#have to start watch ms again for these angles

[allthingsfangirl101]

Protective To A Fault–Steve Harrington

"In order to get into the school and look at the files, we're going to need to get the keys to Ms. Kelley's office."

"How are we supposed to do that?" Steve sighed.

"She already wants to talk to me," Max mumbled.

"What are you talking about?" Dustin asked gently.

"Ms. Kelley has been calling me into her office," Max confessed, "a lot. If I go to her house, she might let me in."

"I don't know about this," Steve hesitated. "Are you sure you're okay with this? I mean, is it safe?"

"The school therapist isn't going to hurt me, Steve," Max laughed harshly.

"It's worth a shot," Dustin shrugged.

"Fine," Steve sighed. "Let's try it."

They started following Steve to his car, but I hesitated. My mind was racing as I tried to work through all of this. I felt like we were missing something.

What made Henry Creel the way he was? What happened to Victor Creel? And what happened the night his family was killed?

"Y/N, you coming?"

I looked up to see Steve watching me. Something on my face must have made him nervous because he took a careful step toward me.

"Are you alright?" He asked, his voice lower.

"I was thinking," I started slowly, "we don't know much about the night that Victor Creel allegedly killed his family."

"So?" Steve shrugged.

"So," I sighed, "I think in order for us to beat Vecna and save Max, we need to find out what happened that night."

"Okay," he said, clearing his throat. "We'll stop by the library after we go to the school."

"We don't have time to do each thing, one after the other," I sighed, looking away.

"Y/N. . ." Steve tried to stop me.

"It's true," I cut him off. "We need a different plan. You take the kids to Ms. Kelley's to get the files. I'll go to the library and meet you at the school when I'm done."

"Are you out of your mind?" He asked. "Flying solo with this Vecna creep on the loose? No. It's too dangerous. You need someone."

"I do not need someone," I argued. "I'm a big girl, Steve. I can take care of myself."

"No."

"No?" I scoffed. "I can't take care of myself?"

"You know that's not what I meant," he said, the harshness in his voice building.

"Then what did you mean?" I snapped, matching his tone. "We don't have time for this, Steve. You guys need to go get the records. But we also might find something in the old Hawkins records. Just let me go. I'll be fine."

"No," he said again. "You're not going alone. I'm going with you."

"You need to drive the kids," I sighed.

"Robin can drive them," he said instantly.

"Umm," Robin hesitated. "No, Robin can't."

"What do you mean you can't?" Steve sighed as he turned toward her.

"I don't have a license," she said like it should've been obvious.

"Why don't you have a license?"

"I'm poor," she answered instantly.

"I can drive," Max offered.

"No," Steve said instantly. "No! Never again. Please, anybody but you. No."

Dustin shrugged but Steve had an answer. "Not a chance," he scoffed.

"Come on," Dustin whined.

"No," he said again.

"Enough of this," I sighed. "Just go with them, Steve. I'll be fine."

"No."

"Steve. . ."

"No, Y/N. You're not going by yourself."

"For crying out loud, Steve!" I yelled. "What is your problem?"

"My problem is we have this maniac running around Hawkins, killing people," he snapped, "and you want to leave the group! He's dangerous, Y/N."

"I'm well aware of that!"

"Then why are you pushing to leave?" He scoffed. "It's stupid, Y/N. You know that!"

"Because we need to look at this from every angle," I yelled back. "We don't have time for this, Steve. You are driving the kids so they can talk to the school shrink. I am going down to the library to see if there is any information on the Creels and what happened that night."

I started to walk away but Steve grabbed my hand and pulled me back. "No, you're not," he said through his teeth.

"Yes, I am," I said, tearing my wrist out of his hold. "You're my best friend, Steve, but that doesn't mean you can tell me what I can and can't do."

"If you haven't realized this by now, Y/N," he laughed harshly, "my job is to protect everyone. That includes you."

"I don't need your protection, Steve. I'm a big girl."

"Knock it off, Y/N," Steve scoffed. "Vecna is killing anyone and everyone in his way. He won't stop until. . ."

"Just tell her, Steve!" Dustin yelled, cutting us off and reminding us we weren't alone.

"Tell me what?" I stuttered, glancing at Dustin before turning back to Steve. He was avoiding eye contact, focusing his glare on Dustin.

"Come on, Steve," Dustin whispered. "Tell her."

"Steve?"

He looked up at me, something in his eyes that I couldn't read. He reached over and grabbed my hand. Confusion flooded me as he led me over to the picnic table away from the kids. We sat on the same bench, our hands still intertwined.

Steve turned so he was straddling the bench and facing me without letting go of my hand. He looked up and studied me. The longer it took him to speak up, the more nervous I got.

"Steve," I whispered, "what is going on? What was Dustin talking about? What does he want you to tell me? Did something happen? Did you get sick or something? Just tell me, Steve. Am I going to lose you? Is that what you're afraid to tell me? That you're diagnosed with something and are dying? Please, Steve. You've been acting like this for a long time and it's starting to mess with me. I can't take this anymore. What is going. . ."

He cut me off by letting go of my hand and grabbing my face. My heart jumped into my throat as Steve's lips gently touched mine. I reached up and grabbed his wrists as I slowly started moving my lips against his. Steve pulled me closer to him as our lips moved deeper in sync. When neither one of us could breathe, he slowly broke the kiss and leaned his forehead against mine.

"That's what Dustin wanted me to tell you," he whispered, still breathing heavily. "I guess he's getting tired of hearing me complain about how much I wished you were mine."

"Or tired of watching you be insanely protective, not letting anyone near me," I giggled.

Steve sat back and reached up, moving a piece of hair out of my face. I smiled when he let his hand linger on my face.

"I'm only protective because I don't want anyone to take you away from me," he said softly. "Y/N, I have feelings for you. Strong feelings that aren't going away any time soon."

"Good," I chuckled, scooting closer to him. "Because my feelings aren't going away any time soon either."

I leaned in and initiated our second kiss. Steve didn't hesitate to kiss me back. We ignored the applause coming from our friends as our lips moved in sync.

"About time!" Dustin yelled.

That made us break apart laughing. I looked over at our friends and could see their smirks. I turned back toward Steve, our noses inches apart.

"No matter what happens," he whispered, "I'm not going to let anyone take you from me."

"Of course not," I smiled. "You've always been protective to a fault."

"Should I change?" He asked teasingly. I leaned in and pressed my lips delicately to his. I broke the kiss, smiling when I saw his eyes.

"Never," I whispered.

"Cross my heart," he smirked, "I'll never stop protecting you, Y/N."

"So does this mean I can go to the library to look deeper into the Creels?"

I watched as Steve hesitated. He looked over his shoulder at the others and sighed before turning back to me.

"I don't like the idea of you going alone. I know you're tough and can handle yourself. I just. . . I want you to be safe," he whispered. "I can't risk anything happening to you, Y/N."

I reached up and gently cupped his face in my hands, staring deeply into his eyes.

"I'll be fine," I whispered. "We need to get into Kelley's files but we also need to find out everything we can about what happened at the Creel House."

"I know," he mumbled. He grabbed my wrists, pulling my hands away from his face. "At least take Robin with you. No one should be running around town alone. Especially since Vecna knows we're looking to stop him."

"I understand."

"And," he quickly added as I stood up with Steve close behind me, "I want you to meet us back at Max's trailer in an hour. Even if you don't find anything. One hour, Y/N."

"Two hours," I counter-offered.

"An hour and a half," he counter-counter-offered.

I stood on my toes and gently pressed my lips to Steve's in a short kiss. I lowered back down onto my feet, smiling up at him.

"An hour and a half."

#joe keery #joe keery x reader #joe keery imagines #steve harrington #steve harrington x reader #steve harrington imagines #stranger things #stranger things imagine #stranger things season 4

[zeldaelmo]

One Stitch at a Time — An Advent Calendar story by ZeldaElmo

Announcement, posting schedule, and story info for the Advent Calendar 2023

Starting from the 1st of December, I'll publish a modern AU with 24 chapters, posted day by day, to pass the time until Christmas and have fun!

The story is t-rated. It contains minor totk spoilers as it references some characters and some outfits, but otherwise it's spoiler free. The chapters are around 2k words so that reading them daily is doable. The story is set during Christmas time but it's by no means a story with religious connotation, so feel free to tag along even if you don't celebrate. Some chapters contain references to Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice, but most is understandable without having read/watched it.

Kindly beta read despite her packed schedule by @silentprincess17!

One Stitch at a Time

Summary: Zelda is taking over the fabric store from her mother and struggles to balance traditions, new ideas, and financial problems. The last thing she needs in her sewing class is a guy who disagrees with her every word and threatens to ruin her favorite time of the year: Christmas.

Teaser from chapter 2:

Zelda turned on her heel, walking with firm steps toward the stack of fabric she had prepared for the class: A selection of pastel colors for the bodies of the sand seals, some earth-colored woven fabrics for the Koroks, and the occasional patterned cut for highlights. 

When she came back, Link angled the pattern in his hands, squinting through the plastic sheet. Then, he raised his hand again. "Ah, Ms. Zelda? This isn't going to work. The sand seal is cute and all, but I really need to sew the dress I mentioned.” 

He put the pattern down and pushed it to the corner of his desk. “This was promoted as a sewing class for beginners, no? So it will surely be no problem to guide me through the process of putting a dress together.”

The nerve of this guy! Annoyed, Zelda sucked at the inside of her cheek and set her fabrics down. She was not going to let him ruin her class. If he needed a dress so badly, he surely knew a designer who could help him out and customize what he wanted. He was the one working for CeCe’s after all! Or he could just order one from Beedle’s like everyone else. Three different styles, colors, whatever. All of them size 6. Click, click, delivered. Skies, he could even have them wrapped in tissue paper if he paid a little extra!

She licked her lips and clasped her hands in front of her. "You booked our 'Sew a plushie class'."

I'm excited to share what I've worked on these last two months with you all! Feel free to follow if you're interested!

#zelink #zeldaelmo writes #legend of zelda #advent calendar #one stitch at a time #fabric store AU #is that even a thing #it's now

[jenkys-hoard]

No hate to Della but I wish their was an angsty/fluffy/funny/family drama filled custody battle for the triplets between Donald and Della fic. Mainly because Della gets too arrogant and wants fully custody of the boys. And like all I want for this type of fic is angst for Donald and the boys, but ultimately all of Donald's friends standing up for him and saying he deserves to keep custody of the boys in court. All the people in Donalds life and the boys saying he's a good dad. Like emotionally and legally everyone shutting Della down because Donald is the very best for the boys and he's their dad. Like how dare she even attempts this. And the climax of the fic is Scrooge being 100% on Donald's side saying the boys deserve to be with Donald on the stand. Like at first he's on Della's side(gets her a very expensive lawyer and everything). But than he steps back and thinks about it. Like this could take place somewhere after Donald comes back from the island or season 3. Either way I really would love a fic like this. Especially that emphasize that Della choice to leave the boys on a rocket, and Donald made a commitment to rase the boys as his babies. For fun in this Uno/Odin can be his lawyer.

I'm not gonna lie hun, if you caught me like maybe a year ago I woulda jumped on this 😔

I will tell you that if you look hard enough on AO3, this EXACT premise exists (and a good couple very similar)

However I'm kinda picky with my Della content now because like- I don't like writing assholes. So when I think of Della I see her as exceedingly impulsive. She would not give a FUCK what the law says, those are her kids and Donald is the one who raised em. Because he would NEVER deny her access to the kids and she LOVES her brother. She's short sighted, brash, and definitely doesn't think things through fully even if she *thinks* she did. (Tbh I cannot fucking FATHOM that DuckTales17 decided ms.'shot myself into space in an experimental rocket alone' should be known as the twin that could "sEe AlL tHe AnGlEs") but she loves her family dearly.

Plus you cannot tell me that Della 'sleep is wasting time here I made the most sugary inedible cake ever' Duck remembered to legally alive herself again (and tbh I don't think Scrooge remembered either but he's old and sad so we forgive him for it). This woman is legally Dead to the US government.

Also I like watching crazy irl court stuff enough to know that, unless Della *lies*, a Judge would not fucking entertain that case, plus the friends can help socially and probably write letters to the judge, but family court is just set up differently from what I've seen and it would take some crazy extenuating circumstances to get like a full jury and witnesses.

If I DID do something like this, I'd use someone else as an outside force to influence Della (she's the type to not stop once an idea is in her head and that's canonically been taken advantage of) and it would more be around the DRAMA of her serving her brother papers. Like- my Donald angst usually involves all of his friends either being out of touch or unavailable. Parenthood takes a lot of time and personal social circles are the first to go under the stress most of the time.

So really focus on Della's shortsightedness and Donald's lack of support.

Honestly I think Scrooge would just be confused. They're siblings and they love each other and they fight about petty shit, sure, but this?

Also the kids would be stressed as hell and probably start fighting amongst themselves over it which would make Donald cave pretty fast, I think.

Anyways this has been Jenky's rambles, don't mind me and go have fun uwu

#ask #discussion #della duck #fic talk #listen im not the person to ask if you wanna see blorbos be assholes #however please do ask if you want blorbo redemption #ive seen de aged Bradford being raised again by Donald who's experience with adventure mirrors him once and it has not left my brain since

[cordeliasdarling]

under her spell

pairing: ms venable x reader

word count: 1543

summary: ms venable leaves you needy everyday. that’s it basically lmao.

a/n: sorry this is really bad but i had a dream and i had to write it down. the smut is terrible but we vibing soo..

warnings: smut, masturbation

****

Tick tok, tik tok..

Your eyes watched each second pass on the clock. It was painstaking, every movement of the smallest hand was agonising.

Finally it reached five o'clock, and you stood up from behind your desk, packing your bag quickly. This didn't go unnoticed by the woman who had caused this urgency in you.

"In a rush?"

Oh that voice. It only made things worse.

You forced a smile, turning your head to see Ms Venable, seated and looking at you with a curious expression.

"Yes, I have plans."

Your tone was stilted, each syllable strained between your teeth. It wasn't out of hate, no, of course not. It was out of pure and utter desire. You see, the reason you were in a such a hurry, was because you couldn't stand to be a second longer in her company or else you would explode with neediness.

"You've said the same thing for a week."

Her low tone made you shudder inside. Why was it that her pronunciation consequently caused a ripple inside your body. You chose not to reply to her comment. It wasn't a question therefore it didn't need an answer. You instead slung the strap of your bag over your shoulder and made for the door. But a single tap of the cane stopped you in your tracks.

Turning your head, you saw Ms Venable's expression changed, a hint of irritation behind it. You cleared your throat, hating to admit that you were one of those people who froze when she tapped her cane against the hard floor. It was effective though, you'd give her that.

"If you flee the room again tomorrow, be prepared to give me a full explanation." Her tone was stern, sending electric shocks through your body, starting at your heart and ending between your legs.

"Yes, Ms Venable." With a slight nod, you left the room, closing the door behind you. You barely registered the drive home, it was like a time skip in a film. Next thing you knew you were sprawled out on your bed, hand working quickly to relieve the pent up pressure from the day.

"Fuck.." You mumbled, fingers drawing circles around your clit. It wasn't enough. You needed Ms Venable.

Oh.. Ms Venable..

Ever since you started working at Kineros, that woman had caught your eye. Of course she did, everyone was intimidated by her, but it was no secret that she was stunning. Even those most scared of her would have to admit she was blessed with looks. You had managed to keep your attraction in reigns, making sure not to think about her too much out of working hours, but the last week had been too hard.

It started off on Monday. You had walked into your shared office (as you were her assistant), and laid eyes upon the woman. She always wore a similar outfit, a lilac blazer, white shirt, tie, and a skirt that hugged her curves. But that day.. her shirt was undone by a few buttons, revealing the hum of her violet laced bra. She didn't seem to care, although you noticed that when she left the office later that morning, she did the buttons up. It had swarmed your mind all day, the image of her, wearing nothing but underwear. It was impossible to keep your mind at bay.

Then Tuesday. This time it was her skirt. It was a few inches shorter, riding up her thigh as she crossed her legs under the table. Your view from your desk gave a perfect angle, seeing all the way up her thigh. She seemed unbothered again, her gaze always on her laptop, working away.

Fuck.

Fast forward to Thursday, it was all too much. This was the forth time of the week you found yourself escaping work  just to go home to touch yourself. There was no other way to ease the pressure, but even that didn't fully satisfy you.

And that's how that very evening you found yourself standing outside the 'sex shop' in town. Your cheeks were stained pink, you were humiliated that it had come to this. But you took in a deep breath and entered.

**

You walked out of the shop clutching a black bag with a red bow, trying to hide it under your coat. Surely people could recognise where this bag was from. Although you shouldn't have been ashamed, there was nothing embarrassing about buying such things. No, the embarrassing part came afterwards.

In a split second after you had crossed the road, your eyes locked with another woman. Ms Venable to be precise. She was holding a shopping bag, placing it into the trunk of her expensive looking car. She straightened up, watching you with curiosity, perhaps wondering why you weren't with friends, carrying out your 'plans'.

"Hi, Ms Venable." You managed to choke out the words. A faint smile tugged on her lips, and you realised it was because she had noticed the bag poking out of your coat. A horrified inaudible squeak left you. If the ground swallowed you whole you definitely wouldn't complain. Maybe swallowed and thrown into a volcano, because that's how it felt.

"See you tomorrow." Her dismissal confused you. Surely she would have made conversation, small talk, or even just tease me for buying things at the sex shop. But no, she got into her car and drove away.

You were left stunned, but also needy. You hadn't seen her smile remotely, but there had been a faint one when she saw the bag. Urgh, this woman drove you crazy.

**

You walked into the office on Friday with confidence, a smile on my face. You were almost satisfied. Buying those things had definitely been a good investment. It didn't quite hit the mark, but it was enough to get you through the day. Or so you thought.

Ms Venable was sat behind her desk, one button on her shirt lower than before. I could see the curve of the gap between each breast. Your eyes widened, freezing for a moment, before your brain rebooted, mechanically forcing you to sit at your desk.

Holy fuck holy fuck holy fuck holy fuck.

The ache between your legs grew back instantly. All you could think about was her bending you down over the desk and-

"Long night?"

You looked up, ready to shake your head, but you saw her smirk. You knew exactly why she asked that question. Cheeks flushed pink, you tried to focus on the morning work.

But you couldn't.

You mentally screamed, yelled, sighed. There was only one option if I wanted to get through the day. You stood up, excusing yourself and rushing off to the restroom. It was extremely lucky the restrooms were individual, you didn't have to go into stalls.

Your shaky hand locked the door, and immediately pulled down your slacks, fingers sliding over your heat. You were already soaked, groaning quietly as your fingers relieved the intense pressure. Your spare hand covered your mouth as your hand moved frantically.

Suddenly there was a knock at the door, pulling you out of your trance. I quickly pulled my slacks up, rinsed my hand and took a deep breath. Wasn't there other restrooms other people could use?

You opened the door, revealing Ms Venable standing there. Shock rushed through you, and it showed on your expression. She let out a small chuckle, stepping into the restroom. You had to take a step back as you watched her lock the door.

"You thought I wouldn't notice you running off to touch yourself?" There was humour in her voice, eyes dark as she scanned me. Her eyes landed straight to the undone zip on my slacks. Damn it!

"U-uh.." You desperately tried to think up an explanation, but being this close to her was sending your mind into overdrive, causing you to whimper as she took one step closer.

Suddenly you were pushed against the wall, Ms Venable's strong arm holding you there. You hesitated, her face so close to you. You decided to kiss her.

It was like magic, she kissed back with an equal amount of passion.

Her left hand slid down your front, slipping into your underwear and beginning to stroke your clit. She chuckled again, noticing how wet you were.

"I'm guessing those sex toys didn't do much to help." You hated that she was right. She was always right.

"Y-yes.." You gasped as two slender fingers slid into you with ease. "Fuck!" Your hand clamped over your mouth quickly to muffle your noises. This woman made you moan like you'd never moaned before.

Her fingers were quick, pumping into you like there was no tomorrow. If you weren't very much mistaken, she seemed to be letting off some built up steam. Was that because of you?

"You have no idea how long I've been waiting to do this." She murmured as she reached your most sensitive spot. You muffled a cry of pleasure as the knot in your stomach grew and grew.

"P-please, I'm gon-" You managed to whisper before a long awaited orgasm washed through you. She slowed down, pulling her fingers out. She smirked at how wet they were. She then licked them clean, making your knees weak because it was so hot.

"I hope you'll stop touching yourself and wait for me to satisfy you." She spoke in a humoured tone, and then simply left, leaving you in the restroom, weak, dizzy with euphoria.

And completely under her spell.

****

#ms venable #wilhemina venable #ms venable x reader #sarah paulson #ahs #american horror story #ahs apocalypse #lesbian #x reader #lgbt

[myunghology]

URS... heizou x gn! reader.

❝ TRYNA’ FIND WHERE YOUR HEAD IS. BUT I'M LOSING MYSELF IN THE PROCESS. YOU'RE BAD FOR MY HEALTH. ❞

GENRE : fluff // head canons + dialogue

SUMMARY : heizou that has a ranpo! s/o / heizou with a s/o that has a similar talent like ranpo's. (super deduction allows ranpo to deduce and extract the "truth" behind any crime by giving him every information about it. as such, this skill is invaluable and highly unmatched in solving crime scenes, allowing him to figure out where to find evidence and who the culprit is within a matter of seconds.)

PARTS : 1/2

A/N : i have completed the anime and reading the manga, waiting for chapter 102, im in the bsd fandom as well, so why not? rewatched episode 5 all over again for this.

AU : none.

REQUESTS : opened, read here for rules before requesting.

the first time he met you he was like.. "pshhhhh, them? better than me?" he said, sara scoffing after what he just said.

"yes, better than you. do you wanna see them solving cases?" she asked, folding her arms together. the male clicked his tongue, removing his feet from his office desk. "sure, i hope they don't waste my time."

you closed your eyes, "well, this wonderful detective will avenge her, right, y/n?!" one of your friends pointed to you.

"but i still actually have to accept the case." you said bluntly, putting your hands in your hips. "eh? why not?"

you raised one eyebrow, "ask this man." you said, pointing at the male with dark purple hair, with beauty marks under his eyes.

"why do we need a new detective?! i'm right here!? plus, i'm much more superior than a private detective like you!" he argued.

you turned around. "you! what's your name!" you asked— more like demanded, pointing at one of their colleagues. "huh?! im officer sugimoto! the victim, ms. yamagiwa, was my colleague!" he shrieked.

"alright, sugimoto! solve this case in 60 seconds, starting now!" you said, still with your eyes closed while turning patting one of his shoulders. "eh?!"

"i can solve this case in under 60 seconds, if you're as good as he claims, you can do it too." your aura darkening slightly. "well them sugimoto, give it a try!"

he started panicking, "well, 60 seconds is a bit too crazy!" you held a old stop watch in your hands, "you have 50 seconds left!" you said, with a smile.

you got closer to the male who was trying to solve it, as he started explaining. "wrong!" one of your friends said, as they started explaining as well.

"shooting two more bullets to disguise themselves?" heizou asked, putting his hand to his chin, thinking. "BOO! time is up! too bad. you've got ways to go to get to my level!" you exclaimed, patting his head as you tried comforting the sugimoto.

"this proves that none of your colleague's are not at all superior to me." you said, turning slowly to the boy with the dark purple hair. grinning.

he snapped, "stop messing with this! you've been going on about deductions and great detectives! too much pulp fiction!" ur pulp fiction

"ha? you still don't get it?" you mocked him, getting close to his face, turning a dark shade of red. "great detectives don't need investigating! my ability, super deduction, can easily identify the killer, or someone who's proven and truly guilty." you took a deep breath.

"—as well as when and how the murder got committed. further more, i can see, in my mind, how to make the killer confess and where the evidence is." you said, backing away.

"but with such a convenient ability, you don't need us right?!" he asked, "yess! you've finally caught on!" trying to piss him off.

"you bastard—!" your friends cut him off. "now, detective, y/n, they're always like this! they said, standing in front of you.

you bent down slightly to see his reaction, "after all, my personal motto is; if i'm well, then all is well!" you said, standing straight up, one of your hands palms facing the ground from a certain angle, with the other hand on your waist.

"since you're so confident, how about you do the case?!" the males hands shaped into fists, ready to throw hands. "oh? is that a request to make me take the case? should've said so in the first place."

he scoffed, "despite the lack of evidence, you seem full of confidence, want me to count to 60?" crossing his arms, smuggly all while grinning.

you smirked, "i don't need that much time." you pulled out your glasses from one of the pockets in your shirt, as you put them on. ability ; super deduction!

"i see." you said, fixing your glasses so it's actually straight. "oh, please. so you're saying you know who the killer is?" you smiled, "of course."

"huh?" you pointed at sugimoto, facing him. "you. that's right.. the criminal is.. you, sugimoto."

"hahahaha!" heizou let out a hearty laugh. "officer sugimoto is my colleague!" putting his hands from his stomach, wiping away all the tears from laughing.

"huh? he's the one that killed her." you faced back at him, realizing you were dead serious.

after explaining some while, you got the culprit right, as expected. after everyone left, heizou was still standing there, have you perked up his interest? "ur cute." he suddenly blurted out, while walking away, waving.

©detectivelvrboy

#genshin x reader #genshin impact x reader #genshin impact #genshin impact headcanons #genshin x gender neutral reader #heizou x reader #genshin impact scenarios #genshin headcanons #shikanoin heizou #genshin heizou #heizou

[aconstructofamind]

Snippet Sunday

I was tagged by @persephotea for this. I did not follow in her foot steps, so this isn't smutty, however, it's one of my favorite scenes that I've written recently.

He loved her for how different she was from him, for all the subtle kindnesses she would bestow onto those around. Perhaps that is where he started failing in his cons. Frank Fontaine, however, needed a caretaker for the Little Sister’s Orphanage, and who better to care for the orphaned girls than his beloved secretary Suki Wagner. She would not ask any questions, and the kids would feel as though they had a mother. It would also free Mr. Fontaine up enough to get his work back on track. Dr. Tenenbaum, however, would need to either find a way to hide her hatred for the secretary, or at least deal with working with her.

“Mr. Fontaine, you called for me?”

Suki’s silken robe flowed in the self-propelled wind as she rounded the office’s door. Normally she would not have appeared in such disarray, but Frank had sent one of his men to her home with an urgent message. Something he rarely did, which would have prompted her provocative appearance. For a moment he contemplated taking her right then and there, watching as her bosom moved with her deep breaths. She had run all the way to his office, he suspected.

“Yes, Dr. Lamb has inspired me.” He breathed, standing up from behind his desk.

“Oh… in which way?” Suki hummed, tightening the hold on her robe.

“I wanted to open a few places to help the lower classes of Rapture.” He paused, still making his way to Suki with a happy grin.

            Though he looked dead serious, Ms. Wagner’s eyes searched for the angle in his demeanor. Fontaine disagreed with many of Andrew Ryan’s beliefs, however they both held fast on to the bootstrap’s mantra. They both believed in making oneself without the help of others, so why the change in heart. Was it not yesterday that Frank tittered at the incarceration of the Therapist?

“I wanted to open up a home for the poor, and perhaps an orphanage.” His usual smirk touched his features, as he pulled her into his body.

            Frank smelled of Vetiver, and sandalwood, the scents he had asked Suki to find for him. At first, she had not been a fan of the earthy smell of Vetiver but having to breath it whenever she was around Frank helped it grow on her. Even being a minor source of arousal at times. Suki hummed feeling his arms slide down to the curve of her elbow, the action opening her robe a bit more. Enough to expose the lacy low-cut neckline of her nightgown.

“And you’ve called for me because?”

“I want you to be in charge of the orphanage.”

            His lips grazed the shell of her ear, the faint smell of a smoked cigarette filling her lungs as he hugged her firmly against him. The touch seemed so…. Intimate. Almost as if he were restraining himself, though losing the battle as well.

“I… Tomorrow the two of us will be searching open venues.” He breathed, clearing his throat momentarily. “Make sure to wear comfortable shoes, and an outfit that will do well with the movement.”

“Will do, thank you Mr. Fontaine.”

            There it was again, the distancing of proper etiquette. Frank both loved and hated it at the same time. Suki’s quite properness helped keep the naughtier thoughts of his buried deep inside, however, it also begged him to slowly corrupt her. He would kill to hear her call him Frank, no mister, no surnames, just his name. Hell, he would want her to call him by his true surname, if he could remember the damned thing himself. But Frank, that was real, the only bit of self he kept throughout the years. Though the question of when he would toss that aside too, dangled heavily in his mind.

“Suki…. One more thing.” Frank half cursed, having called her for her attention again. “Call me Frank, at least when we are alone.”

“Good night, Frank.” She smiled, going back to the door. “Go home sir. You have spent far too much time here.”

Tagging: Anyone who wants to participate.

#Snippet Sunday #Bioshock #frank fontaine #OC #Mention of Andrew Ryan #Mention of Tenenbaum

[let-me-love-you-loki]

Head Over Feet--Ch. 8

Chapter 8

           “How do you do that again?” The kid’s name was Noel, and he was fascinated by one of the videos I’d pulled up from one of our shows. It was Hanger doing the running shooting star press. The kid had asked me to replay it at least a dozen times.

           Standing beside him, I watched the kid as he studied the move on the screen. His fingers kept toying with the zipper on his jacket.

           “I was never really good at it,” I said honestly. “But basically, you get a short running start and then do a backflip onto the other guy.”

           He looked up at me with a furrow in his brow. “But do you lead with your head or your chest or your foot? How do you know you’ll land in the right place?” He tugged his jacket zipper up and down, like it was a nervous tick. “What angle do you do? Can you do the geometry in your head?”

           I felt my eyes bulge in surprise. “Geometry? We don’t really think about it that way. At least, I don’t.”

           The furrow in Noel’s brow got deeper. “But how do you do it if you don’t do the math?” His frustration was palpable. He tugged his jacket zipper with more force.

           I paused the video and sat down in the chair next to where he stood. The sound of the zipper was loud in my ears. “We just feel it. And practice a lot. I mean, a lot! My friend Adam here… he’s done that move hundreds of times. He can tell you exactly how many steps he needs to take and where he’s going to land without looking. He can do it with his eyes closed in his sleep.”

           “But—”

           For a second, I thought about reaching out to put my hand on his shoulder. But the tension in his features let me know that might not be a good idea.

           “It’s like this thing called muscle memory. Right? Like when you do something so often and so many times that you don’t even think about it anymore,” I said slowly. “When Adam does that move, his body kind of does the math for him.”

           Noel opened his mouth to speak, but a shadow fell over us before he could. Ellie stood there with a faint smile. She settled her hand in the space between his shoulder blades. When she spoke, her voice was low and soothing.

           “It’s time for special, Noel. You don’t want to be late.”

           The frustration in his features smoothed out. The fidgeting with his zipper slowed. He looked up at the clock.

           “Ms. Kyle, may I go to my special now?”

           Ellie smiled and dropped her hand back to her side. “Of course. Don’t forget your bag.”

           Noel nodded and went to grab his backpack. He gave Ellie a wave as he walked out. The moment the door closed behind him, she sank into a chair and covered her eyes with her hands.

           “I’m sorry about that,” she said, her words muffled behind her fingers.

           I laughed before I could stop myself. “Why? The kids were pretty awesome.”

           “I meant Noel.”

           “Ellie, seriously. He just had questions.” I had the urge to reach out to her. I settled for scooting my chair a little closer. “Hell, I haven’t even thought about geometry in ten years, let alone with a shooting star press!”

           She laughed and I couldn’t help but feel my heart racing in my chest. It made something slip down into my toes—this warmth that enveloped me. Ellie let out a faint sigh and took a breath. When she looked back over at me, I couldn’t stop myself.

           “Go out with me.” I cringed as the words spilled out. Almost like a demand rather than a request. “I mean—”

           “Sure.”

           If I didn’t know better, I would have thought she was blushing.

***

           By the time I got home and dropped my bag, I was convinced the whole thing had been some sort of fever dream. There was no way that I’d actually asked Ellie Kyle on a legitimate date. I’d clearly had some bad Taco Bell or something. In reality, I was in some massive hallucination while I was in the emergency room. Or I’d wake up any minute to find that I’d overslept and missed my entire visit to Ellie in the first place.

           Groaning, I flopped down on the end of my bed and stared up at the ceiling. I’d barely closed my eyes when my phone went off. Ellie’s name appeared when I clicked on the screen.

           Let me know when you want to get together. Thanks again for everything today. -E.

           My God. It had really happened.

           Heart pounding in my throat, I took a screenshot of the message and sent it to Sam with the words don’t talk about my nuts ever again. After a moment’s thought, I sent the same one to Nick. Maybe that would make both of them leave me alone.

           I should have known it wasn’t going to be anywhere near that easy.

           Not five seconds later, my ringtone blared through the room.

           “What, Sam?” My voice came out a little gruffer than I intended.

           Laughter rolled through the line. “Close,” my little brother cackled.

           “Oh hell,” I grunted. “I’d rather talk to Sam.”

           “I’m here, too!”

           The urge to hang up ran through me. It was one thing for Sam to haze me about not dating, but it was something else entirely for my baby brother to back her up.

           “When is it?”

           “Where are you going?”

           “Don’t go to Black Bear. Go somewhere nice.”

           “Make sure you get a haircut.”

           “And clean up those mutton chops!”

           “Remember—”

           “STOP!” Their rapid-fire questions and comments swam through my head, making it ache. “Jesus, please stop.”

           Instantly, silence crackled down the line. It was almost like I could hear them breathing. When I closed my eyes, I could imagine the two of them on the sofa in Sam’s apartment with Nick’s phone on his knee and both with contrite expressions.

           “Sorry,” Sam said after a few moments of strained quiet.

           I sighed and sat up, my head in my hand. “It’s okay. I’m still surprised as hell myself.”

           For half a second, I thought back to that day in LAX when we first met Sam. How I secretly put her number in my phone from the tag on her luggage. I had every intention of asking her out the instant I saw her. But then I saw how my brother looked at her and heard how he talked about her in the days afterward. I couldn’t bring myself to go through with calling and asking her out. Not when it was clear that Nick was already smitten with her after ten minutes.

           It was something I was ashamed of, even if no one knew. Truth was I hoped no one ever knew.

           “How can we help?” Nick asked evenly. “What d’you need?”

           I scrubbed my face with my hand. “Honestly, I don’t have any clue. You know how long it’s been since I’ve been on a date.”

           Before I could spiral back into thoughts of Her, Sam’s voice rushed down the line. “It’s dating bootcamp for you then, Matty!”

           My head fell forward. I put it between my knees, sure I was going to panic if I didn’t. An ache started behind my eyes, throbbing in time with my heartbeat. “You know what, Sammy? Sure. What’s the worst that could happen?”

           She squealed so loud I nearly threw the phone across the room.

________________

Tag List

@not-that-kinda-gurl08

@lilred91

@imagineall-the-fandoms

@maelloute

@librathepheonix13

@unoficialy-married-to-ace-austin

@spaghetti-hoop​

@ryantaylorgirl​

@mrsmatt

#head over feet #matt jackson #matt jackson fanfiction #aew #aew fanfiction #young bucks #young bucks fanfiction #ofc #oc #ellie kyle #matt x ellie #danielle kyle #matt x danielle #multi-chapter #elite universe #too late tales AU

[hughungrybear]

Me watching Laws of Attraction Ep. 5:

1. After two days of not being able to watch, I can finally sit back and continue this series 😭😭😭😭 Starting with Charn accusing the friendly neighbours as traitors (specifically, the brave lady from previous episode, Nam). I don't buy this. I still maintain that Charn's assistant (Wit) is highly sus.

2. Oh, wait. So, Nam DID sold Tin out??? I still have a hard time believing it. I think she's telling the truth about trying to set the reporter straight (which, unfortunately backfired). But I don't think she's the one who reveal all of Charn's cards to Thattep.

3. Charn, you and Tin just reconciled. Don't mess things up.

4. OMG. Tonkhao's bestie is also using the doll in public 😭😭😭 I hope Thattep does not find her (and the doll) first.

5. Grandma still captaining the ship, apparently 😅 Sidenote, I don't think I like this transition. We just saw Tin and Charn arguing about each other beliefs and morals, next thing we see Charn is in Tin's bedroom with an almost naked and newly bathe Tin. From a plot's perspective, it doesn't make much sense that they (especially Tin) are more than okay with each other's company (and flirting) again. 😑 Don't get me wrong, the scenes are cute. It's just that I think the timing (or editing) is wrong.

7. Charn is, opportunistic, to put it nicely. He just needs to channel that talent into good use. However, his cynicism is hindering him from looking at things from a (morally) positive angle.

8. I have said this from the very first episode: GIVE US CHARN'S FULL BACKSTORY, GAWD DAMMIT. I am this close 🤏 to googling spoilers 😭😭😭

9. Ms Club Owner and the gorgeous Silvy (in hot pink) side-eyeing Charn throughout the whole phone conversation is 😂😂😂 Also, Charn called Ms Club Owner, "auntie". Is he really her nephew? Because y'know, us Asians can call any female "auntie" (even complete strangers) without batting an eyelash 😂😂😂

10. Noooo, Charn. Don't leave Tonkhao's things in the open like that with Wit. 😭😭😭

11. Wit asking questions about the doll just heightens my suspicions towards him. So, yeah Charn, take your own advice and don't trust anyone, especially Wit.

12. I feel bad for Chai. I mean, wasn't it enough that they made him a fallguy? He needed to be killed too? The fvck. Also, the calculated way that Charn sacrificed this man's life to draw out the mole is every bit disgusting.

13. Thattep's reasoning. I cannot. 🤯🤯🤯🤯 What a sh*tty father. So, the reason why his own son is his first choice to be the fallguy is because it is a given that he will get away with it (just a probation, guys. No biggie /s)? He would rather have his son wrongfully labeled as criminal to what end???

14. Tanthai getting gaslit and made to believe that he caused two innocent people killed should be the bodyguard's cue to switch sides and tell the truth to protect his young master.

15. I KNEW IT. Then again, the series made it obvious that Wit cannot be trusted. Okay, I did not anticipate the gun(s), the action scenes, or that office fire/explosion that followed. Still, 😂😂😂😂

16. Not sure why the office exploded, honestly. I get it is for dramatic effect (and ensures that Wit is truly dead). But then again, from a realistic point of view, that sh*t shouldn't have happened unless Charn was keeping something that is highly explosive in HIS LAW OFFICE.

17. Grandma has a glow-up courtesy of Silvy (Maya) in a gorgeous 1920s-inspired fit. At this point, I seriously should start a Silvy fan club lol.

17. After the night's excitement, forgive me if I'm eyerolling Tin's highly questionable timing to flirt with Charn. 🙄🙄🙄

18. Mr. Bodyguard, sir, get an effing clue. At this point, I will not be surprised if Tanthai tries to un-alive himself.

19. Grandma being supportive of TinCharn's happiness is 🥺🥺🥺

20. Charn sleeps exactly like my two-year old nephew, right to the part of kicking anybody who shares the bed 😂😂😂😂 His parents learnt to sleep the very edge of the bed - sideways lol

21. Hold up. I think Wit is already effed up in the head, even without Charn's influence. He just got emboldened by Charn's very lax and questionable take on justice.

22. Wait, did Tonkhao's bestie moved to the town where Charn's traumatic past happened??? <after five seconds> Yep, there it is. Also, did the government has something to do with Charn's mum's death???

23. Charn's disgusting morals rears its ugly head again. Seriously, I wanted Ms Club Owner to slap him hard so he can get back to his senses.

It's official. I am having a love-hate fascination with Charn. He is so desperate to play an anti-hero that is almost pathetic, not to mention downright depressing. Will I get to finally see Charn's backstory in the next episode? I really hope so.

#laws of attraction #tincharn #laws of attraction ep 5

[bteezxyewriter12]

Save Me/ 22

Pairing- Yoongi x Named Reader

Word count- 2.3k

Includes- Cross examination from defense lawyer

Tag List- @mingtina @jaxxmine @delightfulmoonbanana

@tannie13 @yeosayang @marsstarxhwa

@borntowalkaway @y00nzin0 @kjqueen05

DO NOT READ IF ANY OF THIS MAKES YOU UNCOMFORTABLE!!!!

Series Masterlist

Yoongi POV

Holding her hand, we walk into the police station for her video cross examination

Some of BigHit security and Sung are already waiting for us there.

Han-jae's lawyer accepted my conditions and he was able to arrange everything

He cleared it with me first and I accepted

I know she doesn't want to do it but she agreed

"We're here for the video cross examination", I say to the cop at the front desk

"Right. Min, Joanne right?", he asks

"Yeah"

"Ok come on"

We're led to a room that has a camera set up, a laptop, a table and a chair

"Yoongi", she calls

"Yeah baby?"

"There's only one chair. You said you're going to sit next to me. I can't do this if you're not next to me", she panics

"Shh, jagi, don't worry I am. I promised I was going to be next to you and I will. Ok?"

She nods

I turn to the cop, "We need another chair"

"Oh yeah sure. Ok", he says, then leaves the room

He comes back with a chair.

We both sit down, waiting for this to start.

We're told that she's going to be questioned through the FaceTime app, while the camera records.

After a few minutes, the app starts and the courtroom pops up on the screen.

Right to a view of Han-jae and his lawyer

Shit

"Yoongi!", she shrieks, jumping out of the chair, backing away

"Jagi, it's ok", I say, getting up

"No. No I can't do this. No. I don't want to", she cries, tears falling down her face

I get to her and hold on her arms, while she keeps backing away

Fuck, she's shaking

"Joanne, it's ok. It's just the screen baby. He can't get to you. He's far away."

"No Yoongi. Don't make me do this. Please don't make me do this"

"It's ok Jo, it's ok"

"Get the fucking camera off him", I yell

"He's allowed to see his accuser", his lawyer, Jeong says

"Then I'm taking her home"

"Do it Mr. Jeong. Move the camera", I hear the judge say

Looking at the screen, I see the angle change, moving off Han-jae, facing the jury instead

"Jagi, they moved the camera. Look, he's not there ok"

I move hair from her face, looking in her face

She glances at me

"Jagi, I'll be right here next to you ok? I promise, I'll keep you safe baby."

"Oooo.....ok...yyyy....Yoongi", she stutters

"Come with me Jo", I say, leading her to the chair

She sits down keeping an iron grip on my hand as I sit next to her

"Is everything ok?", Jeong asks

"Yeah", I snap

"Mr. Min you shouldn't be near her during this"

"He stays or I leave", she says quietly

"There are three officers, a lawyer and a court official here. They're all watching us", I roll my eyes

"It's fine", the judge says

"Fine. Ms. Russo-"

"Min. It's Mrs. Min", she corrects

I smile

I love how she always uses my last name and corrects anyone who calls her Russo

I didn't think it'd be a big deal but I love that she chose to change her last name to mine.

"Yes, Mrs. Min, you said last time we were in court that you didn't love Mr. Hwung at all", Jeong asks

"Uh yeah that's right. I didn't love him."

"Why not?"

"Are you serious?", she asks horrified

"I'm not talking about when the abuse started, Ms. Russo-"

"Min", she corrects again, her voice annoyed

"Yes ok. I'm speaking about when you started dating him. You had no feelings for him?"

"Uh not really. I've always been in love with Yoongi. Since we were teenagers, but I didn't think Yoongi felt that way for me. He dated other people, other idols and I figured that I couldn't wait for someone who would never see me like that. So when Han-jae approached me, I agreed to go out with him", she answers

I'm a fucking moron

I could have had her our entire life if I just opened my mouth when we were in high school

She went out with this psycho because she thought I didn't want her

Fuck idiot

"Did you even like Mr. Hwung?"

"Uh yeah I liked him. He was nice and cute. But there was something off about him."

"What does that mean?"

"He was moody and he hated Yoongi for no reason. I broke up with him the first time he hit me. I was going to tell Yoongi I loved him, until Han-jae came into my apartment and forced me to stay with him"

"You hit Mr. Hwung a few times in the beginning, correct?"

"After he hit me yeah. I didn't hit him first"

"So what happened? Why did you stop?"

She blinks

"Uh he's bigger than me, he hits harder. He told me if I fight back it'll be so much worse.", she answers

"And you believe him?"

"It's not about believing him. It's what happened the times I fought back. He hit me more and harder when I fought back"

"Did you ever have sex with Mr. Hwung?"

What the fuck?

Is he really asking that?

"No. Never", she answers

"Ms. Russo-"

"My last name is fucking Min! Stop calling me Russo", she yells, "What is your problem? Do you have a fucking issue with my last name? It's not hard, it's three letters"

I stare at her shocked at how mad she is

But I get it, he's doing it on purpose

"My apologies. Your last name was Russo when all this occurred and that is what's written down."

"Is there something wrong with your memory that you can't remember Min? Or is it that you don't like my husband for some reason, like your fucking client!", she shouts

"Jagi, it's ok", I whisper, rubbing her back

"It's not ok! He's acting like we're not married. He's trying to fuck with me. Min is not hard to remember"

"Mrs. Min, if you need a break we can do that", the judge tells her

"No"

"Baby maybe-"

"No Yoongi", she answers, "I just want this to be over"

"I don't need a break", she tells the judge

"Ok. Continue Mr. Jeong"

"Mrs. Min", Jeong says, staring at the screen, "You have never has sex with Mr. Hwung?"

"No. I didn't want him to touch me"

"Did Mr. Hwung tell you he loved you?"

She snorts, "Yeah but he didn't"

"How do you know? Are you able to read minds?"

I don't like the way he's talking to her

But I can't say anything

"I don't have to read minds. He wouldn't beat the crap out of me if he loved me"

"Did you tell Mr. Hwung you loved him?"

"Never"

"But you knew Mr. Hwung loved you very much, kind of obsessively"

"Yeah"

Where is he going with this?

"And you knew that Mr. Hwung hated Mr. Min right? You knew that talking about him, texting Mr. Min would set off Mr. Hwung correct?"

"I...uh...yeah"

"But you still spoke to Mr. Min at that party the first time Mr. Hwung "Almost killled you"

Why is he using air quotation marks?

That's what happened

He almost killed her

"I wasn't just talking to Yoongi. I was talking to all of BTS."

"Did you tell Mr. Hwung that you loved Yoongi when he was "Attacking you""

"Uh not at first. But he knew. He kept yelling at me about how I could love Yoongi. So I told him I did when he was screaming in my face"

"Didn't you say, "Yes. I love him. He's ten times the man you'll ever be?", referring to Mr. Min?"

I look at her

She really said that?

She said that about me while she was being attacked?

"Yes I said it. And I stand by it", she snaps

"And what was his reaction?"

"He got mad. Threw me on the ground. Kicked me, punched me. Broke bones. Made me stand up on a broken ankle while he choked me"

I can't believe how strong she is

To talk about this to someone she doesn't know, to a whole room of people she doesn't know without breaking down is incredible

I married an amazing girl

I'm fully aware how lucky I am to have her

"So it's fair to say he lost it when he heard you say you love Yoongi?"

"Yeah I guess"

"Didn't you tell him that "Yoongi would kill him?", Jeong asks

"Yes I did. I told him that while he was choking me, while my air was being cut off, while black spots came into my vision. While he kept yelling at me that I'm dead. That's when I told him Yoongi would kill him"

I would have

If he actually managed to succeed....to.... I would have killed him

No question

"How did you know this? You didn't know Mr. Min loved you at that time"

"Because Yoongi has been my best friend since I was seven and he was eight. He still loved me, as a best friend. He'd never let Han-jae get away with killing me"

She's one hundred percent right

"So Mr. Hwung lost it when you told him you loved Mr. Min?"

"Yes"

"And the second attack. He lost it and went after you because you were actually with Mr. Min?"

"Yes"

"And he beat you because of your friendship with Yoongi or anytime Yoongi contacted you"

"Yes"

"So even though you knew he'd come after you, you knew he'd lose it, you still chose to be with Mr. Min"

Is he....is he saying it's her fault this happened?

Is he fucking stupid?

"No I didn't know that"

"Yes you did. Mr. Min is Mr. Hwung's trigger when it comes to you. His presence, his existence drives him crazy. Instead of distancing yourself from Mr. Min, you chose to be with him, knowing Mr. Hwung was out there."

"So I'm not supposed to be with the person I love more than anything in the world because of him?", she snarls, pointing in the direction Han-jae is sitting

This lawyer is fucking scum

What he's trying to do is so fucking disgusting

And it infuriates me

"You chose to put yourself in danger from a man who you knew hated your boyfriend. Who you knew would snap and become insane once he found out you were with the person he hates."

"No. This isn't my fault. It's not my fault he can't control himself", she yells

"You drove him to do this. You knew he would find you and come after you. You were attacked because of your choices and now you want to blame him"

If I ever wanted to beat the crap out of someone it's this piece of garbage

Seriously, what he's doing is so wrong

"No! He planned everything. If he really was insane like you're saying he was, he wouldn't have planned to attack me. He wouldn't have followed me or Yoongi to find out where we live. He wouldn't have waited until Yoongi left. If he really was crazed he would of attacked me anywhere, no matter who was around", she yells

"Can you prove that?"

I hate this guy

I hate him

"It's common sense"

"So the answer is no, you can't prove it"

She's glaring at Jeong, "No"

He nods, "I'm done"

"I'm not", she growls

"Jagi", I say

What is she doing?

"I have no other questions Mrs. Min. So we are done"

"You really think he's going to go free? After what he did?", she says

I'm a little scared

I've never seen her this calm in awhile

"He may get off for attacking me. But I know he has to go to Busan to stand trial for Sabrina Kang and her boyfriend's murder. And he'll never get away with that"

"That's not part of this trial-"

"And I'll be there Han-jae", she says

My blood runs cold from her tone

"I'll be there, on camera, just like I am now, testifying about everything you told me you did. About the sick pictures you took. About how you threatened to do the same to me as you did to her. About all the sick details you'd tell me to scare me. About what weapon you used, where you hid it. About the recordings I took of you talking about it"

I stare at her in awe

If I was Han-jae I'd be terrified

"You have a big mouth Han-jae. You're not as smart as you think you are and I'm not as dumb as you think I am. You're going to get put away for the rest of your life. Or you'll be put to death. Either way you're going to know that I'm the reason why your life is over. Me."

Jesus Christ

She's terrifying

"I will kill you, you fucking bitch", I hear Han-jae shout, "You're dead"

"Yeah I heard that before. You failed twice. Should have tried harder. Now I'm going to end you. See you in Busan"

She slams down the laptop top, then closes her eyes, sitting and breathing

"Jo?", I call

She opens her eyes and looks at me

"I'm ok Yoongi. I'm not scared anymore."

"Ok baby. I'm glad. You were incredible jagi. I'm so proud of you. You're so strong Jo"

"Only because you're with me Yoongi.", she whispers

Pulling her to me, I hug her tightly

"I love you"

"I love you Yoongi"

After a few minutes of just holding each other, she asks me, "Can we go home Yoongi?"

"Yeah Jo, yeah let's go home"

#save me #yoongi fic #yoongi fanfiction #yoongi fanfic #min yoongi fanfiction #min yoongi fic #min yoongi fanfic #bts yoongi fic #bts yoongi fanfic #suga fic #suga fanfic #suga fanfiction #bts suga fanfic #bts suga fic #bts fic #bts fanfic #btsfanfiction

[tallbluelady]

Hello pls share more about X’rhun Tia’s fencing club for ladies

OKAY SO.

The very tl;dr of X'rhun Tia's Fencing Club for Ladies is that I saw firelightmuse's Yume and G'raha in some very pretty regency shots. It got me in the mood and I made some shots with Rowan and Urianger and had a few rambly posts. (And also a Hark! A Vagrant shitpost.)

That was going to be it until Netflix's Persuasion came out. I decided to watch some reviews before spending my time on it myself and... hoo boy, the critics were properly furious at the adaptation. I remember taking a walk after watching the reviews and my spitegoblin declared that could I write better. So I wrote two chapters in like two weeks, and then promptly ran out of steam. Turns out that writing Eorzeabeathan when you're trying to copy Ms. Austen's works is much more trying than I anticipated!

But, uh, I got it outlined if I ever get the energy to pursue it again. Under the cut cuz I'm wordy...

-Louisoix survives the battle of Charteneau. IDK how it happens, but he returns to Sharlyan and the Circle of Knowing just kind of vibes around Eorzea for the next five years.

-He hires X'rhun Tia and Arya to teach fencing/red magic for Alisaie and opens it up to the public.

-Alfinne's aether still gets messed up from Charteneau, but she's getting treated by Papalymo.

-Papalymo returns to Sharlyan, and invites Alfinne and Rowan to come with so he can keep treating her.

-Rowan meets Alisaie at the Fencing Club and then gets invited to various social functions through that connection.

-Which includes meeting Urianger.

-AND THEN because I decided there needed to be more drama, Emet-Selch is visiting Sharlyan as a diplomat.

-The group figures that he's not quite who he says he is, and Louisoix summons the others back to try and keep Sharlyan safe.

-This includes Moenbryda, who is just the embodiment of chaos to Urianger's and Rowan's slow and sweet romance.

-That gets resolved when she reveals that she's more interested in women at that point and starts dating Lyse.

-But not before she teases Rowan by setting up a fencing duel between the two of them for Urianger's heart.

-So all the Scions are there (maybe even Minfilia, I'm not sure where I would put her).

-And they're trying to figure out what to do with Solus (because Emet is the type of person who would name himself Napoleon when trying to hide the fact that he was Napoleon, emperor of France).

-And Rowan is learning Red Magic and is very good at it and the Fencing Club has like, a recital or what ever?

-And it catches Emet's eye cuz of course it does.

-So then he keeps trying to get her attention or what ever.

-And because this is all the most self-indulgent exercise anyways, he challenges Rowan to a fencing duel.-To ensure that she actually participates, he promises to have Garlemald cease all hostilities if she actually goes through with it, and to hunt down the Circle of Knowing if she does not.

-So obviously, Rowan agrees.

-But he also adds more to the wager! If she wins, he'll help their cause. But if he wins, she has to marry him!

-So, you know, drama.

-Because I'm going for an Austenian angle, Rowan ultimately wins.

-And then Urianger proposes and they all live happily ever after :)

There's also more regency flavoring to everything, like Forchenault doesn't really like Rowan's "wild influence" on his children, but that's what I got. Feel free to borrow ideas or what ever!

#x'rhun tia's fencing club for ladies #oops all words again #uh #this is one of those instances where the author is also trying to shake themselves to get this idea out #idk how to get that spitegoblin to activate again #spitegoblins tend to leave once the work becomes apparent le sigh #also sorry for the delay on answering #life etc

[dark9896]

Defence Fighting [Blurb Cannon]

This fun little blurb cannon was requested by anonymous 🥊

Zed was rushing into the local elementary school with one of his coworkers. His son had been roughed up by a bully, which made Zed so very upset. He wouldn't admit it, but he was royally pissed off that the school administrators and teachers didn't stop the bully sooner; that his coworkers son, his son's friend, had to step in and bring the conflict to blows.

.

Klaus

Damien was quick to defend his actions, "Zeke was getting rough on the jungle gym and shoved Cody off. He said that the jungle gym was for pure humans only, not half humans. And I didn't want Cody getting hurt worse. So I tried, I really tried to ask him to stop. But when I tapped his shoulder, he tried to punch me too. I dodged and panicked. I didn't mean to hit him, I swear."

Klaus stayed silent, he believed his son on this matter. He was just a tad disappointed that it did come to throwing punches. The teacher seemed to be waiting for Klaus to openly discipline his son, yet Klaus felt like it was unnecessary.

"Well, I believe that clears up this little situation." Klaus broke the silence since no one wanted to even attempt to tell him what to do, "If this is it, then I'd like to escort my son home."

Even the principal was intimidated by Klaus's gentle asking to leave, "O-of course Mr. Reinherz. The only thing we need Damien to do, is write a letter of apology to Ezekiel."

"I'll see that he does." Klaus bowed a little bit, extending his hand for Damien to follow him out, "Good day sirs and ma'am."

Damien was a bit nervous, he couldn't really read his father's face from this angle. And seeing [Parental Title] waiting in the car didn't help his nerves.

"What really happened Damien?" You broke the awkward tension so Klaus wouldn't have to, "Are you okay?"

"I was sticking up for Cody." Damien's voice was shaky and threatening to devolve into tears, "Zeke was bullying him again but this time he was getting too rough. And he tried to hit me first."

You looked up at Klaus who nodded, "Well, it sounds like you did what was best."

Klaus looked at you in surprise. Little Damien was suddenly full of hope that he might not be in trouble.

"Let me guess, the school wants you to write an apology letter to the bully, right?"

Klaus was suddenly very worried, how did you know this?

"Yes [Mx]. I don't really know what to write at all."

Klaus finally spoke up, "Leibling, how did you guess that?"

"School systems are predictable dearest." You chuckled, "I got in trouble a couple times for standing up to bullies when I was Damien's age. Just apologize for what you do regret. This way the teachers can't say it isn't sincere."

Klaus was flabbergasted at this. Was this really normal for schools in this area?

.

Steven

Zachary didn't look too roughed up himself. But the other kid definitely had a shiner and Cody was cradling an ice pack to his head. Steven didn't want to waste time listening to the teachers, he heard horror stories from K.K. about how her sons had to deal with bullies and what the administrators thought was the solution.

Steven held up a hand to stop the teacher who should have been watching the children closely, "I'd like to hear Zach's side of the story. If you don't mind Ms. Fronk."

Zach looked up at his father and took a deep breath, "So Zeke pushed Cody off the monkey bars saying that he shouldn't be on something made for humans. Then he started pushing Cody around more so I ran over. But I tripped and knocked him out of the boxed in area. And he started trying to fight me instead."

The teacher wanted to interject, but Steven cut her off immediately.

"From the sound of it, Zeke started the confrontation and Zach ended it." Steven turned a very icy glare to the principal specifically, "And if you think Zach should apologize, or write a letter, then so should Zeke for starting this whole mess."

The principal wanted to keep his backbone, but knew that Steven wasn't someone to be crossed. Just by the look he was getting from Steven, this was something he could face legal actions over.

Steven didn't wait for anyone to say he could take Zach home, he just walked off after beckoning his son to follow. Zach didn't say anything until he was settled in the car.

"Dad, I'm sorry. I know I shouldn't have--"

"You did good son, I'm proud that you stood up for Cody. That takes a lot of courage." Steven smiled at Zach in through the rearview mirror, "Of course, when you see [Parental Title], try to down play how rough it was, okay?"

"Yes sir." Zach felt so relieved.

.

Leo

Seeing that Joey wasn't that badly roughed up was a relief for Leo. He was all too familiar with how bad bullies could be on the playground. And how teachers treated these incidents, the kinds of unfair punishments that they often doled out.

"Mr. Watch, Joseph was fighting--"

Leo cut the principal off rudely, "I heard over the phone. But I want Joey's side of the story."

Joseph calmed down knowing his dad was gonna be fair about this situation.

"Cody and I were playing on the climbing dome thing when Zeke started loudly saying how Cody needed to go back to the Alterworld. And we tried to ignore him, but then he yanked on Cody's leg. Cody fell off the play-thing and Zeke kept mocking him, threatening to hurt him more. So I dropped down to defend him and Zeke swung at me first. I didn't mean to hit Zeke so hard, but I didn't realize how hard I swung."

"Mr. Watch, we can't stand by when our students are fighting. We need--!"

"You want Joey to write an apology letter." Leo slightly glared at the principal, he wasn't going to be walked over, nor was he going to let Joey be walked on, "He didn't do anything wrong. It sounds like Zeke started the fight. So why is Joey in trouble for keeping his friend safe?"

"Mr. Watch, we don't condone Ezekiel's actions either. But your son was still fighting another student."

"I won't be making Joey write any kind of letter." Leo turned, gesturing for Joseph to follow him, "He did the right thing and stood up against a bully. You're lucky that my partner didn't come with me. They would have been much worse."

Joseph was a bit nervous about whether he would have any kind of punishment. His dad might have just stood up for him, but that didn't mean he was completely out of trouble.

"We need to pick up some groceries before we head home. Any requests for supper?" Leo was trying to ease Joseph out of that tense moment, "We could also pick up a little desert for after supper."

"R-really?" Joseph smiled a little, "I get to choose?"

"Yep!" Leo ruffled his son's hair, "Reward for good behavior. Standing up for your friend."

Joseph grinned, already thinking about some deserts that would be nice with one of his favorite meals.

.

Zapp

While Zapp wasn't thrilled about hanging around Sushi for play dates or anything, he wasn't gonna mess with Adam's choices. [Name] would absolutely chase him half way up the street while wielding a cast iron skillet. Besides, his little man was in trouble for standing up to a bully. Sounded like Adam hadn't done anything wrong to begin with.

Zapp stood back and let the teachers and principal talk sh^t about the situation. Then it was Adam's turn to defend himself.

"I heard Cody yell and fall. I saw Zeke standing over him ready to start wailing on him. So I ran over and knocked him away. Zeke started swinging on me. I was defending myself!"

The teacher tried telling Zapp that his son needed to write a letter to apologize to the bully brat. And he had no intention of forcing that. Or saying anything in front of all these douches. None of them really understood how their dumba$$ choices were gonna affect these kids in the real world. Zapp felt a little sorry for the bully getting off so easily when on the streets, that doofus would absolutely get his a$$ handed back to him for that kind of behavior.

Adam was so nervous, it wasn't like his dad to be so quiet over anything.

"So, you got a few good licks in, huh little man?" Zapp finally broke the silence, "You stood up for your friend and won your first fight."

"I...I guess." Adam was so confused.

"Look [Parent Title] might not approve of this, but I'm really damn proud of you kiddo." Zapp ruffled his son's hair, "So we're gonna go get an ice cream while you figure out how to down play the fight."

.

Zed

Seeing Cody with a small number of slowly forming bruises and an ice pack on his head only worsened Zed's mood. Standing next to a very judgmental woman who was absolutely trying to make it seem like her son's black eye was an act of anti-human aggression.

Though his coworker's son telling the story made it sound like her little angel started the conflict and attacked Cody first. Zed wanted so badly to call her out or being a hypocrite. No, a hateful human in general. But he had to set a good example for his son.

So Zed was trying to hold his tongue the whole meeting. while his coworker was told their sons had to write a formal apology. Yet the other child wasn't being told to write a letter at all. That was the last straw, Zed had to speak up.

"Um, Excuse me? What about the actions taken against my son?" Just Zed speaking up seemed to set off the Mother, let alone what he was actually saying, "Aren't you going to have the child that started the altercation write a formal apology to Cody?"

"Mr. O'Brien, I assure you that proper discipline will be--!"

"You expressly told the child that was defending against the the bullying to write a letter of formal apology for fighting. But not the child whom started the altercation to begin with?"

The principal squirmed uncomfortably. There was no way around this. If he didn't dole equal punishment to the child accused of bullying, then the school would lose reputation points for being an inclusive environment for all.

The Mother was practically foaming at the mouth saying how her child was the victim of the most violence and that he shouldn't be forced to do anything, how she wouldn't make him write a letter to a Beyondian for any perceived slights.

Zed led Cody out as the Mother kept ranting about the inequality her child was facing, how he was traumatized by the experience. Zed didn't want his son to think he'd done anything wrong. Or that he would have to put up with intolerant people like that. He had dignity and was certain he was raising his son properly.

#bbb #kekkai sensen #kkss #blood blockade battlefront #klaus von reinherz #steven starphase #zed o'brien #zapp renfro #leonardo watch #ask

[rayshippouuchiha]

Yamada: so how did you and izuku start dating

Aizawa: I saw him crush a watermelon with his thighs and I accidentally said out loud “oh god I wish that were me right now” and here we are now

~The way this immediately and completely ate my entire brain~

Of three things Aizawa Shouta is absolutely sure:

One, he simply was not built for operating during the daylight hours. Nighttime really is where it's at in his opinion. The general lack of crowds and eye-searing sunlight just can't be beaten. (Dusk and dawn hours also get a pass but they're both on thin ice.)

Two, the beach is a sandy hell-scape whose only redeeming factor is the convenient access it provides to the eldritch horror that is the ocean aka the place he'll doubtlessly end up drowning himself when he finally, and according to Hizashi inevitably, snaps and runs gibbering mad into the abyss.

And three, he's absolutely and irrevocably cursed. He's being singled out and punished from on high by the gods themselves. His name is writ large across the cosmos in mockery. There is a cosmic "kick me" sign taped to his spiritual back and Shouta's going to hunt his former student Sero down and give him detention for life for encouraging his family's patron god to put it there.

By this point it's really the only logical explanation.

Which, as a card-carrying atheist, he's pretty sure is saying something about the depth of his feelings regarding his current circumstances.

Because there's no other explanation for why or how he's managed to find himself in this current situation.

The situation being, of course, Shouta, in full hero gear, standing in the hot sun on a pristine sandy beach, surrounded by screaming fans as he provides extra security and crowd control for the 20th Annual Heroic Sukiwari Charity Drive.

Shouta has seen hell and it is both Ms. Joke's open mic night and this exact moment right here.

Because, again, he's absolutely 100% cursed.

And the avatar of said curse is, obviously, his soon-to-be ex-best friend who somehow roped him into this entire thing.

Because some people say divine retribution when talking about cosmic revenge plots but Shouta tends to just says Yamada Hizashi. The two are, in many ways, interchangeable.

Shouta's going to put purify salts in all of Hizashi's hair products and also his sugar jar and possibly his energy drinks the next chance he gets.

Because if he never sees another shirtless pro-hero or another watermelon again in his life it'll be too soon.

He's pretty sure he has permanent hearing damage from all of the screaming and screeching the crowd's been doing since this thing started.

And if, after all these years of friendship with the personification of a megaphone, watching a bunch of pro's crush watermelons with nothing but their personal strength on a beach to raise money for various charities is what finally destroys his hearing Shouta is going to shave Hizashi bald before he finally embraces sweet death.

Or enacts Nezu's birthday plans and becomes a supervillain.

The jury's honestly still out at this point.

Shouta does his best to shut out the screaming behind him as one of the cameramen slides up beside him, getting a better angle on the stage as Hizashi, who's currently screeching about Miruko's performance, practically dances across the sand in front of where Shouta's standing.

"Wow, wow, wow," Present Mic chants as he dramatically fans himself, "that was one on heart-stopping, hare-raising show. Let's give it up for everyone's favorite bad, bad, bunny, Miruko!"

For her part, Miruko just struts off the small stage with a nonchalant wave to the crowd, her tiny white bikini in place and the pulverized remains of the half dozen watermelons she'd dropped kicked into soup left behind her.

"But don't lose that rhythm yet listeners," Mic announces gleefully. "Because we've got one more hero set to take the stage! So, without further ado, it's the moment I know a lot of you have been waiting for, myself included if we're being honest. The pièce de résistance of our little shindig, the showstopper himself, the one, the only, the #1 Can Do Hero Dekiru."

The crowd is absolutely deafening.

And, for once, Shouta has to grudgingly admit that he can't actually blame them.

Shirtless, sculpted shoulders and tight abs on display thanks to his low sitting and almost criminally short green swim shorts, and with his trademark bashful smile in place, Dekiru trots out from behind the curtained-off area with a crate of watermelons resting on his shoulder like it's no big deal.

Shouta's pretty sure someone to his immediate right faints but considering they're not currently a trample risk he ignores it.

But the casual show of strength with no quirk use in sight is more than a bit impressive.

For all that people, romance specifically, and attraction in general, have all been things to be considered on a firm case-by-case basis for Shouta, even he has to admit that Dekiru is ... captivating.

Rather drastically so for Shouta considering he's never actually met the man before in person.

Though Shouta does feel like he almost knows him on some level considering the fact that it really would take an act of the actual gods to get Yagi to shut up about his erstwhile protege during staff meetings.

Dekiru waves his free hand at the crowd as he sets his crate of watermelons down on the stage.

"Show us what you've got!" Mic demands from a few feet to Shouta's left. "And let's give him some encouragement listeners!"

The crowd starts up a loud and steady chant of "De~ki~ru!" as the hero pulls his first watermelon out and begins his set.

With an effortless flex of muscles, Dekiru digs his fingers into the watermelon and wrenches it completely in two.

Shouta reaches up to tug at the top of his uniform, relishing the small sip of cool air it grants him.

Shoulders and biceps flexing, another watermelon meets its end between Dekiru's palms.

Shouta really needs to add a water bottle to his utility belt because hydration is important. Or so he's been repeatedly told.

"Those hands, those muscles," Mic groans dramatically. "He really is the Can Do Hero!"

Cheeks noticeably flushed, Dekiru sits down on the stage and fits a watermelon between thick, toned thighs.

His hips twist, those thighs flex, and the watermelon cracks, spilling juice and sweet pink flesh all over Dekiru's lap.

"Oh god," Shouta can't help but say, "I wish that was me right now."

On stage Dekiru's eyes go wide as his attention somehow abruptly zero's in on Shouta.

It's at that moment that Shouta becomes aware of the deafening silence that's fallen over the beach.

Head-turning agonizingly slowly to the left, Shouta's confronted with the sight of Mic, microphone in hand, standing shoulder to shoulder with him.

His sunglasses are askew and he's staring at Shouta with a look on his face that's one part horror and one part unholy glee.

As a matter of fact, the entire beach is staring at him in much the same way.

For a moment Shouta just freezes, body going still at having so much attention turned in his direction.

This ... was not the turn he was expecting the day to take by far.

His first instinct is to, honestly, use his scarf to slingshot himself directly into the sun so his soul can be cleansed with cosmic fire.

But then ...

"Ah," Dekiru speaks up from on the stage, one hand ruffling the back of his hair and cheeks darker than before, "maybe we could go on a date first though? If you'd like?"

There's suddenly a part of Shouta that doesn't actually want to delete himself from existence via self-immolation.

And there's an even large part that doesn't want to outright reject Dekiru's seemingly sincere offer.

Because, when it all comes down to it, Dekiru seems to be, by all accounts, what passes for exactly Shouta's type.

Whip-smart if his very public arrest record and tendency to argue online and on the air with people he disagrees with is anything to go by.

Cute, with that dark green hair and sharp undercut, matching wide eyes, and a face sprinkled liberally with freckles.

Leanly built and small enough that Shouta's sure he could move him around easily but obviously muscular enough to be able to put up just the right amount of resistance in the right situation.

And, above all else, if the stories are to be believed, obviously some degree of batshit insane.

More than one story Yagi had told during breaks had Shouta questioning if the man had imported special American demons back to Japan and then stuffed them all into the deceptively charming and approachable-looking hero that is Dekiru.

So there's really only one logical way to proceed forward in this situation.

Shouta grins.

Several people in the crowd around him step back.

He's pretty sure he hears someone start reciting a prayer.

But Dekiru just blushes, eyes locked on Shouta's and teeth tugging at his lower lip.

"Hope you like coffee," Shouta finally says into the breathless silence that's fallen over them, "and cats."

Dekiru lights up, a smile brighter than the sun and twice as deadly blossoming across his face.

Just off of Shouta's side, Hizashi's busy having some kind of hysterical seizure.

Around them the crowd is going absolutely feral.

Yagi's going to birth actual kittens in the middle of the staff room when he finds out about this.

Shouta can't wait.

#RayRambles #BnHA #Suikawari My Heart AU #AiDeku #EraserDeku

[linasofia]

Business & Pleasure

Part 1 l Part 2 l Part 3 l Part 4 l Part 5 l Part 6 l Part 7 l Part 8 l Part 9

Summary: You start a new job at Erebor Corporation, led by CEO Thorin Oakenshield, who turns out to be the perfect mix of charming and aggravating. Soon you find yourself torn between your decision to stay professional or giving in to the reckless temptation in the form of your own boss.

Relationship: Thorin Oakenshield x Fem!Reader (Modern AU)

Words: 6,1K

Warnings: 18+, smut, unprotected intercourse.

A/N: @lathalea sent me an ask and it developed into this. Thanks again for the interesting idea. 😉

His hand is large and warm and when his long fingers clasp around mine I notice the feeling of metal against my skin. I barely resist glancing down at his hand, and it takes my will of steel to keep my gaze fixed on his remarkable blue eyes.

”Welcome Ms. Y/LN,” he says in a rumbling voice that covers the darkest register I’ve ever heard. ”I’m Thorin Oakenshield, CEO and founder of Erebor Corporation.” He speaks with natural confidence, suited for someone who is used to giving orders. ”And used to being obeyed,” my brain whispers seductively. His handshake is firm and when he releases my hand I let out a small involuntary sigh. Very unprofessional, I scold myself.

With a smile he motions for me to sit in one of the chairs and as he walks over to the other side of his large desk I study him secretly. He is tall, with broad shoulders and his dark navy suit looks almost too good on him. Underneath he wears a white shirt with the collar open, allowing me a small glimpse of some dark chest hair. His hair is short, as well as his beard, and both are peppered with gray, giving him a distinguished look. He oozes masculinity, sex…and dominance.

Before he sits down in his, no doubt, ridiculously expensive but very comfortable chair, he unbuttons his jacket and it falls open in a casual way. My mouth goes dry at the sight of him and I curse myself for letting his looks affect me. He picks up a piece of paper and I recognize my own resume, now filled with small written notes I can’t read from this angle. My eyes fall on his hand holding the paper and I stare at the ring on his finger. It’s unusually large, with an interesting pattern that makes me think of long lost treasures, described in a book I seem to have forgotten the title of. The ring looks perfect on his strong but yet very elegant hand. Suddenly he puts the paper back on the desk and looks me directly in the eyes.

”Ms. Y/LN, tell me something about you that I can’t read in your resume.”

I smile at him and give myself a mentally encouraging pat on the shoulder. The words come easily to me and I thank all the hours spent with my best friend, practicing pitching myself. He talks less than I expected, but he is an active listener, nothing passes him unnoticed. As I speak he watches me intensely and I can see in his eyes that I have his full attention. When I pause to give him room to process my latest statement, a smirk crawls over his lips.

”What expectations do you have of your future boss?” His question is not unexpected, but the way he speaks to me causes something to spark deep inside me. The richness in his voice makes me swallow hard and his gaze drops to my throat and for a second it feels like my skin is burning. Of course he notices my reaction and I want to smack my head for being so weak. I take a deep breath to steady myself and I pray that my voice will hold.

”I expect you to be fair, encouraging, supportive….and demanding.”

”Demanding?” He raises an eyebrow and something alluring but possibly also dangerous shifts in his eyes. ”Interesting choice of words. Care to explain that, Ms. Y/LN?”

”I require a lot, especially from myself. I want to develop and grow, and for that I need to be challenged. I expect you to provide some of those…challenges, Sir.” I hold his gaze steadily, ignoring the fluttering feeling in my chest as his gaze penetrates my professional shield and leaves it shattered in thousands of pieces at my feet, like a fine set of porcelain during an unfortunate family gathering. A pleased smile spreads over his handsome face.

”If you want a challenge, you’re in the right place.” He glances at his watch and I realize that our meeting is coming to an end very soon. A few short personal questions later he wraps up and thanks me for coming. With a calm smile he holds out his hand and when I take it, he gives mine a firm squeeze.

”Thank you for your time, Mr Oakenshield. I hope I’ll get a chance to show you what I’m made of.”

Three months later I still have to pinch myself on some mornings when I enter the big glass complex that is the lobby of Erebor Corporation, or simply E.C. I landed my dream job and I’m finally part of a company with values and ideas which match my own. Even if the company is larger than any other company I’ve worked for, the feeling of being a family rather than a team is strong. Everybody is called by their first name and some of my colleagues seem related, but I’m not yet sure how exactly. There was one thing Thorin was very clear about the first day during my introduction; There is no us and them, just WE.

Every morning I stop at the front desk, saying ”Good Morning” to Dori, the kindest gentleman I’ve ever met. He is always impeccably polite, but I have a feeling that he does a great deal more for Thorin than just greeting visitors and answering the phone. He wears a lot of interesting braids in his silver hair and when I once asked him about them, he simply answered that explaining them would require more time than I could possibly imagine.

Even though this is my dream, it’s not always pretty. Thorin is known for his temper and stubbornness but he’s also an extremely good leader and strategist.

”Thorin, you know damn well this is exactly what this company needs.” I slam my hand on the hard surface of the table in the conference room to accentuate the importance of my words. He shoots an icy stare at me, and everything in his posture tells me that he disagrees with me. I glare at him as I pull out my strongest card.

”You know the board of directors will agree with me.” My cheeks are flushed with frustration, but the tension is also pleasantly thrilling. We have had our good share of arguments before, Thorin and I, but never this intense. His eyes darken when he is passionate about a topic and it always makes me think of other things that make them shift in color.

”Fine. You’ll have the chance to tell them yourself. You’re coming with me to the meeting with the board next week.”

”What?” I say, mildly confused by his statement.

”You sound convinced. Make them agree with you and I’ll happily see it done. Until then, my answer is no.”

”Ok, I’ll do it.”

”It wasn’t a request.” His words sound harsh and I realize this is Thorin in his most demanding mood. For a while neither of us utters a word. Then he suddenly clears his throat and says in a calmer voice, “The first time we met, you told me you wanted a challenge. Here it is. Take it.”

“I did and I still mean it. Thank you for the opportunity to address the board,” I offer him a smile and something in his features changes at the same time I do. The sternness is exchanged with a softer expression.

“You deserve it, Y/N. Mahal knows you’re a challenge yourself sometimes, but I’m very glad to have you on my team.” He stands and picks up his laptop, signaling the meeting is over.

“Remember that when I get their full support next week.” I wink at him and a small flush spreads over my cheeks as I do. He stops in his tracks and for a second I wonder if I took it too far. No flirting with the boss! Even if he is the most handsome man alive.

“I will,” he says with a rumbling laugh and I sigh in relief. Then he walks out of the small conference room he picked for our one-on-one meeting, passing me closely on his way out, leaving the faint smell of his cologne in the air. On this day he smells like sandalwood and forest during heavy rain. I close my eyes, allowing myself just a small moment with my uncontrolled mind and the thought of the sensitive skin on his neck and the softness of his hair. How his beard would feel against my skin if I was to kiss him. And…I sigh, pushing the thoughts to the back of mind. This can never be real. Even if the soft looks he sometimes gives me actually mean something more than just encouragement and appreciation from a superior, I would never let my feelings lead to a complicated relationship with my boss. I’ve worked too hard to mess it up now.

“Y/N,” his voice makes me jump in the chair and I turn to the door where he stands nonchalantly leaning at the door frame. “The meeting is at the Silver Fountain Hotel, down by the old pier. Dinner will follow. If you don’t want to drive home late in the evening, you’re welcome to stay the night at the hotel at the company’s expense. Me and the rest of the board are doing so. Just let Dori know if you want a room as well, he handles all our bookings.”

No flirting with the boss and definitely not spending a night at the same hotel as him.

“Thank you,” I hear myself answer as my heart hammers in my chest, accompanied by my brain's very expressive suggestions, “I’ll let him know.”

”Excellent,” he smiles broadly at me and the warm feeling that travels all the way to my core is alarming. Luckily he leaves before the heat gets a chance to spread all over my body and expose my not so decent thoughts about him. I collect my things and head back to my office, passing the coffee lounge area on the way. In desperate need of a glass of cold water I decide on a short break. Stepping into the lounge is like visiting an expensive café, with the addition of self service. The huge coffee machine can serve all the varieties I can possibly think of and is perfect for a fastidious group of people. But for now I just want water and as I fill my glass, I hear hasty footsteps behind me.

”Regrouping before the next battle?” The poorly contained laughter and the teasing tone makes me smile.

”Yes, something like that.” I give the dark haired man a smile. His eyes glitter, filled with amusement. He drops his voice to a whisper.

”What were you and my dear uncle arguing about? I’ve told Thorin a hundred times not to use that conference room. His voice travels miles when he’s in a moody state.”

”I can’t tell you that Kili, but you’re absolutely right about the room. He should do something about the acoustic insulators there. I can talk to him about it.”

Kili just nods, now focusing on his choice of coffee. I sip on my water, not minding spending a few more minutes with who I’ve learned is Thorin’s youngest nephew. He looks like he just finished university, but when he talks you soon understand that he is far older than he appears.

”He likes you, you know,” he suddenly says. I almost spit out my water.

”What?”

”He does. You give him good resistance. He needs a strong sparring partner and from what I’ve heard, you are.”

Of course he meant that Thorin likes me professionally. Anything else would have been very wrong, not to mention unprofessional of him to say. But still my heart rate peaked as he uttered the words.

”Don’t let him know that I said that,” Kili smiles at me and strides out of the lounge and a deep sigh leaves my chest. No more daydreaming about the boss. That was too close.

Walking over to my office, I try to focus on the task at hand; convincing the board. I need to prepare a lot for this. Maybe I should talk to the head of finance as well. Balin, for sure, would know them. His strategic thinking and political awareness could be a great input in how to handle this. I smile as I sink down in my own leather chair. This will be my greatest challenge so far, but I’m so ready for it.

How about that hotel room? I sigh at my treacherous mind, never missing an opportunity to torture me, once again steering me on to that subject. After a very short deliberation I find it fully acceptable that I too will stay the night at the hotel. How surprising. And I certainly don’t spend thirty minutes googling and looking at the pictures of the beautiful view that surrounds the hotel. I’ve not been in that area for many years. Before I can change my mind I send a quick email to Dori, requesting a room for myself in addition to the assumed already placed booking. His reply takes exactly three minutes. Confirmed booking attached. I take a deep breath again. It’s done.

The conference room that is at our disposal in the Silver Fountain Hotel is spacious, dressed in calm colors with a textile floor in a subdued shade, absorbing all sounds of chairs, footsteps and the nervous tapping of a foot covered in the most elegant leather pumps that can be found in this city. Mine. I don’t really understand why Thorin insisted on me participating for the whole day, but I take the opportunity to watch and learn. The topics are really interesting and watching Thorin in this element gives me so many new ideas. He is an amazing rhetorician. He was born for this, I conclude as I admire him presenting numbers with just the right amount of self-awareness and humor, never letting it get boring but always professional and accurate.

After the delicious lunch we shared on the terrace outside in the sun, the subject I’ve spent hours and hours preparing to pitch is finally up for discussion. I stand and walk over to the head of the large conference table and look at the members of the board. Seeing them for half a day before making the presentation makes them less frightening. I take a deep breath, glance at Thorin who surprisingly gives me a warm and genuine encouraging smile, and then I just let the words flow.

Almost an hour later I feel drained. I gave everything I had and I could not be more proud of myself. The Chairman himself was the first to ask for more details and I answered him honestly and confidently. More questions followed and when I stole a quick glance at Thorin he looked pleased. Maybe even…proud. I had no time to linger on that matter, but knowing myself, I would no doubt come back to this thought later during the night. Alone in my bed. Finally the board decides to support me and when Thorin confirms that a decision was made, I feel light-headed. The rest of the afternoon goes by so fast I can’t really believe it.

As we walk out of the conference room, Thorin lowers his voice, making sure I am the only one hearing him. “Would you like to meet me at the hotel bar for a glass of champagne before we walk down to the restaurant? I think your presentation needs a proper toast.”

I look at him and a shiver runs down my spine at the sight of his hopeful gaze. “Yes, I’d love to,” I simply say, once again ignoring the warm feeling caused by his eyes resting on me. He glances at the large and expensive-looking watch resting on his wrist.

“See you at 6:30 then?” he smiles. I simply nod and hurry towards the elevator. There is a shower in my hotel room and I need a really cold one, right now.

At 6:45 I enter the hotel bar, refreshed after my shower and dressed in one of my favorite dresses, carefully selected the night before when packing my bag and fretting over what to wear. Thorin is the first person I see, he is impossible to miss in a crowded place and I can’t help but admire him as I walk up to him. He has also changed and the slight dampness in his hair tells me that he took a shower as well. The jacket hangs over his chair and he wears the collar of the white shirt open, as he almost always does. But somehow it looks even more casual this evening.

“Y/N,” he says softly as I take a seat next to him at the bar, “I almost thought you changed your mind. It’s not like you to be late.”

“I’m sorry. I got a phone call I couldn’t ignore,” I lie and cover the fact that I was too nervous to just approach him. Damn my mind and its stupid ideas.

Two glasses of champagne appear at the counter and Thorin takes one and raises it to me. “I hope you don’t mind me ordering for you. This is the best champagne this place can offer.”

“It’s fine, Thorin. Thank you.”

“To you, Y/N, for your amazing presentation today.” I can’t help but blush at his praise and I’m so grateful that I sit down as the world spins faster just by the way he looks me in the eyes. I raise my glass and take a sip. As the fine bubbles travel down my throat, he gives me a contagious smile that brings out the lines around his beautiful eyes that are mapped out like small trails of life. He looks so carefree when he smiles like that and just for a moment I let myself embrace the warm feeling that rapidly spreads in my chest.

“You did very well today. You should be proud.”

“I am. It felt good. They are tough, though.”

“Yes they are. But remember, that is also part of their job.” I listen to him talking about the board as old friends. Annoying old friends, but still. His dark voice enchants me like so many times before and at a point I start to listen to the melody of his voice more than what he’s actually saying. ”I hope you will notice at dinner that there is more to them than just numbers and endless questions and discussions.”

”I look forward to dinner,” I say with a small longing in my voice. ”I’ve heard it’s a fantastic restaurant.”

”It’s a wonderful place. It’s located right where the land meets the water at the start of the pier and all the windows have a stunning view of the sea. The terrace is still open so we will be dining under the stars tonight, depending on how long we’re staying. It’s a small place, very intimate.” His voice drops to a low murmur as he adds; ”I guess it’s also a very romantic place, if visited with the right person.” His words pull a gasp from me and the piercing look he gives me makes me almost empty my glass to calm myself down and my hand trembles just slightly as I put it back on the counter. I look at the slim, tall glass and for a second I consider ordering another. As if he can sense my inner tumult he puts his hand on my forearm and the warmth burns my skin in the most delightful way. ”Y/N,” he says in a hesitating voice, ”I hope I didn’t make you feel uncomfortable. That was not my intention.” I meet his gaze and the concerned look on his face makes my heart skip a beat.

”No, you did not.” I pick up my glass again, smile and raise it. ”I was just a little more thirsty than I thought.”

He chuckles, ”That’s totally fine!” After a quick look at his watch he adds; ”I’d love to buy us another round of champagne, but it’s time to go soon. Maybe… later?” His last words linger in the air and something unspoken hides in the depth of his eyes as he watches me closely. Suddenly his question feels very intimate. I know it’s a terrible idea but apparently there is no way I can resist torturing myself a little more in his company, so I nod as confirmation. The warm smile that follows will make up for my own suffering, I convince myself as I watch him swallow the last of his champagne.

”Let’s go. We’ll meet them there and I prefer to be on time.”

When we step out of the hotel, the golden afternoon light greets us and wraps its warm embrace around my bare shoulders like a comforting gesture of a lover. I sigh with delight. My jacket, that I carry on my arm, will not be needed for hours. It’s a short walk down to the restaurant and as we come closer I marvel at the sight. A stillness lies over the sea and the reflection of the old pier in the water is breathtaking. The sun rests low at the horizon but not deep enough for starting to paint the sky in all the colors of love.

The terrace is indeed intimate with small tables, allowing guests to sit close to each other without the awkward feeling of trespassing on anyone’s privacy. I’m seated opposite Thorin at the end of the table facing the water and I can’t really believe how lucky I am. I get to dine at this wonderful restaurant on a beautiful evening like this. And with a man like him.

As the sun sinks down into the sea and majestically sets the sky on fire, we enjoy all the tasty creations skillfully made by the masters in the kitchen. Those daring compositions are sculptured to perfection and I beam at Thorin when he asks me how I like the food. Under the table his knee rests against mine, without any intention of moving away. I try to tell myself that it’s only a positive side effect caused by the small tables, but when his eyes once again meet mine over the crystal glass in my hand, I’m no longer sure.

Stars appear in the sky as dessert is being served. A rich chocolate fondant silences me and while the first piece melts on my tongue I close my eyes. This is a small part of heaven, dressed in a dark brown coat and surrounded with raspberries. I hum appreciatively. When I open my eyes, Thorin has an amused expression on his face. He leans forward over the table in a relaxed gesture but under it, his knees press firmly against mine. ”Was it that good?”

”You have no idea. Taste it, see for yourself.” I nod at his still untouched plate. He picks up his spoon, cuts his little chocolate miracle and as he puts it in his mouth I hold my breath. Why does it look so…sexy when he does it? Damn him! What happened to no flirting with the boss? Did you just change it to: no flirting with the boss while others can see it? Apparently.

I glance at our company, I hope they can’t read my mind, for they would most likely be shocked by the images flowing through it at this point. But they are in a deep conversation over a topic I don’t even bother to understand. I look out over the water where the last light of the day disappears far away on the horizon. The sea looks so different now. Darker and filled with secrets hiding under the surface, but just as beautiful and alluring as in pure daylight.

My attention is pulled back to the table as my name is mentioned. The Chairman, a robust gentleman with short, gray hair and a curved mustache, smiles at me. ”I look forward to following your career at E.C. I have no doubt that you are in the right place and I wish to hear more of your ideas and insights during future meetings.”

”Thank you. If given the opportunity, I’ll be happy to join you.” I flash him a smile and he nods approvingly. ”Good,” he turns to Thorin. ”Make it happen.”

I finish my dessert in silence, listening to the lively conversation around me and find that this evening turned out to be so much more enjoyable than I first thought when shaking hands with the solemn members of the board this morning. They are a merry group after all. Never judge the book by its cover.

Too quickly for my liking, the dinner ends and we all get ready to leave. I watch Thorin as he slips his card to the waiter discreetly, as a true gentleman tipping generously, exposed only by the look of the young man's face. As I stand my head spins slightly and I giggle softly to myself. Wine and Thorin is not a good combination, if remaining sane is required. I miss the warm feeling of his knees against mine. When we leave the terrace, the old and very long pier comes into view again and I feel suddenly drawn toward it. A walk to the far end and back will do me good. Especially since I promised Thorin I would share another glass with him in the hotel bar.

I thank the small group for a nice evening, make my intentions clear and start walking over to the pier. It looks empty and I smile. This is just what I need, a moment in peace and quiet, with the beautiful sea as my only companion where I can clear my head. I walk briskly over the long wooden planks, tread where thousands of feet treaded before mine, eager to get to the end of the pier.

”Y/N, wait.” The dark voice makes me stop in my tracks. He’s not supposed to be here. I sigh and wait until he’s beside me. ”I was planning a short walk by myself,” I say softly.

”Yes, I heard you. But I don’t like the idea of you walking around here alone. You never know what kind of people you could run into.”

”I can take care of myself, you know,” I tease.

”I’m fully aware of that. This is not about you, it’s other people I don’t trust.” He looks me in the eyes and adds ”Other men. I don’t want you to get in trouble. Can I please at least join you on this little walk of yours?”

”Yes, of course you can. And thanks. For caring about my safety.”

”I care. More than you may think.” His voice is soft as he smiles at me. I start walking, slower now, and the further from land we get the darker it gets. Above us the moon shines with an unusual brightness and its silver light creates dancing shadows over the pier. We walk in silence, all that can be heard is the soft clucking from the sea mixing with the sound of our footsteps. The seagulls have left the beach and can no longer be heard. Far away a boat signals its presence and its lights look like small dots just above the surface. The water around us is almost black now and I breathe in the salty smell of the sea.

”I love the sea.” I say dreamingly. ”It makes me calm.”

”I prefer the wilderness and the beauty of the mountains,” he replies and I can hear a longing in his voice. ”But on a night like this, I love it too.”

When we reach the end of the pier, I stop in awe. In front of me lies the soft blackness, glittering in silver light. A gentle breeze sends a small shiver over my bare arms and I put on my jacket.

”Are you cold? We can go back.” Thorin gives me another concerned look.

”I’m fine. It’s not cold, it was just the wind.” I look back towards land. The restaurant seems so small now, and it makes me realize that this pier is longer than it looks from the beach. The bottom of the sea is probably very deep down beneath us. And it’s just the two of us here. A bizarre thought crosses my mind and I stifle a laugh.

”What’s so funny?” He turns to me. ”What are you thinking?”

”I was just thinking that this place is perfect if you finally want to get rid of me. So I can’t annoy you any more with my provocative ideas.” I smile at him, letting him see clearly that I’m joking. But he doesn’t return my smile. Instead he draws a deep breath, I can both see it by the way his chest heaves under that white shirt and I hear it, even if he tries to hide it.

”Trust me, getting rid of you is the last thing I want to do.” His voice sounds so different, low like a murmur, but clear at the same time. The sound makes my heart beat faster. Much faster.

”No?” I ask shakely and I wish for a second I had something to steady myself on. Like him.

”No,” he confirms, taking a step closer to me. ”More like the opposite.” Another soft blow of the wind makes my hair dance around my face. He reaches out and brushes back the locks that fall over my cheeks. His fingertips swipe very gently over my skin. It feels like the air around us is charged with electricity. ”I like you, Y/N. I think you know that. I think you’ve noticed. And I also think, or at least hope, that you… maybe… feel the same.” With the back of his fingers he gives my chin a soft caress. ”Tell me I’m wrong and I’ll back away right now.” This time it’s my turn to take a deep breath.

”You’re not wrong,” my voice comes out not more than a whisper but the visible relief in Thorin's face says it all. Gently he cups my face with both of his large hands and slowly, like he’s savoring the moment, he bends down to place his soft lips on mine. My head spins as I wrap my arms around his firm waist and after the first gentle kiss he lets go of my face and pulls me close for a warm embrace. A soft moan escapes me when I feel the heat of his broad chest pressing hard against the thin fabric of my dress. He intensifies the kiss, demanding access between my lips and deepening it with the help of his tongue that he skillfully uses to explore my mouth. When he breaks the kiss, his eyes glitter like the dark ocean beneath us. His hair is a little longer now than the first time I met him, and as his lips find mine again I run my hand through it, tugging at it softly. He moans hoarsely into my mouth and the sound and the vibrations makes me shiver, igniting the lust that floats in my veins. I burn in his embrace and I want more. His hand travels over my back, leaving a sensitive trail, my skin longing to feel him without the fabric between us. Suddenly he pulls me with him to the small bench built for meditation and other self exploring activities, no doubt. He drags me down to his lap and I adjust the skirt of my dress so I can straddle him. His strong arms hold me tightly and soon he covers my lips with his again. Thorin is a wonderful kisser and when he catches my lower lip with his teeth I purr and grind against him. He answers with his fingers digging into the soft flesh of my hips and lifting me over the hardness hidden in his trousers. I can feel him so clearly. All of him.

Panting between kisses he grabs me by the neck and forces me to look at him. Lust burns in his darkened eyes just as I know that he can see what I want all over my face. “I want to touch you more, Y/N.” That dark register in his voice will potentially drive me mad at some point.

“I’m all yours Thorin, please. I want you to.” His mouth crashes into mine again and his hands follow the lines of my thighs under my skirt, forcing it up with his movement. When he reaches the soft see-through lace of my panties he murmurs something I don’t really hear and follows the edge all the way to the center of my heat. Knowing all the reactions of my body I know before him what awaits him and when he slips a finger under the lace, he groans. “Mahal, you are so ready for me.” With soft and purposeful circles he caresses my little pearl of nerves until I lift myself up just enough to give him more room. He gets the message and lets his fingers glide over my slick entrance and then he buries one of them deep inside me. The moan that escapes me sounds primal and I grind against his hand harshly as he hooks his finger. Suddenly his hand abandons me and the empty feeling makes me whimper against his neck. He chuckles cruelly and pulls me down against his hardness again.

“You have already ruined my panties. We are all alone here. Why stop now?” I pant in his ear, hoping that he doesn't find the thought too wild. His grip on me tightens and a dark murmur erupts from his chest.

“I like that idea.” His hands fall down to my buttocks and with a gentle squeeze he pushes me up on my knees. I grab his shoulders for support. With impatience I watch him loosen his belt and unzip his trousers. Then he eases them down enough to make his large appendage spring free, leaving me staring at it. Its silky skin covers the many veins and the small drop on the top glitters in the pale moonlight. I’m interrupted in my ogling by his hand which maneuvers me easily until I feel the hardness of him against me again and then his fingers pull the fabric to the side, exposing my welcoming wetness to him. Burning from the inside I lower myself over him and hiss as he stretches me more than I expected.

”Oh Y/N, you fit so well around me,” he purrs before assaulting my lips once more. I take little time to adjust, eager to feel the friction between us and I fervently rock my body against him. He cups my bum, spreading my cheeks and creating an even more intense feeling.

”Keep doing that and I will not last long.” The desperation in my voice is so clear even I can hear it.

”I want your pleasure all over me,” Thorin paints. ”I want to hear and feel when you come around me.” Damn him and his low, seductive voice. Or maybe bless him. Whatever it is, it sets my skin on fire and I feel the undeniable heat pool deep in my core. As if he can read my mind he supports me with his hands, finding the right angle and the world around me ceases to exist. And finally, to the sound of the waves rolling in under the pier, we reach the top of our peaks and I feel the swelling of him before we fall simultaneously down into the bliss, heavily panting.

I rest my forehead against his and close my eyes. In the most tender gesture he cups my cheeks again and gives me an affectionate kiss. The light breeze is slowly increasing and feels exquisite against my heated skin. Thorin pulls me close and runs his hand over my back and with a softness in his voice that melts my heart he repeats his question.

”Will you follow me back to the hotel now?”

To be continued…

Did you like it? Please like, comment or/and reblog!

Taglist and others who might be interested:

@lathalea @laurfilijames @legolasbadass @i-did-not-mean-to @middleearthpixie @bitter-sweet-farmgirl @kibleedibleedoo @fizzyxcustard @xxbyimm @enchantzz @emrfangirl @s0ftd3m0n

Let me know if you want to be added or removed.

#thorin #thorin oakenshield #thorin fanfiction #thorin fanfic #thorin x reader #reader insert #modern au #CEO #new job #erebor #fanfiction #smut

[mochegato]

Even the Losers

Chapter 1

“You can do this Marinette,” Adrien whispered encouragingly, echoing the mantra she’d been whispering to herself for the past two days.  She could do this.  She could manage.  This was for Max.  She could handle it.  He couldn’t be here but she could.  She could be strong for him.  She gave Adrien a shaky smile and nodded.  “We just have to find him and we can leave,” he reminded her.

Marinette took a breath and let it out slowly. She’d dealt with far, far worse than a few judgmental, heartless asses who had no real interest in her.  But seas of artificial smiles had always unsettled her and currently she was surrounded with so much artificial sweetness she felt like she was walking through a kid’s cereal aisle.  That added onto her already existing anxiety had her ready to bolt at the slightest provocation.

She ran her hand over the skirt of her dress, letting the feeling of the fabric and the knowledge of all that had gone into it soothe her.  She was especially proud of her dress and the work that had gone into it.  It was a black so dark it almost appeared to draw in the light around it.  A mesh with strategically placed blood red decorations overlaid the dress, hugging her bodice until it reached her hips then dropped into a flowing skirt that ended just before it could pool on the ground.

She fought the urge to fiddle with the belt in her nervousness.  She couldn’t show weakness like that, not here.  She looked up at Adrien again in search of an anchor to reality.  She took in his expression and had to stifle the laugh that resulted.  He had his own artificially sweet smile on but his eyes quite clearly begged for a quick death.  He glanced down to her and nudged her discreetly, his artificial smile becoming wide and real.  “Shhhh,” he hushed her under his breath.  “We’re trying not to attract attention to ourselves, remember?  We’re ghosts.”  He looked around to make sure nobody was looking at them.

Marinette immediately quieted, her face becoming somber. She did remember.  In and out.  That was the goal.  Her goal. Knock the man on his ass with Max’s accomplishments, then never see him, or anyone else in this room, other than Adrien of course, ever again.  They were supposed to be like ghosts.  There but not.  Her eyes scanned the room looking for their target.

Adrien’s eyes immediately softened and filled with regret.  “Shit, Mari. I’m sorry.  I didn’t mean to…”

“No,” she looked up at him with an artificial smile of her own.  “I know. It’s fine.  It’s not your fault.”  She scanned the crowd again, cursing her height, as she had many times in her life.  Even with the six inch, death defying heels, she still barely reached Adrien’s eyes, let alone give her any kind of advantage to see the crowd.  She needed some kind of vantage point but unfortunately, the only high point in the ballroom was the stage, which she couldn’t utilize if she was going to follow her Ghost policy.  “We might have more success if we split up.  Let me know if you find him.”

Adrien squeezed her arm quickly before nodding. “Good luck.”

Marinette shot him a genuine smile.  “You too.  May the Luck be with you.”

Adrien laughed and shook his head.  “I never should have forced you to watch that movie.”

Marinette grinned back.  “You never should have forced me to watch the prequels.  The original ones were just fine.”  Adrien narrowed his eyes at her but let it drop in favor of disappearing in the crowd to find their target.

Marinette followed him with her eyes until she couldn’t see him anymore then took a deep breath to brace herself.  Her eyes immediately started darting around and her fingers started dancing.  She needed something to occupy them or she was going to start attracting unwanted attention.

She noted a bar close by and made a beeline for it. She waited politely for the bartender to notice her, her fingers tapping anxiously against the bar while she waited. She froze when she heard a gruff voice next to her.  “Did you sneak in here?”

She turned to the voice and blinked a few times. “Excuse me?”

“You’re anxious and jittery.  Afraid you’re going to get kicked out?” the man elaborated.

Marinette studied him for a moment trying to figure out why he looked so familiar.  “No,” she started slowly, trying to give her brain a chance to answer the puzzle. “Just not a fan of events like this.”

The man scoffed and nodded in understanding. “Cheers.”  He raised his glass for her to clink his but she held out her hands with a sheepish look, showing she didn’t have a drink yet.  “Well, that’s a crime.  Nobody should have to endure one of these without a drink.”  He motioned to the bartender and got an immediate response. “Another for me and a…” he motioned to Marinette to give her order.

“Oh, champagne, please,” she finished with a smile for the bartender.  That’s what was socially acceptable at events like this, right?  Champagne.

The bartender looked to the man for confirmation. The man nodded.  “And a champagne for the woman.”  Marinette scowled at the bartender causing the man to laugh. “He’s just worried that you’re underage. You look awfully young.  You’re not, right?”

Marinette’s glare softened in realization.  “Oh, that makes sense.  No, I’m not.  I forgot the legal age here is higher than in France.”

He nodded and looked at her critically for a moment before offering his hand.  “Jason.”

Marinette immediately reached out for his hand and answered with her name before her brain registered the name he’d given. Jason.  Jason Todd.  Bruce Wayne’s son.  She pulled her hand back quickly as the realization hit her and focused on leveling her breathing.  She grabbed the champagne glass more violently than necessary when the bartender set it down in front of her and immediately downed the entire glass, only coughing a bit as the bubbles tickled her throat.  Overall, champagne was not the best drink to chug.  “Another, please,” she croaked out.

“You know, there are better drinks for that, if that’s what you want to do,” Jason grinned, laughing at her.

“Wasn’t the plan until it was and then that’s all I had,” she croaked out, her voice still hoarse from the bubbles.  She kept her eyes focused on her empty glass as she spoke, almost afraid to make eye contact with him as if just seeing her eyes would be enough to blow her cover.

Jason chuckled and nodded in understanding. “Don’t suppose you’d care to dance?”

Marinette whipped her head to him and stared incredulously, forgetting her previous reservations.  She only moved again when the bartender set the new drink down in front of her.  “Um… no… thank you.  That doesn’t seem… I don’t think my date would be comfortable with that.  Good luck getting drunk enough to handle tonight though.”  She gave him a weak smile and raised her glass to him before moving into the fray again, now armed with a socially acceptable fidget toy.

It took five minutes of avoiding wandering hands and leering looks but with a little luck and some prodding from the goddess hiding in the folds of her skirt, she was finally able to stumble on M. Lucius Fox, Director of Research and Development for Wayne Enterprises.  He was in a conversation he was not remotely interested in with some vapid business exec who was just as interested in M. Fox.  Not that M. Fox’s disinterest was clear.  He was very polite and good at covering his boredom, much more so than his conversation partner, but she’d been at enough stuffy, snobby parties with Adrien, Felix, and Chloe to know the signs.

She took another breath and squared her shoulders, going into Ladybug Mode; calm and confident, completely assured of herself. She was on a mission.  She had a goal and a plan to accomplish it, and once she had a plan, she had a direction and purpose, and with those, her insecurities fell away.  With M. Fox in her sights, she could see the pieces and the way they fit together. There were no more doubts.  She set her glass on a passing waiter’s tray and made her way over to M. Fox.

“The elusive M. Fox.  It is a pleasure to meet you,” Marinette purred, coming up next to him with a charming, real smile.

“I didn’t realize I was hiding,” Lucius responded with a polite smile of his own.

“Must just come naturally.  Foxes are known to be crafty.”  Marinette looked around them and motioned toward the dancefloor. “Would you care to dance, M. Fox?”

He shook his head deferentially.  “Are you sure there aren’t other people here you’d rather dance with?”

Marinette smiled conspiratorially and leaned closer to him, making sure to keep a respectable distance.  She did NOT want to have her banter confused with flirting. That was not the strategy she had devised.  “That would defeat the purpose of coming here.  I came here specifically to speak with you.”

Lucius looked down at her analytically, trying to figure out what her angle was, but took her hand and followed her onto the dancefloor.  “And what did you want to speak about, Ms…?”

“Dupain Cheng.  Marinette Dupain Cheng.  It’s nice to meet you M. Fox.  I wanted to speak to you to sell my friend Max Kante.”

Lucius’ eyes widened almost imperceptibly as the music changed.  After a beat, he chuckled.  “I’m not in the market to buy anyone, but thank you.”  He settled his hands on her mid-back and hand for their dance.

Marinette chuckled good naturedly along with him. “Sell his talents, would be a better way to say it.”

“And where is Mr. Kante?” Lucius raised an eyebrow at her, curious why the young man didn’t bother to come himself.  “Why are you presenting his talents instead of him?”

“Finals.  Had the incredibly bad luck to have a Friday at noon final.  I mean at least it wasn’t at 19h, right?  Can you believe they have those?”  She scrunched up her nose in playful disgust.  “But still means he’s taking it right now.  And for his last final of his career.  I mean… probably.  Knowing him, he might get another PhD at some point.  My finals and presentation ended last week.  M. Wa…” she took a steadying breath and looked back up with a strained smile hoping he wouldn’t notice the stutter.  “M. Wayne even visited for it.  That’s when the idea for this came to me.  So while Max studied, I plotted.”

“So why me then and not Mr. Wayne?” Lucius asked with a curious interest.

Marinette froze for just a second.  Hardly enough for anyone to notice.  Her mind raced to calculate the appropriate response to that question, a satisfactorily casual yet intelligent response.  “M. Wayne isn’t in charge of research.  You are.  Not to mention, I highly doubt the CEO would be involved enough in the research and development projects to know what was going on.  You I take as a man who knows what is going on with all your ongoing projects.”

He nodded.  She wasn’t wrong, or normally wouldn’t be.  Mr. Wayne usually was not involved in any projects and with the exception of one particular project they were having issues with, he wouldn’t know the particulars.  “A very dangerous and elaborate plan.  Why didn’t you make an appointment with me?  Or just stop me on the street?” he prodded, hoping for her thought process.

Marinette laughed lightly.  “I don’t imagine I would have had a chance in Hell of making an appointment with you in your office.  I have no standing, no name, no significance that would have attracted any PA worth their salt’s attention.  I would have been pawned off onto a low ranking employee to handle, if I was handled at all.  And something like this needed to be taken to you.  

“As for running into you on the street, I can’t imagine you would have responded positively to getting accosted on the street. You seem more than capable of handling yourself with grace in the face of a pest.  I doubt I would have gotten more than a few words in.  At a gala however,” she grinned conspiratorially at him. “Societal convention.  Almost absolute certainty of at least one dance where I would have you one-on-one for a few minutes.  Hostage audience.  Figured I could use it to my advantage for once.”

Lucius smiled back at her ingenuity.  “There’s an application process he could have gone through,” he noted.  

Mari nodded and looked out to the crowd, scanning it.  “Right, applying to M. Fedor Rabler,” she said distractedly.  “He did that.”

Lucius nodded in understanding.  Their application process was tough.  Lots of amazing candidates didn’t get through. He had to respect her devotion to her friend, to risk coming here and potentially making an enemy of Wayne Enterprises if he’d been that sort of man.  His eyes turned sympathetic.  “I’m sorry he was passed over.”

“You know, I’ve noticed Elspeth Cole puts forth a lot of inventions and extremely varied ones at that,” she continued as though she hadn’t heard his consolation.  “Most inventors, you can see their process, you can see how they got from one invention to the next, but hers… they’re so varied.  It’s almost like they’re coming from completely different people.”  Lucius watched her carefully, waiting to see where she was going with this.  “That’s them, isn’t it?  Dancing together.  Awfully close for purely colleagues.”

Lucius followed her sight line to Ms. Cole and Mr. Rabler dancing extremely closely.  Not obscenely, but perhaps a bit closer than was normally acceptable at a society event such as this one.  “It’s hardly incriminating that two people with expertise in electrical engineering would get together,” he said slowly.

“Max is amazing.  Brilliant,” Marinette said, seemingly not noticing her non-sequitur. “He created an AI that helped the Parisian superheroes locate and defeat our supervillain at only 14.”  Lucius’ brow rose.  That was certainly promising.  He wondered what would have caused them not to take such an applicant.  Surely there was some sort of embellishment there, but as he studied her, she seemed entirely genuine.  

“He’s being scouted by several high profile companies including Lexcorp and Palmer Technologies.”  She turned her attention back to Lucius, a curious pout on her lips. “But not Wayne Enterprises.”  She looked away with clearly forced casualness. “Lexcorp and Palmer, they’re offering pretty impressive packages.  Not as good as he deserves in my opinion, but I may be a bit biased.  Wayne Enterprises however… nothing.  Not even an offer.

“Now, I don’t really have a dog in the fight… other than wanting my friend to be safe and treated with the respect he deserves. But Palmer Technologies gets blown up by a villain or its inventors kidnapped far too frequently for me to be comfortable with my friend working there.  And Lexcorp…”  She looked down as if in thought before looking back at him again with a determined look in her eye.

“You know, I get a feeling sometimes.  I can’t really explain it, just get a feeling about people or things.  I’ve found it’s best for me and the people around me if I listen to that feeling and that feeling tells me Lex Luthor is the last person who should be trusted with a brain as brilliant as Max’s.”  She looked back over to Mr. Rabler and Ms. Cole.  “That same feeling told me Max shouldn’t trust the application process for Wayne Enterprises.”  

She looked back at Lucius with an apologetic smile. “No offense.  So, I convinced Max to make a small part of his submission just a little off.  Just a bit. Enough that even an expert could miss it, but if it’s wrong the project could never work.  It took a lot of convincing to get him to do it.  He refused to believe he had anything to worry about in Wayne Enterprises with its stellar reputation.”  She scrunched up her face in annoyance.  “But that feeling, you know?  I couldn’t get over it.  After a lot of work, I convinced him there was no harm.  After all, if he was hired he could fix it.  If he wasn’t… well, you shouldn’t be using what he presented anyway, right? No harm, no foul as you Americans say.”

“No,” Lucius agreed.  “That would be theft and completely against WE policy and standards.  In fact, we should not be asking applicants to submit anything like that in the first place.”

Marinette smiled and nodded approvingly.  “I’ve heard rumblings, or rather Max has, of WE getting into transmutation of materials.  Just can’t get that algorithm right though, can you?  Algorithms are hard.  Just a little off and nothing works.”

He stared at her.  That was a secret project.  Other departments in Wayne Enterprises didn’t even know about it.  “I can’t comment on ongoing projects.”  

“I never did show you what Max is capable of, did I?”  She gave him a bright smile and reached down to press a disguised button on her belt. Lucius tensed and cursed himself for exposing himself to whatever she was about to do.  A wave of emerald green washed over the front of her bodice as the blood red decorated mesh overlay turned into a brilliant emerald green that reflected the lights now rather than absorbing it.

Lucius’ eyes widened in surprise, a feat very few had been able to draw out of him.  “He designed the fabric?” he whispered out.  He reached out tentatively to touch the fabric at her shoulder.

Marinette grinned brilliantly at his reaction.  It was no less than Max deserved.  He’d worked incredibly hard on it.  “He did,” she nodded in confirmation, “and the software that controls it.  The whole dress can change but we’re kind of surrounded here and I didn’t want to attract too much attention.”  She let him touch it for a moment before pushing the button again to turn it back into the black, then allowing him to feel the mesh to confirm it was the same fabric.  “He has ideas for changing the texture as well, but limited resources you know? Something I’d hope wouldn’t be an issue at WE.”

“How does it work?”  His eyes were still focused on the fabric at her shoulder. He took a quick look at the rest of the bodice, but quickly snapped his eyes back to her shoulder.  The neckline was conservative, but it was still rather unbecoming to stare at the young woman’s chest.

Marinette laughed.  “You’ll have to ask Max that.  I just designed the dress.  I don’t really understand the mechanics behind it, but he does.  I doubt Ms. Cole can say the same.”

Lucius stared in awe at her shoulder before looking back up to her eyes and nodding in understanding.  “Interesting.  I’ll take that under advisement.  Maybe we should be scouting you as well.”

Mari laughed.  “No, thank you.  I’m not an inventor.  I’m a designer.  But I appreciate the interest.”

Lucius nodded and led her off the dancefloor with the end of the song.  “Inventor or not, we can always use someone with intuition, intelligence, and ingenuity like you’ve demonstrated.”  

Marinette gave him a brilliant, somewhat familiar smile. “That’s very flattering.  Thank you, M. Fox.  But tonight is about Max.  I have my own, separate plans for my future.”

Lucius nodded in understanding.  “Our loss,” he answered sincerely.  “If you ever need any help or advice, please feel free to call me.  I’m sure Mr. Kante will have it soon enough and can pass it onto you.”  He looked back down to her shoulder again.  “If I may…”  He motioned toward her shoulder.  

Marinette laughed.  “Of course.  I understand how truly impressive it is.  It’s been incredibly inspirational, thinking of the options.”

“And what did your intuition tell you about tonight?” He looked up to meet her eyes, curious about her answer.

Marinette’s face went slack for a moment before she pasted on a bittersweet smile.  “That it would be costly but worth it.”

Lucius quirked his head to the side.  “In what way?”

Marinette shook her head absently and took a sudden interest in M. Fox’s tie.  “I’m not sure yet.”

Mr. Fox’s eyes softened.  “Would he be available to meet on Monday?”

Marinette grin and snapped her eyes up to him. Mission success!  Max was going to get his interview!  “He can be.”

“I’d actually like to speak with both of you, if you don’t mind.  In my office at 10 Monday?” he offered.  

Marinette faltered.  “In Wayne Enterprises?”

Lucius chuckled.  “Naturally.”

Marinette swallowed heavily.  “Why don’t we meet somewhere else?  Early morning coffee perhaps?” she offered instead with an artificial smile.  “Here’s my card.  Have someone give me a call or text and I can arrange it.  He’s scheduled to fly in tomorrow morning.  He was supposed to meet with Lexcorp Monday morning, but he’ll be at coffee to meet you instead.”

Lucius smiled back at her as he slipped her card into his pocket.  “I greatly appreciate your candor and support Ms. Dupain Cheng.”  He took her hand in both of his to shake it.  “I cannot tell you how good it was to meet you.  And if you ever get one of those feelings about me or Wayne Enterprises, let me know, okay?”

“Lucius.”

Lucius froze at the cold voice, not accustomed to that tone of voice directed at him.  He looked over curiously and missed Marinette freezing before pushing another button on her belt.

Chapter 2

Tags:

@maribat-bdbwm

#maribat #bio dad bruce wayne #roynette #Even the Losers #mbdbwm2021 #prompt - #meeting for the first time

[the-bau-quinjet]

My Only Girl

Summary: request! Reader has to decide between keeping her secret and saving the man she loves. In the end, it's not a hard choice.

Warnings: violence/blood

Word count: 3370

a/n: I really enjoyed writing this one! I put a screen shot of the request at the end just because I didn’t want to give away the whole story :)

You never would have guessed that today would change everything. It started the same as any other Thursday. 

You were seated at your desk right outside of Tony’s main office working on his schedule for two weeks from now. Your music was playing softly through your earbuds causing you to bob your head as you read email after email. 

Suddenly, a Starbucks cup appeared in front of your face, a metal hand wrapped around the cup. 

You swiftly pulled the earbuds from your ears, turning in your chair to greet Bucky with a hug. 

“Hi.” You whispered into his chest during your hug. “You are truly a gift.” You smiled, taking the cup with your go to order. You press a quick kiss to his lips only to be pulled back in for a deeper kiss by Bucky. 

“Y/N, do you know when my next press conference is?” Tony asked, walking out of his office while still looking down at his tablet. 

Bucky let you pull back from him just far enough to answer Tony. “Next Thursday. You wanted to announce the new post-mission protocol for ‘Damage Control’.” You chuckled at the title, knowing Pepper was still trying to talk him into changing it. 

“Right! Thank you.” He finally looks up, taking in the sight of you in Bucky’s arms. “Barnes! Let her work.” He nearly whined, playing up the annoyance. 

“I will.” Tony leveled him with a pointed glare, looking between you and your computer. “I will! I just wanted to say good morning to my best girl.”

You scrunched your nose at the term of endearment, leaning farther back from Bucky to look in his eyes.

“You don’t like being my best girl?” He sounded genuinely concerned, earning a small chuckle from you. 

“I like being your only girl. Best implies that there are others, and though I would love to be the best of them, I don’t want there to be others.” You nodded your head resolutely, taking on a serious expression. 

“Please, you’ve had this man wrapped around your finger from the second he saw you.” Tony scoffed. 

“He’s right, doll. And you are my only girl. I love you.” Bucky pressed a quick kiss to your lips, letting you remove yourself from his arms to continue working. 

“I love you too. See you for lunch?” He nodded as he walked backwards to the elevator, keeping his eyes on yours until the doors closed.

“Wrapped around your finger, I swear.” Tony laughed when you glared at him, retreating back into his office to make some phone calls. 

-

Sometimes it’s really easy to pinpoint the exact moment everything went to shit. This was one of those times. 

22 minutes before you were due to meet Bucky for lunch, the red emergency lights started flashing with an accompanying alarm blaring in your ears. 

Friday announced “The compound is under attack, enacting lockdown protocol.”

“Shit.” Lockdown meant you needed to use specific codes to get into or out of any room. It definitely makes your life harder. 

Tony left to meet Pepper 15 minutes ago, so to your knowledge you were the only one on this floor. 

Glancing up and down the hall to double check, you swiftly enter Tony’s office, pulling up the security footage to see who you’re dealing with. Three different sides of the compound are surrounded by mercenaries clad in black fighting gear. 

You watch the screens, contemplating the best course of action to subtly help when one of the mercenaries pulls out a missile launcher. He aims it quickly, firing into the side of the building. 

You feel the walls shake as you watch part of the wall collapse, giving them an opening to enter the compound through. 

“Shit.” You run from Tony’s office, heading for the action without another thought even though this is definitely the biggest problem you’ve ever helped them with. 

You phase through the walls, doing your best to make sure nobody will see you when you come out on the other side of the wall. If all goes well, you’ll be back at your desk before anyone even notices you were gone. 

Your powers are a secret, even from the team. The powers that be, meaning your boss, don’t want the Avengers knowing they have an Angel on their side. It took you enough negotiating to get yourself assigned to this “project”, you were willing to do it without telling anyone that you are a angel. 

You basically had to beg your boss to let the Avengers be the people you watched over. Typically, angels are assigned to help those who can’t help themselves. Your logic for this assignment was that keeping the Avengers safe would, in turn, protect millions of other people. 

The one stipulation you faced when finally being assigned the the Avengers, was that you couldn’t tell them what you are.

At first, You had no problem keeping the secret. Being Tony’s assistant hardly meant spending ample time with everyone. You didn’t need to befriend them to keep them safe. At least, that’s what you kept telling yourself. 

Overtime, Tony broke down your walls. He convinced you to go to one of his galas, ultimately starting your demise. One look at Bucky had your heart soaring. Not telling him the truth has been eating away at you ever since he first asked you to get dinner with him. 

You pushed your guilt to the back of your mind, refocusing on getting closer to the attackers so you could figure out what to do. 

Typically, you use your powers to slightly change the path of bullets or hold off a bomb for a few extra seconds. It gives the team enough time to escape, not necessary unscathed, but with recoverable injuries. Plus, it keeps your powers hidden. 

It’s hard enough to hack into the video feed from various super suits without alerting anyone, you were definitely concerned about how to keep your powers hidden while using them so close to everyone. 

You skid to a stop just around the corner, listening as two of the mercenaries instruct the others. 

“Split up. You know who we’re looking for. If you find him, report in. First priority is getting out of here with him alive. All else fails, kill him.”

Immediately, you’re mind jumped to Bucky. Of course, Hydra scrum could be looking for anyone to use as a weapon, but Bucky made the most sense. When would they finally realize they can’t control him anymore?

You used your powers to confuse the men, making it look like whatever blueprints they studied were outdated. It would hopefully give everyone else enough time to get here and fight them off. 

You hid in a closet when you heard people approaching from behind you. 

“Sam, find Wanda and get to the east side. Nat and I will handle these guys.” 

You relaxed at the sound of Steve’s voice, waiting for the group to disperse before sliding out of the closet.

You ran back through the compound, heading for the lab. It was the closest place for you to retreat to in order to look through the security cameras again. 

“Friday, give me a rundown of what’s happening please.” You looked between the screens, intently listening to the AI’s voice. 

“The east side is being secured by Ms. Maximoff and Mr. Wilson. Based on projected outcomes, they will have everything under control in 7 minutes. Captain Rogers and Ms. Romanoff are fighting on the south side, near the blast sight. They will have the area secure in 6 minutes.”

You nodded, following along as you looked between the cameras. 

“The west side is secure. Mr. Stark and Mr. Barton have cleared the area and are holding off any additional attacks.”

“Good. Where’s Bucky?” You looked between the cameras, but couldn’t find him. 

“Sergeant Barnes is on the roof, engaged in hand to hand.”

“What the hell is he doing on the roof?” You panicked, clicking between camera angles until you could see him. 

There were ten Hydra agents on the roof, surrounding Bucky as he did his best to fight them off. 

“How did he get singled out so fast?” You mumbled to yourself, trying to think of a plan. They had Bucky backed up to the edge of the roof, slowly pushing him further and further. 

You could see what was about to happen nearly in slow motion. You acted quickly, not thinking about keeping your secret, but rather solely focused on helping Bucky. 

You broke through the window in the lab, wings appearing on your back as you flew to him. Just as you arrived, one of the agents shot him three times, propelling him backwards off the roof. Sending a shockwave over the roof, you knocked out the remaining agents as you dove, hurtling through the air to catch Bucky before he hit the ground. 

You grabbed him around the waist, lugging his body through the air with some difficulty. It wasn’t the most convenient position, plus you were slightly rusty from hiding your wings for so long. 

“Doll?” Bucky questioned, glancing at you through fluttering eyelids. “I knew you were my angel.” He whispered before his eyes fell closed, the blood loss getting to him. 

You swung around the building, re-entering through the broken lab window and laying Bucky on the lab bench. 

“Lifting lockdown protocol.” Friday announced, the noise barely registering in your ears. 

“Ms. L/N, Captain Rogers is requesting a check in from everyone on the team, would you like me to update him on yours and the Sergeant’s situation.” Friday asked. 

“Yeah, go ahead.” You muttered, not really paying attention to the question as you did your best to slow the bleeding. You haven’t tried healing anyone in years, so it was taking more effort than it should for you to fix this. 

You closed your eyes, hands hovering over Bucky’s body. Your wings were still present, although no longer fully extended. 

You channelled everything you could into healing Bucky’s wounds, drowning out any outside interference. Your hands began to glow, a warm golden light surrounding Bucky’s body as his bullet wounds healed. 

A few minutes passed as his wounds fully healed. You nearly collapsed from the relief of seeing him no longer bleeding out. His color was returning to normal, heartbeat speeding back up. 

“Y/N?” You jumped at the noise, turning around to see nearly the entire team staring at you. 

Your eyes went wide, hand still clutching Bucky’s as you stuttered in an attempt to come up with an explanation. 

“You have wings.” Wanda pointed out the obvious, everyone still wearing matching expressions of shock. 

You looked over your shoulder, nearly surprised by their presence on your back yourself. You had been so focused on healing Bucky, you forgot to hide them again. 

“Your hands were glowing.” Sam’s brow furrowed, looking between you and Bucky. 

You nodded, still unsure of what to say. 

Suddenly Steve barged into the room, unaware of the tension. He ran right for Bucky, yelling for someone to get a medic. 

“Why are you all just standing there? Friday said he was shot! Three times! Get a medic!” He looked at everyone in a panic before turning to look for wounds on Bucky. 

His brow furrowed as he tried to find any of the bullet wounds. “Wha- Where are the bullet wounds... He’s covered in blood, but not bleeding? Even we can’t heal that fast, what’s going on?” Steve turns back to the team, mouth slightly agape. 

They all point to you. 

Slowly, Steve turns finally noticing your presence. “Y/N?” He looks between the team and you again, a double take so fast it would have been funny if not for the situation. 

“You have wings?” He says it with much more confusion than Wanda’s point blank statement. 

You nod, voice still eluding you. You finally manage to get the wings to disappear. 

“Care to explain...” Tony asks, pointing to where your wings just were, your hands, and Bucky, “All of that?” 

Before you can reply, Bucky jolts awake with a groan. 

“What the hell?” He looks around the lab, taking everyone’s confused faces. Even Nat looks surprised. “How did I get here?” He rubs his abdomen, slightly sore from the bullets. 

Everyone shakes their heads, looking to you for answers. 

“Y/N?” He turns to you, hand squeezing yours slightly. “You were an angel. I thought I was dying...” He trailed off, trying to makes sense of everything in his head. 

“An angel?” Steve balks. Everyone else nods, various expressions of understanding on their faces. 

“I mean, that makes sense.” Nat chimes in, ready to accept it. “Wouldn’t be the weirdest thing that ever happened.”

“What?” Bucky asks, sitting up on the counter. “She’s not actually an angel. I just saw that as my... I don’t know, dying wish?” His face scrunched in confusion, trying to make sense of what he saw. 

“Well, I’m not dying and I saw the wings. And the glowing hands.” Clint speaks up, turning all eyes back to you. 

A voice in your head is suddenly booming. Your hands fly up to the sides of your head, trying to dull the ache of the screaming voice in your mind.

“Y/N L/N, you have broken the only rule bestowed upon you. According to contract 71, you are no longer permitted to enter the Angel Realm. Any attempts to return here will result in termination of your capabilities. Misuse of your capabilities on Earth or any other planet will result in termination of your capabilities.” Your boss’s voice was instantly recognizable. 

You didn’t notice the team crowding around you while you doubled over in pain, rubbing your temples as the message repeated. 

“Ugh, why did you have to say it twice?” You suddenly stared up at the sky, annoyed with the whole system. 

“Um, who said what twice?” Banner finally entered the lab, having been avoiding any anger inducing scenarios. 

Before anyone could jump in with what little knowledge they had, you started talking. 

“My Boss.” You winced, looking at Tony as he raised a brow. “My other boss... well, I guess not anymore. My former other boss.”

“Which is...” Tony gestured for you to continue. 

“Maybe you should all sit down, this could take a while...” 

Everyone followed as you lead them to the kitchen and living room. 

“Okay, I’ll just jump into I guess.” You took a deep breath, looking around the room at everyone’s curious and slightly impatient expressions. 

“I’m an angel.” You nodded, trying to reassure yourself that it was okay to say out loud. 

“Yeah, and? We figured that one out fifteen minutes ago.” Tony huffed, wanting more information. 

“Four years ago, I found out about the Avengers.” You looked at all of them, nervous for their reactions. “Angels are supposed to protect those who can’t help themselves, but I wanted to protect you all.”

“Why?” Steve asked, eying you curiously. 

“Would you all stop interrupting and let her explain!” Wanda whisper yelled, gesturing for you to continue. 

“It’s a valid question. Um, I guess I just thought you all put your lives on the line to help everyone else and I wanted to do what I could to help you. I convinced my former boss to let me come here. I told her protecting you guys would protect all the people you were bound to save, and that’s a lot of people.”

Everyone nodded, seemingly taking in the information. 

“I wanted to tell you. I really did, but it was my only rule. I wasn’t allowed to.” You nervously wrung your hands together, biting your lip as everyone took in the information. 

“That’s why it’s former boss?” Nat questioned. 

“Yes. She fired me?” It was a question to your own ears. “I’ve never heard of an angel being fired before. That kinda sucks.” Everyone chuckled at that. 

“And that was why you doubled over in pain in the lab?” Bucky questioned, concern in his voice. 

You nodded. “Yeah, she has a habit of yelling in my head. And she always says everything twice.” You glared at the ceiling again, knowing she had probably moved on from you already. 

“You’re not mad?” You looked back at Bucky, practically forgetting about everyone else in the room. 

“You caught me after I was shot off of a building and then healed my three bullet wounds. I think you’ve made up for the secret.” Bucky smiled, pulling you into his lap for a hug. “You can’t get rid of me that easily.” 

You nearly burst into tears at the relief you were feeling. “Oh thank God.” You squeezed him as tight as you thought he could handle, needing to feel him close to your for a second. 

You then turned to face the rest of the team, giving them an equally nervous look. “Are you guys mad?”

“Well, I didn’t get any magic healing.” Sam huffed, a smile on his face. 

“Nobody flew me around the compound.” Tony added on. 

“But, you can fly?” You gave him a confused expression. 

“Dammit” Tony muttered, thinking on his feet. “Tell you what, tell me what else you can do and we’ll call it even.”

“Deal... Maybe we can meet back here in half an hour?” You looked at their bruised and bloody bodies. “You all look like you could use a shower, and I for one would love to get this blood off me.” You gestured to the blood covering your jeans and shirt.

-

A half hour later, you were back in the living room. Tony ordered pizza, everyone crowding around the coffee tables and couches. 

“Alright. Get to it!” Tony called out, excitement clear in his voice. 

You stood up, turning to face the crowd. “Well, you know about the wings.” Your wings extended from your back with a woosh, spreading out before settling in a resting position. 

You heard various mutterings as everyone took in your wings in their full glory. You then floated slightly above the floor, wings gently flapping to keep you suspended. 

“How’s it feel birdman, her wings are part of her.” Bucky jested at Sam, a proud smile on his face.

“Yeah, well mine are bulletproof.” Sam sneered, a smile on his face. 

“Actually,” you winced, “Mine can be bulletproof. Basically, I can do whatever I want, but only for short periods of time. Like if someone surprise shot me, it would hurt. But if I was prepared, it would bounce off.”

“Wow.” Steve looked at you, a mixture of surprise and wonder in his eyes. 

“Um, I can also walk through walls, create shockwaves, move things with my mind, hack into any computer- although it takes some actual knowledge to not leave a trail... I mean, I’m pretty strong, but I don’t have much training for fighting hand to hand or anything. Oh, and mind manipulation? Not like mind control or anything, that is definitely frowned upon. Just... like earlier I made the Hydra agents forget the blueprints so they wouldn’t be able to get around the compound as quickly.” 

Everyone jumped in with questions. You answered every single one, talking well into the night. You did your best to give examples of your powers, like moving the rubble around to fix the giant hole in the south side of the compound. 

After a few hours, Bucky cut in. “Guys, she’ll still be here tomorrow. Wait, you will still be here, right?” He looked at you in a panic.

“Yes, unless you all want me gone, I’m here to stay.” You smile at them. 

“Good. Now as I was saying, she’ll be here tomorrow. Ask her the rest of your questions then. Hell, make a list if you want. Just let me take my best girl to bed.” Bucky pulled you up from the couch, leading you out of the room. 

“Goodnight!” You called back to the team before turning to Bucky. “What did I say about being your best girl?” You playfully hit his side. 

He pulled you into his arms, hugging you while you waited for the elevator. “I’m sorry. My only girl.”

“That’s better.”

Permanent taglist:

@averyhotchner @jesuswasnotawhiteman

#bucky x reader #bucky barnes x reader #bucky x you #bucky barnes x you #bucky x y/n #bucky barnes x y/n #avengers x reader #marvel fic #bucky barnes fluff #bucky barnes angst #bucky barnes one shot #marvel #mcu