#triggering content

[klausysworld]

Hey.. Been having a rough few days mentally.. Is it possible you could write an angst/fluff fic about Klaus saving the reader from death when she tries to unalive herself..? Pills being her poison of choice.. Klaus becoming terrified he lost the one thing that truly made his life meaningful again. He uses his blood to bring her back at just the brink of time. When she's conscious Klaus holds her tightly in relief and its super fluffy at the end..?

(Triggering content‼️)

A Moment of Comfort

Klaus had taken an interest in Y/n from day one.

She was a quiet person in a loud town and it interested him.

Everyone was self absorbed, nosey, invasive and involved but she just didn't seem to care.

At first he thought she might be the sarcastic type, the one that would give little quips that made up for her mostly observant side but she just didn't care. Not about anything. He thought that would bore him but he wanted to know why. He wanted to know what she wanted, what she needed to pull some care and some love, some happiness from within her.

Klaus had watched her a little, wanting to learn about her, to know her. However she wasn't someone you could know from the outside, he needed to understand her mind, her thoughts and her feelings to ever have any idea about who she really was.

Which was how he ended up sat beside her in the grill, tracing little patterns on her arm with his forefinger and chatting her ear off for the entirety of the afternoon. Eventually he had pulled a laugh from her and it made his whole face light up to see the smile that lingered on her delicate face.

She ended up with that same slightly detached look in her eyes when she pulled her hands away and left to walk home. Klaus followed her to keep her safe before going to his own house, wondering about her.

He learnt quickly that there was something mildly wrong. Maybe something sad had happened or maybe it was just the way she had become. There wasn't something wrong per say but there was something about her that made him worry for her. He wanted her to feel safe and secure but it was clear that she didn't always have that. Klaus wanted to be her net to catch her.

But first, he needed her to like him. Just a little bit.

She started to aswell.

She liked talking to him, listening to him. He grounded her when she got lost. After a while he would invite her over to his house and she would get to appreciate the Mikaelson manor. It was void and peaceful, she liked that about his home.

Klaus had bought a new chair just for her, it was round in shape so that she could curl up like he knew she wanted to. It was a protective position, defensive and he would often wonder why she felt so scared sometimes or perhaps just unstable?

He wasn't sure how to offer the security that he had to offer. However he knew that to really protect her, he needed her trust. Their understanding needed to be mutual to build a relationship of sorts. She had to help him help her.

But Y/n didn't really know how to do that. Who does?

Klaus tried though. He would offer her affection and someone to rely on from time to time. He would hold her when he could feel that she wanted that. Sometimes she would be more hesitant but after a little while she got used to his touch and enjoyed being wrapped in his strength, it made her feel shielded from the evil of the world.

Klaus would play with her hair until her eyes got heavy and sleep overtook her sweet mind. Often whens she slept he would just hold her tight and keep her warm, very occasionally he would actually put her into his bed; usually if it was already night or if he knew she was particularly exhausted. Every now and then her eyes would be particularly tired, sometimes he wondered if she was asleep with her eyes still open. He would see her expression go blank and he would try to talk to her, bring her back but every now and then he would accept that she wasn't in with the conversation and he would try to supply a source of comfort.

She was a good girl. Klaus knew that, she was sweet and loving but she reserved it for small moments and for certain people. Klaus became one of those people.

He cared for her, he even started to love her.

She was what he looked forward to when he got home. Whether he got to physically see her (which he did usually) or if it were just a phone call, even a text conversation. Y/n was the highlight of each day and he was hers.

Each week had gotten a little easier since he had started talking to her. He wanted to see her whether she was talkative or not, happy or not. Klaus was always there for her and she loved that, she learnt to love his love and she tried to love him but she wasn't sure that she. could allow herself to.

She was troubled, some would say. Y/n had been in a pattern of lows that would absorb her life more often then she anyone could handle.

It wasn't the first time she had spiralled. Collecting pills had become a habit years ago. She would save them up, had to be enough to actually kill her, she would always worry that she needed more to really cut it.

To be honest, Klaus hadn't even crossed her mind when she twisted the cap off of the once forgotten bottle of tasteless wine that had collected its own coat of dust.

Nothing passed her thoughts, not really. She just knew what she had to do, she had thought about it for too long. The consequences wouldn't be hers, she wouldn't be suffering. That was how she had grown to look at it.

It was only after she had swallowed an uncountable amount of pills that she considered Klaus's reaction. Surely it couldn't affect him that much though, they had only known each other a few months and he was a busy man. He would be able to distract himself after a couple days. He had a family that would support him. He didn't need her.

But he did.

Klaus had been calling her on and off for hours, the first couple times she didn't pick up he thought she might've bene asleep but the fear that something deeper was wrong started to sink in.

He was in his car and at her house after the seventh missed call and he knew something was wrong.

The door was broken in within seconds and he was making his way inside, calling for her.

"Y/n? Love?" He yelled, brows furrowed as he pushed through the rooms to find her room.

Everything stopped moving when he saw her.

On the floor, leant against the side of her bed unconscious, wine spilt and staining the carpet but that didn't concern him. It was the barely beating heart in her chest and the few pills that she must've been too out of it to take.

"No no no no no" He whispered, his legs going weak causing him to crawl toward her, pulling her to him with urgency. "Oh love, it's okay" He uttered, tears welling in his eyes and his throat closing. "It's okay, I got you"

His hands lifted her head but she couldn't hold it up, her eyes wouldn't open and she couldn't breathe. He couldn't get her to breathe.

He bit into his wrist, forcing it to her mouth and tried to have his blood drip down into her system.

"Come on, come on, come on" He begged, cupping her jaw and kissing her forehead.

"Yes" He uttered when she groaned and coughed, spluttering a burst of his blood out. She gagged and he held her up, rubbing the top of her back.

She went heavy in his hold but she was alive and that's all that mattered so he just kept holding onto her. Burying his face into her hair and whispering his prayers.

"It's okay sweetheart, it's alright I have you"

His eyes stung as he clung onto her. He could see her vision returning and cupped her face gently but firmly in his hands.

"Look at me, love." he murmured, hidden desperation behind each word as she senses came to and she glanced around confused. For a split second she wasn't sure what had happened before the memory flooded in and she let out an exhausted cry. She closed her eyes and let her body stay limp, head against his shoulder whilst she breathed shallowly.

Faintly she could hear Klaus's begging whispers, she could feel his soft touch and smell his rich scent. It brought a small sense of comfort but did not stop the silent tears from slipping down the cheeks that his hands held. The press of his lips lingered for a moment on her forehead before she felt his arm slip under her knees and lift her body.

He held her to him whilst his spare hand hurriedly grabbed whatever necessities he could spot. A blanket was tucked against her and to his arm so she was shielded from the wind when they sped outside and through the streets of New Orleans. Within a moments thought they were within the warmth of the abattoir and Klaus's cologne swallowed her. She murmured uneasily as he lay her in his bed and wrapped both the sheets and himself around her, leaving her no opportunity to ever get away from him. Not that she had any desire to pull away from his hold in that moment. Waking up from what was supposed to be her death was only the slightest bit manageable with Klaus at her side.

Silently she thought about apologising but she wasn't sure it would be truthful so she remained quiet as he stroke her hair and pepper the tiniest of kisses across her face as though they were sun-kissed freckles.

"You cannot leave me like this" He whispered, his voice cracking in a way that hurt her heart and made her eyes squeeze shut. She worried he would be angry or upset with her but when his arms held her tighter and his forehead pressed to hers, and he muttered to her "I promise I will do all that I can to make you feel whatever comfort you need so long as you never attempt to leave me again", she didn't feel pressure or weight.

She content in a strange way, she felt a slight feeling of peace overcome her mind for a moment as she put as much trust as she could in his hands.

Klaus would never break that trust, he would never take away her comfort, he would never leave her alone again.

[potatomountain]

CIY CH 27

Chapter Twenty-Seven

📍Pairing: detective ateez ot8 x detective afab reader 📍Summary: "Breaking Point" 📍WC: 3.3k 📍AU: detective/mafia 📍Genre: action, dark romance, poly romance 📍Beta readers (and sole motivation): @yourfatherlucifer, @flurrys-creativity , @bunnliix, @adelusionforyourthoughts and occasionally @daemour 📍dividers by @cafekitsune banner made by me! ageless blocks will be blocked immediately if you interact with this post 📍AN: I HIGHLY recommend skipping this chapter if any of the following warnings below the cut are triggering or you are just not in a good headspace to read about a traumatizing event that befalls reader. It is not described in detail, but is described as having happened off screen. The trauma is not caused by any of the main cast, or idol representing character (i in fact refused to give him a name) masterlist | Previous | Next

📍Warning(s): extremely dark and triggering themes such as: mentions of r@pe, torture, graphic depiction of murder of minor character. Graphic details such as blood, stabbing, and talk of explosives. Kidnapping, held hostage, a somewhat cliche mafia scene with dark twists because trauma.

The bright lights woke the two men from their awkward slumber, Hongjoong being the first to lift his head despite a swollen eye. For three days of torture, the two of them were still pretty much in tact. It left Hongjoong feeling a bit… disappointed.

This was the feared Blood Hounds? The red chains around their necks were a give away, and with five of them it shouldn’t be too hard to cause some damage. So why were they mostly just bruises and busted skin from punches? The brass knuckles hurt something fierce, but aside from a dislocated shoulder all his bones were intact. He assumed it was the same for Seonghwa.

Twenty-four hour observation, no food or water but sleep was provided surprisingly. Probably to keep them coherent enough for the questioning.

And that was just as dull. Despite hunting them down, they knew so little. Didn’t even notice their connection to the law, or their full place in the Black Pirates. That was probably due to the Red Wolf that did the questioning. The man sat behind the lights, late thirties, early forties, and had his jacket open to expose his bare chest and the red wolf on his side. He even flaunted it often, making Hongjoong assume this man’s ego was bigger than the abandoned building they were in.

That was fine by him, it made it easier to play the game. “Let’s start from the beginning shall we? The black pirates are responsible for the hit on our territory a few weeks ago, correct?” The way the man emphasized ‘our’ just showed his pride over this situation. If Hongjoong had to guess, he was given this interrogation role as a test, most likely an ass kisser that worked his way up the ranks. A true coward under it all.

It made it hard not to mock him. “Not sure what you mean, please elaborate.” He licked some of the blood off his lip, tilting his head back and knocking it against Seonghwa to wake him up a bit more. The bright lights around them were annoying, but only really kept them awake now that they were. The man stood up and began to circle them, a little ticked off it seems with how harshly he glared. Hongjoong just yawned, seeming unaffected. Bored even. Because he was.

That just pissed off the wolf even more, throwing one of the lights to the ground in a rage as it broke and sparked out. “Three days we’ve been at this! How much longer are you going to keep playing this game?!” He shouted out, stomping over to Seonghwa and out of Hongjoong’s sight and gripping his hair.

Seonghwa spit in the man’s face. “As long as we want. Really, do you think you’re terrifying?” While he had a lot of bravado in his tone, Hongjoong could sense the underlying fear there. He knew his partner.

It had been three days and they weren’t sure if they had been out longer than a day. They had gone through scenarios like this dozens of times in case they were captured. Wooyoung could use his connection to the Pink Boas and as a freelancer to get out of his ties to the Pirates, something his mother had said she would always help with, but if it was any other member but Yeosang they had a plan.

Three days. That was the minimum needed for rescue. It gave Yeosang plenty of time to track their whereabouts, and the others to mobilize an extraction. It would have begun the moment there was an attack on the safe house. But Hongjoong knew it wasn’t for them that his partner was scared for, but he was sick with worry over you. Had you made it out? Did you go to Yeosang or did you run? What if you fought? Even Hongjoong couldn’t deny that was an option, knowing how feisty you could be. You weren’t the type to run anyways, but for once Hongjoong wished you were.

Sure their torture was pretty minimal but for you? A random woman in a Pirate safe house? Oh they wouldn’t attempt to question you, he knew that. He tried not to think about it though, tried not to let the unsettling feeling in the pit of his stomach bother him. The implications that they were going easy on the torture on purpose and that it might have something to do with you. The real torture was not knowing if you were safe. The hits, starvation and dehydration were nothing. The soreness of his muscles he thought would be a nice excuse to beg you for a massage. Still, none of that compared to how he was sure Seonghwa felt.

He had watched over you since day one, first like a protective mother to see what damage you would do to his nest, then you were part of it. They wanted to make it official, maybe have you spend a few nights in their bed after all this was over.

So he knew Seonghwa didn’t care about the punch the man threw, jolting to the side as it connected with his jaw. He spit out blood onto the concrete just in Hongjoong’s view, but he kept his face stone cold. He never liked when Hwa’s pretty face got hurt.

The smug look on the man’s face was just as disgusting. “Then maybe a little bit more?” He nodded to two of the men and they left the room. There was a door opening somewhere, loud bass heavy music filtering out that hummed through the concrete under their feet. “Of what? Boredom?” Hongjoong through out with a bout of dry laughter. “I’ve had more intense fucks than this. Not even a whip or paddle or a knife? Booooring.” “Don’t give him any ideas, love, he’s already struggling with his creativity.” Seonghwa added on, finally lifting his head. “I think he might make it in a kindergarten painting class now.” 

In retaliation he grabbed Hwa by the hair again, yanking him up. Hongjoong was proud of the sinful moan Seonghwa let out, resulting in their ‘interrogator’ dropping his head and stepping back with a groan of disgust. “Seriously? Are you two getting off on this?” “Hardly. It’s not rough enough.” Seonghwa hummed out, licking his lips as he turned as if to look at Hongjoong. “You do it so much better baby.” “Ugh, gross.” 

Hongjoong had took a risk that the red wolves wouldn’t use them against each other sexually, too homophobic to do any touching or raping of sorts. He was glad that the risk was paying off.

Off in the distance they could hear the door and music again, and that feeling of dread returned. 

The wolf smirked, motioning to one of the men and pointing to the lights. Hongjoong watched with a frown as the hound turned two of their lights to the door, shining on the dark hallway just outside. A spotlight for a show.

“What? Got some fancy torture machine you’re going to bring out? Really, it’s like you want to get us off.” Despite that growing pit in his stomach, Hongjoong forced the taunt out. He wanted to wipe that disgusting smug smirk off his face the second the spotlight illuminated up the three people in the doorway.

Seonghwa’s pained gasp hurt as much as the sight of you. “Angel?” Hongjoong steeled his expression, taking in the sight of you to fuel the growing rage and bloodthirst that was building. Every cute, every drop of blood, every bruise, he would pay them back tenfold. None of that mattered compared to the mental damage they no doubt did on you, as you hadn’t even reacted to Seonghwa calling out for you. Body limp as you were dragged further into “Not so cocky now?” The wolf hummed out, making his way over to you and with each step Seonghwa and he began to thrash in their chains. “Oh you really don’t want me near her? Where do you think I am when I’m not here with you?” He slid up behind you, hand running over your exposed stomach and down. 

The way you tensed and began to shake wasn’t lost on the two men, both unable to look away from the one part of your naked body they had tried so hard to ignore. When the disgusting man cupped your bloody privates, Hongjoong let out a yell, thrashing even more against the chains. They had been loosening them slowly, but now it hadn’t been fast enough.

Not when the blindfold was removed from your eyes and the dead look in them brought tears burning behind their eyelids. Not when you wouldn’t look at them, you didn’t even seem mentally there.

“Can’t say her pussy was so good that I’d fight like this for it. Maybe her mouth if she hadn’t tried to bite off my dick. Ass far too tight…” He grabbed your mouth as he talked, smearing some of the dried blood from your lips and then thrust his hips against your back. Hongjoong knew he was taunting, just rubbing in the damage he had done to you, and it was working.

Seonghwa tried calling out for you again, desperation and pain in his tone that twisted Hongjoong’s heart further. Once more you didn’t react. “You son of a bitch let her go.” He threatened lowly, throttling hard enough the studs that kept the chair in place were beginning to break. For the briefest moments they froze, the brandishing of the knife against your throat giving them pause. You didn’t even flinch, but you trembled. The fear radiating off of you was palpable. What the fuck had he done to get you like this?

Only the beating of their hearts told them time was still passing, even their breath halted, the smug look on the wolf’s face growing by the second. He opened his mouth to taunt, but all hell broke loose before he got a word out.

The next few moments rushed by quickly, all starting with Seonghwa finally picking the chain and the metal falling loosely around them. Either because he finally got it loose, or because of who they saw just in the shadows of the bright doorway. Before the wolf had time to react, the knife was pulled out of his hand and tossed to Hongjoong who caught it easily, just as a gun was thrown to Seonghwa, thanks to Jongho rushing into the room and dislodging you from the man.

Finally, just in time, the others were here. That bit of relief had the other two men moving with confidence, fueled by their rage of what was done to you.

You fell limply against Jongho’s chest as he kicked the man right into one of the spotlights. He tripped over it, both crashing to the ground, which Hongjoong took as his opportunity to pounce on the man.

He spared no mercy as he first slit the man’s throat, just a bit shallow so he would suffer, then jabbed the knife into him over and over before he could bleed out. He kept eye contact, wanting his fury known. Even long after the body was limp beneath him he kept going, Seonghwa having effectively eliminated the blood hounds with a precise bullet to each of their skulls, leaving no enemy alive.

Only his rage. One stab for each mark on you. Each bruise. Each cut. For the number of times this disgusting being had probably violated you. For the dead look in your eyes, the way you trembled.

It was all Hongjoong could do, screaming at the dead man as if it could somehow take away the pain he inflicted on you. Seonghwa had to walk over and peel Hongjoong off of the dead body, grabbing his wrist to get him to drop the knife. They shared a look, Seonghwa shaking his head and then nudging his chin in your direction. He followed, tensing up at the sight of you huddled against Jongho’s chest, holding onto his shirt with such a death grip. 

Hongjoong knew you both still didn’t trust or like each other, so it shocked him out of his rage, the pain boiling to the surface once more. Jongho was leaning against the wall, holding you to him with both arms around your back. You were laying your cheek against his shoulder, breathing heavily and uneven but seemingly dazed. Tears had started falling down your cheeks, and Jongho looked as pained as Hongjoong was feeling. “We need to get her out of here Joongie.” Seonghwa gently prompted, rubbing his lover’s back. Despite how distraught he had been moments ago, Seonghwa sounded much more clear headed now. It helped ground Hongjoong, dropping the knife. “Where… where are the others?” Hongjoong managed to get out, still panting from the excursion of, well, murdering someone brutally. Jongho didn’t even look up from you, gaze glued to your face, following each tear that fell down your cheek. “Yunho is out front with the van, Mingi is setting up the explosives on the ground floor, San and I split up and he checked the floor below us-” He stopped as he heard music, the base vibrating through the concrete, and then it stopped. “That music was louder on the first floor, we took out the guards there when it was vibrating the place…” He trailed off when they heard screams. San’s screams.

They were screams of anguish. The three of them shared a silent look of understanding before glancing at you. He must have found the room you were kept in, aware the building was currently clear of enemies if he had entered the room to begin with. Hongjoong looked at Seonghwa with a pleading look. “He’ll need you, I won’t be calm enough.” “And I would be?” He hissed out, motioning to you just to have you flinch. It was both a good and bad sign. Good that you were still, to some extent aware of your surroundings… but that meant you were probably aware of what they just did. “Angel…” He sighed, relenting as he pocketed the gun and moved around slowly so as not to spook you. “Get her to the car, and then let's blow this place up.”

Seonghwa left then, hurrying down the hall and leaving behind silence. Hongjoong was afraid to reach for you at first, freezing up when his bloody hand got close. You stared at the blood there, seemingly more present, then looked up at him. He gave the softest most gentle smile he could muster at the moment. “Hey firecracker. You're safe now.”

Your gaze shifted to the dead body behind him, then back to him questionly. “Yes, I killed him. He hurt you, he didn't deserve to live another second. Now… do you want to go home with us? We can clean you up and feed you. Does that sound nice?”

The both of them waited for some answer from you, and it came in the form of wrapping your arms around Jongho's neck. The man held on tighter, looking up at his leader for answers on what to do. 

Hongjoong motioned at the door. “Carry her out, she's probably in a lot of pain so be gentle. You have Yeosang on the line?” He pointed to his ear where the piece was. At Jongho's nod while he slowly picked you up, Hongjoong grabbed it and stuck It in his ear. 

“How bad is it?” Yeosang immediately spoke into the piece and Hongjoong could hear a nervous clicking on the other side. “When I saw them grab her the other day I tried to get Yunho there I-”

“Yeosang. This isn't your fault.” Hongjoong chided  as he followed Jongho out of the room, keeping an eye out but he knew Seonghwa would have dealt with any strangers on his way. “She's alive, but I need you to warn the others. Where is Wooyoung?”

“He's with Minjae at the base. He was going to bring them in as backup if needed. He won't… he won't handle it Captain.”

“I know. So you're going to tell him to check the other locations and safe houses we have with Minjae and the others and that I want a full report tonight. We need to…” his gaze flickered back to you, still trembling in Jongho's arms and hiding your face against his shoulder. Jongho himself looked as pained as Hongjoong felt, but he was whispering gentle words to you so low that not even Hongjoong could make them out. “We're going to give her time to rest before Wooyoung sees her.”

“Understood? What else?” There was a firmness to Yeosang's tone that took Hongjoong by surprise, but he pushed on.

“Just warn Mingi and Yunho not to panic. Hwa is with San. If Yunho has a blanket or something to cover her, he needs to have it ready. Contact Wooyoung’s mother for a female doctor, Firecracker might trust-”

Hongjoong broke off when he heard someone else on the connection. Seonghwa. “Joong… there are pictures of what he did to her. The bed is soaked in blood and the chains…”

“What the fuck do you mean?” Mingi's voice suddenly cut in, broadcasting on all channels. “What the fuck did they do to our Princess?!”

“Easy Mingi. She needs us calm right now okay? Get this building ready to blow.” Hongjoong attempted to pacify him as the ascended the stairs. The skipped the floor below, hitting the ground floor and headed for the entrance. Mingi met them first and Hongjoong quickly moved to get in the way.

He hated the way his eyes went big and glassy, the color draining from his face as he stared at you. When Mingi tried to reach out though, Jongho stepped back, shaking his head. “She just stopped shaking. Don't. No more surprises for her.”

Hongjoong was shocked by the defensiveness of Jongho’s tone, so was Mingi, both staring at him like the many just grew a second head.

Jongho dipped his head and just rushed off for the door, past the two dead guards there. So Mingi turned to Hongjoong, finally taking in the blood that covered him before asking. “Tell me that belongs to the one who hurt her.”

“It does.” It was Seonghwa that answered, holding an angry San by the back of the neck as they descended the stairs. “He's nothing more than a mutilated corpse. We started a fire in the room she was held in, but let's burn this whole place to the ground.”

“Is she…” San prompted, blood sneered on his cheek and a crumbled picture in his hand. “She’s alive right?” He refused to look at either of them, his shoulders and voice trembling.

Hongjoong knew that this was hardest for San no doubt, with his experience and his past with you. Softly Hongjoong patted his broad shoulders. “She needs us to be strong, okay? Would our firecracker want us looking at her like she's broken goods?”

“No.” The three others, and Yeosang, all chimed in.

“Then let's go. It's about time we take her home.” He guided them outside to the waiting van, the door was open and Jongho was sitting on the floor, his back against the driver seat a very pissed off Yunho sat in. The man was gripping the steering wheel hard enough the veins on his hands were sticking out.

Hongjoong forced Mingi up front, climbing in the back with Seonghwa who was already covering you up with the blankets since Jongho refused to let you go. Er, well, you were now holding onto his arm so Hongjoong could only assume you didn't let him.

That just hurt more.

No more than a few seconds of pulling away from the building did a series of explosions go off, the building crumbling to rabble but for Hongjoong that wasn't enough. He couldn't take away what had happened to you, just the place it did. Nor could he undo the fact it happened to you… because of him. Of them and where they had you.

Only silence accompanied the somber tension in the van.

Taglist will be added to reblogs so they will be easy to ignore!

[gelu-the-babosa-multiversal]

¨Stop beatboxing, Dani. Our brother is dying...¨

@guardian-of-fandoms @agentsquirrelsgotrobots @bluy1206 While I'm still working on part two of this angsty series because they took my wifi down have a little rest... I guess

[theuglylettuce]

My Jeff the killer's version

-he used to be quite chubby, have acne and poor hygiene because of poverty.

-He lived in a dangerous neighbourhood, and his older brother Luis (Liu) was in a gang.

-His dad died when he was young because he had a gambling addiction, and his mom was a drug addict and alcoholic, so most of the time she was abusive and neglectful.

-He is homoromantic demisexual.

His life changed for worse at the age of 13 when he accidentally killed Randy Myers with a rock.

He pissed his pants when he told his mom about what happened, but she went nuts and started beating and screaming at him, everything went downhill when she pushed him towards the stove and there was a pan with hot oil, already burning for setting it too long.

[thewildomega]

Faded Name (Zeff x Reader) Ch.1

Leaning against the old shipwreck you sighed. The once pirate ship had been washed onto the beach for so long that most of it was buried below the sand with only the bow still visible. But still it served a purpose, offering you shelter for the past month. Hugging your knees to your chest you attempted to keep what little body heat you were producing close. Looking out over the dark horizon you saw where the sea and sky blended into one. Forcing your heavy feeling eyelids to remain open so you could focus on the slowly falling snowflakes you settled your attention on one particularly large one, following it down to where it landed on the sand in front of your bare feet. 

"This ain’t no kind of weather for a lady to be in."

Startled by the deep, gruff sounding voice, you just then noticed the single boot and wooden peg that had come to be in front of you while you were so lost in thought. Slowly looking up to the owner of the said single foot you saw a familiar face looking down at you. One you did not honestly think you would ever see again. Confused by his presence you blinked slowly and tried to get some sort of moisture into your dry mouth. "Nnnor is this the p...place an executive ch..chef should be." you managed to stutter out, your voice cracking no matter how proper you tried to sound. 

Watching as her sunken eyes slowly dropped back down and closed as she tried to even out her breathing from how exerting the single sentence conversation was he felt his frown deepen. Taking notice of her trembling, even as her boney fingers dug into the dark fabric over her upper arms he snapped his eyes down to her bare feet that were close to being frostbitten, her toes already a shiny red with a bluish undertone. She was wearing the same navy blue dress as she had been the last time he had seen her. Now however the fabric hung loosely on her petite frame, it would likely fall from her shoulders if it was not being held on in a desperate attempt to keep warm. From here he could even see a few rips along her side, sleeves and some in the skirt which was blowing slightly in the freezing wind along with her unkempt hair. Had she not been a constant thought in his head since he had first laid eyes on her, he might have mistaken her for a begger. But no, this was her.

As a harsh gust of wind blew you turned your numb face into your knees and tightened your arms around your body even more if it were possible. Biting your lip to silence your body's attempt to cry out in pain as the cold seemed to cut through your sore body, you heard him huff out and then the rustling of fabric making you assume he was leaving you to your fate. The thought alone caused a clenching in your heart that you did not fully understand but you said nothing. You weren’t his problem, he had no reason to care about some pathetic soul like you. No one did. 

"Just what the hell has that spineless fuck done to you my dear." he growled out as he took in the state of her. Removing his Captain's coat he placed it over her, the material making her seem even more frail if it were possible before he scooped her up into his arms. With one arm under her knees and the other supporting her back he felt her stiffen as he held her to his chest and turned to walk towards his awaiting tender boat. 

"W..what..." you tried to question, winded from the quick movement that caused your head to spin. 

"It's alright now Y/n, you're goin’ to be just fine." he assured her in as calm of a voice as he could muster, the sound of her name rolling from his tongue for the first time in years helping to keep his temper at bay. He could feel her bones through the layers of fabric and knew between that and her nearly unrecognizable weight in his arms, that she had not eaten in quite some time. Gritting his teeth at the thought of that piece of shit husband of hers neglecting her, he made the decision to deal with him later, right now he had more pressing matters. 

Noticing he was carrying you down the beach away from the place you had been staying for the past month you blinked and licked your cracked lips. "Where are y..you ttaking mmme?"

"Back to my restaurant so I can get some food into you." 

Inhaling a small gasp you glanced at his face to see him as serious as ever causing your empty stomach to clench painfully as the truth shoved its way into your head. Swallowing down on nothing you looked down in shame and embarrassment, giving your head a small shake as your heavy eyes closed to keep the tears at bay. "That is very k..kind of you Chef but I have to decline." 

Her voice was so soft he nearly didn't hear it through the sound of the crashing waves and harsh wind. "Well I am declinin’ your refusal." he told her firmly. 

Feeling your throat thicken you felt your lashes grow wet. "I..I have no way to pay you." you told him honestly. 

Humming he kept his eyes forward. "That is of no concern to me." 

Shaking your head you felt a few tears trail down your frozen cheeks. It was awfully kind of him but still, "I will not steal from you." 

Chuckling he made his way down the dock to where his tender boat was tethered to. "That my dear you are already guilty of." She looked confused by his words but he gave her no explanation for now. Stepping down into the boat he had to quickly catch himself from falling, finding it harder to step into the rocking boat with the woman in his arms. Pushing the cushion to the floor he sat her down on it, wrapping his old coat tighter around her to keep her warm as he moved to take the bench seat so he could row them back to the Baratie which was waiting just a ways off shore. Glancing down to the woman balled up between his legs he sighed at how frail she looked, so different from a month ago, from the first time he had laid eyes on the woman that was his soulmate. 

.............................................

"Hey Chef, there is a fancy group of people that just sat at table four. Pretty sure they are nobles." 

Humming he didn't look up from the skillet he was currently tossing but pointed to the racks of wine. "Offer them Barolo or Chianti. I'll wait the table myself, the last thing we need is for one of them to show their ass and ruin every other diners experience." 

"Yes Chef." 

Sitting in the chair closest to the window you easily toned out the conversation at the table, instead focusing on glowing oranges, reds, pinks and purples the setting sun was casting in the sky and on the calm sea. It truly was a beautiful afternoon and with only the occasional wispy cloud it looked to be a beautiful night as well, pity you were stuck with such horrid people. Still at least you would have a nice view and the air smelled utterly delicious. As the cackling laugh from one of the women residing with your group pierced your ears like nails on a chalkboard you lifted your glass of wine to your lips to sip on. Maybe if you drank enough of it you would be able to numb yourself completely, hell maybe you'd drink yourself into a coma and this would be your last birthday. 

"Hello and welcome to The Baratie. Is the Barolo to your liking?" 

"Quite. I have been told your specials change daily." Johnathan spoke. 

Humming Zeff looked to the man who had spoken, no doubt noble or a man of old money based on the way he held himself and dressed. "They do. Tonight we offer both a seafood risotto and pasta. Dress Shrimp Paella is also one of the specials along with a potato pallie and our signature curry." Having taken notice of the woman who had been staring out of the window that she was sitting beside turn to look at him as he began listing off the specials for the day he quickly saw the shine in her eyes grow with every menu item he said. It was something he saw only in those that held the same passion for food he did. 

"I think I will have the Paella."

"I will as well. That does sound delicious." 

"The curry for me, hold the onions though would you." 

One by one the group gave him their order, many requesting changes, something he hated. 'No onions, no cream, no fat' Holding his tongue simply because it was a full house and he knew the group would rack up a good bill he looked to the only member of the group left that had not ordered yet. "And for you miss?"

Looking up into the man's grayish blue eyes you felt this sort of light feeling in your chest and smiled softly. "May I ha..." 

"She'll have a plain salad, lemon juice, olive oil and black pepper." Johnathan told the chef before raising his chin and lifting his wine glass to his lips that had turned up into a smirk "We have to watch those calories right doll. Afterall no one wants a fat wife, isn't that right Don?" he spoke with a chuckle which the rest of the men joined in on. 

Hearing the man to her left speak over her, quickly telling him what it was she would eat he felt his lip twitch as the small bit of light that had been in the woman's eyes dimmed before she looked down to her lap and then back out to the window. Taking a deep breath and giving a stiff nod he told them it would be up soon before making his way towards the kitchen all the while this annoying clenching was felt in his chest. 

While cooking the group's meals his thoughts seemed to linger on the sad eyed woman. She had looked slightly happy for only a moment before what he assumed to be her husband ruined it. Placing the second to last plate on the platter he moved over to make the pathetic excuse for a meal that she would have to eat. A plain salad, who the hell wanted to eat just a plain salad as a main course? Then there was the man's comment on watching her calories, that no one wanted a fat wife. The woman wasn't even fat, far from it actually he would bet a hundred berries she weighed less than half of the bags of rice he ordered each month. Tossing the lettuce with some arugula and spinach to give it some kind of taste he squeezed a lemon over the bowl before adding some oil and black pepper. Spooning it into a bowl and placing it on the tray with the rest of the plates he sighed and shook his head before lifting the tray up to carry it out. 

Glancing at every dish as it was laid out before each of your husband's 'friends'  and himself you felt your stomach clench and your mouth water. They all looked so good, every single thing, down to a single grain of rice, cooked to perfection. The plating was exquisite as well, not even a smear of sauce or oil to be seen. Then there was the smell, oh the smell alone could tell you how amazing they all would taste. What you wouldn't give to try just one bite. As your salad was placed down before you however you inwardly sighed. The plating was still beautiful, even if it was all just leafy greens. Raising your eyes to the ruggedly handsome chef you gave him a small grin. "Thank you." 

Even for only being served a simple salad she still grinned and thanked him, something none of the others had taken the time to do. Taking notice of the color of her eyes this time when they met him he noted they were blue but quite dull yet still alluring in a way. Humming he dipped his head to the woman "You are welcome miss." Making his leave he heard the others talking about how delicious everything looked and smelled, something he normally took pride in, but knowing that she had to also listen to them made the words turn sour in his ears. Glancing their way as he made it to the kitchen door he saw as the woman kept her head down, taking a bite of the salad into her mouth. 

Being the first to finish you spent the rest of dinner gazing out of the window, watching the sun dip lower and lower in the sky. As the plates were collected you made the move to at least hand the small boy your plate, having already laid your cutlery across the plate horizontally with your fork above your knife. Seeing the chef glance down to it as the boy took it you quickly dropped your eyes back to your lap where you folded your hands. Hearing everyone question him on deserts you glanced to the window once more, knowing full and well Johnathan would not allow you to have any, not even a slice of cake on ‘your’ special day. 

It came as no surprise to him that the woman's husband would not even offer to get his wife a dessert, even when everyone else at the table including himself seemed interested in the idea. "...Cannolis..." he called out to the group.

That caught your attention and you glanced at him out of the corner of your eye, licking your lips as you tried to decide if you should speak or not. Deciding it wouldn't hurt to ask one question while everyone else talked about what they wanted to order you took a small breath. "Mascarpone or Ricotta?" 

Snapping his eyes to the owner of the soft voice he saw her eyes looking to his, that small glimmer in them once again. "Mascarpone my lady." Seeing her think it over he felt the corner of his lip lift the smallest amount, so she did cook. "I'll take it you use ricotta." 

"Half and half.

Raising a brow he could not stop a small grin from forming on his face. "And the results?"

"I find it offers a more creamy taste while not being too rich, especially if one is adding any extra fillings." You told him, forgetting your place for a moment as your passion took over your thoughts.

"Johnathan, you did not tell us your wife was a little baker." one of the men at the table spoke in amusement. 

Chuckling uncomfortably Johnathan reached under the table to grip his wife's wrist. "A childhood pastime really, one she has grown out of. Isn't that right doll face?”

"Yes." you spoke softly, your eyes dropping to hide your wince as Johnathan squeezed your wrist in warning, no doubt adding new bruises to your skin.

"Apologies Chef, my wife will not waste your time with her ramble again. That will be all for our desert order." Johnathan spoke to the man. 

Noticing how the woman's shoulders curled inwardly he grit his teeth. Not wishing to make things worse or embarrass her more he gave a nod and headed for the kitchen. By the time their dessert was ready and he brought it to the table the woman was no longer seated with the rest of her group. Assuming she had gone to the restroom he made his way around the room, making sure the other diners were well taken care of. 

Once back in the kitchen he did his round of making sure everything was being done. It was nearing the end of the night so things were beginning to slow down as far as cooking went and things switched over to clean up. "Get to work on those dishes brat." he told Sanji who retorted with some smart remark which earned him a smack to the back of the head. Moving over to the grill something caught his eye on the deck outside that caused him to stop in his steps. Feeling a strange pulling in his chest he moved over to the staff door and opened it quietly. She was just standing there, staring out at the ocean. 

Watching as the petrel glided through the air, a soft flap of its wings every so often giving it the momentum to fly further and further away you sighed. What you wouldn't give to have wings so you could fly away. Or fins, you thought as you looked at the setting sun on the water's surface. Anything to get you as far away from here as possible. 

"I never grow tired of that view." 

Snapping your eyes towards the gruff voice you saw the head chef making his way over to you, just now noticing he was missing part of his right leg. Quickly collecting yourself you looked back towards the multi-colored sky. "It is very beautiful." 

Coming to stand beside the woman he looked down to her to see some strands of her hair had come undone and were blowing in the breeze. She was shorter than him, coming up to his shoulders with her heels on. Now that he was able to get a good look at her he had to admit she was breathtaking. Although her beauty would be amplified if her eyes did not look so sad. Feeling this unsettling feeling in his chest he crossed his arms over his chest and raised his chin as he too looked out over the ocean. "I appreciate your feedback on the salad, cutlery placement is not something many people know or even take time to do.." 

Glancing up to him you saw his eyes focused on the sea in front of you both. He was handsome, in a rough, dangerous sort of way. He looked to be in his mid to late thirties. From the part of his head that his tall chef's hat did not cover you could see dirty blond hair that matched the color of his long mustache, the two sides tied on each side of his face with blue ribbon. There was a slight scruff along his chin but his cheeks seemed to be shaved clean. He stood tall, confident, his shoulders wide and squared. Recalling he had spoken you blinked rapidly, "Oh um of course. It was delectable, thank you." 

"I hardly see how leaves tossed in some oil and citrus juice could be considered a meal, let alone delectable." he huffed. Glancing down to her out of the corner of his eye he saw her own eyes drop down. 

"Your mixture of lettuce, arugula and spinach was well balanced. The lettuce and spinach being more on the sweeter side while the arugula offered a slight tartness. It was refreshing." you told him honestly. Truthfully you had just been expecting plain lettuce. 

"But it was not what you wanted, was it." he stated and saw her turn her eyes back to the water, lifting the wine glass to her lips. Watching her quietly he allowed his eyes to linger over her slender frame. The navy dress she was wearing was beautiful on her but it offered little skin to the eyes with its long sleeves covering her arms and the length flowing around her ankles. The neckline however was a v -cut that dipped down enough to show a modest amount of her cleavage. There was a diamond necklace around her neck that matched her earrings, items that screamed wealth. Tilting his head he studied the woman before him, that strange pulling intensifying. "So what was it then, what was it you would have ordered."

Taking a deep breath of sea air you bit the corner of your lip. "Well that would have depended on what the chef recommended." you spoke, glancing back up into those gray blue eyes. There was this strange fluttering in your stomach that confused you but also made you want to continue holding his stare. Hearing him hum and seeing the corner of his lip lift into a small smirk you could feel a spark of something you had not felt in quite some time, tranquility. In an instant however it was gone.

"Y/n!" 

Hearing the harsh bark of your name from your husband's lips you instantly stiffened and jumped, the glass in your hand falling to the wooden deck. Snapping your eyes down at the sound of the glass shattering your heart began to beat heavily in your chest. Quickly moving to your knees to begin picking up the broken pieces of glass you tried swallowing down the thickening feeling in your throat. "I.. I'm so sorry i.. it slipped I..."

"Can I not take you anywhere? I swear you are so pathetically hopeless." Johnathan growled through his teeth as he shook his head and looked around to make sure no one had seen, rubbing his hair back. 

Licking your lips you quickly placed the shards of glass in your palm with trembling fingers. "I'm sorry." you whispered as you tried to blink away tears. Wincing as a sharp piece cut your fingertip you ignored it for now as you continued trying to clean up your mistake. 

So caught off guard by the name being said it took him a few seconds more to process the events than it should have. Coming back, however, he gave a small shake of his head and glanced down to see her on her knees picking up pieces of the broken wine glass up from the deck. Quickly moving down to kneel  with his left leg to balance him he saw the red staining some of the shards as well as the tips of her fingers. She was hurt. Hearing her whisper out how sorry she was and how she would clean it up he felt a clenching in his chest and blinked rapidly. "That is not necessary." When she persisted he gently took her shaking hand in one of his as he grabbed the rag from his side and laid it out so he could tilt the glass from her hand onto it. Once he was sure all of the glass was off her hand he took her other one into his and tugged loose the blue ascot from his neck so he could wrap it around her bleeding fingers. 

"Oh, no, the blood, it will be ruined." you tried to tell him but he only continued wrapping the silk cloth around your fingers, his thumb stroking the top of your hand soothingly.  

 "It is no trouble my dear." he assured her, looking into her wet eyes as they raised to look at him. Wrapping his ascot around her fingers and hand, his eyes shot to her wrist as the sleeve of her dress rode up her arm a bit. Seeing what looked like bruises staining her skin he furrowed his brows.

"Johnathan, is everything alright? What is this? What happened?" 

Hearing the others coming out Johnathan growled out and moved over to yank Y/n up by her upper arm, none too gently. "Embarrass me anymore tonight and you will regret it." he hissed into her ear between his clenched teeth. Turning back to his associates as they grew closer he gave a small laugh and cleared his throat. "Ah nothing to worry about, my little doll of a wife does not know how to hold her wine. I think it is about time we made our leave tonight, are you all ready then?"

"Ah yes I believe so." 

"Very well then." Taking out his wallet he took out a few crisp bellies and held them out for the chef to take as he stood. "Here you are then. I do believe this should be enough to cover our bill and the broken glass. I apologize again for my wife's foolishness, she truly is a hopeless case but where does any of that matter when it comes to looks and a good lay am I right." he laughed, all but shoving the money into the man's hands. Taking Y/n's arm once more he tightened his grip and raised his chin while giving her a firm glare that was warning enough for her to remain silent and keep her eyes cast down.

He was so damn angry he didn't know what to do or say which was a first for him. While he wanted nothing more than to kick the man's head in, he couldn't risk it when she was right there. Looking at her he saw her eyes yet again cast down in shame, embarrassment and even worse fear. Hearing the man thank him once more before turning towards the ship they had all come here on, practically dragging his wife behind him he watched with a blood boiling rage as they boarded the ship, his associates promising to tell the other nobles of their island all about the delicious meal that they had at his restaurant. He could not focus on any of their words however as his eyes stayed on that of the woman he was sure had to be his soulmate.

.......................................

The ship was quiet as he rowed up beside it, everyone sleeping most likely. Helping her up the stairs he made sure to be ready to catch her at any moment. She was trembling and seemed to barely have the strength to hold herself up. As she nearly fell on the last step he quickly held her to his chest and lifted her up onto the main deck. Feeling her still shaking he glanced down to her, noting that now she was without her heels she only came up to his mid chest. 

"I’m sssorry." you mumbled out, keeping your eyes closed and your head down in shame. He must think you were as pathetic as they came, you couldn't even walk on your own. Why he was wasting his time helping you, you didn’t understand. 

"You have no reason to apologize." he assured her in a low voice. Glancing down to her nearly frozen toes he made the decision to just carry her again, knowing it would be faster and easier. Taking her straight to the kitchen he turned on the oil lights and moved to sit her on one of the stools by the small table that he had in the kitchen for down time. Tightening his old captain's coat around her small frame he looked down at her, the lights helping him see her better now. Even with her head bowed down he could see the bruises along her eye and temple, a small cut over her cheekbone that had a greenish yellow bruise around it. Gritting his teeth at the thought of that fuck putting his hands on her he took a deep breath to calm himself as he stood back straight and moved to the refrigerator. "What would you like to eat my dear? Name anything and I will see what I can do, except for a salad that is." 

Staring down at the floor you held his coat around you, taking comfort in the heavy material as well as his scent coming from it. Although you knew you shouldn't think in such ways you couldn't help but miss the way being in his arms made you feel. Hearing his deep voice ask you what you wanted to eat, giving you the option to choose for yourself you closed your eyes. "You shouldn't be doing this." you started and felt his eyes on you. "If he finds out you helped me he will be angry."

"You think I care what that spineless worm thinks." he huffed out.

"He could ruin your business. H..he could hurt you." Caught off guard when he started laughing you snapped your eyes up to look at him, going from confusion to annoyance. "I'm serious. Johnathan has ties with a lot of dangerous and powerful people. I do not wish for something to happen to you just because you helped me. It is not worth it, I... I am not worth it." you told him, becoming winded after speaking for so long.

Looking at her he slowly walked over to stand back in front of her. Staring down into her sunken eyes he crossed his arms over his chest. "That is where you are mistaken my dear, you mean more to me than you yet realize. As for that prick you can rest assured that I will deal with him. But his fate is not something I will bother you with, for now the only thing I want you to think about is what it is you would like to eat."

Being able to hear the seriousness in his voice and see it in his eyes you sighed. "Chef's choice." you told him and saw the corner of his lip lift the smallest amount before he hummed and turned around to move back to the fridge, pulling out this and that. 

Watching him cook when you managed to keep your eyes open you were able to tell he was a very confident chef. Possessing a skill that you had wished for so very long to have. The sound of something being placed down in front of you caused your heavy feeling eyes to snap open and you looked up to him before glancing down at the steaming bowl on the table in front of you to see what you thought was some sort of noodle dish. The smell alone had your mouth watering and a lump forming in your throat. "Th..thank you."

Sitting on the stool across from her he drank from the bottle of wine as she silently ate the meal he had made her. She kept her head down which he was coming to assume had something to do with that prick since not once had he seen her look him in the eye. Come to think of it every time he had looked to her she had instantly tried to make herself as small as possible. A smaller target. It was clear as day that she had been hurt, to what extent he still did not know but he would not question her tonight. Seeing a tear roll down her cheek and fall to the table he knit his brows but said nothing, not wanting to embarrass her. He knew all too well what starvation felt like and knew what she would need to eat and how much to keep from getting sick or worse dying. Pho was a simple and light first meal that would slowly work her body back up to digesting food once more. 

As you finished up the delicious food you swallowed down the lump in your throat. "Thank you, truly it was amazing." you spoke softly. Wishing you at least had a piece of the expensive jewelry Johnathan forced you to wear out in the public eye, knowing one of them could pay for your meal and his time spent collecting you. Unfortunately though your husband had made sure you removed them before he had thrown you out onto the street. No doubt they would be given to one of his many mistresses, not that you gave a single shit. Still you would have to think of some way to repay him. Licking your lips you raised your eyes to his, "I do not have any money or valuables to pay you with Chef but I can clean or..." 

"I have told you before that payment was of no concern to me." He spoke in a firm voice.

"Surely you do not just chauffeur every helpless woman you see back to your restaurant and then cook them an extravagant meal in the middle of the night at no cost." 

"If a person is hungry I will feed them. As for rescuing well that only applies to you." he told her with a small smirk towards the end. 

"Why?" 

Humming he sipped from the wine and looked to her tired eyes, wishing to see them when they were not so clouded by pain and suffering. "You have yet to ask me my name."

Confused, you blinked and then adjusted yourself in your seat. "I fail to see what that has to do with anything. I have not given you my name either." 

"But I heard that worm say it, though I do not care for the way it sounded coming from his mouth." Seeing her looking at him he grinned some. "Y/n. The name I have been waiting to hear my whole life." 

Feeling that fluttering once more as he spoke your name you quickly tried to shrug it off and looked to the window once you understood what he was getting at. "If you are under the impression that I am your soulmate then you are mistaken. I am sorry for the confusion but.."

"There is no confusion. I know it is you." he spoke confidently. 

"We can not be name bound, it is not possible." you told him, your eyes closing as you felt a clenching in your heart. 

"And why is that my dear." 

"B..because my soulmate is dead. His name faded from my skin two years ago." you told him in a soft voice, your heart aching at the reminder of how you would be forced to live out the rest of your life without your other half. Alone. Never whole. The one chance you had at being wanted by someone, of possibly being loved, gone. 

Humming he leaned forward to rest his arms on the table. "Well I can assure you I am not dead."  Seeing her shake her head and go to speak he reached out to curl his knuckle under her chin, lifting her sad eyes to his. "I can prove it, five minutes that is all I am asking of you darling."

Looking into those gray blue eyes you saw something in them that made you give a short nod of your head. 

"First off I can tell you exactly where my name was on your skin, right ankle, inner side, about an inch above the ankle bone. It was blue, and looked like someone had written it in a hurry." Seeing her now looking at him in an awed disbelief he smirked. "Convinced you yet? Need more proof, then go ahead, ask." 

Taking in a shaky breath you looked across the table and into his eyes. "W..what is your name?"

"Zeff, my name is Zeff." he told her with a smile that grew when he saw the astonishment on her face.

[klausysworld]

would you write an imagine about thr reader x klaus and how shes insecure about herself her looks her weight maybe thinking she wont ever been good enough for him but he decides to show her

(Trigger warning for body dysmorphia and hinted anorexia / eating disorders.)

Complicated

Klaus had met Y/N in his living room. She and Hayley were sat on the couch with an old chest board of Elijah's between them, both looking up at him with wide eyes like two children caught stealing sweets.

His eyes had narrowed briefly, he hadn't wanted any body to know about his unborn trial and he certainly didn't need a helpless human in his home complicating things and being in the way but Hayley made it clear that Y/N wasn't leaving.

"I need someone here, Y/N's not just a friend to me. We're family. I don't know about you but we stick together." She snapped at him when he had began complaining. For once, his trap shut and he let out a huff.

"Don't expect me to protect her." He grumbled before going back upstairs.

He had meant it at the time, he wasn't going to consider her wellbeing, her safety.

However, she wasn't as annoying as he had assumed her to be. She didn't get queasy at the sight of blood, whine when she saw a dead body or anything. It was almost like she wasn't there, always quiet and leaving a room when he entered to be out his way.

It made him curious.

Klaus would purposefully start putting the bread and eggs on the top cupboard so she could not quite reach in the mornings when she was making breakfast for herself and Hayley so that he may come in and reach over her, giving it into her hands and helping her make the eggs differently each day. He would tighten the lids on jars to have her shyly come ask if he could help. She didn't ever want to ask Hayley, whilst she was pregnant, to do anything and Klaus quickly learnt that.

It was nice, having her need him for little things. He liked hearing her soft voice calling for him from the doorway whilst he painted, a jar of sauce in her hands making him get up and not only open the lid but come down and help her cook.

He cooked with her every day, at least one meal. Even if it were helping spread the butter on some bread for a sandwich.

When Hayley had gone to see the witch doctor, Y/n had gone alongside her. They had both been running through the woods away form them.

Hayley had stubbled out to Klaus and Rebekah but Y/N didn't return through the same trees.

Klaus had caught Hayley's limp body, laying her across the back seats of his car before searching the forest and finding Y/N curled up and injured within a bush.

He had to pull her back out, grimacing as the sharp wood scratched her already bleeding skin. She trembled, tears on her cheeks but no sounds leaving her as he held her close and encouraged his blood down her throat.

The two girls were safely tucked back into their beds and Klaus made sure to check on them, Y/N more than Hayley which surprised Rebekah seeing as Hayley was carrying his child.

When Elijah returned, Hayley's attention shifted and Y/N kept to the side, starting to find more and more enjoyment in those times she got to see Klaus.

When Hayley was taken by Tyler, Y/N was left unconscious on the hallway floor. Klaus had healed her and left her home before he and Elijah went to retrieve Hayley. When he was accused of using his baby to create more hybrids, he came home alone and angry.

Y/N sat with him, both her hands holding his until he had cooled off and sighed. He had to leave again shortly, something about Marcel but she felt something off.

She was right. He had returned a few hours later covered in blood with ripped clothes. "We're moving, pack your things." He had muttered, shoving past her up the stairs, as if she were nothing. It was the coldest he'd been to her since their first meeting.

He was distant to all of them for the first few months of him being 'king'.

Something new seemed to happen every day. Hayley had gotten to know the wolves, when hey'd turned human form and she found out she was actually betrothed to Jackson Kenner leaving her feelings with Elijah complicated despite Y/N's advice.

It was the same night that Genevieve had taken Klaus and Rebekah and revealed a buried secret of the past.

Y/N was chosen to nurse Klaus back to health and convince him not to murder his sister for her betrayal.

She sat beside him, his body weakly pressed against hers for support as he sucked her vervain laced blood from her wrist, both his hands holding onto her arm to keep her still so he wouldn't tear the skin. His eyes would glance up, taking in her slightly fearful, partly amazed expression at the interesting sensation. Her other hand rest gently on the back of his head, he could feel her fingers brush his scalp making his eyes heavy as he drank. Her taste filled him enough to give him the energy he needed. His mouth left her arm and he lifted his hands to cup her face, both palms against her cheeks. Her eyes were big, pupils expanding making his lips twitch as he pressed a kiss to the corner of her mouth.

"Thank you, my love." He muttered to her, his lip lowering to her neck. "But I'm sorry, for I must punish my dearest sister and I cannot have you follow me." He apologised before sinking his teeth into the flesh of her throat. The shock made her cry out but her sounds faded along with his vision as he drained her to the point of unconsciousness.

When she woke, Hayley was sat beside her, holding a syringe with a sniffling nose as their eyes met. "I'm so sorry, Elijah promised he wouldn't hurt you." She whispered, pulling Y/N close and hugging her tight. "You're healed now okay? It's gonna be fine."

Y/N wasn't so sure how to behave around Klaus. She wasn't scared of him or anything, just a little hurt. She had always done as he said in the past but he didn't even give her the option, he just made her do what he wanted.

After a little while she figured there was no point having a grudge, so she went to his room to forgive him properly and maybe talk. Nobody in that house ever seemed to knock before entering so the thought didn't even start to enter her mind.

Instead she opened the door, "Klaus?" she had called, taking a step inside before halting at the scarring sight of Genevieve on all fours with Klaus thrusting into her from behind. She left immediately, closing the door and rushing down the hall to her own room, locking the door and staring at the wood in front of her blankly.

It shouldn't have upset her so much, but it did. Y/N couldn't stop the stinging of her eyes and the tears that threatened to spill. Her sniffling nose. Her hands pulled at her shirt, her skin getting hot as her emotions quickly overwhelmed her.

Y/n stayed in her room for the rest of the evening. A few hours later a knock tapped at her door. "Y/N, love, come open the door." Klaus beckoned, it was the third time he'd tried. "Sweetheart, I can hear you. I know you're still awake, let me talk to you." klaus waited a moment in silence, a small sigh leaving his nose as he rest his forehead against the door. His fingers drummed lightly against the wooden frame and he slowly pulled away, ready to leave again but the soft thud made him stop.

The door opened and Y/N looked back at him. Her eyes were still a little pink, he could tell she'd been crying and it made him feel guilty. Klaus knew that Y/N felt something for him and he knew he reciprocated it. He knew he should have locked his bedroom door and he knew he should have chased after her the second she had seen what she saw.

He gently pushed the door open and stepped inside, his other hand finding the small of her back and leading her back over to her bed. Klaus sat down, waiting for her to sit beside him.

"I'm sorry" He told her and had Elijah heard those words leave his brothers mouth he may have passed out there and then. Y/N just glanced down.

"You don't have to be." She mumbled, holding back the need to sniff. "I should've knocked, I don't know why I didn't."

"I shouldn't have been in there in the first place, love. Not with her." His head shook almost solemnly, ashamed of himself for diminishing that spark she usually held in those beautiful eyes of hers whenever she looked at him. Her pupils didn't dilate the same and it made him ache inside.

His arms circled her, hugging her almost hesitantly before she leaned into him for some comfort even if he was the last person she could get it from under the circumstances.

At the faction party everything seemed to go wrong for Y/N.

It had started with her dress, she'd ordered it online in the same size she always wore but not even Hayley could help her get the zip up. It just didn't fit.

"Honestly, all companies use different size guides I swear!" Hayley scoffed, but one glance at Y/N's face made her swallow a lump. "It's the dress." She whispered, her hands taking it off Y/N. "It's not you." She reassured. "You can wear one of mine, any one you want." Hayley smiled but her heart was thumping. She couldn't let Y/N spiral again, not when she was finally healthy.

So they went through Hayley's wardrobe and chose a dress from there, Hayley doing it up and smiling. "See? Perfect, you're perfect." She told her, hands smoothing down her hair before Y/N stepped forward, face in Hayley's neck whilst Hayley's arms wrapped around her.

They headed downstairs and mingled a little before Hayley got swept away. Y/N spotted Klaus and started to head over, things had been better since he'd come to see her. She hadn't seen Genevieve again, until then.

Her hair shone beautifully beneath the dim light as her pale hand pressed against his clothed chest, her fingers toying with his tie playfully making him smirk back at her,

Y/N stopped in her stacks. She couldn't help but admire Genevieve for a moment, pick out every little thing about her that was better than Y/N. Y/N doubted Genevieve ever struggled to get into a dress.

When her eyes finally tore from the witch, she accidentally met Klaus's. His adams apple bobbed and he pushed the red-heads hand away.

Y/N turned quickly and hurried off, not giving him a chance to see which way she'd gone as he weaved his way through people to find her.

Hayley walked into Y/N both of them looked upset. Y/N softened first.

"What’s happened?" She asked, grabbing Hayley's hand and pulling her away from the crowd.

"Elijah, and Jackson. They're both so-"

"In love with you?" Y/N interjected and Hayley sighed.

"I don't even know. It's like they're trying to prove something." She mumbled and Y/N nodded in faint understanding. Her eyes flicked to the side, catching sight of Klaus approaching.

"We should go upstairs or something." Y/N muttered quietly and Hayley's brows furrowed, eyes glancing to find Klaus with a worried expression staring at Y/N whilst he got closer, moving around people.

"Guess we're both in sticky situations?" Hayley mused and Y/N shifted on her feet.

"Except two people want you and...I'm not sure anybody does me." Y/N uttered though Hayley's werewolf hearing let her hear as did Klaus's hybrid abilities. His stomach sank slightly and he finally got to her, his hands coming to her hips and pulling her back to his chest.

"I've been looking for you." He murmured against her hair, throwing a look to Hayley making her give Y/N's hand a soft squeeze before she left to face her own boy troubles. "You look absolutely gorgeous, you know that?" He smiled, leaning down to kiss her cheek as he turned her to face him.

"It's Hayley's dress." She told him quietly and his head tilted a little.

"I didn't say anything about the dress-"

"You don't like it?" She questioned, it felt like a trap and Klaus blinked at her. His lips parted, unsure how to please her.

"I- I like you?" He stuttered, his face reddening in slight embarrassment.

"Is that a question?" She pressed, becoming more and more defensive. Klaus let out a breathless laugh.

"No." He answered, his confidence coming back as he took a breath and straightened his posture.

"You sure?" She jabbed and his eyes narrowed.

"You're being difficult." He murmured, lips pulling into his familiar smirk as he took her hand in his. "Almost had me, sweetheart but don't you worry, I've got you." Klaus assured both her and himself as he pulled her along with him, shoving past people and knocked Genevieve so that her drink spilled down her dress. Y/N's eyes widened at the action and she frowned.

"Klaus-"

"I don't care about her." He cut Y/N off, pulling her round and pushing her against the wall of the hallway.

She let out a breath of surprise when he pushed his lips against hers. Klaus wasn't expecting her to push him off, and she was gone again.

"Love-!" He yelled, speeding up to her room to catch her there. His arms taking her into a bear hug and pulling her inside.

"Shh- woa, easy sweetheart! It's okay, I'm letting go okay?" He slowly let her go, listening her her fast paced breathing with a small frown.

"You...you can't just do things like that." She borderline whimpered and Klaus softened, his hand petting her head gently.

"I'm sorry, I thought you'd enjoy it. I wanted to show you that I wanted you." He muttered, kissing the top of her head. "I'll give you more time next time, so you can pull away."

"You're too rough." Y/N whispered and he swallowed thickly. His hands stroked down her back and he lifted her, setting her down onto her bed and resting on top of her, kissing her cheek softly.

"Not always." He murmured, a shimmer of hurt in his gaze which he hid from her as he kept kissing down her skin, gently sucking the skin of her neck until her breathing was heavy. His hand glided over her stomach, it should've felt nice but it just made her aware.

Klaus couldn't see her without any thing on, he'd laugh at her. She wouldn't be anywhere near as perfect as someone like Genevieve.

He could feel her shift, her scent of arousal mixing with slight discomfort so he stopped, pulling her to his chest and leaning back against the headboard. They fell asleep there, interrupted the next morning when Hayley came in to see how Y/N was.

Nobody commented on the softness of Klaus's behaviour around Y/N, or the kisses he pressed to her cheeks whenever he saw her.

Hayley wasn't sure whether it was good or bad for Y/N. Sometimes she looked much happier, having Klaus's arms around her when they sat in the lounge. Other times, she could see how she'd stare at Klaus's arm around her midsection. Or when she'd start staring at other women, wondering if Klaus would prefer them.

It wasn't that she didn't trust Klaus but more that she wouldn't have blamed him if he wanted someone else.

Klaus could sort of sense the level if insecurity around them, it confused him sometimes how quickly she got uncomfortable and how she never quite seemed to get jealous but just sad.

He noticed she didn't want sex, despite her body showing signs of desire. However, as soon as he started to pull even her jacket off? She didn't want anything to do with him.

Once everything happened with Hope being born and taken away, Klaus got naturally distant from everyone. Y/N would come lay with him sometimes, just be there but Klaus was used to dealing with his problems through violence. He couldn't be soft and gentle and loving for her.

She left him alone, like he wanted.

Once things got a little better Klaus tried to make up for his absence. More parties were thrown.

Y/N thought it was a chance to be with him, dance and see Hope. But then there was the dress situation again.

She hated how tight bodices were, how her arms would stick out.

But she put it on and went down those stairs to find Klaus. He was dancing with Camille, the bartender. He looked happy.

Y/N glanced over to Hayley dancing with Jackson and sighed.

Without much more thought she went back upstairs to her room and got that stupid dress off. Having a full length mirror was a stupid idea, once glance in it with no clothes on and a meltdown was inevitable.

Klaus had felt immediately guilty when he saw her face, watching him with Cami. He knew it hurt, he'd just been going through so much lately that he wanted to dance. A ballroom dance was something he had learnt hundreds of years ago in a hundred different styles and it was able to transport him back to better times. Y/N hadn't come down yet and he needed to get his mind off of everything.

But she brought him back to reality.

He came up the stairs a while later, twisting the handle of her door to find it unlocked. Klaus stepped in, flicking the light switch on the wall and instantly frowning.

She wasn't in bed. His eyes shifted to the floor, looking at the scatter if glass from where the mirror had been destroyed. Her dress crumpled on the floor and all her other outfits in a pile outside her wardrobe.

Quietly, he left and went to his own room. She was beneath his covered, curled up asleep.

Klaus made his way over and gently pulled the blanket back to see her face but he could see her bare shoulder and his brows drew nearer. He pulled it back further and swallowed loudly, taking in her nude body for the first time. His eyes appreciated the view once before looking closer, paying attention to the visibility of her ribs beneath her breasts.

Gently the sheets covered her again and he laid on top, wrapping an arm over her body and nuzzling the back of her neck with a small kiss.

In the morning he woke to her small cries.

"Shhh...what's wrong?" He asked, voice rough with sleep as he pulled her closer. He cast his gaze down, seeing her now facing him, her chest against his. Klaus's hand felt her back through the sheet, giving no obvious reaction to the feel of her bones beneath the thin skin. His head dipped to kiss her lips, her eyes fluttering at the contact. He held her tight, his tongue gently pushing past her lips to taste her again.

A sound of surprise left him when her naked body left the covers, situating on top of him instead. One of his arms circled her waist encouraging her whilst his hand held her face.

Once their lips parted to pant for air, he could see the look in her eyes.

Gently he rolled them over, pushing her back onto the bed. He could see the shame colouring her features every time his eyes dared to drift down at her soft skin.

"You're beautiful." He whispered. "Forgive me for not reminding you as often as I should."

Her head nodded and he smiled faintly. His head lowered to litter kisses from her forehead to her chest. His tongue warming her nipples, encouraging them to harden in his mouth before he continued his decent.

Klaus paid attention to how she sucked her stomach in when he kissed her belly button. His hands held her waist.

"Stay here, sweetheart. Let me." He murmured, kissing every inch of skin he could. He praised her body until her heart could not stop the tears from slipping down her cheeks.

Klaus then kissed the tears away, his hands still caressing her skin, now at her thighs and soothing her cries.

"I can't have you feeling anything less than perfect." He whispered against her cheek. "You're mine, and I can't have you doubting it."

"It's just hard sometimes." She mumbled quietly, hiding her face in his neck.

"I know...but I do..love you and I don't want you to be so sad because of me."

"It's not you...it's me. I just can't feel comfortable in my own skin andI make it everyone else's problem-" She uttered and Klaus frowned.

"No, love." He pulled her fully onto his lap and tugged the blankets up to keep her warm enough. "You're not doing anything wrong, you're just feeling. I want to understand what you feel so I can be apart of this...journey with you."

"You sound like Hayley." She laughed and he smiled.

"We're both here for you, my love. Always-"

"And forever." She finished quietly and he nodded, kissing her head. Klaus recognised her as his family now and for all his faults he did love his family, they were everything to him. She was everything to him.

[potatomountain]

CIY CH 29

Chapter Twenty-Nine

📍Pairing: detective ateez ot8 x detective afab reader

📍Summary: "It's okay to be scared"

📍WC: 3k

📍AU: detective/mafia

📍Genre: action, dark romance, poly romance

📍Warning(s): mentions of torture/r@pe, mentions of minor character death, mentions of sex trafficking and kidnapping, PTSD, panic attacks. trauma triggers.

📍Beta readers (and sole motivation): @yourfatherlucifer, @flurrys-creativity , @bunnliix, @adelusionforyourthoughts and occasionally @daemour

📍AN: a comfort chapter but there are still some serious topics so read at your own risk. also, not all panic attacks are like what reader experiences here in the chapter (this is going off my own p.a)

📍dividers and banner made by me!

ageless blocks will be blocked immediately if you interact with this post

masterlist | Previous | Last

To say you haven’t had a moment alone would be an understatement. Someone was with you always, even when you had to use the restroom. Which- that was an embarrassing situation on its own, but after you had tried to take care of yourself alone the first time… well the embarrassment was better than the pain and anguish.

Surprisingly you didn’t mind someone glued to your side at all times. If it wasn’t Wooyoung, it was San. If it wasn’t one of them, it was Seonghwa. On occasion there were multiple. Sometimes Hongjoong was in here with Seonghwa, sometimes Yeosang was sitting in the corner on his laptop while Wooyoung or San, or both, had your undivided attention.

You couldn’t say how long had passed. A week? Maybe more? You hadn’t really moved from the room you were in, everything you could possibly need was brought to you. Food, water, any clothes from your apartment or belongings. Though you opted more for their clothes, the eager way some of them had begun to fight over who’s clothes you would wear next had you laughing.

Only for it to die as soon as you noticed the way they were looking at you. In awe, like their chest was aching.

It felt… wrong.

You were both grateful and appalled at the attention, and at the way they gave it. Ready to serve you, which from Wooyoung was normal and easy to accept- but when it was Seonghwa? Or the rare moments Mingi or Jongho or Yunho were here and soft with you… it left a bitter taste in your mouth.

None of them talked about it. They didn’t mention what had happened, nor the days before. Not even when you woke up screaming from a night terror, fighting off and hitting Hongjoong who had been the one watching you. The fact they felt the need to watch you was aggravating to say the least. Yet you couldn’t bring yourself to be the first to say it. To mention it. To speak it into existence.

Once the pain began to subside, it was easier to forget it happened, pushing it to the back of your mind. In fact you were determined to act as if it had never happened, which wasn’t very easy to do, sandwiched between Wooyoung and San.

They were the touchiest, which you didn’t mind. Wooyoung was always touchy, but unlike before they were gentle and sweet: cupping your cheek, playing with your hands, kisses to your knuckles, and back rubs. San gave the better back rubs, rough and larger hands easing the tension there, but there was still a hard limit to how much they would touch you, as if the wrong touch would set you off. 

With a huff you pushed yourself up, both of them sitting up just as quickly ready to get you anything you needed. You let the annoyance show. “I’m hungry and I want to shower. One of you is a radiating heater and I am laying in my own sweat for fuck’s sake.”

San chuckled sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck. “Sorry Sweetcheeks, I can help you with the shower-”

“No, I want to shower by myself. You can help Mister Chef with the food.” You stared down your nose at him, daring him to say otherwise.

“How about I stay right here just in case you need me?”

“San.” You warned, ignoring Wooyoung who was watching the battle of wills with his fingers over his mouth in shock. “I can handle a fucking shower by myself.”

Sensing this was something you weren’t going to budge on, he sighed. “And you can shower by yourself, but I would like to sit out here and wait for you in case you do need me. I’ve been cleaning you up all week, who knows you might want me to fix the spots you missed.” He winked, resulting in you rolling your eyes.

His words did make you feel less suffocated, and you knew that was why he said them, which just had you conflicted. He read you a little too well sometimes.

“Fine then. Chef Wooyoung-”

“Yes my lovely Goddess?”

“I would like to come downstairs and eat so take your time.”

“Hm alright, I’m sure the others have suffered without my cooking anyways. Enjoy your shower Goddess. Would you like my clothes today?”

“I’m wearing them now.” You pointed out with a smirk. His sweats were the ones that fit you the easiest. “But I suppose.” Patting his head you climbed around them, ignoring the twinge of pain from your sore muscles. Being bedridden did numbers on your body, even recovering, but you ignored the damage in favor of putting on a brave face.

You also ignored their gazes on your back as you made your way to the bathroom, completely forgetting the fact that you had showered daily since coming here. Sometimes twice. Usually to keep your wounds clean, but mostly because you felt unclean. And each time, Wooyoung or San, or even Seonghwa, would stand in the shower in their swim shorts and a shirt to bathe you properly.

Before, you would focus all your attention on them, just follow their lead. Let them take care of you. It was easy.

Now, as you stare in the mirror with the shirt off, it was not easy.

The cuts and bruises had faded significantly but they were still there. There was still so much proof of what had happened. How can you pretend it didn’t when it was right there?

Taking a deep breath you pushed forward, muttering under your breath it was fine. You had left the bathroom door cracked, despite telling yourself it would have been fine to lock it and give yourself some space but the idea of you alone in a locked room?

You could handle this, you weren’t broken. He didn’t break you. It was just a shower.

Mentally you talked yourself through each step until you were under the nice luxury shower, shutting your eyes and letting the water run down your body. 

Big mistake.

There was no San or Wooyoung to keep you grounded. No clothes or sounds to remind you where you were, or keep your head out of that place.

You just wanted to forget. Just wanted to move on. But no matter how much you told yourself it didn’t happen, there was so much irrefutable proof that it did. No matter how much you didn’t want it to affect you, it did.

A scream erupted from you as arms were wrapped around you and you were pulled out of the shower. You slammed your fists down, hitting broad shoulders, but it didn’t deter whomever had you.

Not until you recognized San saying your name repeatedly.

You locked up, eyes flying open with fresh tears running down them. He had fresh scratches on his cheek from your nails, but his eyes held nothing but concern for you. “Are you with me now?”

Slowly you nodded, realizing you were panting- no hyperventilating just a moment ago. “I- yes. Yes I’m here.”

“Good. We need to talk.” He turned the shower off and then grabbed a towel. He wrapped you up and carried you out to the bedroom, door shut and curtains pulled tight: usually both were open so you didn’t feel more trapped.

They put so much effort into making you feel safe, you really didn’t know how to handle it. Was it because you were broken? No good to them? Or did they just feel like sucking up after what happened. You knew they felt guilty, from the moment you had latched onto Yunho when you woke up frightened. Then Wooyoung’s promise- which he had been keeping.

It was their way of caring for you, you couldn’t fault them for that. You just hated the why. Why they had to do so much. Treat you this way. And that without it you would be far more lost than you were now. You couldn’t run from it no matter how much you tried. How much you wanted to.

So as San sat you on the mattress and knelt before you, you peeled yourself away from him and grabbed the blankets to cocoon yourself in comfort. “Why did you come into the bathroom?”

San looked a bit perplexed, knees on the floor so he was still beneath you of sorts. “You were sobbing, quite loudly, and when I went in there you were struggling to breathe.” By your reaction, he gathered you hadn’t been aware of that. “Listen, I'm no stranger to these types of panic attacks. Sweetheart you have PTSD, which is understandable considering what happened. But pretending it didn’t happen isn’t going to fix it. Our bodies remember years after these things happen. I still struggle sometimes.”

Hugging the blanket tight you stared at him through the small hole you left yourself to breathe. “What do you mean? You went through something like that? Really?” It was hard to hide your disbelief, after all who could have gotten the jump on San? Big, muscly, trained to fight San?

He smiled wryly at you, and nodded. “Yeah… I did. I uh, guess it’s about time I let you in on my little secret. We went to school together, in fact you used to kick my ass in Taekwondo. I was a lot smaller then, higher pitched voice. Seemed to hit puberty late- yeah, now you remember.”

The more he had described himself, the more you did. The small twink that was a grade under year, and the only kid that wasn’t afraid to spare with you in your last year of high school. But he was shy, didn’t talk to you much, and he didn’t look much like the man before you. “But… didn’t that Choi San go missing shortly after his graduation? Don’t tell me you just joined up with these guys?”

He scoffed, but shook his head. “No, something happened first.” He crossed his arms over the mattress and rested his chin on the back of his hands, dropping the bomb. “I got sex trafficked. Red Wolves. I was one of the few that got sold in the city instead of shipped off, one of the Golden Circle business men had a certain… taste. It’s been a couple years but I still freak out about the idea of bottoming. I just…” He sighed, trailing off despite the bit of hurt in his voice. “Not with anyone here usually, but some days my mind just pluments and I can’t help it.”

Tears sprung back into your eyes at the imagery his words created. To imagine San, the sweet sunshine boy you remembered, going through something like that? “How’d you get out?”

“Wooyoung.” He brightened considerably at the name, smiling up at you. “He was hired as a call boy by the guy to do some things with me. He got me out by pulling some strings, and then put me here. I’m not the only one he got out of a tough bind, Yeosang too. He’s working hard to hopefully get his mother out of her situation but, that’s a lot harder than buying a sex slave or freeing you from someone else’s hold. Mingi too knows what it’s like, his mom got him into some serious shit when he was a minor.”

Your heart hurt for every single one of them. You couldn’t imagine the pain and fear you felt belonging to one of these men. Sure they were mafia. Sure they lied to you. But how could you doubt them when they had treated you like this the past week or so?

So much made sense, and it warmed your heart to know their care wasn’t out of pity, but understanding. They knew the fear that you were put through. And they knew what came after.

“Does it… does it ever go away?” You mumbled out, scooting closer and reaching for him.

San didn’t hesitate, sitting up straighter and holding his arms out. You climbed down onto his lap, shivering at the cold but he pulled the blankets back over you, pressing a kiss to your forehead.

“Yes and no. It’s something that’s going to live with you forever. It’ll shape a lot of what you do, but if you mean the pain… that does go away. As long as you address it and feel it when it pops up. But then you have to remind yourself that it’s in the past. That man can’t hurt you any more- hell Hongjoong made sure of that. He was covered in the man’s blood.”

“I remember. I didn’t…. I didn’t know what to think about it at the time. I could barely process that Hongjoong and Seonghwa were there. That they were tortured too. I realize not like me… or maybe?”

“Yeah, what you went through was that bastard's way of trying to hurt them too. And I’m sorry about that baby girl. You're always going to be a weak spot for us, because we care so much about you. Wooyoung told you he loved you… he’s not the only one you know.” San gently rubbed your back, the same way he had every chance he got recently. It soothed you, helped regulate your breathing, and now you knew he did it because it probably worked for him too.

Smiling, you buried your face into his neck and breathed him in, always a comforting scent. “Are you going to confess now too?”

“Honestly I’m ashamed I wasn’t the first one. I liked you long before they even knew you.” He admitted with a huff and you could feel him smile as you laughed. “Even when you kicked my ass I thought you were the coolest girl and I had the biggest crush.”

Lifting your head you arched a brow. “Oh, now I see, that’s what you meant when you had said you had imagined pinning me down so many times. Twink 3000 was a major pervert huh?” You teased, laughing even more as he blushed, stumbling over his words.

“I was hoping you would forget I said that-”

“How can I?” You interrupted, cupping his jaw and forcing him to look at you. “There were times he would… touch me… that I comforted myself by thinking about those times with you guys. With you in the gym, Mingi, Wooyoung… I didn’t want to be scared of being touched like that.”

He softened, bringing his hands to your sides and holding you there. “It’s okay to be scared of it. It’s okay if you don’t trust us like that yet. Or ever again. We aren’t going to think less of you. We aren’t going to get upset if you don’t want us like that. Or if you only want one of us like that. Jongho doesn’t fuck all of us. Yeosang doesn’t either. Captain and Hwa share this bed, they’re a bit more than the rest of us but that’s fair. No one expects you to love or want us equally, but that doesn’t make you less of an equal in the ways that count.”

“Sannie-”

“It’s okay if you start crying randomly, or you need space or need the opposite. If you need a break or need to work. You went through something traumatic and you’re going to figure your triggers out and go through it differently than us.”

“Sannie.” You said it a bit louder this time, trying to get him out of his little tangent.

But he kept going, intent on getting his point across. “We just don’t know what you need yet so we were doing what works for us until you do but there isn’t anything wrong if you wanna keep this up too so like-”

“San!” You snapped out, then crashed your lips to his.

He was so startled he fell back, holding you to him but responding without hesitation once the shock passed. Of course kissing wasn’t something you thought you would want to do. Anything sexual, just as he had pointed out, but this was San.

This was your rock, your solid mountain. Your dimpled sunshine and perfect muscly pillow and you loved him. Just as much as you did Wooyoung.

Sure you hadn’t intended on confessing to the little yapper, but you had been spurred on his and knowing you were loved after what happened was oddly healing. There was a long way to go though.

Your hands found San’s hair, curling in the short black strands and moaning against the kiss as you proved to yourself you could enjoy this. At least until his hands roamed down to your ass. Pulling away while simultaneously catching your breath you grabbed his hands. “Kisses for now. And yes, I love you. If you had stopped with your big ‘It’s okay’ speech for two seconds I could tell you that.”

He chuckled bashfully but was grinning up at you so much his dimples were on full display. “You looove me~”

“This is the part where you say it back dumbass.”

He laughed, sitting up just as he swept you into his arms and somehow managed to get you on the bed and him on his feet in a matter of seconds. “I love you too baby girl. Now let’s find those clothes for you and then we can go downstairs and eat. Though I am vetoing you being alone naked, or in a locked room until you actually feel comfortable and am not doing it just because we annoyed you with our clinginess.”

With a pout you nodded in agreement. Considering both seemed to be things you just couldn’t handle alone - yet - you could agree there. “Can I freely roam the building then and, I don’t know, try and do some work?”

“Oh so you do want to work?” He hummed out, moving over to the bin of clothes that had been gathered for you. “As a detective or…”

Now that was the real question. Traumatizing hostage experience aside, and your love for two of these men, where did you stand with them? As individuals, in a career sense… in a partner sense?

“I guess I should talk to everyone and figure it out shouldn’t I?”

AN: One last chapter to go! Bringing Case: It's You to it's climax.

This story focused more on reader finding a home with Ateez and learning their secret, as well as some other things. but book 2, Case: It's Us, will tackle the usual plot point of taking down the rest of the crim world... if they can. From Revenge, to healing, to a whole lot of smut -- please look forward to book 2! I hope I can wrap this one up in a way that satisfies you all, and really shows where their relationship is here at the end of Book 1

Taglist will be done in reblogs and again, keep your eyes peeled for taglist instructions on the last chapter. Follow them and you will be added to the new taglist! The old one will be scrapped!

[stuff-diary]

Nosferatu

Movies watched in 2025

Nosferatu (2024, USA)

Director & Writer: Robert Eggers (based on the German movie by F. W. Murnau and Henrik Galeen)

Mini-review:

I've been looking forward to this movie for years, basically, and it was everything I wanted it to be: a dreadful, spine-tingling nightmare. Robert Eggers has a gift for creating dark, suffocating atmospheres that grab you and never let go. In this specific case, it wouldn't be possible without the show-stopping cinematography; listen here, Hollywood, this is how you film low-light or nighttime scenes. And of course, the entire cast is in full command of their craft, with Lily Rose Depp, Nicholas Hoult and Bill Skarsgård giving particularly gripping performances. The costumes and the production design also excel at every turn, too. In the end, one thing's for sure: Nosferatu is a film only Robert Eggers could make.

[sheriffgrimes-archerdixon]

The devil and I

Tw’s: blood, gore, near SA

Request: hey, I was wondering whether you could do something along the lines of where joes group hold rick at gunpoint but instead of it being michonne and Carl it’s the reader, Carl and rick? And they try to hurt y/n. If you’re comfortable with that? Thank you!

I’m so sorry this took me forever- i binged twd all over again so I’ve got inspiration to write this scene… legit my love for Rick is only growing🥲❤️ note: I am not following the scene so words will not be the same and actions will not be the same. Edit: this has been sat in my drafts for ages I forgot to post it so apologies. (Daryl not included in this version sorry!)

A/N: literally if Rick protected me like this I would legit fold. 😭

Safety was always something no one took for granted yet whenever you took safety for granted even for a split second everything went terribly wrong… exactly like this moment. You were now stood with your hands up in surrender Rick stood beside you and Carl in the car asleep. You listened to the cruel man as he began talking, blaming Rick— going on a tangent about how Rick was going to pay with his life. It made you feel sick to your stomach your fearful eyes locking onto Rick who was clearly watching you out of his peripheral one of his hands inches away from grabbing his pistol his other hand raised. “You think you’re all that?” His voice was sarcastic “well let me tell you somethin’ you killed our friend! That means we’ve gotta kill you! Start with the girl…” his cold eyes moved to look at you, eyes scanning up and down your body tongue lightly licking against his lower lip as he smirked “then we’ll kill you.” His eyes snapped back to Rick who looked infuriated to say the least. “It was my fault okay? Don’t- don’t get my people involved” he spat out. “Don’t? Oh you should’ve thought about that before killing my men!” He yelled making you flinch, immediately making his attention return to you as he suddenly turned his gun on you ricks eyes narrowing as he clenched his jaw,

“Hey! Keep the gun on me. On me.” Rick demanded, Joe looking at him with annoyance “you think you have fuckin’ control in this situation? Well buddy you’re wrong. You don’t tell me what I can and can’t do!” Jesus Christ this guy needed to take a chill pill. Your body trembled as the gun remained pointed at you, Rick too being held at gun point by another man as the other men in the group began searching around— the chubby one finding Carl, beginning to sniff him out in a crude horrible way your eyes wide as you watched the man do the unthinkable… this was sick! “Leave him be!” Rick yelled referring to Carl, Joe only laughing. He could’ve stopped his men from touching Carl.. pinning him down but he didn’t. He seemed to find it amusing. You watched with wide eyes until eventually you couldn’t cope anymore, making a drastic decision as you attempted to sprint over to Carl only for one of the skinner men to kick out his foot making you trip as you landed face first in the mud. “Well that was a dumb decision wasn’t it sweetheart!” You breathed heavily hearing Rick struggle slightly “don’t do anything to them— fuck! Don’t touch them! They didn’t do anything. It was all me! Leave them be!” Rick raised his voice desperately but despite that Joe didn’t listen, only mocking Rick further.

That’s when you felt a hand grab you, swiftly turning you over as you watched the tall man come down to straddle your waist— grubby hand grabbing your jaw as he got a good look at you. “Joe she’s a pretty one. Might keep her!” The man laughed out evilly Rick’s cold pale blue eyes glaring straight into the back of the man’s head his hands clenched by his side as he tried to breathe normally the fury on his face clearer than anything. He was about to snap… about to do something wrong… but these men couldn’t just do this. His eyes slid to the fat man who was now loosening his belt, ricks heart dropping into his stomach. “Don’t touch me!” You yelled averting ricks gaze back to you, watching you fight the man off attempting to push him away only for him to grab your wrists and pin them above your head “don’t touch her! Get your filthy hands off of her” he demanded, Joe taking that as a advantage more than anything knowing Rick seeing his people being hurt would cause him more pain… but unbeknownst to Joe it would also spur him on to doing something else in retaliation. “Hey— turn her around so he can see her face.” Joe laughed out, the man holding you down quickly obeying a sick grin on his lips as he forced you onto the floor— Rick now stood where you could see him but because you were laying on the ground he was upside down. Tears clung to your eyelashes as you stared at him in fear the terror clear. “You can take what you want! Just stop it. Stop this!” Rick demanded but it fell upon deaf ears. The men didn’t care. Rick watched as the man holding you began cutting your T-shirt off until you were exposed- leaving you in your bra and jeans.

“Well would you look at that… ya convinced yet?” He spoke to Joe as if asking whether they could keep you now. Joe only smirked and you watched in horror as the man began cutting your bra off, ricks eyes fleeing to look at Carl again the man pressing a knife to the young boys skin ricks head aching, his vision spinning, before he acted in complete panic and need to save you both as he abruptly head butted Joe making a bullet fly into the air— hitting one of joe’s men straight in the head knocking him unconscious immediately. The smell of gunpowder swirled in the air and you quickly kicked the man in the balls, watching him attempt to ease the pain only for him to pin you down again as you struggled barely registering what Rick had done, the familiar metallic scent of blood making you look over at him momentarily as your body continued to desperately fight…. Rick had bitten a huge chunk of flesh out of joe’s neck… clearly tearing an artery… your breath hitched as Rick stormed towards the two of you his beard coated in blood before he roughly stood the man up, shoving his gun onto his chin “give me one good fucking reason why I shouldn’t pull the trigger.” Rick growled out, but didn’t even wait as he pulled the trigger— it was violent… vicious… merciless.. you watched with wide eyes as Rick didn’t even tend to you, yet, instead moving toward the fat man who was now up hands raised attempting to desperately save his own life. You weakly scurried towards Carl, grabbing him and holding him close as the boy gripped onto you, a shadow of terror in his eyes… he was traumatised… you knew what Rick was going to do. He was going to end this man’s life in the most horrific way for touching his son and so you quickly but gently helped Carl get into the car, your head turning just in time to watch a sharp hunting knife be shoved into the man’s stomach— the jagged teeth immediately sinking into his flesh as Rick began dragging the knife upwards… literally gutting the man like a fish.

You watched with wide eyes your breath hitching, Rick keeping the man held up as he stared into his eyes watching how the life drained from him little by little and as the man slumped Rick began violently stabbing the man over and over and over again. Your eyes filled with terror. You hadn’t seen Rick like this before… never… he was so composed but obviously and rightfully so he acted like this correctly. You would too if it was your child. But you were also traumatised from also nearly being sexually assaulted. Your brain wasn’t entirely working and so you shakily got into the car and began comforting Carl your face twisted with pain and other emotions that couldn’t quite be deciphered… you were unsure with what you felt… you were confused… desperate for comfort but you knew Carl needed it more than you at the moment. You silently pulled a blanket over him in an attempt to sooth him, your fingers beginning to run through his hair gently.

—

You weren’t sure how long had passed but it was now daylight, the sun breaking through the clouds. You were sat near the car a numb expression on your face, your head bowed your body covered in blood and dirt hands trembling slightly. You were still shirtless, bra hanging on by only one strap but that was the least of your worries. You barely noticed as the familiar boots came into view, the man soon sitting beside you your eyes catching onto his hands covered in dried blood his wedding ring coated in the crimson liquid your eyes remaining locked on it momentarily before you looked away again. “Are you okay?” Those words left his lips so compassionately yet you could hear the tiredness in his voice. He didn’t need someone else to worry about.

“Fine.” You murmured back tiredly ricks eyes boring into you as he studied you carefully, he was an ex sheriff for gods sake he wasn’t dumb… he could sniff a lie out immediately. But really was anyone okay nowadays? “Hey” he reached his hand out grabbing onto your hand gently his grip tender and you slowly looked at him feeling gross. You could still feel the man’s hands on your body… groping you. “He touched me rick.” You whimpered feeling pathetic but you trusted him. Deeply. You knew you could talk to him without being judged. “I can feel his hands everywhere.” Tears stung your eyes as finally a few trailed down your cheeks leaving pale marks down your mud covered cheeks, Rick didn’t know what to say. What could he say? He however didn’t think much on it, instead giving your hand a squeeze. “I won’t let that happen ever again. Im sorry y/n.” He spoke tenderly and you glanced at him tired eyes locking with his and you only shook your head. “Not your fault.” You assured calmly yet emotionally, Rick didn’t speak for a moment or two before he eventually stood up. You believed he was going to leave but much to your surprise you watched as he removed his jacket, extending a hand out towards you as you slowly and timidly grabbed his hand. He pulled you up carefully before helping you put the jacket on, and once it was over you he leaned down slightly grabbing the ends of the jacket as he zipped it up for you until the zip dangled just below your neck before he stood back up. “We’ll get moving as soon as Carl is awake. Don’t want to risk running into anymore folk like that…” he spoke and you nodded silently, expecting him to walk off which he did at first before pausing turning to look at you “again I’m sorry.” He paused momentarily before walking back to you and much to your gratefulness and surprise he pulled you in for an abrupt hug, holding you for a solid 50 seconds before he pulled away hands resting on your shoulders “we’ll be alright.” He reassured searching your eyes that held doubt and worry and you gulped heavily before nodding. He then pulled away, “Rick” you murmured shakily making him pause as he looked back at you “pinky promise?” You held your pinky out for him watching as he glanced down at your pinky outstretched for his and he smiled slightly before nodding, stepping back towards you his pinky locking with yours “I pinky promise that we’ll be alright y/n.” He spoke whilst looking into your eyes. “I won’t let anything bad happen to you or carl ever again.” The look in his eyes saying that much… he was going to protect you and his family until his last dying breath.

[alteriivik]

I want to quickly say this before delving more into the topic: this covers very triggering topics, especially towards minors

Heyyyy omg I'm so sorry I hate to be this person, but are you aware of @/sugarycotton??

I don't have a big platform (none at all, I'm just a reader and lurker), but i was wondering if it's okay if you could help bring attention to how problematic their account is.

I understand that people have dark blogs, but they're straight up writing r@pe inc3st, b3@si@lity, eroguro with minors, p3d0philia (up to as young as 7, but i didnt want to delve too deep cuz.. well i think it speaks for itself), and romanticizing abuse and gr00ming sh behaviors towards minors.

I'm worried about people in the top!reader and dark blog writing community to stumble upon their account/posts because this can be incredibly triggering to many. Yes, dark blogs cover triggering content, but i feel this blog goes waaaaaaayyy over the line.

Once again, I'm so so so sorry to just spring this out of nowhere, but if you or someone you know can help bring awareness to this blog, i would be incredibly grateful.

hellooo, i was not aware of this person beforehand but you dont need to apologize for wanting to spread awareness for something as serious as this!!

i’ve actually took it upon myself to look for their account and wow, this blog does go WAY over the line, as you said. like way way over the line, they’re burning it. the shit they said in just the first few posts (the very first one actually) was fucking horrid and disgusting. i didn’t want to scroll to far because in just a few posts, i’ve already got the gist on what they say. and you’ve practically outlined the things they do so…

i’d like to thank you for your concern for others. thank you for bringing this to my attention (even tho im a small writer) and for speaking up abt this matter bcs im still astounded on how fucked up this person’s blog is.

to whoever is reading this, pls guys report this dumpster-fire of a blog or just warn people abt them cuz wtf

[pneumonia1702]

2x daily 🪥

[tacocattacocattacocatexplosion]

This person probably has multiple accounts and was sending messages harassing people for posting on a pro Gwyn thread… this person can fuck the right off. The irony of telling me that I ruin a fun place while sending a message saying I should be murdered would be laughable if it wasn’t just so damn sad. Stay safe out there friends and when you see this kinda stuff report it, it’s how we stay safe as a fandom

[lis-muerta]

I'm trying Back into writing. Thank you to @btheleaf for listening to this madness. Debating if Pema will come to defend her man.

[thewildomega]

Faded Name (Zeff x reader) Ch.2

Following him up the stairs to the top floor you held tight to his coat that was still wrapped securely around you. Feeling your feet ache and shooting with pain you bit your lip to hold back any sound. Going down the dark hallway to the last door at the end of the hall you noticed the name plate reading 'Chef’' and licked your lips. "I.. I can just sleep out on the deck or i..in the hhall."

"You will not." he told her with no room for sway in his voice. What kind of man would he be to make his woman sleep outside while he slept in a bed. Opening the door he stood to the side to allow her entrance first. Seeing her bow her head before stepping inside, he followed. Quickly moving to light the oil lamp he saw her still standing there looking very unsure. "Make yourself at home." he told her as he moved to the dresser to find her something to wear. He probably should have thought about this before, could have picked her up something while on the island. Oh well, he'd get her something later. Right now he is more focused on getting her clean, warmed up and a proper rest. Grabbing the only pair of lounge pants he had as well as a plain white shirt. Glancing back and down to her toes he also grabbed her two socks. 

Staring out of the window in the room you saw the moon glowing out over the water, the sea a bit choppy tonight. Sensing his presence beside you, you looked back to see him standing in front of you, looking down at you. 

"Come on, let's get you a hot shower." He told her, looking down into her tired eyes. Taking the clothing to his attached bathroom he set them on the counter for her as well as hanging up a fresh towel for her. Rubbing the back of his head he looked down to her. "I don't have much as far as products go but I'll pick you up some when I go back ashore. I'll get you some clothes too, for now though this is the best I can offer. They will be too big but they are clean and hole free."

"Thank you." you told him graciously. Removing his coat from your shoulders you glanced down to it before holding it out for him. Already you missed the comforting weight of it around your shoulders. 

Seeing those soft eyes looking up at him he gave a bow of his head as he took the old coat. "Of course darling. If you need anything just call out, take as long as you need." Leaving her to it he closed the door behind him so she would know he would not impose on her privacy. Glancing to his room he sighed as he moved over to turn down the bed for her. Taking one of the pillows and grabbing a spare blanket from the wardrobe he tossed them to the couch. It wasn't exactly a full sized couch but he would make due. 

Rubbing your arm you looked over the smallish bathroom, while it was not the massive on suit you were used to it was functional and surprisingly clean. Easily removing the now too large dress you dropped it to the floor along with your panties. Glancing down to the scrapes, cuts and bruises that littered your body you swallowed hard. Lifting your eyes to the mirror above the sink and you felt fresh tears fill your eyes as you stared at the stranger standing in front of you. She was bone thin, her skin spotted in injuries. Dull, watery eyes were sunken in and encased in dark shadows. Dry, cracked lips that had thinned out considerably. Hollowed out cheekbones that were covered in skin that looked like it had never been moisturized. As for your hair, well you would be lucky if you would ever get all the knots out, not to mention it looked as dry as straw. It may even be damaged beyond repair, the only solution being a sharp pair of shears. Taking in your appearance you felt the tears finally fall, hideous, you were hideous. Poor Zeff, how unlucky he was to be stuck with you as a soulmate. 

..........................................

Hearing the door to the bathroom open he snapped his head up from the book he had been reading. Seeing her standing there, holding his too large clothes on her frail frame with her now clean hair hanging down her back and around her shoulders, even shielding her face, he took in a deep breath and stood. Her eyes were cast down like they seemed to always be, a habit one day he hoped to break her out of. Slowly walking over to her he looked her over more and noticed that his shirt was barely staying on her shoulders while she was holding up his pants to keep them on her with one hand while the other held the socks he had given her. With the sleeves ending around her elbows he was able to see the skin of her arms along with the bruises and small cuts that spotted them. The outline of two male sized handprints on either arms making his teeth clench. 

Forcing himself to remain calm he took a deep breath. Sensing her uneasiness he glanced down to her feet and tilted his head. "Socks are for you to wear as well darling, help warm those toes of yours back up.” 

Licking your lips you kept your eyes down and took a small breath. “Thank you but I.. I can not wear them.” 

Rubbing the back of his head he glanced at the two long gray socks and then to her smaller feet. “I know they are big my dear but I promise they’re clean and..”

Shaking your head you looked up at him, worried now you had offended him. “No that is not it. I’m sorry. I do not mean to seem ungrateful, I just… well I do not want to mess them up if they stick during the night.” 

“Stick?’ he questioned, not following now. 

“Y..yes, tto the.. To the sores that is.” you told him before dropping your eyes again when his own stayed on you, feeling embarrassed. “I recall it happening when I was little with a deep scrape I got on my knee, my nightgown stuck and had to be ripped off, I remember my mother complaining that the stain would never come out.” It was painful but you wouldn’t bring that up.

Knitting his brows at the information he blinked and looked down to her feet once more, They had been dirty earlier and close to being frostbitten. Now they were clean and her toes were still reddish but he could also see her favoring one side of her feet versus the other. Without a word he moved forward to lift her up once more making a small gasp leave her lips as well as causing her body to flinch. Scooping her up into his arms he furrowed his brows when he saw her flinch, her small body tensing up. Did she think he was going to hurt her? Carrying her over to the bed he sat her in it and quickly lifted one of her feet to look over the bottom. Seeing many cuts and a few nasty blisters littering her soles he grit his teeth once more before setting her foot down and moving to the bathroom. 

Sitting on the bed, his bed you swallowed hard and tried to make sure you didn’t touch anything you shouldn’t. That you didn’t seem in his way. You heard the shutting of a cabinet before he was walking back out with a white box in his hand. When he moved over to sit on the bed, placing the box down between you both you looked to it to see it was in fact a first aid kit. 

Patting his knee he waited for her to place her foot in his lap but she only sat there, making herself as small as possible as she tried to quickly brush the injury off, telling him there was no need to waste his supplies. Leaning down to lift her leg up and lay it in his lap he ignored her as he opened the case and began taking out what he would need. 

Sitting there as he worked on one foot and then the other you stared down at the floor before closing your eyes as you thought about everything he had done for you tonight. “I’m sorry for being so much trouble.” 

"My dear you really must stop apologizing so much." He told her when he heard her soft voice apologizing to him once again. Glancing up from working on her feet he saw her still keep her eyes closed and her head bowed. Tying the bandage around her foot he took the socks from her hands and gently eased them on, making sure the wrappings did not come undone. Wanting to lighten the mood a bit he huffed out a chuckle. “Good to see a full pair of them getting used." Seeing her snap her eyes up to him, a wide and unbelieving look to them at his joke, his smirk widened with a tilt of his head. "I think I'm allowed to make a joke about it now and again, was my decision to cut the blasted thing off after all."

Giving a small grin you turned your head and moved one of your arms to cover a yawn. "I'm sor…” Stopping when he raised a brow you felt him rub your ankle reassuringly, or so you took it anyway. 

"I think you are in desperate need of a good night's sleep my dear.” 

Glancing down towards his bed that you now noticed had been turned down you opened your mouth and then looked to the couch that had a blanket and pillow on it. Moving to stand and walk over to the couch you felt his arm quickly wrap around you and pull you back down onto the bed. "I will not take your bed from you. You have already done so much for me I will not allow you to sleep on the couch." you told him in as firm a voice as you could muster. 

"You're not taking it from me, I'm giving it to you." 

"No. You will not even be able to properly lay down on the couch." you pointed out, knowing he was taller than you.

Standing up he moved her back down as she went to stand as well. "Lay down Y/n." 

Hearing him speak your name you inwardly gasped at the cord it struck in your chest. While his tone was firm, unrelenting, it was not at all like Johnathan giving you an order. Still when he gave a sigh and moved you couldn't help from flinching, your mind preparing you for some kind of punishment for not obeying him.

Noticing her flinch once more he pulled the blanket over her legs. Lifting his hand up to stoke the side of her face and down her neck with his knuckles he felt her remain stiff. While he wanted to tell her that he would never harm her he knew she would have a hard time believing it considering the things she obviously had been through. So instead he would just have to make sure he showed her. While he was known for being a harsh man to others, she would never know pain from him, only tenderness and hopefully with time, love. 

You had been expecting his hand to continue touching you. Before you had come out of the bathroom you had even braced yourself for him finally demanding a payment for everything he had done for you tonight. Being lifted into his arms and carried to the bed you just knew it was coming and told yourself to bite your tongue and let it happen, that you owed him as much. But he only treated your feet and now he was standing once more, he had even covered your legs with the blanket. Feeling his warm hand stroke your face so softly you were a little taken back when it came to a stop on your neck and you saw him stand back tall. 

"Get some sleep darling." he told her gently as he moved over to put out the oil lamp. Seeing her finally relent and move to lay down, tugging the blankets up around her shoulders he grinded. Sitting on the couch he loosened the strap to remove his peg leg, leaning it up against the couch before laying down as best he could. 

"G..goodnight Zeff. Thank you."

Smiling like a no doubt fool at hearing his name leave her sweet lips he closed his eyes and threw his arm behind his head. "G'night my dear." 

....................................................

He wasn't surprised when she slept long into the morning, her exhaustion finally catching up with her. Bringing up a plate for her along with a cup of tea he left it on the small table in his room he used as a desk. Glancing to her he saw her fast asleep, her face relaxed causing a small grin to pull at his lips. Not wanting to risk waking her he quietly made his leave. 

You didn't want to wake up, you were so warm and comfortable. Still the sunlight shining in through the curtains and onto your face made it impossible to sleep any longer. Slowly opening your eyes you glanced at the room you were in. Sitting up in the bed and doing a scan of the room you found you were alone. Seeing something on the small table though you knit your brows and stood slowly so your head wouldn't spin. You didn't feel as weak as you had but you were still shaky, no doubt from the lack of food. Moving over to the desk you saw a covered plate, a cup of tea and a folded piece of paper with your name written on it. Lifting the paper up you opened it to see a small note. 

I did not know if you prefer coffee or tea so I chose the latter. 

Eat and then if you would like feel free to come down to the restaurant. 

Zeff

Grinning  to yourself you sat down in the single chair there and lifted the cloche from the plate to find a bowl of porridge with a side of fresh fruit. A warmth quickly spread through your chest at the thoughtfulness of it that made you smile. 

...................................................

“... and so I told the guy that…” 

“What?” he questioned as Patty stopped talking abruptly. Turning to glance at him he saw the man looking towards the door leading upstairs. As he turned to look that way he saw what it was Patty was staring at and stood tall. It was her. She looked very nervous as she stood there, her hands holding the tray he had carried her food up on, her shoulders curled inwardly and her eyes cast down. Dressed in his too big shirt still and what looked to be only the skirt of her dress he placed down the potato he was busy peeling to move over to her. 

Hearing the sound of his one foot step and the ‘thunk’ of his peg leg you lifted your eyes as he came to step in front of you. “Good morning.” 

“Good morning my dear or rather afternoon.” he told her but regretted his words as he saw her eyes snap up to his, a panicked look to them that turned to shame. 

“I didn't mean to sleep so long, I’m sorry. It won’t happen ag…”

“Do not apologize. If you are tired then you should sleep.” he assured her. Glancing down to the tray he saw the tea cup empty but that was all he could see. “Was the porridge to your liking? I was not too sure what you liked in it or if there was anything you couldn’t eat.”

Quickly nodding your head you looked back up to him and grinned. “It was delicious, thank you very much, for the fruit and tea as well.” “Oh I’m not picky, the only thing I can’t have is horseradish, I’ll turn bright red” you told him. 

Grinning at hearing her open up to him, he gave a nod. “Then no horseradish for you my dear.” Moving to take the tray from her he felt her hold tight to it. 

“I’ll wash them.” you told him, glancing behind him to the sink with a few dishes in it you looked back to him, “And those as well.” Moving to take a step you were stopped by his arm wrapping around your waist. Glancing up to those gray blue eyes you saw no anger in them, only a softness like you had never experienced before.

Catching her before she could move towards the sink he looked down at her. “You are still recuperating and need to rest.”

“I just rested, for too long at that. I am fine to wash dishes or help with anything else you need.” 

Taking the tray from her he passed it on to Carne as he walked by them. Seeing her open her mouth to object he lifted his knuckles to the underside of her chin, stroking her cheek with his thumb, feeling her slowly relax when she realized he was not going to hurt her. “You will rest and heal, those are the tasks I am appointing to you.”

“Surely you do not wish for me to do nothing…”

“That is exactly what I want you to do.” he told her and smirked at the baffled look on her face. “If you need something to pass the time then I am sure we all have enough books for you to choose from.” 

Not knowing what to say and not wishing to anger him you gave a small nod and dropped your eyes in submission. 

Sighing out as she once more looked down he glanced at the discolored skin along her neck and grit his teeth. Hearing the side door open he saw Sanji out of the corner of his eye and took a deep breath to calm his temper. “Little eggplant.” 

Confused by his words you looked back up at him but a small child coming up beside him made your eyes shoot away from him. It was the boy from before. He had blonde hair and as he looked up to you, you saw the same gray blue eyes as Zeff. W..was this his son? 

“Hey I remember you, you were with that big group last month.” Sanji pointed out as he looked over the woman but frowned when he took in her beaten, skinny and frankly exhausted appearance. Looking up to the old man he knit his brows. “What’s she doing here?” 

“It isn’t any concern of yours why she is here.” Zeff told him quickly with a small glare towards the boy. 

Seeing the boy roll his eyes and hearing Zeff growl you could not help the small smile that lifted the corners of your lips at the relationship the two seemed to share. 

“I live and work here just like everyone else, I deserve to know things too old man.” 

“Damnit, how many times have I told you not to call me that you little brat.” 

Deciding to jump in you licked your lips and crouched down slightly so that with you being on the stairs you were only a little shorter than the boy, taking in a breath and swallowing as the room swayed a bit. “Hello. My name is y/n. It is a pleasure to meet you…”

Seeing the smiling woman he soon lost all interest in talking to the old man and gave a small bow. “Sanji, and the pleasure is all mine miss.” 

Hearing the boy lay on what he assumed to be his charm he rolled his eyes. “Now look here boy I want you to help Y/n out, that means making sure she has everything she needs whether it be something to drink or whatever else she needs.” 

“Zeff, that is not necessary I…”

“It is, your feet still need to heal which will only happen if you are not on them for too long. Besides, the boy has been wanting to move up the line some and this will help him learn some basic table service.” Zeff told her and was surprised when Sanji quickly agreed with him. 

“I don’t mind. I’ll  make sure you have everything you should ever need, miss Y/n.” Sanji smiled. 

Licking your lips you let out a small sigh but nodded. “Very well but if there is anything you would like me to do to help…” 

“There isn’t.”

Not hearing any room for argument in his voice you bowed your head. “Alright.” 

Humming when her eyes dropped down, he blinked and glanced down to Sanji, tilting his head to the side to silently tell him to go, glaring when he at first didn’t move. Once the boy had moved away, giving them privacy he curled his knuckle under her chin to lift those tired eyes back to his, moving a hair’s width closer to her. “Knowing that you are getting the rest you need is helping me darling, puts my mind at ease, allows me to work efficiently.” He knew she felt like she had to help, that she had to repay him for what he had done but caring for his soulmate was not something that required reimbursement.

Looking up into those intense gray blue eyes you took a small breath and blinked. “I do not want to be a burden.” 

Smirking he stroked her hollowed cheek with his thumb being careful not to add too much pressure where her skin was bruised. “You, little lamb, are a blessing not a burden.” Seeing the 

shock on her face at being called something positive he sighed softly. It was becoming clear to him that she had more healing than he originally thought. Blinking, he dropped his hand from her thin face so he could reach over to grab a menu from the rack. Might as well start with the easiest of it, getting her back to health physically. “Here, give this a look over and pick out something you want for lunch. There are books in the room for you to choose from. I can get the others to bring theirs to you in a bit. Feel free to move about the ship but do not overexert yourself, I want you to rest. If there is anything you need you just let the little eggplant know.”

Smiling softly, you looked up into his eyes. “Why eggplant?”

Humming he gave a smirk and shrug. “Don’t know, just something that stuck.” he told her honestly and couldn’t deny the warmth that spread throughout his chest at seeing her smile. 

Grinning, you nodded and took the menu from him to look over. With one last smile to each other you headed back upstairs for now while he worked.

…………………………….

It was not hard for you to find a book of Zeff’s to read, though many of the ones he did have you had never had the chance to read.

“Books are a waste of time…money better spent on other things.”

     “It's not right for a woman to read. Soon she starts getting ideas and thinking.”

“Filling a young lady’s mind with all sorts of nonsense…”

“No daughter of mine will be seen with her nose stuck in a book.”

But Zeff had offered you the chance to read, for you to choose whichever book you wanted to read. He had even had one of the other staff members, Patty, as he introduced himself as bring you some books that he was done reading as well as some of Carne’s, another member of the staff. Surely Zeff did not know every book the staff had. So did that mean you could read what you wanted, that he would not have to approve the book first? Your mother had never allowed you to read a book unless it was approved by her and your father first and they approved very few. Jonathan had refused to buy you any books so you had instead chosen to reread the ones your parents had bought you until you knew them by heart. Still you did not want to anger Zeff so you would just ask him later and stick to the one you had found in his own collection. 

Reading for a time and then looking over the menu he had given you, you could not help the smile on your face as you read over the cursive lines describing the delicious sounding food. Onion soup, Beef tenderloin, Citrus sea bass… the list went on for the whole page, making your mouth water. Still when Sanji knocked on the door and poked his head inside, bringing you a glass of water and asking if you had decided, you simply smiled at him and told him to tell Zeff to surprise you. 

……………………………….

“So what would she like?” Zeff asked the boy as he made his way back down the stairs. 

“She said to surprise her.” he shrugged and saw the Chef smile a little as he looked down. Knitting his brows he crossed his arms over his chest and stared at the old man’s back as he started grabbing this and that. “How come she’s in your room? Is that where you went last night, to go get her? How long is she staying?”

Sighing he rolled his eyes and grabbed a small pot. Dicing the potato into small pieces he narrowed his eyes at the boy as he came to stand on the other side of the worktop and watch him like he did so often. “What’s with all the questions? And just what were you doing up when I left, you were supposed to already be asleep.”

“Just want to know. You smiled at her earlier and you never smile at anyone, who is she?”

Looking back down at what he was doing he began adding this and that to the pot. “Yea I went and found her. She’s my soulmate so if everything goes right she’ll be staying here with us.”

“How’d she get all those bruises and stuff on her? Did that guy that she was here with do that to her? How come he called her his wife if she is your soulmate?”

Sighing out he looked up to the boy and saw those curious blue eyes just staring up at him. “Look boy I know I don’t have to tell you that life isn’t all rainbows and fairy tales. Sometimes life just happens and you got to figure things out as you go along.” Licking his lips he grabbed some green onion and took another breath to calm his temper. “If you need to know so bad then yea I’m pretty sure he did that to her.” Lifting the knife up and pointing it at him he narrowed his eyes. “And just let it be known boy that if you ever put your hands on a woman or cause one harm I will cut your balls off because any man that hurts a woman is no man. You understand me?” Seeing the boy nod his head vigorously he gave a hum and went back to the soup he was making. “Alright then enough talking, you got dishes piling up.”

……………………………

After the potato soup Sanji had brought up you had not been able to stop yourself from falling asleep, your stomach full and your body warm. Curling up in Zeff’s bed once more you breathed in his scent and were out in a matter of minutes. When you woke up once more the sun was setting and you decided to go down to the deck and watch it. There were a few customers lingering around the bar and such so you chose to find a small secluded corner where you would not bother anyone. Keeping your head down when you noticed some people staring at you, you took a deep breath and tried to focus on the breathtaking view. 

You did not know how long you sat out there, the stars and moon taking the place of the sun, the air chilly but not cold. Grinning to yourself as you found certain constellations you were snapped out of your thoughts as a deep voice spoke from your right. Looking up you saw Zeff there, his chef’s coat now unbuttoned and his ascot hanging around his neck. Giving him a small smile as he walked over to you, you noticed him carrying a tray in one hand while the other held a bottle of wine and two glasses. 

“There you are, thought you were still up in the room.” Sitting the items on the small table in front of her he pulled out one of the chairs before sitting down in it and letting out a sigh. “So darling what have you been doing out here?” he asked her as he moved a plate before her and himself, pouring them both a small glass of wine. 

Looking down at the food he placed before you, you saw a pasta of sorts that smelled devine. “I like the stars.” Taking the glass from him as he held it out for you, you smiled softly. “Thank you.” Looking down at the delectable food you licked your lips. “You know I do not require a five star meal three times a day.” Seeing him look up at you and raise a brow you looked down and bit your lip.”What I mean is that I do not wish to cause you any more work. Truthfully I can not recall a time I ate so much in one day.” 

Humming, he reached in his pocket for a lighter so he could light the candle between them. “I have been told it is not really working if you are doing something you are passionate about. As for the amount of food you had previously been eating I am not sure that would be enough to keep a fish alive. Three meals a day and a snack between each is the recommended amount for a healthy diet so that is what you will eat. I went to bring you something small earlier but you were sleeping.” 

“Oh.. I’m sorry I…” you quickly went to say but he only gave a small shake of his head. 

“If you are tired then you need to sleep. There is no reason to be sorry for it. Fatigue is one of the many symptoms of malnourishment.” Holding out her silverware for her to take she gave him a small bow of her head as she took it from him and twirled the rather bland pasta around her fork and spoon. “Once your body is used to being fed again I will cook you something more appetizing than pasta, soup and porridge.” he huffed.

“I enjoyed all of it, I had never had a soup made from potatoes and I have not had pasta since I was a girl.” 

Seeing the truth in her eyes as she gave him a soft smile he grinned and began twirling the pasta around his own fork. He wasn’t much on it himself but he would not eat something she could not currently have in front of her. Wanting to carry on a conversation with her he swallowed his food before speaking. “And what was the last pasta you did have?”

“Carbonara, my parents' chef allowed me to make it with her for my twelfth birthday.” you told him with a fond smile as the memory played in your head. 

“You wanted to cook your own meal on your birthday?” he questioned with a raised brow. 

“Oh yes I.. it was what I asked for.” you started before looking down. You wanted to tell him about your life but you were afraid. What if he didn’t want to hear it? What if he found you annoying… like Johnathan…

“Go on.” he urged gently when she seemed hesitant to speak. 

Shocked by this you glanced up at him to see him honestly interested in what you had to say, something you were not used to and made your heart warm. “Well cooking and especially baking have alway interested me even when I was a girl though my mother and father never allowed me to practice such things, they told me it was not a skill high standing men looked for in a wife, that was why house staff were hired.” trailing off for a moment you looked down and then back up to see him still interested. “But I still enjoyed it and would sneak away to the kitchen whenever possible.” You would not tell him how you were punished for those times you were caught. Forcing a smile you blinked and glanced up at him. “On my twelfth birthday my parents were away on business and so I asked Glinda, their chef, if I could help her cook my birthday meal. I told her I wanted to try pasta and she showed me how to make it from scratch. I got flour everywhere.” you smiled and heard him chuckle. 

“And was that all you made?”

“No, we made something called a love cake…

“Hmm never heard of it, what is it?” 

“Oh well it has been a long time since then but I think it had a ricotta cheesecake layer on the bottom then a chocolate cake and on top of that a chocolate ganache or pudding of some sorts and then we added cherries on top.”

“It sounds good.” he told her and smiled when he saw the joy in her eyes, that shine coming back to her eyes. 

“It was.” you smiled. That had been one of the best birthdays you had ever had. Definitely better than your last one, although you couldn’t really say that since you had met your soulmate, even if you didn’t know it was him at the time. Wanting to know more about him you looked up to his stormy blue eyes, “How long have you been a chef?”

Taking a sip of wine to wash down his bite of food he saw her looking at him with a soft smile. “Close to twenty years probably. I started out at the bottom and slowly worked my way up till I set out on my own, of course then I became a pirate but I still cooked.”

“You were a pirate?” you asked with a smile. You had to admit it didn’t really surprise you he did have that dangerous look about him. You’d hate to be on his bad side and hoped you never would be.

There was not an ounce of fear or disgust on her face but what he could best describe as a child-like wonder making him grin. “Sure was sweetheart. Sailed all over the seas cooking different kinds of fish and learning about food from around the world.”

“Sounds like you had the adventure of a lifetime.” you smiled, taking a sip of your wine to hide the blush on your cheeks at his word of endearment.

“It left me with many stories to tell.”

“You will have to promise to tell me about them someday.” you smiled before quickly adding “Only if you want to that is.” quickly worrying that you might sound demanding. 

Seeing her slight panic and her voice become nervous he blinked and reached across to take her hand. “You my dear may have a story whenever you like.” he told her and saw her give him one of those sweet smiles of hers. Seeing she had finished the small amount of pasta he had given her he hummed. “I know it was no carbonara but was the pasta to your liking?”

“Yes. Thank you very much. Garlic and lemon?”

“That it was, well, with some added parsley, something simple until we get your stomach back used to food. If you are feeling well after breakfast then perhaps I can whip you up something a bit more flavourful for lunch and dinner tomorrow.” 

“I assure you I am not picky and you do not have to go out of your way to make me anything. I would be fine with a simple peanut butter and jelly sandwich.” you told him, not wanting to cause him any more work or for him to think you expected fine food from him simply because he was a chef.

“I don’t do sandwiches darling.” he told her with a smirk. 

“Then you will have to let me help your son with the dishes at least.”

“My son?” he questioned and then blinked and tilted his head when he realized who she was talking about. “Sanji isn’t my… or well he’s not my blood.” Seeing her looking at him questionably he sighed and rubbed the back of his neck, he supposed if anyone was to know it would be her, his soulmate. “When I was stuck on that deserted rock in the middle of the sea darling I wasn’t alone… Sanji was with me…I…” Looking up into those curious and judgeless eyes he took a deep breath. “When I was a pirate I did some things that I ain’t proud of.. One night we came across this ship, a cruise ship called the Orbit…”

……………………………..

Listening to Zeff’s story about the time he was stuck on the island with Sanji you remained quiet, allowing him to tell you what he wished you to know which seemed to be all of it, even the parts you could tell made him feel ashamed and weak. He had told you last night about how he had cut off his own leg, his right leg but tonight he had admitted the reason for it, to keep from dying of starvation. You could not imagine having to make that decision but you did not find him disgusting after all he had turned to that because he had given Sanji, a child that he didn’t even know, all the food they had. There was no doubt that his actions of cutting off the part of his body where your name had been had caused his own name to fade from your skin two years ago. He had told you that he had not wanted to remove your name from his skin but that he needed his left leg for balance.

Once he was done with his tale he looked up to see her just sitting there looking at him with a look of understanding that made him feel a sense of relief in his chest. Her next words shocked him and caused him to go wide eyed.

“That was very noble of you.”

“N..noble? Now how the hell did you come up with that darling?” he questioned, making sure his voice did not come across as angry or anything negative. 

“You saved him, sacrificed all you had to make sure he had the best chance of survival even when it left you to suffer. You did something that most would never have the courage or will to do, you didn’t give up. And since then you have cared for him.” you explained before offering him a kind smile, “If that is not an act of honor then I do not know what is.”

Swallowing hard at that he licked his lips and lifted the wine glass to his lips. “You sure do know how to make a man feel all sorts of ways don’t you my dear?” he asked and saw her smile sweetly. Refilling her wine glass he looked across the table towards her. “Would you tell me what happened after we last saw each other, how you ended up by that shipwreck.” Watching her eyes snap down to her lap and her shoulders curl inward he furrowed his brows. 

He had shared some of his story with you, you knew you owed him the same. Licking your lips you took a deep breath and began fiddling with the hem of his shirt that he had allowed you to wear. “I embarrassed him, both with the broken glass and when I asked you about the cannolis, it is something I was always doing according to him. When we arrived back at his home he… Well, he was not happy.” 

Seeing her hand shaking as she reached for the wine glass and took a long sip from it he grit his teeth. “Did this happen often?”

Staring out towards the open sea you spoke the words you were told so often. “Actions do not go without punishments.” Taking a smaller sip this time you bit your lip in thought. “He was angrier that night. I think he was jealous of you…” 

“Of me? What the hell does a rich nobel get jealous of a chef over?” he huffed out now just opting to drink from the bottle itself, needing something to keep him grounded as the thought of that worthless fuck putting his hands on his soulmate made his blood boil. 

Seeing a shooting star you smiled a little and took a deep breath. “You made me smile.” 

Stunned by that he could only blink and stare at her. 

“It was a rare occurrence I can assure you.” Keeping your eyes on the sea and night sky you decided to tell a little more of your story. “He claimed I was a harlot for being out here alone with you, for smiling openly at you, said that between that and everything else he was done with me embarrassing him and so he threw me out onto the street. I found that shipwreck after the first week or so and decided it would be as good a place as any to die.”

It was no lie that she was close to death when he found her. Maybe another night or so and she would have no doubt died. He hated himself for taking so long to find her but it took him a while to track down what island she was on. He had been going ashore every night to search for her or that worthless… he wouldn’t even call him that, he hated the thought of it. A husband was supposed to take care of their wife and he had done the polar opposite. He knew she was not telling him everything that he had done to her and that left him with one burning question. “Why did you choose to marry him if he treated you so badly?”

Blinking you kept his stare as you let out a shaky breath “I didn’t.” Seeing his brow knit in confusion you swallowed hard. “H..he bought me.” Finishing off your wine you set the glass on the table and stared at the candle flame. “My family never believed in the whole soulmate thing, even when it was right in front of their very eyes. I was the only one in my family to be born with a name written on my skin. None of my siblings had them and they wasted no time in mocking me for mine, going along with all the other high class members of my family by saying that it was something only peasants had. Well everyone except my eldest sister, she always whispered to me how lucky I was when she came home to visit.” you told him with a small smile as you thought about the only person in your family that ever seemed to love you. 

“When I became of age my father and mother began forcing me to go to balls and events with them, hoping I would catch the eye of an available suitor but I was determined not to wed anyone who was not my soulmate. You have an uncommon name so it wasn’t hard to quickly get rid of them.” you said, making him smirk. Tilting your head you felt your lips fall, “My parents however quickly grew tired of my ‘foolish hopefulness’ as they called it. When your name faded from my skin they were so relieved that they threw their own ball in hopes of finding me a husband. Johnathan had been very persistent and soon offered a dowry that my parents quickly accepted. My father told me I had no more excuses to make, that my soulmate was dead and I had to move on. So I was forced to marry him. Given the warning that if I even dared to object at the ceremony that I would be given to the Celestial Dragons and well I have seen firsthand how those poor people are treated so I stayed silent… like a coward.” 

“You’re no coward darling.” he said and saw those sad eyes meet his own. “Those parents of yours, that spineless bastard you had to marry, they are all cowards. Cowards and fools, too afraid of ruining their precious reputations and so called ‘pure bloodline’ to open their hearts. You my dear are kind and pure and are too good for any of them.” 

“You say all these positive things about me but you barely know me.” 

“Don’t have to. I can see it in your eyes. They aren’t called the windows to the soul for nothing.” Taking her hand once more he smiled at her. “Besides all those snobby fucks were wrong in the end won’t they, cause we found each other didn’t we.” he said and saw her smile before she let out a small giggle that caused a fluttering in his gut. 

Seeing him smile at you with warm eyes that held no ounce of disdain you gave a nod. “Yes, yes we did.” 

Looking at her for a quiet moment he smiled softly as she quickly covered a yawn, apologizing to him. Standing he pulled her to her feet with her hand he was still holding and saw her look up at him with tired eyes. “You go on up and take a shower now sweetheart while I clean this up…”

“I will hel..”

“Not happening. You go take a shower and then I am going to rebandage your feet and you are going to bed.” Bringing the hand he was holding up to his lips to place a light kiss on her knuckles he smiled at the blush that tinted her cheeks. “Go on now, I’ll be up shortly.” 

Knowing he would not hear anymore of it you bowed your head and did as he said. Not being able to help from smiling at the tingling from where his lips had touched your skin moments ago.

[gelu-the-babosa-multiversal]

As I promised you @guardian-of-fandoms @bluy1206

The day that Charlie learn that things could change on Griffin Rock. Right where they live, everything stays, but it still changes...

[stuff-diary]

The Paradise of Thorns

Movies watched in 2025

The Paradise of Thorns (2024, Thailand)

Director: Boss Kuno

Writers: Boss Kuno, Naron Cherdsoongnern & Karakade Norasethaporn

Mini-review:

I hadn't even heard of this movie before today, but damn, that was one crazy ride. The story throws a heartbreaking twist at you almost right away, and then descends into this messy, soapy chaos that's supremely enjoyable. (Things get pretty dark, especially during the final act, so better check out some content warnings). Tbh, I wonder if the movie would work as well without the fantastic cast that breathes life into these characters; Jeff Satur, Engfa Waraha and Srida Puapimol turn in truly unforgettable performances. The cinematography is beautiful too, and the main set is perfectly designed, giving off a lived-in vibe. I feel like The Paradise of Thorns might be too much for some people, but I can say it was right up my alley.