#I never write angst so this was a stretch exercise | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

faun-the-fawn77 · 9 days

Text

"𝐻𝒪𝑀𝐸"

Lucifer Morningstar x F!Angel!Reader

Genre: FLUFF/ANGST

Word Count: 4.3k

Warnings: Lilith is a bitch, manipulation, violence, emotional abuse, Michael is okay now, Lucifer and Y/N very much in love, Adam isn't an asshole but he still swears

Desc: PART TWO! After that phone call, Lucifer couldn’t go back to his room. Not with Lilith in it. He fell asleep in the little loveseat by the window with his phone in hand, Y/N’s number on full display. The cleaning imp came into the room that morning to tidy up when they spotted the king curled up in the loveseat. They picked up the discarded phone only to notice that a number from Heaven had called…and that the call lasted well into the night. The imp looked at their king and back down to the phone. Surely Lilith had to know about this. She’s the queen! Lucifer woke up slowly and noticed Lilith sitting at his desk with a cup of tea in hand and another cup placed at the chair in front of the desk. Lucifer then knew that Lilith had found out… And Hell was about to rain down.

Note: ahhhh long summary again:') i dont like filler chapters so i try to put more detail in summaries so i dont have to write out a lil something for before the event. Hope you don't mind! Also! Requests are open!!

I’m staring out into the night

Tryin’ to hide the pain

I’m going to the place where love

And feeling good don’t ever cost a thing

And the pain you feel’s a different kind of pain

The view from the top of Heaven’s headquarters in Hell was beautiful. It felt as if you could reach Heaven just by stretching your arm out towards it. Lucifer was doing just that. He wanted to be home. To be in the arms of his lover once more. The fight with Lilith that day really drained him and it hurt him badly with some of the words she spat at him. He knew it wasn’t true, what Lilith had said about Y/N. Trying to hide the pain from his face when she said those awful things was hard.

He sat atop the building some more to make sure his emotions were in check before he took off to his daughter’s hotel. Despite them being sinners, the people there made him feel loved. His daughter was doing absolutely amazing with her hotel. It’s a place where feeling good never costs a thing.

Lucifer spread out his six wings and took flight towards the redemption hotel. He wanted to talk to Charlie about the call. Get some ideas and pointers about… well, everything. He had to make sure that Charlie knew that he and her mother were over and that he wanted to get back together with his actual wife.

He created a portal mid-flight and soared right into the lobby of the hotel. He put his wings away and dropped to the carpeted ground. He noticed the cat demon at the bar cleaning glasses and stopping to sip on a bottle of whiskey.

Lucifer walked towards the bar and took a seat. He huffed and grumpily asked the cat, “Where’s Charlie?”

Husk looked up and raised a brow at the grumpy king. He set down the glass he was cleaning and brought out the ingredients to make an appletini.

“She’s doing some exercise with the others. Said she’ll be back in…actually a few minutes.” Lucifer grumbled some more. He needed to talk to his daughter and he couldn’t wait the few minutes. The appletini was slid in front of him and he picked it up only to down it in one go.

Charlie burst through the doors of the hotel with her girlfriend, Vaggie, and the rest of the residents in tow. Charlie took one look at her father, who was downing drinks left and right, and immediately knew something was wrong.

“Hey, dad! How-uh-how are you today?” Charlie placed a hand on her fathers shoulder as comfort. Lucifer turned to look at her and he immediately lit up with happiness.

“Oh, my sweet apple! You have no idea how much I’ve needed to talk to you! Come! Let’s head to the penthouse!” Lucifer took his daughter’s hand and dragged her through the gold portal he created with a snap of his claws. Vaggie tried to follow only for the portal shut close in front of her.

Lucifer sat Charlie on the couch and took a seat next to her. He took a deep breath before telling her everything, “Char, your mother and I are…no longer together. Considering a little someone I know gave my wife my number, Lilith found out about the night we talked and we had gotten into a fight.”

Charlie looked at her dad. She knew that he knew it was her that gave Y/N his number. Charlie loved Y/N when they first met in Heaven. She was so sweet and Charlie could see how much Y/N missed Lucifer. When they had talked after the meeting, Charlie learned what her mother had done to the two lovers. How she had manipulated her father into doing those sins and that her mother was the one that made Lucifer fall and get torn away from Y/N. She wanted so bad to tear Lilith a new one but that just wasn’t her. Sure, she had her mother’s temper but Lilith was still her mother. She’ll definitely have few choice words for Lilith when she goes to her family home.

“Does she hate Y/N that bad? What did Y/N ever do to her?” Lucifer looked at his daughter and let out a sad laugh.

“Y/N had what Lilith wanted: Me. Lilith was human and humans are tempted by the things they can’t have. When Lilith saw Y/N talking to me in the garden after I had visited Adam, that’s when she started to speak to me. It gradually went from normal conversations to Lilith flirting with me and touching me in ways only a lover should. I should have stopped it but I didn’t know any better. I have never interacted with humans considering they were the first to be created. When Y/N had yelled at me that day and we fought about it, I finally realised what was happening. Lilith figured it out and started to manipulate me into thinking that Y/N hated me and that she didn’t want me around so… I Fell. I Fell because of your mother.” Charlie was quiet. She was processing everything that her dad had said. She was even more upset that her mother was cruel enough to tear her dad and, what could’ve been her mom, apart.

“When I talked with Y/N last night, she mentioned a plan.” Charlie perked up at that.

“A plan? Do you know what her plan is?” Lucifer shook his head. He wished he knew but Y/N said she had it under control and that it will be happening sooner rather than later.

“We’ll just have to wait and see, apple pie.”

Well, I’m going home

Back to the place where I belong

And where your love has always been enough for me

I’m not running from

No, I think you got me all wrong

I don’t regret this life I chose for me

But these places and these faces are getting old

So I’m going home

Y/N called him a few minutes later. Charlie was still with her dad, Vaggie had joined them. Lucifer was quick to answer the phone and put it on speaker so the other two could hear.

“Hello, love. How are you?” Her voice was sweet. Vaggie immediately recognised the voice as the one who would always talk to Adam during their training. That was the only time Vaggie had ever seen Adam polite and smiling a genuine smile.

Vaggie was quick to blurt out, “You’re the one who talks to Adam during the exorcist training days,” she covered her mouth in embarrassment. Charlie giggled while Lucifer looked at the other fallen angel with a smirk.

“Oh? There’s another fallen angel down there?” Lucifer hummed and confirmed. He made sure to mention that his daughter and her lover were there in the room.

“Charlie! Oh, I’ve missed you! And I assume Vaggie is the one that joined you in Heaven for the meeting? I’m sad that we couldn’t talk then.” Vaggie blushed at how sweet the archangel’s voice was.

“What did you want to talk about, honey?” Lucifer and them could hear muffles on the other end.

“The plan. It’s happening now. Adam is the one that mainly uses the portals to Hell and when I mentioned to him that I had gotten back in contact with you, he jumped to help out immediately. He misses his best friend, Luci. He wants to destroy Lilith for what she did to us and to Eve.” Charlie and Vaggie were surprised by this information. Adam was best friends with Lucifer? But Adam hated Hell…

“I’ve missed him as well. So, what’s the plan?” The three of them leaned closer to the phone to hear the plan.

“Adam is gonna open a portal for me. He’s going to lead the army down and make an attack but only to injure, not kill. He has a special group of exorcists that he’ll lead to where Lilith currently is and try to subdue her. If we can trap her and cage her, we’ll have you three and the army will retreat to Heaven. I’ll then demand a meeting with Michael and Sera to explain what had happened eons ago. Who was responsible and that Hell can make things work between them and Heaven. Hopefully, with you three there and Adam, we’ll have Lilith locked away for eternity and we can have the sinners down there redeemed with Charlie’s hotel and that you guys can visit up here whenever.” The three were silent. They looked at each other and then nodded.

“Sounds amazing, Y/N! Oh, I’m so excited for this! Just-uh- can I talk to my mom first?” Charlie nervously asked. She wasn’t gonna mention any of this to Lilith but she wanted answers.

“Of course, sweetheart. I know that she’s still your mother and that you have questions for her. And I know you won’t mention this to her.” Charlie almost cried. Lilith was never this sweet to her. Lilith wanted her to rule Hell but now that Y/N is back in picture… Charlie wanted to see what Heaven was like and to see her father happy.

“I’ve always known that Hell wasn’t truly my home… and that dad had missed something about Heaven. When I was there, I just…felt so at home. Like I belonged. Adam was welcoming when I said my last name. He made sure to take my side during the meeting with Sera,” Charlie stammered out.

“You’ll be home soon, sweetpea. Go talk to your mom and when you’re back at the hotel have your dad text me and we’ll begin with the plan.” Charlie mumbled a yes and went to gather her thoughts before confronting her mother.

Lucifer watched as Vaggie guided his daughter out of the penthouse. He turned to the phone and sighed.

“I know this is hard on her but…”

“There is no ‘but’, Luci. It’s her mother. Sure, her mother is a bitch but she’s only known Lilith as her mother and not as the monster that tore Heaven apart. That tore us apart.” Lucifer was quiet. Y/N was right. Charlie is gonna have a hard time accepting that her mother is evil.

“I can’t wait to be home. The places and faces down here are getting old. We’ll just have to make sure that the Sin’s can also visit. They’ll love you!” That’s when Lucifer went on to talk about his family down here and Y/N asking questions about them.

Well, I’m going home

The miles are getting longer, it seems

The closer I get to you

I’ve not always been the best man or friend for you

But your love remains true, and I don’t know why

You always seem to give me another try

Charlie was livid. She loved her mom and now? She doesn’t think she can love her the same again. When she had arrived at the manor, Lilith was smiling and sitting on the couch in the living room. She was swirling a glass of tequila around in her hand and beckoned her daughter to sit by her.

“Charlie! Oh, how I’ve missed you!” Charlie took a seat away from her, on the chair closest to the exit. Charlie folded her hands in her lap to keep her shaking at a minimum.

“Hello, mother. I-uh-I missed you too…” Lilith tilted her head, setting her drink down, and leaning closer towards Charlie’s direction. The smile on her face was unnerving for Charlie.

“Why so nervous? It’s just your mother!” Charlie laughed nervously. She bounced her leg with anxiety and looked away from her mom.

“I have a few questions for you… I hop-”

“Is this about your father and that stupid bitch of an angel? For the love of Satan, that bitch manages to screw me over now of all times? And to turn my daughter against me?” Lilith broke the glass of alcohol in her hand. Charlie jumped and sunk as far as she could into the chair. She’s never seen her mother this mad.

“Y/N is not a-”

“Of course she is, darling! She had what I wanted and when I made sure that the two had hated each other, someone gave Lucifer her number and now they know the truth! Now my plan is in ruins all thanks to the fucking prick who-”

“I gave Y/N his number.” That shut Lilith up quickly. Lilith turned to look at her daughter who was red in the face with anger.

“I gave her dad’s number because when I went up there to convince them that my redemption plan will work, I ran into her and we got to talking. When I brought up dad, I have never seen a being so sad. She told me everything so when I talked to dad about it today…Why would you do that? They’re so in love and you destroyed something that was so pure. Are humans really that selfish?” Charlie could feel the tears in her eyes. Her mother, a human turned demon, was really so selfish? Selfish enough to turn two lovers against each other because she wanted Lucifer?

“Humans have always been selfish! Have you seen the amount of sinners here in Hell? They’re all here because they’re selfish!” Charlie stood up, marched up to the taller demoness, and slapped her across the face.

“You are not my mom. You’re not fit to even be a mother. A mother is supposed to care about her child! She’s supposed to be sweet and nurturing! You are a monster!” Charlie huffed. The tears burned down her cheeks as she stared at the shocked look on Lilith’s face. A handprint was beginning to redden on Lilith’s cheek.

“I hope you rot.” With that, Charlie walked out of the manor that she had once called home.

Lucifer hugged his crying daughter to his chest. He held her tightly, rocking side to side, shushing her quietly and whispering reassurances into her pointed ear. He wanted so badly to rain Hell down upon that bitch but his daughter was more important. He sat her onto the couch, covering her in a blanket and motioning for Vaggie to take over.

“I’m gonna send a text out to Y/N and tell her we’re ready.” Vaggie nodded, holding tightly onto her girlfriend

“I’m glad Y/N gave you another try, dad…” CHarlie mumbled. Lucifer looked at her and smiled. Even in her current state, Charlie had put others before herself. Lucifer was glad that Y/N had contacted him. He definitely wasn’t the best being or friend but at least Y/N and Adam are giving him another try. Another chance.

So I’m going home

Back to the place where I belong

And where your love has always been enough for me

I’m not running from

No, I think you got me all wrong

I don’t regret this life I chose for me

But these places and these faces are getting old

Y/N was pacing in front of the Garden. Adam was late. Why was he late? She chewed on her thumb nail as a million thoughts ran through her head about what could’ve happened to her friend.

“Where are you…” She muttered to herself. The flap of wings caught her attention and she looked up to see the golden wings of her beloved friend frantically flying her way. The breath stuck in her throat was released as the weight from her shoulders lifted.

“Oh my, Adam! I almost had a panic attack! Why are you so late?” Adam was panting from how fast he had to fly there. He placed both of his hands on his knees and tried to catch his breath.

“I’m so sorry, Y/N/N. Lute was up my ass about Sera needing me for something. I totally ditched them but I’m so gonna get an earful from both of them later. So, is Luci boy in on the plan?” Y/N smiled. She told him what went down. That Lilith was gonna be in foul mood now that her own daughter had turned against her.

“Let’s bring them home, Adam. Right where they belong.” Adam hugged Y/N to him and patted her back. He knew how much she missed her husband. Lucifer was everything to her. They’ve been together since almost the beginning of time. Adam could see why Lucifer had chosen her out of all the others. She was sweet, charismatic, and so kind to every soul that was in Heaven. She was always there for Adam when he needed her, especially when the whole thing with Eve happened.

“I wish I could kill that blonde bitch but… making her suffer in Heaven’s jail? That’s definitely punishment enough.” Adam smirked and pulled his mask back on.

“Let’s do this!”

In Hell, Lucifer waited for a text from his wife that they were on their way. When his phone quacked, he lunged for it and checked to see if it was his beloved.

“They’re here! Everyone! Aim to injure, not kill! They’re here as our friend, not enemy. Lilith has run this place into the ground far enough!” The residents of the hotel hollered with glee and proceeded to ready themselves for attack. Lucifer flew towards his daughter to make sure she was protected.

“Ready, apple pie?” Charlie nodded. She wanted both Heaven and Hell to thrive. If getting rid of her mo- Lilith was the best way then she was all for it.

“I’m ready, dad.” The two smiled at each other.

The portal to Heaven opened and an army of grey-clad angels rained down on the ring of Pride. Lucifer saw Adam and a group of angels head towards the manor. The group prepared for combat only to see that none of the angels went near the hotel. They seemed to steer clear of the area.

Lucifer was confused. He was told that this was supposed to be made as an attack. He turned around when the others gasped. He almost cried tears of joy at the sight of his wife in front of him. He raced towards the taller angel and caged her in with a bear hug.

“Oh my Father, I’ve missed you! I didn’t think I would ever get the chance to touch you again…” Lucifer cried into her neck. This is the happiest he’s been since Charlie was born. He was home.

“I’ve missed you too, Luci.” Y/N whispered into his hair. She hugged him just as tightly, like he was gonna disappear from her arms.

Lucifer pulled away, took her face into his hands, and kissed her. Her lips were just as soft as he remembered. Her face was wet with tears but so was his. He moaned into the kiss and tangled his claws into her hair. He could feel his lover’s hands dig into his back as she kissed back just as passionately.

Charlie awed at the sight. She grabbed onto Vaggie’s hand and looked at her with love. Vaggie was blushing but smiling at the love of her life.

“Dad? Sorry to interrupt but I think Adam had cau-”

“WHAT’S UP, BITCHES!” Adam’s booming voice yelled out from the sky. The couple and others looked up to see Adam and his army holding Lilith, who was bound by Heavenly rope, entering their field of view. Lilith was dropped onto the ground roughly. Her dress was shredded in places and one of her horns were broken off, cuts and bruises littered her violet skin.

“She must’ve really put up a fight, huh?” Lucifer looked at Lilith with contempt. Lilith glared past him and right at Y/N.

“Ready to head back to Heaven?” Y/N gathered Charlie in her arms while Vaggie and Lucifer spread out their wings.

“Alastor! Please watch over the hotel while I’m gone!” Charlie yelled out. The angels took flight and flew through the portal that was open to Heaven. This was it. Hopefully this was the end of the war between Heaven and Hell.

Be careful what you wish for

‘Cause you just might get it all

You just might get it all

And then some you don’t want

Be careful what you wish for

‘Cause you just might get it all

You just might get it all, yeah

“What are these… beings…doing here, Y/N?” Michael was looking at Lucifer with disgust. Sera was glaring holes into Adam, who avoided the seraphim’s gaze.

“Michael, do you remember why Lucifer was kicked out of Heaven?” Michael slowly nodded, switching his gaze from his brother to his brother’s ex-wife, or, what he assumed was his ex-wife.

“Well, when his daughter had visited a few weeks ago, I had gotten in contact with the king of Hell himself. Do you wanna know what I have learned?” Y/N nodded towards Adam. Adam nodded back and dragged Lilith, who was still bound, into the centre of the room. The angels around had gasped at the sight of the once beautiful human. Lilith glared at everyone and stopped her gaze on Michael. Michael was looking at her in surprise.

“I have learned that the mastermind behind the Lightbringer’s Fall was this human. She had become selfish, as humans do, and manipulated Lucifer into committing the sins that had caused him to Fall. The evidence comes from Lucifer himself, Adam, and the recording on Charlie Morningstar’s phone of when she had confronted her mother.” The angels on the balconies murmured to each other and looked at the fallen human with anger.

Michael looked towards Sera, the seraphim frowning, and looked back at Y/N. He nodded and told them to make their statements.

Adam was the first to state about his time in the Garden. How Lilith had ignored him when he tried to talk to her just to get to know her. He told them how he had befriended Lucifer, who snuck into the Garden, and that Lucifer was slowly being manipulated after witnessing Lilith’s anger towards Y/N.

Lucifer stood up next and told his side of the story. The angels were surprised by how sad the Morningstar was when he recounted his tale of Falling and having to leave his wife behind. That he thought she had hated him for the longest time because that was what Lilith had made him think.

Finally, Charlie stood up and produced her phone. She tapped her screen and soon enough the recording played out. Everyone turned their eyes towards the demoness who sat silently. A smirk played on her dark lips and malice swirled in her red eyes.

Y/N stood up and looked at Michael, “Now, should we hear from the human herself?” Michael gazed intently into the smaller angel. He could feel his thoughts fighting to believe these angels. That humans could really be this selfish. He nodded slowly once again.

Lilith sat up and smiled, “I didn’t do anything. Lucifer was the one that manipulated me. I’m only a human! How could I have power over an archangel?”

Michael glared into the demoness’ eyes. He was royally pissed at this scum. With a booming voice, he announced, “Lilith, queen of Hell, is to be sentenced for life and to rot away in Heaven’s jail. She is not to eat, drink or talk to anyone for 50 years. She will have no light and no communication with the outside. Lilith, you are a liar. You have manipulated my baby brother into committing the sins that he has now repented for. I will also allow Lucifer and his daughter, Charlie Morningstar, access to Heaven. They will be allowed to have a home here. The exterminations of the sinners in Hell will stop and the hotel that Charlie Morningstar is hosting will be used to redeem those who wish to be redeemed and they will be allowed into Heaven.” With that, Michael spread his six wings and flew through the skylight. Lucifer, Y/N, Charlie and Vaggie cheered.

Y/N turned to Adam and beckoned him over. Adam reluctantly joined in the group hug and smiled when he saw Lucifer gazing at his family happily.

“Well, you guys know I can just talk my way out of that cell.” Lilith’s voice cut through the happy atmosphere. The group stopped and turned towards the demon.

“You will be guarded by Lute. I’m afraid nothing can get past her,” Adam smirked. Lute stood up and glared down at the tall queen. She roughly grabbed Lilith by the arm and dragged her to the high security prison.

Lucifer turned back towards his wife, grabbed her hand and flew towards the skylight. He wanted to be alone with her for just a few minutes. He watched as she fumbled to spread her wings and follow him towards the Garden. When they landed, Lucifer took her face in his hands and kissed her. She gasped a bit before letting out a sigh and leaning into the kiss.

Lucifer pulled away and rested his head on her chest. He could hear her heart beating and her breathing was calming his muddled mind.

“You’re home, Luci. You’re finally home.” He hugged her tighter. Her words dug deep into his mind and settled in his heart. He was home. He was finally in her arms.

Well, I’m going home

Back to the place where I belong

And where your love has always been enough for me

I’m not running from

No, I think you got me all wrong

I don’t regret this life I chose for me

But these places and these faces are getting old

I said these places and these faces are getting old

So I’m going home

I’m going home

IT"S DONE!!! Hope you all enjoy! If you wish to be tagged in any future works then please comment below! Hope you all have a wonderful night!

Taglist:

@alastorswifeee

@junieshohoho

#hazbin hotel #lucifer morningstar x reader #lucifer morningstar #lucifer x reader #hazbin hotel fanfiction #hazbin hotel charlie #hazbin hotel lucifer #hazbin hotel vaggie #charlie morningstar #hazbin hotel adam

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eddiediazbuck · 4 days

Note

I love your Eddie fics 💕

Could you write an Eddie x reader who works at the 118 and she likes Eddie but dosent think he likes her back because she is a tomboy. And they fall for each other with a bit of angst but a happy ending?

Sorry if that’s too much

TOMBOY - EDDIE DIAZ

You’ve always been one of the guys at Station 118. It's where you fit in, where you’re comfortable. As a firefighter and paramedic, you’ve made a name for yourself with your skill, determination, and ability to keep up with the best of them. You were tough, unyielding, and yes, a bit of a tomboy. But there was one person at the station who made your heart race every time he was near: Eddie Diaz.

Eddie was everything you admired in a person—brave, kind, and incredibly handsome. But you were convinced he would never see you as more than just another member of the team. After all, you weren’t the type of girl guys like Eddie went for. You didn't wear makeup or dresses, and you preferred a good workout session over a shopping spree.

Today was just another day at the station, and you were in the middle of a tough training drill. Eddie was there too, of course, leading the exercise with his usual focus and intensity. As the drill came to an end, you found yourself paired with him for the cooldown.

“Nice work today,” Eddie said, giving you a nod of approval. “You really pushed through.”

“Thanks,” you replied, trying to keep your cool despite the flutter in your chest. “You too.”

As you both stretched out, Eddie glanced over at you, his eyes thoughtful. “You know, I’ve always admired how strong you are. Not just physically, but mentally too. You never give up.”

You laughed softly, shrugging off the compliment. “It’s part of the job. Gotta keep up with you guys, right?”

Eddie’s expression turned serious. “It’s more than that, Y/N. You’re incredible at what you do. Sometimes, I don’t think you realize just how amazing you are.”

His words caught you off guard, and you quickly looked away, feeling a blush creep up your neck. “Thanks, Eddie. That means a lot coming from you.”

The rest of the day passed in a blur, but Eddie’s words stuck with you. Could he really see you as something more than just one of the guys? You pushed the thought aside, focusing on your duties. It was safer that way.

--- --- ---

A few days later, you found yourself on a particularly harrowing call. A building had collapsed, trapping several people inside. The entire team was on edge as you worked tirelessly to rescue the victims.

Eddie was right by your side, his presence a steadying force. As you crawled through the rubble to reach a young girl trapped under a beam, you felt a sharp pain in your leg. You gritted your teeth and kept going, knowing there was no time to waste.

Finally, you and Eddie managed to free the girl and carry her to safety. But as soon as you set her down, your leg gave out, and you collapsed.

“Y/N!” Eddie was at your side in an instant, his face etched with concern. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine,” you insisted, though the pain was evident in your voice. “Just a scratch.”

Eddie shook his head, not buying it for a second. “Let me see.”

Reluctantly, you allowed him to examine your leg, which was bleeding heavily from a deep gash. Eddie’s jaw tightened as he applied pressure to the wound. “You’re not fine. We need to get you to the hospital.”

Despite your protests, Eddie refused to leave your side. He rode with you in the ambulance, holding your hand the entire way. It was the first time you had seen him so visibly worried, and it both warmed and broke your heart.

At the hospital, you were patched up and given orders to rest. Eddie stayed with you, refusing to leave until he was sure you were okay.

“Why are you doing this?” you asked, your voice barely above a whisper. “I’m just one of the guys, right?”

Eddie’s eyes softened as he took your hand in his. “You’re not just one of the guys, Y/N. You’re special. And I’ve been too afraid to tell you how I feel because I didn’t want to risk ruining what we have. But seeing you hurt today made me realize I can’t keep pretending.”

Your heart raced as you looked into his eyes, seeing the sincerity and warmth there. “Eddie…”

He leaned in, his lips brushing against yours in a tender kiss. “I’ve fallen for you, Y/N. Tomboy, warrior, whatever you want to call yourself. I love you for who you are.”

Tears filled your eyes as you pulled him close, your heart finally feeling at peace. “I’ve fallen for you too, Eddie. I was just too scared to believe it could happen.”

He smiled, pressing another kiss to your forehead. “Well, believe it. Because I’m not going anywhere.”

From that moment on, things changed between you and Eddie. The team noticed, of course, but they were nothing but supportive. And as you continued to work side by side, you knew that you had found something truly special—a love that saw beyond appearances and cherished the person within.

--- --- ---

Back at the station, the team’s dynamic began to shift subtly. Bobby, Buck, Chimney, and Hen had all noticed the change in your relationship with Eddie. During a quiet moment in the kitchen, Hen nudged you with a knowing smile.

“So, you and Eddie, huh?”

You tried to play it cool, focusing on stirring your coffee. “What about me and Eddie?”

Hen laughed softly. “Oh, come on. It’s obvious. The way you two look at each other now. It’s sweet. I’m happy for you.”

You felt your face flush, but couldn’t help but smile. “Thanks, Hen. It’s still kind of new, but it feels right.”

Hen’s smile widened. “That’s all that matters. You two deserve to be happy.”

Despite the initial awkwardness of everyone adjusting to your new relationship, things fell into a comfortable rhythm. Eddie’s support and presence became a constant source of strength for you. And in turn, you found yourself being there for him in ways you hadn’t realized he needed.

One evening, after a particularly grueling shift, Eddie invited you over for dinner. It was a rare night off for both of you, and you gladly accepted. As you entered his cozy apartment, the smell of something delicious cooking filled the air.

“Hey,” Eddie greeted you with a warm smile, pulling you into a hug. “I hope you’re hungry. I made your favorite.”

You grinned, feeling your heart swell with affection. “You didn’t have to go through all this trouble, Eddie.”

He chuckled, leading you to the dining table. “It’s no trouble at all. I wanted to do something special for you.”

As you sat down to eat, you couldn’t help but feel a sense of contentment. The conversation flowed easily, and you found yourselves talking about everything and nothing at the same time. It was moments like these that made you realize just how deeply you had fallen for Eddie.

After dinner, you both settled on the couch, wrapped in each other’s arms. The comfort and warmth of his embrace made you feel safe in a way you hadn’t felt before.

“Can I ask you something?” Eddie’s voice broke the comfortable silence.

“Of course,” you replied, looking up at him.

“Do you ever feel like…you have to prove yourself? Like, because you’re a tomboy, people expect you to be tougher or stronger than you actually feel?”

You thought for a moment before answering. “All the time. I’ve always felt like I had to be one of the guys to be taken seriously. But it’s exhausting, trying to fit into a mold that doesn’t really fit me.”

Eddie nodded, his gaze thoughtful. “I get that. And I hate that you feel that way. Because you don’t have to prove anything to anyone, Y/N. You’re amazing just the way you are.”

You felt a lump form in your throat at his words. “Thank you, Eddie. That means more to me than you know.”

He gently cupped your face, his thumb brushing away a stray tear. “I mean it. I love you for who you are. And I want you to know that you can always be yourself with me. No pretending, no proving. Just you.”

Tears filled your eyes as you leaned in, capturing his lips in a tender kiss. In that moment, you felt a sense of peace and acceptance that you had longed for your entire life.

As the weeks turned into months, your relationship with Eddie continued to grow stronger. You faced challenges together, both on and off the job, and your bond only deepened. The rest of the team became your biggest supporters, cheering you on and offering advice when needed.

--- --- ---

One day, while on a particularly intense call, you found yourself trapped in a burning building. The flames were closing in, and panic threatened to take over. But then you heard Eddie’s voice over the radio, calm and steady.

“Hang in there, Y/N. I’m coming to get you.”

His words gave you the strength to hold on, and within minutes, Eddie was by your side, guiding you to safety. As you stumbled out of the building, coughing and covered in soot, Eddie pulled you into a tight embrace.

“Are you okay?” he asked, his voice filled with worry.

You nodded, tears streaming down your face. “I am now. Thank you, Eddie.”

He pressed a kiss to your forehead, holding you close. “I’ll always come for you, Y/N. Always.”

In that moment, you knew without a doubt that Eddie was the one for you. He was your partner, your confidant, and the love of your life. And no matter what challenges lay ahead, you were ready to face them together.

The seasons changed, and with them, your relationship continued to blossom. Eddie introduced you to his son, Christopher, and you quickly formed a bond with the bright, kind-hearted boy. The three of you spent weekends together, going on adventures and creating memories that you would cherish forever.

One evening, as you sat on the porch of Eddie’s house, watching the sunset with Christopher playing nearby, Eddie took your hand in his.

“Y/N,” he began, his voice filled with emotion. “I never thought I could feel this happy again. You’ve brought so much light into my life, and I can’t imagine my future without you.”

Tears welled up in your eyes as you squeezed his hand. “I feel the same way, Eddie. You’ve shown me what it means to be loved for who I am. And I’m so grateful for you and Christopher.”

Eddie smiled, his eyes shining with love. “I want us to be a family, Y/N. Will you be a part of our family?”

Your heart soared as you nodded, tears streaming down your face. “Yes, Eddie. Yes, I will.”

He pulled you into a passionate kiss, and you felt an overwhelming sense of joy and completeness. You had found your place, your home, with Eddie and Christopher.

As you looked out at the sunset, wrapped in Eddie’s arms, you knew that no matter what challenges came your way, you would face them together. Because love, true love, sees beyond appearances and cherishes the person within. And with Eddie by your side, you had found a love that was unbreakable.

And that made all the difference.

#9 1 1 on abc #eddie diaz #eddie diaz imagine #eddie diaz x reader #eddie diaz 911

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corazondebeskar-reads · 4 months

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sorry, baby

based on this moodboard by @iamasaddie for the ✏️ game writing exercise 🖤🖤🖤

(ik that's javi p. but I don't know him so have some '70s mobster joel instead)

word count: 539

summary: maybe being a mob wife is not for you?

warnings: suicidal ideations, threats of suicide, guns, allusions to gun violence, allusions to killing, angst, idk guys it ran away from me, dead dove do not eat, dark

dividers by @saradika-graphics

If Joel is startled to wake up to the butt of his gun, he doesn’t show it. At first, in the darkness, he thinks you’re aiming at him.

He blinks slowly once, twice. Takes in the shake of your arms and the distance between your finger and the trigger.

You’re holding it just how he taught you, nice and careful, arms outstretched from your body.

“It’s okay to be scared,” he had said in your ear that day as he reached around your body to adjust your grip. “It’s okay to respect its power.”

And no, he hadn’t expected you to touch it again. Ever. Hadn’t given a second thought to leaving it out when he fell asleep.

It’s nearly three in the morning, and you’re still in the dress you wore to dinner last night, smears of makeup made gaunt by the thin stretch of moonlight. You always hated hotel curtains that never closed quite right.

It glints from the tears welling in your eyes. He reaches up, slower than molasses, and wraps his hand around the side of the gun.

Your hands fall to your lap while his holds steady.

“What’re you doin’, darlin’?” he murmurs. And then he sees it on the nightstand. A little folded card that says, “sorry baby” in your hasty, conjoined scrawl.

“The fuck is that?” he says.

You snatch at it but he’s faster even with his left hand. Of course he is. He holds it open with his thumb on the crease, and you’re suffocating more with each second as his eyes scan the short letter over and over.

“You want out, huh?”

“Joel, please,” you start to cry. “I’m sorry.”

“Yeah, ya said that already, didn’t ya? In your little note. Do anything to get away from me, huh? Even that.” He looks beyond fury, but worse, he looks heartbroken.

“No, not you. Just the rest of it. Never you,” you say.

He shifts his grip and turns the gun on himself. “You think you can fuckin’ leave me like that?” His hand is shaking, but he’s knocked back the hammer.

“Joel, please,” you whisper, but he’s beyond hearing.

But he’s shaking his head. “What’d those girls say to you, huh? I let you go off with those fuckin’ bimbos one time…”

“The truth. They told me the truth. About what you do. All of you.”

“Honey, you knew. You knew that pretty little life was paid in blood. You knew what you were getting into.”

He draws the gun to his head, eyes gone dark as they focus only on the tears streaking down your cheeks.

“No!” you’re interrupted by a racking sob, fear coagulating in your throat. “Joel, please. Just put the gun down.”

“You want out? This is the only way, baby. Only way they’ll let you go.”

He grits his jaw and stares, daring you to choose.

“Please,” you gasp through the horrible wrenching pain in your chest. “Joel, please.”

He sets the gun on the nightstand and lets you fall, sobbing against his chest. After a moment, he grips your chin in his fingers and makes you look at him.

“Don’t you ever fucking do that to me. Do you understand? Don’t you ever fucking do that to me again.”

#✏️ game #joel miller x reader #70s mobster joel #dark!joel #dead dove do not eat #dead dove fic #fic: joel drabble #joel miller fic #the last of us fic

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justnat15 · 8 months

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BfG!Shifter!Ghost and the pack baby

Hey, hello! This is just a little snippet of feels inspired by my lovely wifey @writeforfandoms series, Born for Greatness. I highly recommend reading it first so things make more sense. We've had many a talk about the characters and how life went on for them outside the story and she gave me permission to play in her sandbox and write this! Hope you enjoy!

Warnings: Fluff, small moment of angst thanks to our Ghostie boy. Baby (does that need to be a warning?)

Word count: 1.2k

You stood in the doorway to the pack room, blinking back tears that threatened to fall due to the adorable sight in front of you. Most of the pack was out on a training exercise, except Simon. He’d gotten a serious injury on their last mission and was still healing. He hadn’t complained much about it, though. Usually, he was prowling around base, chomping at the bit for Medical to clear him for active duty.

In fact, since little Audrey had been born, Simon spent even more time in or near the pack room, which you didn’t think was possible. You were sure Soap and Gaz hadn’t noticed yet, due to the lack of heckling towards their quieter pack member.

You continued to observe the scene in front of you. Ghost was laid out on the LoveSac, sans mask for once, and had Audrey curled up on his chest. It was quickly becoming a common thing, particularly when the other guys were out and it was just you and Audrey around.

You purposefully made a little noise as you walked into the room, even though Simon most likely already knew you were there, and knelt next to the pair. Audrey’s eyes were closed as she snoozed. Carefully, so as to not disturb her slumber, you ran a hand over her little brown curls.

Some days, you still couldn’t believe that you and John had made this precious little baby and you had carried her in your body for months.

A soft rumble from Ghost turned your attention to him and you smiled at him. “How long has she been sleeping?” You kept your voice quiet, not worried about your packmate being able to hear you.

“Just a few minutes,” Simon muttered softly. He cupped his hands around Audrey, the large appendages dwarfing her tiny sleeping form.

The shifter really was a gentle giant when it came to the pack baby. All of the boys were, but Simon took it to a different level. He was always the first to step in when you started to look a little frazzled and Audrey was feeding off your stressed emotions. He’d swoop in and oh so gently pluck your daughter from your embrace while telling you to go have a snack or go ‘rescue’ your mate from his never ending pile of paperwork. You’d do as told while he rocked and hummed to his niece, calming her almost instantly.

When you had mentioned this to Logan over a video chat one night, he had just smirked and shook his head.

“Riley better not think he can replace me in my grandcub’s heart. I’m going to be her favorite, after you and Price, of course.” He added the last part when you glared at him.

You placed a hand on Simon’s shoulder and nodded towards your daughter. “Want me to take her and lay her in her crib?” You knew what the answer would be, but you still felt obligated to ask.

Ghost’s answering glare would have sent a lesser being running with their tail, metaphorical or literal, tucked between their legs. You just grinned and patted his shoulder before turning away. “Find me when she’s hungry,” you called over your shoulder as you returned to the small kitchen where you had set up shop for the day.

You heard Simon grunt in reply and you chuckled softly as you got back to work.

Some time later, you stood and stretched. Your bladder was never the same after carrying Audrey and screamed at you more often to take breaks. John and the rest of the pack weren’t back yet because nobody (Soap or Gaz) had interrupted your work. It seemed physically impossible for the two younger males in the pack to not come greet you right away whenever they returned from a mission or training. And then, if you were working, they would not leave you alone until you agreed to join them for a movie in the pack room. Or unless John stepped in and gave them that look that made them get in line.

As you walked through the pack room, you looked over at the LoveSac and paused. Simon had fallen asleep with Audrey on his chest. Quickly and quietly, you pulled out your phone and snapped a picture. It really was too sweet a sight to not capture. Although you would only be sharing this image with your mate and with Simon himself. You were viciously protective of Simon’s bonding moments with Audrey. There would be no teasing from the other two members of your pack. You worried sometimes that Simon would pull back from Audrey and the rest of the pack if he were teased about his softer side that you rarely got to see like this.

A low grumble caught your attention and you turned your gaze from your phone back to the pair in front of you. Simon was staring at you through half-lidded eyes. You smiled when he lifted a hand and gestured you closer.

Kneeling next to the couch, you held your phone so the big man could see the moment you captured. “I couldn’t resist. The two of you look so cute like this,” you murmured softly. “I’m definitely adding this one to her book.” You and John had started a photo album for Audrey after you had returned with the news of your pregnancy. John was insistent on it, actually. He had gone out and bought the biggest album he could find and spent so much time decorating and personalizing it.

Simon huffed and shook his head. “You don’t want me in that book.”

You frowned at his self-deprecating tone. “Simon Riley, you stop that right now. You are more than worthy to be in Audrey’s book. You’re her favorite uncle and it wouldn’t be fair to her to keep you out. Johnny and Kyle both have a section in the album, right after yours.” You reached out and gently ran your fingers through his hair, politely ignoring the way his eyes were starting to water. “Now, if you’re uncomfortable with your bare face being shown in the photos, that’s one thing.”

Simon let out a choked growl and moved one hand from Audrey’s back to cover his face. You didn’t say anything, just continued combing your fingers through his hair and watching your daughter sleep on his chest.

“Thank you,” Ghost’s voice was so low, you almost missed his words. You just smiled at him and leaned your head against his shoulder.

“You’re a member of this pack, Simon. And we love you. Don’t ever doubt that,” you whispered. Your eyes closed as you just basked in the presence of your pack member and your daughter.

You woke up in a very different position than you last remember being in. You were now on the couch with Audrey on top of you and a shifted Simon curled around the both of you. His large head rested on your torso next to a still sleeping Audrey. You smiled and carefully scratched behind his ears. You felt his body vibrate with a purr of contentment at the action. His head felt heavier as he somehow went even more limp than he already had been. You laughed but didn’t stop scratching his head. Eventually, you were pulled back to sleep thanks to Simon’s purring and warmth.

#born for greatness #shifter au #cod mwii #simon ghost riley #reader insert #for my foxy wifey

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thelargefrye · 1 year

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PROLOGUE : THE REAL ... series

master list | chapter 001

PAIRING : ateez x f!reader (hinted poly ateez)

GENRE : ateez lore, exile her lore, angst, dystopian au, the real mv inspired, hurt / no comfort (maybe)

WARNINGS : panic attack, crying, language, fighting, little blood

WORD COUNT : 2.4k

TAG LIST : @invuwrld @watamotee33 @kawennote09 @mixling-blog @marahleiwhen @harry-the-pottypus @rdiamond2727 @sanniesbum @voidcupidz @mysticfire0435 @kangskims @cvpitvno @frankenstein852

NOTE : been planning this for a while but after reading the first two chapters of @hoonieversed BE THE LIGHT, i got inspired to finally exit the planning stage and actually right this thing. updates will be slow, sorry i work a lot and it makes it hard to write except on weekends.

the abandon wing of the school is for people who don't want to be found.

THE CLASSROOM WAS EMPTY aside from yourself and only yourself. you can feel your heartbeat throbbing in your ears as you tried to take a deep breath, in hopes of calming your frantic heart. but no one matter how many breathing exercises you did, it didn't help.

you wished one of the boys would come and find you. that maybe one of them would just have a feeling that you needed one of them. but you knew you shouldn't rely on them like how they rely on you. you're the one that's suppose to keep your composure. you're the one that's suppose to be the shoulder they come to. not the other way around.

but you desperately need it to be the other way around. you desperately need one of them to come and find you.

you sink down onto the ground, pulling your knees to your chest, you try to make yourself as small as possible. you want to disappear. your heartbeat is beating louder and louder in your ears as you feel the tears begin to well up in your eyes.

"please... help me," you cry out, a sad sob ripping through your body and escaping past your lips. you hope that no one unnecessary heard it.

you hear several footsteps rushing down the hallway and you find yourself holding your breath. waiting to see if it is one of them, but when the footsteps keeping running, laughing filling the otherwise abandoned corridor, your hopes die.

why did they continuously let you down. you felt like disappearing. you wish you could disappear. would they even notice? would they notice that one of their friends had just up and vanished?

you tried your best to stop your tears, but the longer you thought about them and your feelings, the more they continued to spill. god, what was wrong with you? why did you have to rely on them when it was clear they didn't need you.

they never needed you. especially when they had each other.

not even yeosang wanted to hang around you anymore. he spent most of his time either on the rooftop or in student council office. being the president gave him an excuse to not see you, and the others being in their clubs also kept them away from you.

the sound of footsteps brought you out of your thoughts once more and again you held your breath waiting to see who it was. to your surprise however, the door to the classroom slide open and someone you had never seen before entered.

his silver hair standing out to you the most and you find it an odd contrast to seonghwa's pink or san's blue. it was nice.

the stranger quickly looked over to you and made eye contact. you quickly looked away and tried your best to discreetly wipe away your tears.

"hey," his voice is deep and he takes a few steps towards you, "are you okay?" you needed someone to ask you that, it's just a shame it was a complete stranger.

"i-i'm fine," you say and cringe at how not fine you sounded.

"if you say so," he says and you watch him as he looks around the classroom, his steps are heavy sounding as he walks.

"are you... are you new here?" you ask and he lets out a small laugh.

"is it obvious?" he asks and his smile catches you off guard and his grin stretches across his face. "i'm mingi."

"y/n," you say as you finally feel your heartbeat calming down and you think that for the first time in a while you might be okay. at least for now. you move to stand up, dusting yourself off before you take a step towards him. "are you lost?"

"again is it obvious?"

"just a little. no one really comes to this wing of the school unless they don't want to be found," you tell him and you notice his eyebrow quirk up at this information.

"i'm guessing that's why you're here? because you didn't want to be found?" he says and you don't say anything, but you're pretty sure you don't need to. mingi understands. "but i found you."

"hmm, you did. maybe it was fate that wanted us to meet," you say to him making him let out another laugh.

"maybe," he says as he watches you walk towards the door of the classroom.

"well, since you found me maybe i should show you around," you say and mingi thinks for a moment before agreeing.

as you lead him away from the abandoned wing and to where the actual classes are, you think that maybe it was fate that wanted you to meet mingi.

deep down you want to believe that in your heart, but your mind was prepared for what could possible happen.

for being lost and never found.

THE NEXT TIME YOU MET MINGI he was being surrounded by the others during lunch. you were a little shocked to see them all, minus yeosang, together.

seonghwa, wooyoung, and yunho surrounding his desk while the other three lingered around the classroom with their respected clubs. you immediately made eye contact with hongjoong who beckoned you over to him.

you hesitated for a moment, eyes lingering on mingi and the other for a moment before you walked over to the calligraphy president.

"what are you all doing?" you ask, hongjoong doesn't answer but instead takes your hand into his as he gently plays with your fingers.

you don't notice how mingi's eyes flicker over to you and hongjoong; however, seonghwa takes quick notice of it. his eyes following the new student's owe before letting out a deep chuckle.

"are you interested in y/n?" his question seems to catch everyone off guard as he makes sure its loud enough for everyone to hear.

"huh? what the hell are you talking about, seonghwa?" wooyoung is the one to speak up with time. clearly confused by his hyung's question.

your eyes remain locked onto hongjoong's form. heart starting to beat erratically from how nervous you felt about all this. hongjoong however, remained unfazed by seonghwa's words, even looked bored by the whole situation.

"y/n's off-limits, buddy," wooyoung says, his tone set dangerously low which immediately raises an eyebrow for mingi.

"off-limits?" he echoes, "by who?"

"by us, bastard," yunho says before gesturing to himself and the others in the room.

something finally clicks with mingi before he finds himself letting out a small chuckle. wooyoung immediately grabs him by the collar and you have to will yourself to remain next to hongjoong. you want to step in, but you know it will just cause more problems for mingi.

"what's so funny, asshole?"

"you guys claim she's off-limits like she's yours; however, you don't even treat her right," mingi spits out with an all too serious expression.

hongjoong stops playing with your hand and you see his eyes move to look towards the silver haired male. you're sure that if looks could kill then mingi would be dead by the glare hongjoong was giving him. you look across the room to see san also giving mingi the same stare.

"what the fuck are you talking about?" seonghwa is the one to question him while yunho's eyes flicker over to you.

"all i'm saying is that maybe you should spend a little more time focused on her than one some new kid. because if you don't then she's going to disappear and you'll regret it," mingi says.

you try to stop hongjoong but he gets away before you can and so you are forced to watch as he punches mingi in the face. the force of the punch knocks mingi out of his chair and into the floor. you all watch him spit some blood out and you wonder just how hard hongjoong actually hit him for that to happen.

hongjoong then bends down and grabs mingi's collar much like how wooyoung did moments ago. "if you know what's good for you, you'll stay away from her. keep your nose out of other people's business," he hisses out before shoving mingi away from him.

just as hongjoong and seonghwa are about to leave, the classroom door slides open and in walks yeosang. the air around him is elegant as he strides into the classroom. the student council president immediately takes in everything in front of him before he's walking over to you.

"my, my what's going on here, dove?" he asks you and before you can answer, hongjoong is quick to cut in.

"nothing to worry yourself over, president," hongjoong then makes his way to the door with seonghwa trailing behind him. neither of the two males say anything before they leave and soon enough the others are also disappearing back to their respective club rooms.

"dove?" yeosang tries once more after everyone else has left. you look from mingi to yeosang before shaking your head.

"nothing, don't worry about it," you say with a rather defeated sounding tone. you can tell yeosang doesn't believe you and he glances over his shoulder to mingi before back at you. his hand comes up to caress your cheek before he's bidding you goodbye, telling you not to wait for him after school. again.

once yeosang has left, you turn to mingi to find him standing up. he dust himself off before he uses the back of his hand to wipe at his mouth.

"mingi, i-i'm sorry about them," but mingi only grunts before he bumps shoulders with you as he then leaves the classroom.

once again you find yourself alone with no one but yourself.

IT'S BEEN A FEW WEEKS since san and the others had confronted the new kid, mingi. and since then he can't help but feel like a blanket of dread has been placed over him thanks to what mingi had said.

"all i'm saying is that maybe you should spend a little more time focused on her than one some new kid. because if you don't then she's going to disappear and you'll regret it."

those words continue to circle in his mind and he can't help but wonder what he meant. san tried talking to you about it, but you only brushed him off. "it's nothing, don't worry about it," you would say before kissing him on his cheek and running off to your class.

he hated like he was missing something and he definitely knew that there was something you weren't tell him and the others. but what?

just before he could linger on it any longer, seonghwa comes bursting through the door, a panicked look on his face.

"seonghwa, wh-

"have you seen y/n?" seonghwa cuts wooyoung off and it immediately catches both males off guard. the eldest is usually calm and collected; however, right now he is anything but that.

"no, why is she okay?" wooyoung says and san can tell that the male is also starting to become worried.

then it hits san that he hasn't seen in the last few days. he hasn't even texted you, nor has he gotten any messages from you. it was odd and it made the dread that san was feeling increase by tenfold.

"hwa, have you spoken to her recently?" san asks, now standing up to join the other two.

"no, not within the last few days. i checked her homeroom and her seatmate said she hasn't been here all week."

san tries to rack his brain to see if he could figure something out, but everything lead to a dead end for him. everything except...

"because if you don't then she's going to disappear and you'll regret it."

"fucking hell, that new kid!" san hisses before he dashes out of the room and down the hallway. wooyoung and seonghwa give each other confused looks before they are following san who is already halfway down the hallway.

MINGI IS SHOCKED once the door to the classroom is violently swung open. he watches as san walks steps in, chest heaving from how fast he ran and before mingi even realizes it, the two have made eye contact and the baseball player is already taking large steps towards him.

"where is she?" san questions confusing the silver haired male.

"who?"

"y/n! where is she!?" san feels like his heart is about to explode and lungs are about to give up on him but he needs to know.

where are you?

"i don't do i look like her keeper. you're the ones who should know," mingi hisses after the initial shock from san storming in wears off.

"you're the one who she's going to disappear, so where. is. she."

"i already told you. i. don't. know." by this point san and mingi are chest to chest glaring each other down when wooyoung and seonghwa enter the classroom.

while the two continue to stare each other down, mingi suddenly remembers back to when he first met you in that abandoned classroom. no one really comes to this wing of the school unless they don't want to be found, those words replay in his mind and before he realizes it, mingi is stepping away from san.

"move i need check something," mingi hisses out, pushing san away before he's jogs out of the classroom.

mingi makes his way down the different corridors before he finds himself back in the abandon wing of the school. "unless they don't want to be found," he mumbles to himself as he begins checking each other classrooms.

he hears footsteps behind him and he just knows its probably san and the other two who followed him here. mingi's not even sure why he's looking for you or why he should even care about you, but something tells him that he just should.

"i found you the first time without trying, so let me find you again," he says as he continues to check the classrooms. finally he reaches the classroom that held your first meeting and mingi felt like you just had to be in there, waiting for him to find you.

he throws open the doors and steps into the classroom, eyes immediately scanning over the room before they fall onto to where you were basically hiding the first time he came in.

however unlike the first time mingi found himself alone in the empty classroom, just himself and no one else.

#come back home.#kdiarynet #ateez x reader #poly ateez x reader #ateez angst #ateez imagines #ateez blurbs #ateez scenarios #poly ateez #ateez the real #TRYING THIS AGAIN

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brightlilith · 5 months

Text

Blue Sea - 1

Mastelist - MCU Mastelist

Blue Sea - Masterlist

Request open Buy me a coffee

Next chapter →

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x retired spy!reader

Summary: Following the events of The Falcon and The Winter Soldier, Bucky Barnes is trying to adapt to a normal life, but is forced to join forces with a retired CIA spy to stop an old enemy seeking revenge. They certainly don't like each other, but they have incredible chemistry.

Warning: Violence, fighting, possible angst and fluff stress, post-traumatic stress, death, messy psychological, and more will be added later.

A/N: Who doesn't love an enemies to lovers? English isn't my first language, so I apologize for any grammatical and spelling errors. Constructive criticism and supportive messages are always welcome, it motivates me to keep writing. Let me know if something is wrong, my dm is always open. kisses💋

Like, comment, and/or reblog I would be very grateful 🩷

The beach stretches out before me, empty and serene. The sun sets on the horizon, painting the sky with shades of orange and red. The waves gently break on the shore, creating a soothing sound that seems to dance to the rhythm of the wind. Birds gracefully fly over the water, occasionally diving to catch fish. It is a place of tranquility and solitude.

With my eyes closed, I allow myself to get lost in my thoughts, trying to make sense of the things that trouble me. The waves and the wind whisper comforting words, as if trying to console me. I am completely absorbed in my own mind, trying to find answers to difficult questions that continue to torment me.

Suddenly, I am brought back to reality by a familiar voice. I open my eyes to find my therapist, Dr. Raynor, sitting across from me. We are in her office, where there are only two chairs and a simple table between us. The blue walls convey a sense of melancholy that makes me uncomfortable.

I feel pressured and exposed, even though I know the intention is the opposite. The room seems small compared to the vastness of the beach, and the atmosphere is stifling. The presence of my therapist makes me feel vulnerable, and the idea of sharing my deepest thoughts and emotions with her makes me uneasy.

As she starts talking, I try to make myself comfortable in the chair, but the feeling of discomfort persists. As she tries to encourage me to share, I feel like a caged bird, wanting to fly back to the deserted and lonely beach. The room is a contrast to my refuge on the beach, and I long for freedom and open space.

"Are you okay?" Her voice was calm.

"When am I okay?" I lift my head to look at her.

"I don't know, you tell me." She smiles gently.

"Never."

"Are you doing the exercises I mentioned?" she asks.

"No."

"Why not?"

"I don't need to." I sigh. "I'm fine on my own."

Dr. Raynor stares at me for a few seconds before jotting something down on her clipboard, it's not a good thing I would say, I just sigh and close my eyes trying to go back to the beach, but it didn't work. My phone started ringing, its annoying sound made me want to throw it away.

"You should answer that," she said without taking her eyes off the clipboard.

"I'm fine." I rested my head on the hand that was propped on the arm of the chair.

She looked at me with a quizzical look, sighed, and reached out for the phone.

"It's Sam." She said after I handed her the device.

"Good for him."

"You don't even have 10 contacts here." She scrolled through my phone.

"Maybe because some are dead and others are missing, what can I do?" I replied sarcastically.

"Why are you here, y/n? What is your purpose?

"I'm on probation, and I want to get rid of you." I smirked sardonically.

She looked at me in a way that I understood she would jot that down, but I just shrugged, it wasn't the first time. She handed me the phone back, and when I looked at it, I realized that I had not just one call from Samuel, but several... but the message he sent me caught my attention.

What the fuck.

#bucky barnes x female reader #bucky barnes x y/n #bucky x reader #bucky barnes fanfiction #bucky barnes x reader #james buchanan barnes #bucky barnes #bucky x you #bucky fanfic #james bucky buchanan barnes #bucky barnes x you #bucky barnes x f!reader #bucky barnes x fluff

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jazzthatonewriterchick · 1 year

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Here, Kitty, Kitty (18+ Fic)

Pairing: Aizawa x Black!Catgirl!Reader

Synopsis: In which you find yourself in the weirdest predicament after you’re scooped up and taken to a cat cafe after you decide to take the streets to fight some crime, and you’re adopted by your very anti-social and hot coworker Aizawa aka Eraserhead.

Story Warnings: Smutty smut, 18+ (MINORS GET AWAY), Swearing, Adult!Reader, Ear and Tail Stroking, Light Degradation, Spanking, Exhibitionism, Multiple Positions, Creampie, Unprotected PIV Sex, Facial, Scent Play, Collaring, Deepthroat, Cunnlingus, Begging, Edgeplay, Power Play, Rope Play/Shibari, Master Kink, Some Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Some Action

Disclaimer: I own none of the characters mentioned in this fic. However, as this is my writing, I do not give permission for my work to be reposted on any other sites that are not from my own accounts. Thank you!

Writer’s Note: I wanna have Aizawa's kids. That is all. -Jazz

Read on AO3 here!

Other Chapters: One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Six. Seven. Eight. Nine. Ten. Eleven. Twelve. Thirteen. Fourteen. Fifteen. Sixteen. Seventeen. Eighteen. Nineteen. Twenty. Twenty-One. Twenty-Two. Twenty-Three. Twenty-Four. Twenty-Five.

*************

FOUR.

When the holy Sunday makes its grand arrival, Aizawa is up early and going hard in the faculty dorms’ gym.

He usually is up past 6 AM to get started with his gym regime, starting with weights and bench presses, doing several rounds of cardio, and then ending with a cool-down session to stretch out his tired muscles. He likes coming here in the early mornings on weekends especially since no one is up yet and he has free range of the machines offered in the little gym.

It also gives him time to focus hard on his exercise and training–something other than you. He ends his gym round earlier than usual though due to some plans later today that involves a very special girl.

When he finally finishes stretching out his tired limbs from hours of squats, weight-lifting, and running on the cardio, he takes a cool towel that is offered near the door, sitting in a mini fridge along with orange slices and water bottles. Then, as he uncaps his Hydro Flask of water, he walks out of the private gym to head back to his dorms.

As he makes it upstairs, he doesn’t count on seeing Nemuri standing at his door, looking distressed and not at all her bright and bushy-tailed self. Aizawa’s stomach drops immediately, all the positivity he was feeling prior to leaving the gym gone.

“Nemuri?” he asks, immediately hurrying over to her.

She turns to him and he sees that she’s been crying–her eyes are wet and red. “Oh, Shouta!” she shouts, immediately meeting him across the hall. “Thank Goodness, you’re here! I tried calling you, but you never answered so I just came up to see you.”

“I keep my phone off when I’m in the gym,” Aizawa explains, worried about her. She looks awful–she is still in her lacey camisole and shorts along with specialty-made Mirko the Rabbit Hero slippers; her hair is limp and unkempt, the usual bounce of lively curls not in them.

“What’s goin’ on?” he asks, concerned. Was there a villain attack? Is it one of the students or their friends? Maybe something is wrong with Mic? His anxiety begins to take over his body, causing his heartbeat to accelerate.

“Have you seen Y/N anywhere since last night?” Nemuri questions, desperation in her eyes. His eyebrows furrow in confusion. “No, not since Friday,” he answers after backtracking his week. “Why? Is she okay?”

“I can’t find her!” Nemuri sobs. Now Aizawa’s anxiety is through the fucking roof. You’re missing? “What do you mean you can’t find her?” he asks. “Doesn’t she live on the same floor as you?”

“Yes, but she never came home last night,” Nemuri continues, getting increasingly more upset the more she talks. “She never told me where she was going, but she always texts me any time she gets back into her dorm at night. When I called this morning, she never answered, so I went to visit her and…”

She pauses, her lip trembling. “She wasn’t here!” she wails. “Oh, what if she’s in trouble? What if she’s hurt? What if–”

“Okay, okay, relax,” Aizawa soothes her, putting a hand on her shoulder. But even he can’t soothe himself–the anxious roiling in his stomach is a testament to how worried he is of you now. He didn’t know you went out at night like that. “Is this a regular thing for her to do?” he asks.

Nemuri nods, lashes wet and bottom lip quivering. “Then if that’s the case, she probably got caught up with something or maybe her phone died.”

“I’m just so worried for her, Shouta,” Nemuri sighs, looking like she may faint. “I know the campus is relatively safe for us staff, but outside of here is a different story!”

Aizawa goes to say more to try and comfort his friend, but the beep on his phone stops him. He looks down, finding the reminder he set for his plans today: pick up Eri for lunch.

He sighs, pocketing his phone. “Look, I gotta go,” he says, squeezing Nemuri’s hand. “I’ll keep an eye out for Y/N and let you know if I see her, but if she does this normally, she’s a big girl and can take care of herself.”

Nemuri nods and thanks him with a tight hug before she walks down the hallway to the elevator, quiet sobs leaving her mouth as she does. Aizawa’s heart sinks for his friend, and at the fact that you’re possibly missing.

Though he knows you’re a big girl and doesn’t know you from a can of paint except for you being a counselor, a college graduate, and an animal hybrid, he can’t help but feel highly concerned for your safety. Especially for a pretty thing like you. The streets can be hostile, especially at night.

He does his best to push the anxiety-fueled thoughts aside as he goes about his day. Once he’s inside his dorm, he strips himself of his tracksuit pants, loose tank, and sweat-soaked boxers, revealing his sweaty muscles touched with bruises and scars that have healed over the years.

After tossing them in the laundry basket in his closet, he steps into the bathroom to take a much-needed hot shower. He groans in pleasure as the hot water hits his tired, aching muscles; a nice reward for a great workout.

Afterward, he changes into a black tee and jeans to pair with his leather jacket and kicks. As he walks out of his bedroom to head out, he passes the closed bedroom door of the very special guest he’s had the honor of calling his own for the past year. A fond, adoring smile crosses his lips, the urge to see her pushing him to move his ass.

It only takes a walk across campus to the student dorms to make it to Hitoshi’s dorm. When he knocks, the tall, lanky yet muscled junior opens the door, looking extremely tired. Aizawa puts a finger to his lips, silencing Hitoshi, before slinking into his dorm and standing in the middle of the floor.

On Hitoshi’s couch sits his little Eri, vigorously coloring in her favorite pink sweater with a purple cat face on it and striped stockings, her off-white locks pinned back with barrettes that were probably Mirio’s doing to show off her cute little horn. When she looks up with those big crimson eyes Aizawa loves so much, she gasps. “Daddy!” she shouts as if she hasn’t seen him in years when in reality, it’s only been two days.

Ever since Aizawa agreed to do night patrols again, he’s been letting Eri stay in Hitoshi’s dorm to make sure she’s supervised. Eri proclaimed Hitoshi as her “stepbrother” since she first came to UA after being rescued from Overhaul. The entire school took a liking to her, leading to most of the students proclaiming themselves as her bodyguards.

Aizawa isn’t much better. Ever since he volunteered to care for Eri as she got acclimated to her new environment and to help her with her powers, he’s grown attached to the little girl. Now, he looks at the girl as his.

His little girl. His daughter. And nobody ever harms or touches what’s his.

“Hey, you,” he coos, filled with warmth when Eri runs to him and throws her little body into his arms. He squeezes her tight, nuzzling his nose into her white hair. “How’s my favorite girl, hm?” He looks around Hitoshi’s dorm, noticing the crayons littering his couch and the open box of Fruit Loops in his kitchen.

“Drivin’ me crazy,” the lavender-haired boy sighs. “She wouldn’t stop talking about this cat cafe you’re supposedly taking her to later.”

Aizawa glances down at a very-excited Eri and pulls away to give her a stern look. “Eri,” he criticizes. “What did we talk about? No annoying Hitoshi when he’s watching you.”

Eri continues to wiggle excitedly, her smile infectious. “Sorry, Daddy,” she whines. “I’m just so excited! Koa's Purrr Palace and Cafe is my favoritest place in the world!” Aizawa practically dies from her utter cutest. “Alright, you get a pass today, but only ‘cause it’s your birthday and you’re so darn cute.” He pokes her nose, earning a giggle.

He helps Eri clean up her things and packs them away in her leapfrog backpack before they head to the door, hand in hand. “Thanks, Shinso. I’ll take it from here.” Hitoshi nods, leaning against the door frame as Aizawa passes him $50 for his services. “See you, Eri,” he calls to the girl as he shuts the door.

“Bye, ‘Toshi!” Eri yells back in her cute little voice. She then looks up at Aizawa, her hand in his. “Can we go now, Daddy? Can we go now pleeeeease?”

Aizawa could gobble her up with how cute she is. How anyone could harm such an innocent soul is beyond him. “Alright, alright,” he sighs, defeated, “but be on your best behavior.” Eri squeals in excitement as they walk together out of the dorms and into the spring sun.

Koa’s Purrr Palace is by far one of Eri’s favorite places to exist in Musutafu. Aizawa will admit that the place is cute as hell: it serves as a rescue center for stray cats in the city and a cafe that serves the best coffee and sandwiches Aizawa has ever had. He found it by accident one day and didn’t know it was a cat cafe until he walked inside and the smallest tabby he’s ever seen tried to bite his boots.

“Koshi, cut it out!” Koa, the little old lady who owns the place, had sternly told the kitten. “No biting the guests!” She had offered Aizawa a free coffee and a $15 gift card as an apology, which led him to come back with Eri on the weekends. They’ve been regulars to the point where Koa and the staff know them by name.

As soon as they step into the cafe, Aizawa is hit with the scent of roasted coffee beans and the sweet aroma of baked bread that makes his stomach growl. One employee is busy serving two middle school girls their crepes while two other employees are cleaning the area, wiping off tables and booths. Aizawa swears he’s never seen so many cats in his life–everywhere he looks, there’s one lounging on a chair or playing in their cat tower, tiny meows filling the air.

If he could adopt all of them, he would.

Eri is in her world. Her big eyes flick from side to side of the room, drinking in the sight of cats galore. “Kitties!” she shouts a little too loudly, alerting one of the employees.

“Oh, Eri and Mr. Aizawa!” she greets them happily. “You’re just in time! Koa is in the back, but she told me to let you know we got a shipment for ice cream if you want our signature purrr parfaits.”

Eri gapes happily at her at the sound of her favorite parfaits. “Yes, please!” she enthusiastically replies, making the employee laugh. “We’ll take two, thanks,” Aizawa patiently replies, taking Eri’s hand. “And tell Koa thank you. C’mon, Eri; let’s sit down so the employees can do their jobs.”

They do so, taking a seat at a table near a cat tower where they watch two kittens play with each other, Eri giggling at them. A few minutes later, a short, old woman with silver-white hair cropped to her shoulders steps out from the back. She smiles at the sight of Aizawa and Eri. “Ah, there are my favorite customers!” she happily greets them.

“Hi, Ms. K!” Eri giggles, now petting one of the kittens. She’s gentle and careful as the kitten rubs its head into her hand. Aizawa could die from the cuteness.

“Good afternoon, Shouta,” Koa says, smiling down at him. “Still no girl on your arm?”

Aizawa blushes beneath his scarves, doing his best to hide his face. “Koa, you know I’m too busy to date with this one in my hair.” He nods at Eri who is now playing with three other kittens, flinging a feathered toy around.

“That’s no excuse!” Koa playfully argues. “I happen to know many fine-looking young women who love single dads.”

Once again, Aizawa turns a bright red and adverts his eyes, making the old lady laugh. He swears that every single person he knows asks him why he isn’t in a relationship yet. It isn’t like he’s against the dating scene, but between caring for Eri, teaching his classes, working as a pro, and fiending over you, Aizawa knows he’s too busy to date.

“Well, being tied up with your little girl is all the more reason to find a nice lady to help you out,” Koa chuckles. “Or you could always just visit here. Animals make great company; especially as pets. Our adoption rates have just been shooting through the roof lately.”

Eri whips around, her white hair flying. “Pets?” she asks, wide-eyed. “You mean we can adopt the kitties here too?!”

Koa gives a bellied laugh while Aizawa shakes his head. “Eri, we’ve gone over this: no animals are allowed in the dorms. You know that Nezu is paranoid.” Eri gives him a cute little scowl, her bottom lip poking. “No pouting either,” Aizawa sternly says.

As stubborn as the girl is, Eri knows the rules. Principal Nezu is serious about dorm rules, especially having pets. Aizawa can understand since Nezu is a mouse–every animal is scary to him, but cats? That’s probably a nightmare.

“Aww, it’s okay, Eri, dear,” Koa laughs. “Nothing a good parfait and some playtime can’t cure.”

Koa winks at the little girl as one of the employees comes to their table holding two delicious-looking parfaits: vanilla ice cream and spongey cake at the bottom of the glasses topped in whipped cream, strawberries, waffle cones, and chocolate syrup that drizzles over the glass rims. Eri thanks the employee as she grabs hers, already digging in.

“Go on and have fun!” Koa urges, motioning around the cafe like it’s Eri’s playpen…which it is.

For the next fifteen minutes, Aizawa watches Eri as she runs around the cafe while Koa and the employees work, serving others drinks and tending to the cats. During, Aizawa spends time eating his parfait, scrolling through his phone, and letting one of the cats toy with his scarf. ‘So damn cute,’ he thinks, cursing Nezu for that stupid pet rule. He wouldn’t mind having a cat around his dorm to keep him company since dating is out of the question right now.

“Oh, they’re so cute!” Eri suddenly squeals. “Daddy, look at this one!”

Aizawa looks up, finding his daughter standing at the cat cages off to the side. A sign posted on the wall states that they are all available for playtime and adoptions. Eri is busy staring into the cage of a teeny black cat curled up on a plush blanket, sleeping soundly.

“Eri,” he sighs, striding over to the overexcited child, “leave the cat alone. It’s sleeping right now, so…”

But as he gets closer and closer to the cat, his words die in his throat. He doesn’t understand why or what kind of feeling he’s feeling as he stares down at it, but it renders him speechless.

“Oh, her!” Koa says from the back counter, wiping down some spilled coffee. “She came in last night. Poor baby had an injured paw when I found her, so I brought her in.” She tuts at the kitty. “She must’ve been exhausted; she’s been sleeping the whole day.”

Aizawa continues to stare wordlessly at the cat, a warm feeling tingling inside of him. It’s just a regular-looking, short-haired black cat with one of its paws wrapped in a bandage, but Aizawa can’t help but feel like there is something more to the kitty; something special. He stares at it and feels as if he’s met this specific cat before.

Realizing how he probably looks right now–like an idiot–, he quickly steers Eri away from the cage. “Let’s not bother her, baby,” he gently says. “Let’s play with the two down here. They look lively.” He points down at the cage where two long-haired kittens are wrestling with each other, tiny mews filling the air.

“Can we, Ms. Koa?!” Eri excitedly asks, bouncing on her feet. Koa is already walking over with a key to unlock the cage. “Of course, dear,” she giggles. “Just don’t wear yourself out too much before you eat the rest of your parfait.”

Aizawa swears he's never seen a kid so excited for some damn cats.

#shouta aizawa #shoutaaa #smutty smut #my fic shit #my works #here kitty kitty #bnha smut #black coded reader #black fanfic writer #black writers #aizawa x black!reader #shouta aizawa x black!reader

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harri-etvane · 1 month

Note

The Angst sentence starters.

Because I obviously like to torture myself with your brilliant Angst writing and hey, I haven't cried and screamed at things in a while :)

Volena (because why not break my heart)

"I'm so sorry for anything I've done to you."

(If this sparks no inspiration I will also be happy with "Please, speak to me.", "I am just so tired." or "You can't leave me alone.")

(And if you feel super inspired ... all four?!? 🥺👉👈)

(No pressure and no hurry though. I need time to emotionally prepare myself.)

Hey Jam! - thanks for sending these, they were a good exercise for me to stretch my angst muscles. I'm sorry they took so long!

I've written about 300 words for each of them, apart from "I'm so sorry for anything I've done to you." which didn't spark any inspiration in me at the moment. I'll keep it in my WIP doc of doom though, and if anything comes to mind; I'll post!

As there's nearly 900ish words, I'll pop them just below the cut. There's no over-arching narrative (or there could be if you squint at it really hard) and apologies - one of them ended up a bit similar to some bits and pieces I wrote for Early Though the Laurel Grows.

Anyway - I hope you like them; I'm excited to hear your thoughts! If you'd like a continuation of any of them, let me know! xxx

"Please, speak to me."

She's said it hundreds of times, or it feels that way at least, longing more than anything to hear the rough, gravelly cadence of his voice, feel the press of his hand against hers, the scratch of his beard against her cheek - even just the slow opening of his eyes, the familiar dark brown sparked with recognition, affection even.

She'd give anything for that sight - everything, even.

It comes out as a whisper this time, her voice hoarse.

“Please.”

Just the echoing silence instead - her own heartbeat thumping in her ears, so quiet she can almost hear the rush of blood through her veins. His breathing is slow and unsteady, every inhale leaving them both balanced on a precipice until the flimsy, weak exhale in response somehow manages to pull them both back from the edge, an awful, endless waltz.

She takes his hand in both of hers and lifts it, pressing her lips to his knuckles; trying not to think of how cold his skin is, at odds with the thin sheen of sweat on his brow, the bright red of fever staining his cheeks. Olena shifts her grip a little, holding on as tightly as she dares, his fingers limp in her grasp and without thinking, her fingertips find the cool metal of his wedding ring for the security it has always represented. She realises it is loose suddenly, his fingers thin, and that alone feels like another wound.

His badly-won rest is not entirely peaceful, eyelids flickering; even in unconsciousness, dragged there forcibly by the pneumonia that stalks his weary bones, his face is hollow and wan, the frown on his forehead unmoving. The sickening lurch of helplessness slides into her gut and sits there like an unwelcome friend, an enemy - she cannot take the weight from him even now; so utterly drained and exhausted, unable to find peace.

Despite her pleas, he remains near silent save for every laboured breath, pulled away on a tide she has no hope of following - so she must stay on the shore and wait for him to return.

________

"I am just so tired."

She’s never heard him sound like this before; flat, dull - listless. He sits beside her, the long shadows in the room throwing his face into darkness as the light changes. The afternoon sun is dreary and faded, dragging the colour from the room, from him. Olena feels, just for a moment, as though she has never been further away from her husband, despite being so close.

“I know, sweetheart. I know.”

She pulls him towards her until he rests against her side, the weight of him familiar but just this once, it doesn't bring the same ordinary comfort. The dull weight of concern sits firmly in her chest instead as she watches his gaze move back to his desk, to the phone, his laptop, the endless reams of paper, unable to let himself truly set it aside, even just for this moment. She can feel the shadow of his ribs, the knots of his spine beneath the thick, black sweatshirt, more prominent than they were before and the concern sharpens. Gently, she places a hand on his cheek, the grey of his beard soft beneath her fingertips.

“Love?”

He turns to look at her fully then as her hand drops to his chest, his heart fluttering unevenly beneath her palm. It seems to have happened very suddenly - almost without her noticing; he looks old.

“I- oh, Lena. I'm-”

For the first time in such a long while, he struggles for words.

In the end, his voice is quiet.

“I ache.”

She nods silently, suddenly unable to speak, confronted with the painful weight of it all; this shattering glimpse of something so very raw, an unhealed wound that has nestled into the very heart of him.

“I know.”

________

"You can't leave me alone."

The accusatory plea comes choked through a sob, ripped out of the deepest part of her, laid entirely bare here, in this one, lonely room. She tips her gaze to the ceiling - the ornate plasterwork, the gold - all of it blurred.

“You can't. You promised. You promised me the Carpathian mountains. You said–”

He'd said so many things, over the years, conjured so many ideas of what their life would look like afterward - hoped for something quiet and slow. He'd done it to comfort her, and often, himself - desperate to hold on to a future beyond the pain, beyond just living for each day, grateful for every sunrise and sunset. He'd murmured about their future during slow lunches over his desk and snatched seconds together, tentatively sketching it in broad strokes; fishing, walking, talking - space just to be. He'd talked about growing a garden, watching the seasons change and blossom with the sunlight, planting trees - cultivating something just for the beauty of it. She had listened to his plans, her hand in his and smiled - at his optimism, his determination, the knowledge that he would be by her side, through all things. She knew then that whatever happened, so long as he was with her - everything would be fine.

There had never been any question of them being apart.

Her solitude is shattered by the door swinging open, bringing with it a deeper silence, the familiar tread of combat boots and then a pause. She knows who it is without turning around. She knows why he is here. She feels Maksym behind her, his hand on her shoulder for the briefest moment. If she doesn't turn around, if she doesn't take another step; her world will not change - she will not have to go on, alone.

“Not yet. Maks. Not yet. Just, a little longer.”

“Olena Volodymyrivna.. I'm so sorry. It's time..”

#Harriet writes

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bat-to-da-robs · 4 months

Text

Tease tidbit Tuesday

Goddamn, have never been tagged in something like this before, gratitude @kingofdarkness00 💜❤️.

Uhhh am plugging away at a very rough draft of a dissociative catatonia Alastor (hazbin) fic for the angst + holy shit can circumstances please force this bitch to open up about his horrendous emotional state cuz lord knows he won't do it himself. Let's see what's fit for slightly more public consumption ahaha.

Lucifer passes the blanket to Charlie. She grabs it, and looks over at Alastor. She doesn't want to admit it, but the silent vacancy of the usually untouchably powerful overlord is freaking her out. Alastor is still grinning that godawful, stretched grin, and it has even more of an unsettling context after the advice he'd given her about 'wearing a smile always to get some control.' She looks him over, the waxy quality of his skin, the glassiness of his eyes, the blue tinge to his lips even with a sheen of sweat on his forehead. In looking him over, Charlie notices the tear tracks for the first time, badly scrubbed away. It makes her stomach flip, try to climb out her throat. Alastor has always been the benefactor, not the resident, untouchable and beyond and above the various rehabilitation exercises Charlie does with the actual residents. She knows what to do and yet she's frozen, a part of her not wanting to step over the line to acknowledge the inherent brokenness of yet another father, the humanity behind the glamour a bit too hard to stare down head on.

"Come on, Charlie," and a hand is on hers, the blanket eased from her grasp, and it's Vaggie stepping forward instead, inviting herself into Alastor's space, draping the blanket gently around Alastor's shoulders, careful not to touch him. Charlie finds her eyes are still glued to him, and it's only this that allows her to see the subtle tremor run through him at the contact. So he's not fully catatonic, just, deeply dissociated?

Okay. Charlie takes a breath. She can do this. She's got frameworks for this.

She looks over Alastor again, noting the grime coating him, the fresh rips and scorch marks in his prized jacket. They're going to have to get him cleaned up and into a more comfortable environment. Which is going to be uncomfortable, but Charlie thinks it's best if he comes back to himself cleaned up and bandaged, thinks the muddy, blood-stained state he's still in might be contributing to his vacancy.

"Husk, keep talking to him," she directs to the cat, who has been murmuring a convoluted, somewhat resentful story about missing socks. "Nifty, go run a bath for him, if you would. Vaggie, can you get ready to pick him up? I know he would hate that in his usual mindframe, but we're going to have to transport him in order to get him more comfortable." She looks to Husk, and gets a grim nod of agreement. "Dad, can you teleport us as close to Alastor's apartment as you can get without overly taxing yourself against his wards?"

"Of course, sweetheart," her dad replies, tone quiet but sure, firm, confident. More empathetic than Charlie had expected. She looks over to him, draws on his unusual calm surity, and feels herself breathe a little easier.

She scans Alastor one more time, notes the full body tension, the shallowness of his breathing, and makes another executive decision, turning to Angel Dust.

And I'll tag @whileyoureinschoolidothisallday, @cathothal and @cosmictapestry, but obvi only if y'all want haha. Is a tag challenging you to share a few paragraphs of something you're currently writing 😊.

#hazbin hotel #hazbin alastor #hazbin #dissociative catatonia #tease tidbit tuesday #tidbit tuesday #hazbin fanfic

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just-another-blog-of-fluff · 2 years

Text

The Skill of a Valkyrie - Part 2

Word count: 13,000

Pairing: Loki x reader (new relationship)

Reader pronouns: she/her

Warnings: gets steamy at times (never anything explicit as usual), some angst, self-doubt

Phew, this took me an eternity to write, but it's finally complete! I loved writing part 1 so much that I wanted part 2 to measure up to the first. Hopefully I've been able to manage it!

This part incorporates a Prompt where the reader helps Loki to rebuild his strength after his injury. I also sort of ran along with my own plot ideas... hence the length 😅😅 I hope you enjoy!!

And also - happy birthday @duckynugget!! 🎂

Read Part 1 first

"Come on... it's been over two months since we've sparred!"

"With good reason! The healers have asked you to take it easy!"

The look Loki shot you was reminiscent of that of a child trying to guilt someone into getting their way. It was difficult to maintain your firm façade when an amused grin was fighting its way across your face.

"Loki - I am your instructor, and as such, I know what's best for you. And that means no sparring until you're fully healed. We're here to stretch and run through some light exercises - nothing more."

"Perhaps I should request a more lenient instructor, then," he pouted.

"You know as well as I that your mother would never allow it. She cares for your well being just as much as I do." You smirked. "And you and I are both aware that you'd miss me far too much."

"Ah - but it's you who would be lost without my devilish wit and charm."

Loki stepped closer to you, his hand falling on your waist while the other slipped around the back of your neck. You felt your knees weaken under the sultry sensation of his touch, the weight of his adoring gaze. The corner of his mouth twitched upward in a half smirk, one that was maddeningly handsome despite the fact that you knew he knew his teasing was getting to you.

It had been six weeks since the Allfather, Loki, and the Einherjar had returned from Muspelheim. Six weeks since the day you thought you'd lost the man you'd grown to love before you'd even come to terms with it yourself. The day you'd kept vigil at his bedside as he lay unconscious. The day you declared your love for him, and he reciprocated. What a whirlwind of a day it had been.

While your feelings for one another were out in the open, you hadn't been exceedingly physical with one another. It was difficult to find an appropriate time, considering the two of you were hardly ever alone together. Loki had healers fussing over him constantly, on top of his princely duties. It would be improper for the two of you to be seen kissing one another senseless in the company of the royal court. As a result, when you did find a moment alone, the simplest act of caressing your cheek or lacing his fingers through yours sent your heart reeling.

Loki had been quick to recover emotionally from the wound. Unfortunately for him, the physical part of the recovery had been slower. Certainly, being a demigod, his healing time was faster than most. But it simply wasn't fast enough for the young, mischievous prince. He was eager to return to his training at his full, former strength, and so being bedridden for any more than a day was not an option.

Originally, Loki was to rejoin his brother and train with the Einherjar after his return from Muspelheim. You were only too pleased to accept Frigga's request to continue to work with the brash prince. If there was anyone in the realm who could keep his ego in check and prevent him from overtraining, the Allmother knew it was you.

And, if there were ever a reason to spend some time alone together, this was the perfect excuse.

"Loki - are you trying to seduce me into getting your way?" you asked with a grin.

"Mm... is it working?" The prince ducked down slowly to close the distance between you, pressing his soft lips against yours. You let your eyes flutter closed, drinking in the taste of him for just a moment. Then, you recalled the little game he was playing.

"Mmpf - n-no, it is most certainly not working, you imp!" you scolded teasingly, gently pulling away from his kiss. "I can't have you believing you can simply kiss me to have your way. You'll become even more spoiled than you already are."

"I am most certainly not spoiled!" He scowled, making you laugh.

"Alright - how about this?" You grasped his wrists and pushed them away, instead lacing your fingers through his. "If you can find it in you to behave yourself and listen to your instructor, then I will allow you to spar with me in a week's time."

"I... suppose that would be reasonable."

"Excellent. Now then - let's begin your recovery routine."

You led the reluctant prince through his stretches and exercises. It was clear that Loki was trying to appear bored with these low-physicality training regimens, but every once in a while you'd catch him wincing and stiffening his left shoulder when he thought you weren't looking. It only reaffirmed your decision not to concede to his wheedling - surely he'd only injure himself if you'd allowed him to spar. If you hadn't already promised him, you might have told him he should wait another week. You'd simply have to go easy on him.

Too soon, you were wrapping up his training session for the day. You knew Loki had a gathering of the royal court to attend, and you had work to do at the Valkyrie training facility yourself. It would be another couple of days before you'd have this time together again.

"How are you feeling, Loki? Is that shoulder troubling you at all?" you asked, gesturing toward the location of the former spear wound.

"Not one bit. You're truly a miracle worker, Valkyrie," he responded proudly, rolling his shoulder a couple of times as though to prove his point.

"Heed caution, Loki. Overconfidence is what got you into this mess in the first place."

"I'm not being overconfident." He took a few strides closer to you, that characteristic smirk overtaking his features. "If anything, I'm singing you praises. Don't let it go to your head, now, love."

"Come, now. You know I know better than that." Loki lifted his hands to cup your jaw on either side, tilting your face up toward himself as he leaned closer, your noses nearly touching. "Loki... you have duties to attend to," you warned half-heartedly, melting into his touch all the same.

"Mm, indeed I do." He closed the few inches of space remaining between you, capturing your lips with his. You instinctively wrapped your arms around his waist, hands coming to rest against the small of his back. He hummed in approval, one of his own hands falling from your neck to your waist so he could tug you impossibly closer. Gods, he was intoxicating. Your willpower to resist his charms and keep him on task crumbled so easily with the gentlest touch.

Regretfully, you pulled away, resting your forehead against his. "Loki, I'm serious! You must not shirk your duties as prince just to spend the afternoon kissing me."

"Why ever not?" He tilted his head slightly to steal another swift kiss. "Kissing you is far better than any council gathering. They shall barely notice my absence."

"No, no. I won't allow it." You leaned back slightly to evade his advances. With a guttural growl, Loki tightened his arm around your waist to pull you closer once again, his lips finding yours despite your protests. You couldn't help but laugh against his mouth. Cheekily, you slipped your hands from his back to his waist, pinching rapidly at his sides for just a moment.

"Mm-hm-hehey!" he spluttered, breaking apart from your lips as his hands shot down to capture yours.

"Attend your council meeting, or I'll tickle you senseless," you threatened with a smirk, digging your fingertips into his sides once for emphasis. His grip on your hands tightened in an effort to still your tickling fingers.

"This is entirely unfair, you know. Holding this over my head in such a way."

"I never said I was playing fair." You wriggled your fingertips into his skin as best you could given the limited range of motion he was providing you. A ticklish grin overtook his face as he attempted to pry your hands away. "Yield to me, Loki."

"Oh, alright, alright! I yield!" He released your hands as you stepped back, a haughty smirk on your face. "You are infuriating, you are."

"I'm simply doing my duty as your instructor to keep you on task. By any means necessary." You reached out to prod his stomach and he swatted your hand away with a scowl.

"You wouldn't prefer to remain here with me?"

You sighed. "Of course I would, Loki. We simply can't at the moment."

"Perhaps we require a more opportune moment, then."

"Perhaps we do."

He gazed at you thoughtfully for a moment. Then, with his charming smile, he scooped up one of your hands in his and lifted it to his lips. "Until next time, then." He pressed a feather-light kiss to the back of your hand, his grin widening as he watched your knees falter slightly. Then, he turned and strode up the gold-flecked stairs to the palace, disappearing around a corner on his way to the council room.

* * *

True to his word, Loki continued to follow your instructions during each of the sessions that followed that week. Gradually, you were beginning to notice he would grimace less frequently while performing his exercises. You knew he'd never admit it to you, but this training regimen was rebuilding his strength in that injured shoulder. He'd have been far worse off had he dove back into his original routine straight away.

"Today we spar, yes?" he called down to you as he descended the stairs into the courtyard for his training session the following week.

"Eager, are we?" you called in response. That handsome smirk of his was etched across his features as always as he approached you, sweeping you up into his arms and kissing you. You whined in weak protest as he lifted your feet off the ground for just a moment.

"Yes, I'm eager, of course! It's been months since we've had a proper match. I'm simply itching to defeat you," he boasted, releasing you from his hold with a bright spark in his eyes.

"Are you certain you're ready? I don't want to reinjure that shoulder."

"I'm more than ready. The real question is, are you?"

You sighed, shaking your head in defeat. "Alright, we shall spar, then. But I've no choice but to go easy on you until you've fully regained your strength. It would do you no good to take on the full skill of a Valkyrie before you've completely healed."

Loki scoffed. "I'm quite capable of opposing you at your full strength."

"There's no arguing your way out of it. I'm taking it easy, as should you." You gave him a firm look, to which he merely smirked.

"You simply want an out when you lose to me."

"If that is what you'd like to believe, then yes." You motioned for him to stand facing you. "Shall we?"

“After you, Valkyrie.”

You knew you had to be cautious not to cause strain to that injured pectoral muscle of his, so you opted to aim low. Feigning a lunge forward as if to punch toward his face, you halted your momentum at the last moment and instead shifted your weight to your back foot, striking out with a roundhouse kick toward his knees. Loki skillfully caught hold of your ankle before you could connect with your target, jerking it upward to throw you off balance. Stumbling backward, you allowed yourself to fall and tucked into a backward somersault, leaping straight back to your feet.

“Come, now. Is that the best you can do?” Loki goaded with a sly grin.

“You won’t be seeing my best today, I’ve already told you.”

You charged forward while his guard was down, aiming a punch toward his uninjured right shoulder. He knocked your fist aside with his forearm, swiftly striking back with a swipe toward your gut. You caught hold of his fist, tugging his arm out straight and leaning your weight into an elbow lock against your side.

“Seems that you can’t beat me even at partial strength,” you teased. With a grunt, he tugged his hand free of your grasp, twisting his body in the process to strike with his heel against your ankle. You weren’t anticipating the low blow, losing your balance and falling onto your back. Quickly, you rolled onto your front to pick yourself up off the ground. A sudden weight against the backs of your legs told you Loki had been anticipating this move. Before you could react, he’d snatched up your wrists and gathered them to pin against the small of your back with one of his larger hands.

"Ah... how I've missed this," Loki sighed wistfully, as though reminiscing about a favorite hobby and not pinning you face-down against the ground. You grunted and bucked your hips in effort to throw him off. He didn't budge, merely pressing his weight further against your wrists at the small of your back.

"Alright, let up, Loki," you demanded.

"You've gotten yourself out of such predicaments many times in the past," he countered, the smirk evident in his tone. "Go on and fight your way out."

"I don't want to hurt you."

"You won't."

"Loki! You can't strong-arm me into fighting you full force!" you groaned, shifting under his weight.

"Oh, no?"

Suddenly, the fingers on his free hand found purchase on your side, worming their way underneath you to dig into the soft spot by your hipbone. You knew you should have seen this coming but it startled you all the same, drawing a burst of frantic laughter forth from your chest. You heard Loki chuckle fondly at your outburst, only encouraging him to wriggle his fingers deeper into the pliant skin.

"LOHOKI! Yohou play DIHIRTY!" you scolded.

"Mm... God of Mischief, darling. Now, then - is this incentive enough to fight your way out? Or must I motivate you further?"

"I wihill NOT - NOHO!" You shrieked as his tickling fingers worked rapidly up your side, scratching at the hypersensitive spot just below your ribcage where your stomach met your side.

"I could do this all day, love. You simply need to fight back." Loki's tone was laced with amusement as he teased you. You knew very well that half the reason he missed sparring with you so much was the playful banter that came along with it. Even if he couldn't convince you to fight him off, you knew he was happy just to hear your desperate laughter.

But gods if he wasn't far too skilled at breaking your resolve.

"L-ahah-LOHOKI WAHAIT! WAIT!" you pleaded, sighing with relief when his fingers stilled against your side.

"I'm listening," he urged mischievously.

"I..." You sucked in air, trying desperately to formulate a solid argument while Loki's fingers remained unmoving, pressed tormentingly, threateningly against your lowest ribs. "This... this is no way to treat your instructor!"

"Oh-ho, is that all you have to say?" He pinched rapidly at your side, throwing you back into rapid giggles. "You and I are both aware you are more than capable of escaping. So - will you fight? Or shall I force your hand?"

"Whahat - n-no, Lohoki, dohon't you DAHARE!" You tensed reflexively as his fingers crawled their way up to your ribcage, pausing to splay wide between the bones.

"Some fight in you, Valkyrie?"

You turned your head enough to glare at the mischievous god over your shoulder. He thought he had you cornered. But there was no way you were risking causing him any harm by fighting him off. Not to mention, this was the brightest you'd seen him acting in weeks.

"Do your worst."

Loki barked out an incredulous laugh at your tenacity. "Brazen for someone in your position. But, if you insist."

Swiftly, he released your wrists and dug into your ribcage on both sides before you had the wherewithal to impede his access with your newly freed arms. With a screech, you dissolved into hysterics, pounding your feet against the ground in helpless protest. The young prince was only too pleased with himself, chuckling heartily as he probed in search of the weak spot he'd discovered before. It was a matter of seconds before he discovered it.

"OHOKAHAY!! GOHODS, I YIEHELD, LOKI!!" you pleaded, tapping the ground with your palm in surrender. As mischievous as he was, the prince wasn't cruel - he relented in his ruthless attack as he noticed you weakening. You rolled onto your back as he removed his weight from your legs, shooting him the most serious glare you could muster despite your persistent grin.

“You could have easily escaped that hold,” Loki chastised with a click of his tongue.

“Yes, and risk tearing your shoulder muscle in the process!” You took the hand Loki offered to help you sit up, smoothing your hair down.

“I’m not fragile, you know.”

“No, but you aren’t fully recovered either, Loki.” You sighed. “I need you to understand how important it is to take this slowly. To overwork yourself too soon is to risk permanent injury, and I… I can't bear to see you in pain. Please."

Loki's expression softened. "I shall try to heed my instructor's warnings, then." You smiled appreciatively, relieved. "But I still believe you simply wanted an excuse for your staggering loss in that sparring match." He shot you a wink. You laughed, shaking your head as you allowed him to help you to your feet.

"If you'd humor me, Prince Loki, I'd like to move on to your recovery regimen now."

"Yes, perhaps a rematch might be too much for you to handle."

"Hold your tongue, Loki - I could easily have you running laps around the courtyard for mouthing off to your instructor."

He grinned cheekily. "My apologies, taskmaster. What are your orders?"

You led the knavish prince through his exercises, keeping the routine a bit lighter today after already having exerted yourselves sparring. He was surprisingly obedient despite his mischievous attitude throughout the beginning of the session. Perhaps he was feeling a bit of remorse for making you worry for him.

"We'll meet again in two days' time," you directed as you wrapped up the session. "I expect you to be practicing your stretches in the meantime on your own."

"Mm... two days is far too long for me to wait," Loki lamented, gazing at you with adoration.

"I know." You approached the prince, slipping your arms around his waist and leaning your forehead against his shoulder. He returned your embrace, resting his chin atop your head. "You know as well as I it would be improper for the two of us to be seen frolicking around the kingdom together while we both have duties to attend to."

"Then we shall remain here in the courtyard," he urged, leaning back a bit and pressing his lips to your forehead. You tilted your head to look at him, met with the handsome mischievous smirk you'd grown to love. "No one should bother us here, I think."

"Here? In the palace courtyard?" You laughed incredulously. "No, I can't imagine anyone passing through the palace."

"No one of consequence," he countered facetiously.

"No - only the royal court... or your father..."

He cut you off with his lips against yours. You knew you should scold him, but you couldn't help but melt into his kiss. After a few moments, he pulled away to look at you.

"My mother adores you. Anyone who feels differently about our relationship would need to answer to her. And to me." Loki's brow furrowed. "You aren't... embarrassed to be courted by the God of Mischief, are you?"

"Of course not!" You pressed a chaste kiss to his frowning lips. "I am honored to have earned the affections of the chaotic Prince of Asgard," you teased. He growled and pinched your side ticklishly, his frown swiftly brightening back into that characteristic grin.

"Then what worries you?"

What did worry you? It was difficult to explain.

Despite being a warrior in service of the royal family for centuries, you'd never found yourself in the inner circles of the court. You were fierce, respected. A force to be reckoned with, should anyone be so unfortunate as to attempt to attack the kingdom.

What you were not was royalty material. You'd never imagined yourself dressed in extravagant gowns and gemstones, attending royal gatherings, dining at royal feasts. The mere idea of it all terrified you. How could you adapt to such a lifestyle when your entire life had been devoted to combat training, self-defense, and weaponry? How would you ever manage to fit in without humiliating yourself? Humiliating the prince?

"I... simply want to ease the royal court into our relationship," you explained. "And shirking our other duties would be a poor way to start out, would it not?"

Loki nodded slowly, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "What about after we've attended to our other responsibilities?"

"You have courtly duties late into the evening, do you not?"

"Then we will meet after that. Come to the palace gates an hour after sunset. I know of the perfect place we can go to spend time together - away from those prying eyes you're so worried about. Please." He gazed at you earnestly, pleading with his eyes. An involuntary grin spread across your face.

"I suppose I can arrange for that."

* * *

The pair of you treaded quietly through the forest trails just beyond the palace walls after dark that evening. Loki led you by the hand along the time-worn path, navigating the way by the light of the moon flickering between the swaying branches of the trees overhead. You'd have easily gotten lost in these woods on your own, but the prince was obviously intimately familiar with the route, never once pausing to ponder which direction to take.

Gradually, the trees began to thin along the edges of the path. The two of you emerged from the forest into a broad clearing, the sight of which took your breath away.

A vast lake sat ahead, surrounded by lush grass and boulders smoothed by centuries of rainfall. The still surface of the water sparkled with the reflections of the moon and stars overhead. Around the far side of the lake stood a cliff with a slight overhang above the water, casting shadow over a rocky alcove beside the water's edge.

"Do you like it?" Loki asked eagerly, the contours of his face bathed in an array of moonlight and shadow.

"It's beautiful," you breathed, gazing around at the scene before you. "Do you come here often?"

"Only when I'm seeking time alone. Very few are familiar with this clearing." He sounded proud, boastful almost, to show you such a gorgeous setting. "Come. Swim with me."

"I haven't brought swimming attire."

"No need. I always swim in the nude."

"Loki!" you gasped, covering your mouth to stifle a nervous giggle. He grinned, winking mischievously at you.

"I only jest. Perhaps another time." He stepped ahead of you, proceeding to strip down to his underclothes and tossing his other garments aside by the lake's edge. You found yourself captivated at the sight of the toned muscles rippling over his shoulders and back, his fair skin illuminated by the pale moonlight. He turned to you, grin broadening as he caught you staring and drawing a wave of heat to your cheeks. "Come. The water is divine."

Glancing around nervously, despite knowing the two of you were definitively alone, you finally let out a nervous breath and paced to the water's edge. Loki had already submerged himself completely, surfacing with a contented sigh. His normally wavy dark locks were slicked back, dripping with the clear water of the lake. He wiped the water from his eyes, glancing back to where you stood in the grass beside his pile of clothing.

"If you aren't going to get in the water, I'll need to bring the water to you," he threatened teasingly, splashing a light flick of water in your direction as a warning. You took a compensatory step backwards with a laugh.

"Don't you dare dampen my clothes, you imp!"

The prince laughed, leaning backward to float casually on his back as he watched you. The crystal-clear water rippled around him. It did look refreshing...

"What's wrong, darling? Regretting all the fun you're missing?" Loki pestered with a sly grin.

"Alright..." you sighed. "You've convinced me."

"You won't be disappointed. The water is invigorating."

You could feel his eyes on you as you disrobed down to your own undergarments. It wasn't much different than you'd have been wearing had you brought along proper swimming attire, but something about the intimacy of the moment made you feel somewhat uncharacteristically shy.

Gingerly, you dipped your bare foot into the water. Loki wasn't wrong - it was quite refreshing. Satisfied, you waded your way out to the deeper water with Loki's blue-green eyes fixed on you.

"Do you admit that I was right?" he asked teasingly as you approached.

“It is a wonderful little oasis, I will give you that.”

You ducked down beneath the water’s surface to fully submerge yourself, slicking your wet hair back as you resurfaced. Loki had allowed his lower half to sink down so he could stand upright, the water coming to just above his navel. Your gaze was drawn to the contours of his bare abdomen, traveling upward over his chest until your eyes landed on his scar.

A faint line, still slightly reddened and raised above the level of the surrounding uninjured skin, stretched about six inches across the left side of his chest a few inches from his sternum. A stark reminder of what may have never been, had that spear struck only slightly closer to his heart. Seeing it for the first time took your breath away, feeling as if someone had a vice grip around your windpipe.

Almost involuntarily, you raised your hand to his chest and smoothed your palm over the mark, as though you could wipe it away and make it disappear. Loki slipped his hand into your other hand where it rested by your side, allowing you to touch the healing wound while still grounding you in the present.

"It doesn't hurt, you know," he assured gently, squeezing your hand. "It will fade away over time."

"I know." You released a slow, steady breath. "It just... it makes it so much more real."

"It was real. And I survived." He smiled half-heartedly. "I am rather difficult to strike down. I'm stubborn in that way."

You laughed, blinking away the tears brimming in your eyes. "You always have been rather stubborn."

"And yet you still fell for me."

You lifted your gaze from the scar to meet his eye. He reached up to cup your face with his unoccupied hand, delicately brushing a stray tear from your cheek with his thumb.

"What can I say? You're rather charming. It was difficult not to."

A soft laugh resonated from deep in his throat at your response. Wordlessly, he leaned forward and pressed his lips against yours. You kissed him back fervently, the stinging taste of salt on your tongue from the few stray tears that had escaped.

When you pulled away after a few moments, your eyes fell to the scar once again, just beside where your palm rested on his chest.

"I think it's rather becoming, actually. Don't you?" he asked teasingly.

"Hmm. Rather rugged for a prince, don't you think?" You absently traced your fingers along the thickened skin. Loki let out a breathy laugh through his nose, his hand suddenly landing on the back of yours and pressing your palm more firmly to his chest. You looked up at his face with a spark of amusement in your eyes. "Don't tell me you're ticklish here, too."

"Of course not. That would be absurd," he denied quickly, removing his hand from yours. You dusted your fingers along the smooth skin just below his collarbone, drawing a slight giggle from the prince.

"Yes you are!" you argued with a chuckle. Growling playfully, he grasped his hand around your fingers to cease your tickling, suddenly wrapping an arm around your waist and dipping you backward. You let out a squeak of surprise, quickly dissolving into a stream of giggles as he ducked down and nibbled gently at your collarbone. "Okahay, okay! I gehet it!"

"Mm. I thought as much." Loki stood you upright, that infectious smile etched across his face. "Are you afraid of heights, Valkyrie?"

"What? No, of course not. Why do you ask?"

He laced his fingers through yours, tugging gently to lead you back to the water's edge. "Come. I've yet to show you my favorite part about this place."

The evening breeze brought a wave of goosebumps to your dampened skin as the two of you emerged from the lake. Loki led you along the water's edge toward the adjacent cliff, pausing at the base of it.

"Are you up to a bit of climbing?"

"Certainly - but to what purpose?"

Loki gestured to the top of the cliff, about fifteen feet up. "Ever since I was a child, I've always enjoyed climbing to the top of this cliff. It's the perfect spot to dive into the lake - the water below is much deeper." He glanced at you with a mischievous grin. “Unless you’re too frightened of the jump.”

“Loki - I am a Valkyrie,” you tutted. “The Valkyrie are fearless, as you may recall.”

“Alright - after you, then.”

You found a solid foothold in the rocky surface and began to ascend the cliff, with Loki close behind. It wasn’t a terribly lengthy climb, and the two of you made quick work of it, reaching the top in minutes. Standing at the edge overlooking the water below, you could understand why feebler-willed beings might find the drop to be scary. But you were being truthful when you said you weren��t afraid.

“Shall we go together, then?” you suggested. Loki slid his hand into yours, and the two of you leapt off the edge, plummeting to the water below.

The rush of water surrounding your nearly-dried skin actually felt warm against the night chill. Loki held tight to your hand even as the pair of you surfaced and took in a gasping breath of air. He was laughing from the adrenaline of the fall. The sound was infectious, and you began to laugh as well.

“When I was a child, that leap used to terrify me,” Loki admitted sheepishly. “You truly are fearless.”

“Did you doubt me?” You shot him a playfully indignant look.

“I simply needed proof.”

The two of you swam to the edge of the rocky alcove beneath the cliff you’d just dove from, hoisting yourselves out of the water to dry off once again in the evening breeze. You took a seat by the edge of the water, gazing quietly out over the sparkling lake as it gradually stilled once again.

Conversation came so easily with Loki. There were still so many things you didn’t know about each other. And yet, the intermittent moments of silence felt calm and peaceful, rather than awkward as one might anticipate. It was so serene, just sitting together by the lake without being plagued by other more pressing responsibilities.

Reluctantly, as late evening became night, you insisted it would be best for you both to return home. You scooped up your pile of clothes, pulling your tunic on over your head.

“I’ll admit - I did have another reason for asking you to join me here tonight,” Loki explained as he, too, redressed himself over his dry underclothes.

“Oh? And what might that be? Besides convincing me to undress in front of you?”

“That was just an added perk,” Loki chuckled. He seemed uncharacteristically nervous, fidgeting with the fabric of the hem of his own tunic. “Well, you see… there is a grand ball to be held at the palace in two weeks time. The annual celebration of Odin’s reign over Asgard.”

Your heart began pounding faster in your chest as you realized where this was headed. Loki stepped closer to you, scooping up your hand in his. There was an earnest, hopeful look in his eyes. It only served to pique your anxiety further.

“Please - would you do me the honor of joining me?”

“I…” Your mind faltered as you tried to come up with the right words. This was exactly the sort of scenario that worried you most about being courted by the royal young Prince of Asgard. A grand ball - sure to be teeming with members of the royal court, and perhaps even royalty from other realms as well. The extravagant gowns, the expensive jewels, the hearty feast, the elegant dancing… it all sounded wonderful in theory.

But you were not royalty. You lived your life in combat armor and simple tunics and pants. It had been over a century since you’d even worn a dress of any sort, when you’d attended your brother’s wedding. Being the prince, Loki needed someone who could keep up appearances and fit in with the other ball guests. You would just stand out for the wrong reasons. Or worse - you’d make some terrible blunder that would embarrass the entire royal family.

Loki’s eyebrows furrowed as he watched you wordlessly opening and closing your mouth in flustered silence. The hopeful spark in his eye began to fade as he observed your reaction to his request. It made your heart squeeze uncomfortably inside your chest.

“Loki, I… do you really think that I’m the best person to be accompanying you to such grand events?” you stammered, gazing down at your feet.

“Who else would I ask to accompany me?”

“I just mean… it’s not that I don’t want to go… it’s simply…”

“You are embarrassed at the idea of being seen with me.”

Loki’s sharp tone drew your eyes from the ground to meet his. His face was clouded with anger and betrayal. He'd never looked upon you with such fire in his eyes.

"No, of course not! I-"

"It all makes sense now - why you've refused to spend time with me outside the palace walls!" He began pacing in frustration, his hands balled into fists. "Why you won't even allow yourself to remain in my company within the palace beyond our training sessions! You're ashamed to be seen with me!"

"Loki! That isn't at all how I feel! If you'll just listen-"

"Spare me the lies, Valkyrie." He spat the words like venom. "I've been through this before. I'm simply a stepping stone to get to the the almighty God of Thunder."

"Thor?? Why in Valhalla would I use you to get to Thor?" you asked incredulously. "Loki - please listen. I-"

"NO! I won't hear another word! Your words are meaningless! Your actions have already spoken for themselves!" Loki's voice faltered slightly, and he swallowed to hide the raw emotion behind his blind rage. "I'm going home. I trust you can find your own way back."

You were speechless as he stormed past you, rooted to the spot in shock as he crossed the tree line and vanished from sight. Tears stung behind your eyes, and you bit down on your tongue to prevent them from falling. No - you would not allow yourself to cry over this unreasonable man.

The chill of the night felt so much colder now that you were walking home alone. It seeped into your skin, chilling you to the bone with every gust of wind that blew through the forest. You hadn't noticed the cold until Loki was no longer beside you to hold your hand in his, to hold you close in his arms.

Suddenly, you felt hopelessly alone.

* * *

Loki didn't attend his next session with you two days later. It wasn't entirely surprising to you, but it stung all the same. You knew the prince could be irrational at times, but he had never been so unreasonable with you.

You were furious with him for his stubbornness. What had you ever done to lead him to believe you'd wrong him in such a way? And for him to even dare insinuate that you would use him to get to his brother?? How could he even suggest such a deplorable thing?

As the days passed, and your outrage cooled, your heart began to ache for him. Once the tempestuous anger cleared from your mind, you began to think more clearly. Realization struck that there must be an underlying reason for Loki to believe those horrific things of you. What turmoil had he suffered in his past to make him so guarded? Behind the blind rage he wore as a shield, you feared there was a harrowing history of hurt and deception driving his fear and mistrust. Loki had always been skilled at concealing his true emotions.

More than anything, you wanted to have the opportunity to speak to him and make things right. But as time wore on, and Loki missed yet another session with you a few days later, the chances of that were beginning to seem dismal.

Uncertain what to do with yourself in the hour of freedom that had suddenly opened in your schedule due to Loki's avoidance, you decided to spend some time in the palace library. Frigga had assured you on more than one occasion that you were welcome to it any time you liked. There was a sense of calm and peacefulness that accompanied your time in the library, and more than ever you needed that feeling. Not to mention, there was a solid chance that Loki may be hiding there himself.

Disappointment flooded through you when you arrived at the vast library to find it devoid of any other readers. Still, you perused the shelves of literature, selecting a book that seemed somewhat lighthearted by the title. You took a seat on the bench nearest to one of the windows, closing your eyes as a refreshing breeze caressed your cheeks.

It was difficult to say how much time had passed when a familiar voice echoed from the entrance to the library, calling to you.

"I see my dear son has shirked his lessons once again."

You set the book down beside you and stood out of habit upon hearing the queen's melodic tone, bowing your head respectfully as she approached. Frigga smiled warmly, motioning for you to take a seat on the bench once again.

"How many times will I have to remind you that there is no need for such formalities? You are practically family by now."

"My apologies, Frigga. I shall grow accustomed to it eventually," you assured, moving the book to your lap as she lowered herself to sit beside you. "Yes, Loki missed his lesson again today, I'm afraid. I believe he may be upset with me."

"That would certainly explain his dour demeanor over the last few days," she responded with a gentle laugh. "How could my son possibly be angry with you?"

"I fear the fault is mine," you explained sullenly. "You see, he invited me to the upcoming grand ball at the palace, and I... well, I was perhaps not as thrilled at the idea as he might have hoped."

"Ah. I see." Frigga gazed pensively at you, her smile never wavering. "I don't intend to pry into your relationship with my son, of course. But, if you are seeking council, know that I am happy to listen."

"Thank you." Her warmth and presence put you at ease. Perhaps she could provide you with some advice on how to get through to Loki. "I wish to speak to him and make things right, but he has been avoiding me for nearly a week."

"My son is rather stubborn. Both of them, actually. I suspect they get it from their father." Frigga turned her gaze toward the window, observing the bustling streets beyond the palace walls.

"I'm well acquainted with Loki's obstinacy, yes," you laughed half-heartedly. "I fear I may never have the opportunity to explain myself to him. He misunderstands my hesitancy toward attending the ball as hesitance toward attending with him."

"And you simply fear the idea of attending the ball itself."

"Well..." You glanced up at Frigga, taken aback by her insight. "Yes."

The benevolent queen turned to face you more fully, a motherly concern clouding her eyes. "Tell me, dear. What is it that troubles you about attending the ball?"

"I... truthfully, I fear that I am not royalty material." You took a deep breath, surprised to find that you were relieved to finally get the thought off your chest. "I am but a warrior, not an elegant woman. For Loki to be seen with someone such as myself on his arm, in his position..."

"We would be honored to have someone like you accompanying our son." Frigga reached out and placed her hand gently on your knee, offering you a reassuring smile. "A woman can be both elegant and fierce. I assure you, you are both. Whether you see it in yourself or not."

"That is gracious of you to say, Frigga. Thank you."

"But you do not believe me."

You were beginning to understand where Loki received his talent of perception.

"Forgive me. It is difficult to envision myself in a poised and beautiful dress, dancing the evening away with the Prince of Asgard. In fact, I'm not even certain I know how to dance!"

A spark of amusement flashed in the queen's eyes as she leaned in closer to you, speaking in a hushed voice. "The truth is - most of the royal court doesn't either. They simply mimic the ones that do."

You laughed at her revelation, feeling a bit more at ease. "Then I suppose the most pressing issue is that I don't own a dress suitable for such an event. And with the ball being mere days away, I'll never find a seamstress who can prepare something for me in time." A sigh left your lips. "That, and Loki is far too stubborn to speak with me."

"My son is quite skilled at concealing himself when he does not wish to be found. However - I believe I can at least assist with one of your troubles."

"You know of a seamstress?"

Frigga merely shook her head, smiling as she stood from the bench and motioned for you to rise as well. "Come with me. I'll show you what I'm speaking of."

You followed Frigga through the winding halls of the palace, ascending a few staircases along the way. The last time you'd been this deep inside the palace walls was when you'd visited Loki in the infirmary the day he returned from Muspelheim. The thought made your heart ache within your chest.

Eventually, Frigga led you to a set of grandiose wooden double doors adorned with intricate gold detail work along the frame. Inside was what you could only guess was her living quarters. The two of you emerged into a lavishly decorated sitting room, with sofas set around a low table set with a beautiful vase of white lilies. Beyond the sitting room, another door along the back wall opened into what you determined to be her sleeping chambers, as the corner of a gorgeous four-poster bed was visible through the small opening between the door and its frame.

You barely knew what to say as you gazed awestricken at the opulent room around you. Frigga, meanwhile, glided swiftly across the room and vanished suddenly through the door to her chambers. She re-emerged moments later with a garment draped in her arms.

"You and I appear to be of a similar build and height," she pondered aloud as her eyes skimmed over your form from head to toe. "If this doesn't fit you perfectly, I'm certain we can arrange for the royal seamstress to make a few adjustments before the ball."

"Oh! Frigga, this is far too kind of you. I couldn't possibly-"

"Not another word," she interjected, holding up a hand with a warm grin on her face. She carefully passed the gown into your arms before you could continue to protest. "Go on," she urged, motioning toward the privacy dressing screen along the far wall of the room. "Let us see how it fits you."

Conceding to her kindness, you carefully carried the gown across the room and ducked behind the screen to change into it. The dress was a deep shade of juniper green, which you suspected Frigga had chosen purposefully, knowing how much Loki appreciated the color. The bodice was fitted, with delicate lace detailing flecked with tiny golden gemstones. It cinched at the waist before flowing outward from your body a bit in the skirt, the satin material draped fashionably over your lower half with the hem skimming the floor.

Bashfully, you stepped out from behind the screen dressed in the ornate gown. Frigga's eyes sparkled as she gazed upon you, observing the entire look of the gown on your form.

"Absolutely beautiful," she hummed with a smile. "Turn around - I want to ensure the gown fits you completely."

Heat rose to your face at the queen's kind complement as you slowly twirled in place to show her the entirety of the dress. Her warm smile had only broadened when you turned to face her once again.

"It appears as though the gown was made for you," she admired. "Would you like to see yourself?"

"Yes. Please."

Frigga swept across the room to stand beside you, grasping your shoulders and turning you gently to face the elegant full-length mirror beside the dressing screen. Seeing your own reflection dressed in that gorgeous gown nearly made your jaw drop. It fit you perfectly - hugging your body in all the right places. The gold detail shimmered against the dark green hue of the bodice.

"Do you believe me now, my dear?" she asked, gazing at the mirror's reflection beside you.

"I... it is breathtaking," you breathed, running your hands along the satin skirt.

"As is the elegant woman wearing it." She grinned knowingly at you through the mirror. You found yourself unable to answer, so you merely smiled appreciatively in return. "I'd wager that my son will be entirely enraptured, seeing you in this gown."

"If he sees me in this gown," you corrected reluctantly, your smile faltering. "I've yet to find an opportunity to speak with him. Even if I do, there's no telling whether he'll be willing to listen."

Frigga sighed, turning to face you. "My son has experienced a significant amount of emotional pain in his past. He struggles to make friends, living in the shadow of his elder brother. Many have attempted to befriend him or romance him simply as a ruse to get to Thor. It has left his heart bruised and brittle."

"I promise you, Frigga - I truly love and care for Loki," you asserted. "I can't even fathom doing such a thing."

"I know, dear. I see it in the way you look at him. You are different than his past courtships."

"How do I get him to believe that?"

The queen smiled. "For someone purported to have a silver tongue, my son is absolutely terrible with words when it comes to matters of the heart." She grasped your forearms, looking you in the eye. "You must show him."

"Show him." You pondered for a moment, trying to decide how you could possibly prove to him through your actions that you cared for him. "Frigga... does one require a formal invitation to the ball to attend?"

She beamed at you, a knowing spark in her eyes. "I would be honored to provide you with a formal invitation. You shall attend as a guest of the queen."

"Thank you. For everything." You grasped her hands and squeezed gently in a gesture of appreciation.

"Anytime, dear. As I said - you're practically family."

Frigga offered to keep the dress in the palace for you where it would be safe from wear. She insisted that you arrive early and allow the handmaidens to help prepare you for the ball, despite your protesting that she'd done enough for you already. You were starting to wonder if the princes gained some of their stubbornness from their mother as well.

Now, all that remained was to wait until the day of the grand ball.

* * *

You were not used to having so many people fussing over you in such a way.

The moment you met Frigga in the palace foyer, you were whisked away by three of the palace handmaidens. They were buzzing with talk of the task at hand as they brought you to one of the many spare accommodation rooms of the palace, seating you in front of a vanity mirror and beginning their efforts to turn you into grand ball material. Erlene quickly got to work pinning up your hair, weaving in intricate braids. She was making it difficult to sit still for Oula, who was hovering in front of you applying an array of cosmetics to your face. All the while, Hedda bustled about in the background, preparing your gown and meticulously selecting shimmering jewels to complement the outfit. It was all incredibly overwhelming.

And when at last they'd finished their work, you barely recognized the reflection staring back at you in the mirror.

You weren't sure how to react at the sight. Never in your life had you looked this beautiful. You certainly looked the part now, but could you act as though you fit into this lifestyle?

A gentle tapping on the door dragged you from your thoughts. You turned around to see Frigga standing in the doorway, observing you approvingly.

"You look every bit as beautiful as any of the ball guests. Perhaps more so," she praised with her characteristic warm smile. "How do you feel, dear?"

"Nervous." You offered a weak smile in return. "I can't thank you enough for everything, Frigga. The gown, the jewelry, the hair... It's more than I could have ever asked for."

"You're very welcome. I hope you feel a bit more at ease now that you've seen how very elegant you look."

"I certainly don't feel so out of place anymore. I just hope no one sees through the façade."

"You shouldn't view yourself as an outsider," Frigga advised kindly. "As I've said before - you're practically family."

"Thank you." You sighed. "I hope Loki won't be upset to see me here."

"Don't worry, dear." Frigga smiled knowingly. "Loki will come around. He certainly won't be able to look away from you in that gown."

"You think so?"

"Just wait until he sees you."

Frigga bade you farewell, making her way to the ballroom to greet the guests with the rest of the royal family. Once the handmaidens had completed the finishing touches on your look and deemed you ready for the ball, you anxiously made your way down to the foyer outside of the ballroom to enter with the other guests.

The foyer was a sea of ballgowns and impeccably tailored suits, buzzing with conversation as guests slowly filed into the ballroom. Swiftly, you slipped into the crowd, trying to casually blend in as you made your way inside.

The ballroom was extravagantly decorated for the occasion. Glimmering gold chandeliers hung from the ceiling, the flickering candlelight illuminating the gold-flecked dance floor. Elaborate stone statues of rulers past lined the outer edges of the room. At the head of the room, a vast tapestry was draped from the wall, scenes of warriors in battle painted across the stretch of canvas. The royal family stood there before the tapestry, greeting various esteemed-appearing guests and making polite conversation.

There had to be hundreds of people bustling around the ballroom. And yet, your eyes were drawn to only one.

Loki stood beside his older brother at the head of the room. Thor was making animated conversation with a few of his friends, but Loki remained stiff and stoically silent, his gaze fixed on an unremarkable spot on the wall across the room. He was dressed in his decorative royal armor, with shining gold detailing against black fabric complete with the dark green cape draped across his shoulders. He appeared every bit as regal as his older brother, and yet something about the look in his eyes made him seem... smaller.

His gaze shifted to roam across the room, suddenly stopping as he locked eyes with you.

For a moment, he remained motionless; merely staring sharply at you, taking in the sight. Then, abruptly, he stepped forward, advancing across the room straight toward you with long, powerful strides. You saw Odin shout something inaudible after Loki, quickly pacified by Frigga with a firm hand on his shoulder.

Loki's expression was blank, unreadable. You were rooted to the spot, frozen from the mixture of elation at seeing Loki again and the fear of his fiery rage raining down upon you. When he stopped, inches away from where you stood, he was silent. His gaze skimmed the length of your form, tracing the way the ballgown fit to your curves. You drew your bottom lip between your teeth, shifting your weight anxiously under the weight of his gaze.

"Loki, I-"

"Dance with me." A statement, and yet he still seemed to be asking it as a question. His blue-green eyes had a hopeful, earnest spark in them as he awaited your answer.

Slowly, you nodded.

His expression softened a bit, almost relieved. He took your hand, holding it delicately in his own as he guided you gracefully to the dance floor.

"I should tell you... I don't know how to dance," you whispered as he came to a halt and turned to face you. Loki smiled for the first time that evening, pulling you closer into a partner dance hold.

"Follow my lead. I'm a rather skilled dancer, if I do say so myself."

You couldn't help but laugh, relaxing slightly into his arms. There was so much left to discuss between the two of you, but for the time being it seemed Loki just wanted to hold you in his arms and spin you around on the dance floor. Who were you to argue with that?

At first, you stumbled a bit as Loki guided you through the steps. He was patient, gently correcting your form and posture. It took very little time for you to grasp the basics, moving in tandem with the prince to the flowing melody.

When the music faded into the next song, Loki stepped back and lifted your hand to his lips, bowing down slightly to kiss it. You were pleasantly dizzy already from the dancing, grinning as your knees weakened slightly beneath you.

"Might I take you somewhere more private?" he asked.

"Lead the way," you agreed.

Loki guided you carefully through the crowd, leading you to the far end of the room where a balcony stretched beyond the open archways built into the palace walls. The music and chatter dulled in your ears as you both stepped out onto the balcony, gazing out over the palace grounds.

You were both silent for a moment, taking in the refreshing evening air and the view of the sun setting over the horizon. The air was heavy between you, filled with words unspoken. It was time to get this off your chest.

"Loki-"

"I owe you an apology." Loki had spoken simultaneously with you as you'd stated his name. His statement made you pause, turning toward him with an inquisitive look. "I should have trusted in you. I should have known you're different than everyone else."

"I'm sorry to have made you doubt in my feelings for you. It was never you that caused me to hesitate. I realize now that I should have been open with you from the beginning."

"No, no - I should have recognized you weren't ready, that I was being too forward. I-"

"Loki." You grasped his hand in yours, urging him to listen for a moment. "It's not that I wasn't ready for this. For us. It's... I just fear that I'm not... enough."

Loki's mouth curled down into a frown, his brow furrowed. "I'm not sure I understand."

"You've known me for many months now. You know that I am a warrior, through and through. I'm well suited for the battlefield. But this?" You gestured around you, at the ball still underway inside the ballroom. "I'm not suited for the role of royalty. How could I ever amount to that?"

A pained look flashed in Loki's eyes. He lifted his hands to cup your jaw, ducking to capture your lips with his own. It felt as though it had been so, so long since the last time you'd kissed him. He was gentle but intentional, slow but passionate. He'd stolen all your breath by the time he pulled away.

"Don't ever doubt your worth. You are everything to me." Loki leaned back slightly to take in the sight of your ballgown once again. "Honestly - have you looked in a mirror, darling? Never in my life have I been in the presence of such beauty. You are a goddess."

"Loki!" you whined, heat rushing to your face. He pulled you into an embrace, and you buried your face against his shoulder as a laugh rumbled in his chest.

"Need I remind you - you behave far more properly than I. And I’ve yet to be shunned from the palace."

"Mm... I suppose you're right. You're far more unbecoming in public than I."

He loosened his arms around you to get a look at your face, mouth gaping. "I beg your pardon?! Here I am trying to reassure you, and you call me unbecoming?"

"You wouldn't have it any other way- hehey! Don't tickle me, you imp!" You grasped his hands where they had slipped to your waist, his fingertips pressing into your sides.

"I couldn't resist, love." He grinned. "Am I to assume you've come to attend the ball with me? Or has someone else asked you?"

"Well, I did receive an invitation from someone else..."

“Oh.” Loki's face fell, and you laughed.

"Your mother, Loki. She wanted me to be here for you."

"I suppose I'll have to thank her for that." He glanced inside the ballroom toward his mother. "Am I right to assume she assisted with selecting your gown?"

"She is quite fashionable, your mother."

"Always has been." He turned back to you. "Now then - would you do me the honor of joining me back in the ballroom?"

“Certainly, my prince.”

Loki’s eyebrow shot up, a wolfish smirk spreading across his face. “Mm… I could get used to hearing you say that,” he purred.

“I thought you hated when I used such formalities with you.”

“Mm, but when you say it like that… like you truly mean your prince…” He took your hand, raising it to his lips with a seductive smirk.

“A-alright, let us rejoin the rest of the ball, shall we?” Your knees felt weak as Loki obliged and led you into the ballroom.

Guests were beginning to take their seats at the extensive mahogany table that spanned the length of one end of the ballroom. Loki led you to the head of the table, where Odin and Frigga already sat conversing with a few nobles lingering around their seats. Thor was there as well, though he was not yet seated; he was locked in vigorous conversation with a man and a woman whom you recognized to be two of his closest friends.

"Ah! There you are, brother!" Thor's booming voice echoed across the table as the two of you approached. His gaze flitted to meet yours next, his face lighting up at the sight. "And you've brought your Valkyrie friend! It is wonderful to see you, fair maiden!"

"It's good to see you too, Thor," you responded amicably with a smile, allowing Thor to scoop up your hand and place a polite kiss to your knuckles. Loki's arm suddenly slipped around your waist, pulling you closer to him with a gentle but definitive tug.

"So the rumors are true, then!" Thor's male companion declared, a spark of amusement in his eye. "Loki has got himself a woman!"

"Yes - I understand that must come as a shock to you," Loki muttered bitterly.

"My lady." The man took your hand and raised it to his lips, pressing a lingering kiss to the back of it. You felt Loki's grip on your waist tighten. "You may recognize me as Fandral of the Warriors Three. And this is the lovely Lady Sif," he added, gesturing to the dark-haired woman standing beside him.

"I'm more than capable of introducing myself, Fandral," Sif griped with a roll of her eyes. She turned her attention to you, holding out a hand in offer for a handshake. "A pleasure to meet you. Loki had always needed a strong-willed partner to keep his ego in check - who better than a Valkyrie like yourself?"

"I'm still listening, Sif," Loki grumbled. You chuckled as you shook Sif's hand.

"You'd best be taking your seats - the feast is about to begin!" Thor urged, bidding his friends farewell. Loki pulled out the chair beside Frigga, motioning for you to take a seat.

"Oh, Loki - are you certain I should be seated at the head of the table? It would be improper-"

"Please, dear - you are a welcome addition," Frigga assured, patting the seat Loki had pulled out for you. Hesitantly, you lowered yourself into the gold-detailed chair, allowing Loki to push it closer to the table before taking his own seat beside you. Frigga leaned closer to you, speaking in a hushed tone. "I see you and Loki are getting on well?"

"Yes - thanks to you," you whispered gratefully.

"I merely gave you both a nudge," she dismissed. "The two of you worked things out on your own. That's no small feat with someone as stubborn as my Loki."

"Frigga - might you pass along the bread, dear?"

You glanced up at the sound of Odin's voice, incidentally catching his eye. He squinted at you analytically for a moment, as though trying to recall where he knew you from. You bowed your head respectfully.

"Good evening, My King."

"You... you're that young Valkyrie who trained my son," he stated firmly. You nodded in confirmation, holding your breath as you prepared for the scolding you'd receive for allowing Loki to get himself injured under your tutelage. "I will admit... I was rather impressed with his controlled form in combat. A vast improvement from years past. You've done excellent work."

"Thank you," you stammered in surprise. "It was an honor to be entrusted with such a task."

"Perhaps later this evening you might lend me your ear - I believe many of our warriors could benefit from a bit of hand-to-hand combat skill sharpening. I'm certain you must have suggestions."

"Of course, My King."

Loki slipped his hand into yours under the table, squeezing gently to convey his excitement at his father's words. You couldn't help but allow a smile to spread across your face. Perhaps you might find your niche within the royal court after all.

The feast was extravagant. Every bite of every dish was absolutely marvelous - more delectable than any meal you'd ever tasted. You'd heard of the top-notch cooks of the royal palace, but you'd never had the opportunity to experience their cuisine for yourself before tonight.

The moment the feast was over, Loki whisked you away to the dance floor. With a quick twirl, he had you wrapped up in his arms once again, swaying to the music.

"I thought dinner would never end," he lamented, "I simply couldn't wait to get you all to myself again."

"All to yourself, hmm? Was it not you who wanted to spend more time together in public?" you teased.

"Forgive me for wanting to show you off to the kingdom." Loki stole a brief kiss from your blushing lips. "But I still enjoy having your full and undivided attention."

"Well, you've got it now. What do you intend to do with it?"

"I intend to twirl you around this dance floor until your head is spinning." He suddenly dipped you backward, grinning as you shrieked in surprise with a laugh.

Loki was true to his word. By the time the two of you had left the dance floor, your feet ached in your shoes and your eyelids were beginning to grow heavy with the looming threat of sleep. The crowd had thinned considerably as guests called it a night and headed home.

"I should really be getting home myself," you suggested, overcome by a yawn.

"I couldn't possibly allow you to walk home this late in the evening in this state," Loki argued.

"I can't take advantage of your family's hospitality any more than I already have."

"Oh, but I insist, dear."

"Frigga, I couldn't possibly-"

You turned at the sound of Frigga's voice beside you, surprised to see her standing there.

"It's already been arranged. Accommodations have already been prepared for you in the guest quarters you got ready in earlier this evening."

Loki shot you a victorious smirk as you stuttered in response. With a sigh, you finally conceded.

"Thank you, Frigga. You are entirely too gracious."

"Nonsense. It's a pleasure having you here."

One of the handmaidens awaited you outside the ballroom to lead you to your room for the night. You said goodnight to the royal family, making your way back to the foyer with Loki by your side. He swiftly pulled you aside the moment you stepped out of the ballroom, tugging you into an alcove mostly hidden from view.

"Did I mention how absolutely ravishing you look in that dress?" he hummed, cupping a hand along your jaw and pressing a passionate kiss to your lips. You sighed blissfully, kissing him back fervently. He stole your breath away, breaking free from your lips only once you'd grown lightheaded.

"You... may have mentioned it," you responded coyly, eliciting a throaty laugh from the prince. "Will I see you in the morning?"

"I'll make certain of it." He stole another chaste kiss. "I'm glad you came this evening. It wouldn't have been nearly as enjoyable without you here."

"Ah - so I was merely here to keep you entertained, then?" you teased with a grin.

"Well, you are far better company than Thor and his companions."

"I suppose I should be flattered." You took his hands in yours, kissing him one last time. "Goodnight, Loki."

"Goodnight, love."

Loki reluctantly made his way to his own bed chambers as you followed Erlene to your room. Now that you were no longer being fussed over by three people, you were able to get a good look at your surroundings. There was a vast, open air window in the outer wall overlooking the palace grounds. Inside, a grand four-poster canopy bed stood against the center of the back wall. A set of sleeping clothes sat folded neatly on the end of the bed. You were pleased to find that they'd left you a soft shirt and pants to sleep in instead of a nightgown - Frigga's doing, you assumed. Scooping them off the bed, you stepped into the adjoining bathroom to change, carefully removing the gown and hanging it up to return it to Frigga the next morning.

Once you'd dressed for bed and washed your face, you returned to the bedroom and sat at the vanity from earlier, carefully unpinning the braids from your hair. The handmaidens had truly done wonders with it, but you found yourself removing more hair pins than you'd ever worn in your entire lifespan.

You’d nearly finished taking your hair down when there was suddenly a knock at the door. You rose to your feet, crossing the cool marble floor in your bare feet to open the door. Expecting one of the handmaidens, you were startled to find Loki standing on the other side. He, too, had changed out of his heavy ceremonial armor into a tunic and pants - much more like what you were accustomed to seeing him in.

"Might I come in?" he asked. You nodded, stepping aside for him to enter and shutting the door behind you. Before you'd even turned around, you could feel the weight of his gaze eyeing you in your sleep clothes.

"What is it, Loki?"

"I missed you." He advanced on you, grasping your waist gently and pressing a sweet kiss to your lips. You laughed in amusement.

"We've only just gone our separate ways! How long has it been - thirty minutes, at most?"

"Mm - thirty minutes too long." He recaptured your lips once again. "Is it alright if I stay here with you for a while? We've barely had any time to ourselves this evening."

"Says the one who was desperate to have me with him out in the public eye," you teased. "Yes, Loki. You're welcome to stay."

You swept across the room to take your seat at the vanity once more, unwinding the final two braids from your hair. Loki's reflection appeared behind yours only moments later, his arms slipping around your waist from behind. His lips found the soft skin where your neck met your shoulder, pressing a long, reverent kiss there that drew a contented sigh from you.

"Did you come here to seduce me, Loki?" you hummed. “You seem to be making a habit out of that. Is there something you’re trying to gain from me this time as well?”

He tightened his grip around your waist slightly, kissing a bit higher up your neck.

"No, darling. Actually, I've got a bone to pick with you," he growled, his voice vibrating against your skin and sending a shiver down your spine.

"Oh? Because it certainly seems as though you came to seduce me," you countered, letting your eyes slip closed in bliss as he pressed a kiss just behind your ear.

"Mm - perhaps later. We've yet to address the fact that you lied to me."

"I lied to you?" you queried in surprise, eyes opening to look at his face in the reflection of the mirror. His blue-green eyes were alight with mischief, that subtle smirk of his dancing across his lips to tell you he wasn't truly angry about whatever he was referring to. "What did I lie to you about?"

"You led me to believe the Valkyrie are fearless. However, this evening you informed me of your fear - completely unfounded fear, might I add - that you wouldn't measure up to being with royalty."

"Ah. My deepest apologies. How can I possibly make it up to you?" you asked with a heavily dramatic flair to your tone.

"Hmm. How indeed." He pressed his tongue to the inside of his cheek, as though pondering his options. "Perhaps you should admit to me how ridiculous it was of you to believe even for a moment that you were inadequate."

"You want me to admit I was wrong?"

"More importantly - that I was right."

"Oh-ho! You'd love that, wouldn't you?" you teased with a grin. "I'm not about to boost your ego just because you say I lied to you."

Loki's grip on your waist tightened suddenly. "Perhaps you need a bit of coercing, then," he growled as his fingers wriggled into your sides.

"HA-ho-oh noho you don't!" you retorted, swiftly standing up and whirling around to retaliate. Loki clearly hadn't anticipated your sudden move, his grip around your waist breaking.

"A-aren’t you worried about re-injuring my shoulder?” he stammered, gazing nervously at you with a playful grin as he backed away.

“I thought you said you were prepared to take on the full skill of a Valkyrie?"

"Of course I am!"

"Then I shall not hold back." Your hands darted to his abdomen, clawing rapidly at the sensitive spot through his shirt. He erupted with a fit of laughter as you drove him backwards. The backs of his legs bumped into the edge of the bed, knocking him straight onto his bottom atop the mattress. You paused to giggle at his sudden stumble. "Wohow - you are the epitome of grace, Your Highness!"

"There are consequences for mocking a prince, Valkyrie," he growled, suddenly rising to his feet and lunging for you. With a surprised laugh, you leapt backwards just out of his reach.

"Oh-ho, I'm so scahared- no-no-NOHO!" You shrieked as Loki caught hold of your wrist, swiftly tugging you toward him. With a skillful maneuver, he had spun you around and pinned you with your babck to his chest, his fiery fingers finding purchase on your ribcage. "LOHOKI!! Thahat's CRUHUEL ta-HA-targeting my we-HEE-heak spot- NOHO!"

"Hmm, I suppose I can take you on at full strength, can't I?" he teased in your ear. His deft fingertips sought out the trigger point along the front of your lower ribs. You instinctively curled in on yourself, leaning forward against his grip to try to break free. "No, you're not going anywhere."

"Puhut me DOHOWN you imp!" you demanded as he lifted you off the floor, shifting his grip to hold your waist with one arm so he could scoop up your legs with the other. He tossed your kicking form unceremoniously onto the bed, climbing up after you.

"You should yield to me, darling. Admit I was right."

"NOHOT happening!" You scrambled backward toward the head of the bed as he lunged for you, swiftly changing course and rolling to the side. He landed face down against the mattress where you had previously sat. Taking advantage of his surprise, you threw your leg over his, planting yourself on the backs of his thighs.

"WAIT!" Loki yelped suddenly, turning his head to look at you with wide-eyes. An anticipatory grin was already spreading across his face.

"Wait? What's the matter, Loki?" You glanced around, curious as to what suddenly had him so nervous. His eyes darted to look behind you, quickly flitting back up to meet your gaze. Realization struck, and a sly grin spread across your face. "Ah... Suddenly lost your sass, have you?"

"Alright, alright, I yield!"

"Oh but you have me curious now, Loki!" You reached behind you and dragged your fingertips along the soles of his feet. He barked out a laugh, nearly knocking you off him with a jolt. "Now this is entertaining!"

"Darling, just come here and kiss me, won't you?"

"Ah, trying to get out of this by romancing me again?" You skittered your fingers across his feet. "I told you already - I can't go letting you think that you can have your way just by kissing me."

"Then expect my revenge to be ten-fold worse," he bantered.

"Better make it worth my while, then." You launched a full attack, scratching at the length of his soles with ruthless precision. Hysterical laughter ripped from his chest, his fist pounding against the bed in protest. It was only moments before his thrashing knocked you off of him. Laughing, you toppled over sideways onto the mattress.

"Ahare... are you pleased with yohourself, Valkyrie?" There was a playfulness in his tone that overshadowed any actual viciousness he may have been attempting to convey.

"Yehes! That was adorable!" You flinched as Loki suddenly crawled toward you, wrapping your arms protectively around your ribcage. He merely rolled his eyes, a grin of endearment spreading across his face.

"Now will you just kiss me?" he pleaded, leaning his face in closer to yours.

"Ooh, now you're rewarding me after completely annihilating you in a tickle fight?"

He growled deep in his throat. "Don't push your luck now, darling." You merely grinned, lifting your head to close the distance between you. He kissed you hungrily, lacing his fingers through your hair. Abruptly, he pulled away, a mischievous spark in his eye. "You've yet to admit I was right," he reminded you impishly.

"Yes, yes, alright. I lied to you - I'm not truly fearless." You sighed. "Can you blame me for being afraid?"

"Yes I can, as a matter of fact." Loki shifted to hover over you with a hand on either side of your head. "You are nothing less than perfect in my eyes. Don't you ever doubt yourself again."

Your cheeks burned under the intensity of his gaze. "I'll try my hardest."

"I'll hold you to it." He lowered his head to kiss you again, pressing his lips firmly against yours as though to prove the strength of his affection. You allowed yourself to get drunk off the taste of him, wondering how you'd gone so many days without this.

"Gods I've missed you, Loki," you breathed as the two of you parted for air. "Please don't ever hide from me like that again."

"I won't dream of it." His lips curled up into a grin. "Now then - perhaps now would be an opportune time for me to try to seduce you?"

You laughed at his forwardness. "I suppose you're welcome to try."

"I think you'll find I'm rather persuasive," he hummed, ducking down to press his lips to that spot behind your ear that made your eyes flutter closed.

"Don't get overconfident on me, Loki. It's as though I've taught you nothing."

"Then allow me to spend the rest of the night proving it to you," he growled.

"Then go on and prove it, My Prince."

#ticklish!reader #tickle fic #loki x female reader #loki x reader #loki fluff #loki tickle #valkyrie!reader #the skill of a valkyrie #loki x you #loki x reader fluff #tickle fluff

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matchamiko · 2 months

Text

₊˚⊹ ᰔ Pop a number + a character + 18+\sfw in my inbox and I’ll get back to you with a short drabble !!

₊˚⊹ ᰔ Between 100 - 1000 words, 18+ or sfw or angst or fluff; read my rules for what I do and don’t write !!

₊˚⊹ ᰔ I might not write your prompt right away but I shall do my best !!

₊˚⊹ ᰔ Link to my masterlist !!

Brushing hair away from their/your face

“Well, I’m sorry I fell in love with you, okay? But it happened and I can’t do shit about it.” “You… What?”

“I know, I know it hurts.”

“Tell me where it hurts, and be specific."

“I - i didn't mean it like that, hold on."

Taking off your makeup when you’re too tired

Leaving a peck on the corner of their/your mouth.

“Your morning voice is so hot."

Bleary morning kisses, even while still half-asleep

“I made breakfast." "i love you

“You're all mine, you got that? i'm not sharing.

Sighing into the other's mouth during a kiss

Sliding hands under their/yourclothes

The soft “yeah?” after a needy kiss

“Fuck, I’ve never— I’ve never done this before—

“I don’t— I don’t think I can last any longer, fuck, please—

Cutting them off with a kiss

Desperately wanting to reach out to the other

“Can I— can I please touch myself?”

Soft whines and whimpers; a plea for more without the use of words.

“I wanna taste you on my lips again.”

“Fuck, look at you right now…”

“Want you to ruin me”

Watching them stretch in the morning sunlight

The first make-out session that could lead to more

“How about I bend you over and eat you out nice and slow from behind? Would you like that?”

“Can I - can I be on top this time?

“Take it, take everything I’ve got, it’s all for you, only for you”

Kisses following their/your happy trail

“It’s not fair that you look like that and I have to go out knowing everyone else gets to see you looking like that”

Please bear in mind this is aimed as a writing exercise for me, to help with writers block and get the juices flowing. It’s a fun little challenge !!!! Also even if I’ve already done a prompt already, you can send it in with another character !! I’ll try my hardest ₍^ >ヮ<^₎ .ᐟ.ᐟ

#miko.prompt challenge #I trie hard to come up with a title but my thumb is numb and won’t type properly lmao #I’m gonna pop it in my navi too !! it’ll be ongoing #just so I can pick it up whenever I want yknow?#I got inspo from all over but I edited them to suit me !!

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alannah-corvaine · 1 month

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1, 2, 15!

1. List 3 shipping tropes you love

• Mage x Warrior Battle Couple - especially when it's the small squishy mage that's fiercely protective of their big beefcake tank.

• The Red Thread of Fate - The two people connected by the red thread are destined lovers, regardless of place, time, or circumstances. This magical cord may stretch or tangle, but never break. (Wikipedia)

It's just a variation on soulmates and yet I'm so weak for it.

• Charismatic Menace to Society x Exasperated Hypercompetent Badass

2. List 3 shipping tropes you don’t love

• I'm just not a Monster Fucker, I'm sorry. Nothing wrong with it, it's just not for me.

• The only thing worse than a love triangle is the appearance of a Romantic Rival who's intended to be an annoying obstacle to the main couple's relationship, but we all know they're not actually a serious threat, they just exist to create conflict and drama.

• Too Much Insecurity - A little insecurity is good, even a necessary ingredient for some well done angst. But when one character puts the other up on a pedestal and spends all their mental energy fretting about how perfect their love interest is and how they're totally not worthy of them and—nope. Straight in the trash. Go work on yourself, Character A.

15. Opinion on kids?

Mixed and conflicted. I like the option of kids as a next evolutionary step in a relationship, or even as an unexpected plot device. Also just love mixing and matching the genetics of my ship and coming up with names and future personalities. It's a fun mental exercise.

But at the same time. Kids change everything. Even in fictional relationships. Once they're there, that's it, you're stuck with them unless you're willing to explore some really dark themes or completely retcon them. They change the dynamic between characters, limit what kind of scenarios your characters can or should get into if you're trying to depict any kind of parenting realism. The kids are now there and you have to write with their existence in mind.

And sometimes I just don't want to have to factor in those extra considerations so it's easier to keep my ships child-free.

Get to Know My Shipping Preferences

thank you for the ask @light-infection !

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practically-an-x-man · 4 months

Note

questions for fic writers #s 1, 2, 3, 12, 13, 14, 23, 26, and 30 :)

Thank you so much!!

Questions for fic writers

What fic of yours would you recommend to someone who had never read any of your work? (In other words, what do you think is the best introduction to your fics?)

Honestly... Taking Flight. It's in by far the smallest fandom I've written for, but that almost works in its favor because it means the fic is able to stand largely on its own without requiring any background knowledge into the Fablehaven universe. And it's my most recent longfic, so it best reflects my current level of skill and writing style from the first chapter. Plus... I'm just really proud of it, and I wish more people would read it

2. Go to your AO3 “Works” page, to the sidebar with all the filters, and click the drop-down arrow for “Additional Tags.” What are your top 3-5 most used tags? Do you think they accurately represent your writing habits?

Angst, Fluff, and Hurt/Comfort are the top three. Makes a lot of sense, most of my fics include a blend of all three at some point

3. What are some tropes or details that you think are very characteristic of your fics?

References to birds, references to music, devoted couples facing the horrors of life at each other's side, and romance alongside fast-paced action or angst

12. Are there any tropes you used to dislike but have grown on you?

Hanahaki! I didn't enjoy the idea that only requited love would cure the disease, since it basically put the weight of a person's life on the other reciprocating feelings that they really can't control. But I've seen a version of Hanahaki that's based on the confession, not the love itself, and I like that a lot more

13. Are there any tropes you used to like but don’t anymore?

I don't know about particular tropes, but I think my characters have become a lot stronger and more self-possessed than they used to be (we're talking like... when I was 14-15 and just getting into fanfic here). I don't think it was full "damsel in distress", but there were definitely a lot more OCs in need of rescue rather than working together to rescue themselves. Idk

14. Are there any tropes you would only read if written by a trusted friend or writer?

I mean... I've only ever read Twilight/vampire fics as written by @nebulousfishgills, and I had to look at a wiki just to know who the Volturi were, if that tells you anything. I don't like Twilight at all, but I really like Nebby's writing style and characters

23. What’s a trope, AU, or concept you’ve never written, but would like to?

Hm... I've had a few ideas for a soulmate AU, but I've never put one down on the page. The closest is Heartstrings, but that doesn't quite count.

26. Would you rather write a fic that had no dialogue or one that was only dialogue?

No dialogue. I explained this in more depth in a previous ask, but I feel like building a scene would get stilted and awkward if it relied on only dialogue.

30. Have you ever written something that was out of your comfort zone? If so, what was it, and how did it affect your approach to writing fic thereafter?

I mean... I feel like I'm always a little bit out of my comfort zone in some way or another. Writing is an exercise for me, so I try to pick at least one character detail or writing style that I need to practice and research so that I'll always be engaged in the story.

I will say that writing Desert Song has definitely stretched me in a lot of ways - there are some darker characters, more intense moments, and a few slightly racier scenes than I usually write, and working myself through those moments I feel has made me more well-rounded as a writer in general. The spicy scenes especially... I still don't write smut, but I've gotten a lot more comfortable with spicier scenes in general, and that's also made me better at other types of emotional intensity in scenes I think

#my friends!!!#answered asks #ask game #my writing

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cursedonyx · 8 months

Note

Your Sharp/Garlic fics are soooo good! There are so few fics of them and it was very exciting to see more, not to mention ones that are so well-written (and spicy haha). Would love to see more of them in the relationship you’ve set up. I have some ideas for potential writings (though no pressure ofc 💕). I’d love to see something that starts like this…

As time progresses they are found out and Black calls them into his office. The Headmaster’s dislike of faculty relations combined with his blood status obsession makes him particularly disapproving. Aesop shouts at him and without thinking confesses his love for Mirabel (even though ofc it’s the absolute truth).

Thank you again for sharing your fabulous writing!

Thank you! I really appreciate your kind words, and I’m always happy to give back to the fandom!

I managed to knock something together: hope it’s what you were looking for!

Word Count: 3.3k

Warnings: SWF (hints of NSWF), angst, Professor Black is a bastard

It seemed to Aesop that he was living in something of a dream. Each morning he woke, either in his bed or Mirabel’s, with her hair spread over the pillow, his chest, and the floor, her soft breath in his ear, her bare flesh pressed to his. He made sure to set his alarm a little earlier than normal, to give them both the chance to sneak back to their respective rooms, as if they were once again students.

He started setting it even earlier once he learned Mirabel woke up with a hunger for him as ravenous as his own for her. They would tangle together, trying to keep their voices down, his exhaustion banished at the sight of her beneath him, atop him, bent over before him, and more. And after each morning’s exercise, one or the other would swiftly dress and creep out.

Aesop preferred to visit Mirabel’s rooms, arriving under the cover of darkness once he was sure the prefects and other professors were in bed, no one to see him but the wandering ghosts and house elves, but they’d never question a professor stalking the halls at night. He was used to late-night wanderings, at any rate, and doubted even the other professors would raise much of an eyebrow if they saw him creeping through the corridors in the small hours. He could come up with any number of excuses if he was caught, and besides, his training as an Auror meant he could disguise himself especially well.

Mirabel, not so much. Though she often bemoaned not being able to sneak into his bed while he was asleep and wake him with her tongue whenever she wanted (a fantasy she had shared not too long ago, one he had been only to happy to indulge her in were it not for the fact he was too excited to sleep), Aesop knew it was safer if he went to her. If anyone ever even thought that there was anything happening between them as more than just colleagues, well. There would certainly be some kind of hell to pay.

Phineas Nigellus Black had long stipulated that there was to be no fraternisation amongst the staff, along several other ridiculous rules that simply impeded the running of the school, as opposed to making life easier. He suspected that this particular rule was made out of spite, when the former DADA professor had spurned his advances before Dina took up the position. Where once Aesop had agreed with this rule, knowing that relationships only served to complicate things, adding feelings and hormones and stress into a castle filled with teenagers experiencing exactly the same, now he thought differently.

He couldn’t fathom being without Mirabel. He couldn’t imagine a morning in which he woke and she wasn’t there, her slender hand on his chest, his rougher one settled snugly in the curve of her waist. He couldn’t picture a day without her soft kisses, her gentle smile, her earnest, wide eyes gazing up at him with adoration, her pretty lips stretched wide in ecstasy as they made love. And he couldn’t remember being this happy.

So much, indeed, that his students noticed. In particular, one self-proclaimed prodigy and one-man-fire-hazard, Garreth Weasley.

He’d just added a pinch of powdered moonstone to his Shrinking Solution, and the resulting foul expulsion of farty, green smoke had all but cleared the classroom.

Garreth stared, open mouthed, his weight on his back foot, clearly anticipating a bollocking. When Aesop chuckled, shaking his head and clearing the mess with a wave of his wand, Garreth’s face took on an expression akin to someone who had just noticed a headless Inferi charging at them full pelt.

“Sir?” he said, very, very tentatively. “M-my potion?”

“Start again, Weasley,” Aesop said, returning to his desk as the rest of the class crept back in. “You have time to brew another if you’re quick.” A smile touched the corner of his lips as he reread the note Mirabel had left him which was the reason for his cheerful mood.

My dearest Aesop,

I long for the day we do not have to hide, when we can be as free as a bouncing bulb, as beautiful and happy as a dandelion, bright and yellow in the sun, for my heart is like a Flutterby bush whenever I think of you…

“Sir?”

He jumped, throwing a book on top of Mirabel's note, staring up at Garreth. Alarmed at what he might have seen, his temper flared.

“What?” he demanded.

Garreth seemed almost relieved. “Sir, I need some more minced daisy roots, I was going to get more in Hogsmeade this weekend, but…” he trailed off, a hopeful smile on his face. “Can I have some?”

“Ask your classmates,” Aesop snapped, his heart still jolting painfully in his chest. If Weasley had seen her note… if anyone suspected, if anyone found out… he shook his head, glowering at his desk, though he didn’t miss Weasley sidle past the Gaunt boy and swipe his neat pile of daisy roots, leaving the young Slytherin fumbling around, looking very confused.

Aesop returned his attention to his desk, easing the note out from under the book and into his pocket. Weasley wasn’t a malicious pupil. Overexuberant, perhaps, arrogant when it came to potions, and wild about the edges, but he wasn’t mean. If he’d seen something of the note, surely he wouldn’t say anything. Aesop could just pretend it was something about her promising to restock some of his potions supplies.

But then… Garreth had a mouth on him. He wasn’t the worst gossip Hogwarts had ever seen, but he flapped his gums just enough that the wrong people might hear. If he’d seen the note. Aesop cursed under his breath. Even if he hadn’t, his reaction had clearly given something away. What was the point in being an auror for fifteen years if he got so distracted that he lost sight of his surroundings? Thank Merlin Mirabel hadn’t been around when he was hunting Dark Wizards.

He glanced uneasily around the classroom until he was content there were no more imminent explosions, knowing his focus on the redheaded Gryffindor could easily be passed off as making sure he didn’t fuck up again. That said, one explosion per class was fairly standard for Garreth. They should be in the clear.

_.-~*~-._

Over dinner that evening, Aesop avoided eye-contact with Mirabel, focusing on clearing his plate as fast as he could without giving anything away, or himself indigestion. He rose quickly and risked a glance at her. She quirked an eyebrow, the left one, which he had come to understand as a request to meet in her chambers. He gave a single, curt nod, and hurried from the hall. Casting a disillusionment on himself, he stalked to her room and waited outside, frowning as the Sallow Twins and their Gaunt friend dashed past, giggling. No doubt they were up to yet more mischief, and under different circumstances he would have followed and given them the fright of their lives, but he had to wait for Mirabel.

She arrived not long afterwards, gazing around the corridor with eager anticipation. He cleared his throat softly, and her face split into a stunning smile.

“Aesop? It’s early, why are we…?”

“Inside,” he whispered. “Quickly, I don’t know if anyone else is coming this way yet.”

She nodded and unlocked her door, ushered inside by his hand on her back. He’d barely closed the door behind him and removed his disillusionment before she was on him, her eager lips pressed to his, almost driving all but the most lustful thoughts from his mind.

Almost.

“Mirabel, we need to be more careful,” he said, his breath catching slightly as his hands rested on her hips, drinking in her stunning form. She blinked prettily at him.

“But we are,” she murmured. “We’re cordial with each other, we surely haven’t given anything away?”

Aesop drew out her note.

“This was wonderful,” he said, his voice low. “But we can’t risk it falling into the wrong hands.”

She twisted her mouth, and even that shape was beautiful. “Aesop, surely no one would steal from you? You were an Auror, it’s safe with you.”

His own mouth mimicked hers, his lip curling slightly. His pride wouldn’t quite allow him to admit he’d almost been caught mooning over it in class. “That’s as may be, but it’s not worth the risk, all the same. My time as an Auror taught me to never assume one is safe, Mirabel. I can’t risk Phineas finding out about this, he’d put a stop to it. And I…”

I can’t bear the thought of it, of losing you, of you being made to leave, he thought. He left the rest of his sentence unsaid, preferring to pull her to his chest, brushing his lips over her silken hair. He knew as well as anyone Black had a personal vendetta against muggleborns, and the only reason Mirabel had the position she did was because no one else wanted the job. He’d fire her in a heartbeat, if he was given the chance. He couldn’t let that happen.

“The risk is too great,” he murmured. “We must be careful, my rose. No more notes, no more poetry. We should probably limit our nightly visits as well.”

Mirabel leaned back and gave him such a stern look that he almost felt like a schoolboy again, caught sneaking into the kitchens.

“There are many things I will give up in order to preserve our secrecy,” she said, her voice firm. “But not that. Not you. Not ever.” She kissed him again, harshly this time, her lips demanding as she gripped his waistcoat, drawing him into an ever-rising spiral that blanked his mind and left him murmuring non-words against his lips. He couldn’t have resisted her if he tried.

_.-~*~-._

Another day, another third-year potions class, and another exercise in keeping his cool when Garreth tried to add powdered Bicorn Horn to his Babbling Brew. Aesop caught him just before he tipped it in, giving the Weasley such a masterful glare that he was surprised the young Gryffindor didn’t start smoking at the hem.

Shaking his head, Aesop continued to limp around the classroom, offering advice and mild criticism in equal measure, keeping one eye on the time, eager for the end of the day.

It had been a week since the incident with the note, and perhaps it was just his paranoia, but it certainly seemed that he’d been receiving some funny looks from his fellow professors, starting with Matilda. But when nothing else came of it, he tried to put it out of his mind, hoping that if Garreth had let something slip, Matilda at least would have the sense not to say anything to Black.

But then, the students had started giving him funny looks as well. His suspicions were almost confirmed when Anne Sallow wore a very large and bright tulip on her robes during his last class with the third-years, her grin dancing between mischievous and malicious. Surely it didn’t mean anything. Surely it was just a trend. Even if there was a rumour doing the rounds, he’d heard far worse about his colleagues that had petered out after a week or two. This was nothing. It had to be nothing.

But that didn’t stop him worrying, precisely because he didn’t know what was being said. If there was a rumour going around about him and Mirabel, he couldn’t risk it getting back to Black. Black had a singular inability to differentiate between truth and bullshit, seemingly preferring to take the latter as gospel, particularly if it enabled his views in some way…

Swallowing past a dry throat, Aesop determined to find out what, if anything was being said, when he caught movement out of the corner of his eye. Garreth had a handful of Bicorn Horn, and his fist was flashing towards his cauldron.

“DON’T!” Aesop roared, diving forward and yanking the child out of the way, just as the potion exploded, covering him head-to-toe in scarlet Babbling Brew.

The class erupted in laughter as he spat out a gobbet of foul-tasting liquid, praying none of it had gotten into his system. He turned, very slowly, to glare down at Garreth, whose face was an interesting mix of pride and terror.

“Detention,” Aesop managed, clearing the mess away with his wand. “Three nights. And points from Gryffindor. Again.”

“Aw, but sir…!”

“I TOLD you not to add Bicorn Horn!” Aesop yelled. “You deliberately disobeyed me! Consider yourself fortunate I have not given you a worse punishment!”

Garreth shrank back, his eyes going wide as the class went silent. Clenching his fists, Aesop set his jaw and stalked back to his desk.

“Class is dismissed. Out, all of you.”

He put his head in his hands as the students filed out, their mutters like a storm of billywigs against his ears. If nothing else would convince the Hogwarts Rumour Mill that something was ‘up,’ then that would have done it. He sighed, slowly, and mumbled something under his breath. He continued to mutter, until his eyes widened.

It seemed he’d ingested some of Garreth’s potion after all. And who knew what kind of side effects Bicorn Horn would have caused? He jumped to his feet, heading for his office where he kept a neat stock of antidote for all kinds of mishaps, when the classroom door burst open, revealing the most unwelcome figure in the school aside from Peeves.

Professor Black stood framed in the doorway, tall and slim, his goatee oiled and shining. He lowered his brows, glaring imperiously around the classroom.

“Sharp!” he barked. “I’d like a word.”

“In a moment, sir,” Aesop said, his words coming so fast they almost tripped over each other. “There was a mishap in class, Matilda’s nephew caused a small explosion, I need to take an antidote for-”

“Have you been poisoned?” Black demanded.

“No, it was a Babbling Brew, harmless by all accounts, simply irritating, but he added-”

“Then it can wait,” Black glared at him. “My office. Now. There is something of a serious nature I must discuss with you.”

“Just one moment,” Aesop said, his heart beginning to jackhammer against his ribs. “I only need to-”

“When I say now, I mean now,” Black snapped. “Leave your damn potions and do as I have bid you!”

With little choice but to obey, Aesop followed him out of the classroom, muttering under his breath the whole way about how he’d like to curse the pompous asshat seven ways to Sunday, amongst other threats and the occasional prayer that he wasn’t headed into the very meeting he dreaded. He kept far enough from Black that he was sure his whisperings went unheard, but Merlin only knew what kind of trouble his mouth would get him into if the potion didn’t wear off before they got to Black’s office.

Reaching Black’s office, they strode inside, and Aesop’s heart plummeted. Mirabel was already there, perched on the edge of one of the hard chairs before the desk, her head down, her fingers clasped.

“Mirabel? What are you doing here? What’s going on?” he gabbled, trying vainly to pull back the stream of consciousness before he started blabbing about how perfectly wonderful she looked, the late afternoon sun catching in her hair and making the strands of copper glow like an autumn hearth. She peered up at him.

“Professor Sharp? Is… everything alright?”

It was all he could do not to proclaim his love for her then and there, the use of his title sending warmth coursing through his torso, chilled by the prickling fear scampering over his shoulders as Black strode behind his desk, his face set in a dreadful scowl.

“Babbling Brew,” he explained, in a rush, unable to temper the speed of his speech. “It was that little bugger, Matilda’s nephew, I told him not to add Bicorn Horn but he didn’t listen, it blew up all over me and I managed to ingest some, I can’t stop ruddy talking!”

“You will,” Black demanded. “I must discuss something of a serious nature with you both.” He glowered, his upper lip curling. Mirabel gulped audibly, and Aesop tensed, longing to take her hand and comfort her, shield her from what was to come. He didn't dare, just in case it was something else.

“I have long stipulated that relationships between professors is strictly forbidden,” Black announced, leaning on his desk. Aesop flinched. It was what he dreaded. “I have heard the most unsettling rumours about the pair of you, and the amount of time you spend together simply confirms it!”

“We’re colleagues,” Mirabel said, meekly. “Nothing more, sir. Potions and Herbology is delicately intertwined, and much of what I grow is used in Professor Sharp’s class…”

“Silence!” he barked. “I should have expected nothing less from a witch of your background, Garlick. You believe the rules no longer apply to you because you’re a student? You are sorely mistaken!”

“Sir, I don’t know what you’re implying,” Aesop said, knowing he should keep his mouth shut as a simmering fury began to bubble in his chest at the injustice to Mirabel. “Professor Garlick’s right, there’s nothing between us other than two professionals-”

“Rubbish!” Black snapped. “I won’t have you stand there and lie to me, Sharp! Unfortunately, I cannot afford to lose you, you have been here for too long and you seem to be one of the few members of staff that is capable of keeping those little toerags in line! But you,” he turned to Mirabel, who shrank back in her chair. “You are replaceable.”

“She is not,” Aesop growled. “There is no finer Herbologist in the country, Phineas, and you would do well to remember that.”

Black passed him a softly cruel smirk. “I see. I presume your sudden outburst of chivalry is nothing whatsoever to do with these rumours I have heard?”

He clenched his jaw, but his silence seemed to be all the answer Black needed.

“If there was nothing between you that explicitly broke the rules I have written to ensure the better running of this school, then there will be no objection to my finding a more appropriate teacher,” he stated. His voice was grave, but the wicked gleam in his eye gave away the enjoyment he was getting from this. “After all, what could a muggleborn know more than a true wizard? What on earth makes her so special?”

And before Aesop could stop himself, he’d snatched a handful of Black’s robes, yanking him half over the desk with a snarl so that they were nose to nose.

“You’ll never know,” he spat. “You’ll never know how special she is, nor how much I love her. You’re too addled by pureblood mania to ever understand.”

It all happened in a literal flash. One moment, Black was rearing back, ready to strike, to punish them both, and that would be alright, because he would still be with Mirabel, and then there was a sudden whirlwind of green beside him as she leapt to her feet, her wand out.

“OBLIVIATE!” she screamed, and there was a flash of silver light, and Black crumpled over the desk. Aesop leapt back with an oath, staring at her.

“Mirabel?” he reached out a shaking hand to brush her hair back from her face. “What have you done?”

“What I had to,” she said, glaring at Black’s unconscious form, slumped forward. “He would have fired me. Probably you as well. I can’t lose this job, Aesop,” she curled into him. “And I can’t lose you.”

She peered up at him, her lashes wet. “Did you mean it? What you said? Do you really love me?”

He blinked. Had he really said that? Out loud? In front of Black?

Yes. Yes he had.

“I did mean it,” he murmured, cupping her cheek and drawing her into a gentle kiss. “I love you, Mirabel.”

She smiled, her lower lip quivering. “I love you, too.”

#professor sharp x professor garlick #professor garlick #aesop sharp #professor sharp #mirabel garlick #ominis gaunt #garreth weasley #romance #hogwarts legacy fanfic #hogwarts legacy writing

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