#this is entirely about jumping in in a panic before somebody your wing wants to invade develops a deterrant that would prevent you from...

[severalowls]

Extremely fucking twisted that the media is reporting that the US bombed Iranian "nuke bases"

Not just "Iran is developing WMDs" but implying they not only HAD them but had entire "bases" of them like, say, the US actually does in five countries other than itself. These were, at best, nuclear fuel enrichment sites that could in theory (as with any civilian nuclear program) be used in nuclear weapons.

[sombreboy]

Clipped wings♕yandere!prince!jjk

♮ 18+ ♮ xtremity: 4 ♮ pairing: prince jjk x female reader ♮ genre: soft smut, light angst, royal au, soft yandere ♮ word count: 7.7k ♮ warnings: light angst, soft yandere, possessive behavior, stockholm syndrome themes, soft smut, virgin!reader, oral(f), fingering, praise ‘dirty’ talk, unprotected sex/creampie.

A/N: This has been in my drafts for so long and here he finally is. I want to thank @ppersonna​ for being my soft smut aid, I couldn’t have finished this without you. And thank you @chimoona​ for being a good support to keep me from throwing this fic into the trash can at several occasions. ily or something. Also thank you to my dear @carly-bean-blog​ for helping me out with this gorgeous banner. chu♡

It was a late night, the darkness illuminated by the continuous lightning strikes flashing, rain pouring down so hard that it was hard to see further than a few meters ahead.

It was the worst thunderstorm in history, you were sure of it. 

Unfortunately, you were in the midst of it, lost in the woods as you tried to navigate your way back to town. 

But to no avail, you were completely disoriented, panic rushing through your spine as you felt your clothes getting heavier, soaked by the cold rain.

Aimlessly wandering for shelter, you end up in a large garden, following the trail of flowers until you reach two grand doors. You look up, palms placed flat on the surface, your eyes squinting to get a better look of it. You couldn’t see very well, but this was a very large building-- A castle?

Another strike of lightning sparked in the sky, the silhouette of the castle visible for a split second, and you gasp, startled from the roaring sound. In the midst of it, you decide to knock three times on the wooden doors.

A long moment passes, until you take a step back when the two doors slowly creaked open. Keeping one hand over your face to shelter your eyes from the rain, you’re able to distinguish the frame of a man standing by the doorway,

‘‘Who may this be?’’

Must be a butler, his voice deep and smooth. He didn’t look very pleased, however.

‘‘I-I just.... I’m lost, and-’‘

‘‘I’m sorry, we are unable to help. Unless you have business with the prince, you must leave immediately.’‘

You took a step closer, a frown on your face, ‘’You’re going to leave me here in the cold? It’s pouring!’’

The butler didn’t move, but his eyes were apologetic, ‘’I’m sorry, ma’am.’’

‘‘I’ll die from the cold!’‘ You pleaded. It felt partially true, you were freezing, soaked and lost. How could one be so heartless?

The butler pursed his lips, as if he was trying to find a solution, ‘’Then... step inside for a moment.’’ he ushered for you to get inside just far enough for you to be sheltered by the building, closing the doors behind you before he strides through the hall towards a room, ‘’Wait there, I will be back shortly.’’

So, you did. You waited, for what felt like forever.

Until finally, the footsteps of the butlers heeled boots echoed through the large hallway was heard as he returned, a vague smile on his lips as he bowed at you,

‘‘The prince would like to see you.’‘

You tilted your head to the side, ‘’He would?’’

The butler nods, ushering for you to follow behind him, so you do.

When reaching the next large door, the butler opens them before stepping to the side, announcing your presence, ‘’She’s here, my lord.’’

You walk in, unsure of what to say or do, jumping where you stand as the doors slam shut behind you, leaving you alone with this.... prince.

‘‘Who are you?’‘ His smooth voice snapped your attention towards the man standing by the window, back facing you.

From what you could see, he was very young. A lot younger than you expected, probably around your age if you weren’t mistaken.

He had raven hair, a form fitted suit showcasing his perfectly sculpted proportions, a slim waist with broad shoulders. 

Please, let him at least have a less attractive face.

The prince turned around slowly, a wine glass swirling in his hand while the other was stuffed deep down the pocket of his suit pants.

Of course he was beautiful.

‘‘Let me ask you again,’’ he said, taking one sip from his wine as he slowly sauntered over to you, the echoing of his heels clacking against the floor prominent in the grand room, ‘’Who are you? And what do you want?’’

Your eyebrows were drawn together, gaze following him as he circled around you like some kind of predator eyeing its prey.

‘‘I’m Y/N. I simply wish for shelter from the storm until it passes, then I will be on my way.’’

The prince hummed, his eyes drawn to the liquid in his glass as he’s in thought,

‘‘And why should I grant you this wish?’‘

What? Wish?

‘‘Are you serious?’‘ You grew annoyed, crossing your arms over your chest. Ah, your clothes were cold... Looking at him, your eyes were annoyed, yet pleading, ‘‘It’s a very bad storm, I can’t go back out...’‘

‘‘Then what do you offer?’‘ He glanced back up at you with a serious face.

What could you possibly offer a prince? He had everything he could ever desire.

But, you did have one thing that could not be bought...

‘‘I could sing for you.’‘

The prince’s eyes widened, he didn’t expect that out of all things you could’ve offered. ‘’Huh? I mean...What?’’

Now he’s the one speechless. huh.

‘‘Yes,’‘ You take one daring step forward, ‘‘I’m not rich, nor do I have anything of... value to give. But.. I can sing. Isn’t it awfully quiet in this large castle all by yourself?’‘

He rolled his tongue on the inside of his cheek, placing the glass down on the nearby desk before crossing his own arms over his chest. ‘’Go on then. Sing for me.’’

His command causes you to take a deep breath, giving him a short nod. God, you wish you would’ve been able to change into dry clothes first... Hopefully, this would be enough for him to let you stay, and maybe even accommodate some dry fabrics for your freezing body.

Jungkook leaned against his desk, fingers thrumming against his bicep as they were crossed. He wasn’t expecting much, honestly. But, he was truly bored-- why not mess with this strange girl before throwing her out?

But, he spoke too soon, and his premature judgement backfired. As soon as you cleared your throat, a shaky tune escaped your parted lips. With every word you sang, your voice got steadier and more secure in your abilities. The cold was less of a bother as the piercing, fixated gaze of the prince heated your entire being.

He was absolutely mesmerized by your voice, his lips fell slightly agape, his body stiffening. He expected nothing special, but this... It was probably-- no, it was without a doubt the most beautiful sound he’s ever been blessed with. It touched his soul, his heart pounded beneath his rib cage so hard it felt like it would burst, eyes now focused on your effortless beauty despite your messy damp hair and soaked clothes. You were way beyond physical beauty.

He’d already made his decision by now.

‘‘Enough.’‘ The prince had closed the distance between the two of you, his body standing right in front of yours. You hadn’t noticed that he came up to you until your eyes opened, breath hitched at his close proximity. Your doe eyes stared up at him, his own dark orbs swirling with an unnamed emotion.

‘‘S-so...?’‘ You whisper, hoping that it was enough for him to let you stay the night.

He smiled softly, reaching to stroke your cheek with the back of his hand. ‘‘I’ll need you to sing for me once more,’‘ He paused to snap his fingers, the maid that you didn’t even notice was in the room ushers you out of the room to lead you to your own.

Jungkook wanted to hear it again. And again... And again… For the rest of eternity.

~ ~ ~

The following morning you felt well rested, the large bed and dry nightgown provided worked wonders. Peering around the room, you realized that you’d possibly overstayed your welcome, the sun shining through the large... locked and barred window? Odd. Safety precautions, supposedly.

You pushed the bedspread away from your body to stand up, heading towards the door to leave.

It was locked.

‘’What the..?’’ 

You were in disbelief, jerking the handle once, twice. It wouldn’t budge. You were locked in.

‘’Hello?... I can’t get out! Open the door!’’ You yelled through the keyhole, fist slamming against the wooden surface of the door, hoping that somebody in the large castle would hear you.

As soon as you were about to slam your hand against the door once more, it suddenly opened. It was the kind butler, handing you a stack of clean clothes and an apologetic smile.

‘’The prince has instructed for you to join him for dinner this evening,’’ He pauses to make sure you’re keeping up, his lopsided smile still present, ‘’Please put this on before then. I will return when it is time.’’

He puts the fabrics in your hands before you’re able to even think of a response, your eyebrows drawn together in confusion. 

‘’Wait-- Why was the door locked?’’ You pleaded for an answer, but the butler avoided the question, and simply took a step back before slowly closing the door, the expression on his eyes nothing but penitent.

You couldn’t believe what was happening, eyes widening as you dropped everything to the floor, attempting once again to open the door, but within the same second the click of the lock striked the room, and the fading sound of footsteps leaving in the hallway.

What were you supposed to do the entire day?

And why did the prince want you to stay for dinner? 

And for god's sake, why on earth were you locked in? You thought the prince wanted you out as soon as humanly possible. Nothing made sense.

A defeated sigh pushed through your lips as you picked up the clothes that you’d dropped, heading over to place them on the bed. You wonder if the prince himself had personally picked out this ensemble for you. Not that it mattered. You lift the cloth to inspect the dark purple fabrics, a cocktail style dress… and honestly… you’d lie if you said it wasn’t beautiful.

~ ~ ~

The evening finally arrived, and you actually had gotten ready in lack of anything else to do, dress on with the matching shoes-- even the little bracelet provided, a small silver dangle attached shaped like a little bird. You figured, you might as well oblige to the prince’s wishes, and hopefully you’d be able to leave after this… dinner.

Meanwhile, Jungkook had made sure that everything was up to his expectations; the grand table filled with a variety of delicacies. He circled the table several times, sharp eyes observing that every single detail was up to par. And it was, he hummed in content before his gaze landed on his butler. ‘’Bring the lady, make sure she’s dressed for the occasion.’’

‘’Yes, my lord.’’

~ ~ ~

A firm knock on the door caught your attention as you were observing yourself in the large mirror. Suddenly, you almost felt nervous-- jittery. Taking a deep breath, you head towards the door, waiting for whoever is behind it to open it for you. ‘’Are you dressed?’’ The deep voice on the other side muttered. 

‘’Yes.’’ As soon as you voiced your reply, the door swung open, this time a boxy smile adorning the butlers face instead of the crooked one you’d almost gotten used to. It was nice to see he had any other expression than a gloomy one.

You were guided downstairs to the dining hall. As soon as you entered through the two large doors, you felt so incredibly small. You jumped when the doors were slammed shut behind you, and a sudden hand gently placed on your lower back to usher you to your seat.

Jungkook crooked his eyebrow at the butler's daring move and gave him a warning glare as he pushed your seat in behind you.

‘’Welcome, Y/N.’’ Jungkook clasped his hands on the table, leaning forward as his eyes roamed down the outfit you’d put on… The attire he’d chosen especially for you. His gaze landed on the small bracelet on your wrist, the silver bird dangle beautifully decorating you like a piece of art.

‘’Thank you..’’ You replied, a bit unsure of this situation. But you decided to enjoy it. Why not? It’s not everyday that you’d get to dine with royalty. All this food smelled heavenly. Jungkook snapped his fingers, and on cue the butler poured your wine, while the maid put food on your plates. When he was satisfied, he told them to leave the room and wait outside.

Jungkook wanted utter privacy with you.

‘’What do you think of this?’’ Jungkook asked, gesturing around the room; but he meant everything. The castle.

‘’It’s divine,’’ You answered truthfully as you sipped your wine to wash down the food, ‘’Is it just you here?’’

‘’Yeah,’’ He nodded, a small smile on his lips. It almost looked sad, ‘’If you don’t count my servants.’’

The dinner was pleasant, surprisingly. There wasn’t much conversation, but a simple comfortable silence with the occasional comment about the delicious cuisines that were offered. While you were gazing around the room, chewing your food in content, Jungkook’s eyes were completely transfixed on you. The way your nose scrunched slightly from the bitter aftertaste of the wine. The way you continuously placed strands of your hair behind your ear, to just how enchanting you looked in the attire he’d dressed you in.

He felt lucky that he found you. Or rather, you found him. It couldn’t be anything but fate. Jungkook believed it. He stayed this way for a while, enjoying the silent admiration he was giving you. He hadn’t had this kind of company… Ever. It was new, and he didn’t want to let it go. Suddenly the silence felt suffocating.

‘’Sing for me.’’ Jungkook asked softly, swirling the wine glass in his hand. His eyes followed the flow of the liquid for a second before shifting his piercing gaze to your face.

You stopped yourself from questioning him, knowing he knows that you heard him the first time. But that didn’t mean your eyebrows weren’t raised in surprise. ‘’Okay.’’ After all, he had told you that he wanted to hear you sing one more time.

Jungkook’s doe eyes sparkled in awe as he leaned back in his chair, completely forgetting about the glass in his hand. He couldn’t even think, just listen-- and stare at you the second you got up from your chair and sing. The way your lips moved with every word, his eyes followed. The small gestures of your hands made him want to hold them. And the brightness in your eyes that he hadn’t noticed before, had his heart pounding heavily in his chest.

This is it. She’s the one.

While you sang, he’d slowly gotten up from his seat, placing the glass on the table to leave it behind. Approaching you, his hands reached out to grab your wrist and pull you close to his chest. Your singing stopped with a surprised yelp, staring at the little bracelet he was observing as he held your wrist up for the two of you to view.

‘’You know what this is?’’ He asked, grasping the little dangle decoration between his thumb and index finger.

‘’A dove?’’ You said, a bit confused as to what he meant. It was obviously a dove.

‘’Correct,’’ He chuckled, the endearing smile of his growing, ‘’A symbol of peace.’’ A piece of peace in Jungkook’s world.

You hum in agreement, still not sure what he’s implying. Trying to pull your wrist away, he willingly let go, but replaced the empty spot in his palm by placing it on your waist. This was awfully close, and you felt your face heat up in embarrassment.

‘’I-- thank you for the dinner… But, I should really get going now.’’ You glanced towards the window, seeing the sun shining bright, ‘’The storm has passed.’’

Jungkook’s smile faltered at your words, slowly morphing into a frown when you stepped away from his grasp. His hands fell to his sides, looking at you as if you had just torn his heart out of his chest. But you didn’t notice. ‘’Don’t leave.’’

You were on your way to the door, hand grasping the handle before his words stopped you, causing you to look over your shoulder at the prince. Silence filled the room, and the air grew thicker.

‘’I have to leave. I can’t stay here. I need to go home.’’

Jungkook sighed, clenching his jaw as he stared at the floor. He almost looked like a child throwing a tantrum when they didn’t get what they wished for. ‘’You can’t.’’ He murmured.

‘’Watch me.’’ You huffed, jerking the door open before stepping out into the grand hall, striding towards the door with a made up mind. You were going home, you shouldn’t get used to this lifestyle. It was only for one night. You made it to the grand entrance, pushing with your entire body strength and pulling at the handle-- but it wouldn’t budge. It was locked. Your eyes searched for a way to unlock it, you were inside of the building after all. Why couldn’t you open it?

‘’Y/N..’’ Jungkook startled you, appearing behind you so suddenly. His voice was calm, arms crossed over his chest. A concerned look played on his face.

‘’Why is the door locked?’’ You asked, confusion obvious in your expression as you let go of the handle to turn to him.

‘’I told you, you can’t leave.’’ He sighed, clacking his tongue in annoyance. Why didn’t you get it?

‘’Why?’’

‘’I want you to stay… Be my little bird.’’

‘’What… what do you mean ‘little bird’?’’

‘’Sing for me, always.’’ The look in his eye was serious, yet gentle. He stepped closer, reaching out to delicately take your hands in his own, ‘’I will take care of you, everything you need is right here. Anything you want. Just please be mine.’’

Your mouth fell open, unable to speak or think of any witty comment to counter with. His words were sincere, the vulnerability in his expression along with his delicate touch had your heart skip a beat.. Or stop completely-- you weren’t sure. The logic in you told you no, this couldn’t be. He couldn’t love you this quickly, and neither could you. But your heart pumped these new emotions throughout your body, clouding any sense of what should and shouldn’t-- any logic thrown out the window. A part of you that grew with every second spent drowning in his dark eyes, your body decided to make the decision for you with a vague nod. 

‘’Say it.’’ Jungkook urged, his eyes sparkling with a layer of tears. Were they happy? Sad? Maybe both. He wanted to hear your sweet voice confirm, his own chest so tight it was hard to breathe. He squeezed your hands in his, ‘’Say you’ll be mine.’’

‘’I… I can’t say that yet.. I’m sorry.’’ You whispered, and you swore you could hear his heart audibly crack. But it was okay, he mused. You didn’t reject him-- but you didn’t accept him in your heart yet. All you needed was time.

‘’Y/N…’’ Jungkook pulled you closer to his chest, brushing your hair away from your face. As he spoke, his warm comforting breath fanned your lips, ‘’It’s okay, you don’t have to say it yet. Just… Stay with me.’’

You nodded, feeling your own eyes sting with the tears building up from his heavy emotions rubbing off on you. He smiled softly, palm carefully placed on your cheek to draw you in, closing the distance between your lips in a sweet kiss.

All he needed was patience.

~ ~ ~

Days turned into weeks, and weeks into months spent in his castle. You hadn’t taken a single step outside since that stormy night, and it was as if you’d forgotten what grass felt like underneath your feet. However, the times he allowed you to sit with him on his balcony, the warm sun and chill breeze would bring you enough peace to satiate your need for the freedom you were robbed of.

It was complicated, the way you felt. Spending every single day with the prince, you’d gradually fallen for him, and become close enough for you to even start calling him by his first name. He spoiled you with everything you could ever want; clothes, jewelry, endless amounts of books and pretty things, flowers. He showered you in his affection, a large smile constantly on his face whenever he gave, gave and gave to you. He saw how you slowly opened up to him, and it made him so happy; nobody had ever seen the lonely prince this way before.

But at times when he wasn't home, out attending to his duties, you suddenly felt lonely. You had time to think about everything, and it scared you how much you missed Jungkook. However, what you had started to miss even more was your freedom… The life you had before you met the prince.

It was clear that you weren’t allowed to leave, every window was barred, and every door was locked. It was impossible. No matter, because at this point you were scared to live without him. You couldn’t.

So you opted for the one thing you knew, the one thing you had that was in your control.

You stood by your window, watching the birds chirp and fly by, feeling the warmth of the sun rays beaming at your skin in stripes through the bars. You sang your heart out. 

In the beginning, your singing was bright and full of life, proud of how Jungkook admired your voice.

But lately, your tune was laced with melancholy.

~ ~ ~

Jungkook heard your voice as he strode through the hallway, feeling his heart jump at the beautiful sound. Lately, your voice had gotten more and more bewitching. He was obsessed with the sadness in your vocals. He carefully peeked in through the crack of the door as he opened it, and the sight before him was breathtaking. You looked like a goddess with the sun glowing on your skin, eyes closed as you were completely indulged in your song. 

He loved you so much, nothing or nobody could ever compare, nor could anybody intervene. You were his, kept safe in this castle for the rest of your life.

After a long moment of admiring you, Jungkook finally opened the door to step inside, quietly strolling over to stand behind you. He wrapped his arms around your waist, letting his hands settle on your stomach as he pressed his chest against your back, nuzzling his nose into the crook of your neck. Your singing ceased, eyes widening in surprise at his sudden appearance. Just as quickly as your body tensed up, it relaxed in his embrace.

“You sing so pretty, my little dove,” he cooed into your ear as he held you tight. His hands splayed against your stomach and rubbed gently, carefully and slowly moving upwards. Your breath caught in your throat and you felt your body tingle with a mixture of fright and excitement, warmth blooming where his hands trailed.

Jungkook turned you in his arms, pressed his chest against yours as his fingers caressed the side of your delicate face, a loving smile on his lips. He moved slowly, with intention, towards the plush bed behind you. His eyes never left yours, peering into them as if he could see your inner most desires. It made your body feel engulfed in flame.

“Please, let me have you,” the prince asked. His voice was sweet, pleading and desperate. He guided you towards the bed and the press of the firm mattress behind your knees made you fall with a soft gasp escaping your lips.  “I need you, my love. I need to taste you, please.”

You found it hard to say no, hard to say anything at all despite the warnings sounding in your head. As confused by him and this entire situation as you were, you couldn’t help the magnetic pull you felt when he held you close, or the way your heart throbbed when he was around. 

“Y-yes,” you replied, voice timid. 

His body hovered over you, lips inches from your own and you felt your body press further and further into the bed as he encroached over you. 

“Yes, what, little bird?” He asked. His voice was light—sensitive and loving. His eyes spoke volumes. He looked at you as if he wanted to claim every inch of you, make you his physically and emotionally for the rest of his life. 

You swallowed hard as you lied down, head resting on the soft pillows, as your eyes connected with his. Any doubt had slowly left you as the warmth of his body seeped into your clothes and into your very core. It felt like a fire was building, growing larger and more intense, in the center of your thighs. 

“Yes, please,” you whispered.  

Your answer pleased the prince—he moved down further until his lips connected with yours. His hips pressed into your own and you could feel his hard length against you—making you gasp into his kiss. 

It spurred Jungkook on, his tongue taking advantage and sliding into your open mouth to caress and lick at your own tongue. He moaned lightly at the taste of you, so sweet and perfect—just like you. He wanted to taste it for the rest of his life, have the sweet essence of you on his tongue every single night. He was sure if your mouth tasted so sweet, your drenched folds would taste even better.  

“Let me see you,” he whispered as he pulled away from your honeyed lips.  “Please.”

His voice was so desperate--so full of love and desire for you that the fire within you blazed higher. It was becoming harder and harder to resist the prince at all, and you found yourself wondering why you ever resisted in the first place.

After receiving your consent in the form of a nod, Jungkook pushed the fabric of your dress up from your thighs. His strong hands smoothed over the soft, plush skin and you shivered at the feeling of his warmth that lingered where he touched.  He continued pushing the dress up until it exposed your stomach and core to him. 

His eyes explored every inch of your body.  He was mesmerized by the way your stomach curved and your hips swelled. Your body was finer than any of the paintings in his castle, more valuable than the jewels glittering in his reserves. His breath came out heavier as his vision trailed to the linen of your panties, the very ones he provided for you. Jungkook loved the way you looked in the clothes he picked especially for you--his gorgeous, little songbird.

Your hands clutched at the bunched material of your dress and you desperately sought to take it off, expose yourself fully to the handsome prince above you. Your body squirmed as he continued drinking you in, hurrying to take the rest of the fine dress off your body. Jungkook noticed your discomfort, and moved to help you pull the dress up and over your head. The gesture was sweet, so sweet it felt like an ache in your heart and your core.  

Jungkook threw the garment aside, no care for the price or quality of the dress. His only care was you, now nearly naked and pliant underneath him. If he thought the hills and valleys of your thighs were mesmerizing, he was wholly unprepared for the sight of your breasts.

He could feel his mouth drying up as he watched your nipples prickle in the chill of the castle’s air.  He was sure he stopped breathing as he watched your chest rise and fall with each deliberate breath you brought in and expelled.  He felt his tongue dart out of his mouth to moisten his lips, eyes glued to the pretty pink nubs of your breasts.

“My dove,” he gasped. 

Your eyes were wide, pupils blown with a mixture of anxiety and lust, and your hands sought to grab at the cloth of his shirt.

“Please, Jungkook,” you whined softly. Being so exposed, so vulnerable to the man above you made you needier by the second. You were sure you couldn’t stand another minute under his intense gaze without him touching you somewhere, anywhere.

Jungkook’s eyes slipped closed at the sound of his name rolling off your sweet tongue. He felt his body nearly tremble, and he knew he needed to hear it for the rest of his life. There was no way he could let you go now, now that he would have you fully.

“What do you need, my love?” He asked as he smoothed a hand over your delicate stomach and up towards your ribs.  “Tell me what you need, and I’ll give you everything you could ever want.”

Your back arched off the bed as his warm hand pursued up your body until it summited the crest of your breast. He marveled at the way his hands fit over the soft globes, and how perfectly they fit in his palms. He knew you were made for him--that you were the only one meant to be with him. Everything about you reminded him that you were made for him.

His fingers pinched at a nipple and he sighed as he heard your soft, gentle squeak at the pinch.  His stomach tightened painfully, and his cock strained hard against the linen of his pants. He wanted nothing more than to bury himself between your plush thighs, but he knew he needed to to worship you, to make you feel like the princess you would soon become.

In one swift movement, his head bowed down piously to pull a nipple into his mouth while his fingers maintained pressure on the other. He moaned around the bud in his lips, the way it felt against his tongue and the sweet flavor of your skin. Your keening gasps and sighs encouraged him, making him suck the nub in further and tongue swirl around it. 

Your body felt grazed with tiny pinpricks of pleasure, electrifying you down to your veins. You have never felt such pleasure in your life, never knowing the touch of a man. But you’re sure that no man could compare to the way the prince felt above you, pressing his worshipful kisses to your breasts.

Jungkook switched to your other breast, frenzied to taste and consume you--every last inch. He fervidly licked at your prickled nub before he pulled it into his mouth and allowed his tongue to explore and pleasure it.

“J-Jungkook!” You gasped at the feeling. His other hand rubbed and pinched at your abused nipple so well it made your legs tremble.  

He popped off your breasts but maintained his grip on you with his hands, a toothy smile brightening his features as he peered at you.

“Yes, my dove?” He asked as innocently as he could. He knew this action was driving you mad. He could tell by the way your hips bucked and swayed that your channel would be slick and burning with desire by now.

“More, please,” you begged. “I need you to take me.”

Jungkook kissed his way down your sternum, lavishing kisses at your navel and skin of your thighs. He wanted no part of you left untouched, unclaimed by him. He meant to have you in every sense of the word. The prince was determined to ensure every single part of you was conquered by him, and him only.  

Jungkook was eager to get the remaining fabric off you. His deft fingers swiped at your covered slit, smiling as he felt the wetness pooling there.  He hummed deep in his throat as he made himself comfortable between your thighs. Jungkook noticed how comfortable, how natural it felt to be between your thick thighs.  He wanted to leave marks all over them, physical reminders of his claim of you.

You stirred gently, awkwardly, at the intense gaze that the prince was holding with your barely covered decency.   His stare was intense--it fanned the flames within you, making them lick hotly at every inch of your being.

Jungkook tugged at the thin fabric between your thighs, pulling it down your legs gently, as if he was unwrapping the finest and most delicate china.  His breath caught in his throat as he threw them to the side and your centre became exposed to him.  You bloomed below him like the most beautiful rose, petals opening and slick with arousal.  His tongue sought out of his mouth, anxious for a taste of what he was sure to be the most delicious nectar.

“My beautiful,” he sighed as his hands pressed your legs further apart.  You whimpered gently, the feeling of the cold air rolling over your heated body was nearly driving you insane.  Jungkook stared at you as if you were his final, mortal meal.  Jungkook nearly salivated at the sound and the way your legs trembled with need--...need for him.

His face inched closer and close, desperate to be buried face first in your pretty cunt, but careful not to scare you.  Jungkook loved you, passionately and desperately, and he quaked at the thought of terrifying you further. You were his little dove--you needed to be loved slowly, gently.  

“I want to taste you, my love,” he murmured as his face settled centimeters from your exposed folds.  “Please, will you let me have you?”

Your bottom lip trembled, and your eyes were wide with arousal.  The growing ache and need for him was surging through your veins swiftly, swirling in your mind and clouding any thought that wasn’t the handsome prince, and the way his hands and body felt against yours.  All you could think, all you could comprehend was him--only him.

Your head nodded quickly in reply. “Yes, please, sir.”

Jungkook stifled a groan at the sound of the honorific leaving you.  His spine tingled and he nearly lost all resolve to remain composed.  You drove him mad, and it took all he had to not claim you fully and deeply there, now.

With a gentle kiss to each side of your luscious thighs, Jungkook worshiped each inch of your skin as he worked towards the apex.  He let the sounds of your pleasured sighs and keening gasps roll over him like fine silk.  As he reached your center, he gently bowed his head and pressed a soft kiss to your clit, before allowing his tongue to dart out and taste a droplet of your slick.  

He pulled his head back and closed his eyes in bliss as the flavor blossomed on his tongue.  You tasted so sweet, and earthy.  Like a mulled wine, sweet and honeyed and intoxicating. 

“Perfect,” he admired as he lowered his head back down. “I knew you’d taste so sweet, so perfect.”

Jungkook eagerly got to work now, tongue gently caressing the nub of nerves that had your legs quaking at each tender lick.  He couldn’t get enough of the way you felt, succumbed to his desire and pliant underneath him.  He wished to be buried in your sweet cunt for ever, both mouth and cock.  He knew now, irrevocably, he would never be able to live without you.

He drank from you as if you were the last fountain on earth, the only source of his hydration.  His tongue worked eagerly, dipping into the pools of your tight heat and licking up the sweet wetness that pooled.  He couldn’t fathom how one little angel could taste so sweet, feel so good against his tongue.  

Your sweet sighs and moans spurred him on.  Your legs trembled gently and with each caress of his tongue on your nub, your sounds only increased in volume and in need.  The prince was eager to get you to your high, make you feel euphoria caused by him and him only.

Your legs quivered and you gasped his name, and he couldn’t help but smile.  A finger slid into your walls, coaxing your climax with each curl and press of his finger against the tender spot inside you.  It made you nearly scream with how delicious it felt, and Jungkook knew you were near the end. He increased his pressure and speed of his tongue, and curled another finger inside of you.

“Cum for me, my love,” he encouraged between licks. “Let me taste you.”

You were no match for him and his words, dripping in unadulterated love and need.  His eyes connected with yours and your climax washed over you swiftly.  Your back arched and hips squirmed as your walls fluttered and milked his fingers, begging for more--so much more.

Jungkook fervidly licked at the juices that slowly trickled down his fingers from within you, cleaning his hand as he let it slide from within you.

“My little dove,” he sighed. “You taste so sweet when you cum for me.”

Your breaths came out hard, as if your lungs hadn’t worked for hours. You inhaled sharply as you watched him continue to devour the juices on his hands and you felt your spine tingle in response.

Jungkook’s hard length was hard against his trousers and you were desperate now to have the man buried inside you.

“Jungkook, please,” you gasped, hands reaching for the man who now sat above you.  “Please, take me.”

The prince’s heart nearly melted to the floor of the castle at your desperate plea.   You were his, you knew now that you were his. He made quick work of the cotton trousers and shirt, tearing them off his body until he was just as naked as you.  He knew this is how he wanted to be, always.  No clothes, no barriers, nothing to stand in between him and you, his perfect little dove.

“I’m here,” he soothed as he pressed his lips to yours.  “Let me take care of you, my princess.”

He easily lined himself up with your heat, rubbing the bulbous head against the slick and nearly entering when you swiftly grabbed his arms and stared at him with wide, frightened eyes.

“I-I’ve never done this before,” you whispered, shame coloring your cheeks. “Please… please don’t hurt me.”

Jungkook stopped breathing, the world stopped turning.  He couldn’t believe his luck--his dove, his princess... all his. You would become his in every sense of the word. He will have what no man has ever had before, and never get the chance to take. He kissed at your lips gently and nodded.

“I’d rather cut off my own hand than hurt you even once.” 

Your eyes softened, soothed by his words and actions, and you nodded gently. 

“Take me, Jungkook.”  Your words were brave, and ready.  Jungkook felt his cock twitch with excitement, and he pressed one final kiss to your lips as he lined himself up and pushed in gently.

Jungkook pulled away from your lips to gasp.  Never had he felt such incredible, tight heat.  He could tell by the scrunch of your features that you were adjusting to his thick length. Despite your first climax, your body still resisted the press of his cock inside you.  It felt like scorching wet heat and the tightness alone nearly made the prince cum as he bottomed out.

He remained still within you as your body relaxed.  His hands rubbed gently at your hips and thighs, caressing them sweetly as he whispered his praise to you.

“You took me so well,” he murmured.  “My little dove, so good for me.  You’re doing so well.”

You whimpered out in need, desire for him to move inside you.  The pain melted away to pleasure quickly, and you’re thankful he spent so much time preparing you with his mouth and fingers. The tender care the Prince showered on you made your heart beat rapidly against your chest, working over time like the beat of a bird’s.  

“Are you ready, my sweet?” He asked. He could feel his cock ache with the need to set a pace, to feel the way your walls stroke him, but he would not allow himself such pleasure without your word.

“Take me, Jungkook, I’m yours.”

He moaned loudly, allowing the possessiveness of your voice to spur him to begin.

He started his movements slow and with intention.  Each drag out and thrust in, he monitored your face for any sign of displeasure. When all that crossed your features was blissful pleasure, he moved faster.  

Your body relaxed ten-fold as the man above you began to drill harder into you. The pain of the stretch was nearly gone by now, replaced only by a sizzling bliss that had your mouth gaping open and begging for more. Sweat began to gather at the prince’s brow and you’re taken by how handsome he is, how truly carnal he looks as he pounds into you with no abandon.  

Your walls accommodate him perfectly, gripping him tight while still allowing passage. Jungkook felt as if your very cunt was made for him, molded to be his exact match. He could feel himself nearing closer and closer to the edge of bliss--climbing so high to the peaks of climax.

Your body was racked with pleasure. It poured out of your body in sweet sighs and torrential trembles. With each delicious push and pull of his cock within you, the fire grew and grew. It swirled around your body, clawed at your neck and clouded your mind with smoke. All you knew was Jungkook, his thick length, his warm body, and the way his eyes burned holes into yours.  Each thrust sent you so much closer to another dizzying peak and your fingers gripped at his arms tighter.

He could tell by the rapture on your face that you were close--could feel it in the fluttering of your walls.

“Cum for me,” he groaned. “Let go, little dove. Let me feel you.”

You whimpered needily, groaning as the prince continued to thrust into you at a turbulent speed. He licked his thumb before allowing it to circle your clit, the bundle of nerves nearly screaming to life as he stimulated it.

Jungkook licked his lips as he watched your body come nearly undone at his touch. He could feel the way his body was building and climbing towards a grand finish, one he wanted to bury deep inside you.

“G-going to cum,” he groaned as he increased his strokes. ‘’I will fill you so well, you feel so good..’’

Never had you felt closer to another person, another man. Jungkook was truly the only one in the world for you, and you could never stray away. His hands gripped you tight and possessively as he powered his way to his finish.

“P-please!” You gasped as your vision started to dot with black spots. You couldn’t speak, breath overtaken by gasps and whimpers of need, as your body finally peaked at it’s high. Your moans were loud as you soared into the blissful pool that only Jungkook had ever taken you to. Your walls contracted around him tightly, squeezing and coaxing his cock to release his own pleasure inside you.

Jungkook lasted mere seconds after feeling youl grip him so tightly, and hearing your sweet dulcet voice sing praises and whines. His cock pulsed as he emptied himself into you, hot cum painting your sweet walls and pooling in your womb.

A long moment followed where Jungkook was just.. staring down at your exhausted form from above. His overgrown fringe clung to his clammy skin, lips swollen from biting down on them more often than not, and chest heaving up and down as he emotionally gathered himself back into one piece after shattering for you.

‘‘My love,’’ He whispered as he leaned down over you once more, sweaty skin sticking together. But no matter, he wouldn’t want you any other way right this moment. He gently moved his lips against yours, all while still keeping himself deep inside of you, making sure nothing would be spilled to waste, ‘‘My beautiful Y/N.’‘

A small smile tugged at your lips when he calls you by your first name. You reach out to brush his fringe away from his forehead, combing his dark, soft locks with your fingers, ‘’My dear Jungkook.’’

Jungkook’s heart almost stopped. You’d said a lot of things, you’d even given him your body. But you had never, ever had referred to him with any term of endearment until now. It was always his name, or his title.

‘‘What did you just say?’’ He asked, one hand cupping your face gently to guide your eyes to meet his own. He looked at you with an emotion you couldn’t quite place, but if you tried to name them, it’d be a mix of confusion, joy, and relief.

‘‘My dear,’‘ You paused to place your hand on top of his, leaning your cheek into his palm further, ‘‘Jungkook.’‘

Jungkook’s hot breath fanned your lips as he sighed in content, eyes still fixed on you. He kissed you once, softly, before pulling back to look at you again.

‘‘Please say it now’’ He asked quietly. The hint of sadness and desperation wasn’t evident in his voice, however, his eyes didn’t lie. They were wide, intensely focused on your every single reaction as he anticipated your answer, ‘’Say you’ll be mine.’’

You were already his in every sense of the word, except one. He needed you to say it yourself.

And who were you to resist the prince?

‘‘I’ll be yours.’‘ You finally broke the silence. Jungkook’s eyes flickered between yours with his doe ones, desperately trying to find any sign of lies. But instead, all he could see was utter affection, and your truthful words finally sank in.

‘’Be my wife.’‘ Jungkook continued, leaning his forehead against yours, ‘‘I love you. I promise to always love you. Nobody else will be able to take care of you the way I can.’‘

You nod, a quiet ‘yes’ leaving your lips before you crane your neck to kiss him. You might’ve been confused, frightened, and even sad at times-- but now? You were happy.

Happy to belong to the prince.

Jungkook smiles against your lips, he couldn’t believe he was so lucky to have found you. 

Or rather, you had found him.

Either way, it couldn’t have been anything but fate. And.. Jungkook believed in that. 

© sombreboy 2020. Do not edit, repost or translate.

[seijorhi]

Congrats on 500! I love your writing it’s fantastic. Could you do something where reader has been abducted by Dabi. She somehow gets away from him, and Hawks finds her. She thinks she’s safe and starts clinging to him and begging him to help her. He promises to save her, but only if she does him a lil “favor,” you know, shows how much she “appreciates” him. Otherwise it’s back to Dabi...

Thank you, and of course! Funny story, but I initially had a very similar idea but reversed, where the reader was kidnapped by Hawks and escapes only to run into Dabi 👀 but anyway, this was so much fun to write! I hope you enjoy!

Hawks x Female Reader (mentioned Dabi x Reader)

TW Dub-con, abuse of power, corrupt heroes, referenced abuse, referenced non-con, kidnapping, coercion

Quid Pro Quo

Run.

Your lungs are burning, bare feet screaming in pain with every footfall against the harsh pavement as you sprint through the night. You’re pretty sure they’re bleeding, but you can’t focus on that, can’t focus on anything but the path in front of you and putting as much distance between you and that place as possible.

Can you hear his furious screams in the distance or is it all in your head? He wasn’t supposed to be home for hours, but he always did have such an uncanny sense of whenever you’re planning something. You shudder at the thought of what he’ll do to you if he catches you again. 

Dabi tells you that he likes it when you’re an obedient little slut for him, but you know he enjoys it when you act out almost as much as he enjoys inflicting his punishments. 

He’d told you once, back when he’d first stolen you away, that he’d kill you if you ever ran from him. He’d murmured it so sweetly, nosing along your throat as his hands, the very ones that had just burned his name into the soft skin beneath your collarbone, traced idle patterns against your bare waist.

At the time, you’d believed it. Now you know better - Dabi’s obsession runs too deep to ever risk losing you entirely. He loves you, in his own sick, twisted way. Killing you would be akin to cutting off his own arms.

No, if he catches you, he won’t kill you… he’ll make you wish you were dead, and that is so much worse.

Your heart is pounding, the crisp night air biting at your skin and you clutch his jacket tighter around your skin. It’s not for the cold that you’d taken it - it still smells strongly of him, smoke and menthol and something spicy - you’d rather freeze than have that cloying scent wrapped sound you, but you don’t exactly have a choice in the matter.

It’s a side effect of your Quirk, the way your skin shimmers with soft, silvery luminescence. You can control it to an extent, light up an entire room in the dark if you wish to, but you can never extinguish it entirely. On a moonless night like this one, you’re all but a beacon and if he is chasing you, you won’t make it easy for him - even if it means smothering your light in his favourite jacket.

You’re so focused on running that you don’t hear the concerned shout called from behind you. It’s only when you feel the change of the breeze, the strong gusts of wind fluttering against your skin that you slow down in confusion.

He descends in front of you like an angel, crimson wings spread wide against the black sky as his feet come to rest on the ground. His eyes, a striking gold, study you for a long moment before an easy smile breaks across his face, “You alright there, sweetheart?”

Even if he wasn’t wearing his Hero costume, he’d be unmistakable. 

Keigo Takami, the number two Pro Hero. 

Hawks, standing there in the flesh like a saviour heaven sent.

Your breath comes out in a shuddering gasp, and you’re fairly sure that there are tears spilling down your cheeks but you can’t bring yourself to care because after months of the hell Dabi’s subjected you to, finally, you know you’re safe.

“P-please,” you sob, throwing yourself at the Hero, who, to his credit, catches you easily in his strong arms. You bury your face in his tan jacket, fingers clutching at the fur lined collar. There’s a voice in the back of your head that tells you that you must look like a madwoman; running around barefoot in the middle of the night dressed only in a thin lace nightgown and Dabi’s tattered jacket, crying near incomprehensibly, but you can’t bring yourself to care. Instead you just cling to him, cling to his warmth and the promise of safety that he brings. “Please, you have to help me. H-he… he’s coming!”

With a surprisingly gentle touch, Hawks pulls back just enough for his gloved fingers to coax your chin upwards to meet his gaze. His face is serious as his eyes flicker across your face, almost as if he’s trying to memorize every detail from the arch of your cheekbones to the curve of your lips, or maybe he’s just taken aback by the delicate glow of your skin. “Who is?” he asks.

You’re all too aware that you’re both still standing out in the open and that any second, all of this could be for nothing because you know he knows - you know he’s coming for you, but for whatever reason Hawks hasn’t moved the two of you to safety.

Probably because you’re not making sense, you silently curse yourself, just calm down and explain and he’ll keep you safe.

“D-Dabi,” you stutter out, watching as Hawks’ eyes narrow at the name. “H-he took me, kept me i-in a room, h-hurt me… I got out, h-he forgot to lock the door, but he’ll know! He’ll come for me, please, you have to help me, I-I can’t go back to that…” 

You’re all but sobbing now, but Hawks is just… watching you with an eerily blank expression. 

Then, slowly, he grins.

Your stomach drops.

It’s not the reassuring smile you’ve seen other Heroes wear. There is nothing kind or gentle in the way he stares at you - no, his grin is just a little too sharp and there’s a cold, predatory glint behind his visor. He doesn’t look a thing like the Hero you’ve seen countless times before on the tv. “Sounds like you’ve got yourself in a real bind there, sweetheart,” he murmurs quietly.

It takes a moment for his words to register, like your mind just refuses to make sense of the situation. He’s a Hero, why is he… why isn’t he helping you?

“Please,” you’re fighting the urge to glance back over your shoulder in worry, but Hawks is still cupping your jaw, his thumb now rubbing along your tear streaked cheeks. He’s just standing there, holding you and there’s not a single sign that he intends to move anytime soon. Doesn’t he understand that Dabi could find them any second? Does he think you’re lying, or does he just not care?

Panic bubbles up in your stomach and you don’t know what else to do but beg at this point. “I- we can’t stay out here, please help me.”

Suddenly he breaks out into a laugh, throwing his head back as he chuckles. It’s a rich and warm sound but it only makes your cheeks burn with humiliation. Furiously, you try to blink back the fresh tears welling up in your eyes. Why is he laughing at you?

This… this is wrong.

This is a mistake.

Instinctively, you take a tiny step back and suddenly Hawks stops laughing. Those piercing gold eyes focus back on you and your heart skips a beat.

He’s still smiling, but there’s an edge to it that wasn’t there moments before. You’ve spent enough time tiptoeing around Dabi and his temperamental moods to recognise the warning signs.

“Why do you look so scared, little bird? I’m a Hero aren’t I?”

He seems to be waiting for a response, so you jerk your head in a tiny nod. 

He nods with you, recovering the distance between you with a quick stride. “I’ll keep you safe. That’s what you want, right? Somebody to make sure those Villains don’t sink their filthy claws back into you.”

Your heart is pounding, fear gnawing away at your gut - you don’t know what else to do but nod. 

He practically preens at your terrified obedience. “Yeah, thought so. A pretty thing like you, wandering the streets all alone, dressed like this,” he hums, yanking Dabi’s jacket off your shoulders to reveal the skimpy babydoll underneath. You gulp, forcing down a whimper as Hawks greedily laps up every inch of revealed shimmering skin. He whistles, shooting you a playful wink, “It’s not just Dabi you’ll have to worry about. You need all the help you can get.”

He takes another step forward, his hand slipping from your face to run down your side, taking his time. You swallow down a squeak when his warm hand cups your breast, the other wrapping around your waist to tug you closer. “Please, I-I’ll…” but you can’t bear to finish the thought, because you know it’s exactly what he’s waiting for.

Dabi’s teasing voice fills your head, you’ll what, babydoll? How’re you gonna make it up to me, hm?

Hawks leans in to brush his lips against your cheek, “Shh, sweetheart. No need to cry. I’ll take care of you, find somewhere safe to keep you where even the League won’t be able to get at you. But first,” he pulls away with a leer, darting his eyes downwards. You follow his eyes, only for your heart to jump into your throat when you notice the growing tent in his pants. “Why don’t you get on your knees for me and open that pretty mouth?”

Your stomach lurches. He- he can’t seriously be expecting you to…

As if reading your thoughts, he laughs again. “It’s only fair, right, sweetheart? You help me, I help you - quid pro quo and all that.”

You’re sure that your cheeks must be flaming and it takes every ounce of self control you have left not to start sobbing again. It’s not like you’ve never been degraded before, forced onto your knees and had a cock shoved down your throat, but this is an entirely new level of humiliation.

Heroes were supposed to have morals, right?

Hawks coos at you, fingers tightening around your waist. “I mean, if you’d rather not, I get it. I’m more than happy to leave you be. You’re welcome to try your luck out here alone, but I’ll be honest with you, baby - I really don’t like your chances, especially with that charming Quirk of yours.”

Your eyes flutter shut as you slowly sink to the ground, ignoring the pleased sigh that slips past the Hero’s lips as he unbuckles his belt, yanks down his zipper and pulls out his cock.

“Look at me, baby,” he urges.

You squeeze your eyes tighter, your hands curling into fists in your lap. It’s cold, you’re still out in the middle of the street and without Dabi’s jacket the brisk night air kisses your skin uncomfortably. You focus on that, ignoring the nausea building inside your stomach, ignoring the fear that claws at your heart. It’s nothing you haven’t done before. It’s sickening, degrading, but if this is the price for your freedom, for you to never have to set eyes on Dabi again, you’ll pay it. 

There’s a low growl and you feel something warm and silky slap against your cheek. “I wasn’t asking. Look at me,” he drawls.

Your nails are digging half moon crescents into your palms as you tremble, but you pry your eyes open to find him staring down at you with a sickeningly soft expression, slowly pumping his hand up and down his hardening member. It’s big, not so much long as it is thick, but you know just from looking at it that it’s going to be an uncomfortable fit.

Again, his hand finds your jaw, easing it open so he can guide the weeping head to your mouth. He doesn’t say a word as your tongue darts out to lick at it, only lets out a breathy moan. You might hate yourself for it, but the sooner this is over, the sooner he’ll take you someplace safe and the sooner you can forget all this ever happened.

Hawks hums contentedly, running a hand through your hair as you carefully wrap your lips around his cock and swallow him down, trying not to gag in the process. “Fuck, sweetheart, you’re a natural at this, aren’t you? You know, I’m kinda glad you managed to escape that pyromaniac asshole tonight.”

You shudder as he beams down at you, his thumb moving to brush at the fresh tears spilling down your cheeks. “I was starting to think I’d have to come get’cha myself.”

[bumirang]

Turtle, Duck, Dragon, Horse: Ch. 8 excerpt

It’s a chilly afternoon when Bumi sits in on Hana’s worst training session since she arrived at Air Temple Island.

Under Jinora’s supervision, she and six other novitiates were walking the circle in a coordinated effort to create a sphere of solid wind nearly twice her height. Intimidating, but she’d managed it before. She actually wasn’t doing too terribly, until she caught sight of him out of the corner of her eye. Maybe it was excitement or performance anxiety or just the distraction, but that’s when it all went wrong. She immediately fell out of step with the others, but the more she tried to correct for it, the more unstable their formation became, until the sphere was a roiling squall-ball they were struggling just to contain.

Master Jinora stepped forward and summoned a gust with thought alone. “That’s, uh, impressive, but if you’ll slow down and back away, I can safely disper—”

Then it exploded, with a roar like a thunderclap in reverse. Thankfully, they were shielded from the worst of it by a barrier whipped up by their teacher, but it was a close thing.

Hana’s ears are still ringing when she makes in Bumi’s direction, ignoring the accusatory glances from her fellow novitiates. It’s obvious to all of them who messed things up, but they can’t prove anything, so whatever. Bumi, in contrast, just waves happily, absentmindedly petting Bum-Ju on his shoulder.

She stops five feet away from him and plants her hands on her hips. “What’re you doing here?”

“Hi to you, too,” he replies, slightly offended.

“Sorry, that sounded… I mean, did you need me for something?”

“Nope.”

“So, what, you popped by to watch me be a screw-up?”

“Well, I like to get a feel for where the newbies’re at. Didn’t think you’d be out with ‘em.”

She deflates a bit. “You saw how hopeless I am. I’ll be stuck with the newbies forever at this rate.”

“Nooo, no… Your bending’s just, uh, chaotic.” His smile is wide but not very convincing. Oh no. He’s trying to be nice. Her face burns at the realization. Pity is the last thing she wants from him, of all people.

He continues, “Form was great, though. Right, buddy?” He glances at the dragonfly-bunny, who shrugs. “Yeah, he thinks so, too.”

“…Thanks.” She stares past him, at the ground, wishing she were anywhere else. At the same time, Bumi’s easily her favorite person on Air Temple Island, and it’s usually such a treat being the focus of his attention. If only she could be anything other than a pathetic misfit in his eyes.

He puts a hand on her shoulder. “Hey, kid, don’t get hung up on it. We’ll figure it out.” His voice has gone all serious, worried.

“You don’t have to… be nice to me.”

“…Huh?”

“Because you feel sorry for me. I don’t want…” She feels her eyes flood with hot tears. In a panic, she slaps a hand over her face, harder than she intended. “Ow.”

Bumi clears his throat and calls over her head, across the courtyard, “Hey, Jinora, gonna steal Hana for a bit!”

“Oh, we’re all done!” she calls back, sounding less rattled than she probably feels. “No theft required.”

“Great! Seeya at dinner!” His hand slides down to Hana’s arm, sending a wave of goosebumps shivering along her shoulders and neck. She almost jumps when he mutters into her ear, “I know a good place to talk. No lookie-loos.”

Then they’re hurtling through the air, and she forgets about her shame for a sweet thirty seconds. His grip on her arm is firm, but she latches onto him anyway. Just survival instinct, she reminds herself, as she hears him laugh with her ear against his chest. He wraps an arm around her then, and she feels safer than she ever did on the ground.

Bumi sets them down in a little grassy clearing on the eastern edge of the island. It’s not far from one of his favorite places to have class, but without any obvious paths to it, you’d have to survey the island from the air to even know it exists. Or just know its layout like the back of your hand. It’s late afternoon, leaving most of it in the shade from nearby trees. What sunlight there is glows gold on dead grass. Framed by two stunted trees jutting from the cliff’s edge is the skyline of Republic City, painted gold as the grass. Bumi pulls a little ta-dah pose in front of it, which gets a smile out of her.

“That’s more like it,” he says, wearing his own smug grin. “Now what was that about you not wanting me to be nice?”

“I just meant…” She grasps at the air, like the words she needs to complete her thought are buzzing around her. “I don’t want you to feel like you have to go out of your way. For me.” It seems like a moot point now.

“Why not you?”

“I’m not cut out for this. You’re wasting your time.”

He laughs softly to himself and crosses his arms. For a moment, Hana’s terrified that he might be mocking her, but when he looks back up at her, his eyes are kind, and a little sad. “I know how ya feel,” he says with a shrug.

“How could you poss—”

Bumi just raises an eyebrow at her, and she slaps her hand over her face again. It stings worse than the first time, but she figures she deserves that.

“Fu— Nngh! I’m such an—” Hana drops down onto her haunches, holding her throbbing face in both hands. Maybe with enough pressure, she can shove the tears and snot back where they belong. “I’m sorry. Please don’t be mad.”

She hears him sit down across from her. “M’not mad, kid. Like I said, I’ve been where you are. More or less.” She steals a glance at him, seated maybe a foot away and wearing the city itself like his own personal aura. “I see you busting your ass to do what comes so easy to others, and I know what that does to ya. Shame and doubt. Anger. A lot of anger. It can make ya feel worthless…”

She nods and eases into a cross-legged sit, mirroring him.

“S’not true, though. Everyone’s worth something. You’re worth a lot. Trust me, I’ve got an eye for talent.” Bum-Ju, who’s been hovering at a respectful distance, picks that moment to park himself on her head. “See? So does he.”

Hana wipes her runny nose, trying to hide it at first, but Bumi’s expression is so genuinely affable that she feels silly for thinking he might judge her. He’s on her side. A goopy face won’t change that. For lack of better options, she wipes up with a sleeve.

Hands dry, she reaches up, tentatively, to pet the dragonfly-bunny. “Is it okay if I…?”

“That’s up to him.”

The spirit doesn’t flee at her touch. In fact, he leans into it. She gasps as she runs her fingers through his fur, which is easily the softest, silkiest texture she’s ever felt, like yarn spun from cloudstuff. To her surprise, he gives a happy little chirrup and plops into her lap, landing on his back.

“He says to tell you he wants belly rubs.”

“Heh. Okay.” Petting Bum-Ju is supremely soothing, like lemonade on a summer’s day. His quiet little chirps merge and blend into a purr, and she smiles again. How could she not?

“It… It’s humiliating. I knew training wasn’t gonna be easy, but this is like being a little kid all over again.” She runs a finger along the edge of one of the spirit’s strange insectoid wings. Like the fur, it doesn’t feel entirely substantial. “I was supposed to be an earthbender, y’know.”

“Yeah? Says who?”

“…My dad.”

“Hah! Ain’t that always the way?”

“Heh…”

“You don’t give me earthbender vibes at all. You’re too… squishy.”

Her head shoots up to glare at him, and she notices how the sunlight’s shifted since they arrived. Twilight’s creeping up fast. “Did you just call me squishy?”

She’s caught him off-guard, and he blushes at the unflattering implications of such a word choice. “That’s to say… Well, the way rocks aren’t, right? Does that make sense?”

“No…?”

“You’re, I dunno, airy.”

“So I’m squishy like air…?”

Bumi runs a hand through his hair in actual frustration. “Forget I said you were squishy!” He looks relieved when she giggles and clues him into her teasing.

“My point being,” she continues blithely, “I may be the worst airbender here, but I had no earth talent whatsoever. Dad was not pleased. I never even wanted to do it, except to please him.”

“Sorry.”

“I have a little brother, though, and he’s brilliant with earth. Stone, glass, metal. You name it. Guess it worked out for Dad in the end, but I always… Even though it was crazy, I always wanted to fly. Not in an airship, but like the birds do. It never seemed fair.” She winces at how naive that sounds. “After Harmonic Convergence, I thought, y’know, finally. This is who I’m supposed to be.” Sympathy fills the lines around Bumi’s eyes and mouth, and she looks back down at the fuzzy spirit in her lap. She gives him some experimental chin scritches, which seem to go over well. “But it’s been more than three months now, and I’m still… I’m just a screw-up.”

“You’re the best teaching assistant I’ve ever had.”

Hana blinks. “Aren’t I the only one you’ve ever had?”

“Nah, I used to spend summers teaching new recruits arts ‘n’ crafts.”

“That doesn’t make any sense.”

“Says somebody who has no idea how boring it can get on a tour of duty! Keeping your hands busy staves off Sea Madness. And fistfights… Well, that is until somebody badmouths another guy’s macramé. I’ve been called as a witness at some crazy court martials, lemme tell ya.”

“I… Wow, okay. I guess you’d know.”

“And before I forget, let’s get one thing clear,” says Bumi, leaning forward and pointing right in her face. “I like being around you. Aren’t we friends?”

What’s the appropriate response to that? “You… friend… with me?” Well, it’s definitely not that. “I guess I didn’t… I thought you were just trying to figure me out. What’s wrong with me, I mean.”

“That, too, but hey! We have fun, right?”

“Yeah?”

“There ya go! Friends!”

She laughs. She can’t help it. Seeing the way Bumi’s face lights up only makes her laugh harder. Bum-Ju launches clear of her lap as she doubles over. Collapsed on the grass, she finally admits, “Okay! We’re friends! I guess!”

“So…” Only when she sees his shoulders relax does Hana realize how tense he’s been this whole time. “You always wanted to fly, huh?”

“Oh, yeah. More than anything. Thought I could grow up to be a bird if I put in the effort, but I was forced to develop an overactive imagination instead.”

“Sounds like a fun story.”

She pushes herself back into a sitting position and picks bits of grass out of her hair. She could do with a trim, now that she’s thinking about it. “Not a whole lot to tell. I was basically a toddler, and I don’t remember much.”

“Yeah?” Bumi’s grinning at her. He grins a lot, to be fair, but he has a different style for every occasion. Goofball, smart-ass, encouraging, nervous, and so on. This is a pure look of amused contentment, just for her. It makes her feel all gooey inside, but in a nice way, no snot involved.

“Hm. Well, okay. Mom did tell me about one time she found me eating worms out of the garden.”

“Hah! What’d it taste like?”

“Slimy dirt, probably? I only know it happened from Mom. Like I said, toddler.”

Bumi scratches his neck and looks off to the side, like he’s debating something with himself, then says, “I jumped off cliffs a lot.”

“Wow. Dark.”

“Into the water! Got pretty good at climbing. Diving, too, but that’s just, y’know, falling with style.”

“Umbrellas.” He looks at her expectantly, eyes glittering like chips of ice. They might be the palest she’s ever seen, and if they aren’t the most beautiful, they’re definitely in the top five. That’s a strange thought. Despite his age, he’s actually quite handsome. In fact, the wrinkles themselves emphasize his features in a way she didn’t realize she appreciated until just now. They tell a story of a life well-lived.

A quirk of his eyebrows reminds her that she’s in the middle of a conversation, during which she’s just said “umbrellas” and stared at him for ten seconds.

“W-well. Um. I saw this character in a storybook who flew around with an umbrella, so I found the biggest one I could and ran down the street, screaming my head off the whole time.” Hana feels herself blush at the admission. “That part seemed important for some reason. I was, like, five.”

“How’d that go?”

“As I recall, I broke the umbrella, and several people called the cops. They thought I was escaping from a murderer or something. Can’t imagine why.”

Bumi just laughs. Hana revels in it until he quiets enough to keep telling him embarrassing things about herself.

“Then there was the time I spent a month collecting loose feathers around my neighborhood and stuffed them all in my shirt,” she says, with a bit of added pantomime. “Was gonna jump out the apartment window, but I chickened out.”

“So… it worked?”

“Shut up. You are horrible, and I hate you now.”

“Minus 57 points for disrespecting your elder.”

“Hey, it’s not my fault they dress me like a giant baby.” She tugs at a corner of the scarlet shawl sewn around the shoulders of her standard-issue Air Nomad pajamas. They both snicker.

Then Bumi sits up straight like he’s been struck by lightning. “I got it!”

“Hm?”

“A wingsuit. Try one on!”

“That’s not really allowed unless you’ve qualified, though.”

“Eh, if you get in trouble, I’ll smooth it over,” he says with a little hand wave. “It could be just the confidence boost you need to get over whatever mental block is tripping you up.” He gestures at his own outfit. “Think about it. The right uniform can totally change how you see yourself. And I should know.”

“That’s a good point, but…” Hana shrugs and makes various non-committal noises. What she doesn’t mention is her discomfort at the snugness of the wingsuit’s fit. As ridiculous as the pajamas look on her, they’re at least loose and comfortable. Squeezing into a skintight flight suit to practice—probably clumsily as ever—is just another humiliation waiting to happen. It does give her an idea, though.

“Remember when I told you how I’ve had a bit of Kyoshi Warrior training?” she asks with a little smirk.

“I remember you not flipping me, even after I asked nicely.”

“Well, I might still have my fan lying around somewhere…”

[nelvana]

In which the human is transformed (2021)

Original Chapter: In which the human is transformed

    “H-Hey, are you alright?”

    “Yeah… I think so…”

    “That’s good, I think we’re almost ther- Woah! Hold on!”

    “I… I can’t!”

      It’s calm. A cool breeze brushes over the land, rustling the short grass growing along the forest floor.

    An unconscious cubone laid on the ground, only the slight movement from their chest up and down as they breathed showing that they were alive. That slight movement was a reassuring sight to the torchic that had stumbled upon the scene.

    Keahi had not expected to find anyone out here like this. Sure, there had been an earthquake out here in Tiny Woods, and already she had even heard that a new mystery dungeon had appeared with it, but it was strange to find someone just laying on the ground. Especially a cubone; there weren’t many cubone in the area, at least not any that she had heard about.

    “H-Hey, are you alright?” she called out, hurrying over to the cubone’s side.

    No response. At the very least, Keahi could now confirm that the cubone was still breathing, and that she hadn’t just been imagining it. Carefully, she reached out a wing to poke at the cubone to see if that would get more of a reaction, but still got nothing. She frowned, worry continuing to creep through her veins, but she wasn’t going to go about yelling or shaking this poor stranger.

    At least, not without checking them for injuries first.

    A quick look over told Keahi that, surprisingly, the cubone only seemed to be suffering a few cuts. The cuts themselves were unsurprising, it was clear from the surrounding broken branches and the hole in the canopy above that the cubone had fallen from the sky to arrive in this place. What was surprising was that that seemed to be it. Just some cuts. Perhaps there were some bruises that Keahi couldn’t see, but with a fall far enough to break all those branches… Keahi would have expected worse.

    She couldn’t help but wonder how the cubone had gotten here; it wasn’t exactly common for ground-types to be up in the air. Had some flying-type pokemon been carrying them and then dropped them? If that was the case, where was that pokemon now? None of the cuts appeared to have come from any sort of struggle…

    No theory Keahi could come up with seemed to quite add up; she would just have to ask the cubone whenever they woke up.

    Another breeze rolled by. Keahi shook out her ruffled feathers, and then jolted slightly as she noticed the cubone stirring awake.

    “Oh! You’re finally waking up!” she exclaimed, relieved.

    Blue eyes blinked open and snapped to look up at Keahi. Panic seemed to take hold of them as the cubone scrambled to their feet, moving backwards away from the torchic and shifting into a more defensive position, tense and ready to move. Keahi jumped at the sudden movement, taking a couple steps back herself.

    “Woah, relax! It’s okay, I’m not going to hurt you,” Keahi assured them, crouching down slightly to make herself look smaller in hopes of calming the cubone.

    This didn’t appear to have much of an effect. The cubone kept her eyes trained on Keahi, fingers flexing as if searching for something to grab onto. Slowly, they allowed their eyes to move away from the torchic as they scanned their surroundings, and then looked down at themself. Their brows furrowed slightly as they stared down at their hands, poking one of their arms with an air of confusion. They took another step back, stumbling over their tail a bit and then giving it a strange look, as if their body was still taking a moment to wake up.

    Keahi silently watched; she assumed they were checking themselves for any injuries. Eventually the cubone’s gaze turned back to stare intensely at the torchic, still tense and now almost shaky too.

    “I’m not going to hurt you,” she repeated, now that the cubone’s attention was back on her. “My name is Keahi. What’s your name?”

    The cubone paused, taking in deep breaths and not moving her gaze away from Keahi. She almost didn’t expect them to say anything, but eventually, they responded.

    “…Nelvana.”

    Nelvana still didn’t visibly relax at all, but Keahi considered the willingness to even provide short answers a win for now.

    “Are you okay?” Keahi asked, trying her luck at asking another question. “It, uh, looks like you fell from a pretty high height.” Ask about the how and why later, just get her calmed down.

    It took another moment, but Nelvana tore their eyes away from Keahi again to re-examine her surroundings. This time, she let her gaze linger on the fallen branches around the clearing and the displaced foliage above them both.

    “Yeah… I’m fine,” Nelvana mumbled, sounding slightly dazed despite her answer.

    Keahi wasn’t entirely sure if she believed her, but she kept that to herself for now. She didn’t need to pressure Nelvana for an answer when she could already tell that the cubone was still a bit nervous. Keahi considered whether or not to go right to asking how Nelvana got here, but to her surprise, Nelvana spoke up again first.

    “Where… Where are we?” she questioned, turning her head to make eye contact with Keahi again.

    “Tiny Woods!” Keahi answered.

    Nelvana only blinked blankly back at her, and Keahi’s smile faded.

    “Are you lost…?” she asked, eventually earning a slow nod in response. “Well, I know my way around the area pretty well, I could help you find your way back to… wherever you’re headed. Or wherever you’re from. Is there a place you’re looking for in particular?”

    Keahi waited patiently for an answer, but none came. She could see Nelvana’s mouth open, but no sound came out before she closed it again. If anything, this seemed to make the lost cubone more uncomfortable, as she moved from a previously battle-ready position to something simply more anxious, crossing her arms and gripping them tightly as she shifted her weight awkwardly in place.

    “…Nelvana?” Keahi eventually prompted, hesitantly taking a step towards her and reaching a wing out comfortingly, despite still not being anywhere near close enough to actually touch the cubone.

    “I… I don’t…”

    “You don’t have a place to go to?” Keahi guessed, but Nelvana only gave a stiff shrug to that, confusing Keahi even more. “What’s that supposed to mean? Do you not know? How do you…” She trailed off as a thought suddenly hit her. “Do you not remember?”

    “No, I don’t… I don’t remember any… I don’t…” Nelvana seemed to be at a loss for words, curling inwards on herself. She reached a hand up to hold her head, but only flinched as she touched the bone of her skull helmet. “I… don’t remember anything,” she said, scarcely a whisper.

    Keahi’s expression softened. “You have amnesia?” She was mildly surprised at the idea since cubone have a helmet to protect their heads, but perhaps the amnesia didn’t come from the fall, there could be more going on than what met the eye, but currently there was no way to get any answers about that; besides, right now focusing on calming Nelvana down was the first priority. “Well… you still remember your name at least, that’s something! Maybe… Do you remember anything else? Or even if not, I’m sure we can figure something out-“

    Her words were cut off as the sound of crying suddenly rang out in the forest. Nelvana stiffened again, concealing any signs of vulnerability as she moved herself back into her more battle-ready position and stared out towards the source of the noise. A butterfree flew out from within the woods towards the two, movements frantic as she fluttered about in a panic.

    “Oh, my baby! My poor baby!” she cried. “Somebody! Please! Help me!”

    Nelvana didn’t move, keeping her eyes trained on the distressed mother, but Keahi approached Butterfree without hesitation, though she still stayed close to Nelvana.

    “What happened?” Keahi asked.

    “It’s horrible! My Caterpie fell into a cavern! My poor baby!” Butterfree explained.

    “Why… Why can’t you go get them yourself?” Nelvana questioned under her breath, quiet enough that only Keahi picked it up.

    “A cavern?” Keahi repeated, choosing not to acknowledge the cubone’s question for the moment. “I heard there was a new mystery dungeon after that earthquake earlier, did it make a cavern?”

    “A huge fissure opened in the ground, and my Caterpie fell in! He’s too young to crawl out by himself! When I went to get my baby, pokemon suddenly attacked me!” Butterfree continued, pausing afterwards to gasp for breath between all her sobs and previous rushing about.

    “What? They attacked you?” Keahi gasped, “that definitely sounds like a mystery dungeon then!” she affirmed, glancing back at Nelvana, who gave a small nod of agreement.

    “I’m not strong enough to fight in a mystery dungeon!” Butterfree wailed, “please, I need help…”

    Butterfree’s words dissolved into incoherent mumbled words, beginning to flutter around in panicked circles again. Keahi frowned and glanced back at Nelvana again, who, while still tense, seemed to have loosened her stance now that it was clear that Butterfree was no foe. The cubone blinked back at the torchic, the skull helmet masking any facial expressions that Keahi could have gleaned for her feelings on the situation.

    “C’mon! Let’s go rescue him!” Keahi declared.

    Nelvana’s eyes widened, “wait, what?”

    “Someone’s gotta help him!” Keahi insisted, taking a few steps ahead and gesturing with a wing for Nelvana to follow. “Something bad could happen to him if he’s stuck in there for too long!”

    Internally determining that if Nelvana really didn’t want to come, she wouldn’t, Keahi hurried off in the direction that Butterfree had come from without another word. Nelvana exchanged a look out to where the torchic was going and to Butterfree, before letting out a sigh and moving to follow Keahi.

    “Oh, wait!” Butterfree called out before the cubone got too far.

    After a pause, Nelvana looked back to see why Butterfree had stopped her. Butterfree had landed onto the grass, reaching down to pick up a bone club that had been laying there, before flying back over towards the cubone and holding out the item to her. It was a long bone that appeared like it had been broken at one end, having that jagged end to it and then a bludgeoning end.

    “You almost left your club behind,” Butterfree told her.

    “Er, thank you…” Nelvana responded, accepting the item from Butterfree and looking it over in her hands, some of the tension seeming to fade away now that she was holding the weapon.

    “No, thank you for deciding to go help find my son. Please be careful out there,” Butterfree insisted.

    Nelvana stared at Butterfree for a couple moments before giving her a nod of acknowledgement and darting off to go after Keahi. She managed to catch up fairly quickly, especially as when the torchic heard her coming, she slowed down a bit to give the cubone the proper chance to join up with her.

    “I think I have an idea on where the dungeon could be,” Keahi told Nelvana as she approached, “follow me!” she continued before hurrying off again, this time with the cubone following right behind her.

[luki-fanfic]

KHR/BNHA Fanfic: Role Model Part 1

Sometime last week in the dead of night

My Brain: Hey, you know what?

Me: It’s 2am, why are we not sleeping???

My Brain: If Dabi is Todoroki Touya, then it means he’s a character that was trained for a future role he couldn’t have, that was taken away from him by his father figure due to circumstances outwith his control, was heavily scarred because of it, and as a result; wants to kill said father figure.

Me: …And?

My Brain: …And who would you say that describes almost perfectly?

Me:…

…

No.  Nonononono!  I do not need another plot bunny setting up shop in my-and we’re already getting out of bed and writing this down before we forget aren’t we?

My Brain: ^_^

Enjoy!

—

Role Model: Part 1

Xanxus would really like to know why, when other Trash screw up, he’s the one who has to pay for it.

Seriously, if it’s not his asshole of a not-Father lying his face off for a decade, it’s the baby-Trash getting flung into the future and knocking out the entire Varia high command for 48 hours while they process an additional decade of memories, or some kind of ramen-eating-God trying to kill his Mist via flame-devouring-pacifiers before he shoves one on Xanxus to do the same.

And people wonder why he has a short temper.  He’s a reasonable man!  Just give him a mission that doesn’t involve everything he’s ever known getting flung into a blender with a side of magical-crap and tossed 180 degrees in the air.  Whatever happened to good old Mafioso shoot outs and negotiation’s over dinner?

…God he misses assassinations pre-flame bullshit.  They were so much more fun when he was the only one in the room that knew how to use them.

And now…this.  

In the toilet attached to the lavish meeting room he’d found himself in, he leans over the sink and scowls at the face in the mirror.  A good decade older than he should be, with red, spiky hair and matching stubble on his chin.  Inarguably Asian features, skin paler than his own had ever been, and shoulders like goddamn Levi.

For fucks sake!  Now he has to deal with idiot-Trash in other universes screwing him over? This kind of thing is supposed to happen to the Baby-Trash!  Not him!

He’s still not entirely sure what happened.  One minute, he’s enjoying the last glass of scotch the Bronco-Trash sent over in gratitude for a job well done, the next, his brain’s free falling into nothing.  For a brief moment, panic had taken over, and - positive he was being put under the Zero Point again - lashed out the second he could use his arms.

This resulted in him knocking out someone leaning over his body, and when he heard metal smashing against hard floor – two things that shouldn’t have been anywhere near him - his eyes slammed open to reveal the inside of an ambulance, and a very nervous looking medic overlooking him.

“Endeavour, please relax,” he urges in Japanese, trying to retain eye contact as he kneels down to check on his prone partner.  “We’re still checking for any other effects from the Villain’s quirk.  Do you feel okay? Is there any negative blowback?”

Xanxus just glares at him, trying to piece the words together and wondering why the hell Squalo had called in an ambulance when they have a Quality medical team in the damn mansion, before his eyes catch a glimpse of his legs.

He can’t stop gaping as turns and takes in his full body, pulling up his hands in furious disbelief.

“What the fuck?” he yells, turning them over as if the front will be any less ridiculous.

Xanxus has never, in his life, worn something this humiliating.  It’s a skin tight (almost obscenely so), navy blue bodysuit with orange highlights, along with white bracer’s that go up half his arm and a pair of knee high boots – all of which reek like they’ve been hung to dry in a building undergoing an arson attack.

His first thought, is that whatever mist did this is going to pay.  Painfully.

“Endeavour, what’s wrong?” the man asks again, only to squawk as Xanxus shoves him with the heavy hand and stumbles to his feet, jumping out the door.

What he sees when he staggers outside the ambulance doesn’t help the situation.  While there’s cameras, they don’t look like they’re filming so much as reporting.  There’s chaos outside, but the citizens trapped behind yellow tape have him wondering if someone drugged his booze. Horns, wings, two heads…so many people in the crowd are just ‘off’ in a way that doesn’t make sense.  

An even deeper glance in front of the tape doesn’t make things any easier.  One of the men – he’s assuming police – has a cat head, while there are several men and woman dressed even more ridiculous than he is. One of them is dressed feet-to-nose in fucking denim!  

There are so many possible scenarios, and one is not raised by Vongola standards without acknowledging the truly ridiculous.  As such, the realisation comes very quickly.  This is not his world.  Not even remotely.

Denim-Trash is starting to make his way towards him, and he can feel the paramedics staring at his back.  His eyes flick down to his hand, and he tries to reach for his flames – searching for the primal rage and right of rule that encompass his entire will.

But there’s nothing.  His core feels empty.  Not sealed, but rather, just not there.  Wherever he is.  Whoever he is, flames don’t exist.

No flames.

That…complicates things.

The man in the ridiculous denim getup appraises him.

“You’re not Endeavour, are you?” he says.  Xanxus looks him over.  Considers his options.

“What makes you say that?” he growls.  Denim-Trash raises one eyebrow.

“Endeavour would be screaming blue murder at being put in an ambulance where anyone could see him.”

Well doesn’t ‘Endeavour’ sound like a charmer.  Not that Xanxus would act any differently, but he’d never need the fucking ambulance in the first place.  

The survivalist in him wants to play along.  Bluff his way into solitude until he can figure out what’s happening.  But the Boss part of him has already lined up his options.  There’s just too many variables here.  If he wants home, he’s not going to figure it out alone.

He huffs and crosses his arms.

“No,” he admits. “Looks like somebody royally screwed up.”

Denim-Trash sighs, and runs a hand through his perfectly styled hair.

“And to think, I thought this was going to be a slow week…”

—

He’s immediately ushered to a tall skyscraper not too far away from the incident site, and taken straight to the top floor, where the office of his ‘host’ resides.  There, he finds his way to the bathroom he now finds himself in, trying to compose himself while he figures out what the fuck to do.  Denim-Trash had handed him off to some kind of support staff, but it had been clear nobody had wanted to answer any questions until they had him contained.

It at least gives him time to recover.  He desperately wants a drink, if only so he can throw something at the assholes who are going to come escort him again.  

The information he has is limited.  There was a phone in his host’s pocket, but without knowing the code it was useless.  All he can go on is what he’s seen.  This city looks very Japanese, but the people barely qualify as human.  And the advertisements are all showing people he doesn’t recognise, who look like they should be hand drawn on the front of the comic books he used to read as a kid.  

His flames are also gone, and as far as he can tell, the concept doesn’t exist here. But this outfit was designed to handle fire, and he keeps hearing the word ‘quirk,’ which makes him think there might be something else that substituted on a more mainstream level.  

When he hears voices entering the office, he slams the door of the bathroom open and strides into like he’s not dressed like some idiot on a Sentai show.  He gives a huff of approval as he takes in the room again – the idiot’s whose body he’s somehow possessing might have awful taste in clothes, but he at least knows what he’s doing with interior decorating.  

There are five arrivals when he drops into the plush office seat, and he makes a point to push it away from the computer.  Along with Denim-Trash, one of them is dressed worse than he is and looks terrified to be here, while another screams ‘cop’ with his suit.  The third is an old woman, who merely cocks her eyebrow as Xanxus glides over the floor in the chair, and at her back is a man about Xanxus’s age, dressed in shapeless black and the world’s ugliest scarf.  Seriously, if his Sun was here, that thing would already be aflame, and the world would be better off for it.  

He leans on one hand and scowls.

“So?” he asks. “Figured out how to undo this yet, Trash?”

Terrified makes a squeak that reminds him of the Baby-Trash, but it’s Scarf-Trash that steps forward.

“We spoke to the Villain who attacked Endeavour, and tried to deactivate his quirk,” he explains.  “Unfortunately, once activated, it can’t be shut off.”

Xanxus files away the term ‘quirk’ for future research, and Cop-Trash starts speaking.

“Three days,” he says.  “That’s how long it takes to wear off.  Which is three days longer than anyone really wants the number 2 hero out of commission.”

“To be honest, it might be to our benefit,” the old lady adds.  “Endeavour is known for burning the candle at both ends, no pun intended.  A few days of forced relaxation could be just what he needs.  More importantly, I want to know exactly who we’re dealing with in the mean time.”

Xanxus immediately titles her as the smartest person he’s met so far.  Nobody else has even thought to ask.

“Yes,” the cop says.  “According the registry, his quirk swaps a person’s mind with someone of a similar mindset.  However, he also said that quite often, the people he brings do not seem familiar with this world.”

All of them - minus Terrified, who looks like he wants to sink into the floor – face him with curious looks.  Scarf-Trash also has a hand on his accessory, while Denim’s fingers are twitching.  

“So, who are you?” Scarf-Trash asks.  “And what’s your quirk?  According to records, it varies on whether or not it follows.”

Xanxus stares back, glaring in challenge.  The Cop’s eyes slide away, but the other three match him head on.  His lips twitch slightly in respect.

“My name is Xanxus,” he offers.  “And where I come from, superheroes belong in comic books.  I’ve never heard of ‘quirks’ before today.”

Terrified seems to perk up at that, and the others seem somewhat relieved.

“Well, this world may seem a little strange to you, but I promise you’ll be kept in good hands,” the older woman offers.  “And I’m sure Endeavour will try to keep a low profile until his return.”

Xanxus thinks about what would happen if a self proclaimed hero suddenly landed in the middle of the Varia mansion, and can’t fight the snort of laughter that follows.  It makes the old woman frown.

“That amuses you?” she asks, and Xanxus grins.

“My world is a lot more dangerous” he tells them.  “The criminal underworld is still a thriving commodity, and no quirks, so we don’t have heroes, and don’t look kindly on those that think that’s an option.”

Well, not unless you count a certain brat in Japan who still seems to think he can make the mafia a nice place through the power of friendship…

“It’s a cruel irony,” he continues.  “Your Endeavour isn’t going to know what to do with himself.  Better not get himself killed before we swap back.”

Their faces go dark at that, and Xanxus allows himself to grin.  If it’ll kick their asses into gear and get them to figure out how to get him home quicker, he’ll tell them anything they need to know.

“What about yourself?” Scarf-Trash asks.  “Not a hero, and no quirk, what is it you do back home?”

Xanxus quickly amends his earlier thought.  Certain things would not go over well in such company, and he’s still not sure how well he can defend himself.  It’s probably going to be better for everyone if he doesn’t mention his own personal alliance.  He’s sure Endeavour will do a fine job of explaining that once his traumatised ass returns.

“I run a field office that’s part of my adopted father’s company,” he bluffs. “Lot of classified, high pressure, time sensitive work.  Not looking forward to having it sit on a desk for 3 days.  My employees are going to go mental.”

There’s an understatement.  He guarantee’s Levi is already halfway through a mental breakdown, and Squalo will be screaming at whatever idiot made the mistake of walking down the hall.  Bel will take the opportunity to go ‘play’ (hopefully not with Xanxus’s body), and Mammon is already charging him for the inconvenience of this whole affair. He’s calling it now.

On the plus side, his audience seem to buy it.

“Well then, Xanxus,” the cop says.  “We’ll do our best to get you back as soon as possible.  Until then, I hope you’re willing to work with us to mitigate the damage.”

Xanxus rolls his eyes.

“What do you Trash want me to do?”

—

In the end, his jury decide that since Xanxus doesn’t have a quirk, and doesn’t appear to be able to use Endeavours (fire, which makes sense and is something he might see about rectifying while he waits), that they’ll hide him in his host’s home for the three days.  The man’s family has already been informed, but if he steps out of line, they’ll be taking him back into custody.

It could be worse, he guesses.  He’s in the body of someone important, which means they won’t do anything too damaging to him, and they’re working as fast as they can to get this Endeavour guy back.  He doubts he needs to do anything but stand aside and let them work. Since he’s the victim of a quirk and had no say, he’s clearly being treated with kid gloves.  

No, the biggest threat to getting home is, ironically, home.  If Endeavour is a- oh for fucks sake he can’t believe he’s saying this with a straight face – hero, having him land in Xanxus’s body will not end well for anyone.  The Varia are many things, and most of them are obvious – not even the densest man on the planet could look at them and think they were anything but criminals.  Which means he might run, and that’ll end badly since he’ll be eyeball deep in Mafia territory and probably try to find, ugh, law enforcement.  God willing, his inability to speak the language will convince the Vindice that it’s clearly not Xanxus doing it and keep him out of Vendicare.

Then again, that might be preferable for Endeavour trying to act his way out of it. For all his complaints, his men are Quality, and trained to spot possession and plants.  If Squalo or Bel don’t notice something is off within five minutes, Mammon will.  The lot of them are crazy, not stupid, which means when he gets back, his body will probably be covered in additional scars from ‘interrogation’ while they try to get him back ‘Varia-Style.’  They definitely won’t call in Vongola’s tech team till they’ve tried their own avenues, and Xanxus just prays they confirm that it’s his body before they let Lussuria bring out his ‘toys.’  

He really wants a drink, but he’s expected to keep this body in top condition, and no doubt the man’s family will want their precious hero in one piece, so it’s going to be a long three days unless he can sneak something.  Or maybe Endeavour will turn out to be a secret alcoholic and he’ll be just fine.  If not, he’s going to need to find something for entertainment, or flame or no flames, something is going to burn.

‘Terrified’ is apparently some kind of support aide for Endeavour’s agency, and is put in charge of handling Xanxus while he hides out.  It doesn’t fill him with confidence – the man is definitely used to sitting in the back and giving ‘yes, sir, no sir,’ answers.  As such, he’s not putting much stock in the Todoroki family bios the man is awkwardly stuttering out as they drive to his temporary home.  It sounds like the blurb for some crappy sitcom.  A stay at home wife, two teens, a pre-teen and a brat, all living in harmony.  The eldest son was supposed to be following in his fathers footsteps, but had to hold back on applying due to illness.  The daughter is a perfect Nadeshiko in training, the next boy is thinking about medical school at fucking 12, and the youngest is already on the path to enter hero school in a few years.

Xanxus is the last person to ask about functioning families, but there’s no way this happy cookie cutter description can be accurate.

The car rolls up to a lavish Japanese style house, and Xanxus gives it an approving nod. He’s always preferred Western design, but he won’t deny quality when he sees it.  The security is actually much better than he’d expected too – proper walls and cameras set up in a manner that means he’s missing at least a few.

When they stop, the front door opens to reveal the Todoroki family, and his good mood evaporates.  The woman is a twig, hands a little tight on the youngest boy, whose hair would probably make his Sun squeal.  Both of them are looking at him with some suspicion.  For that matter, so are the pre-teen and the girl.  However, to the side…

The oldest boy has a shock of red hair similar to his current body, and while he refuses to meet Xanxus in the eye for more than a few seconds, his body language is clear.  He’s relieved.

Interesting.

Terrified has been speaking to the wife while he took in his own impressions, but he turns his attention back when he realises they’re looking at him.

“It’s strange,” the woman says.  “You still look so much like him.  The expressions are…well, very familiar.”

She gives a strained smile, and Xanxus feels satisfaction curl inside at the pain the woman is hiding.  

‘I knew it. This Endeavour fucker isn’t half as honourable as they think.’

“I’m Rei,” she continues, oblivious to Xanxus having read her actions.  “We’ll set you up in one of the guest bedrooms for now, is that okay?”

“Is Dad really gone right now?” The pre-teen pipes up, and Rei’s head turns sharply in his direction.

“Natsuo!”

The boy in question pouts.  

“What?  If he’s gone, that means we can play with Shouto today right?  He can’t be trained.”

The youngest, still pinned by Rei’s hands, looks up at his mother with something resembling hope.  Her eyes flicker between him and Xanxus, unsure what to say.

“I haven’t got the slightest clue what training Endeavour-Trash was doing,” Xanxus says, making the decision for her.  “Do what you want.”

The little brat and the pre-teen both grin, but Xanxus notices the red head turning to look at them-

Oh, now that’s interesting.  It’s not there for long, but there’s a very specific array of emotions flashing on the teen’s face when he looks at his youngest sibling.  They’re gone almost too quick to notice, but Xanxus caught it all.

He’s the only one though, as the girl takes his comment as an invitation, suspicion fading away as she steps forward and into a quick bow.

“I’m Fuyumi,” she says.  “We’ll try to make your stay as comfortable as possible.  Is there anything you need?”

A drink and a plane ticket to Italy, Xanxus thinks, but he doesn’t answer, choosing to stare at the boy on the end.  

There’s something about the Trash’s appearance that’s bothering him, and he can’t figure out what.  His hair is long, definitely grown to hide his face, and he has the personality of a mouse judging from how much effort it takes to get him to raise it for more than a few moments. Every inch of his body is covered, from the turtle-neck down to the combat boots.  Given that it’s not a cold day and everyone bar Xanxus is in shorts, it’s probably a style choice.  But whenever he does look up, he’s grinning, and trying to hide it – between that and the earlier interaction, Xanxus makes his mind up rather quickly.

“How about a tour of this place?” Xanxus asks, and points at the teen.  “Yo, Trash, show me where I’m allowed to go.”

That gets the boy’s head up.  “W-what?  Me?”

Fuyumi looks a little blind sided, as does Rei, while Natsuo is frowning, but Xanxus just nods.

“Yeah, you,” he says.  “That a problem?”

“Touya?” Fuyumi asks, glancing at her other brother, but the teen – Touya, Xanxus tries to remember – just swallows and gives a shaky nod.

“Okay.  I can do that,” he says, and gestures with his arm.  “Follow me.”

Xanxus grins and does just that, passing the confused family and immediately tossing them out of his mind for now.  When they enter the building, the boy risks looking up at him, agitation on his face for the first time.

“Why me?” he asks.  “Fuyumi would have done it.”

“I didn’t want Fuyumi-Trash to do it,” Xanxus said.  “You’re more interesting.”

Touya’s eyebrows furrow, and Xanxus smiles – the expression slipping off when Touya flinches.

“Your old man, he’s Trash, isn’t he?”

The teen at his side pauses as he walks down the hall.  

“He…Endeavour is the Number 2 hero in Japan,” he replies.

“And my old man is one of the most powerful men in the world,” Xanxus counters. “Doesn’t change the fact that he’s a piss poor father”

Ah, there is is. Touya’s lips peel back in a wicked smile for a quick second, and Xanxus goes in for the kill.

“I picked you, because you’re the only one in this family not trying to hide it.”

Another flinch, and then the teen looks up at him, confusion in his eyes.  Xanxus faces him head on.

“I saw the look you gave the baby brat, Trash,” he tells him.  “Back when he learned he didn’t have to ‘train.’  I might have only gotten the media approved profiles, but I’ve seen this before.”

God has he ever seen it before.  Resentment at a sibling, followed by guilt for feeling resentment, finished off with anger at the whole situation.  He knows that look well.  Before his brother’s died, when the Ninth chose them one after the other instead of him, he wore it on a daily basis.

Before he knew why, and resentment and guilt disintegrated into pure rage.  

Touya almost looks guilty, and his eyes are getting wider by the second.  Xanxus grins.

Looks like he’s found his entertainment.

“I’ve got three days here, Trash,” he says.  “Quality can destroy worlds in one.  So why don’t you tell me what’s really going on in this house?”

[talesfromthefade]

Fenris x Anders (Wings!AU), for @dadrunkwriting​, @theaiobhan​, & @contreparry​

“Can you fly?” Fenris hadn’t meant to bring the subject up again, given the way the two brief conversations they’ve had about it have gone, it’s obvious that Anders isn’t comfortable talking about it. But he’s warm and pleasantly buzzed, relaxed as he’s too careful to allow himself to be very often while they’re making their way together back towards Hightown and Darktown respectively after a night of drinking and cards at the Hanged Man, and it’s all so familiar the question flies out of his mouth quite before he can stop himself.

Anders stops on a dime, the instant and fearful dilation of his pupils visible even in the low light of the occasional torch along the row, frantically searching every dark corner for anyone who might overhear them, and Fenris internally kicks himself. Foolish. Except he doesn’t know when else he might ask, it’s not as if the two of them go out of their way to spend any time together outside of the jobs with Hawke, or drinking with Varric.

“I’m sorry,” Fenris apologizes, though if anything this only seems to confuse and scare Anders more, and the elf has to fight down a surge of indignation. Just how poor is this mage’s opinion of him? Does he really think him so heartless, so reckless… “You’re safe, mage,” Fenris whispers, reaching out on an instinct he doesn’t entirely understand and can’t explain to clasp one of Anders’ hands and offering it a reassuring squeeze. “There’s nobody else around,” the elf promises. “But I apologize. I shouldn’t have asked. And certainly not out in the open like this.” Anders draws a shaky breath, then slowly releases the tension in his shoulders, probably his wings too, Fenris thinks, studying his form, trying as he often has in idle moments these last few weeks to find any cracks in the glamour that hide the Darktown Healer’s incredible secret, despite the almost certain futility of it. Anders is too careful, too fearful, Fenris thinks empathetically as he watches the mage continue to eye his surroundings, to make any such mistakes. 

“Come back to my place- for a nightcap?”

“Why,” Anders asks a bit suspiciously, suddenly seeming to realize their connected hands as he breaks the connection in favor of wrapping his arms defensively around himself.

“Do you have somebody else to talk about them with?” Anders laughs, though Fenris recognizes the kind of hollow, rueful notes in it.

“Go on then,” Anders nods once they’ve made their way up to Hightown and shut the door of the mansion behind them.

“Does that drain you? Your mana,” Fenris ventures cautiously, “maintaining the illusion?”

Anders shrugs. He’s been doing it so long now, he doesn’t even think about or have to account for the energy it requires. It’s just habit, instinct now. “You know, if you wanted to see them again, you could just ask.” He’s aiming for teasing, but frowns, mentally scolding himself for how vulnerable the words come out.

“Could I,” Fenris asks rather surprised. The healer simply shrugs again. Alone like this, there doesn’t seem any harm now the elf knows his secret. Slowly what before looked like the feathery pauldrons of his robes shimmer and quiver as the glamour falls to reveal large gray wings resting against his back. “They look… a little messy,” Fenris assesses quietly taking them in, with a greater eye for detail now he’s the time and is permitted to look. Again Anders laughs.

“Oh? Whatever happened to that whole ‘you could be a God’ business?”

He could. Fenris is certain of it, though he’s not so blind or stubborn not to see Anders’s point that some might see an opportunity to make him a spectacle or test subject for study and dissection if he were to stop hiding his wings. They are from what Fenris can make of them, though, untidy. A number of the smaller ones and the fluffy down look to be bent or twisted at odd angles, a few larger ones are missing some of their barbs, and they all look dusty. Perhaps, even so much so, they’re not truly gray at all.

There’s a crease over some of the vanes in both wings, starting at the corner of his shoulders and traveling down to the center of his back following leather belt-like straps and Fenris only just manages to stop his hand before he touches them, noticing the way Anders tenses when he reaches out for them.

“You bind them?”

“Sometimes,” Anders replies. Most times, the healer thinks but manages to bite back saying. There’s something in the way Fenris is looking at him now, though, something that looks almost like sympathy, that makes him wonder if the elf doesn’t already know, or at least suspect the truth of it.

“How often are you able to stretch them out?”

Never, Anders thinks, biting back a derisive snort. Because Maker, when was the last time he felt safe enough to take such a risk? It’s been… far too long.

“Mage,” Fenris prompts, drawing him back from his thoughts.

“Hmm,” Anders hums, perhaps he’s a bit more tired this evening than he’d previously thought.

“Surely that can’t be entirely good for them, for you- keeping them bound up for so long.”

“And just when did you become a healer?” Fenris flinches, it’s only barely perceptible, clearly, the elf is doing his utmost to suppress and control his reaction to the mage’s outburst, but Anders is a healer, used to paying attention to little details others take for granted. And as Fenris is taking a small step backward Anders realizes how sharp his words must have sounded. The elf doesn’t know. And Fenris isn’t speaking down to him for once. He’s simply curious. He… he almost sounds like he cares. And it’s been such a long time since he’s had anybody do that.

“Sorry,” Anders mumbles, a little embarrassed by his own conduct. “I- It’s not really-” Anders admits finally. “Good for them,” he clarifies. “But…” Fenris wasn’t wrong, Anders hasn’t had anyone to talk to about this, any reason or need to put any of this to words in years. “Well, it’s glamour. It’s not a barrier or anything. Just because nobody can see them, doesn’t mean they can’t hurt them. Keeping them tucked up, it just feels safer.” Fenris nods thoughtfully, then frowns.

“I felt them. That night, when you helped heal me. Walking back to the mansion.” Anders nods, wincing a little at the memory, at what he had done in his panic afterward- attempting to erase it from the elf’s memory. “But, if it’s all just smoke and mirrors, you can’t let anyone too close. Can’t risk letting anyone touch you.” Again Anders nods, swallowing down on the lump that suddenly forms in his throat before he answers.

“No,” he agrees.”I can’t.” The furrow in the elf’s dark brows and frown creasing his face deepens.

“That- must be lonely,” the elf surmises quietly.

“You don’t let anyone touch you,” Anders argues, feeling distinctly unbalanced by the way those large green eyes are appraising him now. This isn’t the sort of relationship or rapport he and the elf have with one another. It’s so divergent, so unfamiliar, in fact, Anders finds himself more than a little unsettled by it. He doesn’t know what to expect, what do or say, how to act around this Fenris.

Briefly, the elf considers protesting, making some kind of snappish remark back at him. Because what does Anders now about his personal life or the decisions he makes about his personal space and boundaries? For that matter, why should he care? But then… when did Fenris start caring whether or not the mage is lonely?

“I don’t know,” Anders interjects after the silence between them starts to become a little awkward. “If I could fly,” the healer adds, answering the elf’s earlier question. “If- if there are any others like me, I’ve not heard of them. My mother, she had them. Magic too, but-”

“Your mother was an apostate,” Fenris manages, unable to keep the tone of surprise from his voice. “How is it you were dragged to the Circle, then?”

“Father didn’t know. And I don’t think she ever learned much magic. She certainly never practiced it. She taught me the spell to hide them. But I was young. Impulsive. I didn’t know how to control my magic. Accidentally set the barn on fire in a fit of temper. My father had me locked up in my room and called the Templars. They took me away the next day. I didn’t even get to say goodbye.”

“I’m sorry,” Fenris frowns.

“Why? It’s where I belong, right?” Anders sighs, shaking his head before Fenris can offer up any sort of reply. “No. It’s alright. It wasn’t all terrible. The Circle probably afforded me the opportunity to learn far more about magic than my mother could have ever hoped to teach me. And a few other lessons,” the mage adds, a little less charitably, trailing off. He shakes his head once more, this time, in a gesture the elf is intimately familiar with as if he’s trying to dislodge a particularly stubborn or unpleasant memory. “My third escape attempt,” he continues, clearing his throat softly. “I made it up to the tower roof. I was desperate. Desperate enough to try. I’d never tested them before, scarcely stretched them out, but I thought if I could just get across the lake… I don’t think anyone could really call it flying. They slowed my descent a little, I suppose.” Fenris winces. “Yeah,” Anders nods. “I broke most of my ribs. Nearly drowned. I couldn’t swim so well with the pain and my wings completely waterlogged. I only just managed to hide them again before the Templars found me and dragged me back. Thank the Maker nobody saw me jump. I haven’t tried again since.”

“Is it not safe to… unshackle them in the privacy of your clinic?” Anders shakes his head.

“I don’t like to lock the door, to turn away anyone who might need my help and healing.”

“Even you must sleep sometime, mage,” Fenris points out, but taking in the exhausted slump, the dark circles that ring the healer’s eyes, suddenly the elf isn’t so sure. When is the last time he let his guard down? The last time he had a decent night’s sleep? The elf is suddenly reminded of those first few months on the road after running away from Danarius. Kaffas, the first few years. Even now, four years later, even now he’s allowed himself the luxury of friends, Fenris is still an incredibly light sleeper. “Your De- Spirit,” the elf corrects himself in the interest of continuing their conversation, rather than provoking the mage, “Couldn’t keep watch for you?” If Anders catches his little slip, he makes no comment. He makes no reply either.

“Would you feel any safer doing so here?”

Fenris doesn’t know where in the Void the question comes from. Clearly, the mage doesn’t either if the stunned, wide-eyed expression on Anders’s face is anything to go by.

“Why do you care so much?”

Fenris shakes his head. It’s a fair enough question, but the elf isn’t altogether sure how to answer it. He’s still not entirely made sense of it himself, except that something has shifted since learning Anders secret. Perhaps the healer never intended for him to find out, but the fact of the matter remains, now that he does Fenris holds a kind of power over him, the means to destroy him. He wouldn’t. But the simple fact that he could has done a great deal to assuage, if not his fear of magic, then, at least, one mage in particular. He’s begun to see Anders as a man, both like and unlike any other, and it’s difficult now whatever their differences in perspective, to pretend he hates, or even entirely dislikes him.

They could go on like this. But lately, the inequality of their power dynamic is less satisfying than it was at the start. The healer has grown on him, despite his best efforts. Proven himself better than the mistake he made in his panic to keep his secret some months ago. The idea that Anders has nowhere and no one with whom he feels he can let down his defenses, and that he should be particularly on edge in his company, vexes him. If he allows this to continue, how is he any better than the Magisters he hates? Than Hadriana or Danarius?

With a sigh, the elf pulls off and deposits his gauntlets on the nearby table before setting to work on the staps of his chest plate, then finally as the mage stares on in confusion, and in a swift and practiced motion, he pulls his undershirt over his head.

“It’s bad for the ribs,” Fenris offers, the twitch of a rueful smile at the corner of his mouth as Anders’s eyes track down his body, following the Lyrium brands before they land on the cloth bandages wrapped tight to constrict his chest and draws in a surprised intake of breath. “Binding for too long.” It’s a moment or two before Anders can make his tongue work, and words begin flying out of his mouth quite before he can think about them or entirely decide what to say first.

“Fenris, I- you didn’t have to...” The elf nods patiently as Anders trails off, mentally kicking himself and starting and failing several more sentences.

“I’m going to bed,” Fenris interrupts, cutting off what’s sure to be another eloquent response. “Stay, if you like,” the elf offers softly, catching him off guard once more, and Anders is fairly certain a decent breeze could knock him down just now. “Stretch them out. Plenty of room,” he adds, gesturing to the generous foyer around them. “Bath’s just there,” he points. 

Anders is about to ask if this is Fenris’ way of suggesting he stinks or poking fun at the fact he lives in the sewers. It wouldn’t be the first time one of his companions, or even the elf himself has done so, though the sewers around the clinic are just for water runoff and as a healer, he’s always careful to maintain a certain level of cleanliness. His mouth closes almost as soon as it opens, however, because Fenris, it seems, isn’t quite done.

“Bit bare, but the room on the right at the top of the stairs has a bed and a few blankets if you don’t feel like walking back to the Clinic. It is rather late.”

“I-” Anders stammers. He’s dreaming. He must be. What other explanation can there be? The healer waits for a beat for the elf to laugh or rescind his offer, but Fenris simply picks up his discarded armor and begins to make his way towards the staircase. “Fenris, wait,” he calls, carefully pulling lose the straps of the self-made harness and biting back a wince as it slides off, pulling a little at muscles and feathers stiff from disuse. Anders waits as the elf pivots on the first landing turning back to look at him, breastplate and gauntlets held tight to his chest, hiding the bandages. Green eyes land on him and with a small effort, Anders lets his wings unfurl. A few down feathers drift slowly down as the thin layer of dust that coats the floor stirs with a flap of his large wings as they stretch to their full span. Fenris bites the inside of his cheek as he fights the urge to climb back down the stairs, to reach out and touch the marvel that stands before him. “Thank you,” Anders calls gratefully, a slight flush in his cheeks. Fenris nods.

“Goodnight Ma- Anders,” the elf calls, quickly climbing the remaining stairs and retreating to his room.

[ericsonclan]

At the Birth

Summary: Aasim rushes to the hospital to be there in time for the birth of his first child.

Read on A03: 

Aasim’s lungs were burning as he sprinted down the hallway. He couldn’t believe this. His wife was in the midst of giving birth to their first child and he was missing it. How had he talked himself into taking a business trip out of town two weeks before the due date? Those things were never accurate! Aasim’s eyes scanned the signs on the walls, trying to remember what floor the maternity wing was on. Right, the third floor! Pressing the elevator button frantically, Aasim waited impatiently for the elevators to arrive. After 15 seconds and no elevator he decided to take the stairs again, jumping them two at a time. He had to get to Ruby!

Brody had called him in a panic just a few hours ago. She and Ruby had been shopping for baby clothes when out of nowhere Ruby’s water broke. Out of nowhere for Brody, but likely not for Ruby, Aasim thought with annoyance. She’d experienced contractions in the last few weeks but written them all off as Braxton Hicks. Knowing her, she’d probably refused the epidural thinking she’d give birth through sheer willpower and now the window was gone and it was too late to take them. She was in pain and all alone in there and-

Aasim missed a step, collapsing just before he reached the top of that flight of stairs. Cursing under his breath, he popped back up, gripping the stairwell to give him leverage as he rushed up the last of the stairs. Bursting through the door, he saw some of his friends waiting in the third-floor lobby. Louis and Clementine were sitting together chatting. Louis held onto a bouquet of balloons and Clementine had several stuffed animals in her arms. Prisha and Violet stood behind them while Mitch was over by the vending machine angrily pounding on the glass. All eyes turned to Aasim as he barreled into the room.

Louis immediately jumped to his feet, handing the balloons off to Prisha. “Aasim, you made it! Brody just came out with an update a few minutes ago. She said everything’s going fine but there’s still a long way to go so you haven’t missed much,”

“Brody’s in there?” Aasim asked in confusion.

“Yeah, she said she panicked when they were taking Ruby inside and told the nurses she’s Ruby’s sister. So don’t let that slip,” Louis lifted a finger to his lips and winked playfully.

Clementine, noticing Aasim’s distress, handed the stuffed animals to Violet and stood up, coming over to place a hand on his shoulder. “Hey, just take a second, Aasim. Breathe. You don’t want Ruby to be worried about you when you come in,”

“You’re right,” Aasim took in a shaky breath, letting out a long exhale. “When I got that call from Brody I jumped right in my rental car and drove straight back. I didn’t even call to cancel my meeting today. Shit,”

“I’ll take care of that,” Louis offered, reaching out his hand. “Just tell me who I’ve got to text and I’ll sort it all out,”

“Thank you,” Aasim handed over his phone, his hand trembling slightly. Louis and Clementine gently guided him over to one of the seats they’d just vacated.

Prisha looked at him with concern. “Did you run all the way from the parking lot?”

“Had to make sure I got here in time. Couldn’t miss the birth,” Aasim managed before his head fell between his knees. He was becoming a father, right here, right now. He wasn’t ready for this. Months of preparation and he felt utterly useless.

“We should get him something to drink,” Prisha turned to Violet. “Can you see if Mitch is having any luck getting that vending machine to work?”

Violet nodded, walking over to join Mitch. From the sounds of his muttered cursing it didn’t seem like things were going in his favor.

Aasim felt a hand running along his shoulders. He turned to Clementine who gave him a sympathetic smile.

“Everything’s gonna be OK, Aasim. Brody said there’s been no complications. Ruby got the epidural about an hour ago and she’s doing well,”

“Oh, thank God,” Aasim groaned. “Knowing that woman, I thought if I wasn’t there to tell her to take it, she’d-” He stopped himself, shaking his head. He shouldn’t doubt Ruby. His wife was strong, far stronger than him. She knew what she was doing. Shakily, Aasim lifted himself back onto his feet. He should go in there. He needed to be with Ruby. “I should go,”

A loud clank came from the corner by the vending machine along with a “Fucking finally!” from Mitch. He and Violet hurried over to Aasim, a Sprite in Mitch’s hand. Mitch held it out to Aasim. “Here. This’ll hydrate you and it’s good for nerves,”

“Thanks,” Cracking the Sprite open, Aasim threw back his head and chugged the entire drink. He hadn’t stopped a single time during his drive back. He was completely parched. The drink completed, Aasim lowered his head to speak only for an unceremoniously loud burp to leave his mouth. That caused everyone to chuckle for a moment, including himself. “Alright, here I go. What room is she in?”

“305,” Clementine answered. “She’ll be glad to see you,”

With that information in hand, Aasim made his way over to the double doors beyond which lay the most wonderful and terrifying moment of his life. His mind was in a haze as he searched for the room. Finding the right door, Aasim opened it.

Ruby was in the middle of a contraction, her face bright pink as she cried out, pushing as hard as she could. She was covered in sweat, her red curls plastered against her face. Brody was at her side, her hands clasped round one of Ruby’s as she gave encouragement. A nurse stood on Ruby’s other side, directing her to keep pushing. It was only once the contraction had run its course that the three of them looked up to realize someone new had stepped into the room.

“Aasim!” Brody exclaimed, running over and wrapping her arms around him in a tight hug. “Oh, thank God! When Ruby’s water broke at the Baby Angel boutique and you weren’t there, I assumed the worst and thought you wouldn’t make it in time. But you’re here! And Ruby’s OK and the baby’s OK-”

“Brody,” Aasim interrupted her, pulling away so he could look her in the eyes. “Thank you so much for all your help. For being here with Ruby. I can take over now if you need a break,”

The look in Brody’s eyes told that she needed one, but she looked back to Ruby uncertainly.

Ruby waved a hand dismissively. “Aaw, go on, Sug, I’m fine. Me and my husband have some catching up to do anyways,”

Brody nodded. “I’ll be back soon!” With that she was out the door, likely rushing off to tell the others the latest update.

Aasim hurried over to his wife’s side, taking her hand in his as his other reached up to wipe away some of the limp curls on her brow. “I’m so sorry it took me this long to get here. I’m never traveling while you’re pregnant again,”

Ruby snorted. “You say that like there’s going to be a next time. Let’s just focus on the baby we’ve got coming right this second for now. Then we-” her voice was cut short by a cry as the next contraction started.

Aasim’s eyes widened in fear. He felt Ruby’s grip on his hand tighten as she pushed. “You’re doing great, Ruby, just breathe through the pain just like we practiced,” Aasim demonstrated with his own pronounced breathing, taking short, punctuated breaths. “Just like that,”

“Honey,” Ruby gasped, her brow furrowed in concentration. “Just shut the fuck up for now, OK?”

“Alright, whatever you need, sweetheart,” Aasim looked over to the nurse who seemed to be examining something on the monitors.

The older woman smiled gently at Aasim. “She’s doing great. You certainly married a trooper,”

“I did,” Aasim smiled proudly. “Do you know… is she… how soon?”

“It’s still going to be a while. First babies are usually the hardest. But we’ll get there. Just keep doing what you’re doing and everything will be fine,”

It felt like he was doing nothing. Ruby was doing all the work here. Aasim wished he could take all her pain and exhaustion and fear in this moment, but all he could do was cling to her hand and be there for whatever she needed. Everything they’d been working toward these past nine months was coming to fruition right here, right now. He couldn’t believe it.

---

“Any update?” Louis asked Clementine, the phone still pressed to his ear. Violet was calling to check in. She and Prisha had headed home once the clock reached 3AM, but were still being kept in the loop on the baby’s ETA.

Clementine shook her head. “There haven’t been any nurses through here in a while,” She turned to look over at Mitch and Brody. Brody had refused to leave the hospital till the baby was born, so the two couples had decided to take shifts so that somebody was always ready if Ruby or Aasim needed them. Now Brody was asleep on Mitch’s shoulder, snoring softly. Mitch was still awake though. Clementine tapped his shoulder. “Want me to grab you and Brody something from the cafeteria?”

Mitch nodded. “Try to find something that’ll be easy on her stomach,” he whispered.

Clementine was about to stand up when the double doors opened and Aasim walked through. He was beaming as he walked over to the group. “Everyone, I would like to announce that at 8:47 AM this morning, Zachariah Emerson Laghari was born weighing 7 pounds, 3 ounces,” He pulled out his phone, revealing of a picture of his newborn for all of them to see.

The entire group burst into cheers. Louis hugged Aasim which for once he accepted, letting Clementine join in the hug as well. Brody was awakened by all the noise and immediately burst into happy tears as soon as she heard the news. She and Mitch entered the hug as well, all of them eagerly jumping in place until one of the nurses scolded them, reminding the group that there were other things going on at the hospital right now.

They quieted down but lost none of their excitement. Congratulations were given to Aasim and texts were sent to all the rest of the Ericson’s Diner crew to let them know the good news. They’d have to visit in shifts since there was no way they would all be allowed in the room at once. That was a problem to be figured out at a later time though. Aasim excused himself, disappearing back through the double doors to return to Ruby. They’d all head out for now, giving the couple some time to rest before they officially introduced their child to the world. It was a happy day for everyone.

Aasim and Ruby were parents.

[ravens-rambling]

The Demon and Angel (Pt 4)

A/N: Sorry this is late! Hope you guys like it tho! 

Pt 1 Pt 2 Pt 3

summary: It happened during one rainy day the two met. One half-demon who was hiding from the world, who just wanted to survive, and one kind human who lend him a hand. Despite their differences, they want to learn from each other and maybe fall in love in the process.

WC: 2,167

ships: Romantic Moxiety (not yet) 

warnings: Anxiety, Nervousness, Anxiety Attack, Mention of Abuse, Mentions of capture, mentions of torture, crying, Mention of Panic Attack, mention of scientists, 

Tag List: @punsterterry @frostedlover @stormcrawler75 @mutechild @mycatshuman @panicattheeverywhere15 @ryuity @lwilddiamonddogl @cricks-loves-you @thewinterbookqueen @analogical-mess @sevencrashing @thatgaydemigodnerd @darkhumourandfandoms @whymustibedraggedintofandomhell @romanslunchbox  @wewuzraw @callboxkat @randomsandersides @lefaystrent @aroundofapplesauce @saddestlittlebabe

Virgil woke up slowly, the first thing he felt was that he was surrounded by a large fluffy blanket. Which was rather strange as his normal blanket wasn’t this heavy nor fluffy rather it was a ragged thing that smelled of…something not pleasant. And he still couldn’t figure out what that smell exactly was. His mind slowly came back to the present, only to realize that it was pounding. His eyes felt heavy as if there were cement poured into it. Maybe there was who knows really.

Slowly his eyes blinked as he looked around the blue and yellow filled room and came to. Wait… Room…

He was inside…

He wasn’t outside…

What was-

“I still don’t think this is a good idea, Pat…”

“Shush Lo I know you saw how scared he was. I mean he passed out Lo! And cause of us! The least we can do is make sure he’s okay.”

“I see your point but-”

Voices…

With a gasp and a flourish, he jumped up the fuzzy blanket falling off of him causing the entire room to spin but he tried his best to ignore that. The memories came flooding back to him like a wave. These humans are going to hurt him right? Wait… If they were they would have already done it right? He’s been passed out for..he doesn’t know how long but that gave them plenty of opportunities to hurt him. He wasn’t in pain he could tell that off the bat other than his headache of course. So why…?

A noise cut off his thoughts, a door being opened. Then a soft calculating voice, “Oh… You’re up. Good. I’ve brought you-”

“He’s up? Oh, thank god!” Virgil looked over nervously to be greeted with a wide-smiled Patton and a man that looked similar to him but more…serious that’s for sure. He reminded Virgil of those humans with the clipboards who would be in the corner as they watched his tests. Virgil hated those humans. They sat there and watched as those scientists poked and prodded him, hurt him, and they did nothing to help. That made him even more nervous as he gulped.

Though his foggy and pounding headache he smelt something good and his stomach growled loudly, so loudly it caused the two to look up. His cheeks dusted pink as he shifted more in the blanket. Would they punish him somehow for being hungry? After all, it’s not like they would be doing this out of the kindest of their hearts.

But instead, he heard a small giggle, “Are you hungry kiddo? We made you some soup!”

“Yes. You’ve properly fainted from malnutrition and dehydration, or your blood sugars low. Or possibly from where Patton found you all of the above. Cause I’m sure it wasn’t from the panic attack alone that caused that,” He glanced towards Patton who frowned and nodded.

“May we come in kiddo?”

His brain was slow to catch up with their words. Wait why would they ask him if they can come in? What were they talking about?

Not a word came from him but he raised his eyebrow and gave a confused look.

“All we want is to give you some soup is all. We won’t hurt you if that’s what your thinking.”

They seem to be intent on his answer, his silence not cutting it even though he was confused as hell right now. Nobody has asked him his permission for anything.

Finally, he shrugged, “I… I…g-guess so…”

Both of the men smiled, well one beamed at his words while the other gave a slight smile, and slowly walked in. They left the door open as Logan dove back a bit and walked in carrying a bowl of something steaming and bottle of water. Huh… So they weren’t lying about that.

Lo-he presumed was his name-sat down the soup and water on the nightstand beside him slowly and cautiously as if he was near some wild animal then took a few steps back and sat down on a chair by the desk. Patton had a soft smile as he walked in and sat on the bedside by his feet. Virgil instantly drew his feet away thinking Patton was going to touch him somehow. He wasn’t going to be that stupid and trust them off the bat like that.

There was a moment of silence as Virgil didn’t move and they didn’t say a word. Instead, Virgil kept his eyes glued to Patton’s hands while he could see at the corner of his eyes that Logan was keeping his gaze away while Patton had his on his legs. Why was there silence? Were they preparing for something?

“So, Virgil, I thought we would introduce ourselves since you met Lo under a rocky start, huh?”

Virgil simply shrugged, why would it matter?

His wing shuttered under the blankets and he bit his lip. Sure he knew that this Lo person had seen his wing, how couldn’t he have, but right now… He didn’t want questions towards his… Disfigurement. Instead, he hid his wing and tail, maybe Lo would just think it’ll be a trick of the light? He hoped his horns were hidden in his hair at least…

Though he didn’t want to keep his attention off of them the soup besides him kept drifting its smell over to him making his stomach grumble again. God when was the last time he ate? Days? Weeks? It felt like it. Maybe he could just grab a bit-

“-To meet you, Virgil. May I ask how you are strong enough to hop down a two-story building and how your nails were able to support you enough to slid down a brick wall without shattering? Or how-”

“Logan! Don’t ask those questions!”

“I am simply curious! In case you realize Patton those are not simple things a normal human can do! And he’s got a tail and wing for Christ sake! Hypothetically, for all, we know he could be some delirious person dressed as a demon or something.”

Virgils eyes went wide at that word. Demon… That's what he is though right? A demon? An evil spawn that shouldn’t exist? It all came crashing down. That's why they are doing this. Cause they want to study him right? Make money off what they could study off him cause he shouldn’t exist right? The food they give him properly is drugged up, isn’t it?

Tears were pouring down his cheeks before he realized that he wanted to cry. His breaths came in gasps as he felt like his chest was collapsing.

“I-I…” He felt the attention of both of their eyes on him now.

“I-I’m not…” A took a deep breath but it sounded like a dying animal.

“I’m not…a demon…”

Oh no… His loud voice… His body shook as he clasps a hand over his mouth. The wing flew out of the blanket so it could wrap around his frame as tight as it could before he could control it not to. His entire body quivered.

“I-I’m so-sorry… Pl-please don’t h-hurt me… I… I didn’t mean…”

“Virge hey Virge it’s okay. You didn’t do anything wrong. I told you we weren’t going to hurt you. You aren’t a demon your right. Aren’t I Logan?”

“Y-Yes. Affirmative you aren’t.” His voice sounded shaky like he was scared of him. Great now he’s gotten somebody scared of him.

“Hey, can you look at me, Virge?”

Slowly his eyes drew up towards Patton his blue eyes were warm and inviting… Calming…

“Can you take deep breaths for me kiddo? Remember earlier? Let’s follow that pattern again. Do you remember it?”

He shook his head.

“That’s fine don’t worry. 4-7-8 was it. Let’s start okay?”

As they did it a few times slowly Virgil could breathe again, and slowly his wing let go of his torso, and even slower did his body stop shaking. That was until he could finally breathe by himself again.

“I didn’t mean to cause you to panic. That was my mistake. Why don’t I leave you while you eat? Would that be okay?” Logan asked.

He nodded. That sounded perfect. He still didn’t trust this human.

Logan nodded and got up taking one more look at his wing and then to Patton as if he didn’t trust them alone in the same room then walked out and disappeared down the hallway.

Virgil swallowed, he hoped he won’t get in trouble later for that. Then he looked back to Patton who was now going through something on his…small rectangular box? It was a screen, almost like a computer, but much much smaller small enough so that Patton could hold in one hand, as he poked at it with his finger. He was also mumbling something to it?

Virgil just stared at him as he did so curious and intrigued. His stomach growled again and he thought this might be the best time as any to maybe take a few bites. He hoped they didn’t drug it up somehow.

Gradually he itched his way closer to the nightstand till he could very gently grab the bowl. When he brought it close to his chest he wanted to hum a bit as he felt the warmth coming off of it. He practically lapped up any warmth he could get as he hasn’t had any bit of it for weeks now.

He took the spoon and carefully brought it to his mouth. His eyes widened at the taste and a small gasp escaped from his lips. This was the best soup he’s ever had! It was still warm and tasteful compared to the soups he used to have. A wide beaming smile went upon his lips as he took another spoonful and entered it into his mouth.

But he froze when he heard a giggle.

Virgil whipped up to see Patton had stopped doing whatever it was and was giggling at him, “I’m glad you like it! Be sure not to eat it too fast alright?”

He nodded and continued eating some more though he found it rather awkward that Patton was now staring at him as he ate. Why was he staring at him for…?

He ate more slowly now keeping his head down thinking he did something wrong. Until finally Patton sighed and frowned a bit, “I am sorry about Logan by the way. He’s rather…overprotective when he wants to be. He doesn’t mean to be so rude. I hope you can forgive him?”

Why does he want his forgiveness?? Not like it will actually mean anything.

“Why…?”

“Oh well, he has a rather hard time with…” Patton's hands flapped in the air as he tried to speak the right word, “Emotions I guess you could say. But he really does mean well kiddo. Just like I know you do.”

Patton then smiled and leaned forward to lightly grasp his leg it took every fiber of Virgil’s being not to pull his leg back towards him. But he gulped down his food instead trying to focus on that and not on the fact that his leg felt like it was burning.

“I’ll leave you to eat now since I’m sure you want to be alone. I’m glad you awake though. Holler if you need anything. Would you like me to leave my phone?”

Phone? So that’s what it was he guessed as Patton raised up the thing that he was playing with earlier.

“I set it up so it will start watching Steven Universe! I know you will like that show. Only if you want to though.”

He said that last part quickly a nervous look in his eyes. Well… He didn’t know anything of what he was talking about but at least he won’t be bored right?

“O-Okay…?”

That caused Patton to once again beam from ear to ear as he came forward and placed the small black thing on his lap. There was a picture on the screen but Virgil wasn’t focused on that, rather of the fact that Patton was very close to him.

Sucking in a breath his entire body froze as Patton explained to him how to work it. But he couldn’t even hear what he was saying to him. His mind screamed at him to run or push him away.

Until finally he drew back and off the bed with a flourish, “Alright kiddo see you soon! Lo or I will be checking up on you in a bit just to make sure your okay. Again holler if you need anything alright? Do you want the door closed or open?”

Virgil’s mind was still reeling from before but he shakily was able to mumble out, “C-Closed..”

And with that Patton gave him a nod then a wave as he skipped out closing the door behind him, and just like that Virgil was left alone with his thoughts. And this…phone? Thankfully he had something to eat at least, that was something.

[mydorkycreations]

First encounters aren’t always fun

    It was snowing, and had been for some time.

    Forest wasn’t made for snow. He had never seen it before, and doubted he would ever see it again. It was beautiful, in a novel sort of way, even if it made his fingers stiff and the flowers growing from his head wilt.

    “You have to admit, his tenacity is almost endearing,” he said, to nobody in particular.

    Cinder, her usual white-hot flames dimmed slightly with the temperature, snorted. Tiny embers shot from her nose to drift with the snowflakes before fizzling out. “I’d call it obnoxious. Why haven’t we killed him yet? He’s messing with the weather.”

    “He’s creating an advantage. It’s not that complicated.”

    She huffed, unleashing more embers. “If he didn’t want to deal with our weather, then he should have stayed where he belongs.”

    He gave her a curious look. “Does he not belong here, though? He’s obviously powerful.”

    Granite let out a deep, growly chuckle behind him. “We’ll see how powerful he is. Send Bludgeon, and tell them to finish him off.”

    Forest glanced at the small, furious fairy below them in the arena. This Winter was good, but nobody had survived Bludgeon if they weren’t supposed to. “As the only one who seems to keep track of the rules to this game, I feel I should ask: you do realize if Bludgeon kills him, we have to kill them, yes?”

    Cinder gave him an offended look. “What?”

    He let out a small sigh and pulled a heavy book onto his lap. “Right here. If the challenger passes the trial of duels undefeated, they become a member of the Council. One defeat, and they must face an additional duel, typically to the death, with a member of the Council. Winning this also gets them on the Council. Two defeats is an automatic execution--”

    “Get to the point, Forest. For the love of all the Realm, I only want to know about one thing!” She snapped.

    “I was getting there.” He gave her a sharp look. “If the challenger is killed in their first defeat, then their opponent is executed on grounds of disrupting due process.”

    “Who made that bullshit rule?” she roared, her entire body bursting into blinding flames.

    “Undertow, I believe.”

    “Oh, yeah! I remember that. That way, we still get to kill somebody if someone kills the challenger for us. It’s quite reasonable.” Undertow, a small water fairy that didn’t even come up to his shoulder, said nonchalantly. “I don’t mind if Bludgeon and the ice fairy both die. I never liked Bludgeon. Offing both of them seems to be a win-win situation.”

    “We’re not executing our best fighter,” Granite sighed. “Just tell them to beat him. Thoroughly. Then one of us will finish him.”

    Undertow sank farther into his seat, looking disappointed. “That works too, I suppose.”

    Bludgeon, unfortunately, took their charge very seriously. As they always did. Forest really didn’t know why he bothered to hope that they would choose that order to loosen their standards on. By the time they were done with him, Winter was in literal pieces.

    “Well, that was quite the show. Who wants to finish him off?” Before Undertow could even finish, Cinder was beginning to stand up.

    “I’ll do it,” he blurted out before either of them could fight for it.

    “You?” Cinder looked at him in wonder. “Our wonderful librarian?”

    “I’m not a librarian.”

    “Go,” Granite waved his massive hand towards the arena. “You don’t get as much exercise as the rest of us. Putting down an overconfident bastard will do you good.”

    He nodded and jumped over the railing.

    He landed deftly some twenty feet below. Winter saw him coming, tried to fight his way to his feet, and fell. His magical equilibrium must have gotten unbalanced trying to fight off Bludgeon’s torture, because he was barely regenerating. “You’re still going to try to fight me?”

    The only response he got was a string of curses not worth repeating and a small rock thrown at his head.

    Circling around him lazily, he wrapped Winter in tough, thick vines. He felt him fight them, but nowhere near hard enough to be able to break free. Bludgeon really had done a number on him. He stepped over a piece of arm and knelt down next to the nearest of Winter’s torn-off wings. After unfurling it, he had to stare a moment. They had been beautiful from a distance, but up close, between their coloration and sheer size, they were breathtaking. “Your wings are beautiful." He tore his eyes away to head back towards him.

    “Shut up.”

    He pulled Winter upright. “The rest of you is a bit plain, but with wings like that, you could have done well as a concubine. I’m sure Blizzard would have loved you.”

    “Blizzard is a monster,” he spat.

    “Monster? That’s harsh.” He tilted his head. “Who would you have wanted, then? Me, maybe? I’d have taken that offer.” He leaned in to whisper into his ear, “I know ice fairies can control their regeneration to an extent, and I don’t want to kill you. I’ll leave you a in big enough piece you should be able to survive. Don't regenerate for as long as you can, and you might live to go home.”

    When he pulled away, Winter was looking at him with a dumbstruck expression. Then, he seemed to recover, and grinned wickedly. “I’m surprised you know about that.”

    Oh. Oh, shit.

    Forest tried to get out of range, he really did, but the cold ripped through him, anyways. He fell with an agonized cry, and everything went white.

    When his eyes opened, he was lying prone on his stomach. His arm splayed out in front of him, looking pale and brittle.

    “Given that the Council member you’ve sent down is unable to yield for himself, I’ve decided to accept your yield on his behalf if you want me to spare his life.” Winter’s voice came from above him and echoed into a void of silence. A moment later, there was a slow cracking sound. He couldn’t figure out which was worse: the fact that it had probably come from him, or the fact that he wasn't able to feel it.

    Not that it mattered. Everything was numb. His arm looked frozen to the point of dead. Winter was literally about to break him.

    He tried to move. Nothing happened.

    Panic set it. The council wouldn’t spare him. Not for picking a fight and losing. He was going to die. The next crack was loud, sharp, and enough to force a strangled croak out of his frozen mouth.

    Winter made a curious noise, and the cracking stopped. A moment later, he kneeled next to him, eyeing him curiously. “Oh, you’re awake. That’s convenient. I was about to kill you, you know.”

    “Please don’t,” he tried to say. All that came out was two more croaks.

    Winter frowned. “I assume you’re trying to talk. Unless you yield to me right now, you’re going to die. But I’ll try to make this doable for you: one noise for death, two noises for yield.”

    Forest decided then and there that Winter didn’t belong on the Council. Any other member would have slaughtered him without a second thought. But, whether he yielded or not, Winter was joining, and Forest was surprisingly okay with that. A little generosity would be a welcome change.

    He croaked twice. Winter smiled. “I figured so. Good luck thawing. I’ve heard it’s quite unpleasant.”

    With that, he got up and walked away, almost fully recovered from Bludgeon's attacks. The only exception was his wings, which were still only about three quarters of their usual size, the tips still slowly expanding as he left.

[spookilyfingergunsoutofexistence]

How do you measure power?

Chapter 2 of ?

Read on ao3 here

Prologue next chapter

This is the first chapter.

Enjoy

Tw: mentions of death, violence, blood, crime, mentions of cheating, Mentions of malnutrition, terrorist attack, mentions of bombing, coma

~~~~

“Sam! Hurry up. Visiting hours are nearly over.” Virgil was pacing the kitchen waiting for his girlfriend Samantha. She’d been at the hospital at the time of the attack. What had been at first reported as a chemical spill was soon reported for what it truly was, a terrorist attack. A bomb that contained a highly toxic, radioactive substance had been let off in the west wing of the hospital. Samantha worked on the east ring with Patton. The explosion alone killed over eighteen victims and within hours the highly radioactive substance had caused high amounts of radiation poisoning. Death spread throughout the hospital like the common cold. Months had passed since the attack and people were still under quarantine. Many like Patton who had been deemed to be in a coma had died and almost everyone in a half a mile radius of the hospital had high levels of radiation inside them; most fatal amounts but some were lucky. No one in that entire hospital walked out ok and yet here Samantha was- burn scars on her face from the explosion but only a low level of radiation. Virgil didn’t question it. He just felt lucky she was ok. Right now though he was just excited to see his best friend for the first time in months. Sure, he was anxious about the gas masks and hazmat suits and inspections he would have to go through to see Patton and he couldn’t even imagine what he was going to say to Logan. Logan had always been the quiet type and they had never really got along or talked much but they both shared an appreciation for space. Logan had visited since the day he heard about the explosion. He had gone every day since. He couldn’t even touch his husband without wearing gloves or having some sort of material between them. Logan had been forced to wear a suit and a gas mask for all these months. Not only that but he had to wear a radiation monitor which would beep obnoxiously when he had to leave. They wouldn’t let him leave the building without first washing himself down in their on-site cleaning station and taking some mandatory pill that apparently lowered any form of radiation poisoning. To Virgil the whole procedure sounded insane. By the time you’d got in or out your loved one could be dead.

Samantha walked downstairs and fondly rolled her eyes as she watched Virgil pacing the hall. She gently placed her hands on his shoulders and stopped him from pacing, “Virgil.. Breathe.. Breath with me storm cloud. Did you take your meds?” Virgil nodded and slowly breathed along with her feeling himself slowly become calmer. He built up his courage as he walked out of the door and on to the quiet streets of his small town. Virgil had grown up in this lively, little town. It had always been a colourful place full of cheery people and an uplifting atmosphere. To an outsider it didn’t have much to offer but to Virgil it was his safe place. Everyone was so friendly and in this place you knew everyone. Nothing ever changed. That’s why the attack had affected Virgil so much. It was like his entire world had changed. This lovely town that he adored with his entire being was now a place of tragedy, death and despair. No one left their homes anymore. Streets were filled with an eerie silence. Streets full of colour and joy, once filled with people and innocent young minds playing around in warm bustling markets and parks. Store fronts packed with flowers of bright orange and red hues now lay decayed. It was as though someone had painted over the town with dark greys and dull browns. A dismal, depressing atmosphere had taken over what had once been paradise. Virgil felt tense just walking down his street; a street he had walked thousands of times. The gloom was equivalent of a large boulder resting on each residents’ shoulders. Virgil had always been a sore thumb among the town. His whole aesthetic was based around darkness and edge but even he despised the inky black fog that now engulfed his town in darkness. In hard times most tight knit towns in fairy tales and stories are said to band together and ‘rebuild’ but this clearly wasn’t the case. People cared more about living themselves then risking their lives to help others and so the people of this town had locked themselves indoors. After the attack, many places of work had closed as a safety regulation for both the customers and staff causing many people to be out of work and lose money. People in the town had started to go hungry and many resorted to crime. Crime rates were at an all time high and now there was reports of superhuman robberies. It was truly a time of terror.

Virgil walked quickly, practically dragging Samantha along with him. His eyes frantically searched the streets in case of danger. He would be useless if any danger would befall them but if push came to shove and he was in a fight or flight situation at least he could run. Damn he was a fast runner.

“C’mon Sammy..” his voice was hushed, “If we go quickly we might not run into any trouble.” The pair hurried down the long, winding road towards the hospital in town centre. Sam looked ready to fight anyone who even looked at her funny. She had her fists clenched as she raced just behind Virgil and her eyes squinted, searching the shadows for any sign of life. Virgil would be lying if he said he was focused on the streets. He was more worried about the woman he had firmly clasped in his grip. They had been through a rough patch lately over the past months of the attack. Samantha had a habit of lying little and often- Virgil usually let it slide but he’d just been so paranoid lately and when Sam would spend her nights away from home and only return late at night it made him anxious. What was she up to? Was she off running some crime circle or maybe she was cheating on him? Maybe she didn’t love him anymore and had found somebody else. It would explain how she managed to survive the attack; maybe she never was even there at the hospital that day. He wouldn’t put it past Samantha to have lied but he couldn’t bare confrontation without having solid evidence. Part of him hoped he would never have to confront her, he loved Sam and he wanted her to be real with him. Maybe he’d forgi- No. He couldn’t forgive that but he shouldn’t jump to conclusions. Maybe she was just lucky.

One bad turn. It took one bad turn before they were faced with bats and knives. All thoughts of Sam cheating flew from Virgil’s mind as he froze in the face of danger. Panic bubbled inside of him like a volcano ready to erupt but he couldn’t move. Couldn’t breathe. His basic instincts were stripped away as he just stood there gaping as though he was a fish. The men looked blood thirsty and cold. Much different to the fishermen they had once been. Virgil had been well acquainted with most of the men. He knew their names, their wives’ names and the names of all their children. He could tell you where each lived and had babysitted for many of them before. Whatever former relationship he shared with each of these men was clearly gone now as they all cornered the young couple. “Richard.. Buddy. How are the kids?” Sammy asked. She sounded calm- threatening almost. The man clearly flinched from the question, but the group got closer still. Persistent. Virgil felt like he was in the lion’s den. Perhaps he was already trapped within the lion’s jaws, his head ready to be snapped off at any second. If he reached Patton it would be a miracle. He could feel the breath hitting his face. The repugnant smell of fish encased him. This was not how he imagined death. He had imagined it to be slow and graceful. He had imagined it to be a welcomed experience once he had reached old age and was married to Sammy and had kids. Death was nothing like that. Cold metal burned his skin. The blade pressed against his sensitive neck drawing a fresh line of crimson blood. His eyes stung with unshed tears as he stared into the eyes of old friends. This surely couldn’t be how he died…

“Stop you fiends!” A loud, obnoxious voice yelled. A booming sound that send shivers down Virgil’s spine. The men all froze- not in horror but as though on command. Their angered faces turned blank and robotic. They all fell back into line as though they were military men and just stood there. “Go home and leave these people be!” The voice demanded. The men oddly left without argument. A man with neatly styled brown hair and caramel skin walked out from the shadows and towards the couple. He was wearing a dark brown oversized sweater and a warm smile. His faded blue jeans looked out of character for that of a super hero. He clearly was just some guy but to Virgil he was a hero. “Roman O’Connell?!” Virgil shrieked. Just his luck that he was saved by the guy he has spent the entirety of high school crushing over. Hard. Virgil had been an anxious bisexual mess all his life and of course that sexy budding author had managed to write himself back into Virgil’s life somehow. “I thought you moved to New York to try and get onto Broadway.” Roman chuckled at this. It was a low sound that bounced against the walls and brought a small smile to the young emo’s face. “Yeah. I moved for a bit, but I changed my mind. My first book took off and I decided I was better off at home. Who knew that weeks after I moved back the world would come crashing down on this small place?” Virgil nodded in agreement. He met eyes with his old friend. Roman had grown so much. He looked so much more mature and at peace. He’d always been an over-confident clown but now he had an air of responsibility around him. “So you’re playing superhero now O’Connell.” Sam commented. Her eyebrow was raised so high Virgil thought it might fly off her face. Roman looked shocked at first but he quickly recovered. “Why of course!” he exclaimed, “You know I can’t bear to leave a gorgeous damsel such as yourself fall victim to such a brutal attack, dear Samantha.” Virgil groaned at Roman’s theatrics. That was the man he knew. The man who flirted and hid behind walls. The man that constantly walked the line between fiction and non-fiction.

“But how did you do that? Those folks looked like zombies. Are you one of those superhumans?” The three fell silent at the question. Roman looked awkwardly between the two. The answer to the question was obvious and yet held such a level of secrecy. It wasn’t normal. “W-Why yes.. I am. The radiation… It changed me. It’s like writing a story. Everything I narrate comes true within reason. Pretty cool right?”

“Cure Patton.”

“What?” Roman and Sam both looked at Virgil shocked. “Bring all the people who died from the attack back. Bring Patton out of his coma. Narrate it. Just say, ‘Patton woke up and all the people who died were saved.’ If you’re some big hero now you should save them.” Roman stared at Virgil with soft, heartbroken eyes. He wanted to help those who were in pain more then anything, He knew Patton- he would love to help him and to bring back those who were dead, but the feat was just…. Impossible. It was beyond his reach. “Virgil my powers don’t work like that. I’m sorry. Truly, I am but I cannot just wish people back to life. I cannot perform the impossible.” Virgil sighed. He was asking the world from somebody he hadn’t seen in so long. It was unfair. They all stared at each other in an uncomfortable silence for a while until Sam spoke up, “Well Roman, it has been lovely seeing you but I’m afraid it’s time we go. Visiting times are almost over.” Roman nodded and Virgil went to say his goodbyes to his old friend before being quickly rushed away by Samantha off towards the hospital. Virgil sent Roman an apologetic look as he was dragged away which was met with a small smile. That stupid smile that made Virgil’s knees weak and his heart pound against his rip cage. He knew it was wrong to like Roman whilst he was with Sam, but he couldn’t help it. It was only a harmless crush and it was clearly obvious due to Sammy’s reaction. He let his thoughts whisk him away as they raced along the barren streets towards ‘Sunnyside hospital’. An ironic name for a place so dull and full of sadness, especially since the sunshine in a lot of the towns day to day life was currently laying half dead on a hospital bed. Virgil just wished he could do something to help his friend. He just wanted to see him. To be there for Logan. God, he couldn’t imagine how much this all hurt Logan. Patton and Logan were like the sun and the moon- one was bright and warm, making everyone’s days better and the other was mysterious and beautiful. They both worked together in making the Earth brighter and without one their would be complete darkness and despair.

“Virgil.. We’re nearly there. We’d be there faster if you’d hurry up.” Sam urged as she dragged him down the street. Virgil hurried behind letting his mind settle as his soul focus became the hospital. The building was in ruins since the explosion. The west wing looked like a post war zone. It was destroyed, rubble crumbling to the floor and overgrown plants growing into the walls. The building reeked of decay. The east ring wasn’t any prettier. Broken walls were covered by white sheets that blew in the wind. The entrance to the hospital had become a quarantine zone in which you would go through the prior mentioned process before visiting any family. The hospital had only been open to close family for the first couple months but now it was the first day in which friends could visit. Virgil sprinted the rest of the way to the entrance. The adrenaline finally catching up with him. He had to go see his friend right now. They both entered the hospital and went through the long, tedious process. Finally, after being suited up and ready they were walked down the halls towards where Patton was being kept. The hospital was full of agony. As Virgil walked he could hear the howls of patients in pain and the cries of family members in utter anguish. A pool of dread sat in the bottom of his stomach. Maybe he didn’t want to see his friend like this. Patton had always been the strong one. The guy that had been there for him when Virgil was at his lowest or was feeling his most anxious. Seeing Patton hurt felt like the curtain call. He didn’t want to think about a reality in which Patton was dead. It was silly right? Everybody dies but Virgil just couldn’t imagine a world without his best friend.

They reached the door. E34. His hand rested on the door handle. He knew his hand was shaking, the door handle rattled under his grip. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

Click.

The door opened to a dimly lit room. Logan sat asleep on a chair beside Patton’s bed. Their hands clasped together. Patton’s was unmoving whilst Logan’s was gripping Patton’s limply. Both men looked broken. Logan’s black hair was long and greasy- a complete change to his usual buzzcut style. It flopped over his eyes. He looked like he hadn’t washed himself or eaten for days. His glasses were askew on his face and his shirt was dirty as though he hadn’t left in a long time. Virgil tried to avoid looking at his friend. The man’s curly blond hair had grown since he’d last seen him. It covered his eyes. His round glasses sat on the desk covered in a thin layer of dust. His normally red, freckle-filled cheeks were drained of all colour. He was unnaturally pale and sickly. His pink lips were as pale as his skin and he looked thinner then usual. Virgil found himself looking away from them both, gripping Samantha’s hand tightly who let out a sob once laying eyes on the couple. He ran his eyes over Patton’s limp body once more. He was still in his nurses’ uniform. He looked so at peace- as though he was ready to go. He watched his hand that Logan held intensely. The hand twitched slightly and as though by a miracle they intertwined. Despite the crazy, despite the blood shed and crime. Despite every odd fighting against it love had found a way. Love had wo-

A shrill scream erupted from Patton’s lips as though he were still in that explosion. The sound shook Logan awake. The sound thundered against the walls with ear piercing intensity and was laced with pure terror. As quickly as the hand was intertwined it was ripped away. Patton sat up quickly. His eyes that were once a deep ocean blue were now a pure white. Even the pupil was colourless. Virgil stared on in horror as his friend frantically looked around the room. Scanning every surface with his eyes.

“Patton! Patton! My love it’s ok. You’re safe I’m right here. You’re fi-“

“I’m dead.”

Taglist:

@sandersfandersblog

[morkmywords]

Black Umbrella | EXO | Mafia au | Part 1

Masterlist | Prologue Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4  Part 5 Part 6

Length: 1.8k

   It was about 2 months since the hotel had switched hands and practically nothing had changed. A couple people had been fired and a few things were switched around but it was still pretty much the same. You even got a small raise so you were pretty happy with your current work situation. The restaurant was closing for the night and most staff were heading home but you were getting ready for your shift at the bar. Like usual you heard whispers about the mysterious new owners but you just ignored them as usual and shoved your things back in your locker before heading to the bar. 

    Tonight it was busy, the bar was filled to the brim with people all wearing shoes that were worth more than your entire apartment with everything in it plus your entire savings. You were on your feet mixing drinks and taking orders all night not once getting a break. You shuffled from one end of the bar to the next until it was 2am and the bar was closing, once everyone had left you pulled out a rag and began wiping tables with your coworker. You offered to stay and finishing cleaning so he could head home seeing as you had a day off tomorrow and he happily agreed, thanking you before he grabbed his bag and left. Due to the great rush of people that night there was a lot of extra cleaning to do which meant you would have to stay behind later than usual. You had finally finished cleaning and left to change back into your casual clothes and rest your aching feet. As you pulled your things from your locker you thought you heard the sound of the front door opening, you dismissed blaming it on your half asleep state and continued changing. 

   Your eyelids drooped and you dragged your feet as you headed to the door mind focused on the idea of going home and sleeping. You yawned as you walked back to the main area but froze as you heard voices, not being fully awake you decided to see who it was. 

“Who’s there?” one of the voices called out and you peeked your head around the corner to see the face of one of the new owners staring back at you. He was joined by an unfamiliar man and they seemed to be having a very serious discussion based on the death glares they were both giving. You cleared your throat and awkwardly moved into their line of sight.

“I’m sorry sir, I was just about to lock up but I can stay if you want,” you said as you bowed your head. He did a once over before replying,

“No, you can leave, the bags under your eyes make you look exhausted,” he said as he waved you away. You bit back you reply bowing once before walking out and slamming the door behind you, it was the middle of the night and you didn’t need some jerk commenting on your lack of sleep. You trudged your way back to the subway station pushing the encounter out of your mind as you made your way back to the dumpy apartment you called your home.

   You woke up fairly late the next day, you were exhausted and perfectly content with staying home and doing chores but somebody just had to ruin your plan.  It was around 4pm when your phone started ringing.

“What is it now Mina?” you sighed into the phone only to be met with your friend’s giggles.

“I’ll be over in half an hour, let's go out tonight!” was all she said before she hung up.

“That girl...” you muttered to yourself as you got up to go shower and prepare yourself for the whirlwind that is your best friend. You jumped into the shower as your mind drifted back to the previous night and you scoffed at the asshole that was your boss, he could’ve just dismissed you but instead, he had to comment on the bags under your eyes and your exhausted state.

    “So where exactly are we going?” you asked as Mina dug through you closet throwing various pieces of clothing she liked at you while throwing the ones she didn’t like on the floor. You frowned thinking about how you would have to clean it all up later when she broke through your thoughts.

“One of the other waitresses told me about this new club and I thought we should check it out,” she said face still buried in your closet.

“What?!” you said in disbelief, this was your first day off in forever and she was taking you out clubbing?

“Why don’t you have any clothes?” she said as she continued digging ignoring your previous question. You rolled your eyes at her antics before she pulled something out of the back of your closet and turned around squealing. She threw a scrap of black fabric that you were pretty sure was supposed to be a dress at you.

“I am not wearing this!” you exclaimed before you threw it back to her.

“Why not?” she whined as you pushed her out of the room.

“I can dress myself, so if you want me to come I’m picking my own clothes,” you said as you began closing the door but the stopped it with her foot.

“Can I still do your hair and makeup?” she asked and you only nodded before closing the door and finding some clothes. 

   You put on a pair of black jeans and a plum coloured t-shirt opting to stay comfortable as you were taken to a club against your will. You let her back in to do hair and makeup, she gave you a once over and gave you a look that seemed to say ‘you’re really wearing that’. You just rolled your eyes and she did your hair and makeup, she left your hair down curling it slightly but other than that relatively simple. Your makeup was a whole other story, your eyes were lined with heavy wings and layers of eyeshadow that was about the same colour of your shirt was skillfully blended onto your eyelids. She even forced you to put on fake eyelashes and when she was done she let you look in the mirror. 

“I look scary,” was all you said as you stared at your reflection.

“No, you look sexy,” Mina said with a wink, “Now let's go before it gets too late!”

“Where are we even going?” you hissed into Mina’s ear as she stopped before a glowing club, you could already hear the music that was playing inside. She walked right up to the security guard by the door and you could feel the glares of people in line digging into your back. As if she could sense your panic she whispered, 

“Don’t worry we’re on the list.” and with a wink, she turned back to the bouncer, told him your names, and you were in.

   The club was packed, people seemed to leak from every crevice and the music was pounding. You stuck out like a sore thumb amongst the crowd of people who were wearing little to no clothes but you could care less knowing that soon Mina would have a little too much to drink and would abandon you so you could go home. You followed her over to the bar where she immediately began flirting with some guy and you were the third wheel, you sighed and asked for the least alcoholic drink they had not wanting to wake up the next day with a nasty hangover. After a few minutes, Mina was completely ignoring your existence so you stood up from the stool and headed to the back where you spotted an empty booth tucked away in a corner.  You plopped down on the bench, trying to avoid the questionable sticky spots as you slid farther into the corner. You sat there feeling lost in thought as the pounding base shook your bones and you felt a headache coming on, you could have been sitting there for a few minutes or a few hours. By the time you snapped out of it you knew Mina had already left, you scanned the crowd as you tried to stand up and something familiar caught your eye. 

  A loud noise echoed through the room followed by screaming, you dropped to the ground and crawled back under the table. You assumed it was gunshots and you prayed to god that Mina was safe, you squeezed your eyes closed and plugged your ears as you waited for it to be over. You don’t know how long it was but the screaming and gunshots eventually stopped and even before you crawled out you knew everyone was dead. Unable to stay under that table anymore you crawled out and stood up but stopped in your tracks when you heard voices.

“You sure everybody is dead?” one asked.

“Yes I already told you Chen,” the other answered as they rounded the corner. You locked eyes with one and your mouth fell open, they both looked somewhat familiar but you couldn’t place them in your frenzied state. 

“Well I guess you were wrong,” the first one said giving the second a pointed look.

“Uh,” you said between their bickering, “Could you maybe not kill me?”

they both turned and looked at you, you suddenly felt the headache return and your vision was swimming. Before you knew it you were surrounded by darkness. 

‘C’mon lets get to the van’ a voice said, then you heard shuffling and that was all you could remember.

   You woke up the next morning in an unfamiliar room with a set of nine faces you finally recognized surrounding you.

“Why didn’t you kill me?” was the first thing you asked, they looked around at each other before one answered.

“getting straight to the point I see, why would we kill you?” he asked taking a step closer.

“You killed everyone else there but you took me..... here,” you answered blankly.

“Ahhhhhh my dear it would have been better for you if you didn’t remember,” Another said ominously. You just shrugged your shoulders which seemed to make him even angrier. 

“I think I-I’m going to pass out again,” you said as your vision began to swim and went black again.

     When you woke up again only one of them was with you.

“What’s wrong with me?” you asked as you yawned, and he sighed before coming over and placing his hand on your forehead. You gave him a confused look before he pulled his hand back and answered,

“You don’t have a fever or any other symptoms that would indicate illness so I’m pretty sure you fainted due to exhaustion, twice.” 

“Okay so, why exactly am I here?” you asked.

He let out an ominous chuckle before answering,

“My dear, you’ve gotten yourself tanged with the mafia.” 

“My bosses are part of the mafia, that's a new one.”

[dr-fumbles-mcstupid]

My Hero Academia Rec list

So here is a list of all the BNHA fic i am reading that i love  Please make sure to look at the tags and last updated date of the fics below.  Most of these are W.I.P.’s The fics are listed in alphabetical order. and all pairings are in listed in alphabetical order by first name

Afterpoison

Author: Fire_Of_Yin

Rating: Mature

Status: In progress

Warning: Non-Con

Summary: That day at the mall, things took a much darker turn, and in fear of All Might getting hurt, Izuku covers it all up. He soon starts to deny it himself, until it comes back and hits him with panic attacks, nightmares, and a rapidly decreasing will to live. As time goes on, Izuku hits rock bottom, and Katsuki is left to pull him out of it all, despite their unstable relationship.

Pairing: Izuku/Katsuki, Izuku/Shigaraki

NEW All The Light that Can’t be seen

Author: Evil Teddy Bear

Rating: Teen and up

Status: Complete

Warning: Major Character Death, Women in refrigerators

Summary: Years ago, Yagi Toshinori met Midoriya Inko during his daily commute to Yuuei, and it was love at first sight. Unfortunately, their story didn’t have a happy ending.

Izuku might have grown up ignorant of his origins, but the truth has a tendency of eventually getting exposed— one way or another.

Pairing: Gen

NEW And then the sun rose

Author: Grayclouds

Rating: Mature

Status: In progress

Summary: Eijiro Kirishima is three years old, too young to even start elementary school, when his mother tells him that they’re moving to the city of Musutafu. That is when he first meets Izuku Midoriya and Katsuki Bakugo. This single meeting changes their lives forever.

Pairing: Ejiro/Izuku/Katsuki

NEW Atlas Inherited

Author: midoizuku

Rating: Tenn and up

Status: In Progress

Summary: Midoriya Izuku has plenty of reasons to be nervous. A lone 15-year-old has to deal with:

-A secret that, were he to tell anyone, would send the world toppling into havoc.

-A chilly heir-to-the-Fire-Nation-throne that seems hellbent on finding him out.

-Word of an ominous organization gearing up to ruin life as everyone knows it.

...You could say he's a little bit stressed out.

(In other words: Avatar AU)

Pairing: Izuku/Shouto

Atonement

Author: pornosophical

Rating: Mature

Status: In progress

Warning: Suicide Attempt

Summary: “If you want a quirk so damn badly, just throw yourself off the fucking roof and hope you get one in the next life!” Izuku jumps, and Katsuki learns that it’s harder to build than destroy.

Pairing: Izuku/Katsuki

A beacon in the dark

Author: NohaIjiachi

Rating: Teen and up

Status: In progress

Summary: “My thanks.” He says, smiling back. “What is your name, boy?” “I’m Izuku! Izuku Midoriya, sir!” The boy replies, excited, looking up at him. And Toshinori looks into the unmoving washed out green, into milky white pupils visible behind the mess curly hair, and realizes. The boy is blind. The boy that he distinctly saw dodge a series of fairly quick attacks, light on his feet and clearly used to some kind of training, the boy that had thrown him the bottle at the perfect height and perfect speed, the boy that has easily collected his spilled groceries and orderly put them back into the little plastic bag— The boy. Is blind.

Pairing: Izuku/Shouto

Before midnight

Author: DriftingGlass

Rating: Explicit

Status: Complete

Summary: Izuku Midoriya takes the same train to and from school Monday through Friday, morning and night. His only company during these lonesome hours comes in the form of another boy his age—a teen with scarred hands and blood gem eyes, a stranger with ash-blond hair who walks in a shroud of danger and mystery. "Would you stop with that fucking muttering, idiot?"

And before Izuku can find his footing, his life becomes a full-blown collision course thanks to walking cannonball Katsuki Bakugou. (And along the way he may have found the missing fuel to his fire).

Pairing: Izuku/Katsuki

Bleeding hearts are fatal

Author: anonymouseling

Rating: Teen and up

Status: In Progress

Summary: Quirk: Self-Inflicted Healing Can heal others by absorbing injuries through touch. Izuku has always been a kind and selfless person, but when he finds that he has just the quirk to let him help others, he can't help it if maybe he over does it once in a while. But bleeding hearts and what not.

Pairing: Gen

Bloom in winter

Author: E_va

Rating: Mature

Status: In Progress

Summary: Izuku Midoriya used to want to be a hero. It seems a distant dream, now, after everything that he's done—after everything that he's been made to do. But it's still there. It's a dim, flickering flame, burning lower by the day. He doesn't have time to concern himself with that though, these days he's too focused on staying alive to think too much about what he can never have. Then All Might takes a job teaching at UA, and the universe says hey you know what would be fun? What if we fucked Izuku over even more than we already have? and thus, Izuku ends up in the General Education class of UA with strict instructions to report everything he can, because, thank fucking no one, he just can't catch a goddamn break. AKA Hisashi Midoriya is a member of one of the most notorious underground supervillain organizations, and Izuku is being forced to help them (even though, trust him, he'd really rather not). Too bad that they don't predict that Izuku's going to get adopted by half the faculty when they send him to spy on the prestigious hero academy.

Pairing: Gen

NEW The Book of Deku

Author: melody_dramatic

Rating: Teen and up

Status: In Progress

Summary: Midoriya Izuku is born with a quirk, and it is a terrible, burning thing that will not let him rest. It has stolen his ignorance, his innocence, and his safety. It has driven him to restless obsession. But he is still Midoriya Izuku, and he will be a hero, whether his quirk cooperates or not.

AKA: Izuku gets a quirk that's actually awesome except for the part where it keeps messing with his head, but he's not about to let that keep him down. Even if it means resorting to vigilantism.

Pairing: Izuku/Ochako

Bruises and broken glass

Author: DeadDoveExtraordinaire, Raccoonheck

Status: In Progress, being re-worked

Rating: Mature

Summary: year after Deku throws himself off a building to his death, Bakugou is taken hostage by a villain who bears a striking resemblance to his dead childhood friend. Probably because they're the same person.

Pairing: Izuku/Katsuki

NEW Buff Boy

Author: AjSpammin

Rating: Teen and up

Status: Complete

Summary: "Somebody sit on my back."

"What?"

---

Aka they learn just how strong smol Izuku is.

Pairing: Eijirou/Izuku

Burn your wings

Author: oWhiteKiwibird

Rating: Teen and up

Status: In Progress

Warning: Child Abuse

Summary: Izuku inherited his parents’ quirks, but he swore he’d never use his fire. He knows first hand how—bright, burning, scorching, painful, terrifying—destructive it is, after all, and Izuku promised (promised his mother, promised himself) that he’d become a hero who stops that kind of despair. Even if he has to burn his own wings to do so. But when someone with the exact same pain, problems, and fears shows up... Izuku can't help but try to heal them. And in doing so, he himself may be healed.

Pairing: Izuku/Shouto

but you gotta get up at least once more

Author: simkjrs

Rating: Teen and up

Status: In Progress

Summary:  Izuku’s never run into this problem before with anyone else, but it’s still not much of a problem. “Oh, that’s alright,” he says. “I don’t have a Quirk.” Tsukauchi stares incredulously at him, and then looks at the iron bar that Izuku is currently straightening with his hands. Midoriya Izuku does not let his lack of a Quirk prevent him from being strong. Also known as that one AU where Izuku follows the ridiculous training regimen of Saitama from One Punch Man and becomes stronger than anyone ever imagined he could be.

Pairing: Gen

NEW By Design

Author: EtherealBeing

Rating: Explicit

Status: In Progress

Summary: As time went by, Izuku found it more and more difficult to reconcile his perceived quirklessness with the ever-growing permanence of his imaginary friend, Kacchan. This boy he’d created, whose very existence was designed to balance out his own shortcomings — he couldn’t always see him. Hear him. Feel him.

Kacchan, this boy whom Izuku made as an extension of himself — he wasn’t always real.

Pairing: Izuku/Katsuki

NEW Can I Get A Side Serving Of Sugar And Order It To-Go

Author: cricketmilk

Rating: General audiences

Status: Complete

Summary: After hearing that Midoriya had never been on a date before, Kirishima offers to take him on one himself.

After all, that's what bros are for.

Pairing: Eijirou/Izuku

Chasing the sun

Author: Soulstring

Rating: General audiences

Status: In Progress

Summary: Eijirou’s mother told him that the sun is a star that hangs in the blue sky, far away from them because it’s too hot to touch and too blinding to look at. Kirishima Eijirou is three years old when he finds out that’s not entirely true. It takes ten seconds to come to that conclusion and even less to become smitten with the one he finds on earth. An AU where Kirishima and Midoriya meet each other as kids, grow together as childhood friends, and ultimately fall in love.

Pairing:Ejiro/Midorya

Coloured bricks, pick up sticks

Author: wyrvel

Rating: General Audiences

Status: In progress

Summary: Midoriya Izuku is a very warm person. Not his personality (though that’s also true). It’s his quirk. His quirk is that he’s warm. - Eight-year-old Izuku is positive that his quirk isn't useless. It's just something that requires a little more work than usual, and if he researches the ins and outs of quirks and scientific theory, he'll prove it! All he has to do is to find his body's physical limits, and push them until he learns how to make it work for him. Easy, right?

Pairing: Gen

The curse of the anime protagonist

Author: masterdipster

Rating: Teen and up

Status: In progress Summary: Or; the one where Izuku is blessed with the most heroic quirk in existence. The problem is, er, being a hero's the last thing he wants to be.

Pairing: Gen

Cut from the same cloth

Author: ShanaStoryteller

Status: Complete

Rating: Explicit

Summary: When Endeavor finishes delivering his ultimatum, All-Might uses one of his precious minutes in his hero form to punch Endeavor in the face. The force of it sends the number two hero staggering back and into an alley wall, leaving an Endeavor-sized imprint in the bricks.

“THAT IS NOT HERO-LIKE BEHAVIOR!” All-Might roars.

~

Endeavor find out some secrets, and the price of his silence is the marriage of Izuku Midoriya, the anonymous hero Deku, to his youngest son.

Pairing: Izuku/Shouto

NEW daisies bunches and heather branches

Author: halcyonwhispers

Rating: Teen and up

Status: Complete

Summary: izuku falls in love with the foul-mouthed tattoo artist next door.

Pairing: Izuku/Katsuki

NEW The Dark Below

Author: DarthPeezy

Rating: Mature

Status: In Progress

Summary: Izuku was never Quirkless. Sometimes Quirks hide until they are triggered. Izuku died and came back. He gazed into the abyss and it followed him home. Everything he thought he knew about the world is about to change because there are monsters lurking in the dark below. Izuku wonders if he is one of them.

Pairing: Gen

Notes: This is another Quirk!Izuku fic.It has a great ambience to the whole story and has some great worldbuilding and of course, all the angst.

Daymare

Author: IntrospectiveInquisitor

Rating: Explicit

Status: In Progress

Summary: Izuku Midoriya has endured a decade of abuse, ridicule, and social ostracization due to his status as 'Quirkless'. Even his childhood friend, Katsuki Bakugou, has tossed him aside and made it a mission to drill his uselessness home. But despite his obstacles and the derision of his peers, Izuku will never give up on his dream of being a hero, and will never feel shame for being called Quirkless. Because it's easier than acknowledging that he has a Quirk at all.

Pairing: Ejiro/Izuku

Has a podfic by me!

NEW Death and Taxes

Author: Penkindisbestspecibus

Rating: Explicit

Status: In Progress

Summary: It is a widely held belief that in the universe, there are only two constants - Death, and Taxes.

The truth is much simpler. Death is merely the Tax all Life must pay. Some more than others.

Pairing: Ejiro/Izuku

Notes: An izuku has a quirk AU. He can’t die. I really like this one. Izuku is really affected by his quirk and he is a much differnt character from the one in canon while still being recognizable.

Demolition lovers

Author: TMOTC

Rating: Teen and up

Status: In progress

Summary: It was a mistake, Shouto thinks, to fall in love with a hero. (Or the one where Todoroki is a quirkless school nurse and Pro Hero Deku’s longsuffering boyfriend.)

Pairing: Izuku/Shouto

NEW A Demolition Boy & his Cryptid BF

Author: kewltie

Rating: Teen and up

Status: Complete

Summary: Bakugou of the Demolition Squad is famous for running one of the most popular Youtube channels on the web that regularly blow shit up and jumped off a perfectly good building for shit and giggles. He's also famous for his Cryptid BF™, never appearing on camera except for a few bodyshots and all information on him is kept locked up tighter than Fort Knox, therefore drawing all sort of attention and curiosity toward his mysterious boyfriend.

Deku from Deku Explains is a hopeless chatterbox who is known for uploading 20-30 minutes video that talked about his favorite shows and comics and have one of the most devoted following on Youtube. He also can't seem to shut up about his boyfriend Kacchan, who regularly make his presence on the channel as a disembodied voice.

They should theoretically have nothing in common except a shared platform to host their content and an army of fans with an endless curiosity and devotion to their Youtubers. Vidcon is where we lay our scene and the internet is about to get a rude wake up call.

Pairing: Izuku/Katsuki

NEW The Devil went down to Tokyo

Author: Orphaned recently, unsure if they are continuing

Rating: Mature

Status: In Progress

Summary: The creature lent down, its massive jaws opened as it crooned out the words; “You see me, child?” It’s voice was as soft as a babe’s skin, yet chilling as a murderer’s heart.

But Izuku paid no mind. He giggled as he tapped the creature's rusty red horns, ignoring the fact he was facing a terrifying monster. “Of course I can silly!”

“Hmmm.” The creature said thoughtfully, its rumble like the roar of a motorbike. “This is exceedingly peculiar indeed.”

Or.

Izuku was born with a Quirk that makes him what the Americans call a 'cryptozoologist', D&D players a 'op necromancer' and everybody else a 'weird kid with little to no sense of personal space'.

Pairing:  Katsuki/Iida/Izuku/Shouto/Ochako

NEW Edna’s Intervention

Author: RoseJennison

Rating: General audiences

Status: Complete

Summary: At the end of each school year, UA hires a consultant to evaluate the costumes the first year students designed for themselves, to make sure they are both aesthetically appropriate and safe to use.

That consultant is Edna Mode.

i.e. A story where Edna Mode comes to UA and gives costume advice to Class 1A. And she isn't afraid to call people out about their questionable choices.

Pairing: Gen

Erased potential

Author: theslytherinpaladin

Rating: Mature

Status: In progress

Summary: Midoriya Izuku, determined to become a hero before ever meeting All Might, looks for another way. He might not have a quirk, but that can’t be all that being a hero is about. He has the intelligence, the drive, the determination. All he needs now is to know how to use it. Enter Aizawa Shouta.

Pairing: Gen

New A Fight to the death

Author: iknewaman

Rating: Explicit

Status: Complete

Summary: Izuku isn’t competitive by nature, but when the blond, cocky asshole from the other table’s team gets involved he suddenly becomes hellbent on winning. Rival Pub Quiz AU

Pairing: Izuku/Katsuki

NEW Finding that balance

Author: Itcamefromashes

Rating: Tenn and up

Status: In Progress

Summary: “I really don’t think we need to have this conversation right now!” Midoriya Izuku called out, his red face only making his freckles stand out more as he attempted to cover himself with his arms, “There could be a much better use of your time! Like lesson planning! Or training! Or literally anything other than this!” He gave up in hiding from view and instead lasered his focus on a crack in the school’s tile.

Pairing: Gen

NEW Free-Falling

Author: theDapperDemonicGentleman

Rating: General Audiences

Status: Complete

Summary: The quiet Slytherin boy who never participates in practical lessons turns out not to be a squib after all, which is excellent news for Ochako and her whole falling to her death situation. Although they could all probably do without the side-effects.

Pairing: Gen

NEW FUCK!

Author: LNoGame44

Rating: Teen and up

Status: Complete

Summary: Bakugou didnt know when it started. Maybe it had being going on for a while and he hadn't noticed it. But every time it happened, it sent a shock up his spine and boiled his blood. No one else reacted to it. They all continued as if their train of thought hadnt just been violently derailed and Bakugou was getting fucking sick of it.

Pairing: Izuku/Katsuki

NEW Fuck! Stay down will you!

Author: InkspillsNotebook

Rating: Mature

Status: Complete

Summary: A mission gone wrong leads to unexpected events, leaving heartbreak and realizations a bit too late.

Pairing: Izuku/Katsuki

NEW Gentle Nightmares

Author: artemancy

Rating: Teen and up

Status: in progress

Warning: child abuse

Summary: Izuku's life is a cosmic joke.

Kidnapped as a child and used as a tool for evil, all he wants is to be seen.

Punchline: With a quirk like his, that's never going to happen.

Pairing: Gen

NEW Get by with a little help from my friends

Author: SpectrumArcadia

Rating: Mature

Status: Complete

Summary: Midoriya goes into heat early and asks his childhood friend to scent him so he can safely get home without being accosted.

Pairing: Izuku/Katsuki

NEW Grief Counseling

Author: Merrywetherweather

Rating: Explicit

Status: In Progress

Summary: Katsuki remembered the first time he had failed to save someone, watched helplessly in horror as an elderly man had been crushed beneath the girth of a thrown car. He had already propelled himself forward to grab a small boy when he noticed, too late, the car fly by overhead. Two other heroes had been on the scene at the time and had assured him.

There was nothing that could have been done.

Most of class 1-A had already gone through a similar experience. The only one left with a clean track record in the rescue department had been Deku.

Well, except for today.

A slowburn fic where Kacchan tries to convince Deku to take advantage of the grief counseling provided for free to heroes experiencing their first failed rescues. Lots of flirting. Healing their relationship comes first. The romantic bit where they fall helplessly and stupidly in love comes after.

Pairing: Izuku/Katsuki

Guillotine

Author: PsychoLimbo

Rating: Teen and up

Status: In Progress

Summary: After being told by his favorite hero that his quirk would be unsuitable for hero work, Izuku takes it upon himself to become a hero by himself - without the limitations of a license. (An AU in which Izuku is essentially Deadpool with less murder)

Pairing: Eijirou/Izuku/, Izuku/Shouto

NEW How to train your shitty Omega

Author: deanvspanties

Rating: explicit

Status: In Progress

Summary: Izuku will have Bakugou's knot. He's Izuku's alpha after all.

I'm sorry for this, but I just had an image in my head of omega!Izuku destroying the school, hunting down Bakugou, and demanding his knot.

Pairing: Izuku/Katsuki

NEW How was Your day?

Author: Pt_Tucker

Rating: Teen and up

Status: Complete

Summary: "Hi Kacchan, how was your day at work?"

“YOU FUCKING PUNCHED ME THROUGH A BUILDING! THAT WAS MY DAY AT WORK!”

Pairing: Izuku/Katsuki

A hymn for destruction

Author: clenchedhands

Rating: mature

Status: In Progress

Summary: They say that if you stick a frog in pot of boiling water it will, of course, jump out. However, if you turn up the heat slowly, its senses will adapt and it will not notice until it is too late. This is what Todoroki Shouto thinks of when he hears of the new villain that has been dominating the news lately. Bakugou spoke, “I know him. His name is Midoriya Izuku. He- we though he killed himself.” (Midoriya Izuku doesn't go to UA, doesn't get One For All, and doesn't get told he can be a hero.)

Pairing: Izuku/Katsuki

If I only had a heart

Author: LunartheDragon

Rating: Mature

Status: In Progress

Summary: Being born quirkless wasn't a curse, Midoriya Izuku refused to believe that, and he would show the world through astonishing intellect, bravery, and a heart that feels for all paths he crosses that this is true. Even when damaged, ridiculed, and put down, he will be strong, for all these things are a challenge. A challenge from the very universe to become something great and change the foundation of society as he knows it.

Pairing: Gen

NEW I’ll Carry you home

Author: Renesvetta

Rating: General audiences

Status: Complete

Summary: While training with All Might, it wasn’t uncommon for Izuku to be so exhausted at the end of the day that he unwittingly fell asleep without regard for where he was. It consequently became part of All Might’s routine to help his young protégé home. During that time, Izuku may have let loose more than one sleepy confession towards his mentor.

Pairing: Gen

New The Intervention

Author: IwaizumiFanClub

Rating: Explicit

Status: Complete

Summary: Deku’s grasp was gentle but firm as he slowly guided Bakugou’s face to his front again. The look in his eyes had changed; instead of innocent, it was more assertive. . . dominating. They were still wide and unblinking, though, as if Deku was daring him to try anything. As if Bakugou even could, with his entire back flush against Todoroki’s chest.

“That wasn’t very nice, Kacchan. Do you want to try again?”

Pairing: Izuku/Katsuki/Shouto

Notes: Some really hot porn with some really good feelings

I Summoned a Demon 101: an In-comprehensive guide to Corporeal Demon Do's and Don'ts

Author: EAter

Rating: Explicit

Status: In Progress

Summary:  Midoriya Izuku was born with a quirk: the ability to summon and bind demons from an alternate plane to do his bidding. With only a few days left until the UA entrance exam and still no offensive-type demons in his arsenal, Izuku makes a desperate attempt at summoning one corporeal, a feat he had never before attempted. He'd say it was a success but, he doesn't actually know if it'll be more a help or a hindrance. Especially since Bakugou Katsuki is, well, kind of a shit.

Pairing: Izuku/Katsuki

I am cold, can you hear me

Author: midoizuku

Rating: Teen and up

Status: In Progress

Summary: As Todoroki learned from a tender age, growing up with your dad as the #2 hero in all of Japan has a few hazards--especially when you’re his designated prodigy and are constantly being goaded to do more, to be better. Said hazards include: getting dragged to literally every villainous scene to observe from the sidelines, rigorous (and sometimes illegal) training sessions, and family issues out the whazoo. But hey, at least his dad’s rival's kid is kind of cute.

Pairing: Izuku/Shouto

NEW It's not really a quirk (but yeah sure let's go with that)

Author: Asarielle

Rating: Teen and up

Status: In Progress

Summary: It had been ten years since Bakugou last saw the friend who followed him around. Since then, all he’s had are letters he was told to burn and a cryptic sense that either Deku was the coolest (and only) friend he’d ever had… or he was batshit crazy. Honestly, what's he supposed to think when he gets a letter about Deku living with werewolves? And why did he say that demons were after him? Also, how can you have a power that's not a quirk? Deku had some explaining to do, and it better be the show-and-tell kind, or Bakugou was going to explode his face off or make him sit still in one place or something.

Featuring: an Izuku who was raised in a werewolf culture, has no concept of personal space, uses a magical ability to explode things/pause time, and sometimes accidentally summons demons to his location. Throw in some Dekubowl, cuddles, crack treated seriously, and a bit of PTSD and action to balance it all out. This was originally a thought experiment into how many people Izuku can be shipped with before the Dekubowl falls apart, so it also features soulmate theory, a dash of first time romance, and a swamp of polyamory for everyone to figure out.

Pairing: Dekubowl

NEW Ignite the Ashes

Author: IceEckos12

Rating: General Audiences

Status: In Progress

Summary: The Dragon is said to be one of the worst supervillains in history. His capture and subsequent incarceration was celebrated as a resounding victory for All Might.

Less well-known was that the Dragon had a son. His name is Midoriya Izuku, and he will spend the rest of his life trying to escape the shadow that his father cast.

With his mother's loving support and All Might's careful guidance, he will become a hero.

Pairing: Gen

NEW I’m Friends with the Monsters in my closet

Author: GIOpet

Rating: Mature

Status: In Progress

Summary: Denki hunched his shoulders as he got closer to the group. Everyone was leaning in to hear what he had to say.

"So, what do you think his deal is?" He discretely nods to the blond leaving the lunchroom.

"He acts like a delinquent." Ochako says with a slight frown.

"Or maybe he's crazy." Mineta adds.

"Well, I think he's very cool." Kirishima joins in. He saw nothing wrong with the guy.

Pairing: Izuku/ Katsuki

Notes: A really good creepy story, it has such an ambiance to it and you aren't entirely sure what is going on.

In the eye of the storm

Author: CheshireButton

Rating: Mature

Status: In progress

Summary: Izuku Midoriya is a scientific prodigy seeking a cure for a rapidly spreading neurodegenerative disease. A potential clue in his research points to a fabled island, guarded by an eternal storm from which no travelers have ever returned. He navigates through the hurricane and discovers an island that is anything but uninhabited. He must adapt to survive against the natives who place intruders in three categories: warriors, mates, or meat

Pairing: Izuku/Katsuki

Izuku is afraid

Author: Sleepingugly

Rating: Mature

Status: in progress (The first story in the series is complete)

Summary: Izuku doesn‘t have a quirk. He swears. His mind isn’t always on the ocean. He lies. (He’s just maybe drowning. He promises it’s nothing.)

Pairing: Gen

NEW Leave at your own chosen speed

Author: MikkiOfTheAnbu

Rating: teen and up

Status: in progress

Summary: He learned later that Deku’s heart was broken, shaping the word “congenital” in his mouth until it made no sense. Katsuki thought it was bullshit. No one, no one, had a stronger heart than Midoriya Izuku.

(In which Izuku has a bad heart but also a really good one, and the real heroes were the friends we made along the way)

Pairing: Gen, Eijirou/Katsuki

NEW Leviathan

Author: Rest_in_RIP

Rating: Mature

Status: In Progress

Summary: Izuku's only truly used his quirk once. He was four years old.

He took thirty-two lives that day.

Now, he's sworn never to let that power possess him again. Hiding the true nature of his quirk from everyone, he hides behind the thin facade of a useless, showy quirk, refusing any and all connection to the mysterious creature recognized in a few sparse news reports as the Leviathan.

Lies don't last forever, however, and one day or another, his world will have to come crashing down.

Pairing: Gen

NEW Li2CO3

Author: dweeblet

Rating: Teen and up

Status: in progress

Summary: Izuku was born to be a villain.

This was the least he could do.

Pairing: Gen

Notes: I love, love love this fic. It features a quirkless Izuku who has a disorder where he doesn't really feel emotions. What i love about this, is instead of using this as an excuse to go kill things, he works at being good (Along with medication and a therapist). It really reminds me of a line from the movie thoroughbreds (Which you should all watch if you havent) “I don’t feel things. That doesn't make me a bad person, it just means that i have to work a little harder than everyone else to be good.”

Limerance

Author:Serie11

Rating: Mature

Status: In progress

Summary: Izuku stares at the TV. “Mum, what’s a Hero Duo?” She ruffles his hair. “It means that the two of them are soulmates. They’re stronger together, so they fight together. They support each other.” Izuku sighs dreamily at the screen. “I wish I could be part of a Hero Duo one day.” Someone who would always be there for him? It sounded like a dream come true. Then of course, Izuku finds out who his soulmate is: and his dream suddenly feels a lot more like a nightmare

Pairing: Izuku/Katsuki

Live a hero

Author: BeyondTheClouds777

Rating: Teen and up

Status: In progress

Summary: "You either die a hero, or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain." Or, you're raised a villain, rebel when you're nine, and fight against the odds to become a hero anyway. That's how it is in Izuku's case

Pairing: Gen

With Podfic by me!

Looking glass

Author: twistedthicket1

Rating: Mature

Status: In progress

Summary: Midoriya Izuku goes missing as a child. No villain is ever held accountable, no one ever brings his mother any answers. For ten years, the only people who remember the quiet, Quirkless boy are Inko and Bakugo Katsuki. They both feel his loss in different, inexplicable ways. Eraserhead's been on the hunt for an elusive villain only known by the press as 'Ghost'. No fingerprints, blood, or evidence of any kind can ever be found at the scene of the crimes. All of the villain's cases inevitably run cold. Izuku wishes he'd been born Quirkless after all. Maybe then, he could've believed in heroes. Maybe then, he could've turned into someone good.

Pairing: Izuku/Shouto

New Love Notes

Author: aideyn

Rating: Teen and up

Status: Complete

Summary: Prompt Fill: Izuku doesn't take love confessions seriously due to bullying.

In middle school it was a pretty common prank for people to leave fake love notes in Izuku's shoe locker and then stand him up (or worse) when he responded to them. In high school, Izuku is fairly popular with his peers, much to his own surprise, but when he receives his first love note his first response is, as usual, to ignore it outright, to the bewilderment of his classmates.

But his secret admirer doesn't give up, and Izuku's weak excuses for ignoring the notes piling up begin to wear thin with his classmates.

Pairing: Eijirou/Izuku

NEW Mark me up

Author: Flightless_Bird

Rating: Teen and up

Status: Complete

Summary: Katsuki's gaze cut into him again like a lightning bolt and it took Izuku a second to realize what the tilt of the blonde's head meant: come here.

Pairing: Izuku/Katsuki

A matter of perspective

Author: SkyGem

Rating: teen and up

Status: In progress

Summary: When six-year-old Midoriya Izuku is kidnapped right out of his own front yard, it takes four years for them to find him again. But the boy that comes back isn't the sweet, cheerful boy that was taken. This boy is hurt and broken, and All Might finds he can't bring himself to let go. (Or alternatively, the AU where All For One fucked up and chose Izuku as his protégé instead of Shigaraki Tomura.)

Pairing: Gen

NEW Milk and Honey

Author: Magdaleria

Rating: Mature

Status: In Progress

Summary: Izuku isn’t naïve, for all that he still wants to be a hero. He’s done his research, he’s lived with his mother day in and day out, and a part of him knows. Even if he doesn’t think he could say it out loud, he knows.

His mother isn’t going to live forever. Kaa-san loves him more than anything in the world, and he does her, and he never wants to hurt her. So he tucks her back into bed, cleans up the dishes, does his homework, and he waits.

Because he’s living for her. For now, he has to live.

He waits.

_____

A story in which Midoriya Inko is terminally ill, and becoming a hero isn't the hardest thing Izuku has ever done.

Pairing: Gen

NEW Never too old to learn

Author: iknewaman

Rating: Explicit

Status: Complete

Summary: Katsuki has only ever heard of how omegas behave when nesting, but actually seeing it happen is… educational, to say the least.

Pairing: Izuku/Katsuki

NEW NomuZuku Series

Author: TubbsTheCat

Rating: Teen and up

Status: In Progress

Warning: Human Experimentation, Suicidal ideations

Summary: The Alliance decides to go for a more subtle approach to their anti All Might weapon, abducting the child he intended to pass One for All to and turning him into one of their Noumu.

Pairing: Gen

NEW Oblivious

Author: Soulstring

Rating: Teen and up

Status: Complete

Summary: “C’mon Bakugou. Admit that you’d miss us and our cuddling nights.” Katsuki sputters and takes his hand back, hardly minding Eijirou’s dissatisfied pout. “We don’t cuddle.” “Are you sure, Kacchan? If I remember correctly, yesterday we all fell asleep on Kirishima-kun’s bed and—” “—because you know how much I hate being cold!” In which Izuku and Eijirou are having a hard time convincing Kacchan that they're all, in fact, very much in love and dating. For KiriBakuDeku Week.

Pairing: Eijirou/Izuku/Katsuki

NEW One Phone Call away

Author: saltandburnit

Rating: Teen and up

Status: Complete

Summary: “Don’t feel bad for not picking up the phone, Mom. There’s- there’s been an accident…” Midoriya Inko receives a voicemail. Yagi Toshinori a very disturbing phone call. Midoriya Izuku doesn’t know which one was worse but he was glad he could hear at least one comforting voice right then.

Pairing: Gen

NEW The Path to Villainy

Author: Greyliliy

Rating: Teen and up

Status: Complete

Summary: Against his will, Izuku has transferred to U.A.’s General Studies program in order to spy for Shigaraki and his League of Villains. It’s a warped version of his old dream, but at least Kacchan is there. (It's a shame that only makes things worse.)

Pairing: Izuku/Katsuki

Notes: I really like both of the stories in this series. It has a sort of reluctant villain Izuku who is def Yandere for Katsuki. This series follows his fall.

NEW Persephone

Author: nikk_pfefferneuse

Rating: Teen and up

Status: In Progress

Warning: Medium character death

Summary: "Stop killing my dad's tulips, stupid!"

The boy looks up, and Katsuki is greeted with the biggest, greenest eyes in the whole entire world. Round baby cheeks dotted with freckles. Petals in his hair.

The air is stolen from his lungs. Words leave him. The world stops moving.

Pairing: Izuku/Katsuki

NEW put a bullet (where I should've put a helmet)

Author: canlah

Rating: Teen and up

Status: Complete

Warning: PTSD, Depression

Summary:  Midoriya Izuku has a very high pain threshold. It's useful, until it's not.

It isn't until Izuku reaches his breaking point that he realises he doesn't have to carry this pain by himself.

Pairing: Gen

Put the meat on my bones

Author: wonduhwoman

Rating: Explicit

Status: In Progress

Summary: “Dude,” Kirishima said, “How much did he tip you?” Katsuki glanced down at his hand clutching the money, “Two-hundred bucks.” Sero whistled low. “What’s this?” Yaoyorozu asked, stealing the slip of paper off the bar before Katsuki could protest. She unfolded it, eyes widening, “He gave you his number, Bakugou! He even drew a winky face next to it!”

Pairing: Izuku/Katsuki/Ochako

A path to trace

Author: aquaticflames

Rating: Teen and up

Status: In Progress

Summary: Everyone on the planet is assigned a cell phone at birth, personalised to the owner and carrying their life in its small casing. On an hourly basis, new words appear on screen, notifying the user of the key events their soulmate will encounter within that timeframe. Misplace it and risk losing contact with your soulmate forever. Break it and you die- it's really that simple.

Pairing: Izuku/Shouto

NEW Phantom Be Still in My Heart

Author: widdlewed

Rating: Teen and up Audiences

Status: Complete

Warning: Major Character Death

Summary: Bakugou Katsuki's world was ripped apart, tossed to the wind as nothing but scraps of what it once was. Left with a suffocating weight of guilt, remorse, and self-hate, Katsuki struggles to continue living in a world where Heroes can't save those who need it the most.

Pairing: Gen

NEW Play it cool

Author: warschach

Rating: Teen and up

Status: Complete

Summary: Izuku accidentally becomes Katsuki's secret cuddle buddy.

(or that time Izuku and Katsuki snuggle on real pretenses then false ones, each finding a way to poorly miscommunicate their emotions cause what do these boys do aside of making carters in infrastructures and in each other, make the whole class of 1-A weep for them, and manage a romance to bring Ryan Gosling to the brink of tears.)

Pairing: Izuku/Katsuki

NEW Quirkless

Author: InkHound

Rating: Mature

Status: In Progress

Summary: Izuku's heartbroken at the tender age of four— the doctors have confirmed he is quirkless. But the truly crushing blow is when not long afterward, little Izuku has a chance meeting with his number one hero; All Might, who tells him that without a quirk, he can't be a hero (it's just too dangerous).

Later that night, Izuku is watching his favorite All Might video in a daze. He puts the question to his mother; can he still be a hero, without a quirk? He watches as she freezes up, pale-faced and wet-eyed before she rushes to his side and speaks in a trembling, tear-filled voice;

"Oh baby, my sweet baby 'zuku," she says through her tears, "Of course you can."

And everything changed.

Pairing: Izuku/Katsuki

Quirk: the gamer

Author: pinchess07

Rating: Mature

Status: Abandoned

Summary: [Welcome to your life: THE GAME!] Today is your fourth birthday, and you just activated your quirk, [The Gamer], for the first time! Congratulations! [The Gamer] This is your Quirk! They say that there's a microscopic chance of developing a quirk that's entirely unrelated to your parents' quirks, but no one really knows where quirks came from, so what do they know? Just accept this gift from the gods! It comes with two initial Skills: [Gamer's Body] Passive. Lv. Max. Grants a body that allows for the user to live the real world like a game. After sleeping in a bed, HP and MP are restored and all status effects are removed. Injuries will result in pain and a decrease in HP but won't result in physical damage. Depleting MP down to 0 results in [Fatigue]. Depleting HP down to 0 results in a loss of consciousness. [Gamer's mind] Passive. Lv. Max. Allows the user to calmly and logically think things through. Grants immunity to [Confusion], [Panic], [Rage], and [Fear].

Pairing:Midorya/Bakugo

Quirk Type: Memento Mori

Author: RoseJennison

Rating: General audiences

Status: In progress

Summary: Izuku wasn't sure what his quirk type would be called. He'd never heard of anyone else having a quirk like this, so it would probably have a category all to itself. 'Memento Mori' seems like a fitting type name. 'Remember Death'. With his quirk, it's important to remember that all things must die. Because if one individual denies death for too long, another must take their place. Pushing Daisies AU- in which Izuku has a quirk that allows him to bring dead things to life with a touch. The catch is that they will go back to being dead if he ever touches them again. Plus, if he keeps them alive for too long, another similar life will be taken in their place.

Pairing: Izuku/Hitoshi

Roots

Author: HunterOfTheWild

Rating: Teen and up

Status: In Progress

Summary: To be a hero, that is Izuku's only wish. But then why does he dream of green canopies and fragrant blooms? Why do his limbs creak and tremble, and why does Kacchan's quirk scare him so? Izuku will have to dig his roots deep if he wants to become a hero

Pairing: Izuku/Katsuki, Izuku/Shouto

Registered quirk: open heart

Author: Liketolaugh

Rating: Teen and up

Status: In Progress

Summary: Inko liked to say that Izuku had always, in a way, had his quirk. From the time he was born, she told him, he’d cried when others cried, laughed when others laughed, and had a way of knowing when something was wrong. Sometimes when she was upset, he’d tug on her skirt, smile, and say, “Happy please!”

Pairing: Gen

NEW The Small claim of bones

Author: jurassicqueer

Rating: Mature

Status: In Progress

Summary: When Izuku is five he kills his father.

He had wanted to be a hero but that dream was crushed- butchered when he and his mother were waiting in the hospital, when the doctors announced that Hisashi had died hours ago. When Izuku had ripped his father’s heart apart in his chest, killed him before he knew he was dying, a future as a hero had ended. That was the first and last time Izuku would ever use his quirk on another person.

But fate has other plans, and against the forces of destiny, Izuku hasn't a chance.

Pairing: Gen

NEW Soft

Author: IfItHasAFandomImAPartOfIt

Rating: General audiences

Status: Complete

Summary: For BNHA Cuddle Week Day 1!

Kirishima really likes having Midoriya's attention on him. It doesn't happen often but.... He has his attention now though, and having Midoriya next to him, focused on him, makes his chest swell with too many feelings.

Pairing:  Eijirou/Izuku/

NEW Soft Spots

Author: Saysi

Rating: Explicit

Status: Complete

Summary: Midoriya and Bakugou don't have the best of relationships - except when they find themselves alone.

Bakugou quickly finds himself developing a soft spot for the nerd.

Happy birthday Midoriya!

Pairing: Izuku/ Katsuki

Something borrowed

Author: ThisCat

Rating: Teen and up

Status: In Progress

Summary: Izuku wants to be a hero. There's nothing in the world he wants more than to be a hero, no matter what anyone says, his teachers, his classmates, or even Kacchan. He's going to be a hero. Even if his quirk is what it is. Even if he's limited to slight sensory abilities 90% of the time. Even if his quirk in action is the quintessential villainous ability. He's going to be a hero, and he's going to find a way to do it without pushing anyone else down. Somehow.

Pairing: Gen

Something like a star

Author: realisticallycynical

Rating: Teen and up

Status: In progress

Summary: “An empathy quirk, huh?” It’s clearly a hypothetical question, though the monotone way he says it makes it sound more like a statement. “Unusual, but it explains why you’re up here.” There is… so much about that statement that doesn’t make sense.

Pairing: Gen

Standing in awe of death

Author: Ramabear

Rating: Explicit

Status: the series is still in progress, but a lot of the individual stories are completed

Summary: Katsuki drives Izuku over the edge and, together, they discover Izuku wasn't quirkless after all. Rekindling their childhood friendship, Katsuki and Izuku begin to test out the limits of Izuku's incredible new quirk. It is a very messy process.

Pairing: Izuku/Katsuki

NEW Triangle series

Author: crabapplered

Rating: explicit

Status: the series is in progress, but the first story is complete

Warning: Dubious consent (Would have been non con, but the parties aren't exactly aware of what they were doing)

Summary: Midoriya and Todoroki get hit by a quirk that triggers heats and ruts. In the 48hrs that follow, the secret that Midoriya has kept hidden is painfully revealed. Both Todoroki and Iida must find a way to keep him safe without hurting him further...and they'll need Bakugo's help.

Pairing: Iida/Izuku/Shouto, past Izuku/Katsuki

A trip up no memory lane

Author:  acernor

Rating: Explicit

Status: Complete

Summary: Midoriya loses his memory to a villain's quirk in senior year and re-meets his classmates for the first time. With 20x the confidence, he takes absolutely 0% of Bakugo's shit, and pushes back when Bakugo tries to push him around. Bakugo likes it.

Pairing:Midorya/Bakugo

NEW United in the storm

Author: theslytherinpaladin

Rating: Mature

Status: In Progress

Summary: Midoriya Izuku may have saved All Might during the attack at USJ, but in doing so he attracted the attention of the League of Villains. Unable to strike at All Might directly, the League decides to focus on a much easier target. Afterall, how can they ignore someone so completely undefended?

Pairing: Izuku/Shouto

Until you come back home

Author: dandelion_weed

Rating: Teen and up

Status: It is a series that is still in progress, but the stories are stand alone and could be seen as complete

Summary: Saturday finds Katsuki in front of Izuku's apartment, holding a box of expensive snacks for afternoon tea in one hand and Izuku’s goddamn poster in another. In his backpack are his change of clothes and toothbrush for the sleepover. He’s ready for war. --- Katsuki tries his hand at apologizing, being a better friend, and maneuvering both his life and growing feelings for Midoriya Izuku, and succeeds with extreme damage to his pride.

Pairing: Izuku/Katsuki

Victim of circumstance

Author: Chalcet

Rating: Teen and up

Status: In Progress

Summary: When you're a Quirkless orphan on the streets, you have to fight twice as hard for just about everything. Survival. Respect. Allies. Most of the time, you're just barely scraping by. And, for that matter, so is everyone else around you. So Izuku does what he does best: he helps. Sometimes that means mediating gang disputes; other times, it's something as simple as grocery shopping. It's not like anyone else will, after all. With so many hopes riding on him, there's only ever been one option. Quirk or no Quirk, UA or no UA—he's going to become a hero.

Pairing: Izuku/Katsuki

Vicious

Author: feelslikefire

Rating: Explicit

Status: In progress but only one more chapter to go

Summary: Midoriya and Bakugou wind up in the very last position either of them thought they'd be in: Hero Partners. It's not fun, but they learn to cope. Their first big assignment together takes them undercover to infiltrate a cult, but the situation turns out far more sinister than they first thought. (Or: Midoriya and Bakugou pretend to be Fake Married, join a cult, start having sex, and learn not to suck as partners, not necessarily in that order.)

Pairing: Midorya/Bakugo

A wallflower’s thorns

Author: A_ToastToTheOutcasts

Rating: Teen and up

Status: In Progress

Summary: Maybe one day he'd be unafraid to tell people that he existed. Stand tall and announce that he was, in fact, there. For now though, he was more than content going day to day, weaving past his classmates and having them none the wiser. (Aka where Izuku does, in fact, have  have a Quirk, it's just that no one notices)

Pairing: Izuku/Shouto

We can all be heroes

Author: Amandyalmonds

Rating: Teen and up

Status: In progress

Summary: Izuku wanted a lot of things. To not be quirkless, to save lives, for Kacchan to act like his friend again. But as the years went by, none of these things happened, until he started running into the now-graduated class of 1-A. Or, Izuku listens to Kacchan's bullying and doesn't apply to U.A. He still wants to save lives. So instead of becoming a pro-hero, he becomes a paramedic.

Pairing: Izuku/Shouto

What I am

Author: vanabean

Rating: Mature

Status: In Progress

Summary: "Shouta can see it even as it lays dormant. It curls alongside the darkness, their tendrils caressing the shadows like a doting parent. He watches the power ripple in Izuku’s dark irises like pulsing lighting, sees the flash of something dark and hungry hidden in the murky depths of his pupils. If Shouta hadn’t already heard the kids calm, sweet voice, and his polite way of speaking, he would think the child was from some twisted part of Hell."

Pairing: Gen

With what was left behind

Author: C_AveryWrites

Rating: teen and up

Status: In Progress

Summary: When Izuku was eleven years old, All Might had announced he was a guest speaker at an event being held at a local college, and Izuku had begged and begged his mother to take him until she gave into his pleading. That was the happiest day of Izuku’s life. To be able to meet his idol in person, to hear him speak about what it was like to be the Number One Hero, about the things he felt on and off the job, about his life as a person behind the smile that defined All Might. It’s something Izuku will never forget. *** Midoriya Izuku was born insignificant in a world where those who were extraordinary prospered. The world around him was special, basking in the radiant sunlight of a bright future while he was caught in their shadows, destined to live an empty life without meaning. That was before he met Tsukauchi Naomasa, and certainly before he met U.A. Hero Course Class 1-A.

Pairing: Ejiro/Midorya

NEW Yesterday Upon the stair

Author: PitViperOfDoom

Rating: Teen and up

Status: In Progress

Summary: Midoriya Izuku has always been written off as weird. As if it's not bad enough to be the quirkless weakling, he has to be the weird quirkless weakling on top of it.

But truthfully, the "weird" part is the only part that's accurate. He's determined not to be a weakling, and in spite of what it says on paper, he's not actually quirkless. Even before meeting All-Might and taking on the power of One For All, Izuku isn't quirkless.

Not that anyone would believe it if he told them.

[fanfic-scribbles]

02. Leaves

A/N: Ugh, these were all supposed to be drabbles of about 500 words. So far I am not setting a good precedence for myself. Nonetheless, here is prompt (and part) two. Apologies for whatever fuckery happens with the tenses; present tense is surprisingly difficult for me to do. But practice makes perfect.

Warnings: Swearing. Fluff. Gabriel being a good friend as Gabriel determines what a good friend is. Pining.

Why why why did I think this was a good idea?!

The morning is surprisingly filled with regret, considering how painfully sober you are. You’re also painfully antsy and restless to boot– both of which are, technically, Castiel’s fault. Dean’s shoulder had gotten messed up on the last hunt. But when Dean had called Cas to heal him, the angel had taken one look at the group of you, (apparently looking quite ragged after three weeks of nonstop hunting), and told Dean to rest it, that he would heal it in a week. Dean had balked, Sam had thanked Cas and stumbled into bed, and you had stood there, blinking in surprise as Dean and Cas had argued over what really counted for ‘Dean’s own good’ before you had shuffled off to bed, conflicted.

That was three days ago. Since then Cas has popped in at least every morning, if not more than once a day, to make sure Dean isn’t in any pain. He and Dean bicker like only the best of friends can and normally it’s fun to watch. Cas being petulant and stubborn with you is annoying. Cas being petulant and stubborn with anyone else is hilarious and adorable. Today, though, the thought of interacting with Cas first thing in the morning has sent you into a panic, so you bugged off for a walk and now here you are, stomping through the woods without anything really to do, kicking your way through piles of leaves.

Well…there’s an idea. You stop and look around. Your lips quirk into a smile and you start shuffling leaves into a slowly growing pile. You scrape them with your boots to make sure there are no bugs or spiders living in or under them, because that’s a mistake you never need to make. During the process you find a branch with enough sticks left on it that it makes a fairly decent rake/broom, and before long you have a very respectable, grown-up sized pile.

You're about to leap into the fruit of your labor when a familiar, level voice says, “What are you doing?” You turn and the look on Castiel’s face is…

You’ve always done your best not to laugh at any of Castiel’s questions about humanity because it can be overwhelming, even to other humans, and you never want to scare him away from asking entirely. But now, the way he’s looking at a harmless pile of leaves– he’s so confused that he’s angry, like he’d just as soon smite the foliage as look at it, and you can’t help but double over. That annoyance turns to you, but because you know he’d never hurt you, you grin at him. “Hey, Cas. You like my leaf pile?”

He tilts his head down and looks up at you like that’s seriously the dumbest question ever, but you know him well enough that you know he’s burning with curiosity. He always wants to understand. That’s one of those things that you lo–…yes, that you love about him.

“I thought Dean was aggravating.” Cas looks at you with faint disapproval. It’s…hotter than it should be. “At least when I bar him from hunting he only sulks around the bunker and shoots at unmoving targets; he doesn’t decide to clean up a forest. Is it that impossible for you to rest?”

You laugh. “I am resting!” His gaze hardens. “Seriously, I’m not cleaning. I’m making a leaf pile.”

He still doesn’t get it, but some of the hostility fades when he squints at you. “Why?” he asks slowly, almost like he’s afraid to know this one.

“Because…” You look at the pile and then back to Cas. “Watch,” you say, and make a running leap. They’re packed in enough that you sink just the right amount. Cas is still staring in confusion so you get out, re-fluff the pile, and do it again. You do it two more times, huffing and smiling with the kind of joy that can only come from acting like a child.

“I…” Cas frowns. “I still don’t understand.”

“It’s fun!” you say. Cas looks…unconvinced. “It’s something kids do, so it’s childish, I guess, but it’s still fun as an adult too.”

“Ah.”

“Try it,” you say without thinking. At the pinch of his brow you almost take it back, but when you do think about it, it actually doesn’t seem like a bad idea.

“No- no thank you,” he says.

“Aw, come on. Just once?” you plead and something in his eyes relents. “Here, just follow my lead.” You take off in a faster run and jump just a little harder. You land deeper and laugh– until another mass lands dangerously close and you shriek.

“Did I do it wrong?” Cas looks at you for guidance. In this pile you’re semi-protected from the outside world so your heart doesn’t really slow down so much, especially when you realize his leg is touching yours and fuck, how desperate can one person be? you scold yourself. Here, though, in this quiet space, so close, this would be perfect. If you could only say…

“No, Cas, you did- it looks like you did it perfect.” You clear your throat. “You just…surprised me; I was gonna get out before you jumped in.”

“Oh. I apologize.”

“It’s okay, Cas.” The silence is awkward from the get-go and no, not now; the moment is over. Later. Maybe tomorrow. You have an entire month to buck up; so there’s no need to do it here and now and fuck this is getting even more awkward somebody really needs to say something. “So, uh, what’s- what’s the verdict?”

“Hm?” Cas asks. He turns his eyes lazily towards you and you try to hide your own eyes from those piercing bright blues.

“Jumping in leaves. What do you think?”

“Oh.” He concentrates, like this is a serious matter to be considered. “I can see why you enjoy it but I’m afraid it did not do much for me.”

“That’s okay,” you say and stand up. You offer him a hand to help him out, which he takes, and you feel emboldened by the fact that his mere touch doesn’t turn you into jelly. “But hey,” you say and lightly hit his shoulder. “At least you tried it.”

He smiles. Fuck. So much for not turning to jelly. “Thank you for inviting me to try it.”

“No problem. That’s what I’m here for.” You look down. “All the dumb human stuff Sam and Dean probably won’t do with you.”

“If it makes you smile, it is not dumb. It is worthwhile,” he says. You chuckle and smile at him, trying to be normal because that’s a general ‘you’ not you you, though you are included, and ugh, you really don’t want to be in your own head today, seriously, why are you like this you’re not twelve anymore.

“I need to be going. Have fun,” he says and turns. You allow yourself one moment of pure longing before he is gone in a flutter of wings. Alone in the woods, you sigh.

Something big crashes into your pile of leaves and you put your hand on your knife.

“You know, if you looked at him like that when he could actually see you, even my oblivious, emotionally stunted baby brother might catch a clue.”

You roll your eyes and turn to see Gabriel lounging in your leaf pile like it’s the world’s biggest and comfiest beanbag chair. Despite his words, you smile at your friend. “Gabriel.”

He says your name, just as mock-serious before he grins and hops out in a way that defies physics. Because Gabriel. “So…” he says, circling you like a predator. “When are you going to tell Castiel that stern lectures and squinting make you all weak in the knees? Do you need some help?”

“No,” you say immediately, knowing exactly what Gabriel means by that and your ‘do not want’ meter is at its max. “No, I don’t need help. I’m going to tell him.”

“When?” Gabriel asks, obviously disbelieving.

“This month,” you say resolutely. He stops in front of you and offers you a wrapped candy of some sort, but you wave it off and he shrugs and pops it in his mouth. “I gave myself a month. I have to tell him by November 1st.”

“I see.” He looks unimpressed. “And what happens if you don’t?”

“Uh…” You haven’t thought of that. You just figure failure isn’t an option. “But I will.”

He rolls his eyes and– “Don’t look at me like that,” you say, offended and unnerved by the dramatics going on with his face.

“Honestly sweetheart, you’ve been smitten for years and haven’t confessed yet. Just because you gave yourself a timeline now doesn’t mean jack if you don’t have incentive,” he says.

“Thanks for the vote of confidence,” you grumble, a little hurt.

Gabriel waves his hand and he smirks. “Luckily, I am the king of incentive.”

You really, really don’t like where this is going. “Gabriel–”

“Yup, motivation, that’s exactly what you need!” Gabriel throws his arm around you and tugs you in close. “So…if you haven’t confessed by midnight on the first of next month, I will trap you and Castiel in a pocket dimension and keep you there until you do confess.”

You gape. “Gabr-!”

“Yeah, I know, it’s a little uninventive but I’ve got a month to work out the details.” His eyes are shining with delight as he pulls away. “Maybe I’ll get a movie screen and replay all those doe-eyed stares you’ve sent him over the years.”

You groan. “Gabe!”

“I can even pull in the Winchesters for testimonials about how love-sick you’ve been.”

“Gabriel!”

“It’s okay, it’s no trouble at all. What are friends for!” he says and pats your cheek. “Remember– one month!”

You open your mouth, not sure what you’re going to say but certain it’s going to involve a string of swear words and choice insults, when you are suddenly alone yet again. Whirling around you see no trace of that delightful archangel whom you absolutely don’t want to pluck like a holiday hen, no siree. Alone (really, actually this time), you groan to the ever-unhelpful heavens.

One month. No problem. Right.

[grandedameaupair-blog]

> Breaking In

Karkat Ampora

Kanaya? In your hive? Aw hell no! You didn’t invite anyone in, you don’t want anyone in!

    You shoot upright in your slab, where you were previously asleep on top of the unmade velvet covers, tossing your palmhusk to the side. You find yourself feeling somewhat grateful that you fell asleep in last’s nights clothes, affording you the convenience of jumping straight into your shoes and darting off in a hurried march to find Kanaya, wherever the hell she may be. You look a disheveled mess; your thick, plum back hair is all over the place, still full of last night’s gel and your fine-thread periwinkle dress shirt is rumpled and half-untucked from your slate grey slacks, but general dishevelment isn’t exactly uncharacteristic of you so it’s highly unlikely to raise any eyebrows. Typically, you would prefer to get a night’s basic grooming in before getting into a certain shouting match with someone, but you suppose that is not a luxury you shall be afforded this evening.

    You dash through the wide halls, of which there are very many, into the enormous kitchen, where Kanaya kindly assured you she would be rooting through your pantry—through your fucking pantry, without permission.

    You slide in, the rubber of your oxfords squeaking against the tiled floor as you catch her in the act. Your face is flushed purple and you are short of breath (running all the way to the kitchen from the far end of the south wing in five minutes is no mean feat). Panting, you point a firm finger in her direction.    

Given the circumstances, we’ll forgive you for failing to call forth your usual linguistic eloquence.

    “Hey!! What the hell?!!”

Kanaya Leijon

It's not as if you'd made any attempt to hide from your unwilling host. You'd already started sweeping and dusting a few of the rooms the day before, albeit with not much sleep rewarded to you for your efforts. In your mind, you'd already made your presence known in the bare, dusted footprints on the floor.

So, of course, when Karkat comes running in to the kitchen, you don't stop to think that maybe you had done more than a little trespassing.

"Good evenin', Karkat!" You stand on the very tips of your toes and pull down what seems to be old containers of tea in very fancy pouches. You turn to him as you go through them, smelling them until you find one that isn't plain to your senses.

"I was just about to make us some food. Tell me, what would you like to eat? I'm not terribly familiar with some of this equipment, but I promise you that I learn with a freefowl's swiftness."

Then you turn to go back to your search, your long plum of dusted white feathers dragging on the floor behind you.

Karkat Ampora

“Kanaya!” You hiss, plainly ignoring her question. “How—“ you look over your shoulder, as if in the direction of the front door many more hallways down, out of breath, in a proper tizzy. ”How did you even get in?”

    Kanaya stands before you, cool as a cucumber, composing herself as if you begged for her to be here and she is obliging out of the kindness of her own heart—nay, she exudes a calmness and presumptuous familiarity that would suggest she has been here, for always, since the dawn of time, longer than you have. You march past her and shoulder yourself carefully between she and the pantry, shutting the doors defensively and gazing in a kind of terrified awe. Your gate was locked. So was your front door. With different keys.

    Your unintentionally half-popped collar flutters in the breeze of your exasperated, mildly horrified breathing as you look over your shoulder at her, hands still on the pantry doors, following her around the kitchen with your eyes.

    “How long have you been here??”

Kanaya Leijon

"Oh, it wasn't that hard," you start, undermining your own exhaustion and the soreness of your feet. "You say that as if it were some impossible feat!"

When he worms his way between you and the pantry, you almost huff in disapproval. "If you wanted something else, Karkat, you could've said as much--"

And then he asks how long you'd been here. You stop, holding some tea and spices, and stop to actually think about it.

"... A day or so? Why, hadn't you noticed?"

His fear, although not completely overlooked by you, makes you more confused than anything. It's not as if you'd gone out of your way to hide from him.

Karkat Ampora

Your eyes are wide, thick eyebrows raised, flabbergasted. Surely, she must grasp that this is breaking and entering, right? She’s obviously just being obtuse… right? The not-so-nuanced nature of this situation cannot possibly be lost on her… right?? You will attempt to ignore her troubling insinuation that breaking into your hive is easy.

    “No, Kanaya,” you say, your typically deep voice unusually reedy with exasperation. “I did not ‘notice’ that you were here. It is a very. Big. House.”    

“Did you not think it appropriate to drop me some kind of heads up? One eentsy little good old ‘in the neighborhood, thought I’d drop by!’ One tiny shred of forewarning? Even, perhaps,” you gasp facetiously, “a request for permission to visit? Hmm?”

    You are leaning forward in her direction as you speak to her, reflexively straightening out your unbuttoned collar and quickly nearing your wit’s end.

Kanaya Leijon

Unlike Karkat, you don't lean back. You keep your eyes steady on his. He seems stressed. Perhaps this hive is too big for him to keep track of who and what comes through. It's something you'll have to think more on later, as the conversation moves onward.

In a voice too calm, too certain, you answer him very simply: "It was the will of the spirits. I cannot deny them."

Karkat Ampora

Oh good fucking god almighty. Your hands reach up to meet your face and you drag your palms laboriously down your anguished expression, a painful groan suspended in the back of your throat.

    “I am certain that seems to you a perfectly valid reason for breaking into someone’s hive, but I believe even the spirits’ all-mysterious will could have taken a momentary back seat to a simple request for audience.”

    You sigh, leaning back against the wall, out of the way of the pantry. You have momentarily calmed down a bit.

    “For fuck’s sake, Kanaya, it’s not like I would have told you no, but I like to have the option of controlling who comes in and out of my living space, be they friends or otherwise. I really shouldn’t have to tell you this, but privacy is not a resource I come by frequently, and I happen to greatly value the sanctity of my personal space.”

    You stick your hands in your pockets casually. “How long are you planning on staying?”

Kanaya Leijon

A few nods of agreement from you doesn't change things for what they are: you were ordered to come here for him and you must stay for as long as you're told. That said...

"I hadn't been given a time, unfortunately." You set the spices and teas on the table and go looking through over nooks and crannies for what else might be offered to eat here. You find a lot of alcohol and fancy glasses more frequently than you find fresh food, which worries you more than a little bit. "I had said the spirits had decided I should come here, and I must stay until they deem fit to leave. It's quite a good deal out of my hands, as you can see."

Karkat Ampora

Your expression becomes troubled again in a hurry. What the hell is that supposed to mean??

   “Kanaya, I-- No! I do not see that it is out of your hands! It is perfectly, neatly, one hundred percent within your hands to recognize and respect my fucking boundaries—which I do, in fact, have, although everyone around me seems to forget this!!”

    You look at her pleadingly, voice thin, hands open and out before you. “I mean, come on, we’re talking like a weekend, maybe a week, here, right?? You haven’t—“ you laugh, partially from the absurdity, and partially from fear. “ You haven’t started moving your things in, right?” You say this as a joke, which you pray is exceedingly obvious. You are not sure if she would take that notion as a joke. You are never sure with Kanaya.

Kanaya Leijon

"Oh! Nope, everything I have is already here!"

You place a can of food into his open palms.

"I've already got a new alter set up in a room out of the way -- Don't worry, I've cleaned it, myself -- and I'm ready to get started with regular house duties as needed! I think I should work on the bottom floor first, then move to the front half of the lawnring, attend to the attict -- Oh! Do you have empty chests I can move things into while I clean? It's going to take some moving around to get this all as clean as it needs to be."

Karkat Ampora

You think your jaw may actually hit the floor when she says this. Your thin veil of composure cracks entirely.

”KANAYA!!! I DID NOT GIVE YOU PERMISSION TO MOVE IN TO MY FUCKING HOUSE!!”

    “What is-- why would you—on what planet is moving onto somebody’s property without asking an acceptable thing to fucking do?!! Kanaya, I need time alone, I need to have at least one place in the whole world I can fucking be alone, you don’t understand what it’s like having eyes on you all the time, I can’t do this, you can’t live here, you can’t—“

   Unceremoniously, your expression of sheer panic drops. You straighten back up, brows furrowed in dawning concern.

    “… Kanaya, did something happen to your hive and coven?”

Kanaya Leijon

"It's not a coven ," you say in a disciplinary tone. "And nothing happened. Just. Spirits! Doing as they do. Who really understands those spirits, anyway?"

You... are lying. On your clothes, if Karkat looks closely enough, are signs of fire damage. Your skirt is blackened with char at the already torn edges, and blotches of your body can be seen still healing from the burns you'd gotten on that night.

"Besides, it doesn't matter! Things change, it's not like I'm not used to leaving places." Oops, there's a bit of bitterness there. "In any case, I'll make sure to stay out of your way! I have my own work cut out for me, now, so you won't even notice I'm here!"

Karkat Ampora

“I’m not—“ you falteringly begin, voice a mixture of exasperation and concern, “letting you fix my hive alone, Kanaya, you don’t have to do all this, I—“

    Her chopped tone is telling. You may not be a psychic, but you are a socialite, and you know a bad lie when you see one. You’ve told plenty of them yourself.

    You put your hand gently on her arm, and look into her eyes, the harshness of your tone fading away to gentleness and concern.

    “Kanaya, if you need help, you can just tell me. You could have just asked and I’d be happy to give you a place to stay until you got on your feet. It’s a big hive, we could live in the same walls and be acres away from each other. You don’t have to fiddle with all this bullshit about fixing the hive up and obeying spiritual demands. You’re my friend, I’m not gonna let you just starve on the street. It’s okay to ask for something if you need it. No spiritual service obligations required.”

Kanaya Leijon

You blink at him, and let the words sink in just long enough to be annoyed with them before pulling away.

"I don't need help," you snap at him. "Nor can I simply ignore their whims. In either case, I'm staying and doing as I'm told to do, regardless of who takes fancy to my actions."

You're not very good at hiding your anger. As you search and take out food, your movements are much sharper, much quicker and less concerned with being gentle with the old hive and all it holds. Thuds, laps, harsh clinks and the stomping of feet surround you and your growing tension.

"Now. Do you want to pick what to eat, or not?"

Karkat Ampora

You could tell her that she has no need to be embarrassed, it’s a cruel world that does terrible things to the trolls in it and being affected by that is no shame; you could flip around and continue begging her to have the slightest bit of respect for the last remaining shreds of privacy you hold so very dear. Clearly, neither of these things will be productive. Kanaya is in a state of emergency, and this is her way of trying to deal with it on her own terms. You are no stranger to putting up walls of illusion in order to feel okay with the mess your life has become. You’ll let her have it. No need to poke at a wound that is clearly still fresh.

    You would rather not have an intruder in your house, but clearly neither of you are in a comfortable situation here, and even if Kanaya decided to live out the rest of her days here you would still be left with hundreds of thousands more sweeps to wallow in your dourness and solitude after she was gone. You lean against the kitchen island and sigh.

    “The master’s bedroom over the courtyard… I don’t like it. It’s too big for me, and it overlooks that creepy overgrown skeleton garden. Hate it, truly. I prefer the seaside guest bedroom. You can take it. Should fit all your stuff and then some.”

     You turn around toward her and point. “But you don’t have to clean anything. I don’t keep servants, I’m not about to start.”

    “You can pick the meal, I’ll eat whatever.”

Kanaya Leijon

A few tense seconds pass as you listen to him. After you recognize his resignation with your presence, you let yourself relax as you continue your fussing. The kettle you'd forgotten about completely until now gently whistles and quickly becomes impatient with it's own steam. After a quick rummage in the fridge, you take out some eggs and some questionable looking vegetables.

"I never said anything about being your servant," you sigh, a smile back on your lips, "but I do appreciate the more official offering of board. Though, I suppose now it's less a matter of being a servant and more a matter of keeping a home clean, hmm?"

You pull up a pan -- where'd you get that pan? -- and place it on the stove, quick to heat it and just as quick to put the eggs in.

"Tea will be ready in five, deary. Get yourself neatened up a bit, you look like you've had quite a day."

Karkat Ampora

“It’s fine,” you reply, ignoring that the movement of your breath is enough to kick up dust in all but just about five usable rooms of your ancient gothic manor. “It’s clean enough.” Your ability to wave off the depth of your stagnation is nothing less than impressive.

    She waves you off to go freshen up not unlike a lusus telling it’s charge to wash their hands before a meal. You roll your eyes, in more a grumpy, friendly way than a truly exasperated one.

    Privately agreeing that you do look a bit rough, you excuse yourself to do as she asks, but just as you walk out the door you poke your head back in.    

“Hey,” you say, flatly as you can. “… Thanks for the meal.”

[phandictioned]

can i request a prompt? a generic dan and phil like each other but they don't know that the other one does but their friends louise and pj do and they set them up and get them all dressed up and dan and phil are just really confused but pj gets phil ready and louise gets dan ready and then they meet up? thanks!!

Here you go! It turned out so much longer than I thought. Hope it’s not too long for you though it is a lot of dialogue. Hope you like it! Thanks so much for the request!

AO3 Link

Blind Date

“This is getting ridiculous.”Louise rolled her eyes and crossed her arms at the restaurant table. Across fromher PJ shook his head and groaned. Louise couldn’t help the smile and lightlaugh that escaped her though. They’d just finished having lunch with Dan andPhil. It had always been obvious to everyone that the two were inseparable,connected at the hip, and head over heels for one another. That is, everyoneknew it except for the two boys themselves.

Both Dan and Phil had come to PJand Louise separately to confess their attraction for their flat mate. And bothhad seemed utterly at loss at what to do about the feelings they possessed fortheir friend. It seemed obvious to Dan and Phil’s friends what they should do.TELL EACH OTHER! But Phil had explained to PJ that he didn’t think Dan wouldfeel the same way about him and he didn’t want to ruin what they did have. Danhad told Louise that him and Phil as a partnership in YouTube had too much tolose. He thought that maybe their fans enjoyed fantasizing about the idea of them together but that if theyactually were together, they’d get bored and uninterested.

Either way, both of their reasonswere ridiculous. This had been going on for a couple of years. Now though, thechemistry between them had reached a supreme high. They couldn’t hide it ifthey tried. A few times Louise had almost called them out on it right then andthere. But her and PJ had agreed to stay out of it. It wasn’t any of their business.Even if it was insane to watch.

Like tonight at dinner. The fourof them had gotten together because Dan and Phil had recently returned from atrip and they wanted to hear all about it. On the way back from the trip Philhad spent a few days with his parents in Florida while Dan returned home.Alone. The boy couldn’t keep his freaking eyes of his flat mate.

Louise knew Dan well by now. She knewthat he didn’t handle being alone all that well. Even if he was in his room forhours on end, he needed to know that someone else was in the house. And thatsomeone was always Phil.

The dinner that night had beenthe first time they’d really seen each other in four days and it was ridiculouslyobvious how badly Dan just wanted to go back to the house and catch up withPhil. Probably play video games and watch anime till four A.M. PJ and Louisehad exchanged glances, rolling their eyes and grinning at the situation.

Phil had managed to keep himselftogether a bit more. Phil had come to terms with his feelings for Dan longafter Dan himself had. He was also a few years older and his practiced self-controlwas much more evident.

“That’s it.” PJ slapped the tableand stood abruptly. “We’re doing something about this.”

“Peej…we’ve talked about this. It’snot our place.” Louise sighed, knowing how frustrated PJ was.

“I don’t care! It’s time.”

“And what do plan on doing?”Retorted Louise.

“It’s not just me. You’rehelping.”

Louise called Dan the nextafternoon. “Hey lazy, what are you up to?”

“Uh…” Dan started.

“And don’t tell me it’s somethingimportant because I know better.”

Dan snorted on the other end. “Finethen. I’m unpacking.”

“Still don’t believe it.” Danwould never unpack his bag the very next day. It was going to sit there for thenext three weeks.

“Okay. I’m laying on my bed thinkingof unpacking.”

“You’re still in bed?!” Louiseexclaimed.

“Hey! Did you call to judge theway I live my life or was there something important?”

“I set you up on a date.” Louise saidsimply. It was silent on the other end of the line for a while. She smiled toherself, knowing the panic that must be going through Dan’s mind right now.

“You what?” He said monotone.

“A date. There’s someone I knowthat’s…interested in you.”

“You’re lying.” Dan statedblankly.

“No! I’m serious! They’ve likedyou for a while but seeing as you are Dan Howell, they’ve been a little uncertain.”

“So it’s a friend of yours that’sa fan? No thanks. Absolutely not.” Dan said.

“No! Mr. Cocky. They could careless about your job title and bank account. It’s more you that’s stopped them from asking. And we’re not arguing aboutthis. You’re going.”

“Louise…” Dan whined, his voice takingon a more uneasy tone. “You know how I feel about…all that.”

“All what?” Louise said, feigningignorance.

“Don’t make me say it, come on.”Dan griped.

“I just don’t understand what you’retalking about.” Louise kept up the act.

“Phil! Louise! You know how Ifeel about Phil. I’m not interested in this date. I’m sorry.” Dan sighedthrough the phone.

“Interesting. Usually if you’reinterested in someone you tell them how you feel. I mean, eventually. Certainlyif the feelings continue after nearly six years.”

“Shut up. You know why.”

“Look, Dan. Maybe after going onthis date things will make more sense. Maybe you’re feelings for Phil willclear up, or maybe it will give you the guts to say something to him.”

It was quiet for a long timeagain but Louise let Dan think. She knew not to try and push him. That neverended well when it came to Dan. She remained patient.

“Fine.”

Louise almost screamed with joy. “Thankyou! Thank you! Tonight, at seven, at the place by my house. Dress nicely! I’llpick you up.”

“Wait, tonight? Loui-!!!”

Louse hung up before he couldobject and quickly texted PJ. The fish ishooked.

Now it was PJ’s turn to callPhil.

“Hey Phil, how’s it going?”

“Hey Peej! Not bad. Sorry Dan andI didn’t stay longer last night. I think he was a little tired and anxious toget back.”

PJ almost burst out laughingright there. Phil was so oblivious. He loved his friend but sometimes PJ justwanted to shake him.  “Yeah, no, Iunderstand. Louise did to. What are you up to tonight?”

“Nothing much. We were going toplay Mario Kart but Dan forgot he had plans tonight so I was just going toorder a pizza and watch a scary movie.”

“Perfect. Would you mind going ona date with me tonight?”

“Uh…Peej…I mean, we’re friendsbut I never-”

“No!” PJ pulled at his hair. “I meant,I’m going on a date and I kind ofwant somebody else with me you know? Be my wing man maybe?”

“Oh, uh, wow, thanks for thinkingof me. Sure, I can do that.”

“Great! Thank you! You’re thebest. Just wear something nice and I’ll pick you up at six, okay?”

“Oh my god I can’t believe itactually worked. We actually got those two to agree to leave the house.” Louisegiggled uncontrollably on the phone with her partner in crime.

“To be honest, if you can get oneof them out of the house it’s not too difficult to convince the other.” PJreasoned.

“True.”

“Everything is set up?” PJ asked.

“Yup.”

“Okay then, see you at the restaurant.”

“Phil? I’m leaving!” Dan yelledback into the apartment at his flat mate.

“Okay! See you later!” Phil calledback.

Dan grumbled to himself as hestrode down the hall toward where Louise was waiting outside. He couldn’tbelieve he’d allowed himself to be coerced into leaving his precious cage. On adate nonetheless. What was he doing? If Phil ever found out he’d gone on a date, Dan would have even less of achance at telling him how he felt. Not that he’d ever have the guts anyway.

The feelings he’d had for hisflat mate had started six years ago. Maybe even before that, but that’s when he’dcome to realize them himself. And every year since his affection for the manhad only deepened. And he wasn’t naïve enough to convince himself that it wasthe affection you have toward just a friend. No, Dan wanted more. But, alas, he’dprobably be buried with that secret on his tongue. He wasn’t one for takingchances. And telling Phil how he really felt was that and more. There were somany bad things that could come of confessing to something as serious as that,both in his personal life as well as his YouTube career.

“Dan!”

Dan jumped at the sound of Louise’shigh pitched voice. She was far too excited for this.

“Mmm.” He groaned as she huggedhim tightly.

“You look lovely! That suit isperfect!” She held him at arm’s length away and admired him. “Let’s go. I’m soexcited.”

Phil left the house shortly afterhid flat mate. He figured he’d be home before Dan so he hadn’t told him that hewas going out this evening too. Though he knew Dan would worry if he came homeand Phil wasn’t there.

When they’d first moved intotogether Phil had been surprised at Dan’s neediness. He wasn’t controlling or possessive.He just got worried easily when Phil wasn’t there. Though to be fair, Phil hadgotten himself lost multiple times and needed to have his friend come find him.Dan had never minded. Now though, Phil had adjusted to Dan’s needs. He was farless social than Phil was and Phil had become accustomed to even that. In fact,his favorite days were the ones where they didn’t leave the house for anything.When he’d wake up, make breakfast and coffee and they’d sit down and watch anentire anime season or movie trilogy. Sometimes he’d even convinced his friendto watch a scary movie and that was the best because Dan became extravulnerable and needy; asking Phil to turn off the lights before they went tobed or grabbing his arm and squeezing it when the anticipation became too much.

Phil was okay with the way theirrelationship was, but he’d be lying if he said he didn’t wish there wassomething more between them. Phil had always loved the idea of doting oversomeone, making them feel special and safe. When Dan had come into his lifemuch of that had been satisfied. But his flat mate seemed completelyuninterested in any romantic life at all, with anyone. So, in fear of losingeverything, Phil had shoved his feelings down and moved on, choosing to admirehis friend from afar.

PJ picked him up a few minuteslater. Phil furrowed his brows when he saw his friend. “Oh,” he exclaimed. “Iguess I over dressed.”

“Nah, nah. It’s perfect trust me.”

“Then why are you in-”

“It’s fine. Come on, lets hurry.”PJ grabbed his arm and tugged him toward a taxi.

Dan sat at a four person tablealone. He leaned against the back of the chair and huffed as he looked aroundthe restaurant. He was grateful for the few sets of people scattered around theplace. This was an awkward enough situation let alone had he been watched by apacked full restaurant.

“Come on Louise, hurry up.” Hegrumbled. She’d gone to the bathroom forever ago. He did not want to be herealone when his date arrived. He took a careful sip of the glass of wine beforehim, instantly puckering at the bitterness. “Disgusting.”  Why had he ordered wine? He didn’t even likewine.

The entry doors to the restaurantopened and Dan saw PJ from his peripheral.

“What the? Peej, what are youdoing here?” Dan called to his friend, furrowing his brows. PJ shook his head,smiling and waving before backing back outside. Dan was just about to get tohis feet when the door opened again. Only this time…

“Phil?” Dan breathed out at thesite of his flat mate dressed in a nice black suit, almost identical to the onehe was wearing. He stood slowly as his friend approached. Phil wrung his handstogether and looked from side to side uneasily. “Phil,” Dan smiled. “What areyou doing here? Did Louise set you up on a date too?”

“H-hi. A date? Uh, no. Is thatwhy you’re here?” Phi’s eyes widened in surprise.

Dan felt himself bush in embarrassment.He scratched the back of his neck. “Yeah…”

Phil laughed lightly, cocking hishead. “With who?”

Louise appeared behind Dan,resting a hand on Dan’s shoulder and patting it. “You. Phil, you’re Dan’ssurprise date. I think you two have a lot to discus, so I’m going to leave.Have fun!” With that Louise swiftly walked past them and out the front doors.

Dan and Phil stood there, jawsdropped, eyes wide for several moments after Louise had disappeared. Slowly,Phil turned toward his friend.

“Well…” He said hesitantly.

“Yeah, well, sit. I guess.” Dancoughed and dropped ungracefully into his chair.

Both sat, they still didn’t lookat the other. They’re eyes focused one everything except the person on theother side of the table.

“We have to say somethingeventually.” Phil said quietly.

“What exactly is happening here?”Dan asked, using frustration as a cover up to face his friend.

“It would be easier if we couldask PJ and Louise but…I think I can guess. I think it has to do with me.” Philswallowed, anxiety prickling at his palms.

“You?” Dan raised an eyebrow buthis shoulders relaxed a little.

“I think this is there way oftrying to make me tell you something.” Phil finally forced his eyes upward tomeet Dan’s. He could see right through his friend who was trying to appearangry and confused. But his soft eyes told him he was…afraid? “I might haveconfessed something to PJ a little while ago…”

“Okay…” Dan tensed again. Why wasPhil acting weird? Why did he suddenly look so sad?

“I’m afraid though Dan. But I supposeour friends out there won’t let me leave until I confess to you too.”

“You’re freaking me out. Just sayit. Please.” Dan demanded.

Phil furrowed his brows at hisfriend. “I hate when you’re like that.”

“Like what?” Dan said bitterly.

“Defensive. How am I supposed totell you something with that angry look on your face?” Phil was suddenly verydetermined to not tell Dan anything. He heard his friend take a deep breath andflickered his gaze back over.

“You’re right. I’m sorry. I guessI’m just scared too. I have something I need to tell you too.”

Phil’s eyes widened. “Really?Okay then.”

“No, you first. I’m listening.”Dan rested his elbows on the table and looked Phil dead in the eyes.

“O-okay.” He took a deep breath,preparing himself for the words that were about to leave his mouth. His tonguewas dry and heavy and he was surprised when the words came out coherent at all.“I really like you Dan. I’ve liked you for a long time.”

Dan remained still and quiet forseveral moments. He wanted to be sure Phil was done speaking. It seemed he wasby the way he hung his head and played with the napkin on the table.

“Like me as in…I’m your bestfriend?” Dan asked carefully.  

“No. I mean, yes. But no. You aremy best friend but I’ve liked as you as more than that for a long time.”

“How long?” Dan pushed. His heartbeating nervously but now for completely different reasons.

Phil laughed lightly. “I don’tknow exactly. A few years…maybe more.” Dan smiled, ducking his head indisbelief. Phil looked up from the table “What? It’s not funny Dan.”

“I know it’s not funny. That’swhy I’m laughing. Phil, I confessed to Louise about six years ago that I likedyou as way more than a friend.”

Phil perked up at that, sittingstraighter and stopping his nervous finger movements. “Are you serious?”

Dan nodded fervently “Yup.”

“Why didn’t you say anything?!”Phil exclaimed, smiling broadly.

“I thought that maybe it would affectout working relationship. I just wasn’t sure how everyone would take it.”

“Our working relationship. You’re insane. That’s the last thing it wouldaffect.”

“Well hey, I’m not the only oneto blame here. Why didn’t you say anything all this time?” Dan asked.

Phil’s cheeks turned a lightshade of pink. “I didn’t know if you would ever like me like that…I know thatyou sometimes make comments about other guys being cute but I wasn’t sure. AndI doubted it would be me. I didn’t want to ruin our friendship.”

“Sounds like we’ve spent a longtime worrying about nothing.” Dan grinned and Phil smiled back at him.

“It seems so. So what now?”

Dan breathed out. “What now? Goodquestion. I guess we have a lot to talk about.”

Phil nodded. They were quiet fora moment, letting all this new information sink in. Phil looked down at table,raising an eyebrow when he saw the glass of wine Dan was spinning aroundbetween his fingers. “Why on earth did you get a glass of wine?”

Dan looked down at the glass andsnorted. “Because I thought I was going on a date and I wanted to be classy.”

“But you hate wine.” Phil pointedout.

“I know! I was trying to impressyou! Well not you but you know what Imean.”

“It didn’t work.” Phil laughed. “Also,you didn’t buy me some wine.”

“I didn’t know what the other personwould like!” Dan said, defending himself.

“Well, good thing you only haveto know what I like.”

Dan grinned, waving his hand inthe air to call the waitress over. “Indeed, I do.”

Inspire me! Tell me your prompt!