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witch-hazels-musings · 3 years

Note

I WOKE UP JUST IN TIME AAAAA

Can I request the tall boys (Childe, Zhongli, Diluc, Kaeya + anyone else you think you wanna add or change (except maybe Childe because I love him)) reacting to you having animal-like features (like ears and tail)

What they would do if by some accident they themselves end up getting animal features (like fox ears and tail for Childe, cat ears and tail for Kaeya or Diluc, dragon features for Zhongli, etc) do they become clingy and display cat behavior of rubbing themselves on you? Something like that aaaa I'm so sorry if this doesn't make sense it's my first time requesting

experiments gone wrong

(eehe these men *cough* zhongli *cough* will be the death of me)

Warning -> sfw, fluff (kissing, character suddenly acquiring animal like features)

Character X GN Reader | anthology

Includes: Childe, Kaeya, Zhongli

As an alchemist, you really should have remembered the most important rule -> don’t leave unmarked bottles out where people can drink them …

So you couldn’t be too surprised by the turn of events that followed

Childe

He went to bed earlier than normal, but you didn’t think anything of it. Perhaps he had a terrible day and just wanted to sleep it off, there wasn’t any reason to pester him about it anyway.

The next morning, you felt him slip out of bed, a yawn falling from his mouth as he made his way toward the bathroom. Turning, you claimed more of the bed and attempted to sleep just a little bit longer. That was until you heard a wild cry and shot up in an instant. You were already partially out of the bed when Childe burst into the room.

He looked at you, you looked at him, and as your eyes drifted from his ears to his tail, you understood his reaction.

“WHAT?” He shouted into the bedroom.

Oh archons, to see him like this … you wished it was easier for you not to think about how adorable he was, but it was impossible. The soft ears that peeked from underneath his hair, the fluffy tail that didn’t know how to stop moving, and the frantic face he gave you were all just perfect

“What happened??” He asked, running back to the mirror before returning his attention to you. Quickly, you made your way to his aid and did your best to calm him.

“I’m not sure, did you do anything strange yesterday?” You pulled his face toward you, cupping your hands against his cheek and running your fingers through his hair.

“Not that I know of … uh, oh! I found this …” He reached for a small bottle on the bathroom counter and handed it to you. Shit.

“Did you drink this??”

“ … yes.”

“CHILDE!” You burst into laughter, knowing it wasn’t the right time but also unable to control yourself. His expression was distressed and worried and, as best as you could, you tried to bring yourself back to calm. “This wasn’t supposed to be consumed …”

“A-am I going to die?”

“No, you’re just going to be, well, this it seems.”

“How long??”

“I don’t know, a few days maybe.” He dropped his head into his hands, his ears drooped and his active tail dropped toward the ground. Wrapping him in your arms, you offered him reassurance while trying not to laugh. “You’re very cute though.”

You caught sight of his tail moving slowly back and forth and added more pressure to your hug.

He found that it wasn’t as bad as he thought, in addition to the extra features, he also was able to gain other advantages - his eyesight was much better in the dark, his sense of smell more keen, his agility top notch

You were sure he had grown attached to them in the short time he had them - so when the option came for him to revert, you were sure it would be a tough decision

Still - to keep him trapped like this, with features that weren’t his own - you didn’t want to be cruel

“Here,” You put the bottle down in front of him. His ears perking up at the item and his fingers reaching to grab it. “All you have to do is drink that and everything should go back to normal.” You said with a slightly wistful tone to your voice. It was somehow sad to think these adorable additions leave would be gone soon.

“What if it doesn’t work?”

“I’m not sure. We will just try again if it doesn’t though.” Quickly, he took the cork from the lid and moved the vial to his lips. His ear twitched as he smelled the concoction. “I’ll miss this.” Resting your head in your hands you watched as he downed the liquid in one go.

“It’s hard for people to take me seriously like this …”

“Did people take you seriously before?” You joked, winking at him.

The next morning, he stirred in bed next to you, his hair brushing against your face and making you wake up before you wanted to. As your eyes adjusted, you instantly recognized what you thought was hair was actually ears and the giddiness of your heart jump-started you awake. It didn’t work -- oh no, guess you’d have to keep trying.

Kaeya

Waking up next to Kaeya was your favorite thing. It was an opportunity for you to be close to him, to witness his relaxed expression, and know that in these moments he trusted you over anyone else.

So, when you woke and found him pressed against you, your hands absentmindedly began to run through his hair, over his shoulders, as you meandered your way into the waking world. There was something soft that flicked against your hand, but you pushed it away. It happened again, confused, mouth turning into a scowl and eyes rudely being pried open, you looked down to see what was making you irritated.

You were wide awake when you saw the cat ears sticking out from Kaeya’s blue hair. They were richly shaded, deep blues with tips of white and perfectly placed on his head. Shifting, you tried to get a better view and the action made him stir.

“Mmm, stop moving.” He mumbled, wrapping his arms around you and holding you steady. Tapping his arm, you tried to get his attention.

“K-Kaeya …”

“What is it?”

“Do you feel okay?” You asked, your voice shaking and hands hovering over his ears.

“I feel perfectly fine, why do you ask?” He kissed your chest before nuzzling back into his place.

“You … you’ve got cat ears.”

He laughed and pushed your comment away. His legs moved under the sheets and you swore you saw something poke out from the bed. “You’re pulling my leg, I didn’t know you could be this funny so early in the morning.”

“I’m not, see.” Stealing his hand you placed it on his head and watched as his fingers ran over the ears which were sticking straight up. When his eyes shot open and his hand began to move faster, pulling, tugging, examining the feature, you tried not to laugh as his confused expression turned into a slight panic. He shot up, his legs moving so he could sit on the bed but winced when he did so. That’s when the both of you saw the tail.

“Hold on, let me get ready, just … don’t freak out.”

You rushed around the room to gather up your items, your gaze continuously falling on the incredibly still, unmoving frame that was Kaeya.

After calling on Albedo to come and offer assistance, only to find that the features would be around for a few days … Kaeya started to get more accustomed to them

He was for sure rattled but bounced back rather quickly - in fact, the features seemed to get him even more attention than he had before and he found that the added bonuses were helpful when he needed them for his knightly tasks

Not to mention it seemed he was more affectionate than normal, and not in the way he normally was, it was more in a … cuddly, interested, curious manner

One evening, you found yourself reading over several books that Albedo had recommended and became rudely distracted when Kaeya pushed his way under your arms and nestled into your lap

“Hey there.” You called down to him, hand dropping to his shoulder as he nuzzled against you.

“Give me attention.”

You laughed at his pouting expression, his lips turned downward and ears twisting to show he could be trusted. “I’m currently trying to figure out how to fix this, I can’t do that if I’m giving you all my attention.” His eye squinted for just a moment before he moved more into your lap and nearly pushed the book in your hands onto the floor. “Kaeya!” The playful laughter that filled his ears was as tantalizing as the drinks he let touch his lips.

“You can figure that out later. How can you possibly resist me right now anyway?” He asked, pushing against you until your back pressed into the couch and his hands weaved their way around your body. His hair tickled your face as he nuzzled into your chest and, even though his hips dug into yours, you didn’t seem to mind the closeness he was trying to find.

“Okay. Fine, I’ll look into it more later.”

“What excellent news.” He practically purred as he slid his way to your neck and let his body rest against you.

Zhongli

It’s been so long since he saw himself with such features - and, to be honest, he didn’t notice them for some time. It wasn’t until you returned and the items in your hands fell to the floor upon seeing him that his attention was captured

“Zh - Zhongli!?” You babbled, making your way to him and not knowing what to rest your eyes on first. Was it the pair of elegantly shaped horns that sprouted between his brown locks of hair? Was it the golden slits in his eyes that reminded you of the reptiles roaming around the rocky paths of Liyue? Or did you look at the scales that decorated his face in such perfect placement?

“Has something transpired?” His expression was one of concern, but also one of disillusionment. Did - did he not notice?

“Are you feeling nostalgic today?”

“Not particularly, what makes you ask?”

“Well … you look kinda like … I mean hold on.” You quickly disappeared down the hallway before returning with a small handheld mirror, one that Zhongli had purchased for you some time ago. Handing it to him, you waited until it started to register on his face the changes to his appearance, and that’s when you noticed the long claws which jutted out from his nail beds.

“Huh, this is peculiar …”

Sitting down across from him, you placed your hands on the table and watched as he examined the reflection of his face. “So you didn’t do this?”

“I must say that I did not, though It is rather pleasant to see …” His voice trailed off and you watched as he fussed with his hair, touched the horns on his head, and opened his mouth to check and see if - yup, he had canines much like a dragon too. That’s when it hit you.

“Did you … drink anything strange?”

The mirror found its place upside down on the table, his glowing eyes shifted to you as he took in your question. You let him think and finally, he gave you his answer. “I do recall there was a strange vial on the counter when I awoke. Ah - my dear, are you unwell?” He asked as your head dropped onto the table.

The strangest thing about Zhongli holding these features was that he seemed … perfect for them and it was becoming quite the problem to hide

You were much too cautious that someone may discover who he really was with these pretty telling additions to his wardrobe, so you asked him to stay home for a while until you could get some answers

He didn’t seem to mind, and when you were finally able to gather up all the items needed to prepare an antidote for his condition, you were finding it very distracting to make the concoction at home

The bubbling liquid warned you it was much too hot and so, with adept fingers, you turned the nobs and burners down so as to not overheat or scald the liquid inside. The aroma that filled your nose was … unpleasant to say the least, and so you finally succumbed to the need to wrap your nose in a clean cloth.

Turning your back to the equipment, you made your way toward the drawer where the rags were kept but when your eyes caught sight of Zhongli standing by the window, you nearly fainted.

He was wearing a robe, the material had slid down one of his arms and rested in the crook of his elbow. It gave you pause and allowed you to see the toned torso which was normally hidden by the layers of clothing he wore on a regular day.

Since he found no need to properly get dressed, he had reserved himself to lounge about in clothes that felt ‘more suitable’ to him, as he explained.

The light from the sun flashed across his chest, laid softly against his face, and illuminated the golden speckles in his hair - you wondered if it was because of the horns, perhaps they were reflecting the light and making him look ethereal in the warmth of the sun. He crossed his arms and shifted his weight as he looked beyond the window, almost as if he was yearning for something far beyond his reach.

“I think I’m nearly done.” You explain, tying the towel around your face and returning, reluctantly, to the concoction behind you.

As you began to spoon out the unnecessary ingredients until you were only left with the pure grade potion, you didn’t notice how he had moved to your side until the small vial was filled.

“Here you -- oh!.” He stood right in front of you. His eyes were dangerous, burning, focused. “I didn’t see … you …” He reached around to the back of your head and skillfully undid the makeshift mask you had created moments ago. When it was off, he took the vial in his hands and placed it onto the counter before returning his attention to you. “Are you … okay?” You asked, tracking the movements of his face as he leaned down toward you.

His lips hovered barely over yours and the closeness of him made your heart flutter. “You are mine, are you not?” His voice rattled your bones from the intensity, it was oppressive and supportive all at the same time.

“Y-yes?”

His lips pressed against the corner of your mouth, “You belong to no one else?”

“No …”

“Good.”

It’s a good thing the instructions never said anything about, ‘consume immediately’ because you were very distracted for some time.

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#genshin impact #genshin impact X reader #genshin impact headcanons #genshin impact musings #genshin impact fiction #childe X reader #childe #genshin childe #kayea x reader #kayea #genshin Kayea #Zhongli X reader #zhongli #genshin zhongli

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clanwarrior-tumbly · 3 years

Note

I'm sorry but i'm addicted to our boy Spamton- I have a little unique request here. So this takes place where Spamton just moves in the Queen's mansion, he meets the reader and immediately falls for their kind words and gestures. Weeks pass, and he goes to see them, but catches them talking and hanging out with Swatch.. He gets really jealous to the point of changing his style to match Swatch's

"Oh [y/n]! Have You Met Our Newest Guest?"

"Uh, I don't believe-"

"He's An Interesting Addison Who Made A Big Name For Himself! Ohohoho!" Queen laughed joyously, pausing to sip her glass of battery acid. "I Wonder How He Got So Rich...No Matter. As My Peon, I Order You Greet Him......Whenever It's Convenient For You."

"Sure thing. I'll go now." With a respectful nod, you set off to the mansion's guest chambers to meet this newcomer. You've lived here for a long time--and somewhat reluctantly since Queen decided to make you one of her peons one day. But life was actually pretty good.

It wasn't like you had anything better to do, so if she needed someone to help her with plans that..didn't seem all-that urgent, you'll offer your assistance. She let you stay in the mansion for free and never made you do anything if you weren't feeling up to it.

For a tyrannical ruler she was rather kind.

Yet you didn't wanna take advantage of her hospitality, so you'd just listen to whatever she says. And if she wants you to meet this celebrity as part of her endless lists of requests, then you'll happily oblige. But you were eager too since you've seen his face on TV a lot. It felt like an honor.

After wandering the corridors of deactivated puzzles, Mona Lisa-esque portraits, and meticulously-placed pottery, you finally arrived at the guest rooms. You hummed a small tune as you passed by each one, stopping when you noticed one door was open.

Peeking inside, you saw the Addison still setting up things. A phone was tucked between his shoulder and ear as he moved a box whilst rambling to whoever was on the other end of the line.

"Yea! I promise I won't let you down, okay? Soon I'll be bigger than ever before! I know I'm already a big shot but....haha, yeah, I shouldn't get carried away. Okay. Right..we'll discuss more of this tomorrow. Thanks!"

After hanging up the phone and returning it to the receiver, he finally noticed you and smiled. "Hey, hey! Haven't seen your face around here yet. But surely you know mine, right?"

"Yeah." You smiled, not wanting to shy away from talking with him. "Spamton, right?"

"Everybody's favorite number-one rated salesman!!" He laughed. "It's good you know me..'cuz soon ALL of Cyber World will know my name! It's a pleasure to meet you...?"

"[Y/n]. I'm one of Queen's peons." You shook his hand politely. The energy that radiated from him was so bright. Just as much as his pearly smile was.

Stepping inside, you glanced around at the luxurious furniture. He definitely got the higher-class rooms, with the addition of a large window that showed the neon green meridians that stretched across the night sky. It was certainly a beautiful view to fall asleep to. "Need help unpacking?"

"Oh--sure!!" At first Spamton seemed surprised by your offer, but he nodded. "If you want, be my guest. And while we unpack, I gotta ask you..how's it being Queen's peon?"

............

Weeks passed, and you've gotten to know Spamton more and more. You realized he was actually a sweet down-to-earth guy all around. Although he was on the phone a lot, he'd make time to hang out with you, so you two became fast friends.

He was truly living the best life. Posters of his car advertisements were littered all over the city, and the Swatchlings attended to his every need. Though one thing was hard to admit, even when it seemed like he had it all:

You were his only friend now that everyone else is intimidated by his status--as they would shy away from conversing with him--and the Addisons, well, abandoned him out of jealousy.

Obviously that made him worry about driving you away, especially when he's on the phone nonstop. But...the fact you've been so kind to him in every word and gesture, treating him like a regular person and not some untouchable celebrity, was quite endearing. Most admired him for his products, not his personality.

Your kindness made him fall for you hard and fast, ever since day one. He wasn't sure if this was a good idea; to let it get in the way of his business.

But what the hell? He was a big shot! He can afford to go a bit bigger and take more risks. Living in this mansion with someone who loved him would be the perfect dream.

There was a much bigger dream that his valued caller insisted he focused on, but that can come later.

So this morning, Spamton set out to find you to address these feelings once and for all. Yet he was rather nervous. Addisons were most confident in selling products, not so much...everything else. But he didn't wanna back down. He kept smiling no matter what.

As he checked inside the color café that he usually frequented, he saw you eating at the table. He noticed you weren't alone but with Swatch, talking and...

Laughing with them?

And just like that, his smile faded much like his hope.

Of course, the head butler had their ways to swoon people. He tried not to think of it as anything more than just their personality. It's just their way to entice returning customers.

That's all...right?

Spamton ducked behind one of the displays, listening in on your conversation to determine if he should proceed or not.

"By the way, we've known each other for a while and..I've always wanted to ask you something.."

"Yes? What is your inquiry?"

He held his breath. This is exactly what he feared. Knowing that you've been here longer, it's obvious you'd be closer to that damn bird-

"Your outfit."

Then he exhaled shakily, relieved. 'What are you getting so worked up for, idiot?' He thought in the back of his mind, but he continued eavesdropping.

"Did the Queen make it or give it to you? It's very stylish and really makes you stand out from the other Swatchlings."

"Ah, in fact I decided this look for myself." Swatch chuckled softly, raising a wing to adjust their glasses. "The tailor did marvelous work with my vision: black suit, tinted glasses. Very fashionable, is it not?"

"It is. I like it a lot."

"Why thank you. I see why our Lady Grace admires you. Just for that compliment, I'll give you a discount on any of our products in the gift shop."

"Should be every day if you ask me." You joked, earning another chuckle from them.

Seeing all of this and the way you two spoke like close friends was a jab in Spamton's heart-shaped object. 'So [y/n] likes people who stand out? Well I can stand out, too..' He thought bitterly as he stormed out of the shop without either of you knowing he was there.

Why should he settle with being a blank-slate Addison like the rest of them? He didn't consider himself one anymore.

Today, he told his valued caller, he was gonna be a whole new person.

It would help him get closer to both of his dreams, but there was only one on his mind now.

............

Later that night as you were getting ready for bed, you heard a knock at the door. You huffed in annoyance, assuming Queen needed you for something.

She had a knack for disturbing you at ungodly hours. But knowing better than to ignore her, you went to answer the door anyways-

To some strange black-haired guy in a black suit and white turtleneck sweater.

"Hi, um...can I help you?"

"[Y/n]? It's me."

"....wait....Spamton?"

"Yeah!" The salesman laughed, throwing his arms out and making a pose. "Whatdya think of me now?"

Perplexed, you looked him up and down. He ditched the lime-green pants, instead wearing white trousers. And his hair was slicked back. But what was most peculiar about him were his glasses, tinted with pink and yellow lenses.

Had you not known any better, you would've thought Swatch suddenly shrunk and became robotized.

"Cool but..you kinda look like Swatch a little bit. Was that on purpose?" You mused.

"...haha....yeah uh..funny story. Um.." He dropped the act, losing his trademark grin as he wondered how to explain himself and this sudden transformation. You could tell he wanted to talk inside the room, so you let him in and shut the door.

"I don't recall Queen mentioning any costume contest-"

"It's not a costume." He muttered, uncomfortably rubbing his hands together as he looked at you with sadness. "This is who I am now. The new me."

"..huh? You serious?" When he nodded, you frowned slightly. "I'm confused. You don't look like an Addison anymore-"

"That's the point...! I...I don't wanna be associated with them anymore. I decided to stand out, y'know? If you're gonna be a big shot, ya gotta stand out from the crowd!" He forced a laugh that sounded rather glitchy.

You didn't buy it. It wasn't like him to do this out of the blue.

"Spamton, why imitate Swatch of all people? And why out of the blue like this? I mean..I don't mind if you like their style. But I didn't even recognize you until you spoke."

Try as he might, he couldn't make any better excuses. So seeing that he was cornered made him finally admit his jealousy, overhearing your conversation with Swatch while he was browsing--when he really wasn't, but he didn't wanna come off as creepy.

His voice glitched further due to stress, accidentally blurting out some kind of...flirtatious term as he explained how much you meant to him since day one.

You weren't sure if he meant to say "hot single" on purpose. Though you were flattered that such a famous guy like him...actually had a crush on you, an ordinary Darkner who just fetched the Queen's stick wherever she threw it.

You found it hard to believe he thought of you that way..so you kept your own feelings buried. So to see that it's mutual was a relief, and it made you smile.

Spamton, on the other hand, was stressing the hell out. So much so he didn't even see your smile. He just saw himself being stupid the more he rambled on.

It was such a stupid, stupid reason to get insecure--to the point of changing his entire appearance without warning. All because you were friends with a butler who was doing their job???

How selfish can he get when he already had everything he wanted and more?

When he did acknowledge your small smile, he thought you were holding yourself back from laughing. But you had every right to laugh and call him a joke for thinking this will get your attention.

As he finished talking, he could see your smile fade and huffed. He waited for you to tell him how stupid he looks and to go back to being the plain old Addison you met.

Instead of ridiculing him you...hugged him?

At this point you were sitting on the bed together. Of course yours wasn't as massive as his was, but it was big enough for you two to share.

"Spammy, I'm flattered you like me in that way but...you didn't have to do all of this to get my attention. I promise there's nothing going on between Swatch and I. We're just friends. They're not replacing you or anything."

"I know, it's just.." Taking off the glasses, he set them aside before hugging you tightly, head buried in your chest. "I don't wanna lose the only person in this damn place who makes me feel like myself. Who loves me for me, not my success. And...I-I felt like I had to change something about myself to make sure of that."

"Well..you don't need to change anymore. I love you no matter what you look like."

He blinked, his face turning as red as his cheeks.

You could sense his embarrassment from the way he tensed up in your arms and chuckled, patting his hair softly. "Just..don't feel pressured to change for me..or anybody for that matter, okay? Or at least let me know if you're gonna change things up again."

"You don't think..I look stupid or creepy like this?"

"No. Honestly you look pretty handsome. Black hair suits you well."

Hearing those words made him breathe a small sigh of relief. He nodded and hugged you tighter.

His new looks were staying for good.

#clanask #anonymous #deltarune x reader #deltarune spamton x reader #spamton x reader

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whatifxwereyou · 3 years

Text

The Oncoming Storm 01 - The Flood

Fandom: Mortal Kombat 2021

Liu Kang x Reader or Kung Lao x Reader

Summary: Reader is a woman in her late 20s who had a peculiar childhood. She worked in her family dojo that was attached to a shop! You wake up in an unfamiliar place, wounded, with a somewhat familiar man. These moments will change your life forever.

A/N: I’ve been a huge Mortal Kombat fan for years and I saw the movie the other day. This reader x fic will follow the path/story/idea of the movies!! I have never done one of these before. If anyone is interested in it, I will continue on. It will either be Kung Lao x Reader or Liu Kang x Reader (or both, depending, bwahaha) but I haven’t decided yet. This is just the beginning. There will be plenty of fluff/establishment/smut if I get that far! Enjoy! Remember this is only for fun. Thanks for reading! Edit- You might notice the writing got better suddenly. I'm going through old chapters to casually edit.

Next Chapter >> Chapter Index

Your head was spinning. When you opened your eyes, you briefly caught the outline of a small room before it spun around you. Vertigo. It took ages for your head to stop spinning even in the darkness of your mind’s eye. Something cold and wet was pressed gently to your forehead, applying the slightest bit of pressure. Small droplets of water trickled over your brow, down your nose and irritated your sinuses. Others traced down the sides of your face and nestled into the mat of your dyed black hair. It was naturally stark white but you’d kept up with the black to better blend in.

Shifting, the bed beneath you felt plush and foreign. This was not your bed. Your bed was a modest bedroll that often left your back aching. What had you been doing that you would wake up somewhere strange? Flashes of a fight rushed into your mind. That was right! You’d been closing up shop for the night when men had rushed in, donned masks, and dressed in black. They’d been armed with blades.

You sat upright, fists at the ready and prepared for a fight. Your arms were aching and constricted, bound in tight cloth. Pain radiated down to your elbows and up to your shoulders. Coughing, your mouth tasted like smoke- acrid and sickening. Worse than that, you felt your heart beating too hard and too fast. There was a deep, familiar pain inside of you, a pain you hadn’t felt since your youth. You could picture in your mind’s eye your shop in flames and the dojo attached to it catching fire.

“Move slowly.” A confident but quiet voice consoled you. He was Chinese, like you, and his voice was soft but commanding. “You have a fever.” Careful but strong hands urged you to rest back down. In a snap, you knocked his hands away. He removed them with such grace and control that you knew he was either a dancer or a fighter. You guessed the latter. The room spun again but you forced your vision to focus. “I knew you were a martial artist but I did not know the extent of your skills.”

You caught a glimpse of the stranger. His short black hair was messy and pulled back from his forehead in a top knot. He had handsome features, dark eyes, and he was nostranger. You’d seen him before but today he was not wearing the wide-brimmed hat that you associated him with.

“You’re handy with a blade. I’m impressed.” He complimented. It was likely that he thought you were still threatened by him. Smart. You were. He’d been coming to the shop attached to your dojo every few months for the last couple of years. Each time his purchase was drastically different. Sometimes it was a weapon, sometimes precious stones, or herbs. Most times he came in just to have you sharpen a blade that you never saw him with again. You had allowed him entry to the dojo to watch classes and observe goings on. Sometimes he showed up every day for weeks a time. Sometimes you didn’t see him for months.

He’d been harmless. The only words that he’d ever spoken to you had been kind and reserved.

“Where am I?” You decided that was the right question. You knew who he was and what had happened for the most part. It was the ‘where’ that puzzled you.

“Do you remember what happened?”

You threw him a glance with dark eyes and he offered a smile that clearly said you wouldn’t get any answers from him until you gave yours. He was worried that your memory had suffered. The dizziness made sense now. You must have struck your head.

“It was late. I was cleaning up the shop before close when a group of men entered. They were trouble, treating wares carelessly. I asked them to leave since I was closing up. They donned masks and things escalated.” Things had more than escalated but it seemed to you that this stranger already knew many of the details of what had occurred without you saying. The men had threatened you with drawn blades and made demands involving you and your dojo that you had refused to bow to. “I had no choice but to defend myself.”

“You killed them.” It wasn’t an accusation. He just understood how your story ended.

“They left me with no choice. I didn’t ask for violence.” You turned your gaze. The room had finally stopped spinning but in a word, you felt like crap. Coughing, you recalled the fire and snapped your attention back to the friendly stranger. “My shop… the dojo!”

“I’m sorry.” He bowed his head respectfully. “The fire spread too quickly. There was nothing to be done.”

“I have to go. I…”

“You can’t go back.”

His words sent a shiver down your spine. You couldn’t go back. Hanging your head, you resigned to the truth. He was right. You knew it. “I suppose not. I killed those men. I’m a murderer.”

“Those men were cruel and deserved the punishment you dealt them. As far as I’m concerned your action were justified.”

Your brow furrowed. He so easily absolved you of taking the lives of others. You didn’t think the guilt would fade so easily but now was not the time to dwell on it.

“How long have you had the dragon mark?” That was what he really wanted to discuss. His eyes sparkled even in the darkness of the small room- a still completely foreign and strange place. He’d offered you no answers even after you’d given him his.

“Dragon mark?” You didn’t have one as far as you knew. You’d seen others with a dragon marking but had never asked what it meant or why it had been there. You’d once asked your sister about it but she had never noticed the mark on anyone before. Then you’d never spoken of it again. You’d seen things that others could not in your youth and were nervous about bringing things like that up.

“On your back.”

You turned with a snap but it had been foolish. There was no way for you to see it at that angle. Pain shot through you as you searched for it with your left hand. Your forearms had been wrapped tightly but blood was seeping through the gauze, staining it crimson.

“Careful. You were wounded when you offered those men mercy.”

Much to your surprise, he took your hand in his own, the size of his strong hands dwarfing your petite ones. Then he guided your hand carefully to the mark on your lower back. There it was, plain as day. Raised skin in a circle with a dragon head in the middle. It was like a scar, as though you had been branded with it some time ago. Yet, you knew that it hadn’t been there that morning when you’d bathed.

“That’s… new to me.” You didn’t know how else to phrase it and laughed beneath your breath at how silly it sounded not to know it had been there.

“Do you know about the Order of Light?” He was feeling you out, gauging what you knew.

You were hesitant to answer, nervous that what you knew would get you into trouble. When most people entered your shop, they spoke amongst themselves. You learned many secrets that way. You were usually paid little mind unless you were teaching classes or fighting. You’d heard of the Order of Light before. Your curiosity had given you much more than you’d bargained for. You’d learned of other realms, Gods, magic powers. They were the sorts of things you’d read about in fiction. You’d never thought there was much truth to them but part of you had always hoped there was.

“Why do you know so much about what happened to me?” You answered his question with one of your own. It was about time that you got answers instead of just giving them.

“I heard the commotion at your shop. I came to help.” It was his turn to hesitate. “I confess that I’m fond of your dojo. It’s a peaceful reprieve for me. You bring light to a place that has very little.” He bowed his head apologetically, handsome face stern. “It was too late for me to do much but I saw the end of your fight. It was a graceful dance. You offered them mercy and were punished for your kindness. Then the building caught fire. You won the battle but it collapsed with you still inside. I pulled you free before it was too late.”

Funny.

You hadn’t noticed any burns. You remembered fire. You could feel the smoke still in your lungs but the only wounds you remembered suffering were those on your arms and the back of your head. They had to have been terrible. The cold you’d noticed upon waking up had only worsened and now your vision was spotty and hazy around the edges.

“When the authorities came to deal with the fire, I brought you somewhere safe. I didn’t wish for you to be caught.” He lifted his gaze and placed his fist against his palm with a polite bow. “I’m Kung Lao. Forgive my rudeness for not introducing myself earlier.”

You laughed.

There was no way!

You hadn’t heard that name in years. He was confused by your laughter and cocked an eyebrow. “I’m sorry. I haven’t heard that name in ages. It’s not a common one either. You can’t be Kung Lao.”

“…but I am.”

“The only Kung Lao I’ve ever known died years ago.”

“That’s what was told to people when I left.” Kung Lao’s eyes were shining with amusement. The flicker of the candle resting on the small table next to the bed you rested in danced in his dark eyes. “Do we know each other?”

“If you are, in fact, the same Kung Lao who grew up here then yes, we did. I’m Y/N but I used to go by Y/N.” You hadn’t used your full name in years. It had rarely been used other than to tease you so you’d shortened it. Back then you’d been ill and the other kids had been afraid of you. “Kung Lao was my friend. A stubborn but sweet boy. We played together. He was one of the only people in town not afraid of me. Teased me which… made me angrier than it should have but he was apologetic afterward. The last time I saw him he gave me a purple flower. They don’t grow here anymore. I honestly have no idea where he got it. I could never find them again.”

Kung Lao was completely taken aback.

You supposed you could see the similarities. He could have been your Kung Lao all grown up, about twenty years later. He had similarly shaped eyes. Perhaps the familiarity of him had been why you’d trusted him to sit in on lessons. The idea that he was the same Kung Lao from your childhood made your stomach tighten up in knots. That was too much to deal with right now.

“Y/N?” His voice was soft and thoughtful as if he struggled to find truth in your words.

You bowed your head politely in greeting but it ached so terribly that you held it in your hands. Every movement felt like ice flowing through your veins. When you opened your eyes again your vision went from spotty to completely black. You’d gone blind! Panic raced through your thoughts and you blinked your eyes closed tight. Praying, you opened them again and were grateful that you could see even if your vision was still spotty. The room seemed hazier than before.

“Careful. Lay back and rest.” Kung Lao placed his hand on your shoulder to guide you but you pushed it away again.

“No, no. I should get something to eat. And some water. That will help.” You were sure that your vision was fading from blood loss or exhaustion. Either way food would help. You carefully draped your legs over the side of the bed. Your clothing was singed and bloodied. Gravity disagreed with your arms and your aching head, so you wound up hunching over. Kung Lao helped you sit upright again.

“Your fever is too high. What you need is a doctor.”

“You asked me about the Order of Light.” You ignored his concern in favor of more answers.

“Yes.”

“Then you know about the other realms, too? Is it true?”

Kung Lao was again taken by surprise and stuttered on his words comically.

“I must sound crazy. A man in a coolie hat, well the fanciest one that I’ve ever seen before, came in a few times over the years. I always thought he seemed a little funny. He referred to China as Earthrealm and mentioned the Order of Light in passing. I was curious as to what any of that meant and well, the internet is a fount of information, even for things like that. Most of what I read was on forums and conspiracy sites so I put next to no stake in it. Is any of it true?”

“I’m not the one who should be telling you this.”

“Kung Lao.” You scolded which incited a confident grin from him.

“Have you heard of Mortal Kombat then as well?”

You considered those words. You’d never heard them before so you shook your head no. At least you hadn’t heard them the way that he’d phrased them, as though it were something associated with the Order of Light.

“The mark on your back means that you’ve been chosen to fight.” Kung Lao began on what you were sure would be a lengthy explanation of what would come next but you had tuned him out. Your vision was blurring again. It faded around the edges and the world spun. You felt like you were floating.

“Kung Lao?” You interrupted, grasping blindly for him but your hands had gone numb. There was urgency in your voice.

“It’s okay. I’ll take you to Raiden’s Temple and there you’ll be guided through…”

“Not that. I can’t… I can’t see!” Panic was thick in your voice. Your breath was suddenly short in your chest and you collapsed against him, falling into unconsciousness.

Next Chapter >>

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dapandapod · 3 years

Text

Leave behind your heart 4/5

Hi darlings!! Two things;

firstly, I decided to pour water on my computer two days ago and I am a little scared to turn it on, so this update comes to you from my tablet! And i am feeling super hightech about it.

secondly, today is the year dat (year!! date!!) of when I published the first chapter, and I really meant for it to be finished by today, because fun? But uh. Water on computer, and when I tried to finish it up, I realized this one needs another chapter. So Hurray? Another chapter coming!

Please enjoy, and hopefully the last chapter will be the last and be here somewhat soon

Warnings: pining, almost sex, light-ish angst? Idiots, the both of them, i guess a little creepy with witchers sprouting flowers?

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 5 On ao3

Jaskier arrives late at night to Vizima. It's too late to strike a good deal for a room for the night, and he ends up having to play for his upkeep. Normally, that wouldn’t be a problem, but ever since he realized that he is in love with Geralt, it’s been getting worse. Now he can pinpoint the reason behind every petal, every leaf. And there are so many of them now, because he can’t stop thinking about Geralt.

Geralt and his gentle hands. Geralt and his peculiar way of showing he cares. Geralt and his crooked smile when Jaskier sends him a wink.

It is too much to bear.

He can only hope Geralt never figures out what kills him, if Shani doesn’t find an answer. This is the one thing he won’t lay on Geralt, this burden of his feelings that neither of them can do anything about.

Geralt, because he can’t return them, and Jaskier because he can’t stop feeling them.

So when Jaskier finds himself in the corner of the inn this evening, slightly elevated on the small stage and everyone's eyes on him, Jaskier feels it coming.

The itching in the back of his throat when his eyes sweep over the corners of the room, searching in vain for a familiar face.

He takes a deep breath and plucks on the lute anyway. Sleeping outside is not as fun without proper company.

Jaskier sings, gently and achingly sweet. He doesn’t have it in him to pull out the bawdy tunes, doesn’t have the energy to jump around and flirt. When the applause comes, he discreetly coughs into his handkerchief. Closing it quickly and hiding it, not wanting to see the drops of blood that stain the small petals.

Shani greets him warmly when Jaskier finds her in the temple the next day. She pulls him into a hug and kisses his cheeks. But when he doesn’t flirt as he usually does, she frowns and pulls him with her to somewhere more private.

“What is wrong, Jaskier? This is not a pleasure visit, is it?” Shani asks, sitting them down on a bench, still holding his hands in hers. Jaskier smiles at her sadly.

“As happy as I am to see you, my sweet, it is not.”

“What’s wrong? Is it Geralt? Are you sick?”

Jaskier draws in a breath, but breaks into a coughing fit instead. He doesn’t hold back now, bending forward, eyes tearing up from the force of it.

Shani's hand is on his back, gentle and reassuring, and not the one he longs for.

He catches the petals and the blood droplets in his handkerchief and doesn’t hide it from her.

This is why he is here after all.

“Oh Jaskier,” Shani says quietly when she notices.

“I don’t know what to do,” Jaskier whispers. “I don’t want to die.”

Geralt pushes Roach hard. It is not fair to her, he knows, but he can’t help himself. A sense of urgency is driving him forward, wishing, hoping, wanting to fix this.

When they rest by the road at night, Roach taken care of and a lonely fire going, Geralt thinks. He thinks about Jaskier touching his hand, how it made flowers bloom. He thinks of Jaskier's smile, so easy and bright like a ray of sun. He thinks of the churning feeling every time he sees Jaskier seduce someone else, and the unease of leaving him behind for Yennefer.

It is strange. It makes his heart ache.

In a sense he always knew, but presented with the pieces like this, it is crystal clear. The spot next to his bedroll is empty. The night is too quiet. No poetry or lyrics or limericks are being thrown his way.

Because Jaskier left him.

That thought alone rocks his resolution. Jaskier is in love, and he left Geralt behind. Jaskier never said a word about love. Not since the countess, and not since Yennefer.

What could Geralt possibly say to make the flowers go away? I love you?

Just the thought of saying it makes something tighten inside of him. His arm stings, and when he pulls the sleeve up, he can see another flowerbud has broken through his skin.

There is barely any blood, but the skin is angry and red.

The flowerbud is beautiful. Cornflower blue. Like Jaskier's eyes, he realizes.

He can feel the vine tightening its grip around his arm, flexing under his skin.

He wonders who wouldn’t love Jaskier back. Who makes him cough flowers? Yennefer seems to think things will be resolved if only they talked but… what if it doesn’t?

He left Jaskier first. Time and time again, he left Jaskier behind.

But still, Geralt pushes towards Vizima. He clings to the selfish hope, the selfish need of seeing Jaskier again.

He doesn’t want to die alone.

Shani sits quietly until Jaskier has gathered himself.

“So you are part elf?” she asks.

“Yeah,” Jaskier says, wiping at his mouth. He doesn’t like that there is this much blood now.

Another beat of silence.

“And you finally figured out you love him.”

Jaskier's heart clenches. It is hard to breathe. She doesn’t even ask who. Is it really that obvious?

“Does he know?”

“That I’m part elf? Doubt it.”

“Jaskier.”

“I can’t tell him. I’m dying, and I won’t lay that burden on him.” Jaskier leans back against the wall and Shani moves her hand to his leg.

His hands are shaking, so he closes them into fists, clenching the handkerchief tight.

“Even if he loves you back?”

“He doesn’t.”

“But what if?”

“Then I wouldn’t be dying, would I?”

Shani shuts her mouth at that. She looks like she doesn’t believe him, but she says nothing.

“Help me, Shani. There must be something I can do?”

“There is,” she says quietly. “But you won’t like it.”

“I won’t tell him.”

“Will you stop loving him then?” Shani snaps back. “Fall out of love? Because there are only three ends to Hanahaki.”

Shani’s hand is heavy on his thigh, and Jaskier closes his eyes. When he breathes out, he can almost feel the petals fluttering in his lungs.

“I…” Can’t. Won’t. Don’t want to. Jaskier doesn’t know how to finish the sentence, but Shani reads it on him anyway.

“Just talk to him,” she whispers, pleads. “Just try. Heaven knows that man keeps more bottled up inside than anyone I ever met. Maybe he's hiding something in there for you.”

They sit in silence for a few moments, listening to the bustling of the temple around them.

“I don’t want you to die, Jaskier. Not like this.” Shani leans into his side, and he wraps an arm around her.

“But it would be rather poetic, wouldn’t it?” Jaskier replies, but fear and sorrow lies in him, shedding one petal at the time.

Geralt is resting at a crossroad when the calm breaks. He knew there were people behind him, but he had expected them to be merchants or soldiers or just common travelers.

They were not.

The first arrow misses; Geralt hears the soft whistle through the air and shifts out of the way moments before he registers what it actually was. Next, a man with a giant axe is running towards him, howling his warcry. Fucking bandits.

Geralt shapes his left hand to form Aard, but his arm is stiff and unwilling. The vines stiffen around his muscles, his skin too tight. It almost feels like it will rip.

The man with the axe is closer now, and another arrow shoots through the air.

Geralt dodges to the side, but that places him in striking range of a man behind the first, armed with a sword and dagger. Geralt throws his sword up just in time, the blow making his arm shake from the force of it, and he has to jump back from the dagger aiming for his ribs.

Behind him, he can hear Roach startle. She has seen many battles before, and she knows when it’s time to run. The last thing he wants is to have her get hit by a stray slash or an arrow.

Again, Geralt tries to raise his arm, this time for a Quen. It doesn’t take as big a movement, but something is wrong. He can feel it building in the tips of his fingers, but then his glove feels tighter, and only a vague glow appears around him.

Fuck.

The fight after that is messy. Geralt has to rely on his swordsmanship, which is excellent, but his body is fighting him. He thought the vines and flowers were limited to his left arm, but now he feels something tightening over the right side of his ribs. He swears colorfully, and with a big swipe finishes the man with the axe.

Geralt pants heavily, his left arm close to his body, and stares the swordsman down. He looks young, still untouched by the violence around him.

“Run,” Geralt says, stepping over the body of the axeman. He hears another arrow whistle past, and he just bends out of its way, never taking his eyes off the young swordsman.

“Run, or I will kill you too.”

It works. The youngster tucks his tail between his legs and runs off, the bowman swearing protests from where he hides.

Geralt can hear them flee, and he sags in relief. There is no saying how much more he could have taken. The blades barely touched him, but he can feel blood warm on the inside of his shirt arm where the skin broke from the exertion.

He walks towards the crossroad sign, sits down and leans back against it. Why the fuck didn’t his signs work?

Geralt pulls off his glove, wanting to glare his hand into submission. But on the back of his hand, the little flower bud has bloomed. It’s bigger than before, and there is a soft, flickering gold shimmer around it. It absorbed his Quen. Grew from it.

So that’s how it works.

Geralt leans his head back, closing his eyes.

This is not good.

Shani offers to let Jaskier stay with her in the temple, but Jaskier declines. At least for now. He has to think, feel. Write. Probably prepare for what he knows is about to happen.

Jaskier hides his coughing as best he can. He orders food to his room, not wanting to be around other people. Somehow it makes him feel more alone, and that is something he doesn’t want for himself.

Jaskier lights the candles as the sun sets, and in the flickering shadows he writes.

He knows he cannot write of what is killing him, or who rather, because Geralt is bound to find it eventually. But he can write about other things. Of his friends many deeds. Of Yennefer, of Ciri, of the hidden things meant only for them.

The town of Vizima is alive with motion and sounds and smells. Geralt likes and dislikes it. It is easier to hide in the masses, not standing out like a sore thumb at all times, just being a no one.

But it is also so much. All impressions, the indifference to each other's suffering, the stench of so many lives squeezed into one place. Yennefer likes to drag him between towns. Or liked. He isn’t sure she will anymore. But she flourishes in places like this, enjoying the play of power.

Walking down the street draws more stares than usual. More flowers have punched through his skin, buds and petals in different sizes forcing themselves into the open. Some of them shimmer with the strength of his signs, flowers vibrating with color and power. Some of them are hidden painfully underneath his armor, but the one growing at his temple is hard to hide.

He is still limping from the fight with the bandits, still bruised and aching.

Passing through the city gates, he wonders where to start. Yennefer mentioned Shani. Maybe he can find her practice. Maybe she knows something. Anything.

Geralt sets out, heading towards the temples. If he is familiar with anything in Vizima, it is with the healers. It’s been a while, but things have stayed roughly the same. The same old cobbled street and coughing beggars, the same old frauds trying to sell their 'miracle' remedies, curing impotency and smallpox and your neighbours cat’s itching.

He finds Shani’s in Melitele’s temple, tending to a dwarf with a broken elbow. When she notices Geralt, her eyes widen and her mouth falls open, fastening the splint a little too tight so the dwarf makes a complaining sound.

“Sorry,” she mumbles, waving to one of the priestesses to take over, and then she hurries to Geralt’s side.

“I didn’t know you were in town,” Shani says, her smile not quite reaching her eyes. She puts her hand on Geralt’s arm, right on top of one of the new buds, and he winces and pulls back.

“You alright?” she says, smile faltering, looking at him closer, noticing the flower at his temple. “Why are you wearing a-... Oh.”

“Yeah,” Geralt grumbles, grabbing her hand reaching out to touch it, and pulling it back down. “Please don’t. It’s tender. Can we talk?”

Shani looks troubled but nods.

She leads them off to a secluded little rose garden, its smell so sweet it is almost overpowering. Geralt can’t join her on the little stone bench. His body itches with the need to move, to do something, even though he is exhausted.

“Will you tell me about it?” Shani asks carefully, indicating the flowers that are sprouting from him. Geralt hums, he really doesn’t know where to begin.

“Yennefer said it’s a form of hanahaki,” he ventures, and Shani’s jaw drops.

“You… hanahaki?”

“It’s what the flowers are. Yennefer said magic wielders can get it too, but instead of coughing them up, we grow them in our bodies.”

“Geralt that’s…” Shani looks terrified and fascinated at the same time. “How long?”

Since Jaskier left. Since their fight. Yennefer is right, these aren’t for her, but he can’t make himself say it.

“I don’t know,” he mumbles instead, and Shani gives him a look that tells him just how little she believes it. He sits down on the stone bench next to her, and she stands up to examine the flower by his temple better, nudging herself between his knees for better access.

Her fingers are gentle, but his skin is angry red and hurting. Geralt tries not to wince when she touches the stem of the flower, but she notices anyway.

“Hurts?” she asks, instead angling his head so she can study it better.

“Yes,” he confirms, and her breath hits his face as she sighs.

“Are there more? Can I see them?”

Geralt leans back a little and she lets go of him, but stays where she is, warm and familiar and soothing. What they had all those years ago lingers between them. He trusts her, she will not withhold truths or blunt her words.

Taking off his glove, he hisses again. The flower shimmers in the light, a second bud now joining the first. Shani gasps when she sees it, carefully grabbing his hands in hers to inspect it closer.

“It has an aura around it,” she mumbles, turning his hand this way and that.

“I had to use Quen, but it didn’t work. I think the flower fed on it.”

“Love can be cruel and hungry,” she says, and they are silent for a beat.

“There are more flowers, aren’t there?”

“And vines.”

Shani’s eyes widen in shock.

“Geralt, you know exactly how long this has been going on. This is dangerous. Have you at least tried to tell Yennefer how you feel?”

“She laughed at me,” Shani’s eyes darken with rage, so Geralt hurries to correct her. “Not like that. She said these are not for her, she knows what I feel for her.”

“Do you?” Shani says, no less angry.

“I… I thought I did,” Geralt says, carefully. “I know how rare this is, and how slim the chance is to survive. But I’m not here for me, I know my odds.”

“You idiot.” Shani sighs. “You stubborn, self sacrificing idiot. Who are you here for, my dear, dumb witcher?”

She pulls him into a half hug, his head resting against her collarbone.

“If you will stop insulting me for a second, I could tell you,” Geralt says, and Shani huffs goodnaturedly.

“I will, if you actually try to talk to the person of your affections about it. Do I know her?”

“I don’t know,” Geralt admits. He thinks Shani and Jaskier know each other. Didn’t they go to school together? “You might? They talk too much, never thinks ahead, never listens to me, we always get in trouble because of them.”

If Shani picks up on how he used ‘they’ instead, she doesn’t say, but she snorts at the description.

“You are right, it doesn't sound like Yennefer at all.”

“I… I need to see him. If I am going to die, I want to see him just once more. I won’t lay my end on him, but I need to know he is alright.”

“Why wouldn't he be?”

“I saw Jaskier cough petals. Just before we parted. I know you can’t cure feelings, but… is there any way to help him?”

Shani leans back to look at him, her eyes sad and serious.

“You either love, forget, or die, Geralt. Talk to him. Maybe you can help him.”

Fuck, that hurts. Help Jaskier find love or help him forget.

“Have you seen him? Yennefer thinks he is in town.”

“I have. He should probably be here soon. Please just talk to him. Be honest.”

Geralt smiles, but he knows he can’t be.

#hanahaki kinda #the witcher #geraskier #geralt of rivia #pining idiots #working on that hurt comort darlings #geralt x jaskier #jaskier #julian alfred pankratz #yennefer of vengerberg #shani #vizima #jaskier is part elf #jaskier the bard #dapanda writes

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alphabravocharliedelta · 3 years

Text

Therefore I Am | Russell Adler x Bell! Reader VI

Series: Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War

Therefore I Am | Russell Adler x Bell! Reader

Chapter VI

Word Count: 7400

[Chapter V] [Chapter VII]

Summary: After somehow reconciling with Adler, Bell and the team are left to continue their pursuit of bringing down the undercover spy ring, but it proves to be more of a challenge as Bell struggles to move on from their Perseus-affiliated past.

Content Warning: mature content, vulgar language, drugs, needles

Notes: We're basically at the halfway point for the series! Good job on making it this far, and I pray that this chapter isn’t too confusing. Also if you guys have song recommendations please let me know in the tags or something I’ve been listening to the same stuff over and over.

[Y/N] "Bell" [L/N]

September, 1983

West Berlin, Germany

The ride to the meeting place was a bit tedious.

Admittedly, the entire neighborhood was foreign to you, and it was only recently that you decided to study an aerial reconnaissance photo of West Berlin. Unlike its counterpart, it felt more vast and populated, multitudes of buildings crowding the damn area. One wrong turn and you would probably wind up in an underground tunnel.

On the bright side, you were allowed to pick a vehicle of your choosing.

You had put in a request for a motorcycle a week ago with Sims. He really wasn't joking when he was able to get practically anything, as long as Adler approved (he was the one that keeps the checks after all).

"It's one of the newer models. I had it modified for longer distances and smoother sailing, if you get my gist," Sims had informed as he pulled away the grey tarp. "You have good taste, Bell. Mind if I take it for a joy ride sometime?"

Practically the entire team, aside from Hudson, were already signing up to try out the bike, and you had to set some boundaries. The moment you set eyes on the bad boy you fell in love with it, and knowing everyone else, they would somehow mess it up one way or another.

"Wow. Looks like there's space for two people on there," Woods had commented, who was trailing behind as you pulled the bike outside of the garage earlier today.

"Yep."

"So this op is basically like a date then."

You gave him a confused look. "What are you talking about? I'm going by myself."

"Oh, did we forget to tell you? Adler's going to tag along."

He had a smug face as he told you this. Woods didn't even give out a laugh, just patting you on the back as if content with himself.

"Is this revenge for the five dollars?"

"Nah. But, since you mentioned it, sure, that too."

After bugging Woods for more details, it also turned out Sims had taken the Sudan and van in for maintenance on this very day, and won't be finished for a few hours. You were starting to think some ploy was at hand, and either they were all in on it, or everything just conveniently occurred.

Fast forward about an hour later, Adler's arms were now wrapped around your lower torso as his chest pressed against your arched back. He was wearing the leather jacket you gave back to him with a long sleeve black turtleneck underneath.

He was a bit too close for someone hitching a ride, but you didn't object. His presence kept you warm while you drove on the cold streets of West Berlin. Having someone hug you after God knows how long felt… reassuring, bringing on the feeling of being coveted with a veil of comfort and longing. It took everything to not just pull over and take a moment to wallow in the feeling.

You seize the bike to a stop at a red light, planting a foot onto the pavement. A car comes to a rolling stop next to you, peering at the both of you briefly before playing with the dials of the radio.

"The hotel's going to be on the next left," Adler informs you through his helmet.

"You don't think I know that?"

"Then what's that sticking out of your back pocket?"

"...A map." You could hear him hold back a snicker, and you roll your eyes. "What? As if you never got lost before."

"Me? Never."

The light turns green. You pull your foot back on the hold, and drive off before the car next to you could think about merging to your lane.

As of late, it feels like Adler has been a bit more light-hearted and expressive whenever you both happened to be together. It was hard to tell at first, but it was the inflection in his voice and the barely noticeable curl of the corners of his mouth that gave it away whenever he talked to you specifically. Does he notice similar things about you?

Focusing on the mission, it was a bit spotty. There wasn't much content in the folder Adler was provided. No photo, no name, just the transcript, as well as the meeting place, where you were instructed to look for a man with a white dress shirt and blue-yellow striped tie sitting in front of three ashtrays. The plan was to drop Adler off at a hotel that stood across from the bar you were meeting the asset at, where he would keep watch and provide any needed reinforcements while you had to go in alone.

You pull up to the front of a moderately styled building, parking the motorcycle in an appropriate place. The area was pretty mellow, as it wasn’t very populated.

Taking the keys out, they jingled as you handed it to Adler. "Don't lose it. That's one whole paycheck right there."

"Are you sure you're going to be okay?" he asks, taking off his helmet. He gives his head a little shake to let the hair loosen up before reaching into his jacket and putting his shades back on, even though it was night.

You nod. "I'm just meeting someone. It'll be just like last time, except I won't be sneaking into an apartment." His perpetual look didn't cease at your assurance. "Why, what's wrong?"

"No, it's probably nothing. Just keep your comms on. I'll be your second set of ears."

"If you say so."

Pulling on a beanie, you made sure it covered your ears to hide the earpiece. Adler secures his own, giving you a good luck nod before heading into the hotel. "See you in an hour."

The weather seemed to be in a good mood today, the rain that you associated Berlin with now gone, leaving behind grey streaks of clouds in the night sky. Neon lights protruded through the glass windows, and you could hear the muffled music seeping through the walls as you made your way closer (it would serve as a way to deafen the conversation). The bar was slightly crowded upon entering. Nothing seemed out of place.

It was a simple task: meet up with the guy, learn what he has to say/give, then leave. If everything was done right, there should be no trouble.

You made your way further in, taking small peeks at each table, looking for a row of ash trays. As easy and boring as it sounded, you felt a bit on edge. Even the most simplistic things can be the cause for most problematic issues. Why did Adler sound bothered?

Continuing deeper inside, there was a man sitting towards the middle of the bar at a rounded table pushed against the wall. He was wearing the white shirt as promised and the ugly striped tie. With gelled back dirty blonde hair, you estimate him to be around his early forties. Three ashtrays made from glass sat in front of him, only one in use.

"Bell," you hear Adler, "Did you find them?"

"Yeah."

"Keep a low profile. The room they gave me doesn't give me a clear view of the bar."

You slip into the seat across from the informant. It only took one glance at you for him to break into a wide, welcoming grin.

"It's nice to finally meet you, friend," he greets enthusiastically. "Come have a drink."

Judging from his voice, he already took a few drinks himself. He slides one of his glasses towards you, and you stop it with one hand. Picking the glass up from the rim, you swirl the brownish liquid around, trying to see if there were any strange particles floating at the bottom.

"You have information, yes?" you start.

"Yes, yes of course! But first, introductions."

That's right, you didn't even know this man's name.

"Aleks Ander," you make up on a whim.

It was probably the stupidest undercover name to use. Yet, it seemed to fool the asset in front of you. He seemed like a nice person, perhaps a bit naive.

“Mefodiy Nikitin.”

"Ah. Nice you meet you, Mister Nikitin."

It was a peculiar name, yet there was something awfully familiar about it. And now, having a face to associate with it, the feeling of hostility rose. You knew him from somewhere.

Adler seemed to be on the same wavelength, as you could hear him repeat the name under his breath.

Contradictingly, you still bring the glass up to your lips, tipping it slightly and letting the liquid move. A weird, almond taste filled your mouth the moment it touched your tongue. Alarms started to go off in your head, and following your instinct, you spit it back out in a discreet manner. You survey the table for a glass of water, but only find hard liquor.

Eying Nikitin warily, you put the glass back down and clear your throat. The taste still lingered in your mouth. You haven't drank alcohol for a while. Maybe modern tastes are accustomed to strange flavors.

Something like this would be reason to abort, but you still stayed in place. The mission was to find out what he knew, and you couldn't leave empty handed. Even if the source wasn't immaculate, you needed at least something. "I came here to learn what information you want to share. We do not have all day, my friend."

"Of course. What do you want to know?"

"You tell me.”

He sure liked to beat around the bush, you note. It wasn’t like the Greta Keller mission. At least she was cooperative, even after you both got captured. Nikitin, on the other hand… You could already feel a headache coming on.

Although, you got a good grasp of his character. You expected the guy to be timid in nature, perhaps a bit like Lukas Richter to an extent, but Niktin was the opposite. He seemed like a guy of luxury, who probably likes to dwell in fantasies of being in control. People like him craved for power, trying to scope out the competition, but will avoid everything to get his hands dirty. Spending money to feel himself better, flaunting his richness. A tricky man, if you will.

People like him got on your nerves.

“Well,” he begins. “To start off, how well do you know Perseus?”

"...How the hell does this guy know about Perseus?" Adler voices.

Perseus should have been insider knowledge. Only the top brass knows about the group, so how does Nikitin know of it? Your finger twitched at how easily the name fell off of his tongue, masked in such casualty for someone who's supposed to be a KGB double agent.

"Right," you reply coyly. It was going to be difficult to extract any info from him since you couldn't disclose anything pertaining to the matter, so you had to play your cards carefully. "We haven't heard of anything as of late. I'm hoping your info can help move our investigation efforts forward. Working in the KGB must yield some information, right?"

"Like names of sleeper agents?" Nikitin alludes.

You raise a brow, thinking momentarily back to Lubyanka. "If that's what you have to offer."

He chuckles, fanning a hand in the air as if to relieve the tension. "I'm joking! But yes, I do have something." The agent brings out a floppy disk, setting it down on the table. It was black with scrawled handwriting in blue ink on the paper label. "This should be useful for you."

You reach out to grab it, but Nikitin draws his arm back.

“Is there a problem?” you ask, trying to conceal your increasing irritation.

“I could just hand it over, but a fair exchange would be appropriate for this kind of information, don’t you think?”

“Alright, what do you want?”

Nikitin muses over it, scratching his chin. After a short period passes, his face lightens up, finally coming to a conclusion.

"Russell Adler."

"I'm...sorry?"

His name didn't even register the moment you heard it. Nikitin held a smirk, content with his answer and your reaction. You pull your arm away from his end, sneaking it underneath your jacket while pretending to take another sip of the drink. Your nose wrinkled at the smell of liquor.

"To elaborate, you need to take care of him. After all, he was your assignment when you were with Perseus."

“What's he mean by that?” you could hear Adler growl.

"I don't know what you're talking about," you insist. "But, for you to know of Perseus… Who are you, really?"

The trail to Perseus has been cold as of late, pretty much leaving the CIA to pick up breadcrumbs of intel that was left behind. Your memory was shoddy and complicated, so Nikitin would be one of the biggest leads yet, but this attempt at bargaining information was beyond reasonable. You were going to have to talk to Hudson and Belikov about their selection of assets.

"I already told you who I am," Nikitin responds. "Well, you may not know me personally, but, I did hear lots of great things about you. You made quite a name for yourself in Perseus, Lieutenant Colonel [L/N]."

Your blood ran cold. No one had addressed you by that title for so long.

Then it dawned on you.

East Berlin.

The intel Mason found. Mefodiy Nikitin. His name was one of the ones mentioned there. The man in front of you was a Perseus member?

"But, I heard you go by 'Bell' now."

"The old man must be running out of options if they're recruiting people like you.” You couldn't help but chuckle at him, looking at the pathetic face he made in an attempt at intimidation. He truly was naïve. “I'm actually starting to feel a bit sorry for you all. I switch sides and you're all already beginning to fumble."

"How the general even put up with your bullshit is beyond my understanding," Nikitin belittles in return, balling his fist at the humility. "He's too trustworthy of you. Even after what the Americans did to you, he still has some faith that you'll come crawling back to him. Hell, I even went through all this effort to meet you.”

“You set this up?”

“With some false promises and a case full of cash, what kind of CIA agent wouldn’t jump on the opportunity?”

"The ones who are no longer alive."

The network you've all been working hard to dismantle was already rebuilding itself. Your mind races back to Nikitin's earlier words, anxiety beginning to pave its way in. The conversation should have been cut off as soon as he refused to give you the disk, but there was something about the way he spoke that drew your attention. He knew something you didn't. "Is this your way of blackmail? What the hell do you have to offer that I don't know about?"

"Ah, I got your interest now didn't I?" Nikitin clasps his hands together and rubs them as if he were about to partake in a feast, a sick feeling washing over you. He was enjoying this little game of cat and mouse, just holding onto the intel like bait. "Perfect! Let's get to business then."

"Bell! Forget him, just grab the—"

Adler's voice is cut off as the sound of silenced gunfire occurred right behind you. The civilians around you gave out yelps of shock, before they slumped over, as if they had lost all control of their muscles. Glasses shattered as they fell onto the floor, the translucent shards mixing in with the dark colors of the alcoholic drinks it once harbored.

Twisting around, you see two men standing amidst the bodies, guns in their hands.

You whipped out your pistol within the blink of an eye, just as Nikitin's men redirected their aim at your direction.

"To think the asset I had to meet up with is nothing more than a puny attempt of manipulation from a man who doesn't know how to control his ego," you fumed.

Your instincts were going off, screaming at you to run, but being held at gunpoint didn't exactly give you the advantage you need. You should have listened to your gut feeling. The resentment that had coiled within the depths of your stomach was beginning to unravel as you feel a rush of adrenaline coming forth. Looking down the sights, the shot was perfectly lined up within the space between Nikitin's eyes.

"But, to have gotten this far, I must be doing something right," he comments.

The civilians.

Your finger twitched, hovering just mere millimeters from finishing the job. The impulse to kill him was getting difficult to fight off. You were going to do it.

But just as you were about to rest your finger on the trigger, something warm ran over your lips and off of your chin. It gave off a dark sheen as it plattered onto the table, a couple more droplets following suit. What the fuck?

You wipe your nose with the back of your hand, and your eyes widen, seeing a red streak painted across. A nosebleed?

"Is it taking effect?" Nikitin inquires with disgusting amusement.

You flick your hand. "What the fuck did you give me?"

"I didn't know how much to add, but assuming from your reaction, it's pretty strong. Apparently even a small intake can do lots to the consumer."

You could feel yourself getting lightheaded and drowsy, but consider yourself lucky enough to be let off without much other effects of whatever strange drug he spiked your drink with. The nutty taste never left your palate.

"I've heard you to be cunning and ruthless, but look at you now," Nikitin mocks. "Accepting drinks from a stranger. How American."

"You—"

"Bell!"

Nikitin’s gaze redirects to something behind you, the entry door being kicked open, as well as the surprised yelps of the two agents. As a result, you feel something pierce your right shoulder, and you grind your molars to stifle the howl that almost escaped as you recoiled back a few steps. It hurt like a bitch, but you had to tolerate it.

Turning around, you see Adler barge through the entrance, taking down Nikitin's men with ease. His shots strike them right at the chest, their bodies collapsing over the wooden tables and knocking everything off of it.

“Ah, so this is the infamous Russell Adler," Nikitin muses loudly. "To think the man you were assigned to kill is now your best friend. You were such great buddies with Naga as well, I wonder what he'll—”

"Shut. Up."

You shoot him in the shoulder in revenge, earning an excruciating yelp from him. Nikitin's hand flies to cover his wound, and yet he guffaws, a sadistic smile spreading across his face.

“You really lost it now! I-It's a bit disheartening to see you were never able to complete the task. But, then again, I guess Kuzmin will be ecstatic to hear that." Nikitin shifts his attention to Adler. "He does have a vendetta against you after all."

Kuzmin? Adler?

"...What is he talking about, Bell?" Adler joins in, rushing to your side after checking on one of the civilians. Oddly enough, there were no open wounds on any of the innocents, just one round of tranquilizer darts in each of them. Nikitin really didn't want a mess to clean up.

"How the hell am I supposed to know?"

The information was overbearing— too much happened within the short span of the past hour. Everything went deeper than you had surmised. Just trying to wrap your head around everything made your headache worse. The name Kuzmin and Naga was constantly recurring in your mind, and you swore Perseus himself had even said these aliases a couple times.

Shit.

You didn't want a repeat of that morning.

Shoving the barrel into Nikitin's forehead, you yell, "Who the hell is Kuzmin?!"

"V-Vikhor Kuzmin, of course!"

Adler turns to you now, you could feel his scrutinizing gaze poking at you behind those shades. "You know Stitch?" he asks. You could detect remains of hatred and detest as he said the name.

Nikitin laughs. "Of course they do! They were colleagues—"

“Enough!” you interject. “I'm tired of your shit. This is going nowhere."

Adler picks up the floppy disk, eyes darting between the label and you. "Bell, is there something you haven't told us?"

"I already told you everything I know, didn't I?" you insist irritably, but it was a feasible attempt. The confidence you had earlier was draining.

"Well, after hearing what he had to say, there's clearly something else."

"What is this, an interrogation? I don't know—" You give out a frustrated groan, feeling the migraine persist. "Fuck, I can't think—"

"This would be the perfect opportunity to kill Adler, [L/N]!" the Perseus member interjects provokingly. "Redeem yourself! At least Perseus never brainwashed you—"

You shoot him in the thigh, and he lets out a yowl.

"Do you ever shut up?!" you seethed. "For a Perseus member you sure like to run your fucking mouth. Is that how the general planned to rope me back into his stupid scheme? By pissing me off?"

"That's enough, Bell!" Adler warns. As much as he wanted to shut the guy up, he was the only other person associated with Perseus that the CIA managed to get close to. "If you're telling the truth, then I want this guy. Alive."

He could tell you were about to snap from your dark expression. He puts a hand on your arm, guiding it downward and away from Nikitin with the gentle touch of his gloved hands. "Enough."

Calm down.

You needed to stop letting him get under your skin. But with that damn cocky, arrogant grin of his, you just wanted to knock his teeth in. He kept going on and on about this Kuzmin character and killing Adler, and your inability to make sense of what he was referring to only added onto the aggravation.

Don't trust Adler.

“Yes! That look!" Nikitin exclaims upon noticing your conflict. "Do it. Shoot me. It’s what you do best, isn’t it [L/N]?”

"Volkov said the same thing," you growl. "You're one of his rats?"

"So you do remember. One could only imagine my surprise when I discovered that you sent him off to the M16." He cackles. "Though, I guess hearing what happened to your British friend back in Cuba, it’s a fair trade, don’t you think?”

"Ignore him." Adler stuffs his gun behind, taking it upon himself to restrain Nikitin, who winced at each subtle movement. Holding him under the arm, Adler hauls him up to his feet begrudgingly.

Hearing no response, he turns his attention to you. “Bell?”

Your gun goes off, a single bullet shell clattering at your feet while white wisps of smoke trail out the barrel. Nikitin’s body slips away from Adler’s grip, landing on the floor with a heavy thud.

You stuffed your firearm back in its place. That was one less person to worry about.

“What the fuck Bell?” Adler seizes your wrists. “I wanted him alive!”

“My bike didn’t have enough space anyway.”

“The bike? This isn’t about your fucking bike! He was a Perseus member, for crying out loud! Do you know how much we could have—”

“You said you wanted Nikitin alive if I was telling the truth.” You bend down, searching Nikitin’s pockets for anything beneficial. In the end you take his watch, knowing that a lot of agents within the rogue organization held items with secret compartments for their leisure. “I'm just making it easier for both of us. Just give me another of your stupid injections. That'll balance things out, wouldn't it?"

"Are you out of your fucking mind?"

"Seeing how things just played out, I might just be," you articulate. "And stop yelling, my head's about to burst."

"I'm NOT—" He catches himself, bringing his voice down to a good level. "You can't just go and kill someone because they got under your skin, Bell."

"As if you haven’t done so on occasion. I was just doing us a favor." Shuffling through the pockets, you find a phial with an unrecognizable substance. You push against your knees and straighten, stuffing it and the watch into your jeans. "Bastard tried to drug me, and dishonored Park? I should have killed him the moment your name escaped his mouth."

Adler won't admit it, but he found himself a bit tense and astonished at your own brutal nature that somehow slipped through the cracks. It was the twitch of your eye and the tense grip of the handle that gave away your resistance against the urge to kill the Perseus spy, but in the end you caved in. Was that the type of person you were when working with Perseus?

Though, he noted, there were always signs of that hidden, disturbing trait of yours. Adler bared first-hand witness to your surprise attacks on unsuspecting individuals, and the "creative" ways you would finish them off.

No wonder Perseus continued to pursue you. He trained a loyal soldier. But, Adler knew that there was more to you than just a Soviet-made killer.

"Fuck it," he hisses. "Let's get out before the cops come."

"What about the civis?"

"Leave them, they're tranquilized. Give them an hour or two to wake up."

0000

During the ride back to the safe house, there was that feeling of disconnection, both between your own feelings, and with Adler.

It was silent on the way back, and you had to stuff the earbuds in your ear just to avert your attention from what you had just done. The decision to kill Nikitin came easy, but it was the fact that you did it because of his provocation is what startled you the most.

You couldn't think properly, and whatever was in your drink still coursed through your system, despite taking that tiny amount. Adler's growing concerns weren't heard as you put the bike into full throttle, speeding through traffic lights and empty roads.

The comfort of Adler's arms around your waist lost it's magic, and it felt a bit suffocating. Whatever Nikitin implied, of you having a duty to kill Adler, still persisted in your mind, and you couldn't bear to look at him with that guilty conscience.

So with your only lead gone, that left the floppy disk, and you. It would take a couple hours to decrypt everything, but you had a feeling that it would only provide the bare minimum of evidence, so that leaves you and your memory.

And there was one way to trigger it.

The moment you both arrive at the hideout, you immediately head to the bathroom. Woods attempted to ask how it went, but you pushed past him. That left Adler to answer the questions.

"What's up with Bell?" he asked. "You didn't do anything, did you? Because, if you did—"

"Bell killed the asset."

Woods raised an eyebrow in interest. "Damn, what'd they do to piss them off?"

Adler didn't find it funny. "Talk."

"Must be within good reason then?"

"That's what I'm trying to find out."

Slamming the door closed, you lock it and lean against the door. Exhaustion began to overwhelm your body as the adrenaline died out, and your shoulder felt like it was being held on top of an open flame.

Looking at it, you could feel the bullet wedged in there. It wasn't too deep, but was a good hit. Peeling the top of your clothes away, you sucked in air as you carefully removed the fabric from the area. The sight wasn’t pleasant, and the air stung at the raw flesh.

You pull one of the drawers open, retrieving a fresh cloth and ran it under the faucet. Taking a seat on the counter, you carefully wiped down the surrounding area, grimacing as the fibers brushed against your skin. Medical attention wasn’t your specialty, since there was always someone else to do the work.

“Bell?” Adler’s voice came from the other side of the door, causing you to stiffen. “Are you going to hide like a coward, or am I going to have to fucking force the door open?”

Well, he’s pissed. You didn’t blame him though.

“Can’t I get some privacy around here?” you hiss, trying to cover up your nerves.

“Seeing how you just murdered someone right in front of me after disobeying my order, I think that should be the least of your concerns. Now open the damn door.”

Sighing exasperatedly, you quickly cover yourself up and set the cloth down. There really was no way to avoid the guy. Just how the hell were you going to explain everything? You, yourself, couldn’t even fully comprehend everything, leaving it up to speculation and theories that your shrewd up mind came up with.

You flush the toilet before opening the door, hoping to throw Adler off your trail for a bit. “I’m kind of busy at the moment.”

“The hell you are. Get out. We need to talk.”

"You're really going to interrogate me in front of a toilet?" you reply snarkily.

He ignores the comment. "We're not finished yet."

Adler grabs your wrist, only to realize that you were shaking. You refused to look him in the eye, biting the insides of your cheek in shame.

The metallic smell was starting to bother him, and his eyes did a quick scan, and noticed that there was a hole in your jacket. Startled, Adler tugs at the zipper and opens it, pulling the edges back only to reveal the red seeping through your clothes underneath.

"You're hurt."

"You realize that now?"

“Un-fucking-believable.”

Adler ushers you back into the bathroom, gesturing you to hop back onto the counter. You oblige, waiting as he takes out a kit and a new rag from underneath the sink. He unpacks everything, taking out a thin needle and some thread while setting a couple of pads and tape to the side.

“You better tell me what happened at the bar,” Adler says, pulling the thread through the eye of the needle. “Or I’m never sending you on another mission again.”

"I got shot."

"No shit."

“I told you what you wanted to hear, didn't I?” you chided. It was uncharacteristic of him. He never really batted an eye in your direction when it came to previous wounds, yet today he was more considerate. "Why're you getting so worked up about it?"

Adler wrings the cloth out in the sink. “Gee, I don't know [L/N]. Maybe it's because our only lead is gone, and now you try to hide the fact that there's a bullet in your damn shoulder?”

"It's nothing."

"Last time someone said that, it got infected. You don't wanna know what happened afterwards." He brings the towel up to your shoulder. "Take off your shirt."

"What is this, a strip search?"

"My god, just fucking— Your damn shoulder Bell, just show it."

You shrugged off your jacket, undoing the first three buttons to your dress shirt, and pull your arm out of the sleeve, exposing the rightmost side of your body. "There, happy?"

Adler's eyes notice the two scars on your chest that barely peeked out from underneath the fabric. He brings the cloth to the shoulder in an attempt to not get distracted, but his sight wanders back to it.

The tissue was discolored and discernable from your actual skin complexion. They were both close in proximity, just right above your sternum. He already saw one of them— the bullet they extracted from your chest was used as evidence of the illegal gun cargo at Trabzon Airport. But, the other scar…

"Are you going to just stare at your mistake and let me bleed out, or are we going to get this over with?"

You break his line of thought, and Adler disinfects the tweezers, before proceeding to pull out the single round in your shoulder.

Right. He was supposed to be mad at you.

“I can't even take my eyes off of you for one second, can I?" he grumbles, shifting his mood appropriately. You shuffle a bit as you feel Adler pull the lump out. "Stop fucking moving, Bell, it might sink in more.”

You turn towards him. “You met this Vikhor Kuzmin, haven't you?”

Adler ceases all movement at the mention of the name. Behind his glasses, you could see him lost in thought for a brief moment, before continuing to work on your shoulder.

He places the bullet down on the bloodstained rag beside him, before taking the needle. “I’m not going to talk until you tell me what happened,” he responds brusquely with a bit of malice.

You trail off, leaning your head against the wall behind you.

Vikhor Kuzmin, meeting Adler… All the pieces started to link up with one another, the puzzle slowly becoming more finished each move. Whatever Perseus was planning, you played a part in it, and knowing that his grasp on you was still strong made you reluctant to even return to the safehouse, not knowing what'll happen to you.

But you needed to confirm it. If your memory was correct, then the CIA could use it to their advantage. You hated being used, but you didn't want Perseus to win. The only thing in your way was your psychological roadblock that prevented you from remembering.

"Before I tell you," you bargain. "I want you to do something for me."

He finishes stitching your wound closed, placing a pad above it before wrapping bandages around, bringing over the shoulder and under your arms.

"You're in no position to barter with me."

"I'm your only connection to Perseus, so we both know damn well that an injection is in order."

Adler straightens up, eyes narrowed. "What the fuck are you talking about—"

"From back then. The MKUltra shit. I need it."

The psychoactive drugs. That's the solution you came to?

"You're not thinking straight."

He begins to put everything back into the box, and you sit up and grab him by the collar and pull him close. Adler could see the desperation written all over your face as you gave out shaky breaths. But, he wasn't swayed.

"Adler—"

"You just got drugged with an unknown substance, and now you're claiming that running you through the procedure will somehow recover your memories. I’m not going to give you an injection over something so trivial.”

"Trivial? This isn’t fucking trivial! How can being sent as a hitman and setting off Nova Six be trivial?!"

Adler shakes his head. Your requests were beyond reasonable now, and you were coming up with some Hollywood spy flick plot with hitmen and Nova Six. Maybe you were hallucinating.

"I'm not going to give you the injection Bell. It's too damn risky. The trigger phase was meant to recall memories of Vietnam, not anything else."

Following that conversation you both had the morning after East Berlin, he swore to never touch upon the topic of MKUltra, or anything directly correlated to it. Not again.

"Why not?! You didn’t hesitate to fucking poke a needle in my eye last time. So, what’s different about now?”

He pries your hand off of his collar. “You know why.”

"Don't you dare bring personal feelings into this," you beseech, "Especially when millions of lives are at stake."

"You're not the one administering the fucking thing Bell. You don't have the authority to decide—"

"Whoever this Vikhor Kuzmin is, they're with Perseus," you argue. "They're planning something. I know it's risky, but if you would just run me through the scenarios one more time, I'll find out what it is."

"Bullshit. Kuzmin is in prison."

"He's not! Why can't you just listen to me?!"

At this point, trying to convince Adler was like talking to a brick wall. As much as you despised the medbay, you were about to walk in there yourself and poke it in your damn eye if it meant figuring out everything Nikitin told you.

You and Adler glared at each other, and your little show started drawing the attention of others just down the hall.

Taking a deep breath, you lower your voice so only he could hear. "Nikitin said that I knew Kuzmin. I-I don't know how important this guy is, but if I worked with him, then there's still some unfinished business. I don't care what you think, but there's no fucking way I'm letting this slip past, especially if I already know the answer. Nikitin's should have been our lead, but I fucked up, okay?"

"[L/N]—"

You cut him off. "Just let me do this for you. For the team."

There was a pleading look in your eye, and Adler could feel your craving of answers about your past. Getting left in the dark for so long must have taken a toll on you, and he couldn't even begin to fathom to imagine how it must feel to live life with a large chunk of your memories being locked off behind a door that could never be reached. There was nothing in the archives nor any of the foreign databases of your birth records or identity, other than the one he had made for you. Your life was so shrouded in mystery, it sometimes even felt like you were just a by-product of the CIA. And he just so happened to be one of the reasons why you were like this.

Adler presses his lips in a thin line, before cracking open the door and entering the back part of the safehouse, with you following closely.

"Lazar," he announces, "Meet us in the medbay."

The aforementioned male perks up at his name, placing down the newspaper in his hand. "Why, what's happening?"

"Our back up plan."

"You don't mean…"

"We're doing it."

Lazar shoots you a look of concern, remembering the seizures that you had last time. "No."

"Well, we don't have a choice," Adler dejects. "The asset's dead thanks to Bell."

"Hey!" you chime in. "It was fully well—"

"Enough. We talked over this already. Don't make me change my mind."

Mason and Woods played witness to the events that occurred in front of them, but didn't partake in the conversation. They've only heard rumors and a half-assed retelling of what happened in the medbay back in 1981, so they could only infer what you three were talking about.

It didn't stop them from prying, though, Mason immediately getting up from his spot. "What's going on?"

"It's none of your concern, Mason," Adler states sternly, pushing open the door to the room.

Mason, unsatisfied, grabs the handle and pulls it closed within a flash. "I think it is," he replies coldly. "What the hell are you planning to do to Bell?"

"Let go of the damn door."

"Not until you tell us what's happening."

"Mason," you join in a weary voice. "It's fine. We're just going to go over some things. It should give us a better angle on Perseus."

He tries to read into it, but the only thing he saw was a person who's been through too much shit in their lifetime, clothes speckled in red spots and the innocent light long gone from their eyes. Yet there was that newfound determination behind it all, and he knew there was no use trying to argue.

"As much as we have in common," Mason indulges, letting go. "I'll never understand why you go this far."

You grin weakly. "So no one else has to do the dirty work."

Your hands were far from clean. Compared to everyone else, you were sure you hit high on the list when it came to war crimes. Hell, your own existence became one. Even on the CIA database you're listed as MIA and under the watchlist, and the only ones that knew the truth was the team.

Lazar closes the blinds to the rooms, granting you three a bit of privacy. Adler gives him a brief rundown on what you told him, and you were met with disagreement once again.

“You don’t need to do this Bell.”

“Your right. I have to," you elaborate. "We're running out of options here.”

"There's the floppy disk."

"I'll get to it after. The more the merrier is the saying, right?"

Lazar wasn't looking forward to this, but if what you knew was that important, to a point where you pleaded to be put under this serum, then they definitely needed to find out. The CIA's been chasing around Perseus for god knows how long, and you're a key part to taking him down.

"Are you sure?"

"Stop asking, or else I might start getting second thoughts."

The plan was superficial, with the highest possibility of going to tits down (or up, as Sims put it). If you were going to subject yourself to one of the most mentally draining interrogations you had, then you might as well get the full authentic experience.

You adjust the light that hung above accordingly, making the position similar to before. Lying down on the gurney, it felt like you were about to go into a mental asylum. You had to convince Lazar to wrap the leather cuffs around. "Come on, you don't want me falling off and hitting my head, do you?"

"I would honestly prefer you to hit your head and pass out than to go through all this shit again."

"Thanks for the pep talk."

As you both verbally loosen up, Adler shifts through the shelves, pushing aside boxes to reveal that old black duffel bag. He unzips it, and sees the god-forsaken phial with the sickening yellow liquid just sitting at the bottom, just right above the old booklet. Bringing them out, he passes the manual to Lazar, before he himself rips open a new syringe from its package and disinfects it.

Adler turns around once he's done, feeling a bit of remorse as he sees your weakened figure. "Your arm."

"No. Intracerebral. Like last time."

"Don't be ridiculous. You know how dangerous that was?"

"Fucking do it," you growl, before resting your head back down.

"You're insane, you know that?"

"All part of the package."

He flicks the needle, testing it. "Are you ready?"

You nod as he positions it right above your eye while holding your chin to keep your head still. Staring right down at the needle, your stomach churned, knowing what's going to happen next.

Damn, through the eye socket?

Clenching your jaw, you brace yourself. "Hit me."

Without any countdown, Adler plunges it into your eye. You writhed in pain, nails digging into your already stained hands. Your legs shuffled in an attempt to instinctively move away from the needle, but with the cuffs around your wrists, you were going nowhere.

"Fuck!"

"Don't squint Bell, it's only going to make it worse," you hear Lazar advise.

Adler takes the needle out, trying to keep a level head. He didn't want to do this, but trying to reason and extract any information from you without it would be more tedious and cumbersome. Plus, how could he ignore that pleading look in your eye? It was like a whining puppy begging to try chocolate. But of course, chocolate is deadly to dogs.

He didn't want to verbally agree with you, but if you had anything relating to Perseus still hidden within the depths of your mind, and if it had the chance of pushing the investigation forward, then so be it.

Adler watches as your movements begin to ease, your pupils expanding as the dosage begins to take effect. Your tense expression loosens up as you plant your head back down, eyes glued to a random spot of the ceiling with drooping eyelids.

He and Lazar share a look of uncertainty.

Adler resists the unexpected compulsion to reach out and grasp your hand. This was something you had to do on your own, and he was just there to make it happen. He just prayed that everything went better this time around.

He takes a deep breath, before uttering the words he too has come to despise.

"We've got a job to do."

#russell adler x reader #adler x reader #russell adler x bell #cod black ops cold war #black ops cold war #call of duty #call of duty x reader #bo:cw #text #fanfic #bell #russell adler #abcd briefing #call of duty imagine #sorry this took a while had to rewrite it #:)))) suffer

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ambertea · 3 years

Text

fatherhood

Tentoo prepares himself for the birth of his child by trying to become the perfect dad.

It was strange, being a human.

It wasn't just that he had to watch his sugar intake now, or that his hair was receding at a worrying pace. It wasn't even the extraordinary amounts of drinking and eating he had to do, the peculiarity of human existence that forced him to constantly shovel things in his mouth.

(Read on AO3)

It was a culture shock, more than anything else. He had lived among humans for years, shared hundreds of years of his life living with their habits. But it was different, somehow. It was as though he was living abroad, rather than simply taking a holiday, and he often found himself struggling to untangle their bizarre social norms.

“Are you listening to me?”

He looked up, his eyes darting around the room. He had been engrossed in the newspaper, ticking off inaccuracies or improbabilities, and drawing tiny TARDISes in each white square of the crossword puzzle.

“Yes.”

Rose looked doubtful. “Really?”

“Oh, yeah. Of course.”

“So, what do you think?”

He hurriedly scanned the room, looking for something to have an opinion on. The walls were the same colour. The curtains, too. Even the windows looked just the same as yesterday.

“Good.” He nodded forcefully. “Good. Very good.”

“Great.” She grinned, and he relaxed.

She threw herself on the sofa next to him and stroked his shoulder.

“So, when should we start trying?”

He kissed her forehead, trying to gain some precious thinking seconds.

“Uh. Tomorrow?”

She held her head in his lap, gazing up at him with some strange human emotion.

“I can’t believe we’re going to be parents.”

Oh.

He wanted to have a child. He really did. He loved kids, enjoyed their brutal honesty and vivid imaginations. He had had children before, of course he had, and although he didn't spend an awful lot of time thinking about it, he still thought of himself as a Dad.

The responsibility of being the father of Rose’s child, though, was something else.

Everything about her was perfect. She had a beautiful face and an equally magnificent soul. Hell, she had literally been a Goddess at one point. What if his silly genes were more dominant than hers, and rather than the wonderful baby that she deserved, she ended up with a child just like him?

The only solution, really, was to just become the perfect dad. So far, Netflix had told him it included a lot of DIY, and sometimes crossing his arms. He could do that. His last body had been a wonderful mechanic, and he was sure he’d folded his arms at some point in 900 years.

The drill looked a bit scary. He would have felt better using his sonic screwdriver, but it wouldn’t have looked nearly as cool. Rose was watching him, looking concerned.

“Do you have to hold it in your mouth?”

He tried to talk, and spat the drill out, exasperated.

“Yes! I need to be holding your hand too. The baby needs to feel how good of a dad I am.”

She squeezed his arm and leant into his body.

“I’m sure they’ll know either way.”

He doubted it. Probably, they would be watching perfect Simon next door, with his massive toolbox and fancy shed, wishing that their dad could be equally handy.

“What are you drilling, then?” She asked, and he looked around the garden in panic.

He hadn't thought about that bit yet. He'd been flabbergasted by the sheer amount of attachments, and then annoyed over the stupid power chord that needed at least 3 extension leads to go anywhere useful. He'd had a vague image of himself drilling a bit of wood, and Rose clapping at his brilliance. But there wasn't any wood out here, the garden empty but for a few gnomes.

One looked up at him judgmentally, and he made a mental note to kick it when Rose wasn’t around.

“Uh – I thought I would practise, for now.”

“What, like just…turn it on?”

“Yep,” he said frantically. “A test run. See how, um, spinny it is.”

Rose dropped his hand, and he turned to her, offended. She was clutching her stomach, her eyes lit with – was that fear? Happiness?

“Rose? Are you okay?”

She nodded slowly, a small, gentle smile growing. Retaking his hand, she pressed it against her stomach, and he felt his single heart jump when he felt it.

“They’re kicking,” he whispered, dropping to his knees and pressing his ear against her stomach. The baby kicked him straight in the head, and he stared in wonder.

“It’s nice to meet you too.”

Okay, so maybe the drilling thing had failed. It was no wonder, really, he was a highly intelligent part-time lord, who couldn’t be wasting his time standing around all day just pointing hand tools at walls. His baby was unlikely to be properly impressed with that, anyway, being of superior intellect themselves.

Perhaps he needed to talk to an expert. An actual parent, one that had managed to raise an impressive child.

He thought about Jackie for a second and instantly squashed the thought.

Pete wasn’t laughing at him, exactly, but he certainly had a strange little glint in his eye that the Doctor didn’t appreciate.

“You want me to teach you how to…parent?”

The Doctor groaned. This had been a stupid idea. He turned to go, but Pete quickly grabbed his shoulder.

“Sorry. I was a mess when Jacks was pregnant, so I guess this is no different.”

“It is different!” The Doctor said, offended. “It’s Rose.”

“So just be there for her. Help her with things. I’m sure the baby would…respect that.”

The Doctor stared, wide-eyed. Pete was right. The baby was going to love Rose, just like everyone else who met her, and if he could be seen helping her…

“Thanks, Pete, bye.” He yelled, legging it out of the room.

“What are you doing?”

He frowned, offended, and the wooden spoon rolled off his tongue and onto the floor. Rose eyed it, eyebrow raised.

“How are you doing today, my darling?”

“When did you start calling me that?”

“I can call you something else!” He offered desperately. “Sweetie? Sugar? Love? Babe?”

“Do not call me babe.”

“Honeybunny?”

She was looking at him as if she was slightly concerned for his health.

“I’m making dinner.” He said quickly, gesturing to the wok. She walked over, suddenly interested, and peered down with a look that he couldn't decipher.

“Malteasers?” She asked faintly. He nodded.

“And bananas. And tea, too, for the sauce. All your favourites!”

She kept her face down, shoulders shaking. Probably, he thought, stunned in the face of his great generosity.

“Thank you, Doctor.” She finally choked out between gasps, patting him fondly on the shoulder. He puffed out his chest and went to go sort out the crockery.

“I think we should start buying things.” Rose said one day. Her legs were draped over his lap, his hands massaging her feet.

He looked at her in shock. He hadn’t even thought about all the things the baby would need, being more focused on Rose and her ever-changing moods. They were going to need so much stuff, and it was all going to have to be perfect, as well, lest the baby grew unhappy with its drab surroundings.

He knocked her feet off his lap and set off into a run.

“Why,” Rose asked, her hands on her hips, her stomach peeking out under her bottom, “do we need five cribs?”

“The baby needs options!” He insisted, gesturing at the cradles circling the room. They were all in different shades of white, with tiny little mobiles hovering over them. He had made the mobiles himself, fashioning tiny little Earth, Gallifrey and TARDIS charms to hang over the crib.

He frowned, wondering if he’d done something wrong. Maybe he should have gotten some different colours—he knew humans' fixation on pinks and blues for their offspring. Perhaps he should have picked up a few more.

“You don't think the baby will like them?” He asked, feeling a bit crushed.

Rose smiled, and hugged him, her round bump pushing into his belly.

“They’ll love them.”

Rose was in labour, and he was having a heart attack.

He didn’t like only having one heart on a good day. As a Time Lord, he’d loved Rose, but he’d also loved space, and the TARDIS, and pretty much any fascinating person he met. Now having only one, it felt like his whole body was focused on just her – everything else seemed so less important, less crucial for his day-to-day survival.

What if one heart wasn't enough? What if he couldn’t love their baby properly? What if the child grew to be unloved and unloving, unable to feel the wonderfully wide spectrum of human emotion, all because he had one, stupid heart and it was already used up.

He couldn’t breathe.

“Doctor,” Rose moaned, and he hurried over to clutch at her hand.

Rose was holding her baby.

No—his baby. No, theirs.

She looked up at him, her face pink and drenched in sweat, a soft, beautiful smile stretched across her face.

“Do you want to hold her?” She whispered, rocking the pile of blankets gently, and he nodded, dumbstruck.

Carefully, the baby--his baby!-- was settled into his arms, and he gazed at her, tears trickling down his face.

“Hello,” he whispered.

She opened her eyes and blinked up at him. Her tiny, pudgy little arm stretched out to him, reaching out towards his face, and his singular heart stretched and grew.

"She's perfect." He told Rose, who nodded, looking at him with yet another expression he couldn't untangle.

He looked back down at his daughter and ran his finger over her cheek, marvelling over how soft, how precious she was.

"I'm going to look after you," he choked out. "I'm going to be the best dad on Earth. You'll see."

The baby looked up at him, eyes filled with trust, and he thought that maybe, if he tried really, really, hard, he might just be able to do it.

#my family are in town and i have 0 time so please forgive any editing errors!#tentoo is a baby who must be protected at all costs #fics

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anika-ann · 3 years

Text

No Strings Attached - Pt.1

Y/N vs. The Mutual Crash

Type: Modern-college-professor AU x CHUCK, part of Attached series More info here and on the Attached masterlist

Pairing: professor!Steve Rogers x reader Word count: 2900

Summary for the series: When you literally run into a cute guy named Chuck in school hallway, you soon learn there is much more to him than meets the eye. Unfortunately for you, you learn the hard way.

What’s worse, the encounter sets events in motion you couldn’t imagine in your wildest dreams – and it make you question everything you know.

Warnings: for this chapter - tiny bit of 18+ nsfw smut in the beginning though it’s barely there, swearing, mention of a migraine... that’s it?

A/N: Just so I don’t spook you, we’ll start off easy… with a 2,9k chapter… enjoy and thank you if you’re giving this crossover a chance. You don’t need any knowledge of Chuck, not realy.

Attached & No Strings Attached masterlist

⊱-◦-◦-◦-◦-◦-◦ ✉ ◦-◦-◦-◦-◦-◦-⊰

Almost as soon as you woke up, there was a feeling in your gut; today was going to be strange. Strange in a way that you might not be entirely able to put a finger on, nothing all that special happening, but even though it was only half past six, you knew it was going to be one of those days.

Maybe it was the fact that you cautiously dropped a forehead kiss on Steve’s still sleeping form only to find out he was very much awake. His arms swiftly took a hold of your waist and pulled you on top of him, drawing a startled yelp from your lips, which he quickly silenced by a passionate good-morning kiss.

Maybe it was the fact that you nearly ended up being late.

You were not the only one waking up with a peculiar mood. After Steve’s kiss stole all air from your lungs, he was rolling the pair of you over, trapping you against the mattress, arousal evident, hands wandering and sneaking under your sleepshirt, trailing higher and higher until they reached one of his favourite playgrounds. The rest was history; it was quick and little sloppy but undeniably lustful. Still, it led to mutual satisfaction and to not having even remotely enough time to get ready for the day.

Maybe it was the e-mail Bucky sent yesterday at almost 10 p.m. informing his students that there would be a last-minute change of classroom, because special guests were coming to give a lecture. A lecture that started at 8 a.m.. You hated early morning classes; the only thing making them bearable was Bucky, because he was a damn good and funny professor.

God knew if the guests were about to be a blessing or a punishment. Either way, you had a hunch today was going to turn out kinda weird.

And you only had that confirmed as you rushed through the corridors, the home-made coffee in your opened thermo cup in hand—and suddenly it was gone.

Because you crashed into someone. Well, someone crashed into you. It was a mutual crash.

Point being – a hiss of pain escaped your lips, cup slipping from your fingers as the last remnants of coffee stained it, hands thrown in the air—only to slap the person’s shoulder in the process, because they happened to be in the way.

“Whoa!”

“Dammit!” you cursed, shaking your hand to distract yourself form the mild burn.

You eyed the puddle of brown liquid at your feet before your gaze moved up, noticing a few droplets on your jeans, and finally you fixed your gaze on your crashmate.

A relatively tall brunet stared at you, dark eyes wide, an apologetic expression on his face.

“I’m sorry!” you both blurted out at the same time.

Short awkward silence followed as you just kept staring at each other, unable to utter a word. And then you chuckled at the absurdity.

You noticed the guy’s lips curling up in a brief smile as you shook your head and went to find tissues in your backpack.

It wasn’t funny – more like annoying, actually. But you did find it funny. Maybe it was because you had a perfectly steamy morning quickie with your fiancé, making you giddy. Maybe it was because this guy, dressed in a grey shirt and black dress pants was kinda cute, the dark curls of his hair causing him to look rather endearing and charming at the same time and—he was smiling too. There was an air around him; a very friendly air.

“Oh, no, let me help!” he rushed to crouch by the offending puddle before you could even open your backpack and you swiftly lowered yourself too.

“It’s no problem, the cup was pretty much empty, luckily…” you mumbled, shooting him a forgiving smile. He met your eyes, one corner of his lips rising higher.

Oh no. He really was cute.

Now, after the mess with Daniel, you were wary of cute guys, even if it came to innocent flirting. But this one, your crashmate… well. There was something about him screaming ‘trust me’; with Daniel, when you looked back at your first encounter, everything screamed ‘smug jerk’.

The brunet reached for the pack of paper tissues you were holding and so you shrugged, handing him some. If he wanted to help, who were you to stop him? It was both yours and his fault.

“Well, I’m glad it wasn’t full and I didn’t go all Hugh Grant on you,” he uttered as you both worked.

You stared at his Converses for a full second and then it hit you, drawing a surprised laughed from you.

“Was that a Nothing Hill reference? Am I Julia Roberts in this scenario?”

He smiled unsurely at you, seeming rather embarrassed – but seeing your expression, he relaxed. “Yeah, but luckily, you’re not, because the cup was almost empty. Still sorry about the coffee though.”

Picking up the soaked tissues, you went to find the nearest trash can.

“Well, if I-“ didn’t let my fiancé fuck me raw when I was supposed to be getting ready for the day- “-was watching where I was going, this wouldn’t have happened, so we’re good,” you assured him.

“Are you sure that I shouldn’t, eh,” he pointed somewhere behind him vaguely in a sweeping gesture, smile a smidge shy, ”run to the cafeteria or something to buy you a fresh cup?”

Alert! A guy’s asking you out!

And alert it was; after the fiasco with Daniel, you made it a point to cut things off before they could develop into a sticky situation.

“Oh! That’s really nice of you…?”

You didn’t remember seeing him around before. New student? An exchange student? Because it always went so well with those…

“Chuck.”

“Right, Chuck. Nice to meet you,” you quickly uttered, introducing yourself as well. “But I don’t really--- I, eh-“

You gave up and just awkwardly showed off your left hand. The beautiful ring that once belonged to Steve’s mother – and goddammit, wasn’t it still making you feel all soft and fuzzy – sitting on your ring finger.

Chuck’s gaze zeroed on the jewellery for a moment and then it seemed that something clicked in his brain. He swiftly raised his hands in a no harm gesture, brief panic crossing over his face.

”Oh no! That’s not what I meant, though--- congratulations, but I really didn’t mean to ask you out or something-“ he babbled, hands clenching and unclenching, toying with the belt-loops of his pants the next moment.

You felt your cheeks heat up. Was he trying to cover for the fact that he was embarrassed for wanting to ask you out or had you totally misjudged this situation?

“-though this totally was a meet-cute if I’ve ever seen one and it’s not that you’re not good-looking, I mean attractive and beautiful, because of course you are-“

Oh god, he wasn’t cute.

He was an adorable disaster! You didn’t even care what the truth was at this point.

“-but obviously you’re engaged and I really wasn’t making a move or anything—and I’m gonna have to stop talking right now,” he finished breathlessly, closing his eyes with a self-depreciating smile, his chest rising and falling as he was trying to calm down.

Your cheeks burned from smiling so wide, a cackle fighting its way past your lips. Even if you didn’t want to laugh at him.

“Okay, Chuck. I think I get what you’re saying,” you assured him and because he was clearly adorable, he warily cracked one eye open as if to check if the embarrassing situation you two found yourself in went away. When he noticed your smile, his tense shoulders relaxed, both eyes opening.

“I’m glad. I’m sorry for embarrassing us both. I might as well be that guy from Nothing Hill…”

You laughed – like honestly, nearly having to clutch your belly, laughed. You couldn’t help it.

“Well, you’re charming enough. But I’m afraid I’m no movie star in hiding.”

“You’re cute enough to be one, no discussion here,” he said, his twinkling eyes gave your face a very quick once-over. Somehow, you found his compliment both funny and flattering. A lopsided grin appeared on his face, twisting into a grimace as he hesitantly raised his finger. “But, if we’re talking meet-cutes, I’m afraid I’m more of a Richard Gere here… I got a little bit lost. Point me the right direction, please?”

Whoa, he was stepping up, talking Pretty Woman now. You really liked that dorky comment though.

“Where you headin’?”

“2.34?”

You blinked in surprise, wondering if you heard wrong. Because that was where you were heading.

“Oh? Interesting…” you muttered, earning a curious head tilt from him. Glancing again at your jeans, you grimaced. Those stains had to go… guess direction would have to do. “Yeah, that one is a little tricky… and dumb. You have to go through 2.33. Not that there’s any badge on the door on anything.”

He gasped theatrically. “Tricky!”

“I know! It’s a test of our interhuman skills; can’t really finding without asking someone first. I’ll see you there, I suppose, gotta clean up the cup and… well, me.”

“I’m sorry, again. And thank you,” Chuck said politely, sending you a final smile.

“You’re welcome, Chuck.”

Here’s a thing about hunches: sometimes, they come true.

Being run down in a hallway was nothing too weird, oh no. Not even when a funny charming guy was involved.

Things only got weird when you entered the lecture hall and finally realized why was Chuck heading to the same room as you did. He stood next to Bucky at the professor’s stand, quietly talking to a stunning blond woman in a dress suit and glasses.

Feeling blood rushing to your head, setting your cheeks aflame in embarrassment, you went to find a seat, noticing everyone was sitting with a space of at least three seats between them and never behind. As if you were about to write an extremely important test. Great.

Could this day get any better?

Two taps sounded through the room as Bucky tried the microphone.

“Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. Well, good for some of us, at least,” Bucky stated, unmistakably finding you in the crowd as if he knew exactly how your morning went – at least the part before you left the apartment. You wanted to sink through the floor – and wasn’t that a familiar feeling under Bucky’s knowing gaze. “Find your seats, please, so we can start. We have some special guests from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today with us to present you a special program you can apply to, so… you know. Pay attention. They’ll tell you the rest.”

Oh, so you had run into a guy from Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Spectacular.

To be fair, he had been a dork. How were you supposed to tell he was important?! He was still pretty cute standing there.

Also: the blonde by his side? Yeah. You understood now why he reacted the way he did earlier. Because if he knew a woman like that, the idea he was trying to ask you out – or anyone, really – was laughable. Hell, you’d ask her out.

“Morning, my name is Charles Carmichael and this is my colleague, Sarah Walker,” Chuck started off pleasantly, if little nervous from having all eyes on him.

“Like your professor said, we’re here to present you… with an opportunity to get a training for special analyst in one of departments. And before you ask why we’re ambushing a history class when we’re looking to fill an analyst vacancy…”

Several people laughed and you did too – he sounded like the guy from the hallway, only a bit more presentable.

“-it’s because we really talk about this with pretty much every student on this university, so you can see we have a lot of presentations still ahead. Anyway, I’m gonna talk a bit about the program and about our ministry in general, so… yeah. Please listen carefully and watch carefully too. Spoiler: it’s important. Thanks.”

The lights dimmed and he started the presentation, slowly pulling you in and making you forget the incident in the hallway.

And despite his charming ways… the presentation was rather strange too.

It was just one of those strange days.

⊱-◦-◦-◦-◦-◦-◦ ✉ ◦-◦-◦-◦-◦-◦-⊰

You didn’t think there would be anything to add insult to the injury, to turn into the so-called cherry on top.

You were wrong.

Chuck, or Charles Carmichael, was an alright presenter. He remained a dorky character, only enough to hold all of the students’ attention, that was quite okay. It was the pictures that appeared in between those images that felt perfectly in place, that were… just weird. Like… a rose. A beach. New York skyline. Pictures that were not at all related to what he was talking about. He always played it off as a joke – supposedly placing them there to keep you on your toes – but there was something that just felt… off.

And during what you later found out was like the last third of the presentation, you felt a headache starting to build. Not a terribly intense one, but strong enough to be fairly annoying and insistent on bugging you, just above your eyebrows. You couldn’t remember your head ever hurting in such way.

Then things got worse; you indeed got a test to complete. The nice people from Ministry of Foreign Affairs told you not to worry about getting it wrong affecting your marks in your course, obviously, so you didn’t, not really.

But it was hard to ignore that it was the weirdest fucking test you had ever seen.

In each task, pick five of ten words you associate with the word in question, read the instructions. Which on its own could be considered strange, but… it was the supposedly associated words that truly confused the heck out of you.

For ‘rose’ there were clear answers like ‘thorn’ and ‘flower’. The rest of the offered words? Non-sense. Like—utter nonsense. Bulldog, Victoria, Sao Paolo, camp, mirror, Tower Bridge, eagle, heroin. You stared at the words, reading them over and over, the pressure in your forehead growing more vexing by the minute.

For some inexplicable reason, your mind kept on gravitating towards the Sao Paolo, eagle and heroin; surprisingly vivid images of each flashing behind your eyelids as you closed them to relieve the headache. The light was starting to hurt your eyes despite being rather low. It was irritating.

Deciding the stupid test didn’t matter, you went with the first thing that came to your mind for each question, finishing among the firsts. It was rather relieving to see everyone’s face as confused as you imagined your looked.

Leaving the class, you spared Chuck one last glance, finding him staring at you with eyebrows furrowed; brief glance at Bucky told you why, for he wore the very same expression. It seemed that you weren’t very good at masking your suffering. You attempted a lame smile, knowing that you were about to ditch the class that followed.

Catching up with Linda, one of the girls who were with you in Callahan’s class, you begged her to give him your apology; the headache was turning into a splitting damn migraine.

Linda shot you a compassionate smile and assured you she would vouch for you looking absolutely terrible and having no other option than leaving.

“Thanks,” you chuckled weakly, nails digging into your palms as a mild case of vertigo threatened to throw you completely off balance.

“Hey, do you want me to call someone? Take you to the infirmary?” Linda worried, sporting a textbook example of having concern written all over her face. “Not joking, you do look like you’re gonna pass out. Rogers’ gonna be out for blood if he finds out I talked to you and let you wander off in this state.”

The image of Steve stalking down the hallway with an exasperated expression on his face searching for your classmate seemed rather amusing; but that was unlikely to happen.

“Nah, he should be all sunshine. Lots of endorphins released this morning,” you mumbled, absently rubbing at your forehead.

You only realized what you said when a dramatic silence followed, soon broken by Linda’s snort of laughter. The shock of you blatantly revealing something like that in your compromised state helped you to focus a bit more, bringing some clarity to your vision.

“I so didn’t need to know that. Good thing I have Callahan now and not him, I wouldn’t be able to look him in the eye. I’d be imagining him shirtless with a perfect case of bed hair. Gosh, you’re such a lucky bitch.”

“Don’t I know it,” you offered with another weak smile.

“I’m sure you do,” she hummed, lightly patting your shoulder. “Now you get home safe and get some rest.”

“Thank you, Linda. Really.” She only shrugged it off as if it was nothing. The friendly display brought an honest smile to your face and caused you to perk up enough to joke. “Oh, and Steve usually sleeps in a t-shirt, sorry to break it to you. But his bed hair is dreamy.”

“…I hate you.”

“No, you don’t.”

She would have if you added that the rumour about Professor Rogers being true. That he was indeed packing.

With a smirk at that thought alternating with a grimace whenever a sharp pain hit the back of your head, you headed home.

⊱-◦-◦-◦-◦-◦-◦ ✉ ◦-◦-◦-◦-◦-◦-⊰

Part 2

About

Chuck characters

⊱-◦-◦-◦-◦-◦-◦ ✉ ◦-◦-◦-◦-◦-◦-⊰

Thank you for reading :-*

In case you missed one of my way too many announcements, in Chuck, every episode was named Chuck vs. Something. I decided to keep the theme and go against my usual not-so-frequent use of Y/N in my stories.

P.S. – if any of this felt familiar to Chuck fans, know, some of the plot is a big nod to episode 1x07 Chuck vs. the Alma Mater. It’s one of my faves for many reasons – the plot, hilarious lines, the LOTR references… Honestly, they had me at this scene (0:05 – 0:25 though you can watch the full 2 min, obviously)

Anika Ann out

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mar-iiposa · 4 years

Text

"You're What?"

prompt: How would the Bayverse boys react to their s/o finding out that she is pregnant, and she is afraid/scared to tell them? The pregnancy was not planned. Hope you're having a great day/night <3

a/n: this was requested by an anonymous user as a bit of a long story, meant for all four turtles, but I'm deciding on separating it so it looks better on my masterlist later on. hope that enjoy, and make sure to read the tags I have included down below, just in case !

warnings: slight mention of abortion but that's it, mention of needles drawing blood (not too graphic of course), unplanned pregnancy, mentions of unprotected sex.

word count: 2.6k

"Y/N, are you okay?"

Your roommate, April's, voice rang out when she saw you hurry towards the bathroom in such a rush, for the third time today, and it was just barely 2 pm. She was concerned that you weren't doing so good, never having seen you in a peculiar state like this before. As late of this past week, you've started to show signs of illness and restlessness, constantly moody, which we knew was odd for you at times. "Do you need anything?" She gently knocked on the bathroom door, hearing the faucet run on the other side before it was turned off. "I'm good, thanks," You murmur, loud enough for her to at least comprehend what you're saying. Outside of the restroom, April looked down for a moment, hesitant on whether to truly believe you or not. However, she didn't bother to really question it. "I'll be out, text if you need me."

After getting up a little too fast, you feel a small, sharp pain in your breasts, causing you to wince and cup them lightly out of instinct. Over the last few days, you've been noticing some changes. Weird ones too. For starters, you missed your period, it was supposed to roll around about, what, three/four days ago. You kept it tracked monthly on your phone, and by now, it would seem to probably come later than usually expected. Never did you have an irregular menstrual cycle, sometimes periods tend to come a little bit late but this was still odd enough. Not to forget, you had been vomiting like crazy at times, especially in the mornings and early afternoons of the day, sometimes at night if you're "lucky" enough. Topping those off, you felt fatigued, you were bloated, strangely moody, and you really needed to pee way more. A lot more, actually.

You had turned off the faucet in the bathroom, hunching over the sink, still with little droplets of water sliding down and into the drain. You look into the mirror, bags under your eyes have started to form from lack of sleep after literally vomiting your guts out in the middle of the night, having to hold your own hair back yourself if April would be completely knocked out from work. It wasn't a rare occurrence for her to be passed out on her bed or the couch, after a long day of working. You were employed, too, it was just that you took a day off to find out what the hell these symptoms were. Who knows, maybe you were falling sick?

You do your hair and style it just a little, unbothered by if you looked like crap or not, you could care less. You were throwing up and felt almost sick, why wouldn't you look unappealing at the very least? Grabbing your keys and things, you make your way towards the subway almost downtown, avoiding eye contact with almost anyone and everyone, not feeling at your best. It felt like your self-esteem had taken a downwards decline in the last couple of days prior. Not that you never got irritated or anything, but it was peculiar to you that all of a sudden, you had mood swings that changed from one mood to another like a bolt of lightning. Hell, even your boyfriend, Leo, noticed fairly quickly, but he decided not to press on you too much about it.

Getting off of the subway train, you head to your physician's office, opening the door of the building, the cooled atmosphere of the room hitting you within seconds of your entrance of the room.

"Hello, Ms. L/N, are you here for your appointment today?" The female receptionist gazed up at you from her glasses, frames pink, wearing a light shawl over her arms and shoulders. "I am," You give her a nod, her gaze traveling back to the computer screen as she typed away, the sound of her dark red acrylics hitting the smooth black keys. "Sure does get cold in here," She chuckled, a small short in the middle of her laugh, "take a seat, miss."

Doing so, you sit near the TV of the waiting room, the magazines on the table ahead stared back at you, the words 'VOGUE' written on the modernistic cover. The television was of bland taste, just going over the weather expected for today and the rest of the week and into the weekend. You cradle yourself slightly, your e/c eyes flickering down to your fingers and nails. About fifteen minutes or so later, the door to the back of the office opened, a nurse appearing in her scrub, "Y/N L/N?" Perking up at the mention of your name, you both make eye contact and she steps aside for you to walk in, giving a nod before directing you to a nearby room. Taking a seat, you wait until the doctor comes into view, greeting you with a friendly smile. "Ms. L/N, hi," She shook your hand, holding a clipboard under her left arm as she entered, "how are you? Is there a reason as to why you made an appointment for today?" Seconds after listing off your symptoms, she eyed you a bit suspiciously, writing down with her pen. "I'll send one of the nurses in for a blood test, I'm sure you'll be free to go then," The doctor pursed her lips in a tight smile, looking as though she had something on her mind as to what you could've had.

You sit there, for what feels like hours upon hours of silence, and you don't even notice the nurse coming in through the door at some point. "Alright, just relax for me." A pinching at your skin came from the needle, and the nurse draws some blood from your arm. Closing your eyes and glancing away from the view, the needle is drawn away from your arm after a while, patching the spot up with a band-aid. "You should get your answers shortly," 'Angela Bardot' (the nurse) states with a small, friendly smile as you give her a nod for a reply in return.

The receptionist sends you a wave goodbye as you approach the door on the way out, nodding your head and giving a wave back. Traveling home among the streets of New York, your mind is constantly filling up to the absolute brim of what the results would be. What if you were terrible sick? Had an illness that was incurable or deadly? How would you tell the ones you loved? Always tending to think of negative outcomes was a habit of yours, for as long as you can remember. You're so deep into your thoughts as you don't realize your boyfriend had called you a couple of times already. You unlock your phone after typing in the digits of your password, tapping onto his contact. "Hey," His voice rings from the other side, "I was trying to call you, is everything alright?" You can hear the worried tone through his end.

You run a hand through your hair as you neared the corner, coming closer to your New York apartment. "Yeah," you breathe out into the air of the apartment building, taking the provided elevator, "yeah, I'm okay." You could almost see the look of relief in those blue sapphire eyes of his, he responds, "Sorry, I almost panicked when you didn't pick up." You chuckle a little at that, knowing you almost always picked up on phone calls, holding onto your keys as you pushed your front entrance door open, "Nah, you know I can handle myself, Leo." You grin hearing his voice, chuckling at that. "I know, I know."

"I'll see you tonight?" He asks on his end, you immediately smile. "I give you my word." You can feel him smiling from 'ear to-ear' at your response, "Okay, I'll see you later then. Love you, princess." Your smile growing warm, heart fluttering at the words coming from your boyfriend, you speak back into the phone, "Love you too."

He was the first to hang up on the cell phone call, before you fall back onto your grey couch with a heavy sigh, soon leaning forward with your head in your hands, elbows firmly sitting on top of your knees. The TV is turned on from the remote in your hand, head leaning back into the couch, but only enough to still keep your eyes on the screen. Your phone rings again, and you assume it might be Leo again, calling to tell you something he might have forgotten or who knows what. Turning the phone over from it's front facing the cushions, and you recognize the contact number. "Hello?" You pick up, a recognizable voice rang through. "Hi, this is Dr. Rullston, I'm calling you to discuss your blood test results, yes?" Sitting straight up quickly, you feel yourself nod almost frantically, "Yes, it's not anything, right?" A long pause resonates between the two of you, and you can slightly hear the intake of a breath from her.

"Ms. L/N, you're pregnant."

Your heart completely drops as soon as you heard that, standing up from your seat within milliseconds. "What? I- I can't belie- !" She continues, "About almost two weeks pregnant is what I'm seeing. Congratulations miss." No, no, I didn't want a baby! I didn't know this would happen!

You look down at the floor as your breathing is nearly stressed, "Tha- Thank you, Dr. Rullston." Quick to hang up first, you almost drop your phone onto the apartment's hard wooden floor. How was this possible? Well, you knew how pregnancy and sex worked, but this was something completely shocking, at least to you! You think you at least had intercourse with a condom on! You and Leonar- Oh God, Leo! How would he react to this? He would be disappointed, he could leave you! Who would want to raise a child with you? Who would even want a knocked up lady if he did leave the relationship you had been building for practically a year?! You could get an abortion, that's it! No, no, no, you couldn't see yourself going through with that. Seeing others get abortions was something you were supportive of, but you had no absolute idea what in the hell to do! Do you want to keep it? That was something you didn't know the answer to.

Two hours roll by until you're dressed a little more properly now, on your path to the turtles' lair in the sewers. As of now, you're (somewhat) rocking some jeans, with an old t-shirt, your commonly-worn shoes, and your hair combed through. Sticking your head through the lair, Mikey spots you straightaway, quickly riding on his skateboard towards you, guarding your own stomach, afraid for impact. Luckily for you (and maybe your fetus), there is no impact. "Yo, Y/N!" He gave you his regular fist pump, "how's it hangin'?" He notices you guarding your stomach, emitting a laugh as he points at you, "What's with the stomach guarding?" You realize your arms protecting your stomach, pulling them away fairly quickly. "Just, uh- Just hungry is all!" Michelangelo eyed you for a second or two before shrugging, picking up his board with a swift kick at its tail, "M'kay! Leo's in his room by the way. Catch you later!" He rode off again, presumably to bother either Raph or Donnie with his "dazzling personality."

Nearing Leonardo's room, you were undecided on the option of telling him about the growing baby inside of you or not. You didn't know. You didn't know what he'd think, what he'd say, how he would react, or if his perspective of you would shift entirely. Every fiber of your being grew anxious, scared to share the news with him. Or not. Leaning against the doorway of his room, he looked up from his katana, a smile gracing his features. "Hey," He stood up from his spot on the bed as you approach him, "Hi." Leonardo glanced down at your shorter human self, grabbing your hands to hold into his abnormally larger ones. "Took you a while to get here." Yeah, it did because you couldn't stop vomiting into the toilet until you got the strength to eventually walk all the way down here. "Sorry, busy," You threw an excuse at him, the leader of the clan nods. "Uh-huh," He takes your hand and leads you to his bed, "you're not overwhelming yourself, are you?" Knowing how concerned he can tend to be, you shakily exhale a little, giving a closed-mouth smile. "No, not really."

"You know ho-" You bit your lower lip, feeling the need to interrupt, "Leo, there's-- there's something I need to tell you." He paused for a little, knowing there was something up, a feeling in his gut. "Well what is it?" You can feel that pit of anxiety start to blossom within you once again, your palms nearly growing sweaty as you try to gather your words. Carefully wanting to break it to him was something you wanted to do, and correctly too. "Y/N?" He sends you a fervent glance, "is something wro-?"

"I'm pregnant."

He's taken aback by the sentence you had just formed, staring at you, with almost little to no emotion being expressed. He's speechless. Out of words, completely. "You're what?! With- With my ba-?" Giving the leader a small, slow nod, it finally makes sense to him. "That's why you missed my call? Y/N, you sh-" You feel tears swell up in your e/c eyes, a hot droplet starting to slide down your left cheek, "I know it's all my fault. I should have asked for an abortion before I left that doctor's office. And you don't want a kid, I can see perfectly see that, and just know that I'm sor-" A warm green hand cups the side of your face, endearing blue eyes look at you and hold your stare as a thumb comes to wipe your new, built-up tears. Tender lips come to kiss your forehead. "I want this. Y/N, please listen to me when I say it'll be alright. I won't let you and the baby down, okay?" Leo's words are kind, softly spoken as he offers you a pursed smile while holding your face in his hand, "You'll be fine."

Your breathing is starting to calm down as you meet his eyes, your hand coming touch his on your cheek. "How far? How far are you, I mean?" Feeling at ease, your eyes are still watery with tears, a smile growing on your lips, "Two weeks." He grows soft at your reply, eyes flickering down towards your stomach. The stomach that held his kid inside of it. "How big are they?" You hold your hand up and leave a little gap between your index finger and your thumb, "Like a little seed." A smile of joy lights up his face before he carefully runs the bottom of your t-shirt up to expose your stomach to him. He pursed his lips together once more, fighting off tears as he gives a breathy laugh. "I love them already." You grin to your significant other, kissing his cheek.

"And we love you too."

#tmnt imagines #tmnt leonardo #tmnt 2016 #tmnt 2014 #tmnt #tmnt 2k12 #tmnt leo x reader #tmnt leo 2012 #tmnt leo imagine #tmnt 2003 #teenage mutant ninja turtles #teenage mutant ninja turtle imagine #teenage mutant ninja turtles imagine #teenage mutant ninja turtles imagines #tmnt x reader #tmnt leonardo x reader #tmnt fanfiction #tmnt fanart

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thirstyfortaglines · 3 years

Text

Welcome to the Wangsheng Family!

This is a 1.5K word Hu Tao x fem!reader fic. Contains adult content. This is my first time writing yuri content so I hope you enjoy.

“So...am I hired?” I reclined from my hunched over position, hastily attempting to organize my papers. Today I sat before the director of the Wangsheng funeral parlor, Hu Tao, in the hopes of getting a job. After reviewing the papers, Hu Tao nodded, finally looking up at me. “You definitely meet the basic experience requirements, but I’d like to get to know you a bit more before making my decision,” she stated in a professional but friendly tone. “What do you mean?” I asked, taken off guard by the question; I had never made it this far in an interview, and it showed. “Well, you must be a strange soul to seek work at a funeral parlor. What brings you here?” she pressed on, an eyebrow quirked in my direction. “To be honest…” I started slowly, scared of revealing too much, “this is the last place left for me. Everywhere else I’ve applied has turned me down for one reason or another, which is why I really appreciate your consideration, miss Tao.”

“Peculiar indeed...well, your application shows you’re more than capable of handling this position-” she had only just started, but I was already jumping out of my seat in celebration. “Thank you so much Director, I promise to be a hard working employee for you” I felt tears start to form and reached for her hand, only to be met with a wagging finger and a mischievous look. “While you have some experience, I have to make certain you’re emotionally strong enough for this job; this line of work can be very taxing and I have to make sure you’re up to snuff” she finished, standing and looking down at me. She then explained to me that she would need to conduct some examinations on me as a test of my metal; had I been less desperate for the job, I might have given it all a second thought, but I was too afraid of her changing her mind to show any bit of hesitation. And so, with a final locking of the doors, I was subjected to Hu Tao and her onslaught of trials.

“Is all this...necessary?” After having agreed to her testing, Tao handed me a blindfold and asked me to wear it. She then explained she was going to apply different types of pressure to my spirit which may cause me to lash out, and so she told me to sit down and tied my hands behind the chair. “To fully bring out the essence of one’s soul, they must first be deprived of the material world and be relieved of their earthly desires” the Director said hauntedly over my shoulder, as if to be spooky and get a rise out of me. Though I could not see, I could definitely hear the things going on around me.

Especially the sudden breathing against my ear.

“What are you-” I spoke out, startled by the sudden heat in my ear. “Hey, stop moving! You’ll ruin the ritual” she whispered hurriedly into my ear, hushing me. After a few moments, I felt what seemed to be her chin resting upon my shoulder, and with it came the brush of her hand up the sides of my arms. “Tell me,” she began to speak in a low hum, “what is your desire?” Truthfully, I did not have many desires left: I had already settled down in Liyue harbor, my debts had been paid off, I mostly had everything I needed-. “My my, you’re still a virgin?”

The question rang out in my head as blood rushed to my cheeks and made my face flush with embarrassment. “W-why does that matter?!” I stammered, though I already knew the answer in my heart. “To work here, you must be capable of freeing yourself of all desire,” she started, finally untying my blindfold, “and so, we’ll have to do something about this lust of yours.” At that moment, the look in Tao’s eyes changed to something more...enchanting; my entire body was lit ablaze under her gaze, with every new location she brushed her fingers against bringing new life to my skin. “Looks like you’ve finally loosened up” she said after some time, cheerily as ever, slowing her exploration of my body for a brief moment. Though I was still bound in my chair, I reveled in this moment; the director was right, this was exactly what I wanted, no, needed. I let out a long winded sigh as Tao traced the back of my head, resting her hand at the base of my neck with a coaxing but firm grip. Her thumb played at the base of my hairline as I tilted my head back to fully feel her touch, the feeling of being held ringing throughout my entire being. What I wasn’t ready for was the kiss.

Hu Tao leaned over my shoulder and planted a kiss, square on my lips. Shock overtook my body, swiftly followed by a maddening desire for more as she drew away; I nearly lept out of the seat, chasing after her fleeting lips. “Haha no need to rush, I’ll give you some more” she teased me, but I didn’t care anymore; all that mattered to me in that moment was having more of her to myself. Perhaps it was only minutes, or maybe hours and hours had passed already, but all I knew was that I was exhausted from the kissing alone. I was dizzy and light-headed, so when Hu Tao slipped from my side, I didn’t even notice. Only when I saw her little hat pop up at my lap did I realize, and the smile she wore told me there was much left in store for this “test”. “So,” she said, her eyes bright and smile wide, “are you ready for round two?” “Round...two…?” I was still attempting to catch up with everything going on but Hu Tao continued full steam ahead. Though I was still seated, she had no intention of stopping, raising my one leg over her shoulder, and pushing the other aside to give her more room. “It’s safe to assume this is your first time, right?” she hovered above my panties, breathing heavily and arousing me further. “Y-yeah, what about it?” I tried to sound confident, but my inexperience shined through as brightly as her eyes, enticing Tao to take advantage. “Well then…”

“Allow me to be your guide~”

She lifted my skirt with a look of anticipation written all over her face, followed by a more quizzical look. “Say, are you a vision user by any chance?” she asked, somewhat abruptly. “No, why?” I replied, equally as confused, though still awaiting more of her touch. She smiled wryly at me and continued, “It’s just so wet down here, I thought you surely couldn’t have been this excited by my kissing alone, you must be a hydro user. Glad to know I still have my touch.” Embarrassment once again coursed through my veins, with Hu Tao still sitting between my legs, attempting to console me while concealing her own laughter.

“Ready?” she looked up at me with a strong gaze, crumpling any opportunity to defy her. I nodded meekly and watched as she descended once again to between my legs. A cold sensation suddenly began rubbing against my clit, contrasting heavily with the hot air being breathed along my thighs. Despite my attempts to contain my enjoyment, a moan of pleasure left my lips as the teasing continued. “My my, did you enjoy that? My hand is absolutely soaked!” Hu Tao giggled, removing her hand from the area and tracing my thighs with the tips of her fingers. The sensation was so stimulating I got goosebumps all along my skin, begging to be touched, teased, and toyed with more. Once I was amply excited again, Tao gripped the sides of my drenched panties and slowly pulled them off, as if to remind me she was in control this entire time. “I think,” she said, hovering dangerously close to my sensitive pussy, “it’s time I dig in.”

The moment her tongue entered me, I screamed as I came. Not once had I ever considered myself a “quick shot”, but in that moment the stimuli got to me and Hu Tao showed now mercy; she continued her attack on my sensitive parts, alternating between her fingers and her tongue, forcing me to cum many, many times. At some point she doubled up on her assault, using her tongue on my clit and reaching deep into my pussy with her fingers, drawing out an aggressive moan from me and completely draining me of all my stamina. The cycle went on for hours: Attack, Cum, Tease, Repeat. And I loved every second of it.

By the time she had finished, I was drenched in sweat and my own fluids, fatigue overcoming my every muscle. “Seems like you’ll be a great fit here” the Director stated, standing up to face me. I gazed up at her as she placed a hand on my bare chest, leaned in, and kissed me. The feeling lingered on my lips as she made her way towards the door. “You start next Monday” she said behind her, halfway through the door. “T-thank you ma’am” I called after her, scrambling to get my clothes back on.

And that’s the story of how I got a job at the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.

Todaloo~

#genshin impact #genshin impact x reader #hu tao #hu tao x reader #mod hoh

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ga-yuu · 3 years

Text

Ikemen Genjiden ~ Ibuki 1st Birthday Story ~ “A Lewd Play”

(As expected, Kyoto is a beautiful city! Although its different from Kamakura.)

I was visiting Kyoto alongside with Yoritomo-sama and Kagetoki-san, for some business related matters....

After introducing me to some high officials and greeting them, they were kind enough to let me enjoy my free time this way.

Kid 1: “Are you sure?”

Kid 2: “Yes. I am.”

(Ah, these kids. Looks interesting.)

Few children ran past me while I was walking. While watching them with a smile....

???: “Hey, do you not want to hide?”

Yuno: “Hm?”

Suddenly I heard a voice and I turned around.

Kid: “You have to hide or a demon will catch you.”

(....! How beautiful.)

(Maybe his face....no, his eyes are more captivating.)

Kid: “What’s with that look?”

His voice was surprisingly matured, considering the elaborated make-believe appearance.

Yuno: “Even if you warn me....I will be fine because I’m an adult.”

I looked at the little boy and smiled back.

(Anyway, where is he from?)

(He is wearing fancy clothes which means he is obviously not a commoner....Maybe you’re a son of some high ranking official?)

Yuno: “Hey, what is your name?”

Kid: “Ibuki.”

Yuno: “I’m Yuno.”

(I know its none of my business, but I feel like it’s dangerous for a child like him to be walking around by himself...)

Yuno: “Ibuki-kun, aren’t your family members with you?”

Ibuki: “No, I’m lost.” (With most deceiving saddest expression but at the same time its cute.)

Yuno: “....I have never seen a kid like you getting lost. Hmmm. Would you like me to help you find your way back home?”

I don’t want to leave him by himself and so I made an offer....

Ibuki: “Will you?”

His clear blue eyes stared at me, and the little red lips drew an arc.

Yuno: “Yeah. Let’s get you home before the sun goes down.”

Ibuki: “Okay. Let’s go.”

Ibuki-kun walked up right next to me and took my hand as a matter of course.

Ibuki: “This way.”

Yuno: ‘Eh? Okay.”

I followed Ibuki-kun, who pulls my hand and started walking.

(Although he’s lost, he walks without any hesitation,...)

Yuno: “By the way, Ibuki-kun. How old are you?”

(He looks like he’s ten or twelve...)

I asked that while feeling a peculiar heat from his his palm radiating my body.

Ibuki: “I’m 1200 years old.”

Yuno: “Huh? Wait....Don’t make fun of me.”

Ibuki-kun laughed at my ridiculous response.

Yuno: “ If you’re like this from a young age, I’m worried about your future.”

Ibuki: “Heh, this is the first time someone is worried about my future. Also, I made a mistake. I’m aging one more year today.”

(Ah)

Yuno: “Is today your birthday?”

Ibuki: “Yeah.”

Yuno: “Congratulations! I mean......You’re not teasing me this time, right?”

Ibuki: “You’re a ruthless person to doubt an innocent child, Yuno.” (Innocent? huh!)

Ibuki-kun, lifts one end of his lips which didn’t seem innocent.

Yuno: “If it’s your birthday today, you have to go home quickly and celebrate.”

Ibuki: “Nobody lives with me. So it doesn’t matter.”

Yuno: “No one...”

(I know that’s not possible, but what’s going on?)

Ibuki-kun peeked at my face when I didn’t speak.

Ibuki: “If you’re going to look like that, will you celebrate my birthday, Yuno?”

(Hm?)

When I stared back at him in dismay, I saw a somewhat amused color in Ibuki-kun’s eyes.

(Maybe because he doesn’t have a family, might be the reason to his matured personality...)

When I think about that, I feel like I can’t leave him alone.

Yuno: “Okay. I can’t stay long, but I’m happy if I can.”

Ibuki: “Okay.”

Seeing Ibuki laughing with satisfaction, I also relaxed.

(I have to celebrate his birthday properly.)

Yuno: “Oh, wait.”

After asking him to wait, I quickly ran to a nearby store. Without him notice, I bought him a small gift and then we made our way towards Ibuki’s house.

When the sky turned red, we made it------

Ibuki: “Welcome, make yourself at home.”

Yuno: “Um..yes.”

Ibuki guided me to a house in the outskirts of the town without hesitation.

Yuno: “.....So. Is this where you actually live?”

Ibuki: “Is it strange?”

Yuno: “Because, this atmosphere is different from any kid’s room.”

The room, that Ibuki-kun claims is his, had a somewhat lewd atmosphere.

Ibuki: “I’m the only one who lives here. But I did bring many guests before.”(But seems like no one has made it alive!!)

The light coming from the window illuminates Ibuki-kun’s cheeks. For some reason, I felt a shiver run down my spine at a mysterious premonition.

Ibuki: “What’s wrong?”

Yuno: “......”

(Something is wrong. Ibuki-kun looks much more.....frightening.)

I unconsciously backtracked to Ibuki-kun who is approaching me.

Ibuki: “It’s not wrong but don’t you think its too late to be vigilant.”

Yuno: “Eh.....”

That’s when Ibuki-kun rolled up his long sleeve and I saw what looked like a very old looking bracelet. The moment he took it off-----

(.....!)

Ibuki (Daddy version): “That’s why I warned you before,didn’t I?. You have to hide from demons.”

Yuno: “You.....”

(What is happening.)

Ibuki-kun, who I thought was a small kid, is now transformed into a young man in front of me. He has two horns growing on his head and had bright blonde hair.

Yuno: “Oni....”

When I was surprised, the young man----Ibuki, laughed as if he was amused.

Ibuki (Daddy version): “Correct.”

(No. I must not space out like this, I have to run away!)

My body moved as if it sensed danger and I ran to the door.

Yuno: “Eh.....Why won’t this open.”

Ibuki (Daddy version): “Oh yeah, I locked the door with a magic spell. Do you think a human could leave safely after entering a devil’s den.”

(That’s....)

I stared at Ibuki as hard as I could with my back to the door.

Yuno: “What are you going to do to me? Maybe this has something to do with the rebels...”

Ibuki (Daddy version): “I know one guy from the rebels, but other than that, this not has nothing to do with them.”

Yuno: “Then...?”

Ibuki (Daddy version): “Don’t worry, I approached you because I have a personal interest in you. That’s it.”

(I’m pretty sure he’s hiding something....but what does he want....)

At least there is no murderous intent in Ibuki’s eyes. Even so, I can’t let my guard down and be weak....

Ibuki: “So. How long are you going to stand there? Don’t you want to celebrate my birthday?”

(.....How serious are you?)

I can’t read anything from Ibuki’s teasing tone.

Yuno: “I only wanted to celebrate your birthday, because you were posing as little kid.”

Ibuki (Daddy version): “Isn’t it your fault for not checking in advance if I am suspicious or not? Humans only see the surface. That’s what’s so cute about them.”

I looked at Ibuki while being confused as he continues to speak with amusement.

Yuno: “I made a promise and I’m not comfortable breaking it. But.... I really don’t know what you’re thinking. What’s your purpose?”

Ibuki (Daddy version): “That’s simple. If you managed to satisfy me, I’ll let you go.”

His blue eyes gleamed dangerously and my heart pounds with an anticipation. He takes my hand invitingly and brings me closer.

Yuno: “Wait....”

Ibuki (Daddy version): “It’s okay. There’s plenty of time. For you, that is.”

(Ah)

As he sweetly bites my finger, my shoulders bounce.

Yuno: “Mm...why...why are you doing this?”

Ibuki (Daddy version): “Say my name.”

Yuno: “Ngh........Ibuki!”

In the midst of my spinning thoughts, I reflexively called out his name as requested.

Ibuki (Daddy version): “Well done.”

As if to maintain the anticipation...Ibuki’s fingertips slowly unties my hair.

Ibuki (Daddy version): “Yuno. It’s just a for fun. So relax.”

(............)

A sweet dangerous sensation hits my body as he hugs me.

Yuno: “Mm.”

When I felt his lips touching me neck, my voice slipped out.

(This is not good.)

My body became numb at the feeling of his tongue. But then my body follows Ibuki’s words and I relaxed.

Ibuki (Daddy version): “You like this, don’t you?”

Yuno: “.....Let go. You’ve had enough, haven’t you?”

Ibuki (Daddy version): “No way. Demons are greedy. At this rate, I’ll have to devour you completely.” (No wonder your son is Kurama. You raised him just like you.)

(Wait....)

Yuno: “ Are you saying that you’re literally....?”

Ibuki chuckled when I asked him fearfully.

Ibuki (Daddy version): “We are not little kids. Of course, you know what I meant.”

The touch of his fingertips at my throat tickled and made my body heat up.

Ibuki (Daddy version): “Or do you want me to celebrate and please you in some other way?”

His fingertips slides down from my throat, tracing the curves of my body teasingly.

(This is bad. If I don’t quickly satisfy Ibuki....then!)

When I tried to work my head, I caught something in the corner of my eyes.

Yuno: “Oh yeah, the gift!”

Ibuki (Daddy version): “Hm?”

I pulled away from Ibuki’s body and picked up the gift and pressed it against his chest.

Yuno: “I bought this while we were in town....It for your birthday, so take it.”

Ibuki (Daddy version): “You are not very sexy in this kind of situation, are you? Oh well.”

Ibuki began to open the gift in a relaxed manner.

Ibuki (Daddy version): “If you are bothered to give it to me, that means you’re very confident about this, right?”

Yuno: “Well....”

(I gave it on the spur of the moment to stop his play. But the stuff inside is....)

Ibuki (Daddy version): “...!”

Ibuki’s eyes widened as he sees the gift.

Ibuki (Daddy version): “----Cat figurine?”

It was a cute wooden carving cat that I intended to give to a small child.

(Please tell me you like it.)

Yuno: “Well, you see...actually---”

Ibuki (Daddy version): “You’ve got a good taste, I’ll give you that.”

Yuno: “Huh”

Ibuki happily looks at the cat figurine as if he was in good mood.

Ibuki (Daddy version): “The loveliness of the cat is well expressed.”

He continues to talk to himself while arranging the figurine on his shelf.

Yuno: “....Do you like cats?”

Ibuki (Daddy version)(pouting): “Is there anything not to like?”

(Well yeah,....cats are cute, though)

Yuno: “How surprising...”

Ibuki (Daddy version):(Pouting) “Insolent woman.”

Having said that, Ibuki didn’t seem to be offended.

Ibuki (Daddy version): “Okay. I can’t help it, I was originally planning to play with you until morning.....but Yuno, you can go home.”

Yuno: “Eh!?”

Ibuki (Daddy version): “I promised that I would let you go when I’m satisfied, didn’t I?”

Yuno: “Yes, you did....”

(That was easy.)

Looks like he a disciplined type who keeps his promises.

(Forcible, dangerous, disciplined, cat-loving demon?)

I don’t know which is the actual Ibuki, but....before I knew it, my fear was completely gone.

Ibuki (Daddy version): “What’s wrong? You don’t want to go. If you want to do it, I’ll do my best to satisfy you.”

Yuno: “No no no! I’m fine.”

Before Ibuki changed his mind, I quickly touched the door.

(...! It really opened.)

Ibuki (Daddy version): “How rude. At least you could say ‘I’ll miss you’.”

(Being unreasonable, but ......)

Yuno: “Hey, Ibuki.”

While hesitating, I stopped behind the door and stared at Ibuki.

Ibuki (Daddy version): “....? What?”

Yuno: “I know it’s little late. Happy Birthday! I didn’t get to say it earlier.”

Ibuki (Daddy version): “...........”

In the faint light of twilight, I could see Ibuki opening his eyes slightly.

(Ah..... Ibuki can look like that!?)

Somehow that unexpected expression shook my heart....

#ikemen series #ikemen genjiden #ikemen genjiden ibuki #ibuki 1st birthday story #cybird otome #ikemen games

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drxwsyni · 4 years

Note

if you have requests open, could you please do a blurb/scenario where overhaul is too needy and clingy for touch ? it would be nice to see him be normal once. like the s/o is doing something like reading, and then suddenly he starts smoothering her in kisses, wanting to cuddle and etc. ?

how dare you come into my inbox and request something so gosh diddly darn soft anon, this is a yandere blog for crying out loud. also i’ve never really written fluff before, so i hope this lives up to your expectations given where i took this. i really spent a while trying to make this so i’m sorry if it wasn’t what you imagined. anyhoot―thanks for requesting my fav villain!

warnings: implied kidnapping and stockholm syndrome

_____

Yandere Chisaki Kai/Overhaul x f!Reader

(2.9k words) Title: affection

Time seemed to pass quickly in an unchanging environment. Having lost yourself long ago to the stagnant surroundings and uncompromising directives, existing was now a calm, passive experience.

Gradually, your mindset began to shift. Likely for the better, you acknowledged and accepted the proclamations of Chisaki Kai.

It was peculiar―there was a certain attachment he had to you, and it was quite evident. He cared for you, but it was on a detached level. Few times existed in your memory in which he had displayed innate affection, something with physical warmth to it. Mostly, his devotion was shown in the act of providing for you―maintaining your good health, a comfortable place to rest, relaxing pastimes―anything to make your life with him more pleasant.

When it came to more personal exchanges, Chisaki was lacking deeply. On the rare occasion he’d indulge you in closeness, but something seemed to be holding him back. Contact was limited―a hand on the small of your back, moving a strand of wayward hair from your face. If he was feeling particularly bold, he might gently cup your cheek as he admired the details in your irises for a fleeting moment.

It never moved beyond these happenings though, whether you wished they would or not.

You took them as they came, but slowly the lack of contact was having its own effects on your health. It was more of a mental than physical affliction―the loss of touch meant the loss of an irreplaceable comfort.

Unfortunately, Chisaki had his boundaries, something you were well aware of. It was the driving force preventing you from bringing up the concern. Instead, you continued to subsist day in and day out. By now the need to resist had faded completely, and you were left to the subjection of his will.

Today, that will had you occupied in his office. The yakuza leader seemed to take solace in your company, although distant, thus having you frequently stationed in his proximity. Novel in hand, leaning against the armrest behind you, your mind drifted from the contents of the pages as you relaxed against the soft leather. Always in his line of site, the couch you were laying on was positioned against the wall to Kai’s right as he worked diligently at his desk.

If there was one trait of his that prevailed over all others, it was his attention to detail in your condition. He picked up on everything before you comprehended the reality yourself. It was because of this you eventually began to willingly let him make all the decisions, knowing you’d never be on the same level of proficiency.

His office was normally a quiet environment―you deduced it was something he maintained when you were around. It was easier to immerse yourself in a good book like this, devoid of distractions. Yet, every so often your thoughts departed from the story, taking up residence in the details of your surroundings.

The warm yet sufficiently illuminating lighting, crisp and sterile scented air, ambient noises of a quietly ticking clock or the typing of a keyboard. It all served to subdue your nerves, letting your mind ease into placidity. Your eyes drifted to the wall on your left, lost in the grooved details of the high-grade wooden panelling.

“Angel.”

Your head turned to the source of the sound, pulling you out of your thoughts. Chisaki had moved to seat himself on the edge of the couch next to you, a look of worry in his eyes coupled with slightly furrowed eyebrows. You offered a hum in response.

“How did you sleep last night? You tend to get...distracted, when you’re tired.” He must’ve noticed the wandering look in your eyes―eyes that should've been focused on your novel. As always, he knows you better than you know yourself.

“Well enough, I guess.” You gave a warm smile in hopes of easing his concerns.

He continued with an inquisitive look. “How many hours?”

You knew the question to be an order to tell the truth, despite it sounding harmless enough. “Maybe five. I woke up in the middle of the night and couldn’t fall back asleep.”

Chisaki let out a sigh, likely disappointed at the response.

Yet, it would seem today he was feeling generous with affection.

His gloved right hand drifted to your face, settling on cupping the side of it while his thumb lightly caressed your cheekbone. “You know to wake me up if you're having trouble sleeping.”

“I didn’t want to bother you Kai. I’m really not that tired, so you don’t need to worry.” Upsetting him was the last thing you wanted to do, knowing how it affected his ability to work sometimes.

“We’ve been over this before, angel. It doesn’t matter what I’m doing. If something is wrong you’re to tell me immediately.”

But you couldn’t tell him what was wrong. The truth was something even he wouldn’t be able to fix as far as you were concerned.

You could have woken him up last night, and you probably would’ve been met with sleeping pills to ease your affliction. It would’ve done the trick, but in reality it wouldn’t have been what you truly needed. Even after all this time, admitting it to yourself was difficult. But you couldn’t deny the comfort you felt in his touch. The two of you even slept in the same bed―it wouldn’t take much for him to fix the issue if he wasn’t so insistent on ‘giving you your space.’

For now, you resolved to lean into his hand, silently conveying your feelings. “I’m sorry, I didn’t think I’d be up for so long.”

He must’ve picked up on the movement, seeing as his eyes widened ever so slightly. Much to your surprise, he didn’t withdraw his hand.

Once again he regarded you with mild distress. “Your health will deteriorate if you remain exhausted. Tell me next time, I’ll give you something to help with the restlessness.”

That’s not what you wanted. “I don’t like taking the pills though. They make me feel...weird.”

He gave a small laugh, “How else am I supposed to put you to sleep?”

You bit down on your lower lip nervously, looking away from his gaze. He’d likely never understand, and it was a reality you would have to get used to―just as you had with all the other difficulties he presented you.

“Hey, look at me.” Your eyes immediately followed his command, seeing him now glaring down at you. “You’re acting strange, what are you thinking about?”

What were you supposed to tell him?

You’d have to lie your way out of this one and pray he didn’t pick up on it. You opened your mouth to speak, but a knock at the heavy wooden door effectively cut you off.

“Just a minute.” Chisaki called out to whoever provided the interruption before regarding you again. His hand slipped to the top of your exposed knee, given that you were wearing a dress that came just above it. “Whatever’s wrong―you're telling me later, understand?”

You gave a small nod in response, which he deemed satisfactory enough.

Giving your knee a small squeeze, he stood from the couch, moving to retake his place in the chair behind his desk. He invited the individual waiting on the other side of the door in, and you returned to the company of your book.

Yet, as hard as you tried to focus on its contents, you couldn’t help but fret over the prospect of having to tell him exactly how you were feeling.

_____

The following couple of hours were spent in the continued presence of Kai as he dealt with a few of his subordinates in the office. Since the interaction you picked up on his brief glances in your direction, doing what you assumed was making sure you weren’t falling asleep.

Eventually, dinner had rolled around. The two of you ate in almost complete silence, save for a few comments made here and there regarding your opinions on the new novel you were reading, and him on having to deal with some incompetent underlings.

It would seem for the moment he had disregarded his promise to interrogate you on the topic of your change in behaviour. Maybe for once he wouldn’t be so painfully thorough, and instead let this one incident slide.

That’s what you hoped for, not being able to come to terms with the reality of having to tell him the truth. But you knew better―he was never one to go back on his word, not even with you.

Chisaki returned to the office for a few hours after dinner, letting Kurono accompany you on a walk through the compound's courtyard.

The place was by far your most favoured area in the base. It was the only thing that really changed in your life―the seasons, weather, anything nature had to offer―the only constant that was inconstant. You always took as much time as possible to relish in the environment, and were never truly satisfied by the time you were escorted away, back to the shared bedroom.

Kai was already in the room when you returned, some unidentifiable files in hand as he sat on the edge of the bed, hunched over the papers.

It was fairly late, nearing when he had designated an appropriate bedtime for yourself.

He lifted his head as you entered the room, watching as you shut the door behind you.

“I drew you a bath. We’re having that talk once you’re ready for bed.”

Following his unspoken commands, you headed into the bathroom, not before picking out a pair of pyjamas for the night.

Naturally, you spent as long as possible soaking in the gradually cooling off water. Having scrubbed your body down long ago, it was now a matter of biding your time until you could work up the courage to return to him.

Unfortunately that courage never came, rather it was more of an inescapable dread that you had no choice but to deal with. If you waited any longer it would only make things worse for the both of you.

Coming to terms with the situation, you finished up with your bath and finished getting ready for bed.

Upon exiting the bathroom you saw Kai was already in bed, sitting up against the headboard on his phone. By the end of the day he never truly finished his work as far as you could tell, leaving times like this to be spent tending to emails or occasionally answering a phone call. He never bothered to hide his occupation from you. It wasn’t always a bad thing, but some of the discussions he had were, for lack of better words, alarming. Sometimes, ignorance really is bliss.

The only light left on in the room was that of the lamp on his bedside table. His eyes never strayed from his phone as you made your way over to your side of the bed. You settled for lying on your side, facing away from him under the blankets.

It was around 9:00 pm at this point. Normally Chisaki stayed up for a couple of hours, either in bed on his phone or at the small desk just to the side of the room. He insisted that you go to bed at the same time every night, and remained in the room to make sure you actually fell asleep.

Like usual, the two of you never talked in these moments. That continued to be your reality for a few minutes, but his promise was more than enough to keep the exhaustion away for the time being.

You heard a deep sigh from his side of the bed, followed by the gentle thud of a phone being laid on the nightstand. There was a slight shift in the bed before movement ceased once again.

“So, what’s on your mind?”

You really didn’t want to open up to him about this. “Nothing really, I guess.”

For the most part you’d been good at hiding it, but last night was just one amongst many that had you awake for long hours. Keeping the issue from him wasn’t the easiest, but it was better than the alternative―than this.

“Angel, I’m going to need you to cooperate here. I can tell your behaviour has changed.”

Maybe you weren’t as good at hiding it as you thought.

“Just a little tired is all, I’m fine.”

You’re definitely not fine.

“How long have you felt like this.”

Longer than you could feasibly remember, but you digress.

“Maybe a month...or two.”

The pause suggested that, like you expected, your answers tonight would likely irritate him.

“I’ll pick up some medication to help you stay asleep then.”

Again with this, it’s like he has selective memory or something.

“I don’t li―”

“You don’t like the way it makes you feel, I know. But you’ll fall ill if you remain in this state.”

You never had the room to be demanding with Kai. Realistically, you never needed to. Somehow he always managed to take care of everything―even things you didn’t realize were a problem. Not when it came to this however. Nowadays, he just barely missed the mark, and it was enough to cause issues of its own.

“It’s just...not everything can be solved with pills.”

God, what were you saying? It would be so much easier to just accept his answer and move on.

That’s what you thought, but something was causing you to reply against your will, for better or for worse.

“You’re going to have to be a little more specific, my love.” You felt the bed shift once again, the only light going out with a click.

You’ve already dug yourself deep enough into this mess, where’s the harm in going a little further?

“I guess I’m just...lonely?”

There was a moment of silence that felt like it lasted an eternity. You’d never discussed this topic with him before―at least you think you hadn’t. A lot of your memories felt foggy due to the almost completely unchanging routine you’d been subjected to for who knows how long.

You heard another sigh from his side of the bed. It was already something you’d anticipated―him not being able to provide for you in this way despite being more than capable of doing so with all other concerns. All you could do now was wait for the inevitable, medically approached solution he had conjured.

“Well, if that’s the case…” Yet, in a swift motion you felt an arm wrap around your waist, pulling you back from your position on the edge of the bed, “...I suppose it’d be quite irresponsible of me to neglect this problem any longer.”

He slotted you securely against his chest, arm remaining firmly draped over your frame effectively keeping you from moving even an inch out of his grasp.

The sudden contact sent your mind reeling, while your body was seemingly unable to put up resistance―but at this point there wasn’t much need to resist anyways. In fact, you were more concerned with Chisaki, him stepping way outside of what you perceived to be his comfort zone.

“I―y-you don’t have to―”

“You should know that I’ve been holding back for your sake. Had I known you were so afflicted I would’ve indulged myself much sooner.”

Naturally, this only confused you further.

“I thought you didn’t like touching people?” Your voice was quiet―small even.

He almost laughed at the comment, but it came out as more of a breathy exhale. “That’s correct, angel.” Almost tantalizingly slow, he started leaving a trail of light kisses down your neck, pausing only to speak. “You however...I’ve been wanting to do this since the moment I laid eyes on you.”

You felt the grip around your waist tighten ever so slightly. Not in a threatening way―more so to bring you closer to him, if that was even possible.

“Why did you wait?” For as long as you’ve known him, Chisaki was a man to take whatever he wanted without question. So the prospect of your current situation was baffling.

You could almost feel the slight smile he had against your skin as he lightly hovered over it. “I wanted you to come to me first...and now that you have,” his lips ghosted the shell of your ear, “I don’t plan on keeping the same restraint any longer.”

A shiver ran up and down your spine, you inwardly cursing yourself for having sensitive ears.

He continued, “But I suppose for now I should let you sleep, seeing as I’ve been preventing you from doing so for quite some time.” You felt him plant a final, gentle kiss atop the crown of your head.

It had been so long since someone had held you―made you feel genuinely loved―that it had your heart beating a million times a minute. Chisaki must’ve picked up on it, being so close, as his hand drifted to rest atop yours, rubbing small, soothing circles into it with his thumb.

This is what you wanted, right? For him to take this extra step?

Vaguely, you could register a slight feeling of...apprehension?

But, surely there was no need to feel worried anymore. Not after he’d looked after you―cared for you―for so long.

You tried to connect the sensation to reasoning. And yet, no matter how hard your brain searched for answers, a correspondence never formed. Rather, the sentiment faded as quickly as it arised, and was replaced with the comfort of his closeness to you―his affection.

So, you let it gradually lull you into sleep, knowing it’d be there―he’d be there―when you woke up. And it would still be there whenever you needed it, just as everything else was provided for you without you even having to ask.

#yandere bnha #yandere overhaul #yandere chisaki kai #yandere my hero academia #yandere #yandere mha #yandere bnha x reader #yandere mha x reader #yandere overhaul x reader #yandere chisaki kai x reader #yandere x reader

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sushinoyuhh · 3 years

Text

Gardenias.

Haikyuu Various x Reader

Credit to the artist who made that ↑

─── ･｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Synopsis + Characters

Various Haikyuu boys show you their love on Valentines Day!

≪•◦ ❈ ◦•≫

Characters: Kuroo, Oikawa, Iwaizumi, Bokuto, Akaashi, Atsumu, and Suna.

─── ･｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Genre and Warnings

Genre: Romance, very slight nsfw undertones.

Warnings: slight angst on Iwa’s part

─── ･｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Tetsurō Kuroo

─── ･｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

You sat in the classroom, mindlessly looking through the window beside you. A hum escaped your lips while listening to light chatter being passed around the occupied classroom. It was Valentines Day, so of course the girls in the classroom were squealing about what their boyfriends or girlfriends did for them. Of course you feel a little envious. Your own boyfriend hasn’t said a word to you this whole day.

You felt as if either he forgot or he’s just not caring about this special day. You sighed, tapping your foot against the floor. You became annoyed with the sudden outcome of this day. ‘I’d be fine with just a card, you know..’ you thought to yourself. Suddenly, several gasps started to make its way through the room. Cocking a brow, you turn to right to see your own boyfriend standing in the door way.

Your mouth dropped. There stood your boyfriend, Kuroo, with a freakishly larger teddy bear in one hand, with a big bouquet of roses and chocolates in the other. Now he walked up to you with such a sweet and caring grin.

“Hey shortcake~ sorry I didn’t get this too you sooner. It was a long walk to the florists..” he purred next to your ear, giving a quick kiss on your cheek afterwards. “No no, it’s fine..!” You gushed while taking the goodies he got you. Maybe he didn’t forget after all huh?

“Don’t worry chibi-chan~ I’ll be sure to treat you better later..~” he winked at you before leaving the classroom. At this point you were more red than a tomato at his smoothness. Suddenly it was the people in the classroom who were jealous now.

Tōru Oikawa

─── ･｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

The first thing you saw when you walked into the boys volleyball gym was a big bouquet of flowers shoved in your face. “Y-Y/N! Please except these!!” You saw your boyfriend, Oikawa, bowing down to you while shoving roses and gardenias in your face. “Tōru! No need to shout..” you said with a flustered giggle.

“Oh wait you actually liked that gesture? See Iwa she doesn’t want more!!” Oikawa looked behind him to glare eye his friend, “He couldn’t stop pestering me about how just roses and gardenias wouldn’t be enough.” You took the bouquet with a cheeky grin while shooting your head no. “These are just fine, Tōru.”

“But I do have one more thing. Meet me at the back of they gym after practice. Alright, little cutie~?” He pured while giving you a kiss on the cheek. You nodded quietly, feeling you cheeks heat up more.

After what seemed like forever, the practice had ended and you’ve already made it to the back of the gym. You looked at the ground, anticipating for what’s about the happened. You wondered what he could be planing, but nothing came to mind. Soon, you heard footsteps fall into place behind you. You saw your boyfriend with something in his pocket.

“Hey uhm,” He got in front of you and bent down on one knee, “I know we can’t marry now but I truly do want to spend the rest of my life with you. You make me so happy and I just can’t bare to see you with anyone else..” he pulled out this gorgeous butterfly promise ring. Before you knew it, happy tears already fell from your face. “Yes..” you whispered, putting the ring on your left pointer finger.

Hajime Iwaizumi

─── ･｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

It was the day before Valentine’s Day. The air had a slight lovingly buzz to it, yet your heart couldn’t feel the same. Your boyfriend, Iwaizumi, has been acting a little differently towards you lately. He’d been canceling dates and constantly on his phone lately. A part of you couldn’t help but think he’s cheating on you. Whenever you came up to him, he would frantically put his phone in his pocket. You would ask if everything thing is fine, but all that Iwaizumi would do was brush you off and change the subject. This behavior has gotten you sad and feel uneasy near him.

“You know, Y/N is going to think your cheating on them.” Oikawa said, spinning a ball in his hand. You weren’t the only one picking up on his behavior. “You realize how strange you’ve been acting near them, right..?” Iwaizumi tracked the ball, eventually landing a spike on it. “Wait what do you mean? I haven’t been...” he paused for a second. Everything came coming back to him. His weird behavior, him constantly checking his phone. “Shit.”

Meanwhile, you walked into the boys volleyball gym. You weren’t expecting much, just to be once again ignored by your boyfriend. Instead of trying to pin point his location, all you did was casually walk to the bench. “Y/N!!” Iwaizumi called out your name while jogging up to you. “What do you want.” You said coldly, turning away from him.

“Please, hear me out Y/N...I know what you’re probably thinking..no, I am not cheating on you-” Iwaizumi was cut off, “then what am I supposed to think? You’ve been sneaky around me, hiding your phone from me, and hanging out with me less! Then what are you doing, Iwa.”

Iwaizumi tensed at your accusations. I mean, you weren’t wrong. It’s true, he has been acting like that for a while now. “Babe, I was trying to get tickets for that local carnival that’s going to pop up on Valentine’s Day! I’ve been super distant because it’s been hard just to grab two tickets. Apparently every other couple had the same idea as me..” Iwa told you. Your face slowly lit up, realizing everything meant know harm with his peculiar behavior. “Carnival..? Ah, thank you Iwa!!” You smiled cheekily as you engulfed your boyfriend in a sweet hug.

Koutarou Bokuto

─── ･｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

You looked at the vanity mirror in front of you, basking in your entire appearance. Today was Valentine’s Day and Bokuto had a date planned for you both. It was at night so, you had a few ideas for what might happen. “Planetarium date, night time picnic..?” You said softly too yourself. Ideas began swarming your mind before adjusting your outfit. Suddenly your phone began to buzz, notifying you someone is texting you or calling you. You picked it up, seeing your boyfriend Bokuto spam text you saying that he’s at your front door. You told him you’ll be right there and swiftly grabbed your bag filled with personal items. You made it downstairs and opened your door to see a very excited owl.

“Y/N!!” He chirped before grasping you in a big bear hug, “Are you really for our date, hun?” He asked with his big goofy grin. Ah, that smile. That smile could blind anyone or any cure disease it came across. “Yeah I am. Do you know where we’re going, Bo?” You closed the door behind you, locking it as well. “It’s a surprise,” he snickerd.

After what seemed like hours, you both arrived at the local park. Despite being night time, the park was buzzing with life. “You see, I don’t know much about space en-stuff like Kuroo, but there’s supposed to be a big meteor shower tonight..I thought you might be interested seeing it with me.” Bokuto looked away from you with pink dusting his cheeks.

“No I would love to see the meteor shower with you!” You smiled up at him before kissing his cheek. He giggled, leading you to a designated spot away from other people or couples. He pulled out a big picnic blanket from his own bag and spread it out on the lush grass. Once he finished, you sat on it with a soft smile. Eventually Bokuto joined you but he layed his head ontop of yours while intertwining his fingers with yours.

“It should be starting soon. Kuroo said it should be starting around nine or nine-thirty,” He said with his usual gleeful attitude. Nodding, you looked back at the dark painted sky speckled with white glowing stars. It was so gorgeous, it made a nice feeling well up inside you. It made you feel good to be alive with your boyfriend. “LOOK IT’S STARTING!!” Bokuto couldn’t help but shout happily while pointing to the left of you both.

One by one, shooting starts began to dance around the barely lit sky. Softly illuminating the sky for you. Each shooting star began to happily show its own dance, fading in and out whenever it wanted to. Your eyes had marvled at the spectacular event. Suddenly you felt a hand under your chin, guiding your line of sight to face your boyfriend. After a quiet session of kissing him softly, he let go of it. “Happy Valentine’s Day, Y/N...”

Keiji Akaashi

─── ･｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

It was all so..astonishing. The home cooked food, the flickering of the cherry smelling candles, the arrangement of roses and gardenias, the soft romantic music in the background...everything seemed to be so handled with care and planned out neatly. But you’d expect nothing less from the amazing Keiji Akaashi. You patted your lips with cloth napkins, you couldn’t help but notice that smelled of cherries too. A lot of things were red so something cherry smelling wasn’t so surprising. “Please, I want to say thank you! This was all so amazing..I-” little happy tears began to prick the corner of your eyes. You felt overwhelmed with love and joy.

A soft smile formed on Akaashi, “it’s really nothing. I wanted to do something special for you, so I thought that maybe this would be something good. He motioned his hand to sway around the dinner table and room. “Oh uhm, are you done? I want to show you something.” He smiled a little wider as he stood up. You nodded while watching him pick up the dirty plates of food and dessert.

Eventually, he asked for your hand. Of course you complied with a smile. He guided you to the open space in his living room. “I’ve gotten a new stereo,” he took the remote next to hit and turned it on, flipping through songs afterwards. You glanced at him and then the new stereo. It was slick and clean. It definitely looked new.

A song started playing. It was quite familiar, it sounded like something you heard on the radio or a friends playlist. “Would you have this dance..?” Akaashi looked at you with his teal eyes. You nodded, eventually falling into a perfect stance for dancing. The song started playing as you started swaying. Your head rested on his shoulder. This was probably what heaven felt like, or is. Dancing in the dark with your boyfriend, feeling nothing but his warmth and love..yep, definitely heaven.

“I love you, angel..”

Atsumu Miya

─── ･｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

You see, while others got homemade chocolates and beautifully decorated floral arrangements, you’ve gotten..almost nothing. All you’ve gotten today was obligatory chocolates and a few friendly cards made for everyone in your class. Part of the reason you never really liked Valentine’s Day. You’ve never gotten anything more than a “happy Valentine’s Day!” Or “Can you please past these on?”.

This year was no different. You’ve actually already had someone ask to past these onto someone. You said no but it still bothered you. The end of the day came to a start and you eventually made it to the boys volleyball gym. You’re the manager so your obligated to get there before anyone else. Taking out the key, you held it out to the key hole but the door was already open. ‘Have I forgotten to lock up? No that’s impossible, Kita watched me.’ Thinking, you furrowed your bows.

The gym was very well lit up. “Someone is probably here.” You mumbled before speaking in a more louder tone, “Is anyone here!?” There wasn’t a response after you called out. Just a rustling in the storage closet. Atsumu on the other hand started to sweat. “Did they hear me? Ah shoot, this was supposed to be perfect..” he sighed softly while hearing your footsteps grow closer and closer to the storage closet. He saw the door open gently and the lights fully flicker on.

“A-Atsumu..!” You gasped, looking around the perfectly decorated room. There were roses all of the floor while all the other places were occupied with dimly lit candles and other red, pink, and white decorations. “W-who is this possibly for..?” You said, looking around. A part of you wished it was for you. You’ve had a crush on Atsumu for a while now, but you wouldn’t dare tell him. Not while the chance of rejection still stands.

“T-this is actually for you..” Atsumu looked down at you with an embarrassed expression. This was supposed to be a surprise but you got here early..” he pouted. “For...me?” You blushed profusely, looking at him with your jaw dropped. “Do you like it?” He asked. “Like it..? No, I love it! This the best thing anyone’s ever done for me, thank you..!” You cheered, eventually pressing your lips against his cheek. He smiled cheerfully, eventually pressing his lips onto yours. ‘Best Valentine’s Day Ever..’

Rintarō Suna

─── ･｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

You sat on the bench near the schools entrance with a patient gaze. You also couldn’t help but hear the grotesque snickers of girls off to the side of you. They were going on and on about how you didn’t seem to have a partner this Valentine’s Day. They also did a poorly job hiding their snarky laughter and teasing expressions with their dollar store bouquets and small stuffed bears. It also didn’t help that you could see their expressions either. They looked at you with such a discountenanced attitude, it made you feel vunrable.

You sighed, this’ll all be over when your boyfriend gets you, wherever he may be. Unfortunately you might go to different but neighboring schools. He’d often pick you up early but this time he was running late of all days. You groaned to yourself, still subconsciously listening to those girls awful assumptions about you. Soon, you hear sounds of louder gasps and the sound of a skateboard.

There he is, your wonderful boyfriend coming to your aid on a skateboard and wait..a freakishly large bouquet of flowers and a teddybear? It almost looked like it was taller than you. “Hey babe, sorry I’m late. The teddybear slowed me down.” He sighed before kissing you on the cheek. “Why thank you!!” You said obnoxiously. The girls near you had angry expressions now. Suna cocked a brow, “huh? Why are you..” he glanced at the girls beside the two of you.

“Ah that’s it.” He said with his usual deadpan look. Although you could of a swore he made a tiny smile. He got closer to your lips, forming a public makeout session near the girls. Now you heard them whine that their boyfriends could never compare. He let go softly, licking his lips too. “Sorry of those girls have you any trouble. Here, let’s get out of here.” He winked at you while handing your bouquet and skateboard.

“Yeah let’s get out of here.” You said with a blush. You smile as you grabbed his hand and started skating off. You looked behind you, giving a cheery smile and a nice big middle finger. That’s what you get for messing with Suna’s girlfriend/boyfriend/joyfriend. “Hey.” Suna called out to you with a soft look in his eyes, “if anyone gives you a hard time, tell me. I’ll handle it.” You looked at him with sparkles in your eyes, nodding with a soft smile.

woooo, I’m finally done! this took way to long, anyways enjoy!

#haikyuu x reader #haikyuu!!#y/n x haikyuu #kuroo tersurou #oikawa torū #bokuto koutarou #akaashi keiji #miya atsumu #kiyoomi sakusa #suna rintarō #iwaizumi hajime #daichi sawamura #anime #valentine’s day #valentine’s event #valentine fic

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howtowhumpyourhiccup · 3 years

Note

70 : Hiccup, Viggo, tiny

YYEEEEE, HERE IT IS! I had so much fun writing this one! And thank you for requesting the son! <3 <3 <3

Prompt: I’ll carry it.

Warning: implied/referenced threats of rape/non-con

---------------------------------------------------------------------

"I'll carry it."

Viggo's words make Hiccup halt in his tracks and Viggo, who is walking beside him, stops as well.

"Excuse me?" Hiccup asks, wearing an offended look.

Viggo either doesn't catch on or doesn't care to catch on to what offends him so. He raises an eyebrow.

"The boy. I imagine you must be tired, so perhaps, I can take over from you." He offers, referring to the baby boy, named Vigi, strapped to Hiccup's chest in a deeply red sling made of a soft cloth.

Maybe he thinks he's being helpful and overwhelmingly generous, but the lead Dragon Rider looks quite angry for someone who has been made such an offer. Brows low, his lips are pressed into a thin line and his jaw is tense.

The Hunters and Flyers around them stare, some attempting to do so subtly while others forego all subtlety and openly stare. The Dragon Riders aren't loved, but Hiccup and Viggo's interactions always spark some interest, even if it's just interesting gossip.

Besides, it's strange that Viggo would even offer to help him out. And with a baby, no less! This man has a bastard or two running around and not even them are given as much attention as Vigi here.

But then, Viggo has some strange affections for Hiccup, who is both the leader of the enemy and the first person he has ever shown such affection for.

"Am I supposed to know what that look is for?" Viggo asks, so he really hasn't figured it out.

"You called him an it." Hiccup tells him, offended on his young son's behalf. The boy turned three-months-old just a day or two ago.

Vigi looks up to Viggo, a curled-up fist in his mouth as he blinks curiously. At his age, he can't sit up yet and that's about as far as his knowledge of babies goes. But he's a lot more aware than last time Viggo saw him and noticeably bigger, too. That voluminous mess of red hair has thinned out significantly, however. Babies can bald, too, apparently, but Hiccup doesn't seem concerned with this.

"Yes, well, my bad." It's strange that Viggo would even admit to something being his fault and Hiccup raises an eyebrow in question this time. The other continues on.

The flat of a sword on his back pushes him forward, a wordless order to follow Viggo. While questioning the kind of audacity it would take to push someone holding a baby, Hiccup listens and follows after the former Hunter leader.

Viggo is taking him to his cell and he doesn't know where they put Toothless as they've been separated ever since their capture. Hiccup can't imagine how worried the Night Fury must be and hopes that he's okay.

With most of the Dragon Riders gone on a mission, Hiccup and Tiny should've still been protected by Toothless and all the other dragons on that island, namely the Night Terrors standing guard on their posts.

Though the Edge's dragons have always counted on the human-dragon duos to keep them safe, they've been returning the favor ever since Tiny's birth three months prior.

Their enemies must know because they waited until Hiccup and Toothless were away from the island to down them. And since the baby was with them at the time, the two hadn't put up much of a fight.

As a matter of fact, there hadn't been a battle at all. Some ballistas and a net flew and Toothless landed on the nearest island, a tiny one that could barely sustain any life.

The Edge was in the far, far distance on the horizon, they hadn't gone far from home on their leisure flight and were still in their own waters.

But considering their recently changed familial situation at the moment, the Dragon Riders are jumpier than usual. Hiccup hopes this means that they're well on their way already.

Hiccup doesn't believe any of these men necessarily capable of hurting an infant, but they've surprised him before and he isn't willing to find out if they'll surprise him again.

He's especially wary of Krogan, the man who seems to have a particularly sadistic side to him and whom Hiccup believes responsible for the state Garff was found in. The poor child was found nearly tortured to death.

Hiccup growls just thinking about it. And part of the bad taste it left them all with? This was a Deathson they've cared for before they found him a home with an adult individual. However brief their time together had been before Garff's adoption, they had all come to love him. Seeing him in that kind of state was horrible, they thought he was going to die.

So on his way, Hiccup holds his own son closer, Vigi laying his head on his collarbone. It's time for his nap anyway.

Garff is doing much, much better now and lives with them again on Dragon's Edge so long as his parent remains missing. But if something that unthinkable were to ever happen to Tiny... No, Hiccup would pretty much rather die than ever let it happen.

The boy has already been through too much as it is.

"We're here." As they reach the dragon cages that make for cells in their base, Hiccup is pulled from his thoughts by Viggo as he speaks. He opens the door and steps aside to let Hiccup in.

"Toothless!" But Hiccup doesn't quite go in yet, spotting his dragon muzzle in a different cage.

The Night Fury has already pressed himself against the metal, having heard his Rider's approaching voice and recognizable footsteps.

He croons, wondering if they're both unharmed.

"We're okay, Bud! We're-" Hiccup comes over, hand outstretched to touch his nose, but Viggo grabs him by the arm. There's a lot of manhandling done to someone very clearly holding an infant to his chest.

"Unless you want to risk harm coming to either one of you, I suggest going inside the cell." He tells Hiccup and Toothless' protest is instant.

"I'm still okay, Bud. We're both okay, don't you worry about us." Rider reassures Dragon and he quietens down, sagging in his cage. Hiccup lets himself be dragged away.

"You better hope that boy ends up smarter than you," Viggo mutters under his breath as he pulls Hiccup inside his cell and closes to then lock the door.

Due to their close proximity, Hiccup hears him.

"Wow, petty insults now, Viggo?" He asks while the door is locked and he can't figure out who Viggo has insulted more.

"It's merely an observation combined with a hope, Hiccup." He tells and Hiccup leans on the door, suddenly realizing the other hasn't referred to him as "my dear" once. And not just today, but ever since he's found out about Hiccup's son.

A peculiar thing...

"An observation?" But Hiccup moves that realization to the back of his mind and focuses on their conversation instead.

"The dragons on your island have become more proactive and without a doubt that has everything to do with the two of you. But instead of staying where it is safe, you took your infant son and ventured from your island." While Viggo elaborates, Hiccup rolls his eyes at that.

Vigi is his son and he's perfectly safe with Hiccup and Toothless in the sky. Besides, this way he's going to grow up used to being in the sky.

And what does Viggo know of childrearing? He has a bastard here and there, of this Hiccup is certain as well, but he cares little for them. Hiccup wonders if he even knows their names. Hiccup does.

"Now you've been captured, together with you infant, and instead of following along nicely, you talk back and try to run." Hiccup is taken aback by both of these "observations" that Viggo claims he has seen. Because how is correcting Viggo that his baby isn't an "it" talking back and when is checking up on Toothless trying to run away?

No, Viggo has been acting strange ever since he's been captured. It almost seems like he's been judging Hiccup on everything he does, says, or seems to be thinking. Even with the Riders, who he couldn't care less for, aren't as judged as Hiccup's been since his most recent capture.

If he were a friend or an ally, Hiccup would've just shrugged it off. Maybe it's because Viggo is an enemy that he has a hard time doing so, or maybe it's because his judging for Hiccup is so out of character of him, or maybe it's because some of these judgments have to do with his son. Because Viggo always has something to say either to him or about him, but nothing about things so trivial.

"But it would appear to me that making foolish decisions is simply something Hiccup Haddock does, isn't it?" Viggo states, his gaze going down to little Vigi and lingering.

Hiccup follows his eyes, looking down at his son, who now has a fistful of his dad's tunic and which he happily salivates. His little fist and the sleeve of his little tunic are both soaked.

Hiccup looks back up at Viggo and their eyes briefly meet before the latter turns and walks away.

Why was Viggo staring at his son like that? Did he just call him a mistake?

And then it all clicks in place, Hiccup makes another sudden realization. He's not really surprised by this one.

"You're jealous, aren't you?" He asks confidently and Viggo stops in his tracks.

Hiccup can't see his eyes widening, a crack appearing in his façade. When Viggo turns to face him, finds him leaning with an elbow on the door of the cage, the look of surprise is gone.

"Excuse me?" He asks.

"Viggo, Viggo Grimborn. I've taken you for many things, but a jealous man? No wait, I did take you for that, too." Hiccup is so confident that he allows himself to sass, which honestly doesn't take much.

The former Hunter chief approaches again, Hiccup's demeanor not changing a bit.

"And what exactly would I be jealous for?" He asks, almost challenging him to tell.

"For not being the one to father my son. You're angry that Vigi isn't yours." So Hiccup does and when Viggo growls lowly instead of denying it, he knows he's right.

"You've always looked down on my Riders and thought of them less than you while almost pretending like our confrontations alone were dates. Treated me like an equal, well, treated me like an equal most of the time. You've challenged me, played with me, tried to seduce me?" Hiccup makes a list.

"And then you found out about Vigi, figured out that only one of the Riders could've put him in me, and you don't like that it wasn't you, do you? As a matter of fact, I think you even hate it." He is so self-assured, so confident, in his belief that he's figured Viggo's strange behavior out. And maybe there's also a false sense of safety, the assumption that his foe wouldn't stoop as low as to harm him, not with Vigi with him.

Toothless has been listening in quietly, watching the two cautiously. He would've preferred Hiccup keep all of this to himself, but it's out now and he can only watch what will unfold before him now.

Because like stormclouds suddenly appearing on a sunny day does Viggo's expression darken. Clearly, he doesn't like being called out like this, especially when Hiccup is right.

Grabbing the bars, he leans closer to Hiccup, invading his personal space even through the cage. He stands so closely the younger man can feel his warm breath.

"Congratulations, you've figured me out once again." Viggo starts and that is only the beginning of what he has to say now. He looms over Hiccup threateningly.

"But, my Dear, do you also realize that, if I had known all along what you have underneath your clothes, that you would indeed be holding my son instead of whoever you let fuck you?" Viggo tells him, Hiccup's self-assurance melting like snow before the sun.

He stares at the larger man wordlessly, wide-eyed and mouth agape. It's been a while since anyone has made him feel this small.

"Let that sink in and think before you speak next time. You may not like what your reckless words can cause you to hear." Viggo warns him and Hiccup can't come up with a suitable response. He can no longer respond at all, too disturbed by what Viggo means to imply with his claim.

Hiccup successfully silenced and Toothless growling in warning through his muzzle, Viggo is satisfied. He turns and leaves again.

Ever since his defeat at the hands of Hiccup, Viggo was fully prepared to just let their war be.

He had enough, his empire was destroyed, his face scarred, and the sight in one of his eyes lost. It was time to admit his defeat and quietly stay out of Hiccup's way, he thought. That is, until Krogan and his Flyers found him.

But, indeed, if he had known Hiccup capable of having his heir, their war would've gone quite differently. Maybe it still would've ended in Hiccup's victory, but at least one minor detail would've been different.

Hiccup's firstborn would've been his. Of that, Viggo would've made sure.

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corpse--diem · 3 years

Text

Blinding Lights | Marley & Erin

TIMING: Current PARTIES: @detectivedreameater LOCATION: Nichols Funeral Home SUMMARY: Another accident sends Marley back to the man and the tree, returning with more questions than answers. Marley and Erin finally get (1) good thing. CONTENT WARNINGS: Car accident tw (mentions), head trauma tw

There was something light floating around her stomach. It was small and airy, carrying her up the stairs in record speed. If it wasn’t for the ferocity within the way it moved, Erin may never have noticed it to begin with. But it was there and it felt dangerously close to something she was afraid to call hope. She wouldn’t call it that. Not out loud. Even if it was true, the phrasing was cheesy and it was just her luck that verbalizing it would snuff out the small light like a candle on a windy day. So she stowed it away, protected it within herself and remained patient as it fought to grow. Felt like it was working. It didn’t have to be this way. Things didn’t need to be so unbalanced. They didn’t need to incite a war or recklessly take things into their own hands to dig themselves out of holes they never saw coming. Living, just living, was hard enough for most. The possibility of adding balance to a world that punished the disadvantaged and ruined the naive? To personally be the one righting wrongs she understood intimately with a flick of her wrist? Or snap--Josephine always snapped. She’d have to ask her about that. Either way, it seems almost too good to be true. She needed to think, needed space and quiet so she could listen for the sound of the other shoe falling from somewhere.

“Marley?” She called out into the hallway, fingers flexing at her sides as she searched for the other woman. At this point, she’d been staying with Erin longer than she’d been at her own home. Erin found she didn’t mind that at all. Water ran on the other side of the door. “Hey! When you’re done in there, come find me in the kitchen. I need to pick your brain about something.” She paused, listening more sounds. “Okay?”

A hot bath had sounded like just what Marley needed. She’d looked up online for things that might help aching cuts, and balked at the suggestion of using something called epsom salt and had immediately stopped looking. The internet was never helpful. So, just normal hot water it would be. Her limbs still felt stiff, even after sleeping almost a week straight, and the bite marks on her arms were fading into little, blue scabs that looked like someone had played connect the dots on her skin but forgot to connect them. She stuck a hand under to test the temperature, nodding when she felt satisfied with it. Being at Erin’s meant she still had on a pair of cotton shorts and a sleeveless t-shirt, despite being alone in the bathroom. She didn’t exactly have her own room here, even if it felt like she spent much more of her time here than at her own house. She didn’t want to go home. She was even planning on asking Erin if she could move JD and Jose here. Maybe that was too much to ask, but it would save both her and Erin from needing to run across town just to feed a hare with antlers a slab of meat and make sure the tarantula had water. She’d put Jose on the same feeding schedule as herself, a nice weekly meal with snacks sprinkled in between.

Tonight was a relaxation night, though, and when Marley turned back to the tub to turn it off, something peculiar caught her eye. It was her own reflection, but there was something off about it. Last she’d checked, it was still the middle of the afternoon, and with summer drawing nearer, that meant the sun sat longer in the sky. And yet, her eyes were glowing red in her reflection. Furrowing her brows, she reached out to disturb the surface of the water and as the ripples broke up the image of her face, something else appeared. It looked as if it were floating just beneath the surface, a strange, enchanting looking world. It drew clearer and cleared the more the water settled and Marley was entranced by it. She reached her hand out for it and watched it disappear into the strange hole that had opened up in the water. And as she stared at it more, she realized what it was-- it was that place. The place in her head. The place she kept trying to get back to. The place with answers. She wanted to go there. She had no control of herself when her head plunged into the water. The illusion rippled away, but Marley wasn’t in her head anymore. Her body convulsed uselessly as it struggled to breath.

There was an uncharacteristic silence on the other end of the door. Marley probably just hadn’t heard Erin over the rush of water. Another few seconds went by with just the sound of the faucet--then a thud. Water splashed to the tiled floor. “...Marley?” She tried again with sharp knocks punctuating her voice. Nothing. And again. And again. There was a fearful shrill to her voice by the fifth call. That was when the splashing started. “Alright, I’m coming in! This is your only warning!” The silence that followed was one of the worst things she’d ever endured and what she saw next was worse. Confirmed all the icy prickles needling at the back of her neck. She was here. Half-submerged and still clothed. Her eyes were closed like she was simply napping and the haunting peacefulness on her face--an expression the funeral director was all too intimate with--shook her to her very core. The next few moments were a wet blur as she hauled Marley out of the water and onto the tile below. She wasn’t breathing. She wasn’t fucking breathing. Erin’s hands shook as she Did she know CPR? There was some disco song you were supposed to hum along to, right? Every direction her mind ran tangled into each other and only worsened when she couldn’t get Marley to look up at her no matter how hard she shook her shoulders. That’s when the anger kicked in. She could feel it taking over, like her mind had just shifted into autopilot. She wasn’t losing her. Not today and not like this. “Marley, c’mon,” she muttered, starting the motions, her hands pumping down on her chest. “Wake up. Wake up!”

Marley’s eyes snapped open and she was lying on the cold ground. Fog swirled around her. She’d made it. She was back. She stood up and water dripped from her hair, her clothes. It left puddles under her feet. For a moment, she coughed, choked. Water dribbled from her mouth but she ignored it. She forged forward, towards the tree. The man was there again. Marley tried to call out to him, but it came out just a gurgle. She reached for him but her arms felt too heavy. He saw her and his eyes widened and he shook his head. “You can’t be here!” he said again, but Marley wanted answers. She needed answers. She’d fallen through portals and lived through a car crash and having her skull crushed and being beaten down again and again and again and she needed answers.

But her legs fought against her. They sloshed in water that was filling up the space between herself and the tree and the man. Each step sunk her further into the ground. It was swallowing her. Her chest hurt. She felt her lungs bursting. Water poured from her mouth. Something felt like it was pounding on her chest. Pounding, pounding. She wanted to stay. She needed answers. “Please,” she begged through the water in her throat, “I just need answers. Who are you?” He didn’t answer. He was sinking into the water, too. “Why do I keep coming here?” The water was rushing up to her chest, her neck. “Who am I!?” The water rose above her head and she sunk like a rock, black swallowing her up. Until--

Marley sputtered and gasped and choked as she spat up water. Someone was above her. The lights were so bright. She coughed again and turned her head to the side as she spat up more water, more spit, more bile. Her chest ached, her whole body ached again. She drew in a deep breath but didn’t say a word. She couldn’t speak. She wanted to go back.

Time seemed to drag on endlessly as Erin desperately waited for life to shudder back into Marley’s limp body. She couldn’t have been under long she guessed, judging from the timing of the noises she heard. Long enough, it seemed. In the same moment Marley’s lungs coughed up the contents of her bath water, a resounding chill crept up her spine. A chill easily overlooked in the moment. A chill that, Erin didn’t doubt, was just a reaction to the multitude of emotions that spilled out of her. If she remembered it all later, she’d realize it was far from that. But that wasn’t important right now.

As she wanted her lungs fight for air, a cry of her own broke through Marley’s sputtering. It was only when her vision blurred that Erin realized she was crying. Fat, wet tears dropping down her cheeks as steadily as the water overflowing onto the floor. “Hey, hey,” her voice soothed out, brushing back wet hair from her face as she choked up water, trying to persuade her with gentle prods to stay down. The relief was overwhelming but there wasn’t a word in the english language to describe how over she was with this bullshit. Had it even been a week since she’d nearly lost her to a portal? Now her own bathroom wasn’t safe? What was? “You’re okay,” she repeated, leaning forward instead to wrap her arms around her. She was breathing at least. That was a start. That was a very good start. She pulled away when she realized how hard she was squeezing her. “Sorry, I’m sor--don’t try to talk yet. Just lay there and take deep breaths for me right now. Okay?”

Marley sputtered. She wanted to go back. She had so many questions, still. Why had the tree done that? What was the shimmer? Why did he keep telling her not to come back? But then there was a voice above her, and someone was holding her, hugging her, tightly to them, and Marley remembered that she couldn’t go back. She had someone here. She had people here. She had a something more here. Marley blinked, trying to get her eyes to focus. Her head was pounding, and her throat hurt. She opened her mouth to talk, but then Erin told her not to. Why shouldn’t she talk? She didn’t remember what happened. Her body felt so stiff, so pained. Hadn’t she just gotten over that? From the portals? So, then, this wasn’t portal pain. She looked up into Erin’s eyes, blinking. “What--” she choked, “where…” Her head spun, the world above her spun. Every time she blinked, she saw words and faces etched against the back of her eyelids. She lifted her hands to press them into her eyes, trying to shake the feeling away. “Where am I?” she finally managed to mumble out.

“You’re with me. It’s okay,” Erin answered, straining to keep the panic from her voice and gingerly helped her turn onto her side, hand running down her back. Water pooled around her knees and she cursed under her breath. Reluctantly, she let go of Marley, scrambling and sliding to turn the faucet off. “You had an accident. Uh--a seizure, I guess and I found you in--” Her words were shaky no matter what she did and she couldn’t finish her thought as she peered down at Marley’s soaked, stiff form. Stiff. Like a corpse. Almost. Her throat grew dry. “You’re okay,” she assured her again, fingers moving along her head and neck, checking for damage under wet hair and clothes. The water was clear, no blood staining any droplets. That was a good sign, if she could find anything positive right now. Her ribs. Oh fuck. She’d just been pounding on her chest and her ribs were still healing. “I’m sorry, I had to--” she murmured without thinking, then quickly stopped and shook her head. “Just take a breath. A lot of breaths. Slow though, and try not to move too much right now.” She’d never assisted in a near drowning before but if that sounded like the right course. Here was hoping. Taking her own advice, she let out a long, heavy one herself. She couldn’t help her if she wasn’t settled herself. Something felt off. Something she couldn’t shake the longer she watched Marley struggling for breath. A suffocating dread that didn’t and wouldn’t loosen itself from her own lungs. She was quiet for a long moment before she managed a softer tone. “How are you feeling?”

You’re with me. Marley was confused. She knew it was Erin, but her brain was confused. She hadn’t been with Erin before, right? She’d been in that place. She’d seen it again. She wanted to go back. She had to stay here. Blinking, she coughed again, water dribbling from her mouth. Hands planted on the ground, cool linoleum against her palms. She shivered. There was something in the room with them. Something had happened again. She tried to push herself up but collapsed against the floor again. Erin was telling her not to move, just to breathe, but something wasn’t right. Bewildered, Marley looked back up at her. “I--” didn’t know what to say. She felt words dying on her tongue, drowned by the water in her lungs still. “Feel like shit,” she mumbled, putting her head in her hands. Her chest ached again. The world around her seemed to glitch for a moment-- it felt like a tear and a fear creeped back up her spin. Was it another portal? Opening here? No, no. It righted itself almost immediately and she blinked again. “Sorry,” she managed to grumble out, still laying on the floor, trying to catch her breath, “don’t know what happened. That’s never-- happened before.”

Erin’s eyes narrowed with shocked concern. “What? No, don’t be--” She shook her head again, trying to press Marley back down while reaching for the closest dry towel to put under her head. Feeling like shit tracked, considering. “What do you mean?” This was far from Marley’s first seizure. Erin had been present for enough of them to know how to handle that part. Make her comfortable, make sure she was safe, hydrated and to just be there until she came back to herself. This was what she’d been afraid of--of not being here. Between this and the car accident, and all the dangers that Marley encountered just existing in this town? She was exhausted and terrified and she wasn’t even the one who was actively enduring these traumas. Her mind jumped back to a few weeks ago and she settled onto her knees beside her, giving her space for now, pulling her shaky hands into her lap to calm them. “Was this like--before? Like when it was getting really bad?”

Marley scrunched her brows, trying to figure out how to say it. She didn’t really know what she meant, just that it had felt different this time. She had felt both pulled and repulsed from that place, like she needed to be there, she knew there were answers there-- but that place didn’t want her there. It didn’t. She didn’t care, she needed to go back. “Just-- different,” she answered, her mind still trying to keep up. “Not bad. Not like last time.” She wanted to reassure Erin, but she couldn’t find the right words. She laid her head down on the towel, wet hair still clinging to her face. “Just wrong place, wrong time I guess,” she muttered, finally moving her head to look up at Erin. Clarity found its way into her head for the first time since she’d sprung awake with water in her lungs. She even managed to smile. “Didn’t mean to worry you.”

Erin wasn’t sure what ‘different’ meant in this capacity, and with the way Marley struggled to explain, she had a feeling she didn’t exactly know either. She didn’t press it. For now. Wrong place, wrong time. She hated that too. Hated the lack of security that hung from those words and the implication that this kind of thing could have happened anywhere or that, inevitably, it could and probably happen again. Maybe not to this same degree but after a car accident and now this? Her stomach tied into thin, tight knots and she slumped to her knees into a puddle on the floor beside Marley. “You never do. And yet…” She tilted her head towards her, reaching to brush the hair from Marley’s face. The skin beneath her fingertips was clammy and cold but it was still comforting all the same and grew warmer the longer she held them against her cheek. Comforting because the warmth meant she was still with her. Still here. “You really, really scared me this time,” she said quietly, aware of how vulnerable even that small confession made her feel. “We should get you off this wet floor. Can you stand up yet? Do you need a few minutes?”

Marley stayed quiet and still, as Erin laid beside her, fingers brushing her cheek. This was new and strange and she felt so strangely vulnerable yet safe. How was that even possible? Her stomach churned. She’d wanted so bad to go back to that place, but would that mean leaving Erin behind? Would it mean leaving her here to find Marley’s body cold and lifeless? She took in a breath and held it. “I can probably stand,” she said on the release of her breath, “might just need some help.” Need somebody to lean on. She’d never assumed her life would be one that could be something for someone, could mean something for someone. But that’s why she’d done it, right? That’s why she’d pushed Erin out of the way of Roy’s anger and taken the hit herself. She’d meant something to someone and she couldn’t let something that precious die when she had the ability to save it. “Think you can manage?”

Erin’s chest constricted with each breath, like little tears lining her lungs making every inhale sharper than the last. Something was different. Not just the seizure or whatever was going on in Marley’s head, or even the brief waver she’d felt in the air earlier. The longer she sat here, the harder it was for her to pretend that she didn’t notice the extra beat between her ribs whenever their eyes met a little too long. “Yeah,” she nodded vigorously to make up for the way her voice cracked. “For you? Yeah, I think I can handle it.” Flashed a smile her way as she moved to stand, using the towel to dry some of the path. She groaned at the water dripping down from the side of the tub, splashing against the shallow flood slowly but surely enveloping the tiny room’s tiles. It wasn’t until now she realized she was nearly as soaked as Marley. Her black dress shirt clung to her skin, a heavy nuisance as she maneuvered around the other woman. “Christ, you made a mess in here, you know,” she chided gently, helping Marley to her feet, holding her close to both steady and support as they made their way towards Erin’s bedroom. “I don’t know what you do after something like this. Which means you know I’m going to have to call your doctor again so don’t even bother arguing with me about it. After we get you dried off,” she paused her nervous ramblings, glancing over to raise a brow in Marley’s direction. “Unless you still need to take that bath?”

Marley was quiet again. Erin was talking and saying things. Her voice was cracking, even though she was trying to give her usual witty banter to Marley. Trying to make anything feel normal or okay about this. Marley didn’t have much to say about any of it, though. She just took Erin’s hand gratefully and leaned against her and wondered why her chest felt like it was still being pushed on, as if someone was still trying to pump air into her lungs to the rhythm of Stayin’ Alive. She sagged against her and just smiled, despite herself. There wasn’t much to smile about, but how could she not? Her legs were jelly, and her arms felt like swinging ornaments at her sides. “Not unless you wanna go with me,” she mumbled, her mind not quite registering her words in its still strained state.

Marley was handling the walk better than she expected for what she’d just gone through. Worry still wracked Erin’s entire body but every even step elicited tendrils of relief that worked to calm her mind. But not her heart and not when she saw that smile on Marley’s face. Erin’s steadiness shattered at the innocent quip, standing with Marley still just as they were reaching the bed. She didn’t know what she was saying. An offhand comment. That was all. Exhaustion crinkled at the corner of her eyes. She was exhausted. And tonight, Erin had almost lost her. The weight of that sunk in, heavy and harsh enough in this silence to sink her in place. She’d almost lost her. Death was a familiar concept in these walls but attaching that concept to Marley wasn’t something her mind could wrap itself around. Death dwelled in most of this house but it didn’t belong in here. And not on Marley. Not yet. There was still time. They still had time.

She couldn’t manage the words to fill this new, awkward quiet. The only thing she could muster was a half smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. Marley’s clothes, which already had a place in one of her drawers, were dropped onto the bed next before Erin realized she’d stepped aside to grab them. Time felt weird and she was painfully aware of the absence her hand left now. “I should go call the doctor, see what I need to do--” she gestured with her thumb behind her but her mind was elsewhere and her sentence frayed off with it. She started slow steps backwards when she stopped again only a few feet from the door. A sudden spark of fleeting annoyance across her face, straightening her shoulders almost indignantly. “You can’t just say things like that. I’m not--you can’t--just don’t, okay?”

It wasn’t like Erin to be silent like this, but Marley let her be and focused on careful footsteps as they made it down the hall to the bedroom. Her mind wasn’t exactly gone, but it wasn’t quite there either, she was still trying to fight off visions of that place, with the tree, the man, the strange world. She sank onto the bed when they made it in, and still, Erin hadn’t said anything. She was sitting on the bed beside Marley for a moment, before she moved away, almost mechanically, over to the dresser, where some of Marley’s clothes had been stored. She’d never stored her clothes at another person’s place before. Not even with Anita. She’d left jackets and pants and boots behind-- sometimes even bras or underwear-- but never a drawer full of anything. It was strange how not strange it was here, with Erin.

She put her hands on the pile of clothes and nodded as Erin got back up and headed towards the door. Call the doctor, good idea. Probably a good idea. Not really much a doctor could do about having a seizure in the tub, but probably a good idea that she knew it happened. Marley was still getting used to that idea. Then Erin was talking again and her voice was harsher and Marley was confused a moment. She opened her mouth, then closed it. Felt her chest clenching, like ice in her heart. “Okay,” was all she said. She’d pushed too far again, just like when she’d kissed Erin in front of their stupid Christmas presents. She swallowed and nodded to herself, slowly reaching to peel the wet shirt off her body.

Erin stood for a moment, waiting to see if Marley was going to say anything else. When she didn’t, the guilt that trickled in for her small outburst fueled her frustration. She knew it was unfair and unwarranted but all she could manage was an “Okay” in return, short and cross like moments ago but flavored with uncertainty. Turning on her heel, her cheeks flushed red as she rushed out the door. What was she doing? She stopped, turned to stomp back into the room. Stopped again just outside the door. No. This was stupid. She was being stupid. And she wasn’t done.

Her throat ran dry as she stormed back in, tripping over some of the gusto that fell to the floor with Marley’s shirt. She tried again. “No. No. It’s not okay, you asshole. You can’t just flirt with me after you almost died in my arms in my bathroom or after disappearing into a portal for a week with no word. Not when I’m trying so, so hard to not think about Christmas or how you let a woman you love and fought for just... walk away. For me.” She was rambling again, she knew it, grabbing at snippets of their recent past in a frenzied rush. But she couldn’t stop it either. There was a point. She was getting there. She was sure of it. For once she didn’t think, she was too tired to think and too tired to fight. So she continued, the anger dissolving from her voice the longer she spoke. Her eyes fell to her’s, raw and open, like she was torn from stem to sternum. “I love you. Like in a really big, annoying way that keeps me up at night and makes me call the police station a thousand times when I can’t find you.” She stared for a moment, realizing what she’d done, the words that had actually come out of her mouth and froze. “So… no, Marley. It’s not okay.”

Erin left and that really shoulda been that. Marley didn’t expect what happened next. Maybe she should have, but she didn’t. How could she have? People didn’t love her, not really. Anita hadn’t loved her as much as she had thought, and maybe Marley wasn’t as capable of it as she thought she was. She’d fought tooth and nail to figure out how she could love, if someone like her could love. If loving meant she wasn’t a monster anymore, or if she wasn’t a monster at all because she was loved. Her eyes went up to Erin’s when she came storming back in, but she still didn’t speak, hands dropping as she let go of her shirt, dropping it to the floor. She listened and waited and felt her insides doing something strange. Her throat felt tight, so tight, but there was too much oxygen in her lungs, now, and her head felt like it was floating. She just stared at Erin, for a long time, even after she’d finished her little tirade. She didn’t mind. No, she didn’t mind at all.

Maybe she’d known it when she’d first looked at her phone and found over 30 missed calls and more missed messages. Maybe she’d known when Erin had nearly cried over her car accident. Maybe she’d known when Erin looked at her with those eyes after Marley told her she’d let Anita leave for her. Maybe she’d known when Erin was the one who stuck around after Marley pushed everyone else away. Maybe she’d known the second she’d pushed Erin out of Roy’s warpath.

Maybe she’d just always known. She didn’t move, just smiled. “I love you, too.”

Erin stood stunned to her spot. Speechless as she watched Marley’s lips curl up into a smile and let those four words repeat in her head. Let them sink in. She had said that, right? The smile confirmed it. Marley didn’t smile much, not like that, but she was smiling at her and Erin slowly smiled back. Her entire body unclenched, slowly sagging with relief as tense muscles calmed. Marley didn’t say anything else after her rambling speech and it while she felt the irritation nagging under her skin for it, but she supposed that was part of the reason she loved her, huh? Somewhere along the line, it’d become as endearing as it was annoying. She wouldn’t change it for anything though.

She slipped onto the bed next to her, out of words, a little shy but still smiling. And sure. Her eyes searched hers for a moment, dropping briefly to her lips, then back up. Felt a warmth spread through her when she remembered Christmas, how familiar and right Marley’s lips were against her own. It’d been terrifying at the time and she understood with alarming clarity why exactly that was. Tentatively, her fingers grazed against her cheek, over the scars that marred her cheek and her chest swelled as she leaned in closer. She didn’t want to think about anything outside of this room, about cleaning up the bathroom or calling the doctor. She’d get there. She would. She always did. Right now she just wanted to feel that familiarity again. “Can I--?”

The moments between Marley’s confession and Erin moving towards her were like long, arduous eons. Even though Erin had confessed the words first, Marley hadn’t been able to find anything more to say than those few back. She wasn’t sure there was anything to say, even though the flicker of annoyance across Erin’s face-- something she recognized oh so well, how many times had she seen it when Marley had said something stupid? It was as frustrating as it was endearing-- told her that might not be true. She blamed it on having almost drowned. Once again, her breath left her, but it wasn’t taken by water, only by fingers grazing across her cheek, over the scars that she sometimes forgot existed, until she saw her reflection in anything. She reached up and put her hand over Erin’s. “I thought you’d never ask,” she said.

Erin’s heart pounded furiously in her chest and for the first time in a long time it wasn’t because she was running from the horrors that popped up like weeds in this town. Pluck one out and another popped up in its place the next day. There was fear, she wouldn’t deny that. But this was Marley. She was safe with her, and she was loved, and there was no more hesitation when she closed the distance between their lips. Her fingers threaded into her hair, slow and sure. Cautious of her injuries as she pulled her closer--and she was right about before. This was right and it was hard not to quickly lose herself in the peace that her touch brought. When she pulled away, she kept her forehead pressed to hers as she caught her breath, eyes closed, a small smile stuck in place at the corner of her lips. “I’m sorry I yelled,” she murmured on a soft breath, pulling her head up to find her eyes properly again, soft and vulnerable. And uncertain--but just for a moment. Just when she remembered how spectacularly terrible Christmas had ended. “Is this still okay?”

As a mara, Marley had the ability to take people’s breath. But the second Erin’s lips touched her, it was exactly the opposite, as someone else was now stealing hers. And she didn’t care. She liked it. A lot. She lifted her own hands, cupping Erin’s face, kissing her back. Finally kissing her again, after she’d thought about it for so long. She never thought she’d get this, not again. Not after she’d chosen to leave it the first time. And not Erin, surely not Erin. Not stubborn, unstoppable, compassionate Erin. So fragile, so human Erin. She pulled away and leaned her forehead against Marley’s and Marley looked at her with unblinking eyes. “S’okay,” she mumbled, both tired and giddy from everything that had happened, was still happening, “I deserved it a little.” Maybe a lot. She didn’t know. She just kissed her again. That would answer her question, right? It was okay. It was so okay. It was more than okay. It felt natural, it felt like there wasn’t six months between this kiss and the last one. It felt like she’d always been kissing her, holding her. It felt unreal. Maybe she was dreaming. She didn’t know what that felt like, but it was possible, if it’d happened before. But, no-- this felt too real to be anything like that. It was even more real than that place, with the tree. Too real. She pulled away again to breathe. “I saw that place again,” she mumbled, “when I--” almost drowned. She didn’t want to keep things from Erin. She should probably know. “It keeps trying to...pull me back.”

You didn’t, was on the tip of Erin’s tongue when got her answer in the most Marley way possible. Not a single word necessary. This time she didn’t mind. Didn’t huff or tilt her head in annoyance when she didn’t get the verbal response she thought she wanted. By some near-fatal, miraculous series of events, this had turned out better than she could have hoped for. Almost too good to be true. But that wasn’t entirely accurate. Every part of their relationship was riddled with scars and the general wear and tear of rough edges colliding. There wasn’t a day that had gone by since Marley had dropped that body bag into her basement over a year ago that hadn’t required work. It was good, hard, important work. The kind of work not many people in their lives would dedicate to strengthening a sustainable foundation. Somewhere along the line, they’d managed it. The thought comforted her and she let herself slip into an embrace that felt new and comfortable and made her heart pound furiously all at once. Her eyes struggled to open, her mind reluctant to return to her as Marley spoke. “Pull you back?” Definitely didn’t like the sound of that. Straightening, she sat back, unprepared to digest this new information when that had just happened. “It’s the same place? Again? What do you--I don’t understand. Are you sure? What do they want? And why do they want you?”

If it weren’t for the weariness growing in Marley’s bones, she would have asked to stay like that. But her strength was slowly waning, and visions of that place were coming back to her like old film reels. This strange yet familiar feeling building inside of her was the only thing keeping her grounded, keeping her from drifting back away. She could feel something heavy in her muscles, and looked down to the bite marks that marred her body, both healed but unable to heal completely. “I’m sure,” she said, “I don’t-- don’t think it’s anyone. Think it’s more...the place.” The feeling of it. The idea that there could be answers there. Answers she needed. Marley scrubbed at her eyes. She hadn’t felt such exhaustion since getting back from the portal. “Don’t think it wants me, either. I keep coming back, don’t I?”

“So... it keeps pulling you in and then spitting you back out? What’s the point of that?” Erin questioned, though she was sure Marley was just as confused as she was. Astral realms, dream scapes? She was only just now getting a firmer idea of how the magic Josephine kept promising her functioned. But this? This blew her comfort level right out of the water. “How often is this happening? Just when you’re sleeping? Or when you get hit with a seizure? Both?” That tension in muscles crept their way back up her shoulders again when it became clear this had become a priority. Her safety was always at the top of that list. “I don’t know how the hell to help you with this but I can’t try if you don’t talk to me.” Right there was one of the cracks in that foundation. Old habits die hard, Erin supposed. She took her hand, pulling it into Erin’s lap with both of hers. “Is there more I don’t know?”

“Don’t really know,” Marley answered quietly. Words were quickly failing her. Her eyes were drooping fast. “I think it’s like-- some part of me is still there. From when I-- when I almost, you know.” She motioned to her head. “That was the first time I saw it. I didn’t know what it was or where I was. Kinda thought it might’ve been hell or some bullshit like that.” Not that she really believed in a hell. Death was just death, and it ended in nothing and a rotting body. “Not very often,” she answered. She didn’t want to tell Erin the truth behind it, but she had to. She knew she had to. “It only happens when I-- get close to that again. Close to--” dying. She swallowed. “It’s gotta be about that, then, right? About dying.”

“Dying? You think almost dying keeps triggering this?” Erin couldn’t stop the scoff that followed. “No. That’s--” Erin turned to face her better, poised to argue that her theory was a little dramatic. But it wasn’t. Proof soaked her damp dress shirt just the same as it marked bruises down Marley’s ribs. Between the car accident, the portal incident and now this? “Too often, you mean,” she corrected. Most people had heard about those supposed out of body experiences when someone was on the brink of death. Distinctly remembered rolling her eyes and laughing at some of the stuff people came up with and wondered how much Unsolved Mysteries paid for this particular brand of garbage. Her eyes dropped to their fingers and she shrugged one shoulder. “If that’s the case, then this whole thing’s already solved. Stop almost dying. There. Done. Personally, I’d appreciate it.”

Marley was quiet for a moment. She knew Erin was both serious and joking. Her tone didn’t sound like it was, but she had to know the dangers of this town, of Marley’s job, of Marley’s species. She was forced to feed on other sentient beings, and even some of the more heinous monsters-- like vampires and zombies-- even looked down on the mara for it. At least they could feed on animals. At least they didn’t destroy a person completely while feeding from them. She drew in a breath. “Not sure it’s all that easy, but I’ll give it a try,” she answered, tugging on her hand. Squeezed it. “I’ll do my best. Wouldn’t wanna leave JD and Jose all alone in your care, anyway. Do you even know how often Jose molts?” She grinned, trying to make things light. Trying to pull them away from the shadows that look like the ones that had tried to eat Marley alive in that portal. The ones that still tried.

Erin wanted to laugh, could feel it tickling her chest, but her smile didn’t quite reach her eyes right away. “I’ll believe it when I see it. Which means I’m going to need you to try harder than you have been. And if you can’t do it for me, do it for JD and Jose because there’s no way in hell you’re sadling me with an oversized hare with horns and a giant spider. No. Absolutely not.” Her head shook through that last sentence and her words came out sure, but they probably both knew she was just making a liar out of herself if it ever came down to it. She kept glancing down at their hands unconsciously. Was this their normal now? Just like that? Question after question piled up on her tongue. About this. About them. About this place that kept trying to pull her away. One look at the exhaustion in Marley’s eyes held them all back. Her eyes narrowed slightly and she looked at her hands one more time before finding Marley’s again. “Whatever you need, you’ve got it. We’ll figure this out.” She smiled again, nudging her arm gently. “We took on a supernatural crime boss. This isn’t anything we can handle. Probably. Either way, it’s just a bad dream we’ll forget all about in a few years time.” Placing her other hand on top of the once in her lap, she took a breath, eyes lingering respectfully, and briefly, along Marley’s exposed skin before she turned away. “You should finish getting dressed and lie down. I’ve got a bathroom to deflood.”

“Tarantula,” Marley corrected, “she’s a tarantula.” A question popped into her head, though, and Marley had to wonder if this was fair. Erin was talking about about years, and Marley...didn’t expect to live anymore than about two more. She’d never even expected to get this far. Not with what she was, the way she lived. She was surprised death hadn’t come for her yet. It had certainly tried, several times. And yet she was still here. Maybe she could try and stick around for a few extra, then, if it was for Erin. She could probably pull that off. “I can’t dream, remember?” she teased, squeezing Erin’s hand when she looked down at their hands again. Did it not feel real enough? Marley wanted to make sure Erin knew it was real. She lifted a hand from their laps and curled her fingers around Erin’s chin before she leaned in again and kissed her. She wasn’t always good with words, but actions-- she could do those. She was good at that. “I’ll do it for you,” she said, before she let go of her, reluctantly, and reached back around to the dry clothes placed next to her, “JD and Jose can take care of themselves. You seem like you need a hand through all this.” A tease as she smirked at her. There was probably shit they needed to talk about, she’d learned that lesson already with Anita, but for tonight, they could rest in the knowledge that it was finally real. “Go clean up the bathroom. Just come back soon.”

#wickedswriting #chatzy #chatzy: marley #blinding lights #car accident tw #head trauma tw

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