#wait...... NO he starts mysteriously showing up at the coffee shop about the same time mikey did

[bonerey]

wbg coffee shop au. the time travel still exists tho

[anyaeras]

Breaking Character || W.Maximoff

Paring || sitcom milf!wanda x AFAB!reader

Summary || When wanda is getting bored with the whole sitcom way of life, she decided to spice it up in this small town.

Warnings || Smut (at the end) ,, affairs ,, reader has a pussy ,, they/them pronouns ,, possessive!wanda ,, top!wanda ,, bottom!reader ,, legal!agegap ,, fingering ,, tit play (a little) ,, degrading (if you squint) ,, praising ,, cunnalingus ,, slight innocent!reader

Psa || expect sitcom style typing, it's meant to be silly and cringy please enjoy

Masterlist

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Life was easy, all fun in games, every now and then some new shenanigans would come about yet it seemed it was all the same, everyday the same story it was getting old.

Wanda maximoff, she was loved by the town, Westview seemed to be just the right fit for the women, she was happy to be there, Wanda wasn't old at all she was in her late 20s, but like many other women she was forced to marry quickly after becoming an adult, so she managed to settle for vision, but he was so boring and she wanted more, I mean come on the time is rolling into the 80s it's time for a change, to evolve. This whole republican motherhood needs to die out, She wanted a change, she wanted a revolution, or just something to make her life more interesting. Vision wasn't enough for her anymore he didn't please her, and she wouldn't be shocked if there was a divorce coming her way.

Today was no different than any other, wake up, get the kids ready, take them to school, and come back to the house. Drink a cup of coffee, maybe even clean the house a bit.

"Tommy! Billie! Come on. We gotta get going" raising her voice the sound of Wanda's soft sokovian voice rang throughout the house, and following was the sound of multiple footsteps coming towards her, who at the time was standing by the front door ready to go.

Dropping the kids off was easy, I mean she did this everyday, the same story different day kinda thing, debating on going to the market for a moment Wanda decided to go as it would be a way to get out of the house, plus she had been putting off the chore for a whole, picking up some groceries for dinner, walking threw the aisles, into the meat section is where she spotted them, y/n y/l/n, they were new in town, still mysterious and unknown to Mrs.Maximoff, but y/n drew the women's attention, as they were young yet charming, sweet and innocent to the big bad world, she was interested in them.

While Wanda was lost in thought it seemed y/n had been looking down at their shopping list, not paying attention to what was in front of them, and would run right into Mrs. Maximoff.

"Oh my, I'm so sorry I didn't mean to bump into ya, I just wasn't paying attention and was lookin down at my list!" Y/n rambled, their clear mid-western accent was coming through showing Wanda they were not from around here.

"It's alright darlin, no harm done." She replied softly, yet, the bold tension (started by wanda) was definitely prominent. Y/n was growing shy under the older women's glare, so they sparked up conversation.

"Well I'm y/n y/l/n, and you are?..." y/n waited for a responses

"Wanda, Wanda Maximoff , I think I saw you around at the talent show earlier this week? If I'm not mistaken mmm?" The gingery women was thinking aloud yet y/n agreed, as the women looked relatively familiar to them.

"Oh yes, you were in the magic show right? Oh my was that your husband? You guys were very funny!" Y/n complemented, to which was taken to heart by Wanda , she always liked a nice complement, and was glad to hear people enjoyed the show, it was a nice little ego boost for the Westview witch.

The weird encounter kind of came to an end at that point yet wanda seemed to be thinking about y/n much more than she intended.

Later on Wanda was out in town on a stroll with Agatha , the infamous, next door neighbor , gossiper herself, Agatha was all for playing into the daring tension between wanda and y/n, that dark haired woman always did love some drama, and why be so traditional I mean it's 1980! It's time to make some change, maybe spice up the relationship...

"Yes yes Agatha, vision is great and all, but we don't have that magic, that feeling no more, he doesn't please me" wanda went on to say, as Agatha listened, she was honestly pretty encouraging, pushing wanda to go for it, I mean the what's the worst that could happen, right? Y/n y/l/n wasn't married yet, they were a little younger, yet they still were very bright, plus they didn't give off an uptight traditional way kinda attitude.

It seemed like deja vu, the way right then and there wanda this time ran right into y/n.

"We've got to stop meeting like this" y/n said with a slight hint of humor.

"I don't know, at this point I'm starting to believe you enjoy when we run into each other" wanda playfully shot back.

"Maybe so" y/n laughed back giving candy a bright idea, as somehow it seemed they were alone and Agatha had busied herself a few feet back.

"How about we get to know each other, well in another way haha, me and you could go grab a bit?" The older women proposed the idea, and was met with awkward silence for a moment before y/n agreed which was a little shocking to the other women.

Wanda started leading y/n off to an outdoor seating of a small local restaurant, and it seemed Agatha had "gotten lost" and left the two, letting them do their thing.

Wanda was definitely blunt she wasn't great about beating around the bush, yet she did try too.

"So tell me about yourself?" Mrs Maximoff asked pressing for more information about this younger person.

"Umm my names y/n y/l/n, grew up in a small conservative town, I'm from the Midwest, moved down here for a change, I like change I like being different" y/n kinda let the words flow, yet the women sitting across from them just sat and listened, letting y/n just talk.

"I cant brush this off anymore." Wanda cut y/n off and It was quick and to the point.

"Huh"

"Would you be interested...well in me? I mean you aren't married, and the lord above only knows how attractive I find you." Wanda let it out her thoughts, expecting the rejection, yet you cant blame a girl for trying.

"Yes. Yes I'd be interested, in you!" It was mumbled yet clear as day to Wanda when she heard y/n agree to the idea.

"Really? Okay, well you live alone, and I'd love to be alone with you so, how about your place Thursday" the women once's more proposed an idea to which y/n agreed and told her to call them whenever.

The two parted ways after the lunch break, both more than satisfied with the idea of each other, Wanda somehow ran back into Agatha as now she was telling her neighbor all the details.

"I can't believe they agreed, I mean this is...not very... you know holy? Good? Wife? of me, but I have needs and vision just can't fill my needs any longer" the Sokovian women went on, justifying herself yet Agatha didn't care, she was supportive no matter what.

"Wans, just be smart about this and no one will get hurt."

Thursday came rolling around fast. After the same old dropping the kids off for school, and running to the shop, wanda now found herself strolling up to y/n's house , which it wasn't to far, it was normal for Wanda to take walks, so she decided to just walk to block to arrive at their house. It wasn't like Wanda to be nervous, she was a calm, yet not patient type of person. Finally she pulled herself forcing her legs to walk towards the door, only needing to knock once.

She was met with a warm greeting from y/n, as they stepped aside letting the older women come in, y/n oddly really wanted to impress Wanda, they did things differently then most, they set up a lunch of the two of them, and got out a nice bottle of red.

"Aww you didn't have to do all this darlin, but it's nice, thank you" the compliment was taken to heart by y/n, they weren't married, so they don't come home and make dinner for anyone ever, so making a meal for this women was nice.

"It was no trouble really, it was nice to make a meal for someone" they replied causing wanda to send a soft smile their way, which lead to them sitting down to talk over another lunch.

Yet one thing led to another and things started to happen...

"Y/n im a bit older then you, are you sure you want this?" Wanda pushed making sure this wasn't gonna be a bad idea.

"I swear I want this just like you do..." y/n's words came out confidently, and that was enough for Wanda to jump into action. Standing up quickly moving to y/n she placed her hands on y/n's face before pulling them in for a sweet kiss.

Wanda took control quickly pulling them by their arm to the bedroom (which the gingery brunette had to look for but found it evidently) before pushing y/n onto the bed to continue what she started with the younger one back in the dinning room.

Wanda sat up pulling the silky robe you had put on off you, before removing her sundress, moving back to push you into the bed starting to suck on y/n's neck, leaving soft purple marks on their lower neck, drawing soft moans from the person below them.

"Oh god" fell from y/n's mouth making wanda laugh above them.

"I don't think you want god to see this silly"

Wanda clapped back before starting to pull at y/n's bra, making it pop off, tossing it to the floor before starting to groop their tits softly with both her hands, slowly building up pressure, before she wrapped her lips around y/n's bud sucking it slightly as they arched their back in response.

"Mmm seems like you enjoy being mine" Wanda laughed leaving a trail of kisses on the other person stomach, yet it seemed y/n had a little be of confidence, being able to reach out and pull the older women up to their face so they could get another kiss. After the short kiss broke, wanda laughed at the boldness of the younger one, yet at the same time Wanda's fingers were making their way under y/n's waistband, the women's fingers slipped easily threw y/n's slick folds.

"Oh my darling, you are dripping, all for me hmm?" Wanda was having to much fun embarrassing y/n, it was just so much fun. Y/n moaned at the feeling of the women's fingers slowly moving inside them, wanda slipped two fingers into them to which was enough to make y/n mewl below her.

"Look at you, a moaning mess, all for me, I mean you're mine right darling? No one else's right" Wanda asked sternly as she started to move her fingers at a decently quick pace, lost in pleasers all they could do is nod to answer her question.

"Good, so good for me" Wanda praised as she added a third finger causing y/n to jump a bit as she stretched out their pussy. Wanda was growing impatient, she wanted to make y/n scream and that's what she was gonna do, picking up her speed she was trusting her fingers in and out of the younger one, fast and hard pretty much forcing y/n over the edge and with a scream y/n couldn't even stop themself before hitting their climax quick and hard, throwing them into shock.

Wanda slowed down leaving her fingers inside y/n for a moment longer while they came down from their high, eventually wanda removed her fingers which were covered in y/n's juices, before moving then in front of your mouth, pushing past your lips forcing you to taste yourself, allowing you to moan at the flavor.

"You are so pretty honey, you turned me on so much, do you think you can help me?" Wanda asked softly getting a yes from y/n, before guiding them off the bed, to kneel on the floor next to the bed placing you between her legs, wanda pulled her own panties off, before prompting y/n to eat her out.

Y/n wasn't skilled yet they tried their hardest, slowly licking a long strip before driving in, trying to pay attention the the women's clit, and the moans coming from Wanda were definitely encouraging, the women soon put her hand in y/n's hair, guiding them a bit more, and as y/n lapped on Wanda, the women grew closer to her own high.

"Yes just like that darlin, keep go-" Wanda cut herself off with a moan, as she let go, Wanda came, as her legs where shaking yet still trapping y/n between her legs until she was able to calm down.

Pulling y/n up off their knees and back into the bed with her, Wanda laughed a little as she noticed how messy y/n's face was, giving them a kiss moaning slightly as she tasted herself in their mouth, before laying down pulling y/n into her to relax together on the bed.

"Wanda?"

"Yes y/n?"

Y/n turned now facing Wanda looking up to make eye contact with the women

"Can we take a bath?"

"Of course darling".....

From that point on Wanda and y/n would always be together in some way, yet due to Wanda's powers no one dared to question them, Wanda may have broken character, but the story kept going

[go6jo]

saw this tweet and my brain immediately thought of your characterization geto……..

YESSSS honestly, to me, geto is just the perfect character for the whole slowburn, fated lovers narrative!! he's so patient when it comes to love, treats it as something so delicate and if he loves someone i truly believe he sees them as someone worth waiting (and fighting) for, no matter what! what if he meets you when he's still so young he can hardly grasp the meaning of what it is that he's feeling. he sees you sitting lonely on a swing one afternoon, kicking your little legs in an attempt to get it to move but failing miserably, you're alone and you ask him if he can help you, if he'll push you and you promise to push him too, afterwards. he falls in love with your laugh first, your braids are dancing in the air and you only laugh harder the higher you get. he's only a child and he's made aware of just that because his arms are too thin, too weak and they're hurting so bad yet still he makes an effort to push through the pain, to keep on pushing you even though his arms are starting to give out on him because he wishes to keep on hearing you laugh, even if his arms fall off as a consequence. you never fullfill your promise to him, however, because your mom eventually arrives and drags you home by the arm despite all your protests. it's okay, he thinks - you'll return. he's twelve at the time and when he arrives back home his mother is setting the dinner table and he runs up to her to help her carry the heavy platter in her hands, she tries to shoo him away but his small hands still reach for the platter anyways "i need to get stronger, you know?".

the next day, he returns to the park but you're not there. he visits the place every day for a whole year yet you never show up and he gives up. he doesn't hear anything from you for the next ten years until he moves to tokyo and spots you sitting on a coffee shop with your friends and you still have that same childish laugh that makes him melt, that distinct sound - so lively and pure, like that of a little girl he met years ago and fell in love with as a boy. that beautiful, cherubic sound which reminds him of how rotten and tainted he has become throughout the years, the innocence of the boy he once was, the boy he had been with you, left behind. much has changed yet, still, he watches you though the window as you get up and leave, waving goodbye to your friends and walking towards the nearby empty playground before taking the vacant seat on the swing, typing away in your phone and to him, suddenly, it is a if nothing has changed, and it fills him with courage. he gets up and he exits the coffee shop but not before leaving a couple bills on his table to cover the breakfast expenses. his feet are carrying him in your direction, he's not thinking much, just allowing them to lead the way as if they've gained a will of their own.

"i'm still waiting on you to follow through on your promise from back then."

you look up from your phone and take in the image of the mysterious man seated on the swing next to you - tall and handsome, so self assured in the way in which he speaks, a strinkingly enticing demeanor as he smiles gently at you, almost as if he has known you for years. its a particularly chilly day and he brushes away a few strands of hair that are blown out of place by a gust of wind and suddenly, it clicks. he still has that long silky, lovely dark hair that'd you'd been so envious of as a little girl, it'd been strangely long at the time and you had teased him about it, saying he looked like a girl as you weaved it into two braids while he blushed shyly, bashful at your words - and gesture. he'd been smaller at the time, thinner and his hair, that even though didn't reach past his scrawny shoulders, seemed to swallow his entire frame. he had looked awkward. but he's twenty-two now, almost twenty three (it's december. february is only two months away, you remember.) and though his hair has long since grown past his shoulders and is longer that ever before, he wears it well, suits him and it makes him look so handsome, somehow manly even, more mature. he's become strong, too, you conclude as you let your eyes roam over his figure, his features sharper, shoulders broader and muscles bulkier and noticeable even under the loose material of the long sleeve shirt he's wearing. he's certainly not the boy you had met all those years ago anymore still, you've made a promise to him, one you must uphold.

you only smile and move to stand behind him on the swing, your hands on his back as he braces himself for the ride. and maybe he doesn't really believe in fate but you make him want to believe in it - that he's meant for you and you're meant for him. he wants to believe you were put on this earth for him and him alone, why else would he cross paths with you after such a long time, if not for you to fulfill the promise you'd made to him? you're bound to be, no matter what you'd always find each other. there's nobody else for him but you.

[zerobaselove]

stuck with me | sung hanbin

pairing: barista!hanbin x reader (okay you barely see him as a barista tbh but its fine)

genre: fluff

word count: 2.1k

warnings: none! lowercase intended, not proofread

notes: got a request for any zb1 member with this song, and honestly i heavily associate it with gunwook but i really really loved this for hanbin so, here it is.

your life was repetitive; there was no doubt about that. you had a routine, and you stuck to it. wake up, against your own will most mornings, unable to ignore the blaring alarm and feeling of responsibility in your gut. you couldn't be late. dragging yourself out of bed and throwing on whatever clean clothes you had, you'd quickly rush out the door, never able to make it out in a timely manner.

despite the rush you put yourself in every morning, you never failed to stop at the coffee shop on campus. it was surprisingly quiet at this time of day, just barely missing the early morning rush; and you were forever thankful, you weren't sure you could handle the busy mornings on such little sleep.

"the regular?" the boy behind the counter asks as you approach him; hanbin, at least that's what his name tag read. he worked every single morning that you were in, and you started wondering when he had days off. his warm smile had become a nice familiarity in the mornings.

"always," you smiled back, glancing around the coffee shop as he got to work making your drink, letting the comfortable silence and smell of coffee fill the air.

and that's how your mornings went, followed by your routine afternoons of coming home, making a snack, and settling down to watch your favorite show.

your friends had noticed how down you were lately, you didn't know how better to explain it other than the monotony of life had been getting to you, and you weren't sure how to fix it. it was hard to go out and meet people nowadays, seeing as everyone already had their fixed friend groups this late in the year and there wasn't much to do in your town. but you knew something had to give, you couldn't keep dragging through your days waiting for something you weren't even sure would come..

and that's how you found yourself standing at the front door to your dorm building, waiting for a mystery man to come pick you up. that sounded weirder than it was, you realize, but it was no big deal; your friend had set you up on some blind date with a boy from her class, and you really weren't in a position to say no.

you weren't waiting long, though this was a horrible time to realize you hadn't even gotten the boy's number, so you'd just have to hope he knew what you looked like.

"hi," a familiar voice pulled you from your thoughts, looking up only to see hanbin, the barista that you saw every morning.

"oh hi," you started, taking in his appearance now that he wasn't in his work uniform. you hated to admit it, but he was quite attractive. "i promise i'm not loitering," you let out an awkward laugh, "my friend set me up on some blind date so i'm waiting for the guy to come pick me up."

hanbin chuckled at your story, leaving you a little confused as you forced a small laugh, "nice to meet you, i'm the guy." he reached his hand out to shake yours. you couldn't help the way your face flushed at the embarrassing interaction you had just lived through.

"oh," you couldn't hide the shocked tone in your voice, "so that's why you look so nice." the compliment left your lips before you could consider how strange they would sound, but the boy seemed to have a good reaction to it.

"i could say the same to you, you look very pretty." now it was hanbin's turn to blush. despite his appearance, he wasn't the best at flirting himself; part of the reason he had agreed to this date, he knew he needed to get out there and bite the bullet. and also because it was with you, but you didn't need to know that just yet. "shall we head off?" he outstretched his hand to take yours, leading you to his car parked in the lot ahead.

you've been hiding in plain sight, then appeared, oh i know

the night had flown by, before you knew it you were sat back in the boy's car, faint music playing from the stereo as you laughed about the date that hadn't even ended yet.

"i've had a really good night hanbin," you smiled fondly at him, admiring the way his cheeks flushed, though barely visible to you now that the sun had gone down. "we should do this again."

his smile widened as he squeezed your hand, "it's not over yet," he turned the car on again, letting you get buckled in before driving out of the parking lot of the small arcade you had spent the night giggling in.

"are you kidnapping me hanbin?" you giggled, unable to stop smiling around the boy. you weren't sure why he had such an effect on you, considering this was the first time you had ever really hung out, but you can't help but feel like you were meant to know him; a soulmate of sorts.

he shook his head briefly, "c'mon y/n, i would never," he paused briefly, "probably." he stifled a laugh for a moment before you let a laugh escape your own lips, him following suit.

you weren't really sure how much time had passed; it was a little too easy getting lost in conversation with the boy, and you weren't sure what to do with that. but soon enough the car was in park again and hanbin, being the gentleman he was, was opening your door for you before you even had the chance to protest.

you had been so absorbed in conversation that you didn't notice where you had arrived at; the beach. the almost full moon was bright in the sky, casting a glow on the sand and reflecting off the water as if they were right next to each other, as if there was no distance to be had.

as you were admiring the view in front of you, hanbin had grabbed something out of the trunk, "what's that?"

"you really think i'd make someone as pretty as you sit in the sand? it's a blanket." his smile felt brighter than the moon in that moment, and more contagious than ever as you mirrored his actions.

you two set up on the beach, using some of your belongings to keep the corners of the blanket pinned to the sand, even your shoes. it wasn't long before you were both rolling your pant legs up and walking along the water's edge. the cool water hitting your feet was a nice sensation, keeping you awake as the night deepened.

loving you once only feels wrong, i need years.

soon enough the two of you had found yourselves back at the blanket you had set up, the active conversation being replaced with a comfortable silence that accompanied the calm water beautifully. hanbin had laid down along the blanket, admiring the stars; what better opportunity to join him, you thought. you rested your head on his stomach, laying perpendicular to the boy. you tried to judge his reaction to the skinship, but he only seemed to relax at the feeling of the slight weight on his body.

"do you believe in soulmates?" his voice pierced through the air, so much so you almost didn't catch the question, almost.

you hummed for a moment as you pondered the question, "i didn't before," you paused, reminiscing the night you had just experienced.

"before?" he looked to you, unbeknownst to you, "what changed?"

"well," you took a deep breath, "i always thought it was silly; the idea of soulmates. i mean how could we just be made for someone." your eyes traced shapes in the stars, trying to distract yourself from the comfort the boy was bringing you, "but maybe i just hadn't met the right person." at this point you weren't even sure what you were saying, but the words were spilling out faster than you could control them, and hanbin was about to be in a similar position.

"i think i know exactly what you mean," he grabbed your hand, playing with your fingers absentmindedly. "from the first day you came in for coffee, it just," he paused briefly, his eyes focusing on the way the rings decorated your fingers, "it felt different, like i was meant to be there at the same time as you."

you hoped that it was just dark enough to hide the blush that dusted your cheeks, but you knew deep down that wasn't the case.

i always knew i'd find you, to be here is worth the wait too

"do you ever think about that?" you inquired, before realizing how vague your question was, "i mean, how we've been in each other's lives for so long and it took till now." you finally turned to look at the boy, noticing that his cheeks were mirroring your own. you could almost feel the heat radiating off of them.

"i know," he looked back to you, gesturing to himself, "you've really been missing out." the two of you let out a laugh as you playfully smacked his arm. "okay okay, i've been the one missing out."

you simply shook your head at the boy, "you know, seeing you every morning was kind of my motivation to get out the door." you weren't really sure why you were admitting the embarrassing detail, but something about hanbin's presence really opened the floodgates of your mind.

"really?" he tilted his head, looking a bit like a lost puppy.

you hummed in response, "that one day you didn't show up i was actually quite worried, i thought maybe you got sick. but it's not like i could ask, we weren't close yet," you tried to stop a pout from forming on your lips, but it was no use. and hanbin thought it was adorable as he brushed a strand of hair out of your face.

"oh c'mon, there's no need to flatter me."

"i'm serious," you whined playfully, "seeing you every morning was the one consistent thing i had going. i got used to you being there, i liked it."

i'm not lying when i say i've been stuck by the glue onto you

hanbin sat up, causing you to sit up as well before his arm had snaked around your waist, pulling you closer into his side. "i like you," he breathed out, taking a moment to process his own words.

"god sorry, that might be a little soon, but i've been thinking about it for a while."

you were still trying to process his first words. your brain had effectively short circuited at the confession, but his last words piqued your interest, "a while?"

it seems that triggered the boy to realize his words, making more of a confession than he meant to. his ears had begun to match the shade of crimson on his cheeks, "pretend you didn't hear that."

"i like you too hanbin."

now you both had lost your filter, along with your mind. the confession slipped past your pressed lips before you even had the chance to think, but hanbin was overjoyed.

he quickly stood up, pulling you to your feet as he wrapped his arms around you tightly, engulfing you in a secure hug. he had mumbled something incoherent into your hair, but before you could decipher his words you were interrupted by an unfamiliar ringtone. hanbin quickly fished into his pocket to retrieve his phone, not even checking the caller id before accepting the call.

you tried not to eavesdrop, training your ears onto the crashing waves instead before hanbin grabbed your hand. "just my roommate wondering when i was getting back."

"is it really that late?" you questioned. you hadn't checked your phone all night if you were honest, so when you saw the time light up on hanbin's phone flashing a bright 1:28 am, your jaw dropped a little.

hanbin quickly gathered your belongings as you put your shoes back on, "i guess i should be taking you back now huh?" he chuckled, blanket in one hand, grabbing yours with his free hand.

"only on one condition," you stopped walking, hanbin quickly stopping as well, urging you to continue, "only if you promise this won't be the last time."

he only lightly tugged your hand to keep walking, letting the silence rest for a few moments as you approached the car.

"don't worry your pretty little head about that," he started, opening your door for you, "you're stuck with me now."

[ninja-muse]

I read The Goblin Emperor and Witness for the Dead awhile back, and I really liked them (especially The Goblin Emperor, I loved Maia as a protagonist). Do you have any book recommendations with protagonists who are kind? I miss that. Doesn't have to be the same genre. Thank you!

Oh gosh. Um. Thanks for the ask and I'm glad you liked the books! I'm still waiting for my library to put Grief of Stones into circulation. For me, and probably for you by the sounds of it, one of the things that makes the books so great is that you don't see pure kindness in a protagonist very often. I'll give it my best shot though!

Small Gods by Terry Pratchett - A novice monk who's quite happy tending a garden and getting in nobody's way suddenly finds himself the only person who can speak to his god (who is currently a tortoise). Everyone else is too busy playing politics, converting people, and heating up the pokers to believe anymore.

The Dark Lord of Derkholm by Diana Wynne Jones - A sorcerer and his family are elected to represent Evil in the annual "let's play fantasyland for the people from Earth or else" show. His secret mission is to end the show forever—but he's really bad at being bad.

The Watchmaker of Filigree Street by Natasha Pulley - A government clerk is saved from a terrorist attack only because he got a watch in the mail. His mission to find out who sent it and why leads to all manner of life changes.

honestly, the main character dynamic in any Pulley novel is "kind, gentle, sort of lost man meets aggravating and mysterious stranger, they heal each other", and I'm a sucker every time.

Piranesi by Susanna Clarke - A man determined to explore the infinite House he lives in (and maybe help the new albatross family) discovers there's an awful lot about himself and House that he's forgotten.

Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree - An orc, newly retired from adventuring, moves to a river town to start a coffee shop. She's not always the nicest person, but she tries and it's an incredibly kind and gentle story.

A Man and His Cat by Umi Sakurai - An aging teacher and a cat who's grown up in a cage find their forever home together.

A Green and Ancient Light by Frederic Durbin - A boy is evacuated to live with his grandmother and discovers a mysterious garden with a riddle and a faun.

I have Heard Good Things about the Murderbot books by Martha Wells and Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers as well, but haven't read them so can't rec them for sure. I also have a hunch you might enjoy the Temeraire books by Naomi Novik. They don't fit the kind protagonist request even if Lawrence is a fundamentally decent person and tries his best to do right, but they're a very hopeful series about striving for human dragon rights and reconsidering perspectives.

[scorpiongrassfield]

The Dread Lingers 

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The fear is clinging to you like tree sap, tacky and unpleasant. Still, you find yourself getting ready for the day, almost as if on auto pilot. 

Once you and Pat are both ready, you carry your supplies and Theo’s paint out into the car. 

“We’re picking up breakfast on our way. Can you ask Theo what he wants?” Pat says as they get into the driver’s seat. 

You send a text after you get your seatbelt on. 

The silence grates on you like sandpaper, making you feel raw. 

You put some music on without asking. 

Pat doesn’t seem to mind. 

“Theo says he’s not hungry,” you relay once you get a response. 

Pat snorts. “What am I going to do with you kids,” they say, shaking their head. “Tell him I insist. He can eat it later when he is hungry,” Pat says like they aren’t the one being weird.  

You frown, but send another text. 

“Why do you do that?” you ask. 

“Do what?” 

“Insist on feeding people? Theo doesn’t need to eat anymore, and he’s not even hungry,” you point out. 

Pat doesn’t answer for a long time. Theo texts back, but you don’t look at it yet. 

“My mamá always told me that the best way to show someone you care about them is to make sure they’re well fed. Ghosts might not need to eat, but they deserve to be cared for nonetheless,” they say. 

That’s… Despite how annoying it’s been for you personally, that’s very sweet. 

“Theo says he’ll accept black tea and some sort of baked good if we are going to a place that has them,” you say instead of continuing the conversation at hand. 

“We’ll have to make sure we go somewhere that has them, then,” Pat says. 

You let the conversation drop there. 

Pat can focus on driving, and you can focus on not feeling anything or thinking about anything too hard. 

Because you feel like a lit match and everything you’re avoiding is an oil slick. 

Forget about tearing the canvas, you think you’d burn the whole stack if you don’t keep this under control. 

You focus on the music instead. 

The next song that comes on is AFI’s of Greetings and Goodbyes. Pat sighs, but you can’t tell if they’re side-eyeing you or not through their sunglasses. 

You don’t skip the song. If they want different music they can say so. 

You choose to stay in the car while Pat goes in and gets the food. 

“Do you have any preference on what I get you?” Pat asks, already standing outside the car. 

“No.” You really don’t care. 

Then you remember something. 

“Oh, wait. Don’t forget to get some sugar for Theo’s tea,” you call out the rolled down window. 

Pat gives you a thumbs up without turning around as they walk into the coffee shop. 

And oh, there’s a little mystery you can think about instead of your own impending doom. 

How did you know that Theo liked his tea sweet? 

At the time you had brushed it off as a hunch. But you’re starting to think maybe it has something to do with the shadow. It made you sweet tea in the exact same manner in that kitchen. You copied it’s movements when making tea there yourself. 

Is it a coincidence that Theo also likes his tea sweet? Or is that something that the shadow knew as a result of possessing Theo? 

The smell of tobacco rouses you from your thoughts. 

“Ah. Busted,” Pat says with a smile that is not even one bit apologetic. 

“I was hoping you’d stay zoned out long enough for me to not get an earful,” they say. 

They’re standing outside the car, smoking. 

“Pat,” you say flatly. 

They just shrug, taking their time to finish their cigarette. 

“What about breakfast?” you ask. 

“The bag’s on the floor in the back seat,” they say. A glance back there confirms it. There’s one of those cardboard drink holders, too. 

“I’ll still be warm by the time we get to Theo’s. And if it’s not, you can yell at me then,” they say, easygoing as they ever are. 

You give them a look, but don’t comment further on it. 

Pat gets back into the car, putting their cigarette butt into the trash bag they keep on the back of their seat. 

“You said you’d answer my questions now,” you start as they get buckled back in. 

Pat freezes for a moment. “I did…” they say, sounding suspicious. They pull out of the parking lot. 

“What do you know about possession? Like, how does it work?” 

Pat blows out a long breath. “We’re really hitting with the hard questions before 9 today, huh?” they complain, but there’s no real bite to it. 

“Possession, as far as I know, and I don’t see much of it, is just like… A ghost puppetting the body of an alive person. And Ametrine has implied that if that goes on for too long it damages the soul of the living person, and if it does too much damage, the ghost gets to keep the body,” Pat explains. 

“What happens to the other person in that case?” 

Pat shrugs. “Dunno. I think it’s a little like what happens when a ghost gets exorcized. But I’ve never seen it happen, so that’s speculation.” 

You absorb the new information without a word. 

After a bit, Pat pipes up again. 

“You know, that’s why I didn’t think it was likely that a ghost could get possessed,” they say. 

“Oh?” you prompt, when they don’t continue right away. 

“Yeah. Ghosts that you see around don’t actually have a physical body there to puppet. What we see as their body is just an illusory projection of the soul,” Pat finally elaborates, tapping their fingers against the steering wheel. 

“But if a ghost could get into another ghost’s soul I guess they could puppet that? I think that would do a lot of damage though,” they say. 

“Is the shadow hurting Theo by doing it?” you ask, concerned. 

“No idea. I know very little about this, and probably even less than I thought I did, considering that one of the fundamental facts about ghosts I knew proved to be false,” they say with a sigh. 

“Was it really that important to you?” you ask. 

“Yeah. I like knowing things, and I like being sure of things. If you woke up tomorrow and someone like, disproved that birds use their wings to fly and instead were just levitating, you might be upset too,” Pat says. 

“Is that really the same thing?” 

Pat sighs again. “Probably not? But I can’t think of a good analogy for it. And honestly, I’m not actually as upset about it as I should be. Instead I’m upset because I have this weird sense that I’ve known it all along.” 

“What do you mean?” 

“I mean that instead of the shock and uneasiness that comes from having a foundational truth upended, I feel like I would if I’d always known it. Not like I forgot and then remembered, either. It’s weird and I don’t like it,” they whine. 

“That does sound unpleasant,” you try to sound comforting. 

“It is,” they say. “Anyway. Back to your shadow friend. Are you sure that you can trust them? If they’re hurting Theo, there’s no saying that they wouldn’t hurt you too, given the chance,” they cation. 

You shake your head. “I really don’t think the shadow would do that.” 

Pat sighs and shrugs. “If you say so. They could always be posing as a guardian for nefarious purposes, but I’ll trust your judgement on this one,” they relent. 

As you pull into Theo’s driveway, it strikes you as odd that it always seems to take you exactly as long to drive to a place as necessary to have whatever conversation you and Pat happen to be having. 

“You take Theo��s presents and go knock, I’ll gather up breakfast and the murder board stuff, okay?” Pat says as they put the car in park. 

“You’re going to carry all of that by yourself?” 

They consider it. “Okay, you can take the breakfast stuff in too, if you can manage it.” 

“Sure.”

Both of you get out of the car, and you head up the walk with your stuff in hand. 

The cabin feels like it’s smiling menacingly at you. You ignore that in favor of knocking on the door. You have to shuffle the stuff around to get a free hand, but you manage it in the end. 

Theo answers the door rather quickly. 

“Hello, Sylv,” Theo greets with a smile. “Here, let me help you with that,” he says, offering to take something from you. 

“Hi… thanks,” you say, handing him the drink holder. 

“Ah, is Pat not also here?” he asks. 

“No, I’m here. Just needed to bring in our mystery solving supplies,” Pat calls as they come up the walk with an armful of cork board and a bag of art supplies in addition to their purse. 

“Oh! Let me help you with that,” Theo says, and moves around you to go help them. 

“Nonsense, I’ve got it just fine. Why don’t you go help Sylv set up breakfast wherever we’ll be working,” Pat says, brushing off the offer. 

“Oh, okay,” Theo says with a nod. He comes back over to you and shows you inside to the living room. There are three chairs in there now. It seems Theo brought his computer chair downstairs. 

Theo sets the drinks down on the coffee table. “Would you like to set your things down as well?” he asks. 

You shrug and set the bag with the breakfast stuff down. 

Pat sets the board down leaning up against the coffee table once they get in. 

You aren’t sure what to do with the paint, so you just stand there for a second. 

Pat gives you a meaningful look, pointing with their eyes over at Theo. 

“Um. These are for you,” you say, offering him the bag. 

“Oh?” he says, taking it, and then “Oh!” as he looks inside. “Are these-” “So you can finish your painting,” you say. 

Theo’s face goes through a series of expressions, but he settles on something that looks bittersweet. “That’s so… thank you, both of you,” he says. 

“Don’t sweat it. That’s what friends are for,” Pat says. 

They let the sweet moment rest for a full half a minute before saying. “Now, before we get started on mystery solving, we need to have breakfast,” 

“Ah, but-” 

“I’m not-” 

Pat cuts both of you off. “Okay, well I need to eat breakfast and I will feel very awkward about eating all by myself while the two of you watch so you’re going to have to humor me,” they say in a tone that brooks no argument. 

“... Well. In that case, I suppose I will say thank you for the breakfast?” Theo hedges. 

Pat gives him a big smile. “Thank you.” 

You don’t say anything, but you do accept the muffin and coffee that Pat foists upon you. 

“Here, for your tea,” Pat says, handing Theo several sugar packets. “Oh. Thank you,” Theo says. “Um. Is there… really any point to it, if I can’t taste it though?” he asks. 

Pat shrugs. “I imagine I’d still want to do things they way I like to do them even if I couldn’t sense some aspect of it anymore, but that’s just me. Do what you want... A long as it isn’t skipping meals,” they say. 

You try not to laugh. That could practically be Pat’s motto, you think. 

Next

[tobiasdrake]

Race to the doctor!

Backup power must not be as strong as regular. Makes sense.

No, they aren't. I recognize that extremely girlish walk and stance. I'd know my bestie ANYWHERE!

Oh my god, felt though. This place is sterile and has glowy lights everywhere. Everything looks the fucking same. The only reason I was able to nail Makoto giving me the run-around earlier is because I have a minimap showing me where we are in relation to the rest of the structure at all times.

Why? The more of us are suited up, the easier it will be to talk our way out if any shit happens. In fact, Desuhiko, why aren't you in uniform? If you had your suit on, we could pretend you were taking me to Yomi if someone saw us.

This is your fault, Desuhiko. If anything happens to her, I'm tying weights to your ankles and sending you to the bottom of Dohya District. Keeping your bag, though. It's useful.

Push comes to shove, we can test and make sure the security chambers are online. The deadly poison in the gas chamber takes thirty minutes to take effect. It's not fast-acting. That means it would be a trivial matter to walk into the chamber, see the gas start spraying, declare "Oopsy-poopsy!" and then Time Rewind so that we didn't do that.

But we should try calling him first.

Confirmed. He's alive. We have no need to gas ourselves on purpose.

...but I am curious... What do you think it tastes like? Do you think it's odorless? Makoto said it can be absorbed in the skin. Would you feel it entering your body? Does it burn?

This is why chronomancy is a dangerous power to leave lying around. I become way more unhinged when choices no longer have consequences.

Huesca's been sitting in his lab with bated breath, waiting for his chance to finally see his murder-wall end a person's life. I totally had him pegged when I said it's not about security or a deterrent. He eagerly wants to kill someone; Doesn't care who.

That's interesting. Huesca has his own dedicated generator. So. Is there a backup for that generator?

That's going to be important to know.

I mean, it worked for the coffee shop. Or, at least, it was working for the coffee shop until she drowned half of their clientele. But, y'know, water under the bridge. Full of bodies.

Wouldn't mind doing the same to Huesca once we're done here. Fire up the charm, Fubuki. I have faith in you.

hahaha hahahahahahaha HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

You did that to yourself, bruh. Hahahahaha. What did you think was gonna happen? Hahahahahahahahaha

Should have just let her talk, man. Hahaha. Hahahahahaha. Desuhiko over here trying to mansplain charm to the Belle Barista of Ginma. He gets what he fucking deserves. Hahahahahaha.

Man hasn't left his lab in months but now that the WDO is here he's like, "This seems like a reasonable level of security for me to finally step out."

I'm so sad that Yomi wasn't here to witness this epic burn.

Uh, you should take Fubuki. Y'know. Just in case anything goes wrong in the Extreme Death Murder Tunnel that Huesca's eagerly waiting to finally use.

Whoops, guess it's murder o'clock.

Just like the coffee shop patrons. Fubuki's charms come at a terrible price.

No, Desuhiko, his Doordash finally arrived.

That's going to be our central mystery. The Most Locked-est Room Ever mystery. How do you access a room with only one entrance, which no one could possibly have gone through?

Like she cares. If anything happens to her she can un-gas herself. Causality is her plaything.

His name is Fuckboy. Get it right, Fubuki! We don't have time to goof around!

So if we aren't going to do timey-wimey trial and error then I guess we'll need a different way to bypass security.

[enemiesandlovers]

The moment he knew

↤ 𝐋𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐏𝐢𝐞𝐜𝐞 |  𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭  | 𝐍𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐏𝐢𝐞𝐜𝐞 ↦

Pairing: Matt Murdock x female reader (no use of y/n).

Word count: 2,104K words.

Tags/Warnings: Just flirt and fluff.

Summary: You came up with an idea to spend more time with Matt. 

General Not: This piece is part of the Secrets and Papers AU I’m writing of Matt x assistant/secretary!reader, there are a few references, but there’s no need to read the other to understand. If you’re interested I’ll be adding each one on the masterlist in chronological order.

English is not my first language, I try not to make grammatical mistakes, but if you see any is because of that.

It is quite unbelievable. The way your relationship with Matt has changed in the past few weeks.

It all started with those shared moments on your birthday. After that day he slowly started to be more talkative with you, something he had never done before besides the typical polite talk between boss and employee and some casual questions that had never led to anything more than plain answers. 

Even if he had already visited your apartment, you had never set foot on his, not until one day you offered to help him past work hours with some research for a case the firm recently took and ended up eating some Chinese there, later returning to the pile of paperwork until 11 p.m. 

As your friendship started to grow, one day you proposed having dinner at Alessandro’s, this time Matt and you were able to sit there and enjoy the place, compensating for that night that you couldn’t. Days later, he invited you to go out to a small coffee shop near the firm, the two of you engaged in a conversation that lasted two hours.

Where did you get so many things to talk with him about? You had no idea. Words just used to slip out of your mouth so easily, you felt comfortable around him.

Now the initial awkwardness that used to surround you both was replaced by faint traces of flirting that started to rise up more every day that passed. Teasing comments when Karen and Foggy weren't listening, inside jokes about the stories you shared every day, and briefly accidental touches that wouldn't last more than mere seconds, but that left you craving more.

It was one day when you suggested the idea that had been rushing through your mind since your previous talks. 

You had been thinking about it since the night of your birthday while conversing about movie soundtracks. The closest experience to watching a movie or show that you could think of was listening to audiobooks together, so you blurt it out as a casual comment, waiting for him to decide to agree so you wouldn't accidentally overstep. 

Fortunately for you, his reaction was the opposite of what you were afraid of. Matt had been surprised and a bit moved, you saw it in the way his lips parted before accepting, curving his mouth in a bright smile.

The first time at your apartment, the next at his, then yours, and now you were there again at his place, standing in the kitchen while deciding which story you should choose. 

“C’mon, it will be fun. The one who guesses who’s the murderer wins,” you tell him after reading the synopsis of a murder mystery book, one that you found that morning in the library of the app you downloaded specifically for these moments. 

Matt raises his eyebrows, the corner of his lips lifting.

“And what exactly am I gonna win?” he asks, slowly walking in your direction with a teasing smile adorning his face. 

He’s closer now, but not close enough for him to breathe the same air as yours. Not close enough as you would like. 

Matt was a natural flirt, you recently discovered. An expert at saying the right words to make you blush or speed your heartbeats, almost as if he knew the reactions he would awaken in you. Despite this, he was always respecting your boundaries, stepping back at the slightest sign of awkwardness or discomfort, never exceeding with his actions if you hadn't initiated a move. 

That made you feel even more attracted to him, if that was even possible. 

You stare at him, leaning towards the counter to grab the coffee jar, your arm slowly brushing against his. “So confident, huh. If you do win then you can ask for whatever you want.” You reach the jar and lightly caress the top of his hand with yours, an attempt to remind him that he has your consent to be this close, to touch you. “Whatever thought crosses your mind, but nothing illegal, obviously.” 

His smile grows wide.

“Obviously,” he repeats. “Can assure you nothing illegal is crossing through my mind right now.”

“Don't get your hopes high that fast, if I win then I get the same thing. Anything that I want.”

You turn and rest your back on the counter, slightly leaning while mirroring his mischievous grin.

“Already having something in mind? Are you setting me up?” 

“You'll have to wait to figure it out.” 

Your digits give two taps at his bicep before crossing to the other side of the kitchen. 

“Sounds fair,” he says behind you. “You can tell me what you planned when I win, maybe we can arrange some deal.” 

You shake your head opening the drawer, still focused on what you’re looking for. 

“So smug. It will be your downfall, you know.”

He shrugs giving you an innocent look.

"What can I say? I’ve had my fair share of dealing with criminals. It’s not so difficult to recognize them.” 

“Oh, no doubt about it. But I also read a lot, so I have experience in perceiving clues or foreshadows,” you frown when you open the second drawer, mugs nowhere to be seen. “Matt, did you change the place where you keep the coffee mugs?”

“Ah, about that,” he starts saying. You stare at his back as he stretches his arm to one of the cabinets on top of the stove. “Foggy told me some of my dishes were a little old, so I replaced them.”

You look at him, confusion painting all over your face.

“I don’t think they looked bad the last time I was here.”

Matt shakes his head.

“This one’s yours,” he ignores you, extending his arm. You look at his face wishing you could see his eyes behind the red glasses before grabbing the mug he offers you.

Your breath hitches when you detail the design of the mug. Not a simple one like the ones you remembered, no. This one is also white, but with the interior pastel green and pretty dandelions and birds adorning the outside. 

“Mine?” you ask in incredulity. 

Your gaze is still focused on the little birds, thinking about your old nickname. Matt had never called you like that, not even once. You were sure you never told him about it, you actually never told a single person from Hell's Kitchen. Was this a cute coincidence? How could he have known? 

“Yours,” he confirms. “Figured if I was already buying some stuff maybe you could have your own mug here.” 

He says it so casually as if it signifies nothing, but your heart flutters once you discover the texture of the patterns, your fingertips tracing the lines of the design and what it meant. That he chose it for you by touch and not probably asking around like you initially thought.

Your eyes return to him.

“I love it. Thank you.” 

He smiles, bringing up to his lips the other mug while pretending to take a sip. 

“What do you think of mine?” 

His mug is white too, with the interior black and a quote on the outside. 

“This guy is a really good lawyer,” you giggle. “What a humble man that you are, Matt.” 

When coffee is ready, the palm of his hand finds its way to your low back, guiding you to the largest couch. 

One of the things that always has you in awe every time that you are here is watching him, the way he flawlessly moves when he’s home. It’s magnetic, you drink off his image as much as you can until you become aware of what you’re doing and look away blushing in embarrassment.

Knees barely grazing, you sit next to each other. Matt places his elbow at the top of the couch so he’s facing you. 

“Let’s start,” you say typing on your phone. 

…

There are a lot of things that Matt enjoys about listening to audiobooks with you. 

First, the hobby in particular, how you came up with the idea so you could spend more time together while doing something you both can share equally, thinking of his comfort. 

And you never told him this, you also don’t know that he knows, but Matt is aware of how since the first time you started doing this with him whenever the chapter starts you lean on the couch and close your eyes while listening. 

It flares a feeling in his heart every time you do it, how you try to find a way to be close to him, to sense the way he does, sharing the experience without even telling him you're doing it. 

Even though his main focus should be the narrator’s voice, his full attention is always on you. The way you react to the stories: heart skipping a beat, head shaking or nodding, lips getting slightly bitten, snorts, soft giggles, and his favorite, your murmurs commenting random thoughts. 

It’s there when Matt senses little trembles shaking your body, the sound of your legs making friction while your hands grasp the cup of coffee tighter. 

“It feels a little cold, isn’t it?” he lets out the comment, leaving the mug on the table and standing up before you can answer. 

You open your eyes, blinking while rapidly following him with your gaze.

“A little bit, yeah.”

He slides the door that leads to his bedroom and grins, feeling your curious stare wandering around everything that you're able to look at from your place on the couch. After all, you have never seen this part of the apartment.

Matt returns with a large blanket in his hands. He sits at the corner of the couch and places it on his lap. 

“C’mere,” he smiles, extending his arm to your left shoulder from behind you, waiting for you to follow. Matt senses the shiver that crosses your body when you start to lean towards him. His arm now cuddles your body and your head rests on his shoulder. This is the first time you have been this close, bodies completely next to each other sharing warmth. “You can pull up your legs on the couch, doesn't matter.”

The sound of your raised heartbeats meets his ears as you take off your shoes and extend your legs up on the couch. He covers them with the blanket. 

“Comfy,” you murmur beside him, rubbing your legs in comfort. “Is it silk?” 

“It is, I like how it feels.”

Your digits touch gently the soft blanket before ascending to his forearm, drawing invisible circles.

“Any guess of who’s the murderer yet?”

He chuckles. 

“Have my suspicions, just waiting for a lead to confirm. You?” 

You grimace before snorting.

“Two suspects, still connecting the dots.”

He hums, starting to lower his mouth to your ear, his lips almost touching your earlobe. He can feel the way your breath shudders at the mere caress of his breath as he speaks.

“I suggest you prepare to lose, sweetheart.” 

Matt’s lips curve up at the sense of flush crawling up to your cheeks along with a similar kind of heat rushing down your body. Your heartbeats resonate in his ears. 

You bite your lips, trying to sound serene. 

“We’ll see, Matthew.” 

There’s a quick pause before he answers.

“Well, actually I won’t.”

Your head turns in his direction, no longer scandalized at his blind jokes, you slap his chest and snicker while shaking your head.

He openly laughs. 

“You know what I meant,” you scold him with a smile, returning to your latter position on his shoulder. 

His fingers climb to your head, softly massaging your scalp as you curl up more on his chest, a relaxed sigh abandons your mouth. 

...

Three chapters later, he takes the mug off of your hand, placing it on the table. 

You start to move, your steady heartbeats changing as you begin to wake up.

“S’okay, sweetheart. Go back to sleep.” 

You open your eyes just for a bit, meeting his warm smile and nod before closing them again, murmuring a barely hearable “kay”. 

He hums, pulling up his own legs on the couch and intertwining them with yours under the blanket. 

Your head now rests on his chest, the fragrance of your tropical shampoo fills his nostrils as he continues to caress your hair.

“I got you,” he whispers.

He realized later it had been that moment, with your warm body against his, the feeling of your breathing soothing him like a lullaby, and your hand placed on his chest, right on top of his heart.

That was the moment he knew he started loving you. 

[idnek83]

Service With a Smile 6/?

Fandom: Trigun

Rating: Explicit (eventually)

Pairing: Vash/Wolfwood

Tags: Coffee shop au, Vash owns a cafe, Wolfwood is a mystery man, Trans Vash, Getting together, Fluff, Slow burn, Eventual smut, Recreational drug use, Drinking, Vash is self conscious about his scars, afab language

Summary: Vash works at a little coffee shop known as Seeds Cafe,  and likes to make his days more interesting by trying to make each of  his customers smile or laugh at least once before they leave. He has a 100% success rate... That is, until one day a moody man with a taste for cigarettes and black coffee shows up...

Chapters: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Read on Ao3

_____________________

Vash doesn’t think he’s ever just sat and watched a bartender work before, but it’s strangely intriguing.

There’s a rhythm to the way Nick moves, the way he greets customers, takes their orders, banters, and collects money is almost choreographed. Nick repeats the same hand gestures, phrases, and practised smiles like a chorus as he works his way down his little bar.

Vash is engrossed.

Eventually, Nick’s rhythm breaks. He glances up and down his bar and notes no one currently without a drink or trying to get his attention.

Then he walks back to Vash.

“So what brings you here?” Nick idly starts tidying his bar as he glances at Vash over his shades.

“Can’t a guy go to a club without a reason?”

“Sure, but getting up at the ass-crack of dawn to run a cafe doesn’t really sound like it mixes well with late night clubbing.”

“You were there this morning too though!”

“Yup, I but I was on my way home. I’ve slept since then. Something tells me you haven’t.”

“I..”

Nick glances over his shoulder and gestures for Vash to wait as a new person approaches the bar.

So Nick is on his way home when he comes by the shop in the mornings... it makes sense, if he’s working all night then of course he’d have to sleep during the day. That must mean when he comes by in the evenings he’s on his way back to work then, in which case his late night coffee habit makes perfect sense.

“So? Why’d you come out tonight?” Nick returns, casting a glance at Vash’s half empty drink before resuming their conversation.

Vash shrugs and tries to come up with something that sounds less pathetic than ‘I realized I hadn’t done anything but work and sit at home for weeks.’

“I guess it’s just been a while, thought it would be fun.”

“Is it?”

Vash looks up at Nick and smiles.

“Yeah, it is.”

There’s a few beats where the two of them just smile at each other. Vash feels something bubbling up in his chest, and opens his mouth to speak-

But then the song changes, and the first few notes have his eyes widening.

“This is... like on of my favourite songs...”

“Yeah?” Vash think Nick laughs, but it’s hard to hear over the music.

“Yeah...” He’s torn, both the dance floor and Nick’s small, amused smile feel equally enticing...

“Then go have fun, Blondie.”

Vash bites his lip, unsure.

“I’ll be here when you’re done.” Nick winks at him and nods towards the dance floor.

“Promise?” Vash laughs as Nick rolls his eyes, then departs from the bar.

He’s barely on the dance floor before he’s bouncing and swaying to the music. He works his way into the crowd, not looking for a partner this time, just looking for enough space to dance freely.

He somehow finds himself mixed in with the group of students he saw earlier, joining them in jumping and scream-singing along to the song. He’s grinning so wide it hurts, filled with the strange warmth of sharing a moment of joy with strangers.

The song ends and Vash looks back to the bar, catches Nick’s eye right away since he was already looking in his direction. It makes him feel giddy, and he sends Nick a quick wave before falling into the rhythm of the next song.

He can’t help but wonder if Nick is still watching him, wonder if he likes what he sees. Maybe Vash puts a little more thought into the sway of his hips this time, or maybe the song is just more sensual.

Vash wonders if Nick likes to dance. He seems like the kind of guy who would put on a big show about not being a dancer, but would go all out after a few drinks. Or maybe he was just the kind of guy who needed a partner, someone to move with him on the dance floor and help him forget about all the other eyes that might be on him. Someone to press against and hold tight as the world narrows down to just two bodies and a beat...

As the song ends Vash can feel himself getting wet again. He decides to head back to the bar, better to just sit with Nick and calm himself down than to embarrass himself again.

There's a tap on his shoulder as he steps off the dance floor, and turns to see one of the students he was dancing with. The boy leans in so Vash can hear him.

“You’re a really good dancer!”

“Thanks! You guys were really fun to dance with!”

The boy laughs. “Hey, let me buy you a drink.”

Vash feels his stomach drop a bit, he’s really not in the mood for flirting with some barely legal college kid.

“Oh thanks, that’s nice of you, but I’m good.”

“C’mon,” the boy moves in closer, places a hand on Vash’s hip even as he tries to pull away, “Just one drink, lets get to know each other better, baby.”

Vash has to stop himself from physically cringing at the pet-name, and looks away to try to hide his obvious disinterest.

He ends up making direct eye contact with Nick, whose rolling up his sleeves and looks about ready to come over and pull this kid off him. At the same time he feels the boy’s hand slip onto his ass.

Vash hates being rude, but figures it’s better than the scene Nick coming over would cause, so he pushes the boy off him as gently as he can while still being firm.

“Look, I’m sorry, your just not my type, I’m way too old for you anyways, alright?”

The kid narrows his eyes and inspects Vash’s face as if looking for wrinkles. Vash might not actually have any wrinkles to speak of, but he knows one of the best ways to get rid of kids like this is to make them think you’re old...

Unless they’re into that of course.

Luckily, the boy apparently isn’t into that as he ends up just silently walking away from Vash.

Vash glances back at the bar and finds Nick glaring after him, thankfully still on his side of the bar.

When Vash takes a seat on a recently vacated bar stool, Nick approaches him.

“You okay?”

“Oh that was nothing!” Vash forces out a laugh and waves off Nick’s concern. “Just a poor kid whose probably going to spend the rest of the night embarrassed about being rejected.”

Nick continues to scowl.

“You’re too nice Blondie.”

“Does being nice get me another drink?” Vash leans forward, and blinks up at Nick.

It earns him an eye-roll, but Nick grabs a glass anyways.

“More of the same?”

“Oh, yes please! It’s really good!”

Nick prepares the drink and Vash tries to keep his staring subtle. He thinks Nick probably notices anyways, judging by the knowing smirk on his face when he hands Vash his drink.

“So what is it anyways?” Vash asks before Nick can mock him for gawking.

“Blue Hawaiian, ‘s pretty much just sugar, so I figured it’d suit you.”

“Awww,” Vash flashes Nick his best puppy dog eyes, “does that mean you think I’m sweet?”

“You’re definitely something.” Nick laughs and goes to deal with some other customers.

Vash sips his drink and finds that he can’t stop smiling. It’s hard to tell if Nick is actually flirting with him, or if he’s just trying to get a bigger tip, but right now Vash doesn’t think he minds either option. When it comes down to it, Vash is having a great time, and wasn’t that the whole point of going out anyways?

Plus, fake or not, having a guy he finds super fucking attractive flirt with him is doing wonders for his mood.

The drinks may also be helping.

Vash laughs to himself, and feels himself grinning as Nick walks back towards him, eyebrow raised.

“Whats got you looking so dopey?”

Vash shrugs. “I guess I’m just having a really good time?” Vash feels tingly, and light, and wonderful.

“Yeah? I’m glad, Blondie, but I think I’m gonna have to cut you off after that one.”

Vash laughs but then pauses and pouts.

“It’s ‘Vash’ y’know, not Blondie.”

“Wouldn’t know, you never introduced yourself.” Nick smirks at him.

“I-I wear a name tag! Didn’t think I needed to give a formal introduction!”

Vash points an accusatory finger at Nick as he laughs, and notices he’s wearing a name tag of his own.

“Wolfwood?”

“Yeah, Blondie?”

Vash frowns at the continued use of the nickname, but continues with his thought.

“I though your name was Nick?”

“Nicholas D. Wolfwood.” His smirk grows wider. “What, never heard of a last name before?”

Vash pauses, then laughs. “Okay, maybe you're right, I think I’ve had enough to drink.”

Nick laughs and pours Vash a glass of water. As he does, Vash looks around and notices the bar is getting emptier. It must be getting late.

“So, Nicholas, huh?” Vash giggles. “Like St. Nicholas? You’re like... booze Santa!”

Nick is stone faced as Vash continues giggling.

“Yeah. Heard that one before. A lot. It’s why I go by Wolfwood.”

Vash’s face falls. “Aww, sorry.”

Nick sighs.

“It’s fine,” Nick smiles, “I guess it was kind of cute how funny you thought you were being.”

“Oooooh, so now I’m sweet and cute.” Vash flutters his eyelashes up at Nick, who just laughs back at him.

“Sweet, cute, and very drunk. You got a way home Blondie? It’s probably time for you to call it.”

“I mean...” Vash leans in and rests his chin on his hand, “I wouldn’t mind you taking me home.”

The words are out of his mouth before he can consider them.

Nick just laughs.

“I’m working Blondie, besides, I make a point of not sleeping with drunks anymore.”

Vash’s heart drops a little, but he’s glad Nick doesn’t actually seem upset by his proposition, so he decides to play it off.

He gasps exaggeratedly and clasps a hand to his chest in faux shock.

“Why Mr. Wolfwood! Who said anything about sleeping together! Maybe I just wanted to bring you home to play game!”

“Riiight. Still working though, so I’ll have to pass on ‘games’ tonight.”

“Boooo.”

Nick laughs, and Vash replays what he said in his mind over and over.

Tonight. He said he’d have to pass tonight. Does that mean if he wasn’t working...

“But really, you got a way home? Need me to call you a cab?”

Vash shakes his head.

“That’s okay, I live pretty close, I can just walk.”

Nick doesn’t look entirely pleased with that answer but shrugs as Vash gets up from his bar stool.

“Right, well get home safe, Blondie.”

“It’s Vash!”

Nick just laughs and waves him off.

Vash smiles the whole way home.

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[hoodievixen]

The Voice of God [Steven Grant/Marc Spector x Priectess!OC] Part 5

Summary: Steven and Godeleve thought they finally found some normalcy with each other. Little did they know they would drag each other further into the mysteries ands secrets in their lives. (Godeleve can see and talk to Gods - mainly the Greek kind)

Word Count: 1.7k

Warning: toxic relationship, swearing (mainly the f word), author has forgotten what a normal conversation is after the end of the world, no beta we die like men

A/N: Told you I would get it out. We get to see a bit more of Godeleve’s relationships with the gods. (If you’ve read my conversation posts with Godeleve, you’ll recognize part of this)

Part 4, Part 6,  Master List

Godeleve was lounging on the couch, where she could glance up to see Steven's sleeping form. He had fallen asleep a couple of hours ago, leaving her his soft snores as company as she read. She was finishing up chapter 13 as there was a hitch in his breathing. He was waking up. Godeleve was quick to dog-ear her page and sit up. She quietly watched as he sat up, and observed his surroundings. In a single moment, every bit of sleep left him as if he was remembering something suddenly. He turned his head to look at Godeleve. "Hi," she awkwardly greeted him, even with a small wave. "I'm Godeleve, but I think you know that."

He clearly wasn't Steven. His posture was stiff, eyes sharp, and brows furrowed. Just that look alone frightened Godeleve, but she couldn't have him know that, so she grabbed onto her sweats, to keep her hands from twitching.

"How did you know?" he asked, almost threatening.

-------------------------

It didn't feel like Godeleve had only known Steven for a week. But at the same time, she had spent a lot of time around him. She wanted to know why, or how, he was the only man that didn't frighten her. She started to do little things for him, to get him to like her. She had just dropped off some coffee for him, he always looked tired.

"Ooooo, you like him," Aphrodite commented, hovering over her shoulder. The goddess had been around a lot lately, probably noticing the feeling festering in the priestess.

Godeleve shrugged, bringing her own coffee to her lips. "I think so," she answered, "I'm not scared of him if that means something."

"Honey, with you, I think that's all you can ask for in a guy," Aphrodite pointed out, "I'll keep it a secret from Artemis, she was sure you were gonna stay a maiden like her. Her little Goldy."

"Wait, who are you talking about?" Dionysus popped up, something rather common for him, Also most common when Goldeleve is at work.

Aphrodite pulled the other god to go show him who this guy was. Godeleve was thankful for a moment of silence. They are rare most days. The two gods were quick to return, floating around Godelve in phantom form, human-looking but no corporeal form. "Did Aphrodite show me the right guy?" Dionysus wondered, " The mess of a gift shop dude."

"I wouldn't call him a mess," Godeleve mumbled, "Maybe not well put together, but not a mess."

Dionysus let out a low hum and cringed. Godelve stopped walking and stared at the god of madness, not caring she was in the middle of an exhibit. "Oh gods, what is it?" she asked, worried. The last time she saw that face was when she accidentally went up against a literal psychopath who she had thought was a Babayaga. Or that time a guy started following her out of a bar because she refused his advances.

Dionysus wore a too-wide smile. "Don't think I'm going to tell you."

"Dionysus!" Aphrodite scolded him, "This is the first love we are talking about! You have to tell us if he's a crazy killer!"

The god looked down at Godeleve with a look of greed. "Only if you buy that chardonnay."

Godeleve let out a sigh. For months now Dionysus would bother her when she went grocery shopping, trying to get her to buy a ridiculously expensive wine to sacrifice to him. "Fine," she agreed. Godeleve didn't want to get invested in something that was going to end terribly.

"He has multiple personalities in his body," Dionysus answered nonchalantly.

"Oh," Godeleve commented softly.

Aphrodite didn't understand, "What does that mean?"

"Dissociative Identity Disorder," Godelebe said as if that was going to explain anything for the goddess.

Dionysus hummed, "That's what they call it know... Used to call it battle madness."

"Poor guy," Godeleve cooed, ignoring the Gods around her.

------------------------

Godeleve couldn't tell him the truth on how she knew it was DID. "I just had my suspicions," she answered hesitantly. That sharp glare was causing her body to clench. He continued to just stare at her. "D-do you go by something else? Besides Steven?"

"Leave," he told her, turning to remove the ankle restraint.

Godeleve stood up "What?" she questioned.

"I don't care about your relationship with Steven," he explained in a huff. " Do whatever ya want with him, just don't get involved with me." He climbed out of bed, not minding the sand, and walking right through it. That meant he was going to fix it whenever he gets back from wherever he goes if he comes back before Steven fronts.

Every inch of her body was telling her to leave, and stay away from all of this. But she knew how to handle men like this. she didn't need to get them to like her, but to fear her. If there was anything Godeleve knew, was fear. "No," she said plainly, "Not until I get some answers for us."

The guy turned around and glared at Godeleve, "No." he said sternly. " None of this is getting to Steven."

Godeleve just glared at him. "He is going to find out one day," she pointed out, " When do you want that to be? Whenever those secrets you're trying to hide come knocking on his door? Or when there is someone by his side who can support him?"

"You say that like you don't have plans to stay," he pointed out.

Godeleve raised a fit and pointed a finger at him. "You do not get to ask any questions. You want  nothing to do with me, so why does it matter."

"I'm just trying to protect him," the guy pointed out, "And frankly I don't really trust you."

"Think whatever you want about me, I don't give a fuck," she told him, "But you are not doing a great job of protecting him, he is terrified right now by your actions."

"Will you just fucking leaving!?" he was at least annoyed, and getting to angry.

Godeleve crossed her arms. "Only after you answer my question," she told him.

He let out a loud groan. "Fine," he agreed, just wanting to get her out as soon as possible. "What is it?"

Godeleve's glare grew sharper. "Do you have a name? Or do I just have to call you Evil Steven?"

"You are a child," he sneered, "It's Marc."

Godeleve forced a smile on her face. "Well it's been a displeasure meeting you Mark," she commented. "I hope you get lemon juice in every paper cut you receive."She picked up her book and stormed over to her bag which sat near the door. She pulled out a notebook and started vigorously writing.

"What are you doing?" Marc questioned.

Godeleve glared over the notebook at him. "Leaving Steven a note, not like you're going to be here when he wakes up to explain why I'm gone." she tore out the bag and slammed it down on the table."

With her things in hand she stormed out, letting out a breath she hadn't realized she had been holding.

------------------

Godeleve wanted to be done when she got home. She had planned to do nothing that night and was going to stick to it. Now she could maybe get some sleep if her mind let her. But one step into her home, and she knew she couldn't. Leaning against her couch in corporeal form was the goddess of the moon.

Godeleve sat down in her bag and slipped off her shoes. She didn't want to deal with this. Strangely, despite the fact that so many had been encouraging her during the beginning of the relationship a lot of the gods were trying to get Godeleve to leave Steven. The most so was Artemis. She had always called Godeleve her "little hunter" expecting her to stick to maidenhood her entire life. When she heard Godeleve was dating, Artemis quickly went through the seven stages of grief and was now stuck in anger.

"So, where were you?" Artemis asked, sounding like an overprotective parent in a tv drama.

Goodeleve just stared at the goddess. "You already know, just skip to the chase. It's been a night."

"I'm sure it has, " Artemis cried out in both anger and sadness. "I understand why you aren't my priestess, but I always thought we had a bond. But now you had to go and throw away your maidenhood. Do I mean nothing to you!?"

"Artemis," Godeleve sighed, not having the energy to deal with this. "I didn't. We didn't even share a bed. He has sleeping disorders, and I stayed over to help."

"But you're back at 2 in the morning, doesn't add up," she pointed out.

"because his sleep disorder kicked me out," Godeleve explained. "Talk to Dionysus, he'll explain."

Artemis groaned at the mention of the other god. "You and Dionysus, what the hell is with that? If he asked you to stay a maiden, would you? I think you would?"

"You know what is between me and Dionysus, out of all the blessings I have, I need him," Godelve pointed out. "But no, he still can't dictate my personal life. None of you can."

"You would be dead without me," Artemis stressed. So many of them dangled that little thing in front of her.

"And how well did that go for you?" Godeleve said, deadpanned.

Artemis was angry. Her form did not show it, but all the glass in the room shattered, and the wind swirled. "You have yet to learn that you're actions have consequences," the god threatened, "Let's see how you do without my blessing." In a flash, the goddess was gone, but the room was still in shambles.

With so much as a sigh, Godeleve sighed and climbed up the stairs. The door across from her room was slowly pulled open. Out popped her roommate. "Sorry, she didn't want me to tell you she was waiting," he told her.

"The living room is destroyed," Godeleve told him, opening the door to her room.

"I'll fix it in the morning," Hermes told her, "I'm in the middle of editing a highlights video. But other than the moonquake, how was your night."

"You've ever heard about someone being in love with one half of someone and terrified of the other half," Godeleve sighed, leaning her forehead against the doorframe.

Hermes clicked his tongue. "You love that little Steven?" he teased her.

"I hate you," Godeleve commented, turning into the darkness of her room.

[titlemewickedwonderland]

Mr. Sandman (Chapter 9)

Summary: Felicity Burgess, the adopted daughter of Alex Burgess and Paul McGuire lived a sheltered life from the dark secret that lay beneath her feet. But what happens when that secret is now her's to keep? Will her love for her family keep her from doing the right thing or will Mr. Sandman bring her a dream worth sacrificing everything?

Chapter Triggers: Slight change to the cannon plot,

"The outer world is not that tempting. It's all garbage. But we keep nosing through it to avoid facing the demons sitting inside our head.” - John Lennon

Click here for Chapter 8

Wonderland's Workshop

He was a regular at the shop. Always coming in every morning without fail and ordering the same coffee. So much so, that the workers start preparing his order when they see him through the shop windows. Always greeted with a familiar smile and greeting. Hob Gadling was one of those few patrons who got the special treatment more out of respect and kinship with the workers than how much money he spent. So imagine yourself a worker at this particular little coffee shop. It's early, you and another co-worker come in early to begin the opening shift for the store. Everything is cleaned, organized, restocked, and meticulously prepared for the long busy day. By 6 o'clock the shop is open. By 8 o'clock the familiar faces of your regulars greet you on the way in with tired smiles and playful quips. It is half an hour past when the little bell rings above the wooden door and you look up to see the familiar face of one of your favorites. You can see he is one of your favorites by the way you and your co-worker greet the man like old friends. 

"The usual. Black coffee with two sugars and the muffin of the day?" you would quip just like every other day

"You know me so well." he'd slip you a 20-dollar bill and tell you to keep the change before taking his spot at the pickup counter; idly chatting away with your co-worker. 

After he'd take his items and go straight to his particular table in the back you would mind your own business. Except, today was different because a new face joins the shop's atmosphere. An air of mystery and allure so palpable that you could taste it on your tongue as you gawk at the tall pale stranger with the raven's nest of black hair and piercing blue eyes. He was dressed in all black, head to toe with the collar of his jacket up to block the chill of the winter wind from his features. But instead of ordering a coffee as would be expected, he looks around a long moment until his eyes set on the man in the back who was wearing a sullen expression. 

And that is how Morpheus ended up standing in front of Hobs in the coffee shop; hands in his pockets looking down at the man who upon seeing the figure looked up in wonder. A slow smile of amusement graces Morpheus's face as he tipped his head up slightly as he spoke 

"I believe I owe you an apology. I heard it's rude to keep one's friends waiting." he drawled which only made Hobs's face lit up in a smile that spoke of years of fondness

As the king of dreams folded himself leisurely in the opposite chair he eyed his old friend dubiously as if just now realizing that Hobs did not look as jovial as he usually does. It had been a tradition to meet up at the same inn or tavern over centuries; once every 100 years. Hobs too must have waited much longer than that for Morpheus to show up. The last time they had met up they had fought with claims that the king of dreams needed no friends. But what Felicity had said to him earlier about friendship kind of struck him at that moment realizing that perhaps she spoke some truth. 

"You look like you've been through it." the man commented watching Hob's expression

The man's smile tightened a bit and his brown eyes fell to his cup of coffee as he messed with the handle; idly twisting the mug around this way and that way fidgeting with it. 

"It's been a long time Dream," he muttered in reply. "At that time I recently lost my significant other to a car crash. I suppose I still mourn her." there was something beneath his tone that caused the raven-haired being to be instantly on guard as he cocked his head studying the man

"Are you wishing for Death to take you?"

Hobs snorted a bit and shook his head. "No. I'm not ready to die yet. Not even now. It's just..." he licked his lips before meeting the elder being's gaze. "Could you bring her back?...ask Death to bring her back to me?"

Morpheus's eyes fell to the table. "I cannot Gadling. You know I cannot." there was regret in his eyes and voice. 

Not only was it universally wrong to unbalance what Fate, Destiny, and Death had decided but it was not in his power to give his friend what he asked. Death would not accept the request either. Unfortunately, even if she could. Morpheus knew his sister would not wish to unbalance the universe for one man. Even if it were to the man she gave Morpheus the power to give eternal life of immortality to 

"Yeah..." Hobs laughed a bit; the sound was soft and pained. "I knew you were going to say it. I just figured I'd ask anyway. It never gets easier, people you love not being there anymore."

A slight grimace graced Morpheus's pale features as he felt the heat of the object within his pocket burn his palm that still clutched inside his jacket reminding him of why he came to speak with his old friend.

"I cannot bring them back Hobs. But, I can bring you something else...someone who I think you might want to meet." 

The brunet raised his eyes with a frown "Man, I get being immortal and all but I can't do another relationship right now especially if it's another immortal; that would just complicate-" the man began to say but his companion cut him off by raising his hand from his pocket and placed the item on the table between them. 

It shut him up quicker than the beat of a hummingbird's wing. His eyes stared down at the necklace with the ring hanging off of it and his chest constricted; breath halting in his lungs. His hands shook as they gripped the mug in front of him for stability as he stared at the object as if he was seeing a ghost. 

"Where-" he swallowed thickly. "Where did you get that Dream?"

The raven studied his ghostly features. Whatever this item meant to him it was something he was terrified of. But even so, Morpheus needed to know what and why this particular object became in Felicity's possession.

"I found this belonging to a girl in London," he informed; his words purposeful as he watched his friend. "The thing is Gadling; this particular girl does not exist in this world or the next. As if she was hiding behind another name entirely that has been forgotten in time." 

Was that sweat glistening on Hobs's temples or was Morpheus imagining it? No, he did not. So, like any good friend would. He kicked the fire up a notch. 

"This girl told me a rather interesting tale. Do you know it?" there was a knowing glint in the man's eye and Hobs swore the man in front of him was being sadistic on purpose. But when he did not speak the Ruler of Nightmares continued; truly playing his part of his given title well.

"She's an extraordinary human Gadling. I think you would have liked her." Morpheus mused before looking away with a slight smile of true sadistic amusement. "Her name's Felicity; she was adopted as an infant with this very necklace and this very ring attached to her upon her arrival at the Children's home that conveniently burnt down not long after she was adopted; by my captors no less-"

The brunet leaned forward with elbows on the table and face hiding in his large palms and he breathed out in a trembling voice; stopping his old friend from speaking further. "Her name is Ariel" 

there was a loud click as he swallowed hard and he rubbed his eyes as if to rub away the salty mist that gathered there but only succeeded in wiping the glittering wetness into his face as he finally dropped his hands to look at his friend with red eyes from his tears. 

"She was never meant to be conceived...I was scared...I couldn't take care of her after her mother died trying to protect her from the others." Hobs stated looking defeated. "So I gave her up and prayed to god or whoever was up there that she'd be alright...I thought perhaps her mother was watching out for her and that she'd be okay..."

"What was her name?" Morpheus's voice was oddly soft as he gazed at his wrecked friend. 

"Her name was Seraphina. She was this...this gorgeous woman that I'd met back in the 15th century. Right after we first met actually. She was smart and beautiful. A poetic person who had a fiery and passionate soul. It was love at first sight I think." Hobs's smile was filled with regret. "But it was never meant to be; they'd never accept us."

"What, her parents?"

"No. The other angels." brown clashed with barely hidden surprised blue. "Seraphina was an angel who'd fallen from grace because she fell in love with a mortal. Well, I guess immortal since I'm running from Death." a grim smile tugged at his tired features. 

Morpheus leaned closer over the table; eyes blazing with intensity. "What is this ring representing Gadling? It is a binding ring; an old an ancient artifact that should never have fallen into your hands."

"Serphina made it for me. Out of the gold from the Holy Lands. The jewel is magic that contains Ariel's blood; to protect her."

"But what is the binding for?!" the dream king slowly rose; palms leaning against the glossy surface of the table between them

Looking kind of scared Hobs leaned away from him paling at the darkness that reflected at him as he stared up at the being

"It is a protection spell...I-I don't know. Serphina didn't explain it to me. She spoke in riddles saying something about rebirth and miracles." he shook his head.

Morpheus's face twisted as his hand shot out grasping the artifact ring before he was swiftly walking out of the shop in a flurry of his jacket leaving stunned-looking staff and a terrified Hobs Gadling in his wake as he disappeared from view through the window. 

~

Her head was hurting like all hell. But she'd made it. She somehow fucking made it! The sky was clouded over with not rainclouds but the types of clouds that rained down a whole different time of substance. Not a star in the sky tonight; she could tell that much from the frosty white clouds that puffed from her mouth as she breathed. Cars rushed past her on the street as she walked slowly down the sidewalk. Not a lot of people were out tonight due to the snowy weather. But she didn't care. God, she was just so happy to be back in her world. The Waking world as Dream of the Endless commented. How long ago has it been since she'd last been here? How did time pass between the two worlds? Was Johanna okay? Shit, she didn't even know what part of the city she was in let alone have a phone on her to call to check up on the woman.

She didn't even have a bloody jacket to cover herself with! Her leggings and loose sweater did nothing to hide her from the coldness of the winter air that kissed her skin until it turned a rosy pink. Shit was anything open around here this late at night? She figured not since not a lot of people were out. Or this could just be a bad part of the city and if that was the case she was double screwed. As she walked past closed stores and darkened windows she kept her arms wrapped around herself to preserve some sort of warmth within her. Her fingers were frozen as they dug into her palms. 

The sound of something wet squishing from a darkened ally that she was passing made her take pause and she turned her head without even thinking of precautions. From the orange glow of the street lamps, she could make out a car parked in the space of the alley with its lights off and there was a figure that was crouched over...was that a human body?! 

"H-hey! Are you alright?" her teeth chattered through her words and the sounds and movements of the man; well she assumed was a man due to his figure structure, had stopped and broad shoulders stiffened before a head cocked over one shoulder to peer at her through the darkness. 

"D-Does someone need h-help?" she tried again, cautiously taking a few steps into the darkness of the alleyway.

That must have been a mistake because a second later her back hit the cold uneven brick wall; rough and unyielding against her spine as she tried to arch away from the harsh contact but she froze when she felt the touch of sharpness against her throat. Her eyes squeezed shut quickly as she turned her head slightly as if to get away from the blade held to her throat; the only thought was that she was going to get mugged, maybe assaulted, and killed in this alley before she had a chance to do anything. 

But nothing happened. The scent of iron was overpowering and her face subconsciously twisted at the stench. It smelled warm and coppery. Peeking an eye open she saw just the tip of the sickle-shaped blade; it glistened with red and her stomach churned when she realized that she'd just walked on a fucking murder scene and she was about to be the second victim. But nothing happened. No sharp blade piercing her throat, not groping, no threats. 

Instead, an oddly familiar voice with a southern drawl spoke near her ear making her think of a walk down memory lane; but the thought was fuzzy as if she couldn't remember why the honey dripping off the man's lips felt so hauntingly familiar and safe.

"Well, look at what the cat dragged by. You aren't a little girl anymore are yah?"

she blinked her eyes and carefully turned her head when she felt the blade pull away from her throat allowing her room to breathe as the man stepped back a step of space. Her mind did not register who was in front of her. Not yet anyway. He was tall, with tanned skin and dirty blonde hair cut short but slightly spiky. A pale cream suit set adorned his slender but athletic build and beneath an earthy green shirt contrasted against the mute colors his attire gave off. But the one thing that got her cogs turning were the sunglasses. Those damned sunglasses covering his eyes were glued to his face; not giving an inch to see beneath. Why was he wearing sunglasses at night? 

The smile he flashed her was pure pearls of straight white teeth as even without seeing his eyes she knew he met her green ones without fail. The knife that had moments ago been placed at her jugular was idly being wiped down by the man who had produced a rag from inside his suit pocket. But when she said nothing back to his comment the lean man tilted his head and tucked the blade away before he took a step back into her space.

"Nothing to say to your old friend darling?" he cocked a brow studying her with patient amusement.

"I-I don't know y-you." shit, she could hardly talk between the fear racing through her and the cold of the winter biting at her skin.

A slow frown made his face twist in a way that could be considered dangerous as he licked at his bottom lip in an almost thoughtful gesture.

"Don't know me? Oh, Felicity but you do, honeybee." he drawled in a low tone as he bent his body so that they were eye level; him having to do so merely because he was a good foot taller than her.

The nickname cause a spark to run through her; but not the kind that Morpheus got out of her. But it was also not something that scared her as she thought about it. His voice was warm and rich with that familiar southern drawl that sparked a memory of a large open meadow filled with wild flowers and dandelions seeds floating in the air at every gentle gust of warm summer breeze that blew them from their stem. She had a flash of a man standing in the middle of the field; so familiar yet not quite the same as the one standing in front of her now. They had the same flirty smile, the same colored suit just made slightly old-fashioned and the hat that graced his almost platinum blonde hair shadowed part of his face but he still had those stupid sunglasses on. She remembered running up to him with a dandelion puff in her hand; a hand that belonged to a little girl

"Blow Inthy! Make a wish!" her child-like voice chirped in excited glee. 

"Aw, darling, why don't we wish together? I don't want to be the only one wish on a dandelion now!" his rich drawl crooned at her as he reached down to pluck a white puffed dandelion from the ground by his feet before the man knelt in front of the child version of herself and his large hand clasped her much smaller one around the stem before his lips formed a perfect 'O' and he blew on the dandelion just as the child blew on the one he held.

the memory flashed to a different scene of a night sky; cloudless and speckles with stars. The moon was a big yellow ball in the sky and the unlikely pair sat at the lip of a ledge with their feet dangling down below in the air overlooking a village of some kind that glowed with an unearthly kind of blue and purple lights; a fairy village that only a little girl could imagine up. The little girl with wavy locks of auburn hair that was pinned back by a crown of flowers sat daintily next to the man.

"What did you wish for on the dandelion earlier?" her voice spoke up as her vision was filled with only her reflection staring back as she looked up into the man's face

"Oh no, I can't possible tell yah that sweetheart, or the wish won't come true!" the man said waving it away with a teasing grin

The little girl laughed; a peel of joy and contentment as she flopped her small body to drape across the man's long legs clad in cream-colored pants pristine as ever. "Well, I wished that I will never grow up so that I can always get to see you Corinthian! I'd wish for us to never be apart!" her smile was so innocent as it beamed up into his face

For a moment in time, the man's chest felt tight as he looked down at the innocence in his lap. One hand rose to rest on the crown of her head and stroked the wild auburn strands in an almost tender way. As his little friend's attention withdrew from him his own focused on the blackened forest behind them were the red eyes of evil lurked staring at them hungrily. 

"Everyone grows up eventually honeybee. Just promise me you won't forget me when you do alright? It'd break poor Corinthian's heart to pieces." the man drawled trying to sound as lazily as the hand stroking through her air despite the tension in his gut

the child giggled sleepily and a yawn escaped as. As she rested comfortably in his lap she peered up at him with sleepy emerald eyes. "I won't ever forget you, you're my only friend after all."

The tender touch to her cheek startled her from the memory as the man brushed away the tear that ran hot down her cold pinked cheek. He seemed to know the moment she came back to him because a choked sob escaped her cracked lips and her hands came up to cover her face as if ashamed of her tears. A wild grin tugged at his face as his arms wrapped around her shoulders to draw her into his tall frame

"You broke your promise darlin', you forgot about me." he drawled smoothly as his hand stroked down her long hair

"I'm sorry Corinthian!" Felicity shook her head with a sob as she buried her face into his chest

"I'm so sorry!"

~

"She's gone, boss!" the panicked squawk of the raven did not ease the tension within the dream lord.

"You checked her chambers?" he insisted

"I checked her chambers, I checked the library, I check the fucking kitchen! I flew around the entire fucking landscape looking for her Morpheus!" Matthew snapped back as he perched on one of the steps where the dream lord sat sulking 

"I don't sense her in the land." Morpheus stated darkly "which means she no longer resides inside the walls of The Dreaming."

"Sir, you don't think she's...in the Waking world do you?" Lucienne piped up from where she stood at the bottom of the stairs of the throne room.

"She can't! Only Morpheus can bring her in and out. Felicity isn't magical. There's no way she could have left the Dreaming altogether!" Matthew argued fluffing his feathers in agitation. "Right? I'm right aren't I, boss?" he added a bit hesitantly

Morpheus closed his eyes a moment, breathing in the air before his eyes slowly opened to meet the raven's worried stare.

"She didn't..." the bird's beak fell open with shock and horror "It's impossible..."

The Lord of Dreams and Ruler of Nightmares slowly rose; the darkness of his shadow and cloak making the room seem oppressive as he reached inside his pocket for his leather pouch of sand. He tipped the container into his palm and allowed the grains of sand to sift through his fingers and swirl around him like a storm. Eyes glittering with the darkness of endless stars and cosmos and words haunting and dark as they echoed into the stillness of the room

"Oh, but she has." and just like that his form vanished.

Matthew looked over at Lucienne who looked rightfully concerned. She pushed her glasses up her nose a bit and cleared her throat. 

"Go to the Waking world, Matthew. Make haste and find the girl. Warn her before Lord Morpheus gets a hold of her; I do not know what he will do if he finds her." 

With a caw, the raven took to the air and flew out an open window to glide through the sky seeking the Waking World. 

"Oh Felicity, what have you done?"

Click here for chapter 10

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[innytoes]

21 + 46 and Reggie/Alex/Willie?

Dystopian AU + Blind Date

Anon I am so sorry but I cannot not make this pun. This is a Day of the Triffids AU. Basically, everyone who saw a mysterious asteroid shower woke up blind the next day (which is a huge portion of the population since everyone was really hyped about it). Also there's walking plants who will murder you with their tongues and then feast on your corpse.

Considering the chaotic mess the world was, they'd done alright for themselves, really. It probably helped that the band had been super tight beforehand, and that Carlos and Reggie had been super into zombie apocalypse movies. It was really not that big of a stretch to turn a zombie apocalypse plan into a 'my entire family and the whole world is blinded' plan.

In the beginning, Reggie had been the only one in their group who could see, and that was pure dumb luck. He'd forgotten what day it was, worked a full shift at the coffee shop, worked on the song he'd wanted to show Luke later, and then crashed like thirty minutes before the meteor shower was supposed to start, sleeping through all of it.

So yeah, in the beginning, it had been rough. Terrifying. Getting around as a sighted person had its own perils. Plenty of people were willing to get really violent for their chance at a sighted person to lead them around. They'd quickly worked out a system: Luke up front, Reggie subtly steering his shoulders through squeezes. That way, they moved like the others, didn't attract unwanted attention.

It was better when they'd linked up with Flynn's family. Flynn's mom was blind, had been most of her life. She'd helped the others, taught them how to get around. She's started teaching them braille. Alex' little sister, Stevie, and Carlos were picking it up quick as anything. She also loved to garden, so over the summer they'd turned a lot of the available front yard space into edible plants. Reggie's job was to do the morning patrols, finding and burning any triffid podlings that had taken root before they could become dangerous.

That's how he'd found Willie, who had been crouched in front of one of the tomato plants, shoving them in his mouth. He'd spoken before he could think about it, scolding him about not waiting until they were ripe, and Willie had shrugged and said 'they're red aren't they'. Both had realised their mistake almost immediately, but before Willie could run - or skate - away, Reggie had offered him a place to stay.

Willie fit in with their little group perfectly. He was friendly, funny, and just the right amount of chaotic. He was also beautiful, and kind, and great with kids. His laugh was the prettiest sound in the world and he knew how to get pretty much anyone out of a funk. So yeah, Reggie was smitten.

But when he’d seen Alex and Willie grow closer, of course Reggie had taken a step back. Alex deserved the world. Besides, Reggie had other responsibilities, he shouldn’t waste time mooning over some boy. He’d done it before, pushed down his crush on Alex even before the whole world fell apart, and now that was just a dull ache. In time, the same would happen with Willie, and he could move on and be happy for them.

It would be easy to hide his feelings, he figured, since only one person was around to see him. But one day Julie had followed him out during his morning patrol and confronted him about it in the most gentle way she could, and he’d spent an hour just crying in her arms. She’d urged him to talk to Willie and Alex, hinting that there might be feelings there as well, but he’d blown her off, taking her hand and describing the gardens to her while he weeded out any problems. They’d only gone back when Julie had promised his voice didn’t sound all wobbly and hoarse.

He’d forgotten to check if his eyes were still red and puffy. Because of course he had. He hadn’t had to worry about what he looked like in literal years. Which Willie of course noticed. Which had lead to the whole thing coming out anyway, Julie dragging Luke out of the studio by his ear so they could have some privacy.

They’d been dating ever since. And it was perfect. Except dates in the post apocalypse were really more ‘having dinner in the garage alone’ or ‘going to pick the tomatoes together’. It was dangerous to go outside of their little fenced off corner of the neighbourhood. It was hard for Alex to get around in the empty houses on the street, because he hadn’t memorised where everything was.

Still, on the nights the spent together on the pull-out sofa in the garage, the privacy was heaven. Curling up against Alex, playing with Willie’s hair, kissing them both without fear of being interrupted by his little brother or Luke who had an amazing song idea, it was bliss. Tonight, they were discussing things they missed from before the apocalypse. Willie missed skating competitions, and the internet. Reggie was sad they’d never make the next season of his favourite show. Alex sighed, and said he missed the beach.

Which was totally a fixable thing. It had taken them a few weeks, talking to the others behind Alex’ back, making sure everyone was okay with their day trip, preparing the safest route. Willie was the one who usually went outside their neighbourhood, scavenging and skating around. He’d mapped the safest route to the safest beach, getting rid of as many triffids as he could along the way.

But then the day had come. Ray had waited for them at the door, giving him a hug. Reggie had clung to him, nervous. He didn’t want to leave them alone. He’d been responsible for their safety for so long, it felt wrong to leave. Which was exactly why he should, Flynn’s mother had told him firmly, the week before. “Are you sure you’ll be okay?” he asked.

“I’m sure,” Ray said. “You boys deserve this. Go have fun. And Reggie...” He paused, and Reggie tensed. “Remember to wear sunscreen.” Ray winked at him, squeezing his arms before ushering him out of the door. 

The walk to the beach was long, and slightly tense. Willie had a make-shift molotov cocktail in one hand, and Alex’ hand in the other. Reggie was on Alex’ other side, quietly leading them around debris and muttering a running commentary of what he saw around them.

They set off at first light, so they didn’t really run into many people, and they were mostly able to avoid the ones who were out, only stopping to make polite conversation with a group of women lead by an old lady with a guide dog. They told them that the beach seemed to be clear today, as Rover hadn’t alerted once while they heard the waves. They even let Reggie give Rover a quick pet, and Alex joked that whatever happened, Reggie’s day was already made.

When they could hear the waves, Willie climbed one of the palm trees to scout the area, declaring Rover was right and it seemed to be all clear. As soon as they hit the sand, Alex laughed, stopping. He yanked his shoes off, and Reggie smiled, shoving them in his backpack while Willie pulled Alex towards the waves.

They played in the sand and the water for hours, taking turns floating on their backs, splashing at each other, just sitting in the surf and letting the waves crash over them. Kissing each other with salty lips. Eating the lunch that Flynn’s mom had packed them. Laying on their backs and soaking up the sun. Maybe even spreading out the big towel they’d packed and... taking advantage of the privacy they had (after they checked and reassured Alex there was nobody around, of course).

And when they got home, salty and sated and happy, they were welcomed with open arms, a home cooked meal, and a good bit of healthy teasing when the first thing Reggie said when asked how it had been was: “I pet a dog!”

[ian-galagher]

The Anniversary

Ian can't sleep. It's worse than the night before Christmas, he's that giddy about his second anniversary. Expectations are high after the elaborate surprise party Mickey had planned the year before, but when Ian walks into the kitchen that morning it's business as usual.

"'ey." Mickey grumbles over coffee and toast.

"Morning." Ian replies, grabbing his own mug. A knowing smirk passes between them but nothing is said out loud.

There are no balloons, no pancakes, no flowers. It's almost disappointing but it had started the same way last time. So breakfast isn't the big surprise, that only means there's more to come later that day and Ian can't wait. He'd hardly expected his entire family to be gathered around to watch him shovel toast into his mouth anyway.

(continue on AO3 or below the cut, 1200 words + image) 

Random people congratulate him throughout the day, mostly after he tells them. There are texts from his family but nothing else happens. No clowns pop up and no one serenades him, but he wouldn't have liked either anyway. Part of the fun is trying to guess what Mickey has planned for him but it remains a mystery, which only gets him more pumped for when his shift is finally over and he can go home to find out.

Around dinner time his level of excitement is through the roof. They kiss at the door, but then Mickey plonks himself down heavily onto the couch. Ian doesn't sit, instead he remains standing before Mickey, hands on his hips. "So what are we doing about dinner?"

He can't wait to find out. The bar again? Or maybe a fancy restaurant? It won't be a barbecue in February but maybe there's a party arranged at someone's house, with a home cooked meal and all their friends and family invited. He imagines them already there waiting for them to show up and surprise him and he doesn't want to run late.

"I dunno, you tell me." Mickey shoots back, sly smile on his lips. It could be a game, but Ian's not sure how to play it. He can't help but feel a touch disappointed when Mickey keeps eyeing him expectantly. "No really." Ian says with a frown. "What's the plan? Where are we going?"

"We going somewhere?"

It's not the reply he was expecting. It can't have been a one time thing, surely? He's not going to ask Mickey if he remembers what today is, not again. He knows. Ian knows he knows.

Ian scratches his chin, getting the tiniest bit annoyed with the situation. "You really haven't got anything planned?" Mickey gives a defensive shrug at that. He looks a touch hurt when he replies, "Thought it was your turn." And, yeah okay, that one stings but how was he supposed to know they were taking turns with this? It hadn't even crossed his mind, he'd been too excited to find out what Mickey had planned for him to come up with a surprise of his own. Only now there are no plans, and their second anniversary is threatening to be just a day like any other.

"Shit, I'm a dick." He drops down next to his husband on the couch, head thrown back and eyes squeezed shut at the realization. "Shit, I'm sorry-"

"It's fine. We'll just make something for dinner. What have we got we can use?" Mickey's hand lands warmly on his thigh where it stays. Ian doesn't dare to look at him, too embarrassed this is how they're about to spend their evening. His mind wanders over to their kitchen cupboards and their contents where another disappointment awaits them. "I haven't been to the shops either." He groans. He's only making it worse. He really had banked everything on there being some sort of dinner arranged for him tonight.

"Must be somethin' out in that garden of yours. Tomatoes?"

"Mickey, it's February. Tomatoes don't grow this time of the year."

"That's a shame. Maybe we should check out the garden anyway?"

That doesn't make any sense either. Really, why would they? Mickey should know by now their garden is a wasteland during winter, they pass through it every day. It's not until April that the first shoots will come up through the soil, and it won't be until the end of May before they'll fully be able to enjoy their garden again. It seems such a silly thing of Mickey to say. It's almost out of character for him. It takes Ian far too long to catch on but eventually he cracks open an eye to peek at him. "The garden, huh?"

Mickey's grin is too wide to be a coincidence and Ian leaps up from the couch, dashing towards the backdoor followed closely by the man he loves.

He just hopes it isn't another tomato plant. After he told his family he liked growing them they wouldn't stop getting him tomato plants. He has more than he knows what to do with at this stage and he can't house another, but that's not what awaits him when he pushes open the backdoor.

Instead he's greeted by the largest insect hotel he's ever seen. It's standing right at the back of the garden where it catches the sunlight beautifully. Between the tomatoes and the flower beds, where bees will buzz and look for suitable spots to lay their eggs, a massive construction stands with more than enough room for just that. Ian's eyes roam over the tiny drilled holes in the wood, counting out hundreds of hiding places for insects of all shapes and sizes, and it fills his heart that they'll be able to provide a home for all of them this summer.

Mickey's there to bask in the glow his smile emanates, beaming right back at him with that same gleefulness of a plan well executed and a present well received. "You like it? It's a home for all your little bees."

Ian turns to him, eyes gleaming as he takes Mickey's face in his hands and plants his lips there where they belong and will always return to. Where loving words take their shape and pass their tongues on a daily base.

"Best present ever." He murmurs against Mickey's grinning mouth, not leaving space for an answer as they melt back together again. It may be February, but their kiss is as warm as a summer's day.

When they break apart, Ian stares into loving eyes, wondering not for the first time what he's done to deserve a man this kind and thoughtful.

"We can just order a pizza." Mickey says casually, reminding him they still haven't got any dinner plans.

"After this? I'm taking you to the best restaurant Chicago has to offer." Ian says, feeling generous. "Get you the biggest honey glazed steak on the planet."

Mickey's eyebrows bounce at that. "That thing comin' in handy already!" He says, slapping the roof of the hotel. Mickey can have his moment in the sun, which is why Ian doesn't point out the insect hotel isn't the same as a beehive. He does however park the idea of beekeeping as something to look into in the future.

"'lright, let's go!" His husbands says, turning towards the house. "But next year it's your turn!" 

Ian smiles, throwing one last look at the gift Mickey got him and plans to give him a dozen surprises in return.

Notes:

I walked past this beast at the garden center and instantly thought about how Ian would own several. They're about 300 bucks but so worth it because they can fit so many little bees!! I have a smaller one myself that's very successful and I can highly recommend them, they're so much fun!

[quietplace26]

Lost and Found au (4)

After (re)introducing himself to Akito, KK quickly develops a regular habit of stoping by the coffee shop every night around the same time without fail.

Whether it was for coffee, a tasty pastry, or even just stoping by for a late night chat, KK would always pop in to see Akito.

With each nightly visit, Akito learns more and more things about KK he never knew about before.

Of course, KK never once mentions anything about his real job as a yokai hunter, or anything supernatural related, as to him, Akito was just a normal civilan.

If only KK knew the truth. Knew how Akito was friends with various yokai, how he fought dangerous yokai/visitors to keep his home and coffee shop safe, and if only he knew how they once fought together as a team...

"Akito? You okay?" A startled Akito jumps at KK's voice. "Y-yeah..." He looks away from KK with a weak smile.

Thankfully, KK doesn't push for answers, he just goes back to complaining about one of his coworkers. Apparently Dale stole one of the treats Akito gave KK last time the older man visited.

"Bastard ate it with a fucking smile on his face!" KK at this point wasn't complaining anymore, he was full blown pouting now!

Akito couldn't help it. He called KK out on his pouting. "KK." The pouting yokai hunter looks at him. "What." Akito laughs as he pointed at KK's face. "You do know you're pouting right?"

KK swiftly denies it with a dark scowl, but Akito only laughs harder. "Seriously KK," Akito giggles helplessly as he wipes a tear of laughter from his eye. "How is it you're this cute?"

Okay. Maybe Akito shouldn't have said that, but it's true! Not only was KK surprisingly handsome, he was also weirdly cute for a man his age.

A still giggling Akito turns around to grab something from the counter behind him, completely missing KK's blushing, gapping face. The red face yokai hunter mouths the word 'cute' in disbelief...

"...Can I ask you something kid?" It was another late night, and KK, who watching Akito clean up with a fond look on his face, asks the barista something very odd.

"Do you have a lover?" Akito squeaks, nearly tripping over his own feet at the unexpected question. "N-no! W-why are you even asking that, KK?!" KK just gives him a mysterious grin...

The next night comes, and oddly enough, KK doesn't show up.

Akito waited for him, but the older man never comes. So when it started to get too late, Akito just decided to call it a night and head home.

As he began the long walk home, he hears something coming down the road. It was a motorcycle, and it was heading straight toward Akito!

As the motorcycle came to a stop beside him, the barista tenses up and prepares himself for a fight. He didn't know if this person was dangerous or not, so he wasn't going to take any chances!

To his surprise however, the rider of the motorcycle is revealed to be KK!

"KK? What are you-" Akito's question is cut off when KK tosses a helmet at him, telling him to hop on.

Akito does what the older man said, confused, but trusting KK with his life. "Where are we going exactly KK?" Akito carefully climbs onto the motocycle and wraps his arms around KK's waist.

While KK couldn't see KK's face, he suddenly got the feeling the older man was grining. "I'm taking you out on a date!"

"Eh?!" A-a-a date?! With KK?!

Akito yelps as KK revs up the motorcycle, causing the barista to cling onto the yokai hunter for dear life as they shot down the dark streets at a dangerously fast speed. "Holy-! KK! Slow down!!!"

...A few hours later KK pulls up to Akito's place to drop the barista off. Their date went remarkably well despite it coming from out of nowhere.

Akito nuzzles into his new plush happily as he and KK walked up to his front door. The plush was a last minute gift from KK. They were just heading to Akito's place after eating a good meal when KK saw a small arcade.

It didn't even take 5 minutes for KK to win Akito a plush that caught his eye. It was a big kitty plush. What Akito liked most about it was the fact it had a grumpy face on it.

Fun fact: KK cheated. The yokai hunter had sneakily used his etheral weaving to win the plush! Akito saw it happen, but KK doesn't know that.

Akito smiles as he hug his new plush. "It reminds me of you KK." A flustered KK sputters out that it didn't look like him one bit!

The door to Akito's home is unlocked, and Akito steps inside. He turns to KK, and smiles shyly. "I had fun tonight KK." KK returns his smile. "Yeah... Me to."

A thoughtful look suddenly appears on KK's face, and before Akito ask what's the matter, the thoughtful look became a determind one.

KK stalks forward, causing Akito to back up in surprise. "K-KK? What are- H-hm?" KK traps him against the door and kisses him.

Akito blinks several times, not comprehending what was really happening to him at the moment.

It was only when KK deepen the kiss did Akito's brain finally reboot and he kisses KK back with a breathy sigh.

The plush in Akito's hands falls to the ground with a soft thump as the barista wraps his arms around KK's neck, pulling him closer.

A soft mewl of pleasure rises from Akito's throat as KK pushed his body closer, grinding his body against Akito's slightly.

When air became a issue that could no longer be ignored, Akito pulls away with a gasp, panting heavily as he stared at KK in shock.

KK pants heavily as well, looking rather smug as he did. Akito swiftly wipes that smugness away by yanking the yokai hunter into another mind blowing kiss.

The kisses didn't stop, and soon, Akito just grabs KK's tie and drags the older man into his home, locking the door behind them.

Needless to say, a wild night ensues, and by the next morning, Akito was proud to say that KK was now his official boyfriend!

But as he laid next to the still sleeping KK, Akito began to feel worry build up in him.

Reaching over, Akito lightly traces KK's face, somehow not waking the sleeping man up with his light touch. KK just grumbles in his sleep, unconciously nuzzling into Akito's hand.

KK still doesn't remember him or what happened in Shibuya, and he knew he had to tell KK eventually as it was only a matter of time before KK finally notices how Akito wasn't exactly a normal civilan like he first thought.

Would KK even believe him if Akito told him the truth? Would he hate Akito for keeping the truth to himself? Or would KK just flat out abandon him, leaving him all alone in the world...

"Aki?" KK's sleepy voice breaks him out his dark thoughts. The older man tiredly blinks at him. "Why are you crying..." KK mumurrs, reaching over to gently touch Akito's cheek, which to the barista's surprise, was wet with tears.

Akito just gives KK a sad smile as he rubs his tears away. "It's nothing KK... Just remembering something sad, that's all..."

'Please KK... Please don't leave me alone when you know the truth..."

[gon-and-killuas-mother]

due to the Naruto/Batman crossover i've been reading i will now be stepping into the Batman fandom

i mean, i've always liked Batman, but i never got into the comics bc there's so MANY so i settled for the animated tv shows and movies

specifically, i wanna see more Bruce being a kind person! also i need more Nightwing in my life. Dick Grayson might be one of my favorite DC characters next to Bruce Wayne

unfortunately for y'all this DOES mean i will be composing a self-insert story in my head. there's already one simmering on the mental back burner. it's how you know i love a story or group of characters; i write a self-insert fanfic as a coping mechanism for whatever shit is happening in my life. and boy do i need to pretend there's an edgelord billionaire taking the streets during my waking hours and investing part of his fortune to studying my illnesses during the day

whoops i already wrote something under the cut

i think, for my story, my self-insert has my basic personality and definitely my gender. they're an artist living either in Gotham or Blüdhaven. they use a wheelchair, sometimes a rollator, and deal with my same chronic pain and fatigue. oh and bc i rarely hear southern accents in these shows, this pal is from good ol' Arkansas but moved to follow their kid brother to either Gotham or Blüdhaven

the basic Plot that my brain generated to connect my character to the Bat family hinges largely on chance. Nightwing is on patrol, maybe following leads on the current Mystery. he stops on the roof of an apartment building towards the end of his patrol and takes a breather, sits on ledge and goes through files of evidence etc etc

enter my character (uh let's call them Rhys?) who opens the door to the roof and pulls out their rollator that they've managed to lug up the last flight of stairs, since the elevator doesn't go all the way to the roof. they also have a large art canvas, an easel, and their bag of supplies precariously balanced on the rollator.

Rhys spots Nightwing, who was surprised to see anyone else on a rooftop at 4 in the morning, and they look around and go "I'm not. I'm not interrupting anything, am I? Usually one mask brings more."

Nightwing stands up and assures them they're safe. he's about to leave when they pull a huge thermos from their bag (how did they get all of this up here??)

"My brother gave me this for my birthday a few years ago," Rhys says, lifting the thermos so Nightwing could see it. They pop off the lid, which turns out to be two that can be used as mugs. "Weird kids don't make a whole lotta friends. But he said the easiest way to someone's heart is through a shared cup of coffee."

and how could Nightwing, running on a handful of hours of sleep with at least another eight hours of detective work ahead of him, possibly say no to that?

he accepts the coffee and quietly sends a message to Barbara that he's taking a brief detour, all the while Rhys is setting up their easel and canvas. there's already some rough sketches and a couple layers of paint. Nightwing knows the skyline of this city well enough to recognize it even through an artist's eyes.

Rhys tells him that the sunrises here are unique. back home, the skies were crystal clear and nearly every sunrise was hallmark-worthy. but here, the pollution and glass windows reflect and refract the light in more ways than they could've imagined, and they have a series of paintings stashed in their tiny apartment devoted to color studies.

for one reason or another, this becomes a regular thing. several times a week, Rhys takes the elevator to the top floor, then heaves their rollator and supplies up that last flight of stairs. and every so often, when they open the door, they find Nightwing waiting for them. he starts bringing breakfast with him, but tells them he likes their coffee better (bc there's something about a coffee shared in a thermos that can't be replicated by any coffee shop)

eventually they ask each other about family. obv Nightwing doesn't give too many details, but enough to add to conversation. Rhys only has their brother, as their parents have been out of the picture for years.

one day, Rhys is quieter than usual, and hasn't touched their canvas yet, instead sketching and scratching out and balling up scrap paper etc etc. Nightwing asks what's wrong, and it takes a bit of nudging, but Rhys eventually tells him they haven't heard from their brother in a little over a week. it's not so unusual, but they get anxious anyway. they assure Nightwing that their brother probably just forgot.

then a week passes, and Nightwing is alone on the roof longer than usual. he's about to leave when Rhys opens the door, and he doesn't even have to ask how they're doing because they're pale, fidgety, and the circles under their eyes are much more pronounced.

their brother hasn't returned any calls or texts. more worryingly, his phone seems to have died or disconnected several days ago. Rhys doesn't ask any favors, but they don't have to, because as they're piecing together what info they have, Nightwing is already looking through police databases and missing persons and so on.

he hits a dead end, but one that is more informative and condemning.

Rhys's brother has a file in the system, and it's buried behind a top secret confidential report. something, something, Nightwing makes a loose connection to the case he and Bruce are working on for the A-plot. he promises Rhys that he'll find their brother.

and he does. he and Bruce bust the A-plot scheme involving (insert name of gang) that was responsible for dozens of disappearances. only a few of the victims were saved, the rest had been killed long before Batman and Nightwing stormed the keep.

Nightwing finds the brother. his body is floating face down in the canal a few blocks downstream, along with a dozen or so others. he's been dead for two days at least.

once the bodies are retrieved and safely transported to the nearest hospital morgue, Nightwing heads back to Rhys.

the sky is already turning from black to grey as he lands on the rooftop. Rhys has their easel set up and looks to be halfway through their current painting. they look up, about to greet him, but their smile vanishes when they see how grim Nightwing seems.

they blink back tears threatening to fall, turn their attention back to the canvas and pick up a different paintbrush. they quietly mix different colors on their palette until they're satisfied, before slapping the paintbrush to the canvas.

"Please," they finally say. the tears are flowing freely now. "Tell me what happened."

Nightwing sits on the ledge next to his cup of coffee. he remembers how his heart shattered when his parents were killed. he remembers the crushing despair upon learning of Jason's fate.

he isn't new to delivering this message. to telling an innocent family that their loved one is gone. he's learned how to keep it professional yet empathetic, to hide the worst details while satisfying their desperate need to Know.

there was something different about this one. maybe it was the determined focus Rhys was giving their painting, despite the tremor in their hands and their short breaths.

Nightwing tells them everything he can, save for the worst details. Rhys doesn't need extra imagery for their inevitable nightmares. but he explains the gang, the villain, the blackmailing, and Rhys paints on, only stopping to wipe at their eyes or blow their nose.

he finishes his story and watches them paint.

after some time of sitting in silence, the city slowly awakens and the sun rises. it isn't until the sun is nearly level with the tallest buildings that Rhys drops their paintbrush and buries their face in their hands.

the painting depicts their usual imagery, the sunrise filtering through smog and glass towers. the foreground shows a rooftop, not so different from the one they currently sat on. at the farthest edge of the rooftop, standing on the ledge with his hands raised--perhaps greeting the sun, or waving goodbye to the viewer-- was a boy. Rhys hadn't given him much detail, but they didn't need to.

Nightwing saw not just their brother, but his. that boy could just as easily be Jason as any other kid whose lives were cut short.

Rhys packs their things and stands to leave. they don't touch the painting. Nightwing asks what they'll do with it. Rhys looks at it one more time.

"Take it," they tell him. "I can't look at it anymore."

when Dick comes home with the canvas, he leans it against the wall and stares at it. one of the other Bat family, maybe Steph? Tim? comes in and sees the painting.

"Whoa," they say. "It's beautiful. I've never seen a sunrise look so sad before."

[cheegu3]

How about treasure yandere reaction to their s/o getting harassed by (treasure) their bff and s/o hiding it because they were threatened by treasure friends

tw / trigger warning: yandere themes, abusive relationships, violence, bullying, blackmail, swearing, killing/murder, mentions of not eating

yoshi specifically dedicated to you ma’am <3 

after jaehyuk they get a bit shorter but that’s bc I wanted to finish it bc u have been waiting for long ;-;

pic credits: (all pinterest) - Iza, 6ruto, iHugRyujin, baoo_, skzktic, cigsucks, mjk.195, deadg0thie

~ Treasure - reaction to s/o getting harassed by their best friend ~

Hyunsuk

He trusted his friends with his whole life, even more so his best friend that he’d known since he was a kid - so it would be a huge shock to him that he had treated you like that. 

It would feel as if they had betrayed him and he’d waste no time in trying to get rid of them, the history they shared no longer mattered, not even the slightest, because they had hurt the one he loved the most.

In this case, you went to the same school as Hyunsuk’s friends. They were younger than him and they knew each other since childhood. When your boyfriend found out you were going to school with them, he was really excited and relieved - thinking that this meant you’d be protected from malicious bullies. He’d never imagine that the ones who would become your bullies would in fact be them.

They had threatened you several times. You weren’t sure what they would do if you told your boyfriend but it was wearing you down so much that he was bound to notice the shift in your mood soon enough.

You had become depressed; withdrawn and empty. His concern started out small, thinking it was only you showing him an attitude for his cruel ways but it only increased with time as you’d completely shut yourself away after coming home from school.

‘‘ Baby? What’s wrong? ‘‘ 

A soft knock came from your door.

You sighed and rolled over, praying that he’d leave you alone.

After about an hour, you had expected him to leave and was going to go out to get water. He was waiting outside and was about to pull you into a warm hug but stopped mid way.

Your initial surprise went away as you followed his eyes down to where he was holding you, your wrist. It was littered with bruises of all colours.

His eyebrow twitched and it looked like something was breaking inside him. You felt scared and tried to snatch your hand away but he wouldn’t let you.

‘‘ Who did this to you? ‘‘

You held your head down, not answering.

‘‘ You’re getting bullied at school...’‘ he whispered.

You could hear the pain in his voice and decided to tell him everything.

That night while you were in bed - you best believe he’d be paying some people a visit, they were no longer his friends, they were his enemies. 

Jihoon

He was a mystery; his feelings, his true life, his friends. You didn’t really know anything about him, because that was the way Jihoon wanted to keep it.

His logical side told him to keep you apart from his friends, family and anyone else he knew because that would just create another opportunity for you to expose him and escape.

So naturally you didn’t know that the guy who had an obvious crush on you at the coffee shop, actually was Jihoon’s best friend. 

His friend made you really uncomfortable. Any time you’d go there to just pick up a coffee or hang out, you prayed that he wasn’t there, unfortunately he was almost there all the time just to get a glimpse of you.

His friend was a yandere for you too. He dreamt of the day he would be able to take you away from Jihoon, maybe killing him and run far far away with you by his side. 

One day while you were out with your boyfriend on a walk, he suggested you go for a coffee. You agreed, not realising that you were standing only a couple meters away from the shop he worked at. 

‘‘ Here? ‘‘

You looked up and panic started to fill you.

‘‘ No! Why can’t we go to another one ‘‘ you tried dragging Jihoon by his jacket but he didn’t budge.

He stared at you weirdly.

‘‘ Why? ‘‘

‘‘ This...eh, they don’t serve good coffee ‘‘

This made him chuckle. But it seemed your protests didn’t matter, because he dragged you in with him any way.

You joined the small queue together and while he was looking at the menu, you were glancing around anxiously. 

‘‘ Please...Please ‘‘ you begged silently.

Jihoon leaned in.

‘‘ My friend actually works here ‘‘

‘‘ Oh...really ‘‘

He smiled at you, looking rather proud.

‘‘ Is, your friend a guy? ‘‘

His smile turned into a confident smirk. He thought you were getting jealous at the thought of him having female friends.

‘‘ Yeah ‘‘

You cursed under your breath and just then you spotted the douchebag. His eyes lit up when he saw you but when your boyfriend caught his attention it faded slightly, only not enough so he’d get suspicious.

He waved back at Jihoon and came up to you.

‘‘ Hey! Are you working now? I just wanted to stop by so I could finally introduce you to my girlfriend. ‘‘ He wrapped an arm around you and smiled proudly at his friend.

The friend smiled nervously.

‘‘ Hey, it’s nice to meet you ‘’

‘‘ You too ‘‘ you said quietly.

You ordered your coffee and sat down with Jihoon to drink it. After a few minutes of monotone replying to your boyfriend, you spotted his friend waving at you to come to him.

You excused yourself to the bathroom and figured this would be the perfect opportunity to tell him to back off.

He grinned when he saw you following his request.

‘‘ I just wanted to tell you something y/n, it won’t take long ‘‘

He leaned in, a sudden flame of hatred evident in his eyes.

‘‘ If you don’t break up with your boyfriend, I will kill him ‘‘ he whispered threateningly.

‘‘ What did you just say? ‘‘ 

You and the friend both jumped at the sound of your boyfriend who had sneaked up on you without neither of you noticing. 

‘‘ You’re lucky my girlfriend is here, otherwise I’d kill you right now ‘‘

Yoshi

He got mad at you rather than his friend. He knew what kind of friends he had, the thing he was most mad about was just how you could keep something like that from him.

If you had previously tried to build up his trust, that would all be gone, you’d have to start from zero again. 

He just didn’t get you? How could you be so stupid as to not go to the only person you truly knew you could trust. Someone who was terrifying and respectable, even someone his own friends that to you seemed terrifying, still respected him.

If you had told him, he’d be on your side but now you were the only one that was going to get punished. It was something you deserved for lying to him and keeping things from him.

The way he found out was through them and he couldn’t have felt more humiliated as he stared back blankly at his friend. They felt bad since this had been going on for a while and they had noticed how you became more and more distant, zoning out at work and messing up orders. The guilt eventually began eating them up. 

When the friend finally apologised to you and said they’d stop their harassment and bullying, you were ready to accept it, feeling relieved until they mentioned your boyfriend. 

‘‘ And...I’ll have to confess to Yoshi too. But I don’t know if he will accept my- ‘‘

‘‘-No! ‘‘ you interrupted, panic coarsing through you.

They stared back at you in shock, looking startled at your sudden outburst and distressed state.

‘‘ P-please don’t. I don’t want him to know. We can keep this between us, yeah? ‘‘ you pleaded to the friend who now looked away guiltily. 

They felt like they couldn’t do that. Having gone far enough with treating his best friend’s partner badly, and now this, were you really asking him to lie and continue this slippery slope?

‘‘ No. I can’t do that ‘‘

‘‘ Sorry ‘‘ he added, mumbling before quickly disappearing behind the counter.

‘‘ No, no, no, no ‘‘ you ran up to the counter and asked to be let in.

The girl you worked with looked at you with pity.

‘‘ You’re not working today, so I can’t ‘‘

Tears of frustration and defeat started to well up in your eyes.

‘‘ Why don’t you go home and rest. I’m sure your boyfriend isn’t a bad guy. He won’t react badly, yes? ‘‘

It was meant to be comforting but her words only made you feel more sick. If she only knew what hell you had to live through every day then she wouldn’t talk so optimistically of your boyfriend - maybe if she wasn’t so blind, she’d notice all of the signs in front of her.

The friend went to Yoshi straight away, not risking the chance of you maybe going to him to tell him first, they needed to be the one to tell him.

The two of them met outside Yoshi’s house, he had come out, looking a bit annoyed to have been called out so late during the night but he was always willing to listen to his friends nevertheless.

‘‘ Hey, what’s up? ‘‘ He noticed the way his friend seemed to shift anxiously and how his shoulders hung as if they had the weight of a burden on them.

‘‘ I just...I just need to tell you something. Is that okay? ‘‘

‘‘ Of course ‘‘ he smiled at his friend fondly.

‘‘ Well, it’s about y/n ‘‘ his smile disappeared immediately and his eyes narrowed. Now it was his turn to shift anxiously.

‘‘ We work together as you know and...I haven’t been treating her well ‘‘ they said the last bit quickly like they wanted to get it off their chest as soon as possible.

Silence followed. Yoshi wasn’t sure what to respond. His best friend had done that? Someone he loved and trusted had treated the person he loved most, horribly...

But then the thought struck him. 

You

You had all this time, all the opportunities in the world to tell him, yet you didn’t. In a way he was excited to finally have a reason to punish you but at the same time it hurt him greatly.

‘‘ Fucking bitch ‘‘ he growled, biting his lip.

The friend hurriedly apologised over and over, not knowing that he was in fact talking about you and already thinking about what he was going to do to you tonight.

Junkyu

He was devastated. That both his friend that he trusted to let you be alone with, had treated you so horribly and also that you didn’t have the heart to tell him.

It didn’t matter if you didn’t wanna tell him because you didn’t want to ruin the friendship him and his friend had, or because you just didn’t feel safe around him. Either way, it was still heartbreaking and almost in a way sweet to him.

This would definitely make him fall even harder for you and treat you better. He’d see you as basically glass after this incident; like you were pure, breakable and needed to be handled with care and cautiousness.

Junkyu found out through going through your phone. He hadn’t notice a change in your behaviour or mood, but going through your stuff was a common occurrence - which is why it was just a coincidence that he found the texts between you and his friend.

In them, his friend was swearing at you and saying he was going to kill you. His name was mentioned a few times as the friend threatened to kill you if you told him.

‘’ If you tell him I will fucking kill you ‘’

‘‘ I won’t ‘‘

‘‘ Yeah, you wouldn’t want to ruin our friendship right? So you better shut your mouth about this ‘‘

‘‘ I won’t tell him. I promise ‘‘

Junkyu’s eyes lit up in awe while reading the texts. You were so cool about it. He thought about how much you must love him to be keeping something that important from him.

Just as he had put down the phone he heard the front door close. Immediately he ran over there and embraced you tightly.

‘‘ Oh y/n ‘‘

You blinked in confusion and hugged him back hesitantly. 

‘‘ I love you so much ‘‘

‘‘ Uh. I love you too ‘‘

‘‘ Is there a special occasion? ‘‘ you joked.

‘‘ I’m very proud of you for standing up to my friend. That’s it ‘‘

You froze in his arms.

Mashiho

Surprisingly he’d understand why you had kept this information from him and instead he was angry at this friend. A raging storm that wouldn’t calm down until he had killed his friend. 

He wanted to do this for you, to make sure you wouldn’t be anxious of the thought of your harasser still being out there, coming to possibly haunt you again.

Mashiho found out through stalking you. He usually did this, to just keep an eye on you and what you were doing. His driver had gotten the honour to do it whenever he was busy. One day the driver was following you as usual. You went to your usual places and talked to the same people but then you turned a corner of the school he had never seen you go before. It was at the back, near the kitchens where the rougher part of the school was, which was often used for smoking kids hanging around.

The driver quickly got out and sneaked behind, making sure to not be seen by you. You were very naive and carefree anyway, you’d never be able to notice someone following even if they meant harm or not.

You waited there for a bit, bouncing your leg anxiously until the driver spotted a guy approaching. You two were saying something inaudible which forced him to move closer so he could listen and report this, what he thought was a cheating scandal - back to his boss.

But as he listened more and more he understood quite quickly that you weren’t cheating.

‘‘ You fucking bitch ‘‘ the driver gasped at how suddenly the man seemed to switch to anger.

He slammed you against the wall and you whimpered in pain, trying to cover your face from him.

‘‘ I told you not to tell him anything! ‘‘ he slapped your head.

‘‘ I-I didn’t ‘‘ you cried muffled.

‘‘ Then why the fuck has he texted me saying he wants to...talk. This is all your fault ‘‘ he grabbed a fistful of your hair as he said this and then slammed you to the wall one last time before leaving the scene.

After the whole ordeal he’d become slightly softer to you, a bit more lenient like letting you be more by yourself and cooking comfort foods for you. He wanted you to realise that he was always there; no matter if it was a good time or bad time in your life, he always comforted or celebrated with you, while no one else did.

The driver hurried to tell his boss in the car. When Mashiho heard what he had witnessed, he started fuming. 

As his driver was retelling all of the details of the incident, your boyfriend’s hand began shaking in practice. His members looked at him with worry and confusion. While he heard of the cruel ways you had been hurt by the hands of his best friend - his hand had shook because he was yearning to do the same things his friend had done to you, back to him.

Jaehyuk

He was angry for a lot of things. While he was very angry with his friend for treating you badly - it was mostly because he believed only he had the right to do so. 

He was mad at you for being so submissive and scared of conflict, never fighting back and just taking it. He was also mad at you for not telling him, since he saw this as misbehaving. Lying was one of his biggest pet peeves and you were gonna be punished severely because of this.

Maybe he deep down felt bad, but he didn’t know that himself. It was possible that all of the more vulnerable and uncomfortable feelings were instead masked as anger for him because that’s how Jaehyuk dealt with things. 

His anger for his friend and hurt over the betrayal was taken out on you, it was your fault, all of it.

Your boyfriend found out about the whole thing because he got suspicious of your behaviour. He suspected you of cheating or planning your escape when you told him you had to go out late at night to ‘’ meet someone ‘’. You were bad at lying and couldn’t come up with an answer to who this someone was.

It enraged him. You noticed it every time you left, how the anger in his eyes got bigger and bigger and when you arrived home he’d punish you while cursing at you for being disobedient. 

Still he let you go out because he didn’t want your school or friends to get suspicious. 

But this didn’t meant that he let you meet his own friends. He didn’t want them to become yandere for you or get a small crush on you, or worst of all - you’d get a crush on them. 

That’s why he’d find it really alarming when he saw that you had saved his friend’s number in your phone.

‘‘ Y/n? Come here ‘‘ your boyfriend called out from the other room.

You knew you hadn’t done anything wrong but any time he’d say that, demanding that you’d come to him, you were terribly afraid of getting punished. 

Quickly you made your way over to the livingroom where he was sitting on the couch.

Your heart skipped a beat when you saw what was in his hand, your phone. He held it up to show you, waving it about tauntingly. 

‘‘ Do you want to explain yourself? ‘‘

You swallowed nervously.

‘‘ Why do you have my friend’s number in your phone? ‘‘ he stood up, slowly stalking towards you.

The slight amusement due to him having the upper-hand was gone now. He only sounded angry, talking in a low and impatient tone.

‘‘ I-I don’t know ‘‘

‘‘ I suggest you tell the truth ‘‘

You went over all of the possible scenarios in your head, a thousand thoughts rushing all at once and when the silence had become too long and you sensed he was getting angrier the longer you took to answer, you finally did.

‘‘ Okay. I will tell you everything ‘‘

After you had told him the reason for the number being in your phone and your behaviour like being forced to go out late at night, another silent pause followed.

You weren’t sure what he was thinking as you looked at him and the more time that passed without a single word from him, you got more worried. He wasn’t even looking at you. He was sitting on the couch, hands clasped together and looking down as if in deep thought.

You weren’t quite sure what he was thinking deeply about, it was clear as day that you were the victim!

‘‘ Jaehyuk? ‘‘ you tried.

He stood up again and began walking back and forth.

‘‘ How could you keep this from me? ‘‘

‘‘ I-I’m sorry. I was too scared ‘‘ you hung your head.

He snorted.

‘‘ Scared? You should be more scared of me and not that guy, you should know that by now ‘‘

You stayed quiet.

‘‘ You’re a coward and you know it. Without me you would be nothing! ‘‘

‘‘ Now go down in the basement and wait there for me ‘‘

Asahi

He loved you, he really did. But there was just something about you not telling him and spending all this time, willingly or not - with this other guy that wasn’t him.

He loved his friend too which is why it hurt him. But most of it was just hate and anger that was directed at the both of you. 

For a long time, he thought about what punishment would be most fitting but became conflicted. He had noticed the way his friend looked at you, almost the exact same way that he did and knew immediately that his friend liked you; maybe even loved you. Therefor, he came to the conclusion that killing you would hurt his friend the most, and it would hurt you too since you would naturally be terrified and be begging for your life.

In the end, he decided not to - but only if you did beg, because he liked when you did that, and you’d better come with good reasons for why he shouldn’t kill you.

If you didn’t treat him like a prince basically from now on, he’d threaten to kill you. So not only did you have the past anxiety from being threatened by his friend, now you had your boyfriend using the same trick since he saw that it worked to get him what he wanted.

‘‘ You can go ahead babe, I just wanna talk to him in private first ‘‘

You looked at Asahi and was about to ask why but kept quiet when he gave you a stern look that said it wasn’t any of your business. So you kept walking, trying very hard to not glance back and try to get a gist of what the secret conversation was about.

‘‘ I’m gonna ask you a question. And I need you to answer it honestly ‘‘ Asahi said to his friend.

His friend didn’t look uncomfortable in the slightest, maybe because he didn’t know of what was about to come.

‘‘ Do you like y/n? ‘‘ he looked stunned ‘‘ I’ve seen the way you look at her ‘‘ your boyfriend added while eying his body language.

‘‘ I...Yes I do ‘‘ he finally answered.

The fact that he didn’t avoid eye-contact made Asahi suspicious.

‘‘ I believe I can treat her better. That I, deserve her and you don’t ‘‘ his friend continued, raising his head as to appear more confident.

Asahi sighed.

‘‘ If this is how you want it to be. So be it. But I warned you ‘‘

Yedam

His best friend really went behind his back like that, how dare he? He would be angry, at first but then rather heartbroken. Friends were something he picked carefully and few of them were as close as his best friend that he had known for a very long time.

For the next few weeks, maybe even months after Yedam cuts him out of both of your lives, because he couldn’t bring himself to kill him - he’ll be devastated and very depressed. 

Barely getting out of bed, eating or taking care of himself, you’re forced to do so as he tries to grapple with his new reality of a life without his best friend in it. He had never thought it would come to this. He had actually quite often daydreamed of what his future would be like; both him and his friend, happily married talking of their past memories and how much they liked each other’s company. But it was all gone now.

Maybe he’d partially blame you. If he had never met you, he’d never have lost his friend. And it was your fault for being so attractive, naturally attracting his friend like that, why did you have to be so perfect in a time like this when he least wanted you to - but whenever he’d find himself thinking that it was your fault he’d feel quite guilty. 

You had no part in it. In fact you didn’t want any of it to happen. First you had to deal with the harassment from his friend, the abuse and the constant bullying - then after once his boyfriend found out through overhearing you talking on the phone, your situation didn’t become better. Sure, he stopped being mean to you and talking to you at all but Yedam’s heart was broken and at times he was cold which made you feel like it was your fault. You suspected he thought so as well, and there wasn’t any thing you could do but feel absolutely helpless.

‘‘ Yedam? I’m back ‘‘ you called out into the apartment.

No answer.

You sighed sadly to yourself, realising where he probably was at the moment - in his bed, like he always was. 

You walked over to the bedroom and pushed the door open revealing your boyfriend laying on the mattress with an empty look in his eyes. He didn’t react to you entering or talking to him.

Instantly you felt tears well up. He hadn’t moved since you left him that morning to go to class.

You sat down next to him and began stroking his hair affectionately. 

‘‘ We will get through this. I promise ‘‘ you kissed his forehead lovingly but he didn’t react at all.

Doyoung

Your boyfriend didn’t have many friends, they were all more like acquaintances. This was due to him not trusting a soul. He wanted to, and sometimes he had to. After every time he did so - he felt relieved that nothing bad had come out of it, and he’d think that maybe people weren’t so bad after all. Maybe he could let himself trust more people and willingly let them into his life without doubt.

This was how he met the friend you had later come to know very well, all against your will. They met through mutual friends and went out one night. They bonded well straight away and after they had gotten each others numbers they became really close; going out almost every weekend to relax after a stressful week of work.

Doyoung liked his friend very much. More so than his other friends and because of this he let him get closer. Your boyfriend was planning on introducing you to him pretty early on and you quickly understood that this was someone important since he had never introduced you to anyone before.

You can imagine how much his heart would shatter upon discovering that the person he thought he could trust most - even more than you, had betrayed him and proved distrustful like everyone else. 

He didn’t want to hurt his friend though. He was instead angry at himself, calling himself foolish and naive. The guilt was put on him rather than his friend.

For weeks he’d shut himself in and you as well - he trusted no one now, not even letting you go out on your own anymore. The plunge into the darkness would definitely affect you too.

‘‘ Doyoung? ‘‘ you called out, your voice getting shaky for what was about to come.

‘‘ Hm? ‘‘ your boyfriend answered, distracted by his phone.

You took that as an answer and slowly shuffled over to the couch.

‘‘ I..I um I have something to tell you ‘‘

Your nervous tone made him snap his eyes away from his phone and he scowled at you, thinking you were about to confess to breaking the rules.

‘‘ It’s just that. Your best friend, you know? ‘‘

‘‘ Yes? ‘‘ he stood up now.

‘‘ He’s been really mean to me. For weeks and threatening me, harassing me ‘‘ you took a shaky breath in-between hastily spoken words.

‘‘ I didn’t know what to do. I’m sorry ‘‘ you broke out into tears.

Doyoung stared at you, completely shocked; and then a silent tear rolled down his pokerface. 

Haruto

Not really bothered. As long as this didn’t mean that they had a crush on you, or you on them and that they’d try to take you away from him - he didn’t really care.

In fact, it might benefit him. You might feel that he is your safe space if he plays it right. 

You’d come home after getting terrorised by his friends and then he’d control his anger, playing the ‘’ nice guy ‘’ role so you’d feel that the only way to escape it all was to come home or be with him, your amazing boyfriend.

It felt so natural and easy; he didn’t even have to lift a finger since it was all playing out perfectly in his favour. 

All he had to do was control his anger, drop the punishments and play his little mind-games to have you wrapped around his little finger. You never told him, scared that he’d get mad at you and blame you - which he partially did, he thought you were stupid, naive and innocent, but he of course already knew all about it, making it way easier to manipulate you into thinking he was the nice guy.

‘‘ Hey ‘‘ Haruto looked worried as he hurried over to the hall where you were sitting curled up and crying into your arms.

He wrapped an arm around you and softly angled your chin up so he could dry your tears and give you a kiss on your forehead.

‘‘ Did something happen? ‘‘ he smiled at you with pity, pulling you closer to him.

‘‘ Yeah. Again. I’m sorry, I will stop crying from now on. I know it irritates you ‘‘ you sniffled, too scared to look at him.

But he surprised you with his kindness, saying your words were ‘’ nonsense ‘’ and then for the rest of the night be took care of you - giving you a warm bath, cooking for you and tucking you affectionately into bed.

Jeongwoo

No matter how much he loved you and no matter how many times you’d try to tell him what was going on and why you were feeling so down lately - he just couldn’t believe you. He wanted to, for sure, but he just couldn’t believe that his childhood girl friend would do something like that.

You tried several times to convince him that she had had a crush on him for years and was now trying to torment you to make you break up with him. He was in disbelief, thinking you were just jealous and trying to get more attention from him since he had been a bit busy lately.

You stood your ground, finally being able to convince him to follow you just so he could see it with his own eyes. 

Together you walked down to the library of your university and like always, she was waiting by the steps for you, her little friends behind her.

‘‘ There she is. Finally, you almost had me thinking you were trying to avoid me ‘‘

You held your head down and tried to walk past, you knew what would happen next; similarly to every other day she grabbed hold of your hair and threw you back, down on the ground harshly.

Her friends gathered around you and began both to verbally and physically assault you - strategically placed in spots your boyfriend wouldn’t be able to see.

He watched from afar in horror and felt his blood boil. The image he had of his closest friend was completely ruined and he’d never speak to her again.

When he felt it had gone on for too long he stormed up to them. Pushing her friends aside so a gap would form where he could pull you out.

He gave his friend a nasty look, knowing just what to say when she’d frantically try to explain or apologise over the phone.

That night he took you home, feeling guiltier than ever and he took care of you, being much nicer than before. 

Junghwan

He was pissed at you. Since he minimised your contact with the outside world, he was very confused in how you had even gained access to talking to his friend. He came to the conclusion that you must’ve acted up, taking his phone when he wasn’t looking or somehow escaping when he was gone.

This was a serious matter to Junghwan. Every thing he did had a reason, especially you not talking to his friends. So he didn’t even feel the least bit of pity for you getting threatened by his friends; he was in fact a bit relieved it was nothing other than that, nothing worse.

Even after when he had found out you had gotten to know his friend by him stalking you - he still wouldn’t feel bad for you or apologise, it would hurt his ego too much.

But he did go softer on the punishments which might’ve surprised you. Instead of being cruel and doing punishments for weeks, maybe months long like he usually did when he was very pissed, he let you off after only a few days.

You never let the stalker-friend in, you were terrified of him but maybe you were truly more terrified of your boyfriend who was constantly and inappropriately angry, to find out. 

Nevertheless he’d still somehow make you feel like it was your fault, with his coldness upon first discovering it and later on his lack of apology when he’d found out the whole story.

‘‘ You’re so fucking stupid. You think I wouldn’t find out? ‘‘ a raised, angry voice getting closer and closer came from the hallway.

You instinctively jumped up in fear; heart beating faster and hands becoming sweaty as you watched the hallway to wait for him to arrive.

He looked very very angry, his face was almost red and he was shaking.

‘‘ This ‘‘

He waved his phone, you had by mistake forgotten to delete a text in a secret app your stalker had forced you to download due to threats. Your heart dropped immediately. You felt like you were screwed, this was going to be way too hard to explain.