#wait I should draw knuckles like actually I haven’t done that in a long time

[lamemummy59]

Character Chao! X~}

rbs very appreciated!!!

[mourntheantagonist]

Trigonometry

Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5

warning: explicit. check ao3 for detailed tag list

read on ao3

Steve had been there, bright and early just like he said, honking the horn outside her window, waiting for her to finish getting ready and meet him in the car.

She waved at him out her window, just like she always did, just to assure him that she heard him, and that she was on her way down. He never said anything about how long it took her to get dressed, and was always so sure to compliment her when she got in the car, and despite the tension that comes the day after a revelation as big as theirs, with regard to the way Steve looked at her, it was like it was just any other ordinary day.

“I like the purple, it looks nice on you.” Steve had said, referring to her lilac scarf.

“Thanks.” Nancy responded, nervously fidgeting with her hands, because as normal as Steve was making the day feel, it was so very far from normal.

It was early. Not too early, but a good fifteen minutes earlier than they typically were out the door on their way to school.

Which meant they had time to talk.

There was a part of Nancy that was sort of hoping to avoid it. That was the same part of her that was fidgeting with her hands in the passenger seat.

“You okay?” Steve asked.

“Yeah, I just,” Nancy sighed, “suppose we should talk.”

They were still sitting in front of the Wheeler house, and it was no surprise to Nancy that the second she said the word ‘talk’, Steve was pressing his foot on the gas. He seemed to find driving relaxing, and he was a much easier person to talk to when he had to multitask.

It was only a few seconds, but the silence had filled the cabin of the car so quickly that it was almost suffocating.

“Did you change your mind?” Steve asked, his grip on the steering wheel tight evident by pale knuckles, “It’s okay if you have.”

“No. No I’m…I’m still…I haven’t changed my mind.” she stuttered, flustered, as somehow the idea of talking about sex with her boyfriend started feeling like talking about sex with her parents. “Have you?”

Steve was quick to shake his head. “God no.” he laughed, and it released a good portion of that physical tension that weighed heavy on the both of them. “Did you want to talk like…logistics?”

“Logistics??”

“I don’t know!” Steve said, still laughing, and Nancy could see a little pink color in his cheeks. “I haven’t exactly done anything like this before. Like, do we have a plan or do we just want to wing it?”

Nancy just stared at Steve, who didn’t actually appear to want an answer from her, at least, it wasn’t clear by the way he didn’t even pause for a breath, letting his mind move a mile a minute, and his mouth move even faster.

“Because… personally… I like to have a game plan, y’know. Like. Coach always draws up a play by play, and that’s like, super helpful because then I know exactly where I’m expected to be and what I’m supposed to be doing and I know this isn’t basketball. This is very far from basketball but I just think I need—”

“Steve!” Nancy cut him off before he talked himself into exhaustion. “Relax.”

“Sorry.”

Nancy just laughed. “If it’ll help you calm down, let’s talk logistics.” she said, taking a deep breath, for herself. It was odd, but at the same time, it wasn’t. Everyone always thought of her as this priss, and a prude, and she wasn’t. She didn’t think so. And yet, the thought of talking sex with the guy she has been having sex with made her sick to her stomach. The only comforting part of it all was that Steve seemed just as nervous as she had, and he had a polar opposite reputation to her. “What do you want to talk about, exactly?”

Steve’s lips were pressed together, forming this straight and solid line, appearing entirely lost in thought, or maybe he was just trying to keep himself from rambling again, maybe he was just trying to keep the car from veering off the road. “In your mind,” Steve started, “where do you see all of us? Like. Paint me a picture.”

Nancy almost felt the urge to pull out a pen and paper at the comment, and honestly, she didn’t totally hate the idea of it. Fortunately for her, directly to her right was a window, foggy from the cold. “No judgment?” she asked, turning back to Steve, sort of afraid, sort of excited, sort of desperate to get the information out into the world.

Steve’s eyes widened just slightly, eyebrows raised, intrigued and excited and it made Steve’s clarifying “No judgment” almost redundant.

“Okay.” Nancy smiled, turning back towards the fogged up window, using the pad of one of her fingers to draw on the glass. She traced two stick figures standing next to each other. “This is you and Billy.” she said, pointing to her immaculate drawing. She saw out of the corner of her eye as Steve nodded his head, and she continued, drawing a third stick figure, further away from the other two. “And that’s me.”

“Why are you so far away?” Steve asked.

Nancy bit down on her lower lip, feeling her cheeks flush once again, embarrassed, but also delighted in Steve’s genuine curiosity.

“I’m watching.” she said.

Steve turned his head quickly so he was looking back out the front windshield, nodding his head, less like he understood, more like he was trying to make himself understand. “Okay.” he said. “Then…then what are Billy and I doing?”

“Whatever you want to do.” she said, and she could see him tense up, nervous, unsure, just like he had been the whole time, but moreso. “Look, Steve. I just want you to have a good time, okay. If this isn’t something you want…we can stop right here, no hard feelings.” she reached an arm over to gently rub his shoulder, feeling the tightness in the muscle even over the fabric of his shirt. “But Steve. If this is something you want, I need you to know that it’s okay.”

Steve sighed hard into his seat. “I guess I’m just confused about how you’re so cool about all of this.” he said, waving a hand around in the air, gesturing to nothing in particular.

“There are worse things in the world than seeing my boyfriend feel good.”

“It still feels like I’m cheating on you,” he said, “again.”

Nancy sighed. “It’s not cheating if I’m giving you permission, Steve. I want this.” she said. “Listen, we love each other” she said it louder that time than she ever had before, and it made her pause for a second, long enough that it may have been noticeable. “He’s not replacing me” she said, and it felt a little bit like reassurance for herself, but it appeared that Steve took a little bit of solace in it as well. “But again, if you don’t, that’s fine. We haven’t even talked to Billy yet. Nothing is set in stone.”

Steve loosened his grip on the steering wheel, which was a start, but she could still feel the tension in his shoulder muscles. “I want to. I do. Believe me I do.” Steve said, and his tone was almost silly enough to make her laugh. “I’m just nervous. I’ve never—I haven’t—it feels like I’m getting ready to lose my virginity all over again, and that’s just, not something I thought I’d have to do twice, you know?”

Nancy giggled to herself, attempting to be quiet so Steve didn’t think she was mocking him or anything. “I get it. It’s scary.” she said, her voice light and warm, “but I’ll be there, and if you aren’t having fun we’ll just stop.”

“You think Billy’ll ‘just stop’?”

“I’ll bring my gun.”

Steve just laughed. “He might actually be into that.” he said, and Nancy just laughed right along with him.

“So we’re doing this?” Nancy asked, just one final clarification, one last opportunity for an out.

Steve smiled, finally looking over at her again. “We’re doing this.”

“Better go and talk to Billy then.” Nancy said, snickering because somehow, there was still so much more to talk about.

“That’ll be a fun conversation.”

“We’ll do it together.” Nancy reassured.

“Oh,” Steve said, laughing through his nose, seemingly sarcastic, “even more fun.”

- : -

Be it luck, gravity, or other invisible forces—or Billy just being very regular—somehow, some way, she and Steve had been standing together just within view to see Billy walk into the boys bathroom. She couldn’t help but giggle to herself, thinking about how it had become home to this awakening she and Steve had. Third time’s the charm, she thought.

She gave Steve a nudge, gesturing to the denim clad blonde mullet retreating through the door of the bathroom, and she managed to relay all the words necessary in none at all for Steve to nod his head, swallow hard, take her by the hand, and push through the small crowd in the hall. He pushed open the door, letting go of her hand, to leave her standing outside, only able to hear what muffled words managed to bypass the heavy door.“Am I dreaming or is that you Harrington?” It was Billy’s voice, and it made Nancy instantly roll her eyes. “Come back for round two?”

Steve didn’t answer, at least from what she could hear. All she could hear after Billy’s question was the sound of opening and closing stall doors, loud and aggressive, until Steve piped up with a “the coast is clear, you can come in Nance.”

“Oh god!” it was Billy’s voice again, much louder now that it was no longer muffled against the closed door, and the way Billy frantically started zipping himself up was almost comical. “Can’t you two let a guy take a piss in peace? Quit involving me in your relationship drama!”

Billy stumbled away to the sink, flipping on the water and forgoing soap, and part of Nancy was questioning if Billy was too gross. “Hey,” she said, her voice demanding, like a mother, “—actually wash your hands!”

Billy glared at her, his stare menacing, and yet, Nancy wasn’t the least bit afraid. Because of Steve, maybe. She wasn’t really paying much attention to him, standing behind her with his back against the door to keep it shut. She was too busy with her staring contest with Billy, testing her hypothesis again that looks really could kill, or at the very least make Billy wash his goddamn hands after using the restroom.

Without breaking eye contact, Billy pushed the little soap dispenser on the wall, and Nancy had to refrain from patting herself on the back for the victory.

“What do you want?” he asked, scrubbing his hands and eyeing both her and Steve, back and forth with darting eyes. Irritated. Clearly.

There was a beat of silence, Nancy looked to Steve, who was standing with his head down, biting his fingernails, clearly nervous. She turned back to Billy, who was expecting an answer, and she was about ready to go into this long-winded explanation of what they wanted when Steve suddenly spoke up.

“You.” he said.

Billy’s brows knitted together, he looked both confused and intrigued, and Nancy had been taken aback by just how forward Steve had been, even if it was still pretty vague.

“What’s that mean, pretty boy?” Billy asked, and for some reason the nickname made her blush.

Nancy looked back to Steve, his back still pressed firmly against the door. He’d seemed to have lost his confidence, somehow all of it having poured out into his single word admission. He was looking to her, not at Billy, seemingly waiting on her to take the reins.

“What he means is,” she started, speaking through a tightly clenched jaw, still looking at Steve, looking to him for guidance that he couldn’t provide. She must’ve paused for too long, because when she finally looked back over at Billy he had his hands tightly gripping the sink behind him, holding on as he leaned his whole body forward. His eyebrows were scrunched and his foot was tapping the floor and he was giving her every signal to hurry the fuck up.

It only made her want to take her sweet time even more.

She took a step forward, just one as to not get too close, just closer. “What he means is,” she said again, pausing again, drawing it out and taking joy out of how he just leaned ever further forward, “we want you to join us.”

She had anticipated a clear moment of recognition. She had expected his eyebrows to shoot up, his mouth to drop open, just something that said he understood because Nancy Wheeler never once thought she’d have to spoon feed Billy Hargrove. But there was no moment of recognition, no obvious sign to point towards realization. His eyebrows were still scrunched and still laced with confusion.

“Join you?” Billy asked, his eyes narrowed, “This a fucking cult or something?”

Both her and Steve laughed. “No.” Nancy said, shaking her head, emphasizing the ridiculousness of the question.

“We mean like,” Nancy could see Steve waving his arms around in her peripheral, “the three of us…together. Y’know, like…”

In Steve’s slow, beating around the bush explanation, the light had suddenly flickered on inside Billy’s head behind his eyes before Steve would have to try and finish. Billy’s eyebrows had shot up, his eyes widened, and his mouth contorted into a self-satisfied, wide-ass grin.

He started laughing while Steve was still rambling.

“Hold on, hold on, hold on,” Billy said, still laughing, still grinning, “are you saying the two of you wanna fuck me?” He looked like he was getting a kick out of it, like it was absolutely hilarious, and it pissed Nancy off. She didn’t entertain his question with an answer, but that didn’t stop him from continuing to run his mouth. “The both of you. Together. Just so I’m crystal clear.”

Nancy just looked back to Steve, expecting to see that same look of irritation that she had been giving Billy, but no. Steve didn’t look irritated one bit. He was smiling. Grinning. Right along with Billy. It made her feel like she was an outsider on some kind of inside joke.

Maybe she just didn’t know Billy Hargrove as well as she thought.

Whatever it was, it instilled some kind of confidence back into Steve, who crossed his arms over his chest and looked at Billy in a way that appeared he was simply entertained. “That’s one way to put it.” Steve said.

Nancy looked back to Billy, whose tongue was dancing outside of his open mouth, staring at Steve, who was staring at Billy, as if she wasn’t even there at all and it was both infuriating and, dare she admit it, fucking hot.

But mostly, she was just annoyed. “Are you in or are you out, Hargrove?” she asked, mirroring Steve’s stance, arms crossed, just laced with irritation rather than enjoyment.

Billy just laughed again, cackled more accurately. “Oh this is pure gold!” he said, not answering her question and momentarily clouding whatever sliver inside of her found this man to be attractive—shadowed by him acting like an absolute tool.

“That a ‘no’?” she asked, unserious, trying her hand at playing the same game he was playing.

Billy just leaned back against the sink, pulling a cigarette from his pocket and it was like deja vu. “No, princess,” he said, taking the cigarette in his hand and instead of putting it in between his own lips, he stretched his arm out towards her as an offering. “That’s a yes.”

Nancy took a couple more steps closer to him, close enough that they weren’t even an arms length away. She took the cigarette and put it in between her lips, and let Billy light it up for her. The intensity in the room disappeared through a single exhale of smoke.

“This is going to be so much fun,” Billy said.

And Nancy couldn’t really argue with that.

[yutahoes]

Reward

pairing : soccer player! boyfriend! Yuta Nakamoto x Reader

genre : smut, fluff (if you squint)

warning : toys, slight exhibitionism, fingering, shower sex, oral sex (male receiving), penetrative sex  

word count : 1.8k words. 

summary : You wanted to give him his reward for winning the game. 

for @neosmutcollective​‘s Wet and Wild  

gif not mine, just a reference for Yuta’s look. went all in with the smut, sorry 😅

The audiences’ cheers rambled all through the stadium as the announcement of the soccer champion is made. It was well-deserved, you thought. Everyone in that team played really well. Especially your boyfriend, Nakamoto Yuta. 

If not for your soccer superstar, you’ll be at home now. Missing him. Horny. 

It’s probably because you’re ovulating. You’re craving for him. Wanting his heat. 

It doesn’t help that he looks like a snack in his soccer uniform, with that long black hair that you love to thread your fingers to, and that red lips that looked delectable. 

You want him. You need him. 

Everyone was standing as they welcome the victors of the game but you’re still seated, hidden behind people. Your knuckles were turning white as you tightly grasp on the edge of your seat at the orgasm building inside you. You’re dripping wet and the small bullet vibrator kept on buzzing inside you, eager to get you off. You bit your lip as you try to suppress a moan, head lolling back and eyes closed as the pleasure hit you. You crossed your legs, coughing lightly to avoid a chuckle to escape your lips. How experimental of you to have an orgasm in a public place. In the middle of strangers who might see you. 

You gulped when your eyes met his. He saw you. He was watching you. He knew. 

Yuta cocked his head to the side, motioning for the old locker room located on the left side of the soccer field. He slipped past his teammates who were still basking in their win and you followed him. 

He was seated on the bench, staring at you. His legs were spread in a cocky way as you approached him nervously. The doors were just closed; you cannot lock them. And someone can come in and see the two of you. Yet, the thought turned you on. Do you have an exhibitionist kink that you haven’t explored yet? 

“Sit.” It was a threat, you knew. And you wanted him so bad to argue with him. 

You were supposed to sit down beside him but he gestured for his lap. Your underwear is soaked that you gave a quiet moan when he jerked his thigh. The vibrator slightly poking your inside. “Are you having fun with your little friend?” He asked while bouncing you in his lap. 

Your hands held tight on his shoulder, bending your body forward as you desperately cling to him. “I need you, Yuta. Please.” You heard him chuckle. His hand went inside your skirt then inside your underwear just to take off the vibrator. His index finger slipped inside you, drawing circles that caused you to whimper. “Please.” 

He removed his finger in you then slipped it between your lips, tasting yourself. “Are you sure?” He asked while raising an eyebrow at you. “You’re taking your little friend so well.” 

“I want your cum inside me, Yuta.” 

He grinned. That evil grin that you knew he’s planning something. “I want to shower first. Do you want to join me?” 

“I don’t have extra clothes…”

“That’s why we’re getting in there naked.” He removed your blouse then your skirt, putting it inside his locker. Your bra and soaked underwear joining the pieces of cloth inside. He kissed your neck then groped your breast when he kissed you on the mouth. 

You heard a shuffle of feet and voices outside that startled you. Shit, his teammates are coming and you’re naked. “Last cubicle, right. Wait for me.” He ordered, slapping your naked butt as you turn around to run to the cubicle he mentioned. 

“Oh, I thought you left already.” It was Johnny’s, the team’s goalkeeper, voice. 

“Yeah, I want to shower first.” You heard Yuta say. Footsteps can be heard coming your way and the door opened followed by his menacing grin. “I thought you’re using the new locker room today.” You heard a click and he was pushing you to the wall, his tongue automatically slithering inside your mouth. One hand groped your breast as the other turned the shower open. 

He’s so rough. When his hand cupped your naked wetness, a quiet moan escaped your mouth. He immediately kissed you, devouring the screams of pleasure you made because of his hands inside you. “So noisy,” he whispered against your ear. “We have to do something with your mouth, baby.” 

You immediately knew what it was and didn’t need further instructions as you get on your knees in front of him. His hair was already wet, falling on his face that made you gasp. He’s so hot. The water from the shower cascaded down his lean body and you stared at the perfection in front of you. Your hand reached for his balls then darted your tongue to lick his tip. 

“Yuta.” You heard another voice, Taeyong’s. “I saw your girlfriend earlier.” Your boyfriend just looked at you as you started taking his length in your mouth. Both his arms were on the bathroom wall, back leaned forward that the water hit his back. Your tongue kept playing with his cock, teeth lightly grazing on the side. “She always supports you in your games.” 

His tip hit the back of your throat, moaning lightly. “Yeah, she’s the best.” You heard him say as he held the back of your head, grasping your hair. He started thrusting his cock in your mouth as your nails claw on his thigh. 

“She’s really pretty.” You heard Johnny said and if possible, you felt Yuta twitch inside you. Is he turned on by this? “Even Doyoung has a crush on her.” This is news to you. They always seem so cold towards you that you thought his teammates hated you but maybe, they’re just awkward with a girl. Your boyfriend’s thrust never faltered, even quickening in pace that if not for the hold on your head, you might bump your head on the wall.  

One of the showers stopped then you heard a door opened. “She looks like an angel,” Taeyong claimed that almost made you laugh. An angel? Will they still call you that if they saw you now, on your knees and your mouth agape as Yuta use you like his personal glory hole. 

He removed his cock on you, the tip already red. His hands jerking his length as white spurts of cum shot on your face and your breasts. “Yeah, she looks good in white.” You lightly hit his thigh as he chuckled at what he did. 

Yuta removed the showerhead while helping you stand up, washing off the cum in your hair then your breasts, groping and rubbing them. You were biting your bottom lip the whole time, preventing a moan to escape since you knew Johnny and Taeyong are still inside the room. Your boyfriend turned you around, his cock hardening once again between your legs. You can feel the water pressure of the showerhead on your body as he moved it south. His free hand covered your mouth when you created a small sound at the moment he placed the showerhead between your legs, water hitting your core. 

“Be quiet,” he whispered, slipping two fingers inside your mouth which you gladly lapped up. You were squirming at the pleasure, one hand on the wall while the other desperately held to his arm. You wanted to shout at how good he’s making you, wanted his friends to know that you’re not an angel but a bitch in heat for Yuta. His slut. You wanted him, you needed him. Your breathing was heavy. Your head spinning with lust. You managed to remove his fingers in your mouth then whispered the word “Fuck me, please”

He smirked before bending your body forward that you held to the wall. The showerhead still between your legs, but now hitting your clit as he entered you from behind. You were thankful that you were holding the wall as he thrust inside you in powerful strides or you might hit your head or slip down. But you’re desperate for something to claw on, for something to dig your nails into with the immense pleasure surging through your body. 

You were about to shout when Johnny’s voice can be heard. “Dude, aren’t you done?” They’re still here so you bit your lip, hard. He kept his pace, eager to get you an orgasm. “We’ll get going first.” 

“Yeah. sure.” Yuta answered calmly. One hand groped your breast too hard that you created a soft sound. You tasted iron in your tongue and your lips starting to hurt. Why can’t they leave already? 

A knock on your cubicle door can be heard. “Yuta, are you alright?” Taeyong asked. 

You thought Yuta would stop but he didn’t. Instead, he quickened his thrusts. He’s actually turned on by this? Maybe it is him who has an exhibition kink. And the idea made you so horny that you started clenching on him. “Yeah,” he answered, coughing lightly to avoid the strain in his voice. “I’m good.”   

He is. You thought. He’s really good. 

“We’re going to the restaurant downtown. Are you coming?” 

He hugged you from the back, his hips jerking at you. The shower head was now on the floor as one of his hands fiddled with your nipples, the other rubbing your clit. The pleasure is too much that you started grinding on him, eager to have your orgasm. You felt the familiar coil in your stomach, his cock twitching at your clenching core.  “I’m…” He started, voice shaking. You felt something warm inside you as you felt your release. “Coming.” 

You heard footsteps then it disappeared. Your boyfriend pulled out of you then held you in his arms, kissing you in the mouth. You were breathless, wet, and sticky. “We should do this again.” he whispered then licked the blood on your lip. You nodded. This is one hell of a sexual adventure. 

He cleaned you up, even letting you wear his clean jersey shirt that has his surname marked on the back. “Nakamoto looks good on you.” You lightly hit his arm as you exit the locker room, surprised that Taeyong and Johnny were outside. “Why are you two still here?” 

The two guys shrugged then walked away, “I wonder why Y/N’s lip was bleeding.” Taeyong claimed. 

“Maybe they’re into marking now,” Johnny explained. “Even his surname is now marked on her.” 

“I don’t think I can enter that cubicle after today.” 

The taller guy laughed. “You’re lucky, we didn’t use the new locker rooms today. The cubicles are wide open.” 

You gasped then held on to Yuta’s arm. Funny, you thought, why did you feel tingly all of a sudden? You lightly glanced at him and he smirked at you. Is he thinking what you’re thinking? Your boyfriend held your waist, pulling you closer. “Next game. Should we let Taeyong or Johnny watch?” You stared at him, “Or maybe Doyoung?” Is he serious?

You gave him an innocent smile. This is your reward for him. Why does it feel like a reward for you? “Do well next game.” And you knew, he will. 

[crackheadgeminibby]

Would you write something about x reader wanting to Chris do his tap dance and refuse to but gets convinced by his girlfriend? ☺️

wrapped around her finger

pairing: chris evans x female!black!reader

warnings: age gap, language, fluff, mentions of alcohol i guess

word count: 1.4k

a/n: hey! thanks for this request, it’s something i didn’t know i needed in my life😂i hope you like it!!

i do not consent to my work being copied in any way, shape or form or reposted on any other platform

gif from TMZ

In the two years that you had been in a relationship with Chris, you had never seen him dance. Like an actual dance. Obviously, you had both attended numerous parties together and he always did stupid dance moves to make his friends, but mostly you, laugh.

You would think that with you being a dancer, Chris wouldn’t mind busting out some of the dance moves he learned when he was younger, but he never did. You asked all the time, mostly when he wasn't 100% sober and, thus, less self-conscious, but he always said that he didn’t remember.

It was the holiday season and this year, Chris and you had decided to spend it in Boston with his family. You both had a lot of things to take care of and you couldn’t afford to abandon them to travel halfway across the world to be with your family.

It was your first holiday season spent at the Evans’, which meant that you were about to witness a lot of their family traditions for the first time.

The first tradition that had been explained to you was that on December 23rd, the men went to get a tree while the women decorated the living room, followed by everyone decorating the tree when the men came back.

The next tradition was that, after Christmas Eve dinner, everyone had to open one present: matching pyjamas for the whole family.

The third tradition was the Christmas Day breakfast in the pyjamas from the previous night followed by games and a talent show.

You were currently seated in one of the chairs in the living room, watching as Scott and Chris were failing spectacularly at Pictionary.

“Time’s up!”, Shanna signals.

Scott groans, throwing his head back, “It was 'twist', Chris! Come on!”

Chris frowns at his brother, looking at the drawing, “How the hell was I supposed to guess that?”

“I drew a game of Twister!”

Chris crosses his arms, “It looks nothing like Twister, Scott.”

You snort before laughing at their bickering. You get up, leaving your glass on top of the fireplace, “Come on, Steve, it’s our turn!”

Scott groans, handing you the Sharpie as you get a piece of paper from the box. You open it, seeing 'gold medal' scribbled on it.

You smirk and turn back towards the family, nodding at Shanna so she can start the timer.

“Okay… GO!”, she announces.

You turn towards the paper, drawing a gold bar. Steve looks at you, inquisitively, before saying, “Umm, chocolate!” You shake your head, adding other gold bars to create a pyramid.

Steve looks at you, trying to figure out what you’re drawing, before screaming, “Oh! Gold bars!” You make a wavy sign with your hand, indicating that he’s almost there.

“Bar?” You shake your head again.

“Oh, okay, gold!”

You nod excitedly, moving on to the next part of the drawing. You draw a circle, writing 1 in it, and add a lanyard on top.

“1st place!” You shake your head at Steve, encircling the entire drawing, indicating that the answer is the whole thing.

“Umm, medal?” You frantically nod your head.

“Gold medal!”

“Yes!”, you scream in response. Steve gets up and hugs you excitedly before you both start doing your winner dance.

Scott and Chris both look at you, mouths agape, while a look of fake offense draws itself on Scott’s face, “How in the hell do you have a better connection with my boyfriend than I do with my brother?”

You chuckle, before shrugging your shoulders and replying, “Don’t worry, Scott. That was the last round so we're done winning everything…”

Scott and Chris both look at you with pouts on their faces as you laugh loudly, throwing your head back. You raise your hands in surrender and back away before plopping down in your seat, taking a sip of your drink.

“So, I believe I was told a talent show would be happening?”, you ask, wiggling your eyebrows.

Lisa smiles widely before nodding, “Indeed. Chris and Scott, do you want to start us off?”

Chris and Scott turn on the TV, playing their music. You didn’t know what they had planned because as Chris had said: “you have to wait for the surprise”.

You immediately burst out in laughter as the melody of “A Whole New World” from Aladdin starts.

Chris had made you watch Aladdin at least three times in the past couple of weeks (you had stopped counting) and you were confused, but you didn’t particularly mind since you loved the movie.

You smile throughout their excellent rendition of the song, clapping and cheering when they’re finished. Chris smiles, sitting down next to you before Lisa announces that Shanna and Carly were next with a scene from Lilo & Stitch.

As his sisters are playing Lilo & Stitch hilariously well, Chris turns towards you, smiling, before taking your hand in his and kissing your knuckles, whispering “I love you”. You feel heat rising to your face, smiling back at him and kissing his cheek before laying your head on his shoulder.

As Shanna and Carly are bowing after their performance, you see Lisa turning to you.

“Okay, Y/N, your turn.”

Your eyes widen as you stare at her, “Wait, what? I didn’t know I was supposed to prepare something.” Lisa raises an eyebrow before looking over at Chris who was getting redder by the second.

You look at him intently before he stutters, “I… um… forgot to tell you?”

You groan at him, throwing your head back. Lisa chuckles silently before saying, “Well, then, since you forgot to say anything, maybe you should join her.”

Chris’ head snaps up towards his mom, “What? Ma, no. I already went.”

Lisa looks at Chris before shrugging her shoulders.

“Well, then. You heard your mom. Up.”, you tell Chris while standing up.

Chris looks up at you, raising an eyebrow. He clearly had no intention of getting up.

“What are we even going to do?”

You smirk at Chris.

“Well, I intend on singing ‘I Just Can’t Wait To Be King’, now what you do next to me is... Dealer's choice.”, you say, shrugging your shoulders.

Scott’s face lights up, “Oh my God, Chris, why don’t you tap dance while she sings?”

Chris shakes his head rapidly, crossing his arms over his chest, “No. Absolutely not.”

Chris’ family members all start to plead, saying that they haven’t seen him tap dance in so long. He doesn’t budge, continuing to shake his head. As his family abandon their mission, falling silent, Chris looks up at you.

You give him a pleading look, mouthing "please" before biting your bottom lip. He uncrosses his arms, maintaining eye contact with you, before sighing loudly, “Fine…”

You smile at him, leaving a kiss on his cheek, before asking, “Okay, well, where are your shoes?”

He sighs again, starting to get up, “They’re in my closet, I’ll get them.”

You hold up your hand, replying, “I’ll get them. I wanted to get myself some water anyways.”

He nods before settling back down in his seat.

You climb up the stairs, entering Chris’ room before heading to the closet. As you’re looking for his shoes, you can hear that the family has started to talk, rather loudly.

As you’re getting a glass of water from the kitchen, you hear Chris’ mom.

“She really just has you wrapped around her finger, doesn’t she?”

“Yeah, yeah, she does.”, you hear Chris reply, love evident in his voice.

You enter the living room, a large smile plastered on your face, dangling Chris' tap shoes with one hand, “Well, then, Mr. Dancer, let’s do it.”

[cheri-translates]

[CN] Victor’s Business Trip Date

🍒 Warning: This post contains detailed spoilers for a date, 出差之约, which has not been released in EN! 🍒

Note: This date features S2 Victor, but contains no main storyline spoilers!

[ This date was released on 13 May 2021 ]

"This flight will be reaching its destination soon. Please fasten your seatbelts...”

Hearing the announcement, I shift my gaze away from the notebook laptop, rubbing my slightly swollen eyes.

The company recently took up an important collaboration, which is why I had to make final amendments to the proposal even in the middle of a business trip.

Drawing up the window at the side, what enters my vision is a patch of deep blue. Above the vast water, the small islands are reminiscent of dark emerald gems.

MC: So beautiful...

It’s as if I’m able to sense the greenery from across the window, and it adds a tinge of anticipation to this trip.

Even though the reason why I’m here is to attend an international meeting spanning three days.

The moment I step out of the airport, I see the apologetic expression on the staff’s face.

Staff: Hello, are you Miss MC?

MC: It’s me. Did something happen?

Staff: I’m incredibly sorry. Because of our negligence, the car that was supposed to pick you up is scheduled to arrive only in the afternoon. However, another guest has agreed to share a car with you to the venue.

MC: That’s fine, as long as the other party doesn’t mind.

-

When we reach the carpark, my brows arch at the sight of a long Bentley. I can’t help but criticise silently that the host would use a car with such high specifications.

The staff steps aside to pull the door open. I bend and enter the car, prepared to thank this important guest whom I have disturbed.

MC: Hello, thank you...

Lifting my eyes, I meet an indifferent face.

MC: ...Victor?!

In the spacious car, Victor is wearing a black suit as he typically does, a thin picture album in his hands. 

Since Victor, who should be at another end of the earth, has appeared before my eyes, I’m unable to react immediately.

MC: ...what are you doing here?!

Victor: Why can’t I be here? LFG receives an invitation from the host each year. This year is no exception. 

He glances at the time on the television screen installed in the car. He taps his knuckles against the picture album, his tone calm.

Victor: Also, who else would be willing to wait fifteen minutes for you.

I clear my throat hastily, displaying a brilliant smile.

MC: I have to give CEO Victor a proper thanks for waiting patiently then! But I really didn’t expect you to attend the meeting personally. Didn’t you always refuse in previous years?

Victor looks at me with slight surprise.

Victor: You remember these things really clearly. I happen to have time this year, and...

He pauses, his gaze landing on me.

Victor: I wanted to see if a certain acclaimed producer is just as skilful and at ease when faced with an international collaborative partner.

Hearing the mildly teasing tone in Victor’s words, I can't help but crinkle my eyes into a smile.

MC: In that case, I definitely won’t disappoint CEO Victor. This meeting is really important to our company. I’m bringing out one hundred percent of my fighting spirit, which I haven’t done in a very long time.

While speaking, I scoot backwards into the soft chair. With Victor at my side, the tension that I’ve been experiencing is finally alleviated slightly.

MC: Fortunately, the host arranged for the venue to be at a resort. We can have a good rest too. I heard the scenery on that small island is pretty good. And there are lots of kittens...

Victor: I’m guessing the reason why you came here to attend the meeting was for the resort.

Hearing this, I stare at the picture album in his hands. The page which has been flipped open happens to be the view I saw from the plane. It’s clearly a brochure for this place.

MC: CEO Victor, aren’t you looking at a brochure?

Victor: It was to while the time away while waiting for someone.

Even though I’ve exposed Victor, his expression remains unchanged. He closes the brochure composedly, which has a few images of cat paws on it.

Victor: Do you want to look at it?

MC: No need. Actually, the main reason why I came here isn’t for the resort.

Victor: Then what is it?

The expression in my eyes changes, revealing a smile.

MC: My reason is very obvious. It’s to expand our company’s influence internationally, and obtain a few more million dollars’ worth of LFG’s investments.

Victor doesn’t refute my words. Instead, he folds his arms in front of his chest and leans against the wall of the car, meeting my eyes calmly.

Victor: What do you plan to do?

MC: Before coming here, I noted down the organisers and brands, then wrote proposals based on their preferences and styles. But from the looks of it, there seems to be a faster method.

I smile while facing Victor, speaking unhurriedly.

MC: For instance... getting close to an extremely important guest at the meeting.

Victor arches his brows, the upward curl at the corners of his lips softening his well-defined features. 

Victor: I’ll look forward to it then.

-

The meeting that spanned the entire afternoon finally comes to a temporary end. After politely turning down an invitation to the dinner banquet, I leave the venue, standing outside and taking in breaths of fresh air.

Victor: Why are you hiding here?

Turning my head, I see Victor who appears to be leaving as well.

MC: I’m heading back to rest and prepare for tomorrow’s main event. What about you? What are you planning to do?

He glances at the insuppressible fatigue on my face, then continues walking.

Victor: Like you, I’m heading back to rest.

He doesn’t walk quickly, as though waiting for me to chase after him. Curling the corners of my lips, I speed up my footsteps and follow him.

In this resort surrounded by water, exquisite glass houses sit among the elegant scenery, reminiscent of illustrations from a fairytale.

Two small wooden signboards with cats drawn on them attract my attention, and I continuously turn my head around to peer at them.

Victor: What are you looking at that has left you unable to walk properly?

MC: There’s a story written on these wooden signboards, and I find it interesting.

It’s a simple yet heartwarming short story: a mysterious kitten knocks on the door of guests, giving them a secret, warm gift.

MC: Do you think a kitten will knock on my window tonight?

I turn to Victor, saying this jokingly. However, he’s the same as always, shattering my imagination with his words.

Victor: It’s just an advertising tactic by the resort.

Kitten: Meow~ 

Before he finishes speaking, a soft sound drifts from the thick clump of grass at the side. My eyes brighten instantly.

MC: See? The Cat Resort lives up to its name.

Very soon, a calico cat leaps out from the thick grass, its black eyes seeming to scrutinise the both of us.

I squat down, wanting to reach out to play with it. However, it’s incredibly proud and aloof.

MC: ...what a cold cat.

The “cold” calico cat avoids my outstretched hand and goes to Victor’s feet, circling him in a clingy manner.

MC: Why is it only warm towards you?

Victor: Your earlier enthusiasm probably gave it a scare.

Kitten: Meow~ Meow meow~

The kitten lifts its tiny head, raising a paw and “condescendingly” leaves two paw prints on Victor’s trousers before leaving in a leisurely manner.

Victor: ...

Watching it jump back into the grass, I retract my gaze, continuing forward with Victor.

MC: I didn't expect you to have an affinity with animals. Whenever I want to get close to the stray cats below the company building, I have to “give offerings” of cat food first.

The gentle evening breeze brushes past. In this leisurely atmosphere, Victor’s tone is casual and relaxed.

Victor: Maybe the cat food you bought doesn’t taste good.

MC: I buy high quality cat food, okay?

Engaging in idle chatter while walking, we soon reach the houses that have been prepared for us.

Detached glass houses scattered in a disorderly fashion appear before our eyes. What surprises me is that the small house Victor is staying in happens to face mine.

The two windows aren’t that far apart, and they face each other, conjuring a carefree atmosphere. 

MC: I didn’t expect our residences to be so close by. This way, we could start chatting just by opening the windows.

Victor: ...I won’t do such a silly thing with you.

MC: I was just kidding. See you tomorrow! Rest early, CEO Victor.

Waving at him happily, I turn around and push open the door to the small glass house.

-

Everything in the small house is as exquisite as the exterior. Through the transparent ceiling, I can see the glow of sunset.

Now that I’ve returned to the residence, the exhaustion from the journey immediately spreads through my four limbs. With a “plonk”, I fall onto the soft bed.

It is only after releasing a huge breath that I think about shutting the curtains. When I walk over to the small balcony, I see the person standing opposite.

Victor is holding a cup of coffee at the window, and is currently meeting my gaze.

He has removed his outer jacket and has his sleeves rolled up, making his entire person seem much more relaxed. I can detect a smile from the expression in his eyes.

Recalling how I looked sprawled on the bed earlier, my face instantly heats up.

MC: [whispering] That’s so embarrassing...

Pretending to be calm, I shoot Victor a smile, then tug on the thick curtains firmly.

The room instantly descends into dimness, and also covers the slight tinge of red on my face.

Buzz buzz - at this moment, my phone vibrates.

Victor: There’s a meeting tomorrow. Sleep early, and don’t get overly excited.

-

Upon waking up, the room is so dark that there doesn’t seem to be any light coming in. Drawing the curtains, I realise that the sky’s almost dark.

Warm yellow lights from the opposite house enter my vision, reminiscent of tender candlelight in twilight.

At some point of time, it had started raining outside.

And behind that curtain of rain, there’s an indistinct figure.

Victor seems to be reading documents while sitting by the window.

MC: He’s still busy with work at this time?

After thinking about it, I put on a coat and sneak out of the door.

-

MC: Thanks for your help.

Carrying the congee I purchased as a take-out, I walk down the glass-roofed corridors. Falling rain patters outside the corridor, embellishing the night with even more coldness.

Kitten: Meow~

At this moment, a calico kitten suddenly appears at the side, and it’s clearly the same cat Victor and I met before.

With the same happy and contented gait, it comes up to me, then lifts its head to stare at me.

After being confused for a few seconds, I lift the congee in my hand, and the kitten’s line of sight slowly shifts upwards too.

MC: Turns out you’re just a little greedy cat despite your aloof appearance. But I can’t let you eat this. I still need to feed a “big cat”.

Despite me leaving mercilessly, the calico cat follows behind me all the way.

MC: Fine, you can visit Victor with me then.

It lets out an excited “meow”, though I’m unsure if it understood what I said.

MC: I’ll take that as an agreement.

When I walk to the small glass house, Victor’s room is still lit. I pick up the cat and lean towards the window, tapping on the window with a thud.

The figure sitting in front of the window pauses. The curtains which weren’t closed completely are pulled open.

Victor’s face appears in the window clearly. When he sees me and the cat in my arms, he’s slightly stunned for a moment, obvious surprise flashing across his face.

Warm light illuminates the room with a soft and comforting glow. Even Victor, who is sitting amidst the warm colour, seems to become much gentler.

Lifting the kitten’s paw, I wave it a few times in greeting.

MC: Hello Mr Victor. We’re here to give you a present.

He chuckles in resignation, the word “dummy” leaving his lips silently.

Victor sets the documents down neatly, then gets up to open the window. While supporting the window frame with a hand, he looks down at me with a scrutinising gaze.

Victor: What are you doing outside this late instead of sleeping?

MC: I should be the one asking you that. Why are you still working this late!

Hearing this, he lifts his hand and rubs the space between his eyebrows, but the veins in his eyes can still be seen faintly.

Victor: There’s an issue related to an acquisition by LFG. Goldman called and asked for my opinion.

MC: Is the issue serious? 

Victor: It’s manageable.

He sets down his hand and brings it to me. I stare at this unfurled hand, blinking in confusion.

Victor: Didn’t you say you brought something for me?

Only now do I remember my official business, and I hide the thermal bag with the congee within it in my arms.

MC: Victor, are you going to take my congee and then ask me to leave?

Victor: ...when did I say that. It’s just that a certain someone has a “tough battle” to fight tomorrow, and has to maintain her vigour.

MC: I’m fine. I just took a nap and feel so much better.

While we’re talking, the kitten in my arms suddenly meows impatiently. Then, it leaps out of my arms. 

It jumps into Victor’s room deftly, then stands on his desk, licking its paw calmly.

MC: ...it really likes you. It doesn’t even want my congee now.

I grumble, and Victor suddenly chuckles softly.

Victor: Didn't you buy the congee for me? I don’t intend to share it.

Hearing this, I recall the serious matter I came to attend to by making this trip.

I scan my surroundings. It’s still raining, and there’s quite a distance to the door. And this window happens to be sufficiently low.

After giving it some thought, I roll my wrists, then speak.

MC: Victor... move a little to the side.

Victor: What are you planning to do now?

Victor arches his brows in a lack of comprehension. However, he follows what I said and shifts away from the window.

In the next second, I support myself on the window frame, hopping across smoothly.

When Victor sees the faint footprints on the windowsill, he’s silent for a few seconds.

Victor: ...

Victor: Looks like you truly had sufficient rest. You’re full of energy.

MC: This is a special situation. Scholars in the ancient times would leap over walls to meet beautiful women. Today, I’m leaping over the window to bring you congee.

I retrieve the piping hot congee from the bag, placing it in front of Victor.

MC: For you. Have some supper before continuing work.

Victor lowers his head to look at the congee, the corners of his lips curling upwards indistinctly.

Victor: Is this what you called “catering to my tastes”?

MC: That’s right. So I hope CEO Victor would help me out tomorrow in preventing awkward silences.

Victor: It depends on your performance.

He picks up a spoon, stirring the slightly solidified surface of the congee slowly. The fragrance of rice makes my stomach grumble uncontrollably.

Smelling the fragrance, the calico cat circles our feet, meowing coquettishly.

MC: It seems hungry. The congee I ordered is pretty bland. Why don’t you share some with it?

Victor: Looks like it isn’t the only hungry one.

Victor gives me a meaningful glance, then splits the congee into three portions. The portion that he blows cool is placed in front of the kitten, and another is pushed in front of me.

Victor: After you’ve finished eating, go to bed.

MC: I didn’t even say that I wanted to eat...

I can’t help but mutter to myself while happily taking a spoon and sending a scoop of congee into my mouth.

Victor: The proportion of water and rice is wrong, it wasn’t cooked long enough, and it doesn’t bring out the taste of congee.

Hearing VIctor’s comments, I pause in my movements, then release a soft ‘hmph’.

MC: I wasn’t the one who cooked it, so your words don’t hurt me.

Ten minutes later, three completely clean bowls convey the greatest gratitude towards the chef’s hard work.

The satisfied calico cat has long since found a space on the carpet and rolled into a ball, snoring and sleeping soundly.

Victor: It’s also time for you to return and sleep.

MC: I still don’t feel like going back. I just had a nightmare, so I don’t feel drowsy at all. Why don’t I stay behind and accompany you while you work? I could wait for tomorrow’s sunrise too.

Victor: ...seems like you just want to use my room to watch the sunrise.

Seeing that he remains unmoved, I raise my hands, looking at him with a face filled with sincerity.

MC: I’ll definitely keep quiet throughout, and won’t disturb your work!

Victor doesn't say anything, returning to his documents. He seems to have tacitly allowed me to “run amok”.

I sit on a sofa chair at the side obediently, supporting my chin with a hand while sneaking peeks at him.

Beneath the warm lights, the side of his face seems to become much gentler. However, his slightly furrowed brows reveal a faint sharpness.

Rain patters down outside the window, a stark contrast to the tranquility within the house.

Looking at Victor’s figure, my eyelids grow heavier and heavier...

Victor suddenly senses a weight on his shoulder. He turns his head, only to see that the girl who claimed that she wasn’t drowsy is currently sound asleep, eyes shut tightly.

Victor: MC? 

The girl wrinkles her nose, as though she’s having a beautiful dream, or feeling nostalgic for the delicious food from earlier.

He recalls the story written on the wooden signboards earlier in the evening about the kitten which taps on windows and sends gifts. A soft chuckle rises from his throat.

Along the horizon, a hazy ray of light sneaks in through the window in front of them.

🐈 Phone call: here

🐈 Support the cafe by dropping by the tip jar!

[clarissalance]

Hints of something more

Albedo x fem!reader

Warning: Slight suggestive language at the end. 

Word count: 2k7

Summary: Apparently, visiting Albedo in Dragonspine has somehow opened a new door to your vague, no-label relationship. And Kaeya won’t stop teasing you about it.  

Before leaving for Dragonspine two days ago, Albedo told you to bring him some canvas, a few pencils and a paint set of watercolour. However, he failed to mention which brand and type of watercolour he wants you to bring. Is it a set of 24 colours? 48 colours or the 12 colours set? Furrow your eyebrows, you stared questioningly at the shelves, hesitating to pick one up. Knowing how picky Albedo is if it is not up to his standard. The man would refuse to touch the paint. 

What would he choose usually? You can’t seem to recall his watercolour preference. Funny how it is, he usually encourages you to follow your instinct. Human instinct is the best to study. He would say something like this out of nowhere. Sometimes they make a really questionable decision that I can’t decipher. Definitely one of his catch-on phrase. 

 Drilling holes on the shelves for too long is not the solution, so you finally choose the most expensive set of 48 watercolours in the store. You cross your fingers and hope that he doesn’t question your choice. There it goes for half of my salary. Far away, you can faintly see the outline of the money fairy waving at you, flying toward Celestia. I hope he will like this one. 

 Packing up the last few things inside your backpack, you prepare for the adventure to the Dragonspine to meet with the chalk prince. The bright sun on the blue canvas is almost halfway to the top. The weather would be lovely for a small picnic, too good to waste over climbing to Dragonspine. Dragging your body toward the front gate, you lazily hope to hitch someone carriage. It would be best to start early than arriving at the lab late.  

 The journey takes an hour by feet to walk from the city to the foot of Dragonspine and then takes another 2 hours to walk to Albedo’s lab on the mountain. It would be much faster if you can actually have combat fighting skill to head-on with the cryo mitachurl, but life is much a sadder reality. You don’t have a vision nor a combat skill to solo a whole camp of hilichurl. However, with your brain and your gifted survival (escaping) instinct, dodging a few camps and distracting a few of them isn’t very hard. 

 The weather in Dragonspine is much better than what you anticipated. The sky deep and clear, the veil of fog has thinned enough. The air is crisp, mist rises and slowly dissipates after each exhales. The sheer cold is as brutal and sharp knife-like as usual. You can’t understand how Albedo loves the weather in this place enough to set up a lab in here. A summer person like you refuses to set foot in this area unless for commissions and Albedo’s related purpose. Hnng, you are starting to regret coming here.  

There are a few more camps of hilichurl than usual on your way to the mountain, so you decide to take the longer route. At least meeting with a few Fatui is much more comforting than getting hit by an ice mitachurl shield. 

 By the time you get to the camp, the sun is standing proudly on the top. You get here an hour late, and much to your dismay, Albedo wasn’t in his lab. He is going out to look for more sample again. Heaving exhaustingly, you drop the heavy backpack thud on the ground. Scampering over the fire, you let out a satisfying at the charing fire. A pyro vision would be convenient to have in this weather. 

 With the sound of wood cracking under the desiring heat, the frost bearing breeze slowly finds its way into the camp, cooling the scorching radiation from the glowing fire. Warmth slowly crawls and sinks in on your dry skin, soothing the icy air. Exhausted, your eyelids slowly pull themselves over, threaten to extinguish your consciousness. A nap wouldn’t hurt anyone, right? You let out a long yawn, curl into a fetal position and use the bag as a pillow. Darkness comes within a second. 

 _____________________________________________________________

 You are woken up by the warmth on the hand caressing your cheek, running through your hair. The familiar smooth hand resting on your face doesn’t know you have woken up, the thumb fiddling with your soft skin. Nuzzle lovingly at the palm, you let out sigh contentment. The hand is big enough, gently and carefully tracing your face outline like it’s treasuring a gift. This familiar feeling tickles you like a feather. 

 Groggily, you peel your eyes open and greet with a stunning sight. Albedo is sitting next to you, the fluffy blond hair softly falls on the cheek, some being tucked under his ears. The teal eyes focus intently on the notebook in front of him, glimmering with interest and dedication, his long lashes fluttering like a butterfly wing on a flower petal. The golden diamond on his neck glimmers faintly under the flicker of light, stand out on his creamy white skin. His warm slender fingers still lightly touch your hair soothingly make you feel so relaxing. Letting out a satisfying purr, you press your plump lips on his wrist, successfully gets Albedo attention. 

 “ How long have you been up?” His soothing voice has never failed to calm your nerve. You yearn up a little bit, trying to peek at the notebook on his lap. It’s so far away, you can’t catch a glimpse from here. 

 “ A while.” You hum. “ Long enough to get drunken at your handsome features.” 

 His eyes widen a little bit, not expecting that coming out from your mouth. 

 At the corner of his eyes, he catches your cheeky grin. Beaming widely at him, you internally cringing at your cheesy remark. You don’t even know what gives you the courage to slip the embarrassing words. 

 Albedo smirks at your blatant flirt, his reaction opposite what you look for. He returns his attention back to the notebook. His eyes still remains a hint of amusement. You want to dig a hole and jump in it. 

Slowly rise up, you rub your eyes tiredly, and notice Albedo’s coat on your body. Did he put it on you? You glance at him curiously, trying to seek an explanation, but he remains quiet, focuses on the piece of paper. The sound of pencil rustling on the parchment eases you somehow, like waking up in a small cottage with your loved one. 

 “ What time is it? ” You let out a big yawn, voice thicks with sleep. His light coat somehow is warm. Maybe you should ask him where he got this. 

 “ It’s around 3.” Albedo mindlessly points out. “ You can sleep more. Put my coat on if you're cold.” He reminds.  

 “ I shouldn’t be sleeping longer. Let me help with your work so I can get back to Mondstadt on time.” You scratch your head, your body is numbing over the sheer cold. Throw on Albedo coat, you hope the thin layer can keep you warm a little bit longer. His coat smells like frost and Cecilia. Inside the pocket, you find a heating pack. Maybe this is what kept you warm when you were sleeping.  

  “ M almost finished.” The sound of paper rustling each time he turns a page. “I can accompany you back to the city.” 

 “ But I haven’t done anything?” You furrow your eyebrows in confusion, hands folding at your chest, trying to saviour some warmth. “You’re sure you finished?” 

 “ Yes, just a few more retouches, then we can go back.” Albedo nods, his eyes still glued on the piece of paper. Abruptly, he stops and looks up at you, waving his hand, signalling you to get closer. Obediently, you walk toward him. When you are an arm-length from him, the man gestures at the chair put closely next to him. He wants you to sit down?

 You sit down quietly, trying to take a look at the drawing he is working on. Hmm, is that you? Did he draw your sleeping form? On the paper is the portrait of you curl like a fetal, your long hair splaying on the floor. Each stroke of pencil depicts the gentleness you have in your face when you are sleeping. The drawing is mundane somehow, you feel comfortable and relax when looking at the piece. 

 Suddenly, you felt a warm hand slotting in your palm, elbow nudging yours. His slender digits are weaving tightly with your fingers, warmth tingling on the tips of your fingers. . Look up from the drawing, you see a tint of pink on his ears. So he can also get embarrassed. 

 “ You look cold.” He mumbles, eyes avoiding yours, his cheek flush furiously. “Sit closer.” You gladly shift closer, your hand and shoulder touching his. Albedo picks up the pencil and returns to his drawing. This time he turns to a new page, start to draw another specimen. Looking at the sketch, you guess he is trying to sketch the abandoned ruins. The comfortable silence envelopes the two of you. 

 Being so close to him, you can make out the whiff of fresh Cecilia and pine. Engulf by his coat and, now next sitting next to him, you are bathing under his signature scent. It would be nice if I could feel him more. Blushing at the thought, you try to push away those not-so-innocent thoughts. Obviously, he is trying to be a gentleman. You should be grateful, if not because of him, you're going to freeze to death.

 Albedo is much warmer than you, his body radiating heat like a furnace after a while. Silently, you pick up a book you left here last time on the table. Most of his books are either textbooks or ancient language book about the alchemist, which you think you are qualified enough to read. Waiting for him in silence is a form of torture if you don’t do something. Your attention removes from his body and to the novel on your hand. 

 After what feels like two hours, Albedo finally puts down his pencil and stretches. His long limb knocks your hand a few times, your knees bump with his. He let out a tired yawn, cracking his knuckles. 

 “Finished?” Your eyes still glue on the thick book. You hear him let out a hum, his hand remove to clean up the mess on the table. 

 “ What are you having for dinner?” Albedo casually asks, hand dusting the enormous amount of eraser dust on the paper before dumping them in the trash. His voice wavers a little, but you aren't sure why. 

 “Hash brown and cream stew. I have a brownie for dessert.” You notice Albedo never makes small conversation like this. He is the type who would get straight to the point or request. Perc up from the book, you are faced with his back at you. He is arranging the bookshelves.

 “Do… you want to join me for dinner? ” After it felt like a while, you finally break the silence, your voice laces with uncertainty. If you read the atmosphere wrong, it can cost you quite severely.  

 “Sure.” He shrugs nonchalantly, continues sorting the stacks of books on the ground. Somehow you can feel the tension in the air is lifted, and he seems more relaxed than before. 

 “These are some observations and speculations I made in the last few days in here.” The chief alchemist hands you a folder. 

 You flip through the files, they are mostly pictures and drawing of large camps of hilichurl. At the end of the file is a map marked with their locations. The Abyss Order's activity has increased rapidly in this month. Commissions have been sent out continuously, yet many of them haven’t been sorted out properly yet. It seems like the sheer cold of Dragonspine can't prevent their enthusiasm. On your ways here, you have met 4 more camps, hence the reason why you choose to be acquainted with the Fatui instead.

 “I will give this to the Adventurer Guild. Thank you for this.” You exhale, fingers rubbing your eyes tiredly. The next few days are going to be very busy. 

 “If you are done, then pack up. We are going back.” He announces, returns his attention to pile on the ground. Fold the corner of the page, close the book, prepare the pack-up for the leave. You can’t wait to leave this devastating sheer cold and return back to the realm of fog and wind. Shuffling through your backpack, you put the art supplies Albedo asked you to buy on the table neatly. You didn't take anything out, so no need for packing. Basically, you are done. 

 “ Let’s go back.” 

 _____________________________________________________________

On the way back, you both walk in silence. Most of the camps are cleared, barrels and boxes shatter into tiny pieces scatter on the ground. Seem like our dear traveller has their job quite well. The place is almost spotless, even with the Fatui camp. You are impressed with their productivity.  

 It takes less than 2 hours walking back from Dragonspine, now that your bag is lighter. Walking comfortably next to Albedo, your hands grazing past each other a few times. You watch the sunset etches widely on the blushing hues orange sky in Dragonspine can be so romantic. 

 Suddenly feeling so motivated, you gently slip your index into his palm. Albedo freezes but still complies, his fingers caught your hand, slowly interlocking yours. Your heart thumps loudly in your chest, heating creeping up your cheek. Shutting your eyes, you mumble incoherently something about how unfair life is. 

 He let out a breathy snicker, with your fingers interlock, sharing the heat in the harsh weather. Look up the fading orange, slowly disappear behind the layer of thick snow, you blow out warm air, fog gathers and dissipates in the air. Sunset in Dragonspine can be arguably one of the best scenes in Mondstadt. 

    “I’m going back to my office to put this away.” When you arrive at the gate, Albedo decides to head to the HQ of the Knight of Favonius. He motions at the package in his hand. 

 “ See you later at dinner.” Nonchalantly, he plants a kiss on your cheek, hand ruffles your hair a little bit before head off in the opposite direction. 

 You stand there, still trying to comprehend what just happened a few seconds ago. The peck on your cheek is too short, too light, like feather brushes. He can’t do this to you. Your cheek is blazing with fire, and if not careful, a spark can ignite an explosion right here. You turn your head sideways, trying to saviour and recall the feeling of his lips. 

 “ Tch tch.” The sound is coming from the nearby alley, the click-clack of boots coming closer. You whirl your head toward that direction, just to realize the source of the sound is all-mighty Calvary Captain of the Knight of Favonius. 

 “ Love is really in the air.” He comments sarcastic, hand waving around to shoo away those imaginable ‘love’. 

 “ Living this long, I have never thought I would be able to see our Alchemist Chief giving someone a goodbye kiss.” Kaeya smugs at you, his deep blue eyes gleaming with mischief. Oh, you really can't wait to wipe his shit-eating grin off his face. 

 “Stop being a drama queen, Kaeya.” You shot back. “ He gave Klee one too, don’t treat this as such an abnormal supernatural act.” Internally, you have to say that Albedo giving affection is kind of a supernatural incident too. Kaeya eyes at you like you grow another head, shaking his head.  

 “ You know what I meant.” The captain shrugs, his voice ringing with a hint of smugness. 

 The man suddenly walks closer, his gloved hand pats your shoulder, squeezing it lightly. “Must have been really cold in Dragonspine for him to give you his coat.” He winks at you, his eyes slowly drag down your figure. You cautiously look down. Shit, you totally forget this. 

 “We have a meeting at 8 tomorrow at the HQ. Please tell him to not stay up too late.” The cryo user whistles teasingly, heading toward Angel Share, his hand waving in the air. Your face flushes furiously, smoke almost come off your burning face. Now you realize why people have been giving your pointed gazes when you first enter the gate. Damn it, Kaeya, it is not what you think it is.  

[lovingnerdmaker]

What's The Magic Word?

Albus Dumbledore x Male Reader

Warnings: Dub-Con, Manipulation, SMUT

"How are you feeling?" His voiced echoed through the skin of my back, lips gently marking my skin, slowly but with an unrivaled passion I'd ever experience.

It was hard to think through the foggy haze, senses on fire as I knuckled the crimson sheets beneath me, I felt so full of him, borderline painfully but I wouldn't stop him, not when he had begged so desperately for me.

It had been a rough year for Albus, his Sister and Mother had died, his former lover had abandoned all contact and his Brother outright disowned him, it must've been enough to drive him insane, at least insane enough to wallow down in a back-alley pub and drink himself into a stupor, I'd never admit to him that seeing such an atteactive man there, teary-eyed and buzzed, sent my heart into a spiral.

I remembered asking if he was alright, if he needed a lift somewhere, but through the tears, he politely rejected the offer, auburn hair swaying over his shoulders.

"Can I ask you something?" He asked nursing what I thought was fire whiskey in his hands "do you believe people can be forgiven for their actions?"

"...." I didn't know how to respond, how could I respond to such a topic, he took the silence with a scoff.

"Sorry, just hating myself right now I'll just go-"

"I do." I had said it so suddenly, so firmly, it surprised me so. "I do believe people can be forgiven, so long as they understand the consequences of their actions." I watched his glassy dazed eyes begin to sparkle as he stared at you, the wrinkles of a smile pushing up the fine hairs of a blossoming moustache, he silently offered the seat next to him and you took it thankfully. He talked quietly about what had happened, and how he believed it all to be his fault, how his ignorance and inexperience had swallowed him like quicksand.

My hand lingered over his as the tears began to flow and I had expected him to flinch away, but he didn't, quite the opposite and just hugged me tightly against himself and cried into my shoulder. His hair smelt of fruits and ginger, and I felt guilty for abusing the proximity and circumstance to draw in his scent. I didn't say anything more, just paid for his drinks and left with the man in my arms.

"W-What are you doing?" He asked through a hoarse voice.

"Do you have a place to stay for the night?"  I whispered into his ears and he positively stretched into my touch.

"I hadn't planned that far ahead, no." I hummed in response, walking over to my car and setting him onto the hood to grab the keys.

"There's a hotel not far from here, it's no paradise resort but it should be enough-" I had my key in the manual lock when he grabbed your hand instantly, trembling softly as he pressed himself against me and leaned in to whisper.

"S-Sorry but can I stay with you tonight? I'd like to talk more with you, maybe get to know you better." His somehow slender and fair toned fingers grazed my shoulder and neck, awkwardly turning my gaze his way, the look in his eyes hiding more than a simple chat "please?"

"I don't want to take advantage of you, not like this." I held his shoulder in place with his forehead against mine, the warmth of his breath fanned against my face.

"I-I know I sound like a creep right now, but you're the only I'd ever told that too, and I-" he cut himself off and slowly let his hands fall from you "you're right, this would be bad wouldn't it?" He muttered it under his breath and stepped back "maybe the hotel would be a good idea, then I can contact someone, I'll get a cab don't worry...." He turned to walk away but this voice in the back of my head told me that this was a mistake.

"Albus wait...."He stopped to look over at me, "if we do this, just promise that this won't be a regular thing, I'm not prostituting myself for a guilt tripper."

"Y-You mean that? That you'll..." He looked between us and I nodded, rolling my head towards the car.

The drive home was quiet, not quite happy and comfortable, but quiet at least. I took him inside and pressed him against the shut door, peppering his pulse with little kisses and grazing teeth. He shuffled awkwardly against the hardwood, moaning from the feeling, with his hands in your hair and your name on his tongue. If this was supposed to affect you, then it was working.

You peeled him off the door and took him to bed, the crimson sheets fading under the moonlight as he softly fell back, his hands tremble for the buttons but a gentle swat from me was enough of a response, one by one they popped off and soon his chest, sprinkled with light hairs and a happy trail, was exposed to the moon.

"Look at you, such a rich colour..." fingertips grazed his chest and he moaned softly in response, all while mumbling pleas and begs "shh, shh, it's alright now" He exposed his neck so I pressed open kisses to the skin and ear "you're safe here." I tugged off my own clothes till it was just us in underwear, the outline of his erection showcasing his desires, I pressed my own against his and lazily rolled my hips.

"Nnngh!" His hands shot up to my waist to hold me in place "I-I had an idea, you said it would be wrong if you took me drunk right?" I nodded as he reached up to grab my cheeks "s-so would it be less wrong if I took the lead?"

"That's probably worse actually," I chuckled while holding his hands "and if you wanted to top, you can."

"A-are you sure?" I pressed kisses to his wrists and palms and rolled over so he was above me now. "Well then, what's our magic word then, darling. I can call you that yeah?"

"Don't see why not" I answered shuffling into a comfortable spot "Well then how about.....'Red, Yellow, Green?'" He chuckled quietly, running a hand through my hair.

"There's beauty in simplicity, and intimacy, I might add." He knelt down and locked his lips on mine, slow, sensual, passionate, and it felt like forever before we resurfaced, a string of saliva connecting us, he dove back in quickly now pecking while moving a hand down to my cock-

....Wait when did he take my underwear off?

"Something wrong?" He whispered against my lips, hands hovering on my hips.

"Nothing, just...lost in my head." He smiled gently, baby-blue eyes twinkling mischievously before returning to kisses. He danced with the grace of experience beyond his age, he looked pretty young so it made sense to me. He took his time for prep, condoms and lube seemingly apporating from thin air, and soon enough he had turned me over.

"I should admit I haven't done this in a while so if I hurt you, please say something." I nodded into the pillows and relaxed, as best as I could but feeling his size slowly enter had panic surging through me, he hushed me with tiny whispers and praise, kissing the exposed skin of my back and gripping me like a vice, once he had reached his base and made sure I was comfortable he lazily rolled his hips, groaning out his praise.

"Merlin's beard you are tight!" He hissed while pressing his body on top of mine "am I the first to have you like this darling?" The words left his lips like steam and I could only nod in response, my voice long since left, "you're doing so well, taking me beautifully." He soon picked up the pace and dropped his butterfly touches in place of a vice around my hips, bruises awaiting the next sunrise "I fear I may not last long."

"S-Sir-" I choked out through the growing haze, I could only feel the tickling strings of his locks caging my head behind an auburn curtain and his lips on my skin felt like magic.

"How are you feeling?" His voiced echoed through the skin of my back, lips gently marking my skin, slowly but with an unrivaled passion I'd ever experience.

It was hard to think through the foggy haze, senses on fire as I knuckled the crimson sheets beneath me, I felt so full of him, borderline painfully but I wouldn't stop him, not when he had begged so desperately for me.

"Perfect, keep going, please." I whispered out, his right kept my hips in place while his left hand found my knuckled one and gently grasped it, rubbing smooth circles against the skin.

After what felt like ages he finally flipped me over to look me in the eye, blue irises sharp like machete blades cutting through my fog, shakingly, I reached up to cup his cheek and he leaned into the touch, the warmth of his blush felt relaxing in the moment.

"Are you close darling?" I nodded "then cum, do it for me." My name left his now hoarse voice as he gripped tight enough to hurt, his command was answered with a euphoric wave up my spine followed by exhaustion. He only lasted seconds longer than me but pulled out to spill into the condom. My eyes felt so heavy, the waking world slipping away until Albus' touch brought me back.

Hushed praise and gratifying kisses washed over me as he took care of cleaning up, I wanted to see if he was okay, but I struggled with my words since we started, so I closed my eyes and fell asleep.

Albus watched with a warmth in his heart, you looked so beautiful to him, you did every night he came to you...

Not that you ever remembered.

This wasn't the first night Albus had come to you, he had seen this house, this bed, your gorgeous face, once a night every month on the anniversary of his lover's departure, and every time you answered his sorrowed prayers with blissful words and passionate sex, he grabbed his wand and clothes from the edge of the bed and escaped to the adjoining bathroom.

"Soborus" he tapped the wand against his head and drained the alcohol from his senses, amber mist flowing into the air and dissipating, he fixed on his suit and crept back out to you, pressing the softest kiss to your forehead as you deserved and held his wand out in front of him with a heavy heart, "obliviate"

...and after a few moments, it was done.

All known memory of him had left you, it was safer for you this way, at least until Gellert was taken care of. "I'll see you next month, my darling y/n."

[forzalando]

The Perfect Arrangement | George Weasley | Pt. 1

Pairing: George Weasley x F!Reader AU: Bridgerton!AU Word Count: 2.1k Warnings: Bridgerton spoilers, mentions of alcohol

Summary: As a woman in the early 19th century, you’ve been told all your life that marriage should be your ultimate goal, however, you do not share that sentiment. When the insufferable George Weasley devises a plan that may solve your problems, how can you say no?

A/N: hi friends! this will be a multipart (probably 3-4 parts) George fic inspired by Bridgerton. i’m so excited for it and i hope you all are too :) thank you for reading!

The start of the social season had been, as you had expected, the topic of conversation around the ton for the past few weeks. It was impossible to go anywhere without hearing whispers of who would snag an engagement in the next few months.

Particularly, people had been interested in who the Queen would declare the “diamond of the season”. Your mother was positively convinced it would be you, but you had other plans in mind for your life other than parties and dresses and loveless marriage. However, when the Queen took one look upon your face, she quickly declared you incomparable, as she had done the same for Daphne Bridgerton, now the Duchess, a few years prior, and your fate was sealed.

As a member of the distinguished and esteemed Y/L/N family, and as the eldest daughter, you had a trivial, yet necessary and important role to play, even if you longed to free yourself from it. Your mother and father, as wonderful as they might be, had high expectations for you, and you would not and could not let them down.

Your mother fluffed your hair and primped your dress in preparation of the Danbury Ball, admiring you fondly and gushing about how beautiful you looked.

“Maybe your luck will be as wonderful as the Duchess, her love match was indeed unprecedented but oh so joyous. Do you think your fortune might align with hers, dear?”

“Mama,” you sighed. “I have no interest in a life like the Duchess’s. All the parties, teas, and properness. Besides, there isn’t another Duke for me to marry.”

“I did not mean that you would have to marry a Duke to share her fate; only that you may marry for love.”

You huffed as you turned away from the mirror. In truth, you had no interest in marrying for love, or marrying at all for that matter, but the duty of an eldest daughter was set in stone.

All too soon, you arrived at the Lady Danbury’s spectacular first ball of the season; the sea of gowns and tailored coats causing a queasy feeling to settle in your stomach, and you wished with all your might that anything at all would ruin the festivities.

A glass of champagne was placed in your grasp and you let your eyes wander around the room; Lady Eloise Bridgerton, a close friend of yours, donned a similar look on her face though her mother enthusiastically tried to get her to waltz across the dance floor.

Glancing to your left, you noticed Lord Farley, a rather grotesque older man, eyeing you up and down; his beady eyes causing the queasy feeling to return and for your feet to take off in what could almost be considered a sprint.

When he was no longer in your line of sight, you began to slow down your gait, but a shoulder roughly bumped into yours and an unattractive yelp escaped your lips.

The unmistakable chuckle that followed your outburst made you groan due to your detestation of the man you knew you had bumped into.

Lord George Weasley; a man, nay, a boy, with hair of fire and a wit to match. You had known him for years as you were the same age and his sister Ginevra was the best of friends with your younger sister.

“I want to believe, Miss Y/L/N, that you would not take such drastic measures to capture my attention, but I must say I am flattered nonetheless,” George teased, his hand reaching out to steady you as you recovered from the collision.

“Mr. Weasley, I believe you to know me better than that,” you spoke with gritted teeth as you swatted his hand away. “Besides, there are plenty of young women here that would kiss the ground you walk on. Might you bother them instead?”

“Ah, but where is the fun in that? I’ve noticed that you still have room on your dance card?”

“I always have room left on my dance card.”

You tried to step around George and escape his company, but his impossible height made it so easy for him to evade your attempts.

“Is that by choice or because you’re just so pleasant to spend time with?” he inquired with a smirk.

“Suppose a bit of both. Now, if you would be so kind, I’m quite parched and would love another glass of champagne.”

“Perfect, I shall accompany you.”

George Weasley, you surmised very early on, was nothing but a flirt. You wouldn’t go so far as to call him a rake, because as far as you knew he was an honorable man, but he was also most intolerable with his boyish charm, sense of humor, beautiful eyes…

Yes, you were quite sure that he was entirely intolerable.

“Have you told your mother you have no interest in procuring a husband, yet?” he mused, breaking you out of your trance as he carefully handed you a glass of champagne.

“Don’t call it procuring as if it’s a transaction. And no, I haven’t. Do you think I’d be standing here alive if I had?”

“Good point,” George hummed as his eyes surveyed the room, no doubt searching for the next woman so unlucky enough to be graced with his presence.

“How is your family?” you asked as you sipped on your flute of bubbling liquid.

“They’re doing well, thank you for asking. Work has been a bit hard on Dad but – ”

Before George could finish, a man approached you and bowed; taking the hand not holding the champagne flute and pressing a kiss to your knuckles.

“Miss Y/L/N, would you like to join me for a dance?”

You noticed George looking on angrily at the sight before him, probably because his ego couldn’t take the interruption.

“I’m flattered, Lord Rainier? I believe?” When you received no objections, you continued. “As I was saying, I’m flattered by your offer but I simply must decline. I am feeling a bit ill and all that spinning might make me sick.”

“Yes, yes, of course, Miss Y/L/N. Perhaps another time?”

You gave him a small, soft smile and let out a sigh of relief when he walked away. Turning back to George, you urged him to continue. While you held him in contempt, or so you told yourself, you did enjoy his family as they were all simply lovely.

“You were saying, George?”

“Right, work has been a bit hard on Dad, after his accident a few months ago. He’s been doing better but Charlie had to take a break from his travels to come home and help out since he’s the eldest. Fred and Angelina are expecting again, if you haven’t heard. They’re hoping for a girl this time.”

“Maybe if you were more like your brother you’d be married and having children by now,” you teased.

He gasped and clutched his hand over his heart, drawing the attention of anyone near.

“You wound me, Y/N.”

Much to your dismay, you laughed at his actions, devastated that you gave him the satisfaction of knowing he was entertaining you. However, the moment was short lived as another man interrupted your conversation.

“Miss Y/N, I must say you are looking exquisite this evening. It would be a shame for your dress not to take a twirl on the dance floor. Might I accompany you?”

You tried not to groan when you noticed a line forming behind the man currently asking for a dance.

“Actually, Lord Beverly, I’m feeling a bit warm. I was just about to go outside for some fresh air.”

“I shall accompany you, then.”

“Without a chaperone? Goodness, no, please find another young lady to dance with. There are certainly many that would be delighted at the chance.”

You looked around Lord Beverly to see at least four other men waiting for their chance to ask you for a dance, and the thought of making up more excuses made your head spin. You graciously bid Lord Beverly a good evening, and turned on your heel towards the nearest exit.

In your haste, you did not notice George following you into the gardens.

“Well, you sure like to let them down easy,” he joked.

“George!” you cried. “We can’t be seen alone, are you daft? Trying to ruin me and my family?”

“Calm yourself, my Mother is just right there.”

You looked a bit to George’s left and saw his wonderful mother keeping a careful eye on the two of you, graciously leaving the attention of her husband to ensure that none would suspect foolery between you and George.

“As I was saying, it’s awfully obvious that you do not want any man to court you. Your mother will realize well and soon enough of your…aversion to marriage.”

“The only reason you know that is because you eavesdropped on a conversation I had with Eloise. But yes, I have no desire to marry, and I’m quite certain I never will. I’ll have to fight off suitors and think of a million excuses until I’m considered a spinster and men no longer want me.”

Silence enveloped you both as a tear slid down your cheek. You hastily wiped it away, hoping that George hadn’t seen, but of course, you were not so lucky.

“Is the idea of marriage really that upsetting to you, Y/N?”

“All those men, all they want is a woman to wear on their arm and to give them children. That’s what a woman’s life is in marriage. A husband doesn’t care about his wife’s passions, desires, intellect, among other things, and I can’t bring myself to entertain the idea of a life that has no room for my happiness.”

George was quiet; pondering your response and your feelings, when he was suddenly struck with the most brilliant of ideas.

You see, Mr. George Weasley was in love with Miss Y/N Y/L/N, has been for several years in fact. He couldn’t tell you exactly when or why, but he knew that the fluttering in his chest and the way his whole world became brighter when she entered a room meant that Y/N was more than just someone to engage in friendly banter with.

“I’ve thought of an idea,” George muttered, piquing your interest.

“Whatever might it be, Mr. Weasley?”

“Your…situation, can only go away if men were to believe you were taken, correct?”

“Yes, I suppose, only I can’t fool them into thinking that. It would become quite suspicious when I’m seen alone everywhere. And, there’s no way I could ever fool my parents.”

“Except you wouldn’t be alone, you’d have me!”

“I don’t believe I’m following your idea, George.”

“Marry me.”

You choked and sputtered on your own spit, unable to take a breath through your coughs and gasps. George’s hands flew to your shoulders to steady you, helping you to breathe easier and calm yourself down.

“George, you must be joking,” you said quietly.

“I am as deadly serious as I could ever be. Not a real marriage, of course. Real in every sense of the word in terms of legality, but not real as in, well, us together. I’ll spend this social season courting you, and at the end of the season I’ll propose. We’ll get married in a few months’ time, and then we can travel the world, doing whatever our hearts desire.”

“Why on earth would you want to marry me?”

“It’s quite simple. You need to get the eligible bachelors of the ton to leave you alone and you never want to marry because your husband would restrict your freedoms. I, as your husband, wouldn’t dare. You’re not entirely awful, I suppose there are far worse people to spend my life with, even if you utterly despise me, and marriage, real marriage, isn’t something I want either.”

You looked at him quizzically, searching for signs that he’d had far too much champagne or had gone completely mad in the head, but he looked right as rain, and your mind was spinning.

“I find it hard to believe you do not want to marry, after all the times you’ve said you cannot wait to marry the woman you love.”

“Honestly, the woman I love is….unattainable, I’ll put it that way. I won’t ever love anyone but her. I’m also waiting for an answer, it’s not every day you have to have a discussion after a proposal.”

“You’re sure this will work, Mr. Weasley?”

“How hard can it be to pretend to be in love with a woman as beautiful as you?”

“I always knew you were a flirt, but God, do you lay it on thick.”

George looked at you expectantly, almost a glimmer of hope is his eye, but as quickly as you thought you’d noticed it, he looked away.

“My answer is yes, George. Let’s fool the ton, our families, court, get married, and then travel the world platonically.”

“That sounds like the perfect arrangement, darling.”

@theweasleyslut @vivacesole @weasleyclaw @nuttytani-reblogs @theweasleysredhair @hufflepuffbaby9 @theboywhocriedlupin @swellwriting @fortisfiliae @thoseofgreatambition @woakiees @wildfire-whizbangs @gcdric

please let me know if you’d like to be added to my taglist! 

[angstsfordays]

Beautiful Pain (2)

Chapter Two- Here I Am

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Enhanced! Reader

Summary: Post-Blip, you started to feel lost when most of the Avengers team are gone. Coping with your loss, you still find hope in the connection with your remaining friends. However, it is not easy as everyone is trying to figure their lives after the Blip.

Having a long history with Bucky ever since you both saved each other from Hydra, you were still glad you had Bucky after all this time. However, as you try to give Bucky space to find himself after being pardoned for his past, you start to wonder if you should ever cross the line of friendship before it’s too late.

That thought might have to be put on hold though, when you, Sam and Bucky find yourselves having to deal with threats that continue to rise in a post-Blip world.

Chapter synopsis: Shocking news brought you and Bucky back together with Sam. You three find out that a new threat arises in a post-Blip world.

Warnings: A bad word or two or three because come on, John Walker is in this chapter.

Word count: 4.5k

Notes: This chapter is nothing too crazy but warming up as it delves into the tv series' storyline. Here you can see how the reader's character plays out in the storyline.

I started a tag list for this series! Let me know if you want to join in with a message or comment in the chapters!

Leave a like, reblog or comment to let me know what you think! 🥰

Previous: Prologue | Chapter One |

Next: Chapter Three

-------------------------//---------------------------

Bucky promised to make your coffee while you went to take a shower after you came back. Switching off the hairdryer, you placed it back in its place before stepping out of the bathroom.

Perking up at the sound of the television, you made your way to find Bucky sitting on the floor. Seeing he made no sign of acknowledgement at your presence, you looked up to see what he was so entranced at.

Eyes averting to the screen, you saw a man being interviewed at what seemed like a stadium in the background. Scanning over his features, you quickly noticed the familiarity in his suit and how he was supposed to remind you of someone you held dear in your heart.

The caption that appeared on the bottom of the screen only added on to confirm your suspicions. A sudden rush of emotions started to wash over you like a huge tide.

Disbelief. Outrage. The nerve.

You glanced over to Bucky who was sitting still with a disbelieving look when the announcer asked her next question.

“Did you know Steve Rogers?” Before you knew it, you already started to shake your head in disapproval as the man, John Walker started to respond to the question.

He spoke of how he closely followed Steve’s career as an Avenger and drew inspiration in his work from Steve, citing him as a role model. Nodding in satisfaction at John’s answer, the announcer continued. “You’ve always wanted to be a hero?”

John Walker answered that he liked that his job would help to make people feel safe. He added how Steve was someone who was able to accomplish that and gave him hope.

While his answers sounded pleasant enough, you couldn’t help but feel displeased with it. His next sentence only served to make you feel worse.

“Even though I never met him, he feels like a brother.” John Walker could have chosen any other words. Mentor. Role model. The fact that he said brother like as if he wanted to draw some sort of association to Steve felt wrong.

You immediately kneeled down to Bucky’s level and waited for him to look back at you. Bucky shook his head while clenching his jaw tight.

“Buck….” Whispering his name gently, you hoped to get him to open up on what he was feeling.

“This is just wrong. I can’t believe….how could Sam even-” Struggling to put together his emotions properly, you gave him a soothing rub on his shoulders to ease his flustered state.

“I know, I understand.” You went ahead to embrace him in a side hug. Bucky leaned in and rested his head in the crook of your neck, relishing in the comfort you were giving to him.

“We need to talk to Sam.” He gave you an affirmative stare before you nodded in agreement.

-------------------------//---------------------------

Waiting around absent-mindedly at the hangar, you were brought back to focus when you heard Bucky speak up and already walking towards Sam.

“Shouldn’t have given up the shield.” You could hear how Bucky was trying to hold in his distaste and quickly followed behind him.

“Good to see you, Buck.” Sam acknowledged him in response. You could tell that Sam was trying to avoid the topic of conversation as he continued in his tracks only to stop when his eyes met yours.

“How’ve you been doing?” Sam took a step forward to give you a quick hug and you grinned at the sight of your friend.

“I’ve been good, Sam. How about you?” You asked to which he said he was doing alright.

“You still not tired of him?” Sam made a quip and you bit your lips to prevent a burst of laughter from coming out. You nervously glanced to see Bucky not looking one bit amused by the exchange and averted your eyes away.

“This is wrong.” Bucky tried to bring up the topic again to which Sam tried to put down. He remarked that he was now working and whatever outrage Bucky was having had to wait.

They continued their argument as they bickered back and forth about their views on John Walker becoming the new Captain America. Even saying that in your head left a sour taste.

Sam tried telling Bucky that there was nothing he could do to rectify the situation. He gave the shield away to the government and it was no longer in his hands. Retracting the decision simply cannot be done.

You understood both of their perspectives and you couldn’t take a side entirely. Yes, you all felt the heavy emotions about having Steve’s legacy just handed over to someone who you weren’t even sure was deserving of it. John Walker might be an exemplary soldier but he wasn’t the one that Steve chose to take over him.

Then again, you recalled how Sam was still unsure if he could leave up to Steve’s legacy and even remarked that the shield didn’t feel like it wasn’t his own, but someone else’s. You were sure that it was definitely not an easy decision for Sam to make and he wouldn’t have made it if he knew what the government had decided to do with the shield once they had their hands on it.

You winced at the heated exchange as your friends continued to assert their points. Sam had enough of the conversation and stressed that he now has work that he needed to attend to. Bucky scoffed at how Sam could even disregard the matter but Sam went on to tell you two about an online group called the Flag Smashers that seemed to have connections with rebel organisations across Europe.

He had intel from Redwing about their last known location and that was where he was heading to. Bucky gave a disapproving look and talked about his mistrust of the tech.

Even though Bucky was dear to you, you couldn’t help to sigh at how stubborn he is.

Sam went on to say that he wants to check if this group could be part of the Big Three. Bucky gave a confused look before asking what’s that. Sam looked like he couldn’t believe what Bucky had just said.

The two continued to have another exchange, but one that you now observed to be light-hearted and displaying their child-like tendencies only when they are around each other. You shook your head and just thought, men.

Sam decided he didn’t have time for any more banter and made his way to the plane with Bucky insisting on going with him. Well, guess that’s where you’re heading then.

-------------------------//---------------------------

Somehow, Bucky managed to get his hands on a tactical jacket and suited up. You looked down to your tailored suit, one that you often wore as a S.H.I.E.L.D agent. It was not the most mission friendly, but it will do.

It had been an hour since you have boarded the plane but Bucky and Sam had not spoken since. You found yourself to be the buffer between the two and couldn’t help but feel a little awkward.

“Hey Y/N.” Your head tilted up from looking at the ground when you heard Sam calling for you.

“Yeah?”

“Sorry, I haven’t been in touch but what’ve you been up to lately?”

“Oh, not much. I recently reached out to Wanda, wanted to see how she was doing.” Sam nodded in understanding before continuing to ask if you had found any work. You weren’t sure where to start because you didn’t know how to.

Given your condition as an enhanced and recalling your last meeting with someone from the state office, you couldn’t find do much without getting on their radar. You were lucky you still had some money left to tide you over but you honestly do not know how you were ever going to get a proper job.

“I’ve been volunteering with a social service centre.” You answered after taking some time. When Sam gave you a surprising look to your answer, you started cracking your knuckles- a habit you had when you got nervous. Sensing your nerves, Sam decided to withhold himself from prying further.

“That’s nice to hear. An unexpected career change but it’s a good job.” He tried to reassure you.

“Yeah, I’m still not sure what I want. You know after everything that has happened.” Sam did not say anything else but just nodded in agreement.

You suddenly felt a hand on yours and looked to see Bucky glancing at you with slight concern. You tried to muster up a smile to show that you were alright.

Looking down to the ground again, you missed the intense staring contest that started between the two men as Torres announced the one-minute mark before drop-off. When you heard the plane door being opened, the two men went forward to get their comms.

Bucky passed you yours before turning to ask Sam on what’s the plan. Sam kept silent and Bucky scoffed at the fact that Sam had none.

“No, you can’t call me that.’” Bucky retorted when Sam called him Buck.

Sam questioned why not and claimed that you and Steve could call him that.

“Steve knew me longer and I actually like Y/N so she can call me that. Steve also always had a plan.” You took a double-take at what Bucky just said and tried not to overthink. He only meant you were tolerable in his eyes compared to Sam.

Sam could not deal with Bucky’s attitude before walking off to the door and countering that he indeed had a plan. When Bucky asked once more about it, Sam just leapt off without a reply.

Rolling his eyes, Bucky asked Torres for the parachute but was told that there wasn’t any. Bucky stalked off towards the door and claimed he didn’t need one anyway. Torres gave him a second glance and asked if he was sure.

Bucky affirmed that he was fine and then proceeded to tear off the sleeve of his jacket. You had to control yourself from laughing out loud at his dramatics and he glanced back at you.

“Buck, you know I can help you down-” You tried to convince him before he jumped off first and you heard the yelling after.

Letting out a groan at your stubborn 106-year-old friend, you rested your hands on your waist as you looked out the door over the landscape.

“Mam?” Torres looked over at you in curiosity.

“I’m not that old, Lieutenant.” You grimaced at how he addressed you even if it was a sign of respect.

Huffing out a sigh, you thought here goes nothing.

Fisting your hands by your side, you took a deep breath and channel your energy towards your palms. Fanning your hands out, Torres was taken aback when energy flames emitted from your palms and you used it to propel yourself off the ground and out of the door.

It has been a while since you flew and you took a moment to steady yourself before trying to look for where Bucky landed.

You could hear Sam talking to Bucky on the comms about his less than graceful fall and couldn’t help but giggle before finding your way to the building with Bucky. You had to stifle your laughter when Bucky tried to swipe Redwing off as his irritation grew.

Once you met up with Sam, he went to note that the people you were after were in the building. Your friends being the ‘friends’ that they were started to clash once more about how to go about this mission.

Bucky went to use his expertise as an assassin to assess the situation and stealthily walked ahead first. Sam was amused at how he came out as a white panther after his time in Wakanda to which Bucky corrected as white wolf.

Sam gave you a confused look to which you shrugged your shoulders in response. It was a story for another time.

The two of you caught up to Bucky faster than he thought. When the two started bickering again about the next course of action and trying to one-up the other, you had enough and placed your hands over both parties mouth to shush them.

“Enough the both of you, I feel like a kindergarten teacher with two children engaging in childish conflict.” You hissed to show your annoyance at the both of them. Seeing you this upset got Sam and Bucky to take a step back and tone it down.

When you let go of your hands, you expected them to behave but they continued to stare at each other. Bucky wanted to quickly proceed while Sam wanted to wait it out. Their bickering caused a slight commotion and you were suddenly wary that you might have alerted the group of your presence.

All three of you stood still before observing that it was all still good. You heard someone instructing the group to get a move on and Sam used Redwing to check that there might be a hostage on board.

Once you heard the vehicles rolling out, all of you sprang into action. You and Sam took to the air while Bucky went full speed ahead on the grounds. Everything happened so fast all at once and before you knew it, Bucky opened the doors of the truck and spotted the hostage. He noted that medicines and vaccines were in the truck.

As you processed the information, you could hear him talking to the hostage before you heard the loud slam next.

You saw Bucky suddenly got shoved back and slammed into the front of the truck that was following behind. You noted a redhead woman who put on a mask and then the other two men who hauled Bucky up to the roof of the truck.

Seeing that both men whom you assumed were incredibly strong to hold Bucky down, you went for those guys first while Sam took care of the woman. You tried throwing a few punches at them but they barely flinched.

You turned your back to see Sam being thrown off to the next truck by the woman and another huge man with shoulder-length hair going for Sam. Who were these guys and how did they have such strength? It was almost like they were….

Your next thoughts were interrupted when you sensed a fist coming your way to which you dodged. You tried to hold your ground by avoiding the attacks. They keep coming relentlessly and you knew you couldn’t hold back. You had to use your powers now.

Channelling your powers to your fist, you sent a blast of energy to knock down the two men that held Bucky down. The woman turned to look at you in surprise at the sight of your abilities.

You wanted to go for the man that was about to attack Sam before you heard the sound of metal clashing. Your head tilted up to see a helicopter with someone peering down. He swooped down onto the truck and you immediately recognised who he was.

Why was he even here? You briefly thought before you turned your focus to the fight. John Walker proceeded to use the shield almost effortlessly to knock down members of the Flag Smashers before introducing himself. His partner followed after. They both claimed to help before everyone started to focus on their own fights.

You used your powers to knock people over and fend yourself. In the midst of all the actions, you noticed that Bucky got knocked down and was holding onto the bottom of the truck, avoiding to fall flat onto the road surface. You wanted to help him but got stopped by the man with shoulder-length hair.

You raised both hands surging with flaming energy and saw how he stood still for a moment. You believed that he was more hesitant knowing you were an enhanced individual.

“Be warned, this might leave a burn.” You were nice enough to give a heads up. Before he could take another step further, his companions took you by a chokehold. You grabbed onto the person’s arms and gave them a slight burn.

The person exclaimed in pain and let go. You saw that Bucky and Sam were nowhere in sight while John Walker’s partner was out. Another person came for you and you let out a burst of energy that blinded everyone in their surroundings with its sheer brightness.

You saw how everyone hunched over and the shoulder-length haired man started backing down and it led to him leaning over to almost fall off the truck.

On instinct, you went over to grab his hand. Even though he was the enemy, you didn’t want to take lives unnecessarily. You felt him grabbing onto your arm tightly and pulled him back up by having your right arm blasting energy to weigh you down on where you stood.

He managed to recover and you left him be. You looked over to see John Walker taking on the redheaded woman but to no avail as he got shoved off the truck and landed on the front of a car below.

Seeing that you were the only one left, you gulped as you realised you were outnumbered. Should you even take the risk? Before you can think of your next actions, someone came up from behind you again and you quickly turned to intercept.

What you lacked in strength, you made sure to utilise your powers. You managed to slam the person down in a chokehold which you learnt from Natasha and aimed a fist that was covered in energy flames.

You heard a loud ‘NO’ and before you realised you were picked up and dragged off to be thrown off the truck. Quickly gathering your energy to soften your blow, you barely floated off the ground as your energy acted as a cushion to lift you off the surface.

Letting yourself stand steady on the ground, you didn’t give John Walker and his partner a second look before you flew off to find your friends.

-------------------------//---------------------------

When you found Bucky and Sam, they were huddled together in a flower field. The two of them looked more irritated than ever. You gave both of them a hand and pulled them up. You gave Bucky a glance over and noticed he had a bruise forming near his eyes.

He shook it off like it was nothing and asked after you. You reassured him that you were alright, just a little worn out. You asked after Sam and was glad to know he did not sustain any major injuries.

The three of you decided to make your way back on foot. The road ahead looked far and Sam started to strike up a light-hearted conversation with Bucky. You quietly listened in as you were too tired to even bother participating.

You smirked at how even though Sam was trying to tick Bucky off, you knew he only had good intentions to check on Bucky’s state of mind.

Bucky ignored whatever Sam said and then noted that there was a need to find out where the group back there got their super serums from. Sam couldn’t fathom how eight super soldiers were on the loose after eighty years.

You chimed in that you thought that the super-soldiers were eliminated in Siberia years ago. As you three were figuring out, you heard a vehicle coming from behind you. You saw it was John Walker and he stopped slightly ahead to open the door for you three.

You were almost slightly tempted to save your aching legs if not for the fact you weren’t so keen on him.

The men were all in a discussion about the group and you could all confirm for a fact that they weren’t part of the Big Three. In fact, they had to be super soldiers. John Walker proposed to work together but Bucky wasn’t having any of it.

“Just because you carry the shield doesn’t mean you’re Captain America.” Bucky shot back harshly. John Walker with that thick skin of his brushed it off and countered that he was more than qualified.

You could not stop yourself from intervening this time.

“Being Captain America is more than about just being a good soldier! There’s a lot more where it comes from.” Sam and Bucky felt the emotions from your statement, knowing that it wasn’t just out of distaste for the new ‘Captain’ but of how you really felt about Steve’s legacy.

Hearing your words, John Walker let out a sigh before continuing to persuade everyone again. He claimed that it was still a long way to the airport and that you should just accept the ride. Asking the driver to stop the vehicle once more, you, Sam and Bucky gave each other another look before you all hopped on.

Sam went in first. Bucky was ahead of you but stopped short before holding your hand to help you up. You took the seat next to Sam and Bucky took his place beside you. Looking across John and his partner who you remembered was Lemar from earlier.

Everyone started discussing about the Flag Smashers and what their purpose was. You listened in until you heard something from John that made you livid. He remarked how the serum doesn’t exactly have a great track record and meant no offence as he glanced at Bucky.

“Offense is already taken! How dare you-” You burst out before being motioned to calm down by Sam. Bucky was moved that you stood up for him.

“Woah easy there.” John tried to look innocent before Sam interjected and continued on the topic of the Flag Smashers. You learnt that John and Lemar managed to track you three by hacking into Redwing. They were acting on behalf of the government to keep things stable while resources were being managed, claiming there were violent revolutionaries happening post-Blip.

John went on to propose that you, Sam and Bucky should team up with them but Bucky flat out refused in a second. Lemar then went on to quip that all of you weren’t really handling it well until they stepped in.

“Y/N.” You scrunched your face in response when John called you like a familiar friend.

“I have only seen you from your profile but I must say I am glad to finally meet you. You look even prettier in person.”

If looks could kill, John would be dead a hundred times over under Bucky’s death stare.

You wanted to blanch at John’s word but controlled your expression. You tried to return a polite smile as he continued on.

“Why didn’t you accept our offer to be recruited to our team?” You gave a bewildered look before realization dawned upon you. The government official from that time wanted you to join Walker?

“What is he talking about, Y/N?” Bucky perked up at the new information and you looked over nervously, unsure what to say.

“When we were first brought together, we wanted to recruit Y/N here to be part of the team. We see her as a great asset given her powers and abilities. It would be amazing if we have her on our side.” You looked over to see Bucky literally looking like he was going to combust.

Bucky really hated the word asset, knowing that was how he was addressed back in the days. The word had a connotation of objectification and he was mad that John actually used it to describe you. You were more than that.

“Yeah, you should join us. We could really use your help. You were literally the last one standing with the Flag Smashers back there!” Lemar egged on.

“When was this?” Bucky asked with a tinge of hurt in his voice. He couldn’t believe you didn’t tell him about it at all.

“It was several months ago Buck, I refused their offer straight out.” You answered him before looking straight at John and Lemar.

“I did not want to give them a chance to exploit me for my powers. I know your type. You claim to appreciate what I can offer but I would never be free of my own will.” Your words were sharp and laid with revulsion.

“They only seek me to control me, they are afraid of what happens if I am left unsupervised.” You added with finality. You spared no sugar-coating and everyone kept silent for a moment.

This was the price to be someone like you in this world. Even when you know you won’t do anything out of turn, the government bodies would never trust you.

John pretended to clear his throat before speaking. “Y/N. I can assure you that I will do my very best to make sure that does not happen if you join me. I will speak up for you.”

No, you won’t. You can’t. You wanted to shoot back.

Bucky placed his hand over yours and held onto it as his way to show his care. He then went to ask again who Lemar was and Sam chimed in that he needed to know more. When Lemar gave his alias, that tipped the iceberg for Bucky before he called for the vehicle to stop.

He then immediately stepped down and started stalking off. John tried to call after Bucky and talk sense into him but of course, Bucky didn’t care for it.

He then went on to try to tell you and Sam that he wasn’t trying to be Steve or replace him and that he just wanted to be the best Captain America he could be.

You scoffed out loud at his words as it only served to rile you up. His next sentence took you off the edge.

“It’ll be a whole lot easier if I have Cap’s wingman by my side.” Disgusting. Does he even know what he was saying? You look over to see Sam in disbelief and you felt angry for him.

“It’s always that last line,” Sam said before you and he proceeded to step down from the vehicle.

“Eat shit, John.” You spat at him before you turned your back. You couldn’t go before you showed your loathing for him. Sam clapped your back and shook his head to tell you that Walker wasn’t worth it.

-------------------------//---------------------------

It was tense on the way back, but it was now for an entirely different reason compared to the first time. Sam checked in on you and Bucky to which you reassured him that you were alright.

“Let’s take the shield, Sam,” Bucky spoke up for the first time since the flight back.

Sam countered that it was not something that could be done simply and reminded him of a past similar event. The shield was technically government property and there was no way we could take it back without starting something.

Sam recapped how Sharon, Steve and he became fugitives and how he never wanted to live that life again. You couldn’t say anything to that knowing you managed to get a free pass in Wakanda alongside Bucky.

You all had no information to start with regarding the super soldiers but Bucky claimed otherwise. There was someone that Sam and you should meet.

-------------------------//---------------------------

That's it for chapter 2! I figured it will get too long if I cover the whole of ep 2 so I stopped here! We continue off on the next chapter! 😆

Tag list:

@tanyaherondale @spookycereal-s

[ssolarcalendarr]

Raffle Prize #1

"Did you get vandalized with graffiti too?"

Pairing: Gundham Tanaka x Male!Reader fic for @nekomaruimagines​​!

TW: Just drawing honestly, and a pinch (like one granule of salt worth) of language <3 (there’s like one cuss from Nekomaru ):< )

A/N: I hope you like it maru ^^ this was actually so cute hehe // [F/N] is your favorite color!

Prompt 6: "You can see whatever your soulmate writes on their skin on your skin,"

Waking up, in your comfy bed with the blanket draped over your body, you sighed. Another day of...

Messing with your soulmate!

A mischievous smile entered your face, making you look way too evil for this situation. You woke up and the first thing on your mind was annoying your soulmate, whoever it was! Sitting up energetically, you ruffled your hair a bit and checked the time. It was the weekend so you assumed you would wake up later in the day, but to your surprise, you woke up at 5:53 AM. 

“Haha!” Your smile grew even bigger. Now you had even more time... 

Standing up from your bed, you threw your phone to where you just were and walked into the bathroom, making sure to grab a Sharpie pen from your desk. Looking in the mirror above your sink, already opening the pen cap, your smirk going ear to ear... 

Your jaw dropped. 

“W-wha...” 

Your eyes widened as you look at yourself. Your face. Your soulmate has never done anything this rebellious to you before. Tracing your hand along your skin...

There were multicolored sharpie marks on your face, one of the marks was in red that said “IDIOT” on your forehead, one of them was on your left cheek in blue which was like a summoning circle, another on your other cheek which was a normal star in purple. 

You rolled up the sleeves of your pajamas to gather water from the sink to try and rinse off the marker but realized... 

Your soulmate made marks all over your body. There were designed lines on your arms and your hands were decorated with symbols along your knuckles and palms. This made you laugh in disbelief. 

“Maybe my soulmate wanted to get payback for all the times I’ve done the same!” you thought happily. Then on your other arm, you realized your soulmate left a tiny message. 

It wrote, “I am sorry to have to do this, but you left me no choice dearest soulmate. Today must have come as a shock to you, seeing how you probably are currently... But then again, you deserve it Y/N, my ‘angel’.” 

You guys shared names, but never phone numbers since writing on your skin was more fun, well for you of course. Either way, you became flustered a bit and a tad annoyed. Well, you got a taste of your own medicine. How early did your soulmate wake up to do this? Was it last night? 

Questions popped into your head about them... But the main thing you could think about was “When can I meet them?” You were so eager to meet your soulmate now, and since you had all of these markings on you, this was one of the perfect times to go out and try and find them. I mean, all those other times they were either pretty small like dumb messages to say hello to your soulmate, or sometimes they were huge, where you would go and draw on your face and body. But they were never as big as what your soulmate has done. They looked like tattoos, to be honest. 

They can match your level. Maybe even beyond what you expected. Exiting the bathroom, you put the pen back onto your desk. Pondering what to do, you decided to dress up in a [F/C] sleeveless button-up shirt to show off your marked arms and having normal jeans covering your long legs since your arms were enough. 

Prepping your clothes, you undressed in the bathroom, still staring at the mirror. You couldn’t help but laugh. Your soulmate really went far this time. There were simple drawings on your chest and random small squiggles. 

After dressing up, you raced out of your room, grabbing another marker, this time in green, and your phone. The sun burned your eyes as you entered the outside, your eyes still trying to adjust to the light. Your colorful face could be seen wonderfully now. As you started walking around, heading to a more populated area like the park (which was where you were going), you started to, very rapidly, get stares from people. 

Proudly smiling, you made your way to your favorite park, almost always crowded with people of youth: “Sunflower Peaks”, to meet your friends, like you had planned to last minute. Shoving the items you had in your back pocket, you enjoyed the scenery.

Little kids passed by you, probably in awe since you heard them say “Woah!! Look at those drawings on his arm! I want my soulmate to do that when I’m older!” You waved to them and their faces lit up with joy. 

Afterward, you stepped into the playground, the bark crunching under your matching [F/C] shoes. Passing by even more children and many parents ushering them from you, you sat on a vacant swing. You reached for the green marker that you put into your back pocket and opened it with your mouth. 

Looking around your hand, arm, even under your shirt, you eventually found a spot on your palm, although small, that you could write on. Smiling in the back of your head, you started writing on your skin. 

“Meet me over at Sunflower Peak, you’ll know it’s me when you see the big IDIOT on my face :P” 

Now the smile was actually on your face, butterflies all of a sudden going in your stomach! However, your confidence was, unfortunately, starting to drain... 

NO! 

You wouldn’t let your nerves get the best of you today! Plus your distraction should be here by now... 

As you dangle your legs on the swing, the breeze on your face, letting it ruffle your hair, you feel like a kid again.

Well, you were acting immaturely when drawing on your body, but most of the time... You were serious. Taking breaks only when you needed to, cleaning your schedule, finishing your work on time, trying yourself to the limit.

Your soulmate was the one who allowed you to be free, to let your childish persona out. Getting all excited, you smiled an even bigger smile thinking back... 

“HEY! Y/N! THERE YA ARE!” A loud, booming voice caught your attention. There, your distraction was walking towards you. He probably scared some of the children, but you paid no mind. 

“Nekomaru!” You yelled, a bit quieter than him, back. You noticed two other people. One of them was a buddy of yours as well, Akane Owari. The other person was no other than Ibuki Mioda, whom you’ve seen in the news now and then. 

Getting up from the seat, you stood up excitedly! Just in time to distract you. 

Akane was bringing a picnic basket while Ibuki was handling a... Giant boombox. Uhm, haha, yes, a boombox. You haven’t seen one in a while, only in movies mainly. Nekomaru was carrying a backpack, most likely filled with things for today. 

“I brought along Akane and Ibuki, if ya don’t mind! I had a massive workout yesterday with a team I was coaching so I’m sore as shit! We’re gonna stretch!” He boisterously yelled again. 

“Sup Y/N! Gotta run real quick!” Akane waved her arm frantically and ran off like she was trying to find something. 

“Heyoo!” Ibuki waved, somehow carrying the boombox with one arm, “Nice to meet ya, idiot!” Ah, you forgot you had the word idiot on your face. Embarrassment slightly flooded your senses as you recalled how you faced those children. 

You waved to both, giving them a slightly awkward chuckle. After your friends put down their stuff and rested on the grass field, the three of you, excluding the gymnast who was still running, started to bring up small talk. How their days were, how tried Ibuki was, what the plan was for today, etc, etc... What you didn’t mention was that you were including in this because you wanted to waste time, you wanted time for your soulmate to come to you, so you could finally meet them...You got your phone out, checked the time which brightly illuminated as 6:35. God, you were out for a long time.

After a little while, Akane decided it was best to eat first before heading over to a nice spot where a flower field was and start stretching. She plopped down right next to you and opened the basket she was holding for so long. Seconds later, there was a whole kiddie lunch out: sandwiches, soda, onigiri, burgers, literally tons of junk/fast food that kids would love... 

Didn’t mean you guys didn’t like em too. Everyone was munching down as you were steadily holding a triangular-shaped onigiri. “Y/N? Ya not hungry?”Akane shouted, food stuffed into her mouth. You nodded and got your phone out again to check the time. It wasn’t late, not even afternoon yet but you couldn’t help but be antsy about your soulmate. What if they didn’t live near here? What if you had to wait hours upon hours? You couldn’t wait that long! 

As you took another bite of the onigiri, a phone began ringing, though it wasn’t for long. Most likely a message notification. It wasn’t yours, you had your phone in your other hand. Instead, it was none other than Ibuki...

And Nekomaru? And Akane? 

They all got a notification... But you didn’t. Was something gonna happen? 

“Ah! You two stay there, I’ll get our newest member joining us today!” Akane yelled out loud with a smile, only to get that idea shut down by your best friend.

“Let me do it, you’ve already gone through all that trouble.” Nekomaru stood up and dropped the, quite heavy, bag on the grass. “I’ll be back soon!” He laughed. 

Then he started running away, leaving you with two hyperactive girls. 

Ibuki started up some songs on the boombox, blasting it a bit without blowing your ears off. Akane just kept on eating the food, every now and then offering some to you since all you ate was one itty bitty onigiri. 

Getting a bit bored, you stood up and started walking around, picking at the grass. Minutes after, you heard Ibuki and Akane snickering about something. Curious as to what they were laughing about, you approached them, but as soon as they saw you walking, they tried to shut their mouth. 

Something was up. 

You sat back down and stared them down, hoping they spill something. 

“Hey, quick q, how did you get that word on your head?” The singer quickly questioned, which got her a sudden elbow in her ribs. 

“Oh,” You responded, not expecting to have to answer a question. But nonetheless, you answered it, “Well, when I woke up it was already there, I assume my soulmate did it,” You shrugged as if it wasn’t a big deal. 

Akane checked her phone speedily and hid it from you just as fast. There was something on that phone...

But you decided not to barge through her personal info and all, you don’t wanna get punched in the face with someone with tons of strength... Such as the Ultimate Gymnast in front of you. 

Just in time, Nekomaru came back with no one around him. Wasn’t he gonna-

“Let's go to the flower field and stretch!” Nekomaru cut off your train of thought. Now that was surprising. He picked the bag he dropped on the floor back on his shoulders with ease, and almost dragged you and his friends over to the yard.  

Well, not like you minded. The campus you were on was beautiful and so peaceful.  The flowers seemed to sway a bit from the tiny breeze of spring. It was cooling and probably the perfect place to spend time with friends. 

You wished your soulmate were here. This was your favorite part of the park. It was always so lush and smelled wonderful. All the volunteers took such great care with the plants and you were one of them. 

Nekomaru tapped your shoulder since you were so awestruck by the scenery. Ah, you had time to stare at it later. It brought you back to reality and when you turned around... 

It was kinda like looking in a mirror. 

There was a person there that had the same marking on your forehead. They had all of the markings on your face, on theirs. 

You couldn’t say anything, you were so shocked that they were there. There was a male. He had pale skin, two different colored eyes -- ruby and stormy grey, hair that swirled up, and four tiny hamsters sat on his shoulders, all gushing and chipping. The man stared at you, a growing blush on his cheeks and ears. Though, it was covered by the same marks you had on your cheeks.

The same red “IDIOT” on their forehead, the same blue summoning circle drawing on their left cheek, and a purple star on their right. 

On one of their arms, since one was covered in a bandage, there was that little message you got. You couldn’t believe it.

Right there, in front of you, the petals of the flowers complimenting the aura around everyone was your soulmate. 

Your mouth gaped open but you couldn’t speak. You were breathless. “Hah...” You managed to say. 

Then you started laughing. “Hah, hahahahah!” Oh you were so joyful. 

You started walking towards him, but it became a full sprint. Your laughs could be heard throughout the whole field. You hugged him, which was more like a tackle since you both ended up falling on the ground. Your smile was so big and so was his, some small tears on the eyes of both of you boys. 

“W-Well my angel... You are handsome.” He complimented as he got a close examination of your face, “Now, did you get vandalized with graffiti too?” He smirked. 

You nodded as both of you guys sat down peacefully, enjoying the scenery. This was a beautiful way to meet your soulmate. 

“Yeah I did, and I believe,” You tease as you cupped his face to bring it closer to you, “The culprit was you, Gundham.”

[mihidecet]

SBI d&d AU: Wilbur

So ... Here it is! I haven't published anything of mine here for a long time, and especially no fanfictions, so I really do hope you like this!

A special thank you to @whatimevendoinhere without whom this AU would have never existed!! They've been drawing references, expressions and a lovely campfire scene for this au, go check them out!!!

One doesn't get far being an adventurer without being a light sleeper, especially when you're travelling alone. 

For Wilbur, it is a blessing and a curse. It means he's able to survive multiple attempts on his life - he's not to blame for all of them, it's just that sometimes he writes songs about people, and sometimes he improvises, and sometimes he sings before he thinks. 

It also means, unfortunately for him, that it takes him a while to get used to travelling with other people. He loves everything about it, from the security to the companionship, but he can't for the life of him get a good night of uninterrupted sleep: whether it's Phil stoking the dying embers of their campfire, or Techno cleaning his throwing knives ... Heavens above, even Tommy mumbling to himself as he mends his own cape after getting almost-stabbed for the fourth time this week keeps him awake until exhaustion takes over. 

But this night, it's not the gentle humming of an elven song, or the rhythmic *schling* of a whetstone on a sword, that wakes him up: everything's quiet, then he feels something fly in the air next to him and land with a dull thud in the ground. 

Will's eyes are immediately open, hand flying to the small knife he keeps under his own pillow - just to be sure, just to be extra safe - and he rolls to the side. 

He thanks his darkvision, because it's still the middle of the night: right next to where his head was there's a knife, stuck in the ground and glinting in the moonlight. 

Wilbur's mouth opens to alert the others, but his call dies in his throat as he notices a lone figure sitting against the tree. 

Somebody just threw a knife at his head, and Technoblade, notorious thief, assassin and all around badass adventurer, is just ... sitting there. His eyes are open, Wilbur can see it clearly, and he stares at him for a moment before turning his head towards the rest of the group. He seems to be fiddling with something - for now, Wilbur only knows that Techno likes keeping his hands busy, and is apparently unable to keep still; give or take a couple of months of travelling together, he'll have learnt that Techno fidgets when he's nervous, and he's always nervous around new people. 

Techno turns back around, and gives a meaningful look to the knife still stuck in the ground. 

Wilbur sighs. He's awake now, thanks to the adrenaline of an expected attack, so he grabs the knife and wrenches it out, meaning to throw it back to the noisy assassin that decided to wake him up in the middle of the night for ... apparently no reason? 

But that night there's a gentle breeze blowing, so the moment the knife leaves the ground, whatever it was keeping in place starts flying away - it's only thanks to Wilbur's excellent reflexes that he manages to grab it. 

For a moment, he thinks he's dreaming. Mostly because he wishes he was, but also because he's currently holding one of Technoblade's throwing knives in one hand, and a bracelet in the other. 

He blinks. 

The bracelet is still there. 

He looks up, and manages to catch Techno quickly turning his head away from him, as if he hadn't been staring at him the whole time.

Wilbur *really* wants to sleep. 

The bracelet in his hand is hand made. Not because it's badly made, but because there are daisies woven between the yarn and cotton strings, and if he turns his head to the left he can see a path of those same light blue daisies - now slightly smaller than before. 

Now, Wilbur is not unused to having small trinkets. He has a bad habit of stealing small things to remind himself of where he's been, where he's played, things he's done. But this is definitely unusual. 

What is this supposed to mean? Is it to thank him for saving his ass earlier that morning, when Techno got too cocky and got himself shot so Wilbur had to jump from his vantage point to bring him back to life? Or is it because the bard had said he needed something to remind himself of their win against the drake that had been plaguing the surrounding forest?

Wilbur is too tired to think about it. 

"Cheers, Techno. Thanks." He says, voice slurring just a bit as he gives the thief a two fingered salute. Techno nods back silently, and Wilbur lets himself fall back onto his bed - being careful not to stab his pillow with his horns - and tries to fall asleep again. 

Wait. 

Wilbur's eyes open suddenly as his brain rather kindly decides to bring forth a memory of his first meeting with Techno. 

Back when it was just him and Phil, walking from town to town, looking for easy coin. They had been looking for a tavern in the middle of the night, because Phil had said he'd never had pumpkin pie, and the kind lady who had been hosting them - as a thank you for getting rid of the ghost hunting her scarecrows - had insisted they wait until she finished cooking and have a slice. 

It had been worth it after all, as they'd walked with an extra spring in their step with a stomach full of homemade pie and fresh milk, and travelling at night was not that big of a problem for an elf and a tiefling. 

Still, Wilbur should have known not to get too relaxed, because as they turned the corner into a ghostly empty alley, they had found themselves no longer alone. A lone figure stood, partly hidden by shadows, but there was no way to mistake their identity. 

"Hey there, friend!" Phil had exclaimed, tone amicable despite the evident tension in his posture - Wil could clearly see his knuckles turning white from his grip around his staff, and he hoped the assassin in front of them couldn't.

"Your Majesty." The infamous Technoblade had answered, with a slight head tilt that Wilbur had assumed was to be interpreted as a bow. Then, he'd turned his piercing light blue eyes towards him.

"Mr. Soot. I hear you're looking for companions. I'm looking for ... Colleagues. I have a job to do, and it requires more than one person." Wilbur's tail had swung wildly for a moment, both in excitement and indignation. On one hand, this was *the* Technoblade, infamous assassin, notorious thief, wanted in most reigns, the only being able to easily succeed at what most people would never dream of being able to do. 

On the other hand, there were surely less fear inducing ways of asking for help, right? Couldn't he have met them at the tavern, in the morning? Possibly surrounded by other people, where they could feel safe rejecting his offer, instead of fearing a knife in the back the moment they turned?

"What kind of job?" The bard had asked, steadying his voice despite how the thief's stare had seemingly locked him into place.

"A good one. Mostly a well paying one." He'd replied shrugging, seemingly uncaring of how tense the air around them was as he spinned a throwing knife in his hand. Wilbur dared shooting a look to his right, where Phil was now standing a tad more relaxed, and raised an eyebrow. This could be their big breakthrough, a chance to make a good name for themselves - they'd kept mostly to themselves for almost half a year now, doing odd jobs here and there, slowly making their way across the region ... How would it feel to sleep in a decent tavern for one night? What if they could finally afford a horse? Heavens above, did Wilbur wish he could buy a new pair of boots.

"We're in. We can talk in the morning to go over the details?" Phil had asked, sounding as tired and hopeful as Wilbur felt. The bard guessed that, as a king travelling for the first time in his life under false pretences, Phil was the one between the two of them who was less used to sleeping on the floor and eating "whatever". 

As the blade was thrown in the air, there was a sudden flash of pink light and then it was gone, vanished in the darkness. 

"Sure. I'll see you tomorrow." And then he'd disappeared too, hopefully not hearing Wilbur's scoffed "showoff" and Phil's chuckles. 

The next morning, slightly more rested, they were in the middle of greatly missing the previous day's pumpkin pie over their meagre portions of stale bread and warm mead, when the whole tavern went impossibly quiet. There was a beat of silence as every head turned towards the newcomer, then Phil leaned back with one arm stretched out and waved. 

"Techno, mate! Come join us!" The thief's ears twitched in their direction, then he immediately started walking towards them - pace steady and sure, despite how everyone was staring at him. 

In the bright light of the middle of the morning, surrounded by other adventurers and staring down in disgust at their breakfast, the infamous Technoblade looked a lot less intimidating, if one was able to look past the entire armoury he carried with him. If he hadn't been an actual, literal hellspawn, Wilbur would have been put off by the bright pink skin and pig-like features of his face, but the bard himself had horns, blue skin and a tail, so he couldn't really judge anyone based on looks. 

Technoblade looked like he was about to say something about their breakfast, but Phil evidently dissuaded him by stuffing his face with what remained of his loaf of bread - which was a chunk about as big as his fist, and even the thief looked slightly impressed. 

Wilbur took a deliberately slow sip of his mead as Phil munched away, eyeing the rest of the tavern as if to dare them to keep staring at the three of them. 

By the time he was putting down his drink, the bloody knife from the night before was back, this time being balanced on the tip of Techno's finger as he stared at it with a bored expression.

Wilbur placed his tankard on the table and the thief's eyes met his for just a moment before going back to looking bored with his balancing act - which Phil was rather enjoying, from what Will could see from the corner of his eye. Then, just as suddenly as the night before, Techno's eyes switched from light blue to a shining pink and his blade disappeared. 

"So ... What's your opinion on friendship bracelets?" 

Wilbur had reared back and immediately choked on nothing, while the utter bastard on his right burst out laughing.

"What?! What the bloody hell is that supposed to mean?!" Wilbur had demanded, still breathless, after Phil had half-heartedly patted his back. 

Techno had shrugged, seemingly awkward, Phil had laughed more before steering the conversation towards the topic of their job. Wilbur had thought it weird, a quirk of a lone wolf that was so unused to companionship that they would just say whatever came to their mind, but he'd always been able to switch his focus to business rather fast. 

Meanwhile, in the present day, Wilbur was currently biting his own finger in order to keep the hysterical laughter threatening to spill. Eyes almost tearing up, shoulder shaking - had the thief been serious from the beginning? Was this a joke, a callback? It couldn't be, it was too well made to be a joke! Not that Techno was known to do anything half-assedly ... A muffled giggle escaped him, and Wilbur quickly slapped a hand over his mouth, but apparently nothing flew past the infamous Technoblade. 

"Shut up." His gruff voice had come suddenly, still from his position against the lone tree in the clearing they'd chosen to rest in. 

Another giggle escaped him as he sat upright on his cot, his tail swishing on the ground excitedly - and probably filling his cot with dirt and leaves, but at the moment he couldn't care less. There was something, some warm, fuzzy feeling invading his chest, waking him up even better than the threat of an attack as he held the bracelet to his chest.

"Aw, Techno! But I thought we were best friends!" Wilbur protested in a fake offended tone, the warm feeling spreading as he heard the thief scoff and then chuckle lightly, shaking his head. 

"We are, it's final, you're not getting out of this." Techno replies, waving his knife towards him in a way that would have been menacing if he hadn't just said the sweetest thing Wilbur's ever heard - for now, because this is just a step into their friendship; Techno has a way of being devastatingly earnest about his feelings in the best and most unexpected ways, and Wilbur doesn't know really know what he's in for yet. 

Instead, Wilbur just clutches the bracelet to his chest and chuckles, thankful he's not choking on his emotions yet - he already knows he'll be writing a song about this, can feel the energy of it under his fingertips.

"You neither, man. I'm counting on it, you big nerd." 

Techno scoffs, waves him away.

"Do I get to keep the knife, too?" Wilbur asks, because he's never been able to shut up, and there's no way he's going to sleep after all this. 

"Sure, whatever. I have more." 

"Thank you, best friend!" 

Turns out Wilbur can actually fall asleep after all that, because the last thing he remembers before falling asleep is Techno's annoyed groan and the smell of daisies.

----

I do hope you liked it! If there are any mistakes let me know, English is not my first language ajdhwokl

Also if you want to come and ramble about this to us ,,,,,, you are all deffo welcome!!

[thefanficmonster]

Never Satisfied [Chapter 4]

Corpse Husband x Original Female Character

Warnings: Language

A collaboration between Vy & Ashens 🖤

“there’ll be a next time...right?“

Corpse and Cora have found a nice secluded picnic table outside the restaurant, out in the sun rays’ path enough for the warmth of the day to be caressing their skin while simultaneously being a safe distance away from the other people enjoying their lunch. Their meal has just arrived, bringing a large grin to Cora’s face.

“So?” She asks as she chews the bite she took without waiting even thirty seconds. Her feet are on the bench, legs crossed, elbows rested on her knees as she chomps down, happily perched in front of him.

Corpse is enraptured by her. He’s staring a little, desperately trying to keep it subtle, hands still holding the small bag of food as he peers at her, a hood over his dark curls. Even in this quiet little part of town, he still doesn’t feel safe showing his whole face - no mask, no eyepatch, no privacy and sense of security. But as his eyes take in his lunch partner, her calm aura and leisure attitude, he can’t help but admit that his heart quickens a little. The girl moves with the grace of someone not afraid to kick ass and he is simply awestruck by her beauty and outward powerful aura. He’s never before been so captivated by a person - someone so different and so similar to him simultaneously.

Swallowing nervously, he reminds himself that she has taken on the role of his checkpoint, something like a friend, a hand to hold if he starts feeling anxious. Even if it’s just for today, he appreciates it wholeheartedly. It’s more than he’s ever been offered by others. That type of comfort is something he hasn’t felt in a long time. Surprising himself when his hand reaches out to touch her free one, he’s surprised yet again when he finds the touch so familiar and welcoming, so natural.  Despite it being just a brief movement, his knuckles softly brushing against her wrist before withdrawing and returning his focus to his meal, it is so meaningful and soothing, he’s afraid he might get used to it. Addicted to it. 

Half expecting a comment or a look, he is taken aback when she doesn’t give any sort of reaction. No movement, no expression change, just curiously watching him while she eats, waiting for his response to her previous dubious question.

 “So?” He rumbles softly, fishing out his lunch from the confines of the little paper bag. He isn’t sure what type of answer he should be expecting but he’s sure he won’t be disappointed regardless.

“Tell me about yourself! You’re not all rumbles, fear and BONES, right? You’ve gotta have a personality under that black hoodie.” She says enthusiastically, her eyes glimmering as though she’ll dig the answers out of him with her gaze alone. He’s not sure whether he’d prefer that or not. He doesn’t like talking about himself but he has an even stronger distaste for the idea of her seeing some information he’d rather keep hidden. Good thing she doesn’t seem to be capable of telepathy, but even that wouldn’t be too odd for her.

His cheeks flush faintly and he looks down for a moment to take the first bite of his food, buying himself some time to think and formulate a proper sentence. He racks his brain, looking for what would be the most vague yet satisfactory answer. 

What am I? I mean, all she stated is true, I definitely am all that...but I have a hard time coming up with what else I am? What else makes me me?  Youtube? Anxiety? Suicidal ideations hidden underneath liquor?

“I um...dropped out of school at, like, thirteen.” He finally speaks, mumbling around the small bite he worked on swallowing. 

Cora’s eyes widen and her brows shoot up. Now he is nervous, his anxiety slowly starting to creep in as he’s worrying if he has said something wrong. Or something that she could be disgusted by. 

Who would want to talk to some grown ass man who couldn’t even make it to highschool? How fucking sad is that? She has all right to judge me for it. 

However, unlike everybody else in his life who’s given him a frown of pity while internally thinking of how absolutely fucked up he had to be to drop out so young, Cora spared him from the pitiful glance he has grown to hate so much. Instead, he sees something alike amazement on her face as she sips her drink before saying:

“Damn dude, that’s intense. I mean, it sucks cause I can’t imagine you had a normal childhood if you’re bailing from school that young but, nowadays, who among us actually had a real childhood? Very few, I’d say.” She grins, putting down the soda can, her eyes leaving his for only the briefest of moments instead of the familiar awkward eye-contact avoidance he’d face when this topic would be nudged during a conversation. Still, the relief and skepticism in Corpse can never end their war so easily - there’s still that shred of doubt that she’s just good at hiding her pity or judgement. Nevertheless, she continues, “You’re doing well for yourself, you’re in an ok place right now, right? Isn’t that what matters?.” She concludes, touching his fingers as a form of yet another subtle reassurance. 

He looks down and finds himself ever so carefully curling one of his fingers around hers, just briefly before he draws back fearfully. “Yeah...guess having an apartment in a shitty part of town, and a car that seems to attract criminals could be considered ‘doing okay’.” He smiles faintly under his hood and she laughs, that bubbly little noise that he is slowly realizing he wants to hear more of. 

“You got a car, that’s more than I have.” Cora pokes her tongue out with a little growl before leaning down to take another bite of her lunch. “So, you like music and aren’t a narc. What else you got up your sleeve?”

Corpse smiles a bit and takes a sip of his drink before clearing his throat. “Yeah, I like video games too.” 

That seems innocent enough, right? Everyone likes video games...or people tend to be okay with them, at least. Video games are fun.

Another bright, sun-like smile. “Yeah? Well in that case I’ll have to kick your ass in Mario Kart some time.” She threatens playfully. 

So she might want to hang out, he thinks to himself, the thought causing his heart to do a little flip and he smiles an almost shy and timid smirk. “Challenge accepted.”

“What do you do for work?”

That question catches him off-guard, causing his eyes to widen a bit. He doesn’t know if it would be better to lie or just tell the truth. He narrates stories on the internet and makes and puts out music people have constantly been telling him wouldn’t be enjoyed. He doesn’t see how that would leave a bad taste in her mouth exactly but because of his inability to stop himself from overthinking he doesn’t want to run the risk of repulsing her. Then again, he doesn’t want to lie either, he’s been so honest with her thus far, why would he derail now and because of such a simple question. That’s why he chooses to answer truthfully but keep his answer relatively vague: “I do online work and make music I haven’t released yet. I honestly dunno if I ever will.” That last part felt like a harsh hit of reality coming on too suddenly, forcing him to look away from her to gather his composure and put it back together.

“I bet it’s good. You’ll have to let me hear it when you get something done. I’ve got a clearly refined taste in music, but I bet you already figured that out.” She exaggerates a wink, reaching over to wiggle the straw in her drink. 

Feeling a bit less tense now, he clears his throat and picks up the conversation once again. “What about you? You keep asking me all these questions, but all I know about you is that you’re a klepto with no car.” 

That signature bright and bubbly laughter leaves Cora’s chest, sending Corpse a millisecond away from swooning over her completely. “I’m actually a starving artist. I’m a pet photographer and I'm going back to school for advertising graphic design. When I’m not off goofing around with people getting their dogs birthday documented, I’m working at ye good ol’ Starbucks, serving all the...” Her voice lifts to a higher pitch and is now coming more from the back of her throat as she takes on the most preppy tone she could muster, “Beckys their venti mocha caramel frappuccino with TWO extra pumps of caramel, but with SOY because they’re all on a diet. Funny how that works, no? All those women with the exact same order and exact same attributes - I almost laugh whenever one of them walks in. You can smell them from a block away.” 

Corpse chokes out a laugh as he covers his mouth, hiding his half chewed bite from view. He definitely wasn’t expecting that. Then again,  he can’t help but acknowledge the warmth that has spread across his cheeks at how she giggles along with him. “And to be fair,” Cora quickly interrupts herself, “I am not a klepto, I just really liked the belt I found and thought forty five dollars was a rip off.” She smirks, finding herself absentmindedly looping her pinky with his. Corpse doesn’t look down, doesn’t comment, doesn’t want her to know he noticed, because maybe she’d put an end to their so small yet so meaningful contact. Instead, he smiles a little and swallows the last bite of his lunch, his heart beating rapidly in his chest and he briefly entertains the idea that he maybe wasn’t the only one awestruck. 

Anyhow, that thought gets pushed down real quick when he considers how absolutely out of his league she is, and how...well, how he’s in absolutely no league whatsoever. The world has done plenty to prove that to him real fast. Corpse sees himself as a nobody; he believes he doesn’t matter and everybody likes to remind him of it. But, as Cora’s pinky curls a little and one of her thumbs brushes against the arch of his wrist, all that bitter venom in his cold soul starts to slowly ease up, loosening its typically firm hold of his mind. Maybe, just maybe, one day, he would matter to someone. Someday.

@fockingwhore  @vixenl  @annshit  @wineandionysus  @wiseflamingoqueen

[theshylittleelfgirl]

Whew! this idea has been in my noggin for a while now and i finally had the brain power to actually write it! Horaaay for BIG BRAIN! If you liked this story please be sure to leave a comment to let me know if i should continue it or if you liked it, There's going to be some spelling errors i pray that you forgive that! It is awfully late here and my brain is fried right now lol 

I added a little bit more to the story not much, It was really bothering me so i fixed it! Part 2 will be coming soon :D

Enjoy!❤

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I was sitting in Levi's office reading a book on his couch, I have finished my daily routine, I decided to spend my free time with levi.

But that short fucker was To busy doing paperwork.

We haven't had sex in like a year....A Year!

I was always trying to get him in the mood, running my fingers up his sides in the morning trying to make my intentions clearer, but apparently he got all huffy and said 'Quit pestering me brat, I'm trying to sleep here.' and then he would roll back on his side facing away from me.

'What a rude shithead' i huffed.

Then an idea popped in my head, it was getting pretty late maybe just maybe we can have sex and fall asleep cuddling, It would usually help the both of us relax after a long day.

"Hey levi?" i said in an innocent voice.

"What?" he said irritated he looked up at me briefly then back down at his paperwork.

I strutted over to him standing behind his chair massaging his shoulders unbuttoning the top of his shirt ghosting my fingers over his collarbone. "I'm going to get ready for bed, why don't you join me?" i whispered seductively into his ear. "Maybe i can show you how flexible i've become." i nipped his earlobe.

"No, I can't leave this paperwork you go ahead and lay down." his face remained stoic not phased in the slightest.

I growled and stood in front of his desk slamming my hands down but not getting his attention what so ever "All you ever do is paperwork levi! i get its part of your job but fuck! we haven't had sex in a year, A Fucking Year Levi! i've tried everything to get your attention but you continuously refuse my advances, What do i have to do? Write "Fuck Me" on my forehead to get your attention?" i panted after my rant my face red with anger.

He finally looked at me for the first time this night his icy glare pierced through me like a dagger. "If all you want to do is spread your legs then your not fit to be in the scouts, You want to be fucked so bad? then go find someone else to do the job, I got priorities to attend to and you aren't one of them, Now shut the fuck up and leave me the hell alone!" he snarls when he was met with silence only then did he realize he fucked up, "Y/n, I-i.." he couldn't muster up the courage to apologize for his shitty words.

Hair fell in front of my eyes "If that's what you really think of me then i think our relationship is officially over Captain, I won't bother you ever again." i went into 'our' room grabbing a bag i began stuffing my belongings toiletries,clothes,drawings into said bag. He heard the dresser jores being opened and closed 'Shit! she's going to leave! do something moron!' he jumped out of his chair rushing into the room and saw me packing my things. "Y/n, baby, Wait please i didn't mean what i said i swear, I'm just stressed that's all." he tried placing a hand on my shoulder i shrugged it off. "Don't." i said darkly "Don't fucking touch me." once my things were packed i swung my bag on my shoulder walking right past him not sparing him a glance.

I reached the door i felt him grab my arm i halted my movements. "Please don't do this." he begged.

I ripped my arm out of his grip "I hope your paperwork can keep you warm at night, Captain, because i won't be anymore, Asshole." i opened the door slowly shutting it not wanting to wake up the other soldiers.

I walked the dark halls trying to find hanji's room 'I should of brought a lantern with me.' once i knew i was far enough away from levi's room i slid down a wall it was only then that his words started to sink in 'Asshole...what a fuckin asshole! Mikasa warned me about him why didn't i listen to her? god i'm so stupid.' i laid my bag beside me hugging my knee's to my chest i sighed 'I tried so hard to see his side on things, To understand his pain what he went through, Understanding how he was about as romantic as a cactus, His cleaning obsession's, I tried so hard for him.' I buried my face in my knee's silent tears fell down my face.

I began to sob 'Why would he say something so fucking cruel?!' hugging my knee's tighter i began to shake.

"Y/n?" he deep masculine voice echoed in the halls.

I looked up to see a bright orange light illuminate a tall manly figure then i looked up to their face.

"Erwin?" my voice cracked

"Y/n, What happened? your eyes are almost swollen shut." he kneeled in front of me.

"Levi he....he." tears began to pour from my eyes. "He hates me, He thinks i'm some kind of whore who will spread her legs openly for any man, He told me i wasn't fit for the scouts, that i'm basically a burden on him." i sobbed into my hands shaking even harder.

Erwin sighs "Levi has always had a sharp tongue sometimes he doesn't think things through clearly." he looked to your side and noticed a bag. "You have no where to sleep, Why don't you come into my office and you can take my bed i'll take the couch, How does that sound?" he gently placed a hand on your shoulder.

I looked up at him tears still falling from my eyes. "I'm not going to kick you out of your own room Erwin, i wouldn't feel right doing that to you." you looked away embarrassed that the commander saw you in this state, but he's seen me like this countless times he and i were friends after all we would share our burdens over a glass of whiskey once in a while.

He took my small hands into his calloused ones and squeezed them reassuringly "I have no problem with sleeping on the couch, I hardly ever use the bed anyways, So you wouldn't be taking anything away from me." he smiled gently.

I looked into his calm ocean eyes i hesitated for a minute but nodded "Okay, i will if it's truly no problem." sighing knowing there was no arguing with him.

"Its settled then, Lets get you to bed, You must be exhausted." He let go of my hands and stood up he lent his hand to me, I took it and he helped me stand noticing my tear stained cheeks he reached into his pants pocket and pulled out a handkerchief he offered it to me.

I took it from him and gently began dabbing the soft fabric on my eyes and cheeks, I offered it back to him and he held up his hand "Keep it, You need it more then i do, Besides i have a million of those things in my dresser." he chuckled picking up the lantern.

A small smile formed on my lips i nodded stuffing the handkerchief into my pocket.

"Shall we then? you'll catch your death in this cold hallway." he inclined his head in the direction of his room/office.

I reached down and grabbed my bag off of the floor slinging it over my shoulder once more.

"Lets go." i simply said erwin began walking down the dark hallways if it wasn't for his lantern lighting the way i would of been lost forever in these damnable stone hallways.

"If you don't mind me asking, Why was he being so harsh this time? not that i'm excusing those awful untrue things he said." eyes glued to the steps in front of him.

I looked away from his back my voice deeply saddens. "I just wanted him to come to bed and relax with me, I'm sorry if this is to much info but we always made love and then we would cuddle afterwards whenever he was stressed and he was extremely stressed tonight, so i offered to help him relax and that's when he..." i choked down my sob breathing rapidly.

"E-erwin do you think he's...?" i couldn't finish the words 'Would he stoop so low that he would cheat on me? Am i not enough for him anymore? does he take me for a woman who would sleep around with other men? Why would he say those horrible things to me? What have i done wrong other then try to love him flaws and all?' a million thoughts ran through my mind, i felt a weight on my head i looked up to see erwin looking at me sadly he ruffled my hair.

"No, Levi is definitely not the type to run around, He really loves you y/n, I bet he feels absolutely awful for what he said and i imagine he's beating himself up over it, Levi is a tough person to get along with but you have dedicated your heart and soul to him, He wouldn't throw that away just for some random woman, Not only are you the bravest most loyal soldier your the most kindest caring person as well, That's a rare thing in these times, He's lucky to have someone like you y/n." he took his hand away so he could look into my eyes.

I began to tear up again. "His words cut me deep erwin, I don't know when or if i'll ever forgive him, his hurtful words are still fresh in my mind, But i do appreciate what you said to me, That's probably the nicest thing i have heard in a while." i smiled through the tears.

He nods. "Its going to take some time for you to heal and that's completely understandable, You are more then welcome to stay in my room for as long as you want to, But if you ever feel uncomfortable, Hanji isn't that far from where i am, She would more then welcome you to stay, Just be prepared to be interrogated she doesn't give up easily." he sighs

"I'm fully aware." I giggled a little taking the handkerchief dabbing my eyes again.

He smiled and began walking again i followed him looking back into the dark hallway wondering what he's doing right now, i sighed directing my head towards the back of the commander.

Unbeknownst to you, Levi lingered behind one of the archways (is that what they call it? its 3am give me a break lol) listening in on yours and erwins chat.

He clenched his hands into a tight fist knuckles whitening. "I fucked up, Now eyebrows is going to take her away from me, I'm such a fool." he ran his fingers through his hair.

"I have to fix this, No, I Need to fix this, But how? i'm clearly shit at my words." he sighed

"Maybe hanji can help?" he started to feel hopeful, he was either desperate or crazy to even consider help from the mad scientist, Definitely crazy.

With his mind made up, He pushed off the archway(?) looking at that orange light fade away into the darkness once more he turned away and began walking back to his room.

"Please don't give up on me y/n." he pleaded.

To Be Continued.

[i-put-the-star-in-bastard]

Come back to me, amore mio

As soon as they arrive, they do the usual sweep. After that many centuries together, they don’t even need to speak to coordinate, Joe checks the first floor while Nicky clears the ground floor. They meet back in the kitchen.

“All clear?” Joe asks as he comes in.

Nicky nods while turning the kettle on. “The shutters in the living room need to be repaired.”

Nicky keeps his back to Joe as he looks through the cupboards in search of the tea they’d left the last time they’d stayed here.

“Nicky.”

“Hmm?” He takes two cups of tea out of one cupboard.

“Nicolo.” Joe steps closer, his chest brushing against his back. He takes the cups from his hands and places them down on the counter. Joe’s hands run lightly up Nicky’s arms until they get to his shoulder and squeeze gently. “Nicolo, look at me.”

“I’m okay,” he protests.

Joe wraps his arms around his middle.

“Look at me,” he whispers against Nicky’s ear.

Nicky takes a shuddering breath and slowly turns around in Joe’s arms, meeting his eyes tentatively.

“I’m fine,” Joe tells him reassuringly.

“I know you are. Of course you are, we’re always fine.”

“But you’re not.”

Nicky drops his forehead on Joe’s shoulder and sighs.

“I’ll be fine. I just need a little while to recover. I just...” his hands’ grasp on Joe’s hips tightens. “I got scared.”

“You, scared?” Joe says with a forced chuckle. “You’re not scared of anything, my love.”

“You wouldn’t wake up, Joe.”

Joe’s smile falls from his lips in a sigh.

“I know, I know.” He guides Nicky’s head up with a finger under his chin and presses his forehead against his. “To be fair,” he whispers. “I did have part of my head blown up.”

Nicky jerks away, his hands pushing roughly against Joe’s shoulders.

“You think I don’t know that?” Nicky’s fists clench at his sides. “I saw it happen right in front of me. I haven’t stopped seeing it since it’s happened!” he yells.

“Nicolo, habibi, I’m fine.”

“Well I’m not fine, Yusuf!”

Joe raises a tentative hand but Nicky takes a step further back and swats his hand away. Although he’s not surprised by Nicky’s rejection, Joe’s still hurt. He ought to have gotten used to it by now, but he always feels powerless when faced with Nicky’s anger and torment.

They’re so different in the way they deal with strong emotions. Joe needs comfort and reassurance whereas Nicky needs to be left alone and work through it on his own. After a couple hundred small disagreements blown out of proportions because of that difference and their inability to actual communicate their needs, they had caught on.

So in situations such as this one, Joe now recognises when it is time to give Nicky the time and space he needs. He lifts his hands up in surrender and slowly walks out of the kitchen, leaving Nicky to his tea.

A couple of hours later, Joe is in the living room, a book in his hands but not on his mind when he feels Nicky’s presence at his back. As he puts the book down, Nicky skirts the chair Joe is sitting in and sits on the table in front of him.

“I’m sorry for getting angry, hayati.” Nicky grabs Joe’s hands and kisses his knuckles in a quiet apology. “I was scared and felt vulnerable but I shouldn’t have taken it out on you.”

“You don’t have to apologise.”

“Yeah, I do,” he whispers. “I hurt you by pushing you away and I am sorry for that. Hurting you is never my intention.”

“And I know that, habibi, which is why you don’t need to apologise, you just need to come back to me.”

“I’m here with you.”

“Not really, you’re not. You’ve been distracted and distant for a while now, not just today.” Joe scoots closer to the edge of the chair, closer to Nicky. “I know you need time to deal with your feelings, but right now, I need you to tell me what you’re dealing with because I can’t handle not knowing any more.”

Nicky’s face tightens in pain and he brings their linked hands back to his mouth.

“Ever since Andy... It’s gotten harder, Joe,” he tells him in a pained whisper. “I’m scared I’m gonna lose you.” A whining noise escapes his throat and Joe pulls him onto his lap. “Every mission is making it harder and I don’t know how to deal with it anymore. I even get scared when you go out to get some groceries, I’m scared all the time. I couldn’t live without you, I don’t even remember what my life was like before you, it’s been nine hundred years, Joe, and it’s been perfect, all of it, and I can’t bear the thought of it ending, I can’t bear the thought of you leaving me all alone and I-” His voice breaks and he starts crying in Joe’s arms. They hold on tightly to each other, Joe's thumbs drawing gentle circles on Nicky's back.

When Nicky’s sobs somewhat quiet down, Joe kisses the top of his head.

“Do you need us to take a break?” he asks.

“We can’t take a break right now. Andy is... And she needs to keep on going. We need to be there with her, she needs us. I- I need her.”

“Well, I need a break.”

That statement surprises Nicky enough that he pulls out of his own head. He pushes slightly away from Joe, just enough to watch his face and asks “Are you okay?”

Joe’s eyes close and a weary sigh escapes his lips.

“No, I’m not.” He opens his eyes but doesn’t meet Nicky’s. “I- as I said, I know you needed to work through your emotions on your own and you didn’t mean to be this distant but I need us to take a break from the team. I need you to take a break. Because I can’t handle it. When you get this anxious, I... I need you with me. So I’m asking, please, let’s take a break. I know it’s not the best time with Andy being mortal again and I understand you wanting to be with her to protect her, I feel that way too. But I also need you back. And we can suggest we all take a break and it might be good for Nile too, she’s not used to it all yet and it’s taking a toll on her too. I know Andy might not say yes, but we can at least try and-”

“Yes.”

Joe’s eyes snap up. “What?”

“I said, okay, let’s take a break.”

“Really?”

“Of course. Habibi, you know you only ever have to ask. Whatever you need, I’ll give it to you.”

Joe pulls him in for a kiss then buries his face in his neck.

“Thank you, Nicolo.”

They spend the afternoon on the couch cuddling. At some point they put on a film that neither of them truly watches, as focused as they are on each other. They cuddle, kiss, talk, joke, and softly comfort one another. No more words are pronounced about the whole ordeal. At least not until that evening.

Nicky is already in bed, waiting for Joe to be done with his whole night-time routine as he always does. Only this time, he’s not reading, his eyes are looking at his hands without seeing them, a lonesome expression on his face.

“Joe?” he asks when Joe finally comes out of the bathroom.

“Hmm?” he answers as he’s getting undressed.

“How long have you been feeling like I was distancing myself from you?”

Joe pauses, one arm still in his shirt. He turns carefully towards Nicky before letting the shirt fall down slowly into a puddle at this feet. He doesn’t answer but doesn’t look away either. Nicky waits.

Joe’s shoulders fall a bit.

“For a while.”

“How long?”

“A little over a month.”

Nicky thinks back on the past month’s events. “After you died in Switzerland.”

“Yeah.”

“Why didn’t you tell me before?”

Joe doesn’t answer right away but when he does, his words come out so softly, Nicky almost doesn’t catch it.

“Do you remember Paris 1851?”

Nicky winces. “I do.”

“You left me.”

“I never left you,” Nicky immediately replies.

One side of Joe's mouth curls up in a sad smile. “I know it wasn’t your intention but we’d just argued and you said you needed some space and when you didn’t come back that night, or the night after that, I thought...” Joe takes a deep breath and looks back into Nicky’s eyes. “I thought you’d left me. Even though we’ve talked about it since, I never told you how much it hurt me because I knew telling you would only bring you pain. But I do realise now it might have been a mistake. I should have brought it up before.”

“It still hurts you.” It isn’t phrased as a question but it is there in his eyes.

“It’s not that I still carry pain from those days exactly. It’s more that every time I feel you getting distant, I feel myself going back there emotionally, feeling like you were gone and I’d have to face the rest of eternity alone until I finally died for good.”

A moan escapes Nicky’s lips at those words and Joe crosses the space between them. He sits on the bed leaning against the headboard, close enough that their sides are pressed together. Nicky turns his head and nuzzle his face against Joe’s shoulder.

He draws comfort from Joe’s touch for a while before speaking again.

“That doesn’t answer my question though,” he whispers. “Why didn’t you tell me before? Especially since you were hurting so much.”

“Because, amore mio, you were already in so much pain, I couldn’t add on the weight of mine on top of it.”

“Yes you could. You should have talked to me about it, even if it caused me pain.”

“Hayati, you know I can never bring myself to cause you any pain, even if it means anyone else - myself included - would hurt less.”

“Unlike me. I’ve been hurting you for over a month because I couldn’t talk to you about my fears. I was so caught up in my own pain, I didn’t even see yours, didn’t even see that I was causing you pain. It’s not even that I couldn’t talk about it, I just assumed you already knew. We’ve been together for so long, sometimes i take things for granted. You always seem to know my every feeling and desire and I sometimes forget you can’t read my thoughts. Forget that some things actually deserve to be said out loud.”

“You’re right, we should probably - both of us, Nicolo, I don’t want you to carry the guilt alone of this misunderstanding - communicate more about our feelings.” Joe chuckles at his own words. “I’m glad Andy and Nile aren’t here to listen to this conversation, they’d say that talking about our feelings is all we do already.”

“Well they’re not here and we do need to talk about it. I don’t ever want you to feel again like you’ve been feeling because of me so we’re gonna talk about it until we’re sure this won’t happen again.”

“Alright then,” Joe whispers. “But if I may, I’d like to start this long conversation by saying, Ti amo, Nicolo Di Genova.”

Nicky’s face softens.

“Ti amo, Yusuf Al-Kaysana.”

[cuttoothed]

172 spoilers

Post episode fic, because damn it these boys need to talk about stuff! Contains discussion of Jon’s season 4 feeding on victims.

*

Jon leads the way down a narrow, winding corridor while the stage noises dim behind them, sounds of laughter and scrabbling legs and the occasional scream becoming indistinct and indistinguishable. The air still smells like cigarette ash and blood, but even that fades as they approach a door with a brightly lit sign above it. The sign reads NO EXIT, but Jon knows that doesn’t refer to them. 

He pushes down on the rusted crash bar, which squeaks in protest before giving way, and the door opens into the gray light of the ruined world. 

From outside, Jon notices, the theater looks a bit like the Lyceum, except far more massive, its tarnished edifice warped and stretched into a predictably web-like arrangement. Maybe it was the Lyceum, once.

They walk a good distance without saying anything. Martin has a look on his face that says he’s thinking; his percolating look, Jon calls it, a little crease between his eyebrows and his lips moving faintly as he has some fierce discussion with himself⁠. He knows better than to interrupt Martin when he’s percolating. Sooner or later the thoughts he’s brewing will drip through and be ready, and he’ll tell Jon about it.   

Frankly, considering where they’ve come from, Jon is happy to wait a while before talking about it. He’d be just as happy not to talk about it at all, but he knows that’s a harmful impulse, self-destruction framed as self-defense. That isn’t who he’s chosen to be anymore. It still isn’t easy, talking about things, trusting people⁠—  

(the temptation to take just a peek, just to be sure the spiders aren’t crawling over what’s his) 

⁠—but he knows it’s what’s keeping him anchored. Keeping him human, or as close to it as he can be, at least. If he doesn’t talk about what he’s experiencing⁠—how he feels, however horrifying and shameful⁠—he could lose himself without even realizing it. 

(How do you know you’re the same person who fell asleep?) 

If he doesn’t trust Martin⁠—

“I was worried, you know.” 

Martin stops in his tracks, so Jon stops too, turns to look at him. His percolating expression has been replaced by his determined expression; this generally means they are going to have A Conversation. Jon considers that maybe they could find somewhere a bit less...exposed, to sit and talk, but really, there’s nowhere that isn’t exposed these days.  

“Worried about what?” he asks. 

“When you told me we were coming to a Web domain. I was worried...well, you know you left a lot of tapes in your office before the Beholding? All the ones you made while you were away.”

“On the run for murder, you mean.” 

“Yeah, that. Well, I listened to them. While you were⁠—you know...”

“Dead,” Jon supplies, and Martin gives a sad little laugh. 

“Yeah. Sorry, funny that I still have trouble saying it, after⁠—after everything. Not like it’s the worst thing that’s happened to us!” His jovial bravado rings false, and Jon reaches for his hand. 

“It’s okay…” he begins, but Martin shakes his head. 

“No, please, let me⁠—I listened to your statement. About...about when you were a kid? And I was worried that⁠—well, you’ve found the others, haven’t you? The ones that’ve marked you.” 

“You thought we might find⁠ Mister Spider.” Even now it’s hard to say that name. Fear doesn’t feel the same to Jon as it once did, but the thick bile still rises in his throat, the instinctual shudder of nerves firing down his spine. 

“I mean, didn’t it occur to you?” 

“Yes...yes, of course it did.”

“Do you know why we didn’t?”

Jon frowns. He hasn’t thought about the why of it⁠—or rather, he didn’t want to think about it, about why their pilgrimage brought them through this particular manifestation of the Web, its hanging hooks and guiding strings and victims stepping time and again through the same dance of will against want and always, always failing. They were not moths fluttering purposeless into the spider’s strands; something brought them here. 

“It was a⁠—a reminder, I think. Of what I’ve done. What I chose to do.” Jon hears the unsteady note in his own voice and then Martin is grasping his arm. 

“Jon⁠,” he says,”Let’s just⁠—” He looks around as if there might be somewhere pleasant to sit (no comfortable chairs in the apocalypse) and then, with a huff, folds onto the bare, blasted earth, tugging Jon down with him. Jon sits with his knees hunched, Martin cross legged in front of him, giving him a worried frown.

“You didn’t choose any of this,” Martin tells him. “It was all Jonah. He tricked and manipulated and used you! I know it’s hard to believe, sometimes⁠—” 

“No, Martin, not⁠—not that.” Jon shakes his head. “I’m talking about b-before. I...well, you took the statement. You heard what I did to that woman, to the others I fed on.” The pit of his stomach feels, rather appropriately, like it’s filled with spiders, squirming and sick and heavy with self-disgust. 

“That was⁠—yeah, that was bad, Jon. But you didn’t know what it was doing to them, not really.”

“I knew enough! And I did it anyway, gave those poor people nightmares to last their whole lives.” Jon laughs. “Before I turned everyone’s lives into a nightmare, that is. I chose to do it, Martin. It felt good. And I latched onto the idea that the Web was⁠—was making me do it because I couldn’t take responsibility for my own actions. And now...now I have all the fear in the world pouring into me. I’m like a⁠—a whale shark, just swimming along with my mouth open, swallowing it all down. I don’t have to hurt anyone directly to feed. And I don’t know⁠—” 

Jon looks down at his hands, resting against his thighs. They are faintly gray with the dust that gets everywhere, ground into the seams of skin and scars. His nails are bitten to the quick, a bad habit his grandmother never managed to rid him of. Something horrible sits in the back of his throat, and he bites his tongue, not wanting to say it. 

Martin’s voice is very soft when he says:

“You don’t know what?” 

Jon sighs. The horrible thing crawls onto his tongue, and he lets it go.

“I don’t know if the only reason I’m not hurting people is because they’re feeding me anyway.” 

“Oh,” says Martin. Jon feels a bitter smile tugging at the corner of his mouth like a hook, and he can’t look up, picks at the ragged cuticle of his thumb instead. He wishes he had a cigarette.

“You tried to stop, though, didn’t you?” Martin’s hand appears in his line of sight, grasps hold of the hand he’s picking at⁠—the burned one⁠—and lifts it out of reach, cradling it between his own. Jon risks a glance at him. He looks...he just looks like Martin. 

“When the others made me, when you⁠—” When you found out, he doesn’t say.

“They couldn’t have made you stop. Not unless you wanted to.” 

“I⁠—I wanted to want to.” Jon swallows the hitch in his breath that threatens to turn into a sob; he’s already wallowing in self pity enough. 

“Then you wanted to,” says Martin firmly. “You wanted to stop, Jon, but you needed help. There’s no shame in that.”

“But what if⁠—”

“Forget about ‘what if’!” Martin tells him, squeezing his hand tight. “What if I’m being controlled by spiders? What if Gertrude was right and there’s nothing we can do about all this? There’s enough guilt and worry to go around without dragging hypotheticals into it!” 

“Martin⁠—”

“I love you, Jon. Okay? You are a good person, who I love, and we are both doing our bloody best in this⁠—this ludicrous situation, and frankly the Web can go and⁠ get fucked if it’s trying to tell you otherwise. All right?” 

Martin’s face is red with determination, and though his eyes are wet, his jaw is set like stone. Jon is overwhelmed once again by how much he loves this man, how that love fills up all the space behind his rib cage, and though the spiders in his stomach don’t vanish, their squirming lessens. He takes a deep breath, and nods. 

“I love you,” is all he can say for a moment. Martin smiles tightly. 

“I should hope so.”

They sit there quietly for a little while. It’s not exactly comfortable⁠—the ground is hard and cruel beneath them, the Eye overhead a constant oppression⁠—but it is comforting. Martin keeps holding Jon’s hand between his, tracing his fingers along the shiny ridges of scar tissue, up to brush over Jon’s own fingertips, a delicate connection between them. Eventually, Martin gives a long sigh, and draws Jon’s hand up to kiss the tips of his fingers, then his knuckles.

“Suppose we’d better get going. We don’t want to be late to the Panopticon, Jonah might fire us.” He tilts his head, thinking. “Are we still Institute employees, technically?” 

“I, ah, I think so, technically,” says Jon. “Though I imagine the pension scheme is rather out the door at this point.” He hefts himself to his feet, pulling Martin with him. Martin brushes down the backs of his trousers, as if it might get rid of the dust, such a perfectly human gesture that Jon can’t help smiling. 

“What?” Martin asks, suspicious. Jon shakes his head. 

“Nothing, you’re just...quite adorable.” 

“You’re the adorable one,” Martin mutters, as a pleased flush creeps across his cheeks. “Ready to go?” 

“Yes,” Jon hesitates a second. “Just, umm...Martin?”

“Yeah?”

“What you said, about the, uh, the spiders?”

“Oh,” Martin says. He gives a sharp little laugh, and there’s a catch in it like the first crack in a pane of glass, the kind that threatens to spider web out and shatter. 

“If you don’t want to talk about it⁠—”

“No, it’s⁠—it’s okay,” says Martin. “We can talk about it, but it’s...hypotheticals, like I said. No point worrying. We’ll just...be careful. I might not want you poking around in my head, but you can still keep an eye on me. With your actual eyes. And I’ll do the same for you. I’ll let you know if you get ominous, you let me know if I get...spidery.” He wiggles his fingers. 

“I promise to keep a close count on the number of limbs you have,” Jon says solemnly, and is pleased when that gets a much more genuine laugh from Martin. 

That temptation is still there, to look, to just be absolutely sure. He’d never even know, a thought murmurs in the back of Jon’s head, and it’s true. It’s true, and Jon squashes the idea without mercy. 

It’s not easy, talking about things. Trusting people. But if he doesn’t trust Martin, then he might as well give it all up right now and succumb to this world. He trusts Martin, and it’s both a choice, and a defiance of the fear that tries to tell him he shouldn’t. 

The Web can⁠—as Martin so eloquently put it⁠—get fucked.

“Right, let’s go,” he says, and takes Martin’s hand in his.   

[lokidrabbles]

Perfect Fit (Loki x Reader)

Peter Parker tells reader about what Loki thinks of them.

A/N: Another oneshot, this time featuring Spiderman as the medium for Reader and Loki. Also, my headcanon remains that Loki refers to Peter as Spider Boy. As always, Gender Neutral Reader!

Warnings: None! Fluff n’ such!

Your eyes peered up from your paperwork to catch sight of the fidgeting teen sitting in front of your desk. You empathized with him. It was always some sort of hell fire when Tony or any of the Avengers reprimanded one of the outlier members for failing to complete a mission in time, or failing to follow a inward duty to protect others. Although the consequences of the damage the young Spiderman had left behind were very minimal (extensive property damage, but no one seriously hurt), Tony still upheld his duty as Peter’s pseudo guardian, and laid it hard on him.

As part of the process, you were in charge of filling all the damage reports and costs left behind by the throws of battle, and Tony ordered Peter to witness the extent of his mistake through financial eyes. Or maybe through boring clerical work. Whatever the matter, Peter looked absolutely nervous, probably dreading to hear just how much his antics caused the city (or Tony).

“You know I’m not actually going to tell you how much cash Tony is going to have to fork out, right?” You asked him, causing him to jump slightly.

“What, really? I mean, are you sure? ‘Cus I’m sure Mr. Stark wanted me to, uh, witness the depth of my carelessness.” He stuttered in response.

“I mean yes, you definitely want to be more cautious. But this, in comparison to Tony’s own damage cost analysis, is almost nothing. I’m sure this is just his weird way of wanting to make sure you’re keeping the citizens and yourself safe out there. Also I feel if I tell you, you’re going to be harder on yourself than you need to be.”

Peter let out a nervous chuckle. “Yeah, I guess you’re right about that. I really am sorry about what happened, I did try to be as careful as I could.”

“I’m sure you did kid. The important thing is that building was insured, and that no one was seriously hurt. You good?”

“Yes, yes!” He responded hastily, and you almost felt the weight being lifted from his shoulders. “I’m just glad you’re just as nice as Mr. Loki mentioned you to be.”

You shot a quizzical look at Peter. “Uh, Mr. Loki?”

“Well, yeah? Mr. Thor’s brother? I’ve seen you both together a lot here at the facility.”

Of course you knew who he was talking about, but the fact that Loki made his chipper self into this conversation was odd at best. From your documentation, you found out Loki had been assigned to this small escapade in the outskirts of the city. It actually made you content to see Tony’s mistrust in him begin to dwindle, allowing him to participate in the Avenger’s daily heroism. You could almost see his sour face once he found out this precise squad would be lead by Tony himself. But it made sense.

“What’s Mr. Loki doing gossiping about me to you?” You asked teasingly.

“Nothing bad! I can swear by that!” Peter said, putting his hands up in defense. “I think he just wanted me to feel better.”

“That’s a good one kid.” You chuckled. “It’s a miracle on it’s own to have Loki talk one word to anyone. You have no idea how long it took me to have him say a simple hello to me.”

“Really?” Peter asked, slowly pulling his hands down. “I know Mr. Loki is always very reserved, and he was a little scary at first. But he’s actually kind of, really nice too.”

“You must have a very skewed definition of nice.” You said sarcastically. You jested however. You had experienced Loki’s ‘niceness’ firsthand, in his own bizarre way. Loki’s form of nice didn’t really fall under your typical definition of it. Nice was, for example, telling someone thank you, bringing thoughtful gifts, buying someone lunch. Loki’s nice more so included telling you that you were being stupid and foolish for failing to believe in yourself, and that you should be ashamed of yourself, blah blah blah. He got the right intention, but his delivery was horrible. You cringed at the thought of poor little Peter having to go through that.

“I mean, maybe? He was very helpful during the mission, and his strategy at the whole thing. I was like, wow! He moved so fast in between everything, I had such a hard time keeping up. Though, maybe that’s why I got so distracted in the first place.” He sighed, still blatantly defeated for his error.

“Don’t be so hard on yourself though. For what it is, I think you’re a pretty talented kid too.” You said with a toothy smile. “Loki’s just a big show off though.”

He laughed in a much more relaxed manner. “Thanks, that means a lot. But I must have really taken it hard when Mr. Stark raised his voice at me. Mr. Loki approached me and told me I’d be sent over to your department and how you’d be very welcoming, nice and easygoing.”

You were slightly irritated at how Loki found it so easy to tell Peter all these likeable things about you, yet still failed to do so with you in person. Yet, you knew his reason’s to do so with Peter. Again, Loki wasn’t the most approachable man in the universe, but that didn’t mean he was completely heartless. His words with Peter, while few, were carefully chose to make the young teen feel less anxious. You mentally reminded yourself to give a him a big smooch the next time you saw him.

“I’m actually really happy to hear that.” You said, leaning against the back of your chair. “It looks like he found someone who he’s comfortable with, so that gives me some peace at mind.”

Peter became obviously confused at your comment. “I’m not sure I get that.”

“You said it best at first. He’s a scary fella. But it seems you got to him somehow. So trust me, from now on you got another set of eyes keeping watch of you, making sure you’re safe out there.”

“Actually, I think that make’s me a little more nervous.” He said sheepishly.

“Oh well yeah, be very wary of the God of Mischief.” You said ominously, followed by a snort and giggle.

“Oh, wait. Are you and Mr. Loki dating?”

Your giggles soon stopped, as your mouth remained agape in shock. Again, this was not where you expected a conversation about Loki to go to. You now felt like the nervous teenager in the room instead. Through its entirety, both you and Loki did well at keeping the relationship under wraps, understanding the impending chaos that would ensue if anyone (Tony and Thor) would find out. Well, maybe Loki could care less, but you still had a job and income to maintain. While inner work relationships were not uncommon here, there might be some adherence to having a relationship with someone who used to be on the blacklist.

“No.” You said lowly. Even you wouldn’t have believed that no.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to insinuate anything like that. It’s just, Mr. Loki seemed to have talked fondly of you, and I do see you both together quite a bit. Also you both look really good together, but like not to mean you are dating or anything!”

“Okay Peter! I think we’re done here. I’ll take care of the rest, tell Tony you learned your lesson and all BS, and you can be on your merry little way, yes?” You said, rummaging through you documents, and handing Peter a crumpled up slip with your signature on it.

Peter took the slip slowly, unsure of what he hand uncovered with his innocent introspection. “Are you okay?”

“I’m super.” You feigned through a false smile. “Thanks for dropping by, but I got some more work to do.”

The young teen, still bewildered by your sudden agitation, took it for nothing and soon tip toed out of your small office. You let out a heavy breath and slumped in your chair. It seemed you were in the clear for now, and you figured Peter would be a smart kid and avoid spreading unnecessary rumors. Also for the sole fact that his life would be at risk if Loki were to ever find out he’d tattle at Tony. Still, your mind raced back to the encounter Peter had told you about, and how Loki made a worthwhile impression on the young teen. It warmed your heart knowing someone else seemed to have approved of your gloomy partner.

Towards the end of your shift, you were visited by said partner in efforts to soon spend a relaxing evening at your home. Loki casually seated himself on the seat in front of your desk, arms crossed over his chest.

“I hear the Spider boy paid you a little visit?” He asked playfully.

“He did in fact. He’s a sweet kid.” You responded, eye still glued on your computer screen. “A little naive, but sweet.”

“Stark was relentless on him today. Dare I say, I felt sorry for the lad. He looked like a scared puppy.”

You hummed in a chipper manner. “Yeah, he told me all about it. He also told me how Mr.Loki made him feel a whole lot better today.”

You heard Loki grunt, a way for him to avoid talking about it. You figured it was still awkward for him to hear about his ‘good deeds’ with the type of shit he’s gone through.

“He was very impressed by your skills set. You may have a little fan boy in the making.” You grinned, finally closing your laptop. “I think we should adopt him as our child.”

“You’re hysterical.” He responded flatly.

“I’m mad at you though.” You said as you began to gather your belongings.

Loki raised an eyebrow at you. “Pray tell why?”

“How come you tell Peter all of these nice things about me, yet you always avoid doing so to my face?”

Loki remained quiet, draw back by the nature of your question. You meant to approach the subject in a playful manner, still understanding how Loki had his own special way of showing affection. Yet, you saw how Loki rested his chin at the top of his knuckles, analyzing and concocting an appropriate answer. He looked adorable.

“I suppose I really haven’t done so.” He said admittedly. “What would you like to hear?”

You felt your face heat up. “It doesn’t really work if I tell you what I want to hear. Also, that’s embarrassing.”

“Ah. Of course.”

“Peter told me all the good things though.” You began. “It does make me happy that you think that way about me, instead of an absolute bother.”

He rolled his eyes. “I do hate your incessant ability to self-deprecate. However, everything else the Spider boy mentioned is absolutely true.”

“How lovely to hear.”

Loki stood up and began assisting you with your bags and belongings. You smiled with a strong sense of satisfaction, promptly turning off the lights in your office.

“I also forgot to mention to him that you’re amazing, and incredible.” He whispered behind you. “That I love your smile, and I love how your hand fits so well into mine. That I always look forward to seeing your bright eyes every single day, that I-”

You felt your lips begin to twist in both joy and uneasiness. You jabbed Loki slightly at his side, urging to promptly stop before you explore. “Cut it out. I can’t tolerate this level of cheesiness.”

He smirked mischievously at you. “Then I will have to draw out my admiration for you with the Spider boy if you aren’t able to tolerate it. I’m sure he would be more than happy to hear about it.”

“You better fucking not.”

---

Later in the evening, a young Peter Parker, overseeing the block from the top of a building, took note of Mr. Loki firmly leaving the facility with you, hands hidden, side by side. Upon further inspection, Peter deducted it would be best to keep quiet about this encounter, sensing how distressed you had been about it earlier today. He felt correct about his assumption however; both you and Loki looked good together.