lying if he said he hated when you were mad at him.

it’s quiet when toji walks into the living room, casting you a glance as you sit with your arms folded over your chest at the very edge of the sofa knowing he’s going to sit on the other side. you can feel the way his gaze is narrowed on you, but you make a show of not meeting it when he lets his heavy body fall onto the cushions at the other side — lazily grabbing the tv remote to flick through the channels aimlessly before he speaks.

“you still pissed?” toji asks, his voice a low drawl and you can tell by the speed the tv screen is changing he’s not paying attention to it. “what do you think?” you bite, earning yourself a click of the tongue from the dark haired male at the end of the couch before you’re turning to send him a frown. “come on now. don’t gimme that look, sweetheart.” and you hate the effect his words seem to have on you despite how mean he can be, letting your eyes roll before you’re snapping back. “i’m not sending you any sort of look.”

but toji truly does hate when you’re mad at him, throwing the tv remote back onto the armrest of the couch before he’s reaching over to wrap his fingers gently around your ankle, pulling you across the cushions and into his side instead with a groan. “like hell you ain’t. cmeer.” you could try kick him off but he’s stronger than you, and there was still a certain comfort you felt when he let your thighs rest over his own — his calloused palms smoothing along your calves like he’s trying to make you feel better, the only way he really knows how as his other hand props his head up. “sorry for pissin’ you off, so quit that shit, alright?”

・✶ ｡ﾟFUSHIGURO MEGUMI

it was unlikely for you and megumi to argue, it was normally petty and probably could be easy avoided but he wasn’t too good at sugar coating his words and could be a little blunt. although he was always fast to pick up on whether or not something was wrong with you — especially if he’s the reason.

you’re wrapped up in a blanket in the bedroom, following an argument with megumi that although was mostly resolved, you still felt a little hurt and vulnerable after regardless and needed some time to calm down. he respects that, so it’s around 20 minutes later when you hear the first few knocks on your bedroom door followed by a soft “im coming in.” before your boyfriend is awkwardly shuffling in to stand in the doorway.

you can tell he’s still a little uncomfortable from the argument, treading with caution as he swallows heavily and begins to ask you questions that you know he knows the answer to — but it’s the only thing he can think of so you’ll talk to him. “hey.. uh, do you know where i put my jacket?” megumi grunts, avoiding your gaze as he begins to fiddle around with random brushes and things scattered around the desk at the corner of the room. “in the doorway where you left it maybe?” you reply sharply and your answer makes him scratch awkwardly at the back of his neck before he’s clearing his throat and trying again.

“thanks. uh.. if you’re cold, the living room is warmer. we can watch a movie, i mean if you want.” megumi mumbles, gesturing to the blanket you have wrapped around your shoulders, and watching him shuffle around with a random hairbrush in his hands makes you melt a little before you’re letting yourself get up and approach him. “that sounds nice.” you sigh and you almost see his lips upturn softly when he looks at you. “i’m sorry again, about earlier. i don’t like not talking to you.”

・✶ ｡ﾟITADORI YUUJI

it was extremely rare for you and yuuji to get into arguments, it normally involved you having to take a few moments to yourself to calm down just to stop yourself being mean. he truly didn’t ever want to make you upset, but sometimes he just didn’t know what he did to make you mad.

itadori is still in the exact same spot you left him when you walk back into the room, watching him stand up from his place on the couch before he’s approaching you — a little more hesitant than usual but you can tell he’s trying to respect your feelings. “i’m sorry, are you still mad?” he asks honestly, his eyes are wide and his lips are jutted out ever so slightly and you can’t deny that the sight of him looking so upset about you being upset makes you feel warm.

“i feel a little better.” you huff, meeting his gaze with your own before your features soften at the way his seem to brighten with your words. “can we talk again, baby? i don’t like when you’re mad.” itadori’s words are slightly muffled through his subtle pout but the way his hands gently rest on your hips is so familiar that you can’t help but melt back into him, already feeling any irritation leave when you gives you a few moments to push him away before pulling you in for a hug completely.

“do you need anything? i can make it up to you.” his words are louder now, a little happier before he’s smearing a short kiss against your cheek through a smile, pulling away to meet your gaze once more afterwards. “just this is fine, yuuji.” and the next squeeze of his arms around your waist makes you wrap your own around his shoulders before he’s pulling you to press his lips against yours. “i’ll be better, baby. i promise.”

・✶ ｡ﾟGETO SUGURU

geto was a big believer in just talking about whatever was on your mind, although sometimes you couldn’t help but be annoyed for petty reasons and didn’t feel like trying to explain it. but he always picked up on it quickly, his eyes narrowed on your figure as you let every silence between you both linger a little too long.

you can feel geto’s gaze burning through your figure from across the room, his arms crossed as he leans against the kitchen counter and watches the way you’re deliberately ignoring him. he waits until you go to walk past him, running an exasperated hand over his face before he’s gently wrapping an arm around your figure and curling you closer to him. “you’re still mad at me.” he grunts, finger pinching softly at your jaw just so he can make your gaze meet his because he can tell you’re trying to avoid it.

“am not.” you huff, pouty lips jutting out as you try to wriggle out of his hold but it only makes him hold you tighter. “think i can’t tell when my princess is mad? hey, talk to me.” geto’s voice is smooth and it’s a tone that makes you feel at ease when he finally manages to get your gaze to lock with him, a crooked but soft smile on his lips that makes all of the tangled thoughts in your head suddenly feel as straight forward as ever, and that makes you huff at how ridiculous you feel now even after the issue is resolved.

“i’m just being petty.” you finally admit and you feel geto physically relax into you before he’s huffing out a laugh and pressing a quick kiss against your lips. “i’m sorry again ‘bout earlier, baby. you sure you’re good?” he’s asking again just to be sure and you know that if something really was wrong he’d listen, you can tell by the gentleness in his touch and the fondness that still pools in his eyes. “everything is fine, sugu. promise!”

© 2022 garoujo. please do not copy any of my layouts or writing and translate or repost onto any other sites.

[coffee-with-bucky]

Lovers

Summary: Unnamed and undefined, you don’t know where your relationship with Viktor stands. But, when you mention that Viktor’s moles are signs of where his past lover would kiss him in his past life, you two slowly push your relationship across that threshold and put an official description.

Pairing: Viktor x Reader

Words: 1.6K

Genre: Fluff

GIF Credit: @solidago-sempervirens​

A/N: I’m so down bad for Viktor lmao. Anyways, I had fun writing this! (Reader is kept gender-neutral)

To others, the glances were mere looks – nothing more.

But deep down in your heart, you knew what they meant. And Viktor knew just as well.

There was no label as to what this was.

Friendship? It was much more.

A romantic relationship? No official stamp of approval. It was in limbo.

But what you did know was the connection that you and Viktor forged was unspoken. Fleeting glimpses with glints in his golden eyes, which practically glowed when the sun’s rays hit them.

It was when no one was looking – the lightest of touches upon the tips of fingertips brushing across hands and arms. Sometimes your hands would find themselves trailing up to his shoulder, a gentle squeeze that you swore made all the tension in Viktor’s body dissolve. 

You treaded on a fine line – your hands itched to drift higher, wanting to linger on the sides of his neck, maybe even place a kiss where his pulse point laid.

And that was the bigger issue – you wanted to kiss him. Kiss every inch of skin he would allow. Those sharp cheekbones, his forehead where those baby hairs rested, those lips that spoke of scientific theories and ideas of hextech inventions, but more notably, the two moles that speckled his skin.

One under his right eye, the other above the corner of his left lip. You found yourself gazing at those moles almost as much as admiring his stunning eyes. A desire to kiss those moles consumed your thoughts to the point where you would get so distracted –

“…Hello? Eh, are you still with me, duck?”

Brought back to reality, the handle of Viktor’s cane waved in front of your face. Viktor smirked as you blinked, heat rising to your cheeks. You were supposed to be listening to Viktor’s explanation of the new hexgates that were in development since you asked him.

Well, half of that was true. You did want to learn about the hexgates but, it was also an excuse to spend more time with him and temporarily ditch your duties as Heimerdinger’s assistant. It was a slow day and you had justified to yourself that you could slack off for one day.

You narrowed your eyes at him, sitting up straighter in your stool, “Will you stop calling me that?”

Viktor laughed, an almost baritone quality blended into his tone, “Never.”

“Why do you call me that again? You could have given me a cuter nickname instead, you know, like dove.” You huffed.

Viktor leaned forward from his stool with a gleam in his eye, “It’s only because you pout like a duck.” As your brows furrowed, you intuitively pouted your lips, “See!”

Crossing your arms, you stuck your tongue out at him.

Viktor playfully rolled his eyes, “You never cease to amuse me, my duck.”

A bashful grin laced your face. As much as you pretended to be annoyed at Viktor’s nickname for you, it secretly made your heart race.

“Besides, a duck is cute. Therefore, a cute nickname… For a cute individual.”

You swore your heart was going to combust inside your chest.

“Now about your attention span…” Viktor hummed. Holding the middle of his cane, he softly tapped the handle of his cane to your forehead.

A gentle bonk.

“It appears something is causing a hindrance to your concentration.”

You rubbed the back of your neck with a sheepish smile, “Yeah, something like that.” Your eyes flickered to the mole above the corner of his lip.

“What’s distracting you?” Viktor tilted his head as he nudged your knee with his.

You sighed, “I was looking at the moles on your face.”

Viktor’s eyebrows raised, “Oh? And what about them?”

You smiled, remembering the myth your friends and family relayed to you many, many years ago.

“They reminded me about a myth I learned about growing up. I was told that the moles and birthmarks on your skin were indicators to where your lover from your past life kissed you the most.” You nudged his knee back.

A light flush sprinkled his cheeks. Viktor hummed, leaning his cane against the workbench, “And… You believe it?”

“Mhm, yes. But also no.”

“How so?”

You tapped your chin, “I find the sentiment behind it adorable, sure. But I think it makes the reason to kiss someone all the sweeter for the next lover in the next life.”

Viktor nodded. Pulling his chair closer to yours, his knees now brushed against yours.

“So, you’re telling me, a lover from my past life liked to kiss me… Here and here.” Viktor pointed to the moles on his face.

You smiled and nodded back, softened eyes flickering to his moles, “I think your lover knew what they were doing.” Viktor raised a brow. “I theorize that the lover from your past life kissed you here,” You softly tapped the mole under his eye with a finger, “And here,” You tapped the one above the corner of his mouth, “Because they were the most optimal spots for kisses.”

“That’s certainly a… bold theory.” Viktor smugly smiled, eyes darting to your lips briefly. “Maybe… You could test your theory?”

Your eyes widened, a quiet gasp catching in your throat at the mere image of you kissing his cheek. 

“I-I mean yes, I could, theoretically.” You bit your lip before shrugging. “But... I’m going to need a participant.”

Resting his elbows on his knees, Viktor leaned forward so much that his face was just inches away from yours.

“You have a prime contender right here.”

You cleared your throat, “Well, as the researcher, I’m going to need to ask the participant for verbal consent, which coincides with ethics, confidentiality and confirms that they want to participate in the study–“

“Yes. I consent. Now will you stop stalling, my duck?” Viktor chuckled.

You gave a single nod, biting the insides of your cheeks in an attempt to stop smiling. Taking in a gentle breath, your fingers floated under his chin, hooking it between your index finger and thumb. Leaning forward, you planted a soft kiss under his eye, letting your lips linger for a few moments. You heard Viktor’s breath hitch as your thumb grazed against his skin.

Gravitating towards his other mole, you kissed it with just as soft of a touch. Your lips were dangerously close to the corner of his lip – if you had moved just a hair-width below, you would have met a sliver of his mouth.

Pulling back, you chuckled at the sight before you. Viktor’s cheeks were drenched in pink, the tips of his ears turning almost as red as his tie.

“So as the main participant in this study,” You smiled as you stood up and sat at the edge of the lab table, “Is my theory correct?”

Slightly loosening the tie around his neck, Viktor chuckled with a widened grin, “W-Well, you’re going to have to note that I will certainly have a bias in the results,” Viktor smirked up at you, “But you’re correct. My lover from my past life knew where I liked to be kissed… except I think they forgot a crucial one.”

Before you could deliver a question, you realized that Viktor’s golden eyes burned with something behind them as he stood up. You didn’t have time to react as Viktor placed his arms beside you, caging you in as he leaned against the table. Cupping your cheek, he brought his lips to yours.

You sat there frozen, your mind short-circuiting at the feeling of Viktor’s lips on yours. Fluttering your eyes closed, you pressed back tenderly, slowly, and gently, moving your lips against his. Your lips perked into a tiny grin against Viktor’s mouth, reaching up to gently hold Viktor’s wrist as he caressed against your cheek.  

When you two pulled away, Viktor stammered, “I-I apologize if I overstepped–“

You cut him off by grabbing his tie, lightly tugging him forward so you could kiss him again.

“Oh.” Viktor chuckled, stumbling slightly as you kissed him with more passion, one hand still holding his tie while the other snaked into his hair. Viktor stood in between your legs, his hands landing on your waist while a quiet sigh emitted from the back of his throat. The hand in his hair soon traveled down, you gently held the side of his neck as your thumb caressed the side of his jaw.

A mischievous thought passed your mind. You lightly gave a playful bite to his lower lip, making Viktor’s breath hitch. His hands at your waist tightened, his lips pressing firmer and more feverish than ever, making you sigh into the kiss.

Pulling away, Viktor pressed his forehead to yours, deep breaths mingling as smiles reached both of your faces. Viktor let out a giddy laugh, the corners of his eyes crinkling in delight as he brushed the tip of your nose with his.

“So…” Viktor sighed, languidly rubbing circles with his thumbs at your waist, “I forgot to ask, do you think my moles are optimal placements for kisses?”

With a big smile, you cupped his cheeks and kissed his moles again.

“Does that answer your question?” You laughed, running your thumbs across his cheekbones.

“Yes, it quite does,” Viktor closed his eyes briefly, leaning into your touch, “One last question.”

Sliding your hands down, you draped your arms over his shoulders, “Shoot.”

“You also said that my moles give a reason for the… next lover to continue those kisses,” Viktor avoided your eyes as the flush on his cheeks deepened, “So I ask, will you be that person? My… lover?”

Warmth bloomed in your chest, diffusing across your body, and traveled up to your face. Your face felt like it was set ablaze, particularly in your cheeks.

For the longest time there was no label. And now with his kisses and touch burned into your mind, imagining your relationship to be officially defined–

Lovers.

“I would love to.”

Viktor grinned, capturing your lips once more.

[imagineredwood]

“Every time I touch you, there’s a moment where you look like you think it will hurt.” - Miguel Galindo

Summary: After the fight of a lifetime, Miguel and you have a quick heart to heart.

Pairing: Miguel Galindo x female reader

Warnings: Mention of marriage issues and divorce, arguing

Word count: 709

A/N: Just a quick little something for my babies 💖

You chuckled as you listened to the show playing on the TV, your eyes focused on the knife in your hand as you chopped up the fruit. It was early morning, and you had woken up before the sun had even risen into the sky.

Partly because you weren't tired anymore.

Partly because it felt off to sleep in an empty bed.

Miguel had been in and out of the house the past week, focusing on the more legit business side of his empire. You understood the demand and didn't let it get to you. At least not to where anyone could tell.

It was already nearing two weeks after the blowout that had Miguel's booming voice echoing off the walls, the word divorce blurting past your lips at one point. The fight had been nasty. Hostile and vicious, on both sides, and lest the marriage crumble you both decided to take some time to yourselves away from each other. It had proven beneficial, the frustration on your side and his dwindling. You'd been back in the same house now for a week, and while things already felt somewhat back to normal, you both knew they weren't.

He hadn't listened closely enough nor taken you seriously enough when you had told him that if you didn't get more of his attention you would leave, and you ignored his rationalization that you sometimes asked the impossible of him. Now that you both had time to reflect, things were smoother. Calmer. But it was undeniable that you both were walking on eggshells at times. Alone in the kitchen, you felt at ease, but that feeling disappeared as Miguel walked in through the front door, eyes landing on you immediately.

You looked away, thinking back to what he had said.

'Do you always have to think the worst? Does it always have to be an interrogation as soon as I come home?'

You internalized that and listened, simply throwing him a smile and returning your gaze to the fruit salad you were assembling.

Miguel sighed quietly, his own words echoing in his head as he now ached for the show of interest he once had found annoying. He tilted his head toward his office once, Nestor understanding the gesture to mean he wanted to be alone. The bodyguard and friend walked away silently, Miguel walking to the kitchen to join you. The closer he got, the more you tried to keep your posture steady. Closing the gap, Miguel came to stand right beside you, hip against the counter as she watched you. Finally meeting his gaze, you forced another smile.

"Welcome home."

The cartel leader nodded, forcing a smile of his own as he reached out to you. He didn't miss the small flinch you gave at the movement, nor did he miss the ache created in his chest. His smile took on a glum impression, the sigh he let out coming from deep in his chest as he rested his palm on the smoothness of your cheek.

“Every time I touch you, there’s a moment where you look like you think it will hurt.”

His words pained you and you found yourself leaning into his touch to soothe both him and yourself.

"Because I wonder if it'll be the last time."

Miguel quickly shook his head, opting to place his other hand on your free cheek, your face resting cradled in his palms. His eyes were warm and reassuring as they gazed at you, hoping to convince you.

"It won't be. We fight and we argue but we're fixing that. I fight because I care. I have to learn how to be more temperate, more patient. But you don't ever have to worry about the last time. Even when my hands are so old and weathered that they can't do anything else, they'll still show you love."

You smiled gently, the first real one in a week, and Miguel did too. Thumb brushing along your cheekbones, he sighed once more, though this time there was a layer of content. Leaning forward, he pressed his lips against yours for a lingering kiss before pulling away and looking down at the bowl of bright, glistening fruit, serving you the first bowl with love.

General taglist

@piccasoe @ateliefloresdaprimavera @gemini0410 @woahitslucyylu @my-rosegold-soul @that-chick212 @everyhowlmarksthedead @glimmerglittergirl @elcococruz @fanaticfangurl21 @encounterthepast @iambabyharry @svintsandghosts @starrynite7114 @saturnsaree @multiyfandomgirl40 @destynelseclipsa @sadeyesgf @queenbeered @iamthegraham @emoengelfurleben @all-the-boys-to-the-yard @otomefromtheheart @rosieposie0624 @papa-geralt-of-cirilla @beeroses @weirdosandhopelessromantics @kola95 @black-repunzel99 @xonickibaby @cruzwalters @myakai13 @mrsstevenbuchananstark @lyly00

Mayans MC taglist

@dazzledamazon @abunnykisses @briana-mishell24 @angelreyesgirl @wrcn9fvlcver @peaches009 @capt-canadian @thesandbeneathmytoes @krysiewithak @darklingveracruz @appropriate-writers-name @cind-in-real-life @blessedboo @montanaraed @kkim120 @megapeacelovemusic-blog @emoengelfurleben @blowmymbackout @abby-splace @kola95 @black-repunzel99 @redpoodlern @xonickibaby @cruzwalters @myakai13 @mrsstevenbuchananstark @danimals1096  @po3ticb3auty

Miguel taglist

@omg-mymelaninisbeautiful @maciiiofficial @jatriciaaa @black-repunzel99 @ben-c-group-therapy @witchygagirl @xonickibaby @berniesilvas @myakai13 @fanfictiontrash9