#there’s got to be a reason why they left their home to join the express

[cynicalmusings]

actually, because of that secret secret i just read, i’m going to post this thought before i forget about it, actually — for the last few days i’ve been turning over the idea of dan heng x reader where the reader, a chef or at least competent cook, joins the express and works as chef to save everybody from himeko’s… creative dinner plans (inspired by the recent event)… and there’s something about the effortless, easy confidence with which you navigate the kitchen which dan heng admires. it’s an art form of its own, really.

(plus, as i mentioned, everyone loves you because you’re there to step in and lend some guidance when himeko decides it’s her turn to cook…..)

[pedantic-poison]

Delicious | LN4

pairing: fem sainz!reader x lando norris

genre: SMUTTTTT, 18+ MINORS DNI, p in v, fingering, light choking, use of pet names (darling, baby, sweetheart, good girl, etc), cream pie, unprotected sex (wrap it before you tap it y'all!!!!), language, hold the moan vibes, dirty talk, Lando being a hoe

requested: yes!

word count: 3.9k

author's note: i LOVE me some brother's best friend trope

When your older brother first joined McLaren, you were unbelievably proud of him, so, naturally, you moved heaven and earth to make it to his first race with the team. Meeting Lando, you finally understood why all of Carlos' stories from before the season started were about his new teammate, and how much he made him laugh. He was friendly to you, and kind, and had a knack for making sure you never felt out of place. He also made your chest go a little tight, but you chose to ignore that feeling. Best not to complicate things for your brother.

It's been years since you first met Lando, and you can't quite use that excuse to convince yourself you need to avoid Lando. You still try, certainly, but it doesn't really carry the weight it used to, not with Carlos at Ferrari now. Would it still be messy? Maybe. Would it be a complete shit show? ...Probably not, right?

That little tendril of doubt created just enough space for that weird feeling Lando elicited to bloom. And now, with the Summer break giving Carlos time off, he's invited Lando to your family's home, for an entire week.

"Morning," the sound of Lando's voice snapped you out of your thoughts. As if it wasn't already bad enough that he was staying in your house, now Lando had the audacity to show up in the kitchen, voice gravely from sleep, with a pair of gray sweatpants hanging low enough on his hips to show the V-line of his muscles there. Your eyes trailed up his torso, allowing yourself to indulge in his tan skin and taut muscles for just a moment, before your gaze met his. A knowing look danced across his face, eyes glinting with mischief, as he smirked at you over his mug of coffee.

"Oh, um, good morning," you coughed out, embarrassed at having been caught. "How'd you sleep?" you managed to force out.

Lando took his time, finishing his sip of coffee before answering, "Slept alright. Couldn't fall asleep for a while, for some reason, though." You couldn't quite decipher the look on his face while he said it, but he didn't give you enough time to overthink it. "You?"

Your face heated immediately at the reminder of what exactly you'd been doing last night, instead of sleeping. "F-fine, thanks." It had been four long days where Lando had made himself seemingly unavoidable. Even at night, when you could close your door to the rest of the house, and lock yourself away, your thoughts strayed back to Lando no matter what you did. Last night, the ache in your core had gotten so unbearable that you'd touched yourself to the thought of him. It seemed that even the walls of your room couldn't quite keep Lando out.

"What's got you thinking so hard over there, Sainz?"

You schooled your expression, refusing to let him throw you off balance again. "Wouldn't you like to know, Norris." The coffee mug in your hands hid your face rather well as you lifted it to take a sip, leveling him with a look that you hoped seemed like a challenge.

Pushing off the counter he'd been leaning against, Lando took a step closer to you. "I really, really would, actually."

You allowed yourself to lean in for just a moment, inhaling the smell of him, before pulling back. "Too bad." Chair legs scraping against the floor as you pushed away from the table, standing and taking your mug and book with you.

"Oh, come on! You're really gonna tease me like that?" he whined, shouting at your back as you headed up the stairs.

"Gotta make you work for it, Norris!" you called back, retreating into your room once again, giddier than you'd care to admit, and telling yourself that you'd only left because you had work to do. Certainly not because you weren't sure how much longer you'd be able to hold on with Lando under the same roof.

Just three more days.

The loud splashes and laughter from outside drew your attention away from your book, for what felt like the hundredth time in two minutes. Sighing exasperatedly, you rolled over on your bed, craning your neck up to look out of your window.

Carlos and Lando were in the pool in the backyard below you, squealing like little kids as they hit each other with water balloons. You rolled your eyes at the childish behavior, even as you fought (and failed) to keep a smile off of your lips. You heard your father's voice ring throughout the house, and Carlos and Lando must've heard it too, because they quickly dropped their makeshift weapons at the call that they needed to get cleaned up for dinner. Your parents weren't terribly strict, but even they preferred for everyone at their dinner table to be fully clothed and not dripping everywhere.

Just as you'd made your way out of your room to head downstairs, you froze, finding a sopping wet Lando Norris in the hallway. Even after you (accidentally) ogled him this morning, you couldn't manage to keep your eyes on his as you watched the way the droplets of water fell off the ridges of his chiseled chest and torso. You hadn't quite noticed how close you'd come to running into each other, barely a foot of space between you, that seemed to shrink more and more the longer you stared. And you weren't the only one. The sundress you wore hung off your body in a way that made Lando want to memorize every line and curve of it himself. Looking wasn't enough - he'd always been more of a hands-on learner, anyways. And the way the gentle breeze swirled the skirt of it around your hips and legs made him want to find out if you were wearing anything underneath it. Made him want to rip anything he found there off with his teeth.

"Hermanita! Lando! Dinner in twenty minutes!" Carlos shouted up, from the sound of it in the kitchen, most likely helping your parents like the doting son he was. Helping, unlike you. Standing in the hallway, now only inches from Lando, chest rising and falling erratically as you tried to convince yourself that you should not fuck your brother's friend and former teammate in your parents' house with your entire family downstairs.

"Twenty minutes," Lando breathed, barely above a whisper. He took a final step forward, mouth painfully close to touching yours as his spread into a mischievous grin. "I can work with that."

His lips crashed into yours, hands gripping your face delicately as he did so, moving only after yours landed in his hair. Lando finally, finally, got his hands on those hips that had been torturing him, tempting him, for years, squeezing as he pulled you into him. Your fingers raked through his curls, tugging gently as you pushed him backwards into your room. He went willingly, grinning into the kiss at your enthusiasm as you kicked the door shut behind you, letting you take charge for the time being and falling to the bed when the backs of his knees hit it, hands dragging down your thighs as he went. For a moment, you paused, taking in the way Lando was looking up at you. Adoring. Reverent. Hungry.

His hands on your thighs urged you forward to straddle him, sliding his grip up your back to pull your torso flush with his. "God, these fucking tits," he groaned, squeezing you harder into his chest before sliding his hands around to your front, cupping them harshly. Through lidded eyes, you watched his hands, large, nimble, and veiny, knead your breasts while he hummed appreciatively, unable to look away from your chest for even a moment. "Been waiting to get my hands on you for so long, sweetheart," he heaved, speaking into your skin as his lips trailed over your exposed chest, just under your collarbone, punctuating the statement with a final, firm squeeze of your tits.

Before you could finish the whine building in you at the loss of his hands, Lando had yanked down the flimsy straps of your sundress, allowing your tits to spill out over the neckline. Lando swears he could come from that sight alone. "You're so gorgeous," he muttered, more to himself than to you, before looking back into your eyes, "so fucking gorgeous." His lips found yours again, stealing your breath as one hand reached up to ghost over your nipple, already sensitive and hardening from the cool air in your room, while the other lowered to rest on your waist, gently urging you to rock your hips against him at your own pace. "So," his kisses now landed on your jaw, "so," your neck, "beautiful. I think it might actually kill me," gently nipping at your pulse point before soothing the tender skin with his tongue.

Your breath had grown shallow from the attention he paid to your neck and chest, hitching as he tweaked your nipple just right, almost harsh enough to be painful but light enough to make you crave more. But what caused your breath to quicken was the feeling of Lando under you. Those strong, muscled thighs, bracketed by your own, felt so firm you couldn't stop your mind from wondering how they would feel if you ground yourself against them. The way they tensed as he moved, or restrained himself from moving as he tried to let you set the pace, felt so delicious against your thighs and through layers of fabric, you can't imagine how they would feel flexing against your core. Delicious as those thoughts were, they would have to wait for another time, because nothing was more tempting than the press of his hard cock against you, straining at the material of his swim trunks, the remaining water of the pool dampening your already wet panties.

"Shh, sweetheart, we've got to be careful," Lando startles you, the hand that had been on your tits gently closing over your mouth, and only then did you realize just how much noise you'd been making. Your cheeks heated at the realization, feeling your breath catching in your throat, rapid and uneven, whimpers and whines and a whole host of other, embarrassing sounds trapped beneath the firm press of Lando's large hand. You were so worked up that even that thought, the sheer size of his palm against you, how those thick, nimble fingers would feel between your thighs, made you whine louder, hips speeding up as you sought some kind of friction. Lando's eyes darkened as you ground yourself onto him, harder, faster, hand tightening around your waist and thighs flexing underneath you. He was holding back, you could tell, his restraint hanging by a thread, and every move you made threatened to fray that thread to its breaking point.

You wanted to make him snap.

There would be another time to savor this, to take your time, to memorize every inch of him, later.

You raised one of your hands from his broad shoulders, gripping the hand that covered your mouth and tapping twice. Immediately, Lando removed his hand, eyes filling with concern that he'd done something wrong, but before he could ask you were already whining again.

"Please, Lan," you begged, hips pressing down as harshly as you could manage. "Need you so bad, please, please," your voice was thin and breathy, and if you weren't nearly delirious from finally having this, having him, within your grasp, you might've been embarrassed by it. "Don't tease me, I c - can't take it."

Lando's head fell back with a groan, making no effort to silence himself as he did with you. "Fuck, darling, you want me that much, huh?" You nodded eagerly, hips continuing their grind as you felt Lando's cock twitch beneath you. "Such a desperate little thing, aren't you?" he asked, latching his mouth on the flesh of your breast, sucking a harsh mark into the delicate skin. Low enough that your family wouldn't be able to see, you realized, but dark enough that you'd have a reminder of him on your skin for the next few days. The thought made you flush with heat. The sudden bite of Lando's teeth on your tit shocked you out of your haze. "I asked you a question, sweetheart."

You blinked down at him, bleary eyed, "W-what?"

His grin was wicked as he looked up at you, "Aw, poor baby's already going cock dumb and I haven't even fucked you yet." Your cheeks heated, and he didn't give you the time to gather yourself enough to formulate a comeback. "I asked if you were a desperate little thing for me? You desperate for me to fuck you stupid, darling?"

A whine escaped your lips, unbidden, at his words, and the look in his eyes told you he wouldn't let you deny its cause. "God, yes, Lan, yes I'm so desperate for you, want you to fuck me so bad, I - fuck -"

The sensation of his fingers sliding your thong to the side scrambled your brains again, scattering any thoughts you'd managed to gather. The rough, calloused pad of his thumb brushed over your clit, and your body rocked violently into his hold, chasing the pleasure. "Keep talking to me, sweetheart, tell me what you want. Tell me all the filthy things my pretty little girl wants me to do to her," he whispered into your ear, lips going back to attacking your neck.

"W-want - want you to - ah- fuck me with your fingers, think about those p-perfect hands all the - fuck - t-time, want your thick fingers in me before you fuck me, Lando," you moaned out, pushing through even though your whines threatened to interrupt you.

"Good girl," he purred, sliding his middle finger through your folds, moaning into your neck at the feel of you. "So fucking wet f'me, darling, fuck," his left hand tweaked your nipple, as his right slowly sank a finger into you. The sound he let out was almost animalistic as he felt you clenching around him, reacting to the stretch that even one of his fingers made you feel. "Holy shit, you're so tight, baby," he lifted his head to be level with yours, wanting to watch your face as he touched you. "How am I gonna fit my cock into this tight little pussy of yours if you can barely take one of my fingers?"

The only answer you could give him was a needy moan, one that had his left hand going back up, not to cover your mouth, but to rest on your throat. "Shh, remember, sweetheart, you don't want your parents to hear us, do you?"

You shook your head fiercely, but immediately lost your train of thought again as Lando began to pump his finger in and out of you, slowly to let you adjust. His thumb landed firmly back on your clit, and the way he curled his long, thick fingers had him reaching a spot inside of you you'd never managed to reach before.

"What else do you want me to do, darling? Don't tell me you've already gone brainless? I've barely gotten started with you."

"Want more, Lan, want you to stretch me with your fingers so you can fuck me, want to feel you - oh, god," you barely managed to catch yourself before you screamed at the feeling of Lando pushing another finger into you. Even though he was aided by your wetness, Lando slowed his pace as he let you adjust again, easing into you as gently as possible as he maintained his circles on your clit.

"Want to feel me what, sweetheart?" he encouraged, curling his fingers to that same spot, this time hitting it hit his index and middle fingers and making your brain short circuit.

"Want to - Lan - w-want, I, fuck," you babbled, head falling to the crook of Lando's shoulder as you struggled for words.

"Come on, now, darling, be a good girl and tell me what you want. You do want to be a good girl f'me, don't you?" He chuckled lightly at how quickly you nodded, head staying buried in his neck.

"I- I want t-to feel you in me, feel your cock in me, feel you stretch me out with it, f-feel you fill me up - stuff me full with you, with your cum, leave me dripping with it."

The hand on your throat tightened harshly, briefly, before both of Lando's hands were off you and working on his swim trunks. "Jesus christ, baby, you've got a dirty little mouth on you. Such a perfect fucking girl for me, darling, such a dirty little thing, god you're perfect," he mumbled the praises into your mouth, stopping every so often to kiss you tenderly, hungrily, as his hands made quick work of the tie on his swim trunks, pulling them down enough to let his cock spring free. Your eyes widened involuntarily at the sight of it slapping against his stomach, the hard muscles of his abs and the red, leaking tip of his cock mesmerizing you.

You lifted your hips, allowing Lando to yank you closer to him until you hovered just over his cock, both of your hands bracing against his shoulders as one of his went under your dress to guide his cock through your folds.

"You want me to fuck you, sweetheart?"

"Yes, please Lan, please, ple-"

You had to cover your mouth with your own hand this time, the stretch of his cock making your eyes water, tears springing from them. Lando stared straight into your eyes as he sank you down onto his cock, bottom lip trapped between his teeth in a feeble attempt to silence himself. Both of his hands landed on your hips, gripping harshly as he held himself back from fucking up into you right away.

"God, baby you're so tight, you have such a perfect little cunt," he panted, eyes fixed on yours, not wanting to miss a single expression on your face. Finally, he bottomed out, the slow glide of his cock in you heavenly, fingers flexing against you as he forced himself to be patient.

A weak whimper left you despite the hand over your mouth as you slowly rose up, dropping harshly back onto Lando's cock and digging in your fingers at the sensation.

"Fuuuuuuuck," Lando ground out, hips bucking slightly up into you as you sank back down on him again.

It didn't take long for your legs to begin to shake, pace faltering as you grew tired. "Lando," you breathed out, head nestled in the crook of his neck again.

"Yes, darling?" His voice was thin, reedy, telling you he was just as affected as you were, even if he was better at hiding it.

"Can't - can't," your own gasp interrupted you as the head of Lando's cock hit a particularly sensitive spot inside you. "Too tired, need you to - god."

Lando chuckled, chest rumbling underneath your forehead, "You need me to do it for you, baby? You already too fucked out to move?"

"Please," you whined, unable to muster any embarrassment at the desperation in your voice. He knew he did this to you. Why bother trying to hide it?

Something in your neediness got to him, hands sliding up to your waist and squeezing as he gave himself a better hold on you. "That's a good girl. Don't worry, sweetheart, I've got you."

He lifted you off his cock, before slamming you back down onto him, hips fucking up into you harshly. The feeling of him manhandling you with ease was nearly enough to make you come on its own, but that combined with the way he kept hitting that spot inside of you, over, and over, and over again? You were so close you felt like you were going to explode.

And Lando knew it, too. Could tell from the way your hands scrabbled for purchase on his muscular shoulders, the way your head went limp on his shoulder as you gave him complete control over your body, from the way you clenched around him, and when he dropped one of his hands to graze a thumb over your clit as he fucked up into you, you were helpless to do anything but collapse into his embrace as you rode out your high.

Lando continued to hold you up by your waist, limbs sluggish and heavy, as he chased his own high, spurred on by your whimpers of overstimulation. But what finally pushed him over the edge was the sound of your voice, wrecked and fucked out, whispering weakly in his ear, "Please, Lando, please fill me up."

He came with a groan that he tried to bury in your neck, nipping lightly at the skin as he came down, chest heaving and moving you with it since you still hadn't managed to regain control of your own body just yet. The feeling of him painting your walls made you whimper, unintentionally clenching around him again, which elicited a deep groan from him.

"You keep squeezing me like that, darling, and you're gonna get me hard again."

You giggled, which earned you a playful swat on the ass from Lando, chuckling along with you as he stroked your cheek tenderly, admiring you in your post-orgasm haze.

"Lan-"

"Dinner is ready! Hurry up and get down here, we're starving!" The sound of your brother's voice jolted both of you out of your stupor, matching looks of panic on your faces.

Before you could say anything else, Lando whispers, "We're talking about this later tonight, sweetheart." Placing a kiss on your cheek, Lando lifts you off of him, hissing at the feeling, and setting you on your bed next to him before getting up and running across the hall to his room.

After you managed to muster the strength to move, you quickly fixed your dress, trying to make sure that your face and hair weren't dead giveaways for just having had the best sex of your life. You rushed downstairs, blaming your breathlessness on having run to dispel your mother's concern, and sat down quickly, trying to avoid any questions about what had taken you so long.

A few seconds later, Lando joined you, sitting across from you, eyes burning into you in a way that made you shift in your seat. That turned out to be a huge mistake, because just as your brother passed you the salad, Lando's cum leaked out of you as you realized belatedly that not only had you not cleaned up, but you hadn't even put your panties back on. You froze, quickly shifting back and squeezing your thighs together in an effort to stop him from seeping out of you, and miraculously, none of your family seemed to notice.

But the way your eyes widened told Lando exactly what had happened.

When your parents asked how the dinner was, you stammered out some poor excuse of a response, not really knowing how to speak to your family with Lando's cum dripping out of you.

Lando shot you a wicked grin, winking quickly enough that no one else saw it, and stared right into your eyes as he answered.

"Delicious."

[meazalykov]

the pitch can't see us together

catarina macario x f!barca!uswnt!reader

warnings: none

ever since you’ve moved to barcelona two football seasons ago, your team has carved a permanent place in your soul, and no matter where life leads, everything here will always claim you. 

however, there’s another love in your heart. it is the love that one that flourishes beyond the football stuff, its also on your national team too. that love is in london, it’s catarina.

you and catarina have been bound together since 2021 when you both debuted for the uswnt. your caps are nearly matched, and sometimes you love to think that your paths intertwined with your hearts inseparable. 

it started with a crush that flickered in silent glances and light physical touches during training camps. you let it simmer and entertained it with shy smiles, until your teammates…kelley, megan, naomi, sophia, trinity specifically, got sick of it. 

“you’re both hopeless,” kelley had teased, “do something already.” 

so, you did. two years later, your love is growing brighter with every moment you share. the long distance doesn’t seem to hold your love back since cat is only a two hour plane ride away.

tonight, though, your love has no place on the pitch. 

literally, patri made sure that you jana and ona (players with partner’s at chelsea) knew that. 

the champions league semi-final against chelsea has been a massacre…not for you, not for barcelona, but for your opponents at chelsea. the 8-2 aggregate scoreline is a humiliation, a testament to barca dominance. 

four americans took the field tonight. you, the lone star with catarina, naomi, and mia on the london side. being the only american in the catalan club carries weight. expectations are higher, the spotlight harsher. however, they love you. all of the fans call you estrella americana for a reason. 

your golazos, those curling shots from outside the box, are your trademark. you’ve met every challenge with being at barcelona, but it’s lonely at times. that is why you love national team camp, with its familiar faces and catarina’s presence. it is a refuge.

being with catarina, love feels like a garden in bloom. every touch, every shared laugh, every quiet moment nurtures it, letting it grow wild and free. you poured your heart into her, and she catches every drop, mirroring it in her smile, her voice, her warmth. 

it’s a love that feels like home, even if she stays in england and you in spain.

tonight, you can’t love her. the final whistle blows, and the away crowd erupts. barcelona is through to the champions league final, and you’re a cornerstone of this victory. your teammates flood the field, but you pause, caught in the moment. 

esmee, your closest friend since joining barcelona last season, jogs toward you, arms wide. 

you hesitate, your eyes flicking to the chelsea players, but you can’t leave esmee hanging. you pull her into a quick hug, her grin infectious.

“we did it!” she exclaims, her dutch accent bright.

“yeah, we did,” you reply, but your gaze drifts. across the pitch, catarina grabs a water bottle, flanked by naomi and niamh. they stand together, heads low, the loss heavy on their shoulders. 

it’s fair. 8-2 stings. the guilt tugs at you, not for your performance, but for the pain it’s caused her.

ona appears beside you, her expression torn between triumph and concern. lucy, her girlfriend, left barcelona last season for chelsea, making this match as personal for ona as it is for you. 

“when do we talk to them?” ona asks, nodding toward lucy and catarina. 

suddenly at the same time, lucy is on her knees with her hands covering her face, disbelief etched in her posture.

you swallow with throat tight, “not yet. they might need space.”

ona nods, but her eyes stay on lucy. when lucy collapses to the ground, shoulders shaking, ona’s resolve crumbles. 

“forget it,” she mutters, jogging to her girlfriend. 

so much for space.

you’re alone now, the moment’s weight settling over you. you move through post-match rituals, shaking hands and hugging chelsea players with practiced grace. you don’t apologize…not for your brilliance, not for the goals you scored. 

when you reach mia, your national team best friend, the words slip out.

“‘m sorry,” you say softly, gripping her hand.

mia shakes her head, her smile wry. 

“it’s game. you were unreal out there.”

you chuckle, but your eyes flick to catarina, still with aggie naomi and niamh. 

“is she okay?” you ask, voice low.

mia follows your gaze, “go talk to her. she’ll want you.”

before you can move, naomi approaches while running over to you, her california cool intact despite the loss. you pull her into a tight hug, the kind that says you’ve missed her. 

“sorry you had to face us for your first european games,” you say, grinning.

“whatever,” naomi laughs while shrugging, “next season, i’ll get a better start.”

“count on it,” you reply. 

all of the sudden, naomi’s eyes light up seeing your kit, “yo, can i get your shirt?”

you hesitate. 

you’d planned to swap with catarina, but you already did in the first leg. 

naomi’s your girl, though. “yeah, sure,” you say, peeling off your barcelona kit and handing it over. 

she tosses you her chelsea one, and you slip it on, the kit is foreign against your skin. 

catarina turns then, her conversation with aggie and naimh pausing. your girlfriend’s eyes land on you, and the world narrows to just you two.

the public has speculated about your relationship for years…neither of you has confirmed it, but it’s obvious in the way you gravitate toward each other. 

you dismiss naomi with a nod, and she heads towards alexia. 

you step toward catarina, heart thudding. your lungs take a deep breath when your arms wrap her in a hug, her warmth grounding you. 

“you were tough out there,” you say, voice soft.

“not really,” she replies with her tone flat, “not today.”

you tighten your hold while whispering, “it wasn’t your fault, cat. it wasn’t.”

she shrugs while pulling back, keeping her hands on your waist, “team effort.”

you don’t know why, but you ask, “are you mad at me?”

catarina frowns, brows knitting. 

“not really.” her eyes drop to naomi’s chelsea kit that you are wearing, a playful glint sparking. 

“you could transfer, you know. be a blue next season. make me feel better.”

you roll your eyes, laughing. 

“you’re only saying that because you’re pro-madrid and want me to leave barcelona.”

“true,” she mumbles, a small smile breaking through.

before you can say more, alexia approaches, her captain’s presence steady. 

“everything okay?” she asks, glancing between you. 

for someone whose girlfriend doesn’t play football, alexia has a knack for checking on the team’s couples. you saw her with jana and aggie a few minutes ago while talking to mia.

“we’re fine,” you say. 

alexia chuckles.

“better than them.” she nods toward ona, kneeling beside a stressed lucy. your stomach twists since one of lucy’s errors led to your third goal, a curling shot that broke chelsea’s spirit. you swallow hard.

“should i apologize to her?” you ask alexia, voice low.

catarina cuts in, “no. you don’t apologize for doing your job.”

you turn to her with your heart swelling, “i know, but… i love you guys.”

alexia takes that as her cue, clapping your shoulder before heading to irene. you and catarina are alone again, the stadium’s noise fading.

“hey,” you start, voice softer, “i’m so excited for greece in june. you and me, those beaches, the sunsets…”

catarina’s face brightens with the loss lifting for a moment, “same. i booked us the villa on kos with a private pool.’

“you’re spoiling me,” you tease while nudging her, “private pool? trying to make me fall for you all over again?”

“is it working?” she shoots back, grinning.

“definitely,” you say, winking. 

“what else you got planned?”

“there’s this restaurant in rhodes,” she says with leaning closer, “great view, amazing moussaka. i know you’re picky, but you’ll love it.”

“you know me too well,” you say with your heart fluttering, “i’m already counting down.”

“me too,” she says, voice warm, “just us, no football, no pressure.”

you hesitate, the next question heavy. 

it feels raw after the match, but you need to know. 

“cat… will you come to lisbon? for the final? you were there in bilbao last season, even after…” you trail off.

catarina steps closer, pulling you into another hug. 

“of course i’ll be there,” she says, voice firm. 

“i wouldn’t miss it.”

you melt into her, relief washing over you. 

“thank you,” you whisper. 

“it means everything.”

“you mean everything,” she replies, breath warm against your ear.

you pull back, hands on her waist. 

“you’re pretty good at this girlfriend thing, even when i’m out here embarrassing your team.”

she laughs which is bright and clear, “you’re lucky i love you.”

“i am,” you say, serious now. 

“i really am.”

you glance at the scoreboard, the 8-2 glaring. 

“i really am sorry it went like this. i knew we were gonna win but i was hoping for a closer score,” you say, voice quiet.

“oh shush!! but don’t be,” she says, squeezing your hand. 

“you were incredible. i’m proud of you, even if it stings.”

“you’re too good to me,” you murmur.

“someone’s gotta keep up with the estrella americana,” she teases, and you laugh, the tension easing.

masterlist

[weneeya]

worried m.list | rules

pairing. jason todd x reader

note. omg i love jason sm of course i'd do that ; worried jason is adorable, my boy is doing his best <3

You were supposed to be here. He left you alone in your apartment before he left for his night patrol. So why weren’t you here anymore? Where were you? Jason thought he was about to go crazy. He was searching everywhere, calling your phone, but you weren’t answering at all.

Yes, he came back earlier than usual, but it was a reason to disappear, was it? What if something bad had happened while he was gone? Jason was making the worst scenarios in his head. Until he heard the sound of the door opening. He turned around and you arrived in the living room, a bit surprised. 

You didn’t have the time to say anything that Jason was standing in front of you, a visible frown across his eyebrows. “Where the hell were you?!” His voice was too loud, too angry ; you didn’t like that at all. You slowly raised an eyebrow at his tone, feeling the slight irritation growing inside of you. 

“My friend needed me, so I left to see her.” You explained but it didn’t calm Jason at all. “You know Gotham’s not safe at night. What if you got attacked, or worse?” He was clearly angry, but it simply made you angry too. You weren’t a child, you didn’t need him to act like he was your own father. 

“Quit yelling at me, would ya?” Your tone was harsh, and it caught him off guard. He wasn’t so used to any reaction like this from you, so he was taken aback. He was about to answer when you pointed at his chest, looking into his eyes. “I don’t need you to protect myself, Jason. I’m a grown adult!” And in those words, you left the living room to get locked up in the bathroom. You really needed a shower. 

Jason stayed alone in here, standing up and a bit lost about what just happened. Did he get too far? He knew you were strong enough to defend yourself ; he loved you for that. But he couldn’t help it ; he was always worried when he knew you were alone in the streets at night. He meant what he said: Gotham wasn’t safe at all, and he knew what he was talking about. 

He saw so many people get hurt without any reason, and he was just so scared to lose you. Anger was his only way to express those feelings, but making you mad was the last thing he ever wanted. So he sat on the couch and waited for you to get out of the bathroom. It took you long minutes, and he was almost falling asleep. Or at least, he would have if he wasn’t thinking so much about what he wanted to tell you. 

When you joined the living room again, your gaze met his figure and you rolled your eyes. You sat next to him in silence, hating this stupid sad look on his face. You hated to see it, but he needed to understand what was wrong. Jason took your hand softly in his. “Look at me, please… I’m sorry baby, I didn’t mean to react like this.” You turned around, meeting his eyes ; and he knew he wasn’t lying. There was too much sincerity in it for that ; you knew him by heart. 

You stayed silent, waiting for him to keep going for a moment. He breathed out softly, leaving a gentle kiss against your knuckles. “I was just… worried. I’m always so scared when you’re alone out there. I know you’re strong ; but those guys can be crazy.” And how could you blame him? You knew Jason got through hell because of one of them. You finally completely turned to face him, grabbing both his hands between yours. 

“I’m not angry because you’re worried. I am because you yelled at me like I was completely dumb and not careful.” He slowly nodded at your words, understanding that he didn’t react the way he should have. Your hand gently moved to his cheek so you could stroke it with your thumb so slightly. Jason leaned onto your touch, eyes now closed at the feeling. 

You felt like home for him, and he’d rather die than having to lose this feeling once more. He left a soft kiss against the palm of your hand, making you smile lightly. “I’d be careful with my reactions,” he told you, looking back at your eyes. You leaned forward a little, leaving a small peck against his lips. “And I won’t leave without telling you where I am.” 

A silent agreement, so things could work. Jason was making so many efforts for you, all the time ; the less you could do was to do some efforts too. Moreover, Jason was clearly worth it. The boy needed a comfort and safe place to calm his home ; and you were ready to be this for him.

thank you for reading!

[kyokutsu-sama]

Headcanons| Reader asking them if they "can stack donuts on it"

Characthers: Tengen uzui, Kyojuro Rengoku, Sanemi Shinazugawa

A/n: Don't ask questions abt the topic. It just popped into my head at 3am and that's it🙂

Tw: Very suggestive (The title speaks for itself)

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Kyojuro :

You had already heard the joke for a few days and decided to join in on the fun. Knowing Kyojuro as well as you did, he would probably laugh at you for that or just stare wide-eyed in shock at the question. He was sitting on the porch of the house while eating his lunchbox and you decided to join him, already thinking about asking him the question. "Hello dear! Do you want to eat too?" He greeted, holding out the lunch box to you but you shook your head "No, thanks, I'm not hungry right now." "You should try some, this tastes so good." "I wonder where you keep so much food?"You tilted your head to the side with a smile "Missions and training always make me hungry." "I believe so..." You said, looking away and preparing the next words."Kyo, can I ask you something?" "What?" "Can I stack donuts on it?" You asked innocently and he frowned as he chewed the food, not understanding at first what you had said "Stack donuts on what? What do you mean by that?" "Like..." You bit your lip, trying to hold back your laugh."I meant if I can stack donuts down there... On your other sword." You looked from his eyes to his lap "On my other---"The flame hashira choked on his food when he finally realized "Honey, are you okay?" You put the lunchbox aside and patted his back. "Drink some water." You held out the glass of water to him, who took it and drank, calming down a little."Feeling better?" "Yeah, thank you." He said, massaging his chest."But you caught me off guard now with this idea. Where did that come from?" He asked, with a playful smile "I heard that a few days ago and decided to ask you to see your reaction, but why? Wouldn't you like to try?" You teased and he chuckled "Well, I mean, that's a little... creative, but why would you want to do that?" His curiosity was growing more and more with that sudden question "Just to see how many I can stack there."You answered and he laughed out loud. "Alright, maybe one of these days we should try that." He nodded "Seriously?" "Yes." "Thanks for letting me try." You hugged him and gave him a little kiss on the cheek "What I wouldn't do for you, my dear." He smiled

Tengen :

Tengen was coming back from his mission and went to the bedroom to undress before taking a shower. You opened the bedroom's door and found him shirtless and looking at you. A wonderful sight that you never got tired of. "Oh, you're here!" You went in and closed the door, seeing him give you a little smile "Am I late, dear? It's not even midnight yet." He said, looking at the wall clock and then at you "No, you arrived right on time. The others also left a while ago but I decided to stay."You explained, approaching him "You wanted to stay home to welcome your flashy husband, did you?" He smiled, holding your face with both hands and leaning down to kiss your forehead."You're so sweet." "Don't get too cocky." You blinked and he chuckled "So? Is there another reason?" "I wanted to ask you a question." You said, holding his hands and looking at him, suggestively "What?" "Tengen, can I...stack donuts on it?" You asked, looking between his legs and then back at him "Wait...What?" He closed his eyes and then opened them again, trying to process the question. "Stack donuts...on what? Here? On my--" He pointed to the spot and you nodded "Yes." "Well, that sounds flashy, you're very creative, princess." He laughed and you smiled. "And how many did you think you could stack here?" He crossed his arms with a teasing and smug look "I don't know, maybe if you let me try, but I think at least two, of the little ones too."You laughed and ran away while his expression changed to an indignant look "Say that again if you dare." He run to you and then picked you up, throwing you over his shoulder, slapping your ass. "Say it!" "Tengen, let me go." You yelped *Bonus scene* The next day when he got home you were sitting on the couch looking at him with the box of donuts on your lap and he chuckled when he noticed, realizing it was still the joke from the day before. "Oh, so you were really serious about this."He said, sitting on the couch and you nodded "Aren't you interested?" "I never said I wasn't." He winked at you."Come on, satisfy your curiosity." He gave you a teasing smirk and you opened the box "Take off your pants." You ordered ~~~ "So what now? Do you still think you could only stack two?" He teased, seeing your slightly surprised face "Well, I must say that stacking five is quite a feat. Congratulations, Tengen big dick Uzui!" You nicknamed him and he laughed "I told you." "What the hell are you two doing?" Makio said, seeing the scene that left you a little embarrassed "Y/n, why don't you explain your fantasies about 'glazed donuts' a little so Makio can understand?" Tengen teased and you looked away, embarrassed "You two are weird. Too weird." Makio said, turning around and leaving the room "I think there was still room for one more on the tip." He said looking from the pile of donuts "Shut up."

Sanemi :

You were walking around the house looking for Sanemi to find him sitting at the kitchen table drinking matcha tea after coming back from training. His uniform was dirty and there were still a few drops of sweat running down the exposed skin of his chest, which made him even more attractive. You sneaked into the kitchen and leaned against the counter, looking at him who raised his gaze to meet yours. "Why are you looking so much?" He asked in his usual rough voice "I'm just admiring my boyfriend, is there a problem with that?" "You haven't stopped looking at me since you came in. Do you think I don't know you and your looks?" He put down the glass and leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms "Yes, you know me too well." You sat in front of him "What do you need?" "Can I ask you something?" You shrank a little in your seat, a little hesitant "What?" "Would you let me stack donuts on it?"You asked and he frowned "What the hell?" "Stack donuts on your friend down there?"You joked and he widened his eyes at you Sanemi had heard a lot of things in his life but that was definitely one of the things he never thought he would hear. "Y/n... What the hell do you have in your head?" He asked and you just laughed, unable to hold it in any longer "Nemi, come on. I was just curious." "Curious?" "Yeah, like, why not? Why don't you let me try?" You insisted just to see his expression even more surprised "Of course not!" He immediately denied "Nemi, please..." "Shut up." "No, let me try it first." "I said no, you're insufferable and stubborn. And honestly, I wonder what the basis for that is? "Like, I just wanted to know how many you can hold with your--" "I get it!" "So, are you going to let me?" "No." "I bet I could stack a few." You teased to try to dissuade him "I don't care." "Okay..." You got up from the chair and walked to the kitchen entrance, but stopped a little before, turning to him who looked you up and down. "I'll ask Tomioka, maybe he'll want to try."

That was the last straw for him. You weren't going to do that, were you? Not with his rival, right? He thought.

A vein stood out on his neck and another on his forehead, angry at your teasing. He stood up and pushed you against the wall, bringing his lips close to your ear. "If I were you, I wouldn't do that, unless you wanted to go a few weeks without taking a single step properly, what do you say?" He murmured and you chuckled."You like that?" "I bet deep down the idea excited you, seeing how angry you are." "I'm angry because you mentioned that idiot." "So what? Are you afraid I'll be able to stack more donuts on him than you?" You teased "He's no match for me, baby." He grabbed your chin. "Now, let's deal with that behavior of yours, brat." He whispered against your lips

[prythiansprincess]

CHAPTER ONE

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🤍 pairing: theodore nott x reader.

🤍 song inspiration: sunroof by nicky youre.

🤍 author’s note: wake up babe summer theo just dropped.

Step 1 of Pansy Parkinson’s Perfect Plan of Plotting

Meet Cute — : A cute, charming, or amusing first encounter between romantic partners.

Every good story starts with a meet cute. Unfortunately for Theo and Y/N, their first encounter happened when they were still both in their mother’s wombs, but I won’t let that deter me. What better way to start off the summer holiday than getting rescued from a remote airport by your knight-in-shining armor with a fresh haircut and a recently acquired driver’s license? Side note: research the credibility of the Ufficio Motorizzazione Civile because whoever granted Theodore Nott a valid license is clearly bloody mental. Regardless, those two will be riding off into the Italian sunset in a brand new baby blue convertible and it’s all thanks to me. 

First Year, Hogwarts Express

On the other side of the frosted glass window, the English countryside passed by in a dizzying blur as the rain painted the landscape in a dreary haze. The train left a trail of smoke and steam behind as it journeyed along, bringing you closer and closer to Hogwarts. You shifted in your seat, nearly sliding off the red leather cushion as you trained your eyes on the horizon. 

By evening, you would arrive in the Scottish Highlands to begin your education at Hogwarts. When you got on the platform at King’s Cross, you thought that the worst of your anxiety would subside, but it only grew within you like a cresting wave. Being away from home for the first time in eleven years was intimidating enough, but now you had the sorting ceremony to fret over. 

Your parents were convinced that you would be sorted into Slytherin as they had when they both attended Hogwarts. Up until now, you were fairly confident in this as well, but the minute you boarded the train, doubt started to rear its ugly head. 

You had to be sorted into Slytherin. Not only because you’ve had the green and silver posters hanging in your room since birth, but also because you couldn’t imagine being in any other house. 

Just then, the cabin door slid open and startled you out of your thoughts. Theo plopped down next to you and stretched his legs on your lap. 

You rolled your eyes affectionately. “There’s two benches in this cabin, Teddy.”

Your best friend grinned, his messy brown hair falling over those moody watercolor eyes. “Yeah, but they’re not as comfy as you.” 

His cheeks were rosy from running around the train, but yours were even more flushed in comparison. Theo always had that effect on you. “I found the others, by the way. They’re in Malfoy’s cabin eating their way through a mountain of sweets. Did you want to join them?” 

You shook your head, looking out the window. “Maybe later.” 

Theo swung his legs over the bench and faced you. “You’re nervous.” 

It wasn’t a question. Theo knew you well enough to read your silence. 

“Is it that obvious?” 

“Not to anyone but me,” he said reassuringly. “You haven’t stopped twisting your ring since we left London.”

You looked down at your right hand and surely enough, you caught yourself twisting the emerald ring on your middle finger. It was a nervous habit that you weren't even aware of until Theo pointed it out a few years ago. 

That was the thing about your friendship. You spent so much time together that sometimes it felt like Theo was an extension of you. His mother used to say that the two of you were destined to be best friends, given the fact that she and your mum were closer to sisters than friends after forming a lifelong friendship during their time at school. 

It was one of the main reasons why the sorting ceremony worried you so much. For your entire life, you had gotten used to doing everything with Theo. The two of you had been inseparable since birth. A part of you had always wondered if you and Teddy would be friends if it weren’t for your mothers. 

“What if I don’t get sorted into Slytherin?” you asked in a small voice. 

Theo leaned back and tugged at the end of your scarf. “Of course you’ll get sorted into Slytherin.” He smiled, curling his finger around the cashmere material. “Did you know that when we were born, our mums put us in matching green and silver booties? I didn’t endure all that humiliation just for you to back out now.” 

“I’m serious, Teddy.” You shoved your hands into your pockets and stared at your shoes. “What if we get sorted into different houses? What if you meet your housemates and decide that you’d rather be friends with them than me?

Theo’s expression softened. “Hey,” he said, placing a gentle hand on your shoulder. “You’re my best friend, Y/N. A stupid sorting hat won’t change that. You’re not getting rid of me that easily.” He paused, grinning. “Unless you end up in Gryffindor.” 

You smacked his arm, trying and failing to fight the smile tugging at your lips. “That’s not funny, Teddy!”

He chuckled. “I’m just winding you up, fragolina.” 

For an eleven year old, you suppose that calling a freckled redhead little strawberry was peak comedy. At least Theo seemed to think so. 

“Speaking of which, are you sure you’re not a long lost Weasley? Then you’d really need to worry about Godric snatching you up.”

“You are an absolute menace, Theodore Nott.” 

Theo grinned. “But would an absolute menace remember to buy you candy?” 

He reached into his pocket and held his palm out to you. In his hand sat a familiar purple and gold box that held the best treat in the wizarding world. 

“A chocolate frog,” you said with delight. “My favorite.”

“Got it from the trolley. I figured you could use a little cheering up. Though I might’ve accidentally sat on it.” 

You giggled, holding up the slightly dented box. “Thanks for the chocolate blob, Teddy.”

Theo grinned. “Any time, Y/N.

Day One, Vallara Floo Station

The phone rang and rang and rang.

You looked around helplessly at the floo station, praying to whatever gods that were listening that Pansy would pick up. Much to your dismay, you were sent straight to voicemail. Again.

“Pansy Parkinson, you better be laid out on a yacht with hot Italian witches dangling grapes into your mouth because that’s the only acceptable reason for not picking up your bloody phone. I swear to Salazar, I think I just told a man that I’d love to pet his chicken. Theo’s never going to let me hear the end of this—”

At that moment, you became convinced that the heat of the Italian countryside had melted your brain because you could’ve sworn that you recognized the familiar laughter echoing from behind you. 

“I’m offended, bella. All those years of friendship and yet you’ve never offered to pet my chicken.” 

You nearly dropped your phone when you whirled around and came face to face with your best friend. The Italian sunshine had been good to Theo. He looked tanner than when you last saw him, bringing out the moles and freckles that painted his olive skin like constellations. Those piercing blue eyes crinkled when he smiled and the sight of it nearly swept you off your feet. 

As if reading your mind, Theo enveloped you into a bone-crushing hug. The scent of expensive cologne and cigarette smoke enveloped you like a comforting hug. The hem of your gingham sundress billowed as Theo twirled you in the air. You laughed in delight, not caring one bit that the two of you were making a scene in the middle of the floo station. You hadn’t seen your best friend in two months, which was nearly an eternity for you and Theo. 

After graduation, Theo had headed down to the Italian countryside to spend the summer with his nonna. Usually, you would’ve joined him, but you were busy visiting family in New York. As fun as the States were, you missed home and you missed Theo — the two of which were synonymous in your mind.

“I missed you, fragolina,” Theo murmured into your hair. You grinned, squeezing him to convey your agreement. 

“Missed you too, Teddy,” you said softly. Theo set you down, giving you the chance to fully examine him. He was wearing a white linen button down and cotton shorts, his usual attire to combat the summer heat. Handsome, but in an effortless sort of way. 

You cocked your head, running your fingers over his chesnut waves, which were now tinged with gold, courtesy of his constant exposure to the sun. “You cut your hair.”

Theo nodded, running a hand through his cropped cut with a self-conscious expression. “I like it,” you said decidedly. “It looks good on you.” 

Satisfaction coursed through you as Theo blushed, his cheeks tinged with pink. It reminded you of the very first time he ever wore his natural waves around you. It was sometime during second year when you both got drenched from the rain at the Black Lake. You ran your hands through his hair, smiling as you told him that you quite preferred his hair that way. Since then, Theo stopped gelling his hair. 

“Big changes this summer,” Theo declared with a wink. Without hesitation, he gathered your suitcases and hauled them along like they weighed nothing. To him, they probably didn’t. You could’ve used his strength when you were struggling to lug your bags through customs. “Speaking of, I finally got my license.” 

Your jaw dropped. Ever since your dad took the two of you out on a joyride in his beloved vintage Mercedes — Mercy, for short — Theo had become obsessed with learning how to drive. You had no interest in it, but your best friend was absolutely adamant. When he put his mind to something, Theo was quite unstoppable. He even managed to convince your dad to give him lessons. Not on his precious Mercy of course, but on the family car. 

“I have no idea why you would want to ride around on a steel trap when there’s a perfectly good tube system at home,” you chided, swatting at your best friend’s arm as he rolled his eyes at your repeated lecture. “But I am proud of you, regardless.” 

“Good, cause I’m about to take you on the joy ride of your life.” 

You halted as Theo bounced past the entrance, walking right up to a very expensive looking vintage sports car. The baby blue top down sparkled in the sunlight and its chrome interior shined so spotlessly that you could see your reflection staring back at you. Theo gingerly arranged your suitcases in the backseat, careful not to disturb the delicate white leather seats. 

“You did not,” you gaped in disbelief. 

Theo only grinned. “I did, too.” 

He rounded the hood and reached over to pull the door open. You turned back, hesitation written all over your face as you surveyed the car. Despite its vintage style, you knew that it would probably be fast. Too fast for your liking. 

“No offense, but are you sure they didn’t make a mistake during your driving test? Maybe they meant to give the license to someone else.” 

You were proud of Theo. Truly, you were. But you had been witness to one too many driving lessons where he accidentally ran over the curb or nearly flipped the car from how fast he turned. Needless to say, it didn’t exactly inspire confidence. 

Your best friend huffed in indignation. “I’ll have you know, I’m an excellent driver. Even my examiner said so.” 

“She should probably get her vision checked, then,” you murmured under your breath.

“I heard that,” Theo stated with narrowed eyes. He ushered you along, herding you into the front seat. “Your lack of confidence in me is quite frankly appalling, fragolina.” 

“It’s not that I’m not confident in you,” you explained as you buckled in. “I’m just not confident that you won’t abuse the poor, defenseless curbs of your homeland.” 

“I promise you, I’ve gotten much better since my last lesson. Now sit back, relax, and feel the beautiful breeze of Italia against your skin.” 

You did no such thing. You spent the first few minutes white-knuckling the seat cushions. Theo, on the other hand, whistled a happy little tune as he tapped his fingers against the steering wheel. To his credit, his driving seemed to have improved since the last time you witnessed him get behind the wheel. Enough for you to gradually release the chokehold you had on your seat. 

“So, where’s our gracious host? Too busy sipping on limoncellos with pretty stregas to pick up her best friend from the station?” 

Theo’s mouth quirked. “Close. She’s trying to keep Malfoy and Riddle from tearing up the villa. They had a little disagreement about the room assignments. Draco wanted the room facing the east side of the house, for an optimal view of the sunrise.” You snorted at Theo’s overexaggerated snooty impression of your blonde friend. “Of course as soon as he expressed this, Mattheo suddenly wanted it for the same reasons. Never mind that the twat rarely wakes up before noon.” 

“Another lover’s quarrel,” you said rather sarcastically. “What’s new? Hopefully they kiss and make up before we get back.” 

“They’re going to have to,” Theo stated as he drummed his fingers on the steering wheel. “I’m not spending my summer holiday listening to those two twats fighting. I did enough of that at school.”

“How strange is it that we’ve graduated? I swear, it feels just like yesterday when we first got onto the Hogwarts Express. Now you’re driving me around the Italian coast and you haven’t hit a single curb. I wonder what other miraculous things the future has in store.”

Theo snorted. “It’s me and you against the world, bella.”

“The way it’s always been and the way it’ll always be.” 

The road curved around a hill, providing you with a breathtaking view of the sunny skies and clear blue water glittering below. Despite your teasing, Theo was doing a great job of maneuvering through the narrow path. He was driving slow and steady, giving you enough confidence to lean against the door and peer at the wonders of Vallara. 

Villas with colorful pastel roofs painted the hillside with pops of pinks, greens, and blues, broken up by patches of yellow from the lemon trees swaying in the breeze. The air smelled like sea salt and citrus, mixed in with other delicious smells wafting from the countless restaurants lining the market square. One of them in particular, La Dolce Vita, instantly caught your eye. 

“Should we say hi to nonna?” 

“She’s busy prepping for dinner back at the house. As soon as nonna heard that you were coming, she insisted on making everything herself.” 

“She didn’t have to do that,” you said, smiling fondly in the direction of the restaurant. You adored Theo’s grandmother. She was a strong, loud, and vibrant woman that you’ve admired since you were a little girl. Not to mention, her cooking was to die for. “Although I would kill for her cannolis.” 

“There’s a fresh batch waiting for you in the fridge.” 

Your mouth watered at the thought. “I’m surprised she’s letting us use the villa. I thought we were banned after Mattheo set off those fireworks in fourth year. I’ve never seen nonna that mad.” 

Theo chuckled at the reminder. Thanks to the fire fiasco, the villa had become off limits. Every visit after was to the townhouse in Rome, where she could keep a closer eye on all of you. As beautiful as the city was, you missed the countryside. Life was more peaceful out here — slow and sweet. You were determined to savor every moment before the reality of adult life hit you full force. 

“Pansy can be quite persuasive,” Theo replied. “Plus, she promised to wring Mattheo’s neck herself if he tries to stir up any trouble.” 

“It’s not a matter of if,” you corrected as Theo pulled up to the private road that led to his family’s villa. “It’s a matter of when.” 

Your best friend hummed in approval as the car slowed to a stop. Theo parked his convertible on the driveway and killed the engine as you admired his ancestral home. The quaint country house sat proudly at the top of the hillside, its regal structure looming over the village below. The terracotta roof sloped over the towers jutting out on each side of the massive structure, the seafoam green walls wrapping around the side porch, the rounded arched windows, and the romantic balcony overlooking the blooming garden at the back of the villa. It was just as charming as you remembered. 

“Home sweet home,” you murmured in awe. 

The wonder of this place never grew old. Theo’s eyes crinkled as he smiled, hauling your luggage over his shoulder and leading you inside. The sunbaked walls greeted you like an old friend, the sea breeze filling the entire place with the scent of salt and citrus from the large open windows. The furniture was mismatched, but in an endearing way that somehow felt like it all belonged together.

You walked between the arched columns leading into the living room, which were bracketed with wooden banisters that overlooked the entire first floor. The further you ventured, the louder the noises echoed. 

The sunny kitchen seemed to be the center of activity. You peered inside, smiling instantly when you saw the familiar figure hunched over the stove. Nonna whistled as she stirred the pot, the incredible smell of her cooking hitting you with a wave of nostalgia. Her happy tune was interrupted by the bouncing boy beside her and she tutted at Mattheo as he peered over her shoulder. 

“Dio mio, did I not tell you to wait in the living room?” Nonna asked with an exasperated sigh. “You’re making me dizzy with all your bouncing.” 

Mattheo smiled sheepishly. “Sorry, nonna. Everything just smells so good. Are you sure you don't need me to taste test?” 

“You’ll eat when the food is ready,” she huffed in response. Mattheo pouted in disappointment, his gaze darting to the fridge hungrily. “Don’t even think about touching my cannolis. I made those for Y/N especially.”

“If you’re nice, I might share.” 

Nonna grinned as you walked into the kitchen with Theo trailing behind you. She pulled you into a hug, kissing both of your cheeks as you laughed. “Thank God you’re here. This one has been driving me up the wall all afternoon.” Mattheo let out an indignant huff, but nonna ignored him. “Sit, piccolina. I’m sure you’ve had quite a journey. Theo here tells me you visited the States?” 

The way nonna crinkled her nose made you giggle. Like every other sensible European, she wasn’t the biggest fan of anything American. “Yes, I stayed with my cousin in New York for a few weeks. It was a fun time, but I am glad to be back home. I’m afraid their cooking isn’t up to par with yours, nonna.” 

“This is why you’re my favorite,” she chides, pinching your cheeks. “You’re just in luck then. Dinner will be served soon. If you can stomach it after my grandson’s driving.” 

Theo heaved in disapproval, which only made you grin. “It was actually quite a nice drive. The view was stunning and Teddy here managed to get me here in one piece.” 

“I’m glad. Theodore has been talking my ear off about it the whole summer. Nonna, I can’t wait until Y/N gets here. I miss her. Do you think she misses me? I hope she likes my car. Don’t you think she’d look quite pretty in her sundress, sitting in the passenger seat?” 

Mattheo snickered as Theo cleared his throat. “Alright, that’s enough. We’ll let you get back to your cooking so I can show Y/N to her room, nonna.”

Without another word, Theo wrestled you out of his grandmother’s clutches. Nonna winked at you behind his back, making you giggle. She wasn’t subtle at all about the fact that she wanted you and Theo to be together. Nonna had been hinting at it since you were thirteen. 

You trailed after Theo, noting the blush on his cheeks as he climbed the stairs. “Did I live up to it, then?” 

Theo scrunched his brows, pausing at the top step to allow you to catch up. His long legs always gave him a rather unfair advantage. “Live up to what?” 

“Did I look pretty sitting in your passenger seat in my sundress?” 

“Don’t know,” Theo quipped. “You were too busy gripping the seats for dear life to allow me to make a clear judgment.” You rolled your eyes fondly, which made him chuckle. “I’m kidding. Of course you looked pretty. You always look pretty, Y/N.” 

Now it was your turn to blush. You bit back a smile as Theo ventured down the hallway. 

“I’m still here you know,” you startled at Mattheo’s presence. You nearly forgot that he was following closely behind. “I swear to Merlin, the world could be falling to shit and you two would still be too busy making googly eyes at each other to notice.” 

You rolled your eyes at your curly headed friend. “I’m guessing Dray got the room you wanted based on your grumpy behavior.” Mattheo swatted at your hand when you tried to pinch his cheek. “Don’t worry, Matty. There’s always room in the wine cellar.”

He stuck his tongue out in response, followed by a smirk that you knew meant nothing but trouble. “Oh, I snagged the Rose room.” 

“That’s my favorite room and you know it!” 

“Don’t worry, Y/N. There’s always room in the wine cellar.” You narrowed your eyes before lunging at him. Mattheo laughed maniacally, dodging your grip as he weaved through the second floor. “Guess you and Notty boy are just going to have to double up.” 

The little traitor ran straight into your room — his room now apparently — and slammed the door shut. “What does that mean?” you asked Theo. 

He shrugged. “Probably nothing good, knowing the twat.” 

His suspicions proved to be true when you ran into Draco and Pansy. They both greeted you with hugs, though Draco seemed a little put off. 

“Good, you’re finally here!” Pansy exclaimed, brushing her bangs off of her forehead.

“With no help from you, by the way. You said you were meeting me at the floo station.” 

“I had to take care of a situation. Theo here jumped at the chance to show off his little baby blue convertible and offered to pick you up instead.” She leaned in conspiratorially. “He’s been buzzing since yesterday. I swear, he doesn’t even try to hide his favoritism.” 

“Well, Y/N doesn’t strong arm her way into staying at my family’s villa. Not to mention conspiring with my nonna for god knows what else,” Theo added bitterly. 

Pansy rolled her eyes. “So dramatic, Theodore.” She pushed the door open to the main suite, revealing the enormous room. 

The interior was bright and airy. A fresh coat of pastel pink covered the walls, but the ceiling remained a creamy shade of white with the exposed wooden beams giving the room a cozy and rustic feel. A four-poster bed faced the balcony doors, which provided a view of the gardens below. The salty summer breeze rustled the linen curtains, carrying the pleasing scent of honeysuckle and lavender. 

Theo set down your luggage by the tufted velvet sofa. You ventured out through the balcony doors, leaning over the parapet to peer at the pops of pinks, blues, and purples dotting the property. By the poolside, Enzo and Blaise reclined on cushioned chaise lounges, sipping on spritzers and soaking in the sunset. You waved at your friends down below and they returned the gesture, raising their glasses with blissful smiles. 

When you turned back around, you found Pansy fiddling with a flower arrangement. She placed it on the table closest to the balcony, smiling to herself when she finally got the bouquet to look the way she wanted. The stunning view, the luxurious vintage furniture, and the intricate fireplace all felt very romantic. After all, nonna did deem this the honeymoon suite, which made you all the more suspicious of why Pansy was suddenly bunking you up with Theo. 

Before you could question the witch, she turned on her heel and crossed the suite. “I’ll give you two a moment to catch up, but don’t take too long. Dinner will be served in an hour.” Pansy lingered by the door, a dangerous glint sparkling in her eyes as she winked at the two of you. “Enjoy the honeymoon suite.” 

If that wasn’t confirmation that Pansy Parkinson was up to something, then you didn’t know what was. You glared at the dark haired witch, but she seemed oblivious as she skipped off. Probably on her way to meddle in someone else’s business. 

“Well, this was unexpected.” 

“Tell me about it. Now I have to keep my things tidy or else I’ll never hear the end of it.” 

“A messy room reflects a messy—”

“Mind,” Theo finished for you as his lips curved into a smile. “I’m well aware, bella. You’ve been saying it since we were ten.” 

“Yet it hasn’t quite sunk in.” 

“You’re just grumpy from international travel. I know what’ll make you feel better though,” Theo announced with a sunny smile as he trotted over to the bathroom. You stared longingly at the amenities, which housed a rain shower head, a tiled bench, and a heart shaped tub. “Hop on in.” 

“Theodore Nott, is this your way of telling me I stink?” 

“I can neither confirm nor deny,” your best friend said with a cheeky little smile. He plugged his nose and waved his hand in front of his face. You smacked him on the arm, which only made him grin even wider. “Will it help if I hopped in with you?” 

A fierce blush crept up to the tips of your ears. “Pervert.” 

“What? We used to take baths together all the time!” 

“Yeah, when we were three.” 

Theo shrugged. “Semantics. I promise not to steal your rubber ducky this time.” 

You groaned in frustration, smacking him once more. “Not a chance in hell.” 

“Are you sure? I’m a very efficient shower buddy. Just ask Mattheo.” 

All the filthy thoughts filtering through your mind only served to make you flush even more. At this rate, your face probably matched your hair. “Get out, Theodore.” 

Theo chuckled as you pushed him out the door. It was a feat in itself given the fact that he towered a good foot over you, but you managed to shove him through the threshold. Your best friend chuckled before placing a kiss on your forehead. 

“Have a good shower, fragolina,” A devious grin tugged at his lips as he paused. “Try not to think of me while you’re in there.” 

You rolled your eyes, but the words had already planted a very dangerous seed in your mind. As you stepped into the shower, you were ashamed to say that you failed Theo’s challenge. 

This bloody honeymoon suite would be the death of you. 

A wave of nostalgia hit you full force as you made your way down the stairs. In the dining room, your friends sat around the large mahogany table chatting and drinking. You exchanged a cheek kiss with Blaise and ruffled Enzo’s hair before making your way over to your usual spot. Theo grinned up at you and patted the seat next to him. 

“How was your shower?” 

“Fine,” you answered robotically. “Great. Uneventful.” 

Theo didn’t miss the way your eye twitched. The twat actually smirked. “I don’t know about that, bella. You sound a little tense. Should’ve taken me up on the offer. I would’ve been more than happy to throw in a complimentary massage. If you asked real nicely.” 

You flushed, crossing your arms. “I’d sooner invite Mattheo to shower with me than ask you for a massage.” 

Mattheo’s curly head perked up from across the table. “Oh?” Much to Theo’s annoyance, his best friend wiggled his brows and winked at you. “Finally tired of Notty boi, huh? You want a dose of Riddle, babe?” 

Before you could deign to respond, Nonna swatted the back of Mattheo’s head. He protested, but she showed no signs of remorse as she took a seat at the head of the table. 

“Do not ruin my appetite, Mattheo.” Nonna scolded. “Now be a dear and pass the lasagna. I didn’t slave away in the kitchen for hours just to listen to your lecherous comments.” 

At Mattheo’s defeated expression, you and Theo tried and failed in keeping in your laughter. Riddle glared at the two of you, but resigned himself to following Nonna’s orders. As your friends piled pasta onto their plates, a bittersweet feeling rushed through you. 

The people seated at this table had been an integral part of your life for as long as you could remember. Pansy, Blaise, Enzo, Draco, Mattheo, and Theo had always been just a couple of steps away, but now that you had all graduated, the seven of you would be scattered in different places. It made your heart ache just thinking about it. 

“We still have the whole summer,” Theo whispered softly. He nudged his knee against yours under the table. The familiarity of the gesture brought you comfort. It never ceased to amaze you just how well Theo knew you. 

“And the rest of your lives if I have anything to say about it,” said nonna as she filled your glass with red wine. “Smettila di fare il codardo, nipote.”

Theo groaned. You understood enough Italian to know that nonna was pushing her agenda again. “Not this again, nonna.” 

“I will not stop until you get it through your thick skull, Theodore.” 

As nonna launched into a full on lecture in her native language, you grinned in amusement at your best friend. Theo sulked like a child, but his expression brightened as you knocked your knee against his. 

After dinner, you spent the rest of the night camped out on the terrace. The view was stunning as the sun set over the horizon, tinging the villa in technicolor. Your friends gathered around the fire pit, sipping sangria and playing games. As usual, the boys found themselves a few galleons lighter after you swindled them during wizard poker. One would think that they’d learn their lesson by now, but your friends were still determined on risking their fortune against you. 

All except Theo. 

Knowing that his own mother passed down her skills of deception to you, Theo knew better than to challenge you. Instead, he sat back and watched the boys lose with a smile on his face. When you claimed your winnings, he beckoned you under the blanket and handed you another glass of wine. Though you could’ve easily blamed the sudden warmth on the charmed knit throw or the fine vintage, you had a feeling that the heat had more to do with your proximity to Theo. 

The scent of citrus and tobacco overwhelmed your senses as your best friend draped an arm over your shoulder. “Gonna share your prize with me, bella?” 

“Seeing as you did nothing to help me, I’m inclined to say no.” 

“Of course I helped. I pulled a vintage from the cellar so these idiots would keep playing even though they don’t stand a chance against you.” 

You chuckled. “Wine or not, they would’ve lost to me either way.” 

“Fine,” Theo said with a dramatic sigh. He pulled you to his side and kissed your temple “Keep your prize. I’ve already won anyways.” 

“You’re awfully sentimental tonight, aren’t you, Teddy?” 

“What can I say?” Theo mused, his blue eyes piercing into you. “This place brings it out of me. This country, this villa, it’s full of possibilities. Anything can happen here.” 

The heat of his gaze seared your skin, but you didn’t look away. A charge of electricity crackled in the air as if in confirmation of your best friend’s statement. 

Anything can happen here.

[knnichs]

RISK

He never believed in Christmas miracles. But if at this moment right now was his only chance–then he will desperately cling onto it as if it was the only thing that mattered in his life.

c. kinich x gn!reader

t. childhood friends to lovers, mild violence (abyss attack, but very short,) no use of y/n, cliche tropes YES i know is it really a knnichs work if theres no cliche stuff, wc: 3.4k

merry christmas, @papiliotao !! i was your secret santa 🧑‍🎄 this is a bit lengthy but i do hope you like it 🧡

Kinich certainly isn’t the type to befriend others.

Not unless it was something formed out of a transaction–or a commission. In this case, his friendship with Mualani was only formed because she was looking for a battle advisor to train Kachina against the wilderness, she said. In the end, he had grown rather fond of them, and gained two new acquaintances that day.

Outside of that, Kinich doesn’t exactly recall when he befriended other people. Sometimes a few people would pass by him while he walked around the tribe and greet him, it is quite embarrassing to say that he doesn’t remember half of their names, if they had never become one of his clients.

You, on the other hand, haven't disappeared from his mind a single day ever since middle school.

BEFORE THE NIGHT FALLS

He remembered the exact moment he got to know you. When his parents had left him as a kid, Kinich went to find a place to live and settle down as he did his work. He had just found shelter in the Scions of the Canopy, and under Elder Liek’s guidance, he was to go to school. Even if he hesitated, he was eventually forced to, the Elder wouldn’t let him help out around the tribe without it. There, he learnt about heroes and their morals–I mean, he questioned it: why would they do something when they wouldn’t profit from it?

In those classes, the other kids would make fun of him. Point at his ragged clothing made out of animal-skin, comment on his dirty feet, since he was always barefoot. You, always his knight in shining armor, called out their behavior and told them that they weren’t being nice. 

Truly a reason of all time, he thinks. Those kids would surely quit their teasing simply because they weren’t being nice.

But he appreciated the gesture. You stood in front of him–arms on your hips, you were determined to drive them away so they could stop picking on people smaller than them. He just looked up at you, (with what he hoped it wasn't a blank expression) curious why you decided to defend someone like him. He had nothing to offer you–he had no mora, no luxurious items. So, why? 

He wanted to ask you before the day ended. Following your footsteps until you were in the middle of the bridge. From there, you would learn his name was Kinich, and he would know what yours was (along with the reason why you decided to ‘protect’ him from that group of kids.) From there, you two would grow quite fond of each other over the years.

He knew he had always adored your kindness, even if it was towards people you barely knew–you somehow always managed to bring a smile to their face and a full heart to come home with. Once, he saw you help a crying child find their play sword–you knew nothing of her, aside from her name, of course.  You found that their sword was thrown all the way down to the river below, it was far from saving–the wood was scratched and torn into halves. So, ‘as any normal human being would do’ (in your words,) you spent the next few hours creating a makeshift sword for them, one that had star stickers and a ribbon wrapped around its handle. 

The kid came home happy to their parents, of course. Boasting about how wonderfully made their new wooden sword was and how this was the first step for them to join the pilgrimage. Her parents only shared a look that was saying ‘thank you.’ You simply smiled and waved, leaving them to enter their home as the kid rushed inside. 

That was all you got, simple two words anyone can utter, and you were happy. You didn’t get mora, you didn’t get any sweets, nor did you get any special treatment. Thank you, it was all you’re going to get for something you spent hours on.

It would be a lie not to say Kinich wasn’t puzzled by your behavior. Somehow, even after he had long graduated from Elder Liek’s class he doesn’t understand. Why do you do these things for free? If that were him, he would have charged them an enough amount of mora just because the work took hours already.

Later on, he would realize you did this simply because you think some things in this world are worth doing–no matter how much it would cost you. And a few years after, just before the next pilgrimage, there was an abyss ambush that almost ended with you hurt.

The sky was dark with a purple fog sabotaging your vision. The smell of smoke from a fire slowly starting to grow, its ashes filled your lungs and burned your eyes. You take another shirt and ran—ran from your home, and the tribe. 

Kinich was away at the time, blissfully unaware of the attack until it was already resolved. He doesn’t quite recall what he was doing before it. All he remembers is the feeling of his heart dropping to his stomach as he heard the fellow tribespeople say you were missing. Had a rifthound laid its claws on you? Where were you?

He would grapple across the forest, letting the branches scratch his skin as he travels, his heart rate increasing at the thought of you getting trapped, wounded—or dead, even. He can’t let that happen, not when he hasn’t told you everything.

Thankfully, he found you seeking refuge in a cave nearby. A few saurians found their way in your arms, a baby yumkasaur fast asleep on your lap.

“Are you hurt?” Kinich steps towards you, observing you quite intently for any injuries you may have gotten. You shake your head, petting the yumkasaur on its head. 

He finds a spot beside you, slouching as he can finally relax, at least a little. He still has to help out later with the damages. Fix a few tents that were broken, check up on the other tribespeople—but you were his top priority.

“I’m fine. Are you seeing this little guy? So. Cute.” You say, only sparing him a glance in his direction before focusing on that yumkasaur once again.

“Yeah,” he whispers. “Cute.” 

FEAR

His friend group which consisted of only two people (excluding the dragon he carries around,) were only Mualani and Kachina. Those two were the only ones who truly understood Kinich’s method of maneuvering around the battlefield, pricing commissions, haggling–really, a few tricks in the book he has, they know about it. You’re no fighter, nor are you an errand person, you don’t know how to do any of these, so seeing Kinich do it himself may be surprising enough for you–but it’s really something he does normally.

You do know how Kinich thinks. How the little gears in his brain move, the quick shift in expression before it turns back to his resting face, how he truly feels in each situation–you’ve learnt how to read him. It may just be because you have good observational skills (which he dreads, for multiple reasons) or the two of you have spent enough time with each other to know what the other is feeling with a single glance, either way, Kinich isn’t as comfortable with it.

You can read how he felt, and he’s never felt that vulnerable in his entire life. He felt like no matter how much he tried to run from you, somehow–there's always a somehow with you–he still can’t hide anything from your ‘prying’ gaze. You know what makes him tick, what makes him smile, to the point that he wonders if you know how he truly felt about you. 

If you can read minds (and gods, Kinich hopes you can’t,) he wonders if you’ve already heard of the things he mutters to the moon at night, and the sun at day. Have you heard of the sacred promises he keeps close to his heart? That he would guard you until his dying breath? That under the moonlight, there was nothing he would wish for more than your presence beside him. Grounding the poor boy's heart in the moment only you two share. 

If you somehow have the power to look at someone's past memories, would you see the times he would pick up the guitar collecting dust in the corner of his room, play a cheesy love song from years ago and hum along to the tune thinking of you? There are far too many times he somehow finds a way to make a situation about you. It could be when he’s about to bungee jump, he finds himself tightening the harness a little more because he knows you wouldn’t want to live in a world without him. A few times when he’d go on commissions and look at the flowers, sit on the top of the cliff and watch as the sun set thinking how much more magical the moment would be if you saw this with him. Would you think it was pretty? How would the sun’s rays reflect on your eyes? Will it glow the same bright color that you bring to his monochrome world?

Sa isang munting harana, para sa’yo.

This meager serenade, just for you.

He can’t offer you anything. Nothing but his entire soul—his vow, to protect you, no matter the cost. Even as he bears the name Malipo, just a smile coming from you would already be more than enough for him.

And maybe someday, one day, he would have the courage to tell you the truth he’d been hiding all these years.

‘PRESENT’ TIME

“Kachina, there’s a few stockings on that table over there. Could you get it for me?” Mualani sat atop a chair, trying to hang decorations for your group’s Christmas party. It's not anything big, it wasn't meant to be that extravagant. All of you would just celebrate the holiday as it was, like what you did every year. 

The fireplace burned through the night, its flames becoming the main lighting of the room. It was bright enough for Mualani to see what she was doing exactly, and warm enough that it felt like a normal sunny day in Natlan. It was often cold during the winter, and although it doesn’t snow, the temperature does drop a little colder than usual.

“Here you go!” The girl handed four stockings–all personalized with your names embroidered on them. In green was Kinich’s name, yellow for Kachina, blue for Mualani’s, and yours in purple. With that in mind, you noticed a light green line of thread that resembled half a shape–curved at the top, and straight at the bottom. Kachina had a few sparkles on hers, and Mualani had the shape of a shark. You shake off the detail, deeming it unnecessary anyway.

Mualani gave her thanks and hung up the stockings all in order–her’s, Kachina’s, Kinich’s, and yours.

“This place is definitely starting to look lively. How much time do we have left until midnight?” You asked, sitting down on the world’s comfiest couch. 

“About an hour, we still have time to set up the bonfire outside too.” Kinich looked at the clock–it's frames decorated with reindeer antlers and a small yellow bell. You smiled at him, whispering a small thank you, and looking back at Mualani (who you were quite worried about, since you’re sure she might fall over the chair at any point.) Kachina was also quite occupied, scouring the place to find… something. 

After a bit more adjusting–the stockings were set up, the cookies are almost done, a few dishes have been spread out on the table already, and the marshmallows are just on the table. Perfect, there was just one more thing left.

“Shoot. Hey, uh, can you and Kinich go get the fairy lights? It’s by Altahua’s net.” She climbed down from the chair and faced you, “You know her, right? Yelafath?” 

“Sure do, I’ll just leave my bag here–watch over my stuff!” You say, placing your belongings by the place you sat on the couch. “Kinich, let's go?”

Outside, it was much, much colder than usual. The wind blowing accompanied by the amount of water that was near the tribe was enough to make you shiver. You and the boy made your way to the shop, you’ve only conversed with Yelafath maybe two or three times? But so long as you mention Mualani’s name, you’re sure that it’ll go okay. You rubbed your hands together and brought them to your mouth, huffing it in hopes that it'll magically turn warm. Hearing the sounds of clothes shuffling, you turn to your side and see Kinich already handing his jacket to you. 

“Quick, before Ajaw gets sick of being locked up,” He muttered. 

“Afraid he’ll tease you? Oh, what a softie you’ve become!” 

“Just take it.” He stands behind you, stretching out the fabric to make it easier for you to slip right in. You were getting warm because of the jacket, it definitely wasn’t because of him.

And it all falls back to silence once again. Save for the sounds of waves crashing and the occasional gust of wind. You don’t mind the quiet, actually, and Kinich wasn’t the type to keep on talking all the time either–preferring to be blunt and straightforward. But this is different, it wasn’t because he had ended a conversation too early that you don’t know what to say so it would continue, because you loved hearing his voice, you loved hearing him talk whatever was on his mind. His attitude towards it sometimes made you upset, feeling a little distant with him every time it happened, but you do know it was just the way he does things. The quiet that falls upon the two of you is comfortable.

All of it has to come to an end, eventually finding the shop. You hopped to the counter, calling for the girl who was arranging things in the crates.

“Evening, Yelafath! Mualani mentioned that she had fairy lights with you?” 

“Fairy lights? Oh, I don’t think she gave me any, sorry.” She looks around the shop, looking for something to give you, but shrugs instead. “I wish I could give you something similar, but we have nothing, we’re also closing for the day.”

“Ah, no, that’s okay. Thank you, and merry christmas! I’ll just tell her.” You smiled, giving her a wave. Kinich simply nodded, crossing his arms and following you behind. She greeted you back, and you faced the house once more, the lights of the shop behind you dimming before turning off–leaving you and Kinich in the complete darkness of the night. Some stalls were still open, the only few things really illuminating your way were the lamp posts and lanterns scattered across the platforms. 

“Where will we celebrate the next Christmas?” You shuffle with the jacket again, raising the sleeves upwards to bring your hand out. The stars were so bright with the mix of blue and purple from the galaxies above, 

“It’s our turn next year, we’ll be the ones hosting it. I hope you’re not sick of me yet,” He chuckles–albeit quite softly. It’s rare to hear him laugh let alone smile with or to other people. But with you, oh, everything is just so easy with you. He can always let his guard down without any fear of you trying to make fun of him. Even on days when he comes to you battered and bruised from a particularly rough commission, you take the time out of your day to care for him. To treat his wounds, focusing your attention on him that he shies away from your touch, insisting that you were doing too much and it could heal on its own. 

One step after the other, letting the salt air brush against you. 

And it once again, falls into silence. 

Ajaw does come into the picture once more after his 15 minute jail time was lifted, and thankfully fills the air with random and the most unnecessary comments.

You ring the doorbell to the house, tapping your feet impatiently in a not-so-coordinated rhythm while waiting for anyone to answer the door. 

“Mualani, Kachina–” you shout, “HELLO? The lights are on, I know you guys are in there!”  

“Seems like your so-called friends abandoned you two. How long until something goes wrong? Oh, I can already smell it! I, K’uhul Ajaw, will ensure that this world will know exactly what loneliness feels like, starting with you two!”

Your arms lay slack on your sides, breathing a heavy sigh. You knock again, one more, twice–until you just start slamming your fist on the door calling them repeatedly. You shiver from the cold wind and eventually give up. Backing away to face your friend, who was unusually, still quiet. 

“Kinich?” You say his name, ever so soft. His eyes dared not to look at you, in fear of showing exactly what he shoved deep down in his chest for the past few years you two knew each other.

“Ew, that’s gross! Don’t give him those lovey-dovey eyes! You’ll give him ideas, you hear me?! Quit that, you’re both so annoying!” Ajaw says, all while retching, “You know what? You’re both insufferable. I’m leaving!”

Some part of Kinich does wonder what exactly needed to happen for you to fall with him. He deemed it unlikely for three years now, saying that you couldn’t possibly. Not with someone like him–blood stained on his hands for his entire life, not for someone with rough, calloused hands that can expertly wield a claymore. Kinich has never felt something as delicate and gentle as you. The moment you tried to defend him from those immature kids–he knew. You would never hurt him, not once in a million lifetimes. With your gentle soul? You were filled with nothing but kindness and innocent hope. You were that glimmer of light he needed in his darkest time, the feeling he needed in his chest to keep going forward–to keep fighting, all for your smile.

Your eyes dart to where he was looking at, curious enough to ask yourself what exactly has him so speechless at the moment.

Oh.

Oh.

A cheap wreath with that familiar red bow, and the two of you just happen to be standing just right under it.

He never believed in Christmas miracles. But if at this moment right now was his only chance–then he will take it. He will desperately cling onto it as if it was the only thing that mattered in his life, and hold it tightly, sure not to let it go.

Being in his arms was nothing new, he’s done this several times as a way to comfort you when you were down, or vice versa. This, however, is different. As if an orchestra directed a symphony of a familiar and comforting tune–one that he used to hum you to sleep during those restless nights. As if you were brought back to the times you sat with him under the starry sky, pointing at bright white dots. The universe is vast and magical, and somehow, somehow, it gave him you. The only sun he ever needed in his bleary sky, the only drops of rain he needed on a hot day, the gust of wind during humid afternoons, the flower that bloomed through the cracks of the concrete. 

He pulls away. Gently, he repeats in his mind, this was a high-risk situation. 

But for you, he would gladly take it.

Kinich looks at you, worry filling his heart–is this the right choice? Even with this amount of hesitation, he pushes through. No matter the outcome, he will live knowing he had you at least once in his life. Gods, you looked angelic. The lampost from the porch illuminates you in a warm orange–exactly the color you had filled his monochrome world with. He brings a hand to your chin, tilting it upwards, muttering only two simple words.

“Can I?” 

“I told ya it’d work,” Mualani said, proudly huffing as Kachina hides in the corner of the room in embarrassment. “Now, I’ll be taking my mora from the traveller right after this. Not a word, Kachina, got it?”

She only nods in agreement.

@ knnichs 2023 ﹑ do not repost, republish, translate, feed to ai or modify any of my works. doing so can and will result into me blocking you.

HI REI! merry merry MERRY christmas <3 i had so much fun writing this & i hope that u liked it as much as i did ! :D you’re such a kind n awesome person i hope i managed to incorporate some similarities between u and the “y/n” of the fic cause i wanted to make it as self indulgent for u as possible BWAHDHAJHA IF THAT EVEN MAKES SENSE!! im glad i got to be close w u these past few month(s) & i hope we continue to get closer!!

[gudfornuthin]

The only thing that matters

Dae ho x fem!reader

Summary: Dae ho joins the game in hopes of building a better life for the two of you. Turns out, you both had the same idea.

A/N: based on this request and this one. Hope you all enjoy and feedback is appreciated :)

Dae ho is startled awake by blaring music from above him. His body aches and there’s a pounding in his head as he tries to gage his surroundings.

Rows and rows of high rise bunk beds fill the massive room, along with hundreds of strangers. All wearing the same outfit, all looking around with the same confused expressions. A group of masked people stand at the end of the room, wearing pink jumpsuits and holding guns. What the hell has he got himself into?

Dae ho moves to sit on the end of the bed, preparing to face whatever is about to happen. Before he gets up, a sudden panic takes over him, as he quickly searches his pockets. He feels something cold and heaves a sigh of relief. Dae ho pulls the object out, a small locket in the shape of a heart. The chain broke ages ago meaning he hasn’t been able to wear it. That doesn’t stop him from carrying it everywhere he goes. He’s also surprised that he’s still got it, considering his change of clothes. For some reason they didn’t take it away from him, and he couldn’t be more thankful.

He opens the locket, staring at the picture inside. A young woman, smiling wide with her head tilted slightly to the side looks back at him. His long term girlfriend, Y/N. The love of his life. The reason he’s here in the first place.

The couple had been struggling financially and your options were limited. After Dae ho left the marines and Y/N was laid off from her office job, it became harder to keep things a float. It didn’t take long for them to form a growing debt, which also didn’t help their relationship. After meeting the salesman in the subway, Dae ho was ready to take the risk. He didn’t bother telling Y/N about what he was doing, and he feels bad because of it. He hopes she’ll understand.

Dae ho kisses the picture of his girlfriend and moves to where the crowd of bewildered strangers have gathered. The pink suits begin to explain everything, as well as the games they’re all about to participate in.

- - -

The players are all lead to the first area where they enter another large room with a large strip of flat land, and an incredibly creepy doll standing tall opposite them. The rules are explained, and the game begins.

One player in particular seems to take on the leading roll, sharing tips and helping everyone slowly make their way to the finish line. Dae ho doesn’t know how and why this man seems so confident and focused on making sure he’s being heard, as the game itself is fairly easy.

That is until the first bullet hits. Unsurprisingly, chaos erupts throughout the room, players shoving each other and running in multiple directions, desperate for a way to get out. The man, which Dae ho sees now is player 456, yells behind his arm for everyone to hold still, and yet many don’t listen.

Dae ho can feel the sweat forming on his forehead, holding his breath and trying to stop his body from shaking too much. He wishes he’d never agreed to that salesman’s game. He wishes he’d just stayed at home, safe with the one person he cares about. Instead there’s a high chance he’s going to be killed.

The screaming soon stops, as the doll calls out green light. No one moves, horrified of the outcome. Dae ho flicks his eyes around the room, trying to figure out what everyone else is going to do. That’s when he spots her.

“What the hell?”

He’s about to move closer when the doll calls out red light. While the players remain static, player 456 yells out, once again taking the lead and explaining what they need to do. Form a line, and get behind someone bigger than you.

“Green light.”

While most people form different lines, Dae ho bolts over to where he was just looking, quickly moving to stand in front of the woman he can’t possibly believe is here with him. She’s shocked to see him too.

“Dae ho?”

Following player 456s instructions, Dae ho moves his arm to cover his mouth, just as the doll calls out red light.

“What the hell are you doing here?” He mumbles.

“I could ask you the same thing,” Y/N replies, her head hanging low, ducking behind her boyfriend.

Rather than starting a fight while their lives are at stake, Dae ho chooses not to reply. Green light is called, and he reaches back for her hand, tugging hard and pulling her along with him to the finish line. He’s pissed off, she probably is too, but there’s no way he’s letting them kill her. Finish the game, then talk.

- - -

The game was a bloodbath to say the least. Somehow wanting to pay off a debt turned into fighting for your life. Literally. Dae ho just can’t bear to think about the upcoming challenges. Either way, he’s thankful to still be alive. Alongside his girlfriend no less.

Dae ho and Y/N sit next to each other on one of the beds, having not spoken a word to each other since finishing the game. They’re both tired, and wondering who’s going to be open and honest first. Y/N breaks the silence.

“I didn’t know how to tell you.”

Dae ho glances at her. “Well, I didn’t either.”

Y/N huffs. “I got a loan from the bank a few months ago, just to help out with our bills. Then I lost my job and borrowed more money and it just,” she sighs. “It got ahead of me. I’m sorry.”

Dae ho takes her hand into his, squeezing tightly. “We both got desperate. There’s nothing to be sorry about.”

They go quiet again, Y/N resting her head on his shoulder. He kisses her on the forehead, then on the cheek, then gently on the lips. She smiles.

“We’re here now,” Dae ho says. “And we’ve got each other. We can do this.”

There’s a moment of hesitation, but Y/N nods at his words, snuggling deeper into her boyfriend’s embrace. They try not to think about all the players killed, and whatever waits for them tomorrow.

- - -

Taglist: @h3ll0k1ttyx @ivanttier @shewanfsrevenge @sugalump3d @putrescentpoet @leviathans-fish

(Sorry if some tags don’t work)

[bri-cheeses]

Jegulus showing up hurt in your enemy’s house

Finally got the time to work on this one! Just had to wake up at 5 am to do it :,)

-

| Jegulus | Prompt 25: Showing Up Injured at Their Enemy’s House | Word count: 931 | Based on this ask game |

-

The house is empty except for James, and it’s had him on edge all day. He’s most familiar with his home when there’s the comfort of another presence, footsteps and warm voices working their way throughout the rooms. Like this, it’s just wrong—hollow and empty and eerily silent.

He keeps wanting to wander down to the kitchen and find his mom working on a meal, to sit down at the counter and talk with her as she goes about her business, or to go out to the brewery and help his dad with a potion, only just catching himself and remembering that they’re out on a mission before he actually does. He’s stopped by Sirius’s room at least three different times, too, turned away only by the reminder that he’s at Remus’s. Even their house elf is out helping another family with work, and James misses the familiar sight of his beloved socks falling down to his ankles because they’re too big on him. James would give him another pair of socks, maybe even an extra Knut or Sickle, if he would just come back and keep him from going stir-crazy with worry.

He tells himself it’ll all be fine, a repeating mantra to slow down the pounding of his heart. Still, he nearly jumps out of his skin when the doorbell rings.

It’s loud in the relative quiet of the house, and soon he’s tearing through the rooms and skidding towards the door, wrenching the handle and throwing the door open with a frantic sort of energy about him.

He stops when he sees who’s on the doorstep.

“James,” Regulus says, standing there with neutral eyes and a neutral expression like this is normal and not out of place in any way.

James hardly recognizes his own voice when he manages a hoarse, “Regulus?”

Regulus shouldn’t be here. The fact of the matter is that it’s been four months since James graduated and left Hogwarts to join the Order full-time. It’s also been four months since Regulus tore his heart to shreds when he told him that they couldn’t see each other anymore, that Regulus didn’t want to see him anymore.

But the fact of the matter is also that Regulus is here, right now, right in front of him, same gray eyes and dark hair and closed off expression, and James wants to reach out of hand and grab him to make sure he’s actually real.

He doesn’t, though. What he does instead is ask, too wary after experiencing war to its fullest degree, “How can I be sure it’s really you?”

Regulus levels him with an even, steady stare. There’s a pause, and then he opens his mouth.

“Your favorite animal isn’t a stag.”

The air in James’s lungs is punched out of him in a devastating rush. Regulus is right. His favorite animal isn’t a stag, unlike what most people would think. It’s a cat, because—well. No need to explain that thought process.

He forcefully turns his thoughts to the matter at hand.

“Why are you here?”

James’s lips feel numb and hard to move, yet he still thinks he manages to form the words correctly. For some reason, though, Regulus doesn’t answer, hesitating in a way that’s unlike him.

It’s the hesitation that makes James look again, closer this time.

Regulus is pale. Regulus has always looked pale, he knows that, but it’s accented now. There’s a greenish tint under his skin, too, and his eyes aren’t quite as sharp as usual.

“Are you okay?” James asks.

It’s blunt, probably too blunt, but he’s spent the entire day on edge and anxious and it’s compounded in a big mess in his stomach that’s trying to force his way past his lips. Reg should be thankful he doesn’t vomit all over him, if he’s honest.

Regulus scowls at the insinuation that he’s anything less than perfect.

“Yes.”

James doesn’t believe him. Maybe it’s something to do with the ashen quality of Regulus’s skin, or maybe it’s that there’s a noticeable lack of bite in his tone, or maybe it’s the fact that he’s even here at all. He eyes Regulus, the way he’s standing, notices that his weight isn’t evenly distributed. He notices how he’s holding his left arm slightly away from the side of his body.

James darts an arm out, banking on the fact that it’s too fast for Regulus to dodge it in the state he’s currently in, and squeezes a light hand just around the base of Regulus’s left rib cage. Reg flinches away from the touch, hands coming up to defend himself and his lie, but it’s too late. His face loses any little remaining blood it had left, and his breaths are becoming more and more laborious as he wraps a protective hand around his side.

“Should’ve known,” Regulus mutters bitterly, chest rising and falling in short, shallow gasps of air.

“Should’ve known what?”

Regulus glares at him, but James knows he’s not actually mad. Reg’s still trying to twist things differently than reality, even now.

“That I can’t lie to you.”

The statement falls between them like a stone dropped in deep, dark water. They look at each other, Reg’s face pale, James’s lip pursed as he surveys him and the situation, gathers the facts.

It’s Regulus. He’s on the opposite side of the war. He broke James’s heart four months ago. He’s injured. He’s on James’s doorstep, asking for help with everything but his words.

It’s Regulus.

“Let’s get you inside,” James says finally, and holds the door open.

-

[dollfacefantasy]

do you get deja vu? ♡

toji fushiguro x fem!reader x shiu kong

your ex-boyfriend shows up one night at you and your current boyfriend's home. the two of you decide to let him stay for the night, but the proximity causes old feelings to rise to the surface.

cw: nsfw (18+), smut, p in v, masturbation, threesome, voyeurism/exhibitionism, past infidelity, light angst

kinktober slot: day 9 - voyeurism/exhibitionism

"I don't understand how you watch this shit," Shiu says, glancing down at where you're pressed against his side on the couch.

Your head tilts in his direction, eyes narrowing in defense of your film choices. "Um, excuse you. You've seen nastier stuff in real life, which is way worse."

"You're right. That's why I can't believe you watch it for fun," he teases and presses a kiss to your forehead.

You roll your eyes and sink back into the warmth of his body on the couch. You'd known from the moment he'd asked to join your marathon that Shiu wouldn't like slasher movies. He'd proposed the idea to you earlier, and of course you said yes, not wanting him to feel rejected. But you knew before he even sat down that he wouldn't enjoy this.

The gore wouldn't entertain him. He wouldn't see the appeal of the bad acting or campy effects. And while nitpicking would annoy you with anyone else, you were much more lenient with your lover.

You snuggle closer to him and pull the blanket up. It wasn't often you got moments like this with him. He was so controlled by his dedication to his work, sometimes you felt like you never just got to relax with him.

That's why the knock that sounds through your living room moments later spikes your irritation way higher than appropriate.

You scoff and sit up, expecting him to make an excuse about how it'd only take five minutes and then be gone for the next hour. But he doesn't do that. Instead he looks to you, just as unsuspecting.

Furrowing your brows, you rise to your feet. You'd been so sure it was related to his work that you had absolutely no idea who else it could be. You pad over to the door, assuming it's just a delivery you forgot about or something else equally as innocuous. Closing one eye, you press the other to the wooden surface to peer through the small lookout.

Unfortunately, the person on the other side is anything but innocuous.

Toji.

For a second, you consider turning around and plopping down next to Shiu again. When he asked who it was, you could shrug it off and say 'Nobody, sweetheart.' He'd never have to know your ex-boyfriend had stopped by.

But you know getting rid of Toji is never that easy. Plus, he could be here to see Shiu. In fact, you reassure yourself that is probably the reason why he's standing outside your door. It most likely has nothing to do with you or your shared tumultuous past.

As much as you'd begged him to cut him off, Shiu kept in contact with Toji over the last year. You didn't understand it. If you stole one of your friend's boyfriends, you'd never speak to or work with them again out of shame. But maybe it wasn't the same for guys who swiped their buddies' girlfriends.

You open the door, maintaining a neutral expression. "Hi, Toji."

He looks down at you, lips spreading into a small smile. "Hey. How're you doing?" he says, as if this is a completely normal conversation and he hadn't just shown up at random on your doorstep.

"Fine. What are you doing here?" you say, not wasting time.

"Is Shiu home?" he asks. Despite your uncaring tone, he doesn't seem bothered.

You nod and step aside, making room for his large frame to move past you. When he crosses the entryway, you catch the scent of cologne. It smells much nicer than the cheap shit he used to wear when you were together. You couldn't get that odor off your pillows for months after he left. You'd remember it anywhere. If the police put it in a lineup, it would be just as much of an identifier as the scar on his lip.

Rolling your eyes, you figure he got this new one from some woman he slept with. Since you'd split, you'd heard through Shiu he had a talent for finding a myriad of well-off, lonely women to mooch off of.

You follow behind him into the living room. Shiu pauses the movie and sits up to look at the visitor. He stands upon realizing who it is.

"Toji?" he prompts, his tone not unkind.

"In the flesh," Toji responds in the same manner, "You know, a real man doesn't make his lady answer the door."

Shiu cracks a smile at that.

On the contrary, you purse your lips and cross your arms. As if Toji would know anything about being a real man. He wasn't even home most nights when you lived together. It's how Shiu slipped into his place so easily. Maybe if he'd been there to answer the door instead, things never would have changed.

You skulk off to the kitchen to give them some privacy. Through the hall, you can hear the muffled sounds of their voices going back and forth. The conversation stays calm, so you figure it's not too serious.

After a few minutes, Shiu joins you. You can tell from the smile on his face, you're not going to like what he's about to say.

He drifts over to you across the smooth tile floor, his hands finding your waist first and his lips landing on your forehead second. Soft blows of his breath fan over your hairline. The sensation brings a temporary reprieve to you like the gentle blow of a fan when the air conditioner's broken.

You know that's why he does it. Softens you up so you're more malleable to whatever he's about to tell you.

"What is it?" you sigh. Your pupils gaze upward upon his face, the dark circles gleaming with worry.

He chuckles at your trepidation. His thumb swipes at your cheek, pinching the skin between his fingertips for a moment as he gauges your features.

"Toji needs a place to crash for the night," he reveals.

Your expression that he'd been studying morphs into one of distaste. You pull back from his touch and try to untangle the mess of words rising in your throat to protest.

"No way!" you begin simply, "No. I don't want him here overnight. He can go stay with someone else."

He brings you back in by wrapping his arms around you in a tighter circle.

"C'mon, baby. It's getting late. He'll sleep out on the couch. Won't bother you at all," he says.

You frown, still not liking the idea. Obviously. you didn't think Toji would be sharing your bed. That wasn't the issue. The truth of the matter is that you don't want him here at all. You don't want to feel his presence under the same roof. He's a part of your life you'd rather forget.

But Shiu is the part of your life you hold closest to your heart now. He makes it hard to shoot the idea down without hesitating first.

Looking up at him, your lip juts into a subtle pout while your eyes gleam like that of a puppy's. You suspect he feels some sort of obligation towards Toji, some sense of guilt that alleviates through letting him do things like this. You didn't really understand it.

"Why?" you ask, your voice soft and begging, "Can't we just give him money for a hotel?"

The bow of his index finger sweeps down your cheek. His pupils cast over the sweet sight of your face, but you can tell from looking back at them that his mind isn't swayed.

"Money for a hotel, hm? You know that's money I could spend on you instead," he purrs. His head ducks down to kiss along your jawline. "That's a new handbag... A pair of shoes you've been eyeing... your nails and hair..."

Your eyes flutter shut for a moment as you enjoy the low vibration of his voice combined with the tender pecks on your face. Of course, he'd tried bribery before true explanation. But unfortunately for you, it works. God, why does he have such a hold on you? It's ridiculous, but as you imagine yourself all dolled up for him, putting up with Toji seems a lot more tolerable.

Maintaining your displeased look, you stare him in the eyes. "Fine. But we're finishing the movie in our room. I'm not watching it with him," you say.

"Deal," he agrees, sealing the covenant with a kiss.

After your mini conversation, Shiu set Toji up on the sofa while you awaited him in the bedroom. You took the time to properly prepare yourself for bed during this period. You shed your clothes for the one of the luxurious silken sleep sets Shiu had bought for you.

Fluffing up your pillows, you stretch out across the plush array of blankets and cushions. You can hear a bit of muffled talking, but it seems small and irrelevant. Chatter to fill the lull of silence.

Minutes later, your boyfriend finally joins you. He smirks at your sprawled out position, his mind likening the sight of you to that of a model in a seductive perfume or lingerie advertisement. His eyes rake over the smoothness of your legs and the soft curve of your hip. Nudging the door shut, he comes over to the edge of the bed and climbs up.

His frame hovers above your own. You stare back up at him and cup his cheek. He grins at the touch and turns his head to kiss the center of your palm.

"You sure you wanna keep watching that movie?" he breathes, leaning down to kiss the area between your jaw and your neck, "I think I could give you a greater thrill."

A soft giggle comes from you. Your legs squirm and rise to wrap around him. He takes the move as an invitation and kisses your throat with more dedication. His teeth scrape gently at your sensitive skin while his lips apply light suction to make a few marks.

You sigh, the tension you felt from earlier melting away. His hands roam your figure and massage any that remains right out. You tilt your head back to give him more room to work. One of your hands slides around the curve of his head to thread your fingers within his hair.

In no time, he has you whimpering for him. Your hips twitch with desire as your chest rises and falls from your increasingly shallow breaths. His fingers slot between your legs to rub at your pussy through the thin sleep fabric.

"Shiu," you whine, your nails scratching at the tender skin of his scalp.

"I'm here, sweetheart," he murmurs, "You were such a good girl for me. Let me return the favor."

He grinds his growing bulge against your thigh, letting you feel just how he intends to repay you. Both of your quiet noises begin filling the room. Wanting grunts and delicate moans echo about as you two undress and shift into a more accessible position.

Unfortunately, all of these sounds could be heard by the third party in your home as well.

When Shiu came into the bedroom, he hadn't shut the door all the way. It appeared as if he did to your eyes, but upon closer inspection, you would find it was still ajar the smallest amount. No matter how tiny the sliver was though, it was enough for your carnal noises to travel down the hall and out into the living room.

Toji lies there in silence, eyes locked on the ceiling overhead.

Normally, this situation wouldn't bother him. He'd laugh quietly to himself or maybe even jerk off if he was feeling it. But he can't do that right now because this is different. This is you.

He recognizes every little squeak that hits his ears. All of them, you use to make for him. It's as if he can see every action replaying in his mind.

The broken whimper always came out when he pulled down your panties. The needy gasp when he'd kiss your puffy clit and lap at your folds a few times. Finally, the long, whiny mewl makes itself known, and he knows that's the sound of you getting filled up. Only the difference between his memories and reality is the name you're crying out.

He sighs and rubs his face. Down below, his cock begins to involuntarily swell. It makes him feel fucking pathetic, but he can't help it. Like a dog trained to the sound of a clicker, Toji's brain had been conditioned by those sweet little moans.

They don't let up either. They only grow higher in pitch and mixed with the low groans coming from Shiu. You always were vocal in bed. He loved that about you, thought it made everything so much more fun. But now he can't stand it, knowing it wasn't just him who had the ability to make you lose control.

He reaches up and adjusts the throw pillow under his head, as if finding a better position would allow him to ignore the symphony of pleasure filling his ears. He huffs and rotates onto his side, rolls his shoulders a few times to try and manually work some tension out. But nothing works. There was no pose that would drown out those sounds.

A burning ache settles in his sternum. He's not sure what it is. Maybe irritation. Maybe jealousy. Maybe regret. Could even be a mix of all three.

He turns onto his back again. The ceiling is blank enough to provide no distraction, allowing his thoughts to come to the forefront of his mind.

How did he let this happen? He didn't want to sound like some cliche rom com or something, but he couldn't wrap his head around how he let you slip away.

The natural instinct of most men would probably be to blame you for being a slut and Shiu for being a traitorous asshole, but Toji couldn't really find it in himself to point at anything but the mirror when looking for the cause.

He knew he hadn't treated you right. In his defense, he never expected things with you to go so far. He hadn't presented you with some image of a stand-up guy and then taken the mask off later. The first time you saw him was at a seedy bar you were way too sweet to be in. He was in a bad mood already since the target he'd been waiting to intercept was seemingly a no-show.

You'd bumped into him when walking by, and while he rolled his eyes at you for that, upon looking closer he found himself more interested. The two of you ended up talking for a few hours before you went back to your place.

What he'd meant to be one night at most, a small fling to pass the time and have a place to sleep for a while, stuck with him. Maybe it was the pretty sounds he could hear right now that sunk your hooks in and prevented him from just leaving.

He stayed with you a while. You were the first real thing he'd had since losing his wife. Things between the two of you were never perfect or close to some romance out of a movie, but they could be really good at times.

Thinking about it now did get him angry at Shiu. He knew you got frustrated with Toji over his bad habits. He also knew that Toji left you alone for stretches of time when he was away on jobs.

When he caught the two of you, he'd been coming home from the race tracks. He knew you'd be pissed because that's how you always were when he went out gambling. But when he walked through the cramped entryway of your shared apartment, all he'd heard was those sweet whines of yours.

He'd preferred you being pissed to that.

He wonders if he walked into your bedroom right now if it'd look the same. Him standing in the doorway silent while Shiu pounds into you from behind, the both of you jolting to a stop when you notice his presence.

Getting up from the couch, he walks towards the hallway in your direction. He knows he shouldn't. It's not worth it and it won't change anything. But something gnaws at him, giving the urge to see you like that. It could be the last time.

Through the darkness, he pads down to your bedroom door. The small crack of light splits the double doors in half. He comes right up to it and leans a little closer. It's enough space for him to get a glimpse of what's going on inside.

You're in the same position as the day he found you and Shiu together for the first time.

Your face is squished under Shiu's palm against the mattress while your ass is raised up in the air. He can see the way your knuckles tighten as you clutch the blanket beneath you. Shiu kneels behind, hips bucking into you in a nice, firm rhythm.

Each stroke rocks your body forward and back. The noises are louder and clearer now that he's closer. He watches your facial features contort as you make them. The bulge between his legs throbs, aching for his hand to provide some relief.

Reluctantly, he meets his body's desire. One of his arms slithers South, letting his fingers caress his hardness through his pants. He lets out a deep sigh at the dull feeling.

Shiu's hand releases your head and slides up to rest between your shoulder blades. He presses down, pushing your body into a steeper arch. Your legs tense at the feeling. Toji can see how your thighs quiver at the deeper angle.

The heel of his palm grinds against his tip harder while the rest of his hand rubs his shaft. He lets out a sigh, taking in every little movement with half-lidded eyes.

You're starting to get close. He can tell from the way your fingers flex around the material between them and how your noises become more drawn out.

That feeling in his sternum grows uglier, and he hates it. This was fucking pathetic. Jerking off outside your room to the sight of you getting your brains screwed out by another man. He grits his teeth and rubs himself harder. A small moan works its way from between his lips. He can tell you heard something by the way your eyes flutter and try to focus on the door.

Before you can call him out, he decides to insert himself into the situation.

He pushes the door open and leans against the edge frame. His eyes hold disapproval as they fixate upon your figures in clear view.

"You know if you two are gonna be so loud, you should really try shutting the door," he says.

You startle at his sudden appearance and try to jerk upright. "Toji!" you practically shriek.

That feels right to him. That should be what you're crying out while full of cock.

"You fucking perv!" you continue, "Get the fuck out!"

You try to gain your bearings, but he can see Shiu's not letting you up. He hasn't quit thrusting either. His hips keep rolling against the plush of your ass as his head turns in Toji's direction.

"You get lost on the way to the bathroom or something?" Shiu says casually, "You know it's not nice to interrupt."

"Shiu!" you whine, still trying to squirm away. Your cheeks are full of heat. The idea of being so openly used had you feeling more worked up than you would've thought.

"Shhh, princess. You're alright," he says, giving you a soothing pat on the ass. He grabs each side of your hip for further leverage to plow into you with.

Shiu's lips pull into a teasing smile as he looks at Toji. "C'mon. It's not like you're not enjoying listening," he says, eyes flickering down to the obvious strain at the front of his pants.

Toji shrugs, unbothered by the callout. "If you're putting on the show, why should I ignore it?" he says.

"You're a fucking creep," you say. You try to keep your voice steady, but the words come out almost whimpered, to your humiliation. 

Your shame went further than being seen in this compromising position though. You couldn't deny what this scene reminded you of - the most disgraceful moment of your life. That night when he came home, walking in on you and Shiu unintentionally. You remember the way he stood there, not saying a thing. He didn't get angry like you expected him to. It was as if something just faded in his eyes. The way he looked at you dimmed.

It feels ugly thinking back on it now, sharp contrast to the bliss Shiu's cock is battering into you. You'd tried to justify it for so long, but you can't think through it at this moment. All you're left with is the guilt and thrill of doing something that feels forbidden.

"Just get out, Toji," you whimper, not even putting up a front this time. You turn your head against the blanket further and shut your eyes.

"Don't be rude, sweetheart," Shiu chides from above. 

His eyes are still on the other man in your room. He finally pulls out, giving you a moment to breathe and pull a blanket over your lower half. He leans back and sits against some pillows, body on full display.

"You know, if you want to join, all you have to do is ask," Shiu says.

Your head pops up when you hear that. You stare it at him in pouty confusion, but he's not put off by it.

"Don't act like you wouldn't like the idea, baby. I felt how tight she squeezed me when you saw him," he teases.

More burning embarrassment stings your cheeks. You try to come up with some way to dispute what he said, but nothing comes to mind. Instead, you opt to lower your face against the sheets again. Your boyfriend chuckles, sweeping his hand over your head before looking back at the other man.

Toji stands slightly closer to the bed now, but there's no indication on his face as to whether he plans on taking the offer or not.

"It's not like we haven't shared before," Shiu says. You can hear the knowing look in his eyes.

This statement causes you to look at him again with a raised brow. Before you can ask about it, Toji speaks.

"You know it's not the same," he says.

You look over at him for a moment, taking in the look on his face. A strange concoction of frustration and lust. Your eyes can't help but catch on the familiar swell in his pants as you go to look at Shiu again.

"You two have shared before?" you ask, unsure of how you feel about the idea.

"Mhm," he answers bluntly, "A few different times. But he never wanted to share you."

The concept takes a few moments to register in your mind. At first you feel warmth blossom in your abdomen. But as the unspoken part of the sentence seeps into you, shame extinguishes the pleasant feeling.

Your chest feels hollowed out as you stare at him now. While each of your positions are the same as the day everything fell apart, it's as if you're seeing him from a new angle.

You never thought of Toji as attached to you in that way. You always assumed you were the one pining after him for most of your relationship, longing for feelings that would never be returned with a matching intensity.

God, you felt so stupid now. Stupid and selfish. A horrible combination.

The silence in the bedroom is painful. You'd honestly prefer he just blow up on you and Shiu. Explode in the way he should have when it first happened. But he doesn't.

"If you're not in the mood to join, maybe you'd prefer to watch," Shiu offers, a touch of softness to his words this time around.

He reaches over and grabs you by the waist, tugging you on top of him. You're facing away from him, sitting nude atop his body while staring into your ex-boyfriend's eyes. He starts to lift you up while lining himself up at your entrance below. It makes you squirm, being handled and moved while under observation like this.

You manage to hold in the moan that wants to burst out when he slides you down. Keeping your hands firmly planted on his thighs, you take a second to focus on keeping your composure. His dick feels so good inside you, but the negative emotions you felt before haven't gone away. They're swirling together inside your torso. You feel the need to confirm Shiu's idea to alleviate them somewhat.

"It would be nice, Toji," you say as tenderly as you can in this situation, "It would be better if you stayed."

That gets his lip to quirk upward on the unscarred side. He runs a hand through his inky black hair, pushing it back out of his face.

"Thought you said I was a fuckin' creep who should get the fuck out," he mocks.

Shiu chuckles from behind you while his hands lock around your hips, rolling you down and grinding his cock against your insides without moving much. Your eyes flutter and you bite your lip, but besides that you keep control of your reaction.

"I changed my mind. I wasn't thinking clearly before," you correct.

"You sure you're thinking clearly now?" he asks, eyes glancing down at the point of connection between you and Shiu.

Heat rushes to your cheeks again, but you nod. "I'm sure," you confirm.

You want to tell him that you'd feel even worse if he left and went back out there to be all alone. The guilt would probably ruin whatever release Shiu was working you towards before too. But more important than that, you want to say that you didn't mind his presence right now. That you don't mind it ever because of anything he did. That it bothers you because ever since that day, his figure has transformed into a great, big, flashing reminder of your selfish disloyalty.

But none of it comes out because you sense it would probably feel cheap. Too little, too late to sound sincere.

Instead you just extend an arm to wave him over and pat the bed. You wouldn't even make him sit in the chair in the corner. He could be as close to you as possible without being involved himself.

He pauses for a moment. Coming from you, this invitation seems much more appealing. He tentatively closes the distance between himself and the bed and takes a seat on the end of the mattress, leaning against the bottom board.

Your heart slams against your ribcage in erratic pulses. Both your body and your mind don't know how to comprehend this situation. You know innately you like it. You can feel somewhere deep down the satisfaction from having the two of them here at the same time. But on a more controlled, conscious level, it's strange.

You can feel Toji's eyes scanning over your body, taking in every small detail. From behind, Shiu continues to bounce you up and down. He's growing more bold now that you and Toji have seemed to have settled into this idea.

Shiu's hand reaches up to grab the back of your neck. He pulls a little, forcing your spine to arch and your tits to puff out. You know he wants you to contribute more, so you respond by swiveling your hips.

"There you go," he hums from where he lays against the pillows, "You gotta do your best for Toji, doll. I'm sure he's been missing this."

For Toji. The words bring a rush of unanticipated arousal through you. You whine softly and continue to work yourself up and down on Shiu's shaft, your walls squeezing him with every rise to the tip.

The mention of his name has an effect on Toji too. He feels his cock kick in his sweats. Now that he's been accepted by the two of you, he feels comfortable shimmying his sweatpants down a bit so he can grab his length. He wraps his thick fingers around the heavy appendage and strokes. His eyes train on your bouncing breasts. When the two of you were together, he loved them, practically always had a hand on one. The fact that Shiu doesn't take advantage of those assets and instead focused on groping your ass drives him fucking crazy. But right now, that's a good thing.

He spits down onto his palm to make his tugs more slick. The noise draws your attention. He can see the lust that overcomes your pupils when your mind registers what he's doing.

"Toji..." you whimper.

A shuddery breath rattles from his chest. That wasn't a dream or a memory. It wasn't tainted in hate or drenched in confusion. That beautiful, heavenly sound had been meant for him as nothing but an act of passion. He almost loses it right there, but he manages to hold himself together.

You ride a little faster, subconsciously matching the rhythm of Toji's hand. Leaning forward, more of your weight presses onto your boyfriend's thighs. You use the increased balance to drive him deeper each time and hit all the special spots inside you.

Your vision stays on Toji's cock. You can't help it. It's beautiful. Stunning, entrancing, divine. All appropriate descriptors for the piece of anatomy only a few feet from you. It's long and thick, perfectly proportioned. Bulging veins sprawl from the base to the flushed head that oozes precum above. The pearly beads slide downward and mix with his spit to create a shiny lather over the surface.

He knows you're watching, and that's why he puts extra effort into his performance. He makes his movements much more fluid and exaggerated than they would be if he was doing it at home to a memory.

"Missed me?" he teases.

Your eyes dart away from his dick and up to his face. There you meet his piercing eyes. You stare into each other for a few moments. Communication without words. The message flowing between the two of you transcends even beyond thoughts. All that's left is pure emotion.

Everything feels so much more intense while looking at him. Shiu's fingers dig into your ass cheeks harder, his palm claps against the flesh louder, and his cock ruts deeper. The only thing that's muted in any way are the sounds of his grunts and groans.

You pant while continuing to split yourself open on his length. Your eyes droop with lust as you stare at him. Finally a response to his statement makes its way to your mouth.

"Of course I did," you say. The words come out breathy and full of longing because of course you did. Of course you missed him.

Your head falls back so that you're no longer making eye contact with him, but you can feel that you're still the center of his vision.

He jerks his cock harder. His fingers tighten around it, bringing a brighter red to the surface of his skin. He actually moans too, unable to feel shame for it in the heat of the moment.

In a matter of minutes, all three of you are closing in on release. Shiu's hips buck up to meet yours while Toji thrusts into his own fist. Three voices sound throughout the room now instead of just two. While only you and Shiu are touching, it feels as though you're all moving together, rolling with the same impulse.

"Shiu," you whimper sharply, an alert that you're about to lose it.

He recognizes the tone in an instant, the sound bringing a smirk to his face. "You ready to cum, princess?" he taunts.

You nod wildly, your head bobbing just like your hips are.

"I can tell. But before you do, I want you to ask Toji," he says.

Your hips sputter in their rhythm, the command shooting through you like a bullet. You hesitate but only for a moment. You wanted to cum bad. The need clawed at you more than the embarrassment of asking him for permission did.

He's already looking at you when your gaze returns to him.

"T-Toji," you whimper out. Your lip quivers a little as you will the words to come out, "C-can I cum?"

He continues to stare at you for a moment before wordlessly nodding. Your ex-boyfriend who'd always been able to keep his head under pressure seems dazed in this moment. A rush of conflicting feelings cloud his mind and make him feel some sort of flustered.

You feel release approaching fast in the heat of the moment, you lift your hands from Shiu's legs and reach out to him. Waving desperately, you beckon him into your arms. He's not sure what you're going for at first, but he indulges you and leans forward.

Your hands land on either side of his head and pull him in for a searing kiss. The moan that comes from him against your lips burns you in the best way. You let out a harsh breath and slide your tongue into his mouth, deepening the kiss as you cum. Your body shudders while he bucks into his fist with feverish jerks.

In the split second that you had made that decision, you hadn't considered how Shiu would feel. The only thing on your mind was your craving for Toji. But based on the moan Shiu lets out and the way his load fires into your cunt, you're pretty sure he's not too upset about it.

Toji finishes moments later, spurting milky ropes of cum out into his palm. He pants against your lips as the two of you continue to make out. Without physically grabbing you, he keeps you in place. He wasn't going to let you pull back yet. This would last as long as he could stretch it.

That turns out to be only about twenty more seconds. It's then that you start to lean back, slipping Shiu's cock out of you and collapsing against your luxurious sheets.

Toji sighs as he comes down from the high and takes in the sight of the two of you. Shiu rubs your shoulder while you glance at him with a gentle look in your eyes. He sits there, wondering if it would be awkward to leave so soon after or if there's something he should say.

You turn to look at him before he can bolt. He can't help but notice that your lips are still a little love-swollen from your exchange. It hurts more than anything else. You stretch out your fingers subtly, silently offering for him to come closer, potentially to stay.

But he can't.

This was already probably a mistake. It wasn't gonna help him get over you any faster, and it wasn't going to get you back from Shiu. Not that he should even want that. This didn't erase your initial betrayal.

He grabs your hand and gives it a brief squeeze before standing up and pulling his sweats back into place.

"I'll try to be out of your hair as soon as possible tomorrow. Thanks for letting me crash," he says, keeping it simple.

The look in your eyes says you want to say more. You want him to stay so you can talk. But you don't say anything. Partially because Shiu's here and you wanted the conversation to be private, partially because you don't think you deserve the last word.

So you just watch him go. Shiu nuzzles into your neck from the side, pressing a few more kisses to the heated skin. You lazily return the affection, exchanging tender gestures until he pulls you close and starts to drift off.

Now it's your turn to lie there in silence and stare at the ceiling. The burning ache has migrated from Toji's sternum to your own. It keeps you locked in place on the bed, stiff as a board with Shiu's relaxed one draped half on top of you. The feeling of his soft skin and warm limbs isn't enough to push out the guilt and regret.

You turn your head to the side, looking through the darkness of your room. The only thing that really manages to draw your attention is that the bedroom door is now fully closed.

[hehehereliesmysanity]

post-choir fix-it fic 1.3k

“I have to go. Mom will go crazy.”

“Bye.”

“Bye.”

***

"You are in a good mood," Linda greets him when he gets in the car. After he left Wille in the hallway to catch the bus, his mom called him to tell him he was in the school so he didn't have to this time. Simon argued, saying that she came to pick him up herself only because she didn't trust him about anything anymore. Linda didn't accept it but she didn't deny it either. He got upset a little after that but still he didn’t want to let that change his good mood. He can’t say for sure but it has nothing to do with Wille walking into the music room with a shy smile playing on a loop inside his head. Or the way he wanted to climb in his body and live there, creating a nest on his chest like a homesick bird.

"Yeah, I am," Simon smiles despite himself, not being able to control his face. "Wille joined the choir. That's all." He is still grinning like an idiot. He tries to keep it cool but that ship has already sailed. Even though things are not perfect with his mom, he knows she can tell it is that serious.

"I didn't know he could sing, too." Linda comments nonchalantly as she starts the car and gets going. Simon fastens his seat belt as the corners of his mouth turn upwards, secretly smiling to himself. At least he is trying. It is no longer in his capacity to tame his face, which is betraying him with every facial expression, looking like he just won the lottery. The grand prize. In a way, he did when you think about it.

“He can't," Simon shrugs with a huge smile on his face. He bites his lip to collect himself and look a little bit self-preserved at least but it is not working at all. Linda turns his head towards him to take in the situation but she looks like she has no clue.

“He can’t sing to save his life,” he chuckles, “And he said he likes to listen to me singing,” he says, his cheeks turning red a little mid-sentence. "He only joined so that we could spend more time together." He explains lamely because, after all, he is just a teenage boy who wants to talk about his boyfriend all the time.

"Hmm," Linda mumbles quietly but doesn't comment on it.

"We can’t see each other that often and we can hardly talk on the phone because of this stupid ban."

"And the fact that you are grounded doesn’t help either?" she asks but Simon knows it's only rhetorical so he only shrugs. "Why don't you use your computers?"

"Uhh," Simon falters, "we did not think about that." He sighs.

Linda chuckles lightly when Simon takes out his phone and texts Wille to tell him that they are too stupid to come up with video chatting. He is not going to see them soon since he won't get his phone until seven but still, when he sees them, they will arrange it so they won't need their stupid phones at all. He doesn't notice Linda has stopped the car meanwhile until he is done texting Wille.

"What's wrong?" he asks, confused, looking out of the window to see you understand what could possibly be the reason why her mom stopped all of a sudden. They didn’t even move that far; they are still at Hillerska grounds.

"You can get out of the car," Linda says calmly, drawing a deep sigh, almost tired.

"Why? Do we have a flat tire?

"No, we don't have a flat tire. I am going back home alone and you will take the bus. When does the last bus leave?"

"Ten past nine." Simon says, even more confused now, having no idea what his mom is trying to say.

"Don't miss the last one or I won't come back to pick you up."

"What are you saying?" he asks, sitting straighter in his seat, and hope blooming in his eyes.

"Get out of the car before I change my mind." Linda says, in a serious manner but there is a faint smile in her face.

“I can stay?” Simon asks, a little high-pitched and dazzled.

“Yes, for a bit longer. You can’t stay over, though.”

“Okay,” Simon can’t hold still, unable to contain his excitement. He is not gonna ask for more when his mom is finally letting him stay after.

“Not on school nights anyway.” she shrugs.

“What?” he asks, his eyes getting wider at the implication. “Can I stay over at the weekends?”

Linda nods and Simon wants to scream. “Am I not grounded anymore?”

“No, you are not.” she says, “So are you getting out? I’m not gonna drive you back. You will have to walk.” she says firmly, with a straight face but Simon knows she is getting soft. 

“Thank you, thank you, thank you,” he jumps over his seat and hugs his mom tight, leaving a kiss on her cheek and Linda chuckles. “I love you, mamma.”

“I love you too, mi amor.” 

Simon finally leaves his mom in the car and basically runs to the Forest Ridge. He doesn’t mind the walk back to the dorm, where he knows Wille is gonna be. He considers texting Wille but he won’t be able to see the message so he rushes to get there faster. He sees Wille talking with someone in the common room and makes a shush gesture towards people who see him coming. He takes slow steps and carefully approaches him, trying not to make any sound and spoil it before it is time. He wraps his arms around Wille’s torso and hooks his chin on his shoulder and whispers a quiet ‘Surprise!’ in his ear. He can feel the tension in Wille’s body leave immediately as soon as he touches him. He doesn’t have to turn around to know it is him and that doesn’t melt Simon’s insides at all. It doesn’t.

Wille turns around finally facing him and looks at him with wonder and adoration along with a puzzled look, not making any sense of how Simon can be here now. All the background fades to black when Wille is looking at him. They are alone. Nobody exists. Nothing is as important as this moment when they are together.

“How—?” Wille mumbles with a confused look. Simon takes his hands and drags him to Wille’s room even though he sees people scattering away after he arrives—a lot of people do that, they leave when they are together. Simon thinks they are homophobic, but Felice tells them they are obnoxious and disgustingly in love so they run away—but they sure will need privacy very soon if Wille’s look is anything to go by.

“Mom let me stay.” Simon explains after he closes the door behind them and locks it for good measure.

“How long?” Wille whispers as soon as he captures Simon’s lips in an instant and glues himself to him, clinging to every part of his body.

“Until nine.”

“We have five hours?”

“Yes,” Simon mumbles against Wille’s lips, “would that be enough?” he teases.

“It is never enough; I will always need more.” Wille crashes their mouths together again. Not that they broke apart at all. Except some unnecessary breaks, like breathing or something, which is completely overrated.

“And I am not grounded anymore,” he whispers when he finally has a chance to speak again because Wille kept him occupied for a while. Wille makes very deliberate eye contact and bites the corner of his lip invitingly but gets shy all of a sudden and Simon can’t just not kiss him again and again. Among other things.

[hoardcloneheadcanons]

I'll Eat You Up I Love You So

A Magnus Archives based Stobotnik AU. Because I crave the horrors.

Trigger Warning: Spiders, Manipulation, Uncanny Valley, Unsettling Creatures following people in the night, Stalking, Gore, Cannibalism, Stobotnik, Isolation, Possessive behavior.

An Ivo Robotnik of the Stranger and a Stone of the Spider

Ivo Robotnik always felt off from people. Like he was missing a script that everyone else received. He had the wrong feelings, the wrong expressions. Like he was always saying the wrong things no matter what he did.

The other kids in the orphanage tended to avoid him. And he busied himself with altering things around the house to play tricks on them, switching the TV to horror movies at random intervals when he wasn’t in the room. Or making the toaster burn in their hands when they tried to use it.

If you can’t join them, you can at least laugh at them.

When he was about 14 a weird mist started following him around. It would be in the corners of his vision constantly. Sunny days would suddenly get foggy on his way home from school. Rooms where he was alone would suddenly get smokey

He was a boy who considered himself very rational, but he swore those clouds had an intelligence and that they were trying to eat him.

He got caught in the mist a few times. Every time he did, faces would get blurry and speech incomprehensible, and everything, Everything in him felt cold. Then he’d run until he could see the sun again and try to stay around people.

The mist only came when he was alone.

He didn’t dare tell the head of the orphanage about it. Or the other children.  He knew they didn’t like him, he knew they wouldn’t believe him. They’d probably say he deserved the mist. They just watched the child get suddenly gaunter and more haunted with no reason as to why.

And then one day, Ivo found a book.

A book titled “A Beginners Guide to Animatronics. Stimulating for Young Minds Ages 13-17.”

And the book showed him how to make life-like, fake people. He realized as he was reading it, that the book must’ve been lying about the age ranges. It would’ve been too hard for anyone of his age. But he could follow it easily. He’d always been advanced. 

Nobody liked what he made from the book. The cold doll-like faces blinked too rapidly, the necks hung to the side awkwardly, and nobody knew how to shut them off. Ivo refused to tell them. When he went to school they just hung out in his room, waiting for him.

And no matter what you did to break them, they never stopped moving.

Ivo discovered that if he kept his machines with him, the mist left him alone. The something person-like he had with him counted. And the longer that Ivo built, the more odd he got. Until his blinking became off rhythm and his walking became weird, and the color of his skin was just slightly off.

People avoided him. That used to bother him. Now it seemed to fuel him. To get into their space and unsettle them, to make himself uncomfortable to be around. And his mentality morphed to suit it. He didn’t need people when he had his machines, when he could make better versions of them that could climb on walls and twist their head 180 degrees.

Ivo kept his machines around him as he aged.

He took odd-jobs as an IT consultant, a programmer and a machinist. They lasted longer if he worked remotely. It usually wasn’t steady work, his personality often ended his employment. But that was fine. Ivo found more and more often that he didn’t need to eat, not as long as he had someone’s fear, not as long as someone was looking aside at him, wondering if the mechanical eyes they saw outside their window was his, or his machines.

This is when he starts taking on assistants. It’s easy to terrify someone who's forced to be in your space for money. It’s easy to terrify someone who gets bit by shiny, chromium-covered things as they’re trying to clean them.

So on one of his steadier periods, when he has a work-from home programming job. He put out a Craigslist ad for an assistant. Someone to help clean his machines and his house when he was working.

And he gets one Aban Stone. A soldier who ended his tour of duty and was looking for a job.

And he’s horrified to discover that Mr. Stone seems to be quite immune to most of his tricks. Ivo can’t tell if he’s the stupidest, most oblivious man on the face of the earth or simply the most fearless.

Stone would clean the robots, and they’d turn their heads round 180 degrees to stare at him and grin. And Stone would simply turn their heads back around, and then continue his task, humming all the way.

The animatronics followed Stone home, and watched him while he slept, staring through his bedroom window, and Ivo got a knocking on his door in the middle of the night.

He opened the door to find Stone, in his bathrobe and sneakers leading the robots back to Ivo’s door by the wrist saying that “they must’ve gotten lost, I’m surprised none of them got hit by a truck on the way over.”

Robotnik found a little bit of webbing on each of their backs the next morning. He thought nothing of it, except that he should probably yell at Stone for not dusting for cobwebs more often.

(He forgot to mention it, by the time Stone got there he was already dug into some network error, and half-paying attention to the world around him).

Stone got bit by one of the machines as he was making lunch for the two of them and his main response was to say “Fascinating! They’re so detailed, I didn’t know they had teeth.” Before turning around and chiding Ivo that he should probably adjust their programing. “I can handle it, I’ve been shot before. But what if they bit you? Ivo, that isn’t safe.”

It drove Ivo insane.

And he was so relentlessly helpful. His job was to clean the machines, and the house. And he did all of that, and then also insisted on doing the laundry, and cooking for Ivo. He consistently worked past his shift and even when he wasn’t bustling around the house, he was asking Ivo questions about himself, bringing him coffee, and humming.

Always humming. In a sound that Ivo found himself mimicking. He had to shut down conversation and insist Stone go home a million and a half times. He didn’t need people, he had his machines.

He knew he was sunk when he started building machines that looked like Stone.

He’d always tear them apart, rip them to shreds before Stone could see. All Stone understood was that Ivo was going through some creative slump where none of his creations were good enough.

And Ivo was eating food. He didn’t need to eat, not when he had people’s fear. He’d almost forgotten how. A fork felt weird in his hand. Most food tasted like dust to him. 

But he did whenever Stone cooked for him. It tasted like care and attention, and he devoured it whole.

At first Ivo refused everything he made, but Stone was stubborn and fretted over him, and kept buying groceries and making him things until he found the exact things Ivo could eat. The first time he did it’s because Stone had put a sandwich by his hand while he was working, only half paying attention and he ate it without thinking. It had some spicy aioli, that burned past his dulled senses.

And a second fear started to build within him that Stone might leave. That the humming and bustling around the house might end, and the one person he could stand to be in his space and could stand to be in his could go away.

A billion times he’d thought to fire Stone to end the fear and this madness and change. And a billion times the thought would slip from his mind as he got distracted, or he thought “one more day, just one, then he can leave.”

And Ivo was getting hungry. It must've confused Stone so much how his charge seemed to be getting listless and tired even as he was feeding him more. He felt Ivo’s head to check if he was sick and insisted he drink electrolytes before Ivo could shoo him away.

Always so relentlessly helpful, always so caring and doting.

That night, while Stone wasn’t there, he repurposed his basement and filled it with machines of horror. He filled it with spinning blades that wailed like people in pain and left his most uncanny and troublesome creations down there, filled them with sharp teeth and fire jets, and eyes too big for their heads.

And then he called a plumber for a burst pipe in his basement. Emergency situation.

He ate well that day. Stone was glad to see whatever fever he had, had cleared up. He was curious about the lock on the basement, but Ivo explained it away with “Water damage in the basement, and the stair is broken.”

And then he had to insist several times that Stone let him handle it. He’d already called a plumber and they’d be there next week.

And for a little while longer, they got to pretend to be normal.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Meanwhile,

Stone was finding Ivo a hard meal to digest.

Aban Stone likes getting what he wants. And will be quiet and friendly to do so. He has worked hard to be the best all his life. The best in athletics, the most attractive, the one with the most gung-ho, can-do attitude.

It’s only natural that he gets rewarded, that he gets everything he asks for in return for his efforts. It’s only natural that he got everything he wanted from the people he loved.

He liked taking care of people. He had a little habit, a hobby one could say, of finding a single person to take care of, coming into their life, and making them utterly dependent on him controlling their lives completely. Making sure they wanted and needed to do everything he asked of them.

Then he would then ask them to rip out their hearts so that he could eat them.

He wasn’t quite sure when he started to see the little threads on them, that he could pull to subtly change their thoughts, or when he started to look in the mirror and see three extra pair of eyes.

It all seemed a natural extension of it all.

So when he saw an ad for an assistant and house cleaner for one Ivo Robotnik, he thought he’d hit a jackpot.

Ivo was an isolated man who spent all day in his workshop or on his computer. He lived in an abandoned part of town and people avoided him. Stone could take over his life and feed off the fear of his dependence, and his loss of control for a long time without anyone noticing or telling him what was normal. Stone could eat him slowly.

But Robotnik had such a stubborn resistance to human connection that made him so hard to devour.

He pushed Stone out and away thousands of times, he insisted he didn’t want help beyond his basic chores. Stone had offered to move in a couple of times and Ivo had shoved him out, and told him he couldn’t stand to have him around more often than he was.

If Stone was human, he would’ve thought Robotnik didn’t like him.

But he can taste his fear. It’s subtle, in the background, slowly growing, but it’s there. Fear of dependence, of loss, of change. It’s there. And Stone is a patient spider, he can wait for it to grow.

And in the meantime, he makes himself comfortable.

He fills the refrigerator with things he likes, since Ivo barely eats. And he got busy investigating this strange man who resisted human contact like the plague, learning his favorite color, his tastes, his hopes and dreams, growing ever more possessive all the way.

He was so interesting. He built things no one else could! He treated his job as a hobby and filled his life with passions. He moved and talked in ways none of the other humans did. He talked to his creations often, and Stone learned the most about him when he did, finding out all the people he judged in the neighborhood, and all the little ways he had messed with their lives.

He’d sent his androids to listen to the Diazes’ house to find out their gossip, He’d made the Jones lawnmower turn on and off randomly and made it into a lethal hazard.

Stone found himself wrapping web around the house where Ivo wouldn’t see, over and over, around and around, so thin as to be a layer of paint, marking what was his. “Mine mine mine mine mine” whispered over and over in tiny threads.

It would make him sorry to eat him, he liked his fascinating human and all the delightful toys he surrounded himself with.

 Stone found the constructs were just similar enough to humans that he could puppet them himself with his webs. They followed him around docilly. At a certain point he stopped leading them back to Ivo’s in the middle of the night and just let them settle down on his living room floor until he could lead them back the next morning when his shift started.

He didn’t need to interrupt Ivo’s sleep.

But the entire time his hunger grew. Ivo’s fear was to him like potato chips would be to a normal human. It was delightful, tasty, but it was hardly filling.

So he went out to eat. Just to tide himself over, nothing major.

A simple meal, a quick one. A gentleman at the bar who chatted him up, someone he could lure into his house with the promise of conversation and wine, and heat and close flesh.

Someone who he could tie to his bed and crack open his ribs, and eat with the heart still beating, screaming as he saw Stone’s mandibles and 8 reflective eyes.

He didn’t notice the animatronic that had followed him home, yellow-camera eyes staring through his bedroom window.

Then Stone felt fear.

He hadn’t checked. He’d been so hungry. He didn’t usually go to the bar. it must’ve been waiting for him to come home.

He lunged at the creature, determined to control it, to stop it and it skittered away. He didn’t know Ivo could make them go that fast, and he felt impressed even as the horror dawned on him.

He was going to lose everything.

There would be no final meal, no constant snacking, no Ivo, no home, no fascinating conversations over lunch of circuitry and mayhem. Ivo was going to see him, and be afraid of him, and it was all going to end. He’d see the webs outside of his house and move and it was all going to end.

No no no. He can fix this. He’s eaten, he's stronger. It’ll be fine. He can fix this.

Suppressing his panic, he cleans himself up, washes his hair and gets prepared to go over to Ivo’s house and to pretend, to make him believe that everything is normal. To yank the faint threads he had from Ivo and whisper in his ear that everything was safe. He’d go to his job, at the same time he always does, because nothing happened and everything was fine.

He walks around his living room in the dark, reciting it to himself in his head.

Ivo? is everything alright? You look pale. I saw one of your robots last night at my house and it was acting strange, walking into walls. I think it might be glitching. You should check it. See if there’s any bugs in its code. You look like you need something to do with your hands. You do that and I’ll make us some tea and we can forget about this.

Ivo, people don’t turn into spiders. You’re being silly, you’ve been working too hard. You know people hallucinate when they don’t sleep enough.

Ivo, you don’t want to get rid of me.

It’s in a loop in his brain as he walks up Robotnik’s front steps the next morning, all nice and shiny and clean with the most harmless body language he can muster and prepares to knock on Robotnik’s door, certain that the locks have been changed.

He is rather surprised when Ivo yanks him inside and pins him to a wall before his fist can hit the door.

Was Ivo always that strong?

Ivo is in his space not leaving him two inches of breathing room, grinning like a madman.

“Let me see them! I saw them last night, I want to see them!’

“ See what?”

Robotnik made a clenching gesture around his own face where his mustache was.

“The mandibles! I saw them last night when you ripped that poor sucker’s heart out. Let me see them! I want to study them.”

In that moment, Stone wondered if his webs could be tugged in both directions, because his mandibles sort of popped-out out of sheer surprise.

Robotnik had the measuring tape out, to review them and was delicately feeling the texture, and Stone realized it was the first time Ivo had touched him with his bare hand, he usually had gloves on.

Stone’s fingers happened to glance upon his wrist and he noticed that where his blue veins should be there was instead complex circuitry.

“Ivo, are you a robot?”

“No Idea!” His scientist was the most expressive that Stone had ever seen. “It started happening to me in my late 20s, I’m not sure which parts of me are man and machine anymore.”

He pulled up his sleeves to show circuity going up his wrists, through his forearms, and then stopping at his shoulders, shifting back to veins and muscle tissue.

Stone felt dizzy from the paradigm shift, like a puppet with his strings cut.

He sat down while Ivo pelted him with a thousand questions about his reflective eyes, their color spectrum, his depth perception, where they went when he wasn’t using them.

Ivo wasn’t afraid of him. If anything…

Stone tasted the air.

“Ivo are you less afraid of me now then you were before?”

“Of course I am, you’re not human, I never have to worry about you leaving because I've scared you away or broken some inane social custom. You eat people. What could I do to ever terrify you?”

He grabbed Stone’s face, suddenly tactile where he’d been so resistant before.

“You do realize you’re never leaving me right? I have a thousand eyes everywhere and an infinite mechanical soldiers. You can’t leave now that I’ve gotten used to you. I’ll hunt you down. I’ll drag you back.”

And suddenly Stone saw all his webs in Ivo, taking root and finding their place now that his final barrier of resistance was gone, increasing the madness in his eyes.

Stone smiled, harder that the structure of his face had changed to it’s more arachnid form.

“Ivo, do you need your heart inside your chest to survive?”

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………

He didn’t.

Stone gnawed on the mechanical heart as Ivo excitedly showed him his basement of horrors. He sat with his bathrobe on, low enough to show the cavity in his chest that he’d wrenched open himself, rewiring his arteries, and quickly fitting it with a temporary device so he could hand his own heart to Stone.

Such a romantic. Stone wanted to fill the empty cavity with spider eggs and watch spiders crawl out of Ivo’s mouth as they hatched. That was a new urge he didn’t know he could have. Could he put them in his lungs or his stomach? He could ask him once he finished talking.

Ivo’s heart had pretty little blinking lights in it. It was shiny and steel and Stone was pretty sure he couldn’t digest it, but he was happy to have it anyway. He was going to wrap it up in spider-silk before putting it back in Ivo's chest. It was his. His forever.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Notes:

Stone and Ivo do move in together.

The murder-basement of horrors continues to exist, and it is Stone’s job to lure people into it. Manipulation is still the main way he feeds, and he delights in it. Ivo will watch the horrors through the cameras and feed that way, while creating a series of obstacles for the victims to run through as Stone and his animatronics hunt them. They have a little game of “who can get to them first.”

Stone does have a full giant-spider form.

They have to move whenever the disappearances get too suspicious. They got married when they found they could get into more docile, unsuspecting suburban neighborhoods as a couple.

Ivo tries creating robotic bugs for Stone to chase for enrichment. Stone finds it a little insulting, especially since his main prey is people.

Stone does, however, find the robotic spiders that Ivo created to join Stone in the murder basement when he hunts very romantic.

Once Ivo finds the Stone can hold him with 3 pairs of limbs, (4 if they’re lying down) He feels neglected if Stone only holds him with two. He has not slept outside of a cocoon since they started sleeping together.

Stone has adjusted to the fact that most of the appliances in their home have some extra sentience due to Ivo. The toaster will try to escape if he uses it. He’s tried to web it to the wall, and it gnawed through it. It is one of the few things in the house he cannot control.

Most people think that Stone is out of Robotnik’s league and don’t understand why they’re together. That is a trap. Their basement is littered with the bodies of people who thought they could seduce Stone away from Ivo. It’s his favorite method of hunting because he gets to eat someone who ever doubted their romance.

Robotnik does not let Stone fill his stomach or lungs with spiders. Instead, he makes an entirely separate organ for himself called his "egg-sac" that Stone can fill as much as he wants, to the same effect.

Freaks. Run.

[narcjsistx]

Hello! Would love to request some Rindou Bonten relationship headcanons! (maybe assuming its the same GF as the teen relationship headcanons, would be interesting to hear about how their relationship developed and how their dynamic is during Bonten)

HI! thanks for the request, hope you have a good day 💗

— Bonten¡Rindou Haitani in a relationship HCS ᡣ𐭩

When Rindou realized what his job was turning into, he spent days thinking about what would happen to the relationship. It was becoming something dangerous for you to be around him, so for a period of time he left you to simply keep you safe. He only gave in to talking to you again when one evening he saw you at the opening of one of Bonten's first clubs

When you got back together, he revealed to you the reason for the first breakup: he admitted that if you want to be with him you have to give up some things, like dating him in public places or things like that. He specifically said that if you wanted to leave him after knowing this he wouldn't blame you, but you just silenced him by kissing him

Speaking of the first breakup... he didn't really do much, he wrote you a message and blocked you all over, not knowing if you read it or not. You looked for him at his house, even in Roppongi, but no one knew where he was with his brother. He didn't have the courage to do it live because he knows he would give in and not leave you

Often when he is in a meeting and the others are distracted, he thinks about how normal he has remained in one aspect: the other managers broke off all their relationships to join Bonten and have the life they have, while he remained with his first girlfriend for years. He is secretly proud of himself for managing to maintain something so important to him

Knowing that he can often spend weeks away from home, gifts have become his way of expressing his love. He loves seeing you held in his arms when he's at home, but he also loves seeing you amazed when you text him asking why you just got a necklace full of diamonds

The periods he spends at home are rare, but when it happens he becomes extremely clingy, he has to somehow make up for all the time he was away from you. You could spend an entire day with him hugging you from behind and it would be normal for you, considering you know his ways. Naps after lunch, while you lie on the bed or sofa, are his favorite moment when he is at home

When he's in the office and he's bored he sends you stupid photos, like him drawing Ran in a stylized way on some paper, attached by a video where he steps on the paper on the ground. He expects you to reply with just as many stupid photos, but when you write to him that he should concentrate because he works for one of the largest organizations in Japan, he seems almost offended that you ruined his moment

He would ask you to come to his office just to make the other executives jealous, because they know he is in a more than stable relationship. He loves seeing Sanzu or Takeomi's pissed off face when you're sitting on his lap while he's talking about some business with them

You have had a rule since you lived together: when he comes home, the Bonten's affairs must not be mentioned. He knows very well that you don't exactly want to find out how many people he killed today, and he doesn't want to take work home either because, at least from his point of view, at home you just relax

Spending evenings at his club is quite normal for the two of you. It has an internal balcony inside the room dedicated exclusively to you, open only when you are there. He doesn't exactly like the idea of ​​you catching yet another drunk who might touch you, so if you want to sip your drink in peace and talk to him or some of your friends you can go there. For the disco there is no problem, if he cannot keep an eye on you he will simply tell a bodyguard in the building to watch you and intervene without scruples if something happens

[writerbugg]

Psychic In Training ::

Chapter # 1 Tourist Trapped

Wattpad

Code, Chapter 1 (You are here)

Life is infinitely stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. - Conan Doyle

»»————- 🪬 ————-««

'Ah... Summer break, the time for parents to ship their kids off to some negligent camp to terrorize some poor 20-year-old looking for some extra cash.'

'That is... unless you're with the Pines.'

You scream as the golf cart crashes through the billboard, roughly hitting the ground before speeding up again. Glancing backward, you could see the shadow of the creature chasing you, and it seemed to be getting closer.

"Dip!" You yell, "It's gaining on us!"

"I know! This thing won't go any faster, Y/N!" The boy in front of you shouts back.

"Uhh guys," The girl next to him peaks her head out of the cart, "It's getting closer!" She shouts panicked.

"We know!" You and the boy yell at the same time.

'My name is Y/n. The sweaty boy in front of me is Dipper, and the girl beside him about to puke is Mabel.'

'Now, you probably already know why we are fleeing from some imaginable horror in a golf cart. Well I'm going to tell you anyway, and I promise, it's for a completely illogical reason.'

»»————- 🪬 ————-««

Beep. Beep. Beep.

You groan, reaching over to silence the alarm. It's the first day of summer break, but your mother insists on the 7:00 AM wake-up call.

"Y/n! The Pines are here!"

You groan louder. Your mother found a loophole after promising not to send you to camp this year. Now you're left wondering what's worse: a summer at Camp Campbell or a summer with the Pines weird uncle.

Dragging yourself out of bed, you slip into a short-sleeve turtleneck sweater and a pair of shorts, moving as slowly as you can.

"Come on, Y/n! We don't have all day!"

Grabbing your backpack on the way, you rush downstairs, where you're met with Dipper's less-than-enthusiastic expression and Mabel's overly enthusiastic grin.

It can't be that bad, right? No crazy, out-of-control adventures.

With a resigned sigh, you follow the Pines out of the house, bracing yourself for whatever this summer has in store.

»»————- 🪬————-««

"I'm pretty sure this is breaking some kind of child labor law," you mumble as you restock the blue and white pine tree hats. Off to the side, Dipper is polishing a jar of eyeballs while Mabel stalks some random customer.

"Mabe," you call out, giving her a pointed look. "Stop creeping on that poor guy and help me with these hats." Mabel just blows a raspberry at you, her focus undeterred. You turn to Dipper with a shrug. "Well, I tried. Your turn."

Dipper sighs, rolling his eyes as he sprays the jar again. "Mabel, I get that you're in your 'Boy Crazy' phase," he says, stealing a glance at the list in the customer's hand, "but you're kind of overdoing it on the 'crazy' part."

Mabel blows another raspberry, this time at Dipper. "Come on, you two!" she exclaims, bouncing over to join you. "This is our first summer away from home!"

You raise an eyebrow. "Speak for yourself, Mabe. I've been going to summer camp since I was five. It's not all it's cracked up to be-just a bunch of rules and chores." You gesture to the hats you're organizing. "This is just a slightly more illegal version of that."

Mabel crosses her arms, a smug smile spreading across her face. "Mock all you want, but I've got a feeling this summer's going to be amazing. In fact," she points dramatically to the door, "I wouldn't be surprised if the man of my dreams walked through that door right now."

The three of you turn to see Grunkle Stan walking in.

"Ha!" you snort, pointing at Mabel. "Dreamy enough for you, Mabe?" You continue laughing as Mabel cringes in disgust.

Stan strolls over, eyeing the three of you. "Alright, I need someone to go hammer up these signs in the spooky part of the forest."

"Not it!" Mabel and Dipper shout simultaneously, making you groan.

"Uh, also not it," Soos chimes in.

"Nobody asked you, Soos," Stan deadpans.

"I know, and I'm comfortable with that," Soos replies cheerfully, taking a bite out of a chocolate bar.

Stan turns back to you and the twins. "Well, since one of you was slow, you're doing it." He dumps a stack of signs into your arms. "But you've got a habit of 'getting lost,' so you'll need a companion."

Scanning the room, Stan spots Wendy at the counter. "Wendy! Help Y/n with these signs!"

Without even looking up from her magazine, Wendy replies, "I would, but I... uh... can't... uh... reach them."

Stan mutters under his breath, "I'd fire all of you if I could," before turning to Dipper. "Alright then, let's make it eeny-meeny-miney..." He points at Dipper. "You."

"What?!" Dipper protests. "Grunkle Stan, I always feel like I'm being watched when I'm in those woods." He sneaks a glance at you, lowering his voice. "And Y/n gets weird in the forest."

You shoot Dipper a glare. "Hey! I can hear you, you know..." They ignore you.

Stan gives Dipper an unimpressed look, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Ugh, not this again."

"I'm telling you, something weird is going on in this town. Just today, my mosquito bites spelled out 'beware.'" Dipper rolls up his sleeve to show Stan.

Stan squints at it. "That says 'bewarb.'"

You snicker. "Who knew mosquitoes were bad at spelling?"

Dipper lowers his arm, embarrassed, scratching at the bites. Stan shakes his head. "Look, kid, the whole 'monsters in the forest' thing is just a local legend made up by guys like me to sell merch to guys like that." He nods toward a sweating, grinning customer clutching a handful of merchandise.

"And Y/n's just... a little special. Nothing weird about it." Stan shrugs. "So quit being paranoid."

You huff, handing some of the signs to Dipper. "For the record, I can still hear you."

»»————- 🪬————-««

Hanging up the signs quickly became boring. Dipper was hammering nails into the trees so that you could hang the signs, he was muttering something about Stan not believing him.

"Could you not?" You snap, "All you do is complain, it'd be nice if you'd talk about something more pleasant for once."

Dipper shot a sharp glare your way. "Like you're any better. All you do is make snide comments and dump your work on everyone else."

You gasp, feigning offense. "When have I ever?"

Dipper's expression turned flat, clearly unimpressed.

✄┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈

"Who shrunk my sweater!?" Mabel wailed, holding up the now tiny garment. "I told everyone this was special cotton! It needs delicate care!"

You glance up from your magazine. "Pretty sure Soos did it," you answer before returning to your reading.

Dipper stared at you before his eyes flicked to the chore list on the wall, your name plastered next to 'Laundry'.

✄┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈

"That was one time." You defend yourself.

"No! It wasn't! That was one of multiple times!" Dipper said exasperated, placing down another nail and hammering it.

Clank

Both of you freeze, staring at the tree. Dipper taps the hammer lightly against the trunk again, confirming the odd sound. Lowering the hammer, he examines the tree closer, running his hand over the bark until he finds a small crack.

With a glance at you, he pries open the "tree."

A mechanical box with two switches sat within a hidden compartment. Dipper tests one of the controls, nothing. He flips the other switch, and next to you, a hatch suddenly opens in the ground.

You exchange a wary look with Dipper before cautiously peering inside the hatch. There, nestled within the earth, lay an old, thick book. Dust covered it completely, cobwebs clung to its edges, and millipedes skittered across its surface. The cover bore a gold six-fingered handprint, with the number "3" written on its palm.

You slowly reach for the book in the hatch, somewhat hesitate as a bad feeling sinks into your stomach.

A sharp shock runs through your hand as your fingers graze the surface of the book. The air around you seems to hum with a sudden energy, and a burning sensation spreads across your palm.

Something was drawing you towards the book, something ancient and powerful as if it had been waiting for you. The sensation sharpens, and a rush of images and whispers, flood your conscience.

"-/n! Y/n!!" With a sudden tug, you're pulled away from the book. Dipper, who was now in front of you, was gripping tightly onto your shoulders, a look of genuine worry on his face.

"What was that?" he asks, searching your face for answers. When you don't respond, he turns and reaches into the hatch, carefully pulling out the book.

He places it on the ground and opens it, eyes scanning the pages.

"It's hard to believe it's been six years since I began studying the strange and wondrous secrets of Gravity Falls, Oregon." Dipper flips through the book, each page revealing bizarre creatures and terrifying monsters.

"What is all this?" Dipper whispers in awe. You lean over his shoulder, catching a glimpse of a page that reads "TRUST NO ONE!"

"My worst fears have been confirmed. I'm being watched. I must hide this book before it's found. Remember, In Gravity Falls, you can't trust anyone."

You and Dipper exchange a tense look, a silent pact forming between you both.

"HALLO!!"

You yelp in surprise, falling backward.

Mabel was behind you, leaning over a rotten log. "What'cha reading, some nerdy thing?" she teased, trying to peek at what Dipper was hiding behind his back.

"Uh- uh- it's nothing!" Dipper stammers, shooting you a desperate look.

""Uh, uh, it's nothing!" What? Are you not gonna show me?" Mabel laughs.

Dipper looks at Mabel then the Journal then back at Mabel. "Let's... go somewhere more private."

Mabel raises an eyebrow but simply shrugs. She hops over the log and strides quickly toward you, extending a hand to help you up.

You offer her a grateful smile as you reach for her hand.

"What is that?!" Mabel exclaims, suddenly tightening her grip on your hand as she examines it closely. "When did you get a scar like this?"

Startled, you pull your hand back and stare at your palm, shocked to find a vertical eye seared into your skin.

»»————- 🪬————-««

"I can't find anything," Dipper mutters, flipping through the pages with a frustrated sigh. "There's nothing about a mysterious vertical eye appearing on someone's palm."

The three of you have ended up in the Mystery Shack's resting room. You're seated beside Mabel, while Dipper paces back and forth, rifling through the Journal's pages.

"But still, this thing is incredible!" Dipper exclaims, holding the Journal open for Mabel to see. "Grunkle Stan thinks I'm just being paranoid, but according to this book, Gravity Falls has a hidden dark side."

You lean forward, a frown tugging at your lips. "Dip, this could be dangerous. That book gives me the creeps." You wave your hand in front of Dipper's face. "And look at what it did to me!"

Dipper bats your hand away, his expression annoyed.

Ding-Dong

"Who's that? More tourists?" you ask, glancing toward the door. Mabel grins at you. "Well, it's time to spill the beans." She playfully pushes over an empty can of beans. "Boop. Beans." Mabel beams, clearly pleased with her joke before continuing, "This girl's got a date! Woot woot!"

You and Dipper exchange incredulous looks. "Wait," you begin, "In the half hour we were gone, you managed to get a date who didn't run away from your... let's say, intense enthusiasm?"

Mabel nods enthusiastically. "What can I say? I guess I'm just irresistible."

Dipper looks like he's about to say something, but you cut him off with a grin. "You know what? You go, girl."

The doorbell rings again, and Mabel jumps up, hurrying to answer it.

Dipper sighs, slipping into the seat Mabel just vacated. "I can't believe I was right," he says with a grin, flipping open the journal. "Do you mind trying to touch it again?"

You hesitate for a moment, then nod. "Alright, but if I get possessed, I'm blaming you." Dipper brushes off your comment and passes the journal to you.

You carefully take it from his hand, bracing yourself for anything.

...

But nothing happens. No surge of energy, no eerie whispers—the journal sits quietly in your hands, completely still.

"What'cha reading there, slick?" Grunkle Stan asked as he walked into the room.

"Oh!" Dipper yelped, quickly shoving the book behind his back and snatching up the nearest magazine. "Just catching up on..." He glanced at the cover in his hand, "Gold Chains for Old Men?" He read aloud, raising an eyebrow.

Stan leans over Dipper's shoulder and grins, "That's a good issue."

"Hey family~" Mabel calls out as she drags some homeless-looking guy with her, "Say hello to my new boyfriend!"

"Ugh- ew-" you blurted out at the sight of the pale, disheveled boy, but quickly stopped when Mabel gave you a look, "Sorry, it was involuntary."

"Sup." The boy says.

"Hey," Dipper responded awkwardly. Stan, still focused on the TV, didn't bother to look at the boy. "How's it hanging?"

You squinted at him, suspicious. "How old are you?" you asked.

The boy hesitated, stumbling over his words. "Uh- um- fifteen?" he answered, uncertain.

"...You're definitely lying-"

"We met at the cemetery!! He's really deep." Mabel quickly interrupts your line of questioning.

Dipper narrows his eyes, suspicion clear in his voice. "So, what's your name?" he asks.

The 'teen' straightens up, a bit tense. "Uh... Normal... MAN!" he blurts out.

A faint warmth begins to radiate from the center of your palm, just enough to make you curl your fingers slightly. Unbeknownst to you, a soft greenish-blue glow flickers beneath your skin.

"He means 'Norman,'" Mabel chimes in, leaning closer to him.

You take another look at Norman. "Right... and is that blood on your cheek, Normalman?" you ask, pointing to the red liquid dripping down his face.

"...It's jam," he replies, a little too quickly.

"...Seriously?"

Mabel gasps, delighted. "I love jam!" She turns back to you and Dipper with a grin. "He's perfect!"

You shake your head. "Mabe, your standards... where are they?"

Norman turns to Mabel, "So, you wanna go hold hands or... whatever?" He asks, Mabel blushes shyly, "Oh, goodness!" she exclaims, casting a quick glance at you and Dipper. "Don't wait up for me!" she calls out, her voice light and excited as she hurries out the door with Norman.

As they disappear, the burning sensation in your palm begins to fade, replaced by a faint, lingering buzz. You lift your hand, studying the vertical eye with a puzzled expression.

»»————- 🪬————-««

"Of course Stan sticks me with the broom closet for a bedroom," you mutter, shuffling into the cramped space. As soon as you reach the bed, you collapse onto it with a weary sigh. Your gaze drifts to your hand, staring at the vertical eye on it.

"...What are you?"

KNOCK KNOCK

"Y/n!!" You jolt, startled by the sudden noise.

"Mabel'sdatingazombieandshe'sgoingoutonadatewithhimrightnow!!!" Dipper's frantic voice spills through the door in one breathless rush.

You quickly get to your feet and swing the door open. "Woah, woah, slow down, Dip-" You grab his shoulders, worry knotting in your chest. "Explain that again, but slower."

Dipper takes a couple of shaky breaths, but his panic is still written all over his face. "Mabel's dating a zombie, and she's going on a date with him right now!" Without waiting for a response, Dipper turns and dashes off, pulling you along with him.

"Huh!? Wait- how do you know?" you manage to ask as you stumble after him.

"Earlier today, I was following him to gather evidence," Dipper confesses. "When I reviewed the footage, I saw him lose his hand and then reattach it!"

"I knew something was off about that weirdo..." You mutter, following Dipper out of the Mystery Shack. Stan was standing in front of a crowd, showcasing some kind of rock face, which made it virtually impossible to get his attention.

Scanning the area for an alternative, your eyes land on Wendy, casually sitting in a golf cart. "Dip! Look!" you exclaim, pointing toward her. Dipper's eyes widen before he grins at you. "Nice catch, Y/N!"

Rushing over, you quickly approach Wendy, "Wen, Just the gal I need, you don't mind if we steal that cart and possibly wreck it right?"

Wendy looks at you, then at Dipper, then back to you, and shrugs with a lazy grin, tossing you the keys. "Just try not to mow anyone down."

With a smirk, you hand the keys to Dipper. "Let's go save your sister."

You and Dipper jump into the cart, ready to back out of the lot when Soos suddenly appears, blocking your path.

"Dude, it's me, Soos," he says with a grin, handing Dipper a shovel. "This is for the zombies." He then turns to you, passing you a bat. "And this is just in case you come across a piñata."

"Uh... Thanks?"

»»————- 🪬————-««

"I am seriously regretting giving you those keys" You shout as Dipper drives through the forest like a madman.

"Don't worry Mabel" Dipper shouts loudly, "We'll save you from that zombie!!" He accelerates faster.

"Help!" A shout resonated from off in the distance. You and Dipper gasp,

"Mabel!"

"Mabe!"

Dipper makes a sharp turn off the road, driving through the forest trying to follow the sound of Mabel's voice.

Soon, you both approach some kind of cave, and inside you can see Mabel surrounded by... gnomes?

Dipper slows down, parking once he's in the cave. "What the..." He mutters, "What the heck is going on here!?" he shouts, both confused and extremely underwhelmed.

A gnome runs up to you and hisses, prompting you to kick it.

"Dipper! N/n! Norman turned out to be a bunch of gnomes!" Mabel shouts as she bats away the gnomes crowding her, "And they're total jerks!" One particularly persistent gnome latches onto her hair, making Mable gasp in pain, "Hair- hair- hair-!"

Dipper stares at the chaos, shaking his head in disbelief. "Gnomes... huh, I was way off."

A faint warmth begins to emanate from your palm, similar to before. Glancing down, you gasp seeing the vertical eye glowing with a soft greenish-blue light.

"Hey! Let go of my sister!" Dipper yelled at the brown-haired gnome.

The brown haired gnome spins around, offering Dipper a sheepish grin. "Oh! Uh, hey there," he stammers with a nervous chuckle. "This is just a big misunderstanding, really. Your sister's perfectly safe. She's just, you know, marrying all thousand of us to become our gnome queen for eternity!" He turns back to Mabel with a smirk. "Right, sweetheart?"

Mabel, now tied down, glares daggers at the gnomes. "You guys are butt-faces!" she yelled before one of them hastily muffled her.

You step up beside Dipper, and kneel down to the gnome's height, trying to ignore the faint warmth spreading in your palm. "Listen here, Normal-man," you mock, voice steady, "if you and your creepy little friends don't let Mabel go, I'm going to recreate that gnome scene from the 2015 Goosebumps movie." You give your bat a subtle lift, just enough to make your point clear.

The gnome glares at you. "You think you can stop us? You have no idea what we're capable of. The gnomes are a powerful race! Do not trifle with the-"

You nudge him off the rock with your bat.

Dipper wastes no time, stepping forward to cut the string holding Mabel down with his shovel. Mabel flashes him a grateful smile before kicking the gnomes away and rushing toward the golf cart.

Dipper grabs your hand, pulling you along. For a brief moment, he hesitates, noticing the glow in your palm. You can almost hear the questions forming in his mind, but the urgency of the situation forces him to push them aside.

Once in the cart, Dipper quickly starts it up and speeds away. Faintly, you hear Jeff yelling behind you.

As the three of you exit the cave, Dipper eases up on the speed, his tension fading.

"Hurry, before they come after us!" Mabel urges, prompting Dipper to chuckle. "I wouldn't worry. Did you see their legs? Those suckers are tiny!"

You frown. "I'm with Mabe on this one, Dip. That was way too easy."

Dipper rolls his eyes. "And you called me paranoid-"

THUMP THUMP THUMP.

"...I blame Dip. He jinxed us."

A giant gnome monster, made up of smaller gnomes, looms behind the golf cart, chasing you.

"Move, move!" Mabel shouts at Dipper. He stumbles but quickly picks up speed. Glancing back, you see the creature's shadow growing larger.

"Dip!" you yell. "It's gaining on us!"

"I know! This thing won't go any faster, Y/N!" Dipper shouts back.

"Uhh, guys," Mabel says, peeking her head out of the cart. "It's getting closer!" Her voice is panicked.

"We know!" you and Dipper yell in unison.

The monster swings its massive arms, hurling small gnomes through the air toward your cart. Two gnomes land beside you, and out of reflex, you smack the one on your left, knocking it out cold.

The gnome on your right hisses, ready to pounce, but you swiftly grab the unconscious gnome and toss it at the other, sending both tumbling out of the cart.

Another gnome crashes onto the hood and springs at Dipper, latching onto his face with a tight grip.

You lunge forward, reaching over the seat to help the boy. The moment your hand touches the gnome, a greenish-blue light flares from your palm. The gnome yelps in pain, releasing Dipper and snatching his hat away in the process.

Mabel gasps, turning to you with a bright smile. "How'd you do that?" she asks. You stare at your hand, bewildered. "I... I don't know..."

Before either Mabel or Dipper can ask more, a tree crashes down in front of the cart. "Watch out!" you shout as Dipper swerves to avoid it. He manages to steer clear, but the sharp turn tips the cart over, sending all of you tumbling.

Groaning, you crawl out of the wrecked vehicle. "Called... it..." you mumble, slowly getting to your feet.

The ground trembles as the giant gnome monster approaches, each of its thundering steps echoing through the forest.

"Stay back, man!" Dipper shouts, grabbing a shovel and hurling it at the monster. The creature swats it away effortlessly.

The twins cling to each other in terror. You step in front of them, instinctively trying to shield them from the looming threat.

With every step the monster takes, you and the twins retreat, until you're backed against a wall.

"It's the end of the line, kids!" Jeff yells from atop the monster. "Mabel, marry us before we do something crazy!"

"Shoot..." you mutter, glancing at Mabel. "There's gotta be a way out of this..."

Mabel's gaze locks onto the monster as she carefully considers her next move. Slowly, she steps past you and Dipper, her expression firm. "I gotta do it," she says, her voice steady.

"Mabel, don't!" Dipper grabs her arm, fear evident in his eyes. "Are you crazy!?"

She doesn't waver. "Trust me," she whispers.

Dipper hesitates, about to protest, but you place a hand on his shoulder. "Hey, Dip," you murmur. "Trust her, just this once."

After a tense moment, Dipper sighs in frustration, then steps back.

Mabel offers you a grateful smile before turning to face the monster. "All right, Jeff. I'll marry you."

"Hot dog!" Jeff cheers, scrambling down the monster's side. "Help me down there, Jason! Thanks, Andy! Left foot, there we go... watch those fingers, Mike."

Jeff approaches Mabel, holding out a diamond ring with a smug grin. "Ehh? Ehh?" he says, gesturing to the jewels. Mabel kneels down, letting him slip the ring onto her finger.

"Bada-bing, bada-bam!" Jeff dances with glee. "Now that's how you get a wife! Let's head back to the forest, honey!"

Mabel admires the ring. "You may now kiss the bride," she declares.

Jeff smirks, leaning in for the kiss. "Well, don't mind if I do."

As Jeff moves closer, Mabel leans back and flicks on the leaf blower behind her, aiming it straight at him. The suction pulls him in with a whoosh.

"That's for lying to me!" Mabel shouts, cranking up the power. "And this is for breaking my heart!"

Jeff flails helplessly, yelping in pain.

You and Dipper approach, both thoroughly impressed by her quick thinking. Mabel glances over her shoulder, a sly smile forming on her lips. "And this... is for messing with my brother and my best friend."

She lifts the leaf blower and points it at the monster. "Want to do the honors, Dipper?"

Dipper grins widely. "On three."

"One, two, three!"

They launch Jeff out of the leaf blower, sending him crashing into the giant monster, scattering it in pieces.

With their leader gone, the gnomes scramble in confusion. You grab a rake leaning against the Shack and start herding the gnomes back into the forest.

Once you were sure they were all gone, you turned back and started heading in towards the Shack, Mabel had gone inside after talking with Dipper, leaving just the two of you.

"Oh- Um, Y/n!" " Dipper called out just before you reached the door, making you turn to face him. He scratched the back of his neck awkwardly. "I just wanted to, uh, clear the air?"

He hesitated, glancing at you to gauge your reaction. "Since we've been stuck here, it kinda felt like we were at odds," he admitted. "But with everything that's happened - the journal and all - I figured we should..." His voice trailed off.

"But especially after today," his tone grew firmer, "you helped me when you didn't have to. If it wasn't for you, I don't know if I would've been able to get to Mabel..."

You smiled. "I get it, Dip, no need to get all mushy." He flushed, groaning a little in embarrassment. "But, honestly, you proved me wrong. You're a lot braver than you give yourself credit for."

Dipper stared at you for a moment, then smiled. "Thanks, Y/n. That... means a lot."

A comfortable silence settled between you just as Mabel popped back outside. "Come on, guys! Grunkle Stan has a present for us!"

»»————- 🪬————-««

You admire your new ring, a simple silver band etched with intricate Celtic designs. Inside, the name 𝕌ℝ𝕎𝕍𝕆ℝℍ is engraved, the letters catching the light as you turn it between your fingers.

A knock on the door pulls your attention from the ring. Shuffling around the tight space, you make it to the door and carefully open it.

"Dipper?" you ask, seeing the boy.

He nods, clutching the journal under one arm, a pen in his other hand. "Yeah, I wanted to talk about your... strange mark." You step aside, allowing him to enter, and the two of you settle on the bed.

"This started when you touched the journal?" Dipper asks, glancing at your hand. "Can you feel anything from the mark?"

You nod slowly. "Yeah, there's this constant faint buzzing sensation, and sometimes it gets really warm." Dipper jots something down in the journal, his brow furrowed.

"And do you know what triggers the warmth?"

You pause, thinking back. "It happened when Normalman first appeared - my palm started aching. And then again when we were near the gnomes."

Dipper murmurs to himself, deep in thought. "But why now? Was it the journal that set it off? Could you be some kind of psychic?" He clicks his pen repeatedly, lost in thought.

"Maybe... you have a knack for sensing the supernatural," he suggests, his voice trailing off.

You glance out the window, noticing the sun had long set, "Let's discuss this more tomorrow ok?" You suggest, "It's been a long day Dip, you should get some sleep."

Dipper frowns, trying to protest. "But-"

Before he can finish, you start nudging him toward the door. "Nope, not until I get my beauty rest," you say with a playful grin.

Despite his reluctance, you manage to push him out of the room and shut the door behind him.

"He worries too much," you mutter with a smile. With a yawn and a stretch, you make your way to your bed, sinking into the comforting embrace of the covers. As your eyes grow heavy, you're unaware of the soft glow beginning to emanate from your palm.

. . .

When you open your eyes, you find yourself standing in an empty field. The sky is a strange, burnt-orange hue, and to your surprise, you spot not one, but two suns hanging low on the horizon.

"Where... where am I?" you murmur, spinning around to take in your surroundings. Far off in the distance, you notice a figure, their entire body obscured by layers of clothing.

With nothing else to guide you, you approach the figure cautiously. "Hello?" you call out, the sound of your voice echoing slightly in the eerie stillness.

The figure jolts, turning abruptly to face you. A scarf and goggles hide their expression, but their posture is tense. "You!" he shouts, his voice sharp. "How did you get here? Who are you?"

You hesitate, glancing around once more before offering a helpless shrug. "I don't know. I just went to bed and woke up here."

He studies you closely, his gaze unnerving. After a moment, he reaches out toward you, his hand passing through your form. You blink in surprise.

"Fascinating," he mutters to himself, stepping back to examine you more. "Somehow, through your dreams, you've crossed into this place."

A strange sensation begins to ripple through you, like a tug from deep within. The man's eyes widen in alarm. "You're waking up," he whispers, almost in awe.

You glance down at yourself, watching in disbelief as your body starts to fade, the colors draining like watercolors bleeding into the paper.

"Wait!" the man calls out, suddenly frantic. "There's so much more I need to-"

But before he can finish, everything blurs, and the dream collapses in on itself.

. . .

Your eyes snap open, the soft light of morning filtering through your window. The room is still, the quiet only broken by your racing heartbeat. You lift your hand, the glow slowly fading once more.

You exhale deeply, trying to shake off the lingering sense of unease, wondering what it all could mean.

__

A/N: Wooo Gravity fall's fandom is making a comeback!! This is an old - old rewrite of a fanfic I made on google docs as a kid. Now that I can write, I figured why not revise the old thing?

[wearebarca]

3. Captured // Alexia Putellas x Original character pt. 3

Part 1 part 2 part 3

synopsis: Rosalie has never stayed too long at the same place. When the opportunity of a lifetime presents itself critical moment in her life, the photographer decides to once again leave behind what she knows and joins the staff of Europe's best football team.

word count: 4,3K

18 + (eventually)

A/N: Hello, notify me if you'd like a little album of the pictures Rosalie takes. Spanish is from google translate so please be nice. French is my first language so all should be good on that part. Enjoy.

The question took the brunette by surprise. She could see that the footballer was getting more comfortable around her but she did not think that the woman would ask such a personal question. The subject had always been quite sensitive for the Canadian but, for unknown reasons she felt that, here, in this empty facility, with the catalonian trusting her with this whole process, she felt like she could share this bit of her story.

“ My uncle was a wedding photographer. When I was younger, he used to bring me with him to some weddings and have me play his little assistant. He would give me one of those single use cameras and tell me to capture what I found beautiful.” The memory put a nostalgic smile to the woman’s face. To this day, she still incredibly misses her uncle and wishes that he could see her today. 

“My parents were busy people, so my uncle took me under his wing. He taught me everything he knew and encouraged me to pursue this passion and helped me make a career out of it.” She raised her camera and snapped a shot of the blond who was listening with a small smile on her face.  “ Can you angle yourself towards the left please?” 

The blond moved to the side and for the first time tonight, really took the time to look at the brunette. Her hair was in a messy bun with a few strands escaping and framing her face. Her high waisted jean shorts showed off her long legs. She had on an oversized gray grandad cardigan on top of her black t–shirt. The sleeves of her sweater were slightly too long and went over her hands. The brunette looked comfortable and at ease, she was relaxed and completely in her element. She looked nothing like the photographer’s Alexia had worked with in the past. She was used to flamboyant people who yelled orders at their models or were constantly harassing her with their camera, not this slightly awkward, caring, beautiful woman who was willingly sharing her story with the footballer.

“ He must be an incredible photographer.”

“ He was yes,” The brunette’s expression dimed at that, Alexia suddenly felt bad for bringing the subject but the smaller woman motionned to her that everything was ok and continued. “  Eleven years ago he was diagnosed with bone cancer. He died a year later, not long after my eighteenth birthday.”  

“ I am sorry,”

“ Don’t be, I’m happy to talk about him,” She said smiling, “ What about you? Why football?”

“ My dad, he loved football. He was always very supportive and proud. He got sick.” The blond said, looking down, not wanting the photographer to see her be vulnerable. Rosalie felt the shift in the atmosphere and put down her camera. “ He said that he would not die before seeing his daughter play for Barcelona’s first team, but he went two months before I reached our goal.” 

The brunette wanted to hug the girl standing in front of her but could not decide if she would be comfortable enough to do so. “ I am sure he is extremely proud of what you have accomplished, La reina”, the name earned the smaller woman an eye roll from the footballer who shifted in a different position for the photographer. 

“ Ok, let’s get this shoot over with, I think we both deserve to go home and finally relax.” They finished up quickly and Rosalie was quite happy with the pictures that came out. While she uploaded the pictures to her computer, the blond helped picking up the equipment. Grateful for her help, the brunette promised the captain that she would bring her coffee next week as a thank you.

They walked out of the empty training center as the sun was starting to set. When the brunette reached her small car, she turned around to see the taller woman standing awkwardly behind her. 

“ I just wanted to thank you for making this shooting so casual and easy.”

“ Of course, anything to make you comfortable, Alexia.” She grabbed the blond’s hand and gave it a light squeeze. “ Have a good weekend Capitana,” 

“Thank you,” The blond started to walk towards her own car but turned back around after a few steps. 

“ Bonne nuit Rosalià.”

The morning air was crisp against her sweat coated skin and the breeze coming from the sea kept the brunette cool even after running for an hour. It was still incredibly early in the morning and the only sounds that could be heard were the odd car passing and the sound of her feet hitting the pavement. Early morning was her favorite time to go run. It allowed her to be completely submerce by the calmness of the still sleeping city. Rosalie didn’t often run with music, preferring to listen to the sounds of her own steps, which acted as some sort of metronome for the torrent of thoughts running in her head lately. 

It had been four days since her shooting with the captain and still, the whole ordeal seemed to be the subject her brain would drift back to whenever the French-Canadian would let her mind run free. The fact that the blond seemed to make tremendous effort to stay as far as she could from the photographer had not helped the questions that were quickly multiplying in her head. 

Rosalie somehow thought that after that night, Alexia would be more approachable and less standoffish. But clearly the woman was not as comfortable as she thought with how vulnerable they had gotten and now she was probably regretting telling the brunette so much. Or maybe she thought that Rosalie went too far by sharing her story with the footballer. Whatever the reason was, the results were still the same. 

Later today, the team will be taking off towards Sevilla for a two day trip. They would all meet at the training center and take the team bus towards the airport. Flying had always been a tricky thing for Rosalie. When she was a teenager she had been on a plane with extremely violent turbulence that had scared the girl and ever since, flying had been one of the woman’s biggest fears. Her friends had always found the thing ironic, since the brunette's job required Rosalie to fly frequently and said that she should’ve gotten used to it by now. But nonetheless, every time the photographer simply thought about flying, she would get restless and anxiety would start creating a pit in her stomach. 

This was the reason why she was currently out at such an ungodly hour, trying to literally run away from her anxious thoughts. Around her she could see that the small coffee shops that were lined on the streets were starting to set up their front patios in order to open and the smell of freshly baked pastries was floating in the morning air. A quick look at her watch told her that she still had a good three hours before Lucy and Keira would arrive at her apartment to pick her up, meaning that she still had time to hit  the half marathon mark before heading back.

She wasn’t used to running this long on morning runs, but she had gone over her training program with Sara, one of the coaches and switched up her training to make it more challenging. So far her breathing was good and she could feel the slight burn of her legs but overall, her pace was good and she was more than satisfied with her time. 

Sara had been a true angel this past week. She had helped the runner organize a new training plan that was focused more on endurance rather than speed. Rosalis had always struggled with long distances which was why marathons were her least favourite type of races. She was extremely hard headed though so she was still focused on mastering this type of event. 

She even went as far as going running with the Canadian during the weekend. She was quite impressed by the level of fitness the brunette was displaying and found that she very much appreciated the company of the French-Canadian. After their run they had stopped at a local café and had agreed to room together during the upcoming trip. 

When Rosalie arrived at her apartment complex, she noticed the couple’s car parked by the door. She checked her watch to see that she technically still had at least an hour and a half before they were supposed to be here. She opened her door to come face to face with a sleeping form on her couch and Lucy running around in her kitchen.the smell of crêpe was wafting in the space.

“ Took you long enough,” The older woman whispered, handing Rosalie a fresh cup of coffee.

“How did you even get in here?”

“ You’re the one who left her door unlocked Rosie, which is not very safe darling you should be more careful.” 

The blob of  blankets on the couch stirred enough to reveal disheveled blond reddish hair. “ Lucy, please shut your mouth. I'm trying to sleep here.”

Rosalie made her  way to the living room and jumped on the woman who screamed at the Canadian to get off.

“ Frenchy you smell like ass go shower, Mama Bronze isn’t done with food anyway.” 

After her shower the brunette put on some comfortable clothes consisting of the staff’s tracksuit pants, a white t-shirt with the Barcelona logo and the Nike club vest that had quickly become one of her favorite articles of clothing. When she came back in the kitchen, everything had been picked up and the kitchen island was dressed up with the food. Lucy and keira were already sitting down and shoveling down food.

“ Mais quel bande d’animal, sincèrement? Vous ne pouviez pas attendre que j’aille fini?”

“ Tais toi femme et viens manger.” Lucy replied with her mouth full.

“ I regret teaching you French, I hope you know that.” She sat down and sipped on her coffee. She wasn’t hungry due to the knot that kept her stomach in check. Knowing that the younger woman would most likely not be able to eat due to her nervousness, Lucy got up and pulled out from the fridge a protein smoothie she had made at home before coming over. 

“Here, at least drink this, you just came back from what I assume was a big run. You gotta put something in you.”

Once breakfast was over, Rosalie finished packing up her camera bag while the girls were loading her bags in the car. The drive to the training center was quiet. Keira was still half asleep and Rosalie was simply too stressed to engage in conversation. Lucy didn’t mind the silence, she was relaxing and enjoying the time spent with two of the most important people in her life. 

The bus ride with the team was more or less the same, with everyone in  pretty much the same state as Keira. As they got closer to the airport, Rosalie’s nerves became worse. Her knee was bouncing up and down and the woman kept zoning out, unable to keep listening to Martina who was going on about a rumor about some people working in management. Thanks to Marcello’s participation in the conversation, Rosalie’s state remained relatively unknown. Or so she thought. 

A few seats behind her, Ingrid, Alexia, Mapi, Keira and Lucy were all sitting together. Knowing that the younger girl was quite fragile at the moment, Lucy had kept a close eye on her. 

“ Hermana, you keep watching Rosie, is everything good?” Mapi wondered, stretching her neck to catch a glimpse of the photographer. 

“She hates flying, it affects her a lot. I just don’t want her to get too bad, you know » Alexia had also noticed the change in the brunette. The normally bubbly woman looked pale and uncharacteristically quiet. 

« Can we do something to help? » Ingrid asked.

« Not really, nothing really distracts her in this situation. We just have to let her process this and stay close, just in case. » Keira replied. They were used to flying with the brunette and had tried everything to help her calm down but nothing really did the trick. She usually would put her headphones in and grip the seat as  hard as she could until they would land. 

Lucy got up and excused herself. Alexia watched her make her way to the front of the bus where the coaches, therapist and the rest of the staff were. “What is she doing?”

“ I think she’s trying to figure out who’s sitting with Frenchy on the plane.” Keira answered, turning towards her girlfriend.

“ They are close, Si?” Alexia’s curiosity had gotten the best of her. She wasn’t jealous, she could see that Lucy and Keira cared a lot about the green-eyed woman and she did not understand why, but she wanted to know as much as she could about her. 

“ Yeah, Like sisters they are. Lucy’s very protective of her, she does have much family. We’re hers now, you know.” Keira smiled as she watched Lucy walk back to her seat, but not without stopping to drop a granola bar on The Canadian’s lap and threatening her to eat it before they boarded. 

“ So who’s with her?” 

“ Apparently she’s the only staff member who didn’t get a ticket in the same area, probably because they booked it after everyone else. She’s gonna sit with the team, but we don’t know our seats yet so..” She said as she sat back down.

“ It’s ok, I can ask whoever is with her to swap with me, I’ll sit with her.” Ingrid said smiling. 

“ Thank you Ingrid,” Lucy said, visibly more relaxed knowing that the brunette would be with someone she seemed to trust.

At the airport, security went smoothly and the team collected their boarding passes only to be called moments later to the gate. The speed at which everything was going was a godsend for Rosalie who was too focused on making sure she had all her documents all the while taking pictures of the team, to have time to think about the moment the wheel of the plane would leave the ground. 

As she walked in the tunnel leading to the aircraft, Rosalie could feel her heart hammering in her chest and her palms getting increasingly sweaty. Lucy’s grounding presence helped the brunette a little but her fear was fighting hard to gain control. The photographer checked her boarding pass for the first time since receiving it to check what seat she had been assigned. 

“ where are you sitting?” The question came from Ingrid who was walking in front of them. 

“ I have B47,” her answer came put a lot more calm than the woman felt as she scanned the seats to find her own. 

“ That's good, Mapi and I are right in front of you,” As she was answering, the Norwegian stopped and picked up her bag to place it in the overhead bin, which told Rosalie that they had reached their seats. She walked the few steps that separated her from her seat, only to come face to face with the woman that had been occupying her mind for the last few days. 

Suddenly, Rosalie’s anxiety found a new target to spiral about. A hand on her shoulder pulled the photographer out of her thoughts. 

“Are you ok? We can sit together if you want? I have a few movies downloaded on my tablet. Mapi can sit with Alexia.” Ingrid asked, smiling softly at the brunette. Rosalie appreciated the dark haired girl but there's one thing that woman hated more than flying, and it was  pity. She knew that they only wanted to help her but she couldn’t help but feel like they were pitying her and she didn't want to appear weak in front of her new team, which is why she politely declined, thanking the couple and placing her belongings in the bin on top of her seat. 

The comotion caught the attention of the blond captain who had not seen who was prepared to sit next to her. She was more than surprised to see the photographer standing in the alley with a nervous small playing on her lips. 

“ Hey,”

“Hola,” Alexia said smiling, picking up her bag from the seat next to her. She sat down next to the blond and closed her eyes to try to calm herself before take off. 

Looking at the brunette, Alexia felt a strange sense of protectiveness wash over her. She wanted to make the brunette feel better, make that smile that takes her breath away appear on the photographer’s soft features. A few seats away, she could see Lucy watch them with a worried expression which Alexia answered with a reassuring smile. She would not let the brunette spiral. 

Surprisingly, Alexia was not the first one to speak. “ I am sorry if I overstepped during the shooting. I didn’t want to male you feel uncomfortable.” She said, eyes still closed and head thrown back. If she was to sit with the blond for this trip, might as well try to make it a little less awkward. 

“ What do you mean?”

“ I don’t know, I just  don’t want you to think that I’m probing your personal life.”

“ No, no I did not think that, do not worry,” the footballer took a second to think about what she was going to say next. She was aware of her own behaviour towards the photographer. The woman made her nervous and she felt like with the brunette, she did not need to put on a controlled facade like with the rest of the media team, and that scared the Ballon d’Or winner. Alexia hated feeling like she wasn’t in complete control of herself, so the easiest solution in her mind was simply to keep her distances. But staying away from the brunette did not appease her curiosity. “ I am very sorry if I made you feel this way. I appreciate your presence Rosalia.” 

The blond’s small confession made Rosalie slightly relax, enough for a small smile to escape her lips. She turned her head towards Alexia, who felt a warm feeling take place at the sight. “ I appreciate your presence as well.” 

The plane jolted, signaling the brunette, who had momentarily forgotten where she was, that they would be taking off very soon. She quickly grabbed the arm rest and panic flooded brain. Alexia, who had seen the brunette deteriorate, did the first thing that came to her mind. She grabbed the hand that was gripping the arm rest and held it with her own. She reached with her other hand and gently turned the photographer’s face towards her. Green met Hazel and the brunette was instantly captured by the depth of the footballer’s gaze. 

“You’re ok, hey look at me, breathe with me ok?” The blond took a deep breath in through her nose and out through her lips. The brunette followed the footballer’s lead, her eyes never straying from Alexia’s. “ bien, lo estás haciendo muy bien”

Alexia’s words ignited a small flame at the pit of the photographer’s stomach which successfully calmed some of the anxiety, but replaced it with an odd feeling that the French-Canadian was simply not ready to face yet. 

“ Here take this, it'll help with the pressure,” the captain pulled out a pack of gum and popped two pieces in Rosalie’s hand. The first bite surprised the photographer who made a face that pulled a chuckle from the footballer. 

“ What kind of psycho chews cinnamon gum?”

“Hey it’s good don’t be mean,” the woman answered with a hurt expression. She could see that Rosalie had calmed down quite a bit, but the deadly grip she still had on the blond’s hand showed her just how sacred the photographer was. Suddenly, they could feel the plane gain some speed and the wheel lifting off the ground. The brunette’s gaze shifted quickly towards the small window as panic clouded her eyes.

“ no, no sigue mirándome” With her hand still on Rosalie’s face, she drew the brunette closer still. Only a few inches separating the two. Rosalie could smell Alexia’s perfume, something sweet, like strawberries. She smelled like summer, it was intoxicating. She didn’t understand what the blond had said but it did not matter, since as soon as her gaze met hers, the blond smiled sweetly and Rosalie forgot once again where she was. 

“ Tell me one of your happiest memories,” The French-Canadian was surprised by the blond’s question. She had gone from ignoring the photographer to taking care of her during takeoff. She knew that Alexia was simply trying to distract her, but the curiosity she could see shining through her eyes made the brunette realize that maybe, the football player didn’t hate her after all. 

“ My first triathlon, it would have to be one of the most meaningful things in my life.” She answered.

“ Tell me about it, si?” 

“ It was a few years ago, my uncle loved triathlons. He used to do one every summer. He also volunteered as a photographer for the races. When I got older I would volunteer with him and he used to say that I would be a great triathlete if I wanted.” She said, smiling at the memory. 

“ He knew that my football days were over since I had gotten injured and needed surgery on my ankle. He said that once I’d be on my feet again I should give it a try. But I used to think that I would hate running, it was the part I hated the most during training.” Rosalie’s expression darkened. 

“When he died, I thought that it would be a good way to honour him in a way, the training was so hard. I had never swum before and my cardio wasn’t great coming back from injury.” She took a deep breath and her gaze left Alexia’s to shift to their intertwined fingers. 

“ But the rush of crossing the finish line was electric. It felt like I made him proud.” She looked back up only to see the captain's face lighting up along with hers. 

A few seats in front of the two, Lucy was witnessing the whole thing along with Keira. They couldn’t believe what they were seeing. In the time they had known her they had never seen her be so relaxed on a plane, nor being so physically close with someone she had just met. She had always been a bit weird about physical touch, it had taken a while before she started to relax whenever the English women hugged her. But at this moment, hand in hand and only a few inches separating their faces, the photographer looked comfortable, happy almost. 

The sound indicating that you could take the seat belts off pulled the two women out of their little bubble. Realizing that she was still gripping the footballer’s hand, Rosalie slowly untangled her fingers from Alexia’s and slightly pulled away from her. 

“Thank you for distracting me,” 

“My pleasure, I am always happy to know more about you Rosalia” The footballer turned around and pulled out her headphones from her case. Rosalie, still surprised by the blond’s statement, put one headphone back in her ear, letting the other one dangle in on her chest and closed her eyes, listening to the calming sound of her music, all the while keeping an ear out in case anything happened. 

A few minutes passed, not much could be heard around. Everyone was either on their phones or had put a movie on their screen. Rosalie could see from the space between seats that Mapi and Ingrid were snuggled up and watching The Lion King on their tablet. An intense shuffling sound pulled her attention away from their screen to see Alexia intensely searching for something in her bag.

“ Ah mierda , where are they?” She sounded frustrated enough for the brunette to lean in to see.

“ Are you ok?”

“ Si, I think I did not bring my headphone charger and they just died,” The blond said frustrated. 

“ Here,” The brunette took her headphone that was resting on her chest and offered it to the footballer. “ we can share if you’d like, I’m not using them both.” She said smiling. 

“ You don’t mind?” 

“Of course not, it’s the least I can do after you helped me like that.” She said, getting closer so the wire wouldn’t pull her other headphone out. “ What do you usually listen to?” 

“ You can leave on what you were listening to, I just don’t like working without music.” The blond said, pulling out her laptop. Rosalie pressed play again and the soft piano song started again in her ear. After a moment, the blond stopped typing and spoke again. 

“ This is nice, very calm, what is it called?” 

“ This is Interlude by this group called London Grammar. The singer’s voice is so powerful, it’s one of my favourite groups.” she said, happy to share her music with the blond.

“ Good, I will look them up then.” The blond went back to her work, softly humming to the music in her ear. Meanwhile, Rosalie was starting to feel like her lack of sleep and intense morning run were slowly taking a toll on her body. Alexia’s calm and grounding presence, along with her perfume that flooded her senses every time she took a breath allowed the photographer to relax enough for her eyelids to become heavy. Slowly her whole body became heavy and her head lolled to the side, resting gently on Alexia’s shoulder. 

At the contact, the footballer went rigid, but relaxed as soon as she realized that the photographer had finally succumbed to sleep, after being on edge all morning.  Knowing she could not work without disturbing the brunette, Alexia closed her laptop and relaxed in her seat, letting the soft music guide her towards sleep as well.

A/N: feedback is appreciated

[fawninthesnow]

𝐎𝐟 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐝 & 𝐁𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐝: Pt 3, Silk for Stone

𐙚 Lucius Verus x fem character! 𐙚

Summary: Former Gladiator, Emperor Lucius, takes his rightful property-- the wife of his conquered enemy.

Warnings/Contains: fem character, slow burn, f4m, smut, unprotected sex, spit as lube, cock warming, public hum!l!, h@nd jobs, no proofreading, etc

a/n: slowburn warning!

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In the lectica, she sat up on her ankles, taking this time to breastfeed the baby in her arms. “Hopefully you will fall asleep again, my love. I’m blessed you don’t cry as much as you used to.” One of the girl’s hands planted over her mother’s heart as they held each other close.

Soon, they arrived outside the Pantheon, and she was escorted out the lectica by hand. Through the outdoor halls and to--- “Ah! My gods! ARE YOU MAD?!” The woman clutched her child after the spear passed by her head. To the sound of her screams, Lucius lifted his head. “Are you seriously playing right now?! Outside of a temple?!” She screamed at the two guards; however, her eyes were on the man who threw the spear.

The man dropped his shield and ran to the woman. Although the man was strong, almost intimidatingly so; his muscles bulging from his garb, he whined like a child to her, “My deepest apologies, I-“

She huffed, stomping away from him as soon as she saw the emperor. To her surprise, he continued to walk past her. Grabbing his guard by the neck, “Careless, so careless as to not see a woman and her child!? Had you cut open her neck, what then?!”

**

Inside, she stood under the dome. It was not long before the emperor joined her; they stood together in silence as he wiped his knuckles. “Thank you for defending me.” She said, staring at the various sculptures along the walls.

“Yes, of course.” He looked over at her and then back at the sculptures. To her, then the sculptures. “Would you like to sit?”

“No, thank you.” She bounced her daughter in her arms.

“I got word that you refuse to rest in the palace.” The young woman moved around the large space, her gown trailing behind. “Why is that?”

“I am not tired.” She spoke softer than before, passing him.

He studies her expression with a careful eye, “I know when a woman wants to kill me.” The emperor spoke with a chuckle. “You’re not the first.” She smiled with no emotion before sitting on a bench. He sat on the bench across from her and the twos eyes leveled. Her eyes. She is hiding so much. Her pain is so evident, she even walks like a weeping willow tree. Her grief is for more than her husband. “I was born an heir to Rome, however, Rome did not want me. At least, that is what I was told.” His hands clasped, and his deep voice softened. “Now, for a reason I do not know, I can’t remember this. The emperor’s, the twins, who enslaved you and sold you to your husband—their army attacked my home years ago. I too, was brought here as a slave. The one love of my life killed and left discarded in a field of shit; burned along with the men I fought beside. And your husband…” He bit back his anger, knowing none of that was her fault, “Your husband owned me for several months, fed me lies. I understand your pain and anger.”

“You do not know the tip of my pain.”

“May I at least hear?”

“No.” She hushed Yasmeen as she began to whine. “Shh, shh. You are ok, my love. I am here.” Down his spine, a chill ran deep to his tailbone as she murmured tenderly to her child.

“Fadlan ila hadal.” [“Please speak to me”] The woman turned her head to the sound of her native language. “You don’t have to trust me, but let me listen.”

“I am sure you are an honest man. I am sure your people love you. That women lust you and men respect you. I am sure that boys want to be as strong as you are, but I have no intention to seek comfort in the arms of this empire…out of respect for my husband.”

“This is not about him. You know it is not!”

“My personal feelings come last; I am property after all. Nothing will change, so don’t kidnap me and then tell me your life story and expect me to watch your feet, Lucius!” The woman spat before bowing her head in shame. She crossed the line. “I am sorry, Emperor.”

From her arms, he gently takes the child from her. “Hello, Yasmeen.” He turned his gaze to the mother. “I will dismiss it this time. I am aware you are angry…but I do not accept disrespect, not from any man or woman.” Yasmeen put her fingers in his beard, her right hand on his ear. “What can I give you, here in Rome, that will satisfy you?”

“I am thankful for your kindness. I want to know what your plans with me are.”

“I plan to make you a lady of the court. I have already stripped you of your husband’s name and now you may take mine if you’d like. If not, you will be but one name, []. Your daughter will take my name, and should I want you, I will have you.” She turned from him, her gaze on the entrance to the Pantheon.

“And are you like your Mother’s husband or your Father?” His eyebrows furrowed, “You think my husband didn’t speak of you to me?”

“I did not know my Father…and I did not know the late General, my Mother’s husband for long. But from what I do know, they were good men.”

“They killed innocent people all over, what now is, your kingdom. The Roman empire…” She touched the hand of a statue, “was built on top of dead bodies. You should know this.”

“I cannot change the past, unfortunately, My Lady.” He said with a smile, “It hurts me to think of those innocent lives, yes. However, it was not my doing. I want to change Rome for the better, as my father wanted.” He stood, directing a hand outside the Pantheon and to the city. “I am a man who has killed, I have killed many. Allow me to tell you, I am followed by their ghosts every day! I have travelled many months to these countries--- names I cannot pronounce--- to find the wives and children of these men because something in me cannot rest unless I know they are within this city!” The man stepped closer to her, “I know a righteous empire cannot be built on something as fragile as the defeat of another nation. They rise every day! But heed my words when I say that I am like no other man you have stood beside.” His lips moist and a look of determination in his eyes. As he stood before her, his blue and white royal garb caught the light of the torches all throughout the Pantheon. The young woman touched her own lips. She had yet to notice she had bit deeply into them, causing her to bleed. “Are you ok?”

He continued to hold Yasmeen in his left arm as his thumb grazed her lip. “I am fine, thank you.” He offered Yasmeen to her before placing a handkerchief on her lip. He held the side of her head, cleaning the blood off her skin. “Thank you…” His callused fingertips on her skin made her feel as if she were made of silk. Warm to the touch with the scent of bakhoor rose and frankincense, her skin and hair. His nose lightly buried in her curls, he inhaled. His fist closed as he resisted any temptation.

Later that night, they were fanned as they snacked. “Wine?” She declined and continued to dip her olives in hummus. He shrugged, sipping on his fifth cup. “What are you prone to do in your free time?”

“I am a mother. I do not have ‘free-time’.”

“That is unfair to you, no?”

“It can be.” She said, her legs were outstretched on the large lectus that they shared. “And what do you roman men do? Fight each other? Gamble? Screw whores?”

“That just about sums up us roman men.” He said playfully, his thighs parted as he rested his chin on his fist. The emperor’s eyes lingered on her garments. Her blue dress hugged the curves on her body. “Do you read? Books, I mean.”

“Yes, I can read.”

“I know you speak a few languages now. Latin, Somali…?”

“And Arabic.”

His eyebrows raised as he sipped more from the cup, his eyes drifted down to his waist. “Y- I am sorry for uhm…for saying you are not a woman. A mother to a child is a woman.”

“Perhaps…and I accept your apology.” She laughed, “You said I had ‘tender buds’ for breasts. Was it because I was wearing an abaya, and you couldn’t tell?”

“I will not say yes, but I will not say no.”

The two shared a look before she turned around. “I am feeling cool. There’s no need to fan any longer. Thank you.” Her servant bowed before putting away the fan.

“You skin is just…the perfect shade.” He said softly, she almost didn’t catch it. “Leave us!” The emperor said to the servants and guards. The doors to the lounging room closed, “Come here.” She moved closer to him. “Are you a religious woman?”

“I pray…”

“I see. Do you mind if I feel the dress? I never got to touch it before you…” She agreed. His hand, large and firm, caressed her side. She stared in his eyes as his hand moved up higher along her bosom. He felt her hard nipple push on the dress from the opposite side. “Are you cold?” His left hand reached up and held her throat. She shook her head. “You need not lie.” His thumb rested on the skin of her breasts that peeked through the top of her gown.

Pt 4 on the way!

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