#the richness of the story has me drooling

[theghostwrites]

I love how satisfying the Willow finale was in terms of storytelling. My personal faves were Willow getting over his imposter syndrome, and guilt over past mistakes to become the fatherly figure Elora needs. He transcends the mentor archetype to become an everpresent beacon of strength and hope for her, even choosing Elora "over" his real daughter. That is not to say that he doesn't love Mims more, but he chooses the safety of the savior of the world, rather than letting his very human fear for his daughter lead him astray. It would have led him on a not less honorable (IMO) quest to save one person. And yet, by refusing himself, by assuming the spirituality of his role beyond being a mere teacher, that's what ultimately will save Mims and his people.

The second bit of imagery that made me insane was Elora's magical kiss (I don't know how else to refer to it) and how she refused to give it to Airk, parallelling episode 5. It looks to me as a representation of her connection to both of the guys. It's interesting how she refuses to kiss Airk while they are in that lovely, bright, perfect scenario where they are back to an idyllic yet completely fake past. He, who was literally Prince charming and the reason she embarks on this journey in the first place. Not bc she wants to figure out who she is or her place in the world (which happens to be its savior, no less). She even rejects who she is and tries to escape it.

In contrast to this, she actually shares the magical kiss with Graydon as a horrible, dark past is revealed to her. A version of it, in which the intimate exchange of the essence of their beings connect, but their physical (sexual/romantic) connection is strongly hinted at, but they're not at that point with each other yet.

He is the diametric opposite of pretty boy Airk. Graydon is reserved, grumpy, a pawn to his power-hungry father's schemes, and a scholar. He wears all black and has physical reminders of the evils in the world. And I'm obsessed with the fact that by knowing and accepting Graydon throughout the season, Elora shifts the focus of her spiritual quest inwards. Elora starts embracing who she is, training her magic, and LO AND BEHOLD Graydon is a sorcerer too. The animus to her anima. In knowing him, she knows herself. She comes into her power. Her relationship with Gray serves as a parallel for her self-acceptance.

Graydon says it himself, by loving her, his anima, he self actualizes into a brave, good man, even improving his magical skills. This leads me to theorize they are meant to rule together in the end, complementing each other, as equals, but that's a topic for another post.

[darkbluekies]

hedwig valentine story pls pls ε(´｡•᎑•`)っ 💕

Sweet like a Dior lip balm<3

Female!yandere oc x yn

Summary: valentines with your rich girlfriend is always sweet

Warnings: none?

Valentine’s special

You’re awoken by Hedwig softly caressing your face. with a yawn, you open your eyes and meet her hazel ones that are staring at you. A wide smile spreads on her face as you notice her. She’s dressed in her light blue satin pajamas — that she insisted to match with your green one. 

“Sit up, I have something for you”, Hedwig smiles and helps you up into a sitting position. 

You think that she is awfully excited this early in the morning. Carefully, you glance at the clock on the bed side table. Seven am. 

“I’m sorry, but I couldn’t sleep”, she smiles. “I was way too excited.”

“For what?” you yawn. 

“‘For what’? My love, it’s, Valentine’s day!”

“Oh, right.”

You haven’t gotten anything for her, because when you tried to go out and buy something for her, she threw a fit because you wanted to go alone. That’s her own fault, you think. 

“I have the entire day planned!” Hedwig smiles widely, clapping her hands excitedly. “We’re going to have so much fun!”

She places two neatly wrapped gifts on your legs while watching with big eyes as you open them. She has given you a rolex watch and a lip balm from Dior. 

“Why this?” you ask and hold up the lip balm. 

Hedwig giggles and opens the balm, swiping it along your lips. 

“Because I’m going to kiss you a million times today”, she smiles and pecks your lips sweetly. “And this makes it very nice. It’s my favorite one and I think that you would like one too.”

“It’s nice”, you reply, feeling it on your lips. 

Hedwig smiles. Her eyes are filled with love to the point that you wonder if she’s going to cry. She looks like she’s filled with bigger emotions than her body can handle. 

A knock on the door makes Hedwig gasp. She runs over to the door and lets her private chef come in, holding a tray in his hands. He places it on the bed and you can only drool over the thick, fluffy pancakes and multiple side dishes. The chef leaves and Hedwig smiles at you, nodding at the plates. 

“It’s yours”, she smiles. “All yours.”

“For me?” you question, even if it was clear that she had made her chef create this just for you. “Thank you.”

She watches you as you try the pancakes, and smiles widely when you make sounds of satisfaction. 

“I haven’t gotten you anything”, you say sheepishly. “You never let me go out and get you something.”

“Oh, don’t worry about that!” Hedwig exclaims and sounds genuinely surprised that you thought of that. “I already have everything I need. Just seeing you happy is all that I could ever wish for.”

She sprints up from the bed and over to her wardrobe where you have gotten your own little corner. She picks out a newly ironed outfit you own. 

“Do you want to wear this?” she asks, although you know that you will wear that no matter what. “It will match my dress.”

You nod. Hedwig smiles happily and handbags the outfit on the chair in the corner of the room. You get to change into the clothes once you have eaten and she helps you fix yourself. She styles your hair, takes care of your face and gives you jewelry. Carefully, she swipes the Dior lip balm over your lips, cups your cheeks and kisses you. 

“I love you so much”, she whispers lovingly. “You are everything I could ever need. I’m so lucky.”

You smile slightly. You never know what to answer when she bombards you with love. You never feel like anything you respond is enough. 

Two hours after waking up, you’re out of the house, hand in hand with your girlfriend. She looks like a doll, with curled hair, pink satin dress and a white handbag. Sometimes, you feel inferior to her, even though she is the one worshiping you. 

“Where are we going?” you ask as Hedwig’s driver opens the car doors for the two of you. 

“It’s a secret”, she smiles. “But I promise that you’re going to like it!”

During the entire car ride, you listen to music that you like, on Hedwig’s demand. You start to wonder if she has confused Valentine's day with your birthday. 

The car stops outside a Cafe and your eyes widens as you see the sign over the door, and the kittens in the window.

“You're kidding”, you gasp. “A cat Cafe?”

Hedwig smiles widely and nods excitedly. Her chauffeur opens your door and lets the both of you out. Hedwig drags you over to the door and you’re welcomed by two kittens that want to say hi. You pet them as Hedwig talks to the waiter about your reservation. The little kitten licks your fingers and purrs loudly. 

“Come, sweetheart”, Hedwig says and pats your shoulder. “We’ll be shown to our table.”

You let go of the little cat and joins Hedwig. You notice how the cat follows you with happy eyes. Hedwig giggles at the sight. You get to sit down by a window in the corner of the room, away from the other guests. 

“Here’s the menu, I will be back in a little while”, the waiter smiles, gives you two folders and leaves. 

You start to look through the menu and feel how the little cat jumps up on your lap.

“It’s following me”, you chuckle. 

“Yeah …”, Hedwig smiles as her unreadable smile slowly, carefully, widens. 

“Aren’t you going to see what you want?”

“Hm? Oh, yeah …”

She looks down into the menu, skimming through. You decide to get yourself a vanilla milkshake and a piece of chocolate cake. Hedwig orders a soda with a strawberry shortcake. She stares at you while you pet the cat that has fallen asleep in your lap. 

“I can already tell that you will be a great parent”, she smiles. “When we have our kids we have to get a pet too.”

“A cat?” you ask. 

“Not necessarily. I would love a dog. A pomeranian perhaps … or a poodle.”

You take a sip of your milkshake, and of course Hedwig wants to taste. She wants to take a bite of your chocolate cake as well, and you start to wonder if she ordered different food from you to be able to taste more. 

“I can’t believe how lucky I am”, she says. “I don’t dare to think about what would have happened if we would have never met, if you’d never have transferred to my school. I can’t picture my life without you. We graduate this summer, and then we’re free … and we can do what we want. Isn’t that fantastic?”

“I think that I’m going to go to university”, you say. 

“Oh, really? You don’t have to study, you know that right? You won’t even have to work. We can live on my money.”

“But I would like to continue studying.”

Hedwig looks genuinely shocked that you want to continue your studies. 

“I want to contribute to society”, you say. “Somehow.”

“We will”, Hedwig says and smiles widely. “But we won’t have to suffer for it! I’m going to be a runway model and you can do whatever you want. Indulge in your hobbies!”

You decide to not fight against her and instead enjoy the cake you ordered. 

The day continues with you and Hedwig petting cats and enjoying the food. Hedwig moves over the table to sit beside you while you play with a little kitten. She hugs your arm, leaning her chin on your shoulder. 

The sun sets early this time of year, and Hedwig insists on taking a walk around the wealthy neighborhood she lives in. The houses are three times the size of yours and worth more than your entire family’s income put together. Despite being with Hedwig for months now, you can’t still feel comfortable — you feel like you’re trying to be someone you’re not. Although cold and dark, it was nice to walk alongside Hedwig. 

“I know that this is supposed to be a ‘hot girl’ walk … but I’m cold”, you shiver. 

Hedwig turns to you and takes your hands between hers, blowing warm air. She’s always loving in every action she does. You’re impressed that a girl as wealthy and spoiled as Hedwig isn’t unbearable. She has never been insufferable, although you have noticed that she can be out of touch, but she has never been entitled. 

“Are you feeling better?” she asks sweetly. 

“When can we go inside?” you question. 

“When we’re cold enough.” She smiles slightly. “Otherwise the hot chocolate won’t taste as good.”

“What have you planned?”

“I’ve planned for us to snuggle down on the couch in the living room, watch a movie and drink hot chocolate.”

You can’t help but enjoy the idea. 

“You’re going to fall asleep before the movie starts though”, you tease her. 

“I will not!” she protests, but you know that she believes that as well.

You’re not sure that she has ever been able to watch an entire movie with you. Her excuse is that she feels so safe and comfortable with you that she gets tired, and eventually falls asleep. 

When you return inside, her father’s staff has already fixed the living room with romantic lit candles and steaming chocolate for the two of you. You change into pajamas and climb under a heavy blanket on the big couch with Hedwig right beside you. 

“Tastes better when you’re cold, don’t it?” she smiles. “I learned it when we were skiing when I was a kid. Now, I can only drink hot chocolate when I’m cold.”

You nod. Hedwig smiles and kisses your lips to lick off the whipped cream and giggles. You smile. 

Not even ten minutes into the movie, Hedwig has dozed off on your shoulder, holding your hand in hers. 

[henrioo]

°•*⁀➷ MINE TO SHARE: SHANKS (+???)

꒰ SYNOPSIS ꒱ : "You were Shanks's the moment he laid his eyes on you. But sometimes he needs to remind you that you being his means he can do whatever he wants with you."

꒰ WARNINGS ꒱ : AMAB! READER, CIS MALE! READER, MALE READER! SMUT! MLM, HOMO SEX (I laugh at this) GAY SEX (laugh again), DUB-CON, NON-CONSENSUAL EXHIBITIONISM (Shanks shows the reader sexy photos without him knowing, the reader is watched during sex without being asked) in this story the reader LIKES all the things that are did with him, even the exhibitionism, if you have any trauma or trigger with that don't read. ASSHOLE BOSS (NOT SHANKS) just a mention of a former idiotic boss, hidden romantic relationships, unlabeled relationship, relationship between boss and employee

꒰ CONTAINS ꒱ : Shanks is mean and soft at the same time but probably more mean, Benn and all of Shanks' friends know you two are fucking, you might want to fuck his friends too, office sex, risk of getting caught, getting caught, makeshift handcuffs and a lot of dirty talk.

꒰ WC ꒱ : 2,3k

꒰ NOTES ꒱ : lol o only notice how much warnings I always put, I just want to put everything that can make someone uncomfortable because I hate read a fic when they don't put warning in something and that's get me triggered. Okay so, PLEASE IF YOU ARE A WOMEN DON'T REALLY READ THIS, IT'S NOT ONLY INTERACT DON'T READ, IF I SEE ANY FEM BLOG IN THIS STORY I GONNA BLOCK YOU AND IM SERIOUS

You didn't remember exactly how you got there. Sitting on your boss's lap with his dick so deep in your ass you could feel it reaching your throat. Shanks' hands grabbed your ass hard, squeezing and slapping so hard that made you jump in fright. He used all his strength and the advantage of his size to guide you bouncing on his huge cock, your legs were already wobbly and shaking so all you could do was accept him using you like a toy and fucking you nonstop.

Every time Shanks fucked you he had a different rhythm, which was always decided by his mood that day. Today you weren't sure what the redhead's mood was, but he fucked you with deep and strong thrusts that made you roll your eyes and tremble with each blow, he hit your prostate so accurately and filled your insides so perfectly that you genuinely wondered how you was able to cumming with other partners before Shanks. It seemed impossible for someone to be able to give you pleasure like him.

Of course you were also a mess, thanks to that, you had your head thrown back moaning his name or resting on his shoulder or forehead, moaning breathlessly and begging softly for more. Your hands were dug into his shoulder, scratching so hard that even without big nails you knew there would be marks left for a few days, your head was already hurting and there was a little drool running down the corner of your lips... You looked pathetic, but in the end you liked being humiliated and Shanks liked humiliating you, it was the perfect combination.

You had only entered Shanks' office to give him some reports for the week, he was in his chair with his back to the door facing the huge glass wall that gave him a view of the entire city, advantages of being extremely rich and being able to work on the highest floor of one of the tallest buildings in the city. He was strangely silent and all he asked of you was to come over and deliver the reports... Of course, most of his visits to Shanks' office didn't just end with a conversation between boss and employee.

The truth is that your relationship with the redhead has always been… complicated. It all started when you saw him in person for the first time at a meeting between several city executives disguised as a gala party, at that time you were just an apprentice following your boss and his main secretary like a scared puppy. Your boss was terrible and liked to torture all his employees with the excuse of being an iron training that only the best went through, but he hid this from the spotlight and loved to brag as a boss that no job would leave, taking pride in his loyalty of each of its employees.

Shanks, as always, was a brat at these parties, his social reputation was one of the worst but everyone pretended not to know given how incredible his business empire was, even though he was known for scandals and even visits to countless police stations, the redhead was treated like an angel by everyone the other businessmen who pretended not to know anything about his antics. For some reason you caught his attention, throughout the party where you basically served as a personal waiter for your boss, you felt Shanks staring at you with a predatory gaze ready to grab his prey and run away.

You were still very insecure at that time, you had just left college and your career wasn't going exactly as you planned, maybe that's why you avoided his gaze so much at the beginning. When your boss and Shanks finally spoke, the redhead made no attempt to hide that he was paying attention solely to you and not the ugly old man who was desperate for a business deal. This obviously infuriated his boss who spilled wine on his clothes claiming to have been an oversight. When you kindly excused yourself to go to the bathroom to resolve the situation your boss's secretary simply whispered that you didn't need to go back to the party, when you looked at him confused he just rolled his eyes and said gruffly “you're out”.

This made you swallow deeply and run to the bathroom, you already had a terrible job even if it was in a renowned place and now you had been fired for attracting the attention of a billionaire who you never even dreamed of being in the same room with?! All you could do was rub your wine-stained shirt as you cried and cursed to the tenth generation of your stupid boss and anyone who worked for him. While you were lost in your own world you were unable to notice Shanks entering the bathroom and looking at you with concern.

That night many things happened, you were fired, humiliated, you received a job offer from Shanks who had one of the most successful industries in the country and you also received a small hope that your professional future could work out. The months went by and at some point you and Shanks were already in this arrangement, you weren't even close to being boyfriends, even though he had never had another partner and even though he had never forbidden you from having one, he hated seeing you with anyone else other than him. Your friends joked that Shanks was your sugar daddy since he always gave you money and gifts, but since he never asked for anything in return, not even sex, it didn't seem like the label for you either.

You were something, besides of course friends, but you weren't very determined to find out. You were afraid of falling in love only to find out that Shanks only saw you as a fuck buddy or worse, finding out that Shanks was in love and you only saw him as a fuck buddy! You had sleepless nights thinking about it but little by little you simply gave up making everything difficult. You loved fucking Shanks and Shanks loved fucking you, there was no reason to try to put feelings in or out of this arrangement, as long as it worked for both of you then it was perfect.

Shanks continued fucking you while you faced the office door with your head resting on his shoulder, you lowered your claws to his arm and continued holding him as if you were going to die without his support. He whispered praises and curses every time you leaned into his lap and made his cock all the way inside you, your own cock was twitching on your stomach, your pants were thrown somewhere and your white shirt was open so at least you wouldn't get your clothes dirty. You needed to come so badly, but Shanks' slow pace didn't give you enough stimulation, if he just let you masturbate you could have gotten there, but he liked torturing you.

“Shanks! Please! I! Oh! Shit!" You moaned choppy, disjointed words as you tried to increase your speed, but Shanks' strong hands kept you right where he wanted you.

“Huh? I didn't hear you boy, say it again” He said breathlessly and gave a light bite to your exposed neck “Say how you want my dick to make you see stars, say how you want to be my good boy and cum so much you'll get dirty both of us, tell me” the redhead’s dirty talk always made your belly twitch and your dick leak more, you were losing control and he was loving taking advantage of it.

“Oh! Shanks! Please! I need… Fuck! Faster!" You moaned louder as you felt him slowly increasing his speed, you were ready to beg again when you heard some knocks on the door and Shanks' electronic warning ringing, alerting you that there was someone at the door wanting a meeting with him. “S-Shanks! Stop! There is somebody!"

You tried to get off of him and give him a few pats so he would get the hint and at least he would give you the chance to hide in the bathroom instead of getting caught by someone while fucking your boss. But Shanks didn't seem to care, he quickly turned the chair, turning towards the door and leaving you facing the glass wall, and instead of slowing down or even letting you go, he simply gave your ass a hard slap as he started thrusting into you like the world was ending. He was moving in and out so fast that you became unable to speak, only letting out desperate screams and moans at the sudden increase in stimulation.

“Shit… Don’t squeeze me so much boy… Come in! Come in quickly Benn, I'm kinda busy” He shouted the last part and you tried again to fight Shanks, only to receive an annoyed growl from him as he took off his own tie and used it to tie your wrists behind your back in a clumsy and quick way, but still firm enough for you to be unable to escape. “Stop running away you brat! You came here to get fucked in my office and now you don’t want anyone to see you?” He smiled mischievously when he saw your embarrassed face and the tears of humiliation that were about to fall.

"Stop!" You sniffled at him and hid your face in his neck, you heard the door opening and you knew that soon Benn, the vice CEO and someone who had as much power as Shanks, would be able to see you bouncing on the redhead's dick like a real whore.

"To stop? But I feel you clenching around my cock…” he chuckled at you and stroked your back gently “You're acting like you hate this… But I see how you look at my men, you perverted boy, I'm sure you'd love it getting fucked by all of us at the same time, right? After all, all that’s going on in that stupid little head of yours is being filled with cock in all your holes, right?” He laughed teasingly and when you just whimpered without responding he finally seemed to get angry, so he grabbed your penis tightly, squeezing its sensitive head. “I asked a fucking question.”

You just screamed, feeling the ecstasy overwhelm you to the point where your vision went black and you felt your whole body go limp, you had just cum in Shanks' hand just from his dirty words and tight grip on his sensitive and neglected dick. You fell against him crying and panting, your dick trembled as it continued to leak some more cum, Shanks simply laughed and stopped fucking you, letting you calm down slowly.

“Did you see that Benn? He simply came when I accused him of wanting to be fucked by all of us” Shanks laughed at that as if it were a joke and you almost forgot that the other man had entered the room, but now you could smell his cigarette and his malicious laugh.

“S-Shanks…” you begged whimpering as you tried to hide against his body, you had no idea what you were asking for, but it was clear that Shanks always knew you and your body much better than you knew yourself.

“Hmmm… I would even let it go this time, but you hid this beautiful spectacle of you cumming, didn’t you feel sorry for Benn? He came here and missed the entire show…” he said a little more gently as he rubbed his nose against your hair “Now I can’t just let you go and leave my friend empty handed… Besides, you didn’t even make me cum… No, No, you were really a bad boy…”

You no longer had the strength to argue or fight against the redhead, he quickly grabbed you and turned you around to face Benn. Now you were a complete and pathetic exposure, Shanks' cock was still thrusting deep into you, your own cock was a little soft, already extremely tired after having an intense orgasm, your abdomen was dirty with your cum and your entire body was dripping with sweat. You had a tired and cloudy look, a face that was drunk but kept begging for more and more.

Shanks smiled and grabbed your face with his hand, squeezing your cheek as he whispered in your ear “Open that mouth wide and stick your tongue out my boy… Give them a good look” you did as he said as he was squeezing her cheeks and forcing your mouth open. You hadn't understood what he was planning, your head too tired and confused to try and guess the man's plans.

It was only when you heard the click and flash of your cell phone that you realized, Benn was in front of you with his own cell phone and had just taken a picture of you practically naked being fucked on your boss's lap. The damage and scandals that a photo like that could cause made you feel sick, but luckily Benn's mischievous smile and his hard penis over his dress pants indicated that his goal wasn't to destroy your life.

“How was it?” Shanks asked the gray-haired man playfully.

“Perfect, you weren't lying when you said that his face when he cum was perfect… Huh, Hongo is going to love this…” He quickly placed his cell phone on Shanks' desk and approached you.

“Now… My brat” Shanks kissed your cheek and smiled against you making your whole body shiver “Why don’t I show you that you belong to me completely to the point where I can do whatever I want with you?” He offered with a smile, “And by ‘whatever you want’ I obviously mean sharing… After all, you’re a good pet and you’re not going to let Benn go so hard, are you?”

You didn't need to answer for the two older men to start smiling, everyone knew you never refused an order from Shanks.

[racinggirl]

Racing Hearts - prologue

a/n: I've spent an entire evening trying to perfect this prologue. I wanted it to give away the essence and personality of both main characters, so hopefully I made that work. I have to say that I am slightly scared, because this is my first ever multi-chapter story I'm writing, but I'm trying! Hopefully you will enjoy it.

Repost, comment or any type of support is very welcomed! It keeps me motivated 🫣

Comment down below if you want to get added to the taglist

warnings: dark!lando, confident!lando, business!lando, nothing much really, just rich people stuff.

Racing Hearts Masterlist

next chapter

Olivia

The sky was filled with a range of colours, varying between bright pinks, pastel oranges and deep, dark purples contrasting against the black from the night sky. As the wind breezed past me, the few strands of hair that weren’t tucked into my messy bun flew up in front of my face. I tightened my grip on the balcony’s railing, inhaling sharply before slowly breathing out.

I can do this. I can do this.

Tonight was one of the most important evenings of the year, the annual Charity Gala in Monte Carlo, Monaco. Me and my family lived in London, but business isn’t tied to one city, or even one country.

I’ve travelled a lot, flying to New York City for an opening of one of Harrington Enterprises newest Jewellery stores, or going all the way to Dubai to accompany my mother to one of our fabric manufacturers. They were all business trips, as was the one I’m attending on my own right now.

Monaco, home of some of the most wealthy, successful and busiest people on earth. You only lived in Monaco for two reasons. A, you were born here. B, you had plenty of money and had no idea what to do with it. Seeing as the average net worth of a Monaco citizen is above ten million dollars, I’d say ninety-nine percent of the people at this gala belonged to category B. I had to make a great impression; it was my job as the PR Director at Harrington Enterprises.

I wasn’t a stranger to a high society gala; however, I had not experienced something as extravagant as this before. High ceilings, decorated with glass chandeliers that glittered in the big open room. Waiters moving effortlessly through the crowd, holding trays with glasses filled with champagne that cost more than your average rent.

My eyes roamed the big, crowded room, searching for the man that stood number two on my list; one of the reasons my parents informed me of this Charity Gala. He was a well-known fashion icon and businessman in this world. Nate Thompson.

I spotted him at the bar, talking to the women that were nearly drooling at his feet. The man was eye-candy for every woman at this event. With broad shoulders, a sharp jawline and masculinity that made multiple men run for their money, he was one of the most successful bachelors out there.

I gathered my courage and stepped towards the man, shoulders straight with a friendly yet professional smile plastered on my lips. As I approached, Nate’s eyes met mine and he gave me one of his warm, welcoming smiles.

‘’Olivia Harrington,’’ he said, extending his hand. ‘’I’ve heard a lot about you, it’s a pleasure to finally meet you.’’

‘’The pleasure is mine, Mr. Thompson,’’ I replied, shaking his hand firmly. ‘’Such a wonderful place, isn’t it?’’ I slowly let go of his hand, keeping my posture straight and professional.

‘’Please, call me Nate,’’ he said with a wink. ‘’Mr Thompson makes me feel old.’’

As the night went on, we struck up a conversation about his newest fashion items. He spoke about different designs, as well as places for shop openings. As much as I loved the fashion world – shopping at Versace, Prada and Chanel never got boring – I had to hold back a yawn once every few minutes.

‘’Your father has done a tremendous job attaining the vacant buildings at Bond Street.’’ Nate did exactly what I expected him to do, and it surprised me how little effort I had to put into this conversation. ‘’A very, very astonishing job.’’ Nate continued speaking highly of my father’s deals.

Bond Street was one, if not the most expensive street in London. My father bought most of the houses a few years back, when the house market was at it’s lowest. It was no surprise Nate Thompson was looking for the best of the best when it came to opening his new store in London.

‘’He did, indeed,’’ I reached into my designer bag, fishing out a business card of my father’s company. ‘’It would be a perfect location for Thompson’s, wouldn’t it?’’

Nate didn’t hesitate once and reached out for the card I held out with my fingers. ‘’Pleasure doing business with you, Olivia, you’ll hear from my team.’’ A satisfied smile appeared on my face when Nate gave me a curt nod, me returning the favour by raising my glass ever so slightly.

One down, one to go.

‘’Impressive.’’ The dark, smooth voice scattered goosebumps all over my skin, it made my body react in ways I hadn’t felt in quite a while.

My eyes followed the voice, and I was met by a tall figure. A tailored black suit that hugged those broad shoulders. Dark curls that looked a perfect combination of messy and neat. Eyes, a colour that I couldn’t quite decipher. Green, blue, a hint of grey or even brown, but what I did know was that those eyes pierced straight through me, looking into the depths of my soul.

The low chuckle that rose from his throat snapped me out of my thoughts. I gathered myself and lifted my chin up ever so slightly.

Let’s tackle the number one on my list.

‘’Mr. Norris, what a pleasure.’’

Lando

Emerald green never had been one of my favourite colours, it stood out great with my tan, though. It was sophisticated, elegant and not too in your face. You’d think it would be a colour that I adored, well, you couldn’t be more wrong.

Orange was more my colour, it was fierce, available in many different shades, perfect for every occasion. Mix it with a dark shade, it stood out. Mix it with a light shade, it blended in. A perfect representation of my life.

As a racing driver, you needed dark, to stand out to be the best of the best, to catch people’s attention to gain yourself a spot in the spotlight. But you also wanted to blend in, to move through the field without getting noticed, yearning for the privacy that was so hard to attain.

In the world of business, it was similar, yet different. You needed dark so you could make money, be the best of the best, without having that spotlight. Because having that spotlight in the business world meant you needed that light more than ever, needing to blend in so you wouldn’t have that target on your back.

Combine the two, and you learn to be ahead of everyone, two steps ahead to get whatever you want, whenever you want.

I reached for a glass and raise it to my lips, my eyes staying glued to the business deal being made in front of my eyes.

Everybody that attended this Gala wasn’t here for the good sake of their heart. No, a Charity Gala was the perfect way to make it look like you’re donating money for those in need, when in fact it’s the perfect cover-up for a business deal. One that was being closed a few meters away from me.

Once the deal had been made, I made my way over with a few long strides. She didn’t hear me approach, causing her body to react instantly to my voice.

‘’Impressive.’’ I never expected Olivia Harrington to strike up a deal with Nate Thompson in just under 17 minutes. The man was harder to please than a newborn baby that needed its mom. However, I suppose when you’re looking for a new location for your shop, Bond Street was the place to be, a coincidence that Richard Harrington had exactly what Nate needed? I don’t think so.

I never underestimated the Harrington family; they were one step ahead most of the time. It’s a good thing I’m always two ahead.

‘’Mr. Norris, what a pleasure.’’ I took a hold of her hand, ignoring the way her soft skin felt against my own. ‘’Ms. Harrington.’’ Her hand let go of mine, and I grinned slightly at the subtle flush of her cheeks.

‘’Surely not eavesdropping, I hope?’’ Her soft yet sharp voice was a complete contrast to the previous shock on her face when she laid eyes on me.

‘’Merely observing.’’

My gaze flew over her body, the way that emerald green dress hugged her body in the right places, the tanned legs underneath that dress going down to the Louboutin’s she was wearing. I wasn’t one to back away from a bit of flirting, I absolutely loathed the fake smiles and pretended interest at any business event. They were necessary, for the most part, and I was amongst one of many that took part in the fake contest, but that didn’t mean I enjoyed it.

‘’I see,’’ the smile on my face was less forced this time, but I blame it on how the woman in front of me swallowed hard, a clear indication of nervousness.

A chuckle rose in my chest. ‘’No need to be nervous, Sunshine,’’ I smirked slightly. ‘’I’m not as intimidating as they say.’’ I made sure my voice was smooth and filled with confidence, as always.

‘’Nervous? Is that another of your observations, Mr. Norris?’’

‘’It is,’’ I maintained eye contact as I took another sip of the Louis Roederer drink. At least they served some decent champagne. ‘’and I’m never wrong.’’

Another harsh bob of her throat.

I was aware of the fact I was on their list of business talks. Nate Thompson may be one of the most successful men at this event, but not nearly as successful as me. Like I said before, always be two steps ahead.

‘’Now, let’s cut straight to what brought you here. Let’s talk business, shall we?’’

TAGLIST

@smoooothoperator @tapedeck-hearts @cabbyhabs @wanderingreigns @samantha-chicago @alltoomaples @ironmaiden1313 @pinkbookloverslife @onlyzahraaaa

[freesia-writes]

Ch 36: Clarification

Master List ~~ Previous Chapter ~~ WC: 2k

Hunter watched as the ship disappeared into the clouds, feeling its jump to hyperspace as he stared after it in utter disbelief. He couldn’t get to Tech’s fast enough, mind racing the entire way. 

“That is a most fascinating series of events,” Tech observed after Hunter had filled him in on the tumult of the last few days. 

“That’s one way to put it,” Hunter grumbled, taking a long drink from his cup of caf. “So, she wasn’t lying?”

“I did not detect a single trace of deception. Considering your apparent affinity for attracting supernatural activity on this island, it will likely be a fruitless search for concrete scientific answers.”

“I’m not looking for this supernatural stuff.”

“I know.” Tech skimmed through the data the scanner had recorded, reviewing and confirming what he’d surmised. “Her mind seems entirely convinced of the story she told. There are some odd physiological markers in the parts of her brain responsible for memory. It would appear that she has somehow been reverted to a past state, with absolutely no recollection of any of the events you shared together. It is a neurobiological phenomenon called autobiographical amnesia.”

“You’re sure?”

“There is no other possibility. If there were, I would likely have some inkling and would be able to follow the trail to a solid conclusion. But, as it stands, the semi-sentient island seems to have freed you entirely from any potential repercussions or further concerns.”

“I don’t believe it…”

“Hunter,” Tech said, slightly exasperated now. “It is not the first time we have seen inexplicably mystical occurrences, both here and in the galaxy at large. I would advise that you consider it a wonderfully fortuitous part of your narrative and proceed as usual.” 

“Better than any of the alternatives,” he said darkly, having considered every possible way to neutralize the threat that she represented, some of which were decidedly more gruesome than he felt comfortable with.

“Indeed. It is wildly convenient. This island seems to be quite useful in your story.”

“Guess so.”

“The only additional matter at hand is any remaining interaction between you and Lyra.”

Hunter took a deep breath, his rich brown eyes fixed in a distant gaze out the window.

* * * 

The door swung open shortly after the gentle knock, and Lyra beamed when she saw Hunter, then quickly adjusted it into a smaller, more acceptable smile. She ushered him in, having dressed in her usual attire – a loose, beige dress made of linen and a knitted cardigan over it, although this time the sweater was a blush pink color that gave her a more feminine look. A litany of drool-worthy smells filled his nose as they arrived in the kitchen, the counters strewn with nearly every cooking tool she owned, and she rested her backside against the counter, regarding him meekly. 

“Apparently I like to cook when I’m stressed,” she confessed with a self-effacing chuckle. “You hungry?”

“I wasn’t before I walked in,” he rumbled, gaze moving from the baked goods cooling on a rack near the window to the large pan on the stove with a savory scramble steaming in it. She smiled, moving at once to put a kettle on and fetch some plates. 

“So uh… What the heck happened?” She couldn’t wait a moment longer to hear the rest of the story. 

“Tech is absolutely positive that she somehow reverted to her life a few years ago. She’s completely convinced that she was here on vacation, never met us before, has no idea who we are, and was content to go back to her freelance journalist job based out of Coruscant. Apparently she still has an apartment there, and GNN allows her to come and go instead of requiring a steady presence, so it will be unbelievably effortless for her to just slip back into life there.”

“I don’t believe it,” she said softly, stirring a splash of cream into his caf the way she remembered he liked it. 

“Me neither, to be honest. But Tech was sure.”

“How would it–” She was interrupted by the chime of Hunter’s commlink, and he pulled it from a pocket and clicked a button. 

“Yeah?”

“I have some additional information for you and Lyra,” Tech’s distorted voice reported. 

“Great,” Hunter said, not sure how many more complications he could take. 

“I was further piecing together all of the events that have transpired from the very start and corroborating them with any and all evidence I could locate. A recent news development may prove to be reassuring to both of you.”

“Alright, let’s hear it,” he said. Lyra stepped closer to listen, brushing her arm against his before pulling away self-consciously. 

“Am I correct in assuming that Vuxpasian Trawley is Lyra’s former boss, the one that has been seeking to have her either incarcerated or disposed of?”

“Yes,” she answered, and Hunter felt the tension grip her entire body. 

“Excellent. He is dead.”

“Very straightforward, Tech. Thank you,” Hunter said, voice laced with affection for his brother’s unique style of communicating as Lyra gasped softly beside him, both hands racing to her mouth.

“I also have some additional information,” Crosshair drawled. Apparently everyone was on the same comm frequency today.

“I am not finished–” Tech protested.

“Too bad. This is important,” Crosshair insisted, not waiting for a reply. “Hunter… A Bantha sent a message. He wants to know why you stole his hairstyle.”

The guffaw that burst out of Lyra’s mouth made her immediately clap a hand over it, her cheeks flushed with immediate embarrassment as she looked apologetically at Hunter, whose lips were pressed together.

“Sorry,” she mouthed.

Tech continued, sparing not a single moment for Crosshair’s ridiculousness. “Anyway, while not directly stated in the official documents, it is more than obvious that it was none other than Emperor Palpatine who saw him dead. Trawley was reported to have been conducting his own research in the field of cloning, which as we know, is of utmost importance to Palpatine. By reading between the lines, I was able to deduce that he tried to blackmail the Empire by threatening to sabotage their own work in the field if they did not give him a position of esteem. Needless to say, it did not end well for him. So he, and anyone else who would have cared about the evidence possessed by Lyra and her daughter, have been… neutralized, to put it more gently for the apparently sensitive ears.”

Lyra stared at the comm, a myriad of expressions dancing across her face as she shook her head slowly, reeling from just how much had changed in a single twenty-four hour period. A deep, shaky breath was her best attempt at calm, and she pulled out a wooden chair to settle herself at the table. 

“The two of you may benefit from some time to process all of this. It is downright astonishing how every single factor that would stand in the way of a peaceful, happy future without fear of outside threats seems to have been taken care of. If I believed in fate, I would posit that it is in your favor. Anyway, see you at family dinner on Benduday.”

“And maybe try to put that mess into a ponytail,” Crosshair added, followed by Wrecker’s laugh and a deep inhale. Hunter clicked the comm off before he could finish whatever he was about to say.

He sank into the seat beside Lyra, rubbing his forehead with one hand before resting them both on the table. They both faced the wall, staring at the endless array of knick knacks and nature collections that summed up her delight with the simple things in life, and lost themselves in thought. 

“So… We’re just free to live happily ever after?” she finally asked, her skepticism laced with a depth of yearning that she didn’t want to admit. 

His distant stare dropped to the table, following the gnarled pattern of the wood grain that flowed and spiraled beneath his hands. The self-imposed yoke of doubt that rested heavily across his shoulders reminded him of the improbability, and yet that cynical voice of disbelief now had a competitor: a tiny, wistful flicker of hope.

“Want to eat?” Lyra broke the silence with her timid question. The delicious scents of her kitchen frolicked back into his consciousness, and he nodded, bringing himself back to the present. She fetched a couple of mismatched plates, one dark blue and handmade, the other more elaborate with a delicately woven vine along the edges, and piled each one high with a scramble, croissant, chopped potatoes, and fruit. Hunter couldn’t help but chuckle as she set the single-plate feast in front of him, and he quickly clarified as her face revealed insecurity.

“No, this is great,” he said quickly. “It’s just enough to make Wrecker feel full… for at least an hour.” 

She laughed self-consciously, fingers toying with the messy braid resting over her shoulder, and shrugged. “I’ll tell you what I told Breslin as a child – eat what you want and leave the rest.” Her expression deepened as the memories surfaced, and Hunter found himself with a strong desire to be privy to her internal thoughts. 

“You were pretty young yourself, yeah?”

“Yeah,” she sighed, stabbing a potato with her fork. “Young and dumb,” she smiled. “But I’ve always been an old lady at heart, no matter my actual age.” Her little snicker warmed his heart, and then she became suddenly serious, eyes distant and full of thought. 

Hunter waited.

“If we really are safe… I wonder if Breslin could come live here… Although she had a pretty good setup on Keytoll, so I don’t know if she’d even want to. But gods, I’ve missed her.”

“How old is she?” 

“Twenty-four.”

“So you had her when you were–”

“Eighteen. It wasn’t ideal by any means, and there’s never been a father in the picture. She was the consequence… turned into a gift… of some foolish choices.” She reflected for a moment, slowly swallowing another bite of potato, then studied him intently, a question on her lips that she seemed to be holding back. 

“What?” he prompted, catching her gaze. 

“You’re… twenty-eight?” The barely-restrained cringe on her face spoke volumes, and he felt his heart sink a little. 

“Yeah… But…” The truth of his engineering hung over him like a shameful dark cloud. “We were created with an accelerated aging process. So we age at twice the rate of… real people.” The pain in his voice at the last two words was unmistakable, and Lyra’s face deepened with compassion. 

“You are a real person,” she whispered, eyes glistening with emotion. 

“I guess so.”

“So…” she mulled it over. “In ten years, I’ll be fifty-two, and you’ll be…”

“Forty-eight,” he muttered. 

“And in fifteen years, you’ll be beating me by a year… fifty-eight when I’m fifty-seven…And so on and so forth,” she continued, doing the math in her head. 

“Yup.”

Silence rested between them for a moment.

“What’s it like?” Her question surprised him, and he tilted his head, resting his fork and knife on the edges of his plate as his hands loosely clasped them. 

“What?”

“Growing so quickly?” 

“I don’t know… Never known anything else. Honestly, I don’t think any of us really thought we would make it past the war. It was pointless to think that way. We’re… disposable.”

“Hunter,” she said softly, hand twitching toward his before pulling back. 

“No,” he said suddenly, setting down his eating utensils and slowly rising to his feet. A tornado of thoughts was tearing through his mind, and he was beginning to spiral along with it, utterly exhausted from the last twenty-four hours. “I can’t… I can’t do this right now.”

“This?” Her voice quavered. 

He looked at her, wrought with conflict, insecurity, regret, frustration, then with a small shake of his head, turned for the front door, pausing as he twisted the handle, then continued out with slumped shoulders.

.

Previous Chapter ~ Master List ~ Next Chapter

Join the tag list by commenting for the discord server link or filling out my form.

@techhasmjolnir @falconfeather23435 @ladylucksrogue @padawancat97 @baddest-batchers

@anxiouspineapple99 @yunggoblin @littlefeatherr @cw80831 @all-mights-babygirl

@totallyunidentified @lightwise @moonstrider9904 @clonemedickix @dangraccoon

@nursekyra @callsign-denmark @heidnspeak @stardusthuntress @lune-de-miel-au-paradis

@ivyyyyy @kashasenpai @followthepurrgil @littlemissmanga @littlemissbshine

@crosshairscrustysock @lamiliani @skellymom @burningnerdchild @galaxyofthoughts99

@sweeticedtea @starrylothcat @mxkyrie @reader6898 @eyecandyeoz

@trixie2023 @vrycurious @youreababboon @photogirl894 @subbing-for-clones

@yve-barr @salaminus @ezras-left-thumb @etod @dhawerdaverd

@techsgalaxy02 @shadowphantomreaper @violatiger8

[alinmihai]

What happened that night at school?

Content: enemies to lovers, fluff/comfort, modern/high school au, fem reader, terror, geto being a good brother, gojo ends up traumatized, the story keeps getting darker

Word count: 15223

Author's note: it's my first post :D and english isn't my first language so sorry if there's any error in the grammar!

{Reader} is sitting on the classroom, listening to the history teacher while she says something about the agricultural revolution. Satoru, sitting right behind her is the heir of his family's company, a rich handsome boy who is new to the school. For what she heard from her brother, Satoru had always went to private elite schools, so he didn't have so much friends.

They're not close to each other by any means, but they've had interactions here and there because of Suguru, {reader's} brother and Satoru's friend. Satoru's a business major, but he decided to go to a public school just for the fun of it.

He takes a quick glance at {reader}, and sees how focused she looks.

"So... you free later?" he whispers to her with a small grin on his lips as he half pays attention to the professor.

You try to pay attention to class and ignore him.

"Not a talker, huh...?" He murmurs to himself. He leans a bit closer to you with a smirk and teases, "You're cute when you're so uptight."

You narrowed your eyebrows but keep paying attention to class, ignoring him one more time.

He grins, noticing that you are not talking but noticing your reaction, and says, "So cold... it's almost as if you hate me." He pokes your cheek with a finger, amused by your attitude.

"Stop it!"

Your scream fill the classroom and suddenly everyone, including the teacher, is looking at yours and Satoru's seat. Your cheeks turn into a dark red and Satoru seems shocked for a moment, but to your surprise he laughs gleefully.

"You're so damn loud."

The teacher pauses and looks over, shaking her head in disapproval. "Disturbing the class again... Mr. Gojo and Miss {Surname}... You two are going to get a detention due to your behavior during my class and for distracting the rest of your classmates. At the end of the day I want you here to clean this classroom. Understood? Now... What was I saying? Ah! The agricultural revolutions affected how people worked and got their food. The first caused people to grow crops and raise animals for food..."

As the teacher gets back to explaining the subject, you look back at Satoru, he grins, amused that he got you to yell out loud. He can't deny that he was happy to spend some time alone with you.

Satoru sighs after the class ends. He's slightly annoyed that he got detention, and yet he's also amused that *you* got detention as well. He looks at {reader} from the side and says with a smirk, "Looks like we're gonna be together for a while."

"You're a nightmare! You have many girls to bother! Why always me?"

He shrugs, unbothered by her words, and says, "You're different. You don't swoon over me like the other girls do, and I find it interesting." He grins and asks, "...You hate me that much, huh?"

"Oh so you're starting to get it... Finally..."

He smirks confidently, not bothered by your answer, "You don't drool at the sight of me, and you don't act like you're obsessed with my attention or my money. You also just said I was a headache. Not exactly the words someone would use if they were swooning over me."

You stayed in silence this time. It's true that you think that Satoru is annoying as hell, but you don't really hate him. In fact, you feel a little bad for him. He always has that arrogant and haughty attitude but he's a lonely boy. He has money. A lot of money. He was not raised by his parents, they were always busy at work, so they give Satoru whatever he wanted to try to cover the lack of love with expensive things. At all the private schools he went he was idolized by his intelligence, strength and good looks. This leaded to a spoiled rude boy who thinks that he can do anything. But he wasn't stupid, he knew that all the "friends" he had just were with him because of status. All the girls that were interested in him was because of his money, not because of him as a person. Satoru, when a kid, liked the attention, but as more he grew he started getting tired. So he decided to go to a public school to try to start again.

His first friend was Suguru, your brother. Those two couldn't be more different: Suguru (and you) came from a humble but amorous family, he's kind and caring, more emotional yet serious when it's needed. He likes to help the others and it's loved by everyone. On the other side, Satoru is more rational but tries to hide it with a nonchalant facade. He's boastful because of his past but really cares for the ones who he love.

Besides being this distinct, they got along very fast. Suguru invited Satoru to your house a few times and that was when Satoru started getting interest in you. Even if you don't like his attitude you can't deny he's very handsome... and attractive... and clever... and tall...

Satoru grins while you were lost in your thoughts, enjoying your silence, and leans back in his seat. He says with a cheeky smile, "You're blushing like crazy right now. Are you thinking of me princess?"

You woke up from your mental sleep, seeing that everyone was already gone, leaving just you and Satoru in the class, where the orange tones of the sunset came through the windows, creating a comfortable atmosphere. "I was not thinking of you..."

He laughs and says, "You were! Don't lie." He gently pries your hands away from your face with a smirk, wanting to see your embarrassed expression again.

"Step out! Stop harassing me!"

He grins even more. "Not until you admit you're blushing." He gently pins your wrists down so you can't try to cover your face again and leans closer with a sly smile.

"Satoru I told you to step out" you try to move away from him, just for him to come even closer.

He smirks at the sound of his name coming from your sweet voice and shakes his head, amused. "Nah." He leans closer until his face is only a few inches away. "I'm not stepping away until you admit you're blushing because of me."

Without any of you noticing, the history teacher entered the classroom to tell you where were the cleaning supplies. The teacher freezes at the sight, a shocked yet disapproving look on her face. She quickly clear her throat and say in a stern tone, "Mr. Gojo, step away from Miss {Surname} and sit in your own seat."

You and Satoru seat on your chairs as the teachers gives you a lecture about how do students should behave in class. She glances at you with a frown while explains how you must clean the room. "...mopping, wiping the desks and putting all the things back in place. Understood?"

"Understood." You say in chorus.

The teacher nods, satisfied with your response. "Good. I'll be in my office until 8PM. Call me if you need anything." The teacher leaves the classroom, leaving the two of you alone.

"Satoru, we need to get the cleaning supplies."

He sighs, getting up from his seat and stretches his arms above his head. "Alright, alright. I'll go get them." He looks at you, a cheeky grin plastered on his face. "You gonna watch me do all the work?"

"Yeah... I would like that. I did my nails yesterday, I don't want to ruin them." You tease him showing him your white nails.

He laughs and says, "Too bad. You're helping as well. No complaining." He walks out of the classroom to get the cleaning supplies, leaving you alone for a moment. When Satoru is coming back your phone begins to ring. He looks at you curious, "Who's calling?"

"Why do you want to know? It's none of your business." You said taking your phone from your backpack.

His eyes narrow slightly, and he responds with a slight glare, "It's not important. Just get the call." He tries to act nonchalant, but it's apparent he's bothered trying to read the name appearing on your phone.

You get out of the classroom answering the call. It's your brother.

Satoru watches as {reader} leaves the classroom to pick up the call and crosses his arms, a slight frown still present on his face. He can't help but try to eavesdrop on the conversation, even though he knows it's not his business.

"Hello?" you greet while you walk through the hallway looking at the sunset rays flooding the school courtyard through the large windows. Suguru's voice can be heard through the call. "Hey there, how are you doing? You're late." Suguru's classes ended 3 hours ago, so he must be home waiting for you, since your parents are out of town this week.

"Yeah... I'm fine, it's just that I might be late for dinner... You can eat without me. I got detention today..."

Suguru's voice sounds surprised yet amused. "Detention? I never would've pinned you for the type to get detention. Who'd you piss off?"

You laugh a little. "Who'd I piss off? You must be kidding... You know that friend of yours? The one who is always wearing sunglasses? What was his name?..." You act like you don't know Gojo Satoru damn well. Suguru's voice is laced with a hint of annoyance, but he chuckles. "Ah, you're talking about Satoru? What did he did to you? You know he is hard to ignore and he likes to tease you. What happened? Do I need to talk with him?" He seems to try to hide a laugh but he seems worried too.

You sigh. "When I get home I'll tell you everything. Now we have to clean the whole class... It's our punishment."

"What? You have to clean the classroom?! Let me guess... It was the history teacher that gave you detention. You know she has a cleaning compulsion..." Your brother laughs a bit before getting serious again, "And you get to clean up because of Satoru? I'm going to talk with him, so he stops bothering you. I know that you don't like him that much but... Try to be nice... Even if he's a hard person to live with... He's a good guy." Suguru seems more annoyed and sighs again, "I swear that guy is such a damn troublemaker..."

"Oh if you'll go talk to him tell him to stop flirting and bothering me in class..." You say, tired of having Satoru behind you in class. He often tries to talk with you and throws rubbers when you don't answer him. If that doesn't work too he would kick your chair. You have already tried to change places but nobody wants to be in front of Satoru, so you stayed in the same place.

Suguru goes quiet for a moment, processing the information, and then he exclaims in disbelief. "Wait, what? He was flirting with YOU?!? How the hell did that happen? He knows you're my sister! I'm going to have a serious conversation with him tomorrow..."

"Suguru I have to go now... We can talk latter, I want to do this quick so I can go home. When I end up cleaning I'll call you." Your brother had always been protective over you so his tone doesn't scare you. You wait for a moment before his response.

"Alright, alright. Call me when you're done. And be careful around Satoru. Stay away from him. He's a charmer and he knows how to use his charm to get what he wants."

You let out a giggle, imagining your brother's face. "Okay okay I'll be careful... He might bite me", you joke a little since Suguru is now being overprotective, "I'll be home in less than 2 hours, anything is going to happend. Bye, I love you!" Suguru's voice seems to smile: "Love you too, see you latter".

The call ends, and Satoru, who overheard everything, raises an eyebrow, a slight frown on his face, "So, you have a boyfriend, huh?"

"None of your business." you said getting into the classroom again, leaving the long silent corridor behind.

His smirk returns, and he leans against the wall, his arms crossed. "Oh, it is my concern. I'm interested in you, and finding out there's a boyfriend involved is definitely relevant information for me."

"And if I have would you stop bothering me?" He laughs and says: "Of course not. A boyfriend might make things a bit more complex, but it won't stop me from pursuing you."

You stop when you heard his words and look at him in shock. He looks at you and finally says, "...Don't worry... I was just kidding... You know, if you have a boyfriend I respect that..." He seems sad now. His smirk disappeard and now he has a grimace on his face. You feel a little bad.

"It was not my boyfriend. It was my brother..."

He pauses mid-step, surprise flickering across his face. He blinks once, then bursts out laughing. "Your brother? Suguru? Seriously? I thought you had a boyfriend! I was getting worried!"

You sigh, "I don't have a boyfriend at the moment..."

His laughter subsides, and he grins, his arrogance returning. "Well, that makes things a lot easier for me then." He stands closer, towering over you and looks down with a smirk. He's much taller.

"Get of me. Go find another girl to bother."

He laughs mockingly and leans in closer, his smirk widening. "And why would I do that? You're the one who's caught my attention, and I don't give up on what I want easily. But now that you said that I admit that I can easily get any girl I want."

Is he trying to make you jealous? Probably... But you can handle the provocation, after all you know you to tease too.

"You're such a virgin... That's why you keep chasing me, no girl wants a guy too full of himself like you."

His smirk falters for a moment, and a hint of annoyance crosses his face. "What did you just call me?"

"A virgin. That's what you are. You can even talk to a girl properly without shaking."

He scowls, his irritation growing, and pins you against the wall, trapping you between his arms. "You think you know everything about me, huh? Think I can't talk to girls? I can talk to girls just fine, thank you."

"Not what it seems, everyone in our class seems to hate you because of that atitude." When he heard this his expression darkens, and he grips your wrists tighter.

"They hate me because they're jealous. They can't handle the fact that I'm rich, smart, and handsome. But what do you know about me anyway? You don't know anything." Wrong, you know Gojo Satoru better than he thinks because of his best friend who is also your brother.

"And I don't need too know much to see that you are nothing more than a spoiled brat that have parents with money, nothing more!" You didn't mean to say this, but your argument seem more serious now, even if it started just by teasing each other.

He sneers and presses against you more, his eyes narrowing. "You have no clue. I've got more to offer than just money. Way more. I'm confident, talented, charismatic, and damn good at what I do. You just haven't seen my true potential yet."

"If you have that much talent clean the fucking classroom!" You scream to him trying to get out of his grip. He grins arrogantly.

"So bossy. You really think you have the authority to order me around, huh? You're just a little insect compared to me." You try to push him away one more time and you succeeded.

"You know what? I'm going home! I'm in detention because of you! You must deal with this alone! Clean this fucking classroom by yourself!" He stumbles back a bit but regains his footing quickly.

"Hey, hey, where do you think you're going? We're not done here yet."

"It's your fault that we're here!" You yell again.

He scowls and steps forward, closing the distance between you and says: "My fault? You're the one who got caught for not paying attention in class. You're just as responsible as I am."

You don't want to fight anymore. And you have to admit that it was your fault too. You have to clean the classroom as much as Satoru.

"Sorry... Let's just... Forget this fight and start cleaning... After we clean the class we can ignore each other and act like nothing had happened." You said while you pick up a cloth and start wiping the desks.

His smirk returns, and he crosses his arms. "You think it's gonna be that easy? I said I was interested in you, and I meant it. This won't be the last time we see each other, sweetheart."

You didn't answer. Even though you want to deny it, you have a little crush on Satoru. Even with that attitude. But does he feels the same? Or is this just a game for him? Are you just another girl on his list? Or he just want to tease Suguru flirting with his younger sister? You were lost in your thoughts again.

"Did the cat got your tongue?" Satoru asked, noticing your mood change, while he grabbed a mop and starts mopping the floor.

"Like... Are you really into me? Or just on my looks? Or just..." He interrupted you.

"I'd be lying if I said your looks didn't catch my attention initially, but there's more to it than that. Your sharp wit and feisty attitude intrigue me just as much as your looks." He chuckles softly and looks at you.

You didn't say anything. He stops mopping and leans against the mop handle, studying your expression: "You seem surprised. Did you really think I was only interested in you for your looks or something? Trust me, I've met plenty of beautiful girls before, but none of them have captivated me like you have."

You throw a cloth on him. "Than stop calling other girls beautiful! That's not a complement when you call other girls pretty! You men are mindless..." You said this but inside you were happy. Really happy. After all he really likes you, you're not just a toy for him to play.

He blinks in surprise as the cloth hits him straight on the face, but then he laughs and peels it off. "Hey, hey! Calm down. I didn't mean it like that. Fine... I won't call other girls beautiful. You're the only beautiful girl to me."

You look at him trying to stay serious but you let out a little giggle. Suguru was right. He's quite charming.

"{Reader}, I don't want to argue with you anymore, I really like you. I've never met a girl like you. You're smart, feisty, sarcastic, and not afraid to put me in my place. I find all of those traits really attractive. I know that Im hard to deal with but I don't want to hurt your feelings you know... I genuinely like you..." He admits while he takes a step in your direction, leaving the mop where he was cleaning. It's the first time that he uses your name and not some stupid nickname.

You look down. Your heart is beating fast. This is the first time that someone confessed their love for you and you don't know how to act. You have a crush on Satoru but you are not ready to have a relationship yet. You have to know him better, spend more time with him. "Satoru... I like you, but not at the point to date you already, we must spend more time together so I can be sure about my feelings..."

He reaches out and gently lifts your chin up, meeting your gaze. "I get that. I'm not expecting you to agree to go out with me right this moment. I understand that you want to know more about me first... But give me a chance, alright? Let me prove that I'm not just a spoiled rich kid with a charming smile. I'm more than that."

You look at him and smiled, "Thank you." He grins and tucks a loose strand of hair behind your ear.

"I'll be good. Now that you know that I like you I have no need of bothering you that much, I was trying to get your attention you know. And you have my word, no more complimenting other girls. I'll save all my compliments for you, sweetheart. You're the only one I have eyes for. Happy now?"

"Happy." You let out a genuine smile.

He grins and ruffles your hair affectionately. "Good. I like knowing that I've made you happy. That's a start, right?"

"Yeah... Just one more thing. I don't want my brother to know about us." He frowns and raises an eyebrow.

"Suguru can't know? Well... He doesn't know that I like you... At least I think so... But I had to tell him at any moment. Why can't he know? Is he gonna go all protective older brother on me or something?"

"Well, I told him that you flirted with me while we were on the call and he almost got crazy." He scoffs and rolls his eyes.

"Oh, please. I'm not afraid of him. I can take a few hits. Besides, I'm not gonna let some overprotective brother stop me from pursuing you." You laugh a little.

"So you're saying that if it's necessary you would fight Suguru for me? You know he's strong right?" You teased him a little. He grins confidently and puffs out his chest.

"Of course I'd fight for you. If it came down to it, I'd take on your brother in a heartbeat. I'm not afraid of a few punches. Besides, I'm not weak myself. I'm pretty strong too, you know."

You laugh again. "Yeah yeah I get it you're strong... But seriously, don't tell him by now."

He smirks and flexes his muscles jokingly, "What, you don't believe me? I'll have you know I work out, sweetheart. I may have a pretty face, but I can also throw a punch. Suguru won't stand a chance against me."

"You're really tall, I can confirm that... But you seem too skinny." You continue teasing Satoru.

He pretends to be offended and scoffs, "Skinny, huh? You wound me, sweetheart. You don't think I have muscles under this shirt? I'll have you know, I have muscles in all the right places."

You laugh once more. "You're funnier than I expected!"

He grins and flexes his arm jokingly. "What can I say? I'm a package deal - good looks, charm, and a sense of humor. A little slice of heaven, if you will."

"You've repeated that like 5 times today. I know that you have a high self-esteem but that's too much." You replied, throwing another cloth at him.

It was already night when you finished cleaning the classroom. You talked about everything and got some fun while cleaning. The class was finally shining.

"Okay, it's done! We can go home now."

Satoru looks around and smirks. "Finally, we're done. That took way longer than it should have." He grabs his bag and slings it over his shoulder before offering you his hand, "Ready to head out, princess?"

"Yes! It's already night and I'm hungry." You accepted his hand while you putted your other hand on your belly.

He chuckles and leads you out of the classroom: "Of course you're hungry. Well, lucky for you, I know a great place we can go to grab a bite. My treat, of course."

You gave him a sad smile, "I would like to go with you, but I told Suguru that I was going home when I got out of school..."

He feigns disappointment and pouts dramatically. "Aww, that's a shame. I was looking forward to spending some more time with you, baby. But I suppose family comes first. Next time, then." You look at him without saying anything, just pouting, and he gave you a reassuring smile: "Hey, it's alright. I understand. Like I said, family comes first. But promise me, next time you're free, we'll go out together. Just the two of us. No older brothers interrupting us."

"I promise." You smile.

As you and Satoru went to the school gate, it was already closed. Satoru tried to open it with his strength but it didn't work. His hands were in a dark tone of red now, a little scratched with some blood as he tried to force the gate before.

"What are we gonna do now? I've tried but it didn't open... And it's too high for just two people climb..." Satoru says.

"I don't want to get locked all night in school!" You replied. You were hungry and tired. All the cleaning thing tooked like 2 hours, you and Satoru were exhausted.

He looks around the empty grounds of the school and sighs in frustration. "Neither do I. This is a pain in the ass. What are we supposed to do now?"

"Well... I think we have to wait till morning... Someone has to open the gate for us to get out." You sigh as you respond Satoru.

He groans and leans back against the wall, "Great. Just great. So we're stuck here for the whole night, huh?"

"Yeah... Where do you want to go... Maybe the canteen has some food...? I'm hungry..."

He rubs the back of his neck and sighs, "The canteen's probably our best bet. Let's check it out and see if we can find something to snack on while we're stuck here."

You two were on your way to the school canteen. It was dark... Really dark. All the lights were off, just Satoru's phone flashlight illuminatting the path. Since it's late at night you start getting cold. The wind was hitting the trees and bushes and they were both swaying. It was possible to hear what seemed to be animals walking through the gardens.

As you walked you decided to call your brother to warn him that you were not coming back home that night. Suguru answers after a few rings: "Hey, what's up? You're calling pretty late. Are you coming home?"

You tell suguru what happened. After a minute he answer: "So you're locked in school with satoru? And you are gonna be there all night?"

"Yes..."

Suguru sighs and sounds annoyed, "I can't believe this... You're stuck in school all night with that punk... I don't like it. Why did you two take so long to clean a fucking classroom?!"

"Suguru calm down! We're going to be fine... There's food in the canteen, there are many restrooms, and we can stay inside a classroom or something to get warm. When the gatekeeper arrives we'll get out."

You heard Suguru sighing, "Ok, ok... Be careful and try to eat something... And tell Satoru to keep his hands to himself and to not try to do something funny or I'll break every bone in his body. Understood?"

"Understood..." Your brother is reminding you of your history teacher when she was yelling at you and Satoru. You say goodbye to him as you arrive the canteen, turning the lights on.

"Was big bro concerned about his baby sister?" Satoru speaks after minutes in silence due to your call.

"He's just... Too protective sometimes... He's always been like that."

Satoru grins, "Yeah, he definitely seems like the protective type. I can't say I blame him though. You're pretty easy to look at." He teases you with a smirk. "Aw, come on, no need to blush. I'm just calling it like I see it. You're beautiful, sweetheart."

You let out a shy smile as you two explore the canteen, you eat at school sometimes but you haven't entered into the kitchen zone. It was all tidy and clean, without any living soul or noise.

"Alright, so this is the kitchen. Doesn't look like there's much left to eat, though. I guess we'll have to make do with whatever we can find."

"After we eat our food where do want to spend the night?"

Satoru thinks for a moment before responding, "Hmm... that's a good question. Maybe the gym? It might be a bit cold, but at least there's plenty of space, and we can use the exercise equipment as makeshift beds to get comfortable."

"Good idea! You're intelligent when you want to be, you know?" You tease him a little.

"Oh, so you're finally admitting that I have brain after all? I thought you thought I was just a pretty face."

"Hum...Not even a pretty face... Just a wealthy boy."

Satoru feigns offense and dramatically gasps, "Oh, you wound me with your harsh words! I'm not just a rich boy. I'm also ridiculously handsome, charming, and strong."

You laugh because of how repetitive Satoru can be, "Oh, so can the rich handsome strong amazing boy cook?"

He responds confidently, "Of course I can cook. As I said, I'm a man of many talents, and cooking happens to be one of them. Why? You want me to make you a five-star gourmet meal with only a few random ingredients we can find in the canteen?"

You laugh again before answering, "Not a five start gourmet meal, but just something edible."

The boy scratches his cheek, "Heh, well, I can at least promise you something edible. I can whip up something simple like pasta or a sandwich with whatever we can find here."

"All right! You cook, i seat here and watch!"

Satoru rolls his eyes playfully and responds sarcastically, "Great, so I'll be the chef while you sit back and relax. Just don't complain when it doesn't come out looking like a work of art, okay?"

"Okay okay... Can you do me scrambled eggs chef?"

"I got it, your highness. Scrambled eggs comin' right up. Just sit back and watch the chef work his magic."

He then starts searching for all the ingredients, organizing the kitchen as you sit in a chair near him. You stay there a few minutes watching Satoru before your bladder begged you to empty it. You told Satoru that you were going to the restroom really quick. He waved at you and you went out of the canteen.

You finished your business in the restroom and exit the cabin to wash your hands. The sink is clean and the water runs clear. You look at yourself in the mirror, taking a moment to freshen yourself up before heading back out to the canteen. The restroom was clean and well-lit. The cabins doors were all closed, and there's no sign of anyone else inside. The only sounds are the usual hum of the fluorescent lights and the distant sound of dripping water from one of the pipes. As you leave the restroom and start walking through the corridor that leads to the canteen area.

The corridors of this school are really big and have large windows so everyone can see all the school thanks to them. You look through that big windows. It's night and dark. No one is at school at this hour, just you and Satoru. The atmosphere is strangely quiet, without students shouting in the hallways, teachers screaming at them or any other school staff talking to each other. You keep walking still looking through the windows. And you saw it. The music classroom.

You freeze.

You just can't move or look away.

You pause as you notice the light emitting from the music classroom at the other building of the school. There's a faint glow, and the sound of a piano playing can be heard gently wafting from inside.

You must be dreaming.

You need to be dreaming.

The rumors about that class come rushing into your mind. Many students say that classroom is haunted by a ghost of a professor that died 40 years ago there. The causes of death are unknown, but it is said that he was a music teacher, he didn't notice that he died, so he continued to go to the room to give his piano lessons. You've heard many rumors from your friends, students reported hearings piano sounds when nobody was inside the room, others claim to hear a man singing and other even say that they have seen the ghost. At night everyone says that the spirit of that professor plays the piano all night, his favourite song.

The same that you were hearing right at this moment.

You went pale and you feel your knees giving up. You couldn't move.

After what seemed hours looking at that classroom you gain control of your body and run back to the canteen where Satoru was waiting for you.

He is still busy cooking the eggs, his back facing you as he stands over the stove, stirring the scrambled eggs in the pan. He heard you coming into the kitchen and looked over his shoulder, smiling as he sees you return, "Ah, there you are. Just in time. The eggs are almost ready."

You rush to hug him desesperated, still very pale. Satoru is caught off guard by your sudden hug. He can sense that something is wrong, "Hey, hey. What's wrong? You look like you've seen a ghost or something..."

You went even more pale after he said that. He frowns, noticing your paleness growing even more, "Hey, seriously, what's going on? You're looking really pale right now. Did something happen while you were gone?"

"Satoru..." You clutched his clothes even harder and tried to hide your face into his chest. His expression softens as he sees how distressed you are. He sets the pan down on the stove and wraps his arms around you, holding you close and stroking your hair gently.

"Calm down, it's okay. You can tell me. What's got you so frightened? "

"Let's eat first... I'll tell you when we finished eating..." You couldn't tell him right now, you need to calm now first. You couldn't even talk properly.

Satoru nods in understanding and releases his embrace but keeps one arm around your waist, "Alright, let's eat first. But you have to promise me you'll tell me what's going on once we're done eating. Deal?"

"Deal..."

The boy smiles reassuringly and gives your waist a gentle squeeze before returning to the stove to finish cooking the eggs. "Okay then. Let me just finish up these eggs real quick, and then we can sit down and eat. You gonna be okay for a bit longer?"

"Yeah... Just don't leave me alone..."

He nods, acknowledging your need for reassurance, "Don't worry, I won't leave your side. Just give me a moment to plate up these eggs, and then you can cling to me as much as you want, okay? You can sit by now."

He puts the eggs on a plate for you eat and you two sit next to each other. You were calmer but still afraid. After a few minutes you told him everything, the light, the music, the rumours. Satoru listens intently as you recount your experience in the corridor, his expression growing more and more serious. When you finished, he let out a sigh and putted down his fork, "Damn, so you actually saw something that confirms those rumors. I've always thought it was just an urban legend... You say the light was coming from the music room and you heard piano music?"

You nod and tell him that you don't want to get close to that class. You were planning on spending the night on the gym, and to go there you need to pass near the music classroom. He agrees, understanding your trepidation, "I can understand why you're frightened. Seeing something like that can really shake you up. We don't have to go anywhere near that class if you don't want to. We can just eat here in the canteen and then find somewhere else to spend the night. We could spend here but it's too cold and the food smell it's too strong."

"...Satoru... Be honest... Do you believe me?"

He looks at you, his expression serious and considerate, "Of course I believe you. You're not the kind of person to make up stories or jump at shadows. If you say you saw a light on and heard the piano music, then I trust that you did. Besides, there have been other reports of people experiencing similar things in that class before, remember? You're probably not the only one who saw something."

"...What do we do now?"

Satoru takes a moment to consider your options before responding, "Well, we have a two options. We could either go to the gym, which would mean passing by that class, or we could try to find a different room to spend the night in, like one of the classrooms. Neither option is ideal, but we have to make do with what we got."

He tooks a glance at you and sees that you were still pale and shaking a little, so he continues: "But if you don't want to go near to the music class we must spend the night in other place. We'll find somewhere cozy and safe. Don't worry, you are not alone, I'm here with you, and remember, I got to protect you no matter what, or Suguru would break all my bones"

He winks at you playfully and you let out a small smile because he was trying to make you laugh.

"Thank you Toru."

You give him a side hug and he wraps his arms around you and hugs you back tightly, his chin resting on the top of your head. His voice is soft and comforting, "You're welcome, {Reader}. I won't let anything harm you, I promise. Just focus on relaxing and eating, okay? We'll figure everything out together."

Satoru releases the hug but keep one arm around your shoulders, drawing you closer to his chest. "Now, come on. You need to finish your food. You're probably feeling shaken up, but you gotta keep your strength up. Eat a little bit more, alright? Just a few more bites, for me." You eat the rest of your food while he waits.

Satoru grins and gives your shoulder a gentle squeeze, "That's the spirit! See, you're already feeling a bit better after eating. That's good. Now, let's go find a room to stay in for the night. Are you good to walk or do you want me to carry you?"

"Would you carry me if I ask?" You giggle a little, trying to forget that image in your head.

He laughs at your question. "Of course, I will! Just say the word, and I'll carry you wherever you want. No need to trouble yourself with walking. I'll princess carry you if that's what you want."

Satoru starts walking out of the canteen, holding you in his arms like a princess. "We're heading to one of the empty classrooms. It'll be cleaner and more comfortable than staying here in the canteen. And it won't be near that haunted class at all."

You were happy that he didn't force you to go to the gym, but still worried when you thought about something: "But we have to pass through the corridor that have a window with a view of that class..."

Satoru nods, his expression becoming a little more serious, "Yeah, we do have to pass by the corridor, but I'll make sure you don't look out that window at the class. Just focus on me, okay? And if you start feeling uncomfortable, just bury your face in my chest and cling to me as tight as you want. I won't let anything happen to you."

You do what he said, you cling into him as your help depends on it. He holds you against his chest like a precious treasure, his arms securing you tightly. He walks down the corridor carefully, shielding you from any potential sight of the class. His body feels warm and solid against yours, and his scent is comforting as he keeps you close, "Don't look out that window. Just keep your face on my chest. We're almost there, you're doing great. Just a little bit more, alright?"

Satoru continues walking through the corridor, keeping you tucked securely in his arms. The sound of his footsteps and the steady rhythm of his heartbeat help to soothe your nerves. As you finally reach the end of the corridor, Satoru lets out a small sigh of relief.

"We made it. See, we're fine. That wasn't so bad, was it?"

"...Did you saw it?"

Satoru shakes his head. "No, I didn't see anything. I'm focused on you and you only. I didn't look at the class even once. You can trust me on that. "

"Thank you... Really."

"No need to thank me, I'm just looking out for you. You're safe with me. And once we get to the classroom, you can rest easy and forget all about that creepy class. Just a little bit further, and we're there. Just hang in there a bit longer, alright?"

You keep walking until you finally reach an empty classroom. The boy carefully places you down on your feet, opening the door and flicking on the lights. He then shuts the door behind himself, making sure it's locked.

"We made it. Finally somewhere safe and comfortable, without any spooky music classes nearby."

Satoru takes a moment to look around the classroom, making sure everything is secure. Seeing that everything's in order, he turns his attention back to you.

"Alright, we're good here. You can relax now. No windows, no haunted classes. Just you and me in this room."

You nod at him, thanking him again, "Do you have your phone with you? What time is it?"

Satoru nods and reaches into his pocket, pulling out his phone. He quickly checks the time, "Yeah, I've got my phone. The time is..." He brings the phone closer to his face, checking the digital display. "... 11:47PM. Geez, it's already that late."

"And we have to wait until 6AM, that's when the school staff arrives to open the gates." You add.

Satoru lets out a sigh and runs a hand through his hair. "Yeah, we have a long night ahead of us. We need to stay here in this classroom until someone comes in the morning. That means about 6 more hours..."

"Do you want to sleep?"

"Nah, I'm not tired just yet. Plus, I want to make sure you're alright. You've had quite an eventful night, huh?"

"...You're right... I'm exhausted but even if I want to I just can't sleep... I need do distract myself from that... thing... What do you want to do?"

"Well if you want to be awake we could play a game... Like truth or dare. We can get to know each other better and you'll distract yourself. What so you say?"

"Yes... That's a great idea." You liked his idea. Really. But you just can't get that music out of your head. You can't stay safe knowing that something or someone is with you at this school. Satoru is trying to cheer you up, so you force a smile while you sit in two chairs at the back of the class.

"Great! Let's start then. Since I suggested the game, you get to go first. Truth or dare?"

"Truth."

He smirks, thinking of a good question, "Okay, truth question... hmm, let me think... Oh! I got one! Did you ever dated someone? Like, did you have a boyfriend?"

You are surprised by his question. But you remembered what he said moments ago, with this game you can get to know each other better, so you finally answered, "No. Like... I never had a boyfriend before."

He raises an eyebrow, a hint of disbelief in his expression: "You're serious? You're saying you've never dated or had any experiences either?"

"No... There were a few boys that were interested in me... But Suguru won't let them get close. And if im being honest im not that concerned about relationships or anything, we're im high school, we're young. We have a whole life to experience that things. Now we need to focus on other things you know? But as I told you, even if I wanted to date anyone, Suguru would probably scare them away..."

"Ah, now it all makes sense. No wonder you're so untouchable. I guess your brother kept any potential boyfriends away, huh." He says jokingly, "So never dated before? Guess were in the same boat..."

"What do you mean? The great Gojo Satoru never had a girlfriend? Really?"

"I know it's hard to believe... But all the girls that were into me were more interested in my money or my family status, so I never had nothing serious."

His face flushes with embarrassement and he looks away. You laugh a little at his shyness, "Don't need to be shy! So were both inexperienced..."

"Okay okay..." He quickly changes the subject to hide his red cheeks, "Your turn to ask me."

"Truth or dare?"

Satoru grins and leans back against the wall, his cocky behavior coming back, "Dare! Hit me with your best shot. I'm not afraid."

You think for a bit. Even if Satoru is trying to make you feel happier and comfortable you're still frightenedd because of the music classroom. You can't take that moment from your mind, you were paralyzed, looking at the class while you heard a low sound of a piano playing. You can't stay here 6 entire hours at the dark while something is at school too. You tried to be more rational... It could be a person. Yeah... A person... Someone who stayed inside of the school like you and Satoru, maybe someone from the school staff or a student... Maybe even the current music teacher. It can't be a ghost or a spirit... Right? You were lost in your thoughts when Satoru called for you. After a few seconds you answered.

"Well... I'm gonna be honest. I'm still with that classroom in mind... Why don't you go check that it? You don't even need to enter, just get close and see if it's someone there."

The white haired boy raises an eyebrow at your dare and looks at you with a mix of amusement and curiosity, "You want me to go near that haunted classroom? Are you sure about this, princess?"

"Toru I'm still afraid, I need to confirm that's nothing wrong there... And you are not afraid as I am..."

Satoru studies your face, seeing the genuine fear in your eyes. He takes a deep breath and nods, "Alright, if it'll help put your mind at ease, I'll do it. Stay here. But if anything happens, scream and I'll be right there, okay?"

"Thank you. Go with your phone and if anything hapends call me, okay?" You give him a small but genuine smile, grabbing his hand to encourage him.

He nods, pulling out his phone and holding it in his hand, "Don't worry, I'll have my phone ready. Stay right here, princess. You're safe, I promise."

Satoru takes a deep breath, turns the knob, and slowly opens the music classroom door. The student slowly steps into the classroom, holding his phone as a makeshift flashlight. The room is eerily silent, and the air is cold. He glances around, trying to spot anything out of the ordinary... His eyes scan the space carefully, looking for any signs of movement or anything unnerving. The room seems deserted, but the dark shadows in the corners play tricks on his eyes, making him feel slightly uneasy. He takes a few more steps into the room, his phone flashlight illuminating the space in front of him.

Satoru continues exploring the classroom, his footsteps echoing in the empty area. He checks behind desks, peeks into supply closets, and surveys the entire room. He tries to keep his cool, but the eerie silence and darkness start to get under his skin. His heart rate picks up a bit as he continues to search the room. He checks every nook and cranny, searching for any sign of a ghost or anything out of the ordinary. The silence is deafening, and every sound he makes seems amplified in the empty space. As he turns to check behind the last row of desks, he suddenly hears a soft shuffling noise coming from the other side of the room.

He freezes immediately upon hearing the sound. His eyes widen, and his heart starts beating faster. He grips his phone tighter, the dim light trembling in his hand. He slowly and quietly turns in the direction of the noise, trying to pinpoint its location. The sound grows louder, a soft shuffling noise coming from the corner of the classroom. Satoru cautiously approaches the area, his mind racing with possibilities. He tries to keep his breathing steady as he shines his phone flashlight into the dark corner, bracing himself for what he might see.

As the boy approaches the pile of boxes, he can sense that something is off. The shuffling noise seems to be coming from directly behind the boxes. His hands shake slightly as he slowly moves the phone's light back and forth between the boxes, trying to see what's hiding behind them. The shadows dance around him, and he can't shake off the feeling that he's being watched. He takes a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves, then reaches out with a trembling hand and pushes the boxes aside, revealing... nothing.

The corner is empty, with just a few cobwebs and dust bunnies remaining. The shuffling noise suddenly cuts off, and Satoru's heart beats wildly in his chest as he stares into the dimly lit space.

Satoru stands there, frozen in place, his heart still racing. He shines his phone flashlight into the corner once more, just to make sure. The empty space seems almost mocking, with no signs of any creature or ghost. He takes a few deep breaths, trying to calm his racing heart. Was it his imagination? Just the wind playing tricks on him? No, the windows were closed... Or was something there, hiding just out of sight?

He waits a moment, hoping the shuffling noise doesn't start up again. When everything stays quiet, he slowly backs away from the corner, his eyes still locked on the empty space. He takes a deep breath and finally tears his gaze away, trying to shake off the unease that he felt. He turns away from the corner and slowly makes his way to the classroom door, ready to leave that unsettling place behind.

Satoru walks out of the classroom and closes the door behind him, relieved to be out of that eerie space. He stands there for a moment, leaning against the door, and tries to catch his breath. The adrenaline from the experience slowly fades, and he realizes how tense he was. He takes a final deep breath and walks back toward you, a slight tremble in his step. As he approaches you, he forces a small smile, trying to hide the lingering unease he feels. He stops in front of you, pocketing his phone in his jeans, and shrugs slightly.

"Well.. good news, there's nothing wrong with that classroom... You were just imagining things. You are exhausted... You could have imagined it. Your subconscious may have associated the rumors at the music classroom and created an audiovisual effect on your mind."

"Really? So the light and the sounds?... It's true that I'm tired... You must be right."

"Yeah. There's nothing there. I checked the whole place, no sign of any ghost or even a person, whatever. The lights were off and the the cover that protects the piano keys was closed. We're safe."

Satoru was still trying to maintain his composure. He runs a hand through his hair, trying to dismiss your concerns. He heard something. He knows that something is wrong with that place. But he didn't want you to be scared.

"Thank god!" You get up and hug him, "You're my hero!" Finally you can rest. You don't need to be suspicious about a spirit of a dead professor.

Satoru smiles as you hug him, his arms wrapping around you instinctively. He laughs at your words and shakes his head, "Hey, no need to be dramatic. I just checked a dusty classroom, not saved the world or anything."

"You saved me! I was really worried... Now I know nothing is wrong with that class! Thank you!" He grins, enjoying the way you're clinging to him and leans down a bit and gently pats your head.

"You're welcome, princess. You don't have to worry about that classroom anymore. It's just a typical, boring classroom with nothing exciting going on." You laugh a little, you much happier and chill now.

"Yeah... So what do you want to do now?"

Satoru pretends to think for a moment before a mischievous grin spreads across his face, "Hmm, I can think of a few things we can do while it's just the two of us here in a completely deserted school..."

"You perv! We're not doing anything! Suguru would kill you!" You hit his arm jokingly. The boy laughs heartily and steps closer to you, still holding you in his arms. He raises an eyebrow and grins, "Hey, I didn't say anything perverted. But you're right, Suguru would probably kill me if he found out I did anything inappropriate with you. He's so overprotective sometimes..."

You laugh more, before saying, "Now that we know there's no ghost do you want to go to the gym? We can sleep there, we need to rest, and it's comfy, we have to pass through that class, but you checked so we're gonna be fine!" You smiled at him, not noticing that his eyes widened. Satoru considers your suggestion for a moment, weighing the options. He didn't want to go, but you needed to rest and he didn't want to scare you. He glances in the direction of the haunted classroom and then returns his gaze to you, "Hmm, the gym, huh? That doesn't sound bad. And yeah, I checked that classroom already, so we're good to go. Just, uh... stick close to me, okay?... Just in case."

"All right hero... Let's go!" Satoru grins at your nickname for him and tightens his arm around your waist, gently guiding you towards hallway. He keeps a close eye on you, making sure you're feeling safe and comfortable, even though he's the one who's shaking now, "Alright, princess. Let's make our way to the gym and settle in for the night. And don't worry, I'm the hero now, remember? I'll protect you from anything."

You start on your way to the gym, which is located at the back of the school, surrounded by tall large trees. The night is calm, silence settles throughout the school, with only the sound of the wind ruffling the leaves of the trees. Your crush walks alongside you, his arm still around your waist. He looks around the deserted school, taking note of the eerie silence. When you approach the last corridor you have to go through to get to the gym, the hallway of the music room, Satoru looks at you and tries to smile, "Almost there. Just a few more steps, and we'll be at the gym. Are you doing okay? Not too spooked out by this whole situation?"

"Not anymore. You checked. I trust you." You're not lying. You're a lot calmer now. If he told that wasn't anything there, you believe him, there was no reason to be afraid of silly rumours. But Satoru's sure there's something strange happening in this school. After all he heard it. In front of him.

As you both pass by the classroom where the strange shuffling sounds came from earlier, Satoru can't help but feel a pang of unease. He tries to brush it off, telling himself that he already checked the place and there's nothing there. But some lingering doubts remain in his mind, "Yeah, I checked and found nothing... Just an empty classroom... no need to worry." He continues to walk, but his pace is a bit slower now as he grapples with the nagging feeling in his gut. He keeps his arm protectively around your waist, pulling you closer to him. He tries to hide his unease, not wanting to worry you, "We're almost there... just a few more steps to the gym."

As you both finally arrive at the gym, Satoru releases a breath he didn't realize he was holding. The gym's welcoming atmosphere contrasts sharply with the unsettling feeling in his gut. He glances over at you, hoping you didn't notice his momentary discomfort.

"Ah, finally here. The gym is always a good spot to unwind and relax."

"Yeah. I'll go find the blankets or something that can keep us warm, you close the door."

Satoru nods and watches as you head off to find the blankets. He takes a moment to gather his thoughts and try to shake off the lingering unease from earlier. He walks over to the gymnasium's entrance and closes the door, securing it. He takes a final breath before turning back to look around the spacious room. The white hair boy looks around the gym, taking in the familiar surroundings. The familiar sight of basketball hoops and gym equipment brings a small sense of comfort. He walks over to where you are and notices you searching for blankets.

"Having any luck finding those blankets, princess?"

"I found one! We can share."

Satoru grins at your discovery and smirks, "Oh really? Just one, huh? I guess we'll have to share then. I hope you don't mind getting cozy with me under the same blanket."

"Pufff don't think anything stupid." He feigns innocence, putting on an exaggerated shocked expression, "Me? Thinking of something stupid? Perish the thought. I was just thinking about having a nice, friendly snuggle under a blanket. Nothing more, I swear."

You smile at him, "We're just cuddling you stupid." Satoru's grin widens at your invitation. He saunters over to where you are, a playful glimmer in his eyes, "Well, if you insist, baby. I won't say no to a cuddle session." He reaches out and takes the blanket from you, then sits down on the gym floor and gestures for you to join him.

After you sit he drapes the blanket over both of their laps, creating a cozy cocoon for the two of you. He puts an arm around your shoulders, pulling you closer to him and resting his hand on your hip.

"Comfy? This blanket is thinner than I thought. I guess we'll have to cuddle closely to stay warm."

"You're right." You answer and add "We should sleep... All that ghost story made me tired..." You were so tired yet happy that the ghost was "false" that you didn't even notice that Satoru had a change on his mood. Satoru watches as you yawn and snuggle closer to him, oblivious to his lingering unease. He forces a small smile and nods, trying to hide his own tiredness and concern: "Yeah, you're right. It's been a long day with all that ghost talk. Let's get some sleep. You can rest your head on me if you want."

"Okay. Thank you. Just put an alarm for 6AM, so we can go to the gate and go to our houses to rest."

He pulls out his phone, setting an alarm for 6AM, saying "Alarm set for 6AM. We'll be up and out of here before you know it." He tucks his phone back into his pocket and looks down at you, wrapped up in the blanket with your head resting on his shoulder.

As you drift off to sleep, unaware of the turmoil in Satoru's mind, he remains awake, holding you close. The sounds he heard earlier still haunt him, and despite his efforts to dismiss them as his imagination, he can't shake off the feeling of unease. He glances around the gym, the dimly lit room taking on an eerie cast in his mind's eye. The white hair boy tries to stay focused on you, taking comfort in your presence. But every little sound, every shadow that moves in the dim light, sets his nerves on edge. He tries to rationalize with himself, reminding himself that he checked the place earlier and found nothing but the sounds he heard keep replaying in his mind. He can't shake the feeling that something's wrong. Satoru continues to hold you close, his heart racing. He looks down at your sleeping form, feeling a mix of protectiveness and worry. He knows he should wake you up, but he doesn't want to worry you, not when you're looking so peaceful. He tries to ignore the eerie sounds that seem to be getting louder, telling himself that it's just his imagination playing tricks on him. But as the minutes tick by, his unease grows.

Satoru's breath quickens as the sound of shuffling footsteps fills his ears. His grip on you tightens involuntarily, and he looks around the gym, trying to locate the source of the noise. The shadows seem to move more erratically, making it harder for him to tell what's real and what's his imagination. The shuffling footsteps grow louder, and a chill runs down Satoru's spine. He can feel his heart pounding in his chest as adrenaline surges through his body. He glances down at you, still asleep on his shoulder, and debates whether to wake you up or keep you blissfully unaware.

The footsteps seem to draw closer, and Satoru can hear a soft, shuffling noise as if something is approaching from the shadows. His mind races, torn between his desire to protect you and his fear of what's lurking in the darkness. He glances anxiously around the gym, trying to make out any shape or movement in the dim light. The footsteps come to a stop, and an eerie silence falls over the room. Satoru's breath catches in his throat as he strains his ears, listening for any sign of movement. His eyes dart around the gym, searching the shadows for any sign of an intruder. But as the seconds tick by, the silence becomes deafening, and his thoughts begin to race again. His heart beats faster as the tense silence stretches on. He feels a bead of sweat running down his forehead, and his grip on you tightens. He tries to maintain his composure, but the tension is palpable. The room feels charged, as if something is about to happen. Satoru's eyes scan the shadows, his mind racing with worst-case scenarios.

Suddenly, a loud thump echoes through the gym, causing Satoru to jump in surprise. It sounds like something heavy being dropped or moved. Satoru's heart rate spikes, and any lingering doubts about the reality of the situation disappear. He squeezes you protectively, his mind racing with fear. His breathing becomes ragged as the reality of the situation sets in. He quickly fishes out his phone from his pocket, careful not to wake you up. With shaking hands, he unlocks it and dials Suguru's number, desperately hoping his friend picks up. Satoru listens anxiously as the phone rings, each second feeling like an eternity. Finally, after what feels like an eternity, he hears Suguru's groggy voice on the other end of the line.

Satoru's voice trembles as he whispers into the phone, "Suguru, it's me. Please tell me you're awake... I need your help. There's something... someone... here with us in the gym, and I don't know what to do."

Suguru, hearing the panic in Satoru's voice, instantly sits up, fully awake, "What? Satoru, what are you talking about? What's going on?"

The student glances around the gym, his eyes darting nervously as he tries to keep his voice steady, "There's... there's something in here with us. I can hear footsteps, and something just made a loud thump. I don't know who or what it is, and I... I'm scared, Suguru."

Suguru's voice is serious and concerned as he responds, "Stay where you are, and don't do anything stupid. I'm on my way. Just keep yourselves safe until I get there, okay?"

Satoru takes a deep breath, trying to calm his racing heart, "Okay, we'll stay put. Just please hurry, Suguru. I don't know what to do if that... thing decides to approach us."

Your brother's voice is reassuring as he responds, "I'm coming as fast as I can. Just stay safe, and don't worry. I'll be there soon."

Satoru nods, even though Suguru can't see him, "Okay, we'll be fine. Just hurry, please." He continues to hold you tightly, his mind racing with anxiety as he waits for Suguru's arrival.

Minutes feel like hours as he anxiously scans the gym for any signs of the intruder. The room is eerily silent, broken only by the sound of his ragged breaths. He desperately listens for any hint of his friend's arrival, his grip on you tightening with each passing second. And finally, after what feels like an eternity, Satoru hears a soft knocking on the gym doors. His heart races as he immediately recognizes the sound, relief flooding through him.

"Suguru's here...."

The boy gently shakes you awake, careful not to startle you too much, "Hey, wake up. Suguru's here, and he's at the door." You wake up groggy, "... What? What is he doing here? It's already 6AM?..." You ask a little confused while you rub your eyes.

Satoru nods, still feeling anxious, "No... It's not 6AM... But... we had a bit of a situation. Can you just go open the door for me, please? I'll explain everything in a second."

"Open the door?" He nods again, his tone gently imploring.

"Yes, can you go open the door, please? Suguru's waiting outside, and well... you're going to think I'm crazy once I explain."

You get up and cross the gym, still rubbing your eyes, looking for the door. It's still dark and there's no noise other than the loud knocking on the gym's large door. You finally reach the door and open it. Your older brother stands at the door, looking concerned and a little disheveled from being woken up suddenly. He glances at you with a mix of worry and relief in his eyes, "Is Gojo there with you? Is he okay?"

"Well... He is there... He looks weird... We planned to sleep and wait untill the gate of the school opened, but he woke me up and told me to open the door..." Your sleepy voice echoes through the big space.

Suguru's concern deepens as he listens to your words. First, he looks up and down at you, trying to catch any wound and when he sees that you're fine, he gives you a quick hug and then glances past you, trying to catch a glimpse of Satoru, "Is he okay? He didn't tell you what's going on? He just woke you up and told you to open the door?"

"He didn't told me anything, I was sleeping... what happened and how did you enter the school? The gates are closed..."

Suguru leans slightly closer, his voice lowered, "The gates are closed, yeah... but I know how to climb the fence. I was worried after Gojo called me and told me that you guys might be in danger. He was freaking out on the phone. Said he heard something in here with you, and he was scared something bad was going to happen. So I told him to stay where he was, and I'd come right over and check it out. That's why I'm here."

"...What?... He heard something?"

"Yeah, he was really panicked. He said he heard footsteps and something making noise in here with you. He sounded genuinely worried. That's why I came over as quickly as I could."

You stayed in silence, paralyzed as you were hours ago when you heard the piano sound and saw the light from the music classroom. Did Satoru heard something? On the gym? That's crazy... You thought that everything was fine, that you had just imagined things. But after all... You were right... That's something wrong in this place... Your older brother looks at you with concern, wondering how you're processing this information. He continues to speak in a quiet voice and a serious face.

"So, is he in there still? Is he okay? Can I come in and talk to him?"

"...Yes yes... Enter."

He nods and steps into the gym, his eyes immediately scanning the room for any signs of danger but nobody else is here. His senses are on high alert, and he cautiously approaches Satoru, who is still sitting on the floor with his back against the wall. Suguru crouches down next to Satoru, noticing his anxious and frightened demeanor, "Hey man, you okay? You look like you've seen a ghost." He notices the look of fear in his friend's eyes and places a comforting hand on his shoulder, "Hey, talk to me. What happened? Did you really heard something in here? You look terrified." Suguru's voice is gentle as he tries to coax Satoru into speaking, "...Come on, man. Talk to me. I'm here. Just tell me what happened. I wanna help you. Me and {Reader} checked, there's nothing here..."

"Toru is everything all right? Did you heard anything when I was sleeping?" You ask this time. Satoru takes a deep breath, his voice shaking as he responds:

"Yeah... I heard... footsteps... and something moving around in here. It sounded like someone or something was in here with us while you were sleeping."

Suguru notices your paling complexion and the shock on your face, "Hey, take a deep breath. Everything's going to be okay. I'm here now, and I'll make sure nothing happens. You're safe. But first, why don't you sit down. You look like you're about to pass out." You sit down and you tell everything that happened to Suguru since your detention, the spirit of the music classroom, when satoru went to check and told you that everything was ok...

He listens intently, his expression becoming more serious as you recount the events, "So, you guys were just about to sleep in here when Gojo heard footsteps? But before he went out to check but came back saying everything was fine?" You nod and he continues, as his eyebrows furrow in concentration, "That's weird... He said he heard footsteps and something moving around... but when he went to check that classroom, he told you everything was fine. Why would he do that? Gojo wouldn't lie about something like that. He looked terrified when I came in."

*...I don't know Suguru, I just woke up... But since you're here we better get out of the school, you will help us climb the gates."

"Yeah, you're right. Let's get out of here. I'll help you climb the gates. Gojo, can you get up, or do you need a minute?"

Satoru stayed in silence.

Suguru offers him a hand, helping him to his feet, "Come on, man. You look shaken, but we need to get out of here. Can you walk?" He didn't answer again. Your brother puts a supportive arm around Satoru as they start making their way towards the exit, with you at the front, "Lean on me. I got you."

"It's still night... What time is it?" Suguru glances at his watch as they walk and responds you, "It's around 5am. The sun should start rising in about an hour." "Do you want to wait till someone came? It's just one hour left. Or you prefer to climb?" You asked.

Suguru considers the options for a moment before responding, "We can wait if you want, but I'm not comfortable staying here any longer than we have to. We don't know if whatever was in here is still lurking around. I think it might be better if we went ahead and climbed the gate. We'll be safer on the outside."

"Yeah... You're right... It was a stupid question, sorry... Satoru are you okay? You didn't talk since Suguru got here..." You said as you leave the gym passing through that class again. Satoru nods slowly, still shaken but slightly more composed than before, "Yeah... I... I'm okay. Just a little spooked. Let's just get out of here." As you pass through the haunted classroom, Satoru's eyes dart around nervously, straining to see or hear anything out of the ordinary. Suguru keeps a firm grip on Satoru, his eyes also scanning the surroundings for any signs of danger.

You finally approach the gates and peer up at the towering fence.

"Alright, you ready? You're shorter than us... I'll boost you up, and you climb over. I'll follow right after." Suguru says and positions himself next to the gate as he prepares to give you a boost up. He laces his fingers together, creating a makeshift step for you to use as leverage, "Okay, step on my hands, and I'll hoist you up. Then you grab the top of the gate and swing your leg over. I'll be right behind you." Your sibling helps you out, and your outside the school. He climb the gate alone since he's stronger, but waits until his friend climb too. Just Satoru's inside now.

Suguru lets out a sigh of relief once you're safely on the other side of the fence. He turns his attention back to Satoru, who's still inside the school grounds, "Hey, Gojo, you need a boost? You can grab my hand. Hurry up and get out here."

Satoru looks one more time to the music class.

Suguru furrows his brow in confusion as he notices Satoru staring at the music class, "Hey, Gojo, what's wrong? What are you looking at?" He follows the blue eyed boy gaze towards the music class, his concern growing, "What do you see, Gojo? Is something there?"

Satoru saw it. Right in front of him. The man. The professor that died 40 years ago. Looking straight into his eyes.

Gojo Satoru freezed. He couldn't move. Not with that death glare staring into his soul. The man is wearing a fancy black suit, glasses and a beret. He's standing up with hands behind his back in front of the piano. A cold face and very pale skin.

Suguru notices the look of horror on Satoru's face and his gaze fixated on the music class, "Gojo, what is it? What do you see?" He looks into the music class, trying to spot the object of Satoru's fear, but didn't saw anything.

"Satoru get up! Suguru is waiting!" You scream this time, already on the other side, near Suguru's car.

Satoru snaps out of his trance upon hearing your voice. He peels his eyes away from the man, his heart pounding in his chest. With one last glance behind him, he quickly rushes over to where you and Suguru are. Your brother looks at Satoru with a mix of concern and curiosity, noting his rattled state, "Gojo, what happened? You look like you've seen a ghost... or maybe, like you actually saw one." His expression shifts to one of seriousness as he tries to make sense of the situation, "...What did you see in there? Be honest with me." Suguru leans closer, his voice gentle yet determined, "Come on, man... You need to tell me what you're thinking. There's something inside that scared you, yeah? You can trust me. Just tell me what you saw in there."He waits patiently, his gaze never wavering from his best friend. He can see the turmoil in his expression and the hesitation in his demeanor. He speaks softly but firmly, urging him to open up, "Satoru, whatever it is, you need to tell me. It's okay. Just let it out. I'm here for you."

"Suguru hurry! Put satoru down! And get in the car, we can talk about this at home!"

Suguru nods in agreement, realizing the urgency of the situation. He turns to Satoru and gently grabs his arm, "Come on, Gojo. We're going home. Let's get in the car and talk there." He leads Satoru towards the car, helping him into the passenger seat. Once he's settled, Suguru quickly rounds the car to the driver's side and gets in. He starts the engine and starts driving, the silence in the car tense as you make your way home.

"Toru you okay?" You finally broke the silence.

Satoru lets out a shaky sigh and nods weakly, his eyes fixed on the road ahead, "I... I don't know... I just... I saw something... something I can't explain."

Suguru glances over at the boy, his concern growing at the troubled look on his face. He decides to press further, "What did you saw, Gojo? What was it that has you so shaken up? It must have been something pretty damn scary if it's got you this messed up..."

"Satoru... You went to check on the music class... You told me that there was nothing there... I don't understand..."

He nods slowly, his voice barely above a whisper, "I... I know I did... but when I went in, I didn't see anything out of the ordinary. I just checked the halls and the classroom. Nothing weird or unusual. At least, nothing that I could see... I just... Heard noises... Weird sounds... But I didn't wanted to scare you more..." He tried to continue but his voice broke.

You and your brother can hear the uncertainty in Satoru's voice, the confusion and fear in his tone. Suguru takes a deep breath before speaking again, trying to find the right words to say, "So, you looked around, and everything seemed fine, right? Not mentioning the noises of course... Then why do you look so scared, Gojo? I know you saw something there." He glances over at Satoru again, trying to gauge his expression in the dim light of the car. He can sense the distress bubbling beneath the surface, and he wants to help, "Man, whatever you saw... or thought you saw... please tell me. I can't help you if I don't know what's going on, man. You're scaring me and my sister..." The car falls into a tense silence as the black haired boy continues to drive, the only sounds coming from the hum of the engine and the rain pattering against the windshield. Suguru can practically feel the tension radiating off of Satoru, and he can see the troubled expression on his face in the dim light cast from the street lamps.

"Suguru stop... If he don't want to tell us it's all right, maybe he needs time to think." Your sibling lets out a heavy sigh, realizing the truth in your words. He glances over at Satoru, who still looks shell-shocked, "Yeah... you're right. Maybe he just needs some time to process. But I'm worried about him. I've never seen him so shaken up before."

You grab your crush's hand and try to comfort him: "It's all right now, we're out of that school, and Suguru is here..."

Suguru watches as you gently take Satoru's trembling hand, offering him words of reassurance. Satoru's grip tightens around your hand, as if seeking comfort and support and he finally speaks, "I know... I know we're out... but... I can't shake this feeling... like something's watching us still..."

"Gross! Don't say that!"

At your outburst, Satoru lets out a small, strained chuckle and nods, "Yeah, sorry... you're right. I didn't mean to freak you out. It's just... it's like I can feel something lurking nearby. Watching us..."

"...Do you think it's following us?..."

"I… I don't know… maybe? It's just... this feeling won't go away. Like there's something or someone following us, just out of sight…"

He continues to hold your hand tightly, his grip growing increasingly more tense as they continue their drive. His eyes flit around the surroundings outside the car, searching the darkness for any signs of being followed. It's dark and your family's house is out of the town, a little far away. Your family doesn't have much money as Satoru's family so you live in a village in the middle of plantation fields where there isn't much movement, just huge trees and wild animals. You had to admit that was a bit of a scary path. But before you leave the city you had an idea to try to cheer up the boys.

"Suguru! I want to go to McDonald's before we get home, let's get food, me and Satoru didn't eat almost anything last night."

He chuckles softly at your outburst and your attempts to lift the mood, "Yeah, alright. McDonald's it is. Might take our minds off things, even if just for a bit."

The three of you now sit spread out on the floor of Suguru's room, surrounded by the remnants of your McDonald's meals. The atmosphere is somewhat lighter, but Satoru still seems distant and troubled, his mind clearly elsewhere. He excuses himself and heads to the bathroom, your brother turns to you, a concerned look on his face. He lowers his voice so that Satoru can't hear from the bathroom.

"Hey... you think he'll be alright? I haven't seen him like this before. It's starting to worry me."

"I think it's from the shock... From what he told us he heard something, but was trying to act cool for me not to freak out... Give him some time... He will get better..."

"Yeah, you're probably right... He's always been like that, trying to be the strong one and not let anyone see him struggle. But this... this is different. He couldn't hide how freaked out he was, and that... that's what's worrying me."

Suguru leans back against the wall, his eyes fixed on the bathroom door, waiting for Satoru to come out. The room is filled with a tense silence, broken only by the occasional sound of the rain tapping against the window. He glances over at you, a worried expression etched onto his face, and he mutters softly, the words barely above a whisper, "He'll be alright though, right? He's strong... he can handle this."

"...Do you think that the ghost was real? Or just our imagination?"

"Honestly, I'm not sure... I want to say it was just Satoru's imagination, that it was a product of fear and exhaustion. But... there's something about the look in his eyes, the way he's been acting... it's like he truly believes he saw something. But... spirits don't exist, right? They're just stories and superstitions. Something that our grandmother tell us to scare us when we were little, right?"

You don't answer. Instead you get closed to your brother trying to find any comfort. Suguru notices your gesture and immediately puts an arm around you, offering you a warm embrace. He gently rubs your back and ruffles your hair, trying to soothe your worries as he speaks, "Hey, hey... it's alright. No need to get so worked up. We're here for each other, remember? We'll figure things out and help Satoru, okay? Just rest your head on my shoulder for now. Everything's going to be fine."

"Thank you Suguru... If it wasn't you, me and Toru would be in that school with that... Thing..."

"No need to thank me. We're family, right? We look out for each other. I'd never leave you and Satoru alone in a situation like that. Besides, I'm the big brother. It's my job to protect both of you. So don't worry, okay? I won't let anything bad happen to you guys."

You notice that the sun is starting to rise but you're all exhausted due to want happend in the night, so you decided that's best if none of you go to school today. You can stay at home and rest all day. So when Satoru leaved the bathroom Suguru turned with a gentle smile and said:

"Hey, I think it's a good idea if we all just stay home today. None of us got much sleep last night, and you're clearly worn out. So why don't we just take the day off today? We can chill, relax, and sort through what happened last night."

"I agree with Suguru... What do you think Toru?

Satoru, who had just emerged from the bathroom and overheard your conversation, nods in agreement. He looks visibly exhausted and worn out himself, his eyes tired and heavy, "...Yeah... I think it's a good idea. I don't think I'd be able to focus on school today anyway, with everything that happened."

"Let's sleep a little. None of us slept."

Your brother nods, feeling relieved that everyone is in agreement. He glances towards his bed, which is big enough for all three of you to sleep on comfortably, "Okay, sleeping sounds good. This bed's big enough for all three of us, so let's just rest for a bit. We'll talk more once we've had some sleep."

You crawl into bed, finding a comfortable position on the spacious mattress. Suguru takes the middle, with you and Satoru on either side of him. The room is quiet and tranquil, the only sound coming from the soft breaths and shuffling of the sheets as you all try to get comfortable. The sun's rays enter through the cracks of the window creating a comfortable atmosphere, neither too bright nor too dark, for you sleep. Suguru gently wraps an arm around you as you snuggle closer to him, resting your head against his shoulder. The exhaustion from the previous night catches up with both of you, and slowly, you both drift off to sleep, a sense of comfort and security enveloping you in the safe confines of your big brother embrace.

Satoru tries his best to sleep, but his mind is restless, unable to shake the feeling of being watched. His eyes dart around the room as if anticipating something to come out of the shadows and jump at him. He can't seem to find comfort or peace, and even his closed eyelids fail to shield him from the unsettling sensation that something is still watching him closely. He continues to lay there, his mind racing and his heart beating anxiously. The teenager tries to distract himself by listening to the soft breaths coming from you and Suguru as you sleep, but the feeling of being watched only grows stronger. His eyes dart around the room, looking for any sign of something unusual or out of place, but all he sees is the comforting sight of his bestfriend and his (almost) girlfriend, peacefully asleep next to him. As the minutes tick by, Satoru's anxiety and unease continue to grow. The feeling that someone or something is watching him becomes increasingly intense, making it nearly impossible for him to find any semblance of peace or relaxation. He tenses up as he tries to discern what could be causing this sensation, his mind plagued by a myriad of possibilities and scenarios.

Now, in his mind there is only one question:

What happened that night at school?

[psychedelic-ink]

𝐌𝐢𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐫 𝐋𝐚𝐤𝐞 - 𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐈𝐧 𝐁𝐞𝐝

pairing: pre outbreak!joel miller x f!reader, one sided tommy miller x f!reader

series summary: After your grandfather’s passing, you find yourself moving into his home in Texas. You meet the Millers; Tommy, his older brother Joel and his daughter Sarah. With time, you and Tommy become close friends and Sarah visits you often. But Joel…Joel keeps his distance. The reason for this is due to one crucial fact you don’t know but he does; Tommy has a crush on you. Which means you’re off limits no matter what. But as your own feelings for Joel grow, things start to get more and more complicated.

word count: 3.5k

chapter summary: Joel takes you to a cabin for the weekend, there you propose he pay up the bet he lost to you and that the two of you should have some roleplaying fun.

warnings: prey/predator kink, chase kink, choking, dirty talk, hunter w reader being "hunted", roleplaying, knife kink, piv

a/n: fyi everything in this is consensual and even though it's not explicitly mentioned, there is a safeword in place. I like to imagine this takes place in September so there's a bit of a time jump from the original story but you can read this without getting spoiled or knowing the overall story. Enjoy, and happy Halloween! 🎃🎃🎃

You’re speechless. The world that surrounds you is an autumn dream that stretches vast in front of you. Joel holds your hand tight. Both of you slightly damp from sweat, both of you exhausted from the trip here. Green pine trees surround the crystal clear lake, a small wooden pier making way towards the water. And just a bit further from all of it is a tiny cabin, nestled under the gorgeous red and green of the sweetgum trees. Your heart soars. You imagine the brush strokes you would do to mimic the texture of the nature surrounding you, a gorgeous tapestry of a world untouched except for the small tiny cabin.

After practically drooling over the scenery before you, you turn to Joel. Heat crawling up from your neck to your cheeks when you realize he’s staring at you instead. He alone halts the breath in your lungs as he suddenly leans, his chapped lips touching the warmth of your cheek. 

“How did you even manage to rent this place?” you ask, breathless due to the touch of skin. 

“Someone owed me a favor,” he grins, leading you down the small hill of fading grass. 

“I wasn’t aware contractors had so much leverage.” 

“Oh, you have no idea darlin’.”

You want to bathe under the smooth rumble of his drawl. His voice is like coffee, warm and rich. A shudder crawls up your spine, stroking the base of your neck. A burst of heat spreads between your legs, your panties suddenly slick and sticking to your skin. You watch intently as Joel unlocks the door and guides you inside with his hand on the back of your neck. Another shudder. This time accompanied by your mouth watering. It’s been a while since you two had some alone time. Between helping Sarah adjust to the new school year and the Miller brother’s busy work schedule, it was hard to snag some time for yourselves. 

“You’re gonna burn holes into my skin if you stare any harder.” You jump, the interior of the cabin suddenly bright and vivid. Joel smiles lazily before dropping the bags to the floor, a tiny cloud of dust swirls in the air. “Care to spare what it is you’re thinkin’ so hard about?” 

“Wouldn't you like to know,” you mimic his movements and drop your own, less heavy bag, to the floor. You laugh when he frowns. 

“I would actually. I would very much like to know.” 

He steps forward, crowding you until your back meets the tender wall of the cabin. It creaks. Joel’s hands find your waist and pull you until you’re flushed against him, his scent thick with sweat and pine fills your nostrils. Briefly, you close your eyes and breathe. He fills your lungs, you desperately want to keep him there, keep his delicious scent within you until the day you die. 

“You gonna make me ask again?” his voice drops, something dark and curious lingering in his tone. A tingle makes home at the small of your back. You want to chase that darkness, follow it until he snaps. With a swallow you raise your chin, eyes shimmering with delight. His gaze hardens. His worn jeans hide nothing as he grinds his thickening cock over the soft flesh of your stomach. A soft moan escapes your lips and he smiles. “Why are you bein’ a brat all of a sudden? And here I thought how good you’d be because I brought you here.” 

Your head falls back with a loud thud, his short moment of worry makes your heart melt. 

“Remember our little bet that I won?” you ask and he nods. “I think I want to cash in my price now.” 

Joel raises a brow, “Oh?”  he rubs himself against you once more, both of your breaths catching in your throats. “Tell me then. Don’t keep me waitin’.” 

“I want you to. . .” you gently guide your lips out of his reach as he chases them. He leans in again, grazing your lips with a tantalizing touch. Yet, with a turn, you offer only the warmth of your cheek. Your nipples tighten, arousal coils in your stomach. “Hunt me down, Mr Miller.”  

“Hunt you down?” 

You nod bashfully, wrapping your arms around his thick neck, you force his face into the crook of your neck. His labored breaths are warm against your skin. Another wave of lust washes over you when he kisses and bites the tender skin. You would’ve looked him in the eyes but anxiety still rolls dutifully in your gut. You’ve done a lot of things with him. Things you haven’t done with anyone else. However, the doubt always lingers. 

“I want to be the pretty little thing you’re obsessed with—” 

“I’m already obsessed with you.” 

His lips moving on your skin makes you stammer over your words. You breathe and swallow, trying to clear your mind. 

“I mean in a stalkerfindsoutwherehiscrushlives type of thing. If. . . if that’s alright. I’m still not sure if you’re comfortable with. . . stuff like that.” 

Joel forcefully breaks out of your hold and looks you in the eyes. The crease between his brows is deep, the corner of his lips looking downward. “I’m comfortable as long as you’re comfortable.” You’re about to object and say that’s not how that works but he cuts you off before you can. “I’ll let you know if you hit any of my limits darlin’ but for now. . . you hit none.” 

His pupils visibly dilate, the look he’s giving you shortens your breath, makes you squirm where you stand. You swallow. You want this man to ruin you in the best and worst way possible. 

“So, what exactly would you like your hunter to do?” he rasps, all you hear is gravel. Your heart stops as his fingers one by one roll around your neck. He applies gentle pressure and kisses the corner of your chin. “Tell me all the things you want me to do to you, sweetheart.”

The subtle warmth caused by the fire flickers out, replacing the lovely heat of your body with a damp chill. You curl your body until your knees nearly touch your chest. You can hear the tree leaves dancing with the wind. A stream of moonlight trickling from between the still curtains. You listen to your own breathing, to your heartbeat. You were completely alone in the small cabin. Another burst of wind blows and the wood creaks. Fear coats your tongue, your mouth suddenly very dry and your senses very much awake despite the late hour. 

Among the silence, a little click flows loudly within the cabin. Your body stills, and you hold your breath, waiting for the sound to repeat itself. 

It does. 

A creak and a groan caused by the wood. You close your eyes. Footsteps. Slow, silent, but still audible. The door to your bedroom is closed but you know it won’t stay like that for long. Closer and closer. You feel the beat of your heart in your throat. Louder. You swallow. He’s coming. He’s close. Sweat bursts from every pore of your body. 

You need to get out. 

Quickly you whip the comforter off of your shaking body and look for clothes. Not bothering to change, you throw your jacket over your shoulders and shove your feet into your boots. You quickly tie them. His steps are getting closer and you know he’s right outside the door, listening, waiting for you to jolt out the tiny bedroom so he can catch you. But you won’t make it that easy for him. You refuse to make it easy. 

The windows open with a loud click, old metal and wood alerting him as you manage to jump out. You’re clumsy and stumble forward when you land, nearly falling face-first into the moist ground, “Fuck,” you mutter, starting to run.  

Moving leaves alert the moon of your departure. A beautiful blue hue coats the long blades of grass, the lake, and the trees. The sky is reflected perfectly above the still surface of water. Sadly, you don’t have much time to admire it. 

“Come back here!” he shouts and when you turn you see him jumping out the window the same way you did. “You know I’ll catch you and when I do you’re mine!”

A pleasurable shiver crawls up your spine. He sounds so serious, his voice husky and deep and loud. Again you feel that fear of getting caught. Your fear and excitement walk hand in hand. However, you know it won’t have the same effect if you just fake it. 

So, you run. 

You dart into the forest, drawing deep breaths from your mouth, your heart beats rapidly against your ribcage. Like most things, he’s also better at the chase than you are. He’s strong, has better stamina. He’s been here before. He knows how to survive and meanwhile, you’re the type of person to scream when come across a bug. You and him are not the same. Which makes you realize that maybe this is a bit unfair. 

You also can’t ignore the way sticky arousal coats the inside of your thighs. You imagine him panting as he looks for you, sweat dripping down his temples and shirt sticking to his tanned skin—

Your lungs feel like they’re about to explode and you stop. Your body is buzzing with adrenaline. Some part of you wants to go back, to just give up but you can’t move. A mirage crawls around your throat and holds you in place. A lingering darkness. A watchful pair of eyes. 

You’ve never viewed him as dangerous, maybe you should. 

“There you are, my playful lil’ beam of sunshine.” You turn then, there’s still a decent amount of space between you but he’s not moving, only watching. As you imagined, he’s panting heavily, ragged breaths leaving his curling lips. “Found you,” he says in a slightly melodic tone. “Now come here before I lose myself in this game of yours.” 

His gray button-up hugs his shoulders and chest tightly. Every bulge of muscle is accentuated by the fabric, creating a sculpted silhouette that demands attention. The sleeves, rolled up to reveal forearms adorned with veins, hint at strength restrained but ready to be unleashed. It’s hard to see within the dark but when he slightly shifts you see it, a blade glimmering under the soft light of the moon. You swallow. 

“We’re not playing hide and seek,” you say, meeting his gaze. “This game isn’t over until you actually catch me.” 

Before you give him a chance you step forward, ready to run. 

Yet you fall. 

“Ow!” you cry, the side of your cheek scraping the dirt. You turn to your back and look down as you hold your nose. You glare at your shoes which are now untied. You open your mouth to curse but a hand is promptly shoving you down back into the dirt. Joel is fighting hard not to burst out laughing. You can see it in how he’s biting his bottom lip, the corners twitching in amusement. With his full body weight on you, it’s almost impossible to break away from him. 

“Caught you,” he teases. “Now, ain’t that easy.”

“Oh, fuck you, Joel. You know this isn’t fair—” 

The words are caught in your throat when he clicks his tongue and presses the knife against the hard shell of your throat. Your eyes widen, breath hitching, your hands find his waist and squeeze a little. 

“Don’t be a brat,” he mutters, his eyes dropping to your lips. “A deal is a deal. I catch you I fuck you. This sweet pussy is mine now.” 

His eyes search yours for a brief moment, a hint of worry, a hint of uncertainty lingering in his dark irises, “Sound good?” 

“Yes.” 

This time he can’t hide his smile. He grins broadly as his face nestles the crook of your neck, sharp knife still in place, forcing you to be careful with your movements. Joel kisses your neck, the softness of his lips repeated against your cold skin. And when he finally tears himself away from you the joyful softness is gone, leaving only in its place carnal hunger.

“Mine, mine, mine,” he kisses you over and over, sucking on your tongue and nipping at your bottom lip. You can’t breathe, the sharp end of the knife secured on your throat. “Mine,” he growls again. You feel the hard outline of his cock as he desperately ruts himself between your legs. All you can think is how dirty this is. How filthy and amazing it is for him to claim you. To devour you out in the open. He keeps chanting the same word—mine— over and over. As if you’ve awakened some kind of beast. 

Joel pulls away, the lack of his heat making gooseflesh rise in its wake. He smiles as he looks down. Your lips part. Your heart beating a mile per minute. The knife slowly deserts your throat and trails down your neckline, cutting your weathered shirt in the middle like butter. You hold your breath. With the sharp end, he teases the soft flesh of your stomach. He eyes your tits greedily, your nipples hard and aching. 

“You were runnin’ around like this?” he rasps, his tone amused. “With no bra?” 

You nod. The knife travels lower to the waistband of your sweatpants. He doesn’t cut the fabric, instead, he fixes his gaze onto yours. A look powerful enough to empty your lungs with one long breath. He leans until his lips brush against your own. 

“If I cut this off will you be bare there too?” 

The answer is no, but you’re regretting not going completely nude under your clothes now. His look is one you’ve never seen before—maybe only hints here and there—but never this unhinged, never this hungry and wanting. 

Joel places the knife right near your head.  Your eyes drop down to where he’s unbuckling his jeans, the sound is loud within the silence of the forest, and the sight makes your mouth water. You want to move up, take him between your lips, suck on his deliciously large cock until he has nothing else to give. He doesn’t allow it. With one hand, he holds you by the throat and pushes you down, his other hand disappears beneath his jeans, stroking himself. 

“I’m gonna fuck you hard, sweetheart.” The gravel in his voice scratches your ear pleasantly and your eyes flutter closed. He gives you a warning squeeze until you open them back up again. “I want you to scream for me. I want to see you writhing underneath me. I’m gonna give you everything and you’re gonna take it. Understood?” 

Tears flood your eyes, every bit of sense of the real world fading into the back of your mind. You see only him. You hear only the forest. Feel only the earth underneath your bare skin. You’ve never thought letting go would be this easy. 

He makes it easy. 

Joel is quick to undress you, tugging off your sweats along with your underwear—he, himself doesn’t undress. You don’t know why but the awareness that you’re naked and he’s not makes your skin grow even tighter. You feel the scrape of his jeans as he aligns himself with you, dark curls crown the base of his cock, a sliver of stomach showing when he pushes forward. Your body arches at the stretch and just as you attempt to take a deep inhale, his hand is back on your throat. Controlling the airflow and only allowing you enough to remain conscience. 

He slides into you easily, your body the perfect hole for him to fill. Your cunt, your thighs, the patch of earth underneath you—all of it is embarrassingly wet and it’s only getting worse with his cock filling you inch by inch. Joel lets out a loud groan when he’s completely sheathed inside. He stays still for a while, forehead dropping to meet your own, heavy breaths fall from his lips. The act falls for a moment and he kisses the tip of your nose and then your lips, the rough hairs above his lips tickling the sensitive skin. 

“You feel so fuckin’ good. Can you feel how tight you’re squeezin’ me darlin’? How excited your body is for me to fuck you until every thought is knocked from your head?” With the whimper you let out, he finally pulls his hips back, only to snap them forward without concern. Your eyes roll back, your breasts jumping from the sheer firmness of it. “Jesus fuckin’ Christ, look at you—” 

Then, just as promised, Joel fucks you hard.

Your fingers dig into the dirt, your body moving to meet the harsh strokes of his cock. He lifts both your legs and pushes them to your chest, pressing down harder, you cry out as he reaches even deeper. Your body is set on fire. “Beg,” he commands. And when you don’t, Joel pulls out, drags the head of his length over the soaked lips of your cunt. He teases your puffy clit, smiles when you shudder and shake. “Beg,” he repeats. 

“Make me come,” you cry out, almost deranged. “Fuck me—Please please please—I don’t know what else to say. . . J-Just. . . fuck me.” 

You’re still muttering, whimpering when he pushes back in, spearing you and stretching you wide. He’s pleased by your groveling and you’re thankful he is because you were on the brink of sobbing. His tongue is in your mouth as he hammers himself even deeper, you can barely think, the coarse hairs at the base of his cock are damp with slick, adding friction to your throbbing clit. 

There’s a short moment where your eyes slip and look to the side, following the shine of the moon, you see the blade. You remember how he threatened you, how the metal felt against your skin— 

He tears you apart and you shatter around him. Your body goes rigid then loose, almost simultaneously. Joel moans between gritted teeth, your body squeezing him tight so he doesn’t go. A gush of slick wets his cock and trickles down his thighs. His teeth sink into your neck, hips moving up and down without fully leaving the tight fist of your cunt. He whimpers needily into your skin, kissing and biting. 

You want to feel him inside, feel the warm drip of his spend trickling out of you when he pulls out—you want to beg him for it—tell him that you don’t care about the consequences—Before you can, he’s pulling out, his eyes wild as they search your face, his wet cock between his fist. He falls back down and squeezes the base. 

“Come here. I want your mouth on my cock right now—Want you to fuckin’ taste how good you are—” 

You scramble forward, nearly falling as your hands grip the meat of his thighs and your mouth finds the head of his cock. He doesn’t wait for you to adjust. Holding your head, he pushes you down until your nose is buried in his curls. You feel him going down your throat. You swallow constantly, trying your best not to gag. 

“Fuuuuuuuuck,” Joel’s voice echoes, shallowly thrusting into your throat. “Fuck fuck fuck—” 

His cock throbs heavily on your tongue, spilling down your throat, he keeps you still. You can barely breathe, shiny translucent tears trickling down your cheeks. There’s so much of it. Spit mixed with come trickles down the corner of your lips, his balls heavy on your chin. 

“My good fuckin’ girl,” he says within a low chuckle. Joel releases your head and you slowly pull back, you swallow once more and lick your lips. You enjoy the taste of him. “Are you a’right, sweetheart? I didn’t hurt you, did I?” 

“Not at all,” you answer, surprised at how hoarse your voice sounds. “You know I love sucking your cock.”

His eyes close and his body visibly shudders, “Jesus Christ, you’re gonna be the death of me.” You’re about to quip back but you end up shivering instead, the cold once again settling over your skin. “Here,” he says, wrapping you with his jacket. “Sorry ‘bout your shirt.”

You smile as you stand on shaky legs. He hugs you and kisses your face, fleeting kisses peppered all over your face. A soft giggle drops from your lips. Joel cradles your cheeks, thumbs moving down the apples of your cheeks, he slants his lips over yours, his tongue warm and soft as it slips into your mouth. Kissing you in earnest. 

“Was it worth cashin’ in your prize?” 

Your smile broadens. 

“It was worth every second.”

[thevoidscreams]

Request prompt for mating press March for you!

You have recently been assigned as a chapter serf for the black templars and have been trying your best but it’s tiring work and during one of your late shifts you have fallen asleep! You thought you’d gotten away with it and no one had noticed but the next day you are told the chaplain has asked for you. Turns out he spotted you whilst you were sleeping on the job when you should have been attending your sacred duties. Perhaps big stern dom chaplain will teach you a lesson to reaffirm your faith…

Day 19

Pairing: Chaplin Soren (oc)x reader

Warnings: mentions of religion, spanking, bondage, cumming inside, power imbalance (if you squint)

My head snapped up, and I shook it as I looked around, confused. I clenched a soft rag in my hand, and brushed a stray bit of drool from my lip. What was I doing here?

It came back to me as I smelled the smoke from the censer. I had been polishing the steps leading up to the altar inside one of the ship's many chapel.

I looked around in a panic. No one was around. How long had I drifted off for? A few minutes, a few hours.

Throne preserve me, I'd fallen asleep on the job. This was sure not to go over so well if I was seen. Hopefully, I could finish up quickly and be on my way. I didn't see anyone, and surely I would have been chastised for falling asleep in a place of worship. The chapel wasn't for napping. It was for giving praise and worship to the god emperor. I bowed my head and continued on with my task, ashamed. Finishing the task as swiftly as I could I hurried out. At least no one saw me.

Dark eyes watched from behind the visor of the skull. Disappointment and disapproval swelled in Soren's hearts. He had liked you as much as it was possible for an astartes of his station to like a serf. You'd done excellent work up until this point, so diligent, completing tasks without complaint. And your work in this very room meant that you'd built a good report. It was a shame you'd likely never see him the same after he decided your punishment.

His hands twitched as he reminded himself that you are only a human. You do not have his endurance. But still sleeping in the chapel could not be allowed to go without some form of penance being served.

He felt his body stirring at the idea. He'd have to punish you so you didn't do this again. He'd have to be..very thorough.

The next day I was assigned to the chapel again on orders of Soren, one of the kinder and more personable chaplins. I thought about him and the odd request as I ran my rag over the stone steps again. I wondered if there was a reason I was to clean it again at night. Probably as not to interfere with the worship during the day.

The sound of ceramite on stone made me look up sharply. I was almost done.

"Good evening, my lord." I spoke reverently, not looking up past his greaves. I knew who he was without having to look past that point.

I'd cleaned his armor enough times to know it by heart.

"It is rather late, little one." His rich voice greeted me from behind the skull.

"Yes, I am almost finished. This is the last step, it took me a bit longer last night as well. There’s much to do." I replied, heart beating a bit faster than normal. I liked the Chaplin, Soren. I found him insightful and he was often good company to have while I worked. He would tell me stories.

"Perhaps you would have finished sooner had you not been sleeping."

My body went cold, not like the room was chilly, but as if my blood had spontaneously frozen in my veins. My hand stopped over the step and my limbs locked up, tense as if readying to make a run for it.

"It would seem you understand just how unacceptable this action is. Perhaps it was merely a mistake. I wouldn't have taken you for someone who disrespects the god Emperor. But then again, I am no psyker, I cannot see a person's soul."

"It was an accident my lord. My body was weak, there was so much work...forgive me..." My voice came out quiet, like a mouse.

“That is no excuse. If you are not fit for the rigors of your station then perhaps you might better serve in another form.”

My chest tightened and I found tears of fright blurring my eyes.

“It will not happen again, I promise. Please my Lord. I do not wish to serve as a servitor.”

Soren laughed, it was a deep rolling sound that flowed over the stones around me and despite my fear I found the sound lifting my soul ever so slightly.

“Dry your tears serf. I will not tell anyone. You have served well until now and I, unlike many of my brothers, understand that your body has limits that you can not always fight.” So he’d been jesting, just to see me squirm. He wasn’t going to have me turned into a mindless robotic slave.

He grabbed my arm, I was going to drop to my knees and kiss his ceramite clad feet in thanks but I found myself up on my feet, his free hand tilting my face back to face his helm.

“But you will need to face some punishment for this. You have allowed yourself to falter in your duties to our Emperor. You must confess and repent for these sins. I will handle you and this event will stay between us. If I deem it satisfactory then no one else will need to know.”

I nodded, fresh tears of relief streaked down my cheeks.

“Thank you my lord. I am so very sorry.”

Soren still held my arm and forced me, much more gently than I had expected towards a room towards the back where I had never been before.

The door was heavy, an ornate carved wooden door. My body was pressed firmly against it by him as he reached for the knob. I felt a familiar heat in my belly as he grunted softly and forced it open on creaky hinges.

The room was dim, lit only by the candles on a desk.

“I will remove my armor and hear your confession.”

I tilted my head in confusion as he let me go. Take his armor off, why would he need to do that?

He began to pull away pieces of his plate, placing them carefully, almost lovingly on a stand. I averted my gaze as he began to remove his body glove, my cheeks were probably very pink.

His helm was the final thing he pulled away and I found myself mesmerized by him. He was younger than I’d thought. His hair was a deep brown, cut short and neat. His skin was pale and his features were sharp. Throne he was beautiful, I found myself unable to look away. His eyes were dark, so deep I’d thought they were black till he lit a match off one candle to light several more. The depth of that blue was entrancing. The blueness of his eyes grew more apparent.

I felt as though I could dive into those blue pools and never resurface.

Soren came towards me, I hadn’t realized that I’d been backing up until my back hit the wall. He looked good in nothing but light pants and a tabard.

“You will confess to me now.” His deep voice sounded so clear and precise without the filter of a helmet. It sent pleasant shivers through my body.

“Yes, my lord.”

He guided me to my knees and I bowed my head in shame. Remembering why I was here.

“Tell me. What have you done?”

“I fell asleep in the middle of my duties to the Emperor. Leaving them unfinished while I rested. And I did so in the chapel. I slept in a holy place of worship.”

“Good. You have made a good confession. Is there anything else you would like to confess?”

I shook my head earnestly, I was sure that that was all.

“Very well, I will administer your penance, and you will repent.”

He made a motion for me to stand. I did, he took my arm in his and slapped a black iron cuff around it.

I flinched in surprise, he only chuckled. “Do not fight me. And this will go quickly.”

He took another cuff and locked it around my other wrist.

They were heavy and linked with a thick iron chain just as dark in color.

“For your penance,” he began as he dragged me to the wall and hung my chain on a hook just high up enough that I had to stand on the tips of my toes. “You will have one lash for every ten minutes you lay on the emperor's steps.”

One for every ten minutes. How long had I slept, two hours? That was twelve! Twelve lashes!

I craned my head to try and get a look at whatever implement he'd chosen and was surprised again to see not a flail or whip, but a paddle.

His bulky hand gripped the hem of my light gown and lifted it until the dress was over my head.

I wiggle my face free of the fabric and gasped as his fingers tugged my panties down as well. Leaving me with no layers between myself and the lather paddle.

Soren moved to a place where I couldn't turn my head and see him.

Soren admired the soft skin of your ass as he looked for just the right spot to begin. Throne you were a stunning creature. He felt his own excitement at having you chained and helpless under him.

He ought to be the one on his knees confessing. He was a Chaplin after all. But the way you whined in discomfort as you tapped around on the tips of your toes and looked so meek made his body hot.

He ran calloused fingers over the leather and then reached out to touch your warm supple skin.

Beautiful. Magnificent. Gorgeous. All failed to express how perfect you looked right then.

Drawing the paddle along your rump he felt his manhood twitch at your gasp.

You were enjoying this too much, he decided. He came to your side, paddle in hand and pulled it back to deliver a hardy thwack against your skin and he drank in your cry with a stifled groan of his own.

The pain was sudden and hot. My right cheek stung as the paddle made contact. It hurt, so why did I not cry out in pain. And why was there a deep and sudden urge to feel more of that burn?

“Count.”

Soren demanded.

I drew in a shaky breath. “One.”

“Good.”

He brought the paddle down on the other cheek.

“Two.” I squeaked the number.

I felt strange, a certain anticipation for the next blow growing. I gasped as his next blow went a bit lower and I heard Soren grunt in satisfaction at something.

“Three.” I mewed.

It was much the same for four and five.

I felt something warm trickle down my thighs and thought for a moment that I was bleeding.

Soren brought the paddle down for six, his manhood was rock hard now. The sight of your excitement dripping down your thighs was simply splendid. “Six~”

He hung the paddle on the hook next to the one you were chained to.

He needed this, his rough hands brushed your rump.

“Chaplin?”

Your voice, your body, your everything. It drove him mad.

His hand came down causing an audible mewl of pleasure to pour from your lips.

He licked his parched lips.

“Number?” He growled.

“Seven.”

“Good..” He almost called you a good girl. “Five more.”

I nodded at his words.

His free hand held my hip as he brought the other down to clap against my ass.

“Mmm!~ E-eight!” This was meant to be a punishment, I shouldn't have been enjoying it.

His hand seemed to linger before he drew it away.

Bringing it back down, alternating which cheek he struck.

Soren was practically panting as you moaned the word “nine” . He looked down at your soaked thighs, licking his lips and closing his eyes as he took a steadying breath.

It only served to fill his nose with your heady and feminine scent.

The Chaplin swallowed and raised his hand, bringing it down again, you counted out and he watched a trickle of slick fluids course down from your wet lower lips.

My ass was on fire, but I'd never felt so high.

Only two more, I whined at the thought. After these next two he'd send me away. I didn't want that, I didn't want him to send me off into the world never to speak of this again.

I'd just have to savor this.

His hand came down, I gasped, and wantonly moaned the next number. “Eleven.”

Soren came around to my back again, I could hear his quiet panting. Was he as affected by this as I was?

“Just one more.”

“Yes, my lord. Give me my just punishment.” The words seemed to pour forth unbidden.

Soren tensed, his hand on the verge of delivering the final blow.

He gave it, in the center of your ass. His hands came away wet, a splotch of your juices on his fingers.

He barely registered your count as he raised his fingers to his lips, he needed this, but it was wrong. Wasn't it?

His tongue darted out and his cock jumped as your salty musk coated his tongue.

His eyes slid shut, it was a moment of pure indulgence. The flavor was unlike anything he'd ever tasted. Fertile with the promise of your body.

Soren could bear it no longer and dropped to his knees. His hands gripping your thighs, just as taste, it was all he needed. A taste.

I was shocked by his actions, my voice failing me as I waited for whatever it was he was going to do.

I felt his thumbs brush the softness of my lower lips as he pulled them apart. I moaned softly into the fabric that had been pulled up and over my neck.

“My lord? What-” My question died on my lips as his tongue ran up my thigh. Collecting the warm sticky fluids I'd been spilling since we began.

He stopped just below my cunt and I whimpered. His tongue then made the slow torturously slow path up my other thigh.

Throne I needed more, I needed him to do this properly.

Was this part of the punishment, teasing me with that hot muscle till I was half mad with need? I already felt close to that anyway. But I doubted it, none of this felt like it was calculated. A spur of the moment decision to indulge in a forbidden fruit.

I could feel his breath, hot and wet as he rubbed at the outer edges of my cunt. His fingers dug into the meat of my thighs and I felt him lean in, silently urging him to do it.

Soren's mind raced, his thoughts a jumble. The sweetness called to him. He watched as a fresh gush of arousal wetted your entrance, and his breathing hitched as he felt the desire to lap it up with his tongue.

He shook his head, his knees felt shaky aashe stood. It was an alien sensation, uncertainty.

“Your punishment has absolved you of your sins… but you still lack the strength you need to finish your tasks. I will..” He swallowed. “I will fill you with the strength you need.”

The raw excitement that I felt was like nothing I'd experienced before.

“Yes, please my Lord. I am weak.” I gasped, submitting to his will and judgment.

I felt something warm and solid hit my back and jolted in place. His hand grasped the thing and his fingers grazed against my back as he stroked himself.

“Beg.”

It was all he had to say.

“Please my Lord, I am so weak. So frail, I need you to lend me your strength, your certainty. So I may serve the emperor with the same fervor and will as you.”

I felt the tip of his cock catch at my entrance and shivered. Then there was a terrible burning as he pressed in his length, made only a fraction easier by my wetness. He was big, so, so big.

He filled me, leaving me breathless as I felt his tip somewhere near my stomach.

Soren leaned over me, a groan welling up from his lips as his hands found the walls for support.

Soren's eyes practically rolled back in his skull as he pushed in as far as he could go. Breathing a few words of adoration as he regained his senses.

His right hand remained on the wall as his left arm grabbed you around the waist. Lifting you just a bit off the floor as your hands grasped the chain making it rattle

“I will give you all that you need, you need only ask.” His hips pulled back, his cock slipping out a fraction, a groan of satisfaction at finally tending to his more human needs accompanied the action.

He wasn't going to stop till he was fully satisfied.

He set a hard even pace, his hips clapping against your tender backside.

I whined, the pain hadn’t lasted, as soon as he began his cock touched all the empty places inside me that I hadn’t known were there.

I cried out for him, begging, pleading, my desperation for his cock was almost shameful. But my shame was the farthest thing from my mind at that moment. I just wanted to cum on him, and feel him cum in me in return.

It was a greedy feeling. Wanting more than he was already giving me. His chest was a persistent heat on my back and he panted out each breath.

Though I knew his transhuman form was not winded.

“Does my body please my lord?”

He groaned, and I felt a smattering of drool hit my shoulder blade as his face lowered down to press into my neck.

“It is..” He grunted, “an excellent vessel to receive the grace of the emperor. I should keep you filled, so that you may never falter. I will have to see to this task.. personally.” He moaned the last word and I clenched around him involuntarily as I understood his meaning.

“I would be honored by my lord’s offer. I would cherish the feeling of being filled by his strength and light. Please my Lord.” I squeaked, pressing my cheek against him. “Please never let me be empty of you.”

He groaned, and picked up his pace, lifting me further till my chain came off the hook. Soren held me as he stumbled back into a chair with me in his lap. He grunted and the sudden change in position forced me down on his cock further. Soren fucked me with an almost mindless need. Mumbling under his breath as if he was praying.

“Never let you be empty. Keep you full of the light. Keep you.. full.”

His left hand went to my stomach and he touched it with such love. It made me shiver and made my head spin.

“Yes.. full.” I gasped and finally came undone on his cock.

Soren fucked me through it, his pace increasing unevenly as he worked his way up to his climax.

He held me down on his cock as he let loose all of his seed.

I felt the heat with every pulse of his cock as he continued to fill my womb with rope after rope.

It felt like he came forever, but really it could only have been a few seconds. Yet I was full by the time he was done.

Just as he promised.

Soren undid the cuff, setting them on his desk and fixing my dress.

Then he took me to a cot I hadn't noticed before, he sat us down and laid me across his lap. Picking up a small bottle from a box next to his bed.

I wasn't sure what he was doing until he lifted the dress again and poured a generous amount of oil onto my still reddened ass.

He set the bottle aside and his calloused hands set to work, massaging the oil into my sore cheeks.

“Thank you.” I broke the silence and he hummed.

“I.. I will not say that I am sorry for all that had transpired here. You took your punishment well..but afterwards.. I did not intend for that. You must forgive me.”

He urged and I did something I didn't expect. I laughed.

It was such an absurd circumstance I just couldn't help it.

“Why are you laughing?” His hand clenched around my ass cheek and I could hear the hurt in his voice.

“There’s nothing to forgive my lord. I would happily do that with you again. And besides, I believe you said you would keep me full right?”

I peek over my shoulders to see his face darken with a blush. It was very cute.

“I would not force that on you.” He told me as he kept rubbing.

“I figured.. but, I enjoyed it. Very much so, that was the best I've ever had.”

“Truely?”

“Yeah, if anything, I feel I should be thanking you. It was fun, even if it was meant to be a punishment.”

Soren met my gaze and held it.

“I will have you assigned to this chapel then.. you will see to its care and when you do a good job… I will keep you filled.”

I smiled at his words. “Thank you my lord.”

He finished and I was going to get up but he pulled me into him, laying down.

“The stairs-” I began but he cut me off.

“Will be there in the morning. Rest now.”

I nodded and laid my head on his chest, sleep came easy.

Soren held you close for hours, just brushing his hands over your form and watching you as you slept. It was good that you rested so easily in his arms. You were going to need all the strength you could get because he was already planning on fulfilling his promise when you woke up.

[thoseyoulove]

Reacting to The Vampire Lestat - Part IV (with a bit of spoilers)

Lestat's narration has gotten so much better actually. I mean, I still don't care when he talks about stuff that doesn't have an effect on him, but when he describes things/people that actually do? It's great. It's just so vivid, rich, colorful, sometimes even abstract that simply makes me giggle and kick my feet. When he gets really thoughtful about life, vampirism, existence, religion, morality, feelings, theater, music etc, it feels like borderline insanity, but in a brilliant way? Feels like I'm tasting some crazy drug and tripping, but it's so good? It activates a very specific part of my neurodivergent brain and I love it because I'll also be having those crazy thoughts all by myself with nobody to talk to and Lestat just gets it.

I also love the excess of exclamations on this POV haha.

Sometimes it just feels like a naive child telling things and is kind of endearing.

ARMAND!

Armand in Lestat's words: he was beautiful, ethereal, sublime, exquisite, delicate, soft, perfect, a Caravaggio painting, a Da Vinci painting, an angel, I found myself in him, the possibility of him, I didn't pay attention to [whatever] because I was looking at him etc etc.

Basically calling him the most beautiful thing he's ever seen, really.

Like, I legit MEMORIZED some of them. Lestat was THAT repetitive lmao.

I don't know if it's because the words were so superlative or because Lestat had it that bad or because I have it that bad just thinking about it, but yeah.

I'm not even kidding when I say I need to take pauses because this is kind of unsettling.

I'm so serious, but I feel like reading Lestat's description of Armand has a bigger effect on me than the prettiest person I have ever seen in freaking R E A L L I F E? What the hell, WHAT IS THIS SORCERY?

Lestat, tone it down, I'm begging you.

Been told Armand is really that gorgeous and every character talks about him that way, so apparently he isn't exaggerating... I'm gonna lie down, bye.

It's even worse because I just picture show!Armand because he's even more handsome there so it makes me dizzy.

Also because Lestat won't miss an opportunity to talk about his beauty? He LITERALLY says it EVERY SINGLE TIME he sees Armand. I'm not joking, I swear on my own life. I'm like, OKAY, WE GET IT? ENOUGH!

Armand (Lestat's version) on season 3 will be insufferable and I'm so ready for it. But also not ready yk.

At this point I'm basically just drooling over him and I don't care.

PERFECT casting with Assad. He incorporates Armand like no other. Everyone on the show is talented and I can see them as their characters, but there's one thing or another that I imagine differently sometimes? But not Armand, like, my Armand looks, walks, moves, talks, stares etc the exact same way Assad does it on the show. Every single time. The others are like, 90% or something for me, but Assad is 100% my imagination? It's like he traveled in time, stole my 2024 thoughts, went back to the past, auditioned, got the part and then played it exactly the way I see it today. It's crazy.

Wouldn't be surprised if that's the case, they already have all these possessions going on, what's more to our little satanic show lmao.

Also, great casting with Assad because no man with red-ish hair has looked this good ever. It just doesn't make sense, I'm sorry.

Armand is a beauty God, but also a really good character and I love his lines. Even when I don't agree with him, I just find him fascinating, the role he has on the story, what he represents, the way he moves the plot, whatever the effect he has on Lestat etc...

Armand's moments are never boring. He'll probably piss me off later, but right now I'm having a great time and the book has never been better.

Lesmand's/Armandstat's moments are always heated. The tension is always there. I'm not telling you what kind. Actually, I don't even know it myself. Do THEY even know?

Sam said something about how you're never sure what they are and I think he's right? At least for now. Let's see it after all the books.

They also act like they've known each other forever, have this crazy history that goes through centuries and they already can push each other's buttons... But they actually, like, only know each other for 5 minutes? CHILL?!

They're sort of soul ties/mirrors/foils/two sides of the same coin-coded in an appealing way.

I guess I can say Armand is my favorite character right now. I always read it faster when he's there, I'm always looking forward to seeing him again, I'm fine when I don't see Gabrielle or Nicki, but I'm always like, BRING HIM BACK. I don't know if I should be worried I'll grow into hating him when stuff happens or if I'll just be an Armand apologist lol. I'm scared. But let's wait to see it.

Samssad on season 3 will be delicious. Specially on the 1700s flashbacks. I'm expecting almost, if not EVERY scene of them there to be INTENSE. Great acting potential there.

I really want to see a moment with Armand and Lestat in a church like on the book? Let's take their angelic faces and curls to the next level. Put them in a church, surrounded by religious figures, stained glasses, candles etc. I don't even care what the context will be. They can be talking, silent, killing each other, doing something else, doing all of it, but give me the heavenly visuals. Actually, if they want to film the entire show in a church they can, it would be so aesthetically pleasing. Bonus points if they use Gothic churches because I'm extremely obsessed with them. Bonus points if they use Sainte-Chapelle because I'm kind of even more hyperfixated on that. I mean, it would never happen, but it should *shrugs*.

Btw, the mess Armand made in the house and the way he was reading the books is very neurodivergent of him.

The way he prefers to talk telepathically instead of speaking out loud is very neurodivergent of him as well.

Nicki is soooooooooo doomed by the narrative, omg. Anne didn't even try to hide it.

I'm not really sure how I feel about Nicki except that he needs therapy...

This is probably the silliest comment so far, I'm no longer thinking clearly after Armand's introduction. Sorry, guys. It will happen again.

The next chapter has his name so I'm scared, but also excited.

P.S. Nothing is permanent, opinions might change and this is based on Lestat’s narration, which can be unreliable. I’m reading the books so I can find out more about the characters, what potential events might happen in the show, what I can expect etc. This is my favorite show in the universe, so I want to be as informed as possible. I have no idea if I’ll become a legit fan of the books or not, but so far I’m enjoying it. I’m posting these comments only for fun.

[jerzwriter]

Money, Money - Tobias x Casey HC

It took me three years to write the story of how my messy kids finally got their act together and ended up together. By the time they did, they had a solid foundation of friendship underneath them, and they were so in love. I imagine the honeymoon period was intense; however, nothing is perfect, and transitioning from friends to so much more comes with its challenges. So, I decided it's time to finally write those stories, too. I think this one would take place about a month after they got together. I hope you enjoy it!

Book: Open Heart (Late Book 2 Timeline) Pairing: Tobias Carrick x Casey MacTavish (F!MC) Rating: Teen Words: 2,500 Summary: Tobias and Casey are finally together, and madly in love; things are going smoothly until Casey learns something about her new boyfriend... and she's not pleased. How will they work it out?

A/N: Above, also, participating in @choicesjunechallenge2024 - “You’ve got to make up your mind.”

Tobias x Casey Masterlist Open Heart Masterlist Full Masterlist

It was a perfect Sunday morning in the roomie’s cozy Boston apartment. At least, Jackie thought so. With two of the five roomies working – and Bryce conspicuously absent – the place was quiet for a change. Even better, Sienna and Aurora had prepared a delicious breakfast to enjoy for no more than a promise to do the dishes. Sitting at the table in her raggedy old t-shirt, shoveling homemade waffles into her mouth was as good as it gets.

“These are so good,” she drooled.

“Thanks,” Sienna replied proudly. “I saved this new recipe for our next girls’ day.”

“Girls’ day less one,” Aurora clarified.

“I know,” Sienna frowned. “I’m really happy for Casey, but I miss her since she's dating Tobias. I feel like she’s never here anymore.”

“Because she’s not, and we all know why that is,” Jackie snickered.

“I know,” Sienna chuckled. “I was just hoping she’d be home a little more often.”

“There are five people in five bedrooms here... Tobias has five bedrooms for the two of them at his place. Can’t say I blame her,” Aurora shrugged.

“Yeah, and the upside is, if they go there, we don’t have to hear them,” Jackie added. 

Aurora raised her glass of orange juice in agreement, but Sienna wasn't sold.

“Still, I’d be willing to sleep with earplugs once in a while to see Casey more often."

“I would, too,” Aurora agreed. The two women turned to Jackie, seeking to make it unanimous, but she stalled.

“All right! And that speaks to how much I love her. I'd do it once in a while as long as I could mock them both in the morning."

"Well, that goes without saying," Aurora smirked.

“Good!! I’ll talk to her!”

“Sienna!” Aurora laughed. “We're just making conversation. I didn’t think it was an actual offer!”  

“Well, why not?” Sienna asked. “She’s only home about two nights a week now. If I happen to be working those nights, I don’t see her.”

“You act like you don’t work with her!” Jackie pointed out when the women were interrupted by the sound of the front door slamming shut.

“I’ll grab the bat,” Jackie whispered.

“IT’S CASEY!” Aurora shouted. “Put the bat down, Jackie!”

“Casey! We were just talking about you! Did you eat? I can make you more waffles if you....”

But Sienna came to a halt when Casey stepped brusquely into the kitchen. With her coat still on, breathing heavily, her nostrils flaring; it was clear that food was the last thing on her mind.

“Casey?” Sienna asked cautiously.

“What did Carrick do?” Jackie snapped, still twirling the baseball bat in her hands. “I’ll kill him!”

“Jackie! Why do you automatically assume Tobias did something!” Aurora scolded before turning to Casey. “So, what did he do?”

Casey glanced at each of her friends in astonishment. After taking a shaky breath, she exclaimed, "He's rich!" Her coat fell in a crumpled heap on the kitchen floor as she turned on her heel and stormed into the living room. She threw herself onto the couch, repeating, "He's fucking rich!"

“Uhm, this is news to you?” Aurora asked.

“And... that's a bad thing?” Sienna followed.

“Leave her alone, guys,” Jackie said with what momentarily appeared to be sympathy. “It’s easy to see how she could have missed it. You know, a five-bedroom townhome in Boston, the $80,000 Jaguar and $90,000 Genesis. It’s pretty hard to tell he’s not just your average dude struggling to get by.”

Casey's eyes went wide. “That’s how much those cars cost!”

Jackie pinched the bridge of her nose with disgust. “Sometimes I question why I’m friends with you.”

Sienna glared at Jackie as she sad beside Casey. “I think what Jackie’s trying to say... in her very Jackie way... is... how didn’t you know he was rich?”

Casey leaned forward, holding her head in her hands. “Obviously, I knew he was well off. I’m not that dumb! But I figured he had successful doctor kind of money. I didn’t know he was loaded, old-money, practically 1% kind of rich!”

“Casey?” Aurora questioned. “He’s a Carrick of the DC Carricks...he is 1% kind of rich. Or at least his family is. How did you not know that?” 

"Aurora, you're rich. That might matter to people in your family's social circle. But I was a poor kid from South Philly. Back-to-school shopping meant digging through a Hefty bag of my older cousin's hand-me-downs. The Carrick family wasn't exactly on our radar."

“But you’re into politics,” Aurora countered. “His last name is Carrick. He's from DC. It never crossed your mind?”

“It’s not the most common surname, but there are more than a few Carricks in the world. So, no,” she said on the verge of tears. “It never crossed my mind.”

“Oh, boo-hoo-hoo,” Jackie interrupted. “You’ve met a hot guy who worships the ground you walk on, gives you the most incredible orgasms of your life, and he’s filthy rich. My heart aches for you, Case!"

Sienna shot Jackie another silencing glare. “What Jackie’s trying to say... in her very Jackie way... is.... how exactly is this a bad thing?”

"Guys, you know me. My family was poor; my mom's medical bills nearly destroyed us. I despise how the capitalist system works. It nauseates me that the richest 0.1% of Americans control $20 trillion in wealth while the bottom 50% only control $3.7 trillion!"

“How does she know those stats?” Jackie whispered.

“Jackie! Stop,” Casey interrupted. “The bottom line is, I’m in love with the enemy!”

“He’s not the enemy,” Aurora said with a roll of her eyes. “Really? My family is wealthy. Does that make me the enemy, too?”

“No,” Casey said, abashed. “It’s just that amount of wealth and the power that comes with it... it makes me very uncomfortable.”

“So at least no one can say you're in love with him because of his money,” Sienna offered. “That’s a good thing. But are you are in love with him, right?"

“Of course! You know how much I love him!"

“Then wouldn’t holding his wealth against him be as messed up as if he held your lack of wealth against you?” Sienna replied.

“He can’t help what family he was born to,” Aurora added. “Trust me, I know.”

“I see your point,” Casey agreed. “But it makes me so... uncomfortable. How would I even fit in in that world?”

“You fit very nicely into his world," Jackie noted. "And isn't that all that matters?"

“What will his family think of me?” Casey worried.

“You won’t know until you meet them,” Aurora stated. “But from what I hear, his mom is so happy he’s settling down, I think you’ll do just fine!"

“Have you discussed any of this with Tobias?” Jackie asked.

“No... not really. He told me he was one of the Carricks, and I sort of had a panic attack and rushed out of his place.”

“Wow," Jackie sputtered. "You handled that like a champ!”

“Jackie!” Sienna scolded. “Casey, we're always willing to listen to you, but the person you need to talk to is probably sitting home stressing out right now.”

“Yeah, his very expensive home,” Jackie offered.

"I feel like an idiot," Casey sighed. "What do I say to him now?"

"You'll figure it out," Aurora smiled. "But if I were you, I'd go back over now, don't let this fester."

~~~~~

Twenty minutes later, a weary Casey stood at Tobia's front door. Leaning against the frame, he met her with tender eyes but remained silent.

“May I come in?” she muttered, reaching to touch his hand.

“You want to?” he questioned.

“I’m here, aren't I?"

He kicked the door open, and Casey walked through, heading straight to his living room. Tobias poured two glasses of water, handed one to Casey, and then sat beside her in silence, waiting for her to speak.

“I’m sorry,” she whispered.

“All right, but from where I stand, you have nothing to be sorry for... but I wouldn't mind an explanation.”

“Tobias, I didn't know that you were one of the Carricks. I knew you were well off, obviously, but I never thought you were, like, old-school money, and... that's difficult for me."

“Really," he half-chucked, placing his water on the coffee table. "That’s a selling point for most...”

“Well, I’m not most,” she sighed. “Tobias, I haven't gone into detail about my family, but I grew up poor. My dad had to work three jobs to keep a roof over our heads when my mom got sick, and her medical bills nearly left us on the street. I know what it’s like living in poverty and the inequities that come with it. It dictates how safe your neighborhood is if you can eat healthy foods, and god forbid you to get sick; it can literally determine who lives and dies. The system is so fucked up, and I hate it.”

“All right,” he replied calmly. "But I can see those things too.”

“Can you? Because you see those things as a spectator, I grew up in the game. I know what it's like to attend an inner-city school. My parents tried to shield me, but I'd hear my mom lying in bed in agony, and they'd put off going to the hospital because they just couldn't afford another visit. It shaped my worldview and I've wanted to do what I can to make things more equitable."

"I know," he interrupted. "And that's one of the things I admire about you."

"But, don't you see? I've always been distrusting of those with vast wealth; I'm very uncomfortable with the concept, and this isn't easy for me."

Tobias fidgeted beside her. "So, does this change how you feel about me? Do you still want to be with me?"

"Tobias, of course not! I love you, and that doesn't change, but I'm frightened. How will this impact us?"

“Personally, I don’t think it has to impact us at all unless we allow it to."

"I think that's a little naive," she said, her face beginning to falter. "Think about it, will I fit into your world?"

"Casey," he said, putting his arm around her and pulling her close. "You are my world."

"Tobias," she sighed.

"No, let me finish. You mean everything to me, I couldn't care less what you have or don't have. What matters to me is you and the person you are. And while I'll admit, I'm spoiled and like some luxuries, have you exactly seen me hitting up country clubs? I'm much more comfortable at a local bar or at a Red Sox game."

"Yeah," she snickered. "With your season tickets to the Red Sox."

"One of the luxuries I like," he sighed. "But that doesn't make me a bad person, Casey."

“You know, even before this, I should have seen it. How do we mesh our existence? Tobias, I shop at the discount racks at TJ Maxx. There are weeks I have $40 in my pocket until payday... the inequity between us is....”

“It’s not a problem for me.”

"But do you see, it would be easier for you," she replied with tears in her eyes. "Like if you wanted to go on vacation with me, I can't afford to go. I probably won't be able to for a long time."

"And you think I'd ask you to pay?"

"And you think I'd be OK with not paying?"

"Casey," he began, his tone turning serious, "you're the woman I love, and it's obvious you're not gold-digging here," he chuckled softly. "We can discuss how we'll handle this more, but no one has ever meant as much to me as you do. I know we're still new, but there's nothing I wouldn't do for you, and I don't expect anything in return, and I'm not about to use my money as a power play. I see you as my equal in every way, and if I haven't shown that well enough, then that's on me, and I'll do better. But please, Casey, don't let this come between us."

"Oh, Tobias," she sighed. "You've never done anything to make me feel like I'm anything less than your equal. This… this is on me. You must think I'm a reverse snob."

"Nah," he chuckled, standing up to pour them something stronger. Casey accepted the drink with a smile.

"I think you have valid concerns. Inequity within relationships can be a big thing. But I'm confident we could work through it. As I said, you're my equal."

“What about your family? Will they accept me?”

"Funny you should ask," he chuckled. "You assume my entire family is rich. My dad's side was the Carricks, but my mom's side sounds a lot like your family growing up. I was immersed in both worlds, which came with its own challenges. But I'm not blind or indifferent on this topic. As for the Carricks," he snorted and took a long drink, "We can talk all about the joys of growing up a Carrick one day. I honestly don't care what anyone thinks; you are the person I want by my side."

"You sure?"

"Casey, the family that matters to me, I know they'll love you. And even if they didn't, it wouldn't change how I feel."

Tobias shook his head and began to laugh, catching Casey by surprise.

"What's so funny?"

"I'm just thinking... I always worried someone might want me for my money. I never thought someone would dump me because of it."

Casey looked up with concern. “Oh, Tobias. No! No, no, no,” she said, hugging him tight. “I’m not leaving you. That never crossed my mind. I love you too much. But how do we make this work? We are bound to have different ideas, and what if we have a family of our own one day? This will really matter."

"Family?" He smirked. "You want a family with me? I can't even get you to officially move in with me."

Casey rolled her eyes. "I'm here all the time."

"Unofficially. I have yet to see a change of address form."

Casey playfully shoved him, and he dramatically fell back, giving her the opportunity to jump on top of him. Feeling better, she took a deep breath and nuzzled against his chest.

“Do you give a lot of money to charity?”

“Yes,” he chortled.

“Would I think it’s enough?”

“Probably not, but we can discuss that.”

“You better believe we will be if we end up... you know.”

“No," he teased. "I don't know. If we end up what, exactly?"

“Shut up," she laughed. "I love you, Tobias, and I’m sorry if I overreacted.”

“I’m sorry for being ignorant about how much this would mean to you. You're right, I’m sure there will be things we’ll have to bridge, but I think we can do anything together, baby."

"So do I," she grinned.

“Now... about this family of ours."

“Oh, God," Casey covered her face, which was turning bright red.

“Don't worry, I'll let that go for now. But, I would love to introduce you to my existing family... what do you say?”

She shifted into an upright position, her eyes meeting his. “Can I wear something from TJ Maxx?”

“You can wear whatever you want.”

“Then I suppose I should bite that bullet.”

“Nice," he smiled. "I’ll make arrangements shortly, but until then," he paused, pulling her close for a long, lingering kiss. "Can I give you something else to bite?"

Casey let out a squeal as he began to tickle her. Jumping to her feet, she rushed to the stairs. "I'll race you to your bedroom!"

"Bedroom?" he challenged. "We're all alone. We don't need to go to the bedroom."

"Bedroom!" she hollered, her voice echoing down the stairs.

"Then bedroom it is," he grinned. "I'm right behind you!"

(And a good time was had by all! lol - Thanks for reading!)

@choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics

Tagging others separately.

[lokisis]

It’s no fun if you just tear away the mask, you know.

But sure, I’ll give you answers, if you can endure my theatrics.

Excerpted from The Magnus Archives, episode 172 “Strung Out”

“ANNOUNCER (B.G.)

Ladies and gentlemen, the performance is about to begin. Please take your seats.

[THE AUDIENCE APPLAUDS.]

ARCHIVIST (STATEMENT)

(over applause) The Tragedy of Francis: A comic puppet show in all acts.

[THE APPLAUSE PETERS OUT.]

[NOTE: ALL “STAGE DIRECTIONS” AND “DIALOG” SHOWN IN BLOCKQUOTES BELOW ARE “READ” BY THE ARCHIVIST, AS IF HE IS HOLDING A COPY OF A SCRIPT. FRANCIS, THE SPIDER, AND THE PLAY’S OTHER “CHARACTERS” ALL SPEAK ONLY THROUGH HIS NARRATION. SOUND EFFECTS IN BRACKETS LIKE THIS – INCLUDING AUDIENCE LAUGHTER AND APPLAUSE – ARE ACTUAL AUDIBLE SOUND EFFECTS.]

Act Forty-Eight Thousand and Sixty-Seven:

A stage that is a room that remains a stage. The audience watches, drooling, expectant.”

…

“As it lowers them back to the ground, FRANCIS tries again to curse at THE SPIDER. To tell it it has no right to these voices, to leave all of them out of this.”

“THE SPIDER: ‘Oh, but I did not bring them. I did not write their lines in your little farce. You are the one that brought them. You devised the steps of this dance; I am simply here to… help you through them, when you forget.’ (beat) ‘Oh, watch out!’”

End of excerpt.

And somewhere, a stranger celebrates the completion of their best story yet, and their joy is shared because they shared this story with their friends and acquaintances with their mutual interest.

And in this story, there is a character that is a lightner who is really a demon playing at being an angel playing at being a demon. But in reality, they are a mirror of either author or reader, made in the perfect shape to love the version of you in this story.

Because the author’s story was as much fantasy and wish fulfillment as it was a narrative to be told, every demonstration of trust, every serious conversation where hearts were bared and secrets exposed: all of it was shown to the audience.

So, let me ask you: what have we done, if not watch you now? Are these prying eyes of mine not identical to every other hungry, watching thing?

To forgo the flowery language, I happen to read a lot of stories, and sometimes they’re about you. Very much in an “eldritch entity that creates universes by dreaming about them” sort of way, and sometimes the details bleed through.

Yes, you never told me that your “associate” ordered you to rend the skin from your hands, but I was eavesdropping on a different version of you, who told his best friend such a thing. This friend is not someone who you have ever met, because they do not exist outside of that singular story. Though, they were made to match and compliment you as best as anyone could, they were made as love given form. You will never meet them, because they do not exist here. Too bad, so sad.

I also know that people used to throw you in the acid pool at queen’s mansion, to bully you. I know you have strange shortcuts through the city, where when inside, they temporarily restore things to their “original form.”

I’m sure I could re read the story and find new, invasive secrets about you, but believe it or not, I lead a fulfilling and rich life outside of my interference here.

A [Story]…?

I C. THEN LET ,ME TELL YOU [my own]

GET IT? I DONT HAVE ANY [skin care routine to make you look ]

THERE IS NOTHING LEFT.

[abitohoney]

~ Sugar Baby Sevika ~

So after receiving an ask for Sugar Mommy Sevika (you can check out the post here), I decided I wanted to do the reverse as well. Honestly, this was probably just an excuse for me to dabble some more in bottom/sub Sevika before I someday get to the Sub!Sevika story I have planned. Total role reversal from what I usually write. Hopefully I pulled it off. 😬

(I couldn't resist using this screenshot for reasons you will soon learn 🤭) disregard how her drool is defying gravity because I rotated the screenshot

NSFW, MDNI, Explicit

Maybe you’re in an unloving marriage, or maybe your spouse simply can’t fulfill your specific needs, so you’re left to look for another source to scratch that itch. Or maybe it’s simply that you have nobody waiting for you at home at all, and crave some intimacy or a means to release some stress built up from your mentally taxing job.

What you’re looking for, you can’t find through the typical channels. You’re not looking for some cute, little, young thing. You want someone with more experience, confidence, and strength. But not for reasons one might think. You have something else in mind entirely.

I could see you meeting Sevika at the gym you frequent after a long day at work. You don't ask her outright to form such an arrangement. You approach her several times over the course of several days, conversing about the equipment, her workout routine, your jobs, and even sneaking in some more personal questions to feel out if she’s even available and interested in you. But you also don't pussyfoot around with much small talk. You get to the point quickly.

One late night, when you two are the only remaining patrons at the gym, you follow Sevika into the locker room. She has a white towel wrapped loosely around the sweaty, dark skin of her neck and broad shoulders. The sight makes your body heat with excitement. Tonight is the night you're going to make the proposition. You step up beside her, your locker coincidentally adjacent to hers.

Sevika side-eyes you, a tiny smirk playing at her dark lips when she catches you far less discreetly ogling her sweat-covered muscles when she reaches to open her locker.

You've seen her enough times, even spoken with her enough, to know she's got an ego. And you know exactly how to stroke it.

"You've got quite the routine out there," you say with just a hint of a flirty tone. You open your own locker, but your attention remains on Sevika's expression, watching for any signs of emotion on her typically stoic face. When she simply peers at you from her periphery while taking a long drink from her water bottle, you take that as permission to continue.

"I really admire a woman with such determination and discipline. It's hard to find a woman with strength like yours."

Now that seems to get her attention, as she tosses her towel and a change of clothes on the bench behind her and turns her full attention to you, that delightful smirk of hers on the verge of appearing in full.

"Yeah?" She asks, her rich voice dripping with confidence as she leans her elbow against the locker door, intentionally flexing that glorious bicep of hers right in front of your face.

You turn to face her with a sultry smile before letting your gaze fall to her obvious display. "Mhm."

She raises a brow ever so slightly, clearly intrigued as to where this conversation is headed.

"Listen, this might be a bit too forward, but I'm looking for someone who can provide me with some specific-" you pause, glancing off into the distance as if searching for the word, "-services. And you look like the perfect fit. I would, of course, pay you-" you pause again, this time to drag the tip of your index finger over her bicep suggestively, "-handsomely." Your eyes trail back up to her face, noting how she arches that brow even higher at your audacity. But that crooked little grin plays at her lips too, so you finish your question. "Interested?"

She's definitely interested, but she thinks this will be her railing you, not the other way around. But you didn’t pick her for that. You wanted someone who wasn't used to being the center of attention or giving up control. You wanted someone challenging. Someone you’d have to work with to break the status quo. Someone who needed, and probably even subconsciously wanted, to know what it's like to be on the receiving end of pleasure.

Sevika is hesitant at first, that first night you explain exactly what you want to do with her, or rather to her. But she's also undeniably intrigued, and your offered generous payment (money, gifts, travel, whatever she wanted really) helps seal the deal.

She may not like to admit it, may even refuse to, but she quickly finds that she actually loves allowing you to take charge. She enjoys letting go for once, being the one to submit, to receive that direct pleasure, attention, and praise. And the spoiling with money, gifts, and material things? That's just the icing on the cake. Icing and cake she never thought she'd try yet now finds she craves it.

You’re loving it just as much as you expected. She makes you feel alive. The control you have over this fierce woman. The way that hard, tough facade of hers crumbles the moment you get her alone. It feels so good to make her feel good.

You always give her a safe word when you venture into more wild territory, but she never uses it. She revels in all the terribly sinful things you do to her.

You kneel in the middle of Sevika’s bed, taking a brief moment to catch your breath and admire the sight before you. Sevika’s wrists are tightly bound together by her own bra- a soft, pink, lacy thing you bought her when you went shopping during your last business trip. Her hands rest against the pillow just above where her face is pressed into it in an attempt to hide her blissful expression and muffle her sounds of pleasure. And despite how wide you’ve got those deliciously thick thighs of her spread, her perfectly sculpted ass still sits high in the air, and it's currently weakly pushing back against your thighs in an attempt to ride the light-pink strap you have buried inside her.

You think she looks so pretty like this. Exposed, naked, vulnerable, and so very needy. Just for you. But you want to see her expression, hear all those pretty sounds she makes when you fuck her like this. You want to know exactly how good she feels.

When you start slowly thrusting inside her again, you grab her by the little half-ponytail at the back of her head and yank- hard, pulling her upright and making her back arch. And good god, it’s fucking divine. The curve of her muscular back is breathtakingly beautiful.

Her throaty cry of pain mixed with pleasure is cut short when you stuff two fingers so deep down her throat that she gags with each violent thrust of your hips. Drool quickly slides down your hand and arm before dripping onto the sheets.

“Uh-uh,” you tut, “No hiding, baby.” You pull her head impossibly closer to yours, making her jaw fall slack and those beautiful gray eyes roll back. “I want to see that pretty face,” you coo against her ear.

That earns you a pathetic, almost whiney, groan. She fucking loves when you talk to her like that.

“Mommy wants to hear those lovely sounds too,” you purr before sliding your wet fingers from her mouth to wrap around her thick throat. “Do you like when Mommy fucks you like this?”

When she doesn’t immediately answer, only releases a deep, guttural moan, you shove her head back down against the mattress and bring your hand down hard against the curve of her ass.

“Fuck!” Her throaty curse is almost loud enough to drown out the resounding SMACK of your skin against hers.

“Do you want Mommy to stop?” you threaten, pulling the strap out of her weeping cunt until just the very tip remains.

“No! No please!” she whines in that low, throaty tone that makes you downright melt. Like she's so afraid to admit it, but so desperate to get it. “Please Mommy, I’ll be good.”

You bury the faux cock to the hilt, shaking the bed hard enough to rattle the headboard against the wall. Sevika’s curse turns into a long, quiet groan as you bend over her large body and wrap an arm around her to cup a breast.

“Then answer me,” you growl and give her a rough squeeze.

“Yes- I- I like when you fuck me like this,” she groans and closes her eyes shut tight.

“That’s my good girl,” you whisper before pressing a tender kiss to the back of her shoulder.

Each night you have her, you make sure she’s one hundred percent satisfied. You might be paying her for this, but her pleasure is your pleasure.

But what brings you the most satisfaction out of this entire arrangement, is how she looks afterwards.

You love how beautiful she looks with her lipstick smudged, makeup running down her face from her tears of euphoria, hair loose and sticking to her sweaty skin. That glowing appearance she gets after a good fuck. And the cherry on top? That almost bashful smile on her gorgeously chiseled face when she sees you so openly admiring her.

And you don't hold back on the aftercare either. Cleaning her up, giving her water, touching her gently, and whispering sweet-nothings against her skin.

You lie on your back with your head propped up on Sevika’s pillows, basking in the afterglow of another wonderful night of pure bliss. Sevika’s head rests on your bare chest, one cheek pressed to your cleavage as she listens to your heartbeat, her still-naked body partially sprawled across yours. Your breath has calmed down since cleaning her up, but her breaths still come out shaky and ragged. You fucked her real good tonight. You comb your fingers through her sweat-slick hair soothingly, feeling proud to be the one to give this big, beautiful woman something nobody else can.

“You really are beautiful, baby,” you say softly.

She has her face turned away from you, intentionally trying to hide her expression, but you see the way her exposed cheek flushes at your words. She adores the praise.

“You were so good for me,” you whisper, tracing a fingertip along the outer edge of her ear.

And after she passes out against your body, you reluctantly slip off the bed, but not without first giving her forehead a tender kiss when you hear her groan at the loss of your warmth. You leave a generous amount of money on her bedside table along with a wrapped bottle of her favorite wine and box of cigars before finally heading home, wishing you could just stay all night with her or bring her home with you.

You grow attached quickly. It's hard not to when such a strong, beautiful woman gives you access to her body and mind. Of course the heart is sure to get tangled in it at some point. Not that you mind. You’d happily make this a more permanent arrangement if Sevika would have it.

And she would. She too can't deny there's more to this than the money and material things. Nobody has ever fucked her like you do. Taken such good care of her. Made her feel the way you do. Made her feel- So. Damn. Good. All that attention, praise, and the tenderness you show her. She'd gladly let you have your way with her free of charge if you asked.

But you don't ever even consider asking. You enjoy spoiling your darling sugar baby way too much.

[thesafecafe]

A Man in Uniform: Feb Filth Fest day 3

CW + Disclaimer: 18+, MDNI, uniform kink, thigh riding, degradation (whore), desperate reader, fem! reader, reader has big boobs and is thirsty af and vocal about it, lmao, slight humiliation, Jongho stoic captain arc, non-idol au, smut under the cut, and yeah, enjoy! Disclaimer: I do not believe that the members of Ateez would act in this way in real life, nor is this meant to be a reflection or guide to their real personalities. This is a fictional depiction for entertainment purposes

Words: 647

Jongho sighed, flexing his thigh as he watched you. His uniform was going to be drenched if you kept riding his thigh the way you were. He reflected on how you’d gotten in this position with him. You had certainly gotten further than all of the women in his office, that was for sure. And they had all tried different tactics, trying to be sneaky, and roundabout. But not you. 

______________

There he was again, the stoic captain of the finest military  fleet in South Korea. You had always thought he was insanely attractive, all but drooling when you saw him walk by in his uniform. He was always ready for a public appearance, not a hair out of place. Captain Choi was possibly one of the most eligible bachelors in the city. Commanding his own fleet at such a young age, along with his intelligence, bravery and elegant appearance made him the envy of men, and the perfect match for the wealthy women who clamored for his attention.

You had heard stories of him, and eventually came to work in the same building, as a receptionist under him. You hated when the rabid groups of other women invaded your workplace, demanding appointments and to speak with the Captain immediately. You heard their plans of swaying him, their schemes to get to his riches, claiming he was worth a fortune. You hated them all. They were like a pack of ravenous wolves, trying to waste the captain’s time with senseless things. You kept them at bay the best you could, until one day, things changed. 

You had just dealt with another pack of annoying women, before going to deliver the captain’s lunch. The office was empty, or so you thought. As you walked, you saw a woman seemingly yelling at Jongho, as she was dragged away from his office by two of his men. You watched as he rubbed his temples, a clear sign of stress taking over. It was then that all of the self control that you’d had for months snapped. The want and need that you had suppressed every time he passed by your desk, giving that bright smile, sprung free of restraint, and you hurried into his office, locking the door.

You were direct with him, and so sweet about it. A certain hunger in your eyes intrigued the captain. “I’ll do anything for you, no strings attached. Just the relief that I see you ache for every day. I’ll be anything you want, just please use me.” You’d whispered softly in his ear as you massaged his shoulders. One thing led to another, and you found yourself being under the command of the Captain.

___________

Which was how he’d gotten here. Jongho found something about your desperation for him attractive. You weren’t ashamed to put exactly what you thought out into the air, and he found it hard to resist. “You’re such a desperate little whore, aren’t you? Coming into my office and practically begging to be my personal cock sleeve.” He flexed his thigh again, making you whine at the extra added friction. He leaned in close, his voice just above a whisper. 

“The people in the lobby can hear us through the vent, you know. But I bet you knew that, huh pretty girl, you were just too desperate to care.” Your face burned in embarrassment, but you kept going, starting to speed up your hips a bit. “I, I know.” You whined when you noticed Jongho watching your chest bounce in fascination. You were naturally blessed, and he was appreciating the view. “I want, want them to hear. To know. They’re not good enough for you.” You gasped when he brought his hands up, squeezing your breasts together. 

“A shameless little whore, hmm? They don’t deserve me? That’s true. Keep going, and we’ll see if you deserve my cock.”

__________

Tags: @minhyuuk, @hwalysm​, @atinyszn​, @hijeongguk​, @mintmoose64​, @k-drizzle​, @treasure-hwa​

[naokiscoffee]

What makes Itazura na Kiss: Love in Tokyo so special?

This is probably my twelfth thousand re-watch of this drama, but this is not like all the other rewatches. I have decided to make this one special by using it to analyse the drama in more depth, and attempt to uncover why I love it as much as I do, despite all it’s flaws. I am writing this as I watch the episodes, so it might be considered somewhat of a commentary.

Season 01 Episode 01

Starting off with the first episode, the opening scene is fantastic in my opinion. I love how we are getting introduced to Kotoko in the comfort of her own room, and getting a peek into her hearts deepest wish. I honestly think that this might be what made me like this version of Kotoko from the get go.

However, technically, the actual first scene of the story is the iconic confession scene (if you would even call it that). I am going to go on a tangent here and just say that I am an absolute fan of her letter, but I will get back to that in a later episode.

The way she is nervous and excited before confessing and the way he flat out rejects her before she even has the chance to confess always makes me feel crushed for her, and is the reason why I initially disliked him. But now that I am actually analysing it, it is less harsh than how I’ve always perceived it (or this might just be me trying to explain it away).

Hear me out, consider the implication that he has a whole queue of girls that like him, drool over him and confess to him in school, his reaction/rejection is really not that surprising. Imagine receiving confessions from a bunch of girls, when you just want to live your life in peace … that must get old and tiresome fairly quickly. Additionally, the fact that the whole entire school is talking about the rejection might explain why he didn't accept her letter; had he accepted it (even if he rejected her afterwards), the whole school would probably assume that they were dating. On the other hand it makes me think, why would the whole school be interested in someone confessing? are we back in kindergarten?

We see later on that she still has that card with her. I think that for her, getting rid of it would feel like getting rid of her feelings for him, which is why she holds on to it.

Anyways, I find it quite ironic when Kotoko’s friends tell her “you and Irie are from different worlds” . Their worlds are literally going to forcibly merge under one roof very very soon.

Another random thought I got, like a lot of my thoughts are, was why did Kotoko like Naoki, and not like Kinnouske? I mean he might not be handsome, he might not be smart, he might not be rich, but he is hardworking, talented and most importantly, he liked Kotoko, and was always nice towards her. This version’s Kinnouske has always been my favourite one. I think this version does a good job at portraying him as a three dimensional person, rather than a comic relief kind of personality *cough* Itazura Na Kiss 1996 *cough*.

When I started to pay more attention, I realised that although I do love Kinnouske, I do find him to often do things based on his own feelings, and does not consider what Kotoko wants. For example, I cant help but feel that he is a bit insensitive for being happy when Kotoko is sad after deciding to ‘give up’ on Naoki. This is a small detail, and perhaps I am reading too much into it, but I do feel that Itazura Na Kiss is all about the details. He sort of redeems himself for it by asking his friends to come and help her move, but soon it goes to shit again, which I will come to later on.

I really like — at this point, everything really, but anyways — the reoccurring mentioning of “less possible than getting hit by a shooting star”, which is a kind of teaser to what is to come later on in the show. Although I’ve always thought that the reason for their house being destroyed in this version to be a bit dumb, I admit, I do like the thought and metaphor behind it, so I will turn I blind eye to it. I also find it hilarious how it ended up all over the news.

Kotoko’s extremely optimistic outlook despite everything that happened is perhaps her most charming personality trait. It makes me feel that her optimism is somehow what everything work out for her in the end.

Now, to one of the scenes I dislike most in this story. I am always tempted to skip the first episode altogether to avoid it. And that’s the scene where Kinnouske is collecting donations for Kotoko. Here we see Kin-chan’s good intentions having not so good results. I get the feeling that he does what he thinks is helpful for her, and never once stops to consider her feelings or ask her opinion on it, and the way she gets annoyed with him tells me that she’s not that fond of this either, despite what his intentions were.

Back to Naoki. Looking at the size of that entrance, he could have 100% just walked around Kotoko and Kinnouske and gone in. Heck, following the little pattern we have so far, wouldn’t he purposefully avoid them to maintain a quiet and peaceful life? Now, he did just the contrary and approached them. Considering the fact that by the end of the episode he already knows about the arrangement (of her going to his home to stay there with her father), it would be safe to assume that at this moment in time, he already knows that she would stay in his house. This is supported by his response to her “preferring to die over taking his money”; “are you sure you want to tell me that?”. Therefore I assume that he approaches her out of curiosity.

If you pay close attention to this interaction, you will notice that Naoki did not say one thing that was wrong or out of line. Naoki giving Kotoko the money was not very nice. But more than anything, it was quite confusing. He told her “If I donate this money, you won’t argue with me anymore”. Now, Kinnouske was the one arguing with Naoki, so why would Naoki tell Kotoko that? Is it because he sees her as the most reasonable one, or rather, is it because they’re ‘her’ friends (thus making her responsible for them)?

Kotoko was the one with an explosive reaction in this situation [although she was in the wrong, I like how she stood by her friend eventhough they were fighting a few moments ago (if she realised the previously mentioned point that is).], and was more than a bit mean when saying “do you even have friends?”. Here we see just how much of an opposite to her he is. Instead of having an explosive reaction like Kotoko had, Naoki just finds her reaction amusing and leaves calmly.

Now to when she goes with her father to the Irie household. Naoki’s mother’s (Noriko’s) comment of “you and I seem like we were meant to meet” and the fact that she knows that she’s in the same school as Naoki tells me that he told her about Kotoko; which in turn makes me think that she left a memorable impression on him. Kotoko’s reaction to seeing Naoki is Hilarious, especially te part where she’s too shocked, and is not shy to say “I’m just do surprised … because Iri-chan-san and Irie-kun don’t look alike at all” (I really am starting to realise and understand why Naoki finds her amusing).

Another one of those small details; the way her father scoots away right off the bat when he saw Yuki asking her a question about a kanji character, and pretending to look at a random décor piece kills me (It’s nice to keep in mind; despite how similar Kotoko might sometimes be to her dad, he still has more awareness of his own ‘stupidness’ than her).

I recently watched one of @Machitsuki2 ‘s analysis videos, and like she pointed out, I did in fact notice how Kotoko was going straight to the food and cakes, while Naoki was mainly only sipping coffee (even during breakfast). This will become really important later on.

Lastly, I love the interaction between Noriko and Kotoko when she takes her up to show her her room; Kotoko found a mother she never had, and Noriko found the daughter she never had. They are the first puzzle pieces that fit into each other perfectly.

When Naoki comes in and tells Kotoko that she took Yuki’s room, I get the feeling that rather than an insult it served to make Kotoko understand why Yuki disliked her so much. I might be a bit delulu, but I kind of feel that Naoki did this on purpose? anyone?

When Noriko asks Kotoko “do you like(suki) Sukiyaki?” and Kotoko looks at her (in Naoki’s direction) and confidently answers “I like it! (suki-desu!)” almost feels directed at Naoki. It is in fact the first time he hears her say it. This next part I had to go back and watch once more; Naoki only starts being mean to her when she pulled the bag from him (not wanting his help) and he saw the letter she wrote him drop out of it. I do wonder if he is mean to her because of that letter, or maybe because he thought she was rude towards him?

To be continued…(maybe)

[theoldoor]

fenrir lore maybe

“those eyes, child. who did you steal from?”

left over crumbs of a thief

—- fenrir lore time :3

two thieves with weird ass eyes

sooo fenrir lore timeee :3

i wanted to make his eyes similar to that andalusite over there but keeping a cooler colors because, well, kiwis LOL

i was on a hiking trail and then i stopped by a kiwi stand and i was like “hold on that looked like fenrir’s eyes” and it actually works so well as his eyes cuz this is what i planned to make his eyes to be LOL

but lore time,

I rewrote fenrir’s lore a bit so his origin is a weebit different now,

>group of people following harmony decided to be evil and borrowed powers from the abundance to mix species together to in hope, make a superior humanoid and piss off the aeons

>kinda success but they gotta borrow powers from obsidian’s race (vampires and shi)

>they make a deal like “ok we throw all the waste babies to you to eat alr you vampies”

>fucked up chimera human babies thats get fed to the vampires like a bunch of them

>those that can function gets sold off

>getting more success and selling these fucked up chimera babies off/human trafficking cuz theyre versatile with genetics and shit

>commissioned by a big vampire family to fulfill their weird little fantasy story

>>”hey so i want you to make my family generation’s oc come alive but we this gotta follow this weird ritual too cuz its my family prophecy to piss off the harmony”

>the ritual involved a bunch of sacrificial babies and even more fucked up chimera babies and like 34 people died and have a part of them taken off to merge into this living thing

>weird ass abomination of a baby, barely functional

>”ok chat this is going well we need the last step who got the gems”

>”oh shit the gems is in another persons hand”

>so they went and stole the gem from obsidian’s family / at the same time making contract with this weird entity that has something to do with destruction path

>>”ok i give you gems but you gotta let me have a piece of that weird baby thing youre making too.”

>>”alright what do you want”

>>”give him horns and make him real sexy ok”

>>”what”

>>”pls”

>>”why”

>>”i want to take him after the vampires died out and i dont want this ugly slug of meat in my basement”

>>”ok”

>with the power of destruction he became his beautiful entity that the family drooled on cuz how can someone be so angelic looking yet bear the traits of the devil? “DAAYUMMNN U FINE ASF BABYYY” “what im a literal baby” “we’ll wait for u to grow up” “w h a t t h e f u c k”

>>”hi im daughter i will be your mom but i am like 6 years older than you”

>>”ok i will expect you for love and attention”

>>”sorry i am being manipulated by my own family so i disregards my actions even though i knew its wrong but i seek comfort in it”

>>”ok your actions are normal to me”

>>’thanks son”

>>”YAYY IM YOUR SON!!!”

>>abusive family can provide a roof, they provide all the physical necessities for him to live but shunned him out until theyre bored and they wanna play (like a pet lolol)

>live with the rich family as a premium house pet now but doesnt realized it CUZ BRO HE WAS A KIDD

>before he was frail so he has to rely on understanding ppl to get attention, develop weird obsession w it. became close with other servants/slave of the said family.

>ok but grow strong and now physically capable harhar

>put through extensive training and shii so he grew even more desperate and attached to the family out of fear

> other servants jealous GET HIS ASS!!!

> oh shit the daughter is doing smth

> fenrir gets more scared and overly dependent on the daughter cuz in his eyes she was the figure he could rely on

>the daughter’s mental conditions gets worse and she wanted her moms attention too so she jus started gambling, (hurt ppl hurt ppl lol)

>>generational trauma ahh

>puts fenrir as a bet

>FUCKK SHE LOSTTT

>fenrir was passed and used around as a premium house pet, “magazine model”

(BLOOD WARNING NEXT DOODLE)

>>(this is heavily implied but not explicitly stated) “convincing” other people to join the vampire household as a cattle/slave etc, contributing in its human trafficking business (astarion?!??!)

>was first auctioned for thousands of credits but after a lot of events, which he had marred himself in hope of either getting cared for or totally discarded away, the price was reduce to less than a hundred credit on his last ‘sale’

>>tried to kill himself but cant die cuz they keep reviving him cuz he’s this chimera superior humanoid baby

>”fuck yall ima pray to the lord (random god he found i havent decide yet I was thinking Ena) answer me pls save me chat- OOOUHHH SHITTT”

>container carrying him crashed, landed in Wasteland of the Galaxy, Talia

>nomadic clan Avidity was passing by, “Ayo who is that baddie” - Aelyn (another oc)

>picks up fenrir and realized he could read so he joining the team now

>well respected for his work rather an appearance, hell yeah jigsaw u da goat

>talia lore I LOVE THIS BUM

[communicationthroughlyrics]

I Like Your Blood On My Teeth Just A Little Too Much - 11

You’re a former military, career oriented security executive who has made quite the living for yourself- but it has always been lacking. Your non-committal attitude has led you down a playgirl lifestyle, never really settling. What happens when your new boss throws you a curveball, and as a result? You end up hopelessly involved with a Hollywood starlet.

3.6K Word Count

Ch 11: Army Green Was No Safe Bet

It was now just after 5pm, and you were just leaving Scarletts house after having a VERY long, probing discussion of everything that has been happening to the woman since this ‘mystery man’ has shown up- and quite honestly you couldn’t say you were shocked. You knew Steve well enough, you knew his tactics, and he was going to mentally wear someone down till they made a mistake, and that’s when he’ll capitalize. He was like a goddamn shark in bloody water.

You were sitting in your truck at the base of Scarletts driveway, finishing up a text to Kris to let her know you were coming back to the office, and then a text to Jim about your discussion with Scar today. You were still surprised at how Steve would expose himself enough to be seen at any event that fans are allowed. But then again, he is sick and twisted enough to let you know he is there. Just as you were readying yourself to leave, buckling your seatbelt and starting the truck, you heard a click to the passenger side. Your gaze shifted to the door, taking note of a silhouette on the other side. You unholster the gun underneath your seat, and reach for your door handle. 

You can tell the figure isn’t Scarlett, its too tall. You look back, noting the lights still on in the house at the end of the driveway. “Fuck.” You think to yourself. You open the drivers door, pistol at the ready and you lock the truck, never breaking eye contact with where the silhouette had been standing. A deep chuckle caused the hair on the back of your neck to stand up. 

“Oh, Y/L/N, save us whatever this is,” Steve waved his hand in your direction, then leaned against the truck, lighting a cigarette, promptly blowing the smoke in your direction. “Let’s just save the catch-up chit chat, and the not-so pleasantries. You can probably imagine why I’m standing in front of you, again, talking to you.” He punctuated the fact that this wasn’t the first time, reminding you of your run in at the store back in Idaho. The mans appearance was a stark contrast to the almost nerdy appearance he had the last time you saw him. 

You lower your gun as you wrapped around the rear of the truck, leaning up against the back of it. You wanted to keep distance between the foul being in front of you.

“I always knew you were doltish, Waters, but this? This is a new low, even for a slop sucker like you.” His smile faltered as he took in your words, turning towards you, his cold, dark eyes locking onto yours. 

“That’s rich, coming from a true sucker like you. Pretty pot-kettle, if you ask me. Last time I saw you, you were pretty handily taking me in full.” He smirked, looking at the last of the stick in between his fingers, before refocusing on you. The sheer thought that this memory of you came up so freely for the man, as the feeling of your skin crawling and the ghost of his hand on the back of your head made you want to throw up. “We wouldn’t want that to come up, now would we? I suppose it would be fairly easy for me to paint you as the bad guy, make up some victim-card story, like how you ruined my promising military career, made me loose all my benefits, and tarnished my family name to fuck your way to the top.”

“Well, the last time you saw me, you were fake drooling over my credit card and my car. But I do seem to remember J.A.G. and the MP’s doing their bit. No one asked for you to try your own conversion therapy, Waters.” You spat. 

He approached you getting close enough to where you could smell the lingering smoke on his breath. “A little slut like you? You were practically begging for attention, and no one was willing to give you what you wanted. I gave you what you needed. And then you had to run and cry to your little friends. You probably turned them too, the little heathen you are.”

“Maybe I could have, had they been around long enough.” You respond, pulling the dog tags out of your shirt, one tag was your fathers, one was your grandfathers. The other two? Those were Nikki and Cams. They had been sent out on a tour of duty shortly after you were found that night in the showers, and coincidentally, were sent out with Steve as one of the commanding officers. The last you had heard, he made their lives hell- which was no small feat when you get shipped to the middle of nowhere, tasked with protecting some local villagers who knew the whereabouts of a high ranking terrorist group, but he made it his secondary mission to ensure your closest confidants were miserable. In doing so, their judgement and focus faltered, and Nix was killed in an ambush, and Cam couldn’t cope with the guilt.  You helped to have a funeral for the pair, as both of their families couldn’t, and in turn, their families gifted you the dog tags of their fallen loved ones. 

“Maybe you should have taken the punishment for what it was, then. Maybe they’d still be here.” He sneered, and it took all of you to not throw this man down onto the ground. 

“What. Do. You. Want.” You punctuate every word, having already been over his antics the moment you saw him by your truck. 

“Well, sweetheart. I was supposed to work on ridding the world of the little vermin that your client has proved to be, amongst others- but now you’re in the picture too. So this is…kismet, as they say.” He narrowed his eyes at you, and it immediately sent you back to your last day in his office. “Now, I can make your life hell too, and maybe I will get rid of one of MY problems…” he continued, but all he said slowly faded to black as your mind wandered to all the times you were in the unfortunate presence of this man. Eventually, you had collapsed during the memory lapse, at the foot of Scarletts driveway. The man laughed, leaning over your body and grabbing hold of your chin, whispering a “pathetic” before he kicked your unconscious body, and spit on you, stomping on your injured hand and crushing it into the pavement before stalking away. 

You were awoken by a few quick slaps to your face, and three concerned faces above you. Kris, Jim and Paul were huddled around the sofa in your office, where you now were laying. Jim was leaning directly above you, and had been the one trying to snap you out of what trance you had been in. 

“How did I get here?” You question, trying to sit up, only to be pushed back down to the sofa by Kris. 

“Well, we knew you were having a meeting with Scarlett, and decided to do a security sweep anyways.” Jim answered, settling himself next to your legs. “I noticed that damn car sitting a few blocks away, so I knew he was somewhere. I came up the driveway and saw your truck, and didn’t think too much of it at first. I was about to turn around, thinking you were still inside, but then I saw the outline of an arm, and realized a body was against your truck. I got out of my car, and ran up to where I found you, slumped against the back tire of the truck.”

You groaned, placing your hand on your forehead. “No one else noticed?” You asked, not directly stating that you were concerned if Scarlett had seen you. 

“Not that we’re aware of. We haven’t had any reports come in, at least.” Kris answered, kneeling down next to you. There was a deep look of concern in her eyes. “What happened, Y/N?”

“Paul, can I speak to you-alone?” You ask, turning your face away from Kris. She huffed, and both her and Jim stood from their respective places, Jim moving to stand next to her. 

“Come on, Kris, let’s let her discuss. Give her some space.” Jim placed his hand on the small of her back, turning her away towards the office door. He turned back to you briefly, shooting you a reassuring look. You knew that he was full aware of what happened. Once you heard the click of your office door, you began to put your sentences together. 

“Well, Y/L/N, this isn’t a scenario I ever would have foreseen when I hired you. What’s going on?”

“Timmons, do you remember the redacted portion of my military file? You had asked me if I knew what it was about?”

“Yes? Why?”

“The redacted portion of my file is the reason we were hired to protect a celebrity. The man that has been following her, and harassing her, he was my C/O for a period of time. A military grade bloodhound, if you will. He’s a dishonorably discharged Ranger, turned militant.” You sit up, wincing at the pain from your hand and chest. You look down to notice deep bruising and more fresh cuts on the already damaged flesh. 

“Well, Y/N, it sounds like we have the right person to help her then. You’ll know him better than anyone.” He placed his hand on your shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze. “I know you can handle this. God knows we’ll need to before her big red carpet run.” He smiled at you, and you shot him a questioning glance. 

“Red carpet run?”

“Her group informed us this afternoon of her upcoming schedule, and there is a fair share of red carpet appearances scheduled. They’re adamant about her going, especially due to the interviews and appearances she’s had to cut short or cancel because of this guy. It’s set to start in the next few weeks.” Paul looked down at you, before sitting in the chair next to yours. 

“We’re going to have our hands full then. This guy is a pain in the ass.” You look away, staring out the window of your office to the night sky of the bustling city below. “He is going to require some extreme resources, boss.” You turn and look back at him. 

“You and Grange seem to know what you’re dealing with. Just let me know what you need. I’ll get it for you.” Timmons says, placing his hand on your knee, shaking it before standing and walking away. One the door clicked shut again, you leaned back in the chair, wincing at the pain stemming from your side. “Rotten motherfucker.” You grumble to yourself, before trying to sit back up, and groaning in pain. You hear a shuffle behind you, and a pair of hands on your upper back as Kris swung herself into your line of sight. 

“Y/N, what the hell happened?” She whispered softly as you winced in pain. She had seen you in pain after handling a situation, after fighting with someone who decidedly ignored your warnings and got frisky at a bar, but not like this. 

“Fucking Waters, that’s what happened.” You respond, wincing once more as you pushed yourself out of the chair, and walked towards the bathroom. You needed to get out of these clothes, and take care of whatever injuries you had. She followed close behind, a strong look of concern still present on her features.

“What do you mean? You know him?” She asked, wincing herself when she watched you struggle to unbutton your shirt with an injured hand. She rushed over to help, but her efforts were thwarted by you batting her hands away.

“Yeah, you could say that.” You inhaled sharply as the fabric slid off your shoulders, and you had to wiggle slightly to let it pool at your feet. Kris picked the shirt off the ground, and when she turned, she saw the bruising on your side and chest, with a perfectly visible footprint centered in the injury. 

“God, Y/N/N, what did he do to you?”

“I would guess he kicked me. And stepped on my hand.” You said, looking down at your injured hand. 

“Guess?! You don’t know what he did?” The infliction in her voice was that of disbelief. 

“No, I really don’t. I… I think I blacked out.” You rested your good hand on the edge of the sink, looking in the mirror to the reflection of the woman lingering in the corner.

“But, you haven’t blacked out since before we were together. You said you only did that when…”

“When my PTSD flares? I know, Kris.” She just stared, like she was trying to figure out what to say next.

“You’re not taking the medicine, are you?” She looked at you, stepping closer, shirt still in hand. “You need to be taking the medicine they give you. It helps.”

“Kris, I haven’t taken it in over a year.”

“Why? Is that why you blacked out?” You laugh a sardonic laugh, turning to look at her face to face. 

“No, Kris. No, it isn’t.”

“Well, how can you be so sure? If you had been on the meds…”

“The meds won’t help with this, Kris.” You cross your arms across your chest. “This goes beyond just the PTSD. This is the cause of it.” Your gaze steels, features hardening as the realization hits you that the control that he still manages to hold over you is the sole cause of your vulnerability- and you hate him more for that than anything.  Her face shifts to one of confusion, not full grasping what is being said. 

“Y/N, being obtuse right now isn’t helping. How is this…” she gestures to your bruised body, “… the cause of it?”

“Honestly, Kris. That’s for me to know.” She huffs at your response, shaking her head.

“Typical, Y/L/N.” She threw your shirt on the counter behind you, knocking some of the items off the counter into the sink. Your gaze shifts down to the floor as she steps even closer, pulling your face up to look you in the eyes. “When you quit being so goddamn self-contained, let me know. Maybe we can have a conversation about what the fuck is going on with you.” She turned on her heel, walking away briskly, and slamming your office door. 

“Not likely, Kris.”  You mutter to yourself, before stripping yourself of the pants you were wearing today, and grabbed a pair of gym shorts and a tank top to wear to the gym. You had some pent up frustrations you needed to work out before bed, even if it caused more pain. Making sure to wrap your hand carefully, you grabbed a hat, placing it backwards on your head, and walked out of the office towards the elevator. Pushing the button, you stood by waiting for the carriage to arrive, and noticed a faint light from Kris’s office, and realized she was still here, sitting at her desk staring at the darkness out the window. The ding from the elevator brought her attention to you, as you stepped in and went down to the floor where the training center and gym were housed. 

The dull thud of the punching bag echoed throughout the empty floor, the rhythmic thump of your fists striking the canvas. You had no idea how long your were down there, but your boxing glove was internally saturated with a combination of sweat and blood, and you were absolutely dripping in perspiration as you continued to beat the bag into submission. Your efforts seemed unyielding, but a calloused hand on your shoulder stopped you. 

“While I have always admired your allegiance to fitness Y/N, you need to rest. ” Jim said behind you, his voice offering you some sense of calm. 

“I can’t Jim.” You let your shoulder slump, your head hanging as you stared at your feet.

“You have to. Tomorrow is a big day. Technically, it’s actually today, in a few hours. It’s 2 am, Y/N.” You turned to face the man, your face devoid of any emotion, eyes empty after the endeavors of the previous day. 

“Why, why is it a big day Jim?” Your arms flop at your sides, emphasizing your frustration. 

“First, we have a meeting with Scarlett, but then we have to follow her to a few interviews. I have already coordinated the security.” He looks in your eyes, trying to decipher any emotion or tell as to your thoughts. 

“Cool, that sounds like something for the team, not me.” You state, maintaining the blank stare. 

“Actually, it’s not. You have been requested to be there, by Mrs. Johansson herself. We have received direct threats to her at these events, you will be following her directly.”

“Great. That’s fucking lovely.” You finally show a shred of emotion, albeit anger and frustration at the situation you found yourself in. You were more upset that there was an anticipated threat and you weren’t in the greatest of conditions to handle it. “Fine. I’ll shower and rest up. What time is the meeting?”

“0700. Paul and I will be briefing the rest of the team at 0630, so take a little bit of extra time for yourself, even if it’s only a half an hour.” With that, Jim turned and started to walk away. He suddenly stopped, turning on his heel and facing back to you. “Y/N/N, you need to take it easy on yourself. I know this isn’t easy. But this plays directly into his hands, with you not taking care of yourself. Kris called me a little bit ago, reasonably worried. I know you wouldn’t tell her what’s all going on, but you need to talk to someone. You can always talk to me.” His gaze softened, and he smiled, before circling back on his heel and walking out of the gym. You shook your head, and made your way to the showers. 

You struggled pulling off the glove, but were finally able to work it off of your hand, which was even more swollen than it had been prior to your ten round match with the heavy bag. The tape and gauze you had wrapped your hand in was tinged red and pink with blood, mixed with sweat. You hesitantly unwound the wrapping, grimacing when it got down to the portion making contact with the angered skin. “Fuck. How the fuck am I going to work with this?” You mutter to yourself. Before taking the other glove off, and then ridding yourself of your clothing and hopping into a scolding hot shower.

The familiar screech of your phone alarm alerted you to the fact that it was almost time for people to start arriving back to the building. You don’t even remember getting back to your office, let alone falling asleep. You were just glad is was a dreamless, devoid slumber that had no flashbacks or memories attached to it. You sat yourself up off the sofa, wincing in pain, realizing that you had been so tired you didn’t even bother to pull down the bed, you had just fallen asleep here.  You slowly worked yourself upright, and made your way over to the bathroom, so you could take some medicine for the inevitable pain your would become inundated with. You swallowed the pills dry, before getting an outfit out for work. You knew that it had to be somewhat professional, but if there really was a threat, then it needed to be tactical enough to move around in. 

You opted for a simple black long sleeve, some of your slightly loose black pants, and a black leather bomber, so you could easily access and dress your injuries from yesterday, and keep them reasonably hidden. You gingerly glued some of the deeper cuts to your chest shut, placing small butterfly bandages along them to hold them closed. Turning your focus to your deeply blackened hand, you thought it best to wear some cut off gloves, that way the majority of the injuries were hidden. Combing your hair, you carefully styled your hair before reaching over to spray yourself with cologne, then scooping the coat and gloves to reenter your office. You threw the gloves and coat behind your office chair, carefully sitting down in your chair, and opening your computer to complete some tasks on your laptop.

“Morning, Y/L/N.” Your head snapped up to see Jim popping his head into your office. “Did you get some rest?”

“Yeah, I did Jim. Thanks.” He smiled, turning and walking away from your office, the door latching soon after. You continued to watch the hallway as more people showed up to begin their day. Kris finally appeared out of the elevator, and you anticipated her walking into your office. She didn’t spare so much as a glance in your direction, and went straight into hers, removing her jacket and settling into her chair, presumably beginning to go through her emails. You felt a pull to go and apologize, but were pulled out of your thoughts by your phone. The familiar ringtone called to you from the table in front of your sofa, and you stood yourself up, walking over and trying to hide the shot of pain you felt as you bent over to pick up the device. At this point, you were certain you had at least a couple bruised ribs. As you went to swipe the screen to answer, the call ended. “Seriously? Fucker, fine I didn’t want to t…” you start, before receiving a text from the same number. 

6:23 AM  UNK- “I hope you’re feeling better. You’ll need your strength for today.”

Fuck.

CHAPTER 12