#feel free to read the others to reacquaint yourself with this series

[jen-with-a-pen]

Honeysuckle ❀ III

SERIES ❀ PREVIOUS ❀ NEXT

summary: You and Bucky reunite after he returns from a long mission. Apparently you missed eachother more than you thought.

pairings: Bucky Barnes x Reader

warnings: major fluff, missing eachother, reuniting, mutual pining, idiots in love, bucky picks reader up out of sheer happiness

word count: 1.1k

a/n: this is probably the fluffiest shit i have ever written. i mean its tooth-rotting, cavity-inducing fluff. simple yet effective. enjoy ♥

a/n 03/2024: hi! i have gone through and rewritten and reformatted a few parts in the fic in order to make it flow better and to ensure it has all-inclusive language in it (this was one of my first fics in the fandom and was not as educated as i am now.) if there are any mistakes, please feel free to DM me and kindly let me know :)

divider by @firefly-graphics | gif by @itz-me-aggie | warning banner by me ♥

my ao3 | my masterlist

Read this fic HERE on ao3!- coming soon to ao3! ♥Reblogs and comments are highly appreciated as always♥

“Come here often?” A voice, rough and familiar, called out from behind you.

You whipped your head around, damn near giving yourself whiplash from being startled by the sudden intruder. Your stomach began to sink from the thought of someone finally finding your hiding place.

It’s kind of funny, though, how open your ‘hiding place’ actually is. The gigantic glass doors and windows leading back into the main boardroom of the Tower did very little to hide your silhouette stretching out over the balcony, illuminated from the hues of pink and purple of the sunset over Manhattan. Normally, you wouldn’t expect anyone to think of finding you out there that late. 

But Bucky wasn’t just anyone, though. 

A heavy, relieved sigh escaped you as you looked up to see him leaning against the threshold of the open entryway. Remaining rays of sun shone through the skyline at just the right angle onto him; you could almost see hints of Wakandan violet in his vibranium arm. His arms strained against his black t-shirt clinging to him like a second skin, dog tags shining just as bright as his baby blues.

Or, you considered, maybe it was his eyes that were brighter– like they always were when you were around. 

Or so you’d observed.

Bucky on the other hand was hoping the light was bright enough to hide the instant flush of red that spread across his cheeks and ears the moment you saw him. The sun haloed around you as he met your gaze. He knew he was a goner before opening his mouth.

A smile broke open and spilled across your cheeks as you left your perch against the terrace railing, practically running towards him. It was the first time you’d seen him since he got back from the ‘very important and top priority’ overseas mission that seemed to take a lifetime. It also was no help that you had been caught up in paperwork, debriefs, and local assignments, all of which hindered your time to call him via satellite phone– with an excruciating eleven hour time difference, on top of everything else. 

He met you halfway. His smile only widened as you connected with his solid form, outstretched arms locking around his neck as he hoisted you into the air. Your heart soared. Palms bunched up his shirt while you buried your face into his shoulder, melting as you inhaled the lingering scent of his cologne and the laundry detergent ingrained into every fiber of his t-shirt. One hand migrated to the base of his neck, fingers carding up and into his hair as if it was muscle memory. 

Bucky held onto you tightly, as if you were his last breath of oxygen on Earth. He found himself absorbed into your shoulder, nuzzling his nose into the crook of your neck, reacquainting himself with the perfect fit. The two of you relished in eachother’s warmth, aided by evening sun spilling golden heat onto you both. Neither of you wanted to– nor could– let go of the other. To let go would risk this impossible dream ending. To let go would mean coming back down from Cloud 9. 

However, when Bucky finally set you down, the relieved gaze you shared with him solidified that he, in fact, was not in another one of your dreams. He was here. With you. For you.

Nothing could take the unyieldingly goofy smile off of your face now. Not even the speed in which words escaped both of you at once. 

“Buck–”

“Honey–”

You couldn’t help it. A surge of something on the brink of elation prompting you to throw your arms around him again. He mimicked you, squeezing you back, the swell of warmth and comfort and familiarity washing over you. You didn’t know what had gotten into you. 

He questioned the same of himself. 

“How, uh, how are you? How was the trip? When did you get back?” You spewed out every current thought at the forefront of your brain in a jumbled hurry. Bucky shook his head, debating which question to answer in his first interrogation home. 

“’m fine, trip was intense, and,” he looked down at his watch, “‘bout two hours ago. Jet landed and debriefing took a while.”

“Was it just you or did Sam ‘n Steve go?”

“Both, but I did most of the heavy lifting,” he winked.

Your cheeks ached from grinning, but you didn’t care. Everything in you, everything about him, made it impossible to stop. 

“Of course you did,” you snorted. 

“What about you? Do anything fun without me while I was gone?”

“Oh, ah,  just the best paperwork and ground missions a girl could ask for,” you rolled your eyes, elbowing him. 

“Sounds fun.”

“Had the time of my life.”

Silence– more or less a loss of words, really– wedged itself between the two of you as you struggled to string a coherent sentence together. Wandering thoughts, however, were racing on a different horse than your logical ones. He just looked so damn pretty in the light of the setting sun. You realized you were speechless because of him.

Out of ideas, you took his hand and led him to the railing you had left moments ago. “C’mere, I wanna show you my favorite spot.” You gestured with your free hand at the endless Manhattan horizon that swallowed the sun over its edge. Hand in vibranium hand, you admired the beauty of the city you both had grown to love.

The silence shifted into a warm, gooey-kind-of comfort. No need for words to fill the emptiness– you had each other's presence. 

You sighed, resting your head on his shoulder– a comforting motion shared between both of you regularly, but something about seeing him again after so long made it feel different this time. Heat rushing into Bucky’s face confirmed such a notion when he stepped back from the railing, allowing enough space to fit you in front of him. 

“C’mere, Honey,” he mumbled, stepping behind you and draping enormous arms over your shoulders, crossing them over your chest and resting his cheek against yours. 

Your stomach did an entire floor routine.

“You do know that Stark can probably see us on camera, right?” You turned your head against his chest, looking up to him.

“Mhm. Be prepared to never hear the end of it,” he sighed, shaking his head as a lopsided grin formed across his lips. 

You looked back out onto the skyline, sun began to finally dip below the horizon, leaving behind colored light waiting to be swallowed whole by the rising moon and city lights. Bucky pulled you closer, relishing in your warmth, hands crossed so tightly over your chest you knew he could feel your heart pounding.

You hoped there’s never an end to this.

#jen writes #honeysuckle fic #honeysuckle anthology #they'll kiss..... soon-ish #marvel #marvel fanfic #marvel fic #bucky barnes #bucky barnes fluff #bucky barnes fic #bucky barnes x reader #bucky barnes x female reader #bucky barnes x f!reader #bucky barnes x you #bucky barnes x oc #bucky barnes x y/n #bucky x f!reader #bucky x female reader #bucky x y/n #bucky x reader #bucky x you #bucky fic #bucky fluff #fluff #mutual pining #sebastian stan #sebastian stan characters #the winter soldier #winter soldier x reader

[americasass81]

Make Her Mine - Chapter Nine (End)

Warnings:- 18+, Dark theme, Smut, Dubious Consent, Non-Consensual Sex, Oral (female receiving), Swearing, Mention of Real People, Violence, Implied Character Death, Implied Breeding.  Do not read if any of these warnings are upsetting.  Feedback is welcomed.

This contains adult themes and by proceeding you are acknowledging that you are over 18 and are consenting to the content below the cut.

A/N:- So here we are at the end (finally🤣).  It’s been a really fun and interesting experience writing this series and I hope that all those who read it enjoyed it as much as I did writing it.  Thanks so much for joining me on this journey.

Word Count:- 2,903

Situating himself back between your legs, you feared passing out once again as Tony's mouth connected with your left ankle and began the slow, sensual trek towards your aching pussy.  Kissing, licking, biting and generally reintroducing your intimate area with every part of his lower face, including his goatee, you were quickly reminded just how much control this man possessed when your hips began writhing beneath him and wetness pooled in your panties, yet he simply switched legs and began again.  Cursing and whimpering beneath his highly skillful mouth, you now knew what sexual frustration felt like and knowing you couldn't take any more you reached out, and grabbing Tony by his hair yanked, hard.  "Stark, I vaguely recall a conversation where you promised I'd want for nothing.  Well right now all I want is to fucking come," and while he moved forwards to capture your lips with his, his hand reached out as his considerable strength pulled your panties from you.  Wanting to cry out at the sting this action left behind, you couldn't find it in you to care as you felt his shaft move slowly along your wet folds as his chin came to rest in the valley between your breasts.

"Darling, I'm offended that you think I'd leave you wanting," he said kissing your right mound, "waiting, possibly," he continued, now moving to your left mound, "but we both know I always deliver in the end," and you both groaned as you felt his considerable tip breach your flower.  Waiting patiently for the feeling of fullness to envelop you, you instead screamed out all the frustration of the past week, as Tony rested his considerable weight on your lower body and did nothing.

Now plastering sloppy wet kisses all over your tits while you tried everything to get his lower regions moving, you knew now you should have taken one of your cars and left your life behind when the iron avenger removed himself from your body and smirked down at you.  Holding you back with one hand as your fists came flying at him, your sex deprived brain would never figure out how he managed to use his other hand to free you of your last article of clothing.  As it was, snaking his mouth around your left nipple and biting gently was the only thing that brought you back to reality and knocked the fight out of you.  Moaning in ecstasy as he then soothed the skin before doing the same to the right, you now just hoped that his promise to deliver would soon be fulfilled.  Smiling down on you as the fight left you, Tony kissed you once more before heading back south.  "Ready to fall apart for me Y/N?" and when all you could do was mumble "yes" over and over and over again, he knew you were finally ready.

Finally placing his mouth over your intimate area, you dropped your body on the pillows as his tongue began to explore your sopping, aching folds.  Allowing his tongue to get reacquainted with your clit, he shoved a finger into your waiting heat and was disappointed when nothing happened.  Suspecting that a single digit would never again satisfy you, he proceeded to add another and this time was rewarded with a slight jerk from your hips.  Moving them steadily in and out as his mouth sent shockwaves radiating through your clit, you surprised him yet again when a third finger was added to your warm pussy.  Now giving voice to the pleasure thrumming throughout your entire system, Tony's curiosity got the better of him and pulling his mouth from your folds, proceeded to add a fourth finger while his thumb came to rest against your clit.

At last moaning out his name as your stretched hole easily accommodated his palm, Tony worked over your walls until the gasp that left your body informed him he had found your g-spot.  "Ah, there it is darling.  Just what I was looking for," and from there it was only a matter of time before he had you begging for release.  "Come on darling, come apart on my fingers like the good girl I know you can be." Tony coaxed, as your body no longer fought the hold he had over it and you cried out as you let go while your cum gushed out around his digits.  Falling forward to rest his exhausted body against your chest, Tony continued to work you through your orgasm and pepper your skin with soft kisses as his praises echoed in your ears.

Gazing down on you, his soaked hand left your pussy and approached your mouth at the same time his gracious plenty buried himself within you with one powerful thrust.  Moaning weakly with some fingers in your mouth, as was all they would allow, you continued to lick your arousal from his hand as his cock began the slow, steady pace of moving your body towards the edge once again.  Finally freeing his hand so his fingers and mouth could once again toy with your tits, his slow, powerful thrusts had your body crying out for something more.

"Oh fuck Tony, more please.  I need more.  Give me more." you begged between pants and as his gleaming eyes met yours, the smirk gracing his features, told you that a good hard fucking was not on the menu today.  Turning you over onto your stomach and raising your hips, this new angle allowed him to sink deeper into your welcoming heat, but his pace remained stubbornly tender as his lips began dotting your shoulders with equally soft kisses.  Feeling your resolve and hatred for him growing weaker and weaker the more his lips and shaft worked their magic, you thought the whimpers he pushed from you would somehow force him to take pity on you.  As it was, he continued with the task at hand until your walls began to tighten around him, at which point he pulled out, lay down on his back and placed your trembling body over his soaking rod.

"Ride me darling.  Take everything you need." he said as he pulled you down onto him while his hips thrust forward.  "I want to see your face as you give yourself to me."

Afraid that your decision now would negate some of Tony's culpability regarding all his previous actions, your body stalled momentarily as you tried to think if you really could go through with this.  Watching one of the most powerful men in the world, gazing up at you with lust and some other unknown look in his eyes, however your mind lost the battle with your body as your hips began to move against him while your hands used his chest to ground you.  Remembering back to the last time you had him in this position, your sex addled brain now only cared about what you could get out of him, and so throwing caution to the wind, you removed his hands from your hips and proceeded to bounce yourself faster and harder on his cock, until your walls firmly clenched around him, his cum shot out all over pussy and your orgasm flowed through you to the point where Tony's groin was completely soaked.

Finally spent and completely satisfied, you fell forward onto his heaving chest while his arms encircled your trembling body.  Kissing you tenderly while your breathing returned to normal, you snuggled deeper into his chest, until a deep chuckle broke through the sex haze currently pulling you off towards sleepy town.  "Don't fall asleep on me just yet Y/N, we gotta clean you up." he stated before lifting both of you from the bed and walking you into the shower.

Impressed by his strength, the whining protests escaping your mouth told him that despite your sleepy expression you still wanted more, but thankfully his will proved stronger.  Washing both of you quickly and thoroughly before you had a chance to get all frisky again, Tony then dried you gently before helping you back to bed where a soft mattress and warm body dragged you down to a sleep that made you feel like you were floating away.

                    *************

Waking utterly refreshed the next morning and starting up where you left off, now that you and Tony had reached an understanding, things began to change in ways you didn't expect.  Allowing you access to the kitchen since he knew how much you loved to cook, Tony never once suspected the treachery you were still secretly harboring.  Getting to have more frequent phone conversations with Sabrina was also an added perk, but the unseen progress made elsewhere in the coming week and a half was the real icing on the cake.

Having slowly let his guard down and become more open with you, back in New York, Steve had managed to use some Wakandan technology procured by Bucky to finally use their conversations and Sabrina's with you to accurately pinpoint your location.  Discussing now the monumental task of actually separating you from the powerful avenger, a casual conversation with the other Avengers about a missing Stark employee that no one had actually reported missing confirmed Steve's suspicions that the New York mob was now his only source of backup.

Having finally settled on a plan, Steve knew that ordinary humans, no matter how tough however, would need something more powerful to stand against Earth's Mightiest Heroes.  Heading back to the compound, Steve cautiously cleaned out his rooms and then walking away from the life he knew, simply because it was as always the right thing to do, made a call to Wakanda for some advanced weaponry to help even things up.  Then driving off to the cabin he now shared with Bucky, who was currently visiting Shuri for work on his new arm, all he had to do now was hope you hung on long enough for them to draw Tony away from you.

                    *************

Back at the crypt things had settled into a comfortable routine of meals, movies, watching Tony work in the lab and fucking like rabbits whenever and wherever the mood hit.  Fearing the consequences, your calls to Sabrina kept you focused on keeping Tony off guard however, and not two weeks after this whole ordeal had started came the unexpected opportunity you had all been hoping and praying for.

Having at last been left alone thanks to Iron-Man's skills being needed somewhere you couldn't remember Tony mentioning, you smiled triumphantly that the latest little development had finally allowed you a modicum of control in Tony's absence.  Making your way throughout the house, a voice in the back of your mind told you to get some shit together and you were thankful you listened when not fifteen minutes later, a loud explosion told you that someone or something had breached the crypt's defences.

Wondering why V.I.R.G.I.L. had failed to respond or even warn you of a possible attack, you wished now more than ever that you had your weapons or the suit Tony promised you, when a certain and familiar star-spangled Avenger appeared before you.  Standing frozen in place until he explained that Sabrina had sent him, you quickly trusted your gut and grabbing your bag followed him back to the main entrance.  Looking at the mess he had made of the place, you stopped suddenly as your eyes latched onto the door leading to Tony's lab.

Turning around when you were no longer behind him, Steve followed your feet as they led you towards the room that held your go-bag.  Reaching out to grab your arm, Steve urged you to get moving but you told him you weren't leaving without what was yours.  Leading him towards the place you now knew the safe to be hidden, he used his shield and considerable strength to quickly work it open and allow you access to your prize.  Seizing the bag and now following the Captain from the place that recently held you captive, you instinctively looked towards the sky half expecting a red and gold suit to drop on this location.

Hearing Steve hollar at you to get a move on, you threw your bags into the waiting car and quickly joined Captain America as he sped through the forest, leading you away from the nightmare you had known.  Driving quickly while trying not to draw any undue attention, Steve couldn't help gazing over at you from time to time as you apprehensively waited for the nanoparticles to shock your system once more.  Not knowing that an undisclosed issue had caused this feature to be permanently disabled, you didn't breathe properly until Steve pulled off the main road and headed towards what looked like an unused car park.

Pulling into what actually turned out to be an old abandoned building site somewhere off the beaten track, you pulled out the burner phone Steve handed you and called Sebastian who told you to stay put while he and his soldiers came to get you both.  Finally having some time to let the events of the past hour sink in, Steve quickly placed his arms around your shoulders as you bent over and emptied the contents of your stomach onto the ground.  Thanking him as your system settled down and he led you back to the passenger seat, you prayed the mob would reach you before your fallen angel figured out what had happened.

                   *************

Waking up some time later in the same location, the darkening sky was the least of your worries.  On a partially built rooftop with weapons you could only assume came from Steve, Scarlett and Jeremy did their best to provide aerial cover to Sebastian, Brie, Anthony and Chris while Steve worked tirelessly to bring down as many of his former teammates as possible.  Wanting so badly to fight alongside them, but feeling another wave of nausea hit you as you were about to move, you couldn't hide the shriek that left your throat as Steve launched a badly shattered Vision across the front of the car.

Witnessing firsthand the brutality that both sides were capable of, you wondered why they were willing to go to such lengths over someone like you, but this thought was quickly forgotten as a red blast flashed by your window towards Sebastian only to be intercepted by Chris.  Falling to the ground as Cap unleashed his shield and Sebastian's forces let loose a hail of gunfire, you once more wondered where it all would end when an unseen blast shook the ground and caused everyone to drop to their knees.

Sitting in Steve's car watching the dust settle all around you, a cold panic filled you as Iron-Man, in all his glory, dropped out of the sky like some avenging angel.  Watching as you realized you alone had the power to stop this and what it would ultimately cost you, you looked out the window as Tony prepared to fire on Jeremy and Scarlett's locations before your eyes fell on Sebastian.  Knowing that everything he had told you was true and that your friends had run out of time, you exited the car and quickly went to stand before your iron captor.  "TONY ENOUGH, PLEASE!" you shouted, as you held out your hands.  "You win.  I know now my place is by your side, so let my friends go and take me home."

Looking at you while still keeping his weapons trained on the two mob soldiers, Sebastian and Steve took advantage of the lull in battle to come stand beside you.  "Y/N, think about what you're doing." Steve warned, placing a hand on your shoulder.

"I am Steve.  Look what's happened because of me." you stated, looking around the old property at the two worlds that held you in their grasp.  "Jeremy and Scarlett have god only knows what type of weapon trained on them, Brie and Rhodes need a hospital.  I don't know if anyone can help The Vision and Chris.  And let's be honest, you, Anthony and Sebastian don't stand a chance against Tony, Bruce and Wanda."

Nodding solemnly as he stared between you and the mob boss before glancing around the makeshift battlefield, this time it was Sebastian who broke the silence.  "Y/N, I promised Sabrina I'd bring you home.  Don't make me break my promise."

Raising your hand to wipe the blood from the gash above his left eye, you nodded at Tony to let him know you had accepted your fate before answering your best friend's husband.  "He can find me anywhere, Sebastian.  Look at the carnage already created without him even firing a weapon.  He won't hurt me, at least no more than I can handle, and hopefully when things settle down we can bury the hatchet and put this animosity behind us."

Wrapping your arms around both of their necks, you kissed Sebastian's cheek and then walked towards Iron-Man.  As he placed his arm around your waist and pulled you flush against his side, you held onto him before calling out to Sebastian.  "Tell Sabrina I love her and we'll see her soon."  With that you placed your arms around Tony's neck and launching both of you into the sky, he left the teams to clean up as he flew towards home with his family wrapped securely in his arms.

Tagging:- @nsfwsebbie @hoseokchild @gotnofucks @ironlady1993 @floatingdaisy7 @taintedgenre @buttercandy16 @kind-of-crazy-butthatsokay , sorry if I missed anyone.

#dark!tony stark x reader #tw: implied character death

[blackaquokat]

mother (make me a song so sweet)

Fandom: WKM

Pairing: Mayor Attorney (Y/N District Attorney/Damien)

Series: Ours to Choose

Summary: In which Damien finally meets a member of the law student’s family.

A/N: Hi, yes, it’s been a million years since I’ve written for this series. I’ve had this one swirling in my head for a while, but only just got the inspiration and energy to write it today. I hope you guys like it, as it has one of my favorite OCs making a reappearance from Satisfied.

And yes, that’s a lyric from a Florence + the Machine song for the title. 

---

At first, Damien decides to give his friend space to reunite with their mother, freshly returned from the front two months after the war was declared over. He figures they would want plenty of time to themselves so their mother can settle back in and get reacquainted with normal life.

This plan lasts exactly three days before his friend calls him in the afternoon and asks why the hell he hasn’t come to visit.

“What?” Damien’s brow furrows as he adjusts his grip on the phone receiver. “But I thought you would want some alone time with your mother?”

“Damien, she’s been with soldiers for years now on the front, she said she wants to meet my friends and any other mildly friendly civilians I might know. So. Come on over. She’s making tea and hot chocolate.”

“Why both?”

“She really missed chocolate and decently-made tea, so she’s having both. I’m just counting my blessings that she didn’t try for chocolate tea.”

“Does such a thing exist?”

“Dear God, I hope not. I’d be doomed to an even worse tea addiction.”

---

Twenty minutes later, Damien knocks on his friend’s door, boxes of Almond Joys, Junior Mints, and Whoppers cradled in his other arm, courtesy of a quick stop at the nearest grocery store.

The door opens and a tall, severe woman who could only be his friend’s mother stands before him. Even if Damien had no knowledge of this person, the resemblance between her and his friend is irrefutable, from their black curls to their nose, even to the shape of their hands.

The most obvious difference is the scar that cuts from the side of her nose to the corner of her lips.

She looks him up and down, and suddenly Damien sees that she has the same kind of eternity in her eyes as her child. “You must be Damien. I’m Ruth.” She holds out her hand and Damien only gets to shake her hand once before she lets go. “Come on in, the tea’s still warm.”

“And the hot chocolate too?”

“Oh, you wanted some of that? It’s long gone.” After Damien shuts the door behind him, Ruth eyes the candy in his arms. “Is all that chocolate for me too?”

“Yes, um, my friend mentioned that you missed chocolate, so I thought I’d bring a Welcome Home gift for you.”

Ruth’s eyes brighten as she accepts Damien’s offerings. “Raindrop! Your friend is here and he brought chocolate offerings.”

“MOM!” Suddenly, there’s the law student coming out of the kitchen with a tray carrying three steaming mugs. “I have been so careful keeping that nickname a secret! You’ve been here less than a week and you expose me!”

Ruth waits until the law student sets the tray on the coffee table before pinching their shoulder. “I’ve got lost time to make up for, Raindrop. That includes using your name and fulfilling my parental obligation to embarrass you in front of your friends.”

Damien thinks he might love Ruth already, even with her highly intimidating demeanor. He also decides, for his own safety and self-preservation, not to ask Ruth about the “Raindrop” nickname until the law student is out of earshot. “What kind of tea do I have to choose from?”

“Chamomile or mint.”

Damien selects chamomile and the three of them proceed to sit down, Damien in the armchair, the law student and Ruth on the couch.

Throughout their discussions, Damien finds that Ruth’s similarities are more than surface deep. A similar deadpan sense of humor, the refusal to deal with nonsense, a love for tea (Ruth makes two more cups for herself and one more for he and the law student), etc. 

But Ruth has a haunted look in that ancient gaze of hers that the law student lacks. He imagines this reflects the impact the war left on her. It makes his heart ache.

Before he knows it, their conversations last long into the evening, full of laughter and geniality as they all slowly eat their way through the candy Damien brought. The wrappers rest haphazardly on the coffee table around the empty mugs.

By the time he looks at his watch again, the late hour makes him blink. “I...oh my, I think I’ve overstayed my welcome into tomorrow, or, well, today, I suppose.” He yawns. “I’ll get out of your hair--”

“Nonsense,” Ruth interrupts firmly. “We’re not sending you home at this time of night. You’ll yawn yourself off a bridge.” She gestures to one of the hallways next to the kitchen. “We have a guest room. Feel free to use it.”

“Oh, I couldn’t impose--”

“If you were imposing, I wouldn’t offer. Stay the night, we’ll all have a nice breakfast together. We have clean clothes you can wear in the morning.”

Damien suddenly sees where the law student gets their blunt way of speaking.

Speaking of the law student, they’ve been watching this interaction with thinly veiled amusement. “Maybe we could all have breakfast at Amy’s Planet tomorrow. They went through some renovations while you were away, and expanded their menu.”

“Oh, I would love some of Amy’s coffee, let’s do that.” 

Ruth gives Damien a pressing look, and he realizes he doesn’t have much of a choice in rejecting this venture. Which he’s absolutely fine with. He can’t remember the last time he’s enjoyed company to this extent, and he’s eager to get to know Ruth better. He had been worried she would not like him, considering the unorthodox way he and the law student became friends.

“In, ah, that case,” he says through another yawn, “I think I’m going to turn in for the night, so I can be plenty coherent at Amy’s tomorrow.”

They all exchange good nights, and as Damien makes his way to the bathroom (where the spare toothbrush he’s claimed on past impromptu sleepovers awaits), he overhears Ruth say to the law student, “Your taste in friends has improved greatly, Raindrop.”

Damien can’t help but smile victoriously at that. Mission accomplished.

---

Thank you for reading! Please reblog and comment if you enjoyed it! If you wish to be (un)tagged, please DM me and let me know!

@starcrossedforever87 , @dontworryaboutanything  , @beereblogsstuff , @falseroar , @intemperantiae , @memetoyoko , @soul-wolf , @marki-dumb , @withjust-a-bite , @raimeyl , @scribbeetle , @its-dari , @neverisadork , @silver-owl413 , @sassy-in-glasses , @chelseareferenced , @sketchy-scribs-n-doods , @axolittle-boi , @wildfandom , @shrinkthisviolet , @purple-anxiety-blog

#kat writes #for the first time in forever #mayor attorney #damien the mayor #y/n district attorney #wkm #who killed markiplier #ours to choose #will soon be moved to ao3 as well #enjoy family time #while it lasts

[stargazing-enby]

Fics I wrote in 2019: masterlist

I wanted to do this on New Year’s Eve, but I decided to wait till @hdowlpost reveals so I could add the fics I wrote for the fest, too. Lo and behold: the fics I wrote last year!

My most popular fics posted in 2019:

Highest kudos: Everything a Word Can Mean (Drarry, 2.3k, 1023 kudos). The soulmate AU I never intended to write! I was so sure this fic wasn’t anything special that seeing all the love it got baffled me so much, but upon re-reading it (and listening to @hptruefan-cheekytorah‘s podfic 😍) I realised I loved it too!

Highest comments: Falling for a Golden Boy (Drarry, 44k, 93 comment threads). My wireless! This fic gave me so many headaches and so many moments of happiness, but ultimately I’m just proud I could prove myself capable of writing a long fic in English--and I’m also so proud of my OC, O’Neill, because she wrote herself out of nowhere and she’s honestly the best.

Highest hits and bookmarks: the above fics again! 2019 clearly has two winners 😂

Below the cut are all the Drarry fics I wrote in 2019 (minus some unfinished collabs), the sole fic I wrote that wasn’t Drarry (it’s Fleur x Cho), and finally the fics I wrote in Spanish. Enjoy!

Drarry fics

Not Rated:

Of Ink and Rhymes (231 words). A collection of Drarry poems written for this year's inktober prompt list.

General Audiences:

You’re the Universe I’m Helpless in (411 words). Draco and Harry stargaze.

Matching Hats (323 words). Harry likes bickering with Draco, but not as much as he likes hugging him.

I Want... You (470 words). Draco and Harry slowly discover that feeling safe has a lot to do with allowing yourself to feel respected. And that includes being allowed the little things in life.

Crumb(ling Willpower) (706 words). Are they just Auror partners? Are they an old bickering couple? Who knows — definitely not them.

As Long as We’re Together (1.9k). Draco and Harry are going through a rough time as parents, but it's okay — they've got each other.

How to Ruin the Perfect Proposal (and Still Get it Right) (2k). When Draco's plans for Harry's birthday end up showered in (quite literal) blood, Draco has to find a quick solution. Featuring spaghetti, hot-air balloons and a proposal ring. (A collab with @drarryruinedme7! 😍)

So You May Remember This (486 words). Draco meets the wrong end of a curse and has to reacquaint himself with his life for a day. (A collab with @tepre 💕)

We Fall Apart, We Rise Together (102 words). The story of how Draco and Harry get together, as told by tree leaves.

Teen and up:

New Year, New Harry (223 words). In which Harry learns that life is a series of starting points.

An Enlightening Session (2k). Harry confesses a secret and makes a decision. 

A Golden Ball of Fluff (375 words). “In my defence, Luna said dogs helped with anxiety.”

Hatred? Not Quite (346 words). Just two idiots fighting in detention.

Are You Okay? (1.5k). “Could you come over?”

Only Each Other (419 words). Harry's as lost as the boy crying in his arms. All he can do is hold on tight.

Crucio (3.4k). "It is our choices that show what we truly are." But what about those who don't really have a choice? This is how their journey together starts: with an Unforgivable, a confession and the incessant dripping of a faucet.

Lost Boys (1k). When the first shriek pierced the air, Harry muted it with a groan and a punch to the wall. Draco's pain hurts Harry beyond relief, and Harry's pain hurts Draco, too. At least they have each other to hold on to.

Just Them (100 words). About how painfully easy it can be for them to get together.

What it Takes to Stay and Fight (1.1k). Harry's had enough of Lucius's words worming their way through Draco's head.

Constant Flux (527 words). Harry Potter is the one constant in Draco's life, only each time in a very different way.

The Art of (Not) Being Broken (308 words). Draco reads an article that explains a few things. And so he shares it with Harry.

700 (280 words). A string is broken.

What They Need (388). A few days after the Sectumsempra incident, Harry decides to go to the hospital wing to apologise.

To Save a Soul (376 words). Draco's and Harry's souls bond the moment Harry saves Draco from the Fiendfyre flames. Before any of them realises, Draco is Disapparated to Azkaban, and their soulbond—their souls—broken.

Pumpkin Boy (6.4k). It's Halloween night, and the line that separates Harry's world from the one he truly belongs in dissipates when he meets a peculiar, white-blond boy.

Help Me Remember I’m Free (412 words). Of what happens in Draco's mind during a PTSD flashback.

Everything a Word Can Mean (2.3k). In a world where magical people are born with the nickname their soulmate will call them by tattooed on their skin... what does it mean that the word on Harry's chest is the thing he hates to be called the most?

What Can Be Found (in a Game of Truth or Dare) (8 words + memefic!) Here's what happens when Draco is dared to give Potter a love bite... as told through memes.

Mature:

A Pointy, Posh Grindylow (1.5k). “Why don’t we duel, Malfoy? Just you and me, tonight, in the Room of Requirement.”

Who We Are at Night (708 words). “Just… hold me. Please. That’s what I need.”

A Dream About a Boy (445 words). Draco Malfoy had a very particular dream once. A dream about a boy draped on top of him.

Stubborn as a Cursed Vault (1k). Harry and Draco are assigned a case together. Feelings ensue. 

Amortentia [FANART] (203 words). 'I'm going to be just right for you.'

(Mis)calculations (5.6k; WIP). This is how they find each other: at 2 am, in the Eighth year common room. Draco wanting to fall, Harry wanting to sink, and both of them in need of someone to hold on to.

Floppy Socks (359 words). Harry arrives home one day to Draco wearing peculiar socks. Bickering ensues.

When Green Shines (2.4k). The legends say that a fine, red string of fate connects those whose souls are destined for one another. And the legends are true, except the string isn’t always fine and it isn’t always red. It’s different for everybody. For some it’s silk, for some lightning. Some people are connected by a ribbon of clouds, and some by electricity.

So why does Harry’s have to look like the bloody Killing Curse?

Explicit:

Alone at Last (1.9k). All they'd done so far was make out behind library shelves and the occasional groping in the Quidditch showers when they both arrived earlier than their eighth-year team. But today — today everyone had left for Christmas and they had the Gryffindor dormitory to themselves. And so Draco was naked on Harry Potter's bed.

Falling for a Golden Boy (44k). Merlin. Why couldn’t Draco have moved to a forgotten village in the Alps? He could have turned into a shepherd, learned to make his own damn cheese and given up his damn magic. But no, he’d had to come back to his Eighth year, hadn’t he? And this was his life now. Draping himself over Potter to hear words from him that he knew Potter wouldn’t ever mean.Great. The school year ahead of him looked simply great.

“All I know is—when I’m with you, I…” Potter, the heathen, grunted when he read the rest of his line. “Do I really need to say this?”

“What, scared of believing your own words, Scarhead?” Draco spat.

“Boys,” O’Neill warned them.

“All I—all I know is you’re the most amazing person with weak ankles that I've ever met, Meg.” Potter scowled. He was blushing again. “And when I’m with you, I feel less alone.”

Or where a drama play, a grumpy pompom and a bunch of well-intentioned friends help Draco and Harry find peace—and each other—after the war.

Traditional (3k). Harry makes a discovery. Draco makes a promise.

A Glance at the Past (In Our Journey to the Future) (7.6k). It's Christmas Eve. It's also Lucius and Narcissa's last chance to accept Draco and Harry's relationship before they stop trying to make the Malfoys come around and move on with their lives.

Draco also happens to have a plug up his arse. One that Harry can control with his mind.

(You’re a) Revolution (23k). “Will I—Will I see you around?”

Malfoy snorts.

“Careful, Potter,” he murmurs, almost to himself, as his fingers linger on the doorknob. “One might think you actually enjoy my presence.”

Eight years after the end of the war, Draco Malfoy stumbles into Harry’s shop in the middle of a storm—no wand, no backstory; no signs of having lived in the country since the Battle of Hogwarts.

During their first encounter, Harry promises Malfoy—and the words sound like an old mantra—that he'll figure out Draco's secrets eventually.

And then he does. He does, except…it doesn't quite feel like a victory.

Other ships

Smooth as Ice (Fleur/Cho, Gen, 398 words). Cho slips in more than one way.

In Spanish (Drarry)

Estaciones (641 palabras, Gen). Dicen que todo nace, crece y muere.

Como un ciclo.

Como las estaciones.

De tal palo, tal astilla (8.1k, Teen and up). A veces es necesario echar un vistazo al pasado para comprender el presente… y el futuro. (O donde Draco conoce a alguien con quien quejarse de Potter).

Recuerdos que duelen (318 palabras, Teen and up). Dos chicos rotos hablando sobre los recuerdos que los persiguen.

El chico de mis sueños (481 palabras, Mature). En una ocasión, Draco Malfoy soñó algo muy particular: soñó con un chico recostado sobre su pecho.

Calcetines de gelatina (369 palabras, Mature). Harry llega a casa y se encuentra con que Draco lleva puestos unos calcetines peculiares.

Flujo constante (562 palabras, Teen). Harry Potter es la única constante en la vida de Draco, pero de muchas formas diferentes.

Pumpkin Boy (Español) (6.9k, Teen). Una noche de Halloween, la línea que separa el mundo de Harry de aquel al que realmente pertenece se diluye cuando Harry se encuentra con un niño rubio bastante peculiar.

#otpshipper98 #drarry fics #2019 masterlist #drarry #drarry squad #drarry fic rec #my fics #harry potter #draco x harry #harry x draco

[thegoldendice]

Love Is A Battlefield

Fandom - American Horror Story 1984

Pairing - Xavier Plympton/Reader

Rating - Explicit

Warnings - Suicide, Violence, Mental Heath Issues, Sexual Content, Language, Religious Content

Chapter - 7/12

Read on - ao3, ff.net

Fic Summary - The year is 1984. You're a poor student living alone in L.A., plagued by your problematic relationships with a false friend and a disturbed ex. You meet Xavier Plympton, an aerobics instructor with a dark past, at the gym where you’ve taken a reception job. You quickly develop feelings for him, and you learn to your relief that he likes you too. Soon a deadly series of events befall you and the people in your life. Overwhelmed by tragedy and with your blossoming romance cut short, you are left a wreck. Six years later you discover that while Xavier is dead, he hasn’t quite departed. You soon realise that if you are to be with him and finally achieve true peace and happiness, you must take your own life and become a Camp Redwood ghost.

Chapter Summary - You can't ignore your feelings for Xavier, despite the fact that he is a murderer and a ghost. A plan begins to take form in your mind when you are required to contemplate a future without him.

“Death is an art, and I have become a master. My entire existence is wrapped up in it. Can’t you see?” Xavier sighs in exasperation.

You watch him standing across from you in the dilapidated old cabin. His hands rest on his hips impatiently. He always had a fondness for the theatrical. Clearly, he still can't resist a poetic turn of phrase, even at the most inappropriate of times. Your heart gives a squeeze at the knowledge that he hasn't changed entirely. The very next second a wave of nausea threatens to spill over within you.

The man you love is a killer. No matter how many alarmingly familiar character traits he has been able to maintain, that fact will always be true.

“Xavier, how can you be so callous?” Your voice quivers. “You’ve murdered people.”

“Not many people.” Xavier murmurs under his breath.

“Jesus, Xavier... enough!” You are yelling now. “I can’t handle this. I feel like my heart is breaking!”

You take a final look at him, then make your way to the far end of the cabin. You need to put as much distance as possible between yourself and the ghost of your dead darling. Quiet sobs rack your body as you throw yourself into a chair facing the blank back wall. You should leave, but you can’t. The knowledge that some portion of Xavier is here, despite what he has become, roots you to this damnable place.

It’s the middle of the night and the temperature has dropped dramatically. You realise that you’re shivering and cast around for a blanket, but there are none at this end of the cabin. You almost jump out of your skin when you feel a cool hand on your shoulder.

“You’re cold.” Xavier’s voice is thoughtful, as though he is trying to remember a time when temperature mattered to him. “Here...”

You hear him pick up his discarded jacket and place it around your shoulders. Clutching it to you, you stand and turn to face him. His expression is full of distress.

“I’m sorry. I'm sorry for how I spoke. I’m not used to being with someone... alive. I'm sorry for murdering innocent people.” Xavier's face crumples as he struggles to meet your eyes. ”You must hate me.” His shoulders slump forward as he stares at the creaking floor. Despite everything, it hurts you to see the tragic look on his face.

“No Xavier.” You place a finger under his chin and lift his head. His watery gaze latches onto yours. “I could never hate you. It’s crazy because I know what you’ve done, what you’ve become, but... I love you.”

A tiny speck of hope flickers within Xavier’s gaze. You watch it fizzle out as he fights to subdue it.

”No. You can’t love me. It's impossible. I don't deserve love.” He takes a step back, raising his arms to stop you from following. ”You have to leave. Wait until morning and then go, get away from here. You have a life to live.”

An incredulous laugh escapes you.

”What life, Xavier?” you struggle to control the volume of your voice. ”I spend most of my time wishing I was dead! Haven't you realised it by now after everything I've told you? My life ended when yours did!”

Tears swell in your eyes, blurring your vision. You feel more than ever the dull ache that constantly resides within you. You shut your eyes and bring your hands up to wipe away the moisture on your cheeks. Blinking back more tears, you realise that Xavier is standing in front of you once more. He's so close you can hear his quick, needless breaths. You long for him, wishing only to collapse into his arms.

”Xavier...” you whimper.

He closes in on you, grabbing the back of your head and pulling it forward to meet his in a crushing kiss. The breath is forced out of your body as he sweeps you off your feet. Carrying you as if you are newly-weds about to cross a threshold, Xavier makes his way to the bed, seating you on the ancient mattress. His eyes bore into yours and you realise that he is as desperate to possess you as you are him. He crawls on top of you, pressing you down with his weight. You wrap your limbs around his body as he begins to kiss you again. Already you can feel his hardness pressing into your thigh as he grinds against you.

Panting out of habit, Xavier sits back to remove his shirt. You grapple with the jacket he gave you, taking it off and throwing it to the floor while you struggle to control your breathing. You come face to face with Xavier's naked torso, his body tense as a coiled spring. You can't resist tracing his stomach muscles with your tongue. You work your way upwards, taking one of his nipples into your mouth and sucking hard. Xavier groans, grasping your chin and pulling your head up as gently as his arousal will allow. You kiss him fiercely as you hook your fingers into the waistband of his pants, yanking them down.

As soon as Xavier’s cock is free you pounce, desperate to taste it. You briefly register the fact that, like the scent of his hairspray and cologne, there is barely any trace of a smell or a flavour. You realise you don't really care. Xavier kneels before you as you bend over, cross-legged, working him with your hands and your mouth.

”Oh fuck.” Xavier moans. ”That feels unbelievable.”

You lick his length and gently scrape your teeth across the tip. You follow your instincts, having had very little experience with this particular feat. Xavier's hands are in your hair, massaging your scalp.

”Y/n, stop. You have to stop.”

You let Xavier’s cock fall free from your mouth as you look up at him. Your lips feel swollen.

”I thought you liked it?” You are subdued, suddenly self-conscious.

“I did! Trust me, I did, but I want to fuck you Y/n, so badly.”

The raw longing in Xavier’s voice sends a thrill through your body. You nod in agreement and he moves back, enabling you to swiftly remove the rest of your clothing. His gaze rakes your naked body in the same way you observe him, both of you hungry but tentative.

”I haven't done this since the last time, with you.” You admit.

If Xavier is surprised, he doesn't show it.

”We can go slow.” He says gently, the heat of the moment before simmering inside him. He reaches for your hand and you pull him back towards you as you lie down. His kisses on your lips are soft as he settles between your thighs. You inhale sharply as you feel him push a finger into you, the wonderful sensation remarkably familiar.

”Are you okay?” Xavier whispers, his eyes searching your expression.

”I’m fine, don't stop.”

Xavier removes his finger. You feel him rest the head of his cock against your opening. He kisses you again and pushes himself inside you. A low moan escapes your lips as your body responds to the sensation of being filled. Xavier proceeds with delicate movements which give way to powerful ones when your knees dig into his sides, indicating that you are ready for more. Xavier's tongue dances against your own as you succumb to the passion of the moment, reaching down between your body and his to brush a finger over your clit.

You continue to rub yourself, edging closer to your peak as Xavier thrusts into you. A cacophony of sounds escape you both as you become reacquainted with each other's bodies. You feel your inner walls contract as heat spreads through you, crying out when your orgasm hits. You grip Xavier’s shoulders and kiss him frantically as he follows you to his own end, pouring his essence inside you with a final, grinding push. Tears, which seem to hover just under the surface since your arrival at the camp, appear in your eyes again as the gravity of what has happened washes over you.

”Hey, hey, don't cry Y/n, don't cry.” Xavier croons. He remains within you, brushing your hair from your face in concern. ”Did I hurt you?” he asks, troubled.

”No, I'm not hurt.” You rush to reassure him. ”I just feel overwhelmed. This is not normal, Xavier.”

”You can say that again.” Xavier chuckles dryly, without humour. He kisses your forehead and rolls off of you, draping a protective arm across your body. ”Do you regret what we've done?”

”No.” You respond instantly. You don't need to consider his question. You don't regret what has happened, however, you do understand deep in your heart that your fate is now sealed. You can never leave him - if that was ever really an option.

”Do you?” You watch Xavier’s face, trying to read his expression.

”No Y/n. I don't. I love you.” He sighs, disturbing the stray strand of his otherwise perfect hair, the one that fell out of place during your lovemaking. ”But what the fuck are we going to do now? It's not like you can live here with me.”

You watch Xavier for several minutes as he stares off into space, absent-mindedly stroking the bare skin of your arm. Your heart is more full, more alive, than you can ever remember it feeling. You shiver slightly as your body temperature begins to decrease. Xavier notices and grabs the flimsy blanket, draping it over your body and tucking it around you. You know that you have made your decision. You suspect that deep down you decided the minute Xavier told you what was happening to the people who perished here at Redwood. You just need to work up the courage to tell him your plan. You swallow down your fear and breathe deeply.

”I could live here with you Xavier. We could be together forever... If I died.”

#xavier plympton #xavier plympton x reader #xavier plympton x you #ahs #ahs xavier #ahs 1984 #american horror story #american horror story 1984 #fanfic #ao3 #ff.net

[blackrose-ffxiv]

Formalities 07/18

Lionnet Blodoint pokes his head out the door of his office, ears perked up slightly. Who's calling at this hour? He walks over to the door and eases it open an inch, before pulling it wide. "Mister... Haillenarte, was it?"

Anselme Haillenarte winced slightly as he was addressed by his family name. “Just Anselme will do just fine, thank you.” He noted as he stepped into the cozy little clinic. He reached up to scratch at the bandages covering half his face sheepishly but dropped fingers away again, remembering at the last moment. “My apologies, when we first met I was a little flustered, I don’t believe I caught your whole name.”

"It is Lionnet Blodoint, ser. I take it you are here for treatment of some kind?” Lionnet regards the other elezen impassively, eyes moving up and down as they survey the extent of the damage.

Anselme nodded. “Pleasure to be reacquainted.” He said before he reached up to untie the bandages around his face, unable to lift the right arm as high as the left as he did so. “Ended up on the wrong end of a sword, I managed to get the bleeding to stop but I ah, couldn’t get an appointment with my usual chirurgeon. If it’s not an inconvenience would you mind having a look.”

Lionnet shakes his head, stepping aside and gesturing inward. "Oh, of course, anything for a knight of a High House. Please, come in- would you care for some tea, or anything?"

Anselme lowered the bandage and began folding it up carefully. The left side of his face was smudged with dried blood, the eye swollen to give the appearance of squinting though the blade’s swipe seemed to have missed the eye itself. “Please, just Anselme really. It’s fine.” He insisted with a cheerful albeit crooked smile as moving one side of his face hurt. “Tea sounds lovely, thank you.” He dabbed lightly at his cheek, just to be sure he wouldn’t be dripping blood on anything.

Lionnet Blodoint gestures at the couch. "You may take a seat there, Mister Anselme." He busies himself preparing some tea, a classic and familiar Ishgardian brew. Damp towels are brought over to Anselme for his use, as well as fresh bandages stacked nearby. "The face wound- is that the extent of your injuries, ser?"

Anselme Haillenarte nodded and took a seat on the couch. He’d made it thus far without his wounds impeding him terribly, what was a few minutes more while enjoying tea. “Really, just Anselme.” He insisted again with a small chuckle, picking up a damp cloth and pressing it to his own face with a quiet hiss. “A sword to the side as well, is it alright to call you Lionnet?”

Lionnet raises his eyebrows, but the rest of his face remains expressionless. "My, my. All that and you still found your way here without any trouble? That's certainly a feat, ser. You may call me whatever you like, though I must insist I refer to you formally unless it truly bothers you. It is only proper." Lionnet carries the tea set over on a small tray- a large pot, two cups, and a small plate of sweeteners. He pours a cup for Anselme and offers it.

Anselme considered that for a moment as he lowered his gaze down to the pile of bandages and damp cloths. He was still mulling that one over when the medic approached with tea service. “Thank you.” He noted distractedly, taking the cup and setting it down in front of himself. Finally, with a small nod he straightened up and grinned. “It does bother me, a bit. But then again maybe it bothers you to be informal.” He noted with a shrug. “How about this. I would prefer it if you weren’t, but I’ll understand if you must.” He seemed rather pleased with himself for that solution, reaching with his free hand and a small wince for the cup of tea to have a sip without adding anything to it.

Lionnet nods once, curtly. "A compromise, then." He takes and fills his own cup, though adds a bit of milk and honey. He takes small, slow sips, casting a glance again at Anselme. "Would you prefer I begin treatment immediately or give you some time to relax? Relaxation is an important part of recovery, after all. You may stay as long as you like."

Anselme grinned brightly at the chirurgeon, or at least the uncovered half of his face did. He set the teacup down and adjusted a little before picking it back up again. “That’s very kind but I wouldn’t want to impose on your hospitality. Besides, it seemed rather rude to just show up and expect that you’d be able to treat me immediately. I appreciate your making time for it.” He noted, tilting his head slightly to show his appreciation before he let his attention drift around the clinic. “I took something before I came by, am I rambling a bit?” He shifted slightly and fished a small, empty, bottle out of his pocket, setting it down on the table. A powerful alchemical painkiller, which would likely explain why he seemed to be perfectly content having a nice cup of tea and a chat while bleeding.

Lionnet picks up the bottle and reads the label with a frown. "Ah, this is... you took all of this? Oh dear. It would explain your attitude, however."

Little did Lionnet know... no, Anselme was naturally like that. Save for the rambling. That was made only marginally worse by enough medication to drop a draught chocobo. “I’m not very good with pain.” The Knight admitted with a sheepish shrug as he took a sip of the tea.

Lionnet regards the empty bottle a second time before dropping it upon the table once more. "Hmph. Not many people are, though. Well, when you are ready, simply let me know and I'll begin the treatment. It would appear the wounds are not too grievous, but do need attention. And if you'd need more painkillers, I can provide them... if in smaller doses."

Anselme nodded firmly, furrowing his brows briefly as though bracing himself. “Of course, whenever you’re ready. Feel free to finish your cup first.” He noted with a casual wave of his own teacup. “We can chat a bit in the mean time, I know little and less of you save for what I’ve heard from Quincy. How long have you been working with the Argents and their associates?”

Lionnet frowns into his teacup. Oh dear. Small talk. His worst nightmare. "I joined the Silver Table Accords as soon as I possibly could. I, along with Mister Agache and another woman, were directed towards the Black family as a target of our charity efforts. In the case of us three, it was to provide medical assistance. I take it you know the young Mister Black's story by now, yes? Mister Agache and I became embroiled in the mystery through a series of events and encounters. And here we are now."

Anselme tilted his head side to side briefly. “Only in bits and pieces. I think there’s a lot that I’m missing.” He admitted as he took a sip of tea and thought about that, lowering the damp cloth from his face for the time being. “I was aware that strange creatures were drawn to Luca and Idristan, then there was the Inqusitors that weren’t.” He noted, connecting the dots by gesturing lightly with the cup. “Now I seem to have stepped in it. I’m just not sure what it is exactly.”

Lionnet blinks rapidly. "You have not been informed? Yet you jumped into this mess without looking back?"

Anselme lifted both shoulders in a shrug that said yes, that’s exactly what he had done. “Er, things moved a bit quickly… I’ve worked with Idristan and Luca before, when it seemed as though they were in trouble I swung first and assumed I could ask after...”

Lionnet purses his lips. "And you still did not ask? Would you... like to ask?" He looks a little perturbed, sipping his tea quite severely. "Throwing yourself into harm's way like that is reckless and foolish."

Anselme managed a lopsided smile as he scratched a bit awkwardly at his cheek. It took him a moment to realize that he had picked the injured one and hissed softly. Regrets. So many regrets. He lowered his hand and settled it on his teacup to avoid doing it again. “I admit I thought I might ask you, Quincy has always spoken highly of you and seems to trust you implicitly.”

If Anselme were to look very very closely, he'd see a small smile stealthily make its way onto Lionnet's severe and solemn features. "Mister Pallene is a patient of mine, and to be my apprentice in the future, once he's finished his studies. You may, of course, ask me anything, and I hope I can respond, though I'm sadly out of the loop a bit in comparison to those dwelling in Argent Manor."

@officiallongboy

#anselme #lionnet #other brother #legacy of mhach #sideburn bros #for life

[thegameison97]

Game of Tag: Part 1 // Her Arrival

Word count: 1.5K

Pairing: (Gabriel x Reader)

Summary: All throughout the year in the small town of Lawrence, Kansas, a group of highly competitive friends hit the ground running in a no-holds-barred game of tag they've been playing since they were kids in grade school - risking their necks to take each other down with the battle cry "You're it!". This year, Y/N finally moves back to her hometown after years of working on her career in journalism in NYC. And now that she's home, she is again drawn back into the elaborate game that has spanned the past 30 years. That's not all, though. Y/N is also reunited with Gabriel Novak. A guy with whom she's had a tiny bit of a thing for ever since they were children. She just doesn't know that he, too, has harbored the same feelings all these years. Still, that's not the only focus of this story. You see, Gabriel is also the only undefeated player in this elaborate game of tag. And this year, everyone is going to make it their mission to finally get him. However, he knows they're coming... and he's ready. NOTE: This story was inspired by the trailer for the 2018 movie called "Tag".

Game of Tag Master-Post

Master-List of FanFiction

It was at moments much like these that one Jessica Moore-Winchester was glad she had come to live in a town where everyone was so close with each other. A town where just about everyone knew everyone. A town that, no matter who you were, you could hear about something exciting happening for someone and actually be genuinely excited and happy for them yourself.

"Meg is going to love it, Cas. I'm so happy for you!" Jess squealed excitedly, leaning against the coffee counter Castiel Novak stood behind as he showed her the diamond-surrounded ruby engagement ring he planned to propose to his girlfriend with.

"Thank you, Jess." Cas chuckled, closing the ring box before placing it back inside his jacket pocket. "It's been ten years, so I figured it was probably time. Just hope she says yes."

"She'll say yes." Jess rolled her eyes playfully, tapping her fingers against the top of the counter. "At least you didn't wait thirty years and not tell the person you like that you actually like them. You know, like a certain someone we know."

"Hey, he's not the only oblivious one." Cas pointed out as he went about making Jess her regular vanilla bean latte. "She's the one that moved away."

"To further her career." Jess reminded him. "Granted, she hasn't been home in a while, but she has come back for visits before. And besides, it's not like you can get that far in journalism when you live in this small town. Anyway, it doesn't really matter. She's moving back."

"Thank the universe for that." Cas sighed as he handed Jess her latte. "Maybe now one of them will finally do something about the thing everyone else has been seeing for the past thirty years."

"One can only hope." Jess giggled slightly, taking a sip of her vanilla bean latte and sighing contently as the warm liquid went down her throat. "Just out of curiosity, did you tell him that she's coming back? You know, for good?"

"Mm, sorta." Cas shrugged as he walk around the coffee counter and made his way over to the pastry counter to grab himself a chocolate chip muffin. "He knows that she's coming back to town. He just doesn't know when, and that she's coming back to stay."

"I see." Jess nodded as she watched Cas take a bite of the muffin he had grabbed for himself before making his way back behind his coffee counter.

"Yeah, I figured it'd be more fun for Y/N herself to tell him." Cas chuckled as he set his half eaten muffin down on top of the counter. "Gabriel's reaction will be great."

"Oh, you know it will be." Jess let out a laugh as she took out some change from her purse to pay for her latte. "Well, I suppose I'll see you later then."

"Of course." Cas smiled at her as he took the change from her before suddenly taking her gently by the wrist. "By the way, you're it."

Jess gasped. "How dare you! Giving me a false sense of security. Who tagged you?!"

"I did." A voice said from behind Jess, making her turn around to see a grinning Charlie Bradbury standing in the archway that led into her bookstore from Gabe and Cas's bakery/coffee shop.

Cas glared at her slightly. "Way to ambush me this morning, Charlie."

"Hey," She laughed, holding her hands up defensively. "don't blame me for getting here first."

Cas just rolled his eyes before turning his attention back to Jess. "You and Sam still planning on taking that spring trip?"

"Mm-hm." She nodded, checking the time on her phone. "The Cayman Islands are a-callin'. Anyway, I'll see you around."

"Later!" Charlie smiled, walking over to the pastry counter before placing a book on top of it. "Oh, and Cas? Here's the next book in the series Gabriel's reading. Tell him I dropped it off."

"Sure." He replied before Charlie made her way back through archway and disappearing into her bookstore. He then turned his head back to Jess, said woman opening the door just as a certain someone entered.

"Gabriel." Jess grinned mischievously, immediately reaching for said man who immediately dodged her and rushed to the pastry counter.

"Sorry, Jess, but you're gonna have to try a lot harder than that." Gabriel Novak smirked before noticing the book Charlie had left for him on the counter. "Ah, I see Charlie stopped by."

"Like not even a minute ago." Cas chimed in before looking to Jess who still had her hand on the door. "Don't worry, Jess, we'll get him one day."

"That's alright." She waved him off. "I have another target in mind anyway."

"Who?" Gabe tilted his head from where he now stood behind the pastry counter, his finger drumming against the book Charlie had left him.

"Oh, don't worry about it." Jess just smirked before actually walking outside and letting the door close behind her, the bell chiming as it did so.

"Tagged her then, huh?" Gabriel questioned, glancing over at his younger brother.

"Yep." Cas smirked before popping the last bite of his chocolate chip muffin into his mouth. "And I have a decent idea of who her target is."

"And who would that be, little-brother-who-steals-treats-when-I'm-not-here?" Gabe questioned.

"Don't worry, older-brother-who-actually-owns-this-building-and-can-afford-to-give-away-a-free-pastry-here-and-there, you'll probably find out soon enough." Is all Cas replied with before turning his attention to the door as the bell chimed, signaling a customer's arrival.

***

"There's no place like home."

That was the thought that ran through Y/N Y/L/N's head as she exited the terminal and started making her way to the baggage claim area.

I mean, don't get her wrong. She loved her career. She loved what she did. She moved to New York City to exercise her full potential in journalism. And she felt like she had done that. For the most part, anyway. After all, she had traveled on assignment to places like Cape Town in South Africa, Athens in Greece, Sydney in Australia, and Seoul in South Korea. You know, along with numerous other locations.

Y/N had gone to NYU before going to work and becoming the head of her firm's international department. She had originally started out traveling and reporting on the best tourist spots, but had grown and moved towards the deeper and more emotional stories of different locales.

Anyway, now that she felt she had gotten all she could out of what she had set out to do, Y/N had made the decision to move back to her small hometown of Lawrence, Kansas. She missed everyone. Her parents. Her friends. Everyone.

Don't worry, though. It wasn't like she was going to be sitting around doing nothing. She had already lined up a job as the co-editor of the local Lawrence newspaper. The previous co-editor had quit and Y/N's friend Kevin had called her up and offered her the position. So no worries there.

Y/N smiled to herself as she arrived at her designated baggage claim, she really was glad to be back home. And since she hadn't seen anyone she recognized waiting for her in the airport, she assumed she'd be making her way into town by herself.

Key word: Assumed.

"Surprise!" A familiar voice exclaimed before Y/N felt arms wrap around her. "Tag, you're it!"

"Jess!" Y/N laughed happily, returned her best friend's hug. "Oh, I'm so glad to see you. And hey!" She pulled back from their embrace. "You just had to get me as soon as I got into town, didn't you?"

"Obviously." The blonde rolled her eyes playfully, adjusting her purse on her shoulder. "Same as when, whoever's it at the time, gets Balthazar when he comes for the summer."

"Yeah, well, we got a few months before that happens." Y/N giggled before grabbing her suitcase off the luggage carousel when she spotted it. "Now, it's getting dark outside. I suppose I should get to my parents' house."

"Of course, but first," Jess began as she grabbed Y/N's carry-on bag from her. "I'm taking you to dinner. We need some girl time."

"I miss girl time." Y/N sighed fondly before they began making their way out of the airport.

"We'll have girl time tonight and then you can get reacquainted with everyone, starting tomorrow." Jess responded as they walked out of a set of sliding glass doors. "Oh, and maybe figure out who you're going to tag."

"Definitely." Y/N nodded with a laugh as they reached Jess's car before getting all of Y/N's stuff in so they could make there way into Lawrence.

A/N: I hope you enjoyed this. Sorry if it was a little boring. I had to get the story started somehow. Future parts will be better! 😁

💋 Love always, ~Maddy

P.S. ~ Let me know if you want to be added to my forever tags. And if not, if you just want to be tagged in this series, let me know!  :)

#gabriel x reader #supernatural fanfiction #alternate universe #gabriel #reader insert

[delos-mio]

FHS - Part 2 - A Frank Castle Mini Series

The next couple months were an adjustment to say the least. Living in New York again had a learning curve. At times, it was hard to believe you made it 18 years in Queens. But you were making do and learning how to live in this big of a city again. It helped that you had one true friend out here in Frank Castle. Ever since he thwarted off that fiend nearly 3 months ago by nearly popping his head off his body, the two of you had become inseparable. He’d always meet you for lunch during work or stop over late at night after work. For all the times he seemed to be at work, you still were not entirely sure what it was that he did. But that was no matter to you; he was someone you could trust in this crazy place and someone who seemed to enjoy your company.

Fall was beginning to dive into winter, snow flurries were already scattering high in the sky, but Frank was still adamant about going for long walks around the neighborhood on the weekend. The tradition had started the week after you were reacquainted when he asked if you wanted a quick tour of your new neighborhood. Of course, being low on friends and invited by a handsome man who saved your life, you eagerly agreed. In recent weeks, you tried to convince him it was getting too cold, but he simply wouldn’t hear it. He always made the excuse that Max, his faithful dog, would be so upset if you guys didn’t all take your weekly outing. When it came to Max, you were as powerless as Frank, so they won out in the end.

“At what point do we decide it’s too goddamn cold to keep doing this?” you huffed, walking a pace behind Frank, pulling your hat down tighter over your ears.

“We don’t,” he chuckled, “Max loves the snow.”

“Of course he does…” you grumbled to yourself. He slowed down a bit so he was by your side and wrapped his free arm around your shoulder.

“You know, you can say no to us if it gets too cold for ya,” he said. You looked up at him, giving him and incredulous look.

“I wanna come! I’m just a big baby,” you admitted. He dropped his hand off your shoulder and called of Max to stop pulling. It was only once his touch was gone that you realized just how much you missed it. The more time you spent with him, the more you felt yourself getting attached to him and thinking about him absentmindedly during the day. You’d wonder what he was doing or if he was happy at that moment or what he’d look like naked on top of you. Those last thoughts you had to push out of your mind as quickly as they came. Frank saw you as his friend, and he didn’t seem to have a ton of those, so you had to keep your little reveries to yourself. “Can we at least get some whiskey to warm up with after or something?” you asked, rubbing your hands together for friction.

Frank gave you a sly smile and nodded just once in agreement. He changed up the usual route slightly to make sure your path took you by Suzie’s Corner, your most beloved liquor store. The two boys waited outside as you ducked in to grab a fifth of Bushmills and an impulse purchase of tropical Skittles. You pushed back out into the cold, popping a handful of candy into your mouth. Frank stood up from crouching with Max and scoffed slightly.

“Your sweet tooth is gonna kill ya,” he said, nodding his head toward the little blue pack in your hand.

“I’m here for a good time, not a long time,” you replied with a mouth full of candy and tucked the bottle of whiskey in the inside of your coat. The three of you resumed your journey once again before finding yourself back at your door. By now, your studio had begun to feel like a home, especially when the boys came over. Frank let Max off the leash as you unbundled yourself and unscrewed the top of the bottle, taking a long pull.

“Hey, save some of that for the rest of us.”

---

The rest of the evening was spent curled up on the couch, Max snoring between you and Frank as you passed the bottle back and forth. You found yourself wishing that your and Max’s spots were switched so you could casually lean into Frank and steal some of his never-ending body heat. He was watching the snow begin to fall harder outside, tiny white flakes dancing down and catching on your small balcony that led out to the fire escape. It felt like you could just sit and watch him for hours. The way his broad chest would rise and fall, how his jawline cut like a knife through his ever-present stubble; everything about him commanded your attention completely.

“Truth or dare?” you asked abruptly. Frank turned to face you and raised an eyebrow.

“Are we 13 again?” he joked, crossing his arms over his chest.

“C’mon, indulge me. Truth or dare?” You took another drink before handing the bottle back. He considered his options for a moment before answering.

“Truth.”

“Have you ever killed anyone?” you asked.

“Yes.”

“How ma—“ but Frank had already cut you off.

“I thought you can only ask one question at a time, hmm?” he teased, watching as you closed your mouth. “Truth or dare?”

“Truth.”

“Do you only hang out with me because you’re scared of being alone after what happened?”

“Jesus Christ, Frank! No!” you scoffed. “I mean, am I confident you’d kick anyone’s ass who looked at me funny? Yes. But I really like spending time with you.” He nodded his head with a small smile. “How many people have you killed?”

“A lot.”

“A lot like ten? Or a lot like a hundred?”

“A lot,” he repeated a little more forcefully. “You ever been in love?”

“You didn’t ask truth or dare,” you chided, taking another pull off the bottle. “Once. Have you?”

“Once.”

“What happened?”

“We got married, had a family,” he responded. You felt your chest tighten and the air leave your lungs. Of all the responses you thought he may give, that was not one of them. The idea of Frank as a husband and father made your heart swell and burst. You couldn’t think of a single person more fit to take care of a family than him. But then a dark cloud creeped into your head- if this was the first time you were hearing about a family; something must have gone horribly wrong. Frank looked off again before continuing. “Went overseas, came back, and they were all murdered.”

“Frank, I…” you began, but your words failed you. Tears were immediately silently rolling down your cheek. He must have heard the crack in your voice because as soon as the sound left your mouth, he snapped to look at you once again.

“Please, don’t cry, baby girl.” He gave you a sad smile as he reached over to wipe a stray tear from under your eye. “Everyone responsible for that is good and dead now.” You could tell he was saying this more for his benefit than your own- how many times a day did he try to find comfort in that fact and still come up empty?

“Still. They didn’t deserve that to happen…you didn’t deserve that,” you said softly. Everything in you was screaming to be closer to him. All you wanted was to reach out and stroke his hair and hold him. Max stirred between you two, as if reading your mind, and slunk off the couch to find a spot on the floor. You decided to test the waters and scoot up next to Frank. He watched as you closed the distance between you, his posture stiffening slightly, but he made no attempt to move away. You pushed yourself up close to his side, letting your head fall on his chest. The arm he had draped over the back of the couch fell around your shoulder and traced small circles there. This was easily the closest you’d been to Frank in the months you’d been his friend and he felt just as safe as you had imagined.

“Why weren’t we friends at Flushing?” he asked after a moment of laying together in comfortable silence.

“Well, probably because I was too busy trying to pad my college applications with extracurriculars so I could get into a good school in another state,” you laughed. You could feel his chest rumble with laughter under your cheek. “I’ve got our senior yearbook somewhere in here if you’d like to take a look,” you offered. Frank shifted so he could look you in the eyes. He cracked a small smile before answering you.

“Sure, go get the fucker.”

Excitedly, you jumped off the couch and padded over to the closet in the short hallway. You were sure you had thrown it up there during the move along with all the other odd and ends that didn’t find a home. Finally, you spotted it over in the corner and reached on your tiptoes for the hardcover book on the top shelf. You slid next to him once again, cracking open the cover of the large, red book and began to thumb through the pages. Frank took another pull from the bottle on the table while you located the senior pictures you were searching for.

“Frank Castle!” you exclaimed, pointing at his posed picture. His hair was longer back then, nothing like the military cut he sported now. But he had the same dark eyes and wide nose; he was absolutely as handsome as you had remembered. You heard him groan next to you.

“Not my best picture,” he stated simply.

“What are you talking about? You’re so cute!” you beamed, giving him your widest smile.

“It’s hard to disagree with you when you look at me like that,” he grumbled before turning a few pages and smiling down at your own portrait. “Well look what we have here…”

“Oh god.” You stared at your picture. Back then, you explicitly remember thinking that the tattoo choker and tube top were a great look. And the body glitter? You were killing it. Now, you couldn’t help but look at a three-quarter view; the idea of looking at it head on was simply nauseating. “Why didn’t someone stop me?”

Frank laughed and shook his head. “I think you’re overreacting. I mean look-“ he pointed to several other girls with the a similar aesthetic on the same page, “it wasn’t just you.”

“Well, we all look like damn fools,” you chuckled and kept thumbing through the following pages. Frank showed up a few more times for basketball and National Honor Society. He also seemed to be in a lot of the candid pictures used for your class. Seeing him smile with other boys, so carefree and full of light, was making you want to cry all over again. The same boy who was grinning at you from the black and white page was the same man next to you, weathered by the cruelty of the world. Frank deserved to be that happy again, you thought to yourself. His eyes scanned over the pages as you turned; occasionally he’d tell a funny story about some of the boys in the pictures. You finally got to the end and shut the book with extra emphasis.

“Would you go back?” he asked thoughtfully.

“Never. Would you?”

“Nah. No use in wishing the past was different. Shit happens,” he shrugged. He looked down at the clock on your cable box and ran his large hand over his face. “Max and I should probably get going, don’t wanna get caught in a blizzard,” he stated before crouching down by Max and petting him awake. You thought about asking him to stay, but it hadn’t worked since the first night you’d been reacquainted. He turned to look at you, reading the almost sad expression on your face. “You’re worrying about me.”

“Maybe,” you said in a small voice.

“I don’t want you to worry about me,” he said as he got up and went to pull on his boots and jacket. He had that stern look he got then he wished you’d just listen to him instead of going on about the what-ifs and getting caught up in your own head.

“Don’t know what to tell you, Frank. I can’t help it,” you smiled and shrugged. He pulled the hood of his sweatshirt out of his coat and put it over his head.

“I’ll call you,” he said simply before clicking Max’s leash on and sliding out your front door. The minute you heard it stick shut, you let out the longest groan you could, cursing yourself for letting him just walk away.

#frank castle #frank castle x reader #the punisher #the punisher x reader #punisher #Jon Bernthal #punisher x reader

[spine-buster]

Defensive II - Kenny Omega

By popular demand, a second part of my ‘Defensive’ series featuring Canadian icon and intergalactic treasure Kenny Omega.  Part I is here.

@wrestlewriting @wrasslin-x @thegenericluchadora @sammiielli @fan-fiction-galore @anerdysouthernbelle @spot-of-bother @amaranthine-reign @baleesi @flnnbalor @smuppies @sarahmatthews7 @daintymissdevitt @newjapan @corey-renee @running-ropes @balorsomega @karleedaniels27 @kazuchika @ileana0300 @alexahood21 @imnobodiesbitch @fembxt @heelturn-timesten @kaitlynwwefan @50shadesofadamcolebaybay @50shadesofkennyomega @chasingeverybreakingwave @thyestean-feast @thecandicej @devittsbalor @sp00kylesley @danahart @sietefinns @kaydee-kayyyy @powerbombshell @cam0flug3 @dlb113 

- - - 

Right after Kenny’s original tweets happened, the Bucks had put in their two cents, like they always did, and the internet went crazy.  You weren’t prepared.

@KennyOmegamanX: And yes, I do have a girlfriend that works there. She's done more for creative that those two idiots have ever done. Especially the cowboy

@MattJackson13:  hahaha @KennyOmegamanX you are 100% right. Maybe now the cowboy will have to unblock you to retort. We all know how he likes to bully.

@NickJacksonYB:  And maybe the bleach blonde wannabe will finally get his head of out his ass & realize nobody EVER asks for his opinion for a reason.

@KennyOmegamanX: You mean the cowboy doesn’t run the company like he thinks he does? Why else would he tell my girl her job is just an insurance policy?

@NickJacksonYB: you know how it is. Too many cooks in the kitchen spoil the broth.  

@MattJackson13: and too much hair dye really does seep through your skull, kids.  Even one as thick as his.

Everyone went absolutely nuts at the tweets.  Nobody could tell what was real or not anymore.  Fans came up with theories.  ‘Maybe it’s just a harmless rib like the whole storyline in Being the Elite’ ; ‘They obviously all know each other and are friendly with each other.  This just gets people talking about both of them.  It’s win-win for everyone involved cause we’re talking about them.’ ; ‘This reads like they legit hate each other.  Whatever happened with Kenny’s girlfriend is obviously real, and now there’s bad blood.  It’s so obvious.’

Dolph had responded, of course, but in a very diplomatic and corporate way while still using his humour because, well, he was forced to.  You knew if he had free reign he’d be hitting back just as hard, but he had a company to answer to, and a code of conduct to follow on social media, and laying out the Young Bucks and Kenny Omega on Twitter wasn’t a part of that code.  His responses only made the Bucks taunt more.  JBL, for his part, stayed silent on the entire situation.  He had enough to worry about, you guessed, plus there was the whole Mauro Ranallo debacle thing still fresh in people’s minds.  If he said anything else, it might just incriminate him even more.  The back and forth between Dolph and the Bucks had been going on for weeks.  You lay low, not really seeing Dolph despite working on the same show as him, but you knew you were bound to run in to him eventually. 

That’s why you were on the phone with Nick now.  It was nice and all, standing up for you, but once was enough.  It didn’t need to last weeks.  

“You guys need to stop,” you hissed into the phone as you saw the latest tweet the Bucks had thrown the way of Dolph Ziggler.  

“Why?”

“Just…because.  Once was okay but now it’s like some sort of saga.  I appreciate it but you guys shouldn’t really be doing that.”

“Hey, come on!  It’s fun!” Nick pleaded, like it was his job to do what he was doing.  “If you’re Kenny’s girl, it means you’re our girl too.”

“Yeah!  You’re our girl too!” you heard Matt yell into the phone, making you realize you were probably on speakerphone.  

You scrunched up your face.  “You guys have wives.  And children.”

“Yeah…well…” Nick chuckled slightly.  “Until Kenny puts a ring on it you’re our girl too.  That’s it.”

You snorted.  “You guys are nuts.”

“We know.”

You sighed, knowing you weren’t getting anywhere with them.  “Okay, well, I’ve got to go.  I’ve got a creative meeting,” you said.  “You guys have a safe flight to Pittsburgh, okay?  Call me when you get there.”

“We will sweetcheeks.  Give ‘em hell,” Nick said before hanging up.

- - -

You covered your mouth with your hands, unable to look away from the screen despite the mess that was currently happening in the ring.  Your stomach was in knots; your whole body was starting to feel like it was on fire.  You couldn’t believe what you were seeing.

James Ellsworth climbing a ladder.  James Ellsworth grabbing the Women’s Money in the Bank briefcase.  James Ellsworth dropping it down to Carmella.  

“What the fuck was that?” you asked to no one in particular, although Sami was sitting right beside you, basically having the same reaction as you.  “What the fuck what the fuck what the fuck,” you kept muttering under you breath.

Out of the corner of your eye you saw Sami look over at you.  “That wasn’t supposed to happen, was it?” he asked.

You could only shake your head, still trying to process everything.  “I mean, it was supposed to be Carmella all along, but not like this.”

“So maybe there will be hope that plans will chance last minute and I’ll win my Money in the Bank?” Sami tried to make light of the situation, but you weren’t having it.  You felt sick to your stomach.  

“Sami…” you began to shake your head, clutching at your stomach.  You felt like you were going to throw up.  Your body was even starting to shake – out of fear, out of disbelief, out of disgust.  All of your hard work to plan and prepare for this historic moment, where millions of little girls would be watching their heroes battle for the Money in the Bank suitcase – all that work was down the drain.  All that work resulted in a man grabbing the suitcase.  “They trashed the original plans.  They trashed my plans.  I don’t know who okayed this.  I don’t even know if the other girls know.”

“It’ll be okay,” Sami patted your shoulder, knowing how stressed you became when things like this happened, mostly because they happened so much.  “I’m sure the girls were told about it beforehand.”

You weren’t so sure.  And later that night, as you spoke to the women associated in the match, you learned the truth – they were told only fifteen minutes before show time.  You were heartbroken.  You made sure they knew that the Ellsworth ending wasn’t the original plan, and they believed you.  You were thankful at their faith in you, and you all understood each other’s disappointment at the moment being taken away from the women in the ring. That didn’t stop you from feeling sick for two days straight.  That didn’t stop you from feeling helpless, feeling powerless, feeling ineffective at your job.  That didn’t stop you from crying in Sami’s hotel room.  

That didn’t stop you from pulling Hunter into a room to talk a few hours before Smackdown Live and declaring, “I quit.”  

He tried not to show shock on his face but it was clear to you he wasn’t expecting this.  “You what?”

“I’m not making a difference here.  My work means nothing.  Nothing is getting across.  I can’t work in an environment like that anymore.  I just can’t.”

“Whoa whoa whoa, wait,” Hunter put his hands up.  “Let’s not make any rash decisions, okay?  Talk to me.  What’s going on?”

“Listen, I’m really grateful that you gave me a chance, that you listened to Sami and gave me a go, but I can’t do it anymore,” you began shaking your head.  

“Does this have anything to do with the incident that happened with JBL and Dolph?” he asked, his tone serious as he stared you down.

“No,” you shook your head vehemently.  “I’m over that.  I was over that two weeks after it happened.”

“Okay, listen.  I’m not letting you go.  I think you’re making an impulsive decision based on what happened Sunday night --”

“Hunter --”

“I’ll grant you a leave of absence.  How long do you want?  Three months?  Four months?  Six months?  But you’re not leaving.”

You were so angry you felt like you were going to cry.  “I don’t need a leave of absence --”

“You’re going to Japan at the end of the week anyway, right?  Take some time to think about your position and your career here, and when you get back, we’ll talk,” he said, side-stepping you so that he could leave the room, cutting your conversation short.

You really didn’t know whether to cry or scream at this point.  

- - -

Every time you went to Japan, you found something new to love about the country.  Whether you were staying in Tokyo with Kenny or travelling with him to other cities like Osaka or Hiroshima, you loved everything you saw; the clean streets, the polite people, the obsessed wrestling fans.  This trip was poised to be extra eye opening to you, and you knew it.  You had promised yourself you were going to try to leave your work stress behind, but you knew it was going to be nearly impossible.  Kenny was able to see right through you – just as he had in that hotel room when the JBL and Dolph situation was bothering you.  You wondered how long it would take for him to notice.  Better yet, you wondered how long it would take you to break and tell him.

Like always, Kenny had met you at the airport with a giant smile and a touchy hug that made you want to jump his bones immediately.  But living in Japan meant no car, which resulted in you having to wait until the taxi driver dropped you off at Kenny’s apartment before you could fuck each other senseless.  It had been almost two months since you had seen each other, so you definitely took your time to get reacquainted.  By the end of it your voice sounded like you had been screaming for days, and Kenny joked he needed an inhaler.  One more round of steamy shower sex later, and you were both out the door to grab lunch.

Not that he needed to keep up some machismo bravado around his buddies, but when Kenny was alone with you, without Sami or the Bucks or the rest of the Bullet Club around, he became more touchy-feely; hands on the small of your back, arms draped across your shoulders or waist, kisses on your forehead.  As you sometimes didn’t see him for months on end, you welcomed this and loved it more than anything.  You’d participate willingly too – your favourite thing was to run your hands along the waistband of his jeans, or sneak your hand underneath his shirt and hoop a finger through a belt loop.  There’d be a fire in his eyes he’d look at only you with, and you would fall in love with him all over again.

Without even asking he automatically knew what you wanted to do.  After lunch he took you to stores so you could stock up on gifts for your family and little cousins.  Then, he took you to Shinjuku Gardens, where the two of you lay underneath a tree and cuddled, kissing each other but regretfully stopping before it could become a full-blown public make-out session.  He got recognized along the way, especially after the gardens and during dinner.  Fans were polite and eager to meet him, apologizing to you, but you didn’t mind.  

Later in the night, after you had finished your evening stroll through the streets of Tokyo, the two of you retreated back to Kenny’s apartment.  By that point, you were really feeling the jetlag but were still able to go about your nightly routine.  When you were finished, he was already in bed, boxers on and top off – just how you liked him.  The way his eyes lit up at the sight of you in your simple silk camisole and short shorts made you think you were just how he liked you as well.

“I think I may just be the happiest man in Japan right now,” Kenny beamed as he sat up, back against the headboard as he watched you crawl into bed.  You smirked at him, throwing your leg over his torso and straddling him.  His hands automatically went to your thighs, squeezing and rubbing his hands all over them.  “I get you aaaaaall to myself.”

“Mmm, and I get you all to myself.  Fourteen whole nights,” you leaned forward to kiss him quickly, your nails scratching up and down his chest lightly.  

“I wish it could be for longer,” Kenny lamented.  “It always seems so short.  But I guess I should be thankful that you get the time off, however short it is.”

His words obviously struck a chord with you.  There was a very real possibility that you would have a lot more time to be with him, and soon to boot.  And he had no idea.  You obviously hadn’t mentioned anything to him – not the disaster of a pay-per-view, not your conversation with Hunter, not the option he gave you of taking a leave of absence.  “Can I tell you something?”

“Of course you can.”

“Please don’t get mad.”

You could see Kenny have flashbacks to the last conversation where you asked him not to get mad before you revealed something to him.  It took only a second for him to become very serious, and very angry.  “Did something happen at work again?  Did those fuckers say something to you again?” he demanded.

“No.  They didn’t say anything.  They uh…they couldn’t say anything because I quit.”

Kenny looked taken aback.  “You what?  You quit your job?”

You nodded your head.  “Uh, well kind of.  My last day was the day I flew out.”

“What do you mean kind of?”

You sighed.  “Well, I told Hunter that I quit, but he didn’t really like…accept it?  He told me not to make any rash decisions, that he would give me a leave of absence instead so I could rethink my position and career with the company,” you explained.  

“Oh, baby,” Kenny said, leaning forward and giving you another quick kiss.  “What made you want to quit?  Is it that bad?”

“It’s not that bad.  It’s just…” you began, trying to find the words.  It was that simple question that made you begin to cry.  You looked at the sky, trying to stop the tears, but it didn’t help.  “I couldn’t do it anymore, Kenny.  I wasn’t going anywhere.  Nobody was listening to me.  We had planned the Women’s Money in the Bank match and then they changed it fifteen minutes before we went live to that God-awful ending and I just couldn’t take it anymore.”

“Hey hey, it’s okay, I get it,” he cooed, trying to calm you down.  He brought one of his hands up to your face and cupped your cheek.

“You should have seen me in that room with Hunter,” you began.  “God I wanted to cuss him out so bad, but I couldn’t do that to Sami.  I just can’t.  He’s already getting shit booking as is and everyone associates us with each other and I just couldn’t, I couldn’t…”

“Shhhhhh, it’s alright,” he tried to get you to calm down.  “There’s only so much you can do, only so much you can take.  If you want to quit, quit.”

You leaned into him so that you were flush against his body; your head nestled into the crook of his neck.  You inhaled his scent as he wrapped his arms around you protectively.  “Will you still love me if I’m a bum with no job?” you asked, trying desperately to make light of the situation.

You felt Kenny chuckle.  “Yes, I would still love you if you were a bum with no job,” he said.  “You’ve known the entire time we’ve been together you don’t need to work.”

Did you ever.  It was something Kenny constantly brought up because it was one of, if not the main reason you stayed in North America in the first place.  That you were able to hold down a job in the WWE, with creative, was a point of pride for you for a long time, no matter what anybody said.  It wasn’t necessarily a point of contention between you and Kenny – though he brought up the fact he had more than enough to support the both of you more often than not – but it was something he clearly thought about a lot.  The two of you had plans, plans that you had spoken about at length and came to an agreement to, and those plans did not include you quitting your job and everything being up in the air.  “It was never about that.  I wanted to make a difference somehow.  For people like Sami.  For people like you.  You know that.  And through all my time there, it just seems like I can’t, I just can’t.  It’s impossible.  Now I just feel so defeated.”

“Hey, listen to me,” he said, guiding your head up to look him in the eye.  “You’ll only feel defeated if you let yourself feel defeated.  I know you can kick ass over there because you already have.  You need to do whatever feels right for you, not what’s right for me, or for Sami, or anyone else.”

You smiled appreciatively, leaning forward to kiss him again.  “You’re the bees knees, you know that?” you mumbled against his lips.

He smiled before sliding down the bed with you still on top of him and reaching over to turn the lamp off.  “Come on, let’s go to bed.”

With his arms still around you, he turned both your bodies on their sides and threw the covers over you.  You snuggled close, burying your face in the crook of his neck again, drifting off to sleep.

- - -

The next morning, you woke up before Kenny.  You were still a bit jetlagged, so when you looked over to the clock to see that it was only 5:15am, you understood why Kenny wasn’t already up.  He looked so peaceful, his mouth slightly open and the softest of snores filling the air.  You figured quickly that you wouldn’t be able to fall back asleep, so you made an effort to slip out of bed as quietly as possible, as to not wake Kenny.  You knew he needed his sleep.  

You made your way over to the washroom, switching on the light and waiting patiently for your eyes to adjust to the light.  You did your business, rubbing at your eyes to get any gunk out of the before flushing the toilet and turning towards the mirror.

Your hair was a mess, and your skin looked particularly dead today, probably because you had spent thirteen hours on a flight to Tokyo just one day ago and because your eyes were still only half open.  In your half-awaken state, you turned on the tap and washed your face quickly, grabbing at a towel once you were finished.

As you patted your face dry, you noticed something on one of your hands.  On your left hand.  A ring.

You dropped the towel, inspecting your hand, making sure you weren’t hallucinating or still asleep or somehow a participant in an optical illusion.  

Nope.  There was totally a ring on your ring finger.  You felt your heart start beating uncontrollably and your stomach jump into your throat.  

“KENNNNNYYYYYY?!?!?!?!?!”

#kenny omega #kenny omega fic #kenny omega fanfic #kenny omega imagine #kenny omega fanfiction #kenny omega fan fiction #defensive series #wrestling #wrestling fic #wrestling imagine #wrestling fan fic #wrestling fanfic #wrestling fan fiction #wrestling fanfiction

[leasspell-dael]

NaNo Update - Day 30c - KH: Locked Out

This is a work-in-progress, belated 2017 NaNoWriMo update; part 4 of 4. Read at your own risk. This should go without saying (NaNo), but ROUGH DRAFT! Feel free to point out any errors you find, or ask questions.

Previous installments can be found here at the Masterpost.

Summary: Divergent timeline: The Keyblade doesn’t leave Riku. Sora arrives in Traverse Town, not a Keyblade Master, but merely another refugee. Meanwhile, Riku allies himself with Maleficent, knowing he’s being used, all in hope that she’ll be able to help him find his missing friends.

"Where have you been?"

Head coming up in a rush, he was confronted by a woman with purple-hair in a bob, and a small horn on her forehead.

And, boy, was she angry.

In her hand was a crushed up fabric something, with bits trailing out on either side. With which he became intimately familiar as she whipped at him with him.

It was pretty gauzy fabric, so it didn't hurt at all, even at the thickest bunch, but it tickled his nose as it floated up and made him want to sneeze.

He had the feeling that getting his mucus all over his things would not calm her down any.

"You complete and utter jerk!" she was screaming as she stormed away from him finally, slamming the material down on the counter and she disappeared behind it.

"I've been hearing you've been around town for weeks and it takes you this long to come by to say 'hi'?! I mean, it's not as if I'd been worried or anything. It's not as if you're the biggest trouble magnet this light-forsaken town has every seen, is it? Why should I care if you decide mess around everywhere in town except where your friends are?"

There was a tremble in her voice at the end of that, as she rose from where she had ducked behind the counter, thumping things around as she searched for something. Sora realized that she really was distressed by his appearance or, rather, his long absence.

And then he remembered the happy face he'd seen marked over one of the shops in the Second District back when he'd been searching his map for signs of Merlin. He hadn't thought about that since.

Okay. This was all on him.

Come to think of it, she did look like one of the people in his sketch books. Not someone Mako had known, but she'd appeared multiple times, so he'd know she'd been important to him.

"Well? Don't you have anything to say for yourself?!"

Sora grimaced. She... did not seem to know about the amnesia. Neither had Nadir, but that may have just been his anti-social tendencies. Maybe the Second District wasn't as tied in to the gossip network?

"Uh... How much leeway does amnesia get me?"

The woman's scowl deepened. "Seriously? Amnesia? That's what you're going with? You couldn't even..." she trailed off, uncertainty replacing her anger the longer she looked at him. At how helpless and confused he had to look. "Seriously?" This time the question was literal, not dismissive. He nodded nervously.

She deflated as if she'd lost all the wind from her sails. Crossing her arms across her chest, she tossed her head with a derisive sniff. "Naturally. What else would happen to someone as accident-prone as you." She eyed him still standing in the entrance. "Well? Get over here you big lug. Seems we need to get reacquainted."

With a certain amount of trepidation he did as he was told, determined that when he got home he was replacing that happy face with a dragon.

The dragon's name was Eiko, and she wasn't so bad once they got talking. She wasn't warm and fuzzy like the triplets, or homey and comforting like Merlin and Blue, but he could definitely see why they'd become friends. There was a tangible loneliness too her that you could only see from up close.

She had a unique perspective on the town, too. Her current thorn was the new bells in the clock tower, chiming the hours.

Or as Eiko put it, "That bloody racket interrupting the concentration of skilled crafts-people."

She even had people she blamed for it.

"Oh, no doubt about it. No sooner had the first bells rung, nearly ruining a day's worth of work, then there was a big kerfuffle in the fountain at the lower level." She gestured widely, indicating the area just outside her door. When Sora went to peek out, sure enough there was a fountain at the base of the stairs outside Eiko's shop.

"Some sort of giant Heartless was fought off by Leon and Yuffie, and some new upstart. Thought it might be you at first, given the magic he was throwing around, but it was some new blond kid. Newcomer to town and life gets upended? Yeah, I'm definitely pinning it on him. Maybe Leon and Yuffie, too. Maybe."

New blond kid with magic? Probably Ventus. Sora was kinda glad Eiko hadn't seemed too interested in the details of how he'd lost his memory, just how it affected him. No need to pour fuel on that fire.

And boy was she ever fascinated by the mechanics of his amnesia. How thorough it was. How inconsistent the returning memories were. How they could be triggered, but often by the most innocuous things.

An interested gleam entered Eiko's eyes, and she opened up the box she had dropped on the counter earlier. She lifted out the contents, then without warning tossed the object in Sora's face.

It was soft, but not like the scarf Eiko had assaulted him with earlier. There was a slight sting on impact, and it was rough under his fingers when he brought his hands up to catch it. Bringing it down so he could look at it, it was a canvas messenger bag, embroidered with bright colours, and with a leather patch sewn into the strap to mend a break.

He was heading for the hotel when he thought he saw something twitch in the shadows out of the corner of his eye.

But Traverse Town didn’t have much in the way of natural light, and the streetlights often flickered if there was a power surge somewhere. He ignored it.

He was two steps away from the door when he realized his mistake.

Rising out of the paving stones in front of him was one of the creatures from his nightmares. One of the things that had devoured his home. The insect-shadow that had clawed his leg open without thought or remorse. A Shadow Heartless.

It was standing between him and the door. He turned, and there was one standing directly behind him. He looked across the promenade, and saw Eiko standing frozen in front of her shop. She could see his situation, and the longer he stared, the more her face changed from fearful to resigned.

She’d already written him off.

Not a goddamn chance!

And

At the end of his swing, he released his bag, letting it smack into the first Shadow as he came full circle. It melted back into the ground undamaged, but the point had never been to damage it.

The point had been to buy time.

With the Heartless both far enough back to give him some maneuvering room, Sora lunged for the railing, and dropped from the promenade to the lower levels of the Second District.

The strap had snapped as he released it, he remembered now. Hands trembling, he ran his fingers over the embroidery Eiko had added to the bag.

A blue flower.

A white feather.

Three red slashes that matched scars on his leg.

An inky black Heartless, complete with golden yellow eyes.

A cartoon moogle, wearing a familiar bracelet.

Image after image, Sora's life was embroidered into the fabric. Some of the pictures he understood. Others were a mystery to him. But they were clues, and he was sure Eiko would be willing to help him understand what they meant.

A spot of wetness appeared on the bag. Then a second one.

"You gave me a brand new bag when I came back, even though you had my old one. You wouldn't let me see what you were working on."

Sora's voice was hoarse, and he didn't even remember getting that memory back.

Eiko's voice was trembling a little when she spoke, too. "I also told you that if you wanted to get a present from me, you'd have to come back. It wasn't ready left when you left."

Sora had no answer for her, was crying too heavily; silent tears that were a mixture of both his current emotions and the ones from his memories.

Eiko rounded the counter again, back to his side this time, and embraced him in a tight hug.

He heard a couple of sniffles from her, and knew that she was crying too.

Sora didn't even care if she was getting snot in his hair.

Emotions were too high to ask Eiko about the embroidery now, and when he even mentioned it she merely arched her eyebrow and informed him that now he had motivation to visit more often, now didn't he?

Point taken.

He wanted nothing more but to go home at this point, but there were only a couple of shops left, so he completed his lightning tour of the promenade, new back slung across his chest.

As he turned to return to the gate for the First District though, he hesitated.

He was right in front of the stairs that led down to the lower level of the Second District. There was supposed to be more Heartless down there, but the fountain was down there, too.

The fountain where Ventus had fought a battle as the clock chimed for the first time in town history.

Sora hadn't been part of the battle, but he wanted to see it all the same.

And he had his magic if the Heartless did attack.

Taking a deep breath, he headed down the steps.

Standing in front of the fountain, it was obvious that there had been a fight here recently.

Chips in the stonework. Cracks in the tiles. Small piles of debris swept into corners.

Whatever magic grew the town, it hadn't gone to work fixing this area yet. Maybe it wouldn't.

The fountain burbled along happily, a mosaic of the night sky with seven stars emphasized around an ornate archway backing it.

Carved into the crenellations marking the rim were three ornate bells.

There is a platform slightly below the clock-face where you found three small mosaics of bells. You once theorized to me you believed that either there had once been a bell to chime the hour, or that there was one planned for the future.

Sora trailed his fingers over them lightly, smiling a little.

"When I first saw them, they made me think of you."

Twisting around in a rush, Sora took in the sight before him.

Ventus, his keyblade out--the one Sora didn't like--and a hesitant smile quirking his lips.

All of Sora's good intentions vanished in an instant. He immediately threw himself at Ventus, throwing his arms around the other boy in a tight hug.

"I saw you on the roofs."

A new voice, from farther behind Ventus, slightly winded from running to catch up with her companion. "Yeah, I'm trying to train him to be sneaky."

Sora peeked over Ventus' shoulder, and saw a grinning Yuffie, putting her shuriken away and leaning against a lamp-post.

"I'm not that great at it, to be honest," Ventus murmured into Sora's hair.

Closing his eyes in contentment, Sora couldn't help but disagree. "You snuck up on me."

He almost regretted saying anything, because Ventus started pulling back at his words.

Ventus grabbed Sora into a headlock instead though, and began giving him a noogie. Sora slapped at his arms ineffectually, but was grinning the entire time.

Riku had done this to him before. Lost of times.

"Yeah, but your head was up in the clouds. Which really isn't a smart thing to do around these parts. There's fewer Heartless, but they're still around."

Finally getting free, Sora crossed his arms across his chest and tossed his head in mock-anger, mimicking Eiko's attitude from earlier. "I know that."

A frown crossed Ventus' face, and it looked like he was going to continue lecturing Sora when Yuffie began cackling, folding herself in half and pointing at Sora.

"It was you! You're the one who killed the lamp in First's plaza!"

Her laughter was more of a howl, and despite the fact that she obviously wasn't reprimanding him for it, Sora still scuffed his foot against the ground and lowered his head, feeling the blush cross his cheeks.

"Sorry?"

And that just set her off laughing hard. She gave up on standing, letting herself just plop to the floor.

Even Ventus had a rueful grin.

"We copped the blame for that, y'know."

There was a scolding in there, but not a serious one. They couldn't have gotten in too much trouble for it.

"Have you been in First often?" Sora asked curiously. He hadn't seen them there, but with Sora spending so much time lately with Merlin, it was possible he'd missed them.

"Nah." Ventus grabbed Sora's arm, leading him back to the staircase and the dubious safety of the promenade. In the background, Sora could hear Yuffie struggling to catch up. "But Cid doesn't know any other magic users besides me and Merlin, and Merlin doesn't tend to stir himself from his hideaway."

"Study," Sora corrected absently, looking back over his shoulder to make sure that Yuffie was keeping up. She was hanging back, purposefully by the looks of it. Probably giving them a chance to catch up. "Oh, hey," he turned back to Ventus, something coming to him.

"I think I found some friends of yours!"

They had just passed MS Accessories, but Ventus suddenly went stock still. Sora was jerked to a halt by their linked arms after his momentum had kept him moving before he'd noticed. Ventus' face had turned into a blank mask.

"Ventus?"

Yuffie was right behind them now, and Sora could see she was concerned as well.

"Who."

The flatness in his voice sent a chill down Sora's spine.

"They... own Ooey-Gooey Delights? The triplets, Huey, Dewey, and Louie? They said they met you back on their homeworld?"

Some of the blankness had seeped from Ventus' face--not whoever he was worried about then--but it was replaced with confusion.

"Who?"

"The ducklings?" Yuffie was asking incredulously, butting into their conversation. Sora nodded.

"Yeah, they said something about ice cream and a festival?"

Comprehension came to Ventus' face, coupled with a dawning dread.

"Their world was destroyed?"

And Sora knew the question had to be from auto-pilot, because why else would they be here? They certainly hadn't been born here...

"They preceded us here, but it must have been," Yuffie volunteered, sympathy in her voice. It was how everyone talked about the lost worlds. "Their people don't seem to age very fast, 'cause they haven't really grown in all the time we've been here."

The information about their ages was interesting, but their world's destruction went without saying.

But Ventus was shaking his head, retrieving his arm from Sora's so he could pace back and forth. Sora summoned the strength to hold back the whimper when Ventus left his side.

"Did they ever actually tell you that?"

Yuffie blinked. "Well, no, but why else would they be here?"

"Do you know how I met them?" Ventus asked, rounding on her with an intensity, but she just rolled her eyes at his melodramatics.

"You're a keyblade wielder who used to travel between worlds. You obviously dropped in on theirs. What does that have to do with anything." Then her eyes brightened. "Did you seal their world?"

Ventus shook his head. "No. World's weren't in such danger back then. It never came up. Yeah, I visited their world, but that's not what I'm driving at. Their world had its own protections, preventing random people from coming to visit. I got a passport to let me in from their uncle--on a completely separate world."

Sora's eyes widened in realization just a moment before Yuffie caught on.

"On a... Was he a keyblade wielder too?"

A head-shake no. "Just an enterprising entrepreneur with just the right information. The boys were determined to follow in his footsteps, already dipping their feet into the world of business even then, and that was at least a decade ago. I'm not sure how long I was asleep."

Yuffie was looking at Ventus with incredulity though. "You're saying three kids just up and left their world--not an easy task by any measure--to set up a chemists shop on a world of refugees? A dangerous world of refugees?"

A flash of a map, hand-drawn, with the promise of a copy

That sounded exactly like something the triplets would do, Sora thought.

The look on Ventus' face said he concurred.

"They curated a skill, then found a niche where that skill was needed."

"Light preserve us," Yuffie muttered, pure dread washing over her face. "Squall can never know. He'll kill them."

Sora grinned at the obvious over-exaggeration of this Squall's protective impulses toward Huey, Dewey, and Louie, while Ventus bristled. Yuffie darted a worried glance in Sora's direction for a moment, which confused him, before focusing on Ventus.

"Cool your jets, I'm joking. You are so touchy today."

Ventus snarled before grabbing Sora's hand and dragging him off toward the First District again.

This time Yuffie stayed put, rolling her eyes in commiseration at Sora when he glanced back over his shoulder than waved good-bye awkwardly with his free hand.

He didn't try to free his captured hand from Ventus, though. It was kind of nice, walking hand-in-hand.

They crossed the First District mostly in silence, although Sora made a point of highlighting the route to Ooey-Gooey's for Ventus' benefit.

At the threshold to the Fourth District, Ventus paused, and finally released Sora's hand.

He suddenly looked uncomfortable, as if realizing that Sora might have been heading somewhere else, but not wanting to bring it up.

"You'll be okay from here?"

Sora bit his lip, wanting for Ventus to stay, but knowing it wasn't fair to ask. Especially since Sora was the one who'd insisted on the separation in the first place.

"Have you seen the arboretum yet?"

Ventus shook his head, looking at the ground sullenly. He obviously wasn't interested in going now.

"Oh. Well. It... it was good seeing you. I'll see you around?"

I'm glad you're okay. I wish you were okay. I wish it didn't need to be this way.

When Ventus remained silent, Sora nodded sadly, and turned to go back to the house he shared with Mako.

Ventus grabbed his wrist once more before he could complete the turn. It was a gentler hold than earlier; Sora could have broken away if he'd wanted.

(he didn't break away)

He waited for Ventus to get his thoughts together.

"I... I'm still a work-in-progress. I'm not ready. Yet. But..." He chewed on his bottom lip, worrying it for a moment.

Then he pulled Sora in for a tight hug.

"I'm glad I ran into you today. It's been... rough without you."

Sora returned the hug just as tightly.

"I'm going back to delivering mail tomorrow." The hands on his back spasmed a moment, and Sora could picture them wrapping him in protective padding to protect him from the dangers of the town, no matter how little that would affect the Heartless. "If you ever want to see me, you can drop me a letter. Or... Or you could talk to the triplets, or Merlin, or Cid to pass along to Mako. I see all of them regularly."

Ventus made as if to pull back, but Sora wasn't ready, and kept holding him tight.

"I'm glad you're getting your life back," Ventus whispered.

Sora could feel tears in the corners of his eyes.

"I still miss you."

"I miss you, too."

Eventually they did pull away, to go in their separate directions. But both of them felt reassured now that it was only a temporary separation; wouldn't be forever.

They'd be together again.

And maybe that day wasn't so far off.

tbc

Feedback always welcome!

#nano 2017 #fandom: kingdom hearts #media: fanfic #dael writes #kh: locked out #status: WIP