#I immediately went and grabbed a fly to check but I couldn’t see what you were referring to fshgsjsjsh

[hedghost]

alessia russo | white lies

five secrets alessia could keep (and one she just couldn’t)

first-time post from a long-time lurker. i absolutely did not intend it to be this long, so i apologise, but i wanted to do the idea justice! feel free to give me thoughts or requests :)

word count: 6.6k

one

famously, alessia could have her blonde moments. the occasional blank stare when she missed the tail end of a question, a furrowed brow as the punchline of a joke flew over her head.

honestly it didn’t bother her; so what if people thought she was slow? she knew her own intelligence. certainly, on the pitch, it was evident that she wasn’t stupid. she could be funny, she knew things, she spoke well, and she always made sure to think before she spoke. although that was less about seeming measured, and more because, if there was one thing alessia did know, it was the value of a secret.

after a few years in the spotlight, alessia had learned the hard way that there were certain things that were just better left under wraps. some things the media or the fans shouldn’t know, and some things best kept between friends. she kept a long mental list of secrets for different people, collecting them, and keeping them clutched to her chest. alessia took a small pride in knowing she was the one people went to, the one person they could trust with their darkest secrets.

alessia mused over her list as she drove to the stadium before the next match. mentally laying each secret out in front of her like a prized collection, dusting them off, and storing them back inside. the first she knew would be brought up again today, knew it would take her usual efforts to make sure it remained a secret.

walking into the changing room, alessia only narrowly dodged a flying shinpad that went clattering into the doorframe. alessia’s quick reactions only really served to cause her to lose her footing, just to be caught by your steady hands.

“oops, sorry less! i was aiming for tooney,” you smiled sheepishly, your hands still firm around her waist. alessia swallowed.

“idiots,” she laughed. you let go and stalked over to grab the wayward shinpad. this time, your throw found it’s mark, hitting ella squarely in the forehead and causing the changing room to erupt into laughter.

this was no real deviation from the team’s usual pregame ritual. typically, you and ella, ever the jokers, would engage in some play-fight of slapstick-esque proportions, entertaining the team while they all got ready. this of course meant you two then had to scramble to get changed as the rest of the girls walked out onto the pitch. alessia, who was never really found without at least one of her two best friends, would wait behind with you as you tied your boots.

you always had a lot of nervous energy before games, and ella’s constant faffing and time wasting as she collected her boots, tied her hair up for the billionth time, checked her mascara etc., would, without fail, mean you’d end up leaving the two of them behind, only for them to jog out and join you with seconds. this was the ritual, and alessia liked it.

“fucking hell, ella stop fannying about!” you whined.

ella, as always, was the last to put her boots on. she was combing back flyaways in the mirror, in just her socks. you and alessia watched on, fully kitted out by now. alessia leant back against the door and smiled as she watched you try to hurry ella on. she'd been through this many times before.

alessia knew the routine. she knew you would leave in a second, and she knew ella would stop dithering immediately after you did. and then, as always, she would tie ella’s bootlaces for her, and they would catch you up.

this was the big secret. alessia, to be honest, didn’t see the big deal, but ella was insistent that no one could ever find out, not even you. and as silly as alessia thought it was, and as much as she hated not telling you things, this was her duty as secret keeper and she did it diligently.

it had started years ago, long before you had arrived and turned the duo into a trio. ella had been in a state before an away match, refusing to tell anyone what had her fretting so much. alessia had taken her to the side, and it had slipped out; she didn’t know how to tie her own laces. her dad had always been at games, always tied them tight as a last good luck measure. in a flash, alessia had knelt at ella’s feet, tying the boots without saying a word. then she’d taken ella’s hand, and pretended not to see her swipe at tears as they walked onto the pitch together.

ella had found her before the next game, shyly asking her to repeat the action. alessia had done it without question, and just like that, it became their thing.

alessia had tried, of course, countless times to teach ella how to do it herself, but she suspected at some point it had become more superstition that anything. alessia had tied ella's boots once, and she’d played well, so now alessia would tie her boots forever. even now that many players preferred to play with laceless boots, ella never wavered. she said she just preferred the look, but alessia (and only alessia) knew the truth.

alessia watched on as you got increasingly impatient with ella. she smirked as you rolled your eyes once again.

"come on ella, if we leave now you might be in time for the second half,"

alessia had to bite her lip to keep from laughing. you were cute when you were frustrated. ella ignored you, still checking her reflection in the mirror, completely unfazed.

as annoying as ella was being, you felt bad that alessia was always the one to stay and deal with ella's antics. you were determined to remain, if only to give alessia moral support. little did you know that meant it was you who was holding up proceedings.

alessia, however, had been through this many times before and was practiced in the art of secret-keeping, and therefore distraction. she had a few tactics up her sleeve yet.

she looked over to where you leant against the doorframe, and flashed you her sweetest smile.

"y/n? i think i left my gatorade in the shower room, could you go grab it for me?"

as always, those eyes made you putty in her hands, and you pushed yourself off from the wall to go and look. as soon as you turned your back, alessia was knelt at ella's feet, her nimble fingers moving with practiced ease as they followed the path they'd traced countless times before. she was standing again by the time you returned.

"there's no gatorade in there less, are you sure its not in here?"

she flashed you a sheepish smile, putting on her best ditzy blonde impression, "oops, its right here! sorry y/n,"

you shrugged in response. before you could tell her not to worry, ella cut you off. she had moved to walk out the door, yelling over her shoulder as she did so,

"come on, what are you waiting for?"

you watched after her in exasperated incredulity as she exited the room. alessia laughed brightly at your expression, slinging her arm around your shoulder and dragging you out to the field with her. ella's secret was safe for another day.

two

you and alessia settled in next to each other as you took your seats on the plane for the lionesses' next away game. the two of you had been thick as thieves for years, and you couldn’t deny that the thought of having alessia nearby had been a deciding factor in your recent transfer move. still, you treasured each quiet moment you spent in each other's company, as you had for years.

you and alessia hadn’t always been close. you’d known each other through the youth age groups of course, but your relationship only really went from acquaintances to close friends around the age of sixteen. sure, you loved your teammates and got on well with all of them, but you were a fairly shy teenager, keeping them at all at arms length, and often finding yourself only hanging around the edge of conversations.

alessia was a nostalgic person, and liked to reminisce often about the circumstances that had led to your close relationship.

when you were younger, seeing as how you typically kept to yourself, it was usually easy for you to sink into the background. although sometimes this was a point of insecurity, you relished the chance for solitude whenever it came to flights. you’d always been a particularly anxious flyer, and you appreciated that you could usually nab a seat at the back to yourself, allowing you to hide your panic.

usually you got away with it. usually, you could find a pair of seats to yourself, deal with the panic quietly and alone, saving yourself from embarrassment.

of course, at some point, your luck ran out.

“hey! mind if i sit here?” came a familiar voice. you looked up in surprise, but you knew whose bright blue eyes would be looking down at you well before your gaze found them. alessia gave you little time to respond before settling herself into the seat next to you with a sweet smile. you had no time to concoct some lame excuse. you could only nod, and accept your fate.

of course it was her. of course, out of anyone, it was the person who would be the sweetest about it, the most understanding. how embarrassing.

alessia didn’t seem to notice your internal panic, instead sweeping you up immediately into conversation. and for a while, it worked to distract you. you barely noticed take off, didn’t even flinch as your stomach dropped and ears popped, too enraptured in alessia’s bright conversation.

that is, until the first bout of turbulence. the plane rocked, and you stopped mid-sentence. mentally gathering yourself, you tried to calm down, managing to carry on as though nothing had happened. alessia didn’t seem to notice your plight. you’d got away with it. then the plane dropped again.

this time, alessia was quick to notice the way your breath caught, the way your arms held tight to the arm rests, the white knuckle grip you had on them. you vaguely heard her say something, but you couldn’t focus on her voice enough to comprehend. all you could do was try to regulate your breathing, stave off the panic long enough to preserve your dignity.

a gentle touch on your arm brought you back to reality, “y/n? are you okay?”

you tried to speak, to respond, but you couldn’t muster the words. you shut your eyes tight, trying to turn away from alessia.

“hey, hey,” she soothed, her hand over yours, “it’s okay, we’re safe, everything’s okay,”

you wanted to pretend it was all fine, but you were too far gone. you buried your head in your hands, tried to focus on alessia whispering to you to ‘breathe, just breathe’.

you don’t know how long you sat like that, her guiding you through blind panic with soft touches and gentle words. at some point, your hand found hers, and you clutched it like a lifeline as the plane rode out its last bits of turbulence.

eventually, your breathing returned to relative normal. you hesitated to look up and meet alessia’s eyes, instead burning holes into your clasped hands. you noted her perfectly done manicure, how the light caught each painted nail, how the soft skin of her fingertips felt caressing your calloused palms.

“you okay y/n?”

finally you tore your gaze away from her hands, only to be met with her eyes. you’d never noticed how strikingly blue they were. you nodded, swallowing harshly. you were sure she’d be able to feel your pulse rising in your joined hands, praying she’d chalk it up to your panicked episode, not something completely different.

“not a big fan of flying then?” she prompted.

“no, not exactly,” you laughed, mouth dry. as much as you hated to admit it, alessia’s presence had definitely calmed you. you were barely conscious of the fact you were still thousands of feet in the air.

“that’s okay, i’ll distract you,” you hoped you weren’t blushing . if only she knew, you thought, but alessia had already plowed on, chatting about god knows what to distract you.

she kept it up until you landed. as she stood up to exit the plane, she squeezed your hand and offered a small smile. she went to pull away, but you pulled her hand back,

“could you please not tell anyone about this?”

“course not,” she smiled “our secret.”

then she’d strolled off the plane as though she hadn’t just changed the course of your life.

from then on, alessia always managed to slip away from her other friends and wind up in the seat next to you. it had become a steady constant in your routines. you'd never had a bad flight since, and true to her word, alessia had never told a soul.

three

the perks of england camps were numerous. from the training, to the facilities, the matches, even the food, alessia enjoyed it all. arguably the best thing of all though, was the ample opportunities for downtime with the team.

alessia was nestled in between you and maya on a sofa, only half listening to leah and keira regale some embarrassing tale about georgia, involving a bad date and what sounded like a lot of alcohol. georgia was burying her head in her hands as the rest of the team dissolved into fits of giggles at the story. alessia laughed along, dropping her head to your shoulder as the conversation moved onto other player's poor tastes in partners and shitty date experiences.

"okay wait! lets all go around the circle and say our most embarrassing crushes!" alessia felt your shoulder stiffen underneath her at beth's suggestion, and she knew exactly why.

alessia herself had only found out by accident, stumbling in on you crying out the aftermath in the bathroom. she'd held you as you calmed down, before you made her swear not tell anyone.

the night had started out well enough. you both were at an 18th birthday party for one of your england teammates. you'd joked around with all the other girls, dancing and singing, and drinking probably a little too much. the alcohol would end up being a bad idea, especially for you.

the girl who's birthday it was had an older sister in her early twenties. aged 17 and a bit, you were absolutely infatuated with her. you'd met her a few times before at games and training, she was cool and collected, and you were obsessed. the fact she would be in attendance at the party had definitely been a factor in your outfit choices, and probably in the amount of alcohol you had downed with alessia and ella at pres.

the whole night long, you were hyper aware of her presence in the room. too shy to ever make a move, you stuck to longing glances and daydreamed fantasies.

your downfall was soon to come though, when one of the older girls suggested an innocent game of spin the bottle. most of you were well past tipsy at this point, and so you all agreed readily. you laughed as your teammates kissed each other one by one; the messy, inexperienced kind of kisses only drunk teenagers could perfect. soon enough it was your friend's sister's turn, and you couldn't help the prayers you mentally uttered.

you would decide later that whoever answered those prayers had a sick sense of humour. the bottle landed on you. you leant forward, trying to contain your excitement. it was only a peck, but to you it was fate and poetry rolled into one. the game continued on, but all you could think about was the feel of her lips against yours. soon, the game faded into non-existence, as people began to get distracted and get up to refill drinks or amuse themselves elsewhere. you saw your crush slip out into the garden, and instilled with misplaced confidence from the peck, you saw your opening.

stepping into the cool air, you were relieved to see she was alone. you approached, placing a shaking hand onto her arm.

"oh hey-" you cut her off, pressing your lips against hers. it barely lasted a moment, before she pushed you off, nothing short of disgust on her face.

"woah there! i'm not a fucking lesbian!" she turned on her heel and stalked back inside, only stopping to utter one last crushing remark, "and i don't kiss kids!"

to your teenage self, it was an earth-shattering rejection. you managed to make it to an empty bathroom before you broke down. your ears rang with her comments as your cursed your own stupidity. in your rush to be alone, you'd forgotten to lock the door, and you jumped when gentle hands wrapped you up into a hug.

alessia had been watching you all night. she'd seen the glances you cast over at your friend's sister, before she lost sight of you after the ill-fated game. that was until she saw you duck into a bathroom, cheeks red and head bowed. she'd followed in a heartbeat.

alessia's heart ached for you as you sobbed into her shoulder. the sting of rejection had worn off, leaving space only for pure embarrassment.

"i'm such a fucking idiot," you mumbled into her shoulder when the tears had stopped.

alessia pressed her lips to your hair, "no you aren't, don't be silly," she knew the pain of unrequited crushes all too well. she knew the way they consumed you, blinded you to sense. "shh, it'll be okay," she murmured, "don't cry, its okay,"

"oh god, i bet she's already told everyone how weird and gross i am. i can never show my face again,"

alessia laughed at your dramatics, "shall we go home?" she said, and you nodded wearily, "let's go,"

as it turned out, the girl hadn't told anyone, and you'd been in the clear. the secret stayed between you and alessia, the single witness to your most embarrassing night.

alessia knew you didn't want anyone to know about that, even now, six years later. she also knew you well enough to know that instead of coming up with an alternate answer to beth's question, you were likely frozen, reliving your embarrassment. she had to think fast to preserve your secret. everyone laughed as rach shamelessly announced her childhood crush on some celebrity she'd never heard of, and then everyone turned to you expectantly. alessia cleared her throat.

"pretty sure y/n used to fancy that woman off countdown," she lied, and the room erupted into laughter once again. thankful for lessi's quick save, you groaned and buried your head in your hands, going along with her white lie. crisis averted. alessia carried on, giving her own fake answer about a boy from school. a practiced lie. once the group's attention had passed on from the two of you, she felt you grab her hand. you squeezed her fingers in thanks, and she squeezed back. she was getting good at this lying business. anything for you, and your secrets.

four

alessia was widely regarded as an excellent friend; someone who could be depended on, completely and utterly trusted without question. alessia knew this, and held such compliments with high regard. she had long ago cemented her place as someone to be trusted within her circle, and therefore concentrated her efforts in keeping that reputation. she knew her friends just thought she was a good secret keeper because it was in her nature, that she was just a good person through and through.

alessia herself knew however, that the reason she placed such strong value on other people’s secrets was because she had been keeping one of her own for far, far longer than she had kept any of theirs.

it had first become apparent as a teenager. as she listened to her friends fawn over their latest male obsession, or regale their recent kisses with boys at parties, or debate who the hottest boy in class was. she tried her best to engage, to get involved, but with every boy who came close to kissing her, she was finding it harder and harder to force interest. eventually, she came to realise the way she felt about certain teammates, the way she'd avert her eyes in the changing room, the way her gaze followed pretty girls in the hallway, wasn't the norm. the realisation had hit her like a truck. alessia russo was gay, and she had no clue what to do about it.

she kept the feelings buried for a while. she faked attachments to boys, tried kissing a few just to throw her friends off the scent, before eventually she stopped bothering. she said she was too busy with football to date, and that remained her excuse. that didn't stop her falling head over heels for multiple girls over the years, didn't stop her heart fluttering whenever certain people looked her way. a certain someone.

eventually, especially playing women's football, a lot of her friends started to come out. alessia knew she could've done the same, knew she'd be met with no judgement, but it was as though there was a mental block stopping her. as outgoing as she was, she didn't enjoy opening herself up. and so, never one to wear her heart on her sleeve, she guarded the secret closely. months turned into years, and it became just something she did. she was too far gone to announce it now.

she knew she'd tell people at some point in her life, but why bother when there was no girl on her arm to show off?

and it wasn't like she hadn't come close. especially to you, who had been open about your sexuality for years. alessia couldn't count how many times she'd opened her mouth to tell you, only for the words to catch in her throat. it was almost as though she'd left it too late now, built it up in her head, and the moment just never seemed right.

she'd been with girls before of course. in dark corners at clubs where no one would see, fumbled kisses with strangers in bathrooms. but never anything deep, never the connection she ached for.

alessia listened as you complained to her about your recent date with the latest girl. 'a complete dead end', you described it, 'like talking to a brick wall,' you laid your head across her lap and shut your eyes.

"god, i wish the girls i dated were more like you less. then i'd actually have something to talk about with them," alessia swallowed, her fingers working their way through your hair. god, if only you knew.

five

being gay wasn't the only secret alessia held close to her chest. there was another, far worse, far more guarded. the secret that kept her awake at night, that spiked guilt deep in her stomach whenever you smiled at her. painful memories of that fateful night, which she wished more than anything you would remember.

it happened at the celebration party last summer. the lionesses had been victorious at the euros, and euphoria was running rampant amongst the whole team. everywhere you looked, people were drunk off elation. the drinks had started flowing in the changing rooms, and they had kept coming ever since.

the constant flow of people meant you and alessia had only spent passing moments together. every time you seemed to find each other in the crowd, someone new would turn up and pull one of you away, with ecstatic congratulations, or the promise of a drink.

in a brief break from dancing, alessia found herself sat at the bar with ella and a few others. she sipped her drink as the others chatted excitedly. recently, she'd been finding that her eyes sought you out unconsciously. more and more, she'd been realising that wherever you were in a room, she'd notice. tonight was no different. her gaze finally landed on you, carefree and dancing amongst a crowd of people.

usually, she had the sense to not stare for too long, but with her inhibitions hindered by the drinks, and her mood high off the back of the win, she allowed herself a moment of grace. the soft smile that crept onto her face as she looked longingly after you was unbidden, but she didn't care to look away. alessia was sure that if anyone followed her eyeline she'd be found out, but everyone was too wrapped up in their own elation to bother.

across the crowd, your eyes met hers. you grinned widely, before freeing yourself from the crowd just long enough to grab her hand and pull her onto the dance floor. emboldened by the alcohol, she let herself dance a little closer than she usually would, let the touches linger a little longer.

neither of you knew how long you danced, just riding the wave of the win for as long you could. alessia could tell you were equally as drunk as she was, if not more. eventually, you leaned closer to be heard over the music,

"come with me to get some air?" alessia could only nod, hyper aware of your breath on her cheek. she let herself be led away by you, into the cool summer air.

you all but collapsed onto a bench, laughing as you clumsily pulled alessia down with you. you leant into alessia, her arm finding its familiar place around your shoulders as you let the comfortable silence descend. it was the early hours of the morning by now. alessia could hear the thump of music and shouts of people from inside, but out here, you were completely alone. despite her lack of sobriety, she was hyper aware of the way your body felt against hers.

"what a night hey," you laughed, and she nodded. "we fucking did it less!"

"champions of europe baby!" you yelled into the night, making alessia laugh and slap your arm.

you smiled, leaning back into alessia, "proud of you lessi" you whispered. when she didn't respond, you shifted to look at her.

"i'm serious less. i'm so proud of you. proud of us."

alessia couldn't find the words to respond. she could only think about how close your face was to hers. you smiled softly, and she smiled back. her eyes never left yours. you seemed to be breathing in sync. it was now or never. the alcohol spurring her on, alessia began to speak,

"y/n, i-"

she was cut off by you leaning in to close the gap. her eyes fluttered shut as your lips grazed hers, and she melted into the kiss. you pulled back to assess her reaction, but alessia barely gave you a second to breathe before she kissed you again. alessia poured all the years of pining, every pent up emotion into that kiss, and you gave her everything and more back. her brain short-circuited as your hand went to caress her cheek, her own hands fumbling clumsily to wrap around your waist.

at some point, one of you broke away. you pressed your forehead to hers, "we should probably get back to the party," alessia nodded. she was caught in a haze of euphoria. she would've done anything you asked in that moment; would've chased you to the moon and back. you smiled, before pressing your lips to her forehead and pulling her to her feet.

alessia would've liked to stay attached to your hip all night, but as soon as you re-entered the party you were both swept away by your respective friends, and she was left staring after you. the rest of the night was a blur, but alessia had truly never been happier.

alessia woke the next morning to the memory of your lips against hers. her head pounded with the hangover as she dragged herself out of bed and over to your room next door. it was customary for the two of you to end up in each others rooms after a heavy night to discuss the events and ride out the hangover together, but today, her heart pounded as she knocked on your door. she wasn't sure what the events of last night meant for your friendship, but she was running through various speeches and declarations as she waited.

eventually you cracked the door open, peering out at alessia with bleary eyes. "morning," you whispered with a smile, opening the door fully for alessia before collapsing back into your bed.

alessia followed you in, mouth dry and heart pounding as she perched next to you on the bed. she decided to let you take the lead with the conversation, though she ached to bring up the kiss.

"god, what even happened last night," you moaned from the covers, "i don't remember a thing,"

alessia's heart dropped to her stomach. "you don't remember anything?" she asked. you looked up at her curiously.

"i mean, i remember dancing, and then, literally nothing," your eyes widened, "oh god, did i do something embarrassing? lessi, please say i didn't."

alessia forced a smile onto her face, forced herself to push down the emotions coursing through her veins, "no, you didn't do anything," she forced herself to settle further into your bed.

"nothing at all,"

plus one she couldn't

after the euros, and the ensuing heartache, alessia had tried to distance herself from you. she'd lasted all of a week of subdued contact before you'd pulled her back in again. she couldn't resist you or your company, utterly powerless to do anything but come running back to your side like a lost puppy. you didn't even have time to notice something was up.

and so alessia settled back into your orbit, and tried unsuccessfully to get over you. despite how you'd acted that night, you once again gave her no indication of seeing her as anything more than a best friend, and so she tried her best to see you the same. she longed to bring up the kiss, to do anything to remind you, but your clear lack of memory told her that it hadn't meant anything to you.

playing together for club and country, you spent nearly all your days together. alessia spent each of those days in silent turmoil. her heart would pound with each innocent touch, her brain would malfunction every time you flashed her a smile. only at night, in the quiet of her room, would she allow herself to feel. she'd stare at the ceiling into the early hours of the morning, replaying each encounter, eyes glistening with unshed tears. she envied you for not remembering the kiss. god how she wished she could forget it. it replayed behind her eyelids every time she blinked: she felt the brush of your lips against hers every time she glanced down at your mouth as you spoke.

since it became apparent that it couldn't have meant anything to you, she'd done her best to get over you. but now that she'd experienced it, she could never go back. her love for you had swelled to the point of utter consumption, and she couldn't even begin to remember what it felt like to see you only as a friend.

being as experienced in the art of secret keeping as she was, she'd managed to keep you in the dark, but it was getting harder and harder to act like everything was okay. whilst you remained clueless to her plight, other people were starting to notice.

alessia was finally caught out after a particularly bad day. training had been rough, the weather was awful, and the stress and emotion of it all was starting to become too much for her. her heart ached for you every time you laughed. every time you called her name it was like a stab to the chest. she winced as she felt the beginnings of a headache, desperate to leave the training ground and crawl into bed as soon as she could.

noticing something was wrong, you'd rubbed her back and pulled her in for a hug.

"you okay less? headache?" you'd murmured, trying to meet her eyes. normally she revelled in how well you could read her, but right now, she hated it. she could only nod in response. you reached a gentle hand up to touch her forehead, "are you coming down with something?"

alessia wanted so badly to relax into your familiar embrace and sink into the comfort she craved, but she pulled away, ignoring your question and mumbling a lame excuse about getting home, before speeding to her car.

hearing someone chase after her, she steeled herself to face you again. instead, when she turned, she was met with ella.

"lessi, what's wrong?"

"nothing, ella, it's just been a long day," she sighed. she turned to get into her car, but ella blocked her path.

"don't bullshit me lessi, i know you. you think i haven't noticed how weird you've been acting lately?"

the confrontation was too much. alessia could feel tears begin to prick at the corner of her eyes, and she knew there was no escaping it.

"not here," she mumbled, opening the car door and motioning ella to get into the other side. she barely gave ella time to sit down before she drove off, only making it to the end of the road before the tears started flowing. she pulled over and buried her head in her hands.

ella didn't seem to know what to do, clearly she hadn't expected alessia to do this. her shock was only momentary though, and her hand reached out to stroke alessia's back.

"hey, hey, its okay, less, its okay. talk to me,"

alessia could only shake her head against her hands.

"i can't do this anymore ella, i just can't,"

ella just rubbed her arm, clueless to what she was talking about. in ella's presence, she let her facade fall apart a little.

"it's so stupid, i'm so stupid."

"is this about y/n?"

alessia whipped her head up to look at ella, who smiled wryly.

"you aren't very good at hiding it less,"

"fuck, i just-" she pressed her head into her hands again. "it's so embarrassing. i just don't know what to do. i can't keep doing this, it just- it hurts,"

"i think you need to tell her,"

"that's the worst possible solution to this ella,"

ella smiled again and raised an eyebrow, "i wouldn't be so sure,"

"you're an idiot, and your advice is awful," alessia muttered. she breathed deeply, collecting herself, before starting the car again, "i'm dropping you home, and we're forgetting this conversation ever happened,"

"whatever you say, less," said ella, smirking as she leant back in her seat, "whatever you say,"

despite her best efforts, the conversation with ella stuck in alessia's mind all week. even you were starting to notice how distracted she was being, and you brought it up one night, as you lay sprawled in your usual position on her sofa.

"have you been avoiding me lessi?" you joked, but alessia caught the flash of doubt in your eyes. she mentally cursed herself, once for not hiding it well enough, and then again for making you feel guilty about it. she decided she could only attempt to laugh it off.

"what are you talking about? we've literally been together all day."

"no, yeah i know, but you just seem, i don't know, distracted? closed off," alessia felt your head turn to look up at her, but she kept her own gaze firmly planted on the tv screen.

"i'm fine. just tired. its been a long week," she knew as soon as she said it that you'd see right through the flimsy excuses.

"well okay, but, you know you can always talk to me, yeah? if there was something bothering you?" your voice trailed off. alessia swallowed harshly. when she spoke, her voice was barely a whisper.

"i can't,"

at this, your full attention was on her, the tv long forgotten. alessia felt sick at her own barely there confession.

"lessi, come on. you can tell me anything. i'm your best friend,"

that was the last straw. best friend, she reminded herself. any hope alessia still had of preserving her dignity flew out the window, and she had to press her lips together to keep from crumbling. you saw her falter, and you sat up in a heartbeat, your hands taking hers. alessia tried to pull away, but the grip you had on her was magnetic.

"y/n, i-" she bit her lip, shaking her head and looking away. if she spoke she'd say something she'd regret. the confession was on the tip of her tongue, just begging to be let out. alessia resolved herself, mentally replaced the confession with another white lie. but then she looked up, and her eyes met yours. god, those eyes. alessia was taken back to the night of the kiss, when she'd been enraptured in those same eyes; when she'd looked into them to find the brazen reflection of her own adoration.

it was all she could do to look away. she felt her mouth move, heard her own voice as though from a distance, speaking completely unbidden.

"i'm in love with you,"

they were the truest words she'd ever uttered, but god how she wished she could take them back. her brain raced with excuses, but she could only whisper disconnected thoughts and jumbled apologies. she regained just enough control over her words, but the damage was done.

"i know you don't feel the same - i'm sorry - i didn't want to make it weird - i'm sorry - please don't let this ruin us - i'm sorry."

alessia didn't dare look at you; your silence was indication enough. however, as always, alessia could never stay away from you for too long. as she braved one glance up, her words fell away from her.

you stared back at her, looking at her as though she'd hung the moon and all the stars.

"alessia," you whispered her name like a prayer on your tongue, "you have no idea how long i've wanted to hear you say that,"

years of pining, of heartache, of sleepless nights and longing glances, had not prepared alessia for this outcome. she stared at you, frozen in shock. all the fight, all the panic, had abandoned her, and she could only stare.

you leaned in, and she let herself fall into the kiss. she'd thought nothing could've been better than the first, but my god was she wrong. with one touch, you silenced all her doubts. you poured out the answer to every question she had. the two of you curled impossibly closer into each other, until alessia wasn't sure how you could've ever been separate.

you smiled against her lips, eyes blissfully remaining shut.

"why didn't you tell me sooner?"

alessia shrugged shyly, "it was a secret," you pulled away fully, eyes searching deep into hers.

"not anymore," you said, and alessia flashed a bright smile. your heart flipped at the sight.

"no," she murmured, "never again."

thanks for reading! hope you enjoyed :)

#alessia russo #alessia russo x reader #alessia russo imagine #engwnt #woso x reader #woso fanfics #muwfc x reader

[hopelessdelusional]

Literally got a dream after i read this prompt, went insane, and then basically wrote a whole book

so it’s safe to say im obsessed

word count: 4K

╭── ⋅ ⋅ ─ ✩ ─⋅ ⋅ ──╮

Bakugou Katsuki is a hero.

He is a Pro Hero, number 2 to be in fact (damn Deku). He has made a living fighting battles and saving lives, jumping off roofs and flying in the sky. He is a real life super hero, putting his life in danger. Every morning he wakes up has to prepare himself for the things he may see that day. The blood he might shed, and the people he may not be able to save. He has learned to be fearless, never finding himself nervous when jumping into the fight.

And yet, he’s never felt more terrified right now.

He met you three years ago, after quite literally crashing right into the very studio you record your music. He was battling a woman who had the ability to make and control giant vines, and apparently are explosive-proof. Todoroki almost hit him with a blast of his shitty ice, making him turn to his so called “partner” and cuss him out. However, that gave the villain the chance to grab him, and send him flying.

Bakugou soon found himself miles away from the fight, as he had to use his quirk in order not to fall to his death. But as many know, his quirk is sporadic.

That is how he crash landed into your studio.

It hurt like hell sure, but when he opened his eyes and saw you standing over him with nothing but concern in your eyes, he instantly forgot the many injuries he gained. You were breathtaking, and not like anyone he had ever interacted with. You immediately made the terrified people in the studio help him up and you found the nearest first aid kit and fixed him up as best as you could before an ambulance came.

He was dazed, but you were so kind and made small talk. Bakugou had always been one to hate any type of small talk, but he loved every word that left your mouth. You were newly moved to Japan, some sort of opportunity came to you that you couldn’t turn down (Bakugou was severely concussed so a lot of what you said was a blur).

Bakugou does remember Mina and Kaminari mentioning you, playing your music whenever he came to either of their houses. You had such a unique voice, a bit raspy that caught the attention of millions of people. Surprisingly, also caught the attention to Bakugou, as he would play it during the rare nights when he’d be cooking alone in his kitchen. Your story telling was incredible, your lyrics were anything but bland. Making music about the bad and good exes you’ve had, your friends and family, your past, and even wrote songs about random characters your beautiful mind came up with. You always made sure to use all sorts of instruments, and the notes that you compacted into your songs never ceased to amaze Bakugou’s standards.

Now he was here, sitting on a table asking you all sorts of questions about you. Maybe it was the concussion, or maybe it was just your personality but Bakugou began to get addicted to you, never wanting you to stop talking.

“Here.”

You turned away from him, your hand leaving his knee instantly making him already miss the warmth of you as you shuffled through your bag.

He watched you with curiosity (and took the chance to shamelessly check out your ass) before you turned around with a newfound grin on your face. You were holding a pen, and he cocked an eyebrow at you, not understanding the excitement of this pen in your perfect hand. You walked back over to him, your perfume becoming addicting to him, and you gently grabbed his hand. You were making intense eye contact with him, and Bakugou suddenly felt…nervous? You smiled at the blush that rose on the hero’s face, before you clicked the pen and began to write something on his wrist.

Bakugou watched, feeling somewhat like a child, and once you finished and allowed him to look. He was pleasantly surprised to see your number on his arm.

His head instantly shot up, almost not believing this was happening.

“If I text this and it’s a scam, I’m gonna hunt you down.”

His gruff voice didn’t match the face he was making at you, and you threw your head back and laughed.

Once you caught your breath, you smiled at him, making him blush even more (he didn’t even know that was possible!).

“As fun as that would be, I promise that is in fact my home number. I would never trick my favorite pro hero like that.”

Out of the corner of his eye he saw two paramedics walking through the door, ready to help him out of there. However, he chose to ignore them and smirk at you instead.

“Favorite eh?”

You giggled, still holding his hand.

“Don’t get too cocky mister, or else I’ll write a mean song about you.”

His grin widened, using his other hand to lead your hand to his lips. He gently kissed it, hating how chapped his lips were, but the blush that quickly appeared on your cute cheeks made it worth it.

“I’d rather the song have another meaning.”

The two of you held eye contact, and he soaked up every second of it not ever wanting to forget what color you eyes were.

You smiled at him before you turned to the paramedics that began to replace your presence. They helped him up, and walked him over to the bed that was rolled in by another paramedic. Once he was comfortable (as comfortable as someone with many broken ribs and a concussion could be) he looked back up at you. Bakugou was annoyed to see one of the paramedics talking nervously to you, asking for an autograph. However, the jealously slowly turned into admiration as he watched you beam at the man as you excitedly signed the crinkled piece of paper he had in his pocket.

“My daughter just adores your music, she started learning guitar because of you actually! It’s truly incredible watching her play, just makes me so proud of her.”

Your lip was pouted, as you stood listening to his words. You looked so genuine, so happy that he was telling you this. Bakugou could tell this means the world to you, watching you enthusiastically hugged him. The two of you quickly made your goodbyes, and you immediately turned to look his way. Bakugou would have been embarrassed that he was caught looking at you if you hadn’t beamed at him like that. You jogged over to him, making him chuckle how eager you were to be back in his presence. Bakugou instantly grabbed your empty hand again, not a single ounce of shame for how “down bad” he was acting.

“Talk to you later?”

Your voice couldn’t have been any louder than a whisper, making sure he knew these were words only for him to hear. Bakugou grinned, giving your hand a squeeze.

“Of course.”

Instead of one of your flashing smiles, your whole face softened and a small smile appeared on your face.

“In the meantime then, I’ll definitely be writing a song.”

That’s when Bakugou realized there was no coming back from you. He was officially obsessed, never wanting anything more than your hand in his.

Unfortunately for him, the two of you were rudely interrupted by the dumbass that got him here in the first place (not that Bakugou is complaining). Todoroki loudly coughed, making you jump and him scowl.

“I see you’re in good-“ his heterochromia eyes looked down at Bakugou and your interlocked hands, and then looked back up at Bakugou with a smirk.

“Good hands?”

Yeah, Bakugou definitely got teased for the rest of the day, and soon the rest of the week by all the people half-and-half told. But honestly? Bakugou couldn’t give two shits when had you texting him all day.

Besides, they were just jealous.

Kaminari and Mina especially lost their shit, begging for him to tell them all about you, even asking for your number. Obviously, Bakugou kindly told them to stop asking (he told them to fuck off and mind their fucking business) and soon enough the two of you began dating.

It was so easy being with someone like you. The two of you worked so well together, and you already understood the pressure of paparazzi constantly swarming you like hawks. Crazily enough, the reveal of you guys dating didn’t release until after your one year. Of course there were plenty of news articles and random fans on the internet who speculated it, but you interacted with enough people for your fans to also say you were dating them as well. Besides, the idea of you, an international singer/songwriter dating the number two hero in the world was not something that people could believe easily. But it was the truth, and people everywhere went crazy when you posted a picture of the two of you.

It was the picture of Bakugou picking you up by the waist in his kitchen. You were wearing his shirt and some random sweats because you had just gotten home from a concert the night before. Ochako was the one able to capture this beautiful moment of the couple. You had been teasing him for being able to cook but not bake, and he had enough of your jokes and simply picked you right off your feet. In the picture the both of you were smiling widely, especially Bakugou. When you posted the picture, fans analyzed the picture like crazy.

Bakugou knew he wasn’t the most well liked Pro-Hero, but the amount of people who tried to make a video showing the picture and claiming it was “obvious” that he was abusing you was a little annoying. You always reassured the blond when you caught him watching those videos, turning off his phone and climbing in his lap. His hands happily making his way on your waist as you ran your fingers through his hair while the other hand held his face gently. His eyes would close and you would whisper sweet nothings in his ear, praising him for anything and everything, sometimes even singing the songs you wrote for him.

Bakugou still remembers when the two of you were almost a year into the relationship (ten months and 6 days to be exact) and in the mist of him casually scrolling on TikTok a video of you performing at your concert popped up. He was certainly surprised to see videos already posted, since the concert had quite literally just ended. Obviously he watched the video, adoring how you talked to your fans.

“Now children, calm down so I can talk. I am not gonna talk over your borderline screaming, there’s no way in hell I’m gonna be able to sing after this if I talk like that.”

Bakugou snickered. He always loved when you were sassy and continued to watch.

“So whilst on tour, I’ve had a song stuck in my head,” the crowd went wild, probably thinking you were going to play one of your songs called “stuck in my head.” Your face lit up in realization, and you laughed at the mistake you made.

“Oh my poor babies, I’m so sorry but I am not playing that song.”

You gave your crowd an apologetic smile as they booed you. Bakugou’s eyebrows furrowed, upset as to why you were being booed, but continued to watch nonetheless.

“Oh my gosh get over yourself,” you rolled your eye waiting for the crowd to settle down before starting up again.

“I had like, this chorus just repeating itself over and over again. It was so annoying y’all! I felt like I was going crazy! And what made it even more annoying is that I couldn’t go to my safe place and sit down and write it cus-“

You gestured to your surroundings.

“-I’m on tour.”

The crowd went wild for longer than Bakugou liked, but you let them get it out, shaking your head like you were disappointed but the smile gave you away.

“Instead I had to settle with my oh so very empty tour bus bed, and write the song there. It was literally like, what? 3AM? And I was sitting on that bed with my guitar, notebook, and my laptop. I’m so glad I wasn’t sharing or like in a hotel because I was up until 5…”

You bent over to laugh, and the audience as well. Meanwhile, your now very grumpy boyfriend was about to close the app and text you not to do shit like that. You put on full fledge concerts for crying out loud! You should not be staying up that late just to write a goddamn song.

“And that was last night.”

The concert booed as Bakugou’s patience started to thin. What the hell were you thinking? You even texted him goodnight at like 2! Rest is very important and you need to-

“But I’m glad that I did, because I think this is my new favorite song. And I just can’t wait anymore, so is it okay if I play it for you guys?”

The crowd literally went feral. The person recording was screaming along with every goddamn person at that place. Bakugou was now fully sitting up in his bed, eager to listen to this song. He was a little hurt, he will admit. You always send him a video of the many songs that you write sporadically on this tour, and you’ve written a lot. So why didn’t you do the same thing here? What was so different about this song that he couldn’t be the first to hear it like usual?

“That sounds like a yes,” you reached for one of the many necklaces you were wearing and pulled out a very thin necklace with a familiar pendant. Bakugou immediately recognized it, as it was the one he got for you on your six month anniversary. It was one of the petals of a rose that you saved from your first date. He had it dried and put into a charm of a necklace when he noticed you getting upset that you couldn’t keep the flowers he got you. When he gave it to you, tears were falling down your face as he kissed you. That’s when he swore to himself that if he met any of your exes he wouldn’t leave without giving them a brand new scar.

You pulled it out and kissed it gently, before whispering into it.

“This is for you baby.”

Bakugou’s eyes widened, the crowd losing their minds and you started playing guitar. The two of you would make the smallest hints that you were in a relationship, but never as bold as this. Not that he was complaining.

Secretly he had been wanting to let the public know that you were dating, he wanted everyone to know you were his and he was yours. He was honestly sick of seeing people “ship” him with extras and he especially hated when the same happened to you.

He’s good for my heart but he’s bad for business

Tears me apart when he grants my wishes

All of my friends think I’ve gone crazy

But they don’t know me like my baby~

Bakugou remembers that moment like it was yesterday. His face instantly blossomed a bright blush, and his lips formed a soft smile. The crowd finally settled down after the beginning and he was able to listen to the song, closing his eyes pretending like he was there in the audience. He put the phone up to his ear and laid back down, soaking up every word and every note.

He’s good

It’s bad

The best I’ve ever had

And he’s so nice

It’s sad

He ruined all my plans

And he just makes me so crazy

I know everyone sees

He’ll be the death of me

That’s how he got here, standing in a special area in your sold out venue wearing your newest merch.

And Bakugou Katsuki was terrified.


This was the first time he had come to see your concert, because last time you toured it was when your relationship was a secret. Now, he sat nervously in his chair, his colleagues on either side of him. You had given all of them tickets, making sure they had the best seats in the house but also allowed them to not be disturbed by fans.

Bakugou was bouncing his leg, picking at his fingernails as he watched the crowd. It seemed that nobody knew they were there, everyone waiting in anticipation of your show. Your music was so diverse, everyone knew that it would contain all sorts of emotions and energies. You were the type of performer who liked to be as close to the audience as possible, you loved adding commentary to your songs during the pauses, making faces, and dancing around. You loved to have fun, and let loose. When you got the green light to plan the tour, you were practically bouncing off the walls of your now shared home. You spent three months planning it, which was a new record for you, before announcing. However, there was just one thing that Bakugou didn’t like about the tour.

He knew absolutely nothing about it. In fact, you made sure of it. Hiding your notebook, changing your laptop’s password, making sure your manager didn’t tell him shit about it. That’s why he was terrified. His partner, his very famous singer/songwriter of a soulmate was about to do the very first night of the tour in Japan and Bakugou didn’t know a thing.

That’s why Bakugou Katsuki was terrified.

Soon enough, the lights began to dim, and people started to stand up. A hush fell over the crowd as the venue blacked out, and the wrist bands on everyone’s wrists lit up.

“Holy shit it’s happening.” Kaminari whispered to Bakugou, grin spreading across his face.

Ochako, Kaminari, and Mina happily took the evening off to see you, while the rest of your invites weren’t able to. Kirishima made Bakugou promise at least one photo of the two of them after the show.

A soft hum came out of the speakers, and suddenly a spotlight appeared to reveal you standing at the very far back of the stage. The crowd went insane, and you walked down the stage.

When it came to your outfits, you always had to keep it comfortable. You loved to jump around dancing, sometimes fall to your knees dramatically. You especially loved to squat. Jumping around in that position and when you stood up you always made sure to flaunt the ass that you worked very hard on in the gym.

You came out strutting down the stage in very baggy and flowy black pants and a very cropped black long sleeve sweater that allowed you to show off the lace bra that went down to your belly button. But that wasn’t where it stopped, nor was it the best part of your outfit. To Bakugou’s surprise you were wearing boots with an obnoxiously thick heel, that were very obviously Dynamite themed.

Bakugou smirked at the sight, taking in the rest of the little details of your outfit. You wore a giant ring on your index finger that was also Dynamite inspired, as a fan gave it to you, and Bakugou could see his initials sewn into the bottom of your sweater.

You stopped at the end of the runway, pulling the microphone away from your face in a dramatic motion. You slowly looked around, taking in your crowd. A smile spread across your face, and when your gaze looked straight forward to look for Bakugou, he made sure to make little sparks from his hands to let you know he was right here. You pointed at him with the finger that had the Dynamite ring on it, and Bakugou honestly felt like it was just you and him in the stadium. You mouthed an ‘I love you’ at him, and Bakugou was now ignoring the new roar from the audience.

“You guys should get married already.” Mina whispered in Bakugou’s ear, and instead of blowing her face up, he just smiled, still looking in your direction.

“I plan on it.”

The first song you sang was one of your oldest ones, which also happened to be a much slower and sadder song. Instead of listening to the grim lyrics (not because they were bad, just because Bakugou hated to remember how bad some of your relationships were and didn’t want to get angry) the hero closed his eyes and listened to your voice. He wanted to take in his environment and all the notes you sang. The song started to drift off midway, which confused Bakugou. His eyes suddenly snapped open when he heard your newest song, which was much more upbeat. He watched you jump in the air and sing the song with much more passion than the original version. The crowd recovered quickly from the switch up and was singing along happily.

You sang a couple more of your newer and upbeat songs, making sure to add new notes to them and even belt a couple of notes to get the crowd excited. You were having so much fun, and Bakugou had never seen you look more alive. This is where you belonged, and he wanted to be right here every time watching.

There was a pause for you to sit down at the edge of the runway. You sat criss-cross, and much closer to the audience for Bakugou’s liking. He always got nervous when you reached out for a fan’s hand, scared that they would do something that could hurt you.

Thankfully, that hadn’t ever happened, and you sat very cutely waiting for the audience to quiet down so you could speak.

“Wow. We’re halfway through already? Well, I think we all know what that means…”

You cocked your head to the side, and a soft piano started to play a familiar rhythm.

“Ladies, gentlemen, and everything in between, get out your tissues. It is now time to remember why you are no longer dating your ex, and for you to be reminded that your trauma isn’t just a thing that makes you funny.”

The crowd screamed, but almost immediately stopped when you began to sing in a much softer and lower register than before. As depressing as these songs may be, Bakugou firmly believes that these types of songs bring out the best in your voice. It allows you to challenge your breath control, and truly sing with so much passion and emotion.

A couple of songs pass, and Bakugou finds you when the stage gets lit up again. You’re in the middle of the runway, standing with your head down waiting for the band to begin. As soon as the piano starts, the crowd screams and yells. This is one of your all-time most popular songs, it was the one that caught a lot of people’s attention and boosted your popularity. Funnily enough, you actually hated this song because you wrote it in high school, so Bakugou was surprised to see you preform it.

“Is this Sick of Losing Soulmates?” Ochako yelled, because of the screaming of your audience.

Bakugou turned to her and confirmed her suspicions, making Mina and Kaminari start screaming along with the audience (as they were doing the entire time).

Bakugou watched as you began to sing, and noticed how you really got into it. You added a lot more dramatic pauses before certain lines, and even speaking some of the lyrics, making it feel more like anger than sadness.

Yeah, I’m sick of losing soulmates

Won’t be alone again

I can finally see you’re as fucked up as me

So how do we begin?

At one point, you laid down on your back, reaching for the sky as you sang your heart out, and Bakugou noticed you choking up a bit at certain lyrics.

We will grow old as friends

I've promised that before, so what's one more in our grey-haired circle, waiting for the end?

Time and hearts will wear us thin

So which path will you take, 'cause we both know a break does exactly what it says on the tin

The song soon ends, and your last pose has you on your knees, head looking down at the floor. The stadium goes pitch dark, including the wrist bands, before they light up again along with your stage. Bakugou sees you wipe a tear off your cheek, and you sit there once more taking in your fans that take the chance to start chanting your name. You put your lips together, closing your eyes and putting your hands on your heart. Your eyebrows are furrowed and Bakugou can tell you’re still crying. In that moment he wanted nothing more than to go to you and hold you, wiping away your tears and replacing them with tender kisses.

You open your eyes, putting the mic back to your mouth and the audience quiets down in order to let you speak.

“Oh boy, I am so overwhelmed by emotions. I mean that was the song that started it all right?”

The crowd was still practically silent, as you’ve trained them well. You get off your knees and get into a more comfortable sitting position (criss-cross of course) and continue.

“I used to absolutely loath that song, because I wrote that when I was at my lowest. I was so sick and tired of love, having to try again over and over again. Every relationship that ended seem to break a piece of me off, and I was honestly starting to give up.”

You let out a broken chuckle, putting your free hand over your eyes momentarily before starting again.

“But then I met Katsuki, in which he literally crashed into my life.”

The crowd stayed silent, but Bakugou could tell they wanted to start screaming. You were not looking at him, and to his surprise Bakugou felt a tear run down his cheek.

“Three years of paradise. I’ve always had a fear of losing you, but it especially hits when I sing songs like that.”

There was a pause, and suddenly Bakugou felt like he was back in that studio where he met you. Staring at you and falling in love all over again.

“I love you baby, forever and always.”

Bakugou smiled, and all that fear that was with him before left. You were his and he was yours, and that’s all that he needed.

“I love you too,” he whispered, and you knew.

Bakugou Katsuki was no longer terrified.

╰── ⋅ ⋅ ─ ✩ ─⋅ ⋅ ──╯

none of the songs quoted are not mine!!! the first one is “Bad for Business” by Sabrina Carpenter, and the second one is “Sick of Losing Soulmates” by dodie

i hope you enjoyed bc boy oh boy i did

literally took me 4 hours to write but i couldn’t pull myself away from the keyboard

i rlly need to start writing other characters for x readers but oh well

#bakugou x reader #bakugou katsuki #katsuki bakugo mha #bakugou katsuki x reader #singer! reader x bakugou katsuki #sobbing #my hero academia #mha #whew #this one is a biggin #definitely got a little too into it #but oh well #i couldn’t get this out of my head so #love love love

[ghostofskywalker]

If Things Can Go Wrong, They Will

Tech/Reader

Words: 2,019

Summary: When Tech is injured in the escape attempt, you finally realize why you can't stand the idea of losing him, and it takes an unlikely source to realize that maybe he feels the same way about you.

Warnings: spoilers for the first and second episode of tbb s2!!

Clone Troopers Masterlist

“We are descending at a rate of speed that is most concerning!”

“Don’t worry! The re-entry thrusters should engage soon!”

“If they don’t, we’re all dead!”

Before you could add to the conversation, the four of you were slammed to the floor of the container, signaling that you were not, in fact, all dead and the re-entry thrusters had indeed engaged.

When you got up, you immediately looked over to Omega to make sure she was okay, and it seemed that Echo and Tech had the same idea. “Told ya,” were her next words, clearly a little annoyed that her brothers had doubted her.

“Other than not being able to steer, or control where we land, I would say this is going well!” Tech said, looking around.

But even with the thrusters, the jolt you felt when the container hit first ground was intense. You could see Omega go flying, but Echo grabbed hold of her as all of you went flying backward. Instinctively, you grabbed Tech’s gloved hand and moved closer to him, too worried about what may happen to you to care about what he might say.

When the cargo container finally stopped, you let out a sigh and immediately turned to check on Omega. Tech and Echo radioed in to Hunter, but it seemed that excitement was not over just yet, because as you all started to walk towards the exit, the container let out a groan and started to shift. “What’s happening?” Omega asked worriedly, right as the contents of the box started to slide across the floor.

“We haven’t fully landed yet!”

You managed to get out of the way as treasures and boxes came flying towards you, but Tech was not so lucky. By the time the cargo hold stopped moving for a second time and you managed to get out and up the cliff, he was growing weaker. Echo and Omega helped you pull him up to safety (because there was no way he would be able to climb by himself), and he simply collapsed onto the ground.

While Echo and Omega took a look around to see where you were, you knelt down next to Tech. “We’re going to have to get out of sight as soon as possible,” you said. “Can you move your leg or do you need our help?”

“I do not think I will be able to walk more than a few steps,” he responded, and you leaned over to help him sit up.

“We’ll need to get you medical care as soon as possible,” you said. “Hopefully Hunter and Wrecker will be here soon.”

Tech just nodded, and you could tell that he was growing tired from the pain. He was probably trying to hide how much it hurt, for both the sake of the mission and Omega, but you still knew.

When Echo and Omega returned with a plan, you helped Tech up and walked with him into the forested area. You received a communication from Hunter, and suddenly Omega glanced into the woods. “We’re being followed,” she whispered, before taking off running in that direction.

And she was right, but you probably would have done things a little differently. After Echo and Omega practically interrogated him, Romar led the four of you through the woods, and even though you were still a little wary of him, getting Tech somewhere safe was the top priority right now.

You couldn’t ignore the way your brain worked, and you knew that your worry wasn’t just coming from a place of friendship, but right now there was no indication that he felt the same way about you, so you had to keep your feelings to yourself. You considered Tech your closest friend on the Marauder and you trusted him with your life, so you also didn’t want to shake that relationship, even if it did mean that kissing him was something you only experienced in your dreams.

You helped support Tech while Echo and Omega explained your plight to Romar, and by the time you reached his dwelling he seemed to understand that you were not working for the Empire. You were still a little wary of him, but you hoped that was simply just paranoia and anxiety and that everything would work out just fine.

“So what you’re telling me is that you’re rogue clones running from the Empire’s clones, that used to be the Republic’s clones?”

Tech groaned as he sat down at the table. “Correct. You finally got it right.” You shot him a look at that, and his expression softened as he took off his helmet.

“We apologize for the intrusion,” you said to the man, hoping he didn’t kick you out because of Tech’s rudeness and the fact that Omega had been ready to shoot him with her energy bow. “It’s been a long day for all of us.”

***

You spent some time with Romar and Tech, and watched with intrigue as Tech started to repair the data core. The old man had since disappeared back to do some other things around his house (with Omega following him), and you just sat there at the table with Tech.

“Do you think Echo is right about all this?” he suddenly asked. “That we have an obligation to recover the chest and use its riches fight the Empire?”

You paused, thinking through his words before responding. “I think that there’s merit to both sides of the conversation,” you said. “To hide away in the shadows seems like a cowardly thing, but at the same time we must also take our own safety into account.”

Tech nodded. “And now Omega needs to be part of our consideration as well.”

“As much as I think Hunter wants us to settle somewhere without ever facing any kind of danger again, I don’t know if she would be happy like that,” you said pensively.

“She does appear to enjoy the fast-paced lifestyle we live.”

“Well, except when she has to study the make and features of every single imperial ship.”

A small smile crossed Tech’s face at your joke. “I think that what Cid told us before this mission may be right,” he said. “That the Empire will soon grow to the point where there is nowhere for us to hide.”

“I think the galaxy is still changing, and that we won’t ever know what to expect for a very long time.”

“I think I would like to settle down one day,” he said, looking in your direction.

“Maybe you should talk to Cid’s pirate friend,” you said jokingly. “She seemed interested in you.”

“What?”

The expression of absolute confusion on his face almost made you burst out laughing. “She thought you were cute,” you said. “Did you really not pick up on it?”

“I certainly did not. But I have no interest in a pirate’s lifestyle, so I don’t believe I would be suitable match for her.”

“Do you know what kind of life you’d like to live?”

It seemed that you had stumped the batch’s resident genius, because it took him a few moments to answer your question. “Maybe one of a mechanic?” he asked. “I would still like to work with my tools, but still have somewhere to come home every night.”

“The ship’s smell finally starting to get to you?” you asked, a smile on your face.

He nodded. “My brothers can be a bit overbearing.”

Before you could respond, Romar popped his head up and asked to speak to you, beckoning that you follow him down the hatch. “I’m sorry I don’t have anything that can help your boyfriend’s leg,” he said when you had climbed down to see what he wanted.

“He’s not, we’re-”you started to sputter out, having not expected this to be the topic of conversation.

“You’re really not together?” Thankfully after your shock at his question, the old man’s voice quieted (so you really hoped that Tech couldn’t hear you).

“No?”

“Well, does he know how you feel about him?” You went silent at that remark, not even knowing what to say. “I know it’s not my place to really say anything, but I think you’re both oblivious.”

“I don’t know,” you said. “I doubt he feels like that towards me.”

“Look, I may not know you all, but Ace up there certainly acts very differently with you than that other fellow.”

You took his words into consideration: Did Tech really act differently around you compared to the rest of the batch?  Still not sure of yourself, you just nodded, and Tech called your name before you could respond.

You looked up toward the upper part of the house, and Romar just smiled. “Go see what he wants,” he said. “And just think about my advice, okay?”

***

By the time you finally got back onto the Marauder, you had almost forgotten about the old man’s words of advice. You helped Tech onto the ship and over to his bunk before heading to the cockpit to see if Hunter needed anything. “Tech needs more medical care than we can provide,” you said as you stepped inside, Hunter and Wrecker turning to look at you. “Do you know anywhere we can take him?”

“I’ve reached out to Rex already,” Hunter said. “He’s sending us the coordinates of a medical facility that apparently aides various rebellion movements. He’ll be safe there while they take care of him.” You nodded, and Hunter clearly noticed that your mind was elsewhere, so he gently told you to go back to your bunk and lay down for a little.

Right as you set foot into the barracks area of the ship, you heard Tech’s voice. “Thank you for all your help today,” he said.

You looked over to see him sitting up in his bunk, back against the wall as he tapped on his datapad. “You’re welcome,” you said quietly as you walked over and stood next to the bed. “How are you feeling?”

“The pain is still there, but I am holding on to the hope that we will be able to find a medical facility soon.”

“Hunter told me that Captain Rex sent the coordinates to one, we’re en route now.”

Tech nodded, a small smile appearing on his face. “That is good.”

The two of you looked at each other in silence for a few moments, and you eventually turned to face your bunk, but stopped when you heard Tech say your name. “Yes?”

“I figured out the answer to your earlier question,” he said. “About what type of life I’d like to live. What I said earlier is true, I think being a mechanic of some kind would be good, but I really don’t care as long as you’re there with me.”

You stopped in your tracks, not sure what to say or do. “Do you mean that?” you asked quietly, trying not to let yourself look too hopeful in case he wasn’t admitting what you thought he was.

“Of course, I wouldn’t have said so if I didn’t. And I may have also heard what Romar said to you before. And I do act differently around you, because I care about you differently than I do the rest of my brothers. And I’d like to be your boyfriend, if you’d let me.”

For Tech, that might as well have been him shouting how much he loved you from the rooftop of a Coruscant apartment building. “I would love that,” you said, reaching out to take his hand.

“Excellent. Though I would like to have our first date at some point when I do not have a broken femur.”

You laughed quietly, leaning in to kiss him on the cheek. After you pulled away, Tech scooted over on the bed, making room for you to sit with him. “I think I can agree to those terms.”

You knew that it was highly unlikely that you’d ever see Romar again, but you sent him a silent thank you as you climbed into the bunk, allowing Tech to lay his head on your shoulder. 

- the end -

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#tbb tech #tbb tech x reader #tbb tech x you #tech bad batch x reader #tech x reader #tech x you #the bad batch #the bad batch x reader #the bad batch fanfiction #tbb spoilers #bad batch season 2 #bad batch spoilers #star wars #star wars x reader #star wars fanfiction #tbb tech x gender neutral reader

[harlowcomehome]

Sold-out shows:

Series link

Jack's tickets for the tour went on sale at the end of June, you sat in the living room with him while his manager Chris explained over the phone that they just went live.

Jack was nervous, his legs were shaking, and his hands too. “It’ll be okay, don’t worry” You pushed his curls back from his face as he gave you a faint smile. He thanked Chris and begged him for updates before hanging up.

“Where is Urban with the food?” He swallowed changing the subject, as he stood up to pace the room.

“Baby, he just left ten minutes ago” You stood up, and walked over to him. You hugged him and he leaned against you.

“The shows are going to sell out, I know it” you whispered as you pat down his curls.

“Sell out? You really think so?”

“I know so, Chris said it looked probable” You smiled, and he was flattered that you paid attention to the conversation he was having the other day about the tour.

“Where does it start again?” You remembered but you just liked hearing him talk about it.

“Florida! Orlando specifically. I’ll be flying there on September 7th to make sure I’m good to go for the show on the 8th.”

Before you could respond Urban walked in with the food, Jack was quick to stand up and grab the bags from him.

“I’ll be right back, I have to check on Layla and see when she’ll be back” you lied as you ran off to your bedroom.

“Tell her I got her food” Urban hollered before you shut the door.

You rummaged through your purse to find your credit card, you were going to surprise Jack by buying tickets to his first show. For some reason, you couldn’t get a hold of them, and you were starting to worry.

“Hey babe” you peeked out of your bedroom door, “my phone is having issues, can I use yours real quick?”

You sent a quick text to Layla asking when she’d be home for authentication purposes and even let her know Urban got her something to eat.

Jack was in deep conversation with Urban and didn’t question it, he unlocked his phone and handed it to you without even looking at you.

“Thanks,” you said quietly before shutting the door and using Jack's phone to call Chris.

“Jack, it’s only been thirty minutes man” Chris answered with a chuckle but you immediately started to ramble.

“Chris, it’s y/n. Hi, how’re you?” You giggled and he couldn’t help but laugh at your noticeable panic.

“He doesn’t know you’re calling me does he?”

“No, hey I was trying to get two tickets for Orlando online and it won’t let me through. Are you having issues on your end? Can I buy them from you directly?”

“There are just too many people on right now, Wait? Why’re you trying to buy tickets? Jack set some aside for you and Layla already.”

“He did?”

“You’re his girlfriend, he set aside tickets for every stop” Chris chuckled and you awkwardly laughed too, to hold back the tears forming in your eyes.

“Well, thanks anyway Chris.” You hung up and immediately left the bedroom with a smile on your face.

You, Jack, and Urban made it through dinner without you mentioning anything. Urban told you about the new camera he got and how Layla is going to let him try it out at her next show to make sure everything looks good for the tour.

Layla arrived shortly after everyone was done eating, and after she quickly said hello to everyone both she and Urban were off doing their own thing in the kitchen.

“Baby” you turned to Jack as the two of you laid back on the couch, his hand intertwined with yours. His other hand scrolled over his messages with Chris and Neelam, hoping for updates.

“I have a confession” You chewed on your lip, nervous to admit what you were about to say.

“Okay? I’m listening” he smiled, his full attention on you after he locked his phone and put it beside him.

“Remember how I asked to use your phone earlier?”

“Mhm?”

“Well I was trying to buy tickets to see you in Orlando, but the website wasn’t working so I panicked and I called Chris so I could buy tickets from him, and he-“

Jack sat up beside you, smiling as wide as ever.

“He told you I set some aside?”

“For every stop?” Your eyes welled up with tears.

“Wait, you were going to buy them?” Jack was touched but confused. “You don’t have to do that.”

“Don’t change the subject, every stop?” You questioned again.

Jack blushed, “You’re my girlfriend, of course, you’re invited to every stop. You don’t have to pay for tickets.”

“Are you sure? I feel bad” you giggled, hiding your face and he wrapped his arm around you, pulling you into him.

“Feel bad?” He laughed, leaning over to kiss you. “Don’t, if I couldn’t, I wouldn’t.”

“What are you two love birds talking about?” Layla joked as she and Urban walked back into the living room.

“We will tell only if you do” Jack smirked in response.

“Fair enough” Urban laughed as the two of them sat down in the living room with you both.

“What’re we watching tonight?” Layla giggled already knowing the answer.

You, Jack, and Urban practically gave her a death stare before shouting the obvious answer out, “Survivor!”

****

It was a little over a week later, Jack called you and told you he had some important news, and that he was going to stop by your work. He wasn’t going to come inside, but he wanted to know if you could take your break already.

You took your break earlier than usual and met him in the parking garage. You ran over to his car, kissing him as you made it inside.

“It sold out,” he said breathlessly as he pulled away. “The tour, the tour sold out y/n.”

“Oh my gosh! Babe! Baby, you did it!” You giggled with glee and immediately the two of you crashed your lips into one another as if both of your lives depended on it.

“I knew you could,” you said as you pulled back before continuing to kiss him.

He was filled with a sense of pride, for several reasons.

He knew all along that he could do it, but he was ecstatic that you had known it too, it was validating and just what he needed.

There was no denying what he was feeling for you, he just had to figure out when and how to say it now that tour was fast approaching.

#Jack Harlow #Jack Harlow x reader #jack harlow concepts #jack harlow imagines #jack harlow blurb #Jack harlow fluff #Jack Harlow fic

[just-dreaming-marvel]

Caught In A Web ~ 14

CAUGHT IN A WEB MASTERLIST

< previous chapter

Word Count: 1,575ish

Summary: You and Tony go through your first real "rough patch".

Notes: Wow! Can't believe I got another chapter out so quickly. Hope you enjoy!

You were still in the lab when Tony arrived back. He came storming in, slamming the door open, causing you and Bruce to both jump.

“You’re back?” You questioned as Tony headed for you. “How did—“

You were cut off by Tony’s lips pressing against yours. His hands grabbed you and pulled you into him. You sunk into the kiss, allowing him to press your body against his and allow his tongue to dominate your mouth.

Bruce cleared his throat, hoping that you and Tony would separate. Both of you ignored him. “Uh, I’m just going to go,” he muttered and slipped out of the lab.

Eventually, Tony broke the kiss and rested your foreheads against each other. 

“What was that for?” You breathed out with a small smile, still trying to catch your breath.

“I shouldn’t have gone,” he admitted quietly. 

“What happened?”

“She…” He sighed, almost like he was blaming himself for something. “She wanted to get back together.” You felt like you couldn’t breathe. “And she… she kissed me.”

“Oh…” You felt like you were going to puke. You took a step back, trying to pretend that Tony didn’t look hurt by that. “Did… Did you—”

“I stopped it, immediately. It wasn’t what I wanted at all.” You kept silent. “Y/N… please,” Tony timidly reached out for your hands. You didn’t fight him as he took them in his own. “Say something.”

“You… you stopped it?”

“Yes, as soon as it happened.”

“And did you… did you tell her about us? About… me?”

“I told her that I’m seeing someone. That it’s private and we’re taking it slow.”

You nodded. You understood that Tony wasn’t at fault here, but it was still hard to take for you. Pepper was more his ‘age-range’ and what you presumed to be his ‘type’. You were in your mid-twenties and Tony was in his early-forties. You weren’t the most attractive in compared to others you have seen with Tony. You honestly wondered why he wanted to be with you.

Tony could tell that you were retreating into your mind. He wished that he knew your innermost thoughts so that he could help you.

“Sweetheart?” He slowly rubbed circles on the back of your hands, trying to get you to come back to him. “Talk to me… please.” He waited a moment, only for you to stay silent. “I am so sorry for what happened.”

“I know,” you whispered. “And I don’t blame you.”

“Then what’s going on?”

“I just… Pepper is…” You looked away, hating to get too emotional right now. “Never mind.” You pulled away and turned toward your project.

“Y/N—“ Tony went to touch you but you moved away.

You tried not to flinch at the hurt look Tony gave you. “I’m sorry, Tony. This… this has more to do with me than it is you. Or even the Pepper thing. I promise, let me have a moment to myself and I’ll be fine.”

Tony didn’t quite believe you, but he was going to respect the space you were asking for. “Okay. I’ll… I’ll be in my own lab when you’re ready.”

You nodded, unable to look at him as he walked out of the room. As soon as he was gone, tears began trailing down your checks. You knew that this wasn’t actually about Tony. This was just you and your own insecurities. Between the tears and the growing shakiness, you ended up tossing what you were working on across the room. It went flying, slamming into one of Bruce’s screens, shattering it. 

You stepped backward until you hit the wall and then slid down it until you were sitting on the ground. You broke into sobs, your arms coming to rest on your knees before your head fell against it.

~~~

Tony was standing in front of one of his screen. His tie was untied, sitting on his shoulders, with his coat thrown over the nearby stool. His eyes weren’t leaving the live footage on the screen. Tony couldn’t stand seeing you like this. He was blaming himself. 

“Boss,” FRIDAY interrupted, “you’re going to want to see this.” 

FRIDAY moved the footage of you over and opened up the news. There, front and center, was a picture of Tony and Pepper kissing.

“What are they saying?” Tony asked.

“The reports say that the two of you had dinner together that ended in a kiss. Most sources are hoping that the two of you are getting back together.”

Tony sighed, running a hand down his face. “How do we fix this?”

“Unfortunately, the only way would be to reveal your relationship with Miss L/N.”

“Not an option. Just… send out a response saying that the two of us have moved on.”

“And the kiss?”

“Shit. I guess we can say I’m still a playboy.”

“I’m afraid many still believe that, Boss.”

Tony huffed with anger and. annoyance. His hands went down and rested on the desk in front of him, leaning him forward while he head hung down. “FRIDAY, I don’t know what to do.”

“Help is on the way, Boss.”

~~~

You were still huddled up against the wall when Wanda entered. The Team had been called up by FRIDAY, where the AI and Tony informed them of what happened. While they were figuring out a plan, Wanda slipped away to see how you were.

“Y/N?” She called gently as she came over to you.

“Did he send you down here?” You rasped.

“No. I came by myself.” She slid down the wall next to you. She gave you your space though, not wanting to push you into anything.

“Did Tony tell you?”

“Yes, and we saw the news.”

Your head snapped up. “The news? It’s on the news?”

Wanda winced at your tone. “Yes.”

“Wanda… I’m scared. I… I care about Tony a lot. I may even love him. But… I can’t compete with Pepper and the press. Pepper’s the right age for Tony. She’s strong and beautiful and the press loves her with him… I… I’m twenty-five, just got my Ph.D due to this job. I’m not as beautiful as her… I don’t know if this will work.”

“Y/N,” Wanda place her hand on your knee, “I’m in a relationship with a robot. That shouldn’t be able to work. You and Tony’s relationship is normal. Tony cares deeply for you. None of us have ever seen him this way, even with Pepper. You are better for him than she ever was.”

You nodded, taking her words to heart. “And the press? How do I handle that?”

“You don’t need to. Tony and the others are taking care of it. Tony will make things better. He will always try to do that for you.”

~~~

Wanda took you to your floor, leaving you there alone. You told FRIDAY to inform Tony of where you were and that you would like to see him whenever he’s done. You were standing in your living room, staring at the glowing skyline, when Tony exited the elevator. He was nervous, scared that he had ruined this relationship like he had done before.

“Wanda told me that you and the Team were working on dealing with the press,” you said quietly, not moving to turn around.

“Yes,” replied Tony, taking timid steps to you. “We got it taken care of and still have our privacy.” You silently nodded. “Y/N, I am so sorry that all of this happened. I— I know that I’m a handful and that this is partly my fault.”

“What?” You turned around. “Why would you think that?”

“I went to visit with Pepper despite your feelings on the matter.”

“Tony, I told you to go.”

“Yes, but I could tell that you really didn’t want me to.”

“That’s not—“

“And Pepper’s kiss got caught on camera and sold to the news outlets. I should have been more careful. I… I understand if this is too much for you. If I’m too much for you.” You gave him a sad smile and a chuckle. “What? Is me being open funny to you? I’ll admit that it’s not normal but I—“

“No, Tony, that’s not it.” You walked up to him to close the distance. “I was having insecurities too. Like my age and my looks and—“

Tony tenderly took your head in his hands. “You are the most beautiful woman to me. Please, don’t ever doubt that. Okay?” You nodded, growing emotional. “Okay.” He pressed a light kiss to your lips. “And the age thing? Age is just a number. I never act my age anyway.” That got a small laugh from you. “There it is. That laugh I love.” 

You wrapped your arms around him and pressed yourself close. Pressing a kiss to your head, Tony wrapped his arms around you. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome, though I don’t understand exactly what for.”

“Just… for being you. I’m just really thankful for you.”

“I’m thankful for you too, spidey-girl.” He kissed your head again before barely whispering, “I’ll forever be thankful for you.”

You closed your eyes and just let yourself hold Tony close. You knew that this wouldn’t be the last of the rough patches of your relationship, or even the hardest of them, but you had faith that the two of you could make it through anything that came your way. You just needed each other.

next chapter >

#tony stark imagine #tony stark x reader #tony stark x female!reader #tony stark fanfiction #tony stark x f!reader #tony stark x female reader #tony stark x fem!reader #tony stark x y/n #tony stark x you #iron man x reader #iron man imagine #iron man fanfiction #avengers x reader #marvel fanfiction #avengers fanfiction #the avengers x reader #marvel imagine #avengers imagine #marvel x reader

[amazingmsme]

Chin Up, Brother

AN: My first epic fic & I couldn’t be happier! These boys deserve to goof off & have fun, they’re so damn silly at their core. All Polites wants to do is cheer up their captain & he pays the ultimate price. Odysseus is such a teasy bastard, I can’t get over it

Polites can't stand seeing a sour face, especially when concerning his friends. Some days are better than others, with most of the crew in high spirits, but as time drags on, it gets harder and harder to make his friends smile.

Ever since returning from their successful ambush attack, Odysseus hadn't been himself. There was a vacancy behind his eyes; something tense in his stride. Polites couldn't stand seeing him like this.

Of course, he knew that their captain needed time to process... well, everything. But he was practically a walking zombie, going through the motions of life as his mind lingered elsewhere. If he were being honest, Polites missed the old Odysseus: the one who constantly teased and joked with his men, who checked in when he noticed they were upset. But being a captain, there was an invisible line the others didn't dare cross, which meant that his own needs went ignored.

"I don't know Eurylochus, he just seems so sad," he lamented, staring at their friend from afar. He felt a gentle hand rest on his shoulder.

"We all are. He just... has more on his plate than the rest of us," he tried to reason. Polites looked up at him with wide, soft brown eyes.

"Well then, maybe we should help him eat it!" he declared. Eurylochus scoffed and furrowed his brows in confusion, lips tugging upwards into an amused grin.

"Come again?"

Polites rolled his eyes and giggled, shoving his shoulder playfully. "Shut up, you know what I'm trying to say."

Eurylochus threw an arm around his shoulders, guiding him away from their sullen captain. "Just give him some time Polites. He'll be back to himself in no time," he reassured. Polites looked over his shoulder with a frown, dipping out from under his arm and stood blocking his path. Eurylochus looked shocked, but more than that, he looked impressed.

"But we're his friends! We should at least try to cheer him up!" he insisted. Eurylochus heaved a sigh.

"Polites, you need to remember he's our captain first, and our friend second. Let him have his space."

"I think he's had enough space!" he argued, causing his friend to roll his eyes. "You know he'd do the same for us," he said, his tone softer.

"It's his job-"

"Well then, it's our job as his friends to return the favor!" he said, returning to his chipper self. Eurylochus spared a glance at their captain manning the wheel, Polites following his gaze.

Odysseus had been watching them from where he stood, wondering what they were talking about. He tensed when he noticed them looking his way, tightening his grip on the steering wheel. Polites smiled at him and waved. Odysseus didn't wave back.

Eurylochus sighed, knowing he had a point. "What did you have in mind?"

Polites hummed in thought, tapping his chin as he searched his brain for ideas. A bright smile stretched across his face as he turned to face him. "He's ticklish, right?" he asked, mischief beginning to overshadow his innocence.

Eurylochus immediately shook his head, eyes flying wide open. "No!"

Polites smirked and arched a brow. "Um, I'm pretty sure everyone's ticklish somewhere," he said, as if it were obvious. Eurylochus shook his head once more, grabbing him by the shoulder.

"I mean no, he'll kill you for even trying," he tried to warn, but Polites literally laughed him off.

"You know, you really need to learn to relax. Heh, maybe I should tickle you," he teased, reaching out to poke his side. Eurylochus jerked away with a yelp, grabbing onto his wrist after the fact. "Oh? Did I strike a nerve?" he taunted, poking him with his free hand. He choked back a laugh as he caught his other hand, staring him down with a warning look.

"Polites... don't. I'm trying to save you."

He snorted in amusement, dropping his hands to the side. Eurylochus let him go. "Save me from what? Our big, scary captain?" he joked, snickering at the mere thought. Odysseus wouldn't hurt a hair on his head! What was Eurylochus so worried about? He really needed to learn how to relax.

"Fine. It'll be your funeral."

"Oh lighten up Eurylochus!" he said as he headed towards the stairs, pausing to turn and point at him. "Or you'll be next," he winked before breaking off into giggles and rushing up the steps.

He watched him leave, fondly shaking his head. "Yeah, wouldn't count on it," he mumbled to himself, deciding he might as well get a good seat for the show that was surely about to start.

Polites skipped up the last few steps, walking with a bounce in his step that wasn't necessarily out of character, but it did catch Odysseus's attention.

"Hey Captain! How's she handling?" he asked, walking up from behind and clapping a hand on his shoulder. Odysseus studied him from the corner of his eye, growing skeptical.

"Um, fine.”

"Good, good," he nodded, trying to buy himself some time. "Looks like clear skies ahead," he continued with the idle small talk.

Odysseus sighed and turned to look at him, the deep circles under his eyes prominent. "What do you want, Polites?" he asked. He sounded annoyed and tired. Polites frowned. He hesitated before resting a hand on his shoulder, but even the soft touch seemed to startle him. He'd have to tread carefully.

"I want to know how you're holding up," he said earnestly. Odysseus shied away from his gaze, turning back to the open ocean that lay ahead.

"I'm fine," he said, his clenched jaw making his words sound harsh. His tone made Polites flinch back, holding his hands up in a placating motion. Odysseus regretted it almost instantly.

"Is that all you know how to say? Fine?" he asked, a playful, sheepish grin toying at the corner of his mouth. Odysseus felt himself fighting off a smile of his own at his friend's antics.

"Oh I could say a lot more. I'm just sparing you," he snarked.

"You don't have to. I'm always here if you need to talk," he insisted.

"Okay Polites," he huffed, bending his knees slightly and leaning back on the first word to emphasize his point, and yeah, Polites didn't appreciate the level of sass. Any hesitation he had about what he was about to do, Odysseus squashed it with that remark.

Eurylochus had made his way to the upper deck and sat down, untangling a mass of rope and knots to appear at least somewhat busy. His eyes were glued to the pair, wondering just how this would play out.

"Sounds like someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed," he teased, crossing his arms. He noticed the way Odysseus bit back a smile.

"Careful. Did you forget who you're talking to?" he asked pointedly, arching a brow. Polites was practically beaming.

"Not at all, Captain," he spoke in his usual friendly manner, but with an uncharacteristic amount of sarcasm towards the end. Odysseus scoffed, mouth hanging open at the sheer audacity.

Polites glanced at Eurylochus and shot him a wink before gasping loudly, pointing in front of Odysseus and off to the side. "Wow, a pod of whales!"

Some men on the lower deck must've heard him, because a few rushed over to the rail to catch a glimpse. And just as he predicted, Odysseus turned to look. Now or never.

"Ticka ticka ticka ticka ticka!" he cried, scribbling his fingers over his sides and tweaking his ribs.  Odysseus honest to the Gods shrieked before a few deep belly laughs escaped. He tucked his arms close and doubled over, jerking the wheel to a hard right before letting go, and causing everyone to stumble and slide across the deck.

"Polites!" he scolded as said man was lost to a fit of bright, bubbly laughter. Odysseus scrambled to grab the wheel and right the ship, blushing profusely while simultaneously glaring daggers at his supposed "friend." Meanwhile the men below were yelling their own complaints, talking over each other and grumbling.

Polites wiped away a tear of mirth, patting him on the back before pulling him into a one armed hug. And okay, he couldn't help but shove his hand under his arm and poke his belly with the other. Odysseus snorted and tensed up, deep, rumbly giggles slipping past his clenched teeth before Polites finally relented.

"Ah, it's good to hear you laugh again Captain. No hard feelings," he said, going as far as to ruffle his hair before turning to leave.

"And just where do you think you're going?" The dark, even tone made Polites stop dead in his tracks.

A cold chill ran down his spine and he turned to face him. He caught sight of a smug, not very sympathetic Eurylochus. To make matters worse, he returned his wink from earlier.

"U-um, back to work?" he said weakly. Odysseus shook his head and let out a downright sinister chuckle. Before this moment, he didn't even know a laugh could be scary.

"After that? I don't think so." He took a step forward, and Polites took three steps back.

"I-I was just trying to cheer you up!" he pleaded, eyes wide.

"Really? Wow, I never would've guessed that," he mocked, letting his voice start to take on a teasing edge. "But how about I repay the favor?" he asked, voice dropping lower as he let the smirk he'd been holding back overtake his features.

"No thanks!" he was quick to say, foot already on the first step down.

"No, really. I insist."

Polites opened his mouth, but he was at a loss for words.

"Eurylochus?"

Said man perked up at the sound of his name, and he suddenly felt nervous hearing it thrown out amidst the altercation. "Yes sir?"

"Take the wheel."

He smirked to himself and nodded dutifully as he stood.

"Yes sir."

Polites wasted no time, rushing down the stairs as fast as he could. Unfortunately, mistakes were made and he ended up in a crumbled heap at the bottom. Odysseus peered down from the railing that overlooked the deck. "You okay down there?"

Polites gave a weak thumbs up.

The sound of fast, heavy footsteps above him kicked him into high gear and he scrambled to his feet. Odysseus took the stairs two at a time, vaulting over the rail and jumping on the deck once he was close enough. Polites was weaving through the thin crowd, desperately trying to make it to the crows nest. Maybe if he climbed up there, he could just stay there until Odysseus forgot all about it.

And then his face hit the deck for a second time.

He immediately began pleading his case as Odysseus rolled him onto his back. "I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I'm so sorry, it'll never happen again!" He thrashed and squirmed trying to escape, but Odysseus had him thoroughly trapped. "Please, I'm sorry! Don't kill me!"

Odysseus threw his head back with a hearty laugh. "Oh Polites, you're so funny. A little tickling never killed anyone," he taunted, leaning in with a feral grin. Polites squeezed his eyes shut, biting his lip to dam the giggles that were already making an appearance.

"N-not yet!" he whined, drawing another low chuckle from the captain.

"Oh, you plan on being the first?" he taunted, tongue peaking out between his teeth as he grinned down at him. Then, as if to rub it in further, he laughed at his own joke and began cracking his knuckles. Polites giggled nervously, legs scrambling for purchase on the deck as he tried to get away.

"Nohoho! Let me gohoho! I'm sohohorry!"

"Laughing already? Maybe you should've thought this through," he said, mock sympathy dripping from his voice.

"Odysseus, plehehease! Dohon't!" Polites tried to plead his case one last time. The captain smirked, cocking his head at his friend.

"Don't what, Polites?" he asked, feigning cluelessness. Or was he going for innocence? It was kind of hard to tell.

Now, Odysseus was known for being sly and tricky. From his place at the wheel, Eurylochus saw the trap for what it was. Polites on the other hand, wasn't in a place to scrutinize his friend's intent. He answered almost immediately, "Tickle me!"

In all honesty, Odysseus wasn't sure he'd fall for it or not. He couldn't be happier.

Polites yelped and flinched when Odysseus fell forward in a fit of laughter, resting his forehead on Polites's chest. His shoulders shook with the force of his laughter before he sat up straight. Polites opened his mouth to speak, but froze when he saw the downright predatory look Odysseus was giving him.

"Polites, Polites, Polites..." he shook his head and patted his cheek each time he addressed him. Said man whined, twisting his head away from the patronizing hand.

"W-why're you saying it like that?" he asked nervously. Odysseus stared at him in awe.

"You don't even realize what you just said, do you?" Realization washed over Polites, his eyes going wide. Odysseus's smirk only grew as he watched it dawn on his friend.

"No wait, that's not what I meant! I was answering your question!"

"You really ought to use your words more carefully," he warned before digging in. He latched onto his hips, drilling circles with his thumbs. Polites immediately burst into loud, bubbly laughter as he slapped at his hands.

"Y-you trihihicked mehehe!" he cried, as if that fact would make him stop.

"Yeah, and it was easy. Seriously, you walked right into that one buddy," he taunted, slipping his hands under his shirt to scribble over his bare stomach. Polites snorted, trying to roll on his side. His laughter grew deeper and more full as one of his worst spots was targeted.

"NOHOHO! Cahahaptain, not there! Not thehehehere! Plehease!" he begged, thrashing as much as he could, though mostly he was fighting to curl into the tightest ball possible to protect his sensitive tummy. Odysseus slowed his movements, drumming his fingers impatiently to keep him giggling, broken up by the occasional hiccup.

"Alright tough guy, then where?"

Polites managed to grab his hands by interlocking their fingers and shoved them back as he caught his breath. "W-whahat?"

"You said not there... so, where should I tickle instead?" he asked, the happiest, smuggest grin gracing his lips. Oh Polites hated him right now.

"Nowhere!"

"Sorry, I'm afraid I can't accept that answer."

"Why ahare you being soho mean?" he whined, trying to work his way free. Odysseus decided to let him think he had a chance.

"You made me almost capsize the ship!" Okay, maybe that was an over exaggeration, but he could have made them capsize. And that would've been a tough one to explain to the rest of the fleet.

Polites rolled his eyes, mumbling under his breath, "You're the one who jerked the wheel..." Apparently he didn't mutter quiet enough.

Odysseus scoffed, mouth hanging open. "Excuse me?" Polites froze, mouth snapping shut. "Care to repeat that?" He shook his head frantically. "No, say it again. I don't think I heard you correctly," he said, slipping out of his grip with ease and poking all over his stomach.

"Plehehease! This ihisn't fahair!" he giggled, propping himself up weakly on his elbows, trying to crawl out from where he was pinned.

"No, what's not fair is tickling me in front of everyone, while I'm busy doing a very important task, no less" he insisted, trying to come off as stern, but he was smiling far too wide.

"It wahas just five seconds, Captain," Polites chuckled, arching a brow playfully. He just didn't know when to quit, did he?

"Oh yeah? Then I guess you deserve five minutes."

"WHAT?"

"Yeah, you can handle it. Five minutes is nothing," Odysseus shrugged casually, but the look in his eyes was that of a pure feral mischief.

Polites looked at him in utter shock. "No, five minutes is five minutes!"

"Always so eloquent," he taunted, wiggling a finger between his ribs. Polites barked out a laugh, twisting away. Of course, he only jerked into the other hand, delivering a nibbling pinch to his lower ribs. "Now shut up and laugh."

"That's contradictoRYYYYY!" Polites broke off into a shriek that melted into shrill giggles.

"You never answered my question by the way," he teased, playing his ribs like a piano. Polites snorted, both hands flying up to cover his face, but the red hue tinging his cheeks was visible in between his fingers.

"Ohoho bite mehehe!" he snarked, throwing his head back in wild laughter. The sound was full and bright, drawing out a good handful of soldiers to enjoy the rare bout of mischief on display.

"Well if you insist..." he smirked down at him as he began slowly rolling up his shirt. Polites shook his head, hands fighting to tug his shirt back down.

"NO! O-Odysseus, don't you dare!" he threatened weakly before he was shoved back down to the deck.

"Why? What're you gonna do about it?" he asked, tilting his head to the side like a curious puppy, or perhaps, more like a hungry wolf.

"I'll... Never talk to you again!" Even Polites knew that was a lie, and Odysseus didn't mind calling him out on it.

"Ha! You couldn't even last a day," he proclaimed, making Polites huff with a pout. "Oh don't give me that look, you know it's true," Odysseus rolled his eyes, reaching down to claw his stomach.

Polites gave up on holding his shirt down in favor of fending off the attacking hands. Odysseus took his chance and tugged the shirt up, pausing as an idea came to him, and he pulled the shirt over his friend's head with an evil little snicker.

"HEHEY!" he yelled as his vision was replaced with white fabric. Odysseus shrugged, despite knowing he couldn't really see him.

"What? It was getting in the way," he said as he lowered his head towards his bare stomach.

"It was NOHOHOT! BY THEHE GOHOHODS, STOHOHOP!" Polites shrieked through hysterics, completely taken off guard now that he couldn't see what Odysseus was doing.

He paused, sitting up to push his hair away from his face. "What? You said to bite you," he reminded cheekily.

"You're thehe worst!" Polites whined, reaching up to yank the shirt off of his head, only for Odysseus to playfully smack him away.

"Well that's not very nice! I never would've thought you of all people would forget your manners," he teased before diving back in to nibble his sides, sending him into another bout of hysterics. Odysseus shook his head and growled into the skin, making loud fake chewing sounds. Polites was almost grateful for his shirt hiding his face; at least then no one could see how much he was blushing.

In fact, he couldn't remember a time he felt more embarrassed. Maybe if he thought hard about it he could, but there was no chance of that happening any time soon. Odysseus had a perfect knack for doing or saying the most flustering thing at any given moment, and it seemed like he was intent on putting him through the wringer.

Polites was pulled from his thoughts when a shriek ripped itself from his throat as a raspberry was blown in the middle of his belly.

"Nonono Cahahaptahain DOHOHON'T!" he squealed before breaking off in shrill laughter, peppered with snorts. His legs scrambled and kicked the deck from where he was pinned, hands flying about uselessly. Odysseus popped back up to let him catch his breath.

"You're way more ticklish than me! I can't believe you honestly thought you could get away with that," he taunted, letting his fingers crawl up his sides towards his ribs. He leaned in to growl in his ear, "Just how did that work out for you?" He reached up to tug his shirt back down. What good was tickling him if he couldn't see the smile plastered on his adorable face?

"Hohohorrible! Ca-Cahahaptain plehehease! Let me gohoho I'm sohohohorryyyy!" Polites begged through helpless giggles that Odysseus chuckled along with.

"See, you say that, but you don't sound all that sorry," he teased, barely biting back his smirk.

"Ihihi aham!" he insisted. Odysseus studied him with a sly grin.

"Alright then... prove it," he ordered. Polites furrowed his brows as he sucked in air between bouts of giggles. He stared up at the captain skeptically.

"... How?" he questioned, arching a brow. His glasses were askew in the opposite direction, making for a rather funny expression. Odysseus snorted, reaching out to fix his glasses for him. "Oh, thank you," he muttered, adjusting them slightly, sitting them in a more comfortable position than Odysseus had.

"It's easy, really, all you gotta do is keepyourarmsup," he finished his sentence in a jumbled rush, masking it with a fake cough. But Polites heard him loud and clear, clutching his arms to his chest.

"Nohoho wahay, are you crahazy?" he asked incredulously.

"No, I'm the captain," he answered smugly. Polites stared at him, rather unamused by the joke it would seem. Odysseus couldn't have that, so he latched onto his knees.

"SHIT SHIT SHIHIHIT! Nohohot thehehere!" Polites fell back on the deck, overwhelmed by another fit of laughter. Odysseus relentlessly squeezed his kneecaps, no matter where they tried to kick to escape his grasp. Polites snorted, hiding his face behind his hands. He had no choice but to comply. "Ohohokahay I'll dohoho ihit!"

Odysseus pulled his hands away with a smirk. "There, that wasn't so hard, was it?" he asked innocently. Polites threw his head back with a giggly whine. He flinched with a sharp yelp when Odysseus tapped his elbows.

"C'mon, put 'em up," he prompted, making the task practically impossible by wiggling his fingers threateningly.

One of the soldiers who stuck around to watch chuckled when he saw this and cupped his hands around his mouth, "Remember, we need him alive, Sir!"

Odysseus let out a hearty laugh, patting his victim on the chest. "He's still breathing!"

"Barely!" Polites squeaked out, drawing out more laughter from their audience. His pink cheeks turned a shade darker.

"Pft, and you say I'm dramatic. This'll be the last thing, I swear," Odysseus said, hiding crossed fingers behind his back. Polites looked at him skeptically before sighing in defeat.

"Promise?"

"Yeah, sure."

"Promise?" he repeated himself, trying to sound more stern. Odysseus rolled his eyes.

"Yes, fine, I promise," he lied.

Polites took a deep breath and squeezed his eyes shut. He raised his arms up about halfway before he froze, shaking his head as nervous giggles spilled out. Odysseus shrugged.

"Eh, good enough for me," he declared before digging his hands in the free space under his arms. Polites squealed and his arms came crashing down immediately. Odysseus couldn't help but laugh along as Polites snorted through his laughter. His mouth hung open in a wide smile, dimples shining on his rosy cheeks.

After a few seconds he let up on his friend, but he didn't yet release him. Polites looked up at him, squirming more the longer he remained trapped.

"H-hey, aren't you gonna let me up?"

Odysseus offered a not so sympathetic look. "About that... I was crossing my fingers." Polites gasped at the betrayal.

"But you promised!"

"And this'll be the last last thing. Promise for real this time," Odysseus said, holding his hand out to shake. Polites looked at his hand, then up to meet his gaze as he scoffed.

"I dohon't trust you!"

"You trust me with your life," Odysseus taunted in a matter of fact tone, sly smirk playing at his lips. Polites bit the inside of his cheek to try and hide his amusement.

"That's different," Polites reasoned.

"Mmm, is it though?" he asked, cocking his head. Polites glared up at him, but the blush and smile combo he sported lessened the blow. Odysseus took the chance to scoop up one of his hands, giving it a firm shake to seal the deal before Polites wretched free from his grasp with a half amused huff.

"There, now you have my word."

"A lotta good that's worth," Polites sassed, crossing his arms. Odysseus stared at him in shock.

"Oh I'm sorry, do you want me to keep going?" he growled in a low, threatening tone, reaching down to squeeze his hips unexpectedly. Polites screeched and arched his back, hands flying down to protect himself.

"NOHOHO I'M SOHOHORRY PLEHEHEASE!"

Odysseus pulled back with a proud grin, "Yeah, that's what I thought. And just for that..." he trailed off, adjusting their position slightly to make sure Polites was securely pinned.

He giggled nervously, body already tensing up. "Ohohodysseus, plehease! Just let me gohoho!" he whined.

"After that remark? I don't think so."

Odysseus grabbed his head, gently holding it to the side, and Polites knew what was coming.

"Nohoho, please not thahahat! Cahahaptain, please, I'm sorrYYYYY!" his begging fell on deaf ears, morphing into a squeal as Odysseus bent down to blow a raspberry on the sweet spot just below his ear. Bubbly giggles filled the salty sea air as Polites fought for his life, flopping around on the deck in desperate search for any leverage he could use for escape. Odysseus took a deep breath, gently turning his head so he could get the other side.

Another giggly scream burst free from his lungs, hands shoving weakly at his shoulders. Polites wasn't sure how he could have so much air in his lungs, the gods had to be playing some cruel joke on him. And then, just like that it was over. Odysseus rolled off of him, leaving him to cope with a residual laughing fit, furiously rubbing away the lingering feelings on his neck.

Odysseus drummed a quick beat on Polites's chest, chuckling when he was playfully smacked away.

"You're an asshole," Polites said, not even bothering to try and hide the wide grin overtaking his features. “And you need to shave.” Odysseus chuckled, scratching his stubble nonchalantly.

"Sorry bud, I had to make an example outta you," he shrugged with a cheeky click of his tongue. He stood up and brushed himself off, offering a hand to Polites. He hesitantly accepted it, allowing himself to be pulled to his feet. His legs felt just a tad shaky, but he quickly steadied himself. The embarrassment, however, was much harder to hide.

Odysseus tried to reach up to ruffle his hair, but Polites quickly danced out of reach with a giggle. "Stahay away from me!" he yelled, pointing an accusing finger at him.

Odysseus just stood there, a smug, shit eating grin on his face as he watch Polites go running back to Eurylochus.

A soft hoot to his left startled him, and he turned to see an owl perched nearby, watching him with its head tilted at a perfect 90° angle.

Now it was his turn to blush it seemed, as the owl hooted again, twisting its head all the way around. It stared up at him with large, curious eyes.

"Oh shut up, I was teaching him a lesson."

But Athena knew better.

#been writing for like 3-4 days nonstop #what can i say? #odysseus does things to me man #polites #eurylochus #odysseus #the odyssey #epic musical #epic fic #epic tickle fic #ticklish!odysseus #ticklish!polites

[and-claudias-world]

His Heir pt. 35 (Darth Maul x pregnant! reader)

Warnings: Smut, PinV, dirty talk

Word Count: 1643

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gif not mine

“You know you’re about to pay for this little stunt, you know that right?” 

I faked a yawn and stretched, “I don’t know. I am quite tired. I don’t think I’d last very long once we walk back to your quarters.” 

I was just trying to rile him up some more. 

“Who said anything about waiting until we got back?” He asked, not missing a beat. 

“Maul, we cannot have sex in here.” I said, now regretting my earlier comment about being too tired. 

“Who said? Last time I checked I was the ruler of Crimson Dawn, I can do as I please.” He said, leaning in close. 

I swallowed hard as his scent surrounded me. Subconsciously my head tilted over to give him more access to my neck that he had begun kissing, leaving soft bite marks along the way. 

“You may say you don’t want to have sex in here, but your body is saying otherwise, darling.” He mumbled between kisses. 

I pushed him away and turned to face him. 

“I never said I didn’t want to… I said we shouldn’t… but fuck it.” 

I grabbed him by the opening of his suit jacket and pulled him forward to kiss him passionately. My hands traveled up his chest, then over his shoulders and behind his neck. His hands went down to the edge of my seat and pulled me forward. We were so close now that he had to open his legs, to give mine space since he had pulled me so close. 

Almost immediately his hands began to wonder. They ran over my thighs, up my sides, and to my breast. The way he was gently massaging them made me moan against his lips. It was pure bliss. However, I only allowed myself to get so caught up in the kiss as I thought about the logistics of how this was going to work. 

“Maul, have you thought this through?” I asked, pulling away. 

“Hm?” He cocked his head slightly. 

“Have you thought about how we're going to actually have sex in here? You know if you remember but I’m measuring at 26 weeks right now. I mean, my belly isn’t small. Stradling you while you sit, definitely isn’t going to work.” I explained.

“You lack creativity, my dear.” He teased, smirking. 

Then without taking his eyes off of me, he raised his hand and used the force to throw everything that was on one of the nearby tables off of it. Glass and plates went flying across the floor but landed far away from us. I watched with wide eyes as it all happened. 

“Shall we?” He asked, pushing himself back some before standing up and offering me his hand. 

I took his hand and allowed him to lead me over to the table. He helped me sit up on it. He stood between my legs and brought his lips to mine once again. His hands began roaming once again. The anticipation of what was coming was killing me. His kisses began to travel away from my lips and down to the side of my neck that he couldn’t reach earlier so he could give it the same treatment he did the other. 

While I was distracted by his mouth’s attack on my neck Maul began to bunch my dress back up, giving him much better access to my pussy. But once I realized what was happening I reached forward to undo his belt.

“So impatient.” He teased, pulling away from my neck and retracting his hands from my body. 

He undid his belt and his pants, pulling them down just enough for his hard cock to be freed from it confines it was currently pitching a tent in. He took it in one hand and pumped it a few times. 

“Fuck.” I mummed as I watched him. 

“Do you like what you see?” He asked, a cocky grin on his lips. 

“You know I do. Now are you going to stand there and fuck your hand? Or are you going to come over here and fuck me?” I asked, looking back up at his face. 

I could tell he was taken aback slightly by my words, but the shock lasted momentarily before it was replaced with a sly smile. 

“There’s that fucking attitude again.” He said, leaning in to give me another kiss. 

When he pulled back he lined himself up at my entrance before glancing up at me. I laid back and propped myself up on my elbows before giving him a slight nod. He gently slid into me. The moan I let out, echoed off the walls of the hall and cut me off, causing him to stop midway in. 

“Don’t stop. Everyone is gone. And if they aren’t, let them hear how good I make you feel.” He said. 

I gave him another nod and he continued to push into me. He paused for a moment letting us both get used to the feeling before he pulled back and began to set a steady pace of thrusting in and out of me. He had one hand on my hip the other grabbed my thigh, hooking my leg over his waist. So when I felt something putting pressure on and rubbing my clit I knew he was using the force again. 

His pace wasn’t super fast or slow, but I wasn’t going to lie, this wasn’t the pace you used when you were having sex somewhere you weren’t supposed to. I didn’t mean for my comment to come out as sassy as it did, but I was speaking before I really had the chance to think. 

“Maul, I said fuck me, not make love.” 

He halted all movement. Even the pressure on my clit disappeared as he stared down at me with wide eyes. 

“Excuse me?” He asked. 

I couldn’t back down now, I was too far gone, “You heard me, fuck me like you mean it, Maul.” 

“You’re going to regret that, darling.” He said, his tone dark and his eyes filled with lust. 

When he began moving again, his pace was much fast and his thrusts were much harder. Even if I wanted to keep my moans down, there was no way I would be able to at this point. Not that I was complaining. Even the pace of the circles on my clit sped up. 

He was sending me, soaring toward my climax and there was nothing I could do but take it. My moans and his grunts mixed together in the most beautifully erotic symphony of sounds I had ever heard before and echoed off the walls of the ballroom. 

My orgasm came hard. I wasn’t even able to give him much of a warning before my walls were clamped down around his cock. He tried to fuck me through it but his thrust became sloppy and he was cumming as my orgasm was dropping off. I was laying there, breathless, eyes half closed as I caught my breath. 

“Shit.” I sighed. 

“You asked for that, dear.” Maul said, teasing.

He was still buried, balls deep inside of me when a voice coming from the top of the stairs made both of us jolt slightly, and turned to see who it was. 

“Can one of you two bring me my datapad when you’re done?” He called out. 

I glanced to my left, and sure enough, on the table beside us sat his datapad. 

“Dasar, get out!” I yelled. 

He threw his hands up in surrender, “I’ll just get it later…” He turned around but stopped in the doorway, “That dress is dry clean only, just saying!” 

We both watched as he left, the door closing behind him. Then we both slowly turned to look back at each other. Neither one of us could hold a straight face as we both began laughing. Maul pulled out of me, still laughing as he tucked himself back into his pants before helping me sit back up and fix my dress. 

“How long do you think he was there?” Maul asked. 

“I think it is better that we don’t know… I am never going to live this down.” I said, dropping my face into my hands. 

“It is quite funny though.” Maul said. 

I looked up at him and shook my head, laughing despite myself. He helped me down from the table and steadied me on my feet. I walked over and grabbed the stupid datapad before hooking my arm with Maul’s to let him lead me out of the ballroom. I was quite tired from both the party and what we had just done, but we had to get back to his quarters. I was leaning into Maul as we walked. We stopped briefly at Dasar’s guest quarters and gave him his datapad back. 

“You two kids have fun, but not too much… wait, maybe a little late for that.” He teased after he took it. I buried my face into Maul’s shoulder as he bid him goodnight. 

“Come on, love, let’s get you cleaned up and to bed.” Maul said once the door was closed. 

We took our time walking back, stopping once for Maul to help me out of my shoes that had begun to hurt my feet. He was now carrying them for me as I leaned into him even more, my eyes fighting to stay open. When made it to his quarters he helped me out of my dress and brought me to the refresher where he helped me clean up where both of our releases were running down my thighs. Then once that was done, he helped me put on one of his shirts before leading me to bed. Once he was beside me, I snuggled in close and it didn’t take me long to fall asleep in his arms.

taglist:

@fan-g0rl @mxkyrie @onceuponanightmareisawme @lothiriel9 @wordsfromshona @kgbtardis @wondermia69 @mh073099 @ktrivia @fifithexeno @perseny @justalittletomato @pomiotszatana @ameliachastain @lune-de-miel-au-paradis @its-me-meg @kbarnes-2001@bluusugar @happyheartsss @clairebear1621 @rljart @xxxqueenlaufeysonxxxxo @lilallybug @ghoulishjester @kizzyxren @welcometothepedroverse @kaos-bringer @asxrum @kittenlover614 @kugelblubb90 @qweenrogerina @pedropcl

#darth maul #star wars #darth maul x pregnant reader #darth maul imagine #darth maul smut #darth maul x reader #darth maul x fem reader #maul x reader smut #maul x pregnant reader #maul x reader #maul x fem! reader

[b3llab00]

Yandere!Soobin X Reader

An Opening Sequence song fic

Hi there! This is my first time doing something like this. If you have any suggestions on how to make this better I would appreciate it!!! Helpful tips are always nice :)

Anyways on with the show

Soobin doesn’t love. He’s not a lover. He’s a logical human. So what’s so different about you?

It was just another day on the stage. The words dull. The motions trained. The fans copy and pasted. Except one. One that stood out from the rest.

Her eyes pierced him like a blade through the heart. He went through the motions of the dance, his eyes never leaving her figure as she swayed with the music.

Dance with me, dance with me, dance with me

Soobin smiled. A real smile. Something nobody else here could ever pull from him.

The rest of the night was a blur. For the rest of the concert, his gaze never falling short of her. When they took their final bow on the stage, saying there cookie cutter goodbyes, he took the opportunity to wave at her.

Her eyes lit up as she waved back at him, and he felt his heart skip a beat.

Take one more chance on me, chance on me, chance on me

But that all changed when he watched her eyes linger over yeonjun with a longing look. In that moment, he felt his work shatter. All that was left was a new side of Soobin he never thought he would feel. Hatred

I’m bleeding painfully, painfully painfully

Soobin stayed quiet as they got on the platform to leave the stage. The ground opened and the platform lowered. He looked up and saw Yeonjun playing with Beomgyu, lightly teasing him. He started dancing around the little platform, and Soobin couldn’t help it.

Soobin isn’t a bad person. He’s a very good leader, but to see Yeonjun GLOATING. Practically laughing in Soobin’s face about how YEONJUN was the one she looked at. How YEONJUN was the better Choi. How YEONJUN made her heart skip a beat and not Soobin.

Yeonjun was mocking Gyu, and went to take a step back to show off. Soobin didn’t even blink as he stuck his foot out slightly. Not much, not even noticeable to the other members.

The platform was poorly built, so tight in space anyone could fall. Too far up off the ground to even be safe.

There were screams from the other members. And then a sickening crunch hit Soobin’s ears. Somewhere below he heard a woman scream, and the platform stopped moving. His heart raced as he looked below.

Yeonjun wore a shocked expression, staring at the sky above. His left arm twitched as his right arm was twisted in a way it was down right horrifying. Blood. Blood was everywhere. He wasn’t dead, but he mine as well have been.

Soobin snapped out of it when he heard Kai let out a strangled sob. Tae immediately grabbed him and hugged him. Beomgyu was pale, and unmoving. Soobin didn’t dare look any of them in the eyes. How could he when he was smiling so hard??

••••••••••••

You, like many other girls, we’re waiting for the car to drive around the side. So maybe you could get one last glimpse at TxT. You checked your watch.

12:47

A sigh escaped your lips as you adjusted your bag. Oh well.. at least you got good videos. You begrudgingly fought through the crowd as you walked the block. Parking was nearly impossible, even arriving three hours in advanced.

It was dark out. Somewhere in the distance you heard a dog bark. It was creepy, and unsettling. Where was your pepper spray? Maybe you should grab your phone an-

That was your last though as you were hit by a wall. Well, but a walk, but that’s what it felt like. Your bag went flying and so did your light stick. Great, there goes 100 dollars.

You sighed and looked up, getting ready to cuss out some Jack ass. But when you looked up you froze.

“I’m so sorry. I didn’t even see you there.” Soobin said bashfully, reaching down and picking up your bag.

Holy fuck.

It’s Choi Soobin.

Choi Soobin as in THE Choi Soobin

Choi Soobin from TxT

Here

Speaking to YOU

“No it’s my fault!! Im so sorry! Im such a fucking clutz sometimes!” You laughed. Was it hot out here? Oh god you hoped your hair wasn’t a disaster.

You casually brush your hair back, relieved to find it still mostly intact.

••••••••••••••

Soobin smiled at the girls attempts to fix herself for him. It was unnecessary though, as she was already perfect as she was .

He continued to charm her and talk to the girl, all while Yeonjun was being loaded into an ambulance. He expressed his concern for his friend and sobbed. You felt awful, and rubbed his back.

Stay for me, stay for me, stay for me

Soobin took her hand, eyes rubbed red.

“Can you please stay with me while Yeonjun is in the hospital? It hurts my heart so much” he cried.

How could she say no?? It’s Choi Soobin, and his best friend was on the brink of death.

“Of course Soobin. I’ll do anything for you” she said, blinking back tears of her own.

I can’t get used to it, used to it, used to it

Of course Soobin felt bad for hurting Yeonjun like that. Yeonjun was practically his brother. Soobin loved all of his members equally, but now he had something better in his life. Something, no, someONE, he would risk it all for. He would gladly sacrifice any of his other members to be able to be held by you. This was all foreign for him, but hey…

True love is true love. And there was no denying Soobin’s love.

Not now, not ever.

#Yandere!Txt #soobin #Txt #yeonjun #hueningkai #beomgyu #kang taehyun #Choi line #txt x reader

[havecourage-darling]

Right Side Up // 4

Princess Peach Series

<<Chapter three: Unaware, I'm tearing you asunder || AO3 || Masterlist || Chapter five: I’d make him swap our places

Pairing: Eddie Munson x Henderson! Female Reader

WC: 7K

Warnings: none

Chapter Four: Oh, come on, darling

“Find something we can throw at them,” Eddie said, feeling desperate in an entirely new way. His heart was about to burst every second longer that you stayed up there. Couldn’t the two of you fucking argue when you were back here?

Dustin picked up a cup of pens sitting by the entrance. “Maybe we’ll impale one of them,” Lucas said, glaring up at the gate. Eddie watched Steve uncross his arms and point upwards.

You moved to shove him when you stilled. Your head tilted down and Eddie froze.

“Henderson? This isn’t funny, Henderson!” Steve shouted, face ducking to look at you. His hands went around your shoulders and shook you. “Henderson! Wake up! Fuck, guys!”

The panic in Steve’s voice had Eddie starting to climb.

“Wait,” Steve shouted, “we need music. Vecna has her, we fucking need music!”

Chrissy’s cloudy dazed eyes flashed through his mind and Eddie startled so badly he loosened his grip on the rope and stumbled. He imagined your body floating into the air, unseeing eyes, and limbs twisting unnaturally. Hollow, he fought the urge to drop to his knees and throw up.

Everyone around him scrambled, feet flying, hands knocking everything over. “Here!” He heard Max scream faintly, “we can use my Walkman!”

“What’s her favorite song?” Robin screeched, voice high and piercing.

“Bowie?” Nancy asked.

Dustin’s panicked voice answered, “No! That was last year!”

“GUYS, HURRY UP!”

Without missing a beat, Erica ran towards the group. “Steve says you need to hurry!” Erica shouted, running through the hallway.

“Yeah! No shit!” Dustin screamed, hands a blur in their movement.

“We’re looking!” Nancy screamed. “Eddie!”

“EDDIE!” Dustin shouted, sounding underwater. “Fuck, he’s useless right now. Can you have a panic attack later?!”

A slap stung his face and Eddie blinked, coming up for air and he saw Robin’s panicked face. “Munson! I know you’re freaking out but you need to move – what the fuck is all this? She doesn’t like any of this!”

Robin waved a Black Sabbath cassette in the air and Eddie glared at her. She shot him a look, eyes scared, “We need music!”

Help. He needed to help you. “This is music!” He said, grabbing the cassette out her hand. He needed to think, what had you been listening to recently. He had a few of your tapes strewn across his room, mixtapes he’d made you, some Tina Turner in the stereo. “There’s a tape in the stereo,” Eddie told Nancy suddenly. Fleetwood Mac.

She popped it out and read the side. “Songs to dance to?”

A flash of your head thrown back in laughter as you clung to him while he spun you both around the living room made his chest ache. You were his. Vecna couldn’t have you.

“HURRY THE FUCK UP!” Steve’s panicked scream echoed from the ceiling. Robin jumped, running to the gate.

Eddie’s hands shook as he pointed to the tape. “There’s some Tina Turner and Fleetwood Mac on that,” he said, scrambling to remember where in the tape. Max grabbed it out of Nancy’s hand and popped it into her player.

“C’mon, c’mon,” she hissed as it re-winded the cassette at what felt like a snail’s pace. “Where is it? How far along?”

Dustin helped Max sort the tape while Eddie’s head thrummed.

A nagging thought swam to the surface. It broke through his paralyzed fear. He could see you, sitting in this trailer with your happy smile and shy gaze.

“I listen to Here Comes The Sun by The Beatles when I’m happy because it reminds me of my dad.”

Eddie immediately body checked Dustin, who went flying into the sofa. “Dude!”

“The Beatles, Henderson – she likes The Beatles.”

Dustin’s eyes widened, realizing. “Here Comes The Sun.” Eddie yanked the player out of Max’s hand and ejected the tape. Within seconds he had the tape he’d bought months ago for you in its place.

Everyone scrambled to the mattress and Robin’s relief was palpable when she saw the player ready in his hands. “Steve, catch!”

“Wait, wait!” Steve shouted, breaking your fall as you slumped over. “Henderson? Henderson! Look at me!”

Your eyes snapped open and you immediately scrambled for purchase, you thrashed, as if you’d been fighting something. “Don’t touch me! Please! No!”

The horror in your voice had Eddie climbing the rope within seconds. Slamming into the ground next to you, he ignored the twinge in his ankle as you threw yourself in his arms. Your grip was weak but your hands clenched at his jacket. “Please, no,” you groaned, eyes screwing shut. “Don’t hurt them, please. Take me, take me…”

“It’s okay,” Eddie tightened his hold on you like that’d be enough to keep Vecna from taking you, “I’m here. You’re back, baby, you’re back.”

“Munson,” Steve called, pointing to the rope, “we gotta get the fuck out of here. Now.”

The memory of Vecna’s touch made you shiver. Eddie’s arms tightened around you, shooting you a concerned look. To be fair, everyone looked varying degrees of worried. Steve sat to the other side of you, his hand clutching the hem of your shirt – like that’d help keep you here.

“Are you sure we don’t need another player?” Lucas asked, looking antsy to get some headphones on you.

“He doesn’t want me,” you whispered, “I was just the messenger.”

“Maybe we bring one just in case,” Eddie told Lucas who nodded and patted his pocket like he’d already grabbed an extra.

The images of Hawkins splitting, your mom – your brother’s dead bodies, had you trembling again. Steve and Eddie’s grip on you tightened and Dustin looked ready to shove one of them aside so he could do the same.

“There were so many monsters,” you told them again, closing your eyes and trying to fight the images, “an army. And my mom – she was-” Your voice cracked and you turned your head into Eddie’s neck.

“Okay, but, Henderson – he was just trying to scare you,” Steve said, not sounding all that sure, “right? It’s not real.”

“Not yet,” you mumbled against Eddie’s skin.

“Is that everything he showed you?” Dustin asked, settling onto the coffee table in front of the couch. You glanced at his worried expression and you hated that it was on there because of you.

You thought back, as much as you didn’t want to, and shook your head. “There was something else…” you frowned, “there were four gates. Spreading across Hawkins. They looked like the one in Eddie’s trailer but, they weren’t small. They kept growing and this wasn’t the upside down Hawkins. It was… it was…”

“The right side up?” Robin said.

Nodding, you looked to Steve. “It was our home.”

“Four chimes,” Max said and you glanced up at her. She looked at you empathetically, her eyes a little hardened. “Vecna’s clock. It always chimes four times. Four exactly.”

The chimes echoed in your memory, rattling your head. “I heard them too,” you muttered, looking to Eddie. He brushed your hair away from your face, thumb wiping at the tears you hadn’t realized you’d shed.

“Four kills. Four gates. End of the world,” Lucas breathed.

Dustin’s expression turned desperate. “If that’s true – he’s only one kill away.”

“Jesus Christ,” Eddie said, his own hand coming up to rub at his eye. “Jesus fucking Christ.”

Steve glanced at Max. “Try them again.” She sighed but walked over to the phone and started dialing.

After a beat she shook her head. “Same shit,” Max said.

Everyone started talking over each other, calling out theories as to why they couldn’t reach California. The thrumming at the back of your skull echoed and spread to your temples. Slipping off the couch and towards the bathroom, you felt everyone’s eyes on you.

“I’ll be back,” you said, not turning to look at them. Like you expected, you heard footsteps close behind. Turning into the bathroom, you left the door open and sank onto the closed toilet. You just needed a moment of quiet, just a moment, so you could breathe.

“Sweetheart,” Eddie said quietly, his voice soothing the pain in your head.

Taking his hand in yours, you watched him squat down in front of you, eyes darting around like you’d start levitating at any moment. “I’m okay,” you told him, “I don’t think he can get to me when I’m not there. I don’t have any unfinished business – not the way the others do.”

The concern on his expression eased a little but not by much. Eddie pulled a Walkman out of his jacket pocket and held it out towards you. “Please, just so I don’t feel like you’re going to be ripped from me at any second. I can’t…I cannot explain how scared out of my fucking mind I was.”

“I know,” you said, taking the cassette player, “I’m sorry Eddie.”

“I cannot lose you,” he said, eyes unfocused. “Six months, that’s nothing, okay? That’s a drop in the bucket of what I want with you.”

The panic in his voice made your heart hurt. “Yeah?” You asked, trying to tease him. “I thought I heard you say something about marriage before I jumped into Lover’s Lake.” The comment landed the way you’d expected, relaxing his tensing shoulders and having him exhale.

“You’re stupidly brave, you know that?” Eddie asked, leaning his forehead against yours. “I’m glad we weren’t together for the other times.”

“I feel like I should be offended…”

Eddie’s soft laughter chased away the remaining pain and you inhaled. “I don’t think I could’ve handled it, seeing you put yourself in danger.”

“How do you know I did? What if I just supervised from a distance?”

“Because, Hendersons aren’t benchwarmers. They’re all destined for better and they know it.”

You smiled, cradling his face before kissing him. “I can’t believe you just used a sports metaphor. Trauma does change people.”

“Shut up,” Eddie huffed, bumping his nose into yours.

“I love you,” you said after a beat, “getting tired of hearing it yet?

A blinding smile illuminated your chest and you tugged him into a deeper kiss. “I don’t think that’s possible,” he said between kisses. “I love you too.”

Something inside his jacket clinked, the distinct sound of metal hitting metal. “What was that?” You asked, amused.

Straightening, Eddie dug his hand into his pocket and looked down at his palm. “Before we came over here, I grabbed my duffle – well, Wayne’s duffle. I know you said you wanted something to look forward to at the end of this but…” He picked up a thin chain by the clasp and let it dangle in the air.

“That’s the necklace we saw at the mall,” you said, fingers dancing across its delicate obsidian pendant. You’d almost bought it because it’d reminded you so much of Eddie’s ring but it had cost almost one of your paychecks. “Eddie…”

“Happy anniversary warrior princess,” he murmured as he put it on you, “the guy who sold it to me let me know that obsidian was usually bought for protection and was used to heal and find lightness in the dark or some bullshit like that but, with what’s happened...”

“That’s lucky, because we definitely need some of that,” you said, fingers coming up to touch the cool stone. “I can’t believe you noticed.”

“Sweetheart, you stared at it for a half hour, I may be slow but I’m not a total dumbass,” he said.

You scowled at him. “You’re not slow but keep calling yourself that and I’ll knock you on your ass Munson.”

Eddie’s teasing glint returned and he leaned forward. “Is that a promise? Because I’ll look forward to it.” Fighting a smile, you were interrupted from answering when you heard the group start to argue in earnest.

“Come on,” you said, taking Eddie’s offered hand. “Let’s go see what the kids are fighting about now.”

“Are you crazy?” Lucas asked, hands on his hips.

“What’s happening?” You asked, slumping back into the couch.

Max sighed and Dustin pointed to Nancy. “She wants to back into the upside down.”

“Nope,” Eddie said immediately, fingers coming to your wrist. “Not happening. I don’t even want her near a gate.”

“We’ll be prepared this time,” Nancy insisted. “We’ll get weapons and protection and go through the gate in your trailer. We’ll find him and kill him.”

“Or he’ll kill us,” Steve said, “the only reason Henderson survived is because he wanted her to.”

Eddie’s grip on your hand tightened and you winced. Robin’s high-pitched rambling was starting to worry you when Dustin cut in.

“You’re right, he’s like Eleven but that gives us the upper hand. We know her strengths and weaknesses.”

“Hey,” you nudged Eddie, who looked like he was a second away from panicking, “deep breaths.”

He rolled his eyes. “Defenseless?” Steve asked, sputtering. “What about his army of bats?”

“True. We’ll have to find a way past them,” Dustin admitted, “distract them somehow.”

“And uh, how would we do that?” Eddie asked, stepping forward.

Dustin shrugged. “No idea.” Eddie fell back to your side and nodded, defeated.

“But once they’re gone it’ll be like slaying a sleeping Dracula in his coffin!” Dustin said, getting a second wind. You blinked as Robin sighed, stepping forward.

“That all sounds good in theory but there is no pattern to his killings. At least not one that I can decipher,” she said, smacking away his hand. “We don’t know when or who he’s going to attack next.”

Four killings, you thought, memories flashing. Your eyes darted over to Max, who you saw straighten. You knew he didn’t want you – you knew that. But you did know who he was angry at for escaping.

“Absolutely not,” you snapped at her.

Lucas blinked, following your glare. “Max?”

Her eyes hardened and she pursed her lips. “I can still feel him. I’m still…marked. Cursed. I ditch Kate Bush and draw his focus back to me.”

“You can’t,” Lucas said, his voice just as desperate as yours. “He’ll kill you.”

“I survived before,” she said stubbornly and you knew then. You knew by the look in her eyes that there was no changing her mind. “I can survive again. I just need to keep him busy for long enough for you guys to get into the attic. Just…try not to miss.”

The silence that followed was deafening. Then, everyone spoke at once. Pieces of a plan were coming together. Eddie’s guitar, Molotov cocktails, needing a shotgun. You, however, watched the scowling teen in braids morph into a snarky, sarcastic, girl on a skateboard.

“Come on!” Max shouted at you, as you shook your head. “What are you, chicken?”

Narrowing your eyes, El placed her hand on your arm and smiled. “She’s baiting you.”

“I know,” you told her. “It’s working.”

“Has anyone seen the eldest badass Henderson? Can she come out?”

You laughed. “Alright brat, teach me.”

Max cheered, throwing her arm up and hopping off her skateboard. “It’s super easy, I swear! You’ve killed monsters – you can handle a skateboard.”

Within minutes, you were on your hands and knees, skin scraped and bleeding. “It’s super easy,” you mimicked and Max laughed.

“Congratulations,” she said, leaning her palms onto her knees so she could look at you. “That’s your first scrape.”

“And that’s a good thing?”

Her blue eyes twinkled as she grinned. “Hell yeah, it means you’re trying. No one gets it right on the first try, not even you Henderson. Luckily, you got me. I got your back.” She threw out her hand and you took it, hauling yourself back up to your feet.

“Yeah?” You asked her, throwing an arm around her shoulders. “I got your back too, Red.”

Max smiled, pointing to the skateboard. “Come on, let’s go again!”

“So, it’s decided,” Nancy said, looking grim. “Max, Lucas, and Erica, you go to the Creel house.”

They nodded, Lucas looking unsure, and you turned to Max. She had her arms crossed and was doing her best to look unaffected but you knew. You knew her tells and you realized, out of everyone, you couldn’t leave them alone.

“Wait,” you said, stopping Dustin as he was planning how you and Eddie could fortify the trailer in the upside down. “You three can’t go alone, you’re just kids.”

Lucas opened his mouth but you held up a hand. “Sinclair, you’re a freshman. I’ve known you since you were six. You’re a child.”

You knew Nancy was the best shot next to you, she had to go. Steve was good on his feet and quick. Eddie was the only one who knew how to play a guitar well enough to be a viable distraction.

“Robin,” you said as everyone bickered, “I’m the only other one who can shoot a gun worth a damn. Creel house or upside down?”

Her face scrunched up and you knew she was torn. After a moment she shook her head. “You stay, I got this. You took the hit underground in Starcourt. It’s my turn to step up to the plate.”

“Buckley, are you sure?”

She nodded, reaching out to grab your arm. “I don’t want to risk you down there anyway. He hasn’t gotten me yet.”

“I can go alone,” Eddie added, glancing at Dustin who looked immediately outraged. “I don’t want little Henderson with me.”

Dustin gasped, almost choking and Eddie rolled his eyes. “It’s dangerous.”

“So?” Dustin huffed, crossing his arms and pouting. You smiled, image of him throwing a tantrum over a toy in the living room coming to mind. “You’ll need my help!”

“Dusty,” you said, stepping towards him. No matter how hard you clung to the curly haired, chubby cheeked, little kid. You had to acknowledge that he had grown up. He was a few years younger than you when this had all started. Silencing him with a look, he grumbled. “Look at me. This isn’t a game. I’m serious. The other times were different – we were in the real world. We were never the core players. This is the upside down. Can you do this?”

His eyes widened as you clutched as his arms and you saw the moment he realized you were scared. “Hey,” he said quietly, “I got this. I promise. I won’t be reckless.”

You’d known that’d be his answer so you nodded, kissing his forehead and smiling when he didn’t protest. With a worried glance at Eddie, he nodded encouragingly. “I’m sticking with them then,” you told Nancy and Steve, “Max will need back up and I’m not letting Vecna have her. She’s ours.”

A fond smile twisted at Max’s mouth and you smiled back at her.

“I’m going to need more bullets,” you said. At that, Eddie grinned.

He walked over to the phone book resting on a small side table and pulled it into his arms. “I actually have an idea.”

“Oh no,” you and Steve muttered.

Eddie beamed, dumping the book onto the table and everyone crowded around him. He flipped, looking for a page, and pointed down. “The War Zone.”

“That looks…uh,” Robin frowned.

“I know but, I’ve been there once,” Eddie said, pointing towards the advertisement.

Gawking, you turned to him. “You’ve been there?” A faint memory floated up. “With Liam. Yeah, I remember.”

“It’s huge, it’s got everything you need for uh…well, killing things basically.”

Robin leaned forward. “Does that say grenade? How is any of this legal?”

“Normally, I’d agree but don’t question it,” you said, pinching the bridge of your nose. “It’s Hawkins.”

Eddie snorted and slung an arm around your shoulders. “As long as we steer clear of the main roads, we should be able to get to and from without being seen,” he said.

“Can we spare the time?” Dustin sighed. “It’ll take all day to bike there and back.”

“Who said anything about bikes?” Eddie asked, grinning.

Oh no, you knew that face. Steve put his hands on his hips and turned to you both. “Do you have a car we don’t know about? We can’t take your van -- everyone knows it’s yours. Henderson’s car is somewhere in the woods by Skull Rock. Mine is parked behind hers. Maybe we can bike to the cars?”

“It’s not exactly a car, rockstar, and it’s not exactly mine…but it’ll do,” he said, grin widening.

You groaned and Nancy looked at you. “What?”

“I know that look,” you sighed as Eddie cackled. “We’re going to need a mask or scarf or something.”

“Red?” Eddie called out. “You got anything?”

Max looked pensive before nodding. “I have something…” she said, disappearing into a nearby closet and pulling out a Michael Myers mask.

Eddie laughed, delighted, and you shook your head. Only Eddie. “Alright, everyone, get ready.” You swooped down to grab your bag, the one Dustin had managed to take with him from the lake and headed towards the door.

“Shit!” You heard someone squeak and you turned to see Eddie in the mask, laughing at a scared Lucas and Dustin. Max smiled, eyes lighting up a little.

“Hey, princess,” Eddie called out as Steve rolled his eyes. “Would you still love me if I looked like this?”

Everyone looked more or less ready to go and you waited until Eddie had walked over to your side, the mask smelling slightly of plastic. The events of the day were wearing down on you and you caught the glint of the gold ring on his hand. A memory swirled around you, his soft smile as he’d slid it on and pleased expression. “Yeah, Munson,” you said, leaning in to kiss the cheekbone of the stupid mask, “every version of me out there, in all the dimensions, loves every version of you.”

You hadn’t meant for it come out so earnest, not while he was wearing a stupid Halloween mask, but the enormity of what you were all about to do – was too great for you to tease. Eddie pulled up the mask to his forehead and you knew he heard it too.

In a breath, your back was against the trailer door, the doorknob definitely bruising your hip. Eddie’s lips were on yours, frantic and desperate. Breath hitching, you wrapped an arm around his neck wanting to pull him so close you didn’t know where he began and you ended.

“You can’t say shit like that to me right now,” he said between kisses, “Jesus, Henderson.”

“Shut up,” you grumbled, “shut up and kiss me.”

He laughed, the sound pressing into your skin like a tattoo and you wanted to savor it for as long as you could. Eddie’s hands trailed lower onto your back, the pressure making your own hands twitch.

“Are you guys ready to go – oh.”

You gasped, gulping air down and glancing over Eddie’s shoulder to see a gagging Dustin and an amused Lucas.

“Yeah,” you said, ignoring Eddie’s blown pupils and your own urge to pull him back into your arms. “Let’s do this.”

Crouched by the passenger seat, your breath stuttering from the anxiety and the adrenaline, you watched Eddie shove a pair of wire cutters into his mouth. As he yanked out a group of wires, you blinked. Heat simmered low in your stomach and you tried your best to keep your hands to yourself.

“Where did you learn to do this?” Steve asked, scaring the shit out of you as he crouched over Eddie’s shoulder.

With a grimace, Eddie began clipping the wires. “Well, when the other dads were teaching their kids how to fish or play ball, mine had run off and his brothers were teaching me how to hotwire.”

You grunted, indignant on Wayne’s behalf. Eddie smiled, eyes still on the wires.

“Aside from Wayne, who was the one who pulled me out their grubby hands and shoved my nose into a book,” he said pointedly, “I swore to myself I wouldn’t end up like he did, now I’m wanted for murder and soon, grand theft auto. So, I’m really living up to the Munson name.”

Before he could brush the wires together, your hand reached under Steve’s shoulders and you slapped the back of Eddie’s neck hard enough to make Steve wince.

“Ow, Jesus Christ – princess!”

You glared at him, eyes pinning him in place. “You are nothing like those men, okay?” You hissed, defensive.

His eyes softened, the wire in his left hand dropping as he leaned towards you, almost instinctively and Steve groaned. “Not the time you two!”

“You know, Eddie, I’m not sure I love the idea of you driving,” Robin said, words stumbling over each other in her anxiety.

“Oh, I’m just starting this sucker. Harrington s’got her, don’t ya big boy?” Eddie said, laughing at Steve’s eyeroll. “Alright, everyone get ready!” He announced.

The kids in the back scrambled like chickens with their heads cut off as Nancy and Robin shouted orders. Steve cracked his neck and fingers and started muttering to himself.

“Ready?” Eddie asked, glancing at you, his brows furrowing. You bit down on your lip, a little aghast at your mind’s lack of appropriate timing, and nodded. With a flick of the wires, the RV shot to life and you gripped the armrests of your seat.

“It’s just a car,” Steve uttered, “everyone, shit, hang on!”

You heard your brother shriek and Robin’s grunt of pain as she slammed into a seat. “Drive, Steve, drive!”

The RV squealed as Steve pumped the gas and you groaned when your elbow hit the window.

“Go, go, go, go!” Lucas shouted.

“Shit,” your brother said, “they look pissed!”

“Yeah, well, it’s not every day you lose your car and house in one fell swoop,” Robin said, clinging to a table. You glanced back to check that everyone was okay and laughed when you saw Eddie’s wide grin. He headbanged as Steve grunted.

“Shit, hold on! Hold on!” Steve screamed.

The RV tilted dangerously to the left and you shrieked, slamming your eyes closed as a pair of garbage bins went flying.

You hurled yourself out the front seat the moment you were relatively safe and driving down the backroads. “Remind me to never let you drive again,” you told Steve as Robin took your place in the passenger’s seat.

“You’re welcome!” He grunted, smiling when Robin teased him too.

Eddie’s arms opened from where he was sprawled comically on the sofa. You tossed yourself onto the cushion next to him, laughing when he bounced up.

“You okay?” You asked, curling into his side. Eddie’s fingers danced around your neck but you weren’t fooled, you knew he was checking to make sure your headphones and cassette player were intact. “They’re still good, I promise.”

“I’m fine,” he said, hand settling at your shoulder. You shifted so you were resting your head against his chest and sighed when he relaxed. “So, was I in the moment, or were you giving me the look?” He asked, voice quiet against your ear.

“What look?” You asked, knowing full well what he was talking about. It was the same one he’d shot you after you’d picked the lock at Rick’s house.

He leaned in even closer. “The look you get every single time I come out the shower and get dressed in my room.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” you said, nonchalantly checking your nailbeds. The image of a shirtless Eddie flashing through your mind.

“No?” Eddie smirked, his eyes lighting up in your peripherals. “Why do you think I never get dressed in the bathroom? I almost started using hand towels to come out in.” He nipped at your jaw and you squeezed your thighs together. Pinching him, you squirmed under his attention.

“It’s not nice to tease, Eddie,” you grumbled.

“Oh, sweetheart, trust me. When you look at me like that it’s not a tease – it’s a promise.”

The fire simmering in the back of your head ignited into a flame and you closed your eyes. “Eddie,” you admonished.

“Is it the grand theft auto?” He asked, ignoring your glare. “Is that why I caught your attention senior year? Because I’m the bad guy?” You felt his hand shift to your thigh and his touch was searing.

“No,” you insisted, not wanting him to think that’s what he was, “if anything, I’m the one with more felonies under her belt.”

“If that was supposed to turn me on, you did the job,” Eddie said, laughing when you elbowed him. “You owe me a trip to Lake Monroe, you know.”

“Yeah,” you said with a smile, “I promise.”

Eddie’s teasing smile softened into something that made your heart flip. “Good,” he said, kissing you.

“Aw, guys, c’mon!” Lucas groaned. Dustin gagged loudly, his hand covering his eyes.

“That’s my sister, Munson! My sister!” He screeched.

You laughed and Eddie rolled his eyes.

“It’s annoying right?” Steve hollered from the front. You flipped him off and he lifted his hand to do the same.

“I think they’re cute,” Nancy said from her seat by the table.

“Wheeler was always my favorite,” you announced to the group. Max and Robin immediately protested and you watched them all descend into chaotic arguments.

“Alright,” Steve said a few minutes later shutting everyone up. “We’re here!”

You’d all agreed that Eddie, Dustin, and Lucas would stay behind with the RV. Eddie had argued heatedly over you going out but you’d doubted anyone was gunning after you the way they were for Eddie. Besides, you’re the only one who knew what ammunition to buy – despite Nancy’s reassurances.

“Hey,” Eddie said, pout still present on his face, “be careful, please.”

Placing a kiss on his cheekbone, you pointed to your headphones. “I got The Beatles locked and loaded and like three types of weapons on me if anyone wants to come at me. Plus, I also have Nancy and Max – you know they’re like, unbeatable.”

“Hurry, yeah?” He said, kissing your chin.

“I’ll be back faster than you know,” you said, squeezing his hand and walking out the RV.

Erica pursed her lips. “You know you’re both gross, right?”

Throwing an arm around her shoulders, you smiled when you saw the pleased look in her eyes. “Just wait until you get your first boyfriend,” you snorted, “Lucas is going to lose his mind.”

“Please,” she said, flipping her hair out of her face, “boys are stupid.”

You watched Steve almost tumble into a display of fireworks, having been distracted by a girl walking past, and you nodded. “They really are.”

She smiled at you and grabbed a cart before considering a box of nails. “How many do you think?”

“Maybe two?” You asked. She nodded, tossing them into the cart. You both hesitated at the same time and tossed a few more boxes in. Making sure to keep her in your line of vision, you got around looking for the right ammo you need. Clutching the box triumphantly you walk back to Erica.

“I found the right bullets, this store really is angry hick magnet though-” you stumbled as she froze mid-step, “whoa, Erica, what?” You follow her frightened gaze and feel all drain from your face.

“Is that…” Jason Carver stood next to Nancy, his shoulders tense. Her eyes caught yours for a brief second and she shook her head slowly.

“Yup,” Erica whispered, her hand coming to grab yours. Immediately, you slowly start to step backwards, pulling her with you.

“Okay, it’s fine, it’s fine we’re just going to walk this – shit,” you grimaced, seeing another varsity jacket. You, Erica, and Max were the most likely targets – having close connections to the Hellfire club. Within seconds you caught the redhead with her headphones and ducked behind the nearest shelf. Trying your best to sneak past the two by the knives, who the fuck in their right mind would sell these idiots knives, you got to Max and pulled her down.

“What the fu-”

Slamming a hand over her mouth, you pointed to the next aisle. She peeked over the shelves and immediately ducked down again. “You need to go,” she hissed, “both of you, right now.”

“They know you and Lucas-”

“-I’m removed enough. They won’t notice me as instantly as you,” she said, squeezing your hand, “I’ll get this to Steve while you to get back to the RV.”

“Max-”

“I promise,” she said, eyes steady. “I got this. Go.”

Clenching Erica’s hand, you nodded and tried to look as normal and nonchalant as possible as you walked out the doors. Once outside, you ran towards the side where the RV was parked and stumbled into the door.

“Holy shit, holy shit!” Erica said, tone a little panicked.

“I know,” you said, gulping down air. A pair of hands pulled you sideways and you whirled around to see Eddie’s panicked face.

“What? What happened?”

You’d only barely started to explain when the door slammed open again. You pulled Erica behind you and Eddie stepped in front of you both.

“We gotta go!” Steve said, tossing the bag onto Dustin’s lap.

“They’re all here?” Lucas asked and Max nodded, her eyes wide.

“Let’s go!” Robin shouted, smacking into both of you in her scramble to hold onto something. Nancy tripped into you and Eddie, her shotgun smacking you in the shoulder and Robin tumbled side first into the passenger seat as Steve screeched out the parking lot.

As you drove away, you and Dustin pressing your faces to the back window. When no one followed, you all settled easier.

“So, that was fun,” Robin said, blowing a strand of her bangs out of her eyes, “let’s not do that again.”

“You’re doing it wrong!” You insisted.

Dustin’s mouth twisted to the side, his brows furrowing and arms crossing. “I am not.”

“Are too.”

“Am not!”

“Are too!”

Eddie snickered and leaned over to Steve. “Ten bucks on my girl,” he said. Dustin shot him an indignant look and Eddie shrugged.

“She’s ruthless!”

“Deal,” Steve said.

You shot Steve a death glare and took a menacing step forward before he jumped behind Robin.

“I swear to Mews, Dusty, I’m going to stab you with a nail,” you said calmly, smiling sweetly at him.

“Do it! Do it, I dare you.” Your eye twitched at his narrowed look.

Raising your brows, your hands shot out grabbing him in a chokehold as he shrieked in an octave only dogs could hear.

“Oh my God,” Robin shouted, whirling around, “I’m going to throw one of these at both of you!”

Both of you froze and turned to look at her. “That was really aggressive,” Dustin said plainly, looking up at you from his position in your elbow.

“I know, right?” You whispered back. “It was a bit much.”

“As if she didn’t argue with Steve the entirety last year,” he said, sighing. “I had to put up with a lot, you know.”

“I know! Me too! I had part time shifts with them and all they’d do is bicker. It’s so inappropriate.”

Robin scowled. “Point taken! You little shits.”

Dustin and you grinned, laughing then returning to your objective of choking your brother.

“Okay, okay, before you crack his neck,” Eddie said, hurrying over. “Dustin just let your sister do yours.”

“Fine,” Dustin sighed, flopping onto the ground.

“Thank you,” you said.

Picking up the box of nails and keeping the lid steady on the crate, you grabbed the hammer.

“I just don’t understand why-”

“Because,” you sighed, “I don’t want you going into – there – with anything less than the best weapons. Okay? Everything needs to be perfect.”

Dustin’s confused and annoyed expression melted into something understanding but you started hammering anyway. After going through the first box, you held the lid with your foot and turned to ask Eddie for the second box. His tongue was peeking out from the corner of his lips, eyes enraptured and you fought the urge to laugh.

“Are you staring at my ass Munson?”

“Gross,” Lucas muttered from a few yards away.

Dustin flopped onto his back and groaned. “You guys, please. I’m begging you.”

“So what if I am?” Eddie said, the both of you ignoring his cries.

You quirked your brow and smirked. “What did we say about teasing?”

“You’re the one bent over,” he retorted.

Laughing, you rolled your eyes and grabbed the second box. “Keep your head in the game, Munson.”

“Trust me sweetheart, I can multitask really well.”

Dustin groaned. “For the love of-”

“Alright, alright,” you said, willing to put Dustin out of his misery. “Come on, you can do the other one.”

At that, he shot up and almost tripped on his feet running over to you. “Yes! Thank you – it’ll be the best fucking shield you’ve ever seen.”

Walking over to where Eddie was seated, you settled into the grass next to him. Since you weren’t able to ever keep your hands to yourself around him, you reached for his hand and squeezed. “Remember what I said.”

“About reinforcing the vents in the trailer?”

“Yes,” you stressed.

“I will, I promise,” Eddie said. You knew he could tell you were too on edge to tease about it. “So, might be the best anniversary, right? Saving the world.”

The sun glittered through Eddie’s hair, the usually wild curly tied back with his bandana. Your hands itched to braid it, the way he usually let you when you needed something to do with your hands, but you were too comfortable to move.  

“It gets old after the third time,” you joked. You suddenly remembered the small pocket knife that you’d gotten for Eddie. Pulling it out of your pocket, you handed it to him.

“Another anniversary gift? You spoil me.”

Shoving his shoulder, you closed his fingers over it. “Who knows, maybe it’ll come in handy.”

You helped Lucas and Erica load the spears into the back of the RV, setting the two shields carefully by the beds.

“Hey,” Steve said, leaning against the doorframe of the bedroom.

“What’s up?” You asked, shifting the newly sawed-off shotgun from the floor onto the table. What was your life.

A pair of arms went around you, pulling you close to his chest, and you startled. “Steve?” You turned in his embrace and wrapped your arms around him too. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” he said, stepping away with a heavy sigh. “Robin said something and it put me on edge a little.”

“She does do that,” you admitted, smiling when he snickered.

“She does,” Steve ran a hand through his messy hair before taking your hand. “You’re my best friend, you know that?”

“Of course, I am,” you said, “Hendersons come two for one. You can’t get rid of either of us Harrington.”

The corner of his mouth turned up in a half-smile and he shook his head. “Seriously. You stuck with me through everything – even after I dragged you into this – and you’ve always believed in me. That I was more than…”

“King Steve?”

He sighed. “Yeah.”

Steve’s expression was one you hadn’t seen before and it unsettled you. “Hey. Whatever happens, we’ll be okay. We always end up on the other side okay, right?”

“Right,” he said weakly.

You took his chin and pulled his gaze down to yours. “I can’t through life without Steve Harrington. Okay? So, you better get pumped, run a mile, smoke one of Eddie’s joints or something. We’ve got a great record and I don’t plan on taking the hit now,” you squeezed his hand and a bit of tension from his shoulders bled out.

“You’re right,” he said, rubbing a hand down his face. “I’m sorry, it’s been a long day.”

“Tell me about it,” you huffed, glancing back at the room before walking towards the door, “and it’s about to be a long night.”

“We got this, right?”

“Of course, we do.”

Hopping down the steps of the RV, you realize Eddie’s the last one in. Glancing around the area, making sure none of you had left anything behind, you pick up a few stray nails.

Eddie mumbled something to himself, eyes hard. You walked up to him and smiled when he didn’t notice. “You know talking to yourself is considered enough to get you locked up. Aren’t you that cult leader?” Eddie jumped and you snorted. “Senses like a cobra.”

“Shut up,” Eddie said, laughing with you and pulling you into his arms.

You poked his cheek, pressing a small kiss to the side of his neck for good measure. “What are you concentrating so hard on?”

He smiled, arm not holding you going up into the air. “No more Eddie the Banished,” Eddie said, looking out at the field you’d spent your entire afternoon in. His expression looked determined – like he had something to prove. The comment hit too close to home and you turned to him.

“You’ll be careful, right?” You asked.

“So, I don’t use Dustin as bait?”

“Hey,” you said, grabbing Eddie’s wrist. “I’m serious.”

“He’ll be fine, I got him. I promise-”

“Not Dustin, you,” huffing, you cupped his face and brought it down to yours. “I know you and I know you think all you do is run but you don’t. Don’t scoff at me, I’m serious. I saw you, you know, defend Gareth and Liam from Billy. I know you collect your sheep so you can keep them safe within the herd. I see you stand up to people who think you’re not anything more than what they see at first. You are not a coward. Okay?”

“Princess…”

“Eddie Munson,” you said, tone deadly, “I love you. You said yesterday, on the lake – before I jumped in after Steve that you’d jump in after me because you want to marry me right? I don’t care if it was a joke or desperation to keep me with you. I’m serious when I say that I love you and I’ve loved you for a while now. You do not get to leave me trying to be what you think is a hero, okay?”

His eyes danced across your face before he nodded. “I love you too.”

Desperation clawed at your chest. This wasn’t fair – hadn’t you all been through enough? "Then don't go where I can't follow, okay?" You dropped your forehead to his and closed your eyes.

“I promise,” he said quietly, inhaling deeply. “It’s a little embarrassing how into me you are, you know.”

Laughing wetly, your eyes tearing up as you tried hard not to think that this was the last moment you’d have with him. “I don’t care, I’ll tell this entire fucking town how gone I am on you. What I feel for you, it’s bigger than anyone here.”

Surprised at your tone, his smile turned into something softer – something tangible. “I love you, Princess Peach. More than anyone or anything.”

“Prove it,” you whispered, kissing his jaw gently, “come back to me.”

“We’re up,” Lucas said, throwing open the RV door and shooting everyone a nervous smile. “Kick his ass.”

“Don’t miss,” Max added, with a nervous smile before disappearing after him. Erica rolled her eyes and just sauntered out. You wanted to be like her when you grew up.

“Watch over my brother,” you said fiercely. “You get him out even if you have to knock him out. He needs to survive, Harrington.”

You turned to Dustin who was pouting. “You make sure Eddie makes it out. You’re in charge.”

“Hey!” Eddie protested

You looked to Dustin, eyes on his. “If you die, I’ll fucking kill you both. Okay? Like Freddy Krueger shit.”

“Isn’t she hot when she gets mad?” Eddie asked. At everyone’s groan, you laughed – knowing that was what he was aiming for.

With one last glance at everyone, you shared a knowing look with Nancy. Nodding, you hopped out the trailer.

“Hey Henderson,” Eddie said, hand on the handle, “keep an eye on things here, yeah?”

You knew what he wasn’t saying. Be safe, don’t do anything stupid. If you feel him, play the music.

“See you?” You said, nodding. The door shut and you watched half your makeshift family drive off and disappear.

Hauling your bag up your shoulder better, you turned to the decrepit house and sighed. “Why is it never like a cute one story or a cottage? It’s always gotta be a fucking falling apart haunted house.”

“I’ll let the universe know you’d like a cute little one-story house next time,” Max said, “maybe they’ll accommodate us.”

Snorting, you clutched your lantern tightly and double checking the headphones were still around your neck. “Alright kids,” you said, inhaling sharply, “let’s lay the trap.”

They all nodded, fierce looking expression on their faces and you took the first step forward.

#eddie munson x reader #eddie munson x you #eddie munson

[lavenderclearwater]

Baby, It's Cold Outside

Gotham is snowed in tonight. Unlike the other times, it is because of weather and not a mentally ill popsicle with a LED cold gun. All of the Bat family ended up going to Wayne Manor to wait it out and enjoy their little break from being vigilantes. When the power went out, most of them ran off to the small movie theater in the house, taking every blanket and pillow with them to escape the cold and keep themselves entertained. Bruce is sitting in front of the fire and drinking some tea Alfred made before joining the others.

It had been a while since he had this much free time, and he would spend it reading quietly in his living room. Everything was going fine until he heard the sound of someone coming in from the window. Only one person had any reason to be here that could also fly.

"Superman."

"Hi, Bruce," Clark waved and stood next to the chair he was sitting on.

"What do you need?" he asked, immediately assuming this had to do with his alternate identity.

"I didn't come here because I need something."

"Then why did you come here?"

"I just heard that all the power is out in Gotham, so I thought I would check in with you to see how you're doing," he said with his usual wholesome smile on his face.

"You could have achieved that with a phone call," he told him, not believing for a second that was all he came for.

"I was bored and figured that you were too since you're stuck inside like everyone else."

Before Bruce could come up with a response, he sneezed. Damn the cold.

"Are you sick?"

"It's just one sneeze, Clark. I'm fine."

"You should really bundle up. The snow not letting up, and the power won't be coming back on for a while."

"I've dealt with worse before."

He couldn't argue with that. They've both been through worse together.

"Still, it wouldn't be good if the Batman came down with a cold." He innocently placed his hand on Bruce's shoulder; he was always a touchy guy, not expecting to find out that he was as cold as ice. "You're freezing!"

"I am not," he huffed, lying but unwilling to admit that he was cold.

"Bruce, you're nearly hypothermic at this point. Why didn't you grab a blanket or a jacket or something?"

"I didn't feel like it."

Clark rolled his eyes and reached behind to take his cape off, "Here. use this."

"Clar-" he was cut off when the hero, not one to take no for an answer, threw his cape on top of him.

It was surprisingly soft and warm, briefly making him wonder how warm its owner's body was to make it that way.

"Thank you."

"No problem. Besides, I would have no one else to talk to if you froze to death.

He laughed, a little shocked from his little slip from his usual boy scout persona.

They talked a bit, nothing of importance. Stuff like recent events and what snacks they need to restock at the Watchtower. Bruce noticed him shiver a couple of times, though he was clearly trying to hide it, before deciding to do something about it.

"Get over here."

"What?"

"Obviously, you're cold too, so we might as well combine our body heat to keep ourselves warm."

Thankfully, he didn't require any more explanation and listened to him. He sat right next to him; the chair was big enough to hold them both but still small enough where they were pressed up against each other. Just like his cape, he was warm. The man was practically a living heater. It is a mystery how he got cold in the first place. Clark's face flushed when he noticed him staring and avoided eye contact with him. Bruce didn't really care for his farm boy's prudishness and went back to reading his book from earlier.

This was fine, sure, they had never been this close for this long, but there was no need to make this out to be more than what it was. They were cold and using one another to warm up (not like that). He avoided any similar thoughts on the matter and focused on his book, hoping that the power would come on soon and that the hot body next to him would not distract him any further.

Alfred found them on the chair several hours later, fast asleep. He chose not to disturb them and tended to the fire before them. When they eventually did wake up, both made a silent agreement to never talk about it. That was until about a week later when Bruce discovered that it was impossible for Clark to feel cold due to his Kryptonian biology and asked him out during his next social call.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/36889189

#DCU #Fanfiction #Clark Kent/Bruce Wayne #Fluff #Humor #Crack #SuperBat #AO3

[tenebraevesper]

Sonic Cyber Revolution, Entry 25: For Your Sake

''Certainly, if you now look back on it, even with an immensely sad everyday life. At that moment, that night, that instant, the two of us were always together. The sadness that has passed us both will remain forever in our hearts, like the time we met each other, if we are a little bit more honest. I can keep on living, if with you. I will keep on living, for your sake! But I don't know if I can become the way that you wish me to be…''

– Midori no Hibi by Sonic X

xXxXxXx

Sonic gritted his teeth, doing a backflip to avoid a leg sweep from Metal Sonic, only to leap to the side to avoid a punch, which splintered the tree bark behind him. Sonic took a moment to breathe, but Metal Sonic immediately turned to him and switched over to firing energy blasts at Sonic. Sonic dashed around them, with the energy blasts leaving small craters in the ground.

''Geez! Couldn't you ease up on the collateral damage?'' Sonic asked, trying to keep the battle lighthearted. Despite his smirk, he had to note that Metal Sonic was somehow much faster and stronger than before. He took a starting position and spin dashed right into his metallic counterpart. However, Metal Sonic managed to block it with his Black Shield, grabbing Sonic by his peach fur and slamming him into the ground. Sonic cried out in pain, squinting at Metal Sonic, who held up his clawed hand, ready to finish him off. His ears twitched as he heard a beeping noise coming from Metal Sonic, and he chuckled nervously.

''Dude… I still cannot understand you.''

Metal Sonic's eyes glowed red, clearly being angry that his attempts at gloating to Sonic were undermined by his rival not understanding a thing of what he said.

''Metal said that it's quite pathetic that you went down so easily,'' Ferra said, hovering above the two on her hoverboard. ''He thinks that a rival of his should do better than this.''

''Thanks for the translation,'' Sonic responded dryly.

''You're welcome,'' Ferra replied sincerely, a smug smirk on her lips. However, both she and Metal Sonic were surprised by the confident smile Sonic had shown.

''Nevertheless, I'm not down for the count yet,'' Sonic responded, kicking Metal Sonic into the chest. Metal Sonic staggered back, but quickly prepared for another energy blast, only to get kicked in the back by another figure.

''What?'' Ferra was surprised to suddenly see Rouge flying up, with Metal Sonic turning towards her furiously, his red eyes glowing. Rouge, on the other hand, appeared to be more amused by the situation.

''My, my, you are quite popular Big Blue,'' Rouge told Sonic as he got up.

''What are you doing here Rouge?'' Sonic asked her. ''Did you decide to back me up?''

''Oh, I'm on a mission of my own,'' Rouge replied, pointing with her thumb behind her. ''Your back-up is over there.''

''Sonic!''

''Lucas!'' Sonic was relieved to see his partner flying into the area on his hoverboard. Ferra frowned, gritting her teeth, wondering how Lucas and Rouge had managed to find them even though they had a jammer that prevented Sonic from calling his friends. She turned to Metal Sonic, who had clenched his fist.

'I want to go all out.'

''I had figured the initial battle wouldn't satisfy you,'' Ferra muttered, smiling as she turned towards Lucas and Sonic. However, before she could continue, she suddenly felt a tug at her hair, forcing her to look up and see Rouge holding her AR Visor. ''Hey! Give it back!''

''I'm sorry, honey, but I'm holding this for inspection,'' Rouge replied, with Metal Sonic suddenly charging at her, only to get knocked out of the air by Sonic. Rouge wasn't fazed by this a bit, opening a holographic screen to check through the data held within the AR Visor. The reason she did this was because of a conversation she had earlier with Lucas as they raced towards where Sonic was.

''I know that Dr. Eggman is behind this, considering how Badniks are attacking our team and Sonic had been snatched away by Metal Sonic. However, Touka and Shadow being suddenly kidnapped doesn't make any sense. I don't think Eggman would be behind that,'' Lucas told Rouge. ''However, if those shadow-like figures are what I think they are and if they're working together with the Badniks, then that's our only clue to finding them, as neither Touka nor Shadow have their trackers active.''

''So, you think Metal Sonic's partner might really have any information regarding their whereabouts?'' Rouge asked.

''I honestly don't know, but I am going to follow my gut feeling. I'm definitely not gonna stop until I know that all of my friends are safe,'' Lucas replied. Rouge was a quite amazed by his tenacity, the look of surprise being quickly replaced by a soft grin.

''You and your friends are sure interesting. I'm glad I decided to stick around.'' Lucas was surprised by her response, with Rouge flying ahead of him.

While Lucas and Sonic are distracting the two, I can fulfill my part of the mission, Rouge thought to herself as she read through the recent messages on Ferra's AR Visor, ignoring the fight between Sonic and Metal Sonic below her. She almost immediately came across a message from someone named ''Toshiro'', showing her coordinates to something described as a remote Egg Base at the north of Neos City. '''Don't come here until Mephiles and I are done with Touka and Shadow. It will get messy.' Seems like Lucas' gut feeling was right.''

''Rouge, watch out!''

Rouge flew up to avoid an energy blast, startled by Sonic's warning. She saw Metal Sonic flying right towards her and threw the AR Visor at him, forcing him to stop to catch it, as she already transferred the coordinates to her own AR Visor, an eye-piece with a light blue lense.

''Good luck with the battle, Big Blue!'' Rouge called out to Sonic before flying away. The latter just gave her a thumbs up before confronting Metal Sonic again, who returned the AR Visor to Ferra. She fumed, wondering what Rouge was up to, but given how now Lucas was here to assist Sonic, they had to focus on the current battle.

''I suppose we should just clean things up,'' Ferra replied, still being on her hoverboard, with Metal Sonic hovering next to her, both keeping a distance from Sonic. She extended her arm towards Metal Sonic, who reached for it. ''Chaos Surge!''

''Chaos Surge!''

Lucas and Sonic immediately responded to Ferra and Metal Sonic's move. They both knew that this would happen, and now Sonic, surrounded by neon blue energy was staring down at Metal Sonic, who was surrounded by neon dark blue energy crackling around him like electricity, his red eyes now glowing a dark crimson. They moved, vanishing from their respective spots and clashing mid-air, Sonic's foot being caught by Metal Sonic's claws, the energy sparking between them. Metal Sonic attempted to punch Sonic, but the latter curled into ball, feeling Metal Sonic's fist connect with his spines, but was shielded from the damage.

He landed on the ground, only for Metal Sonic to suddenly appear right in front of him, going for another punch, with Sonic spin-dashing right into Metal Sonic, knocking him back. Before he could make another move, Metal Sonic suddenly fired a bunch of energy blasts faster than one could even register, causing explosions all around the field. However, much to his shock, a blue blur emerged out of the smoke, hitting Metal Sonic at full speed. He managed to remain in the air, but Sonic followed it up with a homing attack, smashing Metal Sonic right into the ground.

He leapt back, placing his hand over his chest and feeling his heart racing. His breath was shallow, having to strain himself to handle Metal Sonic and using all of his power to actually land a hit on him. Still, he smirked as he saw Metal Sonic get up, whose red eyes flashed as he crackled with energy and glared at Sonic.

''Not bad, Metal, not bad.''

xXx

Tomoe Sakamoto took a deep breath, enjoying the soft breeze, her brown eyes closed as she listened to the rustling of the leaves and felt the warm sunlight on her pale skin. She was sitting in a wheel-chair, wearing a light blue sundress with a white blanket covering the lower half of her body. Moving around had become quite difficult for her in the past months, as her illness had spread and weakened her. She yearned to spend as much time outside as possible, especially in such pleasant weather and enjoy the fresh air, but she knew that she had to return to the safety of the Codex Research Facility for the sake of her own health.

Tomoe sighed as she thought about her condition. Since she was a young child, she had spent a lot of time in and out of hospitals, being always sick and the doctors could never figure out what exactly had ailed her. Eventually, her father made the discovery, but unfortunately, there wasn't any cure for her sickness. However, her father had promised her that he would do his best to find a cure… and he had succeeded. Although, it wasn't really the cure Tomoe had expected. She lowered her head, opening her eyes as she thought about the conversation she had with her father.

''I'm so sorry, sweetheart, but unfortunately, your body is just not strong enough to recover on its own, even if I had a reliable cure. However, the kind of ''cure'' I have is more than enough. You'll be finally be able to walk again and go outside on your own, without any assistance,'' Hiroshi Sakamoto told her. Tomoe was silent for a moment.

''H-How long is it going to take until...?''

''Only a couple of weeks more. Then, everything will be over.''

''Will it really be?'' Tomoe muttered. Despite the assurances, she felt there was still a lot of information missing. While her father was transparent regarding the ''cure'', she still felt a pit in her stomach whenever she thought about it. She knew that she was dying, despite her father trying to avoid discussing this topic whenever she initiated a conversation, and she wanted to live, but oftentimes, the idea of a death haunted her mind. If this ''cure'' failed, she hoped that death would be painless, like drifting off to sleep.

''Tomoe!''

Tomoe let out a sigh as she heard her father calling for her. She may have been outside for maybe 10 or 15 minutes, far shorter than usual. She turned her head around, seeing her father approaching her and grabbing the handles of her wheelchair.

''How do you feel?'' Sakamoto asked her.

''Tired…'' Tomoe murmured. She always felt tired, her legs being paralyzed and suffering from muscle atrophy. ''Couldn't I stay outside for a bit longer? Please, Daddy?''

''I'm sorry, but you have to go to your check-up,'' Sakamoto replied. A shadow fell over Tomoe's face as the green grass and trees and warm sunlight was replaced with the coldness and sterility of the Codex Research Facility. She knew that she had to stay inside for her own health, but she hated it. Being inside made her feel more sick than she already was. She wanted to be outside, able to go wherever she wanted rather than cooped up in her room. She wanted to experience a normal life, but until she finally was cured, that would be impossible. She took a deep breath, feeling a piercing sensation in her chest, but did her best to ignore it. It wasn't the kind of pain she usually felt when she had trouble breathing. Instead, it was this suffocating feeling, as if someone placed a heavy stone on her chest. She gasped, trembling as a tear flowed down her cheek.

I want this to end.

''Tomoe…'' Sakamoto gently called for his daughter, but the response he got were quiet sobs. He didn't say anything as he silently wheeled her towards the med bay, feeling devastated. He could only observe as his daughter wasted away, her skin sallow and dark rings under her eyes. Her body was failing her, acting like a prison and he knew just in how much pain she was, even if she tried not to show it.

Please, just stay patient for a little longer. Soon, you will have a new body.

xXx

''Tomoe?'' Sakamoto stared at the girl before him, his daughter, being shocked not only by her appearance, but also by the look of confusion and disgust on her expression. ''You're here… You're alive… It worked!''

''Wh-What are you talking about?'' 'Tomoe' asked, her tone being distrustful and too formal. Sakamoto raised an eyebrow. His daughter never addressed him like this.

''Have you forgotten? I gave you a new, better body after your illness almost killed you,'' Sakamoto explained. 'Tomoe' shook his head, trembling. Rather than relief, she was horrified. ''Tomoe, what is wrong-''

''Don't call her that!''

Sakamoto was stunned when a black and red hedgehog growled at him, standing protectively in front of 'Tomoe'. It took Sakamoto a moment to recognize him, but he then realized this hedgehog was the result of Project Shadow; Subject S-2005, as he called him. Sakamoto's eyes flicked back towards 'Tomoe', the gears in his head turning as it slowly dawned upon him. He glared at the hedgehog, now remembering what had happened all those years ago.

''You! You ruined everything because of your silly outburst!'' Sakamoto growled, pure hatred in his eyes. Shadow just glared back at his creator.

''You owe us answers,'' he responded in a cold and demanding tone, with the teenage girl behind him speaking up, ''Why are you calling me Tomoe?''

Sakamoto gritted his teeth. How foolish of him to mistake this inferior copy for his daughter! Of course, he hadn't seen Touka in ages, so it was no surprise. The resemblance was uncanny… and it disgusted him.

''I suppose I cannot hide it anymore. I have lost everything, after all,'' Sakamoto grumbled. Toshiro and Mephiles, who were standing behind him, exchanged smirks, clearly looking forward to this conversation. ''More than 10 years ago, I had a daughter, Tomoe, who was my pride and joy. Unfortunately, she suffered from an illness that caused her body to deteriorate, becoming a prison for her mind. She was wasting away, confined to a wheelchair, and there was no cure for this illness, leading to a slow and painful death.''

Sakamoto shuddered at the memory of his daughter lying in bed, already at death's door. ''I had to find a way to save her, and my path led me to eventually working at the Codex Research Facility, who provided me with all the materials I needed to find a cure. Since there was no vaccine nor surgery that could cure her, in my desperation, I started to eventually construct an artificial body for her, one that resembled her old body and was genetically the same, except I added special modificiations to it so she wouldn't suffer from any kind of illness ever again.''

Touka felt a cold chill flowing down her spine as she listened to Sakamoto's explanation, her heart-beat increasing and her breath shallow. She felt numb, unable to say anything as she just stared at the Professor's eyes, now cold and dead as he lost himself in his memories.

''Once the artificial body had been finished, all that was left to do was to use the technology we had in mind to digitize Tomoe's memories and consciousness and transfer it to her new body while her old one perished on the surgery table,'' Sakamoto continued in a cold tone.

''Y-You mean…'' Touka trembled, her eyes wide in horror as she realized what this meant for her.

''When this 'body' awakened for the first time after the surgery, I had questioned it to see if it was successful. To my disappointed, the person before me wasn't my beloved Tomoe…''

Touka was now shaking, feeling cold. Her eyes were wide and her irises have shrunk. She remembered that moment vividly, having awoken and seeing Sakamoto sitting by her bedside, asking her questions about whether she knew who she was and who he was.

''N-No… I don't…'' she responded, staring at the man before her, the glint of hope now replaced with disappointment. She didn't understand why, but the man looked furious, trying to hide his rage under a cold mask. ''D-Do you know who I am?''

The man was at first hesitant to answer, but then responded, ''Your name is To-'' He stopped, as if having second thoughts, then continued, ''Touka. Your name is Touka, and you'll be staying at this facility for the foreseeable future.''

''I was shocked to see that the artificial body had gained a sapience of its own,'' Sakamoto continued, snapping Touka out of her memory. ''I believed that this lack of memory was only temporary and that Tomoe's true self would eventually resurface, but she never did. Instead, I was stuck with a failed project and a dead daughter.'' He frowned, growling, ''I should've terminated you when I had the chance!''

Touka recoiled as the man yelled at her, unable to respond. Her legs felt weak and she could barely comprehend what was going on. Toshiro's words echoed in her mind, ''You are not real. Your whole existence is a mere accident. Any memories you might have of a previous life are completely fake.''

''I'm not… real…'' Touka muttered quietly to herself in shock, feeling a wave of cold overwhelming her. She wanted to scream, but she was paralyzed, unable to move at all.

''If you really wanted to kill off Touka because she was a failed project, why did you keep her around?'' Shadow suddenly asked, drawing everyone's attention. He glared at his creator, hands balled in fists, completely enraged by what he just heard. However, he wasn't going to walk away without all the answers. Sakamoto hummed, sounding too serene for his comfort.

''The reason for that was that the government branch I worked for took note of my the artificial body and my failed project, now codenamed 'Touka'. We discovered that she had an unusually high amount of BioEnergy, probably because of all the modifications done to her body, and they wanted me to use her in tandem with another research focusing on the Irregulars and their connection to BioEnergy, with the eventual goal being to turn her into a weapon. This is how Project Shadow came around, but unfortunately, I had no way of creating an artificial Irregular,'' Sakamoto explained.

''Considering how I exist, you have clearly found a way to make it work,'' Shadow replied in a dry tone.

''Indeed. I had the aid of another contributor, who had provided me with the necessary data and process of creation,'' Sakamoto responded.

''Who is it?'' Shadow asked in a demanding tone. Sakamoto remained silent, hands crossed on his back as he observed the two, as if debating whether he should tell them or not.

''This person had told me to call them Saiba. Whether it is their real name or a pseudonym, I don't know and I believe that it doesn't matter,'' he said, tapping on his glasses which also doubled as an AR Visor. ''I will finish what I had begun. Your existence has come to an end.''

To Shadow's surprise, several Egg Pawns sporting lances entered the room. He knew that he could take them out, being more worried about Mephiles, but when he turned to Touka for support, he realized that she was in pain. She was shaking, eyes screwed shut and hands pressed against her temples, not even registering the danger they were in.

''No… I don't wanna… I'm not…''

Shadow realized that the situation was more dire than he thought at first, turning to his head to the Egg Pawns who charged at them. ''Chaos Spear!''

The spear of energy collided with the Badniks, creating an opening, with Shadow grabbing Touka's arm, dragging her along as they ran past them. Sakamoto frowned as he realized that the two escaped, then glared at Toshiro and Mephiles.

''What are you waiting for? Go after them!'' he yelled at the two. Toshiro and Mephiles simply exchanged glances, as if holding a conversation in their heads, with Toshiro shaking his head, much to Mephiles' clear disappointment. Instead, they headed outside, following the Egg Paws as the hunted down Shadow and Touka.

''You know, we could've been done with this by now,'' Mephiles told Toshiro.

''I thought you wanted to traumatize them as much as possible,'' Toshiro responded. Mephiles snorted in amusement at his comment, with Toshiro adding, ''There is still more that we can do.''

''I suppose you're right.''

xXx

Lucas could barely follow the battle between Sonic and Metal, as they entered hypersonic speed, only hearing the sound of clashing and seeing sparks of neon blue energy before they vanished and clashed again. He could feel his own BioEnergy being drained much faster than before, as Sonic fought Metal Sonic with all his might. Lucas hated that he couldn't help much here, but he understood that he'd be in Sonic's way and the last thing they needed is him being hit by Metal Sonic. He had to wonder how Ferra was doing, though, as she too probably felt exhausted from allowing Metal Sonic to use so much BioEnergy.

Sonic gritted his teeth as Metal Sonic charged up for another energy blast, with Sonic preparing for the hit. However, it took him a moment to realize that the blast would be strong enough to also affect Lucas. ''Watch out!''

Sonic grabbed Lucas arm, quickly dragging him away just as Metal Sonic fired, the explosion leaving a huge crater where they stood just a moment earlier. Sonic and Lucas took a look back, with Sonic muttering, ''This was close.''

He looked up at Metal Sonic, who was charging up again, but when looking at Ferra, he could see that she was getting really tired, yet she wasn't letting go off the connection they created via Chaos Surge. He glanced at Lucas. ''How are you doing?''

''Using up more BioEnergy than I'm used to, but I guess that's necessary to take down Metal Sonic,'' Lucas replied, giving him a thumbs up. Sonic felt a sting of guilt, wondering if he should just de-power.

''We lost the advantage of the Chaos Surge, that's obvious,'' Sonic furrowed a brow, adding, ''Maybe I can tire him out.'' He and Lucas suddenly had to leap to the side when Metal Sonic fired another charged shot, but this time weaker than the previous one. Sonic then shouted at Metal Sonic, ''Hey, Metalhead! I bet you can't catch up to me even with the Chaos Surge boost!''

It was enough to get Metal Sonic to follow him, with Sonic speeding through the streets of Neos City, followed closely by Metal Sonic. Lucas, meanwhile, turned towards Ferra, who was now on the ground, leaned against a tree, hand over her chest as the bursts of energy sparking around her body grew weaker.

''You're not going to last long if you continue like that,'' Lucas told her, with Ferra shooting a glare towards him.

''Don't worry, I can handle myself,'' she told him between breaths. ''I'm surprised you aren't trying to attack me.''

''We both know that this battle is between Sonic and Metal Sonic,'' Lucas responded calmly, folding his arms across his chest. Ferra just glared at him, but then the energy surrounding her vanished, severing her connection with Metal Sonic. She gasped, feeling exhausted, eyes widening in worry as she realized Metal Sonic didn't have her support anymore. However, she did feel a sense of relief when Lucas also stopped supplying Sonic with his own BioEnergy.

''Looks it this fight really is between just Metal and Sonic,'' she responded.

xXx

Sonic was racing through the streets, feeling more in his element in the bigger space, even though he had to avoid crashing into cars and pedestrians while Metal Sonic attempted to blast him again. He reached an footbridge, running up to it and using it to spin dash right into Metal Sonic, knocking him into a building, much to the surprise of the pedestrians. He took a deep breath, grinning as Metal Sonic de-powered, only to feel the Chaos Energy leaving him as well. ''Oh, well… I guess we're back to the usual.''

Metal Sonic recovered a bit too quick for Sonic's comfort, flying right at him and kicking him onto the street. Sonic hit the ground hard, shaking his head and quickly rolling to the side when Metal Sonic punched the asphalt, now clearly frustrated that his counterpart wasn't going down as easy as he hoped he would. Sonic, meanwhile, realized that he needed a change of tactics if he wanted to take down Metal Sonic, only for Lucas' words to intrude his mind, ''Your strategy is literally run fast and spin-dash into your opponents.''

''Yeah, Lucas is right,'' Sonic grumbled, doing a one-hand backflip to avoid Metal Sonic's punch and kept dodging the latter's attack. However, something popped in his mind. ''But, maybe, that's what I'm supposed to do?''

Sonic dodged another swipe coming from Metal Sonic, kicking his metallic counterpart in the chest, causing him to stumble back. To Metal Sonic's surprise, Sonic started to run once again and he quickly followed his counterpart. Sonic then focused, running as fast as he could, his heart racing and his surroundings being slightly distorted. Suddenly, a blue projectile-shaped energy shield appearing around him, with Sonic knowing that this was it. Taking a sharp turn, he spin dashed right into Metal Sonic, knocking him into the street, cracking the asphalt. Sonic came to a stop, taking a deep breath as he observed his metallic counterpart. The energy shield vanished and he realized that this time, Metal Sonic wasn't getting up. He looked at himself, his hands slightly shaking, as he wondered what he just did. It felt similar to Chaos Surge, but it was something he himself generated. It was as if he unlocked another level of his speed, but it also drained him of energy.

''I'm just glad this is finally over,'' Sonic sighed in relief.

''That's what you think, rodent!''

Sonic heard cries of surprise, followed by the sound of engines and turned around, stunned to see Dr. Eggman flying an aircraft of some sorts. The aircraft resembled a fighter, having drills on each side and a large rocket thruster on the rear. Sonic's jaw dropped, his expression screaming 'Are you kidding me?!'. He clearly wasn't in the mood to also deal with Eggman as well. Dr. Eggman, meanwhile, laughed in glee.

''Ohohoho, I see that you didn't expect me to appear! What do you think of the Egg Hornet? Quite an intimidating aircraft, isn't it?'' he said. Sonic just rolled his eyes.

''I'm surprised that you decided to make a live appearance, Egghead,'' he replied. Eggman ignored the nickname, grinning.

''I was just taking the opportunity that Metal Sonic and Ferra presented me on a silver platter. Not only are you exhausted from your battle with Metal Sonic, you cannot use Chaos Surge, and your friends are nowhere in vicinity to help you. You're roadkill!'' Dr. Eggman was lording over Sonic, who tried to keep his usual cocky demeanor.

''Is that all, Egghead? I'm getting bored here,'' Sonic responded, grinning. However, he knew that Eggman was right. He was exhausted from the battle and his new ability drained his energy further. However, he wasn't going down without a fight. Eggman's eyes narrowed, but he kept the smug smirk.

''As you wish.''

xXx

Shadow dragged Touka into a room, slamming the door behind them and hoping that the Egg Pawns hadn't noticed where they ran to. He spotted a bed in the corner, along with a dresser, figuring that this was where Sakamoto was sleeping. Taking a deep breath, he turned around.

''Touka, we have to… Touka?''

Shadow stopped, staring at Touka as she was sitting on the ground, back leaned against the wall, head sunk and arms hugging her knees as she stared ahead blankly, her eyes having no life in them. Shadow observed her solemnly, feeling a constricting sensation in his chest. He tried to push it back as he contemplated on what to do. His ears suddenly twitched as he heard stomping outside, and he stared at the door, fully alert and waiting for the Badniks to break in. However, to his relief, they just walked past the room. He turned back to Touka, who still stared ahead with that blank look.

''Touka…''

''I'm not…'' Touka whispered, screwing her eyes shut and clamping her hands over her ears, pressing tightly against her head as if trying to drown whatever voice was inside her head, sneering at her gleefully and relishing in her pain.

''…'' Shadow once again felt the constricting sensation in his chest, this time stronger. He knew he had more pressing matters, like finding a way out of this place, maybe caving in Mephiles' smug face with a well-placed punch, but at the moment, he knew that he needed to help Touka. He had never seen her act like this, so unresponsive. Even if Touka refused to talk to anyone else, she would still talk to him. But, now, she only resembled a shell of her former self, and Shadow knew that it was all because of what Sakamoto had said. ''Touka…''

He gently touched her shoulder, but she didn't react. Shadow sighed, looking around the room as if hoping that there was something that he could help him. He had to be honest with himself, he was never good at emotional comfort and support. It was always the other way around, with Touka being the one to comfort him. She was the one who had greater emotional strength and stability, and Shadow admired her for being able to bounce back from almost anything. He wished that he could do the same she did for him.

Suddenly, the door to the room opened, Shadow preparing to throw a Chaos Spear at the intruder. He didn't follow through with it, as the identity of the intruder genuinely surprised him.

''Rouge?'' Shadow's eyes widened in surprise, only to narrow as Chaos energy crackled in his hand. ''What are you doing here?!''

''Hey, hey, easy there, dear, I'm here on a mission.'' Rouge held up her hands in defensive manner, her tone assuring. ''Your friends asked me for help, so I went to find you.''

Friends? Shadow raised an eyebrow, his first instinct being to correct Rouge on Team Neos being his teammates, not friends, but he had more pressing matters to deal with. ''How did you find us?''

''One of Eggman's Enforcers had the coordinates for an Egg Base at the north of Neos City and I followed them as quickly as I could. What happened here?'' Rouge asked, looking at Touka, who didn't seem to even register Rouge's presence, looking almost catatonic. Shadow noted the look of pity she gave Touka, only to turn to the ebony hedgehog for answers. Shadow shook his head, with Rouge realizing he wasn't going to explain anything. She sighed, pressing her hand against her temple. ''Fine… I'm here, we need to get out. This place is crawling with robots and your kidnappers are searching for you. Your friends are currently occupied with the Doctor's forces, so they won't be be here anytime soon. Do you have a plan?''

Shadow still glared at her, clearly distrustful of her, and Rouge couldn't blame him. After all, she didn't leave a good impression on him or his friends. But then, to her surprise, Shadow spoke, ''I can Chaos Control Touka and I out of this place, but you will have to find your own way out.'' He furrowed a brow. ''I'd rather leave this place in ashes, though.''

''Chaos Control?'' Rouge rose an eyebrow. Shadow didn't answer, with her just shrugging, figuring that he wouldn't be explaining things that didn't concern her. Instead, Shadow charged up with Chaos energy. Since Rouge had told him that they were still at Neos City, he could warp himself and Touka outside safely. However, just as he attempted to perform it, nothing happened. The Chaos energy fizzled out between his fingertips, much to Shadow's confusion.

''What happened?'' he muttered, snapping his fingers as he tried to charge up again. He then gritted his teeth, fangs visible, as he realized what was going on. ''He's blocking my Chaos Control!''

''Wait, who is… hey, wait!'' Rouge groaned as Shadow walked up to the door, poking his head into the hallway to see whether the air was clear. It was, and he glanced back at Touka, feeling a sting of guilt regarding what he was about to do. He didn't want to leave her alone, but he had to find the source of what was blocking his powers. He doubted anyone would search for her in this room.

Rouge, who was still trying to figure out what Shadow was planning, followed him. She believed that this would be an easy mission of breaking them out, but things really took an unexpected turn. It was kind of… exciting. Both stopped when they heard the sounds of footsteps, peering into the next hallway. It were a pair of Egg Pawns, with Shadow making a split decision and spin dashing into one of them, shattering it. He was about turn towards the other, only to be surprised when Rouge kicked the other robot, knocking it down. Shadow gave her a questioning look, with Rouge just shrugging.

''We're both stuck here. Better work together, right?'' She smiled, placing a hand on her hip. Shadow just rolled his eyes and kept walking.

''There is a control room further down the hallway,'' he told her. Rouge nodded in response, glad to get an answer out of the dark hedgehog. They quickly arrived back at the control room, which was surprisingly empty. Both stared at the room suspiciously, exchanging glances as they assumed that it might be a trap.

''I hate to say it, but we will have to go inside, trap or not,'' Rouge told him. Shadow had to agree and they walked inside, moving quickly to the computer. Just as he assumed, there was some kind of weird counter-wave blocking out his Chaos Control. Considering how much time the Professor spent time studying him, it wouldn't be too surprising that he would also figure a way to block his powers. However, just as Shadow was about to turn it off, the door behind them slammed open and Egg Pawns poured in.

Shadow and Rouge turned towards them, with Rouge about to fight, only for Shadow to extend her hand to stop her. ''Turn the counter-wave off. I'll cover you.''

''Roger that,'' Rouge saluted, turning to the computer and quickly getting to work. Shadow, meanwhile, smashed through the Badniks. He could still use his Chaos Spear and Chaos Blast, so the fight was rather easy… or at least, it was supposed to be. Shadow gritted his teeth as more Egg Pawns entered the room, forcing him to dodge the laser blasts they fired at him, overwhelming him with their sheer numbers. To make things worse, Sakamoto followed them inside, clearly outraged. However, Shadow was to busy fighting the Badniks to pay attention to the Professor.

''No matter what, you just refuse to quit making things worse for yourself,'' Sakamoto commented, venom in his voice as Shadow found himself surrounded by Egg Pawns. He punched one, but another swung the lance, hitting Shadow in the stomach, causing him to recoil in pain. Sakamoto smirked, clearly enjoying the sight of Shadow falling on one knee, holding onto his stomach. Rouge glanced back, making a move as if wanting to help, but before either could make a move, another figure ran inside.

''Stop it!''

To Shadow's shock, Touka stood in front of him, arms outstretched in a protective gesture as she faced Sakamoto. She was wearing a light blue sundress with short puff sleeves over her regular outfit, making Shadow wonder where she got it, only to realize a moment later that he saw that outfit somewhere before.

''T-Tomoe…'' Sakamoto stuttered, staring at the teenager in front of him in complete and utter shock. 'Tomoe' clasped her hands in a prayer motion, giving Sakamoto a pleading look.

''Please, Daddy… Please, stop this,'' 'Tomoe' said, her voice quivering. ''Please, stop hurting people.''

''Tomoe, I…'' Sakamoto stepped forwards, with Shadow and Rouge noting how the Badniks stepped back, being relieved that at least they didn't have to worry about them. Rouge used the situation to finally de-activate the counter-wave and making sure it couldn't be used again, while Shadow stood up, glad to see that his Chaos Control ability was back. His attention turned back to Sakamoto and Touka, or rather Tomoe, suddenly feeling a pit in his stomach.

Something felt very wrong about this situation, and Shadow had to wonder whether Touka's mental breakdown resulted in her regaining Tomoe's memories and personality. He wasn't sure what to make of it, but he felt very uncomfortable by this situation.

''I'm so glad that you're back, Tomoe. I had been missing you so much, my dear,'' Sakamoto towards out, arms spread out to hug her. He was joyful, the spark returning in his tired eyes as he was only a step away from the person he loved the most. ''I- agh!''

Touka and Shadow's eyes widened in shock as Sakamoto suddenly stopped, his irises shrunk and blood flowing down the corner of his mouth. He tried to say something, but all that was heard was the sound gurgling as he sputtered more blood, then looked down. Crimson petals flew around as the flower of blood on his chest grew bigger, smearing Touka's sundress and leaving droplets on her face, as if someone took a brush and threw red paint at her. A sharp crystal, which had grown from the ground, pierced through Sakamoto's body, holding him in place. Life was leaving his eyes quickly.

''To-Tomoe…'' Sakamoto coughed up blood, trembling for a moment, before slumping over. His body was still in a standing position, held up by the crystal, like some sort of macabre statue.

Touka just stared at the man whom she once called her guardian, her irises now dots. Tears started flowing down her cheeks, turning red due to the blood smears. She was trembling, falling on her knees as she cried, sobbing uncontrollably. It was getting harder and harder to breathe. She couldn't handle it anymore. She didn't want to deal with this anymore. She hated being here. She hated Sakamoto for what he had done. She hated herself for who she was. Yet, she couldn't voice any of these thoughts. She cried and cried, but was unable to get it out; the silent scream.

Shadow felt like he was hit by a truck as his mind replayed the memory of what just happened. Sakamoto's blood dotted his black fur and quills, but he couldn't care less about his appearance. He was just as shocked by his creator's death as Touka was, feeling quite sick at the sight of his dead body. He stared at Touka, who was crying her heart out, too traumatized to respond in any other way. He then turned back to the figure behind Sakamoto, feeling a wave of rage overwhelming him.

Mephiles just sneered at him. ''That's all what the Professor was useful for.''

Shadow was about to murder Mephiles, but was stopped when Rouge grabbed his shoulder. She too was in complete shock and disbelief over what just happened, but managed to keep a clear head. ''We need to leave. Now!''

Shadow stared at her for a moment, realizing that she was right and that he couldn't let himself get lost in blind rage. He grabbed Rouge and Touka's arms, just drawing enough of her BioEnergy to allow him for a warp.

''Chaos Control!''

Mephiles just stared at the spot where Shadow, Rouge and Touka disappeared in a flash of cyan light, then waved with his hand, letting the crystals vanish and Sakamoto's body fall on the floor with a hard 'thump'.

''Pity,'' Toshiro muttered, walking into the room. Mephiles gave him a curious look.

''Don't tell me that you feel sorry for him. Admittedly, he was technically your father,'' he noted.

''He was my father just as much as he was Touka's. As you said, this was the only thing he was useful for,'' Toshiro replied. ''I suppose I should give my older sister some time to fully process this. It wouldn't be fun to fight her when she's catatonic.''

''Not to mention, Shadow losing all sense of reason. I wanted to mess with his mind just a bit more,'' Mephiles added, laughing sinisterly.

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#Sonic Cyber Revolution #sonic the hedgehog #shadow the hedgehog #rouge the bat #mephiles the dark #metal sonic #dr eggman #sonic adventure 2 #sonic the hedgehog 2006 #shadow the hedgehog 2005

[i-just-like-goats]

Felix x Reader

Summary: oh what you’d give just to see Felix smiling again

Warnings: suggestions of death. Some injury detail. Mentions of an aeroplane crash.

WC: 1.5k

Main Masterlist

Part 2

20 December 2021. The day Felix was meant to fly to Australia. He had initially declined the ticket, but you were adamant that he go see his family. You even had to bring up the fact that his family were expecting him for Felix to finally give in and accept the ticket.

You were at home preparing for your Christmas alone. Without Felix. As you put the last ornament on your Christmas tree, you braced yourself for Mrs Lee’s questions. But they never came. Instead of the texts greeting you and wondering why Felix came alone, they read:

“Y/N. Please call me”

“Y/N, it’s about Felix”

“His plane crash landed. We’re currently at the hospital, but we don’t know what’s going to happen”

Your eyes widened.

“Hello?” Mrs Lee sniffled.

“Mrs Lee. How are you? How’s Felix? Is there any update on his condition?”

“He’s being operated on right now,” a pause, “It’s to remove some of the metal that lodged into his body. He’s in critical condition,” Mrs Lee whispered the last sentence out.

Your heart broke at the sound of her weak and small voice.

“I’ll book a ticket right now. Take care Mrs Lee. I’ll see you in a few hours,”

You hung up then immediately started to pack a small suitcase with your essentials. With an anxious heart, you rushed to get to the airport as quickly as possible.

“Good evening ma’am. How can I help you?”

“When’s your earliest plane to Australia?”

“The next one is at ten thirty pm,”

“Are there any seats available?”

“There is one vacant seat in economy. Would you like to book it?”

“Yes please,”

She typed and clicked away for a few minutes as you anxiously fiddled with your sleeve.

“Thank you for choosing to fly with us today,”

The woman smiled and handed you your ticket. You went to check in and go through security checks. 

“Hi Mrs Lee. I’m currently at the airport waiting to board. My flight leaves at ten thirty, so I should be there in eight hours or so,”

“Alright Y/N. I’ll have Mr Lee pick you up,”

“It’s fine, I was just planning to grab a taxi. Please don’t trouble yourselves,”

“I insist, he needs to get out and distract himself for a bit,”

“Thank you Mrs Lee,”

“You’re welcome,”

Two hours went by in the waiting area in nervous silence. Once your plane was ready for boarding, you quickly walked onto the aeroplane. You yawned in exhaustion. The worry you felt fatigued you, so you slept. When you awoke, the plane was about to land. You got off the plane and went to collect your suitcase. You stepped out of the airport and saw a tired Mr Lee waving at you.

“Hello Y/N,”

“Hi Mr Lee, how’s Felix?”

“His surgery ended several hours ago, but now we’re just waiting to see if he wakes up,”

“I’m sure he will. We just need to have hope,”

“With you around, he’s sure to wake up. Come on, let’s go,”

You couldn’t meet Mr Lee’s eyes when he said that. You guessed Felix hadn’t told them prior to his flight and he obviously didn’t have the chance when he landed. The car ride was silent, which you found to be suffocating. Under normal circumstances, it would have been calming, but all it did was leave you with your thoughts. What if Felix didn’t make it? What if you never got to see his smile again? What if his last memory of you was you crying because of him? No, like you said, you needed to stay hopeful.

“We’re here,”

You nodded and got out of the car. Mr Lee led the way to Felix’s room as you trailed behind him, fearing for the state you would see Felix in. Mrs Lee and Felix’s two sisters sat around his bed, all with red eyes from crying. Your heart broke for them. They’ve known Felix the longest, while you only knew him for a fraction of those years these people have known him. Your pain could not compare to theirs.

Finally, you settled your eyes on Felix. A bruise decorated his forehead, as well as a few minor cuts, but other than that, he looked relatively peaceful. His expression was easy, even with the mask in the way, you could tell he was peaceful.

“Sit down Y/N. You’ve been standing there for several minutes.” Mrs Lee broke the silence.

You took the seat next to Olivia.

“How long are you staying?” She whispered.

“It was a last minute ticket, but my last vacation day is the fifth of January, so I can leave anytime before then,”

“Please stay. He needs you,”

You stiffened. They really didn’t know. But you didn’t want to add any more worries onto their shoulders.

“I’m not going to leave anytime soon,”

“Say Y/N. Why didn’t you come with Felix?” Rachel asked.

“I made a mistake booking the tickets, and Felix’s flight was full, so I had to come today instead,”

“Oh ok. At least you’re here now. And you’re safe,” she replied.

“Have you guys eaten?”

They shook their heads simultaneously.

“When was the last time you guys ate?”

“I’m not sure. I can’t remember,” Olivia said.

“Though now that you mention it, I am hungry,”

Rachel mused.

“You guys should go eat. I’ll stay here,”

“Are you sure?” Mr Lee asked.

“Yes. Go eat. You’re going to need your strength to get through these next few days,”

They left you alone with Felix. You took the seat closest to his bed and clasped his colder hand in yours. You didn’t utter anything for a while, just sat there silently with his hand in yours as you yearned for his eyes to blink open.

“I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. Please, Felix just wake up. Your family needs you. Wake up for them, please. Wake up, for me,”

To your disappointment, no reply came from him, not even the slightest movement, just the steady beep of the machine. The next few days passed just the same, with you rarely leaving Felix’s side and bargaining with the universe just to see him open his eyes again.

25 December 2021. Still, Felix’s eyes remained stubbornly closed. It was evening, and the Lees had temporarily left the hospital to buy some festive food. It was still Christmas after all.

“Merry Christmas Felix. My gift for you is still wrapped in my home, waiting to be opened, but you got hospitalised and I forgot it in my haste. I hope that’s alright with you,”

Tears formed in your eyes when the thought that your gift would never be opened if Felix didn’t make it. It had only been a few days, but still your hope dwindled.

“It’s my fault. It’s all my fault. I’m so sorry. If I hadn’t insisted that you go, we wouldn’t be in this situation. You wouldn’t be like this. I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m sorry.” you sobbed.

You were too blinded by your tears and too busy furiously wiping your tears away to notice Felix’s finger moving.

“It’s ok,” a voice rasped out, “It’s not your fault. I don’t blame you,”

You gasped and took a look at Felix’s body. There he was, almost the same, but his eyes were definitely open and his mouth was almost definitely curled in a smile.

“Felix?” You whispered.

“The one and only,”

“Felix, oh my gosh. I was so scared. I was so scared that you wouldn’t wake up,”

“There’s no need to worry anymore. I’m awake and I completely don’t mind that you left my gift in Korea. Though I am worried myself that I didn’t get you a gift at all, considering our- my misunderstanding,”

“This is already the best gift. Seeing you awake is the greatest gift. Merry Christmas Felix,”

“Merry Christmas Y/N,”

“You know, this whole experience has made me realise that I miss you. I miss our relationship. And the tears that I would shed every day made me realise that living without you in my life is just so hard,”

“Since I’ve given my gift, why don’t you give me yours by saying yes? Y/N, will you go on a date with me once I’m better?”

“Really? Are you sure?”

“What did I just say? Just say ‘yes’ and all will be right in the world. I still don’t deserve you or your forgiveness, but I’m willing to work for it, if you’ll let me,”

“Of course I’ll let you. I just said that I can’t live without you,”

“Good. Because I can’t live without you either,”

Felix’s family rushed back after you called and suddenly the once dreary hospital room was lively with chatter as the Lees embraced Felix. As his family smothered him with their bodies, you made eye contact with him as you walked back into the room with a coffee and he smiled. You smiled in return. Despite earlier events, this was probably your best Christmas with Felix. You both made up, he was alive and his family were there to celebrate with both of you. Your smile widened, you’ve forgiven Felix and your relationship is mending.

All was right in the world, just like Felix said.

A/N: I’m evil but I’m not that evil. That said, it’s finished! Thank you guys for reading this, it’s been a pleasure interacting with you guys and seeing your reactions.

#felix lee #lee felix #lee felix angst #lee felix x y/n #felix x reader #lee felix x reader #felix x y/n #skz felix x reader #skz felix #skz angst #skz x you #skz x y/n #skz x reader #stray kids #stray kids angst #stray kids x you #stray kids x reader #stray kids x y/n

[mxnkeydo]

so scarlet (it was maroon) ✧ sokeefe

✧ ship: Sophie x Keefe

✧ what to expect: it all went down went a book went soaring across the classroom but sophie never expects it to end the way it does. acrylic smeared on cheeks, pigment-stained clothes, and a whole keefe sencen later, maybe she never despised him as much as she thought she did.

✧ genre: romance, fluff, humor, sarcasm - enemies to lovers trope, human au, and a love triangle to torment you guys 😈

✧ word count: 899

✧ warnings: mild swearing

✧ link to masterlist

✧ link to chapter one

✧ link to chapter three

✧ A/N: hey guys!! check out chapter one if you haven’t already and i hope you like chapter two as well!

***

CHAPTER TWO

Sophie looked around the messy area, carefully dodging what looked like a week old sandwich on a china plate. Keefe’s room was incredibly messy—she shouldn’t have expected more—and it took all she had to prevent herself from sprinting out the room as fast as she could.

“Yeah,” Keefe replied. At Sophie’s grimace, he amended, “Well, not exactly.” Dropping his bag on his cluttered bed, he made his way to a wooden bookcase and began ramming into it with his shoulder.

“What are you doing?” Sophie asked as Keefe grunted, violently shoving himself against the bookcase. Slowly, surely, the it began to budge, revealing—

“A door?”

“Yep.” Keefe swung it open and gestured for her to enter. “Welcome to my secret lair.”

Sophie tentatively walked in, ducking under the small doorway. The first thing that hit her was the strong scent of old books, stacked up against a wall. An easel stood at the center of the room, showcasing an unfinished landscape; vibrant with lilacs, pinks, and little white sunflowers, it brightened up the place like a lightbulb. She was forced to admit; Keefe was a good artist. In a dark corner, a shelf held a variety of art supplies from acrylics to brushes to oil pastels. The dim light flickered every now and then, plunging Sophie into darkness and pulling her out again in a matter of seconds. And needless to say, Keefe’s little art area was also messy.

“You do your art in here? You can barely see in this place!” Sophie kicked a stray paintbrush from her path as she nearly tripped on it.

“Hey, don’t kick that! I’ve been looking for that one for a while now.” Keefe bent to pick it up and twirled it around in his fingers. “And the light switch is right next to you, you lunatic.”

“Just because I can’t see your face right now, I’m going to refrain from slapping it.” Sophie waved her hand in the air beside her until her fingers brushed against the switch. She flicked it on and immediately, a series of fairy lights illuminated the room like fireflies. Finally, she could see everything—the beanbags to her left; a desk to her right; and a gallery of breathtaking paintings hanging on the wall in front of her, ranging from cityscapes to portraits, all signed in fancy lettering: Sencen K.

“Yeah, I’m pretty talented, right?” Keefe stepped up and stood next to her, nudging her arm.

“Don’t let it get to your head,” Sophie retorted. “Let’s just get this over with.”

“Well, we’re learning to paint human features with watercolors in class, so we’ll start there.” Keefe beckoned her over to the fresh easel he set up, a brush in hand. “What do you wanna paint?”

Sophie shrugged.

“Oh, c’mon! There has to be something. How about this—close your eyes and think of someone you know, someone you love. What’s the first thing you notice about them?”

Her boyfriend’s handsome face appeared in her mind immediately, and she couldn’t resist smiling. Fitz Vacker’s face was all sharp lines and pretty features, and when he smiled? God, Sophie had to fight to keep herself from swooning. And don’t even get her started on his eyes, those teal-green eyes that had her hypnotized every time she looked into them…

“Foster? You there?”

Sophie startled, eyes flying open at the use of her last name. “Uh, their eyes.”

“Okay then, that’s where you start. Now grab a brush and follow my steps. First paint the outline very lightly…”

𖤓𖤓𖤓𖤓𖤓

At the end of their session, Sophie and Keefe stepped back to admire their work.

Actually, that’s what Keefe did as he looked at his thin black strokes, his lashes curved in the right way, the brown dots he speckled on the pupil. All Sophie could do was cringe at the abnormally-shaped eye she’d drawn.

“Is it supposed to look like that?” She asked.

“Look like what?” Keefe glanced over at her painting, eyebrows raising so high they seemed to hover above his head. “Oh. Uh, no. But now I get why Ms. Clarette wanted me to tutor you. Your eye looks like a deformed cucumber.” At Sophie’s seething glare, he innocently said, “No offense, of course.”

“You meant all the offense, and we both know it.”

“Damn, am I that transparent?” Sophie frowned in dismay as Keefe added, “Art takes time and practice, Foster. You’re not going to magically become da Vinci in one class.”

“I think this session says more about you as a teacher than me as an artist, don’t you think?”

“Honestly, you’re kind of a lost cause, Foster.” Keefe sent a pointed look at her watercolor eye, the corners of his lips turning up in a soft smile that silently seemed to make fun of her. Bright crimson patches bloomed on Sophie’s cheeks.

“I guess I’ll go now,” she said after a long, awkward pause. “See you tomorrow.”

“Awh, running back to me already? Am I that irresistible?”

“If anything, you’re the opposite.”

“Whatever you say, Foster.” He laughed through his nose and waved goodbye. Sophie picked up her bag and walked to the doorway, but she stopped halfway, turning with narrowed eyes.

“And since when were we on a last name basis, Sencen?”

“You tell me, Foster.”

“You’re not gonna stop, are you?”

“Now that I know you don’t like it? Never.”

#keefe sencen #kotlc keefe #sophie foster #sophie x keefe #team foster keefe #kotlc #kotlc sophie #kotlc fandom #so scarlet (it was maroon)

[binchansbiceps]

Can't Fight The Moonlight

Theme

Chapter 1: I Wonder

“We the jury find the defendant guilty on all charges” stated the male juror to speak for the collective 24. Immediately tears sprung from your eyes, terror running through your blood at what is going to happen to you. Panic rises and you find breathing difficult. Being told you're guilty on a mass murder charge that you didn’t commit will cause you to have a panic attack.

Trying to pull yourself together to listen to the judges verdict, takes a bit of a struggle. But when you do manage to, you hear the second worst verdict you could possibly hear. 

“3 life sentences and no chance of possible parole.” The judge declared and slammed her gavel down and with that sound, the world went black to you. 

Waking up to the hum of an engine you can’t help but question the scary dream you had of your older twin brother becoming a mass murder and you getting the blame for it because the police couldn’t see the few small strands of DNA that distinguished you and your brother on a cellular level.

When you go to move your arms to the side to help you sit up you feel a bracelet on each wrist and are unable to move them more then a few inches. Gasping as your eyes fly open and look down to see the bracelets were in fact handcuffs. 

Feeling another panic attack quickly rising, you scramble to look around you, seeing that you are the only one on the transport bus other than an officer at the front by the driver. Both of which ignore you and your panic attack.

Trying to ground yourself you look outside and see a park pass by. A memory of you and your brother playing there as kids flashes in your mind. 

Seeing friends' houses pass by and thinking of how they will get married one day and have children. Things you will never get to do anymore. 

All you could do was hope your parents and brother would do the right thing to get you out of this. Taking a deep breath in you tell yourself you just have to be strong till they do. 

Finally pulling up to a huge gated and guarded building you figure is the prison you will spend the rest of your life in, still in the low throes of a panic attack the cop walks over to you and grabs your cuffs forcing you to stand. Walking ahead of the officer and off the bus you see more officer guards waiting on the tarmac. 

“What the hell is this?” asked one as soon as the one on the bus with you stepped off.

“What do you mean this is your new prisoner” he said back gesturing to you. 

“That’s a woman, what is she doing here?” he snapped back.

“Look, all I know is this is where I'm supposed to bring her,” he said, grabbing a folder from the bus and handing it over to the pissed guard.

The guard took the folder checking it over before huffing “there has been a mistake but until we can transfer her she will have to stay here” he said rubbing the bridge of his nose. 

“A mistake?” the officer asked 

“This is an all men's prison not meant for woman she’s gonna be eaten alive in here” pissed guard said before giving you a good look over “especially a mousy thing like her won’t make it an hour in here i can tell you that” 

Hearing that made you shake even more in fear, more tears falling from your eyes. looking to the officer who brought you here, for him to do something but stood in shock when all he did was shrug and get back on the transport bus saying how he did his job and it wasn’t his problem. Before the doors closed and the bus drove away leaving you to where you were now sure would be your death if not surely to wish for it. 

“Alright let's get you settled in girly,” the pissed guard said. Putting his hand on your back and leading you into the prison. Passing by other guards who all looked confused as to why you were there, you were brought to a barred door. Taking out the key from your folder he unlocked your cuffs “so what are you in here for?” he asked. 

Rubbing your wrists you looked to him before sighing “my twin brother committed mass murder, got cut or shot or something left blood DNA everywhere and because we have just about the exact same DNA the police took me and said i did it, jury believed it and now i'm going to live the rest of my life in jail” you told him as he handed you a blanket and pillow. 

He nodded before sending the signal to open the door to take you into the ward you assumed you would be staying in. “Sorry to hear that, you seem like a good kid that wouldn't do that. I hope things get fixed for you” he told you. “The name is Namjoon. I'm the warden here, call for me if you need anything I'll let my staff know to get me right away” Namjoon told you as you walked up a flight of stairs. 

Turning to the left and walking down a bit you stop in front of an open cell. “Felix, you have a new roommate. Behave.” he said before turning and walking away leaving you to your new roommate. 

From the top bunk a man with Silver hair rolls over and does a quick glance at you before doing a double take, and sitting up to get a better look at you. “Uh you're a girl” he says with a slight australian accent, jumping down from the bunk. You just give him a nod to scared to say anything. “How the hell are you here?” he asked. 

“Long story, i'm still trying to process it myself” you told him not wanting to repeat it again after just telling the warden. Moving to the bottom bunk and placing the blanket and pillow there before taking a seat and moving back to curl into yourself. 

“Now I got to know,” he said, climbing onto your bunk and staring at you with curious eyes. 

Retelling your story again you pulled your knees to your chest and hid your face as more tears that you didn’t think you had left in you came to the surface to fall down your face. 

“So you are innocent, haven’t ever done anything wrong in your life?” he asked. You just nodded to him. 

“Man that’s fucked” he said looking out to the main space before looking back to you “don’t worry stick by my side and i’ll keep you safe here, most guys here haven’t seen a girl in a long time and hell you look like a virgin, so they will be jumping at the chance to fuck you whether you like it or not” he told you. 

With even more fear of what was outside the doors to your room you could feel the panic building for a third time today. Felix hushed you and pulled you into his arms promising that he would protect you and that he won’t let anyone ever touch you.

#felix x reader #lee felix x reader #stray kids x reader #stray kids bang chan #stray kids lee minho #stray kids changbin #stray kids hyunjin #stray kids han jisung #stray kids felix #stray kids seungmin #stray kids i.n

[transformersprimefan1]

Gender Reveal, Another Surprise, & Names

(Jem’s POV) (1 Month Later) 

Today was the day, today was the gender reveal party for the little one in my belly. I must say, I have definitely gotten bigger over the past month, then again, this is my 5th month of pregnancy. I sat in the rocking chair in the back yard as Megatron and my brothers set up, Knockout, Ratchet, and June all ordering me to rest since my scan from almost 2 weeks ago. Was there something they weren’t telling me? The baby kept kicking, making me smile and rub my expanded tummy as I read my book of names. I felt someone sit next to me and I looked up to see Starscream and Breakdown. “How you feelin?” Breakdown asked with a soft smile, making me smile back. “Excited.” I whispered as I bookmarked my book and put it down. “How about you guys? Ready to find out if you’re having a niece or nephew?” I asked, making them nod excitedly. “Any ideas for the nursery?” Star asked, making me think. “We both agreed on light purple since it's a mixture of pink and blue, as well as our favorite color.” I explained before trying to get up, but they both made me sit back down. “No you don’t sis, doctor's orders.” Breakdown said, making me roll my eyes playfully. “I have to go to the bathroom, silly.” I told him, making him look down. “Oh.” he whispered, then helped me get up. 

I got back from the bathroom and found the rest of the guests arriving. That was when I noticed a woman I had seen only once before amongst the small crowd … I didn’t invite her, this party was meant for the family I had made only. This woman, however, was not a nice person, her name is Tammy. Tammy and I knew each other from the spouses group on base and she didn’t like me for some reason. I don’t understand why. I sighed softly and continued to watch her when  she spotted me and made a b-line in my direction immediately. I turned, but before I could alert Megatron over our bond, Tammy grabbed my arm, turning me around, and slapping me … Hard. Everyone froze at the sound of the slap and turned in our direction. Megatron and my brothers were instantly beside me as I raised my hand to my burning cheek and tears came to my eyes. I hadn’t been slapped in the face since I ran away from my father. Everyone began to yell at Tammy, but I was silent before pushing past everyone and hiding in the bedroom. I finally let out a whimper before I heard a knock on the door and Megatron and my brothers walked in. Megatron wrapped his arms around me gently as I finally began to cry. After ten minutes, I calmed down, wiping my tears when I suddenly felt my baby kick, making me smile. “Let's not have today be ruined. Our little one is excited to let us know their gender.” I whispered, making Megatron smile and kiss me gently.

After Knockout checked my vitals, the five of us went back outside and I was glad to see Tammy was gone. Everyone approached and gave me hugs as well as asking me if I was alright before June approached with the gender reveal balloon, handing it to Megatron while I had the pin to pop it. “Is everyone ready?!” I asked, making everyone shout yes as June filmed. “3…2…1!” Everyone shouted before I popped the balloon and both pink and blue confetti went flying, making the two of us go silent while the others cheered. “What” both Megatron and I asked, very confused until knockout flipped around the tablet he was holding. It had an enlarged photo of my last ultrasound, “You’re having twins! A boy and a girl!” he exclaimed, making me cover my mouth in shock. I couldn’t hold back my tears of joy, a little boy and a little girl. Suddenly, however, my husband fell backward, Optimus catching him. I rushed as fast as I could to his side before chuckling, Megatron was smiling before he opened his eyes. “He’s so happy he fainted.” I laughed, everyone else laughing as well. I was helped up and Optimus helped his brother up before my mate and I embraced each other. I then looked at the others once we let go of each other, “Did you all know?” I asked, making them nod. “We wanted to get both your reactions.” Miko laughed as she walked over and hugged me. I hugged my sister back before we continued with the party, Tammy not showing up the rest of the day. 

Everyone left after cleaning up. Megatron and myself lay in bed as we read my list of names that we had agreed on liking. “What do you think of this name for our daughter?” I asked, pointing to a name. “Aurora Senna?” he asked, making me nod, “Aurora is the name for the goddess of the Dawn. It’s also a term for the Northern Lights. Senna means Brightness.” I explained before looking at the boys names list. “I also like the name Raiden Fynn. Raiden is the Japanese god of thunder and lightning, Fynn also means bright.” I explained, making Megatron look at me. “The little bright lights of our lives … I love the names for our little ones.” he whispered before kissing me, gently rubbing my belly before we broke apart and laid down, my husband stroking my hair as I fell asleep.

#tfp #tfp knockout #tfp megatron #transformersprime #transformers prime #human megatron #megatron x oc #gender reveal #pregnant #pregnancy

[arrowverse-next-gen]

Late Night Gang

It was a Saturday afternoon and Q was stuck at the clinic doing routine check-ups on the kids that had come in two weeks ago after a soccer incident. Three sprained ankles and one broken toe. Everyone should be fine by now, but he received a call from the team mom of the week telling him that if they didn’t have a clear from the doctor then they couldn’t play their championship game that following Sunday. He wasn’t going to work on a Saturday, but he figured he could waste a few hours in his office before taking off to the Queen mansion for the monthly extended family dinner.

The kids had already come and gone, leaving him bored for the remaining five hours of his shift. He talked with Amber for about 45 minutes and then locked himself away in his office to play games on his phone until someone came in needing attention. 

Eventually there was a knock on his door and it opened before he even had a chance to pretend to be working. Luckily, it was just Amber.

“You have company,” she told him, moving out of the way to reveal Ashton behind her. She walked off back down the hall as he stood up from his desk to greet his girlfriend.

“What are you doing here? Is everything okay?” His concern came out immediately in tone and facial expression as his brows furrowed. She usually didn’t visit him at work despite the two of them being together for almost a decade now.

“I need to talk to you about tonight,” she told him, waving off his concern and grabbing his hand to pull him back over to his desk since he was already halfway through his office by the time she made it in the door. 

“Dinner or something else?” He asked, taking a seat on his desk and crossing his arms loosely.

She sat down in the chair in front of him. “Are we going to tell your family about–” she gestured around her stomach. She was wearing one of his sweaters with stripes on it, deciding it was the best choice when trying to hide the small bump forming underneath it.

He stared down at the sweater for a few seconds, then shook his head as he met her gaze again. “No…” he tilted his head slightly, questioning his own words before sitting up straighter and giving her a more confident head shake. “No, we can wait a little longer, I think.”

“So we’re going with the second trimester for sure?” She looked up at him as if this is a decision they had made previously and she was double checking. They had never explicitly said that they would wait until the first few months went by before revealing anything, but he knew his family and he felt like they should get by the more uncertain parts of a pregnancy before telling anyone. 

The last thing either of them wanted was to be drowning in baby things before she reached 5 weeks.

“I mean, that’s up to you. We don’t see them that often–”

“We go to your uncle’s house for dinner every month,” she reminded him, her tone sweet but confused.  

He took a minute to process the information that he already knew, scratched at the stubble he was starting to grow that he hadn’t had a chance to shave yet, and shrugged. “We could skip a few dinners.”

“Quincy!” She laughed, standing up to meet his eye level easier. “We’re going to have to tell them at some point.”

“Maybe we should dry run it,” he suggested, taking her hands into his own and looking down at the engagement ring on her finger. He never bought her a wedding band to match. They got married six years ago and he never got her a wedding band. He had a ring that his grandfather had given him, but she didn’t have a wedding band because she refused to take the one Donna was offering. He wondered if she would take it now that they’ve been together longer.

He brought his train of thought back to the situation at hand and looked up at her face. “We tell your parents you’re pregnant.”

“I don’t think that’ll fly with them,” she shook her head, a smile on her face.

“No?” He mimicked her smile and head shake.

“No.”

“Ah, well…” he let go of her hands and leaned back a bit on the desk, using one of his hands to hold himself up. “I guess they’ll just have to come see us in labor and delivery.”

“Mine or yours?” She took a step back and raised her brows.

“Flip a coin.”

“Quincy, you have to tell them. Your family is a lot closer than mine is. I’ve not seen my parents in two years, I’ve not spoken to them in one.”

“We should fix that. I have the perfect ice breaker–”

“Is there something you’re afraid of?”

“Always,” he answered without hesitation, sitting back up. She stared at him, waiting for him to continue. He didn’t plan to, but felt now he had no other choice. 

“I come from a big family, and there is a lot of love, but there is a lot of attention I don’t want and a lot of advice I don’t want right now, and they make a big deal out of getting an A on a math test. I’ve seen Eliza go through like two different pregnancies, Quinn’s one... I don’t wanna go through that.”

“Lucky for you, you’ve done your part,” she joked.

“Not with the nursery, getting a bigger apartment, moving us into that bigger apartment with enough time to get you comfortable and get a nursery set up–”

“So… You’re waiting because you want to procrastinate?”

“I want my family to see that I am capable of thinking of these things on my own and therefore do not need a constant reminder that there is going to be a child that depends on me in about… six months.”

“So we tell them after we move?”

“If we can hide it that long, yes,” he nodded. She looked down at her stomach as he took her hand and pulled her closer again. “But… If you want to tell them now. We can do that too.”

“You don’t want them in your business–”

“I’ll tell them to fuck off,” he shrugged, dropping his head down to meet her eyes and not taking his off of hers once he found them. “You want the support system, you’re entitled to that support system. But the warning is there, once they know, there’s no off switch.”

“Can we think about telling them next month?” She asked, looking for the best compromise for the both of them. He nodded. “Okay… We’ll do this again next month.”

“More emotionally, I imagine,” he nodded, bringing his head back up as she did the same with hers. She glared at him and he leaned back. “Hormones. Strictly because of Coffee Bean there, not because you’re emotional.”

She laughed and shook her head before leaning forward and giving him a quick kiss. “I’ll see you at home.”

“See you tonight.”

#a proper lil story for you guys #gotta get back into this #q lance #ashton palmer #late night gang #arrowverse next gen