#the proximity and opportunities to kneel down.... girl help

[timcurry-imgoinghomedotmp4]

do nOT text the workplace crush who brought edibles to work to share with people that you are high out your mind right now on said edible. eat something and drink your cbd drink instead peace and love on planet earth

[moonshineboyz]

[20:32]

Pairing: Sunwoo x fem reader

Genre: Smut

Word Count: 1.5k

Warnings: mention of cheating, oral (f), fingering, sucking on fingers

a/n: i wasn't even going to write this but after watching this edit and this one, and this post from @hoshiwhxre i couldn't stop thinking about it, so have fun i guess??

a/n²: thank you @mistresskate101 for helping me out with grammar stuff

masterlist ♡

Care to explain how you ended up in this situation? You were seated on the couch and Sunwoo kneeled down on the floor between your legs, holding them up to his shoulders, with his arms hooked around your thighs.  

It was supposed to be an innocent sleepover at his place, just like any other one you usually had, but at some point, you confessed how your jerk of a boyfriend never really ate you out properly and how frustrated you felt at that sometimes. So, your lovely friend offered to help you.

Sunwoo lapped at your dripping cunt and you let out a shaky breath, his dark eyes filled with lust as he watched all of your reactions. Tongue flat as he took long and slow strokes savoring your sweet taste, you couldn’t help but shudder a little underneath his touch, his fingers burning your already hot skin.

You bit your lower lip to hold back a moan, chest starting to rise and fall, it was indescribable how Sunwoo was making you feel so good within minutes, and he had just started. He took a long last stripe to get to your clit and teased it flicking his tongue making you cry out his name, what was a sweet melody for him. “S-sunwoo…” He was enjoying so much seeing you this much of a mess with half-lidded eyes and squirming. You felt him wrap his lips around your nub, giving a light suck and you absolutely lost it, getting even wetter.  

The boy hummed against your core at the sight of you with parted lips throwing your head back, this sent delicious vibrations through your body and you grabbed a handful of his hair. He laved past your lips and inserted his tongue in your wetness, you gasped loudly arching your back and gripped the nearest pillow with your free hand, whining when his warm muscle went deeper and the tip of his nose gently rubbed at your swollen clit, having you flutter your eyes closed.

But soon they opened to glance over your phone sitting next to you when it started ringing, and the screen lit up showing your boyfriend’s name. Sunwoo pulled away a few inches, enough to let his breath fan against you.  

“Don’t you dare answer. Unless it is to let him know how good I can make you feel.” He said lowly and watched as you tossed your phone at the other end of the couch away from you, too busy and lost in the sensations of your friend pleasuring you so well. He smirked and bit down your inner thigh. “Good girl."  

Sunwoo trailed wet kisses from your thigh to your slit and started to tongue fuck you again at a torturous pace, it just felt so good you rolled your eyes, raking your nails through his scalp to tug at his hair, trying to bring him closer. You always thought Sunwoo’s lips were pretty, and that was what made him even cuter, but you’d never imagine how heavenly they’d feel against your pussy with his tongue working wonders on you.  

You let out needy mewls every time he went in deeper, your hips stuttering. You were getting more and more light-headed by the minute, completely drowned in the lustful moment. Wet sounds and shaky breaths filling up the living room and turning you and Sunwoo on even more, his painfully hard cock inside his tented pants. But you looked and sounded so beautiful right there that it only made him want to eat you out more hungrily, but he kept his rhythm. He dug his fingernails in your soft flesh, groaning when you bucked your hips wishing to get more friction. "Sunwoo, p-please. Please, I want to c-cum.” You begged in a choked voice; composure already lost. Shivers going down your spine with the way he gave you the smuggest smile and winked.  

“Since you asked so nicely. But you need to be patient, princess.” A nickname never sounded so innocent yet so dirty, but the way he purred it made you moan.  

Plump lips wrapped around your sensitive nub and a finger slipped inside you, incoherent words and whimpers falling from your lips, his tongue lazily swirling your clit and finger going at a slow pace. Your mind was foggy by the overwhelming arousal, squirming so much that Sunwoo had to hold your hips down. He added another finger, curling them making you melt. “Fuck. Faster p- ah! Please."  

"What a shame he doesn’t do this to you. He’s missing such a wonderful sight.” He taunted before sucking hard on your clit and pumping his fingers in and out of you fast as you pleaded. Your breath hitched and the noise you made came out strangled, body flushed, skin so hot.  

Sunwoo began to flick his tongue in between sucks while burying his fingers knuckles deep inside you, loving to hear you groan and cry out his name repeatedly in a sinful way, your back arching just to collapse onto the sofa again. It boosted his ego to know that he was the one making you breathless, coming undone for him.  

You felt goosebumps as your climax was approaching, your muscles tightening and a coiling tension in your lower abdomen. Sunwoo seemed to notice that too when your whimpers became higher pitched and you started to shudder. “Wanna come on my tongue? Hm?” You wished nothing but your release, however it came, but the idea of coming with Sunwoo fucking you with his tongue sounded so hot you desperately nodded. He gladly did it, rubbing your clit with circular motions to help you chase your orgasm.  

And then your mind got blank, blurred vision. You came and came hard, screaming out his name and several swear words, arching your back and rolling your eyes. You gripped Sunwoo’s hair, jerking your hips against his touch to which he kept on working on you. Thighs shaking, toes curling and abs clenching due to being overstimulated, his tongue roughly lapping at your slit and too sensitive clit.  

You couldn’t stop moving, body trembling trying to get a grip at anything you could reach, your own hair, a pillow, the couch, your thigh. It was too much but it felt so good. Tears started to form at the corner of your eyes when Sunwoo inserted his fingers again and you gasped with the merciless rhythm, your sweet spot getting hit in such a delicious way.  

Your second climax was close and you were going insane, feeling hazy. Nub being sucked with so much hunger your head was thrown back letting out filthy, desperate mewls. Sunwoo groaned, picking up the pace making you see stars and clench around his digits. “Ah, f-fuck! I’m close hmm…” You extendedly moaned, nerves on fire as his hooded sinful eyes were fixated on your figure, admiring how beautiful you looked all fucked out and about to cum. Dizzy on the shockwaves running through your body, not knowing your own name anymore. Sunwoo was giving you something you’d never experienced before and deep within your dirtiest thoughts, you wished he’d do this again.  

Body shaking when you came for the second time, loudly whining and jerking your hips uncontrollably. Sunwoo hummed in approval, still giving kitten licks to help you ride out your high, making your teeth sink into the bottom lip in an attempt to silence your cries.  

He pulled away licking his lips that were glistening with your essence and stood up to lean over your breathless figure. “You taste so good, princess.” The naughtiest smile on his face. “Now suck. Taste how much you came, baby.” He whispered in a velvety voice placing his fingers in front of your mouth, coated in your juices.  

You wrapped your lips around his digits caressing them with your tongue and blushing at the close proximity and the way he was looking at you. With eyes closed you sucked on his fingers as if you were sucking his dick, swirling your tongue and hollowing your cheeks. Goosebumps appeared on your skin as the boy lightly grazes his other hand from your knee to your waist and squeezes it gently.

The sound of your phone ringing made you come back to your senses and pull away from Sunwoo’s hand. The screen showing your boyfriend’s name again, but you just kept on watching it ring, not wanting to pick up. Sunwoo then took this as an opportunity and grabbed your phone to answer it himself, you didn’t object.  

“Hey, man! I’m sorry, Y/N’s sleeping. — Yeah, yeah, I know it’s still early but she was tired — Oh no, she’s fine, don’t worry.” Sunwoo eyed you up and down with a smirk and licked his lips. You knew he was up to no good and just waited. “She just got tired after coming on my tongue, twice. Oh, and by the way, your girlfriend tastes amazing and looks gorgeous when she cums.”

[volleychumps]

hii! can i get a kuroo or akaashi (up to you hehe) scenario where they got a new manager girl and he is intimidated by her sharp features but then he saw the way she smiles at the other members and he just fell in love with her(灬º‿º灬)♡ thank you in advance! have a nice day and saty safe!(ʃƪ＾3＾）

Due to the use of cute emojis, I will be writing this request with utmost haste.

Enjoy!!

Intimidate. (Kuroo Tetsurou x Reader)

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

“...so what do you think of our new manager?” 

“Lev, you’re absolutely terrible at whispering. Shut up.” 

“Kenma! She might hear you!” 

“I- you know what, I’m leaving. I hope you’re never able to properly receive.” 

Kuroo Tetsurou was not the kind of guy who was easily intimidated by anything. In fact, he was the kind of guy who dragged his friends into scary movies and haunted houses, willing to step up to the challenge. 

So just what was this?

When Coach Nekomata had waved you inside the gym, you had a solemn expression on your face, your blank gaze reading business. Your features were pretty, no doubt about that, but the way your face seemed to be stiffened into one that screamed of being inconvenienced was enough for Lev to audibly gulp from next to Kenma. But Kuroo being Kuroo first viewed you as he viewed most things: 

a challenge. 

Sidling up to you, Kuroo took the spot next to you on the bleachers smoothly, introducing himself as the captain (to which you briskly nodded in response) and rested his chin on his palm, feral eyes sparkling with interest. 

“So just what in your life was so uninteresting that you needed to come manage this lot of idiots?” 

“...I needed a club activity. It isn’t very nice to call your team idiots, by the way.” 

Your stern tone made Kuroo feel like he was being scolded, and he laughed out loud before noticing you were just simply staring at your clipboard, eyes scanning the plays wordlessly as your face betrayed no emotion. 

“...Right.” Kuroo nods, standing up quickly to walk away from you. “Well, it was nice meeting you...Y/N?” 

“Likewise.” 

And business-like you were. 

Kuroo releases a breath he didn’t know he was holding as he jogged back to a snickering Yaku, a hand running through his messy raven hair as he glanced back at you. 

A little no fun, aren’t you? 

What these boys didn’t realize it was simply because you were just as nervous as they were, and you didn’t know how to act towards a bunch of boys known for their rowdiness. 

For the first few weeks, you proved to be a pretty efficient manager, some of the boys on your team becoming used to your stiff nature and simply acting friendly towards you regardless. 

“Y/N! Do you need help with the towels?” 

“Morisuke, it’s alright-” 

You were on a first name basis with Yaku?

Kuroo quirked an eyebrow as his friend jogged to meet you before you ducked out into the store room, wondering how Yaku got on your good side while he hadn’t even been able to hold a steady conversation with you after you scolded him. 

Maybe you were finally warming up to the team?

Kuroo continues to watch you come out with a chuckling Yaku, your eyes meeting his quickly before you arch a fine brow in his direction. 

The captain looks away, feeling nervousness rise in his chest.

Scratch that. 

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

“SHIT, Lev! Are you okay?!”  

It had been a brutal match, one that led to the usual fast boy’s face getting pummeled with a ball head on in the middle of the second set. His fast reflexes were no match to the speed of the spiker on the other team, who looked a little too proud of himself for knocking the first year off the court. 

Kuroo grits his teeth as Lev struggles to stand. He couldn’t say anything. Foul words would lead to- 

“Are you fucking with me right now?!” 

Hazel eyes blinked, and you were kneeling by Lev’s side with your infamous pointed glare (you had used it on Kenma to get into practice) directed towards the spiker, who deadass gulped in fear of the pointedness of your angered stare. 

Right. You were the manager. What could the ref do to you? Nothing. 

“You better pray that was an accident, number 6! If it wasn’t, what happens to you later- I swear to God- won’t be!” 

“I-It was an accident!” The brunette boy stutters, seeming to curse himself for stuttering. “I-” 

“Not another word.” You hiss, and Nekoma all exchange surprised glances with one another as you used a towel to gently dab at Lev’s nose before pulling him to his feet with a strength no one knew you had. Lev blushes as you wrap an arm around his waist to support him. 

“(Y/N), I still need to-!” 

“Hey.” Your tone was gentle, and your eyes were softer, causing the captain’s jaw to slack slightly as your lips stretched out into something none of them had witnessed before. Ever. 

A smile. 

Lev shuts his mouth, cheeks blooming roses as you offer him your words of comfort. 

“The faster I make sure you’re okay, the faster you’ll be able to come back. I’d rather you leave now with the chance of coming back healed, then stay in and injure yourself more.” 

Lev started to tear up. From frustration or his now-growing crush on you, he couldn’t tell. 

Kuroo smirked a little as you passed by, flashing him a look that said, You better win this, Tetsurou. 

Strangely, the captain was even more energized when he slammed down his spikes, feeling like if he won, maybe he’d get to see it too. And maybe, just maybe.

It would be directed towards him. 

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

“Y/N!” 

“Lev, how’s your nose?” 

The game had ended victoriously, and the tall russian boy had come bounding up to you after the bus ride home, bouncing on the balls of his feet as he allowed you to assess the bandaging. 

“Go home and sleep. I mean it.” You say, and Lev nods like a little puppy before walking off with a laughing Inuoka.

“That was pretty cool of you, Y/N.” Yaku flashes a thumbs up your way alongside an agreeing Kai, grins on both their faces as you can’t help but managea little one back, causing both boys to drop their grins immediately. 

“W-What?” 

“Nothing! I uh, get home safe, Y/N!” Yaku stammers out, dragging a confused Kai with him as he bolts off in the direction of his home, leaving you to notice Yamamoto stammering to himself, a blush on his cheeks as he did so.

“Yamamoto-Kun?” 

“I...I’m really glad you’re our manager!” 

It was your turn to blush as the captain smirks from the side of you, and Kuroo has to swallow thickly when you smile your prettiest smile of the night in all of their direction. 

“I’m glad I am too.” 

Kenma glances at his gaping childhood friend, releasing a little sigh before turning to you. “Y/N-san, could you make sure the gym lights are turned off before you head home?” 

You nod quickly, turning on your heel to break into a steady jog in the gym’s direction as Kenma shoves Kuroo, who was staring at your retreating figure with pink dusted on his cheeks. 

“What are you doing? You look like a creep. Go talk to her.” 

“W-What? Huh? She’s scary, Kenma. Say it with me, scaaaary-” 

“I think it’s more scary that you don’t know what kind of faces you make when you look at her. Now go, I made this opportunity. Don’t be dumb.” 

“...Kenma, that’s like the most you’ve said to me in a week. Are you being a supportive friend right-?” 

“Kuroo, I will not hesitate to call her back this moment-” 

“Right! I forgot something in the gym, you lot head ahead without me!” 

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

“Toss me my pads, will you?” 

You jump at the sound of the voice, relaxing slightly when you see that familar head of raven hair. Kuroo smirks, uncrossing his arms as he pushes off his leaning posture on the doorway as you bend and grab his knee pads. 

“...I saw the end of the set when I came back with Lev.” You mumble, looking down at your feet as you hand him his pads. “You were really cool. Lev was shouting like a madman, but I don’t blame him.” 

Kuroo’s breath hitches when you lift your face. The once stiff features were completely relaxed, giving way for your prettiness to shine through even more. 

“I’m really, really happy I’m managing this talented team.” 

The captain struggles to find the right words. The thing he said earlier? About the smile before being the prettiest of the night?

He was wrong. 

Your eyes were slightly crinkled, and your lips stretched prettily. For him. Kuroo suddenly sighs, feeling something bouncing around his chest fiercely as he palms his face, covering his eyes.

“K-Kuroo-senpai-?” 

“Kuroo.” The captain says, looking away off to the side with red on his cheeks. “Just call me Kuroo.” 

“Alright Kuroo, can I say something?”

No, you might kill me. 

“Go for it.”

“You lead this team well. I can tell they all look up to you...it makes me feel like I can too. You know? Be apart of something like this?” 

Yeah. You killed him.

“A-Alright, can I say something now?” Kuroo takes a careful step towards you, heart pounding in his chest as you blink at the proximity between the two of you.

“Uh, go for it?” 

“You’re pretty when you smile.” 

Kuroo didn’t know what he was expecting. But it wasn’t for you to smile even wider, a bashful blush on your cheeks as it was your turn to look off to the side. The captain feels it all at once. Realization. 

Shit. 

“You think?” 

Shit. Shit.

“Y-yeah.” 

Shit. Shit. Shit. 

“I’ll keep that in mind...Kuroo.” Your eyes close when you smile this time, and you make your way around him and out the door, leaving Kuroo to stare at the now empty space before him as he lifts a hand to clench at the clothed part of his chest that covered his now pounding heart. 

He sighs, turning to bolt in your direction. 

“What-?”

“You’re crazy if you think I’m letting you walk home alone, little lady.” 

Yeah. You weren’t a challenge. 

You were something he wanted to pursue. 

[marsbutterfly]

I’ll Stand By You

Note: This is a direct continuation of a previous story called Letters to You. It's also the ending of a trilogy I wrote for Hanji. I'm so happy to finally be able to share it with all of you. I hope you enjoy it and if you feel comfortable, let me know what you think!

Previous Chapter

AO3 Version! | Wattpad Version!

Summary: No matter the amount of research you've done in your life, with Hanji or by yourself, nothing could have ever prepared you for the sight that greeted you.

"What in the world is going on here?"

You look at the destroyed castle ahead of you. Fear runs through your veins as you notice the titans storming the premises.

The sun barely shining from behind the walls, you notice the damage around you is far too great for it to have just started.

By the looks of it, the cadets have been fighting for at least a couple of hours.

"But that's not possible. Titans have never shown any signs that they could walk at night!" You think to yourself as you gently tap the sides of your horse, making it go faster.

You get ready to draw your blades when you lay your eyes on the five teenagers standing on the roof. They are too far away and screaming would be pointless.

Until you notice someone jump off the roof and before you know it, bright lightning comes falling from the sky, much like when Eren transforms.

You decide to slow down for a few minutes while the 3-meter class titan takes down several of its kind before getting its hair pulled, making it hard for It to move. From afar, you hear Krista's voice:

"If you're going to die protecting this tower, forget about it! Tear it down!"

You can feel your heart skip a bit, Maybe I misheard her, you think to yourself. Is it possible that this small, big-headed titan is one of them?

From all your research and theories, you did come across the possibility of other people having the same power as Eren and Annie, but you didn't realize there could be another person in such close proximity to you with this ability.

As the teenagers now rest on the floor, surrounded by all the debris and dead titans, you switch onto your gear preparing to kill the remaining titans.

"Are you guys ok?" You ask, striking the first one. They all smile at you, the relief on their faces is undeniable. That brings a smile to your face.

"Holy shit, I have never been so happy to see you, Y/N!" Connie says before putting his hands on the back of his head, you can see a few tears coming down his cheeks as they run after Christa.

Before you have time to do anything, you see a titan in front of her, about to grab her small body with its hands. As you prepare to kill it, you see a figure fly past you and strike one blow to the titan's nape.

You smile at the black-haired girl standing on top of a pile of rocks.

"Mikasa!"

"We'll take it from here. Come on, Y/N"

You nod at her before taking off, killing at least 3 titans on the way.

.

Once the Scouts ensure that all titans are dead, you use the cloud of smoke to go check on the person who emerged from the now decomposing corpse.

Ymir lost a leg and an arm, not including all of her internal injuries. Christa is already by her side while everyone else seems to take a step further away from her.

You feel two hands grabbing your waist and someone's head resting on your shoulder. A smile appears on your lips once you smell her perfume so close to you.

"I'm so glad you came!" Hanji whispers in your ear, her voice bringing chills up and down your skin.

"Of course I did!" She turns your body around and you take the opportunity to wrap your arms around her neck, giving her a quick kiss. "You asked me to!"

She smiles at you before turning her focus to the injured girl on the floor. Steam is already coming out of her wounds before Hanji even has time to take a closer look.

As you are about to kneel by her side, you pay close attention to Christa's next words.

"My real name is Historia."

The small, blonde girl looks at you right after Ymir closes her eyes once again, you flash her a gentle smile, in a way of telling her everything will be ok before starting to move the taller girl onto the stretcher.

With Hanji and Moblit's help, you finish tying her body up in place, not only trying to prevent her injuries from getting worse, but also to give the other soldiers a sense of security. Some of them seem too scared to even be around her, even if she's not awake.

You watch as her body gets lifted from the floor and makes its way towards the top of the walls.

Before you have time to use your own gear, you feel Hanji's hand wrap around your torso and your feet suddenly aren't touching the floor anymore. You let out a startled scream as she brings you up towards the top of the wall with her own gear.

Once she places you on the floor, you feel your legs shaking slightly.

"A warning would've been nice!!!" Your body falls on the floor as you try to catch your breath, your heart pounding in your chest.

She sits next to you, moving your hair away from your face so she can get a better look at you.

"I'm sorry, I wanted to surprise you." She smiles at you, you try to stay mad at her but the heat rising to your cheeks clearly proves you won't be able to.

You lean closer to her, softly brushing your lips against hers but as you are about to kiss her, you hear Christa's voice calling her name.

"We'll continue this later, I promise." You say and Hanji looks rather disappointed by the interruption but finding out what happened before the Scouts got there is the priority.

You can hear the two of them talking and the blonde girl explains how Ymir took the knife out of Connie's hand and jumped, transforming into a titan in midair.

"Ymir is an ally of humanity!"

A smirk takes over your features, Ymir is not the nicest person you know but, when it comes to the girl she loves, she would do anything to keep her safe.

You look at your favorite girl walking away by Christa's side and you decide to follow closely behind, paying attention to every word they are saying.

"Historia Reiss, as in the Royal Family Reiss?" You say before a few seconds of silence. She only nods and looks at her feet. You touch her right shoulder as Hanji touches her left, and at the same time you both say,

"Nice to meet you, Historia!" Followed by a warm and gentle smile.

.

As you get closer to Ymir's body, Historia runs and kneels by her side. You look at Moblit, who seems a bit surprised to see you, but still pays more attention to the current issue.

"She's still in a coma. She has, however, stopped bleeding and steam continues to come out of her wounds."

The three of you start to walk away, talking about which course of action will be the best but before you get too far, Hanji suddenly stops walking.

"Y/N... we don't know this for sure but we are almost certain that Bertholdt and Reiner are the Colossal and Armored Titans." She says, quietly. In a state of shock and denial, you simply let out a laugh, hoping it was just a sick joke.

"You cannot be serious right now." You take a deep breath. Hanji gets closer and places a hand on your shoulder.

"Have I ever lied to you?"

You look behind you to see Eren and the other two boys talking. You can only understand parts of what they are saying, but as soon as the red flag on the wall is ripped from its pole, everyone goes silent.

All you can hear is Reiner's confession.

"Reiner, are we doing this here? NOW?" You can hear the despair in Bertholdt's voice but also a hint of excitement. You see a silhouette pass by you and slice both boys. Reiner's arm and Bertholdt's throat.

As Mikasa is about to finish the tall, brown-haired boy off, Reiner pushes her off the wall.

You can see bright, yellow lights around them as you run back towards Eren. Armin yells telling him to run away but it's too late.

Everything happens too fast. The lightning strikes both boys and an explosion pushes you all away from them.

Your body gets flung against the boxes containing equipment and as you open your eyes, the Armored Titan and the Colossal Titan stand before you.

Reiner holds Eren in his hand as he goes down the wall and Bert slowly extends his arms grabbing Ymir and one other soldier.

The heat coming from the Colossal Titan plus the pain from your unhealed wounds are enough to turn your vision black before you can even realize it.

.

You wake up a few minutes later, the blue sky finally showing up from behind the dark gray clouds. You let out a grunt as you sit up, looking around you to access the situation.

You see the massive titan still attached to the wall and steam coming out of its body. From the looks of it, he's been sitting in this exact position for at least 20 minutes. You can't see any skin on his face, just his bones.

"Y/N!" Historia's voice enters your ears right before you hear a loud roar coming from the ground. You look at her, waiting for some kind of explanation but she looks just as confused as you.

"Was that the Armored Titan?" You try to stand up but the pain in your head forces you to lay back down. Another grunt leaves your throat as you frown in frustration.

You can hear Historia giggle softly.

"Don't break any more ribs, Y/N." You look at her, your mouth hanging wide open as you start laughing at her statement, but before you have time to go off on her, the wall starts shaking and the Colossal Titan's body starts to detach from the wall, making its way towards the ground.

As his body hits the floor, you can see the intense cloud of steam coming up and multiple soldiers screaming, you can recognize Hanji's voice as one of them.

Your heart skips a beat and you quickly get up on your feet, completely forgetting about your own pain. You see dozens of soldiers being flung in the air and among them, you notice Hanji.

As the hook of her gear detaches from the wall, her body begins to fall and you realize she's unconscious. Somehow finding enough strength, you run towards her, jumping over the bodies of other soldiers who suffered the same fate as her.

You position yourself underneath her falling body just seconds before she hits the floor. In a miraculous matter, you manage to grab Hanji without further injuring yourself or her.

You walk closer to the injured soldiers with her body in your arms, right before placing Hanji down on the spot you were once resting on.

Gently, you place her head above your jacket and remove her glasses to have a better look at her injuries, making sure your touch won't cause her any more pain.

.

Five hours go by and most soldiers are still passed out. The ones with minor injuries start waking up and getting examined by those who weren't caught in the explosion.

Eren and Ymir have been taken away by Bertholdt and Reiner but there is nothing you can do. With the horses on the other side of the wall, waiting is your only option.

"Hannes." You call the blonde man standing by your side.

As you make eye contact with him, you tilt your head towards Eren's best friends. "You should go give them something to eat." While you hand him three rations, he nods and starts walking towards the teenagers.

Mikasa wraps herself with the scarf and for a second you can see tears in her eyes. You let a sigh, feeling bad for not being able to chase after Eren.

"Y/N?" You hear Hanji's voice by your side. You quickly look at her before leaning down her face, trying to get closer to her but not enough to worsen her injuries.

"Are you alright?" You ask.

"I've been better" She lets out a weak laugh, you shake your head and smile at her. Even when she's in pain, Hanji tries to make you smile.

As you start playing with her hair, you hear Commander Erwin's voice coming from behind you.

"I'll be right back." You say as you watch her frown. Once you're standing up, you blow her a kiss as you walk towards the commander.

You quickly salute before he gives you a look and nods. He asks you and Moblit if the situation remains the same but suddenly you feel a hand wrap around your boot.

Looking down, you see Hanji crawling towards the tall, blonde man standing in front of you. As she manages to find the strength, she looks up at the three of you.

"Bring me a map." She says, before collapsing on the floor yet again.

As the newly welcomed squad uses the lifts to switch the horses from one side of the wall to the other, Moblit quickly hands Hanji a map of the area. She stares at it for a few seconds before pointing at one specific spot.

"It might be a long shot, but there's a giant forest here." She says. You can notice how her hands shake slightly and your heart sinks for a moment. "It's not like they can hide the Armored Titan's footprints but I think that's where they are headed."

Someone standing behind you asks why she thinks that, but you can see how it hurts her to talk. The steam from the Colossal Titan probably got into her airways and burned not only the external part of her body but as well as the inside.

"It's a gamble." You say, all eyes now turn to you. Hanji nods gently with a smirk curling up on her lips. "Even if they can still transform, the titans outside the walls are still a threat."

Erwin clears his throat before starting to explain his plan. The soldiers who were badly burned are to stay here and rest but anyone who can ride a horse was to follow him after Eren.

.

You watch as the horses gallop away, leaving behind only dust and the support of their comrades. As you turn around to talk to Moblit, you watch Hanji crawling around and struggling to move.

You arch your right eyebrow as Moblit shrugs his shoulders, both of you try to find out where she's trying to go.

"Hanji?" He asks, tilting his head.

"Get me a horse!" She blurts out before collapsing on the floor again, you notice how she's struggling to breathe so you kneel next to her, gently placing your hand on her back.

"My love, where are you trying to go?" You ask, giving her the gentlest of looks.

"To the village where they captured the titan that couldn't walk." She says, tears forming in her eyes.

You sigh before looking at Moblit and shaking your head, she's in no condition to walk, much less ride a horse.

"Do you mean Ragako?" He asks while a confused look takes over his features. He then proceeds to look up at you, who now stares at him, daggers coming from your eyes.

You shake your head repeatedly, trying to quietly tell him not to indulge her.

"I need to see it... with my own eyes!" Hanji gives you a pleading look, almost as if she's silently begging you for permission. Before you can even reply to her, Moblit speaks again.

"Don't say something so ridiculous!" He blurs out. You widen your eyes at him for this is the first time you've ever seen him speak to her in such a manner. He takes a deep breath and nods. "All right. If you have a hunch then I'll go there on my own."

Before she can argue with him, he sprints towards the edge of the wall. "You just stay here with Y/N and pass out or something!" He says before gathering with other soldiers.

Hanji grunts and her body once again lays against the floor. You look at her, feeling bad for not being able to protect her. In a second, she uses the last ounce of her strength left to lay on her back as she stares at the now bright, blue sky.

You stand up once again, determined to move her closer to another soldier, so they could apply medicine on her burns. She proceeds to look at you as she tries to find an angle where it doesn't hurt to breathe.

In an instant, you lower your body and pick her up in your arms. A loud squirm leaving her throat as she wraps her arms around your neck. Hanji smiles at you brightly before shifting her lips, inviting you for a kiss.

You happily oblige and carefully lower your body once again so your lips can meet hers. It's a quick and gentle kiss but filled with love nevertheless. You take a few steps forward before placing her down again.

The black-haired soldier comes to examine Hanji but as you are about to leave and go check to make sure Moblit was able to leave the wall safely, you feel a hand wrapping around your wrist.

"Don't leave me." Hanji says. You know it took all of her strength to ask you for this small favor. With a warm, bright smile, you sit behind her, crossing your legs and gently placing her head on your lap.

She lets out a satisfied grunt and you laugh gently, trying not to move too much as not to cause her any extra pain.

After a few minutes, the soldier hands you a small container filled with a mix of herbs, recently mushed into a paste.

You silently mouth the words "thank you" at them before changing your focus to the brunette laying on you.

Her eyes are now closed as she rests on your legs. Not wanting to startle her, you touch her shoulders as gently as possible, barely shaking her body.

As she looks at you, her lips curl into a smile.

"I'll rub some medicine on your face, ok?" You whisper into her ear as you stroke her hair. She quietly nods and closes her eyes again.

You dip two of your fingers into the paste before gently rubbing them against her face. Her features suddenly change and you know she's now being painfully reminded of the burns on her face.

Tears stream down your face onto the tip of her nose, the last you want is to inflict more pain on her but the wounds need to be treated.

"I'm so sorry" You repeat over and over again until there's nothing left on the container.

Once she opens her eyes, she fully takes in the sight of you crying over her. She quickly raises her hand, touching your cheek. You nuzzle yourself against her touch, letting out a sad smile.

"It's ok, I'm ok!" She says, trying to sound as enthusiastic as possible but right after finishing her sentence, she starts coughing.

You place your hand on the center of her back, carefully helping her stand up. Once she finds enough balance to sit on her own, you hand her a small bottle of water.

As she drinks, you use the back of your hands to dry the tears that roll down your cheeks. Hanji finally puts the bottle down and wraps her arms around your shoulders again.

The smell of her skin mixed with the herb is enough to calm you down.

You bring her body closer to you, paying attention to your movements. As your hands rub up and down her back, she places a soft kiss against your cheeks.

"Thank you for staying." You say, moving her hair so it won't come in contact with the medicine. "I know you wanted to see that titan, but your well-being comes first."

She sighs deeply, clearly annoyed but a smile still on her face. "Yeah, yeah, I know."

"There will be other titans but.." You say, trying to finish your sentence but Hanji rolls her eyes at you.

"But there's only one of me, yeah." You both burst into laughter, simply not being able to hold it in. Suddenly, you hear a voice coming from the body existing next to you.

You shift your head, making eye contact with Sasha.

"God, shut up!" That is all she says before covering her face with her hands, an attempt to stop the sun from hitting her eyes. You make eye contact with Hanji and she simply shrugs her shoulders.

"Maybe we should just give her something to eat." She whispers, trying to avoid yet another burst of anger out of the poor girl. You simply nod, using your right hand to dig through the bag standing by your side.

You place an apple on the floor and roll it away from you, aiming for Sasha's hand.

As soon as the fruit comes to a stop, her eyes go wide and you can almost see her inhale the apple.

Hanji starts laughing once again before resting her chin on your shoulder. Once she stops, both of you just stay in silence until you decide to speak.

"Thank you for the letters." You say with a smile on your face. She looks confused for a few seconds, but once she realizes you are talking about all the notes she has left for you before previous missions, the brightest of smiles appears on her face.

"You are very welcome!" She says, touching your face with her right hand. "I wrote them with so much love!"

"Can you please explain to me how Christa is.... I mean Historia is part of the royal family?"

"OOOOH YEAH!" She screams excitedly. She repositions herself, sitting on top of your thighs as her legs wrap around your back. "Get ready, because this is wild!"

.

"Holy crap." You say, trying to process all the information she just told you.

"I know, right?" Hanji says, putting her hands above her head. "It's insane!"

"Do you think she knows something we don't?" You question while staring at the sky.

"That's what we hope." Hanji says while holding your hand.

You stay in silence for a few minutes, just enjoying the fact that you are both alive. Not well, but at least alive.

As you wait for your comrades to return, you let your body go, falling backward onto the floor. You look at the sunset and raise your hand up to the sky.

"What is it, Y/N?" Hanji asks before joining you. A smile appears on your lips before you kiss her forehead.

"Even if things take a different turn now," you say, still looking up at your hand, "I'm just glad I have you here with me to deal with all of this."

"Thank you for coming." She whispers against your cheeks before turning your face with her index finger, making you look at her.

"Of course!" You say before giving her a peck on the lips and the two of you went back to staring at the sky. "I'll always be by your side!"

Even if you don't know where to go from now on, at least you will always have the certainty that Hanji will be there for you. Maybe the two of you should focus on healing before falling headfirst into a new mission.

But just for now.

[adarlingwrites]

Dormouse

Summary:

After playing a game with two of The Beach's most dangerous members, the dormouse gets her tail caught by a tiger's paw.

He’ll make a wildcat out of her.

Author’s notes: Huge spoilers for episode 8 and the manga.

TW: blood, references to past self harm.

Edit 5/5/2021: Fleshed out a scene involving Aguni and Yamane’s arm injuries.

VI

propaganda is in our flesh and blood and we rejoice in the control of others / euphoria – poisoning the minds of the future / and it is turning our kids to murder, to murder

A few floors below them, as Last Boss trails his fingers behind Yamane’s legs to point out a few more arteries, their chief converses with his friend, a secret no other Beach members knew.

“That girl is concerning me,” Aguni admits, crossing his arms. “Accepting her in the military sect might have been a mistake. The kid couldn’t even kill without the guilt gnawing her alive. She’s innocent compared to the likes of Niragi.”

“But isn’t that a good thing, Mori?” Hatter asks, leaning back into the sofa and putting his arms behind his back. “She’s a stabilizing element. It might help you with keeping the violent members of the Beach in check by having someone with her restraint around,” he continues, chuckling as he puts his feet up on the coffee table between the sofas. “Plus, it’ll help me sleep better knowing that the military sect of our utopia has members who aren’t simple, mindless killers.”

Aguni’s brow furrows. “Takeru, I’m afraid she’d become more like those two who took her here. I asked Saiko what she knew about that girl. That girl has problems that could drive her over the edge.”

At Aguni’s response, the Hatter smiles and moves to sit next to his friend. “Reminds you too much of yourself?”

Aguni merely nods.

“Remember that quote by Gandhi that I said to recruit the first members of the Beach, Mori? ‘Be the change you want to see in the world.’ Do what you can to help her stay sane.”

Nodding, he pats Hatter’s back.

Above them, another militant was heading towards the balcony. “Last Boss, there’s- whoa. I didn’t mean to interrupt.”

The other man stopped in his tracks when he saw the silent militant kneeling in front of a woman.

“I-it’s not what it looks like,” Yamane blurts out, stepping away from the tattooed militant.

The interrupter gave her an awkward nod and rubs the back of his head. Seeing Last Boss with a woman came as a surprise to him; the tattooed man was known for keeping to himself instead of sleeping around like Niragi. Last Boss turns around to give the interrupter a sour look.

“There’s a group of traitors who kept their cards from the previous game. We gotta get rid of them,” the man says, averting his gaze from the two of them.

Last Boss unsheathes his sword, and he turns to Yamane, motioning her to follow.

“Wait- me?” Yamane asks, blood running cold.

“Part of our duty is to discreetly kill traitors,” the other militant says. “Didn’t they tell you that when you came here?”

Gulping, Yamane wordlessly follows the two. It’s finally sinking in; her role in the military sect meant dealing with not just most physical games, but these ugly matters as well.

They walked all the way to the basement, and the other militant waited outside, keeping watch. There were three people kneeling, eyes and mouth bound by duct tape. Their arms and legs are bound as well. Yamane recognizes one of them as the medic that helped Sunohara treat Last Boss’ injuries.

“Go ahead,” Last Boss tells her, kicking a bucket in front of the captive.

Yamane freezes at his command. Eyes flicking towards the captive, she could see the sweat dripping from his skin as he struggled in futility. The taller militant advances on her, tilting her chin with his fingers, and the words don't come to her.

“Put what I taught you into practice. This is the perfect opportunity.”

The dormouse’s only response is a slow, nervous nod. Her small fingers reach for the dagger from her holster, and she kneels behind the bound medic, who was thrashing and sobbing as her other hand pushed his head down.

A gasp escapes Yamane as Last Boss knelt behind her as well, wiry arms guiding her, and his hand over hers. Warm breaths on her neck and his proximity made Yamane feel the heat surge between her legs again, mind muddled by a cocktail of fear and lust hormones. The dagger presses into the victim’s skin, and with Last Boss’ guidance, they make a quick slash to the artery, blood pumping and draining out to the bucket.

“Good Yamaneko,” he whispers, not letting go of her despite the deed being done. His scent engulfs her, and Yamane chokes back a moan, disguising by clearing her throat.

“Let’s move on to the others,” she whispers, moving away from him.

Later that night, in an attempt to purge the mental image of slicing three people’s throats, Yamane’s feet bring her to the loud merrymaking at the pool. She grabs one drink, and sits in a corner. It helps that her status as a militant meant people left her alone.

It didn’t stop Sunohara from sitting next to her, though.

“You really shouldn’t be drinking alcohol while you’re taking tramadol, you know,” she casually mentions, lighting a cigarette. Smoke wafts to Yamane’s face and she waves it away with her free hand. “I thought doctors advise people to stay away from cigarettes, why are you smoking?”

Sunohara laughs. “Touche. I guess I can’t stop you. Just don’t drink before a game. It’ll make you drowsy.”

“Sure, I’ll keep it in mind.”

In consideration, Sunohara blows the smoke away from Yamane’s direction. “So, what was your game tonight? You had so much blood on you.”

“A Spade.”

“I’m not surprised,” Sunohara comments, taking another hit of her cigarette. “Physical games tend to get messy. Though, Heart games can get messy too.”

Now Yamane’s interest is piqued. She never had a heart game before. “What’s in a Heart game?”

“Ah, never played one before? Heart games play with, well, your heart.”

“That’s not very reassuring,” Yamane replies, taking a sip of her cocktail. “What do you mean by it plays with your heart?”

Sunohara flicks her spent cigarette away and crushes it with her sandal. “They’re psychological, the type that uses your emotions to make a fool out of you. They mislead you into thinking that you’d have to do something terrible, but losses can be avoided if you think things through and don’t let your emotions get the best of you.”

“You sound like you’ve seen a lot of Heart games, Sunohara,” Yamane comments, setting her empty drink down.

“Not really. Just two. When you’re a doctor like me, you need to be calm in an emergency. Assess the situation properly, and give proper treatment. I just applied my experiences.”

Sunohara stands up to shake off the ash from her coat, and gives Yamane a smile. “I need to go. My assistant disappeared on me and I need to check the medication supply.”

With that, she sets off. Yamane gulps the last of her drink, and guilt drops like a heavy stone in her stomach. That assistant must have been the man she executed.

Drowsiness settling in, she needs to rest for the games. Unlike when she was surviving on her own, Beach members play them every night regardless of how many days they have left on their visas. Yamane lies on the bed, but her body is still buzzing. She recounts her experiences for the day, and her mind wanders back to the time she spent with Last Boss.

Against her better judgment, her fingers trail downward to the waistband of her shorts, and she pulls them off of her legs, underwear coming off with it. A string of her juices coats her finger as she glided it against her folds.

The little dormouse pleasures herself that night thinking about the tiger above her, fantasizing about him doing unspeakable things to her body. She comes quietly, intensely. Then, she drifts off, the post-orgasmic bliss calming her down.

The next morning, she wakes up feeling worse.

Sluggish, she climbs out of bed, and goes to the bathroom. The blood had come off of her clothes now, so she scrubbed them, rinsed them, took them out of the sink and hung them to dry. In the middle of hanging up her skirt, her stomach rumbles. She forgot to eat last night.

At the lobby, the usual banquet is set out for the residents. Yamane takes all the food she can fit on a plate, goes back up to her room, and eats in peace. She’ll need the strength and energy to survive tonight.

She didn’t know if she should be dismayed or relieved that she’s not grouped with Niragi and Last Boss in the game tonight. Instead, she was grouped with Saiko, Sunohara, Aguni, and another Beach member that she hasn’t spoken to yet. One of them wears a plain white hood, a distant, sly look on his face. They all went through the laser grid, and there were enough phones for ten players.

Soon, other participants arrived.

This game takes place in a hospital, and various implements are laid on the table. Yamane takes note of them; stress balls, large needles, blood bags, scalpels, and buckets. Sunohara was eyeing them as well, deep in thought.

In the middle of the room was a large electronic weighing scale.

“Registration closed. There are currently eight players. Difficulty: Five of Hearts.”

Ice runs through Yamane’s veins. Just last night she was talking to Sunohara about Heart games, and here she was.

“Game: Bloodletting. Rules: There is a bomb in this building. Players must spill enough blood to defuse them all. Time limit: thirty minutes.”

“Spill blood? This should be easy,” Saiko comments, loading her gun.

“Game Start!”

At the cue, Saiko shoots an unaffiliated player dead. Yamane’s eyes widen in surprise, while Sunohara screams, bracing herself against a medical gurney. Aguni is quiet, looking at the corpse, while the man with the white hood rolls his eyes. The others were too shocked to say anything.

“Not enough blood is spilled,” the robotic voice announces.

“Dammit!” Saiko shouts, shooting another player dead. The other one tries to flee, but she makes quick work of her.

“Not enough blood is spilled,” the robotic voice continues.

Saiko points the gun at Sunohara, but Yamane shoves her aside. “Idiot. It didn’t work the first time, what makes you think that it’ll work the fourth time?”

“Huh. Will you look at that. A militant that isn’t entirely stupid,” the man in white comments in a sing-song voice. Saiko turns to him and points her gun. “Would you rather I shoot you, Chishiya?”

“Saiko. Enough,” Aguni commands, crouching to look at the fallen man. “Your strategy clearly doesn’t work.”

Collecting herself, Sunohara sighs. “This is a Heart game. The rules aren’t what they seem. Look around you, there are implements for blood transfusion, and a weighing scale in the middle of the room. The game’s name is ‘Bloodletting’ too.”

“Let’s use the dead’s blood to fill the buckets then,” Aguni suggests. “How long does it take to drain the blood from a man his size?”

“A man that size looks like he has about 1.5 gallons of blood. That’s roughly 5.6 liters, enough to fill ten blood bags, which holds 525 milliliters of blood,” Chishiya comments. “The heart pumps five liters of blood per minute, but that man is dead.” 

Saiko and Yamane look at him with bewilderment. “He’s a medical student. I was his senior,” Sunohara comments sheepishly. “But, still, each transfusion would last eight to ten minutes, and that’s on someone alive. There wouldn’t be enough time for us to drain all their blood before the building blows up.”

“It’s still worth the try,” Yamane comments, taking a bucket. She kneels in front of one of the dead players, takes a deep breath to steady her hands, and applies what she learned from Last Boss the night before, the blood spilling into the bucket. Horrified, Sunohara could only watch as Yamane worked. Aguni takes a scalpel and starts to drain the other dead player as well.

“Twenty minutes remaining.”

The doctor takes a steadying breath when she takes a scalpel and kneels. The rest follow suit except for Chishiya, who merely observes. Soon, they were moving buckets of blood to the weighing scale.

“Not enough blood is spilled,” the robotic voice chimes in, and Saiko groans. Sunohara is nervously eyeing the militants, including Yamane, while Chishiya smirks. Impatient, Saiko points her gun at Chishiya again, and Sunohara gets in the way, eyes defiant.

“Get out of my face before I blow your face off instead of his,” Saiko hisses, but Sunohara remains firm. “Stop. I’m not letting anyone else die. This is a Heart game! It’s deliberately fucking with your head to make you think that killing each other is the only solution.”

“There’s something in the rules you’re all overlooking,” Chishiya comments, unfazed. “The rules said players must spill enough blood.”

Upon hearing his remark, Yamane has an epiphany. “Maybe it meant that we should all fill a bag?”

Chishiya smirks.

“Ten minutes remaining.”

Sunohara rushes to gather the blood bags and stress balls, giving them to the remaining players. “We better hurry,” she says, panting. “Hold out your arms,” she instructs. “Chishiya, don’t just stand there, help me!”

He gives her a cheeky smile and gets to work.

Plunging the needle in Yamane’s arm, Chishiya gives her a look. “You’re too clever for this lot.”

“I don’t want to talk about it,” she responds. “Let’s just focus on the game.”

“Fair.”

Soon, everyone had their needles inserted in their veins. “Now what?” Saiko asks, scowling.

“Squeeze those stress balls!” Sunohara directs, and everyone starts. Slowly but steady, they all fill a bag.

“Five minutes remaining.”

“How long does this take again?” Saiko asks, still hard at squeezing. “Eight to ten minutes,” Sunohara replies, eyeing the weighing scale.

“Three minutes remaining.”

At that point, Yamane was cursing, bag filled only three-fourths of the way through. She looks to the other players’ bags.

“Two minutes remaining.”

Aguni is first to finish his bag, and Sunohara promptly helps him move it to the weighing scale. Chishiya follows, then Saiko, then Sunohara. Yamane’s bag still isn’t full.

“One minute remaining,” the robotic voice chirps again, and Yamane curses. “Hurry the hell up!” Saiko yells, distressed.

“Thirty seconds remaining.”

In desperation, Yamane grabs her bag, puts it on the scale, and takes one of her daggers to slash her arm, blood spilling on the weighing scale.

“Enough blood has been spilled. Game Clear. Congratulations!”

Collective relief rushes through the group. Yamane should be relieved herself, but now, blood continues to spill from her arm. “S-Sunohara, I won’t stop bleeding,” she gasps.

Cursing, Sunohara scrambles to find supplies to help stop the flow. But the pressure wasn't enough; Yamane continues to bleed all over the table. Aguni steps in, meaty palm pressing against the wound. As he kept the pressure on her arm, he notices a few scars on the surface of his underling's skin. Multiple stripes lined up on her wrist, and it only took one look for him to realize that they were self-inflicted. Sensing the discomfort in Yamane's gaze as she watched him stare at her scars, Aguni looks away.

Once the bleeding stopped, Sunohara treats Yamane’s arm, wrapping a bandage around it. “You’re lucky,” Sunohara comments. “The cut wasn’t deep enough to sever your radial artery. A little deeper, and you would be dead in two minutes.”

“Let’s go,” Aguni grunts, collecting the card from the round table that always shows up after a game.

Before they leave, Yamane eyes the bodies of the dead players Saiko shot, and she feels less horrified. Desensitized.

As soon as they arrived in the Beach, she passed through the pool, most of the Beach residents already hard at partying, and Yamane couldn’t stop the dread from creeping up her spine. These people probably saw other people die in a game tonight, yet they’re more than happy to forget all that with a drink and a good fuck.

“Maybe I should try drinking and fucking my sorrows away like them,” a small part of Yamane’s psych tells her. But her own thoughts are interrupted by the rumble of her stomach.

The blood loss made her ravenous, and she went directly to the banquet. Yamane didn’t even take the food back to her room; she just picked up whatever she found appealing and started eating right there. Biting into a chicken leg, Yamane didn’t care for what the onlookers thought. Sauce pooled in the corner of her mouth as she polished off the chicken, not a single shred of meat left on the bone.

“Yamaneko.”

Abruptly, she turns around to see Last Boss giving her an amused look.

Almost choking, Yamane forces herself to swallow the meat in her mouth. She couldn’t look him in the eye after pleasuring herself at the thought of him the night before. “Last Boss. Hey.”

She moves aside to allow him to gather his serving too. Yamane follows him afterwards to a secluded area afterwards, and he seemed to tolerate her presence, allowing her to sit next to him.

“Thank you for last night,” Yamane tells him. “It helped me clear my game tonight.”

Last Boss only stares at her as she ate, which made her self-conscious. She slowed her chewing, and when he didn’t stop, she turned to face him.

“Yes?”

Goosebumps ripple through Yamane’s skin again as the other militant brushes his thumb on her lips, towards the corner of her mouth. He proceeds to lick it off of his finger. Yamane’s entire face is red now, and she rubs the rest of the sauce off of her mouth with a napkin.

“Y-you could’ve just told me I have sauce on me.”

“Where’s the fun in that?” he finally speaks up.

Yamane just knew that she was going to spend nights touching herself to the thought of him again. Several nights.

Four days later, after a Club, a Diamond, and two Spade games, Yamane is given her new player tag. Number twenty five. She’s slowly becoming a seasoned player.

Every after game, Yamane sought out Last Boss’ company more and more. Whether they spoke or just sat in silence didn’t matter. He hasn’t told her to go away once, so Yamane continues to spend more time with him. People started to talk. Not like Yamane cared; she endured all of that in the real world, it doesn’t faze her anymore in this strange land. Soon, the thoughts of home started to dissipate from her psyche, preoccupied with the games and the twisted sense of acceptance she received from her fellow members of the Beach’s militia.

A day after Yamane’s Spade game, she received her next team assignment. She looks at her slip of paper and proceeds to look for other members. Last Boss locks eyes with her, and holds out his slip of paper. They were grouped with a couple who couldn’t get their hands off of each other in the backseat as Yamane drove. Last Boss sits next to her in the front seat, eyes occasionally wandering to her.

Yamane pretended not to notice, locking her eyes on the road.

Soon, they arrive at the game venue.

A love hotel.

As the two other Beach players walked towards the venue, Yamane leaned against the car, eyeing the neon sign. “This… this probably won't be a Spade game, huh?” she mumbles to her companion, whose mouth was slightly open.

“Ever been to a place like this before?” Yamane asks him, wrapping her arms around herself.

“No.”

Yamane didn’t say anything else after that, proceeding inside the venue with Last Boss.

The signs led them to a large suite, where X-crosses are lined up. Smartwatches are laid out for the players, along with guns. Yamane and Last Boss pick up a phone, and proceed to wear the watches. On Yamane’s watch, an arrow pops up in the display, while a heart shows up on Last Boss’ watch.

As another pair gets in the room, Yamane inspects the guns, which had an arrow engraved on the handle. Her eyes flick to the restraints, and dread washes over her when she sees the heart designs in the red light.

“Please sort yourselves accordingly,” a sign on the table instructs them, and the players are done as they’re told. Last Boss went to the X-cross, which had automatic cuffs that bound his arms and legs. Yamane looks at him with slight discomfort, but he stares at her with a blank expression.

“Registration closed. There are currently six players. Difficulty: Nine of Hearts.”

The other players started to mumble amongst themselves, while Yamane’s eyes remained locked on to her fellow militant.

“Game: Desire. Rules: Arrows must take turns to confess their feelings to the Heart they find most desirable. Arrows must fire the gun at the Heart of their choice. Lying or failing to fire the gun would result in a Game Over. Time limit: five minutes.”

“Shit,” was all Yamane could say.

“First player: Daisuke Inamine.”

Yamane turns to the said player, whose tears are streaming down his face as he looks at his lover. “Shit, I can’t do this! I can’t do this,” he sobs, putting the gun down and running out of the room. A laser fired and killed him in an instant. His lover was crying and screaming, fighting against the X-cross’ restraints.

“Next player: Rina Yamada.”

Hands shaking, the other player picks up the gun, and points it at the boy she came to the venue with. “Hiro,” she starts, voice shaking. “I’ve- I’ve always liked you since middle school,” she confesses, sobs wracking her body. “I appreciate that you enjoy the bento I’d always make for you. I like how you’d always come to protect me from my bullies. I- oh god, Hiro, please, please forgive me.”

“Three minutes remaining.”

Hiro was looking at her with resignation in his eyes. “Enough, Rina. I’ve always liked you too. Please, do what you can to survive.”

Shaking, sobbing, Rina pulls the trigger, firing the gun at Hiro’s chest. She then tosses it away, covering her face as she wails.

“Next player: Minami Yamane.”

[spacemilkies]

Ff7 request, Reno likes his girl taking some control over him when it comes to intimate things. Being dominated a little, he finds it extremely hot. Nsfw, sfw, your choice, but maybe some steamy kissing? Hair pulling, groping, idk, whatever you come up with ;)

Black Forest | Reno x Reader

‘The only thing harder than being a Turk, was loving one’

i

a/n: this was pretty much all mature content? but i'm not ashamed of it in the slightest. adding it to the black forest series, bc why not. thank you for the request!

When people thought of Reno, three things came to mind. 

1. His love to fly

2. His love to flirt shamelessly,

3. His love to gossip freely. 

It built the character of the cocky and often cynical Turk with a lazy disposition toward analytical genius. 

When Reno thought of you, three different attributes came to mind, all centered around his adoration of your more assertive nature.       

   1#: Your love for attention.

Reno is convinced that he has a sixth sense for you, acutely aware every time you’re in proximity. It’s always been a distracting quality, whether in the heat of battle or now, relaxed comfortably against the couch with suspicious eyes as you kneel innocently between his spread thighs. 

His call with Rude had started with business but eventually simmered into more mundane topics of social affairs and various forms of entertainment. Their partnership wasn’t a strong union without a bit of off-the-clock bonding. 

It served as some much needed guy time, which was very prominently exclusive from yours. 

Your selfish desire to have his attention at any given moment should have been an aggravating quality if you didn’t look so damn sexy with your attempts to garner it. Even now as his gaze follows the curve of your back as you arch to press your bosom against his chest. 

He knows where this is leading immediately, yet only a small part of him feels bad for Rude. 

“I … ah, no Yeah, I’m listening. I missed that highlight though. Tell me about it.”

Reno is aware of the tremor already thrumming at the end of his speech, an element of the situation that he can’t really do anything about. Neither about the hitch as you adjust your weight to hover over his apex, undulating your hips at a leisure pace with a whisper of friction. It’s the visual of promise that does most of the work as he watches the show through a half-lidded gaze. His arousal spiked the moment you entered the room and you already had a tight grip on the reins.

His leisure wear around the house does nothing to hide the thick line of provocation raising against the fabric. Reno tips his head back against the couch, the column of his throat jumping with a thick swallow as you adopt a more purposeful rhythm. 

Sunlight spills across the whiteness of your smile as he responds brokenly to a prompt you can’t pick up on the other line. There’s a tremor to his hold of the phone, tight enough that you wonder if he’ll end the call prematurely before your fun is over. 

Poor Rude has to know something is up as he fruitlessly attempts to gather the fraying threads of Reno’s attention. You can finally hear the deep baritone of his voice when you duck your head to run the flat of your tongue against Reno’s collar. There you nibble at the bone, teeth catching in away that he can’t ignore as a low groan tumbles from the redhead’s lips. 

It’s enough to shift the rules of the game as you break an unnamed vow of silence, breathless sounds catching as you work yourself harder against the wet stain pooling in his lap. The pleasure is more than mutual now, Reno’s shoulder’s going taut with strain. He wets his lips sloppily and tilts his hips upwards to catch the downward drag against his more than interested erection. 

The moment he opens his mouth to speak, you’re there to kiss the heat straight from his tongue, demanding entrance without question as your tongue slides against his aperture. With a whimper and sigh, you shift closer. 

You’re not sure who breaks the kiss first, only reminded of a certain third party as Reno’s mouth skims down your chin.

“Sorry, Rude. It appears I’ve been summoned.”

#2 Your love to punish.

“Aw, Reno are you crying?”

He wasn’t, he wanted to deny vehemently. But as his eyes drew in tight together and the moisture collected against his lashes it didn't make for a very convincing argument. Shifting fruitlessly, Reno draws in a harrowing breath as the strain of his muscles pulls against the taut restraints pinning him to the bed frame. 

It had taken him too long into a week of silence to realize he was the reason behind it. He had interpreted your cold shoulders and lack of communication as stress on the job, certainly not taking into account the plethora of time it allowed you to simmer about his blunder. 

A fault he still couldn't pinpoint but he was sure if he asked anyone at the office, they would be able to procure a list out of nowhere. The redhead had a tendency to align towards recklessness and careless attitudes which more than often spelt trouble. One would think he would have learned his lesson by now. But they weren’t privy to the curriculum of those classes. 

Or how enjoyable they were.

Or maybe he was just a bit of a masochist. 

Folded snuggly around his turgid cock, Reno found heaven in the pits of hell as your drenched core worked back and forth. You were a sight to behold, seemingly unaffected aside from a light sheen of sweats as you grind the bareness of your flesh against his. While he’s the opposite, harsh pants and uninhibited whimpers. 

And you enjoy it all with a wicked smile. 

You adjust your hands, placing on against the firm heat of his chest while the other braces against the white curve of his shoulder, fingers curling into a visible pressure that blooms against the color of his skin. Your back arches, allowing the head of his cock to catch at the ring of your entrance before rotating back to ride back down his shaft. 

His arms jerk with the motion of trying to reach, but it's an empty action without any real intent. More of a reflex than anything else. The spill of his precum makes a sticky web between your fingers as you circle the sensitive slit with your thumb. He’s swollen and fat and barely hanging on by a prayer.

With the help of a cock ring it might have made it easier. No matter how hard he tried to cum it just wouldn’t be in his cards. But there was something more beautiful about the curtailment he holds himself accountable to, resisting the urge to blow when having all the freedom to do so. 

There is active pleasure in riding him like this, feeling every vein of his throbbing arousal spike gratification against your sensitive walls. But the true satisfaction came from every shudder and choked groan as he shakes his head to fight off the haze. 

Mercy is a thin promise, slippery as your tongue skims across the seam of his lips. He believes it’s the closest he’ll get to tasting you, a bitter whimper leaking from his mouth in a muffled sound. The kiss is messy and hungry as you allow him the opportunity to sample your pleasure. 

It only takes a subtle twist of the hips to guide his cock back in line as you back into the press of him inside you. Your wetness spills around him, almost excessively so as it spills against his inner thigh. It doesn’t take much for you to lose traction of your own orgasm, nothing stopping you from quaking freely around him as he rolls into a few finishing thrusts before stilling. 

He’s rock hard, tremulous and near delirium and yet-

“Fuck me … I’m so in love with you.”

#3 You love the satisfaction of pleasing what's yours.

“You look stressed.”

Despite the mountain of paperwork on his desk, Reno’s attention was happily placed elsewhere. Before rolling to you, his gaze seemed very attentive to the screen of his phone as his fingers tapped a rhythm that looked more familiar to a mobile game than a response for a work related email. But now that you were here, he seemed pleased to have a new distraction. 

Curling his fingers inward, he beckoned you closer and the moment you were in reach he pulled you into his lap.

“Beyond fucked over, you see all this shit Tseng has me doing?”

Laughing humorously at his expense, you leaned in to press a kiss to the generous exposure of his chest. “If that’s the same stack I saw delivered in here earlier today, I’m more inclined to say the blame is in your park. Did you even try?”

The hand at your waist squeezed as his lips formed something between a gripe and a grumble of complaint. “Of course I’ve been workin, yo. What do I look like, a freeloader?”

It was an open invitation that took credible effort not to buy into. 

“You look like you could use a bit of TLC.”

Bracing against his shoulder, you readjust yourself to straddle his lap. Taking his face into your hands, you coax him into a slow kiss the taste of stale coffee and mints mixing with your own tang. Reno bites your tongue and you reflexively tangle your hands in his hair to pull it taut. 

He winces at the action but doesn’t complain. “What are the chances of you riding me being in that wholesome itinerary of yours?”

You take the opportunity to make him flinch again, this time away from the sharp nip of your teeth against his bottom lip. “Slim to none.”

He offered a placating medium by rubbing his palms against your thighs, “So what do you have in mind then?”

His answer comes in the form of your hands at his buckle. 

Pleased with the predictable but unvoiced assumption, Reno leans back readily in his chair to give you ample room. “Oh, shit yeah.”

Rolling your eyes, you free him from his briefs and curl your fingers around his length,”Try not to embarrass yourself.”

The redhead hisses out a ‘yes, ma’am’, instinctively rocking his hips into the downward thrust of your hand. You pull away just long enough to spit crudely into your palm before returning with an underhand grip. Anticipation seizes his muscles, overlaying the strain of stress as eyes slid shut. 

At home you would have gone for a more languid approach, mimicking a gentle massage to build him up slowly and bring him down just as gently. But work offers a different time restraint as you work up to a more persistent, fluid motion strokes. 

The hand still lingering on your thigh squeezes reflectively to the drag of your thumb over the head of his cock. The setting is too much of a stimulant to ignore, the need to rush injecting adrenaline into his veins and blooms outward from the line of his spine. 

Familiar with the course of pleasure, you preemptively snatch a few tissues from the corner of his desk just in time to save his uniform from the spilling capitulation. 

You’re still running the edges of the balled up material against your hands when his eyes blink open. 

“Aw, you’re not going to lick it off? What a buzz kill.”

Despite his seemingly ungrateful wording, his tone held the gratitude needed to produce a smile on your lips to which he mirrors. Tucked away but still unbuttoned, he draws you in for a kiss that you indulge momentarily before slipping away. 

When you look over your shoulder, the man is still sagged in his chair with a look of satisfaction as his wiggles his fingers in your direction. 

“See you at home, yo. Thanks for the good ole’ love and care.”

[nalu4emily]

The Unexpected Reward - Chapter 10

Summary: Natsu and Lucy go on a job together, but what they bring home is something neither anticipated. Forced to make a life changing decision, they have to adapt quickly, but that's never easy, especially given the circumstances. As they work together on their toughest adventure yet, they find themselves drawn to one another, in ways they never realised. Nalu/cute/fluff/multi-chapter.

This chapter is riddled with mature content. 

Natsu's mind had all but melted. There she was in all her naked glory, splayed out on their bed, in the exact place he'd just placed her down from his shoulder and all he could do was ogle. Pants were tightening and blood was rushing from his head to feed his famished arousal, it was an image that would forever be imprinted in his mind. He stood frozen, as if one wrong move would tarnish the image making it vanish, like an illusion playing tricks on him.

The moon light pouring in through their window had cast an ethereal glow to her already milky skin, making it glimmer in all the right places, showing off those delicious curves and contours. The heat radiating off of him was warming the air around them, making tiny little droplets of sweat cascade down her slender body, just waiting to be licked up by his parched tongue. He swallowed thickly, desperately trying to lubricate his dry mouth and throat, but finding no relief.

Lucy's arousal had skyrocketed after their little escapade outside and her needs were growing stronger by the second, yet Natsu hadn't moved an inch. She locked eyes with the dragon slayer, he looked a little unsure if anything, which she kinda found endearing. He was usually so full of confidence and certainty, it was a rare occurrence to see him looking so vulnerable. An idea came to mind, a way to bring him the same sort of pleasure he brought to her outside, she wanted him to feel just as good. She gracefully moved up onto her hands and knees and crawled over to where he was standing at the edge of the bed and looked up at him through her lashes, smirking devilishly.

Right in her face, mere inches from her mouth was his cock, hard as a rock but still covered by his white pants. He watched her with intent, not entirely sure what she was about to do and buzzing on adrenaline at all the things she might do. Lucy sat back onto her knees, eyes remained focused on his as she leaned her arms forward and gripped hold of his pants, yanking them down and off somewhere onto the shadowed floor. Her hands snaked their way back up his muscled legs until they rested on his hips, she tried to remain calm as she pulled her gaze away from his face and looked down to the area she'd not really seen before, not intentionally anyway.

Her eyes widened until they were as big as saucers, her mouth fell open and she felt heat travel into her cheeks the longer she gaped. She felt her nerves flood her body, what was she supposed to do now? Just seconds ago, she was confident enough to take off his pants and now every ounce of courage had evaporated, she felt drawn to it and yet still wanted to run a mile.

Natsu had been watching her, even through his lust filled haze, he still had enough sense to realise that she looked super apprehensive. A smile creased his face and he let out a small chuckle, he couldn't help it, her innocence was almost too much to handle sometimes.

Giving his best attempt at composing himself at her naivety, he bent down so that his face was level with hers, "Why did you stop, Lucy?"

She looked up to him, flinching at his sudden close proximity and pursed her lips, "O-Oh, sorry, it just looks a little intimidating... Won't it hurt…?" She attempted to clear her throat as if that was the problem here. "I mean the girls said that it can hurt." Her face had gone the darkest shade of red, struggling to hold her gaze with his when he raised an eyebrow at her.

Natsu resisted the urge to roll his eyes, of course the others had told her that, why did they insist on interfering? "Do you really think I'd do anything if I knew it was gonna cause you pain? I promise you, Lucy, it's not going to hurt, I won't let it!" Natsu said, he could see the little glint in her eyes return and a small smile made it's way onto her beautiful face. Satisfied, he straightened himself up again, about to crawl onto her.

He was stopped abruptly when he felt her small hands grasp firmly at his dick. His breath caught in his throat and all sense of sanity vanished in a puff of smoke. Her grip was stronger than expected and it was making him pulse in readiness. Clutching on to her head with both hands, Natsu gently pulled her up to his face and connected their lips, growling into her as she began to move her hand up and down his shaft. "Fuck, Lucy!" Is all he could wrangle out once his mind went blank, not being able to concentrate on anything but what she was doing to him.

He felt of decent size in her hands, not that she had anything to compare it to, but the way he was reacting to her gave her the confidence to keep going, "I'm not sure you'll fit, Natsu." Lucy murmured into his mouth, feigning innocence. She moved herself down from his face to his shaft and gave it one long, lucid lick all the way to the tip then encased it in her mouth, taking in as much as she could without gagging whilst her eyes remained focused on his the entire time.

Damn her pretty lips and that teasing voice, it was such a turn on hearing her speak like that, it was so unusual but it sounded so right. Natsu felt like he had died and gone to heaven, why had he never done this with Lucy before? It felt so much better than what he'd anticipated in all the years he'd been having such fantasies, not that he would ever tell Lucy such things.

Lucy's mouth was so warm and wet, it sent spine tingling jolts through him, not to mention how god damn sexy she looked. She was kneeling before him, her chest jiggling as her mouth slid up and down his soaked penis, using his hips to steady herself. It was overwhelmingly hot to watch and undeniably good to feel her do that. There was a build up of tension growing within his belly, he closed his eyes and had to work hard not to fall backwards when the pleasure intensified with each stroke of her tongue. He needed to try and collect himself, he didn't want to cum yet, no matter how good it felt, and so made the quick decision to stop her before he crossed that line.

"Stop being greedy, Lucy, I'm still hungry!" He pouted, surprised that he'd even managed to strain the words out at all. He hadn't meant to sound quite so childish but it'd worked nonetheless. Stopping her ministrations, the blonde looked up at him, confusion written all over her face.

Wait, what did he just say? "Huh-?"

Ignoring her, Natsu took the opportunity to grab hold of her arms before she could think too much into it and push her back onto the bed with him. He scanned her shocked face, but didn't offer her an explanation, instead he moved to mash their lips in a searing hot kiss which she instantly melted into. His hand began to roam her body, eventually ending up back in between her legs, circling the small bump at the top with his fingers, swallowing more of those enticing sounds she made.

"You're so wet, Lucy." He said, pulling apart from her mouth and working his lips down her sensitive body, sucking and nipping until his face was resided between her legs yet again, taking in her overpowering scent. "I think I'll finish my meal now." He spoke lowly. The fire breather lifted her legs upwards, holding them there to give him an unhindered view of the area he wished to taste once more. He closed his mouth around her and began to suck lightly, catching his sharp teeth on her sensitive skin, making her gasp and twitch. Natsu watched Lucy's eyes roll into the back of her head and her voluptuous chest rise and fall sharply with heavy breath whilst his smooth tongue played with her. "You taste just as good as you smell."

She had to admit, him speaking like that was making her mind go wild. Playful, childlike Natsu was talking dirty to her and it was too much for her to fathom, where had this personality come from? She never would've taken him for someone who could be so vocal in the bedroom, usually preferring action over words but she wasn't about to start complaining, he was exceptionally good at it. His voice had just the right amount of gruffness and the way he looked at her whilst saying such smutty things was like watching him in battle, eyeing up his opponent with this air of cockiness as if you'd already lost.

It was that same piercing gaze and sexy smirk she'd always found alluring. However, Natsu still had this mischief about him, a boyish demeanour that only served at making him more handsome. For someone who'd supposedly never done this before, he'd learnt pretty quickly and Lucy wanted more of what he was doing to her. His tongue was the hottest thing about it all (quite literally), hitting all the right places to bring her closer and closer to ecstasy.

"O-Oh, that dirty mouth of yours!" She whimpered, grabbing hold of the sheets above her head and scrunching them up in her hands. The feeling of his strong tongue assaulting her down there was almost too much to endure. She was going to cum again, and the quicker he flicked his muscle over her clit, the stronger and sooner her orgasm would come.

"Why don't you cum into it then? Teach my mouth a lesson for being so dirty." His voice low and hoarse, and oh so seductive.

Bringing Lucy closer to the point of no return, he decided to add two fingers to the mix, using his other hand to keep her grounded as she fought against him to buck her hips up. She was up to her eyeballs in euphoria. Natsu's rough fingers added just the right amount of friction, and the way he was twisting them inside her made her stomach knot together, building such delicious tension ready to unravel.

He gave her one last hard suck and twist of his fingers to make Lucy come apart. Her legs involuntarily closed around him, trapping him against her writhing body and forcing his fingers out. Her body tremored uncontrollably and her breathing seized. Pride emanated in Natsu's chest at the sound of Lucy's orgasm ripping out of her throat and echoing through the house. Seeing Lucy in such a state made the fire eaters cock pulse in excitement and now that she was saturated in his saliva and her own fluids, he was sure that he'd readied her enough for what was to come.

He climbed on top of her and joined their lips again in a sloppy, unrefined kiss, letting her get a taste of her own arousal on his tongue. He wanted to do this right, to make their first time as enjoyable as possible. He pulled away and locked onto her hazy eyes, "Lucy, if you want to stop, all you have to do is say. You're not gonna hurt my feelings if you say no." He spoke softly, flickering his gaze back and forth to watch for any doubt in her expression. He wanted to reassure her that should she choose to stop at any point, then that would be just fine. He would never want her to feel pressured or uncomfortable, they could always try again some other time, there was no rush.

She smiled genuinely up at him, her eyes sparkling in the shaded light of the room. Even though she was stupidly anxious and the tremors running through her body were no longer down to her climax, she knew what she wanted. Lucy understood that no matter what, Natsu would always put her first, he would make sure that she enjoyed it and she wanted nothing more than to share such an intimate experience with him, to give herself to him fully and for him to give himself in return.

"I want you, all of you, I've never been more sure of anything." She proclaimed, watching his face light up at her words. His eyes were full of unspoken feelings but she didn't need him to tell her them, he could show her, just like he always did with everything in his life. "Make love to me, Natsu."

Those five little words were all he needed, their lips locked ardently, with such passion it made her toes curl and her skin prickle. It was a hot attempt at distracting her from what she was most afraid of and it seemed to be doing the trick for now. He found her hand and interlaced their fingers, giving her a soft, but shaky squeeze, giving away that he was just as nervous as she was. The slayer leaned his other hand down to position himself at her entrance, then halted his movements until she gave him the go ahead. Gasping, her eyes widened when she felt him touch up against her opening, wetting his tip ready to take the plunge. He could hear her heart pick up speed, hammering against her chest like it was trying to break out and her spare hand instantly went to his hip, giving her a sense of control, he assumed.

"Lucy, relax… Remember you're in control here, we have all night to figure this out." Natsu smiled at her, giving her little pecks between words to bring her comfort. "And then forever to practice." He chuckled, winking and giving her his signature grin, pleased to hear her giggle back at him.

He waited for her to calm down and take a deep breath, "I'd like that. I've had dreams about this and now I can't believe it's happening." She whispered, fighting a losing battle at calming her beating heart.

"Me too, Lucy, so let's make it a reality, together." He said, matching her tone, finding it a little hard to catch his breath, but grinning through it regardless.

She couldn't help the pink that tinted her cheeks but this time it wasn't from embarrassment. Lucy felt a warmth spread across her chest and in that moment, with Natsu and her about to share one of life's most intimate experiences, she couldn't have been happier. She nodded at him, giving him the permission he sorted and without a second thought pushed his hips forwards, ever so slowly, gauging her expression the entire time. Lucy gasped the moment his penis entered her, stretching her further than she'd ever felt. She grunted from the slight discomfort, it didn't hurt but it certainly wasn't comfortable. Once just the tip was in he came to a stop, chest heaving from the tension in his groin but managed to compose himself before speaking.

"Luce, you doing okay?" He asked, wanting to make sure they were on the same page all the way through this. "Remember to tell me to stop if it's too much."

Not being able to speak, she simply nodded at him. Her eyes were shut tightly, knitting her brows together. There was sweat trickling down her flushed face, but so far she seemed to be okay, so he carried on. Taking his time, having to apply a little more pressure to get past her clenching until he was fully sheathed within her walls, barely able to keep a lid on it from how good it felt.

"O-Oh my god, Natsu…" She strained out, finding it hard to breath from the sheer pressure of him stretching her fully.

She placed her hand on his stomach to stop him from moving any further, needing to become accustomed to having him inside of her. After a few moments of no movement, she felt the tenseness become more bearable and found it a little easier to breathe. Looking up at him, the blonde brought her free hand to his cheek and caressed it gently, giving him a very nervous but loving smile. Lucy spread her legs as wide as they could go, allowing him more access to move and coupled their lips together once more. Natsu drew himself out, groaning from the friction before slowly pushing back in.

The intense feeling of him thrusting back and forth made Lucy give a breathy moan and break the kiss. Clutching hold of the back of his head, her mouth fell open and breathed harshly against his lips. Their noses brushed together and their eyes held a steady gaze, their positioning was so incredibly intimate. It was almost like they were re-enacting a passionate love scene from one of Lucy's romance novels, but with less experience and more awkwardness.

"You feel incredible around me, Lucy!" Natsu murmured. His movements were a little clumsy at first until he found a comfortable rhythm and picked up the pace slightly. He was drowning in heat and clamminess, her insides were so tight and surprisingly snug, she fit him perfectly.

"I-It feels so good!" She mewled. Her moans grew louder and more erratic, along with frantic breaths that she felt no longer in control of, it felt like the air was being ripped out of her every time he bottomed out.

Natsu smirked, he was surprised by how loud she could be. It was feeding his growing ego and the more she moaned the faster and stronger he would thrust into her. It wasn't continuous though, he changed up the pace, knowing that if he really went for it he'd be cumming in a matter of seconds and nobody wanted that, not yet. He needed to make this last as long as possible, to enjoy and make the most of this new experience with Lucy. Although, she definitely looked like she was enjoying it with a face like that. Her mouth had fallen open, her eyes were sealed shut, with her brows arched upwards. Not to mention, her slender neck was curved back off of the bed, she had one hand squeezing the life out of his and the other now gripping at the bed sheets to keep herself steady as he continued to fuck her.

"You sound so sexy…" He whispered into her ear as he latched on to her sensitive, exposed neck. "Do I make you feel good, Lucy?" He nipped at her reddened skin, making it flush more and more with every word he spoke.

"M-Mm hmm…" She stuttered, sucking in her bottom lip to try and tame the ruckus escaping her mouth, but it was no use, moans turned to throaty groans and they were just as turbulent.

"You sound even dirtier like that…" His voice vibrated through his chest, rumbling into Lucy's ear.

Sweat was pouring off of his face and body and his bangs had fallen down, covering his eyes, making him look totally feral. He knew that he wouldn't last much longer at this rate, and by the looks of it, neither would Lucy.

"I-I'm… I'm so close, Natsu…" Her voice wavered, barely able to find the words as he pounded into her.

He reached around to the back of her head and clutched her hair softly, pulling her forehead to his. Harsh breathing mingled together while his fiery hues bore deeply into her glassy, half-lidded ones. Unable to take any more, she finally came undone, screaming Natsu's name to half of Magnolia.

Lucy's entire being shook, her orgasm tearing through every fibre of her being, leaving her a completely quivering mess. She threw her head back, eyes slammed shut while her body convulsed uncontrollably. Her inner walls clamped down tightly around him, giving him his own release. He didn't have chance to comprehend what was happening until he was cumming deep inside her, filling her up and growling her name until he was completely emptied.

Out of breath and completely spent, he slowly pulled himself out of her and collapsed onto her front, head nuzzled into her breasts and breathing in her wondrous scent, drowsiness taking over. She smiled fondly at the mess of wild pink hair tickling her face, wrapping her arms around his shoulders and cuddling him close to her heart. When he finally looked up at her, he grinned, the biggest face splitting grin she'd ever seen, forcing his eyes shut and chuckling lightly from his elation. They'd done it, finally, after all these years of dancing around the sexual tension that had built up between them, they'd taken that step and it was the best feeling in the world.

"Natsu…" She blushed. Why was she blushing now? After everything that'd just happened between them, her body decided now was an appropriate time to feel embarrassed?! Natsu opened his eyes at the sound of his name and looked upon a flustered Lucy, smirking at her predicament the words that followed simply just slipped out of his mouth.

"What's the matter, Luce? You're looking a little hot there." He smirked at her, watching her blush deepen the longer he focused on it.

"Natsu! Stop it, you're making it worse!" She whined, grabbing at her cheeks to hide them from him.

"Exactly! You just look too cute all flustered." Natsu's face turned wicked, watching her ears tint pink, the redness seeping through her splayed fingers. Reluctantly deciding to stop there before she exploded, he got off of Lucy and sat up, face turning softer he reached out his hand to her, "Come on, Luce, let's go take a shower, it stinks of sweat in here and you look like you need to cool off."

Liking the sound of showering with Natsu she eagerly took his hand and sat up, not expecting a jolt of sharp pain to pierce through her side at the simple movement, she cried out. "OUCH! What the-?" Wincing, her eyes slammed shut. She gritted her teeth from the throbbing and clasped her hands over the tender area, hissing as she hunched over. "Ah, that's so painful!"

Natsu's eyes couldn't get any wider, she was in pain… Had he hurt her without realising? The pang of guilt settled in his belly and he felt a little sick at the thought of breaking his own promise to Lucy, especially when she'd been so worried of this exact thing happening. "Have I hurt you, Lucy?" His voice breaking, it was so unlike him to sound so unsure. How could he have been so careless? It certainly didn't help the way he was feeling when he caught a glimpse of tear drops building in the corner of her eyes. "Shit, Lucy! Please don't cry! I never meant to hurt you, I'm so sorry! Here, you can Lucy kick me out the window or… you can punch me in the face, will that help-?"

She placed her index finger over his mouth to shut him up and let out a little laugh. Perplexed at the sound, he tilted his head, not understanding what was so funny. "Shh! Don't be so silly! Of course it wasn't you, it's that huge bruise on my hip. In the heat of the moment, I guess I'd forgotten about it, but now after… well, after all of that, it's probably just exacerbated it." She removed her finger and watched him visibly relax and let out a sigh of relief, glad to hear it wasn't him but still not happy with the fact that Lucy was injured.

"Oh! I'd forgotten about that… Here, does this help?" Natsu asked whilst placing a heated hand on the bruise, moving his body closer to hers and enveloping the spirit mage with his warmth, soothing the pain away. Lucy's body melted into the heat of his skin, closing her eyes and taking a long deep breath in, instantly making her feel better. "You had me worried there for a minute, Lucy!" He exclaimed, relieved that she was okay and happy to have her snuggled in his arms again.

"Natsu, I trust you more than I even trust myself sometimes. And I know you would never do anything to hurt me, not even by accident. Trust is the foundation of our friendship, it always has been." She smiled, reaching her hand to his face and brushing his bangs out of his eyes. He looked surprised for a mere second before returning her smile and kissing her hand as it rested on his cheek.

"I'm glad to hear it." He said, voice barely a whisper, eyes flickering down to hers as they smiled at each other, love and fondness running through their bodies. They sat in comfortable silence for a while, just happy to be in one another's presence.

"How do you feel now? Any better?" He said, breaking the silence.

"Hmm… maybe just a little longer…" She breathed, revelling in his fiery skin, he really was the embodiment of her comfort.

"Jeez, if you want me that badly, you only need to ask." He smirked down at her, watching her cheeks tint the cutest shade of pink once more. "You're blushing again, Lucy." He said, voice full of amusement and maybe something a little darker.

"Who's to say I don't want you again?" She said, gathering enough courage to smirk at him, watching the slight shift in his demeanour. "Hmm, Natsu-?" She stopped when he grabbed her wrist.

"I think we need that shower." Was all he said as he stood up and dragged her to the bathroom, not giving her a second glance.

Shortly after entering the bathroom, Natsu was quick to pin Lucy against the tiled wall, attacking her sensitive flesh with his needy mouth, her hands pulling and knotting into his damp hair. Hot steamy water gushed down their slick bodies, as they joined together in blissful pleasure. They were in for a busy night, who really knows how long they were in that shower for? The uninhibited noises that soared through the air and out of the little house would have put a blush on even Gildarts' face.

When they finally re-emerged from the bathroom, it was hard to say whether they looked any fresher than before. Damp, clammy and completely unable to stop touching each other, they eventually managed to get into some comfortable night clothes, or just underwear in Natsu's case. Both mages collapsed onto the bed, worn-out from their 'practice,' barely able to keep their eyes open.

Lucy managed to find the strength to look up at Natsu, his eyes were barely open, but he was definitely looking at her through a sleepy haze with the most contented smile on his face. He was so handsome, Lucy didn't think it was possible for him to look any more appealing but after tonight, she'd seen him in a way that she only ever envisaged in her day dreams and it just made him all the more attractive to her. How did she get so lucky? She had the most wonderful life and it really was all thanks to him. He'd given her everything a person could ever want and more than anything else, he'd given himself to her and there was nothing that could compare.

"Have I got something on my face? You've been staring for a while now, Lucy." Natsu said, opening one eye wider than the other, sporting a sly smile.

"Yeah, I think you have…" She murmured, reaching up to his face, only millimetres from his mouth and chuckled at his confused expression, "…right here." Her gaze flickered down from his eyes to his used mouth, still swollen from their previous activities and met their lips in a slow and sweet kiss.

It gave her butterflies, the same butterflies she felt from when they shared their first kiss. It was tender and warm, the complete opposite of their previous lip locking. The kiss was simply just that, there were no darker intentions this time, just her and Natsu showing their love in the simplest way possible.

Lucy, not realising just how tired she was, accidentally let out a yawn into Natsu's face. Slapping her hands over her mouth she blushed from embarrassment like always, tickling Natsu's funny bone. Deciding to call it a night, both mages snuggled up to one another, bodies burning from sheer exhaustion but neither paying it much attention, too taken by the happiness pooling in their bellies. They fell asleep almost instantly, after the night that they'd had, who could really blame them?

"Lucy…" She heard someone whisper, then felt a soft nudge on her shoulder, stirring her from her slumber. In her sleepy state she batted the persons hand away, not impressed that they were currently stealing her from her dreams. "Lucy, wake up!" They said a little louder this time but still not enough to fully rouse her. Couldn't they just leave her alone for five more minutes? She hadn't had a nice dream in months and now it was fading into the recesses of her mind as her consciousness gradually took hold. "Come on, Luce, I've got a surprise for ya, but you gotta open your eyes first." Natsu? That was weird! Natsu usually slept in later than she did, so why would he have woken up before her? Curiosity getting the better of her, she opened her eyes, initially blinded by the blaring sun beaming onto her face, casting a glow around Natsu so that she could barely see him anyway.

"Surprise? Natsu, I'm still really tired, we didn't go to sleep until late last night and I don't think I'm ready for the day just yet." She said, rubbing at her eyes to clear them of sleep and trying to focus on the dragon slayer in front of her.

"That's alright, Luce, I just wanted to show you something that's all." He said, placing something warm and wriggly beside her.

Still finding it hard to focus she felt it with her hand, it was soft and… moving? Then it let out a cute little gurgle. Recognising that sound immediately, her eyes shot open to gawk at the smiley little baby that had been placed beside her. "Hey there little man! Mommy missed you so much!" She beamed, pulling him close to her so that she could cuddle up to him. Little Haru recognised his mothers scent instantly and started to giggle when she placed lots of little kisses all over his tiny chubby face. Lucy was over the moon to see her baby after a whole day of being away from him.

Natsu, who was perched on the edge of the bed, watched them both as they were reunited. He looked on in fondness, listening to Lucy put on that silly voice again and speak to Haru as if he knew what she were saying, asking him about his sleepover at Mira's and what a cool time he must have had. It was truly beautiful, even after watching her do this exact thing many times over the past couple of months, it never ceased to amaze him what a wonderful mother she'd become to Haru. His smile turning into a huge grin, he felt so happy to have everyone back together again, well except Happy who hadn't shown his face yet. Natsu had to wonder if he was ever going to come home, probably too busy stuffing his face with the fish that he'd caught.

Lucy looked up at Natsu and grinned back at him, love pouring out of every pore on her body. She sat up and held Haru in her arms, rocking him softly and watching him slowly fall asleep. It'd only been a day, but it felt so much longer than that since she'd seen him. She felt content to have him back in her hold, safe and sound and just as sweet as ever.

"So, was he a good boy for them? Or do I really need to ask?" She chuckled, unable to rip her eyes away from the little bundle now snoring lightly in her arms.

"Actually, they had a lot of trouble with him…" He said nonchalantly, watching as Lucy's eyes widened. Getting the reaction he wanted, he continued, "...They said they won't be able to take him again, something about him being a total sweetheart or whatever." He waved his hand dismissively, holding his gaze whilst Lucy worked through what he was saying.

"Hey! I almost believed you then!" She exclaimed.

Natsu's mouth curved upwards, surely she should know by now that Haru was a little angel for just about anyone. Even Gray with his cold, stoic exterior had warmed to him when he and Juvia had babysat. The slayer chuckled at her reaction, thinking it best if he explained. "I woke up early this morning and saw you were still sleeping, so decided instead of waiting around, to go and get Haru."

"Well, that was very thoughtful of you! And what a lovely little surprise it was!" She slid over to the edge of the bed, trying to remain as steady as possible so Haru didn't wake, she turned her head to the dragon slayer and smiled, "Also, I didn't have any bad dreams last night, I think your plan worked, Natsu."

"Of course it did, I told you I believed in you! You just needed to see for yourself what a strong mage you were." He said, smirking a little at what he was about to say next, "And… I'm sure after last night, you've had other things on your mind, right, Luce?"

Her eyes widened as the memories of the previous evening came flooding back to her. She could feel herself getting hotter by the second and yet, there was Natsu just sitting beside her like butter wouldn't melt, watching with intent as the growing fever slowly took hold of her body. It wasn't that she felt embarrassed by what'd happened, it was more trying to wrap her head around the fact it'd actually happened, a few times and just how impassioned it all was. She could feel herself getting worked up by the mere memory of Natsu being on her. It was such an amazing night, he'd been so attentive and affectionate, was that how it was going to be between them from now on? Because if so, she didn't know how she was meant to keep her hands to herself.

"Something like that, Natsu." She said, snapping out of her daze, no longer looking through him but directly into his sharp green eyes. She leaned closer to him, after all those dirty thoughts his lips looked too enticing to pass up. Understanding washing over him, he took it upon himself to join them together, having wanted to taste her sweet mouth since the moment he woke up.

"You guys are gross!" Happy exclaimed, flying in through the bedroom window. He wasn't necessarily embarrassed by his two best friends kissing in front of him, entirely use to their weird ways by now. He was more baffled by why they felt the need to do it than anything else. "I don't get it Natsu, what's so great about Lucy's mouth that you'd want to eat her?"

Lucy jumped back away from Natsu, still not overly fond of doing that sort of thing with an audience. Natsu on the other hand, didn't seem to care, he'd do it in front of the entire guild if Lucy wanted to, if people didn't like it then that was their problem. The dragon slayer turned his head to the exceed, totally ignoring his previous comment and greeted him with the biggest smile, "Hey little buddy, did you catch any fish?"

"Sure did, Natsu! And I was totally gonna eat 'em too but Lily said I had to put them back once I'd caught them, which was super unfair! They looked so big and yummy as well!" He whined, flying over to Natsu and placing himself in his lap.

"Don't worry, next time I'll go fishing with you, then you can eat as many as you want. Maybe I'll bring Haru along too, what do you say?" Natsu said, placing his hand on Happy's head to comfort him whilst looking over to Lucy for approval of his idea.

"That'd be cool! We can show him how to catch all the big ones! Actually, that reminds me, I went to the guild quickly before coming home and Mira said she forgot to tell you earlier, Natsu, that Master Makarov wants to see you both in private at some point today, but she didn't say why?" Happy said, taking his little bag from his back and placing it on the bed.

Lucy and Natsu turned to each other, curiosity written on their faces. Neither understanding why the master would want to see them so suddenly, but it must be of some importance if he wanted to see them in alone. Not having time to think too much into it, Happy broke the silence. "Oh, and Cana gave me a load these things for you guys too. She said that it was important for Natsu to use them to prevent any accidents, whatever that means?"

"Well, that sounds rather ominous…" Lucy furrowed her brows. She looked back over to Natsu again who appeared just as sceptical, neither were entirely convinced that 'things' from Cana were ever good, but unfortunately there was only one way to find out. Happy made quick work of emptying the contents of his little sack and tons of small square shaped packets fell out on to the bed. Lucy's eyes widened instantly, understanding exactly what they were, she couldn't believe her eyes, there were condoms scattered all over their bed and the blonde didn't know where to look.

Natsu, on the other hand, stared at them a little longer, clueless as to what in the world they were. "Er, Luce, what are those?" He looked to Lucy and saw her blush the deepest shade of red he'd ever seen. Whatever they were, it obviously had something adult behind it but he couldn't figure out what. He picked one up and inspected it closely, trying to work it all out.

"Oh my-! Natsu, put that down!" She squeaked, snatching it out of the slayers hand and throwing it back onto the bed.

"Hey! I was only looking!" Natsu pouted, finding it somewhat amusing at how flustered Lucy had become, even if he didn't know the reason why just yet.

"She also gave me this for you, Lucy. Cana said if the first things should fail, you'd be needing this." Happy handed her a rectangular box, not entirely sure himself what all of it meant.

Lucy peered down at the object in her hand, and nearly fell off the bed after reading what it was. She wanted the ground to swallow her whole, she could barely breathe, the embarrassment that was clearly showing on her face was almost too much to bare. Cana was going to get it big time! She wasn't usually one for violence but this time the brunette deserved it. Lucy stood abruptly, chucking her 'gift' back onto the bed and handed the baby to Natsu.

"I'm going to kill her..." Was the only explanation she offered before swiftly turning and strutting off downstairs, slamming the front door behind her and bolted in the direction of the guild, whip and celestial keys grasped firmly in her hand.

Natsu and Happy stared at each other, totally clueless as to what any of that was all about. Both overly curious to know what had caused Lucy to react in such a way, Natsu picked up the box that she had thrown down and skimmed over it, stopping when he saw big black writing on the front.

"Home pregnancy test…? Why would Lucy-?"

Confused, the slayer read it aloud a few more times, knitting his brows together until the words formed meaning in his head. He snapped his head down to all the little squares on the bed, eyes widening like saucers before returning his gaze to the box in his hand. The words came back into view, his cheeks slowly darkening as everything began to make sense.

"Lucy really is gonna kill her!" Natsu muttered under his breath.

"Wait, is Lucy going to lay an egg? And what are all these things? I don't get it, Natsu!" Happy exclaimed, he wasn't following any of this, why was Lucy so flustered? Why had she stormed off? What were all these little packets? And why wasn't anyone telling him anything?!

"Um, well…" He looked back down at the mess on the bed, deciding he didn't feel up to having 'the talk' with Happy right now. "…Not an egg exactly. Let's just say, Cana is in for the beating of her life once Lucy gets a hold of her."

Natsu grimaced at the mere thought, not entirely sure whether he should try and stop Lucy or just let her go full beast mode on the card wielders ass. Maybe he was rubbing off on her a little? Either way, he'd want to be there to watch it all unfold and they were wanted by the master anyway so what better excuse? He grabbed Haru's baby bag and ran out of the door, Haru and Happy in-tow, to catch up with his enraged girlfriend before she actually ended up killing somebody.

[littledreamybeth]

What a feeling

PLEASE READ AUTHORS NOTE: I really tried to write a good story here, but I’m so bad at creating smut. Some things may not make much sense to you because I didn’t explain or depict them properly. I’m sorry for that- I really am. I consider to stop writing because my writing  doesn’t seem to be good anymore... at least in my eyes... It’s hard for me to describe things in a language which is not my mother tongue... I’d like to thank you for reading my stories so far, and for supporting me. I won’t be writing anything for a while, but my work is still going to be up. Just don’t steal them, and give me credits if you repost it somewhere... Thank you...

This work was inspired by “What a feeling”- One Direction, the title of this story is dedicated to my favorite song of all time. I had to think of a scenario like this at Harry’s part.

Harry observed her from the other side of the room. Leaning against the doorframe with his arms crossed over his naked torso, he just watched the half bare girl sitting on top of his bed. Her legs were bent to her chest, a thoughtful look lingering in her eyes. A few minutes ago, they were making out, resulting his shirt being pulled over his head and thrown onto the ground whilst she was completely freed from her dress. He knew what she was thinking about. She considered whether she should or should not have sex with him.

They had been dating for a few months, and never had Harry urged her to have sexual intercourse. He’d been told that she had negative experiences with her ex-boyfriends on this topic, because she was never ready for sex. And who would stay with a girl who wasn’t ready for more? Sometimes, it was even thought that she was asexual, which was not true. Harry was not like her former boyfriends- he actually gave her time as much as needed.

Tonight, however, was different. She was ready- or maybe not? Harry sighed, walking towards her and kneeling in front of her.

“Hey,” he murmured, his left hand cupping her cheek, forcing her to look at him. “You’re uncertain. I can see it in your eyes.” The other hand was placed on top of her leg, trailing up and down in comfort. He wanted to make sure this is truly what she wanted. Even though he craved to be physically interlocked with her more than anything in that moment, he’d still understood if she decided against succumbing to him. It takes a lot of courage surrendering to someone and giving yourself in to them-especially if it’s your first time. You lose your virginity only once, and one terrible experience may scar you for the rest of your life. So, he could completely comprehend her worry. Another thing, which he knew was plaguing her, was that he was already experienced while she wasn’t. She was new to all of this. For fucks sake, she didn’t even blow anyone ever in her life. She was just so pure. Pure and perfect. Harry was sure she was tormenting herself into believing that he wouldn’t like it, which is not true at all. Much more, he would love to be the one being enclosed with her body and honored because she chose him to lose her v-card, and not a prick who wouldn’t care about anything but his dick in his pants anyway. Harry would make sure she was taken care of. Thoroughly taken care of.

“I promise, there is nothing that you have to be scared of, love. We’ll do it at your pace, okay? The only thing you have to do is telling me when you feel uncomfortable, and I’ll stop instantly.” He intertwined their hands, bringing hers in front of his mouth, then plastering soft kisses on top of her knuckles. “But you have to tell me. Say something. Use your words. Otherwise I cannot tell what you want. And don’t overthink too much. This is all about you, not me.”

The curve of her lips went slightly up, forming a shy smile. “I know,” she stated. “I trust you, Harry. I entrust myself to you…”

Hearing those words out of her sweet lips was what he had been waiting for. But before he took some action, he again inquired whether she was hundred percent sure, only earning an approving nod from Y/N. He beamed a happy, toothy smile at her.

“Come here, beautiful girl.” His order was gentle, yet very firm- enough to cause goose bumps on her skin. He carefully pushed her down onto the mattress and slowly lowered himself onto her body, hovering only a few centimeters above her fragile frame. The warmth that radiated off his body was so overwhelming- it became very hard to breathe. That’s probably how others felt in his presence. Breathless, because Harry is so insanely beautiful, god really must have taken his time to carve his handsome face. Y/N’s eyes fluttered shut, her tongue wetted her lower lip while she felt her heart beating rapidly as if she was running a marathon. She gave in to the sensation that his close proximity brought along. The feeling of his fingers sliding down her right cheek and his minty breath fanning against her lips caused excitement to grow in the pit of her stomach- and a little bit down below. She tried to conceal it by pressing her legs together, but Harry noticed and slid between them, pushing his crotch intentionally against her clothed one, eliciting a short gasp out of her throat. If this short act was enough to make her legs tremble, then Y/N couldn’t envision how it was going to feel when he would thrust in and out of her.

She jumped slightly in her position when she heard his raspy voice inside her ear.  

“Look at me before I kiss you…”

That’s what she did. She opened her lids and locked gazes with his deep green eyes. They stared at her lustfully, enamored with her beauty, and Y/N could only imagine how hard it must be for him to control his patience. The more she looked at him, the more she drowned in his captivating eyes. She saw herself in them. She saw herself running through a grass field on a hot summer’s day, dressed in a stunning dress, her hair flipping with the wind while she let everything behind her- her worries, her fears, her problems- basically every negativity that consumed her. She saw herself in a forest, listening to the sounds that nature provided her. The murmurs of a stream, the chirping of birds, the rustling of leaves on the trees, the smell of fresh air; all of this gave her the feeling of safety and protection. That’s how she felt with Harry now. She knew she was in good hands. And she could confirm she was ready.

“Remember what I’ve told you, alright?” Harry reminded her. “You can even push me out of the bed for all I care. But please, don’t kick me in the knob. I want to produce children after all.”

Y/N had to laugh at his statement. She really appreciated his efforts to lighten up the mood.

“My beautiful, Y/N,” the young man whispered against her soft lips. “My beautiful, gorgeous, adorable Y/N.” Upon that, he finally kissed her.

First, it was gentle. He wanted to test her waters, looking for how much she was willing to give him. She was shy and he respected that. But on the other hand, he also wanted to help her overcoming the shyness. He knew that she had more in her than she was revealing to the world. He wanted that part of her to break through, fighting her way onto the surface.

While he used one arm to support himself on his elbow, the other hand wandered up from her bare side to her chest. He cupped one breast and gave it a gentle squeeze through her bra. The sudden jolts of pleasure caused Y/N to moan in ecstasy. Harry took this opportunity to let his tongue slip past her lips, exploring the already familiar territory. They never went further than just kissing, as embarrassing as it might sound. Tonight would be the first time they would be taking their relationship to the next level.

Harry chuckled when he poked her sides and she flinched, letting out a squeak.

He disconnected their lips, giving her time to explore his body. The young woman accepted his invitation. With her fingers, she carefully stroked his well-toned belly, tracing the outline of his butterfly tattoo. His muscles tensed under her soft touch. She even tickled his belly button which Harry found just cute. Everything about her was adorable. However, she halted over the hem of his tight jeans. One tug was indication enough to understand that she wanted it off his legs. So, he got up, unbuttoned his jeans and pushed it down his ankles, leaving him almost completely bare. The only thing that he had to get rid of was his boxers. Y/N’s irises enlarged when they saw the outline of his erection- he was, well… huge. A blush in a deep shade of red adorned the apple of her cheeks. She wasn’t even sure whether she could take in all of him, and that’s were the overthinking started again.

Harry took notice of the uncertainty plastered on her face. Joining her again on the bed, he hoisted her up and placed her on his lap. He brushed her fingers through her hair. “Listen Y/N, I want you, I really do, and I know you want me, too. But we don’t have to do this right now. We can always save it for later, there is no need to rush. Don’t feel like it’s your obligation to satisfy my needs- it is not. I’ll be waiting for you no matter how long it’ll take.”

Her heart could literally burst into flames at his words. How many men out there were just as considerate and understanding as Harry Styles, and not only thinking about themselves? Probably not too many.

Y/N lowered her head for a second, then looked at him determined. “I want to make love to you, Harry… It’s just…” she sighed. “I’m very nervous.”

“I know that, my love. Do you think I’m not nervous? I’m the one with a dick after all, and I don’t want to hurt you. I couldn’t forgive myself if I did, because I want this to be the best experience you’ve ever had. If we do this, there is no return. I don’t want you to regret anything.”

The young woman passionately crushed her lips against his. “I know I won’t, because it’s with you.”

He offered her a smile, warming her insides.

His hands found their way to her back, about to unclasp her bra, when he saw the quick panic flashing through her eyes- not because she was scared, but because it was unfamiliar and unexpected. Being undressed by someone else other than her was something she needed to get used to after tonight. Harry instantly stopped. “Relax, love. You’re safe with me.” He brought his lips to her neck, sucking and marking her skin. Y/N closed her eyes, enjoying the feeling.

After they got rid of her bra (together actually, because he thought that it would make her feel more comfortable), his big hands began to massage her bare breasts, his thumbs brushing over her sensitive nipples, which hardened immediately at the contact.  

“How does it feel?” Harry inquired while continuing to give her breasts some attention.

“’s nice,” she answered, shivering when Harry pinched her nipples.

Guiding her back onto the mattress, he climbed on top of her again.

His lips were worshipping every part of her body. There was no inch he left untouched. She was a goddess- a pure, innocent goddess. She felt so soft. He treated her like fine china- cautiously and carefully; he didn’t want to demand more than she could endure.

At one point, he grinded his clothed crotch against hers a second time to get her worked and loosened up a little bit. The sounds emitting from her mouth was like music in his ears.

“Let’s get us free from these,” he suggested, pointing at their underpants.

His fingers rimmed the waistband of his boxers, pulling it down his legs. And there it sprung free- his beast, pointing directly at his abs. Y/N didn’t exaggerate when she claimed he was huge- because it was true. The tip was swollen and slightly red, leaking a bit of precum.

Harry caught her eyes staring at his ‘best friend’.

“Do you- do you want to hold it?” he asked.

She averted her gaze and looked at him. “I…” She cleared her throat, blushing. “I can try.”

“You don’t have to, love. Really.”

“No, I want to know how it feels.”

Without his request, she wrapped her fingers around the hard, pulsating flesh. It felt heavy in her hand. Harry flinched, hissing at her touch, and a deep groan reverberated through the walls as she glided her hand up and down his shaft. He supported himself on her shoulders while Y/N played around with him. She liked how desperately he called her name, how his eyes fluttered shut and the way he licked over and sunk his teeth in his lower lip. She was about to wrap her mouth around the base as Harry stopped her abruptly.

“What are you doing there?”

A frown adorned her forehead. “I- I wanted to… y’know…”

“Not today, sweet girl,” the curly-haired man laughed. “We will have plenty of time for that later. But for now, it’s all about you.”

He asked her to stretch out her legs so he could free her from the last material that covered her body. Y/N had never felt so vulnerable in her life as in that moment, however, one loving gaze from him was enough to flush her worries away. She watched him as he opened a cupboard and grabbed a condom. He opened the foil with his teeth, pulling out the condom and wrapping it around his member.

“Are you ready?”

“I am.”

He pulled her against him for another kiss. While their tongues were busy with dominating each other, Harry sneaked his hand down to her vagina, his fingers teasing her entrance. He first inserted one digit, pumping in and out of her, then adding another one. She moaned out in pleasure, opening her legs for more.

“Harry, please!” she cried.

The young man didn’t need to be told twice. He lined his member at the entrance of her wet core, and slowly yet gently eased his way in- inch by inch. The pain that followed through his intrusion was inevitable- whilst the wetness. Y/N’s body tensed, nails digging deep into the skin of his biceps as she tried to accommodate not only to the stretch of her walls but also the burning that came along with it. She couldn’t help a few tears from running down her cheeks. A little wail was heard once Harry was fully in. Harry kissed away her tears, giving her enough time to calm down and adjust to his size. “It’s gonna be okay. I’ll take care of you… You gonna feel great, my love.”

Every cell in her body was on fire, vibrating. Despite the pain, she felt full and complete. Their bodies fitted together perfectly as if god had only created them for each other.

When the pain subsided a little bit, she allowed him to finally move. The young man complied. His thrusts were tender and slow, paying attention to not hurting her. Y/n was overwhelmed with different emotions. Everything crushed onto her at once. Her heart was beating so hard against her chest that she felt it was going to explode. Harry buried his face in the crook of her neck, and Y/N could feel his warm breath against her skin. Her name fell from his lips like a prayer.

Pain formed into pleasure, his thrusts became quicker and harder. Her legs enveloped his middle, widening for more access. He hit the right spots that let her see stars before her eyes so easily, spots that made her scream out his name. She felt beautiful and loved.

After a while, something was building up in her stomach, and she could feel her orgasm approaching. The way she already clenched around him indicated that she was very close to her high. He fastened his pace with the intention to make cum as fast as possible. He wasn’t chasing after his one- like he stressed before, it was all about her.  

A whimper left her lips, she knew she couldn’t hold back anymore. “Harry…”

“Let go, darling…” he encouraged her, “It’s okay, I’ve got you.”

Words cannot describe fully what that moment of relief felt like. She could sense it reaching every fiber of her body. Her legs trembled and her toes curled, mouth agape as tears pooled her eyes. Harry thrusted her through her peek, until his movements became sloppy.

Shortly after finding his own release, Harry collapsed on top of her, resting his head on her chest. He didn’t pull out of her yet- he wanted to linger a little bit more in her warmth. His arms engulfed her middle. Their entire bodies were covered with sweat, but they could care less about it. Y/N was still dazed from the aftershock of her orgasm. She was basically on cloud nine. Everything that happened just minutes ago seemed like a dream. She always knew how she wanted her first time to be, but Harry had given her an experience that had surpassed her wildest imagination. She couldn’t be happier in this moment. A content sigh escaped her mouth, and she wrapped her arms around Harry’s shoulders, letting her one hand glide through his long, damp, brown locks. After a while, she heard a giggle rumbling his chest. She tilted her head in confusion.

“What wrong?”

Harry, steadying himself on his elbows, brought their lips back together, kissing her feverishly. When he pulled back, he leaned his forehead against hers.

“I think I can consider myself a king now...”

[bindi-the-skunk]

Can no one keep their nose in their own business chapter 1

Just putting the first chapter here to see if anyone wants the rest on here (it’s all done so I can just fast upload all of it since it is not in progress like “Son of Frankenstein” 

Warning: This contains Mpreg and omegaverse 

chapter: The cake is not a lie but the problem started with cookies

Lavender hummed as she walked down the hallway, a plate of Rachels cookies in her hands, she was hoping that Doctor Lanyon and Doctor Jekyll had not left as everyone else had, she told them she was going to be in her lab all day well everyone else enjoyed the day out in the town, but she decided bringing them a treat would be a nice thing to do.

Both men had been so...strange acting as of late, she hoped nothing was wrong...

Walking in on all that blood...

The extremofaunic zoologist shook her head to clear it and slapped a smile back on her face, that was months ago, perhaps something was amiss with Mr. Hyde? Jekyll had not transformed into him in ages and whenever asked, said he was still there but they were putting off the shift for a while.

She had not heard of anything breaking or any other reason to keep Hyde locked up...the alternate never missed an opportunity to cause trouble...

But anyway she would give them a small present, maybe that would help whatever was going on.

Walking up to the door Lavender heard noises come from inside the office...sounded like...giggling?

Doctor Jekyll's giggling, a strange sound to say the least to her ears...

"Robert that tickles..." came a whisper from inside that Lavender had to strain to hear even when she pressed her ear to the wood.

"Relax and listen to the doctor" Robert's voice came next and the tone intrigued Lavender enough to where she looked for a crack in the door so she could see.

"I don't want someone running in here thinking something is wrong," Henry said sounding a bit out of breath.

Oh, they couldn't be ...

Lavender went red but could not stop from her search, curiosity peaked too much at this point.

"No one is here, they are out today"

"Except Miss Lavender and Victoria Frankenstein"

"Miss Lavender will be in her lab all day and Frankenstein almost never leaves hers"

The sound of a long-suffering sigh came from inside before a mild chuckle was heard "Alright, but be careful, I do not want them inheriting your louder tendencies"

Them?

"That's mean...is Edward coming out?"

"He's staying out of this"

Finding a proper crack Lavender looked into the room to find both men still properly clothed, though Jekyll had his shirt lifted slightly with Lanyon kneeling next to him with Henry running his fingers through the curly chocolate locks as the other was laid down on the sofa with Roberts head on his stomach...

Which was swollen slightly

When had...no one had noticed THAT? Then again he had been wearing looser clothes as of late...not transforming into Hyde...going around the building without shoes when he could...complaints about soreness...

Stupid stupid stupid!

Had she not been holding a plate she would have slapped herself in the head, but-oh! She needed to tell the others!

Setting the plate down the zoologist ran down the hall to grab her phone so she could tell everyone to gather some baby things and party supplies, this was so exciting! A baby in the building! She would be an auntie!!!

--

"Boy or girl?" Robert asked softly not bothering to lift his head from its very comfortable resting spot.

"Impatient alpha, it's too soon to tell just yet" Henry quipped, but it had no bite behind it, Edward was thankfully being good that day and keeping himself busy inside their head, though he could feel him once and a while coming back up curious about the attention the bump was getting, feeding a bit off of his counterparts happiness and contentment.

"They're going to be daddy's little prince or princess," Lanyon said matter-of-factly smiling wider making his rounded cheeks stand out even more, and chuckled when his mate chose to poke him in the nose with the tip of his index finger.

"Hey give me some of the credit they are on MY lap!"

"Don't worry you-"

CRASH

"Suppose this morning was too nice to last..." Henry deadpanned and both men got to their feet to fix random bits of clothing and straighten out hair, hoping that the mess was not too large and require heavy lifting considering the split man's condition...

Both opened the door and stepped out into the hall, neither seeing the plate of cookies just outside it in their rush to fix whatever problem occurred and headed towards where they heard the boom.

A lot of whispers were heard down the hall, something even flying past the end of it, and upon entering, both their eyes widened at the sight of a pink and blue nightmare.

Streamers had been flung around and stuck to random furniture and some landed where they guessed they were supposed to be in the first place, chairs, none of which seemed to match, had been placed about the room, lab tables had been dragged from their spots to be used as food tables, some even still have chemical stains or burn marks on them even despite the poor attempts to cover them with plates and random decor.

Balloons, not filled with near as much helium as they needed, floated around, one even hovering past Henry, who was hit by an urge to deck it like the rubber sphere was a punching bag and hope it popped from the force.

Robert looked very much like someone who had gotten their shoe spit in

Lodgers ran about, carrying random items, placing decorations, shouting random orders or swearing as their task was interrupted or did not go the way they wanted, but after the couple had stood in the opening for what seemed like an age and a half, the lodgers finally seemed to notice their extra guests and Cheshire cat grins spread across the crowd.

Oh no...

"CONGRATULATIONS!" came the united shout as the crowd of rogue scientists suddenly became a herd of wildebeests as the mates got rushed, both being hit by the urge to turn tail and run but being surrounded before their escape plan could go into effect.

"Come sit down dears!" Miss Flowers said as she pretty much yanked the two towards a couple of chairs, which had the closest proximity to each other and plopped them into the seats, both too shocked to resist and found themselves with hands full of cake slice, courtesy of Mr. Doddle who even kindly put pillows behind both men's backs.

"Are you going to spend your pregnancy at home so we can still keep working with our chemicals?" Griffin asked only to be bonked in the head by Mrs. Cantilupe, who quickly got to ranting at him for his rude question.

"We can work on our other projects!" Virginia Ito said smiling gently "We don't want to bar you from coming around, you both run this society after all and we would love you coming around with your little one once it comes!"

"Oh! Oh! perhaps we can make them a little lab outfit!" came a random lodgers shout

"That would be so cute! It could have a little duck stitched onto it!"

"Don't forget the goggles! Make sure to have them adjustable! So they can keep using it!"

"We need to get to shopping then!"

"N-now just wait a minute-!" Robert started to say not liking how they were butting in on HIS mate's pregnancy, but he was quickly spoken over and just slunk down further in his chair pouting.

"Who's going to deliver it?" Came another voice

"Well, we actually plan on a hos-" Henry began only to be drowned out himself and closed his mouth knowing he was not about to be heard any time soon and just rubbed the bridge of his nose in irritation.

"Mr. Lanyon of course! He's his mate" Miss flowers said "That's the best for the both of them and great bonding too"

"But he will need him focused on other things, he can't be a mate and a doctor at the same time!"

"One of us could do it! He could even deliver here!"

"I would rather-"

"What is going on in here?" Frankenstein said as she walked into the room and saw the shower décor making her eyes go wide as she tried to process it all before her eyes went to Jekyll, then his stomach making him cover it up using the pillow that was cushioning his back.

What fresh hell was this....

[hmsjiara]

knight in shining armor (he wants to be my lover) jj +kie

requested by Amy247, RosieMae, and XiQ1108 on ao3. 

summary: a 3 +1 for the three times jj protected kie, and the one time she protected him.

read it here on ao3.

trigger warnings: mentions and heavy descriptions of abuse, implied/referenced sexual assault and slight non-con. please don’t read if either of these topics would be upsetting to you or jeopardize your mental health.

                                                           •••

From the beginning of her friendship with the Pogues, Kiara had made it clear that it wasn’t their job to protect her.

Even then, she knew it was a slightly impossible situation, because they were three testosterone-filled teenage boys who all kind of had a thing for her at some point, and it was inevitable that one of them would try and play her knight in shining white armor.

She’d once thought that it would be John B, with his warm smile and big heart, or maybe Pope because he always seemed to care the most, but she had never expected JJ to be the person who got protective on her behalf.

Sure, he was reckless, and always itching for a fight, but she’d assumed that was just JJ being JJ— there was no higher purpose, no method behind his madness.

The first time Kiara gets a glimpse of the truth behind his sharp remarks and killer right-hook, they’re barely even friends. It was a few months after she’d first started hanging out with the Pogues, back when she still went to school with them, before JJ had accepted her into his inner circle.

They’re at a party at the Boneyard, and Kiara’s a few drinks in, so when a Kook with sand-colored hair and perfect teeth starts dancing with her, she doesn’t push him away.

Kiara loves to dance, loves moving her body to the rhythm of the music, how carefree and confident it makes her feel, so she doesn’t typically object when Tourons or even Kooks want to join her. She would prefer one of the Pogues, but John B is flirting with a girl by the fire, and Pope is attempting to flirt by talking about something disturbing that he probably shouldn’t be, and JJ is no where to be seen.

It’s fun for a while— the beat picks up, and the shots of tequila they did at the Chateau are definitely helping her to relax, to wrap an arm around the boy’s neck and start grinding on him.

But then the song ends, and Kiara slips from the group of dancers, shrugs the boy’s arm off of her shoulder and turns to find one of the Pogues, suggest that they head back to the Chateau for the evening.

His hand closes around her wrist, though, yanking her back towards him. “Wait,” he says, frowning at her, shaking his head like he’s confused. “You’re leaving? But I thought—“

Kiara smiles, pats the hand on her arm. “Listen, this was fun, but my friends are waiting. See you around, k?”

She turns to leave again, but he doesn’t let go of her wrist, and it burns when she tries to pull away from him.

“Hey, what—“

“Come back to my place,” he insists, and that’s when she notices how he’s slurring his words, his glazed eyes. “My parents are out of town, it’ll be fun, I promise—“

“That’s very nice of you,” she says, biting her lip, searching for any sign of the Pogues. Because this feels awfully like the kind of situation they talk about in health class, how you should never walk home from a party alone and always make sure someone is watching your drink. “But I have plans, so...”

The boy growls, actually growls at her, his hand going tighter on her wrist, and Kiara faintly registers the pain that flares there. “Listen, sweetheart, we had a fun time tonight, right? Don’t ruin it.”

“Then let go of me,” Kiara hisses, trying to seem confident and unbothered, but her wrist hurts and she’s pretty sure it’s going to bruise, and she hates herself for it but she’s starting to get scared. Because the boy’s eyes are gleaming with something dangerous, and he won’t let go of her, and she can’t see the Pogues anywhere.

“You’re the one who wanted to dance with me, grinding on me like a fucking slut—“

Kiara flinches, but before she can retaliate, JJ’s fist slams into his jaw.

It’s instinctual to scream, to clap her hands over her mouth as the boy’s hand vanishes from her wrist and he falls to the ground.

JJ’s standing next to her, his breathing harsh but even as he stares at the boy lying on the sand, clutching his hands to his face and groaning in pain. Kiara knows that JJ can land a punch, has seen him do it before, but this is different, because he’s never hit someone to defend her before.

“You okay, Kiara?” JJ asks her, his voice tight with rage, eyes not leaving the limp form of the boy at their feet.

He’s still howling, and there’s blood gushing from his nose, but Kiara doesn’t feel too bad considering her wrist is starting to throb.

It takes her a moment to answer, because she’s still not used to this version of JJ, the one who seems to care about what happens to her.

“Yeah,” she says, nodding at him, shaking off the fear that had left her stunned and shaky. “I’m good.”

The boy scrambles to his feet, teeth bared through the blood covering his face, and lunges at JJ, but he’s on the ground again before he can even get a hit in, JJ dodging his fist as his own collides with the guy’s stomach.

“What the hell?” He groans, glaring up at JJ, though Kiara notices he doesn’t try to rise again. “What was that for?”

Kiara scoffs, rolls her eyes, but JJ’s gaze hardens and he kneels down until he’s practically spitting in the guy’s face. “Apologize.”

The boy’s attention goes to Kiara, then back to JJ, and she detects a flicker of fear in his eyes, but he’s still not sounding very apologetic when he glares at JJ and says, “If she hadn’t been acting like a fucking tease—“

JJ moves faster than she can see, kicking the boy in the side. He grunts, moaning, and Kiara decides that it’s enough. The last thing they need is for someone to call the cops.

“JJ, it’s fine,” she says, taking a step closer, unsure whether or not she should touch him. She’s seen him get like this before, knows how volatile he can be, but she still doesn’t think he’d intentionally hurt her. “I’m okay, let’s just—“

“No, Kiara, it’s not fine!” He shouts, and she almost flinches at the rage lining every inch of his body, the dark, empty look in his eyes, but then she sees the emotion behind it, the raw pin that lingers in his gaze. “He almost—“

“I’m fine,” she says again, laying a hand on his arm, running her thumb over his skin until he relaxes under her grip. “He barely touched me, and you got there before anything else could happen. Let’s just go, I want to go back to the Chateau. John B and Pope are waiting.”

At the mention of their friends, some of the blind rage fades from JJ’s gaze, but not all of it. Kiara thinks she knows what this is about, because she’s not as oblivious as JJ thinks she is, and she understands there’s a reason his mother left before he turned ten, why his fists clenched that one time they walked by a girl with bruises on her face and her boyfriend’s arm around her waist. This kind of thing is personal for him, makes him remember a time when he couldn’t do anything to stop it. It’s why it’s so hard for him to walk away.

Kiara takes a step closer, until they’re practically chest to chest, places her hands on either side of his face, makes sure that he’s looking at her. “JJ, I’m fine. Let’s go.”

JJ shivers, stares at her with this unreadable expression. Kiara doesn’t think they’ve ever been this close before, and if they had, it was never like this. She tells herself it’s not the time to get flustered, silences the voice in the back of her head that tells her this would be the perfect opportunity to kiss someone. You know, if she wanted to. Which she doesn’t.

Not that JJ punching someone had been hot, or anything. Not at all.

Apparently, her proximity is enough to snap JJ out of his rage-induced stupor, and nods his head, sags slightly in Kiara’s grip.

JJ lands a last kick to the boy’s ribs, and Kiara makes a sound of protest, but he turns around a moment later, wraps an arm around her shoulders and leads her back to the van.

She doesn’t say thank you until later, when they’re standing in the kitchen at the Chateau, and JJ’s arm is in her lap and she’s tending to the cut on his hand.

“You shouldn’t have done that,” she says, quietly, but they both know that she doesn’t really mean it. “I could have handled it.”

“I know,” JJ answers, but his eyes are on her bruised wrist and there’s still that emptiness behind them, so she presses a kiss to his cheek.

“Thank you,” she whispers after, once there’s a bandage on her wrist and they’re sitting on the pullout couch with the other Pogues watching old NCIS reruns.

JJ doesn’t say anything, but she sees the smile he tries to hide, the slight redness to his cheeks.

He’s not a knight in shining armor, not by a long shot, but Kiara doesn’t care. She likes JJ exactly the way he is, likes that he shows all of himself and doesn’t apologize for it.

And if she has to stop herself from telling him that, from pressing her lips to his that night in the Boneyard... well, that’s her own business, isn’t it?

                                                          •••

That’s the first time JJ protects her, but it definitely isn’t the last.

He’s always there when a Kook insults her at a party, when the girls in her grade make a hate page for Kiara during her Sophomore year or laugh at her from behind their menus at the Wreck, purposefully drop silverware or napkins on the floor just to watch her pick them up.

Even though JJ isn’t someone who objects to violence, he’s just as quick with his mouth as he is with his fists. It normally only takes one sharp comment to make the girls stop laughing, the threat of a hit to silence the boys who whistle and howl at Kiara in her bikini as they drive past their yachts on the HMS Pogue.

JJ likes to have an opponent, she notices, someone to target his aggression at. It’s easy for him, when there’s something to fight.

It’s not like that the day Kiara falls off of her board at Rixon’s Cove, doesn’t surface when it appears, bobbing on the waves. Because JJ can’t fight the ocean, and there’s no one to blame but Kiara for her wipeout.

After, Pope tells her how JJ panicked, dove into the water without a second thought, yelled at John B to grab Kiara’s board where it was drifting on top of the waves.

He pulled her from the ocean, Kiara still choking on the water that had filled her lungs, head throbbing from where it had struck her board.

She doesn’t remember a lot from the next few minutes, has a vague memory of the warmth of JJ’s skin against her cheek and his arms around her, him whispering that it would be fine, that she was okay.  

She’s more aware once they get into the van, her back against JJ’s chest as Pope examines the bump on her head, says she should get it checked out in the morning but that she’ll be fine as long as she rests and can keep some food and water down. Kiara insists that she’s okay, tells the Pogues not to call her parents, though she appreciates the hand JJ offers her once they pull into the driveway at the Chateau.

Because she’s still a little unsteady on her feet, has to clutch the doorway to the bathroom on her way to the shower, bites her lip to keep herself from groaning. But Kiara doesn’t want to worry the Pogues, doesn’t need them fussing over her.

They seem reluctant to leave her alone, asking if she’s okay through the door, what kind of pizza she wants, if her head still hurts. Kiara tries to reassure them that she’s fine, and John B and Pope seem to buy it, but JJ takes one look at her when she steps out of the bathroom wearing a pair of John B’s sweatpants and Pope’s t-shirt and pats the spot on the couch next to him, pulls her close until her head is practically in his lap.

This kind of casual, physical affection with JJ is new, something he never would have initiated a few months ago. He’s always been like that with the other Pogues— his hands in John B’s hair, an arm around Pope’s shoulder. With Kiara, it was more calculated: offering to help her out of the boat, his fingers brushing hers as he handed her a beer.

She knows it’s a marker of how comfortable he feels with someone, a representation of JJ being able to let his guard down. And it shouldn’t matter to her so much, shouldn’t leave her skin flushed and butterflies fluttering in her stomach, but it does.

So, yes, Kiara’s motives may not be entirely pure she whines about her head hurting and makes JJ get her pizza and Advil, insists he give her his sweatshirt when she starts to get cold, guides his fingers into her hair and tugs him down onto the pullout beside her when her eyelids start to droop with exhaustion.

It doesn’t matter, though, and it’s not like anyone notices. Because that’s just what friends do, right?

And that’s what she and JJ are. Friends.

                                                          •••

Kiara’s not really sure when her complicated relationship with Rafe became a secret.

It’s not even a relationship. It’s not anything, really, just one of the broken fragments from her Kook Year that she prefers not to examine too closely.

Because, yes, she might have gotten drunk one night after Sarah ditched her, stumbled into the Cameron’s backyard and sat by the pool until Rafe found her, woken up in his bed with a pounding headache and his arm around her bare waist, but it doesn’t really matter. Or maybe it does, and she just likes to pretend otherwise.

Because it’s embarrassing that Kiara doesn’t really remember what happened, that she was such a mess over Sarah that she somehow stumbled into Rafe’s bed. Who’s disgusting, and vile, and against everything she stands for.

Kiara never tells the Pogues, buries her blurry, faded memories of that night in the same metaphorical box that contains her memories of Sarah.

It’s easy to avoid Rafe at first, to hide behind the Pogues whenever he shows up at the Boneyard, ignore how his eyes catch on any exposed skin. She starts wearing pants when she works at the Wreck, tugs her skirt a little lower when he passes her in the hallway at school or sits behind her in class. Kiara hates herself for it, for adjusting her behavior to accommodate him, but what else is she supposed to do?

As long as no one notices, she’ll be fine.

But secrets have a way of getting out, and as their hunt for the gold starts to escalate, the closer they get to Sarah Cameron, ignoring Rafe gets harder and harder.

He corners Kiara at the movie night, asks how she is, gets in her personal space. Kiara hates that she recoils, how every bone in her body is itching to walk away and return to the familiar safety the Pogues offer. And when he wraps his arms around her waist and pulls her off of Topper, she flinches, struggling against his grip, revolted by the feeling of his hands on her.

Later, Kiara can’t help but wonder how drunk she had to be to let him touch her.

It feels like a tsunami building at the back of her mind, triggered by every glimpse she gets of him, every brief encounter. She doesn’t know how to stop it, just hopes that when it inevitably crashes, she can keep it contained.

It happens after Midsummers, when Kiara and JJ are sitting in the van outside of her house after leaving John B at the hospital. She’s still wearing her dress, as well as the sweatshirt JJ gave her when she was shaking and trembling in the hospital waiting room. They were bullied into going home by the hospital staff, or else they would have stayed. The nurse they’d spoken to had promised them John B would be fine, that he was out of surgery and that they would be able to visit him in the morning.

They’re just sitting in silence, already having dropped Pope off at his place, the sound of crickets chirping and the hum of the generator outside Kiara’s house soothing after the night they’ve had.

Kiara still feels numb, her face red and splotchy from scrubbing her face clean in the hospital bathroom, her dress wrinkled from her clutching too hard at the fabric. It all feels a little surreal: their adrenaline-filled escape at Midsummers, Topper pushing John B from the Hawk’s Nest, Sarah crying over his body and pressing a kiss to his lips, the harsh reality of the hospital waiting room.

So, when JJ turns to her and says, I ran into Rafe tonight, it’s the last thing she needs or wants to hear.

Kiara eyes the bruises on his face, realizes there’s more than when she last saw him getting shoved into a cop car, focuses on that to distract herself from the growing pit of anxiety in her stomach. “Did he do that to you?”

“Ah, no, this was just—“ JJ pauses, falters, bites his lip like he always does before he lies. “This is nothing. Don’t worry about it.”

Normally, Kiara would push, but she doesn’t have the energy to fight with JJ in that moment. So she nods, stays quiet, waits for him to continue.

“He and Kelce cornered me at the party,” he explains, and if Kiara was being more observant, she would have noticed how he was suddenly avoiding her gaze. “He said something. About you. And I just... I lost it.”

Kiara freezes, her heart jumping to her throat, forces herself to breathe past the panic constricting her lungs. She would like to be able to say that Rafe wouldn’t tell anyone about them, but that’s honestly exactly his style. Especially if he thought it would get a rise out of JJ.

“What did he say?” She asks quietly, biting her lip.

“Doesn’t matter,” JJ says, still not looking directly at her. “It just got me thinking... did anything ever, you know happen between you two?”

“I don’t know.”

Kiara says the words without thinking, and she knows she’s made a mistake when JJ’s brow furrows and he frowns at her. “What do you mean, you don’t know?”

Kiara starts picking at the nail polish on her fingers, not wanting to look at JJ while she explains. “Rafe was always kind of... there, you know, when I would hang out with Sarah. He gave me the creeps, so I usually avoided him, but there was one night. I was drunk, and I wandered over to the Cameron’s, probably to confront Sarah, and he was there. I woke up the next morning in his bed and I— I couldn’t remember what happened, so.”

Kiara stops talking, stuttering out the last few words, embarrassment flooding her. God, she sounds so stupid. What the hell was JJ going to think of her? It was no secret that he and the Pogues hated Rafe.

She jumps when JJ reaches over to take her hand, sees the rage burning in his eyes. Kiara knew it wasn’t directed at her.

“You know that’s wrong, right Kie?” JJ asked, and she could tell he was fighting to keep his voice even. “He shouldn’t have— God, that fucking bastard... he shouldn’t have taken advantage of you like that.”

She nods, wanting to believe him, though there is still a part of her that thinks it might be partially her fault. She’d made Rafe want her, right? And she could preach feminism and women’s rights all she wanted, but she hadn’t exactly stood up for herself when it came to him, had she?

She doesn’t realize that she‘s crying until JJ’s hand tightens on her wrist, until she hears him saying her name over and over again, his voice thick with worry. Normally, she would have pretended that everything was fine, but after the night they’d had and the panic she’d felt over John B, it didn’t take much to send her over the edge.

And she’d never really cried over Rafe, never had someone to tell her that what he’d done was wrong.

So it’s easy to fall against JJ’s chest, let him wrap his arms around her and rub soothing circles against the bare skin of her back. JJ’s style of comforting someone has never been very verbal, which she appreciates, but she honestly doesn’t feel like talking.

He asks her if she wants him to kill Rafe for her, and she knows that he’s joking, but she still smiles against his chest and shakes her head.

She can take care of herself, she knows that, but sometimes it’s just nice to know that someone cares about her. Because JJ’s not playing the hero right now, not trying to seem like a tough guy.

He’s just... there, and it’s all she really needs.

                                                          •••

Until their hunt for the gold, Kiara had never considered JJ to be someone who needed protecting.

He was always the protector. Not just of her, but for Pope and John B too.

But after the night where he’d cried in her arms inside of the hot tub, when she’d seen the bruises covering his stomach... Kiara had felt an automatic, instinctual urge to make sure JJ never got hurt like that again.

Part of it is motivated by guilt, because there’d been so many years where she hadn’t noticed, ignored every sign that was shoved in her face. The bruises that appeared far too often, how he flinched away from casual physical contact.

The second part is that JJ has always protected her, and she feels like she has to return the favor.

But Kiara always seems to fail when it comes to JJ, and in the blur of days that follow John B and Sarah’s disappearance (not their deaths, because Kiara can’t quite handle using that word yet), JJ kind of just... slips through the cracks.

Kiara can barely take care of herself, and every time she sees JJ he’s at the Chateau, so she assumes that he’s okay, that she doesn’t need to worry.

She’s wrong.

Kiara is half asleep when the rock hits her window. It takes her a minute to understand what’s happening, to pull back the covers and stumble from the bed, fumbling with the lock on her window when she sees JJ standing below.

“JJ?” She hisses, squinting at him in the dark, trying to figure out why he‘s at her house in the middle of the night. “What are you doing here?”

Between the late hour and the rain-thick air, it’s difficult to see him. JJ was leaning against the tree by her window, wearing his red baseball hat and a long-sleeve t-shirt, soaked from the downpour that had started earlier in the evening.

She waited for his answer, the flirtatious comment about keeping her company or warming her bed, but it never came.

Instead, JJ took a step forward, a hand pressed to his abdomen as he winced, and that’s when she saw his face, the side of his jaw that was more bruise than skin.

Kiara swore, whirled around and threw open her bedroom door, hurried down the stairs and to the front of her house. The panic was hot and tight in her chest, because she’d had nightmares about this exact scenario, the only difference being that at least JJ was alive in this version of reality.

She unlocks the front door, shoves her feet into her shoes, and she‘s at his side in an instant, surveying the damage. She sees why he didn’t answer her before— JJ’s swaying on his feet, can barely stand on his own. He flinches when she gets close, relaxes slightly once he realizes who she is.

His clothes hide the worst of it, as they always do, but they can’t conceal the bruises covering his face, his split lip or the jilted way he‘s walking, the whimper that escapes his lips when Kiara wraps an arm around his waist to guide him inside.

She swears as she struggles to hold JJ’s weight and open the door, trips over her own feet in the front hall. JJ tries to help as best as he can, but it seems to be difficult for him to even keep his eyes open.  

“I’m fine, Kie,” he mumbles into her shoulder, slurring his words as they reach the top of the stairs. “You don’t have to—“

“You’re damn right, I have to,” she hisses back, far too aware of the fact that her parents are sleeping just down the hall. If they catch them like this... they wouldn’t turn JJ away, not when he looks like this, but it would certainly mean hospitals and social workers and foster care. It’s not what JJ wants, and she knows it’s selfish, but Kiara can’t lose anymore of her friends. She can’t lose him.

Finally, she manages to get them both into the upstairs bathroom, maneuvering a now-pliant JJ to lean against the bathtub while she rummages through the drawers to find first aid supplies. She doesn’t like how familiar she’s gotten with patching her friends up, how she knows exactly where the gauze and painkillers are.

The bathroom lights make JJ’s injuries look so much worse.

She’d already seen that the entire left side of his face was bruised, that there was a cut on his cheek and his lip was split, but now she could see the imprint of hands on his neck, how he winced with every breath. Not to mention the fact that he was covered in water and mud, shaking from head to foot.

If this is what JJ thinks fine looks like, she doesn’t want to see what not fine is.  

“JJ,” she whispers, not wanting to touch him without his permission. “I need to get you cleaned up, okay? Can I do that?“

He hums quietly, blinks sluggishly at her, and Kiara takes that as a go-ahead.

She pries his boots from his feet, pulls his soaked socks off and leaves them lying on the now mud-stained tile floor. But then she gets to his shirt, and she hesitates.

“JJ?” She murmurs, careful to keep her voice quiet and steady, her movements slow so that she doesn’t startle him. “Can I take your shirt off?”

He looks at her through damp blond lashes, and whatever he sees on her face must convince him that she’s just trying to help, because he nods his head, goes to remove the damp t-shirt himself.

JJ winces, likely from the ribs she’s sure are bruised if not broken, and Kiara carefully guides his hands away from his stomach, takes the edges of the shirt and tug it over his head.

She doesn’t mean to gasp, doesn’t want JJ to feel any more uncomfortable than he probably already is, but she can’t stop the sound for escaping at the sight of his chest covered in a gruesome pattern of purple and blue, as if someone had used him as their personal punching bag.

Kiara had hoped his injuries were just the result of another fight, but this... the handprints on his neck were bigger than any teenage boys, and she’d never seen JJ come out of a fight with a Kook this badly. No, this... this was his father.

Which meant he’d done the one thing she’d counted on him not doing. He’d gone home.

She also realizes that the only reason he’s here is because John B isn’t, that the one person he’d always counted on was gone, and her heart breaks even more for JJ in that moment. He deserves better, deserves more than this.

Kiara forces herself to compartmentalize, to ignore the ache in her chest and focus on what JJ needs.

He’s quiet now, eyes half-lidded with exhaustion. But his skin is still cold and damp, and she decides that the first order of business is to get him warm.

She leaves his shorts on, because she’s honestly not sure if she can manage to get him out of them when he’s practically dead weight against her, turns the shower handle until the waters practically boiling, pulls JJ to his feet and guides him into the tub.

He groans as the warm water hits his bruised skin, tilts his head back into the spray. But he’s still swaying on his feet, and the last thing she needs is for him to fall and get a concussion, so Kiara climbs in beside him and wraps an arm around his waist to keep him standing.

“Is this okay?” She asks, afraid that she’s hurting him.

“Yeah,” he mumbles, nodding his head. “Thanks, Kie.”

“Don’t worry about it.”

She gets a washcloth and runs in carefully over his skin, apologizes every time he winces, squeezes a dollop of her favorite conditioner into her hands and massages it into his scalp. JJ leans into her touch for the first time all night, practically purrs when Kiara starts moving her fingers through his hair. She thinks he might fall asleep standing up at one point, has to shake him awake as she turns off the tap.

She manages to get JJ out of the tub and dries him with a towel, helps him into a clean pair of sweatpants and a sweatshirt despite his weak, mumbled protests. She knows it’s evidence to how badly he’s hurting, because JJ is never this willing to accept help.

He doesn’t even protest when she offers him the bed, collapses on top of the comforter and closes his eyes.

Kiara goes to the bathroom to clean up, changes into a dry pair of clothes, keeping quiet to avoid waking her parents. She takes the first aid kit from the drawer, returns to her bedroom and places a hand on JJ’s shoulder to see if he’s still awake.

He flinches away from her, his gaze immediately apologetic, but Kiara shakes her head before he can say he’s sorry. “Don’t worry about it, J. It’s just me— I should have warned you, I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay, Kie,” he mumbles, voice heavy with sleep. She feels guilty for waking him, especially when he winces as he moves to lean back against the headboard, but she doesn’t want to leave his wounds till morning. “What’s up? I can move, it’s okay, I’ll just go—“

“No,” she says, a little sharper than she means to, clamping another hand around his wrist. “You can stay, I just want to get you cleaned up. Is that okay?”

JJ nods, but it turns out there’s not much she can do. The bruises will heal with time, so she can only bandage the cut on his cheek and clean his split lip.

JJ must see Kiara’s slight panic, how she’s struggling with the fact that she can’t really do anything to help him, and he places a warm hand on her arm. “It’s okay, Kie. I’m fine— really. You’ve done enough.”

She entirely disagrees with the statement that JJ is fine, but it’s well past two am, and she’s exhausted, so she leaves the first aid kit on the nightstand and climbs into bed beside him.

It’s quiet for a moment, the only sound the distant crashing of the waves and JJ’s breathing. He looks peaceful enough, but the moonlight coming through the window illuminates the handprints on his neck, and Kiara can’t keep herself from saying, “I’m sorry, J. You deserve better than this. I wish—“

She breaks off, because she doesn’t really know how to finish that sentence. She wishes... what? That JJ’s dad wasn’t an abusive asshole? That he hadn’t gone home? That she could somehow protect him from something he’d been dealing with for years, that she’d noticed there was a problem sooner?

“I’m just... I’m sorry it took me so long to notice.”

“It’s nothing that hasn’t happened before,” he says, as if that makes it okay, eyes still closed.

“This isn’t normal, JJ,” she hisses, though she thinks deep down he knows that. “I get that he’s your dad, okay? But why the hell would you go back there? Especially after he knows that you stole the Phantom.”

JJ sighs, rubs a hand over his face. “I just needed some new clothes, okay? There’s no laundry machine at the Chateau. They were starting to smell.”

“You could have asked—“

“I’m not putting this on you, Kie,” he says, and she hates how he phrases it, as if he was some burden. “Or Pope. Y’all have enough shit to deal with. I don’t deserve—“

Kiara wants to kill Luke Maybank in that moment. Not just for the bruises littering JJ’s skin, but for the mental and emotional scars left by years of abuse, how JJ doesn’t even seem to think he’s worthy of love. Most of all, she hates the dark, empty look in his eyes that even her attempts at comfort can’t fix.

“Yes, you do,” she says, not needing JJ to finish his sentence to know what he was about to say. “You deserve this, JJ. You deserve more. And I should have said that to you before, I should have noticed—“

JJ turns his head towards her, and Kiara tries to focus on what he’s saying instead of how blue his eyes are as he tells her, “It’s not your fault, Kie, okay? Don’t worry about it.”

“But I am worried about it,” she snaps, because even though she doesn’t want to argue with JJ right now, he needs to understand that just because John B’s gone doesn’t mean there’s no one who cares about him. “I’m worried about you, okay? With John B and Sarah being— I just can’t lose anyone else, not now, I—“

She realized she’s kind of hyperventilating, and JJ raises an arm to pull her into his side, tightening his grip when she tries to move away at his hiss of pain. He smells like laundry detergent and cocoa butter, and the warmth has finally reentered his bones, so it’s easy to curl up against him. He whispers words of comfort into her hair, promises about staying safe she knows he won’t keep, but as their hands wind together and her head falls into the crook his neck, her fingers in his hair and their legs intertwined, and she decides that it’s enough for right now.

“Maybe we can protect each other from now on,” she whispers a few minutes later, when she thinks JJ’s already gone to sleep.

“I’d like that,” he whispers back, squeezing her hand a little tighter. “Brave warrior princess and her knight in shining armor, and all that shit.”

“Whatever you want, JJ.”

[tsuki-chibi]

Passionfruit (November) Day 14: Proximity

Catch up on AO3: Passionfruit

————

“Come on, Marinette, hurry!” Alya hissed over her shoulder.

“I’m hurrying!” Marinette gulped, pushing her legs to move faster. It wasn’t fair: Alya had much longer legs than she did. She was breathing hard by the time Alya finally stopped running.

“There he is!” Alya exclaimed, pointing directly ahead. Marinette craned her neck to see and gasped quietly as she spotted Kim standing on the Pont des Arts. Alya immediately whipped out her phone, held it up, and started recording.

“Alya, seriously?” Marinette said, giving her friend a look.

“It’s for posterity. Someday, Kim and this mystery girl’s kids might want to see this,” Alya said. 

Marinette sighed. “That better not be livestreaming.”

“Of course not. Wait, look!” Alya said, jabbing Marinette in the ribs. “He’s straightening up and turning to face - oh my god. Please tell me that Kim isn’t walking towards who I think he’s walking towards.”

“Oh nooooo,” Marinette whispered, putting her hands over her eyes. Yet she couldn’t helping peeking through her fingers at the train wreck that was about to happen.

‘What’s wrong?’ Adrien thought immediately. Even though he was at a photoshoot, he was ready to come to her aid if she needed him. Marinette would’ve smiled had she not been cringing so hard.

‘Look,’ she thought.

‘What - oh no,’ Adrien thought as he peered through her eyes. ‘Not Chloé. Please, Kim. Don’t!’

But Kim couldn’t hear them. He stopped right in front of Chloé, who nearly walked into him because she was distracted by talking on the phone. Chloé looked at him with an expression of incredulity, but, before she could say a word, Kim dramatically dropped to one knee and held out the box. Both Marinette and Alya winced as they realized Kim had inadvertently knelt in a puddle.

“Chloé, I - would you - would you be my Valentine?” Kim asked, his hand visibly shaking.

“Nooo...” Marinette whispered again.

‘Oh god,’ Adrien thought.

“Shit,” Alya breathed.

Before Choé could respond, a passing bicyclist went zooming by and splashed water all over Kim’s face. At the same time a chip bag, caught in the wind, blew by and slapped Kim in the face. Chloé visibly cringed and took a hasty step back as some of the water droplets splattered in her direction. She wrinkled her nose, drew her shoulders up, and opened her mouth.

“No.”

“Wh-what?” Kim said.

“No. I can’t be your Valentine,” Chloé said, hanging up the phone and crossing her arms over her chest.

Marinette’s mouth dropped open in shock. For Chloé, that was a downright kind reaction. She had been fully expecting Chloé to do something really horrible, like take a picture of Kim’s misery and send it to everyone in the class. Instead, Chloé had merely been straightforward. Perhaps a bit too much so, but still.

“But... But I brought you a gift!” Kim cried.

Chloé skirted him and walked away without looking back. Kim stayed where he was, kneeling in the dirty water, and started to cry. Alya grimaced and hit the end button on her phone. She pulled her phone down and locked it. The clicking sound made Kim look up. His eyes widened when he saw the two of them standing there.

“Kim!” Marinette called, but it was too late. Kim jumped up and ran away.

“Oof, that was harsh,” Alya said with a grimace. “Do you think we should go after him?”

‘I wouldn’t,’ Adrien thought. ‘If it were me, I’d want some time alone.’

“I don’t think so,” Marinette said, feeling awful. “We shouldn’t have spied on them, Alya. I bet Kim feels horrible.”

“Yeah. I really didn’t think it would be Chloé, of all people.” Alya sighed and held up her phone. She deleted the video, shaking her head. “What do you think he sees in her?”

“Uh... I don’t know,” Marinette said. “Maybe he thinks she’s pretty? Chloé does have nice hair.”

Alya looked unconvinced. She was opening her mouth, no doubt to dispute what Marinette had said, when something struck her in the chest. Marinette jumped back in surprise, narrowly avoiding what turned out to be another arrow. It hit the ground harmlessly and dissolved. By the time Marinette looked back at Alya, Alya’s lips had turned black and her eyes were narrowed.

“You’re right, Chloé is a thousand times prettier than you,” she said in a nasty voice. “If you’re not careful, she’ll steal Adrien right out from under your nose. That’s what you’d deserve!”

“Alya!” Marinette exclaimed, stung. Alya just laughed and turned, running away. A shadow passed over them and Marinette looked up to see an akuma with black wings flying overhead. Her heart sank. It didn’t take a genius to figure out who had that most likely was.

‘Uh oh,’ Adrien thought. ‘I’m on my way.’

‘Hurry,’ Marinette thought back.

She took a quick look around before ducking into the shadows of the bridge. “Tikki, spots on!”

Ladybug emerged and threw out her yoyo, using it to get to the top of the nearest building. She quickly spotted the akuma and raced after it. Her eyes widened as the akuma set another arrow to its bow and pulled the string back, aiming at an oblivious Chloé. She launched herself forward and hurtled her yoyo at the arrow, knock it off course.

“Stop it, Kim!” she yelled. Luckily, Chloé turned to walk into a shop and that meant she was out of their line of sight.

“I’m not Kim, I’m Dark Cupid! And if I can’t have love, no one will!” Dark Cupid bellowed.

“Okay, okay. Dark Cupid.” Ladybug held up her hands. “I get that you got turned down, and that sucks, but that doesn’t mean you have to take it out on all of Paris!”

“Oh yes I do! I won’t stop until everyone’s heart is crushed, and they all feel my pain! Starting with your loved ones, Ladybug!” Dark Cupid began rapidly shooting arrows at her. Ladybug dodged them all, but he was incredibly fast. She gasped in panic as she slipped and fell.

She caught herself with her yoyo, dangling from the edge of the roof, until a familiar arm slung itself around her waist. She exhaled and relaxed into Chat’s hold, letting him take the brunt of her weight. A quick flick of her wrist unwound her yoyo from where it had caught on the roof, snapping it back into her hand.

“Boy, he’s in a claw-ful mood,” Chat said, looking up.

“He’s not the only one,” Ladybug said, gingerly balancing on Chat’s staff. “We’ve gotta figure this one out quickly, or he’s going to turn all of Paris against each other.”

“Maybe a Lucky Charm would give us a hint?” Chat suggested.

“Good idea.” Ladybug opened her mouth, but nothing came out but a breathless squeak.

Because Chat’s arm had tightened painfully, and he suddenly jerked her off the staff; they tumbled several feet to the ground, though Chat twisted them in mid-air so that he hit took the brunt of the impact. A dozen arrows hit the ground around them seconds later. Ladybug pushed herself up, realizing that Chat had saved them from being hit by Dark Cupid.

Then something cold hit her mind, dimming Chat’s connection to her. Ladybug recoiled, caught off guard, and gasped as Chat’s lips turned back just like Alya’s had. His eyes snapped open. Instead of being filled with affection like usual, they were narrowed and set with hatred. Her heart sank.

“Ch-Chat?” she stammered, hoping against hope that he wasn’t about to -

“I hate you, Ladybug!” he snarled, bringing his claws back. His other arm remained incredibly tight around her waist.

She lashed out automatically, hitting him in the stomach. Chat yelped and let her go. Ladybug scrambled off of him, reeling slightly. Chat was still there in her mind, but it was like there was a net draped over him: none of his thoughts were coming through, and she couldn’t send anything back to him.

But she could still feel him, and unfortunately what she felt was pure, blinding hatred. It made her sick to her stomach and she staggered backwards as he advanced. Even in her nightmares, she had never pictured Chat Noir looking at her like that.

“You’re nothing to me,” he hissed.

“Shut up!” Ladybug yelled, launching her yoyo overhead. It wrapped around the edge of his staff, still stuck in the building. She pulled sharply and the staff fell straight onto Chat’s head. He let out another yelp and she took the opportunity to run.

Ladybug made her way to an alley, where she leaned against the wall and tried to regain her bearings. Her hands were shaking around her yo-yo and she felt as clumsy and scattered as she had that first day on the job. What was she supposed to do now?

‘Chat? Adrien, can you hear me?’ she thought, but it was like throwing something at a brick wall. He couldn’t hear her. He was too far under Dark Cupid’s spell.

She scrubbed her hands over her face in frustration. The emotion radiating through their bond was horrible. It was the complete opposite of her sweet, kind, gentle boyfriend. Part of her wanted to sit down and cry.

But she couldn’t. She had to focus. Their bond wasn’t going to help her right now, so she had to figure out some other way of getting through to him. She was the only one who could save Chat now.

“Ladybug!” Chat shouted overhead, and Ladybug squealed as she threw herself to the side. Chat’s claws raked down the wall where she’d been standing.

“I don’t want to fight you, Chat. Please stop this!” Ladybug cried.

“Ugh, you’re so sanctimonious. It’s disgusting,” Chat hissed, stalking towards her with both hands held up to show his claws. “Don’t you understand that hate is so much better than love? Hate will always win!”

“You’re wrong. Hate doesn’t win. Love does,” Ladybug shot back. Then she remembered what their earlier class that morning had been about. In fairy tales, love always won. And what better way to signify love than with a kiss?

She looked speculatively at Chat. In a fair fight, she was pretty sure that she and Chat would be evenly matched and she would have a rough time beating him. But he wasn’t operating under his own control right now and it showed. His movements were jerky and sloppy, giving her plenty of openings. She just had to use them properly.

“Love is useless,” Chat snapped. “It’s revolting. What has love ever done for anyone?” He lunged towards her.

Ladybug dodged, dropping to the ground and snapping her foot out. He tripped with a surprised cry. Immediately, she swung herself on top of him and grabbed his wrists. Chat fought like a wild thing, growling and baring his teeth. He looked feral in that moment, so unlike her beloved kitty that Ladybug was a little scared. She steeled herself, trying her best to pin his wrists to the ground. But he was stronger than she’d anticipated.

“Chat, just stop!” she yelled in frustration. The close proximity was making her ache. Everything felt so wrong.

“Never! Cataclysm!” he shouted. “I’ll kill you, Ladybug!”

“Shit,” Ladybug hissed. Okay, time to end this now. She whipped out her yoyo, wrapping it around his right wrist and a nearby lamppost. The hand glowing with Cataclysm was dragged away from her. She grabbed his other hand, slammed it to the ground and pinning it there with her knee, then roughly took hold of his face and kissed him.

She could feel the moment it worked, the tension flowing out of him as he regained control of himself. The net over their bond vanished, letting Chat’s emotions - confusion, pleasure, awe, affection - flood through her again. Ladybug breathed a sigh of relief, gentling the kiss into something much sweeter as Chat grasped what was going on and began to kiss her back. She let their lips move together for a few precious seconds, savoring the feel of him both mentally, emotionally and physically, before she pulled back to look at him.

This was not how she had imagined their first kiss happening.

“L-Ladybug?” he stammered in confusion. His eyes were huge. But it was him again, fully under control, and Ladybug couldn’t help tearing up in relief. She released his wrist and cupped his cheek.

“You were under Dark Cupid’s control,” she explained. “I had to kiss you to make you snap out of it.”

Thank god there was a kernel of truth to fairy tales after all. She would have to do something special for Madame Bustier and Rose later to thank them. Ladybug had no idea what she would’ve done otherwise.

‘Oh shit. What did I do?’ Chat thought, panicking and going tense underneath her.

“It’s okay,” Ladybug said gently, looking down at him. She could feel him scrabbling for her memories and, as much as she hated to, freely shared them. There was no point in even trying to hide them. She’d never be able to shield anything from him at this point; she didn’t even know how to construct a shield even if she wanted to.

And she didn’t want to. Even though this would tear Chat up inside, he deserved to know. She waited anxiously as Chat parsed through the fifteen or so minutes that he had been under Dark Cupid’s control. Fear, anger and self-loathing rolled through their bond as he fully understood what had happened.

Chat flinched. “That’s - I don’t - I -”

“Shh,” she soothed, setting a finger over his lips. “Let’s talk about it later, okay? We have to stop Dark Cupid... if you’re up for it.” She watched him worriedly.

He took a shuddering breath, working hard to gather himself, and slowly nodded. “Of course.”

[naromoreau]

(sorry if i sent this twice) can you pls write a sharky/reader fic where reader isn’t the deputy but just some college student visiting hope county, and she really likes sharky but he turns her down because she’s just too young for him?

Thank you very much for sending his in and I hope it’s not too late, so here it is! Big thanks to @fluttyseed for giving it a read

Pairing: Sharky Boshaw & Reader (Not Deputy), side Sharky Boshaw / GN Deputy.

Raiting: SFW, just a lot of unrequited feelings :((( and Sharky being all sweet about them. 

"Hop in, chica,gotta take you to this place that's like--like a strategic location for whatyou doin'."

The midday sun'sglare scorched your skin, making you squint and drag an arm across yourforehead to dry the fat drops of sweat sitting there. The air bristled witharomas, the surrounding fields giving off a hint of freshly mowed barley, thatnow mingled with a light note of propane and a touch of musk coming from him.It was intoxicating. 

You haphazardly threwyourself on the passenger seat, cheeks bright red and throat in dire need of agulp of water. 

"Where we going,Sharky?" There was a slight waver in your voice as you rifled in yourbackpack trying to count the vials to take water samples. You couldn't help butbite your lip at how much his proximity kept affecting you, how every time heflashed you that smile, the one that lingered in his eyes, quicksilver poolsglowing with a warmth, your heart fluttered wildly. Hopelessly. 

"There's a--uh,a lake I think you should check." He cranked the engine, and steered hissight on the highway. 

As someone whocould've got lost in her own home town, you were beyond grateful to Mary May tohave sent you to his metaphorical - until now - arms. He knew the ins and outsof trudging across wild Montana, as if he was just walking across his livingroom. Truth was you'd been worried when you realized your project about lakes'pollution needed a bigger sample than the one you already had, and needed toget them before the current semester at college finished. 

It was a good twentyminute ride until finally Sharky slowed down, and the truck stopped near the bankof a pristine lake, tires grating over fine gravel. 

"'Mkay now, youwant me to get them for ya?" He was already peeling off his hoodie, andshucking his jeans off with an enthusiasm that was utterly infectious. 

He'd offered himselffor the task from day one, trying to alleviate any hard labor from yourshoulders, claiming it was a good opportunity to freshen up in the ungodlyheat. You squinted under the heavy brilliance, admiring not for the first timethe multicolor landscape of this side of the County. 

"Sure," yousaid kneeling to take the vials out of your backpack, handing them to him,"just try not to collect too much mud this time, please?"

"Don't worry,amigo, I think I got the nuts and bolts of this shit." 

You watched him enterthe lake in nothing but his boxers, your eyes taking in the sight of him,putting to good use the fact he was obviously focused in doing what you askedfor. The first time he'd taken his clothes off, your eyes had widened of theirown accord, sliding down the lean muscles of his back and chest, and you'dthanked your luck he wasn't paying attention because your face had gone throughseveral shades of red before it stuck in a soft pink that you were able to maskas just exertion. 

He was so easy totalk to and funny to a point you couldn't keep a straight face every time hewas determined to make you smile. Which was often, not that you werecomplaining. And so, falling down that rabbit hole had been unexpected andinevitable, and now you were head over heels with his scrawny ass. 

Everything would'vebeen easier if he wasn't so damn handsome, and you could've just shaken off theinconvenient crush. But when he turned and faced you, smiling as he shook oneof the newly filled vials, and your gaze slid down his abs following his happytrail, you knew you were sunk down in a pit too deep. 

The sad part was thathe didn't seem to notice what he stirred in you, treating you like a friend andnothing more. Not that you haven't tried to move him to act, a little touchhere, and a hand lingering there, but a whole month and you were still empty handed. 

A sudden sloshing ofwater brought you back to reality seeing him proudly showing you hiswork. 

"Got everythingyou needed, chica." 

You tried not to givea wide display of your throat, when you felt your jaw unhinge seeing himcloser, water beads lazily rolling down his body and stopping in the mostinconvenient places. 

"Thanks, Sharkman." 

Taking the preciouscargo of his hands, you focused on the task of putting them neatly away whilehe decided to sprawl next to you, like a taunt to your senses. 

"Now I kindaneed to dry my underwear, cuz I lost the spare ones," he said stretchingon the yellow grass, skin glimmering under golden rays. "What you wanna donow? Any more uh, places you gotta look at?" 

"Notreally," you replied, "but we could go and grab a cold one at theSpread Eagle if you want?" You shrugged trying to feign nonchalance butyour heart was hammering against your ribcage, its rhythm drumming in your earsas well. 

"Gotta say Ilike how you think." He switched onto his belly, exposing his black-cladrear to the shining sun, "not gonna lie to you, chica, I uh, I alwaysthought college girls were all-all uptight and y'know, not nice, but you ain'tlike that."

A soft chuckleescaped you. "Well, thanks, man. You ain't that bad either." Therewas a quiver in your stomach at the downplay of your own feelings, regrettingthe shyness that prevent you to chase some other course of action, becauseyou'd be gone in less than a day, and all this would scatter into fond memories.You sighed. "So it's that a yes?" 

"Fuck yeah,count me in," Sharky nodded, "just wait 'til I don't feel like Ipissed myself and we're good to go." 

The almost faintnotes of a Diana Ross' song blasting from the car, wafted in the air, tanglingwith the stifling atmosphere, and everything was making you dizzy. You foughtthe urge to touch him, maybe brush two inches of his skin and finally find thecourage to voice the feeling you had been trying to disregard for the lastmonth. 

"Y'know, chica?I'm gonna, uh, I'm gonna miss ya," he said covering his face with his capunder the blazing sun. "Had a good time doing all that science shit--- gofigure, a dumb dropout like me."

"You are notdumb, Sharky," you scolded him. It was something that ground your gears tono end, seeing how easily was for people disregard how smart he really was,throwing the same argument over and over again: dumb failure, you ain't morethan a school dropout. "If it wasn't for you I would've failed big time solet's just say this is also yours."

His chuckle rang inyour ears from beneath his cap, until he finally leaned on his elbows andlooked at you. "You're a real friend dude," he said, grinning. 

The weight of hiswords sagged your shoulders a little and you lowered your eyes to the gravelsurrounding the blue lake. Not something you wanted to keep on dwelling. 

"Aight,then." You stood up with a brisk movement, before the blushing had time tocreep up your cheeks. "Let's go get that beer."

----------

"... and lastthing I knew I was smooching it right in the fuckin nose, open mouth andall."

A gurgle of laughterrippled out of you, while images of his story flitted through your mind. An hourhad passed in the most perfect way, while you both shared stories over beers.But nothing had peaked this one yet. 

"Yeah, yeah,laugh all you want, dude-- I'm tellin' ya, that skunk? Meaniest dink ass I'dever--" 

"Kissed?"You offered, feeling tears welling up in your eyes. "I'm sorry-- I'msorry, that was rude." 

"Bet your ass itwas," he said, without stop grinning, taking a swig from his bottle."Don't expect my dates to almost rip my lips off, which it did--motherfucker left a huge scar here, see?" 

When Sharky leanedforward, your heart shivered in your chest, and you regretted you both weresitting side to side, without the table in between to dampen your stupidreactions. 

He stopped a scantinch from your face, pouting, his lower lip on display so you could see a faintscar on it. It must've been the alcohol, and the fact it was round number fourand your stomach was as empty as a wallet before payday, and suddenly it wasimpossible to quash down your leaping heart, his closeness rattling the sundryfeelings revolting in you. 

You pressed your lipsagainst his, hearing a surprised gasp dying in your mouth. It was soft and warmand your hands fell to his thighs, supporting you in your eagerness. 

But as soon as thecomfort of the yearned place came, it swiftly vanished. 

"Woah, woah,there," Sharky panted, clasping you gently by the shoulders, lips red andbreath stuttered, "what you doing, amigo?" 

There was no anger inhis voice, just the soft frowning of bafflement, metal-grey gaze delving intoyou, deep enough to break your flimsy hopes. 

"I'm--I'm sorry,Shark, I don't know what happened to me I just---" You tried not to showhim any tears, but it was harder than you thought. One drop, and then another,streaks ran down your cheeks, completely out of your control and the desire tojust bolt and run into the night churned in your stomach. 

"Hey, hey, easythere," he said, signaling someone for a glass of water and hugging you ina way that made everything more painful. But you couldn't push him away.

When the glass ofwater came, he made you drink it in three short gulps, until your intake of airevened out. 

"Hey, chica, I'msuper flattered y'know?" He cupped your cheek, lightly thumbing the rim ofyour jaw while you struggled not to run away fueled by embarrassment."Like, you're real cute, ok? And so fuckin' smart, but I mean, you're waytoo young--" 

"I just turned20, I know what I want," you retaliated. 

Sharky only chuckled,tilting his head back. "'Kay then, big you, still-- you got all that longass life to live and probably gonna end up with someone who's far better thanme-- I mean I'm pretty great, don't get me wrong," he said, and you huffeda short and hoarse laugh, "but y'know-- cherry, I ain't enough forya."

You were about totell him how wrong he was, how misdirected his guessings were, when you caughtmovement in your peripheral vision. It was one of Sheriff's Whitehorsedeputies. The newest one if your memory didn't fail you. 

"Everything good'round here?" They placed a hand on Sharky’s shoulder, and you saw himpositively turn beet red under his cap. Your eyes were drawn to their face,white flashing through plump lips in an honest smile.

"Yeah, officer,uh-just, uh, just saying goodbye to a friend," Sharky said stumbling uponwords on a higher rate than normal. 

"Ah, well, sorryto interrupt, then." They gave a slight nod, dimples coming to life on awarm face, and they were gone, boots tapping against the wooden floor. 

You saw Sharkyfollowing them with starved sight, eyes almost swaying with the cadence oftheir walking and a hard knot formed in your stomach. 

It was clear as day.After all, you'd seen his whole shenanigans for a month, time long enough soyou could realize he had a crush, the size of a wild moose, on the JuniorDeputy. 

Not much you coulddo, as much as it hurt. 

You found your voiceamidst the inner turbulence. "Y'know man? You should pursue that,"you said with an almost complicit smile, wiping your tears. 

Watching Sharkyambushed by feelings was a whole show. "What? Nah, you got it wrong,sweets- I mean they're a fucking cop, we're like natural enemies--" 

You scoffed."Sure, man, whatever helps you sleep at night, still," you added,"they're really cute." 

"The fuck you'retalking about, chica?" 

"Oh, c'mon,don't be such a liar."

He remained silent fora few seconds before finally springing up, giving you a hand. 

"You reallythink so?" He almost whispered. 

Your illusions anddesires scattered in the air. But he was your friend, and if that was the bondthat should remain, you were determined to honor it. 

"Yeah, man. Whoknows? Maybe that's your destiny right there."

[petri808]

5 Stories Up

Inukag AU. I had an idea about them getting trapped in an elevator. Lol it is what it is. Drabble on my phone.

It was something people often do today, nothing out of the ordinary especially when working in a multi-floored office building. And Kagome Higurashi loved working for Taisho Industries despite being in close proximity to demons. They all treated her like part of the family... except for one.

Her boss was the youngest son of the CEO Toga Inutaisho. Where Toga was kind and relaxed, his sons not so much. He warned her that Inuyasha wasn’t exactly personable and that no one had lasted more than a few months in the position. But it paid well, was a really good opportunity, so she accepted the challenge.

How bad could Inuyasha really be?

By the end of the first day, Kagome had almost broken down in tears in the man’s office. Inuyasha was an asshole! But instead of getting upset or sad, she was furious! Gossip had told her he didn’t have an easy childhood. Human mother who died when he was young. An older brother that resented and treated him with disdain. Kagome was certain Inuyasha grew to be this prick because of it, but that wasn’t a good enough excuse.

After his rant, Kagome had quietly closed his door, and by the time she turned back to face him, a look of anger had transformed her face into that of a demoness. She let him have it! Cursing him out for his attitude. Screaming at him that she was not some stupid little secretary who’ll cower in fear. She could purify his ass if she was so inclined!

“I’m here to help you Inuyasha and if you were smart, you’d realize that and treat me like a partner!”

Needless to say, he had been shocked speechless. No one in his staff had ever spoken to him that way and frankly... he was amused. Had his father picked this one knowing of her background? He wouldn’t put it past the old man. Inuyasha didn’t change his attitude but he yelled at her less afterwards. And he had to give it to her, Kagome was proving to be a very capable right-hand girl.

So considering this rocky start, and the strange relationship that was born from it afterwards, it wasn’t a surprise that they now found themselves in this awkward position. On their way to a meeting, Inuyasha and Kagome entered the elevator at the 11th floor and by the 5th it had come to a dead stop.

“What the fuck!” Inuyasha growled as not only had it stopped, but the power, lights, and everything shut off, leaving them in pitch blackness. He whips out his phone dialing his father. “What the hell’s going on, is this a prank!”

“The power?” His father responds, “no apparently there’s been a city power outage.”

“We’re fucking stuck in the elevator!”

“Oh my,” Toga chuckles, “I’m assuming you and Miss Higurashi?”

“Yes!” Inuyasha growls.

That only makes Toga laugh harder. “Well son, the electric company is saying this might take a few hours to fix so, you could climb out the service trap with Miss Higurashi or just settle in and wait. But if I might suggest,” his voice lowers amusedly, “you two should get to know each other better.”

“You’re a dick!”

“I’m just a man who’d like grand babies sometime this century,” click.

“Bastard!” Inuyasha raises his hand to throw the phone against the wall.

Kagome quickly stops him. She grabs his hand, “D-Don’t! I left mine in the office, it’s our only way of communication.”

She could only see what the dim illumination of the phone provided, but he could see her. Rather, now that she’d broken his thought train and anger, he noticed a different scent coming from her.

“Are you okay?” Inuyasha asks her. Kagome was still holding onto his hand. “Wanna let go now?”

She shakes her head. There was something only her closest friends and family knew about her. A fear born from nightmares of her father trapped in the car wreck that killed him. With the help of quick counseling, Kagome could handle being in confined spaces as long as it had an end in sight. But being stuck, in a metal elevator, in the dark... this was like her nightmare realized.

Her body begins to tremble as the emotions take hold of her mind. What if it falls? What if they run out of air? What if they’re trapped for so long they die of starvation or thirst?! It was ludicrous, but not for someone with claustrophobia to have these thoughts.

Inuyasha is befuddled. Here was this woman, the first one to stand up to him, trembling because of the situation? He couldn’t understand why. Was she afraid of the dark? “What is wrong with you woman? We just gotta wait till the power comes back on and...”

“I-I can’t be in here like this... I-I... T-This...” her fingers dig into his skin. “C-Claustrophobic!” She drops to a crouched position and pushes herself backwards until she hits the wall. Tears pour down her face as she cradles her head in her hands. “It’s not happening... it’s not happening...”

His ears pin against his head. Just great this woman was coming apart at the seams and he had no clue how to handle it. Maybe he should call his dad for advice?

“Please don’t leave me...” She whimpers.

Now what made her think he’d do something like that? Okay, yeah he was an ass but that would be a pretty messed up thing to do. “I’m not going anywhere Miss Higurashi.” He pinches the bridge of his nose. ‘Think, stupid! What would your mom tell you to do in this situation?’

He kneels down, and takes a seat beside her. “Look, Kagome... I don’t understand why but we’re... we’re gonna be fine.”

“You don’t know that.”

True. But he was ninety-nine percent sure of it. “On the bright side, you’re not alone, right? I’m stuck in here too and I believe we’ll be okay.”

Inuyasha looks at his phone, battery life 80%, thank you for small favors. He turns on the flashlight option, looks around, and sees the trapdoor in the ceiling. On his own, he could get out easily, but with Kagome in tow, one wrong move and they could fall down the shaft. He tucks the possibility aside from now and if things got worse he’ll chance it.

Next he turns it to Kagome. She’d wrapped her arms around her knees and her head was braced on it. His ears falter. Seeing her like this was pulling on his heart strings. But he couldn’t think of anything to do. Inuyasha texts his dad about Kagome.

‘Try taking her mind off the situation, keep her talking, hold her, anything so that she doesn’t focus on what’s happening...’

It was worth a shot.

He scratches his head, “um, so, Kagome, is there um, anything that would help you feel better? Maybe talking about it?” She shakes her head. “Okay, well, gah!” His ears pin back. “I’m not exactly good with this stuff, you know, never really had much affection to learn from.” He mumbles, “I was the worst person you could’a got stuck with it...”

“You’re not the worst...” her voice was quiet and timid with no hidden lies behind it.

Inuyasha perks up just a tad, at least she spoke! “Oh, really, there’s worse people out there than me?”

“Yeah. And I don’t think you’re that bad Inuyasha, you just had a hard time while growing up... like I did.“

“What happened to you? I-If you don’t mind me asking.”

“My dad died when I was younger.” Kagome sighs, “in a car wreck and just imagining how he must have felt, trapped in that car, I...”

At that point he cuts her off and scoops the shaken woman into his lap. “You don’t have to explain.” Now he understood why she panicked. “Kagome that’s not going to happen to you, I promise. We’ll get out of here one way or another.”

She was surprised that Inuyasha was being so kind and even more so when he’d pulled her into his lap and was comforting her. She sniffles, “What do you mean?”

He chuckles, “I’m a Hanyou, this box can’t stop me if I want out! But it’s safer if we wait for the electricity to come on, then to try climbing out of here.”

That did make her feel a little better. “Thank you, Inuyasha.”

“But I didn’t really do anything.”

“I bet I’m seeing a side you don’t show to anyone.”

“Keh! Yeah well, don’t be spreading that around, I got a rep to keep up.”

And for the first time since the ordeal started, Kagome smiles. She still felt a little nervous, but somehow, just being close to Inuyasha, talking like this with him, was melting away her anxiety. Beneath the grumpy exterior, this man had a soft heart. Who would have guessed it would take a broken elevator to bring it out.

“You’re almost cute like this,” she teases, “I really like this side of you.”

“Oi, what’d ya mean almost. I know I’m cute, not my fault people don’t recognize it.”

“They do,” her body flushes. “You’re just not the easiest to approach.”

“Why Miss Higurashi, it sounds like you have a crush on me.”

“I-I do not! I just, y-you know... okay I admit you’re handsome, but I didn’t say anything about a crush!”

“Good thing we got that cleared up.”

“Yeah!”

“It would be a shame if I thought you might like me.”

“Wait, What?!”

“Nothing, nothing. I think you’re cute too, in a crazy, spit-fire kind of way, that’s all.”

Kagome turns around in his lap. “Are you feeling ill, Mr. Taisho,” she places a hand on his forehead, “you’re being too nice, and flirty, something must be wrong.”

“Keh! Stop it,” Inuyasha batts her hand away from his head. “Try and be nice and I get teased, fine!” He mumbles. “I can go back to being an ass.”

“No, please don’t. I’m sorry.” Kagome slumps back. “I took it too far.”

An awkward silence falls between them. It was nice to not feel so panicky anymore about being trapped in this elevator, but now Kagome was nervous about things that had been said. She was still wrapping her brain around Inuyasha’s behavior because it was so different from what she was used to. But the problem was, she really liked this side.

Only her best friend Sango knew about the cute but pain in the ass boss Kagome had, and now she’d just blurted it out. Yes, if she wasn’t lying to herself, maybe she had developed a tiny crush on Inuyasha and now those thoughts were plaguing her. Better than the phobia.

In the meantime, Inuyasha texts his dad asking for an update. So far the utilities had managed to get the power plant back up and running, but an eta for their area was still up in the air. It could be minutes, it could be hours.

Wonderful. They’d shared enough for such a short amount of time. Hell he was pretty sure this was the most they’d ever talked personally. And he wasn’t sure if it was something he’d ignored till now, but in this confined space, Kagome’s scent was rather alluring.

He chuckles in his head. Maybe it had changed now that she wasn’t irritated with him. She was cute too, that hadn’t been a lie. She was strong, willful, he bet his mother would have loved Kagome.

“A girl who can put my son in his place,” laughter, “don’t lose this one Inuyasha...”

That actually brings a smile to his face.

“Kagome, I wanna apologize for being mean to you before. You didn’t deserve it. I think you’re perfect for me... I-I mean as my assistant!

She turns to the man who’d hidden his face in the shadow of the phone light. Her eyes wide and bright. “Um, thank you...” Kagome responds cautiously. “I appreciate you saying that Inuyasha.”

“But I don’t,” he takes a deep breath and goes for it, “I don’t think you should stay as my assistant.”

“What?! Why?! You just...”

“Let me finish! I wasn’t lying earlier, I think you’re cute and smart and I like how feisty you are... do you see where I’m going with this?!” She shakes her head. “Ugh! You’re gonna make me say it, aren’t you?”

“Inuyasha I’m really not following...” Kagome pauses. “Wait are you telling me that you really do have a crush on me?!”

He turns away. “I’ve always been a dick to my assistants cause most of them really did get under my skin... but the truth is with you, I kept doing it cause I didn’t know how else to behave. I don’t know how to deal with this lovey dovey shit.”

Kagome slides over till she’s facing him. She grasps his face in her hands and gazes into his eyes with a smile. “It’s not so hard, Inuyasha. You did a good job right now helping me through my anxiety.”

“What’s that got to do with it?”

She chuckles, “showing you care is not all flowers and chocolates.” Kagome leans closer. “Though showing is not a bad thing either...”

His golden eyes flash in the dim light, but she sees it clear as day. “I can do that,” he grins and pulls her the rest of the way forward. A jolt of electricity zips through his body the moment their lips make contact.

“S-Sorry,” she mutters, blushing something fierce, “I got excited.”

But he brushes his lips against hers unfazed, “just try not to purify me,” he teases before centering his kiss. She shakes her head lightly, relaxing into his kisses and his touch.

It takes another hour for the power to come back on, but by then Kagome had forgotten all about her anxieties thanks to the new Inuyasha she’s met 5 floors above the ground.

[eterneli]

ACT 4 - [THE TRIALS]

she summoned him when the sun had found shelter beyond the horizon, fully clothed by the warm blankets of a black void, peeking through the fabric in the shape of bright stars.

he bid goodbye to his lover with a kiss and an embrace that did not last too long. the pang crushing his ribs held him hostage to the fear of not being able to let go if it did.

they met again at the entrance of an unknown building. the door was matte black, the trims gold and the spike-like details meticulously carved out of iron. the structure itself was made out of tiles, white ones, standing tall at two stories and a chimney that breathed out puffs of burnt logs. she invited him in through the long hallway, decorated with large portraits of distinctive creatures and objects, the walls of marble reflecting each and every one of their steps. he didn’t register much other than the white decor, save for the remarkable scent emanating from the room across the living room. she, however, cut the moment short then, leading him into a blank room with nothing but mirror walls and a single bed in the middle.

“lie down.”

he did.

“close your eyes.”

and close them he did.

her cold palm settled upon his forehead and he was unsure if the split of second of panic that burgeoned at the back of his throat was her fault or his own. there wasn’t time to question it.

”we will now commence the trials. remember, if it takes too long there is no way i can reach to pull you back. do not stray from your true self, byun baekhyun.”

he fell asleep to the sound of her voice in an ancient chant and the last flares of warmth lingering on his lips.

i.

he woke to shivers clawing down his spine and the howling wind creeping by his ears. his surroundings were foreign, a strange set of hallways, one to the right and one to the left, leading into a blinding mass of dense fog. the skies were all but grey, consumed by an anomaly of disfigured clouds.

it was only when he attempted to get up that it hit him. across his right arm there was a large and ugly gash, shredded muscles on display through the open crack as warm blood pooled over and percolated along the lengths of his fingers. the blood loss was no stranger, but the fact that his skin refused to regenerate was.

by the pool on the floor he assumed it had been at least an hour since the injury, enough time to drain him significantly, thus making it harder to proceed with each step. his left palm was the only support, dragging across cement walls.

at the time he assumed it was a mirage, a figment of his imagination perhaps.

chanyeol stood tall with open arms as he turned the corner (of the then identified maze), a smile plastered across his face and silky locks falling over long lashes. “let’s go home, lovelight” was the mantra that echoed through the empty corridors, the sweet voice that set calm to the storm. and that was when he ran. he ran right into a firm chest and a set of warm arms embracing his collapsing figure. “it’s okay, i got you” and all he wanted was to breathe his lover in, to find solace the way he always did at the end of the day, when they curled up in bed and limbs intertwined in a comfortable mess.

but it didn’t last because “you can use me, baek. come on, i know you’re hungry” had him frozen on the spot. because his body had already betrayed him to the point that, when he came to it, sharp canines were already on show and hovering over a patch of flesh he knew all too well. to say he abruptly pushed the taller away was an understatement because he flew back a few feet and landed on his bottom. baekhyun wanted to apologize, to rush forward and check for any additional external injuries. but he couldn’t, so he ran.

where? as if he had a fucking clue.

each turn was a blurry discovery amidst tears streaming along his face, and each breath was a new spear perforating his lungs. left and right and right and left. endlessly.

the first time chanyeol turned up on a new corner he had been overridden by a grotesque and savage nature, where irises were dyed ruby and his system urged for proximity, to rip life out of golden veins. where his slender fingers had coiled around his lover’s neck, pinning the taller figure against one of the two walls caging them in. “go ahead” was the latter’s voice tugging at his heartstrings. he would negate the desire blooming at the pits of his stomach while the scent of unholy blood permeated as a threat, flirting, alluring. he would pull back like that, with ache suffocating his lungs and blood loss proving itself to be a treacherous factor.

seconds turned into minutes and minutes turned into hours. or did they? he couldn’t identify the passage of time anymore.

run, encounter chanyeol, run. do and repeat. over and over again.

he lost count of how many times bloody palms found themselves around chanyeol’s throat in temptation. of how many times liquid crystal burned paths down his cheeks. of how many times he bit down his own lips and cheek to prevent fangs from ending elsewhere.

he cannot recall just how he ended on his knees, begging ”please stop” at his lover’s feet. or how every cell on his body screamed and implored for the opportunity presented before him. maybe even how he managed to remain conscious despite the inner war and the constant exchange between two personalities. how he did not advance when the other’s warm palms cradled his cheeks with such tenderness.

he cannot recall how, in the end, he stood before the taller and slit his own throat with sharp claws with a “i’m sorry” breaking at the tip of his tongue.

or even how much an "i love you” could hurt. how utterly and painfully devastating it could be. how it bloomed a restless, burning and agonizing sentiment within his shattering heart when chanyeol whispered it, rough fingers running through faded silver locks.

what he can recall was a smile. dazzling, bright, serene and heavenly.

and then nothing.

ii.

he woke in a strange room. a white box, so to speak.

to the right there was a black wooden table, a set of four people sat behind it. a middle aged male, unmasked, a middle aged female, a male teenager and a little girl, masked. to the left he could make out another table, a woman in her late twenties sat alone, unmasked, with a child in her arms, masked.

he stood before them, a few feet away, aligned in between the tables.

it wasn’t hard to recognized the set of faces that had been haunting him for years on end. the two humans whose lives he had claimed in the face of starvation.

“do you remember? what you did to us.” the man was the first to break the silence.

”i do.” he bit his inner cheek.

the lights flickered and in that fragment of time in which he was blinded the scene transmuted. across their necks were bizarre gouges, each unique in their own way, blood oozing from open wounds, as it also dripped from the tips of his elongated nails & mouth when warmth made itself present on his palms and lips.

the memories had always been like lucid dreams. breathing down his neck, haunting, tripping his steps, lurking in the shadows, asphyxiating him during night terrors.

”murderer.” the woman had stood then and he could see the thick liquid now staining the baby’s blanket. the sight was unsettling to say the least and he wanted to kneel and beg for forgiveness. but his feet were rooted, unwilling to move.

“you ruined their lives.” they said in unison this time and it somewhat felt macabre.

”i’m sorry. i am so sorry.” his words oscillated.

“that won’t bring us back.” the man had stepped out from behind the table, standing a few feet away from baekhyun. the woman joined him soon after, the sound asleep child in arms.

“i took care of them. i did.” he could not, however, bring himself to face them, to meet the pair of eyes he so viciously drained of life. “i made sure to take care of them, i promise. i...i looked over them.” it sounded dismal and he abhorred it.

”to make yourself feel better? my child had to grow up without a mother and a father.”

“no!” he didn’t mean to shout. “i just--i know nothing i did could ever replace you, either of you, but i did the one thing i could do. i helped them get through the tough times, to stabilize their lives. maybe not emotionally, i could never, but financially. i tried...” speaking of it for the first time out loud felt odd. it hurt. did atoning for sins always feel like this?

”did it work?” the man bit back.

it did. it did...did it?

money doesn’t compensate the loss of a loved one. so what did he do? give money to a couple of families? what did it do for them? what about their mental state?

he couldn’t bring himself to answer. there was a discomfort mauling the inner content of his ribs as his brows furrowed and bloody palms clasped the fabric of his shirt over the left side of his chest.

”would you exchange places with us?” the woman’s words were the ones that lead him to glance up, to properly look into their eyes for the first time.

”would you die so we could go back to our families?” the man added and he was frozen.

time stood still then and there.

thoughts ran a million miles per hour. too fast for him to catch on.

would he? what about his life? what about his friends? what about his work? what about the promise to his parents? what about haru? what about his lover?

the truth is, he wanted to say no. because taking everything into consideration, in that present time, it wouldn’t change anything. would it? it had been so long. people moved on, right? but there was also still that sliver of doubt. the predicament, the dilemma. and that was when the brain stepped in, when logical and rational thinking took him by the gullet.

in the end, he would. if it meant giving back a father and a mother to their rightful families, if it meant rebuilding homes, if it meant taking back the horrid memories he left in his wake, or all the excuses made to cover up murders.

”yes.” he finally mumbled.

“very well.” they spoke in unison once more and he only registered the cock of a gun before the loud shot hit him in the head.

he blacked out before his body could hit the ground.

iii.

(he woke embraced by a sheet of snow, cold and novice to the skin as the storm raged on.

before him was the silhouette of a house too familiar not to recognize it at first sight.

in the open field, usually blooming with a variety of flowers, was a figure striding across the snow. he still had her name engraved at the back of his mind and the image of her face terrorizing his every waking moment.

it took a minute to realize what was going on and that he was a spectator to the unraveling events.)

she came at the faithful night of his eight birthday. she was tall, her long, straight charcoal locks molding a V shaped jaw as her fair complex seemed to glow under the faint moonlight when reflecting against the layer of snow outside, lips meticulously sculptured, her frame as slender as one could be and ruby irises so captivating that one could drown in them, a void. absolutely beautiful, like a goddess.

the child greeted her by the door before the conflict was taken outside. she had called out his parents with baekhyun left behind on the snow, near the entrance. they had clashed into a fierce battle of shots, claws and fangs. mother had a pair of pistols discharged continuously on the vampire’s direction, although it had little effect when the blurred figured dissipated in the storm and materialized elsewhere. father had a shotgun, engaged in a similar form of combat. the vampire, however, had sunk its claws along the humans’ torsos here and there, casually blemishing the white snow with speckles of red.

(he watched from a tree nearby. intertwined with his right hand was a silenced pistol, two shots in it.)

mother wailed in pain when the female’s claws pierced her stomach with little to no effort, sinking further and with ease as her latter hand rested on the victim’s shoulder and eased the human body into it.

(he could make out drops of blood dripping into the icy blanket below their feet and the way his mother attempted to call for her son. ache came before rage that burgeoned at the back of his throat in a mute scream and toppled down over to the space between ribcages. his arm raised and he aligned the muzzle to the vampire’s head.)

the body fell to the ground in what felt like slow motion, numb. the female pounced in a matter of seconds, assiduously sinking its fangs into a pale neck as nails perforated her nape. she appeared to have had scratched a few other locations on top of it. the child couldn’t make out the exact extent of the injuries from where he stood, but the absurd pool of blood made visible from distance told him enough.

(his finger was hovering over the trigger, gritted teeth causing his jaw to clench. his entire body quivered in blind fury. shoot, his mind pleaded. save her.)

father appeared to have turned into stone as it all unfolded. it was as if he wanted to scream, to say something, do something, but his entire body had shut down at the sight of his wife, lifeless in a bed of blood. it was the child’s voice in a cracked “mommy” that snapped him back to reality.

a loud shot fracture the temporary silence, birthing a large lesion along the vampire’s back. the shriek it earned was torturous and raucous. father shouted something the child could not make out among loud sobs.

(he wanted to shoot. he wanted to end it because...because he knew what was to come next.)

the vampire stood with sharp canines on show and palms extended by her sides, displaying the culprits to mother’s death. she vanished with the niveous wind only to reappear behind father. one palm found itself around the male’s neck and, in the blink of an eye, her latter hand pierced straight through his chest, a pulsating heart in hand. he didn’t have time to shout in agony, or to react in any way. she had pushed the corpse down into a second pool of thick liquid, melting into the snow.

she consumed the flesh in hand as if it was an apple an the child could all but witness the horror.

(he should have shot. he still could. there was still time to save himself. but his finger couldn’t pull the trigger, or, rather, he couldn’t.)

she proceeded to turn the child.

(just as he remembered.)

and she left just like that, with the promise of a life of misery and loathing.

(he still had a shot then. and this time he took it...but it wasn’t at her.

i’m sorry. it is time to let you go. i held on for too long.

the small body hit the cushioned ground way too fast and the cries ceased. silence settled in.

lashes fluttered closed as he inhaled and exhaled all the guilt and ache.

his mind fell into an odd state of peace for the first time in forever.)

[tuanyiems]

First Date

Mark Tuan x Fem Reader Genre: Fluff [Masterlist] Requested: hello, can i please request a mark scenario where the relationship with his gf is still new and they still get shy around each other and haven't even first kiss yet, but one day they maybe go out on a date and mark just really wants to kiss her? I hope it's not too complicated 😂 i really need a mark fluff bc i'm so soft for him lately 😭 thank you sm! a/n - Hi! Tumblr’s formatting was really irking me so I’m reuploading this c:

Girlfriend. Girlfriend. Mark couldn’t help smiling at the thought that you were finally his. After months of working up the courage to talk to the prettiest girl in his English class, he was met with the surprise that you were way more down to earth than he thought. And a couple months after that, you both stumbled into each other’s feelings, coming to the lovely realization that you both liked each other. And today was going to be your first date as a couple. Mark clutched his phone to his chest as the anticipation filled him with warmth. The warmth reached his cheeks as soon as you came walking down the street looking even prettier than usual. You waved shyly as you approached him. “Hey,” you smiled, hands fingering at the ends of your sleeve nervously.

“Hey,” Mark let out a reply, breathier than he had wanted it to be, but could you blame him? His daydream was coming to life before his very eyes! You giggled, eyes crinkling as you waited for Mark to take the lead. But Mark only giggled back, aware of his own awkwardness. “Sorry,” he grinned, rubbing the back of his neck. “I’m kind of nervous.”

You shook your head, bringing your hands to your cheeks in an attempt to cool off the heat from your face. “No worries. Me too.” “Let’s head over then,” Mark chuckled, pointing to the ice cream shop up ahead. “You said you liked gelato, right? This place is famous for it!” You smiled, nodding as you walked beside him. Mark held his breath as his arm just barely brushed against yours. You were smiling, eyes glancing around the city streets. But Mark’s gaze remained on your hand, so close and yet so far from his. He inhaled sharply, fingers stretching to reach yours. You lifted your hand away and for a second he worried he had offended you only to have you smiling at him. “Look,” you pointed across the street to an arcade. “You wanna play a few rounds?” Mark smiled shyly, embarrassment filling him once more. “Of course. I won’t go easy on you though.” You grinned, bumping your arm against his playfully. “Loser pays for ice cream!” Mark laughed, chasing after you as you ran into the arcade. A prideful smile flashed across his face when he found you waiting at the basketball game. “You chose my favorite game.” “Well, get ready to lose at your favorite game, Mark!” you teased. “I’m really not going to go easy on you then!” he warned, but you were already putting in the coins to play. He laughed heartily, realizing you were all talk. You whined, hands wrapping around his arm when you realized you weren’t going to get any throws in. But Mark only laughed more, throwing basketballs into the hoop with one hand as he held you in a headlock with his other. “No fair,” you pouted, arms still wrapped around his. “Best out of three!” Mark smiled, feeling warm again from your close proximity. Your pout was so cute, he just wanted to pull you against his own lips. You blushed, catching Mark’s gaze over your lips. “S-so, best out of three okay?” you asked again, pulling away to fix your hair. Mark chuckled, rustling your hair again. “We can play all you want—Loser!” You huffed, marching to your favorite game of Ski Ball. “I’m a pro at this one!” “I don’t know if I can believe you anymore,” Mark teased, happy just to see you pout again. “Get ready to believe it, Mark Tuan,” you declared, rolling up your sleeves with determination. Mark only winked your way before grabbing a ball. He laughed when the ball successfully landed in the 300 point hole. You stared at him with wide eyes, mouth fully open and gaping. You rolled your eyes as he laughed at your expression. But when you rolled your ball it bounced straight into the 20 point hole. You groaned, slapping Mark’s arm as he laughed even louder. Angrily, you gathered all the balls into your arms before running up the lane to drop all your balls into the 500 point holes. “Y/N!” Mark gasped in surprise before bellowing out into more laughter, even falling to his knees to slap at the floor. You giggled, running back to his side. “So I win right?” You grin, kneeling on the floor with him. Mark let out a sigh, wiping at the tears that had fallen from laughing so hard. “You’re such a cheater, Y/N.” You smiled, hand closing around his to help him back up. “No one said I couldn’t do that though.” Mark smiled, taking the opportunity to wrap his fingers around yours, holding you closer. “Alright, I’ll let you win this one.” You blushed, smiling as you looked at your intertwined hands. “I’ll pick the last game,” Mark spoke, smiling at your blushing face. He led you to the back of the arcade, stopping at the classic box—the photobooth. You smiled. “This isn’t a game though.” “We’ll see about that,” he smiled mischievously before ushering you into the room. You gulped, heart racing as Mark pushed against you to fit into the tiny seat. He chuckled, placing an arm around your shoulder. “The most embarrassed one loses,” he whispered into your ear before clicking the camera button. But as the countdown appeared, Mark rubbed at his damp palms before taking another deep inhale. “Y/N,” he spoke up, turning to you. Flash. “I’m really glad that you’re my girlfriend,” he grinned, hands coming to intertwine with yours again. Flash. “But get ready to lose,” he winked, leaning into you. Flash. And before you could register what was happening, Mark pulled you close, his lips pressed soft and warm against yours. Flash. Mark pulled away, cheeks a tinted pink, but he smiled triumphantly. “I definitely won this one!” - Thanks for reading! [Masterlist]

[vestedbeauty]

Go Outside and Play! (Yes, YOU)

New Post has been published on https://vestedbeauty.com/go-outside-and-play-yes-you/

Go Outside and Play! (Yes, YOU)

How many times did we hear it as kids? “Go outside and play!” (possibly followed by, “and don’t come home until the streetlights are on!”)

As a kid growing up in the seventies, getting to go outside and play - especially during the summer - was a huge part of life. We lived in a neighborhood with lots of kids. Many of the moms stayed home or were just easing they way back into the workforce. It was a different time.

Looking back, it’s no surprise that the moms wanted us out, out, out! In prior generations, parents didn’t really play with their kids. Kids played with kids. 

It may not have been perfectly safe. (OK, it was definitely not perfectly safe.) We did a lot of stuff that seems dangerous now:

Playing unsupervised in other kids’ homes

Tromping through the woods until we got lost

Skating on the little pond at the end of the street… even if the ice wasn’t thick enough

Riding our bikes (helmets? ha!) all over creation, usually without even telling anyone where we were going

We got sunburnt, ate junk food whenever the opportunity presented, and drank Kool-Aid made with a whole cup of sugar. I literally dreamt of bubble gum, packs of watermelon Bubbalicious and grape Bubble Yum so real I could taste it.

"Dangerous" But Fun

And at the end of a long, hot summer day, we slept like babies.

I don’t know how we learned so many games to play. There was no internet, of course, and I can’t imagine finding a book full of games at the library. Still, we played all the usual games (hide and seek, kill the guy with the ball, and kickball). But somehow we also found out about Red Rover, TV tag, freeze tag, SPUD, and four square. And we made a bunch up, too, like bicycle shop (turn it upside-down, crank the pedal as fast as you can, pretend to fix stuff using blades of grass and sticks). 

It’s like there was some invisible network between children, where vital information traveled without the assistance of media or adults. There was always some kid who knew stuff. That’s the one who gave everyone else the scoop on current events, like when “Mikey” ate pop-rocks and drank a Coke at the same time and died.

Friendships started because of proximity. Not everyone got along. There was the girl who cried way too much, the boy with the hair-trigger temper who was always fighting, the kids whose parents wouldn’t let them play with anyone in the neighborhood. Of course, there were the kids who were too little, who were dying to be invited to play. 

And there were the “big kids” who never seemed to come outside. Well, unless they were hanging out on the porch or by their pool (so jealous!) with their high schooler friends. We held those big kids in reverence. It seemed impossible to even imagine the same girl I saw kissing her boyfriend (ON THE LIPS!) ever sitting in the grass, trying to find the perfect blade to use for a whistle.

Playing Outside Isn't Just for Kids

And then, one day, we were the big kids. Outside wasn’t for playing - it was for transportation or chores, if anything.

Actually, it didn’t happen all at once. We had a few years’ span in our ages. But somewhere around the seventh-grade mark, our friend groups shifted from the neighborhood to the classroom. I remember discovering that I could have school friends come over to hang out. We might walk home from school together, but we’d spend our time indoors - or maybe walk to the 7-Eleven store up the road to buy a Diet Coke. Then back to the house to listen to records, make prank calls, watch General Hospital, and gossip. We got part-time jobs working indoors, at least all mine were. 

Then it was off to college. I went to Rutgers University, which is spread across five campuses (there are satellite campuses, but I never saw them). That meant lots of bus rides and tons of walking. At the time, I didn’t mind walking miles and miles each day - unless I was running late for class. It was just part of life. 

The yellow, orange, and red leaves on the trees in the fall semester were a stunning welcome to the first semester. I remember feeling especially alive and connected to… something… as I’d kick my way through piles of fallen leaves. The winters felt harsh, though. Duck boots were great for navigating ice, and they probably did wonders for thigh muscles because they were so heavy. But snow in New Jersey is really only nice for a few hours before it gets dirty and slushy. Not that fun to be outside then.

In graduate school, I only remember being outside to walk to class - or walk to work if I didn’t have a ride. At some point, I took up early morning walks to clear my head. It was South Hamilton, Massachusetts, and there may be no more beautiful spot than New England - especially in autumn.

Yes - that's NJ! The Delaware Water Gap is gorgeous, especially in autumn.

Adulting Is Better with Outside Time

After my ex graduated, we moved to Jackson, New Jersey, and I took a job at an accounting firm about an hour away (unless traffic was really bad). With two hours of commuting and eight hours in the office, plus weekends taken up by my role in his job (another post, another time), outside time became a memory. 

var quads_screen_width = document.body.clientWidth; if ( quads_screen_width >= 1140 ) []).push(); if ( quads_screen_width >= 1024 && quads_screen_width < 1140 ) []).push(); if ( quads_screen_width >= 768 && quads_screen_width < 1024 ) []).push(); if ( quads_screen_width < 768 ) []).push();

Well, unless you count sleeping outdoors in our backyard on blankets because without air conditioning, our house was unbearable! (I always wondered if the neighbors knew - they had air!)

But I remember one day feeling like this entirely indoors existence felt like a rip-off. I bought some plants, seeds, and seedling trees, and started a tiny garden. I set an alarm to get up thirty minutes earlier and spent the extra time kneeling in the grass, hands in the dirt. 

The results shocked me. It felt like I had a life again. My mind wandered - even frolicked! - as I played in the soil. Something therapeutic happened as I pulled weeds. That outdoors time was mine alone.

Out with the Kids - But It’s Not Quite the Same

Soon, we started a family. I went part-time with my job, which meant two ten hour days in the office each week, plus several hours at home. On the days I was home, I loved nothing more than bundling my first baby up and going for a long walk in the neighborhood. We had an incident with some dogs that might have ended that practice (I love dogs, but this was scary). But I just switched routes. Then, a few months later, there was a truly horrific crime in our neighborhood. Never again would I feel safe letting my son (and my daughter who was born just a couple years later) play outside without my eyes on them.

I’d made some girlfriends who also had kids at the same time (there was a pregnancy pact - maybe a post for another day!). We loved taking the kids to parks, petting zoos, and a nearby lake. They’d play, we’d talk. These were some of my favorite days. 

But the world had changed. We moved a bunch, and there never seemed to be many kids in the neighborhood - certainly not playing outside. There were playdates, but they weren’t spontaneous. Kids never seemed to come calling, ringing the doorbell and asking if my kids could come out and play. I saw them becoming indoor-dwellers, and while it felt sad, it also seemed like the logical course.

Along the way, we’d moved to Florida. It’s hot. It’s humid. Most people seem to stay indoors unless they’re at the beach or poolside. I learned to take early morning walks with my dog. If we didn’t get home by about 6:30, it felt like walking in a steam bath. 

Freelancers Don’t Go Outside and Play

We needed money. I needed something creative to do - especially while the kids were at school. So, I started a freelance writing business. It took off quickly. Soon, I was working every minute the kids were at school. Then, the workload expanded and I worked when they got home, too. Then weekends. “Outside” was nothing more than the few feet between the front door and minivan door. “Playing” felt like frivolity. Working “all the time” was both a burden and a point of pride for me. I’d set my prices too low, and was too timid to raise them. For several years, I was the primary breadwinner. I felt so tightly-wound that I could barely remember feeling lighthearted, playful, or relaxed.

Let’s just fast-forward about a decade. Kids are grown. (I am astonished to learn my love, respect, and enjoyment of them has somehow gotten 100x deeper with time - didn’t think it was possible.) I’m in a new marriage, living in a little town outside Huntsville, Alabama. The freelance writing business is now an agency, and while I help steer it, I have a team who takes care of my clients. I also work full-time as the editorial director at Capitalism.com - a “job” I love with people I adore. 

Life gets busy. But having reached 53, I have gathered at least this piece of wisdom, which I practice daily: Go outside and play.

Playing no longer looks like choosing teams, running around, and flopping onto the grass. 

It looks more like sliding into my funky little rubber boots  tending my flock of backyard hens. It’s moving piles of mulch and preparing garden beds. It might be mowing. Or it could be an after-lunch walk with my hubby and the dogs. Sometimes, it’s just sitting outside on the porch, admiring the sunrise and sunset. When I miss a day, something is off. My best ideas come from time spent outdoors. I call it puttering. It’s good for the soul.

Go play outside. See what happens. I'd love to hear what you like to do outside, what joys you've discovered out there, and how often you make outside play part of your day.

Also...

I’ve been reading this book by Trevor Blake, called Three Simple Steps. (Trevor built and sold multiple businesses for hundreds of millions - starting in midlife! He also only works a few hours a day, and is a huge proponent of spending time outdoors.)  It’s one of the best things I’ve read in a long while. 

    var quads_screen_width = document.body.clientWidth; if ( quads_screen_width >= 1140 ) []).push(); if ( quads_screen_width >= 1024 && quads_screen_width < 1140 ) []).push(); if ( quads_screen_width >= 768 && quads_screen_width < 1024 ) []).push(); if ( quads_screen_width < 768 ) []).push();