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readychilledwine · 4 months

Note

Could i request something where az and reader are mates. They have a huge fight and “break up” and reader leaves the court. She finds out that she is pregnant and writes him a letter. He never shows up so she thinks he doesn’t want the baby. Rhys visit the court she is in and sees her with a child maybe a couple months old. He is mad because she didn’t told him and when he ask her why she keeps his nephew away she tells him that she wrote az but he never answered. Rhys is mad and ask az what is up with him to just leave his pregnant mate. Unbeknownst to him that az was searching for her the whole time. Az tells him that he never got a letter and they find out that maybe elain burned it. It takes some time for them but they find their way back and just fluff azriel dad who teaches his son how to fly.

( you could write more angst between reader and az because of elain or you could use a maid or something who wants az)

Here Without You

Summary - Being a single mother was more painful than you'd ever thought it would be, especially when your son's father was just a court away.

Warnings - Angst, Elain showing those claws, single mom status, a child, PPD and the thoughts that come with it, **edited to add** cheating

A/N - I had one of my friends who is a single mom help me with this one while also imagining my life without baby daddy, and um, yeah. We cried a lot, so hopefully, you all do too.

*message from Liz regarding the ending at the end*

💙Peep my Azriel Masterlist Here💙

You had decided whatever you had done to offend the Mother must have been truly unforgettable and unforgivable as you sank against the wall of your family chambers in the Day Court Palace.

Being a new mother was the hardest thing you had ever and will ever do. You had finally gotten Nox down after 3 hours of fussing and tears, and now you waited. He'd sleep 2 hours if you were lucky, wake up crying, and you'd start the process over.

You had wished for your mate more times than you could count, but that bridge was long gone and burned. He had ensured of that by not coming when you wrote him, by not even bothering to write you a response.

The last fight between you and Azriel had been ugly. Glasses had been thrown, a bottle of wine knocked over in rage, cruel words you would both have to live with ringing in your ears like a scream. 350 years. Gone. Thrown away like garbage. All for Elain.

Selfish, plotting, destructive Elain.

You stood, body swaying with sleep deprivation setting in before sitting at the table where your now cold food set. You were too tired to eat, choosing to instead drink the water you had been desperately craving 4 hour ago.

You had wished you could turn it to wine, drink it with no consequences, and still feed Nox when he woke, but that was not the reality of the world. So, instead, you allowed the room temperature flavorless beverage to slide down your throat before moving like a ghost to the couch. There was no point in getting comfortable in your own bed. You would have to be up soon anyway. It wasn’t as if you had help.

You were alone.

And that wasn't even the most painful part of it.

The most painful part was setting in doubt. The growing disbelief that you weren't capable of this, that Nox deserved more, that you should have dropped him at the cabin you had no doubt Elain had moved into, leaving him with her and Azriel to allow you to-

You cut your brain off, refusing to put those words into a full thought. Refusing to believe that your disappearance or death was better for your son than this.

This had to be enough, you had to be enough, because Gods if it wasn't and you weren't, then what truly was the point in living any longer.

Helion entered your chambers the next morning, eyes falling to where you were sat on the floor, shoulders shaking as sobs tore through you. He placed a large warm hand on your shoulder before taking Nox from your arms. "I know I can not offer much of a break due to his feeding cycle, but when is the last time you ate a hot meal, y/n?"

You shook your head. He was 2 weeks old. You supposed it had been before labor. Since then, it had been moments begging for just a second of deep sleep. Moments begging for the Mother to help you, to guide you. Moments where those prayers went unanswered as if they were just thrown into a void. "I don't remember."

Helion could have killed Azriel for you, for Lucien, for Nox. He almost had when you had winnowed yourself here, collapsing in his arms from the exhaustion magic and a growing babe had caused your body.

You hadn't known when you came to the Day Court, begging your oldest friend for a week of safety and healing that you were pregnant, but the High Lord had scented it the second you appeared.

It left him wondering how the hell Azriel hadn't.

"Let me hire a wet nurse for you," he offered again, knowing you would turn it down since your depressive state had you hyper fixated in this belief that all you were good for now was your breasts, and if you gave that duty away, what purpose did you have? "At least for the next few hours. To give you time to rest?"

You still shook your head, messy, tangled hair trying to sway. "I can't. I can't burden someone else."

Helion turned his head away from you, willing himself not to cry at the emptiness of your voice, at the lifelessness you had become.

"The Night Court and Spring are coming today," he started slowly. "I am the magic selected neutral ground for Tamlin and Rhysand to begin setting a peace treaty and trade routes." He waited for your reaction, almost breaking further as you gave him none. "Do you want to see any of them?"

"Lucien and Tamlin."

Helion felt his heart shatter for Cassian, the male who had been asking about you for months now. "The general-"

"Is Azriel's brother. And probably has taken his side. Attempts to see me are probably to give him some sick sort of satisfaction."

He dropped the subject immediately. Nox was asleep, content in the High Lord's arms. "I have time before they arrive, go nap." Helion ordered it, eyes blazing a soft gold and forcing you into submission.

Your bed had never felt so soft.

Helion was walking with Nox around the Palace, smiling and cooing the little male. He was always content when he was being held, and you were so deeply asleep you hadn't even noticed Helion holding the boy to your chest as he nursed. He walked towards where Lucien and Tamlin were.

His son, his pride and joy, looked just radiant in his Day Court attire. The soft, off-white pleaded fabric draping him showed the new healthy build he had gained since Azriel and Elain's transgressions, a golden snake wrapped his bicep, new golden earrings adorned those many piercings.

Lucien paused, a look of concern etching his face when he saw Nox before shaking his head rapidly.

But it was too late, Helion was already in the room where Rhysand also stood with the Inner Circle. The Lord of Night's face fell as he looked at the Illyrian boy, looking so happy up at Helion as he dozed off.

Cassian had frozen, mid sentence with Nesta. He had tried to take a step, wanting to see the babe he immediately knew was his nephew. His eyes met Helion's pleading with permission to approach. Elain's face had paled. A mix of guilt and fear running across it before she schooled it into a faked look of hurt and sadness.

But it was Azriel's face the broke the High Lord. It was a look he knew all too well.

The look of a father who missed the birth of his child.

The look of a father who didn't know he had a child.

The look of a father mourning lost time.

Lucien moved to Helion, taking Nox before leaving the room quickly. The boy did as he always did when his head found Lucien's warm bare shoulder. He released a heavy breath, snuggling into that familiar scent and warmth. "Your mother did not call for me last night," they all heard his soft voice trailing off, speaking to their nephew softly.

"You will tell me everything I do not know," Rhysand demanded as if he was in his own court. "When the fuck was he born. Why were we not informed of her pregnancy?"

Tamlin looked to Helion, digging the shit further. "Is she in the same room as last time?" The Lord of Day nodded. "I will go see her while you all deal with this."

Helion didn't answer, walking to the centered round table and taking the head seat. "To begin, Rhysand, this is my court. You will not make demands of me in my home." They all sat, aside from Azriel. His gaze was locked on the hallway Lucien and Tamlin had gone down.

If he ran, he could catch them. He could see you. He could-

The slam of hands on a table ripped him from his thoughts, and his head snapped to Helion. The High Lord was blazing, glowing like the sun itself, heat radiating from him. "Sit. Down."

An hour later and Rhysand had the bridge of his nose pinched between his fingers. "You saw her send each letter?"

Helion rolled his eyes, nodding again. "Every month after every check up and once after the birth."

Rhys pointed to Azriel. "But you never got them?"

"My son wouldn't be in another court if I had," Azriel's voice mirrored yours. Broken, empty, mourning. Mourning what was, what he had missed and would never get back. "You're sure she sent them to me?"

Helion could have snapped his neck. "Who else would have fathered her babe? You are the one who stepped out of the bonds of marriage and mateship. Not her."

Azriel paused, a sudden look of anger gracing his face as he looked up at Elain, shadows curling his ears. Nuala appeared, setting envelopes down in front of Rhysand. "In her room. Under her bed in a locked chest. Along with every communication you had tried to send to y/n, my lord."

Feyre gasped, turning her back to Elain and leaning further into Rhysand, holding Nyx tightly between them. She remembered those first few weeks. The sleepless nights, the pain, the emotional down pour. She would not have survived without Rhysand. Without Nesta and Mor. Without Cassian and you and Azriel. Her sister, the one who had held her as darkness swallowed her mind after her son's birth, had allowed you to endure this alone.

Azriel's hands shook, reaching for that stack. He separated out the letters. 10 for him. 2 for Rhysand and Feyre. 2 for Mor. 2 for Amren. 4 for Cassian and Nesta.

Helion stood. "I will let you all process this. Call for me when you are ready to do negotiations. The sooner you all leave, the better for her."

Rhysand's eyes shot up. "You won't let us explain to her-"

"Does it change the fact that he took Elain to their marriage bed? Does it change that he signed the annulment papers." Silence filled the room. "I believe that's why she left. Correct?" Rhys grit his teeth nodding. "Then all this changes is me, someone she trusts and feels safe with right now, informing her of what happened and allowing her to decide if she wants to reach out again from that point." He made a pointed look at Elain. "Which would not matter since I cannot see you removing the parasite from your court."

Helion walked into your room to Lucien and Nox laying skin to skin, a blanket over them as Tamlin held you, long fingers running through your dark hair. "And?" His son said.

"Your mate hid the letters regarding her pregnancy." Lucien whistled. "She's a snake hiding behind beautiful scales."

Azriel had tracked down your room with his shadows easily. The inner circle had been excused for the negotiations and allowed to explore the city. Cassian had flown Elain home, Mor and Amren winnowing Nesta behind them. Cassian wanted Elain out of his house, and Azriel could not have been more grateful to his brother for having his back.

He entered the room slowly and quietly. You were placing the babe in a crib on the balcony. It was shaded from the sun, shielded to remain the perfect temperature, and yet gave him access to fresh air, to the breeze.

You turned, eyes wide the second you saw Azriel. He moved to you so quickly that you could hardly process it. One second, your feet were on the ground, and the next, arms held you tight against him. Azriel was breathing deeply, memorizing your scent all over again.

He set you down, keeping you close to his chest, and sent a prayer to the Mother. "Elain hid all the letters," he began slowly. "She kept them all in her room. I didn't know. Had I known about you, about him, I would have crawled the very depths of hell to bring you back home to me."

You didn't answer. Tears fell as your body relaxed into him. It wasn't fair. The hold he had on you. The need you still felt in your bones when he touched your skin. You ached for Azriel so deeply it echoed into your bones. You longed for his smell. His voice.

Azriel took your silence as permission to continue. "I made a mistake. I will never be able to make up for it. Elain knew the second you left, I wanted to correct this. I was so blinded by her, by the feeling of being needed like that again, that I forgot how precious your independence was. How beautiful it is."

He couldn't stop himself from kissing the top of your head. "You are all I think about. Morning, noon, and night, it is always and will always be you. I am so sorry for what I have done. I am sorry for hurting you, for ruining us, for hurting the family we should be raising together. There are no words for my remorse."

"Why?" Your voice broke as you asked. "Why wasn't I enough?"

Azriel pulled back to look at you, hand raising to hold your chin and force eye contact. "Y/n, you are not at fault for my actions. You did nothing wrong. There is no partial blame, no what ifs. I fucked up. I made a mistake and it cost both of us everything. You are the victim of my actions, not the catalyst."

He saw you process those words and saw as they sunk in. "You were and are more than I will ever deserve. I want to spend my lifetime making up for it. Becoming a male you are proud of. I want to be the father I never got to have. I want to be the husband and mate you deserve. I know it will take time, and I do not expect your forgiveness today, but if you give me a chance, I will go to my grave worshipping the ground you two walk."

"Do you want to meet our son?" He broke at the question, feeling the bond opening back on your end. "This doesn't mean we're back together. It means we need to coparent for him while we work on things." He nodded rapidly, following you to the bassinet.

It felt like the world was coming full circle. You knew it would take time, that you two had many things to discuss first. This was a needed good start, though. Your pain eased slightly as you pulled back the curtains to the crib and whispered, "Azriel, this is Nox, your son."

@hnyclover @glitterypirateduck @slytherinindisguise @mischiefmanager @bloodicka @starsinyourseyes @the-sweet-psycho

**I have received some pretty nasty anon asks, some unconstructive comments, and a good amount of general negativity regarding this fic. If you are unhappy with the ending and want to know why I made the choices I made as the author, click #discussingherewithoutyou. Unconstructive comments will be receiving the same copy and paste answer from here forward.

My time and content are free. If you do not like them, scroll.

General Taglist:

@mariahoedt @rinalouu @sarawritestories @starryhiraeth @starswholistenanddreamsanswered @cumuluscranium

Azriel Taglist:

@elle4404

#acotar #acotar x reader #send asks #send anons #azriel acotar #azriel #azriel x reader #azriel x yn #azriel x y/n #azriel x you #azriel shadowsinger #discussingherewithoutyou

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reiderwriter · 4 months

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My Love Is Mine All Mine

Week 2 of my Playlist series 🎧💕

Summary: Spencer Reid always liked broken things, but you didn't think you could be fixed. Maybe all you needed was understanding and companionship.

Warnings: slight angst, case details mentioned - misogyny, kidnapping, etc, but no graphic/ explicit details. Hurt/Comfort.

A/N: Tumblr, please let me post haha I've been good, I promise 🙏 This fic is so late because I've been having some technical issues with tumblr and it has greatly annoyed me, so hopefully if you're seeing this it's been fixed? Who knows... Thank you to everyone who has sent in songs so far for the Playlist series, I'll be cresting the playlist today and posting it for everyone to see and use!

Masterlist || Series Playlist

Falling for Spencer Reid wasn't in your plan for the new year, but looking back, it was probably something that was just bound to happen.

He'd been the first person to show you any kindness after everything you went through, the first person who hadn't put their own rigid horror at your past before their attempts at sympathy.

You watched the way people recoiled from you as you told them - bluntly, you had to be blunt - what the man in the cabin had done to you.

He listened to your words, didn't interrupt, didn't quietly shake in anger, and refuse to meet your eyes like your father did, didn't weep for her baby like your mother did. He took your hand as it shook. He held your gaze.

It was his job to ask questions, but there weren't many left to answer.

The only reason you were alive was because his team had tracked the string of bodies to your kidnappers home. You were alive because one of his coworkers had put a bullet through his head, ending your nightmare.

The very idea of love was repulsive to you as you emerged from that basement in the first days of the next year, and you remembered thinking the snow looked fresh and soft. You remembered wanting to lay in it, to wrap it around yourself like a warm blanket and drift into sleep. The cold ground would be as much comfort as you would allow yourself.

Because after everything, you knew you didn't deserve love.

You accepted understanding from him, though.

When the shock wore off, you were awash in all the misery inflicted upon you. You raged, kicked, screamed, broke things, and made people uncomfortable. Nothing would numb the pain of being trapped inside your head, your head still trapped inside that basement, that cage.

He came to visit you at the hospital. The nurses had given up on you, were content you were physically healing, and that they had technically done their job but not bothered by your deteriorating mental state. Some days, you swore that they pierced your skin in the wrong places purposefully, not even searching for your vein.

But then he was there, with a book and a chess board, and he'd asked you if you'd ever played before.

“No. Chess always seemed too…” You swallowed the bile that drowned your lungs and tried again. “Before, it was boring. An old person game, too many rules. Now… He said we shouldn't do things like this. Said we shouldn't cultivate our minds.”

It was a confession again, but one that took a weight off your shoulders, and not one that pushed it further down.

“Would you like to learn?” His tone was so soft and awkward, like a teenage boy asking a girl out on a first date, that you almost giggled.

“I'll be honest and say you'll never beat me, I've played through most board combinations, including a large proportion of the 10^80 theorised checkmate positions, so if you'd rather do something else, that's fine, or I can leave, too, if… you'd… prefer?”

You had laughed then, a thing that bubbled up from the pit of your stomach and left your shoulders shaking as you gasped for breath doubled over.

You'd been in hell for six months, and he'd drawn you out of it for a few moments by rambling about chess.

“Are you a patient person, Doctor Reid?”

“I think so.”

“Then set up the board and let's play.”

He beat you every time, obviously, but you enjoyed his small explanations of the moves, and you did improve slightly.

More than that, you enjoyed his company. It wasn't that you talked extensively In your hospital room, oscillating between your lowest point and somewhere just a rung above that where the snow was falling and the air was fresh, but that he never looked at you the way others did.

You were discharged and were sad to lose that small glimmer of normality. He'd come twice a week throughout January, and now you were back in your usual shape. You were being discharged, and so that would end.

You were surprised that he came to pick you up from the hospital the day you left.

The parents who had looked everywhere for you for half a year hadn't wanted to, and the close friends from before hadn't spared you a thought since reposting your missing poster on their social media pages.

But the man you played chess with twice a week, the man who'd carried you out of hell himself was there.

“Ready to go?” You nodded, dumbstruck, and followed as he grabbed your bag.

You weren't exactly sure where it was you were going, but you followed the man anyway, only a small part of your brain shouting in protest considering the last time you'd been blindly trusting.

He led you back to an apartment with some bare furnishings but a large window and a warm soft blanket covering the bed. It wasn't his, but yours.

“Your parents are paying for it. They're taking the city to court due to the circumstances. Apparently, there were numerous phone calls to law enforcement that went unnoticed, but the city is looking to settle, so you don't have to worry about rent for a while, maybe ever again. The WiFi is all set up, hot water is working, and so is the heating. The locks are triple enforced, and I'm right down the hall, so if you need-”

“What?”

He blinked at you and suddenly, looking sheepish, as if becoming aware that he'd presumed a friendship between the two of you without consulting you first.

“I live down the hall.”

You stared at each other for a few moments as you processed his words. He lived down the hall. He'd driven you to your new home, set everything up for you, and he lived down the hall.

“You're a good man, Spencer Reid.” You whispered, turning away to not let the moment linger anymore than it already had.

Chess nights became routine. You'd set up the board and play for an hour or two or until you were sick of losing.

Gradually, though, the nights got longer. He'd arrive just as you were eating a meal, and you'd invite him to join you, or he'd bring along takeaway and you'd eat quietly together, talking about everything and nothing.

One day, you'd mentioned a film. A popular one, one you'd loved as a child and still rewatched to this day.

“I've never seen it, is it good?” He'd said. And in your shock, you jumped up and sent half the chessboard flying.

“Well, it seems that now our game is over, that we have time to give you an education, Doctor Reid.”

“I have three PhD's-”

“And still you haven't seen Clueless?”

You'd pulled him over to the couch he'd picked out for you, loaded up the movie and then invented a new tradition.

Chess nights and film nights were separate days of the week. So he could always promise to be around for one of them even if he had to miss the other because of work.

You didn't ask him about his job anymore. He saved people like you, and you didn't need to be thinking about people like you too much.

What they went through, if they survived physically. If they survived in other ways.

He always visited you first when he returned, though. There would be a knock on your door at some point in the day or night, and he'd let you know he was home safe.

Another tradition. You'd opened the door to let him in the first time he'd returned from a case after you moved in, and he'd leaned down and wrapped his arms around you.

You heard the breath of relief, loud and emotional, and hadn't quite realised it had come from you until a few minutes later. Some part of you had thought he wouldn't come back.

Now, every time he came home, you ran to the door and quietly comforted each other, reminding the other that no matter what happened, you were both there for each other.

You weren't sure when traditions and movies turned into love or if it had lingered over you the entire time. You didn't think you could love someone right then, your heart broken into small pieces with the torment you'd suffered.

But it was stitched back together with pieces of him still lodged inside. He was in the very fabric of your being as you became whole again.

The truth was that you most likely couldn't find love again because there was no room in your heart for anyone else. And you'd never be able to reschedule chess nights to go on dates anyway.

You weren't sure if Spencer ever figured out how much of hum you carried around with him, how your eyes followed his lips as he ran through decades of memories to give you the fact he thought would please you the most. You weren't sure if he loved you as much as you did him until you were.

You'd agreed to watch one of his movies for a change, agreeing to stop the streak of 80s brat pack classics to watch a black and white war film from Russia with no subtitles. You'd sat together on that couch under blankets you'd bought together months earlier, and he'd pulled you in closer.

“I want to watch the movie and translate at the same time. You should sit here.” He'd pulled you into his lap, letting your back fall against his chest as his lips fell to your ears, and he began to whisper.

Sitting there so closely, so intimately, was almost torture. Unconsciously, your head tipped back with his words, displaying your neck and shoulders, silently willing his lips to drift even once. His arms wrapped around your waist, and you did your best not to squirm the entire movie, but with your heart beating out of your chest, it was a hopeless cause.

“Did you enjoy it?” He whispered as the credits rolled, but you hadn't even noticed the movie had ended. It wasn't until the silence that followed his question stretched out notably that you came back to reality. You couldn't answer, in fact. You gaped for a few short moments, hoping something vague but accurate enough would just pop into your mind.

As you attempted to negotiate yourself out of distraction, you turned your face to his, but he was closer than you thought.

Your noses touched, and your breaths mingled. His arms still wrapped around your waist, and your blankets still anchored you to one another.

“I wasn't paying attention to the movie, Spencer. I'm sorry.” The words came out of you so fast, yet so quietly that you were surprised yourself how honest you had chosen to be.

“Why not?” He asked, eyes having drifted sleepily down to gaze at your lips.

You didn't answer his question but felt your cheeks flush red. You thought about pulling away, moving back, or at least laughing everything off, but you didn't. You stayed there, still like a deer in headlights.

“Your voice was too distracting,” You forced some of the tension out of your body and let your head fall against his shoulder again, hoping this moment wouldn't end anytime soon.

“Distracting?” He sounded concerned and shifted in his seat, lifting you up from your happy place in his arms until you were again face to face. “Did I make you uncomfortable?”

The look on his face was so concerned and focused that you had to pause for a second to catch your breath. He cared about your comfort so much and paid attention to each word that came out of your mouth. He wanted your happiness more than anything in the world.

“No. I'm never uncomfortable with you, Spencer.” You were back to whispering now, hands floating up to grab his own, fidgeting by his sides. You bought them up to your face and guided his hands to your cheeks, needing to show him just how comfortable you were with him in actions, not just words. Words could be dishonest. Actions were honest.

His concern melted away as he began stroking your cheek with his thumb, smiling sweetly at you.

Though you were both content, you'd never been quite this intimate before. So when his thumb swiped over the corner of your lips, your eyes both caught on each other. You could see him weighing up the outcomes in his head, going back and forth between pulling away and pushing in closer.

Slowly and softly, as though he were trying not to startle you, his head moved closer until his lips were on yours.

It was a quiet kiss. You wouldn't describe it as fireworks, or butterflies, or anything loud and grand and passionate. It was quiet, and it was right.

He pulled away seconds later, trying to gauge your reaction, but you followed him away and kissed him again.

When you finally pulled away, it took you a few seconds to realise you'd climbed back into his lap, unconsciously having moved closer to him. You guiltily looked up, waiting to see any discomfort on his features, but to your surprise, he was busy straightening out your hair.

“I love you, Spencer,” you whispered as he took care of you. He smiled, looking down at you once again, pulling his arms around you to gently lower both of you down to a laying position on your couch.

“I love you, too,” he said as you held each other and drifted into contented sleep.

#spencer reid #criminal minds #spencer reid fanfic #mgg #criminal minds fanfiction #criminal minds fandom #spencer reid fanfiction #spencer reid criminal minds #dr spencer reid #spencer reid x reader #spencer reid fluff #spencer reid hurt/comfort

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thetriumphantpanda · 7 months

Text

it's new, the shape of your body | javier peña

Take The Weight Off His Shoulders - Chapter Five

Chapter Summary | A dead end following a lead at work leaves you tense, with Javi only too happy to help you destress.

Chapter Warnings | Mention of drugs, drug related violence and the drugs trade. Zero knowledge of how journalists find information in the 90s but we ride with it. Explicit smut, these two do some stuff in public that the lord wouldn't approve, fingering, Javi is a dirty talking menace.

Pairing | dbf!Javier Peña x F!Reader

Word Count | 3.5K

Authors Note | So, as well as being a sexy little dbf!Javi fic, this also has another overarching plot that I'm starting to introduce in this chapter - I really hope you like the addition of this other part of the story, as well as these two finally getting it on! Another huge shoutout to @undercoverpena who has been such a rock with this chapter, helping me smooth out the kinks to get it to where I wanted it to be. Thank you for the support so far. If you're enjoying this then reblogs and comments really do help and if you’d like to support me further, please consider a donation to my Ko-Fi.

I no longer use taglists. Please follow @thetriumphantpandanotifs to be notified of new updates.

Series Masterlist | Main Masterlist | Ko-Fi | Series Playlist

There’s a spring in your step when you walk into work on Monday. You’d spent all of Sunday is some sort of daze, thinking about what had happened with Javi and all the things that he’d promised you over the phone. You let your hand wander a little on Sunday night, bringing yourself off to his promise of showing you exactly what you’d been missing, so much so that the lack of sleep from keeping yourself awake didn’t bother you as you sat down at your desk, taking out your notes to start working on the piece for the newspaper about the drugs bust in town last week.

“You seem more chipper this morning,” Your boss muses, setting down a mug of coffee next to you like she always does each morning, “You sleeping better?”

The answer is no, not really, just that you’re awake for a far better reason that pining for your dad’s buddy, now you’re awake because he wants you just as much as you want him and those daydreams and the visions that come to you in your dreams are far nicer to deal with than the wondering of if you were going to make a fool out of yourself in front of him.

“Yeah, much better, thanks,” You smile, picking up the mug to take a sip, “I’m gonna start working on the bust story today, hopefully it’ll be ready by the end of the day.”

She places a hand on your shoulder and gives you a squeeze, “Nice work,” She smiles back at you, “Your stories have been really well received recently.”

She leaves you to it, letting you open your notebook, you rip the old pages out, lie them out on the desk in front of you, picking up a pen, putting it to the fresh page to start formulating the bare bones of the story.

It’s easy to start with the facts.

1. There’s a house in town had been involved in a police raid.

2. A large amount of both cocaine and marijuana had been seized.

3. The house had been empty.

4. The police had spoken to the neighbours.

You circle the last point on your notepad: no-one could figure out who would be responsible for storing that amount of drugs at the address. Staring at it, seeing it in a new order, your brain begins to think, wondering about how you might be able to dig deeper.

Something, the instinct that made all of this possible, tells you to start with who owns the house. Fingers typing, suddenly remembering that you’d overheard your dad talking with your mom a few days ago about how they’d tried that avenue and come up at a loss down at the station, but not why.

Opening the webpage for the public records for the county, your fingers drill in the address, clicking on the search result that pops up. Leaning forward in your chair, chin propped on your palm, you scan the information in front of you. There’s a list of everyone who had ever owned the address since it was built, starting from the first all the way down to the last, which is where you realise what the dead end is. The last owner was dead. Had been for almost a year, and the property was waiting to go up for sale again, which meant whoever had been storing the drugs in the house was squatting.

You let out a frustrated sigh, because if the police can’t figure it out from here then what makes you think you can. Except, when you sit there, tapping your fingers against the desk in frustration and realise you’d been there. You’d been in that house a few months ago with Liv, who had dragged you to some kind of party.

Almost automatically you’re reaching for the phone and dialing the number you’ve got memorized for her. She picks up on the third ring.

“Hello, this is Laredo insurance, you’re speaking to Liv, how can I help?”

You bite back a giggle at her customer service voice, it’s so unlike the girl you really know, “Hello bestie,” You greet, which has her gasping down the phone.

“Oh my god have I forgotten a lunch date?” She asks.

“No, it’s okay, don’t panic,” You say, “It’s a really random question, but you know that party we went to a few months ago, do you know who hosted it?”

You can hear her clicking her tongue in the background as she thinks, “I can’t even remember who invited us,” She sighs, as do you, “I think I just heard about it from someone, who’d heard about it from someone else.”

“God damn it.” You mumble, head in your hand.

“Is it important?”

“I don’t know,” You answer honestly, “It was the place that got busted last week, and I’m just trying to do some digging, but it’s okay, I’m sure if it’s meant to be I’ll figure it out.”

“I have every faith in you,” You can tell she’s smiling on the other end, “Listen, I gotta bounce, but how about we do drinks later on this week?”

“Sounds good, phone me later and we can sort it out.”

“Alright, bye bestie!”

You laugh and wish her a goodbye, deciding you’ve gone as far as you can with this for today. You save what you have of the story, thinking you could send it to your boss for approval as is, but deep down you know there’s something here you can pull on, something bigger than just busting a house full of drugs and taking them off the streets to be dealt, so you keep it to yourself for the rest of the day.

“I’m heading out,” Your boss speaks as she walks past your desk on the way out, “Did you get the story finished?”

A smile thrown her way in response, trying to cover the fact that you want more time, “Almost,” You speak, “Just a few more tweaks and a couple of things I want to check, but I’ll get it to you as soon as I can.”

She nods, seemingly pleased that you’re wanting to make it as perfect as possible, “No rush, we can hold it for a few days until you’re happy with it.”

“Thank you, I appreciate it.”

“Well, you have yourself a good evening and I’ll see you tomorrow.”

You wish her the same, watching as she heads out, leaving you in the office alone. You sigh, annoyed that there’s nothing further you can really do. You save the document, gathering your things and deciding you can worry about what to do next tomorrow.

When you emerge from the front door of the office and look across the parking lot to your car, you’re taken aback to find Javier’s truck parked in the space right next to it. He’s leaning against the driver’s side of the truck, casual as anything, with his ankles crossed over each other and his arms crossed over his chest. He notices you stood still, motions you with his head to come over.

Your feet carry you across the parking lot, shoulders heavy with stress and that niggling feeling that you’ve been missing something all day, the one thing that’s going to make you realise what’s going on, but seeing Javi slip his aviators off his face and tuck them into his shirt, shooting a smile your way, you feel a little better.

“What are you doing here?”

He shrugs, in that cool, casual way that he always does, “Wanted to see you,” He reaches out, taking your hand in his to pull you closer, but does so whilst looking around, making sure no-one either of you know can see you, “Wanted to do this.”

Then he leans down, presses his lips to yours, one hand cradling your cheek. It’s different to the kiss at the ranch, it’s not rushed. He keeps his lips pressed against your own for a while, pulling away, but planting one right on your forehead as he leans back against the car.

You bite your bottom lip between your teeth, smiling a little as you feel the temperature rise across your face, “How did you know what time I finished?”

“Lucky guess,” He shrugs, “Thought if you didn’t come out within an hour I’d have just gone home, tried again tomorrow.”

“You would have waited for me for an hour?” You chuckle, leaning against your own car behind you.

“Yeah,” He nods with a smile, “Would wait a lot longer but you know how it is, things to do.”

You settle your back against the passenger side of your car, rubbing a hand up one of your arms, “You seem tense,” Javi observes, “What’s up?”

You consider telling him the whole story, but there’s something niggling in the back of your mind that this is something you should keep to yourself for a while, just until you can try digging for more information first. If you keep drawing up blanks then you can ask him, see if his expertise can offer any ideas, but for now, you keep it vague.

“It’s just work,” You shrug, “Deadlines and stuff, but I’ll be okay.”

You watch him look at you, those beautiful brown eyes looking directly into your own, his mouth pulled into a smirk, “You wanna take a drive?” He asks, head tilting to his truck, “Let me help with some of that stress.”

That familiar pool of arousal is settling in your tummy, excitement thrumming through your veins at what he means. He wants to touch you, and God do you want to touch him right back. But it’s getting late, and you know you’re parents are going to wonder where you are soon enough. There’s not enough time to go driving around, but you think there’s just enough time for something else.

You grin back at him, reaching to grasp his wrist in your hand, somewhat aware of how big he is when you can’t fit your fingers all the way round it. You drag him back across the parking lot, and down the side of the your office building. It’s a small alley, definitely not the most romantic spot, but at least it doesn’t smell, and unless someone is coming looking, you’re not going to be disturbed, most people having gone home from the offices on either side of you.

You go down just far enough that you’re in the shadows, far enough that even if someone did wander past, you’re going to be hidden as much as possible. You drop his hand as you lean back against the brick wall, staring at him as he takes a step closer to you, hands settling on your waist.

“You want me here?” He speaks lowly, bringing his face closer to yours, so close that you could reach up on your toes and kiss him, but you want to see if he breaks first.

You nod your head, tipping it back against the brick, shoving your hips off the wall as some kind of hint to him, “What do you want, hermosa?”

“Want you to touch me, Javi.” You breathe, leaning up just a touch so he can feel the breath from your lips across his.

“But I already am.” He smirks, eyes flitting to where his hands are resting on your hips.

With a roll of your eyes, you reach your own hand down your body, coming to rest of the waistband of your work trousers. You motion your head a little, dragging Javi’s eyes down to where your hand is resting on the button of your trousers, making sure he’s watching when you pop it open, dragging the zip down and then leaving it like that.

His own hand trails from your right hip, warm fingers brushing the skin you’ve revealed, but he doesn’t move them further, just lets his fingers rest on the skin as he brings his lips to your jaw, kissing softly from your chin, all the way up to the delicate skin behind your ear, “Want me to touch you here?” He all but growls into your ear as his hand sinks beneath your trousers, wide palm cupping you through your underwear, bringing a gasp from your throat, “Yeah, sounds like you do baby.”

You bring your hands up to rest on his shoulders – something to grip onto as his fingers trace along the seam of your pussy through the thin cotton of your panties. His touch is gentle, but the way his mouth is pressing hot and wet to the skin across your neck is anything but. It’s searing, and exciting, and wrong but in all the right ways.

“If I dip my fingers under here,” He asks, fingers toying with the elastic of your panties, “You gonna be wet for me, querida?”

“W-why don’t you find out?” You choke out, feeling him smile against the skin of your neck as his fingers dip just below the waistband of your panties, fingers dragging over the curls on your mound, down lower, until they’re so close to where you want them.

He dips his fingers through your folds, slipping them into you so easily. Your mouth drops open, his own so close to yours that you could feel his lips on yours as you moan, his fingers dragging out of you and up to your clit, where he starts gently circling.

“What’s got you all worked up, eh?” He asks, his other hand coming to grip your chin, forcing you to look at him, your mouth dropped open as he works his fingers across your clit, “Can’t just be from me right here,” He muses, “You been sat at your desk thinking about me?”

He presses his fingers more firmly across your clit, it feels so good, the way he’s working you, “T-think about you a-all the time.” You croak out from your throat, hips starting to move with his hand, needing something more.

“Naughty little thing,” He breathes into your ear, teeth nibbling lightly at your earlobe as his fingers drag from your clit back down to where you’re so slick for him, his fingers slipping back inside you, but curling up, finding a spot inside you that no-one had even shown you existed until now, “Feel good?” He asks, “You tell me what works, okay?”

You nod, two of his fingers working in and out of you. It feels good, but it’s nothing compared to the way he made you feel before, when his fingers trailed over your clit in little circles. You grip his wrist, “Outside,” You say simple, “Like how you were doing it before.”

He presses his lips to yours, dragging his fingers back up through your folds, using his middle finger to draw light circles over your swollen bundle of nerves, “Like this?” He asks, which is punctuated with a moan from your lips. It’s loud enough this time that his free hand is flying to cover your mouth with his palm, shushing you as he presses his body against yours, pinning you in place, his own excitement no longer hidden from you. You can feel the bulge of his cock through his jeans, pressing into your side as the movement of his fingers speeds up, just a touch.

Whilst it’s a familiar feeling – it’s the way you’re used to bringing yourself off, more often than not to the thought of the very man in front of you – there’s something so different about Javi being the one to have you dangling over the edge, teetering on the edge of pleasure just with his fingers.

“Tell me, bebita,” He coos into your ear, “Has anyone else ever made you come?”

His palm is still covering your mouth, so you can’t speak, so all you do is shake your head in response, watching as his eyes darken and he sticks his bottom lip out a little in a pout, “Poor girl,” He says, his middle finger speeding up just a touch again, pressing harder, “Shall we fix that?” He asks, which has you nodding your head so ferociously that it should be embarrassing, “Go on then,” He coaxes, “I know you’re close, just let go for me.”

If someone had told you months ago, before he’d reappeared in town, that Javier Peña would be the first man to make you cum, pressed against the brick wall of your office, with his hand clamped around your mouth to stop you from crying out, you’d have told them to get lost.

Your entire body shakes as your orgasm starts to ripple through you. White hot pleasure explodes across your lower body, your fingers dig into Javi’s shoulders, fisting the material of his shirt as he finally drops his hand from your mouth, gripping at your waist to keep your upright when the shaking of your legs threatens to topple you to the ground. His fingers are moving across you more slowly, but are adding just enough pressure to work you through those aftershocks, until it becomes too much.

Your forehead hits his shoulder, your hands wrapping around the breadth of his broadness as he drags his hand from your trousers, slipping both around your back to drag you into his body, “Did so good for me, querida.” He praises, rubbing a soothing hand up and down your spine through your shirt.

“Felt good.” You manage to mumble into the material covering his shoulder, pushing yourself back up and off him, hand trailing down his chest to try and touch him, return the favour, but he’s gripping your wrist to stop you.

“Not tonight,” He says, “Just wanted to make you feel good.”

“But-” You try to protest, but his grip on your wrist is strong and you can’t move it.

“I promise I’ll let you return the favour, but not tonight, okay?”

You nod your head. Javi brings his hands to your trousers, zipping them back up and pushing the button through the buttonhole. He tugs the hem of your shirt back into place, before he presses a kiss to the tip of your nose. He glances at the watch on his wrist, clocking the time, “It’s late, querida,” He sighs, “We better get you on the road.”

And it’s a strange feeling, that this tiny little bubble is bursting so soon. You know it’s important to keep this under wraps, you’re sure no-one would be pleased to find out that Javier Peña, your dad’s friend, had been pinning you to a wall and coaxing an orgasm from you with his fingers, and there’s something about the secrecy of it all that makes it more exciting, but as you walk back to your respective vehicles, Javi so far away that you can’t reach out to touch him, it stings a little. Stings a little that you’re not going to get to be normal with him, that for now, your relationship, whatever that might be, is going to be kept secret, clandestine meetings and stolen glances wherever possible, when all you really want to do is grasp his hand in yours and shout to everyone that he belongs to you.

“We going to make this a habit?” You ask, unlocking your door and sliding into the drivers seat.

Javi keeps a hang on the top of the door, keeping it open for a while, “What?” He smirks, “Pressing you up against brick walls?”

“Pressing each other against brick walls,” You correct, “It’s your turn next time.”

He runs a ringer over his bottom lip, a habit you’ve known for years is something he does when he’s nervous or stressed, “I need you to know if I didn’t have to keep you a secret, I wouldn’t, okay?” You smile up at him, nodding your head, “I promise it won’t always have to be like this, but just for now, okay?”

“Okay,” You nod, “Now give me a kiss goodbye and let me go home.”

He does just that, leans down and gives you a kiss, one that you would class as proper this time, where he opens his mouth against yours, licks into your mouth, the coarse hair above his lip scratching lightly at your skin. He pulls away just a touch, pecking you on the lips once, then twice, then a final time, when you grip the collar of his shirt to keep him there just a little moment more.

“Go home, Javi.” You giggle when you finally let him go, “I’ll see you soon.”

He gives you a final chaste kiss to your lips then shuts your door for you, walking around your car to get in his truck. You wonder for a while if there’s going to a weird stand-off between the two of you, but he turns the key in his ignition and drives off with a final wave, leaving you to do the same.

When you pull up outside your home, you pull the mirror down, make sure nothing on your face gives away what you’d just been up to, smoothing down your hair. You take a second to take a few deep breaths, before you step out, going back to being the innocent daughter your parents still believe you to be.

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soxcietyy · 4 months

Text

Addicted to you

Yuta x reader Aged up

Two academics rivals see eachother at a frat party. Little does the other person know how badly he wanted you.

It takes him not even a second to recognize you by the faint sound of your laugh. Even with the loud music blaring into his ears he wouldn’t be able to miss such a sound. His eyes scanned the room full of people as he searched for you. Looking at every person until he found those beautiful eyes of yours. There you were, standing in thoes dirty tennis shoes you always wore. Standing in a cute tight dress that suited you perfectly. With a red solo cup in your hand as you laughed and danced with your friends.

"Yuta! Pass me the bottle next to you." Someone yelled trying to get his attention.

He grabbed the closest alcohol bottle and handed it to whoever asked for it. He didn’t bother to turn to look at them because he couldn’t seem to take his eyes off of you as much as he wanted to. He was surprised to see you here. A person who was an academic achiever, who wouldn’t be caught dead at a frat party. Someone who held themselves at such a high standard and would supposedly never snoop down so low. What could you doing here at all places? Especially on a school night.

His breath hitched when the both of you made eye contact from across the room. Your bright eyes quickly turning into glaring ones.

The both of you had some sort of rivalry going on. An academic rivalry if he had to be exact. Both of you had a few of the same classes together due to you guys being in the same major. You and Yuta were the top in all the classes you shared. Sometimes you would score higher or sometimes it was the other way around. This all started since high school and it carried out to junior year in college.

It didn’t help that your teachers would put you guys up against each other every time. He remembered how back then you guys were best friends. You would go out to eat, hang out, and study together. Now every time you were near each other tension could be sensed. If he had to be honest he hated it. He missed how you guys used to be and missed being around you. Everything about you was so perfect and yet you hated his guts.

Why did people have to put you up against each other? Why did they have to convince you that he was a bad guy.

He wanted to show you how much you meant to him. How much he thinks about you daily. How much he misses you and needs you so badly because he’s never met anyone like you. He didn’t want anyone but you.

He would ask around to figure out the classes you were going to take. Your schedule for the semester, when you would go out to eat or go to the library. He made sure that you would know he was also there but make it seem like a coincidence.

You had no idea how tightly you had him wrapped around your finger.

He lazily threw his head back as he took a shot that his friend handed to him. Hopefully it was enough to give him some courage to approach you. When everything went down he threw the cup onto the table and started making his way to you. Maybe the shot was a bad idea because he had already been drinking for a while. Plus he was already feeling it by the time he made to you.

You didn’t seem to notice him until your friends tapped your shoulder. When you did you frowned at the sight of him. He looked at you with his dark eyes intensely before stumbling a bit. You roll your eyes realizing he was drunk.

"Go back from where you came from Yuta. Dont tell me you came to boast about your recent exam grade. I don’t have time for you to ruin my night." You say as you turn back around to your friends.

Your scent hit him as you turned around making him want you more. Fuck a drug or alcohol addiction, your scent was his worst addiction and he was afraid he would act up because of it. Sadly the alcohol in his system made him act upon his thoughts. He wrapped his arms around you as he buried his face into the back of your head. He took a big whiff of your smell as your body suddenly tensed.

"Yuta?! What do you think you’re doing?” You say as you try to get his arms to release you.

"M’ so sorry, I don’t want to ruin your night but I need you so bad." He said as he hugged you tighter.

You could hear as your friend giggled and awed about Yutas actions. You had no idea if he was drunk or accidentally got something slipped into his drink. He must be confusing you for some other chick because when would Yuta Okkotsu be interested in you?

You somehow manage to slip out of his arms and grab him by the face.

"You want me to call you an Uber? You’re going to be embarrassed tomorrow when you find out that you were saying all this stuff to me. Can’t believe you mistook me for someone else." You say as you pull out your phone.

Your eyes were forced to look back up while trying to get onto the Uber app. He looked at your face for what seemed like a minute trying to figure out who you were.

"No, I could never mistake y/n" he said as he swayed a bit.

You looked at him stunned at what just came out his mouth. Before you could say anything he leaned in and kissed you on the lips. It was a long kiss that turned into a full on make out session. You could taste the drinks that he had been consuming tonight. You could also taste how desperate he was to be kissing you. His hands wrapped around your waist and pulled you in closer. One of his hands grabbing onto your chin so he could have you in the perfect possession.

You melted into his embrace as the kissing kept going. He was going at it non stop until you pushed him away from a breath of fresh air. When you did he decided you attacked your neck by smooching all over it.

"Oh he’s so going to be embarrassed tomorrow." You heard your friend say only to realize that she had recorded the whole interaction.

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lvrhughes · 1 year

Text

Best Friend's Teammate| Q. Hughes

if this does not line up at all, I've never been to rogers arena during hockey season and I literally just chose the first canuck to come to mind to so that's why we've got Brock

word count: 1.9k

pairing: Quinn Hughes x f!reader, platonic!Brock Boeser x f!reader

summary: there’s a family skate and your best friend convinces you to come, the issue being you can’t skate. but he has a solution, the defence man you’ve been crushing on will teach you

warnings: pretty fluff, kissing, falling?

requested: no

not my gif!

“I can’t believe you’ve lived in Vancouver for the past three years and you still don’t know how to skate!” Your best friend, and pain in the ass, Brock exclaimed.

You rolled your eyes once again, the third time this week he’s brought it up.

“Why do keep bringing this up? What’s happening?” You finally pushed.

“There’s a family skate tomorrow and I want to bring you” he finally caved.

Of course there was a skating event Brock would want you to go to. You looked up at him, he had his best puppy dog eyes out and you knew he knew he’d won once you looked at him.

“Fine.” You muttered crossing your arms, “but you have to teach me”

“Deal!” He was radiating excitement. “I’ll see you tomorrow, 10 am sharp Y/n/n” he called walking the path towards his place while you continued to yours.

What the fuck had you just signed up for, oh god. You knew Brock, so why you still agreed you didn’t know. Brock would definitely get distracted and leave you like Bambi on ice tomorrow, hopefully Elias would help you. Maybe Quinn would be there.

Everyone could see the small little crush you were pining over the young defenseman. It was clear to everyone but Quinn.

The morning rolled around sooner than you would’ve liked, having to get up earlier then you’d want. You had to search for the pair of skates you had from when you once tried to skate, several years ago.

About 20 minutes after you did find them, Brock showed up at your door, he didn’t even bother to knock he simply walked in.

“Oh dear Y/n” he chanted through the house, snooping through the rooms for you.

“Bedroom” you called back and waited for him to come.

He came running in, sliding his socks along the hardwood floor.

“You ready?”

“As I’ll ever be, but you got to promise you won’t just leave me” you made him swear to that, even though he’d break it at some point.

The drive to the rink was the worst part, you had time to think it over. You, who couldn’t skate, surrounded by hockey players, children, and other adults that could skate, you were bound to embarrass yourself. You tried to shake the thought of face planting in front of everyone but you could, but Brock noticed.

“Calm down, you’ll be fine.” He words barely comforted you but it was enough for the two minutes before you made it in the rink.

“What am I doing here Brock, I’m going to die!” You exaggerated, he let out a chuckle.

“No your not”

“How do you know?”

“Because even if I’m not with you, Quinn’ll be” he beamed.

What did he say.

“I’m sorry what?”

“I got Quinn to help teach you.” Brock looked so proud, you were going to kill him.

“You” you pushed your finger against his chest, “are dead to me.”

You knew you were being dramatic but you also knew he knew it was a joke. The smile across his face said so.

“Come on Y/n/n, he’s like the best skater on the team” he bargained.

“hmph” was all you mumbled out before finding a bench and sitting. Brock followed behind you, carry both of yours skates.

“Let me put mine on then I’ll help you” he offered but by some ironic luck, Quinn was there.

“It’s fine Brock I can help her” Quinn offered, Brock quickly accepted for you.

And so you were sitting on a bench, with Quinn at your feet tying your skates, definitely not how you pictured your Sunday going. He stood up, placing his hand out for you.

“Are you ready?” He questioned, no, but nonetheless.

“I guess” you said grabbing his hand, trying to stand. You hadn’t realized how unstable you’d actually be on skates. You almost immediately fell back, but Quinn was faster, he arms wrapping around your waist to stop you.

He let out a small chuckle, helping you stand up completely.

“Do you want to try getting on ice now?”

“God no, but Brock will kill me if I don’t”

So he lead you towards the ice, you could see Brock doing laps, talking to children as they came to him. He made it look so easy. Fuck it, if he could do it you could too.

Quinn skillfully glided on to the ice, you already envied that ability. He took your hand again, helping you to keep steady when you stepped on.

“Okay, just hold my hands we’ll go slow at first” he was so calm and nervous at the same time it almost scared you. But you did as he said, you held his hand, like you life depended on it, and he slowly skated backwards.

“That's good, just copy what I’m doing” so you tried, and you did it the first few times. The was before you caught a divot in the ice.

“Fuck” you said almost falling atop of Quinn, you quickly rolled off him.

“I am so sorry” you were quick to apologize but ur didn’t seem to care, he had a small smile on his face.

“It’s fine. It happens” and with that he got up and helped you up. This time only taking one of your hands, you missed the warmth he gave but wouldn’t dare say that aloud.

“You remember how to push?”

“Yeah”

“Okay do that, it’s the same as before but now you're beside me.” He was so gentle explaining how to push and glide it made you think skating was the easiest thing in the world, you just couldn’t understand.

He let go of your hand, you shook a little bit but we’re soon comfortable. He skated a bit ahead.

“Okay, now skate to me.” He told you. He had so much confidence in your ability, you thought. But you tried.

You made your way over to Quinn, slowly but at least you didn’t fall. Pushing and gliding your feet like he had shown you.

“Perfect” he said once you’d reached him, he took your hand again. He pulled you closer to him and spun. Giggles left your mouth as he did, he thought it was the best sound he’d ever heard.

“Quinn I’m going to get dizzy!”

He slowed so you were just standing in his arms, it was peaceful. All the sound around had faded, it was just you and Quinn in that moment. His eyes stared down into yours, they were so beautiful.

He was so beautiful. That’s all you had figured out, he was gorgeous and you had a crush on him. Unintentionally your eyes darted to his lips, back they were quick to return to his eyes. You saw his eyes look to your lips quick before letting you out if his arms.

“Come on, let’s go get a hot chocolate, then more laps”

A slight disappointment filled you, but you knew Quinn was too good for you. So you skated beside him, still holding his hand, to get off the ice for a drink.

Once you two both had drinks, and had enough of them for the moment he put them beside all your stuff and brought you back on to the ice.

You skated laps beside him, some laps holding his hand, some without. You preferred the laps holding his hand. A shiver ran up your spine, Quinn noticed.

“Here” he said taking off and handing you the hoodie he was wearing.

“No it’s fine, you’ll get cold.”

“Y/n, I basically live on the best ice, I’ll be fine”

You had no argument against that so you took his hoodie, sliding it over your head. It was warm and smelt like him. You just wanted to curl up with it and never leave it.

Quinn’s heart melted at the sight, you in his hoodie, it was definitely too big for you, but he thought it was adorable.

“Y/n” Brock called, skating over before icing both you and Quinn.

“I see you learned to skate” he snickered towards the fact you were now wearing Quinn’s hoodie and holding his hand.

“Shut up”

“She’s actually doing really well” Quinn contributed. Brock just laughed in reply, almost challenging to what Quinn had just said.

You had to admit, you were extremely competitive and petty. So what Brock had did, gave you reason to try and skate better than him.

“I can skate.” You declared. “One lap and you have to admit that I can skate.”

He nodded, you let go of Quinn’s hand and began around. Brock followed beside you, Quinn behind. It was a peaceful lap, until a small child cut in front of you and if u didn’t try to stop you would’ve ran it over.

“Fuck” you mumbled, now sitting on the ice. Brock laughed.

“Oh shut up, that wasn’t even my fault!”

“I know but it was funny” he couldn’t stop laughing, until Quinn nudged him acknowledging the look in your face.

Quinn was quick to help you up, pulling you into his arms while. You hid your face in his chest, knowing they’d seen your reaction to the teasing. They didn’t need to see your reaction again, embarrassment overcoming whatever you were feeling before. Quinn wrapped his arms around you, it was nice. He was warm and smelt good. The urge to nuzzle yourself deeper in his chest was so strong, you made yourself pull away before you could give in.

“I think I’m done for the day.” You said, getting positioned to skate towards the gate.

“No I’m sorry I shouldn’t have laughed, please you were having so much fun with Quinn. Continue on, I’ll go find the team” Brock excused himself before you could deny, your feet were beginning to hurt making you want off the ice anyways.

“Fucker” you whispered under your breath, yet somehow Quinn still heard.

“Do you really want off?” He looked a bit sad, and you knew you couldn’t say no to the kicked-puppy look he had.

“My feet just hurt that’s all”

“If you want we can get off?”

“No it’s okay, let do some more laps”

He smiled, his smile was so pretty, god you were in love. So you did more laps with Quinn, staying on the ice until you had to leave.

Yet again right before getting of the small child appeared to trip you, this time onto Quinn. Your face flushed, now you laying on top of Quinn.

“I am so sorry”

You didn’t even get the extent of your apology out before Quinn kissed you, it shocked you. You froze for a second before melting into him. Your arms found a place around his neck, his wrapping around your waist to keep you on top of him.

You both did have to pull back for air eventually, much to both of yours disappointment. He helped you up from on top of him, on the ice, and pulled you against him again.

“I am so glad you didn’t yell at me” he laughed, placing a kiss on your head.

"Why would've I yelled at you?" A little confused, your tone laced with it.

"I mean I just kissed you, I didn't even ask." he was soft with his words almost embarrassed, you just smiled at him.

"I'd never yell at you, Quinn. I've loved you since we first met."

"Really? That was like three years ago." he seemed shocked, it was a little intimidating, you had to admit.

"I thought I was the only one" he admitted shortly after.

"You've loved me since then too?"

"How could I could I not?" He had a smile on his face, he was practically glowing.

"I love you so much, Quinn"

"I love you so much more"

#quinn hughes #quinn hughes x reader #quinn hughes imagine #vancouver canucks #nhl imagine #mads writings!

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lowkeyrobin · 3 months

Note

Curious about MCYT with a partner that's usually calm and collected, suddenly being super angry at someone bothering them, maybe almost fighting the person brothering them? (Btw i really love your writing, it's super fun to read!!)

ooooo okay !! I see the vision, hopefully I pulled it off LMAO ; also thank you so much!! that means so much to me, I feel like my writings really corny and dumb sometimes and too boring so thank you, it means a lot to me 🫶🫶🫶

MCYT ; fire in the twilight

includes ; tommyinnit, tubbo, ranboo, badlinu, nihachu, & quackity

warnings ; language, talk about SA/perverts/men being weird

masterlist

TOMMYINNIT

you're a very calm person

but when you get mad you get maddddd

he's surprised you haven't beaten the shit out of him yet

someone was being kinda weird at a meet and greet at vidcon and you were already stressed and overstimulated from taking pictures with everyone and signing merch and youtooz (guys should I try buying the slimecicle plushie? I don't wanna support a bad company but he's so cute :()

someone took a picture of you stretching where your shirt lifted a bit and showed off your midsection

Tommy saw and immediately called them out while you were taking a solo pic w a fan

when you heard him you just froze and nearly yelled

"Hey, please delete that. out of your trash too, seriously"

"Dude, fucking delete that shit. that's not okay, actually."

you end up nearly beating the shit out of the person....

then comes the Twitch apology 😭😭

you nearly went into a spiral explaining that it's never okay to take photos of ppl without them knowing, no matter when or where

he feels really bad for you but you're able to sit down and calm down to your usual self 🫶🫶🫶

TUBBO

you got really heated while you got matched up with a bigot random on valorant

you were playing with Tommy and Tubbo on squads

this mf set you OFF

they were talking some homophobic, transphobic, racist ass shit and you just lost it

you were READY for this bitch bro

Tommy and tubbo just sat back in silence because they knew you were gonna go off

"one, why do you trust your fuckass government so much?? two, your statements are completely wrong, it takes one google search. three, you're a bitch edge lord, four, no, I don't think I'm cool because I'm a streamer with a platform. five, you're completely wrong about gay people in general, you're doing the exact same thing being a Bible thumper right now. six, shut up! who fucking cares? how much of a loser do you have to be to hate people so much?"

the random just left out of embarrassment and you have to sit afk for a moment and catch your breath

"You okay, y/n?" tubbo asks

dude them and all your chats are worried about you bro

"yeah, sorry. that just... fuck, like, how are people so hateful?"

he reposts a clip of it on tik tok afterward LMAO

genuinley thanks you a little while after you properly calm down because it would've gotten bad if you didn't go off

gives you a little hug and stuff

"thanks for being my little guard dog"

RANBOO

you were getting fed up with how people were treating you and them online and just kinda lost it on stream

your chat was filled with assholes wondering where people were and why you hadn't publicly talked to them in over 12 hours and what your plans with everything were etc etc

"Dude, please stop. all of you. for weeks this has been going on, stop putting me and ranboo on these pedestals and expecting shit from us. seriously, it's horrible for both of us and our health. if you wanna see Tubbo or Tommy, go watch them! they're both live right now. Seriously, it's not funny and it's not gonna make us pump out more content and do what you want. we're people too, we get sad and burned out and tired. eventually content creation gets unfun and you won't get what you want. behave yourselves and do better. we don't owe you anything"

ranboo literally tears up a bit because he was watching the stream in the other room and could hear you, and you were visibly tearing up

you could feel your hands shaking and you just kind of ended the stream because you were so worked up and didn't wanna do it anymore

he immediately wrapped you in a hug because you were just so angry

gave you a pillow to punch and left you be for a while

you're usually very calm but your emotions exploded when you were bottling it up too much

they understood that but their heart bled for you after that, especially w all the hate that came from it :/

FREDDIE BADLINU

people were throwing things at you on stage during Tommy's live show

you played it off as jokes and were fine with jt because they were doing it sneakily in a fun way, roses, kandi bracelets, plushies etc, until someone threw their bra at you

"Okay, can we not?" You scrunch your eyebrows, looking into the crowd as you throw the bra back into the crowd. "That's fucked, don't ever do that again, learn event etiquette. never throw your bras on a fucking stage, it's weird and disgusting"

Freddie looks over at you, standing next to Tommy, giving you a "Holy shit are you okay?" look while also looking for the culprit trying to get their bra back

Tommy instantly stopped the show to reprimand the person

meanwhile Freddie was whispering to you to make sure you were okay

you were pissed but put your big kid pants on and continued the show

you apologized on Twitter after the show because you were really loud and kind of humiliated the people but you were justified with the situation

the people (and the girl who owned the bra) apologized and the situation was over

Freddie feels so bad bc you're so calm and laid back but ppl always have to test your limits :(

NIKI NIHACHU

people were filming you two out in public and taking pictures and you kinda lost it that they weren't listening to niki, telling them to kindly stop

"can you stop taking pictures? she's uncomfortable, please stop." you speak in a stern voice

the fans just like stare at you in shock because you're usually very calm and chill and you basically yelled at them (you reprimanded them because one it's the law two you both didn't want to be disturbed on your walk)

you're in a miserable mood the whole way home because yk how twitters gonna act when they see that

you quickly make a statement before any video leaks or anything, addressing the situation and apologizing to the strangers

ppl got ur back tho and showed support considering they were filming you on a nice walk without consent

she feels so bad seeing you get upset about it and feels like it's her fault

lots of reassuring her that it's never her fault and you're always happy to defend her and you don't mind getting a little loud to defend her

ALEX QUACKITY

you got really upset with someone harassing a bunch of creators during the qsmp Brazil meetup

"Dude, leave them alone. they don't want to take a picture with you and they don't owe you anything! you're being creepy to all those women right now, do you not realize that or something?"

you were furious seeing that many on your friends, even while on a trip, couldn't just not be harassed by men

the weirdo scurried off but you were literally this close to fighting the fucker

you were seething dude, like, shaking because you were so astonished someone could actually be that pushy and that much of a dick over a picture

Alex wrapped you in a tight hug and just squeezed you until you calmed down while the poor people who were harassed had reassured you that they were okay and that they appreciated and thanked you for standing up for them

Alex genuinley apologizes because the way you reacted just proved to him that you definitely are calm and laid back but when you got angry, you got angry

he feels so bad because you had to stand up for your friends and watch them be harassed and shit

#lowkeyrobin #mcyt x reader #mcyt preferences #mcyt oneshot #tommyinnit x reader #ranboo x reader #quackity x reader #badlinu x reader #freddie badlinu x reader #niki nihachu x reader #nihachu x reader #alex quackity x reader #quackityhq x reader #gn reader #gender neutral reader #mcyt x gn reader #they/them reader

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corpsebasil · 13 days

Note

Oooh I’d love an arranged marriage au where the reader hasn’t been married by any other foreign princes (she’s a princess on her grand tour) and she comes to ravka jaded and bitter. (This can be set during the original trilogy in a version where the sun summoner has never come back). She meets Nikolai at a ball during siege and storm and the two of them go from enemies to lovers…. 👀. Along the way it could turn out that she’s the sun summoner but because of her severely internalized trauma, she *cant* show her powers.

Ooooooh Pookie

^^ sorry but this man is so Nikolai coded it’s insane . No offense Patrick Gibson but these blond men are starting to get to me

This one’s gonna be short but I want to get to the point, sorry. Your backstory was good just pretend mine fits. LOL

Warnings: none just fluff

Months on tour. Months. That’s how long you’ve been gallivanting around the continent in search of a future King consort. The only option, it seems, to your chagrin, is the wild, witty, and annoyingly gorgeous Prince Nikolai.

“Come running back?” He asks nonchalantly one evening after he casually burst into your chambers like he owns the place. Your eye twitches from where youre sitting at your vanity, the blond collapsing dramatically on top of your bed. “Miss me too much? I missed you, too.”

“Please keep your shoes off the bed.” You snap, applying moisturizer with violence as he toes off one shoe, then the other, and props his chin on his hands, kicking his feet in the air like a child. “Don’t you have anyone else to bother?”

“Sure, but you’re the most fun.”

“Saints, save me.”

“No Saints here, love. Just me.”

When you turn and throw a makeup brush at his head he dodges, grinning like a fiend as you roll your eyes.

You’ve known Nikolai for years. Since you were children he taunted and teased you, pulling on your pigtails and stealing the last bites of your desserts. Now though, he seems different. Sure he’s still annoying but, after forcing yourself to deal with him courting you, you noticed the changes.

Instead of pulling on your hair, he holds your hands when helping you out of carriages, off horses, and up or down any flights of stairs. He keeps a hand on the small of your back when you move through crowds, his witty remarks kept low so only you can hear them. Instead of stealing your desserts he saves you the last bite, casually sliding his plate an inch or so towards you without even glancing over.

He plays with your hair during meals or boring meetings, wrapping a strand around his finger and tugging twice, gently, as if a signal that he’s thinking of you, that he’s by your side, that he takes this tour seriously.

“Can we end the theatrics and admit you like me?” He asks from the bed, stretching out like a lazy housecat as he watches you finish up your skincare and stand. His serene smile grows as you approach, planting your hands on the bed to peer down over him.

“I do not like you.” You say sweetly, then gasp when he hooks an arm around your waist and tugs you down next to him, practically nose to nose.

“Stop lying.” He groans, amused when you wiggle and squirm (you’re barely trying to escape) before you finally let out a huff and collapse, head propped on his bicep when he tugs you closer. His blue eyes are glittering with something like adoration when he pokes your cheek, marveling at the smoothness. “You look like a snail ran all over your face.”

“How sweet of you.” You scoff, poking his cheek in return. “Your skin is dry. Who’s taking care of you?”

“Hopefully you.” At your raised brow he grins again, rolling you on top of him so he’s lying beneath you, gazing up. Shockingly enough, though his grip has loosened, you don’t move away. “Come on, Y/N. We both know you’ll be happy with me. I make you laugh.”

“You give me stomach pains.”

“That’s love.”

“It might be a tape worm.”

“Y/N.” He sighs and pulls you closer, one hand reaching up to cup your cheek. “This is no way to treat your future King.”

“Consort. King Consort.”

“So you agree.”

“Nik—”

“Hmm?” He lifts his head a fraction of an inch, touching the tip of his nose to yours. When your breath hitches, he smiles. “There she is..” he murmurs, satisfied, and pulls your mouth down to his.

You melt into the kiss.

He’s mine mine MINE

#nikolai lantsov #shadow and bone #nikolai lantsov x reader #nikolai x reader #shadow and bone imagine #nikolai lantsov fanfic #fluff

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froggy-demon · 4 months

Text

Oh, Deer - Part Two

A/N: This is part two to my Alastor x OC slowburn story, I hope you enjoy <3

Chapter Summery: Lilly gets settled at the hotel and a stressful day of work leads her to getting a little closer to one particular staff member.

Part Three

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I woke up to my morning alarm blaring at me, shit I didn’t even think about how long it will take to get from here to work, fucking fantastic. And I have none of my clothes, also fantastic. I book it out the door and head to my old apartment. I grab a book bag I had laying around and stuff as much of my shit in it as I can fit, the less trips back and forth I can make while moving, the better. I change into an outfit for work, a pinstriped mini skirt and a turtleneck blouse with puffy sleeves with my trademark tights and kitten heel Maryjanes, throwing my backpack over my shoulder and getting to work as fast as possible. All in all, I was only 10 minutes late which is a fucking miracle if I’ve ever heard one. I busy myself by checking in with the other assistants and sorting out who is covering what assignments and shows today. Velvette slams open the studio door and is already looking pissed off, the day just started how can it already be going to shit? That question answered itself as behind her trailed in Valentino talking her ear off, switching between whining and yelling.

“Valentino it is time for at least one of us to actually do our jobs, fuck off already and find someone else to bitch to!” She yells at him and stomps off. This pushes him over the edge, he grabs a passing by assistant and snaps her in half, like it’s nothing. I duck my head down and find a way to be very busy and as unnoticeable as possible, hiding behind my clipboard as much as I can.

“No you fuck off Velvette! Tell me what the fuck I can do one more fucking time! Try to run anything once I’m done with you precious shitty studio!” He threw the couch he had trapped that studio aid on just the other day against the wall and it smashed into a hundred pieces. He reached for a fleeing model and ripped her head off, damn and she wasn’t even an annoying model. He rampaged through the room and Velvette just ignored him and stomped my way.

I straightened my back as she approached and tried to not seem bothered by the 10ft lunatic killing my coworkers and ripping apart anything else in his reach. “We are not getting off schedule, get my designers so we can keep our shit on the air! Get them here in the next five minutes while I get fucking Piss Baby out of here.” She Barked and I nodded

“Yes Ma’am.” She seemed pleased enough and walked off to order around anyone else still breathing. I used my ear piece to try to locate the desired designers, keeping my back to the scene behind me.

“Designers, if most of your limbs are still attached, your presence is requited by Ms. Velvette immediately, bring what you have been working on for her and try not to be killed on your way.” I received 4 affirmatives and glanced back to see Velvette on her phone to presumably Vox. Thank Satan, this was definitely a big guns problem. I looked around at a few cowering workers near me and smoothed out my clothes. “C’mon, get this place straightened up. It’s a fucking mess in here, get a broom and a mop, now.” The three jumped up, though a bit reluctantly, and went in search for the cleaning supplies. I saw Velvette manage to force Valentino out the studio door and lock it behind him, hopefully keeping him out. I saw two of the designers come in and waved them over, having them stand up on a small platform that wasn’t totally wrecked and Velvette made her way over.

She was clearly still not happy, but at least wasn’t getting worse. Vox appeared next to her with a cheeky smile plastered onto his plasma face, contrasting her fiery attitude. I thought I saw him give me a small scowl, but I've never spoken to Vox, it couldn't be personal. He asked her where Valentino had gone and was back on his way.

The day continued with far fewer bumps, minus the power outage caused by Vox's tantrum. Valentino stayed away so I guess Vox was able to calm him down well enough and Velvette stayed at a manageable level of pissed off until the outtage.

“Fucking hell! Fine fuck him, everyone go the fuck home!” She screeched and no one was waiting to confirm that order. I grabbed my bag and booked it out of the building and back to the hotel. Alastor’s broadcast was all I could hear people talking about, though they kept it hushed so close to the Vs. Losing was not something they, especially Vox, liked. When I walked through the door I was surprised to find a new face in the parlor. He was a snake demon and Charlie was excitedly chatting with him while Vaggie stood to the side looking apprehensive.

“Here she is!” Charlie exclaimed turning to me, smiling ear to ear. “Lilly! This is Sir. Pentious, he is our next guest at the hotel!” She motioned for us to shake hands, which I obliged. He seemed nervous, but still gave a small smile.

“Ah, Lilly, it isss quite nice to meet another future redemption-ee!” He said and I tried to return his smile.

“Lilly he blew up the hotel this morning.” Angel added dryly, I stopped smiling and looked at Charlie confused. Angel clearly wasn’t buying whatever the serpent was telling Charlie.

“He said he is sorry! That’s what we’re all about, second chances!” She defended and really tried to sell it. I looked between her and Sir. Pentious, a little skeptical myself honestly.

“If you are confident, I will trust your judgement.” I stated and turned to Angel, who filled me in on all of the details on the fight that had taken place that morning while Charlie taught Sir. Pentious how to apologize to Alastor. Geez, you go in for one shift and miss everything!

“Say, Dear, how did my little show go over at Vs HQ?” Alastor asked, appearing behind me and giving me a bit of a fright. He sounded particularly staticy. Angel rolled his eyes at his theatrics. I turned to face the demon and met his glowing eyes for a moment before looking back at Angel.

“I couldn’t say for sure, but I’d say not well. Vox particularly was still glitching and zapping about when Velvette dismissed us after the power shut down. We couldn’t do anything with him fucking up all of the tech.” I said and he laughed, clearly pleased with himself and patted my head. Angel was deeply distracted by his phone, someone was texting him quite a lot, every few seconds his phone would buzz with a new notification.

“Wonderful to hear! I’m glad I got my message across.” His eyes glowed a bit brighter, clearly there was some contempt held for Vox, and it went both ways. Seeing him like that sent a little zap of fear through me. I know what he’s done to those he doesn’t like to get what he wants, but he chooses to be so hands off with it this time? Maybe he just wanted to give a fair warning, I don’t know, but I do not want to get in the middle of it. “Speaking of your work,” He moved to stand between me and Angel now. “Why not find some new employment now that your housing is supplied? Something less television based maybe?” He eyed me, as though he suspected me of something. I tried to look past him to Angel again, but he blocked my vision, seemingly growing a little taller, a little more menacing.

“Well, as much as I’d like to,” I said a tad nervous of the overlord in front of me “I can’t. Velvette owns me, my soul that is. As a day job it isn’t too bad at least.” I mumble the last sentence and Alastor raises an eyebrow at me. Angel is still preoccupied, but I see him throw a look my way when I mention my deal.

“Deals aren’t usually Velvette’s style, she typically prefers to leave that work to the boys, how unfortunate for you then.” He says, returning to his normal chipper self and walks off. As he disappears I finally take stock of myself, I look like shit. There is dried blood on my shoes and spots of guts dotting my outfit for the Valentino’s carnage earlier, gross.

“Angel, I’m going to take a shower and unpack a little you know where to find me if you need anything okay?” He doesn’t look up, clearly in a mood, sitting down on a nearby chair and crossing his legs over the arm and mumbles out an okay. I make my way upstairs, to my room, and then turn on the hot water for the shower attached to my room. After peeling off my clothes it felt good to let the hot water wash over me. The water pressure was better here too. A little refresh is really what I needed after today. Once I felt better I rummaged through my bag until I found my pjs, a pair of little shorts and an oversized t-shirt VTech gave out during some marketing campaign, it was at least comfortable. I started to unpack more and realized Niffty must have been here earlier because there was significantly less dust everywhere and my bed spread seemed freshly laundered. I will have to thank her the next time I see her. Just as I’m finishing up I hear some kind of commotion coming from somewhere in the hotel, what the fuck was that? I poke my head out and hear more noise, like someone is fighting, is that Angel Dust? I run down to the noise and meet Charlie and Vaggie walking up to the same disturbance.

Angel says that Sir. Pentious is working for the Vs, but I can smell the liquor on him from here, and the snake denies the accusation. Angel rolls his eyes and points out the video camera hidden between two books on the shelf, causing Sir. Pentious to panic. He screams into his watch to help him as Vaggie face palms and it's my turn to roll my eyes. Not only is he a spy, he’s an absolutely terrible one at that. I can hear Vox laughing at him though the watch, but Charlie has big doe eyes. He begs for a quick murder, but Charlie welcomes him in with open arms, despite protests from the three of us. After a set of profuse apologies, we head back to bed.

Angel has his arms crossed, the whole walk. I want to say something, but he has been in a bad mood all day and I don’t want to accidentally make it worse. “Angel, y'know I-“ but he waves me off.

“I don’t want to talk about it. Work shit, and we said work shit stays at fucking work.” He snaps, but sighs and I know he isn’t mad at me, just someone else. My guess, Val. I wonder if that’s what Valentino was raging about this morning, I hope for Angel’s sake it’s not. He slams the door to his room and I turn towards mine, just to be greeted by Alastor, he sure does have a knack for popping up.

“Take off your shirt, Dear.” He glares at it, taking me back. This is a tone shift.

“Excuse me?” I ask, taking a step back, not there there is really anywhere to go if you want to run from a shadow walking overlord at night.

“Well, I’m going to burn it and I just figured you would want it off your body before I do that, but if you prefer,” Alaster smirked and lit a small fireball in his hand “you can keep it on!” He was very serious, I look back down at my shirt, I guess I set myself up for this one wearing a shirt with Vox’s face plastered on it, but hey it was a free shirt. I yanked it off and Alastor took two big steps towards me and took it from my hands, his eyes glowed devilishly as he set it on fire and watched Vox’s face burn away while he grinned ear to ear. “Much better! I appreciate your cooperation, however,” he bent down to my height and made me look him in the eyes. His voice grew more staticy as he said “I better not see anything else with his face on it here.”

I nodded, it was all I could manage, I felt frozen in place and suddenly self-conscious as I realized I was in my bra and shorts in front of a murderous overlord, not exactly confidence inspiring for me. He stood back up straight and spun his cane, pleased with himself. “Very well, Goodnight!” He sang and I didn’t wait before quickly going into my room. Great, now I need a new sleep shirt, that will be a tomorrow night problem. I got into bed and curled up. I’m not doing amazing at staying off Alastor’s bad side, maybe tomorrow I will break that streak.

The next morning I joined everyone else in the parlor downstairs, I had some time for once before I was needed at work. Charlie excitedly explained that we were doing some bonding activities as a group today, that it would help if we all trusted and got to know each other. I wanted to check in on Angel, but he was still hung up on his phone. Okay, so I’m going to have to make a second friend, it can’t be that hard can it? What do I have to work with?

Niffty is a little… crazy… maybe not my first choice. Let’s see Sir. Pentious is eager, but do I have anything at all in common with him? Let’s see he likes building things? Nope. He likes being a leader, of his egg boys at least, uh in the right light sometimes you could kinda say I like bossing people around. I think that’s everything I’ve learned about him though, and I’m not really someone who goes out looking for a fight anymore, even if Cherri wants me to. Vaggie is a little too focused on Charlie I think to start worrying about anyone else, I can’t blame her, as sweet as Charlie is she is also a handful. I think Alastor is waiting for me to sneeze wrong to justify breaking my neck and is no where to be seen sooooo… my new friend is going to have to be Husk! The only hard part about that is he doesn’t really ever want to participate in our activities. I can work with that though.

I take a seat next to Husk for activity time and give him a small smile. I haven’t really gotten what his deal is from Angel yet, maybe he just acts tough. “So, Husk, what brings you to the hotel? You don’t really seem like you’re here for redemption to me.” I ask trying to sound cheery. He just rolls his eyes at me though.

“My job.” He huffs out, motioning over to the bar. Okay smartass. I fold my arms and lean forward towards him.

“And out of all the bars in hell, why work at this one? Don’t tell me its for the dental insurance.” I quipped and he almost smiles. He leans back in his chair and looks across the room at nothing in particular.

“Alastor, he tells me to go so I go.” He finally says. Ah, could Alastor really own his soul? I won’t press for now. Satisfied with the answer I sit back in my seat and he slumps down more in his, but then my phone rings. Velvette, why is Velvette calling me? I don’t hear from her that much seeing as I never have a day off anyway, not even extermination days. I hop up out of my seat so not to bother anyone and answer the phone.

“Yes Ma’am?” I answer, stepping out of the room. She shouts that she needs me immediately, one of the models didn’t show up today and now she needs extra hands on deck and I better be there immediately. I try not to let her hear me sigh or sound disappointed. I guess I did get to sleep a couple extra hours which is more than enough to be grateful for. “Yes Ma’am.” I reply and she stresses I better hurry or I’ll be costuming for Valentino’s sets for the next year and she hangs up. I walked back in and the group looks up at me waiting for my explanation. “Okay guys, sorry to cut the team building short, but I’m needed at work sooner than expected, sorry Charlie.” Charlie looked disappointed.

“Oh.. so when do you have a day you don’t work anyway?” She asks. “We’ll just catch you up then!” She beams at her great idea. Angel chuckles, Cherri probably has told him before if he knows my situation.

“I don’t get any days off, sometimes I only work 10 hour days though!” I tried to make that sound like a good thing and gave her a thumbs up, but Charlie frowned again.

“Well that’s not good, you’ll never have any time for our activities then!” She protested and started pacing. “Can’t you just say you need a day off for something important?” She looked at me with those big doe and and I shook my head, crossing my arms.

“Some of us have jobs, dollface, contracts.” Angel points out dryly. He finally looks up from his phone to give Charlie a pointed look. It must be nice to be her.

“There are no days off for me, if Velvette says come in I can’t say no. It’s just the way it is. Now she’s waiting for me, I have to get going.” I slip on my shoes and head for the door leaving a protesting princess behind.

I get there as quickly as possible and as soon as I walk through the door Velvette is tapping her foot waiting for me. She looks as pissed as usual, but it isn’t usually my direct fault that she’s pissed off.

“Now, I happen to know that your apartment is all of five fucking minutes away so how the fuck did that take 25 minutes today?” She demands. Since when has she even known where I live? I straighten my back, I am not used to talking back to her, usually we even work pretty well together. “Well, spit out whatever pathetic excuse you have and get to begging for forgiveness! Some of us have important shit to be doing!” An assistant walked up to her and they quietly conversed while he showed her a different selection of blouses.

“I moved Ma’am.” I stated, adverting my eyes. She snapped her head away from her conversation to look at me again.

“Well who the fuck told you to do something stupid like that? I need you near here for when I call you, fucking move back.” She said it like it doesn’t matter where I live or what I think if it doesn't serve her needs. She might own my soul, but that is not our deal.

“Ma’am, with all the respect in hell, I cannot do that.” I stayed cool, that’s good. She walked over to me, until she was less than a foot away from my face. Her red eyes glowing and piercing into mine.

“The fuck you will. As fucking kind as I am to you every fucking day, whose dick you’re riding just to crash in their shitty bed anyway?” She snapped at me, glaring at me while waiting for my answer.

I took a deep breath. “Charlie Morningstar, Ma’am, well her hotel that is.” I added, looking down. Velvette was seething in front of me. She grabbed me and threw me to the ground. I hit my head hard on the stone floor, because exactly what I need is another head injury.

“Don’t give me that kind of bullshit ever again. Remember who you are speaking to.” She spoke through gritted teeth. She materialized the link between us, the chain attaching me to her, our deal. I knew exactly what I signed, but she was right. I should have held my tongue. She used it to pull me to my feet in front of her. “Now get to fucking work.” She spat and let me go. I stayed on my feet and smoothed my outfit and hair, composing myself for the coming day.

“Yes Ma’am.” I kept my eyes on the floor as she rolled her eyes.

“Good, now get Kelly Killjoy’s suit options ready, it’s almost time for her to be on air, then come back to me.” And then she waved me away and I was happy to be able to walk away. I did as I was ordered, bringing the approved wardrobe to the news host's dressing room for her to pick from once ready. I raced back to the studio room to see what was next and Velvette sneared at me when she saw me. "Perfect, the seamstresses need a pin cushion, go be that until they are done with their projects.” And she turned away from me again. A pin cushion, this was going to be a long day.

Twenty hours later I am still in the studio, but I have finished every task I’ve been given, skillfully I might add. Well, as skillfully as one can be a pin cushion, mannequin mover, and general studio bitch without a single moment to sit or even pee. I was back in front of Velvette awaiting her next order. She looked at me and shook her head.

“Morning, cunt. Your outfit is hideous and you look more terrible than usual.” She said and zapped me into a new outfit, honestly the highlight of my day to have on something fresh, but really it was just a toned down version of her own outfit, but is all grey. Of course she would think her outfit was better. “Now perk the fuck up, I need you to set up the lights for the shoot we’re doing for my fabulous new clothing line today! And set up all the looks we created for it. Make sure those fucking models look right too, I can’t stand shitty sloppy work.” She said and I nodded, hoping it will be easy to learn how to set up studio lights.

“Yes Ma’am.”

After falling off a ladder more than once setting up the lights, organizing all of the set groups of items for the photo shoot, and labeling them, and then adjusting every single item on the models throughout the 10 hour shoot, I was ready to beg for Velvette’s forgiveness. I hadn’t had a drop of rest or caffeine in nearly two full days.

Finally I was told to go home, but to be back tomorrow bright and early with a smile on my face. I don’t know what pissed Velvette off so badly in the first place that she felt the need to take it out on me, but maybe tomorrow will be different, unlikely, but maybe. I walked into the hotel and went straight to the bar, come to think of it that might be one of the best parts about living here. I slumped onto a stool putting my head down on the bar. Husk raised an eyebrow at me while he was organizing his bottles.

“I wasn’t sure if you were coming back when no one saw you last night, where ya been?” He asked, he didn’t sound concerned, but he did sound curious. I picked my head up and propped myself up on my elbows.

“Work. I’ve been at work since I left. Someone pissed off Velvette and that became my personal problem.” I muttered. I took a deep breath, I don’t need to bitch about my shitty day though that won’t have made it any better. No, I wanted a boost, I should go out I want to feel good about myself. I don’t want Velvette to be able to dictate my mood like this.

“My, my, someone looks a little worked over,” Alastor sang as he walked up. “Did someone mistake you for a pin cushion?” He asked lifting my arm to inspect the hundreds of tiny and sore pricks in my skin. I pulled my arm away from him, trying not to humor him.

“Hello to you too, Sir.” I said, holding back my irritation. I look at husk and he poured me a drink, I give him the best smile I could muster when he placed it in front of me. Alastor took the seat next to me, crossing one leg over the other and giving me his signature smile. I took a sip and let the warm feeling wash over me.

“Tell me, is television work loosing its charm? Such superficial work after all, but maybe that’s how you prefer it, dear.” He laughed at his own joke and tapped his cane on the ground. I drank more of the mixed drink Husk had made me, but it didn’t cool me off as much as I needed it too. I gave him another look and he went to pour me another but I looked up at him and motioned to just give me the bottle.

“Aye, take it easy kid.” He said, but still handed it over. I took three big gulps and set it down.

“Alastor, I’m not in the mood for your insults and condescension, I think I’ve had more than enough of those today.” I said dryly and took another drink. He looked at his nails, as if he didn’t have a care in the world, enjoying getting a rise out of me.

“Oh, but I’m positive they haven’t been as witty as mine will be! Humor me won’t you? It’s been so boring today.” He leaned towards me, it was another request that didn’t really sound like a request. I couldn’t push back against Velvette, but I could with Alastor, maybe. I finished the bottle for some confidence and got out of my seat.

"No." I told him flatly, that should have been enough to get him off my back, but not Alastor.

"come now, don't tell me the big bad overlords you've worked for for years just now broke your spirit! Where's your moxie dear?" the demon quipped, leaning an elbow on the bar. I could feel my misplaced anger building, but shit he didn't have to be such a prick when I clearly was in a bad mood. I can't have five fucking minutes of peace?

“I told you, fuck off!” And stomped out the door, throwing aside the now empty bottle.

Fucking Radio Demon, fucking Velvette! I’m more than that, I’m not just someone to shove around. I don’t have to take that, not when I’m not at work. She might be able to give me as much shit as she wants, hell she could actually assign me to fuck ass Valentino’s porno costuming I wouldn’t even care, but I will not go home and have some other demon make me feel like shit too. I’m worth something!

I look up from the sidewalk that I’ve been so concentrated on and realize I don’t really have anywhere to go, I’m tired of bars and clubs, but hell maybe it'll make me feel like a person again anyway. Maybe someone will talk to me like I’m just a fucking person. So at the next neon sign I see advertising a drink I walk in and order and get just that. It doesn’t take long, it never does in hell, until someone starts talking me up, buying me a drink, then another, and another, and then says we should get out of here. He's good looking for a demon, tall and thin with blood red hair and long black horns twisting out of it like a ram's. I agree. I follow him outside and he starts taking me down an odd way, its quiet and dark here, but maybe he lives on a quiet street in hell, what do I know. Then he turns around, smiling, and holding a handgun. It takes a moment to register. He closes the distant between us.

“What are you doing?” I ask, he laughs and grabs my arm. I’m not stable enough to avoid it and he pushes me up against the alleyway wall and points the gun at my chest.

“I’m robbing you, dipshit, cough up whatever you have on you. I know someone dressed as pretty as you has a couple of bucks to spare right?” He sneers and shifts the barrel to under my chin. The only problem was I really didn’t have anything else. I had maybe a single dollar on me after buying that first drink and I don’t think that’s what he wanted to hear.

Then all the sudden he was off of me, I fell a little and caught my breath which I hadn’t realized I’d been holding. What the fuck was that? I looked around and saw a familiar pair of eyes walking out of the darkness, blazing red. Shadow tentacles were holding up the attempted robber as Alastor emerged from the darkness, how is Alastor here? He was taller than his normal stature, and had a sinister smile, antlers protruding from his hair. This is the demon I’d heard on the broadcast those years ago, he had bloodlust in his eyes.

“I don’t think so.” His voice was thick and distorted cutting up the still night, I could feel the energy pouring off of him. I didn’t know if I should stay where I was or get the fuck away from there at this point, but my legs felt too heavy to run very far. I looked up at him with wide eyes, it was like a car accident I didn’t want to watch him rip this demon in half, but I also couldn’t look away. He laughed maniacally as the sinner he held begged for forgiveness and his life. The Radio Demon drew him closer “Is that anyway to treat a lady?” Static filled the air and there was ringing in my ears, it felt like it was pounding in my head to the point that it was difficult to keep looking up. Alastor met my eye for one brief moment and then, unexpectedly, threw the creature across the city rather than ripping him in half. His piercing eyes didn’t change as he began to return to his normal self as he walked toward me having eliminated the threat. The static softened and I felt a weight leave my chest. “Terribly sorry for the fright! Charlie sent me to make sure you came back to the hotel in one piece tonight, I didn’t expect to find you in so much trouble.” He put an arm around me for support, but I shook it off. As uneasy as I felt I’m not sure if he was the one I should take it from.

“I wasn’t expecting any help, especially from you.” It came out as a statement of near disbelief, but I was still angry. Recovering from the personality whiplash Alastor had given me I took a few steps away towards the entrance of the alley. How am I supposed to see that and then trust him? “I can handle myself.” My knees wobbled and I leaned my palm on the wall again for support.

“Clearly.” He said sarcastically and smoothed his hair back where his antlers had disrupted it. “You sure did seemed to have a handle on that one! Next time I’ll just let it run its course, how’s that sound?” He adjusted his tie and grinned. More of his bullshit. I took another step back, I was certainly afraid of the power I’d just witnessed, but looking at him now he was just another demon.

“Whatever, I don’t need to take this bullshit, you can’t just talk to me like that because you’re used to being scary, I get enough of this every other hour of my day. Maybe you can treat Husk however you want because you own his ass, or other people are just too scared to say shit, but I’m exhausted! I’m too tired to bite my tongue and,” I was running out of steam, and those burning red eyes were still bearing into mine “it seems I’ll never get out of that cycle.” I slid down the wall to my side and held my knees to my chest. “I just, I’m tired of filtering myself to fit the situation I’m in. Just to please someone who can’t even tell the difference anyway. Putting up the right front to help maintain her goddamn brand. I can't do it with you too.” I sighed. How disgusting. Here I am shouting at someone who would love to rip my head off my body, just because my boss is shitty and unappreciative, and now I’m pitying myself for it on the ground of a filthy alleyway. This might just be my rock bottom.

Alastor quietly walked to my side and placed a hand on my shoulder, sending a jolt through me. “If it’s any help, I’m condescending to everyone!” It was so stupid, so fucking stupid I had to let out a laugh. Geez, at least it isn’t personal I guess. I ran a hand through my hair, looking at my shoes in the dim light. “What was Charlie’s first lesson? Apologies.” I looked at him funny, his red hair nearly looked all black in this lighting, did he want an apology from me? He’s as crazy as Niffty if he thinks that’s happening. I picked at the ground next to my shoe to occupy myself. “Charlie also wanted me to apologize, I didn’t really mean to offend you. While I do find joy in watching the misery of sinners around me, on the other hand I am here to help Charlie and I can’t do that if I’m sending one of her guests spiraling now can I?” He offered me a hand up and I just stared at it for a second. “I’m sorry, Lilly.” He sounded as sincere as I’d ever heard him, which granted was likely a front to save face anyway, but I pushed my pride aside and took his hand, standing back up. It felt good to get that rant out of my system and it maybe even felt a little good to get an apology. I brushed the grime off of my skirt as best as I could, looking back at Alastor. He looked happy with his pep talk, but he kind of always had that demeanor so it’s hard to say.

“Thank you Alastor.” Was all I managed to say. Pleased, he hooked our arms and pointed us in the direction of the hotel. We were quiet for a minute, I knew it was my turn to say something more, but I couldn’t figure out what was right. I kept dwelling on how he looked back in the alley, how the energy he put off felt all the way down to my bones. Even now it made my skin crawl, I’m quite glad to have made it onto his team I suppose because I would not want to be on the receiving end of that fury. “Why do you want to help Charlie?” I said it as soon as I thought it, but it brought me back to earlier. Husk is here because Alastor is here, but why the hell is Alastor here?

“A good question! It’s really very simple, I think Charlie will succeed and I like to be on the winning team. Plus,” He looked at me with a wicked look in his eyes, “If I’m wrong I’m no worse off and I get to watch everyone else suffer!” And began laughing. Not very comforting, but does make sense. Still I have a feeling Alastor is a few steps ahead in whatever plan he is hatching than he is willing to share. I wonder what else he was working up in his head, he’s difficult to read that’s for sure. The only actual emotions I’m sure he experiences are joy and anger. “If we’re asking intrusive questions now, I must say it’s been plaguing my mind, what exactly do you get out of your deal with Velvette?” He smirked, “Don’t tell me it’s for the dental insurance.” He mocked me, is there anything that happens in that hotel he doesn’t know about?

“You mean besides a boss who won’t fire or fuck me? Well,” I chewed my lip for a moment. I always felt ashamed of my deal, how ironic as I landed myself in hell for the vice of pride in life. “You know it’s not easy starting out down here, one day I met Velvette and she, well she made it look easy.” In life I was the secretary to a man who ran a fashion magazine, I was so enthralled by his work I thought every piece that crossed his desk was genius. I fantasized about what I would design if I was able to. “When Velvette told me what she was doing down here I wanted in, hell a bit of me wanted to be like her, she told me there was only one way I could be on her team, but her success would be my success too and really I didn’t see any other opportunities coming my way. I was naïve and she was happy to take advantage of that. Don’t they all kinda go like that though?” I laughed awkwardly, mentally preparing myself for whatever shitty jab Alastor would make at my expense. He let me stew in it for a minute, or maybe for once he just didn’t know what to say. The sound of my heels rang in my ears as I was aware of his lack of response, buzzing with the city noises happening around us.

“How unfortunate!” He used my arm hooked with his to pull me closer and gave me a sideways smile. “I would have given you a much better deal than that!” And winked at me. I gave a small laugh, right like being his tailor for the rest of my afterlife, how fun. He glared at the window of a TV shop as we passed it, Vox was giving some interview, but it distorted more the longer he looked at it. Just as soon as we had passed it, the screens returned to normal. Another mystery to Alastor. “Don’t worry dear, you aren’t the only soul in hell who has made an unwise deal. I think half the inhabitants of our hotel are in that very same boat with you!” As dumb as it is, it kinda made me feel better that I’m not the only sucker that I know.

We reached the steps of the hotel and he followed me up.

“Well if you need any emergency alterations you know where to find me!” I smiled and opened the door. After all of that I do think Alastor made me feel better, and I still have the entire $1 to my name that I could have lost, or worse.

“Well someone is in a better mood than she was before.” Husk snarked from the bar and I shrugged.

“I didn’t die so I guess I can’t complain too much.” I threw a wink to him and he let out a small chuckle. Alastor cleared his throat to regain my attention, which I gave him, clasping my hands behind my back.

“As happy as I am to have been of service tonight, I must bid you adieu my dear, I have much to do!” He gave my head a pat and made his way up the grand staircase without waiting for a response. I watched him go and disappear down a hallway off to whatever chores awaited him. I let out a well earned yawn and looked back at Husk. Is he always behind the bar? Where does he sleep? When does he sleep? I shook the thoughts from my head and waved him goodnight.

I made my way up to my room but as soon as I drifted off to sleep all that filled my dreams was the image of Alastor in his demon form in the alley, but this time I was his prey. I would focus on his eyes and the intense fear they filled me with, shadow arms raising me higher and higher into the air as he laughed at my pleads for help. His whole body expanded and grew more wicked and disturbingly sharp. One of his claws dragged across my cheek, drawing blood. I woke up in a cold sweat and panting to catch my breath. I went to my bathroom to splash some cool water on my face, but struggled to feel much calmer. It was just a dream, but it was based on real events, even if they didn’t happen quite like that. I decided to throw on a robe and knock on Angel’s door, it was late, but hopefully he would be awake. He opened the door, rubbing his eyes.

“Lilly? What the hell are you doin’ up at this hour?” He asked, one set of arms hugged himself and the other attempted to straighten his hair. I realized how dumb the truth sounded. ‘Oh I had a bad dream and wanted to talk to you’ I couldn’t say that, he would close the door in my face.

I glanced up and down the hallway, surely even Alastor is asleep at this time of night? “I need to tell you about my day, now.” I tried to look very serious, but I was also pretty tired. Angel stepped to the side and let me in, giving me the first proper look of his room. It was very nicely decorated, it looked just like him. Everything was pink and there were little string lights hanging from the wall giving off a soft purple twinkle.

He sat on his bed and patted the spot next to him. “What can’t wait until the mornin’ doll?” I took the seat and crossed my legs in front of me, pulling my robe a little tighter for comfort. “Husk told me you walked out pissed, but nothing else.”

“I just needed to get out. After the last two days of nonstop I just wanted to feel like a person and I didn’t here. Listen, to make a long story short, Alastor showed up to get me out of some hot shit. Apparently Charlie had sent him, but I saw him attack this demon and I, I don’t know I just can’t stop seeing it now. I’ve seen some fucked up shit here, I literally saw my coworkers get torn limb by limb a few days ago, but I don’t know something about how he looked at that demon.” I shivered. “How he looked at me after. It just, it freaked me out a little.” I pulled my legs up to my chest and rested my chin on my knees. Angel rubbed my back to sooth me.

“Ah don’t worry about him too much, you’ve got Charlie’s stamp of ‘Do-Not-Kill’ on yah so he won’t lay a hand on you!” He crossed one set of arms “even if you want him to.” Apparently still making no progress in his flirtations. “Plus, if it’s dreams you’re worried about, maybe you just wish his arms were around you in another way!” He joked and lightly elbowed me in the side. I rolled my eyes at him and smiled.

“Angel if you can’t pull him I’ve got zero luck, plus I am not interested like that. He’s just such a mystery I can't keep him out of my head.” I said, thinking on it I know shockingly few things about him for the amount that he seems to pop up and know things about me.

“Oh baby, the best dick is!” We both giggled and I felt a lot better. I asked him how his day was and he lit up. “Me and Husk got to have some quality time, if you know what I mean!” And he gave a cheesy smile. “We shared a drink is what I actually mean though. I think I’m breaking him down!” He beamed and then told me about how Husk had once been an overlord, until he was too far in the hole with gambling and ended up making a deal with our very own Alastor, confirming what I thought. Once I was caught up on the hotel tea I noticed my eyelids feeling heavy and the idea of getting some more sleep sounded better and better. Angel laughed and pulled the blanket over me and before his head hit the pillow I was out.

Part Three

#hazbin hotel #hazbin hotel fanfic #hazbin hotel alastor #alastor x reader #alastor x oc #radio demon #slow burn #angel dust

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council-of-beetroot · 8 months

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pls make a longer post omg

Tolys and his struggles with body Image and Appearance

Alright anon you and a few others wanted me to elaborate so I will!

So in a previous post I said this

"I genuinely think Tolys has issues body / appearance wise and it's probably because of Ivan"

So you know how in quite a few strips Tolys is weirdly overly embarrassed by things Feliks does like how he dresses or when he suggests Tolys try a certain hairstyle?

It's odd to me because Tolys has been friends with Feliks for a very long time, he should hypothetically be used to Feliks' interests and unusual hobbies. Tolys is seemingly used to everything else weird that Feliks does so why does this bother him so much?

Now let's take a look at this panel from 2007 where we have the stripping panel

To which Tolys responds with this before it moves on to the next person.

Now we're circling back to Ivan. This leads me to believe Ivan used appearance as a quite effective humiliation tactic. Additionally it gives Ivan a ton of control.

Now why is this a good tactic? Well for one it gets to Liet, not only is he easily embarrassed it makes him overthink. To him, it's one thing to get beaten to the point of unconsciousness and it's another to be forced into a maid dress. It's over the top and deliberate, it ends up with Tolys "thinking how did I get myself into this situation it's ridiculous, I am a warrior, why is this getting to me?"

And Ivan knows this

He knows that he can make it so Tolys is so in his own head questioning things that his mindset quickly becomes just Tolys and Ivan.

Now here's where it comes back to Tolys having residual issues with his appearance/ or femininity.

It's simple Ivan knows this: Refer to him as your ex, your wife, call him your toy, call him cute and pretty and compliment his long hair. Eliminate the space between you and him, rub his shoulders, come up to him from behind. Show him off to others and tell him how adorable it is to see him blushing from the attention. Strip him of his privacy, his self autonomy, and safety. Control him so it's only you he can turn to whether you give him comfort or pain.

Now if you've ever experienced that you know in particular how much it can mess with your head when things like compliments are used to hurt you or when someone is cruel one moment and nice the next. And it's even more of a mindfuck when they confide in you let, their guard down, and perhaps you do too.

Hence why I am lead to believe Tolys still is struggling with this. Any comment of his appearance makes the alarms in his head go off. A compliment on a date makes start searching for the nearest escape route. Feliks' comfortability with his feminine aspects and wanting Tolys to join in reminds him of Ivan dressing him up in bows and dresses and telling him he's pretty. Feminine things were used to humiliate him. Appearance was used to humiliate him. It's genuinely triggering for him even though with Feliks, he's just being him and wants to include Liet. For Tolys, it reminds him of being dolled up and paraded as Ivan's cute secretary. Even a genuine compliment brings him back to a time where he couldn't say no and he felt powerless, because it was weaponized against him.

Hopefully I worded this right and let me know if i should add any warnings in the tags

Totally unrelated but in searching for images I found a bunch of HWS lithuania tiktoks and if I didn't refuse to ever download tiktok I'd go watch them.

(I do want to say people often use this especially back in the day wondering why he's portrayed as so weak especially when he's shown to have defeated Prussia. Here's the thing that's important to know, enduring abuse doesn't make anyone weak, anyone can get trapped in abusive relationships even if they think they can't.

Tolys has been under Ivan for a long time this gives Ivan the advantage here to create the perfect atmosphere to isolate, control, and facilitate abuse.)

Also if you wonder why doesn't liet do anything or fight back in panels like this let me explain, you can't survive if you are constantly choosing every battle. Tolys has a lot to lose and he can't afford to lose it all by not being careful.

Yeah it bugs me when people complain that lithuania is protrayed as "weak" he's not.

#asks and replies #anon #rusliet #tw abuse

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7-wonders · 1 year

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Idk if you're taking requests rn (if not I'm sorry for bothering you 😭) but I just had an idea based off of a post you made about Dream not being able to take his hands off of you when doing mundane human things. So what if...

The reader had just come back from going shopping that day and she arrives to Dream patiently waiting for her at her house. She tells him she went shopping and he feels intrigued to see what she has bought so she does a small fashion show for him to show off what she got herself (she has no shame just changing in front of him which keeps his full attention on how she slides the material over her body) and one of the things he noticed in her bags was a full piece lingerie that she was actually gonna use as a top but he gets other ideas and suggests she try it on for him too. 🤭 needless to say it ends in some needy smut

(Again I am sorry if you aren't taking requests, but thank you for reading mine at least 💕)

Shopping Spree

Morpheus/Dream of the Endless x Reader

(I don't really like writing smut and also I'm not good at it, so...use your imaginations at the end! Thank you for reading!)

The sun is already setting by the time that you make it home, laden with a couple of shopping bags and your wallet feeling just a bit too light for your liking. It was worth it, though, for the day spent with your friends and the self-care, both much needed. Shifting the bags around on your arms, you awkwardly fumble with your keys until you’re finally able to unlock your front door and swing it open so that you can slip inside.

When your eyes land on a figure sitting on your couch, silhouetted by the last rays of daylight, your heart skips a beat as you jump back. It’s only when the figure stands up and the shadows seem to morph around them that you realize it’s your beloved Dreamlord. How long he’s just been sitting in your unoccupied living room, you can’t say. Hopefully not long, but with him, you never know.

“Morpheus!” you greet cheerfully, excited to see him. “Did I forget about plans that we made?”

“No, I simply finished my tasks sooner than expected and thought that I would come to see you.”

You go to accept a kiss from him, after which Morpheus disdainfully glances down at the bags getting in the way of fully being able to hold you.

“What do you have?”

“Oh, some friends wanted to hang out, so we went shopping. I got some new clothes.”

He looks intrigued and a little confused, like he didn’t know that people actually bought clothes instead of just creating them from dreamstuff. From this observation, an idea begins to form.

“Do you…I can try on some of the stuff that I bought, if you want. Do a little fashion show?”

You don’t think that Morpheus has ever had somebody do a fashion show for him, and the idea obviously intrigues him (likely because he doesn't really know what a fashion show is). He nods after a moment of consideration, and you clap your hands together in excitement.

“Okay, sit down.”

Ushering him back to where he was sitting on the couch, you wait patiently until he's seated before you drag the bags over to you and begin to search through them. It was a true shopping day, including picking up a few household necessities that you were either out of or running low on, and you have to search for a bit before you find an article of clothing. Once your hand closes around the fabric, you pull it out of the bag and begin to change outfits.

You feel a little shy as you take off the clothes that you’re currently wearing without bothering to go into another room. You're not shy about your body in this situation—after all, Morpheus has seen plenty of it, and constantly makes you feel like you’re something divine. No, it’s just awkward to change in front of anybody; you feel like you need to change as fast as possible, lest they grow bored or annoyed with you. There were more than a few occasions when you were younger where you ended up falling on the floor of the dressing room because you were trying to put jeans on too fast so that you could show your mom (oh, the horror) and she didn't have to wait too long.

After fixing the straps on your shoulders, you finally get the first outfit on. Holding your arms out, you spin in a slow circle to show off your dress, purple with lighter gradient accents. “First, I got this pretty little sundress. I like the way it flows when I move."

"It's a beautiful dress," Morpheus notes, "made even more beautiful on you."

Both the compliment and the way that he looks at you, intently and as though you're the most important thing in the world, makes you giggle nervously. "Thanks. It has pockets!"

You shove your hands in said pockets to demonstrate, and he smiles fondly. "There are many dreamers with wishful dreams of dresses with pockets."

"Considering it's still somehow super difficult to find dresses with pockets, I believe it."

Diving back through the bags again, you grab the first item that you can get your hand on and pull it out. After looking at it to check what it is (listen, the day was a whirlwind, alright?), you hold the small packaging out towards Morpheus.

"I got these earrings."

"They're stars," Morpheus notes.

"Yeah. They, uh," you flush before mumbling, "they reminded me of your eyes in the Dreaming."

Morpheus, of course, hears you loud and clear, and sports a satisfied smirk on his face at the confession.

Next, you pull a shirt out of a bag and slide your jeans back on so that you can model this purchase for him. The entire time, you can feel Morpheus's eyes tracking each small movement that you make. The way that you hop a bit to get your jeans up onto your hips, how you stretch when you lift your arms up to slide the shirt on, your fingers when you tug the shirt down over your torso. It makes you feel bared, but in the best of ways, because you're completely known and understood by the one you're bared for.

Morpheus nods in encouragement when you turn around to show him your shirt. "Very nice."

And so the routine continues. This is honestly more fun than you thought it would be. You've never had a romantic partner that you could show off to, and it's quite the confidence booster to listen to said partner compliment you while you have his undivided attention.

You pull out an item you're still back and forth on while you're trying to find the last shirt that you bought, and you move it to the side since you're still not sure whether you're going to keep it. Since it's lacy and black however, it immediately gets Morpheus’s attention.

“And…that?” he asks, sitting forward on your couch.

“Okay, I know it seems a little out of place, but hear me out," you begin to explain. "I saw this on Instagram, where the girl was wearing a lace bodysuit just like this under a pair of jeans and a blazer, and she looked amazing. I figured I’d try it out, but I’m keeping the tags on just in case it looks terrible and I need to return it.”

Holding it out in front of you, you can tell that the vision you had for this particular piece is completely lost on Morpheus. After all, how can he think about anything but how the lingerie bodysuit will look on you? Why would he want you to cover that gift up with unnecessary clothing?

“Are you not going to try it on for me as well?” Morpheus asks, so terrible at feigning nonchalance that you'd laugh if it weren't for the way that he swallows harshly after he speaks.

"I mean, I can. I just wasn't sure if I wanted to try such an experimental look while you're here."

You're being purposely obtuse now, teasing him innocently enough that he's not going to catch on.

"I'll show you without the other pieces first, and then you can help me decide if the outfit works."

"Go on, then," Morpheus says, practically shooing you off.

You duck into the bedroom with lingerie in hand, feeling a little nervous about changing into this in front of Morpheus. After you get it on, you give yourself a quick once-over in the mirror and try not to focus on all of your perceived imperfections. No, you're sexy, you're a temptress, you're trying to seduce your eldritch nightmare king! Seductresses are confident, you remind yourself, running a hand through your hair to try and make it look artfully messy before you turn on your heel and re-enter the living room.

It's almost impossible to look effortless as you lean a hip against the doorframe and try to pose for Morpheus, but you try. Apparently, based off of how still he's gone and the way that his lips are parted and just slightly trembling as he sucks in air he doesn't need, you've succeeded.

"So, here's the bodysuit without anything over it."

"Are you not going to spin in this one, too?" His voice comes out hoarsely, and you internally cheer.

"I can!"

You spin around extra slowly, making sure that Morpheus fully takes in what you're wearing.

"I'll go put on the rest of the outfit, then," you say when you're done.

"No." Morpheus's voice stops you from moving.

"No?"

He stands and stalks slowly towards you, making you gulp in nervous excitement. When he's standing right in front of you, he puts his hands on your waist and pulls you flush against him. You gasp, your hands flying up to his chest, and he assures you, "I quite like it just like this."

"You do, huh?"

Morpheus begins to place soft kisses on your face, everywhere except for your lips. "In fact, this might just be my favorite of your purchases from today."

"So...you think I should keep it?" you ask, your head starting to feel a little dizzy as you fight to keep your composure.

"Indeed." His fingers, which had been tracing along the lace, grab at the tags that you had left on before ripping them off smoothly. "However, I do have an idea of where it would look best."

Your voice trembles. "And where's that?"

Finally, he meets your lips to actually kiss you. "Your bedroom floor."

With that, Morpheus picks you up to take you to bed and prove that he's absolutely right.

#dream of the endless x reader #dream of the endless imagine #dream of the endless #morpheus x reader #morpheus imagine #morpheus #the sandman imagine #the sandman

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randomtacoscry · 2 months

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I've been reading about a million articles pertaining to the 100th ep and I literally CANNOT wait (although I am still nervous about the buddie stuff becoming canon). Here are a few different passages/quotes from the press tours leading up to the ep tomorrow that make me think we are getting bi!Buck though: From Us Weekly Entertainment's "9-1-1’s Oliver Stark Says Buck ‘Doesn’t Quite Understand’ His ‘Jealousy’ of Eddie (Exclusive)" - Oliver Stark says his character, Evan “Buck” Buckley, will use his bond with best friend Eddie Diaz to figure out his emotions in 9-1-1 season 7. - “I think it’s almost a feeling of searching or uneasiness, not necessarily with Eddie, but within himself, and it’s easier sometimes to put that onto somebody else than have to do the self-reflection and self-interrogation of, ‘Hey, what am I actually feeling here?’” - quote from Oliver Stark - Stark confessed he felt a sense of responsibility in bringing the story line to life — especially during such a major milestone for the show. - “And I think that’s kind of the story that we’re able to start to tell here, is that Buck isn’t consciously aware of the thing that he’s looking for or what’s lacking in his life,” Stark shared with Us. “And as he hopefully starts to discover that it’s this cathartic, liberating feeling of just being able to ease into it and breathe out this big sigh of relief at last.” - “I like to think it’s somebody that can challenge him, but I think maybe somebody where it’s not too easy for him,” he told Us. “I look back at all his past relationships, and even though he hasn’t necessarily been the one to end them at the beginning, it’s always kind of been pretty easy and smooth sailing for Buck. He’s kind of had a crush, got the person.”

youtube

From Hello!'s "Exclusive: 9-1-1's Oliver Stark previews 'intimate' 100th episode, says it will 'honor these characters'" - Oliver admits the episode will "further his character development a lot". - "More than anything, I think if [this development] is going to impact the 118 it will only be in a positive sense. Buck has real family to lean on in the 118 and he'll certainly be making use of that; it's a chance for them to all grow as a unit," - a quote from Oliver Stark - But Oliver is certain about one thing: "Buck's journey of self-discovery will, for sure, be a long-running [character arc] but I think I just want to see Buck settled, and proud, of his decisions, and to be able to walk tall and not feel like he needs to hide any part of himself and just be open to being the Buck that makes him." From TV Insider's "‘9-1-1’ Episode 100 Sneak Peek: Buck’s Bothered By Eddie & Tommy’s Plans" - "[the episode] also leans very heavy on character. At this point, we’ll have spent 100 episodes with these characters. It’s nice to let them be and just look at their lives and explore where they are a little bit as we look back and think about all we’ve done and all that culminating.”

youtube

#buddie #bi!buck #evan buckley #evan 'buck' buckley #911 #9 1 1 #911 abc #911 spoilers #911 buddie #9 1 1 buddie #eddie diaz #100th episode #911 100th episode #Youtube

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oh-honey-styles · 1 year

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DIVIDE

III. THE SHOW PART ONE

Story Page // Words: 9k

•••

October 2017 - London

Harry’s eyes opened to daylight peeking through the sides of his bedroom’s floor to ceiling curtains. With a groan, he rolled to his side, only one eye bothering to stay open as his hand blindly searched for his cell phone.

He had only been home from his first North American tour leg for a handful of days. He had a quick break to beat the jetlag and gain some sense of normalcy before he was off again, this time through Europe. However… no matter how much of a break he had, or how much of a veteran he was to touring, or how comfortable his own bed currently felt beneath him… Harry still felt unbearably heavy.

Somewhere buried in the sheets, his fingertips hit the familiar cell phone shape and he fumbled it into his grasp. The home screen was blinding when it came to life, the time displayed being way too fucking early. He squeezed his eyes shut again before scrolling past all his text notifications. A ‘Happy Tuesday! Love you!’ from his mum. A ‘BRO CHECK OUT THIS SICK RIFF’ from his guitarist. A ‘Had a lot of fun the other night, hope we can do it again soon’ from the model he had kinda sorta maybe started seeing, but he wasn’t exactly sure. And an ‘important email from higher ups sent this morning you probably won’t like. Just know I did my best.’ from his manager.

Both eyes were open then, doing their best to register that, regardless of the new day, the same old shit was always there to be dealt with - the bittersweet burden of his fame affected him mentally, emotionally and physically. And there were truly no days off.

Wondering what the email could be about, his thumb attempted to switch his screen over to his email. But when an accidental swipe had his Instagram account popping up instead, his pulse suddenly quickened.

The opened account, the one he had been looking at last, was a stereotypical instagram square framing the smiling Leto sisters each with a Gail’s coffee cup in hand.

Harry remembered the night before clearly then, a mindless social media scroll after taking his prescribed cocktail of sleep aids, needing a distraction as he impatiently waited for that heavy lull to pull him into rest. It was innocent at first, a swipe through his feed. Then a quick glance at the model he had been talking to for the last few weeks’ grid. Then a friend of a friend’s, and another friend of a friend’s somehow led him to Leto Designs… and then Emilia Leto’s personal account.

He felt his heart start to race as he secretly scrolled with one purpose in mind, passing by every gorgeously curated photo until he saw her… that gorgeous smile and warm shade of brown that lived rent free in his daydreams. He had looked for an account for Franki numerous times before, but could never seem to find one. So he settled on deep diving Emi’s, to see anything and everything linked to her sister. And when his eyes started growing heavy and he accidentally refreshed the app, a brand new photo suddenly appeared at the top. A photo, posted two minutes before, of Emi and Franki together in front of what Harry recognized as Camden’s best coffee shop.

With his thumb hovering over the square, he studied every inch of Franki’s face, wishing he knew what her skin felt like under his fingertips. How her body would react to his touch. And that must’ve been how Harry dozed off, with Emi’s most recent grid post open, suddenly craving a double espresso from Gail’s and maybe, hopefully, a random Camden run-in.

Blowing out a heavy exhale, he tossed his phone into his sheets and flopped onto his back. He was a mess. Hooking up with someone in nearly every tour stop city, starting something with another model… all while being unable to stop thinking of the girl who turned him down that one night over a month ago. The one person he couldn’t have.

Another weighty, self pitying sigh had his thumbs nudging at the waistband of his briefs. Accepting his pathetic reality, he pushed them all the way down his legs, shimmying free of the fabric and kicking them aside with his toes. He swallowed thickly and closed his eyes as he wrapped his palm around his already hard length, his hips twitching upward when he gave himself a slow stroke from the base to the tip. And then another. And another, blatantly ignoring the guilt bubbling inside from the fact that, instead of the people who wanted him, all he could focus on were a pair of honey brown eyes and the lingering memory of her perfume that somehow still tickled his nose.

•••

Franki felt the warmth from the sunlight kiss her skin as she sat at her desk next to the window in her home office, laptop open and papers spread out in front of her. The morning bluebirds perched outside her window chatted away while she carried on a different conversation of checkboxes and details in her head - every last thing had to be perfect for her quickly approaching Wednesday afternoon meeting.

With her mug of coffee resting on her lower lip, her eyes stayed fixed on her work, only pausing every few minutes to blow a small stream of air over the rim and let the billow of steam tickle her nose.

That was until she heard three loud knocks coming from her entryway.

Setting her mug down and scrunching her nose, Franki located the time in the corner of her laptop screen, confused why someone would be at her front door at such an early hour. She waited a moment to see if Emi would come bolting down the hall, but when she didn’t, she curiously made her way to the door. Realizing she had gotten carried away with her work and had yet to get ready for the day, she lifted her hands to tighten the pony tail gathered on top of her head and then pulled at the hem of her favorite hoodie, her father's old worn red Manchester United one, to cover more of her bare thighs.

Before her feet had come to a full stop, she stood to her tiptoes, steadying herself with one hand on the doorknob as she peeked through the peephole - the second her eyes focused on the most unexpected visitor standing on the opposite side of the wood, her heart plummeted to her toes.

No fucking way.

Lowering to her heels, she blew out a breath and hesitated. But when three more knocks had her practically jumping out of her skin, she squeezed the handle and yanked the door open.

There on her doormat in a pair of white trainers… stood Harry - a smile stretching from ear to ear as his gaze lifted from Franki’s bare legs and all the way up to her eyes. He was dressed down in a dark gray sweatshirt and joggers with a gray beanie pulled over the top of his head.

It had been over a month since she had said goodnight to him right there in that exact same spot. One month since she turned down a night of frivolous and presumably mind blowing sex with the one and only Harry Styles. A night she couldn’t help but wonder about more often than she’d like to admit.

“Um, hey—“ she squeaked, unaware that her voice had abandoned her while she attempted to focus on anything other than the jolt of heat swiftly moving through her body from his not-so-subtle sweep of her extremely casual attire.

“Morning, Franki,” his smile was wide and his voice unbearably, deliciously deep.

She cleared her throat and simultaneously clenched her thighs together. “Can I… help you?”

Harry’s chin dropped with a chuckle. “M’here for…”

“Me! He’s here for me!”

Dressed in workout clothes and moving like a tornado, Emi came fumbling out of her room and down the hall, hopping on one foot while struggling to put her pink trainer onto the other.

“Bye sis!“ She sang, grabbing her keys from the hook and making her way out the door.

Franki was left flabbergasted, confused at why Emi was awake before noon let alone why she was leaving with Harry.

“Good to see you, Franki,” he smiled and waved before turning to follow Emi to the lift.

With her mouth hung open wide, Franki watched them disappear out of the hallway. Reluctantly stepping back inside, she closed the door behind her but didn’t move a muscle.

“What… the fuck?” She stuttered out loud to no one before picking her jaw up off the floor and forcing herself to go back to work.

The next two and a half hours crept by painfully slow. Franki knew she needed to focus, but everything kept creeping back to Harry standing at her doorstep and then leaving with her sister. Her head was spinning with hows and whats and whys. She was so flustered that she nearly fell out of her chair when she heard the front door’s lock click and then swing open.

Emi was walking out of the kitchen holding a Gail’s coffee cup and croissant by the time Franki gathered herself to go and find her.

“What the fuck, Emi?” Franki didn’t hold back, moving her hands around with every word that left her mouth. “Why are you going out with Harry Styles at nine on a Wednesday morning?”

Emi was mid-bite when Franki unloaded her interrogation. “What?” She mumbled around her chewing. “We went to a Pilates class!”

Franki furrowed her brow as low as it would go. “Since when do you go to Pilates with Harry Styles?”

“Okay,” Emi swallowed and then waved her half eaten croissant in the air. “Can we not call him ‘Harry Styles’ anymore? It's getting weird.”

“It’s weird that you’re working out with him!”

“Whatever, we bumped into each other at Gail’s yesterday and he invited me!” Emi defended herself, attempting to walk around Franki toward her bedroom. “You should see the VIP spa at this place… OH! AND the instructor. Goddamn she’s gorgeous.”

Franki shook her head and turned the direction Emi was walking. “Okay?? So is he, like, trying to date you or something?”

Emi stopped abruptly. “What?! Franki, be serious. I’m gay… wait he knows that right?”

Shaking her head, Franki lifted her hands and pressed her fingers into her temples, feeling annoyed but also the slightest bit relieved that she had misunderstood the situation.

“Hold on,” Emi blurted around another bite in her mouth. “Do you… like him!?”

Franki scoffed dramatically.

Emi gasped. “Oh my god…”

“No,” Franki lifted her finger in protest. “M’pretty sure I actually hate him.”

“Well, we all know there’s a fine line between love and hate,” Emi turned and walked down the hallway to her bedroom. “Oh, by the way. The coffee and pastry in the kitchen are for you… from him.”

She sent a cheeky smile over her shoulder just as she was about to turn into her room.

“Shut up…” Franki huffed as her door closed, doing what she could to mask the fact that she was secretly flattered he had thought of her.

•••

Friday morning’s Pilates class couldn’t come soon enough.

Harry woke up with one thing on his mind - throwing on his workout clothes, lacing up his trainers and heading over to Camden one last time before he left the next day for tour again. This round kicking off with shows in Paris and Cologne, another quick stop back to London for two shows, and then onto Manchester, Glasgow, and so on.

Sending Emi a good morning reminder text and then making the short drive from Hampstead to Camden, Harry found himself feeling grateful that he hung around Gail’s long enough to run into her earlier that week. He was genuinely happy that Emi had become a fast friend, and a hilariously fun one at that. But guilt tapped away on his shoulder, knowing his intentions in befriending her weren’t exactly pure. Because the truth was, he was determined to break free from the work-zone Franki had put him in. He wasn’t proud of the cowardly approach, but it was the first thing he could think of… and, so far, it felt like it might be starting to work.

But as he stood on top of their doormat for the second time that week, he paused to hype himself up. Knowing he was leaving the next day, he needed to get his shit together and at least try to make a deeper connection with Franki. All the what-ifs would drive him crazy if he didn’t.

Burying his anxiousness, out of sight out of mind, he lifted his knuckles to the wood. And just as he was about to knock, the door swung open and his nerves swiftly flooded back into his veins. A gust of subtle perfume poured out into the hallway as he came face to face with Franki, fully dressed this time in casual jeans and a t-shirt.

“Emilia!” She tilted her head to the side and shouted before Harry could say hello. “Your date’s here.”

And when she looked back with an unreadable expression, stepping off to the side to wordlessly invite him in, he didn’t hesitate, struggling to find literally anything to correct her ‘date’ assumption.

“Uh—“ he stammered, tripping over his feet and nearly dropping the tote bag over his shoulder as he moved.

“I’m pretty sure her alarm just went off a few minutes ago,” she spoke plainly, walking around him and further into her living room, “And she’s probably hungover. So… good luck with that,” she teased with a sarcastic grin.

Harry gulped down the lump in his throat. “Oh. Uh, you know I’m n—“

“You know,” she interjected, mimicking him. “She’s really not your type...”

“What?” he blurted, his eyes narrowing into a squint.

She studied him for a moment, taking in his perplexed expression, trying to decide what his intentions actually were and why she even cared. But the truth, which she refused to admit to anyone, was that she wanted to know why he decided to pop into her life again via her sister. It couldn’t possibly be because Emi was a great Pilates partner.

“Emi…” Franki finally explained. “If that’s what you’re going for, she’s not your type.”

Harry choked on the air in his throat. “My type?” He laughed off the noise that came out of his mouth. It had never crossed his mind that Franki would assume he was trying to date her sister. “Not sure what you're getting at…”

Suddenly he stopped, watching the way her tough exterior faltered for a moment when her brown eyes went soft - a look of curiosity and yearning staring back at him. And that was the exact confidence boost he needed.

Rolling his neck, Harry adjusted the bag on his shoulder while letting a smile pull his dimple deep into his cheek. “My type? I mean… my type tends to be smart… gorgeous… brown eyes…”

He stepped forward, closer to Franki, when he noticed the hoodie she had been wearing the other day was draped over the chair beside her and reached around her to run his hand across the team’s logo.

“…a Man U fan.”

With his crisp clean scent now invading her space, she felt her entire body grow warm all at once. Taken back by his sudden boldness, she opened her mouth, but nothing came out, instantly relieved when Harry cleared his throat.

“I’m not trying to date your sister. Plus…” he explained, a slight giggle under his breath. “I’m well aware by the way she chatted up our female instructor yesterday that III am also probably not her type.”

Franki’s hard exterior cracked completely then and she huffed out a loud laugh.

Harry echoed her laugh with a shy smile as she dropped her guard and simultaneously her hands to her sides, thankful for the lighthearted shift in the air.

“Just to be clear…” Harry’s tone softened, his green eyes looking directly at hers. “I was never trying to date your sister.”

Franki gulped, letting what he was insinuating settle in her already anxious belly. “I know…”

Their eyes lingered on each other for a moment, the air in the room falling completely still.

“So,” Harry broke the silence first, letting out the breath he was holding in his lungs. “How’s the suit design going? Emi said you sent some sketches over to Lambert?”

Franki released the breath she had been holding in as well and side eyed him. “Pretty sure my contract said I won’t have to deal with the talent,” she sassed.

Dropping his head with a shrug, he made sure his dimple was prominent when he looked back up. “Well, he’s going to show me either way, so…”

Are we flirting? This is definitely flirting. Harry asked himself, trying not to get his hopes up as he watched her grin shift into a smirk before she stepped around him, letting her arm brush against his as she moved.

“Follow me…”

Harry didn’t miss a beat, happily following in each of her footsteps until they were rounding the corner into the first room down the hall on the right.

And when he stepped inside the bright room, he felt a comfort sweep over him. Sunlight poured in through the windows, making every inch, from the carpet to the lofted ceiling, look warm and cozy. A pink suede chaise lounge was tucked in the corner with a table beside it, a burning candle and bouquet of fresh flowers on top. Bookshelves filled with colorful books and art covered the span of one wall, while the opposite was home to Franki’s desk and an easel displaying clothing sketches and fabric swatches.

“Wow. This room is amazing,” he exhaled, feeling as if he was getting a genuine glimpse of who she was. And as if he wasn’t hooked already...

“Thank you,” she looked around the room and then down at the papers on her desk as she continued talking. “I tend to bring work home pretty often. I guess it helps not having it piled on the dining room table.” Her phone dinged right then and she clicked a button to silence it. “I also seem to be on the clock at all times… so, this is my safe haven, I suppose.”

Harry was in awe, certain he was wearing a twitterpated look on his face… and he didn’t even care.

Pointing at the chaise, he grinned. “My house in Hampstead has a pink carpeted staircase this exact color.”

“Pink carpet??” She looked back at him with wide, impressed eyes. “Now that I would love to see!”

His grin grew. “Anytime…”

A shiver ran down Franki’s spine and she quickly reminded herself why they were there… at least what the guise was.

“So this is the suit,” she rotated a notebook around on her desk and Harry stepped closer to get a better look.

Sketched out in brilliant blues and a pop of red was the most simple yet gorgeous suit - a double breasted jacket and straight, fitted trousers with a design on the cuffs and pant legs.

“Okay, it’s…” Harry stuttered, having a hard time finding a word to do it justice. “…perfect! Like genuinely perfect, Franki.” His eyes were full of admiration when he glanced from the page to her and back.

“Thanks.” She didn’t bother trying to hide the blush that swept over her skin. “I’m glad you like it. It’ll be the same design in these two different color pallets…”

She pointed to a swatch of brown with a white and black design.

“Your stylist showed me your catalog of suits… and they’re stunning. I just figured I could offer a simple, but fun addition.”

“I love it so much,” he beamed, the thought of wearing something she designed specifically for him made his pulse pick up speed.

Franki unknowingly shared his hidden reaction, her body rapidly growing warmer by the second from his attention. Deciding a change in subject would help, she closed the notebook.

“I hate to break it to you,” she chuckled, “but m’pretty sure Emi fell back asleep.”

Harry pushed out a laugh, completely forgetting there was anything else in the world that was supposed to be happening other than him being in the same room as Franki.

“No worries,” he smiled. “I’m sure she could use the sleep. And I suppose I could use a rest day.”

The room grew silent for a moment, both of them very clearly not wanting to move on with their days separately while equally not wanting to be the one to admit it.

Until Franki forfeited…

“Well,” she nervously glanced up at him, pointing a finger at his tote bag. “I’m not sure what you have in that abnormally stuffed bag of yours, but you’re welcome to stay and sit…” She then pointed at the chaise. “You know, unless you have rockstar things to do.”

“Very funny,” he flirted to hide the fact that her invitation had him practically jumping out of his skin. “I’d love to stay. I just started a new book actually, and that chair looks incredibly enticing.”

No one needed to know that the reason the chair was so enticing to Harry was that it pointed directly towards Franki’s desk.

“I just brewed a mokapot… if you’d like some?” She stepped towards the doorway. “It’s no Gall’s but it does the trick…”

Harry smiled sweetly. “I’d love some…”

Franki nodded and then left the room.

Turning toward the bookshelves and scanning the rows of books, Harry knew he was a goner for this girl - authors he admired, one’s he recognized and one’s he’d never heard of… book after book flitted past his eyes until he was face to face with a framed photo that made his smile grow. Franki couldn’t have been more than six, her nose scrunched and a toothless smile with what appeared to be her mum’s dress and heels on.

He was so enamored by everything he was seeing, every tiny glimpse into her personality, that he didn’t hear her walk back into the room.

“What was that song you were humming?” She asked curiously, looking perplexed. “I swear I’ve heard it before…”

She was holding a small mug of coffee in his direction and he shook his head after taking it.

“Was I humming?” He genuinely didn’t remember.

“Oh god, you like that one?” She scoffed, noticing which photo he had been hunched over looking at. “That’s the villa in Italy we used to stay at every summer. My favorite place in the world. Clearly fashion wasn’t a strong suit back then.”

“Oh I think you look fabulous,” Harry exclaimed.

“Shush,” she quipped, stepping back and going to take a seat at her desk.

With a permanent smile etched into his cheeks, Harry made himself comfortable on the chaise. He had just pulled out his book when his phone started to blow up and his smile vanished.

“You alright?”

Franki’s soft voice brought Harry’s eyes up from his screen to see her with a concerned and curious look. Clearly he wasn’t doing a good job hiding his annoyance and she had caught the sudden shift.

“Um, yeah…” he quirked his lips, scanning over an email from his manager. “But I won’t bother you about it…”

Her head tilted to the side and she raised her eyebrows. “I asked, didn't I?”

With a breathy laugh, Harry dropped his phone and sat forward. “Well, my manager sent me an email the other day… and another just now… And he thinks the music video I just filmed last month is ‘too personal’ and I guess we are going to scrap it.”

“What?” Franki blurted defensively. “He can do that?”

“Well I trust him,” he sighed heavily. “He’s one of my best mates. Plus it’s most likely the people from my label.”

She stayed quiet for a moment, realizing there was likely so much she didn’t understand about his industry. But then decided to react anyway…

“A bit fucked up, innit?”

“Yeah,” he huffed an amused laugh. “A bit fucked up.”

The room grew still again as Harry returned to his book and Franki’s attention landed on her laptop, her eyebrows pulled together as she thought. Little did Harry know, she wasn’t doing anything other than trying to figure out how to continue their conversation.

“What exactly do they mean by ‘too personal’?”

His eyes lifted from his book, happily so, taking note of her intensely curious expression.

“I don’t know,” he shrugged. “Suppose it’s this whole thing with my solo career. I feel like I’m playing this game.” He paused and swallowed thickly, processing his words. “Like I’m constantly dodging these land mines of what I can share of myself and what I can’t… what I even want to share and what I want to stay private.”

Harry made eye contact with Franki then, making sure he hadn’t just gone too deep too fast. But when he noticed the lines across her forehead had vanished, and she was looking at him with understanding in her eyes, he continued.

“With the band it was always cut and dry, I had an image to obtain. But on my own… it’s just… so often I feel like I’m…”

“Like you’re bowling with the bumpers up?” She added softly.

His lips instantly lifted to the left, seeing that her eyes were the softest shade of brown. “Yeah… that’s exactly it.”

They held each other’s gaze for a moment before Franki’s brows furrowed when they landed back on her laptop screen.

“And what are you working on? Hmm?” Harry spoke up playfully. “With that extremely intense line between your eyebrows.”

With a laugh, she leaned back in her chair and ran her hand across her forehead, looking at him for confirmation that he really wanted to know.

“Honestly?” And then she continued when Harry nodded. “I… fucked up royally the other week with one of our accounts. So I’m just… retracing my steps, I guess. Making sure everything is perfect going forward.”

“Sounds like quite a bit of pressure,” he leaned forward, hoping she would keep explaining.

“Well, pressure seems to be my role in the company,” she shrugged matter of factly. “I went to university and Emi went out into the world to get our brand started. I’ve always been the books and the logistics, she's been the face and the fun. We’re a match made in heaven.”

Harry caught the melancholy in her tone. “You don’t seem so sure,” he squinted, purposely digging deeper.

She chewed on her lower lip for a few seconds before shrugging again. “It is what it is. And it seems to work… as long as I don’t royally fuck something up,” Franki huffed out a self deprecating laugh but Harry didn’t reciprocate it.

“I mean humans make mistakes?” He kept his voice soft and sincere. “You’re human…”

She was focused on the papers in front of her, still chewing on her lower lip, until she accepted what he said and looked back at him with bright eyes.

“You’re right,” she smiled. “Thank you for saying that.”

She gazed at him with genuine gratitude, but when she felt the blush on her cheeks creeping up to her ears she tossed her hands up in the air and gestured vaguely.

“Okay, tell me more about your tour… You’re headed to Paris?”

“I am,” he chuckled, both flattered and impressed by her excitement.

From that point on, Harry and Franki talked about everything under the sun. From their jobs, to their families, to their favorite places to visit around the world… the conversation never slowed.

And before they knew it, Franki had to leave for a meeting and Harry needed to get home to pack.

“Can you promise me something?” Harry tossed his bag over his shoulder, and grinned.

“That sounds… scary,” Franki giggled.

“It’s not…” Harry’s dimples poked into his cheek. “You have to promise me you’ll make it to at least one of the shows when I wear your suits.”

“Ah, okay,” she giggled again. “That’s not so scary.”

“And!” He held his pointer finger up.

“Wait,” Franki stopped him, throwing her hand out in front of her. “…is it scary?”

Harry was giggling with her, his cheeks a bright shade of pink. “I’m headed off to Paris and then Cologne tomorrow. But I’ll be playing two nights next week at the Eventim Apollo. Would love for you to come. You and your family! Of course…”

“Wow. Rockstar things…” Franki teased and then blushed. “That would be fun.”

Harry felt his heart pounding in his ears, his big toe rapidly tapping against the inside of his shoe. “You could put your number in my phone…” he stepped out on a limb and held it out in her direction. “So I can get the tickets to you…”

Franki paused, making him sweat for a minute before dropping her facade.

“Sure,” she smiled wide, taking his phone and simultaneously making his entire day.

•••

The next week flew by as Franki buried herself with work.

Her notebook was flipped open, laying next to the register on top of Leto Boutique’s checkout counter. She had been there since open, the shop being abnormally busy for the middle of the week, needing hers and Emi’s extra help.

Around two in the afternoon, they finally had their first lull, a moment to catch their breath with only a few customers sifting through the display of women’s tops closest to the register.

Franki tapped her pen against her notebook, sipping from the straw in her second iced coffee of the day, finding herself casually eavesdropping on the conversation happening to her right just to see if she could help in any way.

“Do you think he’ll like this outfit?” The effortlessly beautiful woman with dirty blonde hair held up a matching top and trousers.

“Are you really asking me that?” Her friend chuckled. “Harry is going to love anything you wear.”

Franki’s ears perked up at the name… quickly reminding herself ‘Harry’ was one of the most common names in England.

“I’m just so nervous to surprise him,” the woman continued, and Franki suddenly felt her pulse speed from her now intentional snooping. “It's been a few weeks since we’ve seen each other.”

From the far corner of the store, Emi came sulking, dragging her feet from the back room.

“Today has been a day,” she huffed as she rounded the corner and plopped down on the stool next to her sister. “Can’t wait to have a marg—“

“Shhh,” Franki whispered, nudging her in the ribs with her elbow and giving her a stern look. Emi’s mouth snapped shut.

The women’s conversation hadn’t stopped.

“Does Harry know you’re in town?”

Emi’s eyes went wide and Franki poked her in the ribs again.

“No,” the woman sighed, placing the clothes back in their place and adjusting her purse across her body. “He’s been in Paris and Cologne but should be back tonight.”

The women started to move around the displays and towards the exit, but turned to smile toward Franki and Emi.

“Thank you,” they sang sweetly and waved before sliding their sunglasses on and pushing open the door.

“Have a nice day!” The sisters sang back as the women left the now empty boutique.

Emi swung around dramatically, practically falling off the stool once they were gone. “Was she talking about Harry Harry? Like our Harry?”

Franki’s racing pulse had slowed, but was replaced with an uneasiness swimming in her stomach.

“I don’t know… but Harry Harry has been in Paris and Cologne so…”

Emi was feverishly tapping away on her phone while Franki subconsciously continued tapping the end of her pen against her notebook, her eyes fixed on the street outside the boutique, unsure what to think.

“Shit,” Emi breathed, shoving her screen in Franki’s face. “Is this her?”

And sure enough there she was, the same woman that had just been in their store, next to Harry. Emi had googled ‘Harry Styles dating’ and found a daily mail article with photos of them cozily walking into a sushi restaurant, the situation looking very much date-like.

“Yeah,” Franki gulped, attempting to keep a steady poker face. “That's her.”

Emi pulled her phone back and groaned. “So Harry has a girl!? And he’s been chatting you up. What a saucy little minx.”

Franki rolled her eyes. “He hasn’t been chatting me up. We’re just friends,” she swallowed her feelings, annoyed that she had let herself believe that a world famous rockstar wouldn’t be talking to as many people as he could at the same time. And that’s when she rememebered she was basically doing the same. “Plus...” she sighed, “I still text Gavin. Sort of.”

“Well,” Emi clicked her tongue. “Maybe he just ‘sort of’ texts her too.”

With a deep breath in through her nose, Franki closed her notebook and stood, doing the best she could to move on with her day and the thought of Harry Styles.

•••

“Morning George,” Harry offered the Leto sister’s doorman a kind wave as he walked through the lobby of their apartment building.

“Gary,” the elderly man nodded, a knowing smirk teasing the corner of his lips. “Missed seeing you around these parts last week.”

“Likewise, my friend,” Harry saluted him before ducking into the lift.

Rocking back and forth on his heels the entire ride up to the fourth floor, Harry felt an excited anxiousness that had been pulsing through his veins since the moment he woke up. He had popped out of bed extremely early considering he had a show the night before and another that night. And even though he wouldn’t normally do a Pilates class on a show day, he couldn’t help himself. He wanted to see Franki.

Harry loved being on the road, and he thought having Franki’s number in his phone would open up a way to communicate with her while he was gone. But after texting her his best knock knock joke and getting only a ‘lol’ in response, he was disheartened. He had, however, been texting Emi every so often, who assured him she would be at his second London show with bells on.

With Franki’s radio silence and only one day in London, a Pilates session, or more so a visit to Camden, would have to do. Thankfully Emi was happily on board.

And when the lift dinged and the doors slid open, he was shocked to see Franki standing there waiting - her bag slung over her shoulder and sunglasses already covering her eyes.

“Harry! Hi!” She blurted, equally as surprised as he was.

“Hello!” He shuffled out of the lift.

“Welcome home!” Franki pushed her sunglasses up into her hair as she stepped around him to stand in the same spot on the lift where he had been. “Pilates on the day of a show?”

“Oh yeah… keeps me limber,” Harry nervously chuckled, wishing she wasn’t on her way out, realizing it was now or never. “Hey! Do you think you’ll make it tonight? Emi said she’s coming…”

“Um—“

He felt her hesitation when she glanced away and down to her feet, jostling her keys around in her fingers.

“Hey…” Harry lowered his voice, reaching out and placing his hand on top of her fidgeting one. “I’d really love you to be there.”

Franki’s eyes narrowed when she met his, dropping her hands to her sides and licking her lips before responding.

“Why?”

That was not the reaction Harry was hoping for. “Why?”

“Why do you want me to be there?” She didn’t miss a beat, her tone warm but straight forward.

He awkwardly shifted his weight, unsure what to say that wouldn’t scare her off. “I dunno, um, I’ve just really liked getting to know you.”

Her face stayed straight, unaffected.

“Okay…”

Harry blew out a stream of air, knowing he had to communicate with her or he’d be shit out of luck.

“Franki…” he breathed. “I know we hardly know each other, but I have to be honest… I will always be curious about—“

Suddenly the door down the hall swung open loudly.

“HARRY!” Emi popped her head out and shouted. “Missed you, mate. Come on in, I’m just about ready!” She motioned him over with her hand and then waved at her sister. “Later Franki!”

Franki was waving when he turned back to her, both at Emi and at him. And just as she pressed the button to the lobby and the doors started to close, Harry threw his hand out to stop them.

“Hey…” he looked at Franki, the green in his eyes clear as day. “Please come tonight.”

But Franki didn’t know what to say. They simply held their eye contact for a short moment before the lift door started to close again and she left him with a small smile.

And his crystal clear gaze was all she could focus on for the rest of the day. Her mind thrashed back and forth, knowing Harry had been seeing someone else, but also that she didn’t know the full story.

And when seven o’clock rolled around, after an entire ten hours of overthinking, Franki finally gave in and got ready. She convinced herself she’d be crazy to miss out on a show, let alone one that Harry specifically wanted her to be at. So she muted the voice in the back of her head telling her she was setting herself up for disappointment and slid on her best jeans and heels.

She was nearly out the door, slinging her purse over her shoulder and swiping a gloss across her lips, when a knock came from her front door. Confused and certain she was going to be late getting across town, she swung the door open to find a surprise visitor on her doormat.

“Gavin!” Franki gasped. “Oh my god! You’re— how did you?! When did you get here?”

Gavin had taken two steps into her apartment, pulling her into his arms tight and lifting her off her feet in a massive hug.

“Came straight from the airport,” he hummed with his face buried into the crook of her neck. “I really wanted to see you!”

Once Franki was back on her feet, she stepped back, her eyes still wide as saucers. “You flew all the way to London… just for me?”

A shy, toothy smile stretched across his face. “Of course I did. Since you couldn’t make it over to New York.”

Franki was doing her best to calm her racing heart, blown away and flattered that he had made such a massive effort to come see her.

“You weren’t headed out were you?” His brows furrowed, noticing her heels and her purse.

Franki gulped, instantly remembering she was headed out… to see Harry.

“Um—”

“I just thought we could stay in,” Gavin interjected. “I had a pretty shit flight and I’d really love to just be with you.”

Franki paused, looking back into his sincere eyes. Her belly fluttered at the mere thought of spending time with the guy who flew all the way from New York just to surprise her.

But then there was Harry…

Even if he is interested in me, over anyone else he’s talking to… it would never work… She convinced herself, burying any inkling of hope she previously had.

And all at once Franki decided to push Harry out of her mind.

Stepping forward and tugging at the pocket of Gavin’s black hoodie and hugging him again, Franki grinned. “Yes, that sounds wonderful. Let me just text Emi and let her know.”

Franki turned and pulled her phone from her purse, but Gavin didn’t let her get far. He wrapped his arms around her waist, bringing her back flush against his front, as Franki sent off a quick ‘decided to stay home’ text to Emi and then dropped her phone on the entryway table.

“I missed you,” Gavin pressed his mouth against her ear.

“Missed you too,” Franki sighed. “Let me go change and then we can order in some takeaway. Just make yourself at home.”

She left him with a sweet smile as she took off her purse and hustled toward her room.

Gavin dragged his luggage in from the hallway and just as he closed the door behind him, he heard Franki’s phone ding. And then another ding. With piqued curiousity, he leaned over to see her phone still unlocked. Glancing down the hall first, he then cautiously tapped the alert to see the name Harry Styles. His eyes narrowed as he took a closer look.

Harry: Hey Franki. Sorry we were interrupted this morning. What I wanted to tell you was…

Harry: Ever since that night in September, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about you. I will always be curious what could happen between us. I hope you feel the same.

Gavin’s jaw locked in the same moment he heard another ding and read the final text.

Harry: Can’t wait to see you tonight. Xx

Without hesitation, Gavin looked down the hall again before picking up Franki’s phone and quickly deleting all three texts. And just as he heard feet shuffling around the corner, he set her phone back in it’s place.

“So!” Franki appeared through her doorway, dressed down in a sweatshirt and joggers with her hair pulled back away from her face. “What are you in the mood for?”

And before her feet stopped moving, Gavin reached out and pulled her into his arms. He grinned, lowering his mouth and slotting his lips between hers with a hum, letting her know exactly what he was in the mood for.

•••

July 2018 - New York

Olio e Più, a small Italian restaurant in Lower Manhattan, was filled to the brim - Harry’s entourage of managers, friends and security making up for nearly half of the dining customers.

“Brother, shoot straight with me...” One of his managers, Tommy, leaned across the table where he was sitting opposite from Harry and raised one eyebrow. “What’s the deal with you two?”

Harry took his time, first lifting his napkin and swiping it across his mouth. Then swallowing a hefty swig from his wine glass next, fully stalling instead of answering. And after his glass was set down on top of the table cloth next to his plate, he casually looked back at Tommy with a furrowed brow.

“What do you mean?”

A chorus of groans resounded from all around him - Jeffrey, and two of his best mates, Xander and Max, joining in with Tommy’s disapproving tone.

“Listen, H,” Jeff lowered his voice. “We love you. We want you to be happy. But you guys are… so hot and cold. We’re just worried about you.”

Harry sat back in his seat and his lips folded into a frown.

He knew his friends meant well, he was grateful for that. But he truly did not know what to say. Well aware that his current relationship had become a ticking time bomb, Harry had been avoiding quite literally everything at all costs. He didn’t want to talk about it, let alone with her. They had started seeing each other less often, her tour visits becoming few and far between. They started talking less often. Texting less often. Over the last year he was so desperate to have anything in his life be easy… falling in love being at the top of the list. But with every relationship struggle, every miscommunication, he settled on the fact that things were simply never going to be that easy for him. Him traveling all over the world complicated it. But he was also selfish. And arrogant. And jealous. And his relationship had taken a turn for the worse because of it.

Before Harry could string together a response, words that would assure his friends that he was fine even when he wasn’t, his attention was drawn to the couple sitting a few tables away.

“Well, we can’t all be like those two, can we?”

Everyone’s gaze went where Harry jutted his chin to see a couple indulging in some pretty heavy pda. With a smug look on his face, the dark haired man had his hand resting low around the waist of the woman beside him, whispering into her ear before his mouth tucked into her neck, parting only for a moment before returning with very clear intentions. It was definitely a sight more appropriate for behind closed doors.

“Good god, get a room,” Xander and Max mumbled simultaneously.

“Should we take the rest of this to go?” Harry teased with wide playful eyes while Jeffrey motioned for the waiter to pack up their food.

The Greenwich Village street outside of Olio e Più was surprisingly empty. Popping a toothpick in his mouth, Harry slipped his hand into his gray trousers pocket and ducked his head as he made his way across the restaurant’s threshold and onto the sidewalk pavement. The late June evening breeze sent a trickle of shivers across the skin underneath his flowy blue floral Bode button down shirt. He was about to turn back to make sure his entourage was following in his steps when he suddenly realized his path was about to cross with another body.

“Shit,” he muttered under his breath, sending the toothpick flying out of his mouth and onto the ground. It was already too late before he could stop his feet from moving when he nearly pummeled into a woman walking with her head tilted toward the ground.

“Oh my god! I’m so s—“ Her voice squeaked as her earbuds went flying from her ears, only for her to catch them between her fingertips.

That voice. Harry felt the air instantly leave his lungs.

Their wide eyes connected and he couldn’t help but stare at her for a moment. He didn’t dare blink, wondering if she was a figment of his imagination, a daydream he used to have daily but now had only once in a while.

And when a stunning smile grew on her face and she dropped her chin to sweep a lock of brown hair behind her ear, he realized his mind wasn’t playing tricks on him.

“Franki Leto!” He blurted, hesitating a split second before opening his arms wide like he would with any friend he hadn’t seen in nearly a year. They were already high up in the air and out to his sides when his brain caught up to his limbs and he had to commit.

Chucking quietly, awkwardly, Franki reluctantly stepped forward and wrapped her arms around his middle in a hug.

Feeling his pulse start to speed as he held her against him, Harry breathed her in, the same scent from a year before instantly making him lightheaded. If it were up to his heart, he would’ve stood there for an immeasurable amount of time, holding her. But all too soon Franki pulled away.

“We should really stop colliding like this…” She laughed, taking four steps back and looking at him with her infamous tinge of pink across her cheeks.

Harry paused then and swallowed thickly, his brows suddenly dipping. The two eyes looking back at him weren’t as bright as he remembered… maybe it was possible jet lag or just the late hour in general. But the dull shade of brown was enough to make a heaviness settle in his belly.

He quickly cleared his throat and tried to blink away the worry. “At least neither one of us was holding a drink this time!”

Franki grinned and nodded in agreement, hoisting the tote bag a bit higher over her shoulder and then tucking her hands in her dress pockets.

From behind, one of Harry’s security placed a heavy hand on his shoulder to grab his attention and then pointed to a black SUV with the engine running and headlights on parked along the curb with the backseat door open.

“Uh, give me a minute please,” he gestured toward his entire crew that was waiting, watching them all step back at once.

“Looks like you need to go…”

Her soft voice still took his breath away.

Unable to process their surprise run-in and the fact that it was about to end before anyone caught wind of Harry Styles being out on a New York street corner, he turned his attention back to Franki.

“It’s really good to see you. This was, uh, kismet…”

She wrinkled her nose and a giggle slipped past her lips. “Don’t think you can call it kismet when your team flew me, your suit designer, over for your show this weekend.”

“Oh, you’re right,” he chuckled uncomfortably. “Well, the last time I invited you to one of my shows… you didn’t come, so…kismet.”

Harry felt heat flood to the tops of his ears the moment his chaotic words left his mouth.

He was well aware that a few weeks prior he’d asked his assistant Luis to invite the Leto sisters to come to his second MSG show, all expenses paid, but never heard they had said yes. Back in October, when Franki never showed up to his show in London, their lives moved on and they fell out of touch. And when his Sydney show came in April, and he was scheduled to wear the first suit they designed, he couldn’t muster up the courage to invite them to fly out. Instead, he opted for sending a text with a photo of him in the gorgeous brown suit, a mirror photo that took him way too long to take at the right angle with the right expression. And once he finally took the perfect shot and sent it, only Emi replied... nothing from Franki. That’s when bitterness started to take root in his heart, always wondering why she decided to distance herself after the, in his opinion, amazing day they spent getting to know each other.

But regardless of how their lives had changed since, Harry knew he had one last shot and couldn’t pass up the opportunity to have her come under the excuse of wearing her suit on stage. So he gambled… or at least asked his assistant to roll the dice.

Franki’s jaw locked at his seemingly snarky comment, but she shook it off quickly. “Well! Here I am…” she quipped, doing her best to bury the bitter tone laced in her words.

Harry coughed, desperately wanting to avoid a weighty conversation that would likely end in rejection on a New York street corner.

“So where’s Emi at? Need to get my fix of Camden’s feistiest.”

“Oh,” Franki shook her head, “Emi couldn’t make it. She’s in a pretty serious relationship now with a girl from Australia. They met while we were looking into opening a boutique down there. So I’m pretty sure she’s ‘down under’ this week.”

Harry mouthed an ‘oh’, noticing she appeared to be chewing on what she was about to say next.

“Um, I’m actually here with my boyfriend!” She blurted suddenly. “He’s from New York. His apartment is actually a few blocks away.”

Franki rotated her upper body and pointed in the direction she had been walking. Harry followed her gaze, his shoulders slumping slightly, hoping she couldn’t see the way his body physically reacted to the news that she was taken. Not that he should care.

“Oh, cool!” He attempted to sound breezy, his hands flying out to his sides and then slapping onto his thighs. “That’s great! That… makes sense now why you were willing to fly over here.”

They caught each other’s gaze in that moment, both looking at the other with a mixture of emotions - emotions way too overwhelming and confusing to dive into in that moment.

“Yeah…” She sighed, her expression turning unreadable for a moment before her eyebrows lifted high. “So! How are things with you and…”

“Good!” Harry exclaimed before she could finish, spontaneously clapping his hands together and then stuffing them back in his pockets before they could move anywhere else. “Great! Yeah, she’s, uh, not in New York… but she should be in DC for the next show.”

Harry felt sheepish… foolish, completely unaware that Franki knew he had been dating someone. But he supposed everyone in the world knew his business… or at least thought they did.

In spite of the sweet summer air that would waft by with the subtle breeze, the space around them turned uncomfortable - both of them very clearly doing an metaphorically awkward dance around their realities.

“That’s great, Harry.” Franki forced a smile, her eyes still lackluster, and he noticed.

Pushing his shoulders back, he took a step closer and dropped his voice. “You’ve been alright though, yeah?”

She was taken back for a moment by his sincerity, but with an aggressive nod of her head she responded. “Yeah! Oh, totally! You know things are kinda hit and miss with the company right now, but every season brings something new, right?”

“Hey, H!” Jeffrey’s stern voice came from near the SUV.

Harry looked over his shoulder, then in the direction of where his manager was motioning, instantly spotting the likes of a paparazzi sitting in a parked car across the way.

“Shit…” Harry breathed.

“You should go,” Franki pulled her hand from her pocket and gently nudged his elbow before taking two steps in the opposite direction. “I’ll see you on Friday.”

Noticing that the sky had turned dark and she was walking alone, he held his hand out to stop her. “Do you need a ride? Or someone to walk you?”

A soft smirk grew on her face and for the first time that evening, Harry saw a twinkle brighten her eyes. “Don’t need a chaperone, remember?”

He laughed at that, his smile growing as wide as hers as she took backwards steps.

“See you Friday, Franki. Come by the arena early…you know, if you’d like...”

She gave him one last grin before turning on her heel. “See you then, Harry.”

He watched her for a moment and then snapped his head toward the car where a lense was pointed directly at him. Shooting the paparazzi a death glare first, he dropped his head and beelined towards the SUV, mumbling an expletive under his breath as his heart sank to his toes when he realized he’d likely just photographed his interaction with Franki.

“Who was that?” Jeffrey’s tone was extremely inquisitive.

Harry took one last look behind him, watching as the airy material of Franki's summer dress swayed in sync with her hips after every step. And with the heaviest pit now settled in the deepest part of his stomach, he let out a sigh.

“That’s… Anna.”

•••

A/N: Thank you so much for reading! The second part will likely be coming very soon. I would love love love to know what you thought of this part and this version of their story. I really hope you enjoyed it.

There are two people who always talk me off the ledge when it comes to writing and that’s @for-fucks-sake-h @andwhenshesays love them and so grateful for them.

•••

Taglist: @sweetwanderlust05 @dayxoxodreamer @very-berry-harry @didhewinkback @thurhomish

•••

#divide #the show part one #would love to hear your thoughts #🫶🫶🫶

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blackypanther9 · 10 months

Text

Uncle x Papa – Nephew!Kid!Lloyd x Adopted Son!Morro x Father!Uncle!Male!Reader (Ninjago)

Part 1

Ninjago Oneshot ! What if Garmadon and Wu had a Brother and while Wu stopped all contact with him, for unknown reasons, Garmadon kept up their contact and told him that he was an Uncle ? What if Morro never died in the Caves of Despair ? What if Lloyd was for a bit in the boarding school and then M/n with Morro collected him ? Well, let us find out ! By the was this is NOT canon !

WARNING!: Multiple Chapters, Angst, mention of abandonment, Morro has anger issues, we all know it, mention of fighting, mention of close to death encounter, blood x gore, injuries AND MORE ! YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED !!!

Misako abandoned Garmadon and Lloyd and Garmadon never understood why. He couldn’t tell Wu about it, Wu was the LAST person he wanted to tell this. So he did, what he thought, he will never do. He searched his older Brother, M/n. As soon as M/n was old enough, he left the Monastery and lived on his own.

Wu refused to stay in contact with him, because he never helped them in anything. The war against the Serpentines he didn’t help, the war against the Time Twins...M/n NEVER helped. Wu hated him for that, partly.

Garmadon had no address to keep in touch with his older Brother, otherwise he would have written with him so much. He looked up to M/n a lot. He wanted to be just like him when he was older.

Who would have thought, that Garmadon would find M/n, on an Island, in the middle of nowhere ? He knocked on the door, Baby Lloyd tightly and thickly wrapped in a bundle and close to Garmadon’s chest. He was shivering himself, while Lloyd was asleep and very warm, hopefully...

The door opened and there M/n stood. He stared at Garmadon in utter surprise and shock.

“Garmadon ?”, M/n asked.

“Heh...Finally found you, Bubba.”, Garmadon greeted softly.

M/n looked at him and saw him shivering and holding a bundle in his arms.

“You must be freezing. Come inside and tell me, why you bothered to search for me.”

M/n made the way free and let Garmadon enter. He thanked M/n and entered, who closed the door behind him after. He led him to the Living room and Garmadon sat down.

“Do you want some hot chocolate ? Tea ? Anything ?”, M/n asked.

“Do...do you have hot chocolate and some milk, to warm up ?”, Garmadon asked.

“Milk...to warm up...?”

Garmadon gave him a sad smile and showed him the bundle he held. M/n’s eyes widened, in shock, as he stared at the face, of a sleeping Baby.

“Are they yours ?”, he asked.

“His name is Lloyd and yes, he is my Son. I married the Love of my Life, Misako. I think you remember how in love I was with her.”

M/n nodded and screwed his face up in distaste.

“I never understood what you saw in her. She seemed to act sweet and innocent, but I tell you, she seemed like she only pretended, to me.”, M/n said.

“I...I guess you were right...”

“Huh ? What do you mean ?”

“After a while, when we had Lloyd, she...she left. No note, no Goodbye...she just left us both.”, Garmadon said with tears in his eyes.

“So...Lloyd is Motherless ?”

“Yes.”

“How long was that ago ?”

“A week. She usually always tells me when she has to go for a while, but this time...there was nothing...”

M/n balled his hands into fists and scoffed angered.

“I knew it.”

Then he left the room and got to warming up some milk and making a hot chocolate.

“I don’t have a Baby bottle though.”, M/n called from his kitchen.

“I have one. The milk is just frozen...”, Garmadon replied.

M/n entered the Living room again and held his hand out.

“Bottle, little Brother.”

Garmadon set Lloyd down on the couch and pulled out the bottle from his backpack. M/n took it and left the room again. He let hot water inside the sink in the kitchen and put the baby bottle into it.

He watched the milk and after a few minutes, he had it on a very low flame, it was done. In the meantime the milk thawed inside the bottle and M/n cleaned it out. He filled the milk into the bottle and then shook it slightly, while he also balanced the Hot chocolate into the Living room.

“The milk is still a bit too warm, but I at least didn’t burn it.”, M/n said softly.

“Thank you.”, Garmadon replied.

M/n then looked at Lloyd again and saw that he was too warm, he started to fuss around.

“He is too hot.”, M/n informed Garmadon.

He looked at Lloyd and quickly took off some layers that kept him warm.

“So sorry, Baby. I forgot. Please forgive me.”, he said softly.

“You can also take off your clothes, Garmadon. I don’t think a thick jacket, shawl, hat and a pair of gloves, inside a well climated house, is comfortable.”

Garmadon blushed in embarrassment and took off his own clothes too.

“Sorry... I didn’t know if you would...you know...help me.”, he said softly.

M/n looked at Garmadon with softness in his eyes.

“Garmadon, you put so much effort into finding me, I would never throw you out after you finally found me. I’m sorry that I left and didn’t leave you any hints or addresses to my location, but honestly ? I didn’t think any of you two would come looking for me at all. I...wasn’t the best Brother the last few years.”

Garmadon looked at M/n with big eyes.

“You weren’t a bad Brother ! I know that Wu said you were, because of things you two never told me about, but he is lying ! He was angry and he regretted everything he said to you as you announced that you will move out.”

M/n shook his head.

“No. Don’t try to lie for Wu. I was a bad Brother. I let you train with Chen and Clouse. I knew they were a bad influence and I still didn’t take you away from them. I let Wu...never mind...”, M/n cut himself off.

“What did Wu do ?”, Garmadon asked.

M/n took a deep breath.

“Wu took in a homeless child. He trained him too. After we found out that Morro had the Elemental Powers of Wind, Wu was determined that he was the Green Ninja. Morro became obsessed with it. He got very easily angered, he wasn’t very kind and patient anymore either. Wu corrupted him, without meaning to. I told him to not tell the Kid about that, but he insisted and I tried to keep the boy stable. One day, he just left and never came back. Wu and him found out that he wasn’t the Chosen One and Wu refused to keep going with him, so he left and said he will prove that he is worth it. He blamed me for all of that since and we argued a lot.”

Garmadon stared at him with wide eyes.

“But WU did that mistake. Not you !”

“He still blamed me for what happened to his and Morro’s relationship. These two were like Father and Son, until he dropped the bomb of the Green Ninja. We also grew apart since that day and that was why I left. He kept blaming me each and every single day for that and I had enough.”

“I want to find Morro.”, Garmadon said.

“Who knows, if he is still alive, Garmadon.”

“Let us look for him ! At least WE care, right ?!”

M/n looked at Garmadon and then at Lloyd.

“You have a Son, Brother.”

“So what ? I will still have him ! We are just looking around for him.”

M/n sighed and nodded. He took Garmadon’s hand, grabbed the baby bottle and Garmadon had Lloyd in his arm. Then they teleported, to the Caves of Despair. Garmadon looked at M/n in confusion.

“Why are we here ?”

“It is one of the very few places, where I would bet my limbs, that Morro would be looking.”

With that they entered a cave and it seemed warm and sealed off.

“HELP ! HELP ME ! I’M STUCK ! HELLO ?!”, someone screamed.

Garmadon and M/n froze up.

“Morro...”, M/n whispered.

He ran to the blocked off ending and looked through a small gap.

“MORRO ?! IS THAT YOU ?!”, he yelled.

“M/N ?! HELP ! PLEASE HELP ME ! I DON’T WANNA DIE !”, Morro screamed scared.

M/n felt his heart skip a beat. He looked at Garmadon.

“Get out of here, I will break down the barrier ! Keep the Kid away !”

Garmadon nodded and ran out.

“MORRO STEP ASIDE FROM THE EXIT !”

He did so and yelled that he was out of the way. M/n took a few steps back and then ran at the wall. He did that three more times and then the stones fell and rolled out of the way. Morro was sweating terribly.

“MORRO ! JUMP AND GRAB MY HAND ! QUICK !”, M/n yelled.

He stretched his hand out and waited. Morro jumped and snatched M/n’s hand tightly, M/n pulled him out quickly and he carried him out of the Caves and to fresh air. Then he checked Morro for any injuries.

“Are you alright ?! What the hell were you thinking ?! If we wouldn’t have looked for you, you would have been nothing but bones ! No more hunting for impossible graves and treasures, for some stupid title, got it ?!”, M/n yelled at Morro, angered.

Morro nodded quickly. He hated M/n’s anger directed at him. It scared him.

“Good. You will live with me, Morro. You are NOT allowed to talk about the Green Ninja EVER again. I hear that coming out of your mouth, I will do more, than just put you into the Time Out corner.”

Morro nodded again.

With that, M/n teleported them back to his own house. He sat Morro down on the couch and then left to make some food in the kitchen. Morro then looked at Garmadon and his Son.

“Who are you two ?”, Morro asked softly.

“I am Garmadon, Wu’s Brother. This is my Son, Lloyd.”

Morro looked at them and nodded.

“I’m Morro. Nice to meet you.”

“Nice to meet you too, Morro.”

Then Lloyd woke up, fussed and started crying. Garmadon looked at his Son and instantly took the Baby bottle, M/n placed back on the table. He tested the temperature of the milk and deemed it okay. He started to feed Lloyd, who eagerly sucked from the bottle, looking at his Father with big green orbs.

Morro watched them and he felt jealous. His parents didn’t do that with him. His parents abandoned him... Then something clicked in his brain.

“Where is his Mom ?”, he asked.

Garmadon froze up.

“She...she left us.”, he answered softly.

“She...died ?”, Morro asked softly.

“No. She left one day and didn’t come back since. She abandoned us.”

Morro’s eyes widened and he stared at Lloyd. So, one of his parents also abandoned him. Now he could only feel sad for Lloyd.

M/n came back with microwaved food. He put it in front of Garmadon and Morro.

“I know it is only some baguettes with herb butter as a filling, but that is all I could make right now. Is Lloyd drinking ?”

“Thank you and yes, he is drinking.”

“Don’t forget to burp him after, Brother.”, M/n reminded.

“I won’t.”

“So you, Sensei Wu and M/n are Brothers ?”, Morro asked.

“We are, but I don’t like Wu all that much.”, M/n answered.

“Why ?”, he asked.

“He blamed me for his mistakes with you. He made you obsessed with something that you are NOT. I do not doubt you to be someone great, Morro, but the Green Ninja title, is more than just a name. It screams a lot of problems, possible death and worse danger. Even if you would have been the Green Ninja, you could have been easily corrupted. Be happy with the Element Wind that you have. It is very powerful and dangerous on its own.”, M/n said.

Morro stared at M/n in shock.

“He...blamed YOU for everything ?”

“He did. One of the few reasons I moved out.”

Morro seemed to get angry.

“What about Lloyd ? His Nephew ?”, Morro asked, with a bit of bite in his voice.

Garmadon looked away.

“Let us just say...he doesn’t have the time to see him.”

“So he abandons his own NEPHEW too ?!”, Morro yelled in anger.

That made Lloyd cry. Morro’s eyes widened in surprise and he looked at Lloyd with soft eyes. He didn’t mean to spook him.

“I-I’m sorry... I didn’t mean to scare him...”, Morro said with a stutter.

Garmadon looked at Morro, while he calmed down Lloyd.

“It’s fine. Just be careful around him. Babies get easily startled.”

Morro looked at Garmadon.

“I will be careful next time. M/n ?”

“Yes, Morro ?”

“Can you adopt me ? I wanna be Lloyd’s cousin. I wanna help taking care of him !”

M/n and Garmadon stared at Morro in surprise.

“What ?”, he asked in shock, his brain not catching up.

“I wanna help you with Lloyd ! I want to keep him save and be there for him when he needs someone.”

Garmadon looked at M/n and chuckled. His big Brother was nervous and excited to adopt Morro.

“Uhm...”, he said stunned.

“He will adopt you. His brain needs time to catch on.”, Garmadon told Morro.

Morro smiled at Garmadon.

“I know. He had those moments a few times near me. Honestly it is so funny when you catch him off guard. He needs a while to register what is going on after.”, Morro giggled out.

M/n shook his head and slapped his left cheek, to snap out of his stupor.

“Sure. I can adopt you, but then you have to listen to me and to me ONLY. Got it ?”

Morro looked at M/n and nodded eagerly.

“Okay. I will get adoption papers now, you take care of Lloyd and my stupid Brother.”

Garmadon looked at M/n offended.

“Hey !”, he protested.

Morro giggled.

“You can’t deny that you are stupid sometimes, Brother. Remember the prank.”

“From where was I supposed to know that YOU were that GIRL ?!”

“By being perceptive and observing.”

With that M/n left and later on in the day, Morro was officially adopted by M/n.

-Four years later-

M/n went up and down in his house. Garmadon didn’t show up for the last 3 months with Lloyd. Morro was a Teenager with 13 years of age by now and he was getting really uneasy, that both of them didn’t come visit by now.

“Where is Garmadon and where is Lloyd ?”, Morro asked.

“He said he will be with Wu. Wanna check it out ?”, M/n asked.

Morro nodded and they teleported, only to see them both fighting with the Golden Weapons.

“No...”, M/n whispered as he saw Garmadon’s eyes.

“What is going on ?”, Morro asked.

“The poison in Garmadon’s veins...it reached his heart. He is corrupted fully now. Morro...Lloyd won’t have a Dad anymore. The Poison took Lloyd’s Dad away from him. I hoped...I hoped he will have him longer...”

Morro stared at Garmadon in shock and sorrow. They informed him about Garmadon’s condition, but he hoped it would never happen so early, to Lloyd.

“Garmadon ! Don’t !”, Wu yelled.

“He is about to end Wu.”, Morro whispered.

Suddenly a bolt of lightning hit him and Garmadon went black, he stumbled and the Underworld opened. He fell and Wu tried to save him, but was too late.

“NOOOO !”

To be continued....

Masterlist HERE !

#Ninjago #Lloyd x Morro x Male!Reader #Male!Reader #lloyd montgomery garmadon #Morro Master of Wind #Father!Reader #Uncle!Reader #Nephew!Lloyd #Son!Morro #Read the warnings above #Has some wholesome moments #Good!Father and Uncle Reader #Morro x Reader #Lloyd x Reader #Fluff ONLY #Angst too #NO SMUT #NO INCEST

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