#i gave up sweets and little treats for lent and i’m. missing them

[doedreams-and-honey]

when it’s easter i’m gonna make cinnamon rolls and the best brownies i’ve ever had

#i gave up sweets and little treats for lent and i’m. missing them #we’re almost there though!!!!! #those brownies are gonna be so good #i’m also gonna get a sourdough starter going so i can make some sourdough cinnamon rolls bc they’re so. good. #claire babbles

[cat-induced-fever-dream]

Acquaintances

Pairing: Wanda x Fem!Reader

Genre: Fluff

Description: Wanda meets someone who doesn’t treat her like a villain, but she doesn’t know who you really are.

Notes: I promise it’s fluff and not a trap. Also sorry about my hiatus, I’m just super unmotivated to do anything. So here’s my feeble offering to try and get back into writing.

- - -

Wanda groaned at the sight of a man with a camera. All she wanted was to pop down to the shops, buy some paprika, but alas, even a shopping trip was gold for the paparazzi. Maybe if she hid behind an aisle he would leave. But she heard the door open behind her. Ducking quickly behind a stack of tuna cans, she scanned the rows for the precious package.

She knew she wasn’t the favourite of the public, and the guilt of what she’d done ate her alive every night, but she was sick of being blamed. All she did was try her best, but this was the kind of thanks she got.

She frowned a little when she saw the man round the corner. She steeled herself, not wanting the tears to spring to her eyes. Turning around to face him, she- There was a person talking to him. You had a shopping bag in your hand, so you must have been another customer. Dressed smartly with a blazer, but paired with jeans and sneakers, you looked friendly, but the cold look you gave the man said otherwise. You exchanged words quietly with the reporter, and he seemed to refuse you, turning back to look at her. Realising that this was the perfect stall to get out of the store, she resumed her search. Cumin, Ginger, Paprika! Quickly glancing back to see how long she had, she saw you hand the man a business card as he hurriedly shuffled away.

“Sorry about that,” you turned to her, looking genuinely apologetic.

“Why?” she asked, it coming out harsher than she meant for it to. “It wasn’t even your fault.”

You shrugged. “You don’t deserve it.”

Wanda frowned again at this. She didn’t even know you, but you helped her out, so the least she could do was be polite. “Thanks.”

“No problem,” you smiled. The two of you started to walk towards to counter. More like she did and you kind of happened to as well. “What are you cooking with the paprika?”

Sliding the bag to the cashier, she turned to face you properly. “I was making a traditional Sokovian dish.”

“I’m a big fan of trying different cuisines,” you replied, eyes sparkling with curiosity. “That sounds delicious.”

Wanda’s not really sure why you’re trying to make conversation, but you didn’t seem to have an agenda, so she indulged you with a response as the two of you walked out of the store. “It is, my mum always had the best recipe.”

“Ah well, my parents weren’t around much, so I can’t say the same,” you laughed, throwing your shopping in the back of what must have been your car.

Wanda hadn’t even realised she had walked with you to your car. That was embarrassing. “Well, it was nice to meet you, but I should be going now,” backing away as quickly as she could without making a fool of herself.

“Wait,” you called, “do you need a lift back?”

“You’re a stranger.”

“Well I know your name is Wanda,” you grinned cheekily, opening the passenger door. “And my name is Y/N. Guess we’re not strangers anymore. So, what do you say? It’s the least I could do, with that man bothering you.”

She’s not sure what compelled her to agree, but she found herself sitting in a plush leather seat as you adjusted the rear view mirror. Tapping the dashboard screen, you pulled up a map to Avengers Tower and backed out of the parking lot.

You didn’t seem to mind that she didn’t make conversation, bopping your head gently to whatever pop song was on the radio. Instead she spent the time trying to figure out who you were and why you were being so nice. “It’s rude to stare, you know?” you winked at her.

Wanda felt the heat rush to her cheeks. “Wha- No, sorry,” she mumbled. She’d done it again, made herself look dumb. You giggle, returning your eyes to the road. Trying not to stare at you this time, she observed the fancy watch adorning your wrist, and the sleek interior of the car. You must be a businesswoman of some sort, since this clearly wasn’t your average suburban car. But you were wearing jeans. Maybe a lower level employee than?

She sat there musing, until the door suddenly opened. “We’re here,” you smiled, gesturing at the grand tower that was now her home.

Why couldn’t she stop being so awkward? This was the third time. Unbuckling the seatbelt, she stumbled out, clutching the paprika to her chest. “Thanks again.”

“Anytime, Wanda.” And with a small wave, you hopped back into your car and drove off.

- - -

Heading straight to her room, Wanda abandoned her plans for paprikash. The whole interaction was quite frankly, baffling. No one was ever nice to her, except for the Avengers. But you clearly knew who she was, driving her back to the tower without an address. Tossing her jacket on her bed, she sighed. It’s not like she’d ever see you again. That’s when she noticed the card peeking out from the pocket. There was a phone number printed neatly on it, and a cursive scrawl underneath. “I am actually interested in the dish though. Could I have the name of it?”

She hadn’t exactly interacted with anyone else, so it must’ve been you. Running her thumb over the ink, she was hit with a renewed sense of energy. Grabbing the paprika, she dashed back down the stairs.

- - -

You’re spinning around in your office chair when your phone goes off. Clicking on the message, a small smile makes its way into your face.

Unknown Number: this is the dish i was talking about

Unknown Number: *image*

Unknown Number: it’s paprikash

- - -

“Hey Wanda,” Tony called, a carefully wrapped package in his arms, “this came for you.”

One look at the scarlet wrapping paper, and she knew who it was from. “Thanks Tony,” she said, grabbing it and running to her room.

Setting the package gently on her bed, she untied the ribbon and unfolded the wrapping paper. Nestled in the middle, a box of cookies.

She grinned to herself. Wanda’s been texting you for a couple of months now, and now she could really say that you’re not strangers. She knows that you can’t cook, but you can bake. You’re a businesswoman “of sorts” you say, and that you’re a pretty busy person. But regardless, you hang out with her, chilling in the local coffee shop, going shopping, even just a stroll around the park. She also knows that this happiness she gets when she sees you is definitely not platonic.

Opening the lid, the chocolate aroma wafts into her room. Her favourite of your baked goods. There’s a note tucked into the side of the box, and she delicately pulls it out. “Be my girlfriend?” she read, the handwriting obviously yours. Wait. Be my girlfriend? She sat there dumbly for a couple of seconds before it hit her. You’re asking her to be your girlfriend. Wanda scrambled for her phone, snapping a picture to send to you.

Y/N: those cookies look delicious, who sent them?

The witch rolled eyes at your antics, but played along.

Wanda: idk, but i just got asked out

Y/N: whoaaaa, did you say yes?

Wanda: yes you dumbass

Y/N: okay, under other circumstances that would’ve hurt, but i’m too excited to care right now <3

Wanda: ...

Wanda: did you try to bribe me with cookies?

Y/N: it worked, didn’t it?

Wanda: i can’t believe i actually like you

Y/N: honestly, me too

Y/N: sorry it’s a busy day, but you wanna come over for dinner?

Wanda: sounds good <3

Y/N: i’ll come pick you up, see you then girlfriend

She didn’t want bugs in her room, so Wanda grabbed the box to put in her kitchen cupboard. Balancing a cookie in her mouth, she was about to close the lid, when a hand pinched one. Eyes immediately glowing red, she locked onto Sam as he backed away, half eaten cookie and hands up in surrender.

“Do that again and I will give you nightmares.”

The Falcon whistled lowly. “Okay. Protective over cookies. Got it.”

“There’s cookies?” Bucky asked, strolling in.

“No.”

“Oh okay.”

- - -

The heroes were sprawled on the couches playing a game of UNO when Wanda came down the stairs.

“What are you doing with that hoodie?” Tony asked sharply.

Wanda furrowed her eyebrows. “This.. hoodie?” she replied, tugging on the drawstrings of the soft item of company clothing she was wearing.

“Yes! That’s my enemy’s!”

She didn’t really want to get into whatever nonsense the genius was spouting again. “My friend lent it to me.”

“You have friends?” joked Sam.

Steve gave the man a warning look. “It’s good that you’re adjusting to life here.”

“I think the important question here,” Natasha said from her spot, “is where are you going?”

“Dinner,” she replied, trying to look as nonchalant as possible. She tried to fight the silly smile that crept into her face whenever she thought about you, but she mustn’t have hid it well enough, since the red headed spy gave her a sickeningly sweet smile.

I hate you, she projected.

Nat winked back.

“Based on the way Miss Maximoff keeps anxiously glancing at the door, there is likely to be someone waiting for her,” Vision piped up. “I have searched the Internet databases, and from what I have gathered, your casual outfit means that you are going with someone you are familiar with. The sharing of clothes is usually reserved for close friends or romantic partners only.”

Of course the android had to get involved.

“Your heart rate seems to be speeding up Miss Maximoff. Are you okay?”

“Wanda Maximoff,” Tony asked slowly, “do you have a boyfriend?”

That’s when all hell broke loose.

“Who is he?”

“Is he hot?”

“Where did you meet?”

“How did you even get a boyfriend?”

“Can we meet him?”

“What-“

“Okay,” she groaned. Well it was bound to happen eventually. She just wished she could’ve gotten even a few months without the teasing. “I have a girlfriend, yes she’s hot, yes I’m going to have dinner with her, and I’ll ask about meeting. I’m going to go now.” With that, she stepped into the elevator.

“Don’t think this conversation is over witchy,” called Tony, as the doors slid shut.

- - -

“Hey,” you smiled as she slid into the car. “What took you so long?”

“The Avengers found out.”

You chuckled at that. “What, did they interrogate you or something?”

“Something like that.” She paused. “They want to meet you.”

“Are you sure?”

“They’re my family, and they’ll love you as much as I do.”

“Cute,” you grinned, “but I don’t know about Tony.”

“Trust me, they’re a mess a lot of the time, but they’re good people.”

You checked through your phone. “I haven’t got anything on around lunch tomorrow. I can come by then, how does that sound?”

“So you’ll come?”

“Anything for my girlfriend.”

- - -

Her green eyes locked onto you amongst the bustle of suits in the lobby.

“Hey.”

You adjusted the grey fabric of your pantsuit. “Hey yourself.”

“Did you wear the suit to impress me?” Wanda asked, delicately tugging on your tie.

“Actually, I’ve got a meeting with the investors later. Gotta make an impression, you know?”

“Well consider me impressed,” she whispered against your ear.

Blushing, you allowed Wanda to lead you to the elevator.

- - -

Clint wasn’t sure what to expect with you. But if Wanda liked you, you were sure to be one of the good sorts. So maybe like a cute girl she met at the cafe or something. He sure as hell wasn’t expecting the confident girl dressed in a suit to step out of the elevator.

All of them were lined up in the common room and he’s pretty sure any normal person would have been intimidated by the sheer amount of Avengers in front of them, but you stepped up to them absolutely unfazed.

“Mr Rogers,” you offered your hand to shake, “a pleasure to meet you.”

Steve was expecting to have to take the lead with introductions, but here you seemed to be handling yourself fine. “Likewise.”

“Is Mr Stark here today?” you asked him.

“He’s a bit busy at the mo-“

Clattering and a string of curses interrupted him. And of course, the man himself stepped into the room, Iron Man debris in his wake.

“Tony,” Steve scolded.

“What? Did you think I’d miss meeting the girl who stole the heart of our cold antisocial emo?”

Wanda tossed a couch pillow at him, but he brushed it off.

“Tony Stark,” he declared.

You shook his hand politely. “I know who you are Mr Stark.”

“And you are...?”

“Y/N L/N.”

The genius might have been singed from his armour, but the moment that name fell from your lips, he yanked his hand away, as if he was burned.

“L/N. As in L/N Corporations?”

“That’s me.”

Abruptly he turned to Wanda. “Do you know who this is?” he hissed. “The greatest rival to Stark Industries. I thought you were introducing your girlfriend.”

You gave him a winning smile. “I am her girlfriend Mr Stark. And you may have made me your rival, but I can assure you that you are not mine.”

Sam snorted.

“What are you doing here then? Are you here to try and steal data? You can’t...”

You paid him no mind as you winked at Sam. Spotting the metal arm, your eyes widened. “You must be Bucky, right? Princess Shuri told me she’d been working on some vibranium projects. I’d love to take a closer look some other day if you don’t mind?”

“How do you know Shuri?” Stark spluttered.

“You think that she only talks to rich boys who need her help? Sorry to burst your bubble.”

Nat couldn’t help but smirk at this.

“Oh and I’ve actually been working on some prototype Widow Bites as a bit of a free time project,” you added. “If you’re interested, your opinion on usage would really help me to refine them.”

“Of course.”

“Traitor,” Tony glared.

It’s at this point your phone began to ring. Glancing down, you offered a sheepish smile. “I’m sorry, I’ve really got to take this.” You turned to face the wall as your friendly tone turned professional.

The Avengers huddled together as your call went on.

“Is she using you for information?” Tony scowled.

Wanda scowled back. “She’s my girlfriend Stark. Not everything is about you.”

He looked as if he was going to say more, but Steve interrupted.

“Look Tony, she seemed like a perfectly lovely girl.”

“Yeah I like her,” added Sam. “She can keep your ego in check.”

“If Wanda likes her, I’m fine with it too.” Clint said.

Wanda gave him a thankful look.

A cough came awkwardly behind them.

“I really hate to cut this short everyone, but something’s come up back at the office. Investors are a pain.”

“Yeah go on back to your investors then,” spat Tony.

“Wow” you drawled, heading back to the elevator, “is the rich card the only thing you can play Stark?”

The light on the wall indicated that the cab had arrived, and you stepped inside the carriage which would take you back down, as Peter stepped out.

“Oh hey Y/N, what are you doing here?”

“I was just leaving Pete, but swing by later, alright?”

“You know it.”

“Oh and I heard you liked the hoodie I gave Wanda, Mr Stark,” you called. “I can grab you one as well, since it’s my company. But I really do gotta run now. Nice to meet you all!” The metal doors slid shut on your grinning face.

There was a silence, before Tony turned on his protégée. “How the hell are you on a first name business with her?”

“We’re friends?” Peter offered.

“Friends?”

“She went to college with me. She was super smart and we hung out and stuff. You know, what friends usually do.”

Squirming under his mentor’s gaze, he continued. “She was too smart for college though, so she dropped out and started her company. It didn’t mean we stopped being friends though.”

“Why didn’t you tell me Underoos?”

“She figured you might overreact, especially with the web sho-“ The boy’s eyes widened, and he made a mad dash for the stairs.

But Tony grabbed his wrist. “What were you saying?”

Peter sighed, running a hand through his hair anxiously. “She helped me out with my web shooters in college, and since then, she’s been developing them with me.”

“What?”

“She knows I’m Spider-Man and I work with her on my tech,” he said slowly.

The man surveyed his teammates, making deliberate eye contact with each and every one of them. “Traitors, the lot of you,” he huffed.

“I mean you gotta admit it,” laughed Sam. “She’s college age, and built an empire to rival you. Not to mention that she’s pretty, smart, has better PR and actual time management skills-“

“Okay I get it,” the genius cut him off.

“Don’t be upset,” Clint smirked, “you can’t lose if you’re not her competition.”

Tony stomped off.

“Don’t worry about him, he’ll come around,” Steve said gently, nodding at Wanda who was fiddling anxiously with her rings.

“She was cool,” added Nat. “Tony can be a pain in the ass, but he knows she’s a good person.”

Her phone buzzed in her hand.

<3: i’d say that went pretty well

Wanda: cannot believe you didn’t tell me

<3: i’m really sorry babe, please don’t hate me

Wanda: i could never

<3: just didn’t want him to stop you from fraternising with the enemy or whatever

Wanda: i’d break the rules for you any day

<3: how romantic

<3: so miss rebel, you coming over tonight?

Wanda: depends if you’re still wearing the suit

<3: anything for you ;)

#wanda maximoff #wanda maximoff x reader #wanda marvel #wanda x reader #wanda maximoff x you #scarlet witch #marvel #mcu

[bothcreativitybois]

The Mayors Sweet Treat Chapter 5

Wordcount: 2430

Ship: Intruality

TWs: Food, dog, swearing, sexual references, spicy thoughts (not smutty)

Chapters: 1 2 3 4

Taglist: @crazydemigod666 @star-crossed-shipper @idont-freaking-know @someoneiwasnt @seraphiie @the-sympathetic-villain @cute-and-angsty-princess @lonelymuffin @bloodymari-0666 @im-an-anxious-wreck @newtnotfound @fantasticallytired @obsessive-fallen-angel

“You’re good!” Patton shouted as Remus backed into the narrow driveway next to the bakery. His truck was filled with paints, tools, hardware supplies and a very happy looking dog. Janus stood by watching to make sure Remus didn’t hit anything. When The truck was backed in enough Remus killed the engine and jumped out, Patton rushed up to the tray of the truck and began petting the dog. Cain happily soaked up the love, Remus began hauling items out of the truck. “Who are you baby? You’re adorable!” Patton cooed, Remus smiled and Janus rolled his eyes.

“His name is Cain.” Remus said and grunted as he pulled out a metal tool box. “If you scratch his chin he’ll never leave you alone.”

“He also eats my food and doesn’t pay rent so I wouldn’t mind that.” Janus added. Cain jumped out of the truck and Patton knelt down to scratch his chin as instructed. Cain put up his head and closed his eyes.

“Oh you’re so cute! I love you!” Patton continued, Remus couldn’t stop watching him. The little dimples in his cheeks, how much love was in his eyes when he looked at Cain, Remus wondered what it would be like to have Patton look at him like that. His mind raced back to the thoughts he had a few days ago.

“Damn, you’re so cute.” Patton whispered as he bit his lip. Remus was on top of Patton and his hair perfectly fell around Patton’s face, creating a tunnel for just the two of them. Remus lent down and pressed his forehead against Patton’s, both men closing their eyes. Remus’ breath caught in his throat which caused him to let out a small noise. “I lo-.”

Remus was brought back with a pinch to his ribs.

“Ow, what the fuck?” Remus exclaimed as he swatted away Janus’ hand. These thoughts were getting out of hand. Yes they were fun but very distracting and uncontrollable.

“Roman told me to do it if you got distracted.” Janus shrugged and walked away with a crate of spray paints. Patton felt guilty for not doing anything, he joined Remus at the back of the truck.

“What can I do?” Patton asked. Remus looked around a moment, not sure how much Patton could carry.

“Uh, can you get that ladder for Janus?” Remus replied. “Only if you can.” Remus worried. Patton smiled smugly. He leant forward and dragged the ladder out, easily carrying it with one hand. He walked past Remus just as Janus walked back over.

“I carry ten kilo bags of flour two at a time.” Patton looked back and flashed a smile. “Don’t worry about me, honey.” Patton walked away and Remus followed half stammering some apologies. 

Jan: Just talk to him ffs he looks incapable of hurting you 

Virgil sat on the kitchen counter while Patton ran around grabbing ingredients, Janus and Remus were working in the other room. Virgil balanced a phone between his shoulder and ear, hold music played loudly from it.

“What are they saying?” Patton whispered. Virgil put up a finger as a signal to wait.

“That makes no sense, you would’ve known the location before taking the order. If it was too remote you shouldn’t have taken the order in the first place.” The voice began again but it wasn’t long before Virgil interrupted. “No, I understand but you should have contacted him, or at the least gave him an answer instead of bouncing him between numbers. Will we be getting a refund?” Virgil swung his legs off the table as the voice spoke more, Patton began dropping ingredients into a mixer. “That isn’t how it works, your contract said you’d deliver th-” Virgil was cut off by the voice followed with a disconnect sound. He threw down his phone and pressed his hands to his face. He took a deep breath and ran his hands through his hair.

“They don’t have my sign do they?” Patton asked sadly. Remus walked over to the kitchen entrance to listen in. 

“No they have it, but they won’t deliver to such a remote location. It’s at a warehouse in the city. They’ll refund the delivery fee but you have to pick up the sign yourself.” Virgil explained. Patton put down the top of the mixer and clicked it on before turning to Virgil.

“How? My car is tiny!” Patton panicked, Remus quickly moved to him and put a hand on his shoulder as comfort.

“It’s alright.” Remus soothed. “I’ll go get it for you tomorrow.” Patton felt guilty. All these people were so quick to help him but he had nothing to give in return.

“No I need you for the picnic.” Patton reminded him. Remus had influence and in his own way always knew what he was doing, that made Patton feel comfortable. The confidence he exuded was…

“I’ll go get it now then.” Remus suggested. He took out some keys and spun them around his finger. “Virge, message me the address.” Remus liked long drives, they helped him think. And with everything that was happening, the thoughts he was having, he could use some time to think. Patton looked around, seeing who he would be left alone with. He didn’t have a problem with making friends usually but two people he’d just met?

“I can’t ask you to do that, Remus.” Patton said, hoping Remus would catch the hint. Unfortunately he didn’t.

“It’s all good, just watch Cain for me until I’m back. He doesn’t like long drives.” Remus informed as he walked out the door. The elderly cattle dog padded up to Patton and leant on his leg, his innocent puppy eyes were very different to his owner's devilish gleam. Patton wanted to scratch him but needed to check his batter.

Quite a few minutes of awkward silence went by. Patton tasted his batter and added some more tweaks, Janus used a thick lead pencil to sketch a drawing to paint over and Virgil did… something on his phone. Janus looked into the kitchen, Virgil looked awkwardly across at Patton. He sighed. Virgil wasn’t the biggest fan of new people and Patton clearly was caught off guard with Remus’ dramatic exit. Janus pulled out his phone and texted Virgil.

Virgie: hnnngg social anxiety

Jan: Just ask if he needs help!

“How much business can a sign company have?” Virgil complained, Patton laughed across the room. Finally the hold music halted and Patton heard a voice drone through the phone. “Hello, I am calling on behalf of Froggy And Doggy Bakery. We ordered a sign last year and it still hasn’t arrived.” Virgil said in a professional voice. The person on the other end typed some stuff then told him something. Patton put down the eggs he had in his hands and rushed in front of Virgil.

Virgil looked over at Janus who nodded gently in response, Virgil took a deep breath.

“Patton?” Virgil said across the room. Patton looked up from mixing some flavours through the batter. “Is there… can I help?” Virgil mumbled. Patton wasn’t surprised anymore, he began thinking maybe all the tall men in this town had an agenda to kill him with favours. He giggled and pointed to a few aprons on a hook.

“Grab one and come over here.” Patton smiled. Virgil walked to the hook and pulled off a pink apron, he tied it up and joined Patton at the mixer. Patton pulled out a toothpick and dipped it in the mixture before thrusting it to Virgil. “Try this.” Virgil took the stick and licked off the batter. The delicate and fluffy batter had a strong punch of lemon and vanilla. The flavours tingled the back of Virgil’s jaw.

“That’s nice but maybe a little… strong.” Virgil shared. Patton laughed and took back the toothpick to throw away.

“The flavour will dilute after baking, it has to be strong or you won’t taste it.” Patton clarified. He threw the toothpick into the sink and rummaged in a draw, pulling out some dainty white mini cupcake papers and a large patty cake tray. “Can you put one paper in each tray? I have to take out the meringues." Patton looked across the room to see Janus had abandoned the drawing and was in the kitchen entrance. Patton walked across to the oven and pulled out a tray of cute pastel pink meringues shaped like flat roses. Virgil began dropping the papers into the tray. The large tray probably had two dozen holes, each no bigger than an inch in diameter. Janus leant down to pet Cain while the others worked. Patton used a spatula to scrape off the sweet treats and place them in a plastic container. Janus watched Patton's hands, how smoothly he scraped off a meringue with one thrust and gently laid it on top of the others in the container. It looked effortless yet Janus was sure if he tried he'd snap at least half of them in two. Patton noticed Janus staring from the corner of his eye, he tried his best to stay calm and focus. Meringues were small and light, which means they're easy to crush. He was thankful he had Virgil to take care of the patty cake papers so he could focus and take his time. Patton placed the last meringue in the container and looked up in time to see Virgil place the last paper. 

He’s really nice albeit a little dry and blunt.

"Thanks. I'll put in the batter to make sure they all have the right amount." Patton thanked. Virgil nodded and looked up at Janus, he smiled smugly.

“Wrist is tired, needed a break.” Janus opposed in a friendly tone. “Also couldn’t miss you wearing that cute pink apron.” Janus chuckled as he turned around his phone to show a picture of Virgil in the apron holding the small cake papers, Patton also stifled a laugh. Virgil took off the apron and hung it back up.

“Send that to anyone and I’ll add another 10 hours to your community service.” Virgil warned.

“Too late.” Janus smirked. “Officer Honeycutt loves seeing her recovered little delinquent.”

“Well we can’t all be teenagers graffitiing forever.” Virgil shot back. Patton looked up.

“Who is Officer Honeycutt?” Patton asked, both boys looked over like they had forgotten he was there.

“My mother.” Janus said as he put away his phone. “Don’t worry, she doesn’t give anyone trouble. Most she’ll do ya for is drunk and disorderly but you don’t seem that type.” Virgil and Janus laughed, but it felt friendly. Not like laughing at Patton but joking with him. He laughed too.

“And Virgil does?” Patton joked, both men laughed again and shared a look.

“You’d be surprised what he used to get up too.” Janus eluded. Virgil hit him in the shoulder and picked up his bag. Patton’s nerves had disappeared, he wasn’t sure when but they were gone.

“I’m going to get myself a coffee and take Cain out for a bathroom break.” Virgil announced before turning to point at Janus. “Play nice.” Janus smirked.

“How nice exactly?” Janus asked mischievously. Virgil gave him a serious stare, Janus put up his hands in surrender. “Alright!” He surrendered. Virgil left with Cain and suddenly Patton was alone with Janus. He had no problem with Janus but out of all the friends Patton had met he seemed the most critical. Or more accurately, most straightforward with his judgement. Patton began scooping batter into the papers with two metal spoons. Janus entered the kitchen and sat on a counter, closely watching. Patton was a man in chains, facing the judge and waiting for his sentence. Remus’ voice echoed through his head.

Patton tried his best to focus. Everything would be fine.

“What makes you think Remus is so sexy?” Janus said suddenly and plainly. Patton dropped the spoons in shock and batter splattered over a few of the papers. His face burned a furious red. Patton looked back at Janus who was unfazed. “Is it his moustache?”

“Shouldn’t you be drawing?” Virgil teased as Patton gathered more items.

“That- I don’t-” Patton tried as he shakily recovered the spoons. His head raced. He didn’t think of Remus like that… did he? Even if he did he was too busy to make a move. And with everything that happened with his last partner he wasn’t sure if he was ready to move on. He attempted to gather all his thoughts into a sentence. “I don’t have time to think of Remus like that and he doesn’t think of me that way either so what’s the point?” He hoped that answer was good enough. He cleared his mind and went back to scooping batter.

“Funny, most people don’t answer when I ask them stuff like that.” Janus remarked. “They usually tell me not to ask stuff like that or refuse to answer.” Janus laughed slightly.

“I’m sure you mean well.” Patton answered. “Maybe you’re trying to protect Remus, maybe you’re trying to get to know my taste, or maybe you’re just curious. But I don’t think you’re asking for malicious intent.” Patton turned around and gave Janus a reassuring smile, he looked away.

“And how do you know that?” Janus pressed. Patton put down the spoons and picked up the tray of batter.

“You don’t seem that type.” Patton repeated with a wink. He adjusted the heat on the oven and slid in the tray all the while Janus watched him in thought.

“What if you did have the time?” Janus asked abruptly. “To think of Remus.” Patton took a moment. He brought up thoughts of Remus, thoughts where he wasn’t worried about the bakery or his mother. He smiled as he ran the scenarios through his head.

“Yeah, maybe something could happen.” Patton admitted. “But like I said, I’m pretty sure Remus doesn’t think of me that way.” He didn’t even know if Remus was into guys. He’d made the mistake of assuming that before, it didn’t turn out well.

“Interesting.” Janus muttered as he walked back to the wall he was sketching on. “Remus isn’t easy to deal with sometimes. He’s loud, will do his best to annoy you and is unpredictable. But he seems to have taken a liking to you, so here’s a little advice: set up your boundaries or he’ll tear right through you.” Janus’ advice seemed bittersweet but it did get Patton thinking.

Remus seemed gentle with him so far, was that good or bad?

#the mayor's sweet treat #sanders sides small town au #roman took over #intruality au #sanders sides #sanders sides au #sanders sides fic #sanders sides fanfiction #ts remus #remus sanders #ts patton #patton sanders #ts janus #janus sanders #ts virgil #virgil sanders #food tw #dog tw #intruality

[the-real-doggymcdogface]

//Hi all! Cerberus has lent me his DevilPad for un-Cerberus-related activity. Don't worry. I gave him extra treats.

I participated in the Obey Me Secret Santa this year, and since my other OM accounts on social media are NSFW, I needed a safe place to post it.

This is for you, @boxwel! I hope I did your request justice.

Deep Freeze

Mammon/MC

Lucifer/MC

Angst, SFW

Ever-so-slightly PG-13? Maybe?

:read more:

Mammon watched you with a small smile, amused at how delighted you were by the snow. You looked so cute all bundled up in your coat and hat, grin as bright and sparkling as the sunlight glittering in the snow. He started to get up from where he was perched on a stump when he saw you fall flat on your face, breaking into laughter instead when you sat up and howled with laughter at your own clumsiness. This trip to the human world had been a fantastic suggestion. He hadn’t seen you look so carefree and exhilarated in quite some time.

Letting your good humor pull him in, he began walking toward you, intent on joining you in your snowball fight against his brothers. Before he got close enough for you to see, Lucifer appeared, seemingly from nowhere. Extending his hand to you, he smoothly pulled you up and into his arms, murmuring something with a small, soft smile. Mammon had thought your face was red from the cold but it was nothing compared to the blush that bloomed on your cheeks with a shy little grin at whatever Lucifer had whispered in your ear. Watching as you grasped his brother’s coat to stretch up and meet his kiss caused an ache in his chest that Mammon hadn’t felt in millennia. 

Turning away, he swiftly made his escape on silent feet. He felt nauseous at the sight he’d just witnessed. Seeing Lucifer in such a soft moment left him feeling dirty somehow, but that wasn’t what was making him breathless. He should have known you’d choose his brother. Perfect, smooth-talking Lucifer, always ready with his low voice and poetic words, carefully curated to get exactly the reaction he wanted. Of course you’d choose him over the hyperactive, immature Avatar of Greed. Mammon knew he was exactly the opposite in every way. There was nothing suave about him; he tripped over his words, overwhelmed by his feelings for you and pushing you away instead.

He knelt in the snow desperately gasping for air. Somehow this managed to feel like losing Lilith again, in a completely new way. He had grieved his sister, knowing he would never see her again. But you… you were right there. He’d have to see you every day, watch the soft smiles and lovesick looks directed at his brother when it should have been him. The very thought of it left an unbearably heavy weight in his chest. He sniffed, trying to hold back the tears burning his eyes. His jeans were uncomfortably cold and wet from kneeling in the snow, but he couldn’t seem to care. 

The roar in his head seemed to calm just in time for him to hear the soft shuffle of feet in the snow. Desperate to hide his heartbreak, he quickly wiped some snow on his face. Hopefully, that would explain the evidence of his tears. His heart dropped just that much more when he heard your voice behind him.

“Mammoney?”

Please don’t call me that. Don’t use endearments when you’ll never be mine, he thought.

“What are you doing here all alone, Mammon?”  Of course Lucifer would be with you. He just couldn’t catch a break, could he?

“Thinkin’.”

“That’s a new endeavor for you. How is it working out? Have you hurt yourself yet?”

Mammon plastered a smile on his face and turned around just in time to see you gently smack Lucifer’s chest with the back of your hand.

“Be nice, Lucifer. Mammon isn’t stupid, no matter what you say.”

His heart swelled at your defense of him, but he simply couldn’t agree. Clearly, he was the biggest idiot of them all to fall in love with you, let alone hope you could love him back. Still, he forced out a cocky laugh. “That’s right, human. They don’t call me the GREAT Mammon for nothing, ya know!”

“Mammon, literally no one calls you that,” muttered Lucifer.

“Shows what you know,” he quipped back. His brother merely rolled his eyes at him. “So, what are you two doing here? Looking for a bit of ‘alone time’?” He made sure to throw in a leer to make his meaning clear. If they thought he was joking, maybe they wouldn’t see his shattered heart. The flush on both of your faces told him he’d hit the nail on the head, and he suddenly wanted to be sick.

“I missed you Mammoney. I was just trying to find you,” came your quiet voice. 

“Ah, well, you found me! I’m just fine, as you can see. So I’ll just leave you two alone.” He noticed your hand reach for him as he turned on his heel and darted away as casually as he could, but he simply pretended he’d hadn’t seen. You’d just straight up lied to his face. Your musical voice followed him, calling him back to you. He felt like an ass, but he couldn’t face you just then. Maybe not for 100 years. Maybe never. All he knew was that he needed to get away. He turned in the direction of his brothers just in time to see Lucifer pulling you the opposite way, behind a small copse of trees. He was lost in his misery as he walked, causing him to be completely surprised when a snowball exploded on his face.

“Haha yes!!!” Levi whooped triumphantly. “Once more my tactical genius has led me to a most satisfying victory! All hail King Leviathan!”

“Why do ya always talk so funny when you’re playin’ games, huh?” Mammon sputtered through the snow.

“I do it because it is the only proper way to celebrate defeating my foe!”

“I’ll show you foe,” growled Mammon, bending down to scoop up some snow and preparing to return fire. He lined up his shot, wound up his arm, and got beaned on the back of the head with a snowball just as he let go, missing Levi completely. 

“Direct hit! Wonderful shot, Satan!” crowed Asmo. He was sat on a large stone, refusing to get involved with the fight and risk ruining his expensive coat, so he claimed. When Mammon turned to his assailant, Satan was bowing to his audience of one.

“Thank you, Asmo. But it isn’t hard to miss a head that big.”

Asmo’s gleeful shout of laughter was cut short by Mammon’s snowball. “I’m a pretty good shot when I’m not bein’ sabotaged ya know! And ya aren’t even movin’!”

His younger brother’s beautiful face was marred with fury, but Mammon had accomplished his goal and made Asmo get involved in the game. For a short, blissful time, his heartache was a dull throb as he and his brothers chased each other around, pelting one another with snowball after snowball. Their shouts of laughter and mock anger filled the little area of the forest they’d trekked to and for a moment Mammon felt like life was normal. Until you and Lucifer rejoined the group with messy hair and disheveled clothing.

“Oh ho! Having fun in the snow, I see! How positively naughty of you!” teased Asmo.

“That’s disgusting,” muttered Belphie. “No one wants to think of Lucifer that way.”

“Oh I do it often,” purred the Avatar of Lust.

“If you could please cease this inane conversation, we should probably head back to the cabin.” Lucifer sighed.

The group set out for their warm shelter while Mammon silently seethed at the sight of you and Lucifer walking with your arms casually slung around each other. Your sweet laughter floated back to him, making his heart clench. He had a feeling this pain was going to get worse before it got better, and he wasn’t sure how he was going to hide it. You would try to comfort him if you found out, which would be the very last thing he would want when you were out of reach. Lucifer would reach as yet unheard-of levels of smugness that Mammon was sure would mean the two of them coming to blows. As the cabin came into view, you fell back to walk with him.

“What’s wrong, Mammoney? You’re awfully quiet, and that concerns me.”

“It shouldn’t, it’s a nice change of pace and we don’t want to ruin it!” snapped Belphie.

Mammon felt his face burning before he curtly replied, “It’s fine. I’m just tired.”

“Poor thing. Maybe you should take a nap before dinner? You can use my room, it’s the quietest.”

He couldn’t help the small smile that graced his features. You were always so sweet, so selfless. Too good for him, to be sure. “Thanks, maybe I will.” 

 You reached down and gave his hand a squeeze before heading back to Lucifer’s side. As the 8 of you entered the cabin, there was a flurry of boots and coats being tossed around, and the stern voice of Lucifer reminding everyone to take care of their wet outerwear instead of simply throwing it in the corner. It proved to be the perfect distraction and allowed Mammon to sneak away unnoticed. Well, mostly unnoticed. You followed him to your room, concern still etched on your face.

“I promise I’m fine. I just need a little bit of rest, that’s all.” He said.

“If you’re sure…”

“Positive.”

“Okay, well I guess I’ll leave you to it. Have a good nap.”

“Thanks. Goodbye.”

A startled, slightly frightened expression crossed your face. “Goodbye? What does that mean?”

“Slip of the tongue. I meant to say good night.”

“Uh huh…”

He knew you didn’t believe him but he climbed into your bed and ignored the way you stared. After a moment you left, leaving him to enjoy being surrounded by your scent. Just for a little while, he told himself. He had no idea how long he’d been lying there before you came to check on him, but he quickly tried to look relaxed and deeply asleep. It must have worked since you silently snuck in and gave him a soft kiss on the cheek before tiptoeing back out. He heard you tell someone you were going to let him rest a while longer and soon the faint sounds of his brothers sitting down to dinner floated up to him. Perfect, he thought. Throwing the covers off, he left your room as quietly as you had, sneaking down the hall to the room he was sharing with Asmo. Fortunately, he hadn’t unpacked much so it was easier to get everything back into his duffel bag. He’d just leave his coat and boots behind. He might be uncomfortable, but he wouldn’t be particularly cold or in any danger the same way a human would if he traveled in regular clothes.

He dropped his bag from the window, waiting for a moment in case anyone had heard. The cacophony of voices and laughter continued without so much as a brief pause. He hadn’t known when he got here that having a room on the opposite side of the house than the kitchen would be so advantageous. At least he had that tiny bit of luck. He jumped out of the window, grateful that the snow was cushioning his landing a bit. It may be easier for him to jump from the second story without breaking bones than it would be for a human, but that didn’t mean it was pleasant. Slinging his bag over his shoulder, he jogged towards the nearby town.

It wasn’t long before he heard you shouting his name from the cabin. The voices of his brothers followed shortly, but they quickly grew faint and faded away. He ached at the thought of you worrying about him, but he figured his brothers would be ecstatic to be without him. He knew they would help you forget about him, Lucifer especially. No one would miss the scummy idiot, right? Eventually, he came upon a highway and stuck out his thumb. One last thought of you passed through his mind, but he pushed it away so that he wouldn’t lose his nerve.

It wasn’t like he was leaving forever. He just needed to let his heart freeze first.

#obey me secret santa #boxwel #obey me swd #obey me mammon #angst #obey me lucifer #obey me leviathan #obey me satan #obey me asmo #obey me beelzebub #obey me belphegor

[itsjustmyfantasyroom]

Riddler part 6

Master List

Like i said in part one, I wrote this so long ago, straight after Fresh Starts actually, I was a different smut writer back then hehe.

Warnings: Smut.

WC: 1813

Enjoy x

“Wow you look amazing prima (cousin)” Blake lent down hugging you and kissing you on the cheek. “Rafael, you scrub up pretty well too” both men shaking hands.

Rafael was dressed in a dark charcoal pin stripped suit with a medium grey button down and black shoes, hair gelled perfect and smelling amazing. You were in a navy blue pair of shorts with a matching navy blue blazer and a black tank top tucked in, low heel pair of black heels and your hair in lose curls.

“Thank you guys for coming, means a lot”

“Of course Blake, wouldn’t miss it” you hugged your cousin around his middle and he kissed you on top of your head.

“Logan and Caesar are coming by the way. They heard we are going out after so that changed their mind”

“Of course they did” you rolled your eyes with a smile.

Logan and Caesar walked in not long after, making a fuss of you as they usually did, both shocked how nice you actually looked. They both treated Rafael nicely and asked questions to get to know him and told him funny stories about when your guys were going up. After the presentation, Rafael went to the bathroom and was getting drinks on the way back.

“Wow Y/N, good job catching him. How did you do it? Give me tips”

“I ‘am sure you Chico (boy) don’t need tips” you said back to Logan

“Have you opened up to him yet prima, told him about everything?” Caesar asked.

“Yeah I have. But I stuffed up last night” they both looked at you and went on to tell them what happened between you both last night.

“Pollo (chicken)”

“I’ am not a chicken. Me preocupe (I’am worried)”

“Por Que (why)?”

“What do you mean why Logan, it’s been so long and I don’t want to get hurt. I can’t do that again”

Caesar grabbed your arm and made you look at him, “He isn’t the gilipollas (asshole) you were with before. We aren’t getting any younger. You have closed yourself off for so long to happiness. He seems like a nice guy, go for it. Sigue a tu corazon (follow your heart). We all got you if something goes wrong”

---

“Which club are we going to?” Rafael was holding your hand looking a little nervous.

“Cuarto Rojo (Red Room)” Logan answered back as he hailed down a cab.

“You guys go to Latino clubs often?” Rafael looked between you all.

“It’s all we used to do once we got out of college and Y/N out of the academy” Caesar answered back.

You guys got to the club, showed your ID’s and walked to the table Caesar had reserved while at the presentation. The music was blaring with a fast salsa song. Rafael and Blake went to the bar to get drinks. As they headed back to the table Rafael seen you out of the corner of his eye and turned to look at you his eyes opening wide.

Caesar was spinning you around the dance floor, you both doing the salsa fast with some pretty advanced moves. You guys laughing with each other when he pulled you back into him. He couldn’t keep his eyes off you, he would have been jealous if it wasn’t your cousin. The way you moved your body, your hips, your feet. Blake and Logan saw him staring at you, and Blake lent over.

“You know she is the only girl in our family. Her and Caesar are the only two that have always been the same height. Mi Tia, Caesar’s Mum, put them in salsa classes together when they were 10. They won a lot of dance competitions till they got to senior year and Caesar’s crush teased him for dancing with his cousin so he put a stop to it.” Rafael nodded and looked at Blake with a smile. Blake lent back over to him,

“You know Rafael, I’ am not going to go all big brother on you, but I want to ask you one thing” Rafael nodded back at him, “Take care of her and love her how she deserves to be loved. She acts like she is tough, and her mouth shows she is, but she isn’t really, she just needs to be loved by the right person. And I really think that could be you”

“I promise I will” Rafael nodded back.

After a couple of songs, a slow song came on and you and Caesar walked back to the table. You walked over to Rafael and hugged him around his neck standing between his legs, he leant over and kissed you on the cheek and lent close to your ear,

“You looked amazing out there Hermosa”

“Gracias Guapo (thank you handsome)” you kissed him lightly on the lips “When a fast one comes back on, dance with me?” he nodded back.

Two songs later another fast song came on, Rafael grabbed your hand and pulled you to the dance floor. His dancing was amazing. The way he controlled you and led you around the floor, it started a fire within you. There was something extremely sexy about it, like it was foreplay in some weird way. The song ended and he pulled you close to him, you guys were nose to nose.

“Let’s get out of here” you said to him, a smirk coming to his face.

You guys walked back to your cousins at the table and you lent over to Blake, “We are going” he gave you a big hug and shook Rafael’s hand.

You hugged Logan and then got to Caesar, he whispered in your ear as you hugged, “Ve por ello bebe (go for it baby)”

On the cab ride home, you and Rafael couldn’t keep your hands off each other like two teenagers kissing in the back and running your hands up and down each other’s bodies. The taxi pulled up, Rafael paid and you both walked hand in hand into building. Once you got to your door, Rafael started to kiss your neck from behind, making it hard to get the key in the hole as he was kissing your sweet spot. Finally you got it in and pushed the door open. Rafael closed it behind you and slid the safety lock. You turned and pressed yourself against him, feeling how hard he had started to get. You pressed your lips to his and wrapped your arms around his neck and he led you back towards the bed room without breaking the kiss. You both fell in a heap on the bed. He pulled away and looked into your eyes.

“Do you want to stop?”

“No, te deseo (I want you)”

He smiled and lent in and started to kiss you deeply again. You pushed off his jacket and pulled his shirt out of his pants and started to undo the buttons, slipping it off once the buttons were all undone. He pulled away and sat up off you and taking off his shoes and socks, followed by his dress pants. You quickly followed undressing leaving you just in your bra and panties and you laid back down.

He laid down next you, you rolled onto your side and lent in and kissed you again. You put your hand onto his chest and let it run down to his boxers. You slid your hand down into them and wrapped your hand around his length, gasping at how big he was. He let out a little moan into your mouth. You started to stork up and down, from root to tip.

Rafael slid his hand to your panties and moved them to the side. He ran his finger over your folds and felt how wet you were. He slide one finger into you, you moved away from the kiss and moaned, then he added another one, making you let go of him and falling back on your back.

“Eres asombrosa” (your amazing) Rafael whispered.

He picked up the pace, thrusting his fingers into you, using his thumb to make small circles over your clit. It didn’t take long for the pleasure to wash over you, sending sparks all through your body. You moaned loud while Rafael fingered you down from your high.

Once you had claimed down, you lent over and pulled off his boxers. He moved his hips up to help you pull them off. He reached behind you and undone your bra throwing it on the floor and pulled down your panties. If he could have seen in the dark, he would have seen your cheeks go bright red.

“Confias en mi? (do you trust me)”

“Si” you whispered back

“Anytime you want to stop, you tell me and we stop”

“Ok”

Rafael lined himself up above you, and slowly started to slide into you inch by inch. He didn’t want to get too carried away with you, he wanted to control himself. It had been so long for him and for you, he wanted to last as long as he could

“Are you ok?”

“Yeahhh” he pushed in the last little bit and then paused for a moment.

“You ok Rafi?”

“Never better” he started to thrust in and out of you. The little moans coming out of your mouth was music to his ears and turned him on even more. He picked up the pace and you started to buck up meeting his every thrust, you ran your hands up and down his back. “I’ am close” he managed to get out

“Me-oh Rafael” you screamed as the pleasure ran threw again so intense your whole body was shaking. Your reaction was enough to send him over the edge after one big thrust and moaned your name and started to slow his thrusts till he was done.

Both of your breathing was hard and fast. Rafael stayed on top and in you for a little while longer, then he pulled out and rolled off of you falling onto his back. You rolled over on your side facing him. He rolled onto his side meeting your stare and a smile came to his face. He lent over and kissed you lightly on the lips. You took a deep breath and looked at him again

“What do you want to say?” he ran his thumb over your cheek bone.

“If this-if we are going to keep doing this-if we are a thing now. I’ll need to get some kind of birth control. I’m not on any, clearly, it’s been so long” you huffed

“Make an appointment and we will go together and see what you’re comfortable with” 

“Really?” you grinned.

“Anything for my girlfriend” you jumped on top of him wrapping your legs and arms around him like a bear.

Tags: @detective-giggles​ @beccabarba​ @thatesqcrush​ @the-baby-bookworm​ @dianilaws​ @scarletsoldierrr​ @lv7867​ @permanentlydizzy​ @averyhotchner​ @infiniteoddball​ @ritajammer21​ @madamsnape921​ @word-scribbless

#ada rafael barba #ada barba #rafael barba #Raul Esparza #rafael barba fanfiction #rafael barba imagine #rafael barba x yn #rafael #law and order svu #SVU fanfiction #SVU FANDOM #svu fan #nbc svu #svu x reader #barba #barba fanfic #barba x reader #rafael barba x you #refael barba #rafael barba and reader

[whattodowithace]

Circuits & Wires (Seyoon)

Title: Circuits & Wires 

Paring: Seyoon x Reader

Genre: Fluff; Slight Angst

Count: 5431 Words

Writer: Whattodowithkpop [Lio]

Summary: Who would’ve thought one of the android prototypes would work in the actual office. But he seems too human to be an android...

A/N: This story is discontinued, but I spent a lot of hours on it so I still want to post it, but I was worried I was doing this story an injustice. I love it too much to ruin it further. I hope you enjoy the beginnings of this story :). 

*****

“How did you get hired at AND Corp?”

This was a common question I received when I told people about my employer. My response was always the same and cleared up all confusion that someone could have.

“I’m just the secretary.”

AND Corp was the biggest company of the 22nd century, bringing the world things like the first Hoverboard model, current models of flying cars, and their latest invention, helper bots. These bots being the prototype for androids that AND Corp had been working on since their startup.

Because of their reputation, only the ridiculously smart got hired into one of their five departments. It was the only company worth working for since they basically controlled the world because they supplied society with everything that we used.

It was a huge honor to be able to work in the company, even if it was just the secretary position. It was hard being the only person in the room without an IQ of 170+, especially when they expected everyone in the company to have the same intelligence level as them. Secretaries here needed patience and a harder shell, but that didn't mean it still wasn’t difficult.

~

I push the glass door open, walking swiftly to my desk, placing my belongings in their assigned spots before starting my day.

I walk through the empty office, making my way towards the coffee station on the other side of the office. My steps quick, but not hurried as I walk my habitual route to the station.

Five coffee machines were lined up on the marble countertop. Individual coffee cups were stocked neatly in a small cabinet next to the machines. Coffee mugs were stacked in the next to the cabinet, creating a efficient assembly line.

This was just one of my many tasks to complete in the morning before the office workers came in. The secretaries usually worked three or four extra hours versus everyone else in the building. I honestly believe that the secretaries are the glue that keeps this place together.

I had gotten everything down to a T, finishing all the morning tasks in perfect time as the first employees began to enter the building. The floors were small, so you always saw the same people everyday, only having about 20 people on the floor. As they enter, I keep track of who enters, recognizing the faces of my colleagues as they filed into the spacious office space.

My eyes meet deep brown ones as a man with silver hair enters the office. His eyes were hiding behind a pair of thick framed glasses, that framed his handsome face perfectly. He was on the shorter side, but it was easy to tell that he wasn't weak or scrawny underneath his crisp black suit. His hair was styled professionally, but still modernized to enhance his features.

I tilt my head in confusion as I notice the employee badge around his neck displaying his picture and his name which I couldn’t see from my desk. He smiles warmly as he gives me a bow, which I return. He shows me his badge quickly as he passes, not stopping to say any greetings. After his back is to me, my eyes glue to my computer, checking emails and messages to see if I had missed one about a new employee. I send a quick message to my superior, asking him about the silver haired man, to which he replies ‘he’s going to work on our floor starting today.’

I felt a wave of relief wash over me knowing I hadn’t let in unauthorized personal onto the floor. Still, I wondered about the man, we hardly had any interesting news in this company, much less our specific floor, so anything new or changed was exciting. My eyes were drawn back to him when he came back to the main room with all the office desks. I secretly hoped he would sit at the one closest to my station, cause honestly, it would be nice to see such a nice looking young man every once in awhile against the boring scenery of the office.

The office gods must have been upon me as he took the desk right in front of me. He must have felt my stare for he looked into my eyes, offering another warm smile, one which I returned but turned away as I felt my face heat up.

~

The end of the day drew near, and it went much like any other day. I had done my duties and the office treated me the same as it always did. With the exception of the new guy. He hadn't talked a lot, but he was the only one who offered me a please when he asked for copies and the only one who thanked me throughout the day as I refilled coffee and kept inventory stocked.

It always shocked me, since I wasn't used to it with the rest of the office. I began to take a quick liking to the new employee, his presence making me feel comforted as I realized I had someone who had appreciated my hard work.

Lunch was an interesting time as well. The secretaries of each floor tended to eat together. It was hard to sit and listen to the smart analysts and coders discuss intelligent workings, so the secretaries flocked together to talk about day to day life and usually they tended to gossip, but I usually zoned out during those parts. However, the conversation was quite a bit different this time. The new guy joined the secretary table, offering smiles to each of us as he gave me a quick bow exchanging a hello. I could see the shock and panic on the rest of the girls at the table, some of them blushing as they looked at the handsome young man. I smiled as I watched them fangirl over him, enjoying it because we never had this much excitement in the quiet building.

During that lunch period, we all found out his name was Kim Seyoon. He was very dismissive about his family and even his younger years. I smiled fondly as I noticed his shy apprehension. We didn't press him too hard as we just enjoyed his quiet, lovely company. He seemed very curious about us and asked us a lot about our lives, mine in particular when he noticed I had strayed from the conversation. I didn't want to get the wrong idea so I brushed it off, but I would be lying if I said I didn't feel my heart skip a beat more than once during lunch.

~

At the end of the day after everyone left for their homes, I would be the last to leave, cleaning and setting up desks for the next day so the geniuses could have a clean enviornment to work in. If the pay for this job wasn't so good all of the secretaries would've left by now, but the owners know that so they keep our pay high to keep us happy and to keep turn over down.

The last ones left in the office this chilly night were Seyoon and I. He was still typing on his computer as I worked around him, doing my best not to disturb him with too much noise or by crowding his area. He worked late into my shift to the point where I was done and he was still working. I didn't want to bother him, but I worried slightly for the newcomer and decided to address him and check up on him.

"Seyoon, I'm heading out for the night." I tell him quietly, his dark brown eyes lifting to meet mine behind his rounded glasses, his nose scrunching to push them back up his face, making me smile at his cuteness. "Do you need anything before I go?"

He smiles softly and shakes his head. "No, I'm okay. Thank you for all your help."

I smile back at him, bowing in respect before taking my leave. "See you tomorrow."

~

Little did I know that that was just the tip of the iceberg for Kim Seyoon. I figured his kindness would lessen the more he worked. I expected his caring attitude to stay, but his appreciation to begin to dwindle like it had done the others. But with time, he became more gracious and more appreciative. He always used kind words with everyone and often helped those who needed it, even when they were too prideful to ask for it.

He had helped me countless of times, helping me with heavy contents or staying late to help me organize the desks and to clean up the office, no matter how many times I told him it was fine, he would insist on helping.

There were even some nights where he lent me his suit coat, insisting I take it because the office was cold and he didn't need it. Many of the secretaries began to tease me about it, finding it adorable that he always seemed to come to my aid. I brushed it off and denied everything involving him, including denying feelings for the platinum haired boy. I denied it all, but as the days continued, my heart would skip more beats and my nerves would increase with each passing day as my feelings for him grew.

I tried to make it obvious to him, worried he wouldn't like it if I made the first move. I gave him more hints as the days passed,  staring at him a little too long, brushing against him gently when I passed him things, anything to make it painfully obvious that I was into him.

He never took the bait. Either he wasn't interested or he was just too pure to realize my advances. I thought hard about if I wanted to make the move. It was a tough decision, but I hadn't had feelings like this for someone in a long time. I had been so busy working I didn't have much time for a dating life and I really didn't have time to even meet many guys. Suddenly, one falls into my office and not only is he handsome, but he is sweet and caring to add to it. I didn't want to let the opportunity slip even if he would reject me.

~

I watched as Seyoon stood to get ready to leave. As usual, we were the final two people in the office and he offered to take me to my car. He said he always worried because some weird guys would wait in the parking garages and he was worried they would try something one day, especially if it was late enough. Just another thing to add to the list of heart palpitating things Seyoon did. He smiles as I approach him, walking next to me as we reached the elevator to the garage floor.

“Seyoon?” I call out to him, catching his attention just before we reached one of the many elevators in our building.

He looks over to me, his eyes meeting mine as he gives me his undivided attention.

“Are you going to dinner?” I ask him, suddenly, a surge of boldness running through me as I wait for his response.

He nods with a smile. "Are you?"

"I am." I smile at him as I feel the nerves bubble in my chest. "I was wondering, it you would like to go to dinner together?"

"I would like that." Seyoon agrees as the elevator doors open inviting us in.

I follow Seyoon into the small box as he hits the number for the parking garage. I look anywhere but him as I feel the butterflies multiply in my stomach, but my head tells me he doesn't understand the motive behind my request which makes my heart sink.

"Should we ride together?" He asks, breaking the silence.

I nod with a hum of acknowledgment , ignoring the fast beating of my heart as I think of being with him alone as we drove.

“Where should we go?” I ask him, trying to keep the silence from going awkward.

“You can choose.” Seyoon smiles as he looks up, twitching his nose slightly to push his glasses back up to his eyes.

I nod, starting to think of place to go to fit the mood and hopefully a place that would give me enough courage to wear my heart on my sleeve.

~

Seyoon drove carefully to a restaurant that was nice enough for a couple going on a date but casual enough for friends or co workers to have a casual dinner together. My hope was that this dinner would eventually become both scenarios.

My nerves grew as I watched him drive quietly. The street lights illuminating his figure only slight as he passed under them. I could feel myself fall more for him as I studied his features, my face heating up as I watched him, everything he seemed to do was perfect. His calculations down to his driving. This thought making me even more nervous.

We arrived at the restaurant after about a twenty minute drive. We were seated immediately and were quickly offered menus. We talked quietly amongst ourselves, but I don't remember much of the conversation. I was too nervous to pick up any of the words he said to me or to remember the words I said to him. I started many times to get the sentence out, but would chicken out last second. It took a lot of courage to get the conversation started, but I finally pulled that courage together to speak up.

“I actually called you here to tell you something.” I confess as I begin to twiddle my thumbs in nervousness.

Seyoon stares at me, but not with a stare that made feel inferior, one that made me feel confident.

I sigh out heavily as I look into his eyes. “I wanted to tell you that you’re really sweet and really kind and I have fallen for you charms. I know you haven’t worked here long, but I really wanted to tell you...” I trail off, looking away from his face.

All I could hear was my heart beating rapidly, it seemed to drown out the soft music that played throughout the restaurant. Only his next words stopped the thumping in my head completely, making all my thoughts stop in the process.

“You’re the sweet one.” He says quietly, making me jerk my head to him.

He held a small smile on his face as I felt my body heat up.

“I’m an android.” He states, his eyes boring into mine.

My heart drops as I open my mouth to say something, but no words come out.

“I wish I could return your feeling, but I’m incapable.” He continues, his face appearing to show sorrow, but I wrote it off as a machine learning mechanism. “I’m just here as a test to see if a prototype android is ready for the workforce.”

“I am so sorry, I had no idea!” I exclaim as I feel embarrassment flood me.

“That’s okay.” He reassured me, somehow making me feel better. “No one is supposed to know, so you really had no idea.”

“I won’t say anything.” I promise him as I look back down to my plate, my appetite leaving me.

“I hope we can still work together closely?” He offers, his voice now beginning to sound more monotone the more I hear it. “I don’t really feel emotions, but I do know I feel a sense of accomplishment when I work alongside you.”

His words shouldn’t make my heart beat anymore, but here it was, beating out of my chest. “I would like that.”

The rest of the dinner was spent like I had never confessed to him, our conversations comfortable and casual as they had been over the past few months. I knew he could never reciprocate my feelings, but I also knew my feelings for him wouldn't dissipate just because he was android. I was content with staying his friend and having his as a close companion, even if it wasn't the way I fully desired.

~

Weeks had past since that dinner. Nothing really changed, which made me happy. Our work habits and tasks continued to intertwine and my feelings never went away. It was strange, even though he was an android, an android created to show no emotion and to just do what he was told, he seemed to care for minor things.

It was little things that I started to notice, things that made me realize why I had been fooled into thinking he truly had feelings like any human would. He would walk to work from his apartment, one that the company worked out for him so they could fully test all of his functions, and he always arrived early. It was an admirable thing and something I had admired even now knowing he was an android. But it was what he did on his way to work that shocked me, shocking em because it was something I never expected an android to do.

In the alleyway, next to our corporate building, is a communal meeting place for the stray cats and kittens around the area. I had always tried to capture the kittens before they became too feral to be tamed, but I wasn't the most capable in that department. I would bring them by actual cat food cause it was cheap and they really did bring me joy on my commute to work as I saw them play with each other on the sidewalks.

One morning I was walking on the sidewalk, following one of the new kittens that had been birthed over the springtime. Said kitten was walking with a purpose, but would occasionally get distracted by a bug or a wrapper that flew in front of his path.

We reached our building and the kitten slid into the alleyway quietly, his tail rubbing against the building as he cut the corner. I followed him quietly as I pull out the bag of cat food I had brought with me, turning the corner to offer the strays some of it.

I stopped dead in my tracks as I saw Seyoon's back to me as he leaned down, the kitten running in between his legs and rubbing against his pants suit. I tilted my head as I watched Seyoon, the smallest of smiles on his lips as he petted the orange kitten that meowed up at him.

"Do you feed them?" He asked suddenly, making me jump in surprise.

"Well... I..." I stuttered out, not preparing to hold a conversation with him seeing as I thought he didn't know I was there. "I do, when I can."

Seyoon stands up and turns towards me, stepping closer to me, my heart beating quickly as a reaction.

"I'm glad you do." He stated as he looks back to the orange kitten who had reunited with his other cat friends. "No one else pays them mind."

"But you do." I commented as I lean down separate the cat food in piles so that the older cats wouldn't swat the kitten away.

"I can't do as much for them as you can." He said quietly as I stand back to my feet, looking into his eyes.

As I look at him I could have swore I saw a swirl of emotion behind his eyes, but it quickly left when he blinked back at me.

"I wish I could do more." I confessed as I looked back to the cats and kittens that ate the food happily.

"I think you'll be able to one day." He offered, making me look at him as I felt my heart rate quicken even more than it was already.

I cleared my throat as I stood there avoiding his gaze.

"We should head inside." He suggested as he walked out of the alleyway, stopping just before rounding the corner. "I'll walk you to your desk."

~

That was just one instance that I had seen compassion from him, making me question weather androids had more emotions than the company realized, maybe more emotions than the androids even realized.

It seemed as though I was just falling harder for Seyoon, making me wonder if I had just been so deprived of a relationship that I was having these thoughts about a creation that supposedly couldn't feel. I had done hours of research on Seyoon's android prototype, wondering if there was anything more to learn that could help me work through this childish crush, but none of the manuals had a section under 'what to do when you fall in love with an android'.

Seyoon was a full android, no natural emotion was to come from him. They said that he would pick up facial queues and would replicate them to have the illusion he did have emotion, but none of his actions would support those feelings.

I still couldn't shake the gut feeling that he had some emotion. He seemed to get more human every day. His facial expression conveyed feelings yes, but his eyes grew more and more sentient every time I looked into them. His facial expression became more natural and his words carried a feeling that was more than I felt an android could produce.

My feelings for him never staled and it was because I felt a connection, one that most people would call me crazy for, but one I was sure was there. His feelings were real and I could feel them and I wanted to see them come to light.

~

The end of another day approached as the usuals begin leaving. Seyoon and I were the last ones, as usual. Most of the time Seyoon would stay behind to help me finish my work. His proficiency making the tasks go by faster. However, this time, he was the last one working. I had finished my work for the night and realized the Android bent over his desk as he wrote quickly, faster than I’ve ever seen any human write.

I approach his desk, pulling the chair from his desk neighbor to sit next to him.

“How’s it going?” I ask him as I mean an elbow in the desk to watch his face twist in concentration, making me heart pound in excitement at the realization of his face showing emotion.

He looks up to me, smiling mechanically as he assures me. “It’s going well, I’m almost done.”

I nod as he goes back to work. “You don’t need any help?”

“I’m really okay, thank you.” He replies as he goes back to his paper.

“You don’t need your pencil sharpener?” I ask him as I play with the dull pencils he had put aside on his desk.

Seyoon stops writing, putting his pencil down to focus his attention on me. I feel my body heat up as his eyes focus on mine.

“You really don’t need to stay and help me.” He smiles slightly. “I really can handle it on my own.”

“Seyoon, please.” I beg him as I give him puppy dog eyes. “You help me very night with my tasks and you do it without complaint. I know you don’t need my help but let me stay with you, even if all I do is keep you company or get you a sharp pencil, please let me stay with you.”

Seyoon’s eyes dance in amusement just for a moment before he goes back stoic. “Okay.” He agrees, making me squeal in excitement.

“What do you want me to do?” I ask him as I scoot my chair closer to him.

“I want you to lay your head on the desk, on your hand facing me.” He directs, my body following his order. “Now close your eyes.” I do as told, shutting my eyes tightly. “And just stay like that.”

My body straightens quickly. “Seyoon I’m not sleeping.” I glare at him. I suddenly grab the pencils he had thrown to the side and angrily walk towards the sharpener. “I’m sharpening these for you.”

I don’t wait for his reaction as I walk to my desk where the sharpener was. It was set there for my convenience, I was the only one that did the sharpening anyway.

When I look up from sharpening, I see Seyoon looking at me. His eyes fixed on me, making me feel embarrassed. I focus on the pencils, the quiet machine sharpening the lead, it’s low buzz engineered to not disturb any work.

I continued to do small tasks for Seyoon as he calculated numbers at his desk. It was hard to find tasks that could help an Android, but the ideas quickly dwindled.

I sit next to Seyoon after getting him and myself a cup of coffee. I lean back on the desk, my eyes focused on his fingers that write the numbers and words.

“I’m going to be here for awhile.” Seyoon speaks up, making me jump in surprise. “You can go home.”

I shake my head. “I’m okay. I’ll stay with you.”

He stares at me for a moment, making heat rush through my body. It felt like an eternity of him staring. I watch him push his glasses up with him nose, making a rock gif my stomach at his cuteness. This jolts me out of my trance, looking away from Seyoon to my coffee that steamed against the cold office air conditioning.

I notice Seyoon begins to write again, his movement capturing my attention. I rest my arms over each other, leaning my head down to them to watch his hand closely. I could feel my eyes heavy as I watch his rhythmic strokes. I decide to rest my eyes just for a moment, exhaustion settling in for me.

~

I don't remember falling asleep, but I remember opening my eyes in a confused state, not recognizing the surface I was resting atop of. I lift my head, rubbing my face, focusing my eyes to recognize the office. I realize I'm the only one here, making me stand in panic. I worry about Seyoon for a split second before I realize his suit jacket was draped across my shoulders.

Butterflies erupt in my stomach as I pull the jacket around me, it's heaviness keeping me warm. I smile to myself as I think about the weight this would carry for a human, the thought making the butterflies reach my heart. I stand from his desk, noticing his papers and utensils still on his desk. I call out his name quietly, hearing no response through the small office.

I decide to venture out in search of Seyoon, I had nothing better to do anyways. I walk out of the small office, his jacket securely around my shoulders as I walk the halls of the quiet building. It was probably well over midnight by now, so even the late nighters were at home, resting in their beds.

I reach the cafeteria, the giant floor to ceiling windows reveling the night life of the beautiful city. You couldn't really see the stars because of the skyscrapers that lit up the area around them, dimming the lights in the sky, but the moon was in full illumination. I felt awe as I looked out over the city, feeling the urge to feel the wind against my skin to feel the full effect of the atmosphere.

I knew it would be a bit chilly, but I wasn't worried because of Seyoon's jacket would keep the brisk wind from my arms. I walk quickly back the way I came, arriving at the elevators to the roof. The ascent was quiet, even the elevator music had stopped this late at night. It carried me to the rooftop terrace,  the wind greeting me as soon as the doors open.

I step out before freezing just outside the elevator. At the ledge stood a familiar figure with his back towards me. I feel my heart quicken as I observe him in the moonlight. His platinum hair seemed to glow in the moonlight, his tan skin shining beautifully as he leaned on the ledge to look down at the city.

I gulp as my feet carry me towards him, my nerves skyrocketing like they did the night I confessed to him. I approach him quietly, leaning against the ledge next to him to copy his movements.

"Did you sleep okay?" He asks, breaking the silence as the wind blew over us quietly.

I nod towards him, looking over to him. I suddenly worry about the wind against his thin shirt, quickly taking the jacket off myself to offer it back to him.

He smiles at me, pushing his glasses up with his nose as he often did. "You'll get cold. You keep it."

I nod as I feel a blush wash over me, making my heart beat quickly. I place the jacket back on my shoulders, warmth immediately coming back to me once the padded shoulders reach my body.

"Do you have more work to do?" I ask him after a moment of silence, the city seeming quiet this late at night.

"I finished for the night." He tells me, looking up to the sky where the stars were barley visible.

"Then why are you still here?" I ask him, my attention fully on him.

He tuns to look at me and when he does a shiver runs through my body. His eyes held something, something I hadn't seen from him, but had seen in other humans. The amount of emotion in his eyes was powerful and made me forget, once again, he was an android.

"I didn't want to leave you." He states simply, his words piercing straight through my heart like Cupid's arrow.

The world around me feel silent, all I could focus on was him in that moment and I couldn't tell if it was just my hopeful imagination or if he was feeling the same way as me.

A power gust of wind pushes me off balance, bring me back to reality as I clear my throat and look away from him. "I'm sorry for making you stay later."

"You stayed for me." He reminds me, making me whine in protest.

"You always stay for me and the one time I stay for you it still ends up you staying for me." My eyes fill with frustrated tears as I look at him.

It was probably from exhaustion, but this moment made me want to cry. I think he could tell because he gives me a soft smile as he steps closer to me. He lays his hand on top of my head gently as he pats my head a couple of times.

"I will always stay for you." He whispers as his hand falls from me. "I don't know why I feel like I need to, but I do."

My heart explodes at his confession, my feelings for him running deeper with each passing second. Before I can even register words for myself, he speaks again.

"You need to go home and get some rest."

I nod, finally, as I clear my throat. "Yea, I should head home."

"I can drive you." He offers, making me smile with a nod.

He drove me home that night, the time being 2 in the morning as he wished me a goodnight. I left his jacket in his car before making me way up to my apartment. Once inside I crash on the bed, not even bothering to change into pajamas. I sigh out heavily as I think of the night's events, my heart never once calming since the rooftop. My mind knew that it wouldn't work, but my heart wanted it so desperately to work. I fall asleep with these thoughts, but my heart doesn't fully slow until I slip into unconsciousness.

MASTERLIST

#m:seyoon #ace #ace seyoon #ace seyoon x reader #ace imagine #ace fanfiction #ace x reader #a.c.e #a.c.e seyoon #a.c.e seyoon x reader #a.c.e imagine #a.c.e fanfic #a.c.e x reader #seyoon #seyoon x reader #x reader #kpop #fanficiton #whattodowithkpop writings

[padfootagain]

Girl Crush (IX)

Chapter 9 : A Breath of Aloe Vera

 Here we go with an adorable chapter!!! Be careful, this is sooooo cute!!!

I hope you like this new chapter :) Tell me what you think about it, please!

Word Count : 2684

"So… how can I save it?"

"I don't know… I think… I think it's dying, Harry."

"Dying? There must be something I can do…"

"I mean… look at it…"

"You're the expert here, help me save my cactus!"

You heaved a sigh, but the poor plant was beyond saving. It had turned yellowish, and seemed ready to crumble, at least, that was what you could assess on the image on your computer screen. Harry and you were having an evening together, only he was in London, and you were in L.A, so your time together would be spent staring at the other painted in pixels on a screen. And well, with the different time zones, it was lunch for you and dinner for him. While the sun shone brightly in your sky, his was filled with stars. You had opened your window to let some of the fresh air in, making your apartment almost chilly. But you could hear birds chirping, so you reckoned it was worth it. Anyway, you had a warm pullover on, that Harry had left at your place in case he would need it while you were going through one of your movie nights or board games afternoon. As he was away, you often stole it, as it was comfy and warm… obviously not because it still smelt a little like him…

Harry's image wasn't as clear as you would have wished for, but it was alright though, you were still grateful to technology for giving you a chance to see Harry's face again.

He moved the cactus before the camera of his computer again to magnify it for you.

"What did I do wrong with this one?" he asked with a disappointed voice. "I'm doing great with the other plants, but the cacti just seem to not like me."

He pouted, almost childish, almost like a 5-year-old staring at a dying flower he had picked up for his mother, and you felt so soft staring at him like this.

"I think you gave it too much water."

"Really?"

"Yeah… I'm afraid it's a lost cause, sorry, Harry."

He pouted again, but gave up, putting the little cactus back on his shelf.

"Your Aloe Vera looks gorgeous though," you encouraged him, and Harry's pout was soon forgotten, as he took up his laptop to give you a better look of the little plant.

"It is! It's thriving!"

"You're doing great!"

"Oh, and I need to show you my Calathea too, hang on…"

"Did you change the brand of your fertile ground like I told you to."

Harry nodded, walking across his apartment to his bedroom.

"Yep, just like you told me to. Look! It's grown so much!"

"It is! It's quite big now!"

Harry hummed in agreement, and you couldn't help but notice that he had the novel you had lent him before he would leave for London

"Alright, now that you've checked on my plants, let's eat, I'm starving."

"Me too! And I'm excited to try this pesto recipe you sent me!"

"I hope you don't burn down your building in the process…"

You rolled your eyes while he gently put down his laptop on the end of his kitchen counter.

"Very funny!" you replied with sarcasm all over your voice, placing your own laptop on your own counter so you could still talk to Harry while you cooked.

You chopped your ingredients at the same time. It almost felt like you were side by side for real. You talked, and laughed, and it was practically as if he were standing in your kitchen again, nudging you all the time just to get on your nerves, eating some of the ingredients before you could throw them in the pan, just… just the two of you being mindless of everything else but each other and spending a simple and yet bright moment together.

It felt… domestic, almost…

His telephone rang and he excused himself for a handful of minutes. You couldn't help but wonder who was calling him. You felt guilty for the thought that crossed your mind, you reckoned that Harry didn't have to tell you everything. Yet, you still wondered if it was a woman on the other end of the line…

He was about to end the call when he re-entered his kitchen.

"I'll be there, no worries. Bye! Love you!"

Love you?

He put down his phone and turned to your image again.

"Sorry 'bout that!" he smiled, before taking his knife once more to resume his chopping.

You took a sip of your red wine, shaking your head.

"It's alright. I've used the time to finish cutting everything."

"You're always cheating, aren't you?"

"Me? Cheating? I never cheat!"

"How do you explain that I always lose whenever we play boardgames together then?"

You shrugged, a devilish smile forming on your lips.

"Maybe you're just bad at all of them, and it's simply easy to kick your fancy arse."

He rolled his eyes, sticking out his tongue at you, making you giggle.

A short silence settled, and you nervously moved your weight from one foot to the other as you summoned your most innocent tone to ask the question that burnt your tongue.

"So… how's your girlfriend?"

"What girlfriend?" he asked with a frown.

"The one who just called you, obviously."

He laughed at you.

"It was Gemma, you dummy! I'm gonna see her and mom next week."

"Oh… How are they?"

"Fine. Everyone's fine."

"So… no girlfriend? Sorry, it's none of my business…"

"It's alright. Uhm… no, there isn't. Hasn't really been anyone since Jess, really. At least, no one worth mentioning."

"Oh… okay."

"Yeah…" he ran a hand through his hair, giving you a side-glance, feeling a little uneasy all of a sudden. "Uhm… nothing much going there, really."

He thought about the woman he had brought home the previous night. She was nice, pretty. They had exchanged their numbers, he would call her back because they had spent the night together, and he reckoned that it was the least he could do to be a decent person. He had no interest in seeing her again though.

He could have had. Honestly, in any other circumstances, he would have asked for another date and tried to see if things could work out between them. But the thought to which he woke up at the crack of dawn made it impossible.

That morning when he opened his tired eyes beside her, he found that she vaguely looked like you.

That was a little weird, and now that the thought had settled in, he couldn't look at her again without seeing you. Better not try it then.

"Because of Jess? Because you still miss her?"

"Not really. I just… I don't know… haven't had the… uhm… opportunity, I guess. Haven't looked for it either."

He cleared his throat, trying to sound as casual as he could.

"What about Gareth then? Everything good between you two?"

You nodded.

"It's nice. He's very sweet."

"Does he treat you right?"

"He's very kind, he's a good person."

Harry hummed in response.

What was he supposed to reply to that?

"We went on a date last night, he took me to a rather fancy restaurant," you laughed. "It was lovely."

"What does he do for a living?"

"He's an architect. He renovates old buildings, mostly."

"That's nice."

And it was nice. An architect. That was nice… definitely safer than a musician, no matter Harry's fame at the time.

He shook himself out of his thoughts. Why was he even comparing himself to that guy? He wasn't your boyfriend, he wasn't your ex, he was just your friend. Best friend, okay, but friend still.

But then his mind built the image that had woken him up several nights in a row since he had seen Gareth walk out of the flower shop. Why was his chest so painful all of a sudden? Was some form of asthma getting to him again?

What if… you and him… what if he had…

He cleared his throat, trying to compose himself again, because he was well aware of your stare resting upon him. He couldn't refrain the question that burnt his tongue though. Because he kept thinking of him kissing you in your kitchen where Harry and you would spend long hours cooking and eating and laughing, and against your front door that you always left open for your friend, and on your couch… on your couch he could…

He needed to know. Needed to make sure that these places that meant so much to your friendship were still his.

His? He didn't own you though, never would. What a strange notion to think about…

He asked the question anyway.

"Did he… did he stay over last night?"

You shied away, hiding your reaction in your glass of red wine.

"Uhm… uhm… no, I… I stayed at his place, actually."

It didn't make Harry feel much better.

"Oh… that's… nice. How is it there?" he asked, thinking that he had to stop using the word nice.

"I mean, he is an architect, so… he knows how to make homes pretty," you awkwardly chuckled.

"… I guess," Harry replied, making a face.

You reckoned that it was more than time to direct the conversation towards another topic…

… and your lack of culinary skills was a perfect answer for once.

"So, what do we do now with all these ingredients, chef?" you asked, your tone much lighter, and Harry followed your queue without a hesitation.

He gave you some things to do, and you started to cook all the ingredients you had prepared.

None of you were talking while you mixed everything in your pots, and in the comfortable silence, you didn't notice that you had started humming.

Harry's lips curved into a smile at the sound, letting your sweet voice cover the void of his kitchen where you should have stood. Your voice was a little distorted through the internet and the distance, but he didn't mind. He still felt much calmer thanks to it.

You were making up a tune that had been more or less stuck in your head for a few days, and Harry couldn't recognize it. No matter how hard he focused and how much he dug in his old memories, he couldn't find any song that your tune belonged to.

He liked it though. Actually, he loved it. It was sweet and a little sad, a touch of melancholy wrapped in a soft tune.

After a couple of minutes, you were singing the same words over and over again under a breath, barely loud enough for him to hear you, but he didn't recognize them either.

Even my phone misses your calls, by the way

No matter how much he loved listening to you, he was just too curious.

"What are you singing?"

You immediately fell silent, and he regretted asking you.

"Uhm… nothing."

He rolled his eyes, his spoon stilling in his pot.

"Please, Y/N. I like the tune. What is it? I can't recognize it, I don't think I've ever heard it. It's driving me insane…"

"Uhm… I… I don't think it's something I heard, it's just… been stuck in my head for a few days."

He stared at you with a raised eyebrow, his mouth a little agape in surprise, and you shifted under his gaze.

"You… you came up with this?"

"I… guess…"

"Really?!"

"You know… I am aware that I am not a professional musician like the rockstar that you are, but that still hurts that you don't think me capable of coming up with a very mediocre and basic melody on my own…"

"No, no, no, no!" he shook himself. "That's not what I meant, you know it. But it's… it's very good actually."

"What?"

"I like it. The tune, I like it."

He put his pasta in some boiling water to cook, and disappeared before you could reply anything.

"Harry?" you called for him, leaning to the side in an attempt to spot him, until you realized that it was stupid, as it didn't make the camera move.

He reappeared with his guitar and leaned against his kitchen counter, right where he was standing before.

"Sing it again," he instructed.

"Huh?"

"Sing it again!" he repeated. "The tune, sing it again."

You were taken aback, but complied anyway. When Harry started to play along, you fell silent again though.

"Don't stop. Y/N, don't stop, it sounds great. Sing the words too."

You resumed your singing, while he played, changing the cords and rhythm until he had settled on the notes he liked best.

And then he joined you singing the words softly as well.

He added some lines that felt right, and you let him create a verse, twisting the tune a little.

Woke up alone in this hotel room

Played with myself where were you

Fell back to sleep, I got drunk by noon

I've never felt less cool

He hummed again, and sang your line once more.

He seemed to struggle to get anything else, so when he sang your line for the seventh time in a row, you added another in.

Maybe one day you'll call me and tell me that you're sorry too

Harry smiled, his brow furrowed in concentration but he repeated your new line over and over again, changing the notes and bending the melody from time to time.

He fell silent again, but didn't stop playing, until he found new words to add, lyrics that made his throat and heart tighten, but then, it was only because they were true.

Woke up the girl who looked just like you

I almost said your name

He cleared his throat, refusing to analyse why he felt a little uneasy all of a sudden, a little too raw.

He sang your lines again instead.

Until your shout interrupted him altogether.

"HARRY! YOUR PASTA!"

He turned around and his eyes opened wide as he spotted the boiling water spilling out of his pot.

"Fuck! FUCK!" he cried, putting down his guitar in a hurry and grabbing the pot. "Fuck, fuck, fuck, shit, shit! SHIT!"

He carried it to the sink.

"Be careful, don't burn yourself," you admonished with a worried wince.

He went to clean up the mess he had made, only for you to finally notice that something in your own apartment was burning…

"MY PESTO!"

He looked at you hurrying as well, pouting at the sight of your burnt dish.

"It's ruined," you sighed.

"Mine too," Harry realized.

You looked at each other, before exploding with laughter.

"We really are both terrible at cooking!" you doubled with laughter, and Harry could only agree.

"Hey, you can't write a song and cook at the same time! Do you think I could use it, by the way?"

"Use what?" you asked, confused, as you threw the carbonized pesto into your trash.

"The song. Crediting you, of course. But I… it feels right. You know it feels… it feels like a last track…"

"You want to actually put it on your album?"

Harry shrugged.

"At least, I can finish it. See if it fits then. Can I?"

"Sure… sure! Of course!"

"Great! Plus, your name would look pretty on my album."

You giggled.

"It wouldn't. Don't you dare do that."

"Why not?"

You shrugged.

"I don't know…"

You looked at him again, and the two of you exchanged a shy smile, before letting out a breathy chuckle and diverting your gazes to the floor in sync.

"Well, right now though… Indian? Chinese?"

"Chinese," you nodded, and you both reached for your phones to order some well-deserved food.

You were two terrible cooks, but then, no one could be perfect, right?

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

Tag list :  @ponycake27​ @horsesreign​ @xinyourdreamsx​ @jbluevelvet​ @notkeppeki @daynigt-dreamer-stuff @fudgeflyss​ @stuckupstucky​ @snek-shit​ @suchatinyinfinity​ @i-padfootblack-things  @buckybsarmy @heyohheyitsgabi​@jigsawlover10 @emyyjemyy @addictedtofictionalcharacters​ @staringmoony​

@madamrogers​ @cronias13​ @stylesfics-xx​

#harry styles #harry styles x reader #harry styles fanfiction #harry styles fanfic #harry styles imagine #harry styles series #series #fanfiction #fanfic #writing #imagine

[heathsbitch]

Treat You Better ➳ PEAKY BLINDERS

xxiv. DECISIONS, DECISIONS

          The words rang through her like a bullet through flesh. The last time she had seen her father, it hadn't gone very well. He had hit her, and Finn came swooping in and rescued her from his filthy clutches.

But, somehow, she found herself wanting to see him again. Ivy wanted him to explain why he did everything he did in full detail.

The girl followed the Shelby brothers into the kitchen where Polly, Lizzie and Esme sat. Polly was slouched in the mahogany chair, a damp towel draped over her eyes. She had a hangover from yesterday's protests. Ivy giggled to herself, remembering the drunken state of the woman.

She quickly found a spare seat opposite the woman and sat down. She needed to think about what Tommy had said in more depth. The man had begun to speak and people had begun to move around the kitchen but Ivy paid no mind. She was lost in her thoughts; a mindless daydream of a fantasy she hoped would come to pass...

A happy family.

If only...

Ivy wondered what life would have been like if her parents had stayed together and her brother hadn't been pulled from her. Would it have been everything she had dreamt of? Or would have been just the same pain she had experienced with just her and her father?

No matter how many times she asked herself these questions, she would never know the answers. But if she could spend just a small amount of time with her father, maybe it wouldn't be as bad as she remembered. Maybe they would finally be able to tell the truth to each other; the whole truth.

But for now she could only dream.

"Ivy." Tommo's deep voice pulled the girl out of her day dream. "I think Miss Solomons is a little bit hungover." Lizzie said with a wink as she left the room, Esme was quick behind her. Tom smirked, as did Polly. "Sorry, I was..." Ivy looked for an excuse but she was lost for words.

"Can you give me and Polly a minute?" Thomas asked. The girl hastily stood up from her chair and nodded, making her way towards the betting den. "And, Ivy," She stopped in her tracks and turned to look at the man. "I'd like to speak with you once I'm finished. It's about Alfie." Ivy nodded again, slower this time before exiting the kitchen.

She made her way to her office, unsure whether or not she had uncompleted work to do. "Finn!" Ivy exclaimed as she was met with the sight of his auburn hair. He stood up from the chair that was sat neatly under her desk. "Ivy." He replied with a small smile.

Discomfort filled the room. The last time the pair had spoke, Michael had interrupted them and was slightly aggressive in his approach. But nevertheless, Ivy returned the smile and gestured for Finn to sit back in his chair.

Ivy's heart pounded so hard against her chest she was worried that Finn would be able to see it. Little did she know that Finn felt the same way.

The girl walked over to the opposite side of the dark wood desk and sat down in her own seat. "How have you been, Ivy?" Finn questioned as he lent forward in his chair to rest his forearms on the table.

Despite the question being completely normal, Ivy found herself being taken aback by his words. Finn was always protective, but he never was one for words. "I'm okay?" She spoke but her words were phrased as a question.

"We haven't talked about the day that Grace died and the day that Tom ran away to Wales," Finn began to explain. Ivy tensed in her chair. That was when she had her breakdown and the day that she had entirely lost it with Thomas. "You've been different, doll. Loud noises make you jump. When people shout at each other, you cry,"

He listed off the things that had changed within Ivy. It was almost as if a switch had been flipped. She was still the same girl as before. Only, the darkness had begun to take over.

And it was swallowing her whole.

"You fucking lost it with Tom." His words came out quieter than before, his eyes were cast to the desk in front of him. "H-how did..." Ivy struggled to get her words out. How did Finn know about the argument she had with Tommo?

"I saw you. With Michael. When you came out of his office, you were crying and there was blood on your hands. You were sat hugging Michael. He was helping you, I think." He was almost hissing by the end of his explanation, rage slipping through his veins.

"He wanted me to kill my father. Tom wanted me to shoot my own fucking father, how could I not shout at him?" Ivy had misunderstood his anger. "I'm not angry about fucking Tom," He launched from his chair, his hands buried in his previously slick hair. Ivy flinched, tears threatening to slip from her eyes. She hated arguing.

Finn slowly approached Ivy as she turned in her chair to face the boy. He crouched down and took her small hands in his large ones. "I'm not angry about Tom. I know how insensitive he can be." His voice was soft and gentle, his eyebrows furrowed as he gazed up at Ivy from his position on the floor.

"Why are you mad, then?" She was quiet when she spoke, she didn't want another outburst. The boy closed his eyes and carefully thought about what he was going to say next. "Michael," The word hung in the air, suspended in silence.

Ivy's heart dropped. 'How could he know about Mickey? What does he know about Michael?' Questions flashed across the girl's mind before she could form them into real words.

"You're probably just friends, and I'm probably over-reacting, but I just want to double check. You just..." He took a deep breathe before continuing his rant. "You just seem close." Finn's bright and watery eyes flickered between their conjoined hands and Ivy's face.

The girl didn't know what to say. She could tell Finn everything and risk destroying whatever it was between them. Or, she could lie to protect Finn, to prevent him from doing something that he'd regret later. But if he ever found out, he would be fuming. Was it worth the risk?

"I see him as a brother, Finn. Nothing else," She spoke with a warm smile, despite the infidelities pouring out of her mouth. "I promise there is absolutely nothing between us."

'How could I do that? He deserves the truth!' Ivy scolded herself after she had finished with her lies. Finn let out another breath, a sweet sigh of relief. "Good," He whispered, smiling down at their hands so he wasn't making eye contact.

"It's just that, Ivy, I lo-"

But their time together was cut short. Again. This time, by no other than Tommy Shelby. "Ivy, we need that chat. Now." He said the last word to Finn, completely disregarding any respect for the remnants of the previous conversation.

"We can talk later, Finn." Ivy beamed at the teen. He nodded and left without another word. Tommo gave the teen a small smile before he left the room. The man approached Ivy, his lips pressed into a thin line. "Ivy," Tom's deep voice sliced through the silence of the office. His hand stretched out to the chair in front of Ivy, pulling it back slightly so he could sit down.

She faced Tom, her back straightened and stiff. "I need you to stay calm," Even more nerves filled the girl. What could Tom possibly say that would make Ivy freak out?

"I need you to move in with Alfie again."

"Fuck off."

Ivy slammed her hands down on her desk and stood up, fury raging through her. She turned to face the wall of her office, her back towards Thomas. She had been told that they needed Alfie but could she bring herself to live with him again? "We need your father for a job, Ivy! We need him to calm down and we need to know if we can trust him. Ivy, did you hear me?"

"Yes," Her voice was timid and low. The girl thought back to earlier that day. "Maybe if I spent some more time with him, it wouldn't be as bad as I remembered." The words flashed through her head, a thought she had had whilst Tommo was talking to Polly about the strike the day before.

Ivy knew she didn't have a choice. After already disobeying Tom's orders once, she couldn't do it again. Besides, maybe she could tame  the beast she called father.

Thomas had been speaking whilst she had been thinking but she wasn't listening.

"I'll do it," Her words left her mouth at no more than a whisper. "I'll do it."

The pair had talked through their plan. Ivy would stay with her father and try to calm him down so the Shelbys could use him with the Russians. She would also spy on him and collect information about his business for Thomas.

They had discussed what her excuse would be. She couldn't just turn up on Alfie's doorstep without an explanation. He would just simply turn her away. Ivy had suggested that she would run away, again. She would tell Alfie that Tom wanted her to kill him and she refused. The girl knew that it wouldn't be difficult to act as that situation had already taken place, just without the running away.

Ivy would be lying if she said she wasn't nervous, she was terrified. She knew that the truth about her father would come out in one way or another. Ivy didn't want Tom to know, she couldn't let him know. But only time would tell...

Two days after the plan was discussed, it was put into place. Ivy was stood on her father's doorstep, rain pounded down on her small frame. She had managed to conjure up some fake tears to make it look like she had actually run away. Tom had dropped her off at the end of the street with a small, "Good luck." before he began his drive back to Birmingham.

Her small fist shaking, she knocked on the door.

The maid had opened it. She recognised Ivy instantly. "Mr Solomons," She called to her master. "There's somebody here to see you." The girl was glad that she didn't mention her name, she wanted to see the surprise on her father's face. Heavy footsteps came booming down the corridor, grunts following close behind.

And there he stood, in all of his menacing glory.

Alfie towered over the girl, as he always had. His hair was stuck up in various positions, rings scattered over his hands, his shirt crinkled and un-tucked; he looked a mess. But, this was Alfie Solomons. Messy was his 'thing'.

"Ivy." His voice came out as a deep grumble that reverberated through his broad chest. Shock was laced into it as well, he was not expecting his daughter back on his doorstep, not after what had happened the last time they saw each other. "Can I come in?" Ivy squeaked, doing her best at acting like she had just run away.

Her father took a step back from the door, allowing her space to enter her old house. The man's brow was furrowed in utter confusion; he couldn't figure out why his daughter had come back to him, especially after what he had done.

Timidly, she found her way into the living room with assistance from the small maid. "Thank you." Ivy croaked as the maid helped her sit down. "Thanks," Alfie thanked the maid. "Now fuck off," The girl flinched at his words. He was always so harsh, not matter who he was speaking to.

Her father gradually made his way to the sofa and sat down next to his beloved daughter. "What are you doing here?" His voice was almost like a growl. Like a bear preying on a small, innocent dove. But Ivy wasn't innocent.

"Tom," The girl began. "H-he wanted to me to kill you. But, but I said no and I ran." Fake tears continued to pour out of the girl's crystal eyes as she clutched onto her sleeves. "All the way from Birmingham?" Alfie was still as confused as before.

"No. We were doing a job downtown and I took my chance." Silence filled the room once again. Ivy's gaze was focused on the rug that layed tattered across the floor. She couldn't believe she was back in her house. It had felt like so long since she had been there. Alfie's cold eyes burned holes into his daughter, his glare was menacing.

"I will fucking kill that gypsy scum." He hissed. "Don't. He'll kill you first. You're the only person I can trust. Please don't go." Her words were rushed. The longer she spoke, the more likely she would expose herself.

As more tears came falling from her eyes, she realised that they were no longer fake. Ivy had been holding in all of her emotions for a long time and she hadn't, truly, let them all out. Sobs racked her body, but she didn't dare look at her father.

"Oh muffin," Alfie's voice was soft; surprisingly soothing. He wrapped his large arms around the girl and pulled her in for a hug. Ivy could not stop crying, no matter how hard she tried to stop. She wanted her father back, she wanted her family back and together, she wanted to be with the Shelbys, she wanted to be with Finn...

She wanted to feel better, to stop feeling the constant pain she had always felt.

She wanted so many things she knew she could never have. And that was the real cause of the pain. Not her father, not Tommy or any other physical creature. The realisation that she would never be able to have all of these things. She would have to chose. But that decision could wait.

Now was a time to heal broken bonds. And to spy on the man that she begged she could fix.

Alfie lent back on the sofa, Ivy still between his strong arms. She rested on his chest. Her tears had slowed down but she was far from finished. "I'm so sorry. Really, muffin, I am. For everything," His words were like a bullet raging straight through her heart. Why did the truth hurt? Wasn't that exactly what she wanted to hear?

"I just wanted you to be strong. I never wanted to hurt you. I regret everything that I have ever done to you, muffin," The girl sniffed and buried her head further into her father's chest, keen to hear what else he had to say. But was it the truth? Or just more lies from another man?

Another sob broke through the quietness of the room. But this time, it didn't come from Ivy.

"I broke my little girl."

xxv. THE WHOLE TRUTH 

MASTERLIST

#finn shelby #harry kirton #michael gray #finn cole #smut #fluff #angst #peaky blinders #tommy shelby #alfie solomons #treat you better

[tbr-agency]

support

“I’ll always be there for you, so please, talk to me.” 

synopsis ∣ Jaebeom has been bugging Haejin on meeting her family and December was the only appropriate timing for families to meet a significant other of their family member.

timeline ∣ December 2020

characters ∣ Lee Haejin (The Bloody Roses), The Lee’s, Lim Jaebeom (Got7), Ahn Eunhee (The Bloody Roses)

a/n ∣ soft!Jb, he’s a sweet guy, everyone loves Jb although he is awkward sometimes, Haejin’s mother really loves him, mention of abuse, domestic abuse, a rollercoaster of emotions, somehow angst, guess what Eunhee’s text means.

“This is a lot, Beom-ah! You don’t have to buy everything!” Haejin exclaimed while running towards Jaebeom - after seeing him exiting his apartment building with bags on his arms. 

“It’s okay, Haejin-ah! I can carry it! I’m a man!” Jaebeom frowns slightly, locking his wrist so that Haejin wouldn’t get to unhook the bags away from him.

“I know you’re a man, Jaebeom but I don’t feel at ease when I don’t help,” answered Haejin while her focus was on the shopping bags that she wanted to help to carry.

“Yah.. Are you saying you don’t have trust in me?” Jaebeom’s tone came as a whine, which caused Haejin to look up towards him, and her expression quickly softened.

“Baby, I didn’t mean it that way. I just wanted to help you, that’s all.” Haejin explained softly and Jaebeom somehow gave in, letting her to help him since she spoke in a gentle manner which he knew he had a soft spot for.

“Thank you..” Haejin thanked shyly while holding onto his free hand, which caused Jaebeom to smile shyly in return. 

Jaebeom somehow was a little sensitive - that’s because he was feeling nervous. He wanted to show Haejin and her family that he is worthy of Haejin, but at the same time, he is excited to meet Haejin’s family.

So he took a day to order some home gifts online about a week ago, and it came pretty fast so Jaebeom had time to just pack it up in a nicer bag. He had some gifts for her family since Haejin had already gifted Jaebeom and his family earlier, which made Jaebeom’s mother extremely happy although she didn’t meet Haejin yet.

“Babe, let me drive.” Jaebeom announced and Haejin stopped her movements, before turning towards him.

“Do you even know where the location is, Beom-ah?” Haejin questioned and Jaebeom somehow blinked at her - he didn’t know where it was.

“Urgh.. no..?” Jaebeom smiled sheepishly, causing Haejin to chuckle - hearing how dorky he is.

“Precisely, baby. So let me drive, then maybe when we are going back to your apartment, you could drive.” Haejin gave a peck on Jaebeom’s cheek before making her way to the driver seat, leaving the smiley Jaebeom.

“Haejin eonnie! You came too early! Mum was about to— Oh!” 

The girl who opened the door revealed to be Haejin’s younger sister, Haera who was whining but her voice slowly trailed off to see a tall figure standing beside her older sister - who was smiling towards Haera.

Starstruck, the younger Lee sibling ran off.

“Yah! Where are you going!?!” Haejin yelled as she peeked her head inside the apartment. There was a soft chuckle coming from Jaebeom, his chuckle caught Haejin’s attention as the girl turned towards him with a pout.

“Let’s go in..” Jaebeom gestured towards the door as Haejin proceeded to open the door, letting Jaebeom to be the first one to come in since he was the one who was holding multiple shopping bags.

As soon as the door closes, Haejin takes out her shoes, at the same time helping Jaebeom - followed by leading Jaebeom by holding his hand.

“The apartment looks new... Did your family just move in?” Jaebeom questioned softly while looking around the black and white hallway. From Jaebeom’s perspective, the apartment looked like an expensive one.

His question made Haejin turn towards him as she stopped at her tracks. “They just moved in. Do you remember I told you last week that my Mum had officially divorce my Dad?” Haejin whispered, earning a nod from Jaebeom.

“I bought this house for them so that they would be safe from my Dad.. So yeah..” added Haejin with a small smile - seeing Jaebeom nodding, as he understood what she meant. 

Haejin smiled at him before continuing to lead him.

“Mother! We’re here!” 

“In the kitchen!” A feminine voice was being heard, as Haejin changed her direction and to see a middle-age woman and another taller figure which was Haejin’s older brother - who was  just standing  beside her.

“Mother.” Haejin called and both the woman and Haejin’s older brother, Haejoon, headed towards Haejin. A bright smile slowly appeared on Haejin’s mother's face as she walked towards her.

“Haejin-ah..” Her mother softly cooed while engulfing the young one with a hug. Haejin wordlessly pat her back, knowing her mother misses her. As soon as her mother broke the hug, her focus changed onto the man who was standing beside Haejin.

“This must be Jaebeommie. Wow, you’re taller in real life compared to the pictures my younger daughter has shown me,” Haejin’s mother complimented while going towards him with a hug, which startled Jaebeom but he coolly accepted her welcome hug.

“Thank you, Mrs... Park.”Jaebeom glanced towards Haejin, he somehow slipped up with calling her father’s surname - Haejin told him that her mother has officially divorced her father.

A chuckle came from Haejin’s mother as she turned towards Haejin, then towards Jaebeom with a soft smile. “You call me mother, Jaebeom-ah. I already treat you like my own son. Thank you for looking out for her - hearing that you took care of my daughter during her toughest times although you have so much in your hands,” 

Jaebeom turned towards Haejin who somehow went towards her older brother’s side, to see what was going on - in result Jaebeom had his eyes back to Haejin’s mother.

“She was my bodyguard and I had to keep my eyes on her. I didn’t know that it would lead to me having feelings for her,” Jaebeom confessed shyly, earning a giggle from Haejin’s mother as she somehow understood where Jaebeom was coming from. 

Haejin indeed is troublesome to everyone.

“I’m sure she is troublesome but… at the end of the day, my daughter just wants the people that she surrounds with to end the day feeling happy.” Haejin’s mother confesses while reaching out for Jaebeom’s hands since the poor man has been carrying the bags.

“I think I can help.” A voice which Jaebeom was afraid of, suddenly appeared beside Haejin’s mother - which was Haejin’s older brother, Haejoon, as the older man lent a helping hand to Jaebeom and Haejin’s mother.

Haejoon wordlessly grabbed the bags and helped Jaebeom, moving the bags to the table - Jaebeom didn’t know his expression shows what he is feeling, which made Haejin’s mother chuckle.

“Jaebeom-ah… you should relax..” Haejin’s mother somehow had her arms linked towards Jaebeom.

Somehow an automatic smile was shown from Jaebeom knowing Haejin’s mother had already taken a liking for him - as the older woman started to have a chat with him.

The dinner went well as expected from Haejin, just by looking how elated her mother is - as well as his older brother who surprisingly has the same interest as Jaebeom, which were cats.

Haera on the other hand was more to being shy, as the younger Lee sibling has been clinging onto Haejin, asking Haejin different types of questions which Haejin coolly answered.

“Don’t you think you should settle-down, Haejin-ah?” 

Hearing that question, Haejin automatically choked on her drink while turning towards her mother with a frown as soon as she gulped down whatever that was choking her.

A giggle came from Jaebeom and Haera as well as Haejoon who just shakes his head.

“S-settle down? You mean getting married?”

“What else could it mean?” Haejoon sarcastically answered, earning a scowl from Haejin as she turned towards him.

“Not now, mother. I think both Jaebeom and I are still focusing on our jobs. There’s still so much that I had to achieve,” answered Haejin honestly, as her eyes went downcast towards her plate.

Jaebeom, who was sitting beside her, slides his hand towards her as he holds onto her free hand - intertwining her fingers then giving a slight grip. That made Haejin turn towards him, seeing him smiling.

“My daughter is pretty hard-headed but.. How about you, Jaebeom? Have you planned on settling down?” Haejin’s mother questioned and Haejin worriedly glanced toward Jaebeom as he was looking at Haejin’s mother silently.

“I actually had plans to settle down with her, but I don’t think this is the right timing. Maybe in 3-4 years time..? But for now, I would love Haejin to move out of the shared house and move in with me.”

Haejin’s eyes slowly widened and somehow, her surroundings were muted as her heart beat twice as fast, it wasn’t because of happiness or excitement - it was more to fear.

She didn’t realise that she was frowning, showing an expression that she was fearful which caused the maknae to shake Haejin’s hand.

“Eonnie!” Haera whispered-yelled, as the younger one saw Haejin snapped her head towards her with eyes that showed fear and Haera knew exactly what her older sister was thinking.

Somehow, Haejin coolly brushed the topic aside as she volunteered to clean up the dishes which Jaebeom wanted to join along but Haejin’s mother immediately made the man sit down - with Haejoon being the replacement to help Haejin with the dishes.

Haejoon saw the change expression of Haejin a few minutes ago - which led to him wanting to have a conversation with her.

“I saw your expression when Jaebeom said he wanted you to move in with him,”

Haejin frowns slightly as she has been quietly scrubbing the same plate for 5 minutes, which caused Haejoon to voice out his own thoughts.

“You have sharp eyes, why didn’t you just join MMG?” Haejin raised an eyebrow towards Haejoon who could only chuckle as his answer.

“Who’s going to keep an eye on mother and Haera? Our father is still looking for us,” Haejoon answered simply and Haejin could see him clenching his jaw - somehow remembering how abusive their father was back when he stayed with them.

“You’re safe, oppa. All of you are, I promise.” Haejin’s voice was soft and genuine, which made Haejoon smile as he turned towards her.

“We know that, Haejin-ah. We’re thankful for you, for the things you have done behind our back. Mother has been saying to her friends proudly about you, I'm jealous.” Haejoon complimented, causing Haejin to chuckle then letting out a pout.

“Well, she favors her son more!” Haejin whines, now Haejoon's turn to chuckle.

“C’mon.. At the end of the day, she loves all of us. Now, back to my original statement, Haejin-ah… Don’t try to change the topic.” Haejoon teasingly scolded her, hearing a groan from Haejin as she decided to let Haejoon to the job since he wanted to hear what she was thinking.

“Fine. I’m still.. traumatized by what happened with Jaehwan.”

Haejoon’s movement changes - as he nodded slowly with a confused frown, remembering Haejin had said that she had moved on.

“I thought…”Haejoon trailed off, as he slightly turned towards Haejin who was leaning against the fridge while folding her arms.

“I have moved on? I did, I moved on with his passing and everything but at the same time, I’m afraid that history would repeat with Jaebeom. Do you get what I mean? Oppa, he’s an idol. Things can happen easily.” Haejin rambled as she whispered towards Haejoon with a slight frown.

“I’m being very careful with Jaebeom, which I don’t think he noticed..” Haejin added with a sad smile, and that made Haejoon frown deeply, kind of not happy with his sister’s way of thinking.

“That’s not a healthy way of approaching the situation, Haejin-ah.. You need to talk to Jaebeom regarding your worries. Stop keeping and letting it grow in you, that’s one of your flaws that you have to try to change.” Haejoon advised as he sounded firm at the same time he wasn’t harsh, hearing a sign from Haejin as she nervously bit her inner cheek.

“Fine, I’ll try to talk to him, if I had the chance to..” Haejin muttered, earning a wide smile from Haejoon as he ruffled Haejin’s hair - which he forgets that his hands were being covered with gloves, leading to Haejin yelling at him.

The siblings didn’t know that someone was eavesdropping them - Jaebeom didn’t mean to eavesdrop on them, he couldn’t find a way to slide into put the cups on the sink without interrupting the Lee sibling’s conversation that turned deep.

He too actually had spoken to both Haejin’s mother and Haera, he had learnt secrets that were being told by them about what Haejin had experienced in the family. 

Lots of them were related to abuse and that made him wanting to protect her family more, which Jaebeom gave his phone number to all of Haejin’s family members and in return, they gave their phone numbers to Jebeom.

Jaebeom wanted to support Haejin’s family after finding out what had happened.

“Haejin didn’t tell me anything,”Jaebeom frowns as his eyes went towards Mrs Park and Haera as the younger one turned towards Jaebeom with a sad smile.

“Eonnie is the type to not tell anyone, even The Bloody Roses eonnies, regarding our family situation. She prefers to keep it to herself and with her settling it alone. Eonnie was the one who rescued us from father with the help of The Bloody Roses eonnie at last.”

“I don’t know if Haejin has spoken to you but the girl is still traumatized with what happened to Jaehwannie. Somehow, that situation made her.. To isolate herself, which made her move out from the family and live with the other girls.”

“Eonnie thinks it’s her fault that Jaehwan oppa died, till this day. It’s complicated, eonnie said she moved on but she still blames herself, till today - even though she didn’t directly say that, but she somehow blames herself.” Haera added to her mother’s word, seeing Jaebeom nodding - somehow understanding Haejin, she has been pretty careful with him recently.

“Haejin really loves you, Jaebeom. I know that my daughter is a little wild but she knows what’s wrong and right. My Haejin just wants the people she loves to be safe, but please keep an eye on her when you can. I know her job is to look out for people, but who’s going to look out for my daughter? I just want my daughter to be happy.”

Remembering Mrs Park’s words saddens him that he honestly was about to shed tears - but he held it in.

He didn’t know her family suffered a lot and he knew he was fooled by Haejin- seeing how happy and joyful she is with how she is living her life, but deep down, she must have suffered.

Hearing Haejin’s words, he felt rather disappointed - he didn’t feel disappointed in Haejin, not even himself, he just felt disappointed. 

“Oh! Beom-ah!” 

Haejin’s shriek made Jaebeom slightly jump, then hearing a chuckle from Haejin as she helped Jaebeom with the cups.

“Why are you standing there for?” Haejin questioned with a slight pout and seeing her cute gesture, Jaebeom quickly brushed off his worries with him pinching her cheeks - afterwards following her girlfriend everywhere since he felt emotions running through him.

“That was fun! Mother really really loves you!” Haejin cheered as the couple walked out of her family’s apartment building with a satisfied smile while holding onto Jaebeom’s hand. 

Jaebeom on the other hand was thinking so hard that he decided to pull her hand, which made Haejin abruptly stop her tracks as she turned towards him.

“Did you leave something behind? Do you want me to get it?” Haejin was about to walk away when Jaebeom, again pulled her which made Haejin to snap her head towards him with a confused frown.

Jaebeom had a serious expression, he tried not to show his iconic chin out.

“Can we talk? I saw earlier that there is a nearby park here, I was wondering if we could talk there,” Jaebeom offered and Haejin tilted her head slightly while nodding slowly - she was kind of confused yet she was happy that Jaebeom wanted to talk to her, even though she didn’t know what topic they were about to discuss.

“Okay, sure!” Haejin simply replied with a wide smile which Jaebeom smiled softly in return while holding onto Haejin’s hand as they walked towards a park nearby. 

Jaebeom knew there was no one around the neighborhood since it was new, but still he was still on radar just in case Dispatch or any fans would take pictures of them.

The couple found a bench nearby as they sat quietly - and since Haejin was already comfortable with Jaebeom, her body directly faced him while sitting crossed leg.

“So.. what do you want to talk about?” Haejin questioned with a smile and that’s when Jaebeom faced her.

“Would you want to move in with me?” Jaebeom offered, and Haejin’s smile slowly fell - her eyes immediately went downcast. She knew she had to tell him the truth, and previously she had spoken with Haejoon regarding this topic.

“I urm… Maybe in the future?.. But not now. I can’t possibly just tell Eunhee that I wanted to move out, the girl would probably be nagging at me and she would be kind of throw the ‘oh i thought we were sisters for life’ and—

“Haejin, I don’t think Eunhee isn’t the type to say that. She is pretty understandable.” Jaebeom cuts his girlfriend off, letting out an amused smirk. He knows Haejin was trying to think of reasons, as she tries to cover the real reason.

“Yes, she is!” 

“No, she’s not. Haejin-ah, I’m serious. Why would you not want to move in with me? Do you not trust me?” Jaebeom questioned with a frown and it was Haejin’s turn to have a deep frown on her face.

Haejin was analyzing Jaebeom’s expression, as he too was gazing on her face - in result the two of them had a staring contest, and Haejin finally looked away with a deep sigh.

“I’m not dumb you know. I’m really trying to not talk about it. I know you heard the conversation between Haejoon and I.” Haejin confessed and this time, Jaebeom had his eyes widened in appalled.

“Then why..? You know I’m always here for you. Why are you so afraid, Haejin-ah? You said you moved on.”

“I did move on!” Haejin somehow yelled in frustration, which caused Jaebeom to have his jaw clenched. He knew she was frustrated with herself, he wasn’t mad that she yelled at him.

In fact, he was fine because she was slowly opening up her true reason to him. Jaebeom would be mad if she kept covering her real reasons.

“I’m scared. I’ll forever be scared and I would always blame myself for his death. Nothing can change the way I think.” Haejin whispered at the end, as her eyes went downcast while she was playing with her own fingers - knowing she was feeling anxious.

Jaebeom decided to scoot nearer towards her, his arms wrapped around her back as he pushed her towards him, resulting in Haejin changing her position to having her feet on the ground and her head laying on his chest.

His hands then reached out towards her hands, his fingers rubbing on the top of her hands - finding ways to calm his girlfriend and to see warmth since it was cold.

“I do want to move in with you, but.. I didn’t want to risk it. I didn’t want you to get hurt in the future.” Haejin confessed, and she could feel her eyes tearing up as it slowly flows down her cheeks - in result of her sniffing.

Jaebeom knew he can’t say that he is fine now because she could be right, anything could happen in the future. He knew the risks, he didn’t want to hurt Haejin more. He could only rest his chin on-top of her head while snuggling towards her.

It’s hurt him more than he couldn’t do anything other than being by her side - Jaebeom wanted to do more, he wanted to erase her pain away.

“I’m sorry, Haejin-ah. I’m sorry that I couldn’t do anything to erase those pain away but do know I’m always here for you, no matter how busy I am. I’m always here to listen to you and to be your supporter.” Jaebeom softly assured her while rubbing her back in comfort.

“I’ll always be there for you, so please, talk to me.” Jaebeom added, his voice sounded like he was pleading.

Haejin turned towards Jaebeom that made him wipe her tear streaks with his thumb - somehow Haejin sadly smiled towards him.

“I love you, Haejin.” Jaebeom shyly confessed, that made Haejin laugh through her cloudy eyes that were filled with tears again.

“I love you too, Jaebeom-ah.”

‘I should be strong for him.’

Jaebeom pinched her cheeks with a soft smile and coincidentally, Haejin received a notification from her phone since it made a sound - to see a name on her screen.

Eunhee - I shouldn’t have come to that witch’s dinner. I need to talk to you, please.

masterlist : Got7 Bodyguard Au

#got7 bodyguard #got7 bodyguard au #got7 scenarios #got7 imagines #got7 jaebeom #got7 jaebeom scenarios #got7 jaebeom imagines

[allyvampirelass29]

Good Wives Don’t Play With Knives

A NOS4A2 Fanfiction By: Allyssa J. Watkins

"Right where I left you....... My, what a pretty window display......."

Ally trembled with the intoxicating chill of Charlie's voice, feeling her heart quicken, having been kept from him, starved of his touch now for three full days, and she could think of no crueler punishment, whirling around, moving to rush to him, when she remembered them....... and stopped dead, hanging her crown of crestfallen curls.

"Oh come now......." Charlie smirked, moving smoothly toward her, his dark brow raised rakish, as he took her hand in his, caressing it, before bringing her delicate wrist teasingly to his lips. "Why so glum, Sugar Plum? They're not even real......"

Ally felt the tremor in her body, and Charlie watched such pleasing effect, as the hope rose in her eyes, pressing his somber lips to her wrist, coaxing the ghostly white cuffs and hanging chains forth with a blue glow, their veil of invisibility falling silkily away. He felt her breath escape, with the released click against his lips, freeing one wrist, and then the next with his tender, generous kiss, waving away the airy chains soundlessly, the tension building, as she now stood before him unbound.

"Charlie, you don't have to do this, bind my wrists, take prisoner your queen, I told you, it's altogether unnecessary........" She pleaded in heartbroken desperation, and when he was sure she wasn't going to run, he edged closer, coming up behind her, drawing back the ribbons of silken curls from her pale neck, turning his nose into the delicate, snow white skin, breathing deep, inhaling her peppermint, vanilla scent.

She relaxed in his hold as he spoke, drinking in the feel of him, for which, three days in captivity had created a powerful, unquenchable thirst. "You must understand, My Dove, certain....... precautions must be taken....... You've already flown your cage once, and have gotten into a mess of trouble, I can't have that happen again, even if I must....... clip your wings." Charlie's long, shiny nails drifted through the ringlets he had gathered, before tightening around them possessively, with a gentle tug, pulling her back up against him.

"You needn't clip a dove's wings that has nowhere else to fly, My Love....... You won. We made a deal...... I gave myself up, came home with you, and exchanged my freedom........ for hers. I will honour these terms...... without...... restraint."

"Ah ah," Charlie scolded, wagging his finger, his guard still up, his senses heightened, suspecting fickle female trickery. "I said I'd let her go...... for now........ meaning, I would not shoot her at that precise moment, but I assure you........ like yourself, Victoria McQueen will never be rid of me." He scoffed, part of him wishing he'd just shot her, ripped a sucking hole through her chest with her own shotgun, instead of letting his vixen trick him out of it, yet again. You clever temptress. You knew exactly how to stay my hand.

"I haven't won until that BITCH is dead. Alas, this is far from over. Your sacrifice, as selfless as it seemed....... was for NOTHING." He snarled against her skin, his breath hot, and she froze, her voice a tremulous whisper.

"Nothing? Soft, Charles, if it deterred you, even for a moment from the murder that seeks to blacken your soul, than it was well worth it."

He furrowed his black brow, releasing her gathered curls in a flash of shine, whirling her around, staring intensely into her sincere green eyes. "Do not WASTE your time on this fool's errand, Wife......... What you seek to save, has long been lost."

"Oh Charles-" Ally's voice broke, resting her forehead against his, sensing a sadness in this profession, that he'd failed to veil in his anger. He allowed her advance, tentatively brushing the wisps of curls from her own forehead, whisking his nails across it, and trailing them down her cheek, leaving one to rest under her chin. Three days........ What she didn't know, was that it had been far more punishing on him than it could have possibly been on her. What are we going to do about that? Most distressing.......

"Don't leave me, again, Charles, please........" she pleaded, squeezing her anguished eyes shut, fighting the tremble in her lower lip.

"I won't........" He whispered back sweetly, lowering his head to brush his lips faintly against hers. "I promise........ As long as you BEHAVE....... and be My Good Wife."

"I've learned my lesson," She whispered back sweetly, her green meadow eyes fluttering back open, and he felt the pull of her lips, drawing him deeper, but he did not relent, even while he couldn't stop himself from smiling. "Have you now.......? And I was so looking forward to your further punishment."

She giggled, happy, carefree, the music of her laugh, sounding just like it used to, rising like a siren's song, and he could resist it no longer, taking her lips deeply, like a starving man, wild and ravenous, pulling her into him, squeezing his arms tight around her shoulders, trapping her more cleverly than even his ingenious disappearing chains could manage.

She kissed him back, just as hungered, one hand clutching his coifed raven hair, the other smoothing his strong chest beneath his chauffer's coat, tears pricking her eyes, much preferring this hold to the conjured manacles, happily captured in her lover's arms, and whether for good or for harm, she cared not. I need you, Charles Manx. Do what you will with me........ just do not banish me from the dark paradise of your eyes, it is too much........ I won't survive it.

She fell away from his lips, breathless, once the kiss drew to its climatic close, and he smiled adoringly down at her, as she lent forward to hide her blush, fumbling with her drooping white silk stocking, wearing the grin of a lovesick woman.

"I have a treat for you, Wife, one I think will do us both some wonderous good......"

The flushed bliss cooled on her cheek, as she stared back at him, her lush eyes robbed of their mirth, flickering warily. "What kind of treat, Charles?"

Charlie's own black eyes danced, as he snapped up her hand, and spun her slowly around, taking all of her in, a poised figure atop a music box, the circles around her eyes even darker, her cheeks sunken in from the fretful neglect, and she looked all the lovelier for it. "We're going out tonight, My Sweet...... How else am I to show off my beguiling young bride?"

He smiled, perfectly charming, but there was something about the curve of his lip, that hinted at wickedness. "Charlie........ What deception is this? Where are you taking me? For what purpose? I cannot believe this outing is anything innocent. I sense a trick in your treat........"

His handsome smile twisted up into a haughty smirk. "My, my, Mrs. Allyssa Manx, you are rather getting to know your husband's wicked whims frightfully well...... I'm impressed. There was a time....... not too long passed, where you would have followed me anywhere, without question." His fierce eyes intensified. "Look who's learning......."

"Where are you taking me, Charles, please, be honest, do you mean to rid yourself of me this very night?"

Charles frowned, his amusement falling heavily away, as he watched the tears glisten in her pretty eyes, blood practically drawn by the sharp edge of fear in her voice, and he tutted remorseful.

"You Poor Thing....... What HAVE I done to you? Wounded your trust, stoked your suspicion enough to make you think I could just discard you now, unwanted?" He paused, his expression grave, stroking the top of her curls, letting his affection bleed through his fingertips. What kind of unfeeling, heartless heathen, do you take your husband for? Did I not just risk losing my war with Victoria, let her live, miss my perfectly good shot, just to get you back? Why then, now that I've got my nails sunk pleasantly into your heart, would I ever WANT rid of you?"

Ally shivered with the ferocity in his whisper, feeling his snapped together nails pressing gently into the center of her chest, and he watched transfixed as her loosened laces shuddered, still undone from their last little interlude.

"You did, Charles....... For once, I meant more to you, than killing her, and I am so proud of you!!!! But despite my being the spoils of our latest skirmish, I cannot help but taste the nefarious intent in this abrupt late night venture. I fear this is you....... furthering my punishment."

He exhaled in a caught sigh, and then smirked knowingly, his eyes alight with mischief, leaning in closer. "A woman's intuition is a dangerous thing........ You are right, My Joy....... In part. There is nothing innocent, nothing good, nothing pure about where I am taking you this eve, although I do intend, very much so, to show you off to those I cannot call my friends......." He chuckled, amused by his own dark wit. "I need to see a rather dear acquaintance, shall we say, of mine, and as I cannot leave you alone unattended in my absence, even aided by your new....... accessories, without inviting Victoria to join you in ravaging my inscape at will, You are coming with me, I regret to say....... willingly or not."

Ally bit her lip nervously, rubbing her wrists, already feeling the force hold of those ghastly floating cuffs. "I see........ Your honesty has sated my distrust, and puts me oddly at ease. I shall willingly go with you, Charles, to visit your friend, and your...... unsavory associates. While so perilous a description of this place gives me pause, I am still your wife, and I would rather be with you, even in the midst of all manner of ne'er do wells, than be without you for even a moment longer."

Charles smiled fondly, taking her dainty hand, bowing his head genteel, to kiss the back of it, his brow softened. "What a good wife, I have, braving ne'er do wells, so boldly, just to be in my company." He smirked teasingly, tucking a curl behind her ear. "I will admit, taking you there, to this nefarious nexus of darker creative thought, would have been a thought to perish, but I see no way around it. Don't worry. No ne'er do well shall lay a hand on you, save myself."

Ally cracked a shy smile, as Charles winked at her something wicked, tossing her a fluttering blue summer dress, with white hydrangea flowers on it.

"Do hurry and change, My Beauty, Old Honest Abe has enough of a vulgar mind already, he needn't be inspired by the teasing curves of that nightdress. I'd rather die than let him so much as glimpse you in it. Such a sight should be for your husband's eyes only.

Ally blushed, and Charles found the slight burn in her cheeks much too arousing. Not trying hard enough to quell it, the fire inside his mind burst with the licking flames of other intimate imaginings of her, that he had yet to behold, a nakedness sacred to man and wife. Patience......... The time will come, when I will know every blinding white inch of that skin, kissing where the sun itself could not, and there will exist no part of you that can hide from me.

He shook off the heat and the haze, even as he touched the white hot flame in his mind, burning his fingers on her curves, clearing his throat, straightening his blood red cravat. She could be such a lingering distraction. We really need to get out of this room, Mrs. Manx. Before I become prisoner here, chained by your temptation.

Of course....... The thought had occurred to him that she might try to escape, by way of The Night Road, but if she did, both he, and The Wraith would be ready for it.

Ally waited for him to leave, watching the door with fixed eyes, after he'd slipped behind it with a blown kiss, and she wriggled out of her nightgown, standing now in just her underthings. Once she was sure she was alone, her heart pattering erratic, she reached behind her, up the back of her corset to pull out the mobile device she had secretly stowed away, clicking it on with careful fingers.

"Hey, Jane Austen, you gonna answer, or should I have just sent this longhand?"

Ally smiled at the gleaming screen, shooting a glance to the door, before she tapped out her response.

"Hello to you too, Hell on Wheels!!! It would seem My Doting Husband is rather desperate for a night out. Would you mind terribly keeping an eye on the children while we're both carousing?"

Ally took a quick breath, hoping and praying Vic would get the text in time, as she slipped into the shorter, ruffled, sky blue print, the gauzy material floating over her corset, and she selected a gold butterfly necklace from the vanity to wear as well. The prettier she looked, the more Charles would want to show her off, the longer he would stay out, and the less concerned he would be with the goings-on at home.

The enthused ding of the device was enough to make her hop, and she read Vic's response, laying the phone down, as she pinned up a select few of her curls.

"Damn, he better be taking you somewhere nice, y'know, after you sacrificed your eternal freedom and all. Still pissed at you for that, by the way........ Sure, I'll see to the little monsters. Now's as good a time as any to see if they can play nice. Stay safe, Jane."

Ally hastily clicked off the phone, and debated whether or not she should take it with her. Ah yes, so my desirous husband's wandering hands can find it on my person in the midst of an electric caress? Not to mention....... being in the thick of so much dark creative energy was sure to affect the cellular device, set it off, and give her away. She sighed, carefully folding up her nightdress, sending one more quick message, before reluctantly concealing the mobile within the folds of it, hurriedly stashing it away in a drawer.

"Will do, Wheels. You'll find the key in the window......."

Then, with guilty green eyes, she reached into the back of her white silk stocking, untying the taut lacing, her fingers shaking, as she withdrew that loathsome black pen, author of all heinous evil, that she'd stolen off Charlie during their ravenous and amorous kiss, reached right into the red silk lining of his waistcoat, while he was otherwise engaged. She swallowed hard, and then tucked her knife into the crevice between the window pane, and the ledge, undoing the lock. All Vic had to do was open it....... and the hellish pen would be hers. With any luck, it would protect her from the vampire children the same way it had protected their new mother.

"I'm sorry, Charlie," She whispered tearfully aloud, her heart aching. Stealing back what was hers, yes, but taking anything from him felt utterly despicable. "I'm so sorry, My Love, but I'm doing this for us!!! You'll see......... I'm still your Good Wife, even if I play with knives. Forgive me......... Mister Manx."

#charlie manx #charlie manx x oc #nos4a2 #vic mcqueen #christmasland #paranormal romance #paradise for the lost

[itty-bitty-dancer]

The Worst Kind of Pain (2/2)

Enzo St.John x Reader

Summary: You and Enzo finally escape from Augustine and he finally gets to take you on the date he’d always promised you.

Part 1

He had waited for this day for over ten years. But ever since you had been imprisoned, the thought of escape became much, much sweeter. And it also became reality.

>>

His plan had worked to perfection, and now, the Augustine compound was set alight. Fire crawling up the drapes and completely consuming the hideous wallpaper of the ballroom Enzo had been put on display in- like a freakshow attraction.

Luckily for you, Dr. Whitmore didn't think you suitable enough to be paraded around in front of his guests, whatever that meant. Regardless, you were thankful. But you were also alone; still sitting fragile, and near-desiccation in the corner of the dank stone dungeon.

>>

Upon being let out of his cage in shackles, Enzo continued to feign fatigue- which wasn't hard considering it wasn't completely falsified. But really, he had more adrenaline surging through him than ever, and was just waiting for his time to pounce.

While Whitmore was boasting about his vampiric findings, Enzo had broken free of his restraints- grimacing in pain as he twisted and crunched the bones of his hands, managing to break them entirely as he slipped through the rusted metal with ease.

Once free, he finally made his move. Killing Whitmore mercilessly before moving onto his guests. The room erupted in screams as the patrons desperately tried to flea the scene. But Enzo's thirst for blood was much stronger than their fear.

He tore into the necks of many, and spared few, quenching his torturous thirst. Amongst the hysteria, a candelabra had toppled to the ground, sparking the blaze.

>>

The all too familiar hallways seemed to close in as he ran down them, almost banging into the stone walls as he took the sharp twists and turns to get to you. Making a pit-stop in Whitmore's operating room, he grabbed a couple of blood bags, zipping out of the painful room faster than he could ever hope for.

>>

Finally, after what seemed like forever, but was only mere seconds, he made it back to your cell, coming to an abrupt stop at your door- breath ragged and eyes wild.

As per usual, you were lent up against the wall, head lulled to the side and clothing just as tattered as his own.

He'd seen you like this thousands of times before. But this time it struck a chord in him. This time he was standing where Whitmore once did- in a sense; seeing through the self proclaimed 'doctors' point of view from the outside of the barred door.

In that moment, seeing you from a place of such power, he couldn't understand how anyone would be so cruel as to inflict so much pain upon someone so defenseless. After all, weren't vampires supposed to be the monsters?

Snapping out of his trancelike thought, he immediately began work on the bars. Bending the old metal as he pulled the door from its rusted hinges.

He tossed it to the side, letting it clatter to the ground before he sped to your side, pulling you into his arms.

You stirred at the sudden movement, looking up at him in confusion.

"Here, gorgeous." He spoke in a rush, breaking open the seal to the blood-bag and bringing it to your lips. Slowly, you began to drink. Gradually regaining strength as you clutched the plastic in your grasp- squeezing it for all its worth.

"We're leaving. You and me." He husked, helping you to your feet as you sent him a wary nod.

Wrapping an arm around your waist as you leant on him, still weak from a lack of blood, you sped out of the compound as it continued to burn; You in his arms, and freedom in his sight.

>>

The motel room you'd compelled your way into residing in free of charge sure wasn't a five-star joint. But compared to what you had both been used to, it might as well've been the white house.

"Would you look at this?" Enzo mused from his place over by the mini-bar. You looked up from your position lying on the bed. "What good would bourbon this size do?" He scoffed, holding up a tiny glass, barely larger than the palm of his hand.

"Enzo, darling, it's the 50's." You laughed, "I think they know better than to hand out free, full-sized bottles of hard liquour."

"It's not even free." He quirked, inspecting the bottle further.

"Now that's absurd." You pointed, eliciting a deep chuckle from him that rumbled through his chest.

The sight before you made you smile- a real smile. Not like the ones you had once settled for by finding joy in the few rays of light that leaked through darkness. But a smile evoked by the entire sun in all its warm, glimmering glory.

A smile evoked by Enzo.

You moved from your place on the bed, your feet padding across the flat carpet before you stopped at the man before you. Pressing a kiss to his cheek, you grinned up at him.

"I don't know how to thank you." You spoke sincerely.

He was flustered to say the least, but his bad-boy persona had returned in an instant.

"Let me take you on a that date we used to always talk about." He began, the familar rasp of his voice and the glint in his eyes making your stomach do backflips. He grinned wildly at the thought of going out together as he grasped your hands. "We'll go dancing."

"Just like you promised." You smiled warmly, thinking back to all those times in Augustine that he'd sworn once you'd escaped, he would take you out and treat you like a queen.

The promises seemed small and relatively meaningless at the time. But really, they gave you hope for freedom, and something to look forward to and fight for.

"I'm a man of my word, sweetheart." He shrugged.

>>

Your arm sat linked with Enzo's as the waiter escorted the two of you to your table. He pulled your chair out for you- leaving your arm hesitantly as he did so before taking the seat opposite you. You nodded a silent thanks, smiling up at him.

The restaurant was magnificent; High, intricately detailed ceilings, a grand staircase leading down to the enormous ebony dance floor, and an elegant chandelier acting as a sort of centerpiece. It was exquisite to say the very least. Not to mention the band playing by the front of the room.

"I've only ever known America from the inside of a cell." Enzo pointed out as his gaze scoped around the restaurant. "But this is really something."

"I've missed this." You sighed contently, closing your eyes as a smile graced your lips.

"Quite accustomed to fine dining are we?" His teasing drawing a laugh from you— opening your eyes only to playfully roll them.

"I meant music."

He looked at you for a moment, admittedly loving the way you looked so peaceful- so at ease as you gazed over at the band.

"Well then," He began, standing from his seat and moving in front of you, holding out a hand for you to hopefully take. "Might I have this dance?" He grinned.

You were a little taken aback. Not so much that he'd made the gesture, but that you'd lived to see it.

Grasping his hand with a delicate touch, you joined him on the dance floor.

>>

Gliding around the room together- everything else seemed to become meaningless. Less than 24 hours ago, you were victims of torture. But now, you were living out what seemed like a wild fantasy.

Considering the years Enzo had spent isolated from the world, your dance moves were admittedly a little old fashioned. However as far as you were concerned, you were the only people in the room.

You leaned into him as the melody swam through your heart. He pulled you closer— both out of the instinct he’d developed to protect you, and an innocent curiosity of what it would finally feel like to be able to hold you. A simple gesture that had helped fuel his desire to escape.

“Thank you.” You all but whispered into him, sinking further into the slow sway.

Fingers hooked delicately under your chin—eyes meeting yours with a sorrow smile—lips pressing to your own.

This was freedom.

It was warm and sweet tasting, sending ripples throughout your system as he embraced you tighter, kissing you like it was all he’d ever needed.

Your eyes remained closed as he finally pulled away, foreheads pressed together as your dance slowly turned into something so much more.

His voice was quiet, the rasp so guttoral anyone would’ve missed the words he breathed into you—

“Thank you.”

#enzo st.john x reader #enzo #enzo x reader #enzo st. john #tvd #tvd imagines #tvd oneshot #enzo oneshot #tvd fanfiction #damon x reader #stefan x reader #klaus mikaelson x reader #elijah mikealson x reader #reader insert #protective enzo

[unlockthelore]

Piece of the Sun

Upon his return, Sesshomaru seeks out Rin and learns about a story she’s told. From the fic Feathers in the Wind on Ao3. For more updates, follow the feathers in the wind tag on this blog. 

Sesshomaru was hardly surprised to find Rin missing from her study. Jaken groveled at his feet while he passed with a heavy glance quietly demanding to know where she’d gone. Cautiously, the imp lifted his head and peered up at him.

“To t-the quarters where the kenin reside, m’lord,” he warbled, clearing his throat as he blurted out. “I’ve told her more than once visiting them is beneath a lady’s stature, but she simply won’t listen!”

Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes and Jaken choked on another outburst, quickly bowing his head. Of course Rin wouldn’t listen, he thought to himself as he strode through the castle corridors, ignoring those who lowered their gaze. Sunlight tinted the shoji and brought the images on them to life, rolling hillsides painted in sun gold. The corner of Sesshomaru’s lips twitched upward at the memory of Rin painting in earnest.

Colors streaked across her nose, the sides of her fingers, and her elbows when she finished. Tired and wanting, throwing her arms around him to the onlookers’ surprise, the wet paint staining his clothes and a chilled silence fell. When no punishment came, he could feel a collective breath taken but his attention was solely on his wife’s cheerful smile at her accomplishment.

The ache to see her returned and Sesshomaru pressed on, leaving the castle’s main building to one of the others on the outskirts. It was smaller and less extravagant but reminded him of the village his half-brother resided in. Children ran about the dirt paths surrounded by trees, their mothers and fathers committing to chores, washing linens Sesshomaru had seen folded neatly and pressed to Rin’s hands from attendants he hadn’t put a name to although she did in earnest.

By a few of the huts, doors open to allow air to circulate, children gathered on the veranda while a gaggle of women and men tended to the laundry lines nearby. Sheets billowing in the wind granted him limited view of what kept the children’s attention but he heard a voice, familiar to him as the blades resting at his hip.

Not minding the clothes lines, Sesshomaru brushed aside a few comforters and stared down at the woman on the other side who stifled a cry and clutched a few cloths to her chest. Her wide eyes and trembling mouth almost made him scowl but it couldn’t be helped. Many who tended to the castle knew of his reputation, wisely fearing what he would do if they displeased him. Even then she and the others nearby who stopped at the sight of him were human with remarkably low spiritual energy. They wouldn’t prove much of a challenge to him at all. More of a nuisance really.

“G-Good afternoon, Lord Sesshomaru,” she took a half-step backward then bowed clumsily, nearly knocking her head against the hilt of Bakusaiga.

Sesshomaru’s gaze swept from one end of the line’s post to the other as they bowed to him. A low hum simmered in his throat, gaze flicked up to where a young woman in pleated skirts emerged from the flock of children at her heels. With her back to him, she crouched down and showed them something in her hands. Their chorused gasps of awe and excitement were dulled by her giggling and Sesshomaru was hard pressed not to smile.

“Ah, were you looking for Lady Rin?”

His gaze snapped back to the woman in front of him, wringing the cloths in her hands before handing them to the man crouched beside her. After wiping her hands on the towel tucked in the front of her obi, she cupped a hand around the side of her mouth, turning back toward the smatter of huts huddled together. “Lady Rin!”

At once, it was as if the sun had come out. Rin turned with confusion pinching her lips, one of the children clinging to her neck with a whine, attempting to distract her.

“T-Tomoe, stop that…” The woman called, casting a wary glance up to Sesshomaru then away. “Lady Rin, Lord Sesshomaru’s arrived.”

It didn’t occur to him she couldn’t see him with the comforters on the clothes line blocking her view. Pushing one aside, Sesshomaru peered past it and met Rin’s gaze. Her eyes growing impossibly wide, mouth falling open then snapping shot.

“Sorry, sorry, little ones,” she said hurriedly, prying the little girl’s hands from her neck. “I’ll come play with you another day, okay?”

A cacophony of cries and whines to say followed her as she leapt off the veranda, thanking the woman on the other side of the line with a squeeze to her hands, then grasping Sesshomaru’s sleeve as she pulled him away. It wasn’t until they were further away, striding through the open fields that he allowed himself to smile.

Often times, armed with momentary fascination and a journal, Rin absconded from their home to sate her curiosities elsewhere. Demons who swore loyalty to him weren’t very kind to her but Rin hardly let that stop her. Earning the favor of humans and several others with her cheer and infectious laughter, interacting with those beneath her, despite her position as Lady. One of her charms, Sesshomaru deduced. No matter how far she’d risen in social status, Rin remained warm and welcoming to all who crossed her path.

“You didn’t have to stop,” he pointed out, staring down at her as she slipped her hand in his own.

“Of course I did.” Rin shrugged, sweet and patient as she squeezed his hand with an upward wink. “Suspense is what keeps them coming back after all.”

Sesshomaru scoffed, not minding slowing his pace to allow her to tuck her arm around his to keep him close. The warm line of her body obscured by their clothes drew his attention. A familiar scent reminding him utterly of home and safety leading him to guide her to a less taken path beneath joined tree boughs allowing slivers of sunlight as she liked to play in when the mood touched her. Pinpricks of light danced across her skin, her eyes closed, long curved eyelashes almost brushing across rounded cheeks. He found himself staring at her more than the road ahead. Committing every last detail to memory as if it was the first he’d seen it.

Something smooth and hard brushed against his sleeve and he glanced down, noticing a stone in the palm of her hand. With her fingers curled around it, she shifted her hand out in front of them. “Neh,” she prefaced, always when she was going to ask him something mind-boggling. “Would you believe I had a piece of the sun right here in my hand?”

Sesshomaru raised an eyebrow and glanced at her then her hand. Absolutely not. If she were holding a piece of the sun, it would have burned her hand and how would she have gotten it anyway? Looking to her again, his silence seemed to answer her question and she huffed in mock irritation.

“So mean,” she whined, holding the stone to her chest. “You would doubt your wife that easily? I’m crushed.”

Sesshomaru highly doubted that but he found amusing how she sulked. Bottom lip poked in a sullen pout lasting for all of a second before she tossed the stone in the air, catching it in her palm. For something so precious, she treated it with such frivolity, he couldn’t help but crack a smile.

“Well, the children believed me. Although I’m not sure how the story ends…”

He arched a brow. That was new. Rin’s vast imagination often lent a wealth of endings to her winded stories. “No?” He questioned when she seemed lost in thought, slipping his arm from her grasp to set his hand against her side. Almost immediately, she pressed close to him, slipping her arm around his waist.

The stone held up between her thumb and forefinger as she angled it to catch the sunlight, its surface almost seeming to glow. “I told them it was a sunstone, fallen a long time ago after a fight between the sun and moon.”

Sesshomaru hummed. With a story like that, finding a satisfying ending would be difficult. They passed over a wooden bridge overlooking a river cutting between the land, smooth rocks along its banks, gravel and sand trodden over by numerous trips by those who lived nearby. Rin’s footsteps slowed when they’d reached its center and Sesshomaru looked down at her curiously, hearing a thud and catching the stone rolling across the planks. A soft touch to his cheek, the smell of flowers and plush lips catching the corner of his mouth, stealing his attention. Chiming bells from the anklet she loved to wear reminding him of the difference in their height as he leant down to kiss her.

This is what he missed most. Unabashed affection, her arms slipping around his neck, smile pressed to his mouth as she kissed him again and again.Sweetness coated her lips and invited him with nip after nip until they were reddened and swelled. Rin’s giggles stammering his heart’s beating.

“Not interested in the story?” She murmured, a smile in her voice.

Sesshomaru scoffed at the suggestion of eagerness. Even if it was true. “You kissed me.”

“I told you you were missed, didn’t I?” Rin asked with playful exasperation, seeming to think on it for a second before adding with a breathy sigh. “Oh, I didn’t…” Another kiss filled the silence between them, his face cradled between her palms. “You were missed…”

He opened his eyes, staring at her from beneath his lashes, the blurred visage doing little to take away from the sight of her. Wanting to burn it into his memory for when she was here and when she was not.

“As were you…”

He could hear the loud thump of her heart, see the moment her smile fell then returned with such brightness it almost burned his eyes. Nimble fingers working into his hair as she pulled him closer, pressing feathery kisses to every inch of his skin she could reach. Tucking his arms beneath her, he lifted her carefully and suppressed a shudder at the kiss to his forehead, delighting in the surprised look she gave him.

“Well now you’ve made a big mistake,” she said with a beguiling grin. “Now you’ll have to carry me home, I’m afraid.”

Sesshomaru chuckled softly, allowing the moment of expression to feel her heart skip and see the utter fondness in her eyes. He expected no less from her, telling her such as he cradled her in his arms.

“Are you calling me predictable now? I’m offended.”

Predictable? Never. In all the centuries he’d wandered the world, he’d never met someone who confused him as much as she.

“Take it back,” she whispered against the shell of his ear, warmth curling and settling as heat stirred in his stomach. “Or I’ll be mad.”

Mad? He raised a brow, almost willing to leave it simply to know what mad was like for her. So often, he’d seen her cheerful and upbeat or despondent and sullen. What would her anger be like? Before he could make up his mind on the matter, Rin leant back and stuck her tongue out at him. “Joking. It would take more than that to make me mad, I’m afraid.”

What a shame. Although, he did prefer this smiling and happy Rin. Pressing a kiss to her cheek when she turned her head, he hardly expected her breath to hitch and the sharpness of her gaze.

“What was that for?”

He stared at her incredulously. “I missed you.” Wasn’t that obvious?

Perhaps not or perhaps Rin was simply pleased by the slightest showing of his affection, so often he gave it to her, he thought she would be accustomed to it by now. If anything, she seemed pleased just as the first time he’d shown it. Her nose brushing against his cheek, smile hidden in a press of lips against his jaw. Hugging close to him with her face tucked against the column of his throat.

“I have a piece of the moon right here in my arms,” whispered against his neck in a sing-song voice, her love-drunk giggling making him roll his eyes and clutch his piece of the sun a little tighter.

#inuyasha fandom #sessrin #sesshomaru x rin #sesshomaru #rin #fanfiction #my fanfiction #feathers in the wind

[the-gunslock]

Amanda 2 - Anvil

Second canon-deviant fic about Holliday, from a mini-series of four.

“A trickle upwards. They’re rotund. Makes head hard to hit.”

The girl delicately pulls the gilded Tatara Gaze a few degrees upwards. Its scope is now perfectly aligned with the head of the Red Legionary about to meet its swift demise as the neon-pink Hunter observes her aim, syncing her helmet’s HUD with the sniper’s sights.

“Now pull.”

With a powerful KA-BLAM, the bullet pierced through the air and promptly broke both the Cabal’s helmet and its head. Its surrounding companions were put in an alert state, but the women were way too far to be spotted.

“Exemplary performance, miss Holliday!” Frost complimented as she spun her shell around. Luna smiled behind her helmet. 

Amanda wasn’t as skilled with many weapons that weren’t a shotgun, and as much as punching stuff was fun, she couldn’t risk getting up close and personal with too many opponents. Hence why she asked Luna to bring her out in the wilds of the EDZ and train her with the other weapon archetypes. In exchange, maintenance of her ships would be free for the next six months.

“Let’s move.” Luna says as she starts to jog somewhere else, their cloaks flowing like wings behind their backs.

Most fun they’ve had in a while.

“So, Amanda...” The neon pink Hunter begins. “How’re you liking my war buddies? Any favorites?”

Amanda takes her sweet old time to think before answering. “Ah, hard ta decide. Pulses are fun, I think I’ll steal that Blast Furnace o’ yours if ya don’t mind. Can make our finger hurt, though. Fusion’s pretty great, I’ll be darned if it isn’t satisfying to watch stuff disintegrate.”

“Right?” Luna says with a chuckle.

“Still can’t decide on heavies. WHO, tell me, WHO makes a gun that BOUNCES? Can’t aim to save my life.”

The duo reaches a safe space above-ground, sitting under a tree to rest.

“Rockets are a bit more generous, but they don’t make ’em like they used to.” Amanda removed her galaxy-purple borrowed Neoteric Kiyot helmet.

The neon Hunter didn’t scare often, but when it came to the thought of her Stormcaller friend being livid, she made quadruple-sure to take an extra layer of care. So, she had lent her armor to Amanda for this little expedition. “Ah, I miss Tripod.”

“Can’t relate.”

“What do YOU use for a heavy?”

Frost transmats her heavy weapon, the same Taken sniper rifle Hiver had acquired weeks before. Whisper of the Worm. Amanda makes a face in disgust and turns her head to look at the horizon.

“Yeah, of course you would.”

Luna feels a bit stinged by it, but she understands where she comes from. Especially since she gave the accursed hand cannon Thorn to her girlfriend, who she made take a vow to never use it against Lightbearers.

“I’m sorry. Please trust us.”

Amanda puts her hand on her cheek as she observes the Fallen, Cabal and human ships going by. “You’re gonna have to earn that one. I like y’all but messing with souls is a whole ‘nother level.”

Luna nods as she stows away the pulsating rifle.

"Hey, Luna." Amanda catches her attention, fiddling with her gloves. "What's it mean to be a Hunter?"

She didn't reply outright, calling upon Frost to sit with them and channeling some Void energy in her hand, trying to formulate a coherent answer.

"Capes."

"...Really now?"

"No." The hunter says, stifling laughter. "I'd say it's about… cunning."

"Cunning."

"Yes. Adaptability, swiftness, precision on the draw, on the throw, on the cut. There is a whole world out there, most of it buried and forgotten. Gotta learn to survive it, so we can discover it, and learn from it." Luna stands up and walks to the edge of the rock they are sitting on. "Most times on yer own. Can't remember the amount of times I went days without seeing someone else."

Amanda stays silent, processing all of this information, gears spinning in her head.

"Thanks, Luna. Think I'll go home now, had plenty of training today. I'll ask Selene to give you your gear back."

They traded quiet waves as Amanda boarded her ship, on her way back to the City. Luna stayed at the rock, thinking about whatever Amanda was doing, before shrugging and flamboyantly throwing herself off of it, ready to parkour and shoot more aliens.

The next day, in a rare turn of events, Luna returns to the Tower to solve some business (among them, checking the new goods Tess was selling). After a while of running around, she decides to stop by the hangar, where, predictably, she found her Shipwright apprentice prying apart Sparrow engines.

“Hey. Amanda."

"Luna?" She gets up from her crouching position. She had gained muscle, specially on her arms and thighs, and the Hunter could swear she was a couple centimeters taller. "What's up?"

"I overheard something earlier. I was futzing in my vault when I could’ve sworn I heard Shaxx mention something about you and a sword...”

The Shipwright’s eyes widened, laughing nervously.

“...Oh, you did?”

The Hunter placed her hand on the woman’s shoulder, as she leaned in to whisper.

“Can't keep stuff from Hunters.”

She leaned back and regained her signature smirk, as she nodded to Frost.

“I won’t ask what it’s about, it’s none of my business. But in case you need a weapon, here ya go. This puppy’s done me some good over the years. Give ‘er a shot.”

She reached out and handed the shipwright a short gold-trimmed and razor sharp blade. It curved backwards near the tip, as if it were built for speed.

“Her name is Quickfang. Treat each other well, cool?”

Amanda analyzed the blade with her cold, mechanical precision, her grin betraying her childlike excitement over holding a new kind of weapon.

“Thanks, Luna, ya damn drama queen.”

Luna smiles brightly. "Anytime you wanna come n' give me a hand in the wilds, you lemme know. Learn a thing or two about being a Hunter. C'ya."

She says that in good humor, but that's all. For in her mind, she knew.

Amanda Holliday was no Hunter.

#destiny 2 #destiny fic #destiny oc #amanda holliday #hiver the gunslock #oc x canon

[hyperesthesias]

Boba x Valera

Lost Time | Part II

Rating: T

Word Count: 4.9k

Notes: part two as promised. a III act short story designed to be a quick read. au crossover with a novel of mine. 25+aby.

Part I

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Valera woke with the warmth of the rising daylight that seeped through the bedroom window, a warmth in the centre of her soul, and the remnant heat of her husband in the bed sheets. But she did not wake to him beside her. Her hand outstretched to an empty pillow and discordant blankets that’d been thrown aside – he was gone.

A pang knifed through her throat at the thought of another broken promise, and the wondering if perhaps the man she’d once known had changed so drastically. He was the same man last night. I could see it in his eyes. She felt it as he made love with her with hunger and avarice, she knew it as she drifted to sleep with a hand tucked beneath his arm, and her body curled into him.

The pain steeped into disappointment both in him and in herself, that she would be so gullible. He’d always warned her to never trust anyone. She asked him once – before they were married, when she nursed him to health on her farm on Tatooine – if that meant him as well, and at the time he hadn’t given her an answer. Perhaps he’s never had one.

Valera held back the pang as long as she could before it stewed into tears and she did her best to swallow them. It was foolish to cry, there was nothing to be done and she couldn’t change anyone or their mind even if she wanted to. Therefore, she would get up, she would dress herself, and return to the estate with no mention of her encounter with the bounty hunter – my husband –, she would continue her job without a word. As it was so. But as she palmed the tear that escaped her swallow, she frowned at the scent of something that seeped into the room. Out of place, unusual, and certainly not from anything she’d left on the stove.

It was caf.

She sniffed and her furrow deepened as she lept out of bed and threw her dressing gown around her shoulders. She grabbed her harpoon that rested at the corner of the room and steadied it in her hand as she glanced out of the space between the jamb. Never would she have thought of doing such a thing before she’d met her husband – she’d welcomed him freely into her home many years ago, when he’d arrived at her doorstep before she knew he’d a bounty to fulfill. It was part of the reason he’d chastised her trusting nature, and he trained her to the best of her ability. Boba’s armour was gone from the scattered places on the floor they’d left them the night before, and she could see no one, nothing else in the house. But the caf maker was brewing and an empty mug sat beside it, waiting.

She opened the door without a sound and drew a breath as she held the harpoon at her shoulder. Its weight friendly to her hand, she could throw it with perfect aim for as far as her eye could see. But when she saw her target, she quickly lowered it and put it aside, tucked away in another corner.

“I thought you’d left.”

Boba turned around from the lush view of forestry outside the den’s window. He glanced at her up and down, he took in the way the gold of daybreak rested against her figure, then spotted the misplaced harpoon; he held back a grin as he made his way to the caf maker. With another mug in his hand, he filled the empty one and handed it to her. “I never make the same mistake twice.”

Something in her stomach fluttered – be it fear or relief – and she took the mug into her palms as she studied his bare face. He wasn’t lying. He’d never lied to her before. He’d never left before, either. But then again, he didn’t leave now. She nodded, granting him grace despite the adrenaline and doubts that’d filled her waking blood, and she decided to dilute it with caf. He always made damn good caf. She made a humming noise as she drank it and let the steam refresh her face as she sipped. “I’ve missed the ip’spa you make.”

His sights lingered on her for a moment as she enjoyed it, the dawn of her happiness – the happiness he’d wanted for her, the happiness he’d missed seeing – water for whatever lay inside him.

Her feet pattered against the tile of the kitchen as she searched for something for them to eat for breakfast. Biscuits and berries. “I picked them myself,” she said and set them on the table. She saw the armour collected on a chair and resisted calling herself a fool. If she’d been gullible it’d only been to herself.

“I expected nothing less.” He sat in the same seat he had the night before and stifled a sigh of fatigue and pain as he leaned back into the chair.

She noticed. She didn’t say anything. “Your bounty,” she said instead, “perhaps I can help you. I know the guests by name, I know all their rooms and what they eat for breakfast. I can get you where you need to go.”

He chose to believe she wasn’t offering help because of his illness but because of convenience – he knew in reality, it was both. “I’m not after a guest.”

A fleeting fear passed her and all her senses were on fire for a fraction of a second. She had the sudden and vivid memory of him coming to collect her, and of him eventually letting her go. She gathered herself and hid the pallor she could feel in her cheeks with a sip from her mug. “Who is it, then?”

He noticed. He didn’t say anything, either. “Gira.”

She nearly spat back out the caf. “Gira? What did he do?”

“Don’t know, don’t care. He has information I want, the bounty happens to be mutual.” He took a bite of the biscuit and hoped he’d still be chewing by the time she asked her questions.

“Get paid for someone you already want – smart.” She smiled and took another sip as she thought on what her employer could possibly have that Boba would want. It didn’t take long for her to put it together. “Gira – you mean his research project?” she asked.

He paused, and wondered if only for a brief moment how close Gira thought himself to be with Valera to entrust her with details of a life the man no longer lived. A nod finally emerged and he swallowed. “Cellular regeneration.”

“Right – he has very lucrative clients.”

This time he stopped altogether and looked at her. “What do you mean?”

“I’ve overheard him talking with his rich friends – you know the type. The kind that have more money than they know what to do with and who want to live forever.”

He didn’t like how close he was to that description.

“He says he’s continuing the project privately, he gets investments from them. It’s part of the reason he throws these parties.”

Another thought he didn’t like occurred to him with more ease than it should have.

She could see the dissonance in him, the way he detached from everything for a moment as he thought. “You’ve just had an idea.”

He glanced at her from the corner of his eye.

“What is it?” She craned her neck to him with narrowed eyes and urged him on.

“Bait.”

“‘Bait’?” she repeated and took another small bite as she thought. It dawned on her when his eyes wouldn’t leave her. “Me bait?”

He nodded. “You bait.”

She gave him a blank stare for a moment before her face lit up. “That’s a brilliant idea! Especially with what happened last night –”

He groaned audibly.

She only pursed her lips and gave him a scolding look. “With what happened last night, I can call him over, tell him I wish to apologise.”

“You know how he’ll take that.”

“And I know you’ll be here to make things very clear,” she grinned.

He was surprised and sat back a bit more as he studied her. “You want me to kill this man?”

“Your client wants him dead?”

“Five hundred thousand, proof of death.”

Valera’s nose scrunched in a grimace. “What did he do?”

“Doesn’t mean he did anything,” he sighed again and finished the last of the caf in his mug. He stood to pour himself another and considered the consequences of involving her in a hunt. It hadn’t happened often – he’d liked it that way, there was less liability. “When can you call him over? What’s his itinerary?”

“I can call him over as soon as you’re ready – he sleeps in after a gala, brunches with his friends. Those who are awake, anyway.”

“Good. Get dressed. We’ve got a job to do.”

Gira Lemm was an easily amused and fickle man who enjoyed the current company who lay sleeping in his bed as much as the prospect of the future company of Valera, with whom he was more intrigued than infatuated. He hired her out of curiosity – and because her ability to make a masterpiece out of banal mushrooms and quaint village trappings spoke of talent. He was curious, however, if her goodness, if her kindness and sweetness, the purity that seemed to emanate from those dark black eyes were a mere facade – and what lay behind them if it was. She was a good, hard worker who treated everyone with dignity and respect, and who never said a word out of turn to him. There was a part of him that wondered what would happen if he prodded her, if he could manage to erupt a beast within her that she may or may not have known about. He relished unexpected results. And her call to him had been most unforeseen.

He arrived at the guesthouse he’d lent her in a casual suit with a bright smile as a gift, and his hands in his pockets.

Boba Fett stood hidden in the corner, able to see everything that transpired in the open plan house from his visor, and watched as Valera opened the door to the quarry. He hated people who held their hands in their pockets – they always had something to hide.

“Valera – good morning,” Gira greeted her. “Is everything alright?”

“Yes, please come in,” she welcomed him with mirth and stepped aside to allow his passage. He meandered in and appraised the house, she’d done little to make it a home, but it was warm only because of her presence. “I wanted to apologise for last night,” she said and closed the door behind him. “Forgive me for abandoning your hospitality. I wasn’t myself.” She offered him a seat at the table and poured him a fresh cup of caf.

“I hope I hadn’t done anything to offend you,” his eyes followed her as she turned to the counter.

Fett didn’t like the way he looked at her. He didn’t like anything about the man.

“No, no, of course not.” She set the mug in front of him and sat where Boba had been with a cup of her own. She took a sip, and he mirrored. “No, I was merely overtaken.”

“’Overtaken’?” he repeated and took another generous sip to hide the pleased expression that impeded his face.

“Yes, you see I’ve hesitated to say anything for the time I’ve been here, but I feel there’s something I must tell you.”

He inclined his head and swallowed – certain and uncertain of her meaning. Certain and uncertain of what he was hearing – from both anticipation and a fog that began to cloud his senses. “Please, do go on.”

��The way you brushed my face last night,” she watched as his expression turned from delight to confusion. “It reminded me of my husband.”

“‘Husband’? You have a husband?” His words began to slur and he couldn’t keep his head upright.

Good girl. Fett watched the man’s shock as he grappled for some semblance of sense and struggled to sit up. He couldn’t help a smirk.

“Yes, I do,” Valera said as Gira’s head slammed into the table, then muttered under her breath: “And don’t forget it.”

Boba emerged from the shadows and surveyed his wife’s good work. The man was out solid, hunched flat on the table, arms languid at his sides, he thought he could even see a bit of drool.

“Mushrooms work quickly. He’ll be out for no more than a half hour – I put very little in his coffee. He evidently can’t hold his champagne or his mushrooms.”

Boba scoffed and yanked Lemm’s chair away from the table. “Get the rope.”

Valera had it ready beneath the sink and handed it to him.

“I’m going to kill him,” he said blatantly.

“I know.”

He looked at her from his visor. “You okay with that?” Whether she was or wasn’t was inconsequential, it wouldn’t prevent him from fulfilling his contract. He wanted to know what she would say.

She was silent for a while and watched as he tied the unconscious man to the chair in knots and loops he’d never shown her, with knittings she’d never done when she once braided fishing nets a lifetime ago. “What matters to me is your life.”

He didn’t say anything else, and found it difficult to look at her while he wrapped a noose around the man’s throat.

Gira woke what felt to be hours later and had difficulty remembering anything past the events of the night before. He didn’t know where he was, nor who he was with, neither why everything was so bright. All he did know was that he couldn’t move his hands or feet, and the more he struggled the less he could move his neck.

“Don’t fight it, I need you alive for now.” Fett stood in front of Lemm with a blade drawn. Valera was locked in the bedroom, safe and away from the violence he was about to incur.

A Mandalorian figure began to materialise in Lemm’s sights and when the realisation of who it was, of what had happened spurned inside him he began to struggle in his bonds. He more he struggled, the fiercer the ropes burned around his neck.

Fett rested on the edge of the table, one ankle crossed over the other. “Project Rebirth,” he made no introductions neither any apologies. “I need the data.”

Lemm floundered for an answer, taken off guard completely by the bounty hunter’s request. “Data? What data?”

“No scientist worth his credits would let his research be lost completely. I want your copy. I would pay you for it, but you’ll have no use for payment after I deliver you to my client.”

Lemm’s eyes still searched the man, desperately seeking some indignant joke. “The research is worthless – it’s, it’s–nothing, I have nothing! I don’t have any copy!”

His efforts to protect his property were admirable but pointless. “Then I’ll recover what you remember.” He propped himself off the table and made for the scientist with the blade in hand.

The man winced and tried to pull away from Fett, but his constraints twisted and began to gag him. “No, no – wait! Wait!” Fett stopped and Lemm struggled to catch his breath from the noose. “You don’t want it – you don’t want any of it.”

Boba was close to losing his patience, the pain reliever wasn’t working as well as it should have been and every joint ached and pounded from tying up his quarry. They all have to do it the hard way.

Valera listened from the other side of the bedroom door as Gira pleaded and began to scream; the only thing he repeated: ‘I don’t have anything!’ Pieces began to fit together for her and her eyes closed with a shuddered breath, she realised she had to stop Boba.

She stepped out of the room and approached him.

“Get back,” he told her, his voice even and unraised.

“Bo’aba,” she called to him and stood beside him. Gira looked like a different person – he barely looked like a person from the contortion of pain on his face, the way the ropes bent his body against the chair. “Stop,” she breathed. She forced herself to swallow and put aside what she was seeing – she put it in a box inside herself, a box filled with other men and women who looked much like Gira at the hands of men much unlike Boba. Men without honour.

He stopped. She wouldn’t ask if there wasn’t a reason. “Why?”

Valera did what she could to loosen the rope around Gira’s neck and helped him sit upright somewhat. “There isn’t any research, is there? There never was.”

Lemm gasped for breath and fought to see her through the sweat that beaded into his eyes. He shook his head. “There was – it was – it was a long time ago, it never worked. The results – fake. I faked it. Money ran out. Too much – to cover up,” he groped for air and choked. “Too many – victims.”

“You used people for their money?” Valera helped him along.

He shook his head. “Bodies – tests.”

She swallowed again, this time somehow more dry than the last and let another quavered breath as she looked up to her husband. “What about your other project? The one you’ve told others about? Do you have anything there that worked?” It was a great effort not to let her voice shake as much as her lungs, but she knew Gira could feel the shiver in her fingers as she helped his back and head to remain level.

He shook his head again. “Fake. Money.”

Valera nodded in knowing. As she stood she felt her legs would give out from under her, but she remained her strength and kept her hands on the man. She turned to Boba whose sights were fixated on Lemm in front of him, but she knew he saw nothing of the man. He saw only the narrowing tunnel he’d spoken of before.

“Go outside,” he told her. It was not an order, he was not unkind. But a chill breathed against her shoulders as he spoke. His sightless visor turned to her when she did not respond. “Go.”

Valera did not need to be asked thrice. Her feet began to take her to the backdoor of the house, but her sights remained on the two men before she opened the door. Boba did not move, but she knew his eyes followed her, watched her and waited until she could no longer see.

The moment the door closed behind her, Boba released his holster and pulled his blaster as he turned back to Lemm. A pathetic and greedy thing, chasing dreams and grandeur. He wondered, by that respect, how different the two of them were. But it wouldn’t matter to either of them for long. “This isn’t personal.”

Valera closed her eyes as Gira pleaded, and flinched at the sound of blasterfire. The tips of her fingers on her mouth, her body vibrated with the echoes of screams – not all of them Gira’s, not all of them her own, but all of them she knew by name.

Boba did not emerge from the house for a long while, but when he did he smelt of blood and ozone. “Have you packed your things?”

She didn’t reply, she couldn’t hear him. She couldn’t see him, neither the green that filled the mountainside in front of them. She wasn’t there.

“Valera?” he beckoned her, but he did not touch her.

She started at her name and slowly turned around to see her husband. “What?” She bat her eyes, they were dry, and she wondered how long she’d stood there so utterly motionless.

“Have you packed your things?” he asked again.

She nodded.

“Do you still want to leave with me?”

She breathed in sharply and gathered herself – she felt the grass beneath her feet, the cold river wind through her hair that was once again tied back with her red ribbon, the scent of evergreen leaves instead of death. She’d had no delusions of what her husband did. She never had. But the past doesn’t die, regardless of who else does. “Yes,” she answered and found it was easier to swallow now. “I’d like to leave here. And never come back.”

He gave her a nod. “Meet me off the property, I’ll bring the bags.”

Boba sat across from his client, the Twi’lek woman, who had the same disinterested expression from when he’d met her before. The scars on her face and lekku made more sense than the last time he’d seen her, and it wasn’t difficult to understand why she’d want Gira Lemm dead. He lifted a case onto the table – and struggled greatly to suppress the grunt and heavy breath that gathered in the back of his throat – then slid it towards her.

The woman took the case and opened it discreetly before she peered into the face of Gira Lemm. Her dark green lips spread into a smile. “Job well done. You’re worth your reputation.” She took the datapad that rested beside her elbow on the table and keyed in several swipes. “The other two hundred and fifty.”

He checked the control on his arm and noted the full amount in his account. He gave her a nod and stood to leave, but paused before he passed her completely: “Did the research ever work?”

The woman turned and rested her arm on the back of the seat, still trying to see past the visor – her interest in what lay behind it greatly piqued from such an unusual comment. “Not well. It had its moments, but then the others started dying. I was lucky. He only used me for grafts.” She motioned to the scar tissue that was visible, he was sure there was more than wasn’t.

Fett stayed still a moment as he considered mortality and its fickle nature, then walked away again without a word.

Valera waited for him on the Slave I, and when he approached the personal quarters she’d just finished replacing her belongings to where they’d been before. She looked pleased, at home – as at home as he was on that ship. He briefly thought of he and his father and how he would have felt as a boy to be banished from the co-pilot’s seat. It wasn’t the same, he was sure, but in remembering, in imagining, he could catch a glimpse of what he’d put Valera through. He felt like a fool. All that and it’d been for nothing.

“How did it go?” she chirped beside him. It betrayed her – he knew her chipper nature was over-compensation for the fear that still rattled inside her, for the memories that wouldn’t leave her be. He knew a little something of that, too.

“They paid,” he said and moved to climb the ladder and enter the cockpit.

“That’s good,” he could hear her voice from below, then her footsteps up the rungs a short while later. She settled beside him and strapped in without being told, her mind and body remembering the routine she’d ardently missed.

Fett sat in the pilot’s seat and geared the Slave I for take off; it didn’t take long for them to vanish from the atmosphere and from the Alexandira system. He searched nearby systems for a destination, but found none of them appealing. He couldn’t focus much on anything, on the words on the screen or the stars that passed by the transparasteel. The only recurring thought was that of defeat. He’d never been beaten in a fight – even if he’d receded himself, it’d been out of strategy, not weakness. And yet, the battle against his body was the one fight he couldn’t seem to win.

“Are you alright?” Valera asked, she looked from his unmoving gaze to the same words on the screen he’d been staring at for a few minutes.

His head moved an inch to her as she called him. He opened his mouth to give her a quick answer, but nothing came out; anything that would have, would have been a lie. He’d already broken her trust once, he couldn’t afford to do it again. “I’m not gonna make it,” he finally said.

Valera remained quiet, motionless.

He realised as he watched her – perched there, her eyes and heart invested in him fully – why the idea of his death bothered him. He realised it wouldn’t have mattered much to him if he didn’t have her with him. It was the unspoken and supremely selfish reason within himself as to why he’d left her – so it wouldn’t bother him. He wondered if the thought of possible death troubled his father when he would take dangerous jobs away from Kamino – he remembered it did. He’d turned out more calloused than his father – a poor imitation, in more ways than one.

Fett sighed and removed his helmet as he turned to her. “I’ve got a couple years – there’s nothing to be done about it.” Why is this more difficult than it should be? “Anything else is a delusion.”

Valera’s silence continued, but her gaze averted and he watched her swallow hard. Whatever pain he might’ve been in, he was sure she could feel it, too.

Because I don’t want to disappoint her.

“I have no delusions,” she whispered. “I just have the hope that something might work. Eventually.”

He exhaled and turned his head briefly. “Face the facts, Valera.”

“I am,” she answered, it was a stern plea that he would listen to her despite his detached calculation. “Even if it’s unlikely, it might happen. I never knew there was life outside the three realms of my galaxy. Then I was brought here. Anything can happen, my dear.” Her voice wasn’t confident, but she knew she spoke truth. She was worried the concept of hope would upset him further, but even if he couldn’t carry it, she would for the both of them – at least for now.

He glanced at her again. He couldn’t deny when she’d said, but he couldn’t fully believe it, either. The statistical likelihood of finding a cure was unfathomable. But then again, so was surviving a Sarlacc.

“I need you to do something for me,” she said.

It wasn’t often she requested things from him, and he ran a mental checklist to ensure he’d provided everything for her before they’d left; that he hadn’t forgotten anything, that he hadn’t neglected her further. Curiously, he could think of nothing, and he turned to her to pay her his full attention.

“I need you to swear you will never leave me again.” She stopped and hesitated in saying what she really wanted to, but found courage as she closed her eyes from him quickly. “That you will never betray me like that again.”

His jaw locked and he looked away from her. He couldn’t deny the truth of that, either.

“I need you to swear it to me – on your father.”

He swallowed and took a breath. With a silent nod he agreed: “I swear.”

“Thank you.” She placed a hand on his, gloved and cold, as it rested on the console. “I’m not leaving you, either.” Her hand gripped him a little tighter, a little more fervent. “No matter what happens.”

His fingers curled around hers, and he could feel the heat of her through the leather – her warmth a constancy, a solidity. He didn’t say anything, but he didn’t have to, he knew she would keep her word, invariably. His thumb brushed against the scars of her wrist and along her outer palm where there were ripples of skin that’d grown back through violence; some of them from bonds, others from brands, others still of her own making when she skinned the brand from her own flesh, when she freed herself at last – before he’d met her, before he was sent to collect her, before he’d stayed. She’d been through much – what she would endure when he was gone was a consistent thought impressed upon him.

His hand fell from hers and nudged against her chin. He’d solidify the contingencies he’d implemented for her when his time was up, but he didn’t have to think of them now. All he had to do was find the next system, the next job, the next stay. All he had to do was not waste any more time.

Valera took his hand and kissed it, her lips lingered on his knuckles a little longer than they needed to, but he didn’t move from her. His thumb caressed the edge of her jaw as he remained there, and when she relinquished him – with halting hands – he turned back to the console.

“Where to next?” she asked.

He paused for a moment, surveying the star chart before a refreshing thought crept upon him. “Somewhere with water.”

He knew she missed the water dearly – and so did he.

#boba fett #star wars #star wars fanfic #fanfic #* #i enjoyed writing this greatly #i felt like i learned a lot too #if you have any feedback youre always welcome to message me #enjoy

[fightevilandthengetblownup]

FIC: Surpassed All Men V

---

It took him all of five minutes upon returning to the small house, concealed and simply observing as he wanted, or rather felt that he needed, to be completely specific and accurate when he appeared to tell the girl her reality, to figure out exactly what the other Trickster had been on about.

The swirling of power in the area had held a tang to it, a sort of electricity in the air that only came from rapid and continued reality shifting and altering as well as the crackle of mischief that hung about the house like an invisible cloud, that he knew all too well from the centuries spent befriending others of her kind.

The sugary-sweet scent that wafted perpetually out of the house wouldn't have been unusual for this space, but watching from the wall he lent invisibly against to see the blonde shimmying around the kitchen to some song his eyes had immediately gone to the bright, golden bear-shaped container that sat out on the kitchen bench and had been held and brought to her lips more than once a minute as the woman had baked.

He had frowned in realization, but stalking through the rest of the house he could see items that shimmered under his vision in a way only the reality-warping powers of a Trickster could do all over the house. A painting on the wall, a jacket draped over the back of a couch, and more than one vase of flowers filled with blooms that he’d never seen before were all scattered around the house like a trail of crumbs that would all lead back to their creator in the kitchen.

Gabe frowned deeply to himself understanding just what the perky blonde had become, and as he turned to watch through the open door to the kitchen to see her lifting the golden honey bear back to her lips absently as she cooked something, his look got darker realizing just what trouble she could find herself in before he left again leaving no signs of his visit behind as he made his way back to his last stop.

Crow had laughed. Hard. With that cawwing sound that came from his throat harsh and brash, and matched by the laughter of his birds all around as the archangel had returned. The old god had stared at him after his laughter, dark hands folded in his lap as he pinned the angel with a serious look, before there had been a hum and his soft, listed voice gravel thick asking the question Gabriel had had trouble coming to terms with himself.

“So. How are you going to help her?”

---

Gabriel could not tell if meeting with the pair as a pair was better or worse than one on one. Two birds one stone, but the two birds outnumbered him two to one if they decided to lash back out at him.

This time of year they were in the Russian’s home for once, but as the archangel pushed open the flap of the traditional yurt the scent of the other’s choice of smoke filled the air - rich with tobacco, bearberry and the staghorn sumac that made up the blend of his people from the cold North - with an undercurrent of sweet tang of reindeer milk and the fermented berry drink that had had the angel pulling a face the first time he tasted the rancid drink that turned sweet the longer you kept it on your tongue. There was a blend of both men’s favorite foods with slabs of wheat and acorn loaves soaked to dripping in honey and berries surrounded by the sour-tang berries that made that juice, with piles of corn husk wrapped maize filled with softened blueberries, blackberries, and cloudberries, corn pone with fresh sweet corn kernels and then in the middle as if a secret that they wanted to be disguised amongst the rest was a bowl of boiled sweet candies.

Neither god seemed to look up at his presence as they continued to pass a journal back between one another, marking sharply a line on a page before handing it back to the other. It was a nonsense thought game that Gabriel had always struggled to comprehend - some connective string between their people that had them in a battle of wits over charcoal and paper - but the fact they still persisted and, from the age of the book they wrote in, seemed to be on the same match from the last time he had met with them made him want to laugh.

“What’s this? You think this is a game, Kutkh?” The taller of the pair asked, looking with a tight frown of his brows at the page. Wisakedjak flicked his gaze from between the journal and the god sat across the low table from him, dark brown eyes flashing for a moment as he ran a tan finger over whatever marking he was complaining about. “You’ve not tried this move for the last century.”

There was a whistle from the other man, and Gabriel recognized the wicked smirk on the Russian’s lips. “Perhaps it is time to try something old, lyubovnik.” The dark-haired man’s eyes were closed as they had been since Gabriel had passed through the door, and he rested his head in his palm, propped with his elbow on the table.

“Speaking of old, look which nitotem has finally decided to visit.” “Jackie, that won’t get you off from your returning mark.” “Nicimos, you should open your eyes more often. We have a visitor.”

Gabriel swallowed thickly as he took a further step in under the watchful eye of the American Trickster, as he entered the circle of lighting from the torches that hung from the yurt frame. The god’s eyes were sharply focused on him and where he was used to seeing the humor in their depths instead there was a harsh cold that did not bode well for this meeting, as Wisakedjak lifted a hand sharply in greeting before running it along the long thick braid to the right side of his head. Gabe found himself taking a step back as the other made to tug on the end of it, a tingle down his spine as he knew what that move could do if the god felt inclined.

“Oh, so we do. What a surprise to see you again, Loki.” Kutkh added, turning so the shaved side of his head with the raven feather tattooed sharply onto his scalp that shimmered in a way a real feather would before he let out a sharp laugh reminiscent of the last god the archangel had visited. “Have you decided to prostrate yourself to the mercy of your lessers now, feather-duster?”

“I see you have heard the news.” Gabe found himself replying as there was a crackling in the air before a third seating pillow materialized and the table shifted to a triangle between the two men and the open third position. He found himself looking between it and the American Trickster as Wisakedjak dropped his hand from the braid he had tugged at. “I... am here for a reason, and not for myself.”

“That old bag of feathers did mention something last month.” “Yes, Crow visited my lyubovnik and mentioned to him about your little girlfriend-” “Oh was it the one that the fairy hated? I did not realize-” “That is because you are the pretty face of us both, Jackie.”

“She’s not... That’s not what it is like, but yes. I’m sure Crow gave you a run down more efficiently than I have.” Gabe found himself gritting his teeth as he moved to sit in the spare cushion cautious that the shimmering he could see of the item might suddenly disappear or manifest something dreadful from the muskrat-fur wearing man. “It appears that-”

“Yes, yes, a human becomes demigod. It happens sometimes.” Whiskey cut over him sharply, a sharp glare still on his face in contrast to the friendly amusement and warmth from the other god. The pair always seemed at odds, always one amused and one responsible, but were a match that Gabriel had always found unsettling should they decide to unleash their trickery at the same time. “What is it to us though, angel? You should speak to her new people.”

Gabriel found himself biting down on a scowl as he leaned forward to pluck one of the sweets from the central bowl as the American Trickster had raised a curved, sharp eyebrow towards him. Shaking his head as he popped the candy in his mouth, he stared back with his own brow raised after a moment. “That would be why I’m here, Whiskey.”

“No Americans have been of our ilk since my love here, Gabriel.” Kutkh cut in quietly, his voice soft as the wind that brushy against and flapped the canvas of the tent, as he sliced a piece of the honey-soaked bread and held the plate towards the angel in a way that was far more familiar and friendly than he’d expected to receive from any of his old friends. “I doubt she is a new one. Perhaps you should seek out the other newcomers, perhaps you should talk to Flagg?”

“She’s one of you lot, Kutkh, and of everyone sending her to speak to Nyarlathotep is probably the worst possible suggestion.” He found himself snapping back, taking the offered treat but pinning the god with sharp look at the suggestion. Kutkh’s lips twisted into an amused grin, the wickedness bleeding through under the friendly look. “So I am here to get your assistance with-”

“Nicimos, I believe the lying angel wants something from us.” The American cut over the top of him, leaning across the table a little to take the other god’s drink from his hand, sipping from it rather than pouring his own. “I believe he thinks his little friend may need some kind of.. protection or help with meeting her own.”

“Jackie, that seems rude to assume wouldn’t you say?” “I thought so too. What is it about a group of Tricksters that would make one think we would be rude to our own?” “Especially a new one. If she, in fact, reaches our level.”

Gabe found himself sighing heavily watching the pair bouncing off of one another. They always did this, and it was always their own annoying pattern to do it. The only one more frustrating to deal with was Gwydion when he would bring his brother or be missing his brother, or anything to do with his brother or the topic of brothers, in general, was brought up. Rubbing at the bridge of his nose as he watched the pair communicate through looks - twitches of lips, rise of brows and jerks of heads - for a long moment as he sucked on the boiled sweet, the archangel felt the desire to sigh again bubbling up inside before the American gave a growl.

“Fine, nicimos, we shall help the Westerner.”

“You really do hold grudges for too long, Jackie. Perhaps your having a new friend will be good for your patience.” Kutkh shot back, a smirk curling upon his lips in a way that made Gabriel want to shudder. The Russian picked up one of the boiled maize desserts, squeezing the dark purple colored filling out with a grin. “After all, you will have another American to meet that isn’t that dog-man you loathe so much.”

“You promised not to bring that beast up for another fifty years, Kuttie.” Wisakedjak snapped back harshly, the fire in his eyes back but no longer directed towards the third of the group that felt somehow better for Gabriel’s luck and mission at that point. The god snarled back, crossing his arms before adding. “Though, I suppose we should get to her before that foul-”

“What he means to say, angel, is that we will assist. Crow shall tell you when we’re gathering to meet your.. friend.”

Gabriel found himself frowning a little as the Russian looked at him, a glint to his eye that made the archangel feel like either the words were the sincerest of the whole conversation or the most dangerous, before the other cut over the top, continuing his rage regarding his Southern counterpart. Taking the offer at face value and unwilling to stay seated for yet another rant about the antics of Coyote and Wisadjek’s complaints about the other god as he had suffered through over the centuries, Gabe found himself slowly rising and then slinking out of the yurt as Kutkh’s eyes followed him without moving his face from staring and nodding at the other man’s words.

As he stood outside the intricately decorated yurt, Gabriel found himself breathing in deeply to rid the sharp scent of smoke from his nose as well as to shake the electric feeling of the trickster’s energy from his shoulders. There was a moment, where he could still hear the rise and fall of the voices behind him, muted and softer than they’d ever sounded before he found himself disappearing before they could change their minds. Perhaps they were both still unhappy with his trickery, but at least it allowed three voices to be potentially supportive of the blonde when he finally decided to tell her what she was becoming.

---

#fic #gabepov #au stories #kidverse #kid verse

[words-are-my-existence]

Tea and Coffee

Introduction Part IV: Crepuscular

Warning: Course language and mature references within

~

The evening came around quite soon, Eliza lost in conversation with Levi who spoke about her and Lucy’s latest adventures in Japan. The two girls were old friends and had a taste for exploration, having an endless desire to travel the world. Levi was slightly shorter than Jai while Lucy matched more Eliza’s height, the former having quite dark brown curly hair, and ebony skin whilst the latter was more so fair and sported long wavy hair that changed colours like the seasons. When Jai and Lucy arrived they saw this time around she had it a sweet pastel shade of lilac. They were both a energetic pair and always knew the right advice to give at the given moment, never failing to call you and help out in a time of need even if they were on the other side of the globe,

“Next thing I know Lucy has jumped, I’m falling and our instructor is losing his shit at the fact that we left him behind!” Levi laughed as she talked about a parachuting trip over Nagoya,

“Yeah, though we made it up to him later on in the hot springs,” Lucy added on cheekily with a wink, Jai almost sighing sadly,

“Man that would have been so fun, oh what about that guy who swam with whales with you?”

“He tried drugging our drinks so we handed him to the police, some people seriously,” Levi rolled her eyes,”But the trip overall was great, the next destination we’re planning on is Hawaii on a cruise ship,”

“Woah already? I mean then again you both can’t stay in one place longer than a week,” Eliza commented with a soft giggle, finishing up making a cup of tea for herself. It was closing hours, the sky dark outside and twinkling with just a few stars visible beyond the city lights,

“I’ll finish cleaning up, we’ll have to catch up tomorrow before you set off again,” Jai called out as she headed around to the back, Lucy and Levi stretching as they joined Eliza by the door,

“It was great seeing you both now at least, the store is doing even better than we when we saw it last!” Lucy said clapping her hands, Levi nodding in agreement,

“You need to explain yourself to missy, apparently you have a few secret admirers you didn’t tell us about!”

“Jai has probably told you some nonsense, you know how she is,” Eliza sighed as she lead the girls out and locked the cafe door behind her,”If anything I get a few glances and men wanting to talk to me but nothing serious,”

“Hmm well we’ll get those answers tomorrow, see you guys then!”

“Take care!” Levi and Lucy hugged Eliza goodbye before heading to their hotel, Eliza herself making her way towards to the nearby park.

Before heading home she tended to go here after work every night and enjoy her English Breakfast tea, relaxing with a good book or practicing some sketches at her favourite park bench. It was a great way to cool off after a busy day or even just chill on a quiet one. There was barely a soul around either so it was almost perfect, those nights when it was was when a small black stray cat would come around and say hi. It was an adorable creature who seemed to love the small treats Eliza gave it.

She found her usual spot and sat down, opening her book up and picking up from where she left off in the afternoon. Out of habit she sneakily glanced around to see if the kitty was here tonight, when see couldn’t find it she subtly looked over to the bench across her a little way away where a figure was sitting on it and reading their own book with a tray of half a dozen cups resting beside them. She only had gotten glimpses of him before, a slim man who had pale skin and soft blonde hair that tended to cover his face. He came out most nights and read in the same spot just as Eliza did. The two seemed to have an unspeakable agreement on not interrupting each other, understanding when someone just wants to be left alone to themselves. Eliza often wondered what his eyes were like as she had never been able to see them. As well as if how she perceived him was the same way he thought about her, this strange girl coming out each night to be alone in the peaceful solitude the park gave.

Eliza shrugged the thoughts off her mind and returned to her own book, taking sips from her warm mug as she read.

As the night went on robust laughter and crude shouting broke the silence, Eliza sighing and rubbed her forehead as the noise drew closer. She glanced over her shoulder to see a group of around five men making their way through the park, each stumbling and bumping over each other drunkenly. It wasn’t to often an occurrence when people like them wandered through, Eliza knowing to just ignore them and focus on herself, the drunkards leaving her be.

Though this time as she looked down back at her book and focused on its pages, the men strode straight towards her and cat called as they approached,

“Look at this jewel hiding away in the shadows, you’re quite pretty from afar but boy aren’t you something else up close,” One whistled as he stood in front of Eliza, another slapping his hands down on her shoulders from behind and giving her a fright and causing her to jump up in panic, the man grabbing her strongly and forcing her back down on the seat,

“Hey sweet heart you shouldn’t be out all by yourself in this hour of the night. Let us take you back to your home safe and sound,” He cackled darkly as a third lent over and whispered in her ear, his breath sickly smelling of booze,

“Of course as payment you’ve got to let us gentlemen have some fun with you, otherwise we might just have to get ruff,”

Eliza already packing her stuff away tried again to slid out of the hands of the one who was holding her down, luckily doing so and quickly backing away,

“It’s quite alright thank you for the offer, but I can take care of myself,” She calmly spoke though could feel the sweat starting to build up on her forehead, yelping as she walked into someone behind her. Growing scared now she gritted her teeth, holding her dark mug tight in her hands and peeking behind her expecting the other two strangers to be there.

Instead a very skinny and short man stood there holding a tray of six paper cups of steaming coffee in one hand and in the other a book. He was trembling slightly Eliza noticed, though she was unsure if it was in fear or rage,

“The lady has clearly stated she is content with her own company ‘gentlemen’,” The blonde figured began sharply,”So I would ask that you leave her be and continue your intrusive disturbance somewhere you’re actually tolerated,”

“What mate?” One guy his scratched their head confused, a different drunkard speaking up,

“Hey you skinny pussy bugger off! We do what we fucking want to fucking do!” His voice grew louder in anger and frustration, the one who first approached Eliza slowly walking up to snarl in this newcomers face while his friends enclosed on them,

“I suggest you leave now, with your wallet on the ground, unless you rather to find yourself in a mangled fucked mess?”

“No, actually I prefer this idea instead pissface,” Eliza heard the retort as the man aiding her threw his tray of cups at the now clustered drunkards, boiling hot liquid splashing all over them causing them to erupt in a chorus of painful screams. In the spilt second this man grabbed Eliza’s arm and pulled her along into a dead sprint away from the spectacle, several extremely frustrated and raged shouting following in the distance.

Eliza wasn’t sure how long they had ran for, the adrenaline pushing them on until the sounds of their pursuers faded. As they halted at last the two stood only for a moment before collapsing onto the grass beneath them gasping for air, the threat now gone and the peace returned,

“Well that is my exercise for the year done,” Eliza spoke first as she gathered breath, her saviour heartily laughing in response,

“Yeah same. My mates are going to kill me tonight though when they find out they have nothing to drink but hey, this will make an awesome and hilarious story!”

“Hah yeah exactly! My friends won’t believe me probably but still,” Eliza added with a grin. They had rolled onto their sides to face each when talking, Eliza noticing for the first time the cute gummy smile plastered on him along with a pair of deep molten brown eyes that shone with such a depth Eliza was stunned. They were both stuck in silence for a few minutes staring at it each other, the two of them blushing when they realise and quickly scramble to their feet,

“Ah um thank you so much by the way, I don’t think I would have been able to take them all on. I need to do some more self defence lessons,”

“It’s alright, I’m glad to help. It would have been wrong of me to just do nothing when you were in need um..” He trailed off and nervously started scratching the back of his neck,”I don’t actually know your name even though we’ve seen each other quite a lot over the months, but well haven’t talked,”

“Yeah I’m sorry about that, I kinda assumed we both just wanted to be left to our own devices,” Eliza apologised guiltily,”I guess better late then never though, I’m Eliza,” She said as she held her hand out to him, who in turn shook it with a happy grin,

“Hi Eliza, I’m Yoongi, nice to properly meet you,”

“And you to,” She replied with a warm smile. Now with quietness around them Eliza finally noticed her phone buzzing about in her pocket, taking it out to find she had several missed calls and a number of frantic messages from Jai.

>I’M LOCKED IN

>WHERE ARE YOU???

>DUDE THERES NOTHING I CAN USE TO PICKLOCK WITHOUT BREAKING THE DOOR

>LIZ IM SORRY I PROMISE TO BRING THE STOCK ON TIME AND NOT DRINK ALL OF YOUR JACK DANIELS WITHOUT YOU

>ITS SO COLD WHY DON’T WE HAVE A HEATER

“Oh shit, I locked Jai in the cafe. I’m sorry I need to go now. Thank you so much again and it was great to meet you to!” Eliza grabbed her bag and waved to Yoongi before dashing straight back to the cafe,

“That was fast,” He commented to himself, turning around to retrieve his own items and noticing a small mug left behind,”Wait! Eliza-“ He went to shout and call her attention back but she was already gone from eyesight,

“Aw man...how am I going to get this back to her?” He sighed and grabbed the forgotten cup, pondering on the nights’ events as he made his way back to his own abode.

~

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