#slightly difficult two assist downstairs

[janesaridoll]

Can you do a request for the “to love au” when Chris and the reader (she still pregnant) have a argument on a disagreement and Chris starts losing his temper and starts yelling really loud and he wakes up the kids and they are watching them argue and standing in the hall so they couldn’t see them until they see Chris and the reader arguing real close to each other’s face and Marcus and the other older kids gets in the middle of them for them to stop so after all that Chris is most definitely on the couch 💀 . The next morning every thing is weird after the argument and the kids help Chris make it up to the reader. And after that everything is fine and better. You can write this whenever you can 🫶🏽 .

A Caring Husband

Pairing || woc!reader x Chris evans

Summary || Chris breaks his promise to you

Genera || angst, fluff , happy ending

Warnings || mention of pregnancy, yelling,

To love masterlist

Kofi

The last few weeks have been hell for you; your work has been difficult, and communicating with your employees has been complicated because you work from home. Fortunately, your assistant is literally saving your life.

Your babysitter left her job due to a family emergency, your housekeeper asked you to reduce her working hours because her daughter had just given birth to twins, and you completely understand how difficult it is to care for twins. So you didn't say no to her request

Your children are occasionally well-behaved. But you have no idea why when they start school, they turn into total assholes and devils.

Your older two children are much easier to manage. Not your youngest children, who have been disrespectful and mischievous. They are always getting into fights with each other , pranking, or simply yelling at each other .

Alicia is the most difficult of them all. All she wants is her daddy to play with her, to nap with her, to do her hair, to feed her, and even change her. She prefers him over you.

You know she didn't act like this with her babysitter, and you have no idea why she’s giving you this attitude; it’s taking a tool on you to deal with her tantrums.

Thankfully, Chris has promised that once he has finalized his interviews and premieres, he will be available 24/7 to assist you. He will also take a break until you give birth to Layla, find a new babysitter, and everything will return to normal.

You're sitting on the couch, waiting for Chris to join you in watching a movie; it's been a long time since you two have had a night alone. Normally, you would go on a date night once every two weeks, sometimes staying at a hotel and returning the next morning, and other times simply going home and sleeping. This has been your tradition for the past twenty years.

“Alicia drifted off as soon as her head hit the pillow," Chris said as he came downstairs and sat beside you on the couch, taking your feet and propping them up in this lap, he began digging his thumbs into the sole of your left foot, switching between your feet every few seconds.

"Why is my assistant calling me about the new movie you accepted, Chris?" You were furious because he said he wouldn't take another movie and then did it anyway.

"I was going to tell you about it, the Russo brothers asked me and I couldn't say no," he said as he smiled at you.

"Are you serious right now?" You're going to smash his gorgeous head into something.

"It's a big film. I couldn't simply say no," he tries to persuade you

"Chris, we agreed on this, you're supposed to be here with me, I can't do it all by myself?" You slightly raised your voice. The film is currently forgotten.

"We have a housekeeper and we will get a new babysitter to help us, there's no need to worry," he explained, becoming increasingly agitated. Despite his desire to stay with you and the kids, he couldn't say no to the Russo brothers, the biggest movie directors.

"We don't have time to search for a new babysister!!! Chris, I want you here with me these are your children as well!" You clearly expressed your displeasure with him by raising your voice.

"I didn't say they weren't," he exclaimed as he rose from the couch.

“I need someone to assist me around the house, i’m fucking pregnant and I’m working and your kids are difficult to manage on my own." You yelled at him, and you didn't care if your voice was too loud and woke up the kids.

"I'll call Mom to help you around the house."

Now you're both standing up and yelling at each other, oblivious to the pairs of eyes staring at you from the stairs.

"I don't want your fucking mother to help me!!" you came even closer to him.

“You’re being ridiculous right now!!”

"You said you'd help me!! Actually no, you're not helping me; you promised to be responsible for your kids as well; I can't do everything by myself, and I refuse to."

“Then don’t!” he screamed at you.

Before you could respond, a voice interpreted you “Mom, dad... what's going on? You guys woke us up"

You look at Marcus standing away from you, behind him a sleepy looking Marlyn, Alicia standing beside her sister holding her favourite blanket looking at her daddy.

You were angry and upset, and you knew that whatever came out of your mouth would be cruel as hell. You decided enough was enough tonight, and you glared at Chris, saying, "Enjoy your night on the couch."

He just sighed back, you took your kids up with you, comforting them and putting them to sleep, Marlyn decided to sleep with you, it's been her thing since she was a child to sleep with you whenever her father travels, you thought she'd grow out of it, but no, she's fifteen and still sleeps with you.

What you don't know is that Marcus has returned downstairs to his father. "I'm not saying this because mom is my favorite, but she's really tired," he explained.

"I know, I want to be here with her, but... god," Chris sighed.

“She’s doesn’t want you to be just here, she actually needs your help dad, Marlyn and I are trying to help as much as we can but there’s so little of what we can do, we have our practices and school work. The twins been a nightmare. And Mrs.smith is getting old and she can’t clean this mansion by herself and you know mom doesn’t have the heart to let her go”

He stopped for a bit before continuing “and don’t get me started on Alicia” he said with an eye roll which made Chris laugh.

“Dad, we actually needs you with us, we have been excited for you to take a break and be with us” he stood up “we love you dad and we miss you, good night” He hugged his dad and went upstairs to his room.

Chris lay comfortably on the couch, he didn’t think his kids felt he was never around, which was not what he wanted to happen ever. His own wife is getting tired and depressed. He felt like a jerk his own family felt neglected by him.

—

Chris woke up early the next morning to call his manager to see if they could postpone the filming for a few months, and if not, he didn't want to star in it due to family issues.

He is certain that if he truly meant to be in this film, they will go to any length to accommodate him, and if not, it is their loss, not his.

He showered and dressed, then woke the kids up, dressed them, and began preparing breakfast for them.

You were still sleeping, not even moving when he entered the room or even when he woke up Marlyn, clearly exhausted. You haven't gotten a good night's sleep since you got pregnant

You finally woke up later, looking at the clock beside you that read nine a.m., you jumped out of bed quickly and went outside, thinking no one had woken up your kids for school.

You were surprised to find Chris sitting on the couch watching television, and there was no sign for your children.

“Where’s the kids?” You asked.

“The driver took them to their school” he replied.

"Who made them breakfast?" You asked again, surprised that no one had woken you up and even more surprised that you hadn't woken up on your own.

"I did," he said as he stood up in front of you, "I talked to my agent."

“About?” You went to the kitchen, and he followed you, and you started drinking a cup of coffee.

"I asked them to postpone the movie," he said quietly for a moment, then continued, "look y/n I'm sorry, I really am, I didn't realize how much you had been worked up, and I promise I'll be here, I talked to my agent for a break, and I won't do anything other than be here for you and be responsible and do whatever falls on me”

You sighed and turned to face him, "I don't want to be the person who prevents you from pursuing your dream, but sometimes I need you here with me, Chris, we've got six kids and one on the way, we have to work as a team for this to work or else what the point?"

"I know, baby, I'm sorry; I promise I'll be here with you starting today," he said, giving you a sweet loving kiss to express his regret for putting you through all of this.

He broke the kiss minute "stay right here" he left the kitchen and returned with a large orange bag from the famous high brand you adore.

"To prove to you how sorry i’m," he hands you the bag. You smiled at him; whenever you get mad at him, he always gets you a gift to show how grateful and sorry he is.

You opened it to see the new Louis Vuitton bag in your favorite color, you remembered asking your daughter about it.

“Marlyn helped you?” You asked.

"The only thing she did was send me a picture of the bag and said, 'this is what she wants,' and that was pretty much it," you both laughed at your daughter.

"Thank you baby and I'm sorry I was mean to you last night," you said as you hugged him.

"Oh, it's all right. I know you'll make it up to me since the kids aren't here," he winked at you.

"Don't get your hopes up, honey," you said as you kissed him and carried the bag to your room, and he followed you to get what he wanted.

#chris evans #chris evans x woc!reader #chris evans x black women #chris evans x fluff #chris evans x plus size reader #chris evans x poc!reader #chris evans x wife!reader #chris evans x desi!reader #chris evans x you #chris evans imagine #dad! chris evans #dad!chris evans #to love au’s #to love au #to love #chris evans x mom!reader #mom!reader #chris evans x arab!reader #Chris evans x asian!reader

[defleppardfan1]

When Love and Hate Collide: Chapter 9

Series Masterlist

Y/N wanted to go to bed and she wasn’t really in the mood to talk to him after his little display in the dining hall. 

“I shouldn’t’ve said what I did downstairs.”

“No you shouldn’t’ve.” It was obvious to Y/N that he didn’t want to be there. “Look it’s okay, don’t worry about it. Goodnight Joe.”

Y/N tried to shut the door but was stopped by a foot in the way. Opening it up again, she sighed.

“It’s just, we have been touring for years now and we know how to get ourselves ready.” Joe didn’t know why he didn’t just let her go to bed.

“I know that Joe, but it’s just my job to make sure you all have everything you need. That’s all.”

“Yes well, in case you haven’t gathered already, I don’t really like being told what to do.”

Y/N could feel her patience running out. She assumed that he had come up to apologise but it sounded more like him telling her why he thought he was in the right. “Joe, why are you here? Really? I mean it’s obvious that you don’t want to be here.”

She didn’t know if it was the right thing to question him on, but she couldn’t help but feel annoyed. Ever since she had first met him she had been nothing but polite to him despite his apparent distaste towards her and all she got in return was a poor attempt at an apology which didn’t even contain the word sorry. 

Joe rolled his eyes at her. “You’re right I don’t want to be up here but Sav told me to apologise so here I am.”

“You’re so difficult Joe. What did I honestly do to you? I get that not everyone can get along but seriously?” 

Joe rolled his eyes at her words. “I’m not difficult, I just don’t want you on this tour. We’ve never had a tour assistant before and we don’t need one now.”

“Mal obviously disagrees. He hired me to help you all, to make his job easier. Whether you want me here or not is irrelevant, I am here to do a job and that’s the end of it.” Y/N scoffed and went to walk away again, trying to shut the door. 

Joe stopped it from shutting again and followed her into the room. Turning around, she realised that he was still there.

“We’re not done here Y/N.”

“I don’t understand you Joe! You told me that you would never let me get close yet now you are standing in my hotel room, after I walked away from you.”

Joe didn’t say anything after that. Mostly because he didn’t understand himself either. He didn’t know why he continued to talk to her. Y/N made her way towards the door. Just as she went past him he caught her wrist gently in his hand.

Looking up at him, she didn’t dare breathe. He was so close to her just staring into her eyes, she fluttered her eyes down to look at his lips and when she looked up he was doing the same. Before she knew it, Joe brushed his lips against hers, waiting to see if she would push him away.

When she didn’t, Joe put pressure into the kiss. It didn’t take long for him to swipe his tongue against her lips asking for entrance. To start with she denied it, smirking slightly into the kiss, but then Joe carefully bit her bottom lip causing her to gasp. He took the opportunity to slide his tongue into her mouth, dominating the kiss. 

Y/N slid her hand up to his hair, tugging on the soft strands causing him to moan. She knew he was talented with his voice, but that moan had to be the most beautiful thing she had ever heard, especially knowing that she was the cause of it. She repeated the action wanting to hear the noise again and he complied. 

They made their way back across the room, still tangled up in each other when Joe turned them around and sat on her bed with her on his lap. Y/N couldn’t believe what was happening. One minute the two of them were arguing and the next they were making out like there was no tomorrow. She kept one hand in his hair and slipped the other to grab at his waist, steadying herself. 

She felt dizzy with the lack of oxygen but couldn’t muster the strength to pull away from him. She didn’t know how long she was sitting there on his lap, but she knew that she never wanted it to end. Eventually though Joe slowly pulled away, resting his forehead on hers. Neither of them opened their eyes as they caught their breath again. Joe leaned his head forward and pecked her now swollen lips gently before completely pulling away looking at her. 

“Wow” Y/N whispered. She had never had a kiss that passionate before. She looked into Joe’s eyes as sadness seemed to fill them. She pulled away slightly to get a better look at his face. As she did so, Joe tapped the side of her leg as a signal for her to get up. She took the hint and stood up, Joe did the same and avoided eye contact with her.

“I shouldn’t have done that.” Joe mumbled, it was barely audible but Y/N heard every word clearly. 

“What?”

“I shouldn’t have kissed you. I need to leave.” Joe made his way back towards the door.

“Wait, Joe.” Y/N followed him and reached for his wrist, like he had done to her. “Where are you going? You can’t just kiss me like that and leave!”

“Look, what do you want me to say? It’s better this way alright.” Joe slowly pulled his wrist out of Y/N’s grasp and left her room before she could say another word. Leaving her embarrassed and confused.

*

The next morning, Y/N came down for breakfast. To start with she debated skipping it altogether, but people would suspect something was up if she didn’t show. She assumed by the way Joe ran out last night that he didn’t want anyone to know and she was still embarrassed. 

Entering the dining hall, Y/N noticed that Joe was missing, letting out a small sigh of relief. Plastering on a smile, she greeted the four Leppards that were sitting at the table. Even though she thought she was doing a good job at hiding it, Sav could see that there was something wrong. Making a note to himself to mention it later, he decided to leave it for now.

After breakfast, they all made their way to the venue for soundcheck, Y/N followed Malvin around again, checking in on the guys every so often in case they needed anything. When Joe had joined them, he hadn’t even spared her a glance. 

Soon enough, everything was ready for the show, Y/N made her way back to the dressing room where the band was, knocking before she went in. When the door opened for her, Sav quickly pulled her out into the corridor again. She assumed that someone was getting dressed in there but Sav quickly let her know that wasn’t the reason he pulled her outside.

“What’s going on?” He asked her, a caring tone in his voice.

“What do you mean Sav?” She asked him. Genuinely baffled as to what he meant.

“Well, you’ve been quiet all day and you look like you’ve barely slept.”

“I’m fine.” She lied to him.

“Please don’t lie to me Y/N/N.”

Y/N sighed. She was torn, how could she tell Joe’s best friend what happened. Knowing that Sav wasn’t going to drop it, she decided to just tell him half the truth, leaving out the kiss.

“Me and Joe just got into a bit of a disagreement last night.”

“I thought he went up to apologise?” Sav was confused.

“He did but I never got an apology from him and it escalated to an argument instead. He really isn’t happy with me being on tour with you all. He doesn’t want or need an assistant apparently.”

“He doesn’t mean that.” Sav told her.

“It sounded like he did last night,”

“Joe’s just going through a hard time at the minute. I don’t want to make excuses for how he has treated you and I shouldn’t be the one to say this but…” Sav paused and looked around him before continuing in a quieter voice. “Joe has just gone through a very nasty divorce. He’s sworn himself off of all women in every aspect. It’s nothing to do with you personally, just be patient with him.”

Y/N knew that he had gone through a divorce recently, from what Bonnie had told her, but knowing now that he had decided not to trust any woman made her feel a little better. She could only hope that was why he ran out of her hotel room last night. 

Nodding at Sav, Y/N gave him a small smile before gesturing that they go back into the dressing room. Sav went in first and Y/N took a deep breath, following him in. The first person she saw as she walked in was Joe, who was staring right at her.

#def leppard #joe elliott #joe elliott x reader #when love and hate collide fic #when love and hate collide chapter 9 #ellen's fic

[legolasbadass]

Office Hours, Part 19

Summary: Lorelei Browning has just secured a job as an assistant professor at Exeter College in Oxford. Naturally, she is eager to prove herself and meet every challenge sent her way, but what she does not expect is the tall, handsome stranger who will quickly become much more than a colleague…

Relationship: Richard Armitage x OC (Professor AU)

Word Count: 3.5k

Rating: E 

Read on AO3

The heels of my boots clank against the ancient wooden floor as I rush through the hallway on my way back to my office after class. It’s always difficult to get back into the rhythm of university after a few weeks of rest, and only two seminars into the semester, I already long for the next break. With an internal sigh, I shake my head; I don’t want to sound so ungrateful—even if only to myself—for this opportunity which I dreamt of my whole life. But I am tired, and I know that is partly due to the morning’s stress, which, thankfully, left my body after the kisses Richard and I shared in the Fellow’s Garden earlier. 

It’s raining now, large, unrelenting drops pelting against the windows like the incessant clicking of keyboards in a library during exam season. A pale, grey light fills my office as I step inside and drop my heavy books and notes onto my desk, but the atmosphere is quickly brightened by Natasha’s cheery voice as she greets me with a kind smile.

“Hey there!” 

“Oh, hey, Natasha! How are you—and how was your break?”

“Not bad, not bad,” she says, nodding repeatedly. “Lots of eating and sleeping and procrastinating. You?”

“Not bad either. Oh, I finished my book—approved by reviewers and off to the printer!”

“Well, now you’re just making me feel bad about myself,” Natasha replies jokingly, causing me to chuckle. “That's amazing, Lorelei, congratulations! I’m really looking forward to reading it.”

“Thank you!” I say, immensely grateful to have the support of a colleague I look up to so much. 

We sit side by side on the table in the middle of my office—which I cleared of most books and notes that had been scattered over it since December—and get to work on the preparations for our conference. We still need to select the final speakers and take care of some organizational details, but only an hour later, I can tell that neither of us is in the right frame of mind for this today. 

“How can it be the first day of the term and we’re already exhausted and overwhelmed?” I muse as I rub my temples. 

“Well, that’s a constant for me,” Natasha chuckles. “But don’t worry, it gets better. Your first few years are unbelievably hectic because you’re attending as many conferences as you can and writing as many papers and books as is humanly possible, but you can allow yourself to slow down with time. Trust me.” 

“Thanks—I needed that,” I say with a sigh of relief. 

“And when things get a little too crazy, I just remind myself that at least I’m not preparing for the All Souls entry exam.” 

“Oh, God, yeah,” I reply, shuddering at the mere thought of that dreadful exam, which is widely accepted to be the most difficult in the world. 

“Plus, it’s hard work, yes, but it’s not all bad….” Natasha says, leaning forward ever so slightly. 

“True! I wouldn’t want to give up this job for anything!”

Natasha nods, still eyeing me intently, and I frown, wondering what’s on her mind. I don’t have to speculate over that very long, however, for she suddenly drops all the papers that were in her hands and says, “Okay, I’m sorry! I wasn’t going to say anything but I’m dying here! Are the rumours true?” 

“Yes, it’s true! The vegetarian sausage roll is back at the cafe downstairs!” I answer playfully.

Natasha chuckles and shakes her head. “I meant you and Richard, silly!” 

“Oh, that rumour,” I reply, then smile brightly, unable to stop myself. “Yes, it’s true.” 

“Yes!” she exclaims, and her smile widens. “Oh my god, I’m so happy for you two!”

I smile along with her, but a flicker in her eyes confirms my suspicions. “You already knew, didn’t you?”

“I did….” she replies sheepishly, biting her lips. “I’ve known since Richard went to that conference in Bath—well, you know the one, you were there.” 

“Why didn’t you say anything?” I ask, thinking back to that rainy December day when everything went wrong between Richard and me. 

“Well, I knew you hadn’t told anyone, so I figured you didn’t want anyone to know, for whatever reason. It wasn’t my place to say anything.” 

“Thank you for that,” I say with a smile. 

Smiling in return, she nods. “So, how are things between you? If you don’t mind me asking,” she hastens to add, though I can tell how much she longs to know. 

“Everything is good—perfect, actually,” I reply, and I don’t notice how much I’m smiling until she points it out to me. 

“Your eyes light up when you talk about him,” she says, and my cheeks burn all the more. “I noticed that last semester, but I told myself I must be imagining things.” 

A sudden knock on the door interrupts our conversation, and I turn around to find Richard standing in the doorway, a pile of worn paperbacks tucked in the crook of his arm as he offers me a lopsided grin. 

“Ah, speaking of Prince Charming!” Natasha says teasingly, causing me to giggle and Richard to raise his eyebrows. 

“I’m a bit old to be prince charming, I think,” Richard says, scratching the back of his head with his free hand. I frown, feeling saddened by his insecurity, but I don’t say anything in Natasha’s presence. 

Natasha makes another joke to lighten the mood, then picks up her things and wishes us a good afternoon before leaving for her next class. Once we’re alone, Richard locks the door, then drops his books onto my desk and pulls me close, allowing me to slip my hands into his blazer and wrap my arms around his waist. The lines on the corners of his blue eyes appear soft in the pale grey light as I gaze up at him. 

“Hey—you’re not too old to be my prince charming,” I say with a small chuckle despite how cheesy I know these words sound. 

Richard smiles, but a frown still marks his forehead, and his eyes seem distant. I’m about to ask him what’s bothering him when he explains himself. “I overheard other professors talking and they said they were surprised to hear we were together because—well because they think I’m too old for you.” 

Sighing in annoyance, I unconsciously tighten my hold on him. “Fuck them,” I say without hesitation. “It’s none of their business—and you’re not too old for me. I love you, Richard—I’ve never loved anyone as much as I love you. Your age won’t ever change that.” 

“I know, and I’m sorry; I shouldn’t worry about that, but hearing them say it like that … I don’t know. You might not think I’m too old for you now, but what happens when I’m 70 and you’re only 51?” 

“I’ll be really happy and love you even more because that would mean we’ve been together 22 years!” I reply earnestly with a smile, my heart fluttering at the thought of spending my whole life with him. 

Richard’s eyes soften, and he pulls me even closer to him, his forehead coming to rest against my own. “You really mean that?” 

“Of course I mean it!” I speak softly, raising one hand to caress his beard with my thumb. “And you know, I’d pick you over guys my age any day. Now, I haven’t been with that many guys, but in my experience, you are so much more kind, thoughtful, and tender than any of them … and you’re a lot sexier, too,” I add playfully, hoping to make him smile. 

“Sexier?” he replies with a raise of his eyebrow as though doubting my word. 

“Oh, like you don’t know!” 

“Am I sexy enough to make you want to have sex in your office?” 

I bury my face in his shoulder and shake my head as I laugh. “You’re impossible!” I say and step out of his embrace despite the heat crawling up my neck. 

“And you’re a cruel woman,” he says, bringing a smile to my lips. “Do you want me to beg?” 

“I like you begging,” I reply teasingly as I grab the books on my desk to place them back on the bookshelves, and I recognize the unmistakable heat in his eyes as he gazes at my curves and swallows hard. “But we’re supposed to be professional, remember?” 

“We were unprofessional in here before and no one ever found out,” Richard points out in that deep, rumbling voice that turns my insides to jelly. I feel the warmth emanating from him as he moves to stand right behind me, the hem of his blazer brushing against the thin fabric of my blouse. Then he wraps one arm around my waist to pull me toward him, my bum flush against his upper thighs, while he lets his lips hover over my earlobe, causing me to shiver. 

“What is it about my office that makes you so horny?” I question with a breathless giggle as I place the last book back on its shelf. I try to turn around to face him then, but he tightens his hold on me, and the control he has over me in this position makes me shiver. 

“It has nothing to do with your office and everything to do with you and that sexy blouse you’re wearing,” he replies as he tosses my hair to the side to expose my bare neck, which I offer to his lips with a tilt of my head, but then he says, “But I guess you’re right—we don’t even have a condom, anyway.” 

I can only bite my lips in response, and heat crawls up my cheeks. Richard raises his eyebrows. “In the first side pocket in my bag,” I confess shyly.

“I’m very grateful but … why on earth did you bring condoms to work?” he asks with a chuckle as he kisses my cheek before reaching out to my bag, which, thankfully, is within reach. 

“Well … with our history, I thought it might come in handy.” 

“My, my, Professor Browning—you really are a naughty girl,” Richard says playfully. “A very prepared naughty girl.” 

 I let my head fall back and playfully slap his arm as I giggle, but any retort I might have come up with turns into a soft whimper as he starts to nibble the sensitive spot below my ear, then caresses it with the tip of his tongue. Ever since we got back together, there’s been an insatiable hunger between us, and now, after only a few salacious words whispered in my ear and his hands digging into my hips, I’m already a puddle in his arms, and we both know that, despite all my best intentions, he will soon win this familiar game. 

Ever so slowly, Richard lets one of his hands slide down my stomach before sneaking under my blouse to caress my bare skin, which erupts into goosebumps under his skilled hands. Then, while he continues to lavish kisses upon my neck, he carefully unbuttons my trousers, then slips his hand inside, his fingers brushing against the laced hem of my knickers.

“Richard … we shouldn’t …”

He leaves another wet kiss on the sensitive spot below my ear before pulling away, and I turn my head to the side just enough to meet his eyes. “We shouldn’t or you want me to stop?” 

Damn him. 

“We shouldn’t,” I repeat in a breathless voice that betrays the depth of my arousal. 

“I bet the fact that we shouldn’t do this makes you want it even more, doesn’t it?” As though to prove his point, heat floods my core at his words, and a desperate sigh tumbles from my lips. He continues to tease me by toying with the hem of my knickers for a moment before slipping his hand under the fabric, and when his fingers glide along my slick folds, he smirks in triumph. “That’s my girl.” 

A low moan escapes my lips before I can hold it back, and the next thing I know, Richard’s large hand covers my mouth, silencing me just as he circles my clit with his index finger, drawing another moan from me. Knowing there’s no point in denying him or my needs anymore, I roll my hips against his hand, desperate for more of the pleasure he sends swirling through me. All the titles and names etched into the books lined up on the shelves before me become blurred as Richard thrusts into me, the length of his hard body flush against mine, allowing me to feel his growing hardness pressing into my lower back, and I tightly grip one of the shelves to steady myself. 

My whole body hums under his touch, and it takes everything in me not to let my moans echo against the stone walls when I manage to pull myself free from the hand on my mouth to beg for more. “Please, Richard—I want to see you and kiss you….”

He presses an affectionate kiss on my cheek before withdrawing his fingers, covered in my arousal, and spinning me around, finally allowing me to see him, and the depth of his arousal—visible in his hooded eyes, parted lips, and heaving chest—makes the muscles in my core clench with need. Yet, despite the passionate intensity of the moment, we share a tender smile when I look up to meet his gaze, and his lust-darkened eyes soften, reflecting the depth of the love fluttering in my heart. I recall the last time we were here, in this position, on that rainy October afternoon, when he confessed his feelings for me. Everything was so uncertain between us back then, and I didn’t even understand my own feelings for him. Now, however, love fills each kiss, each caress, and I know that for both of us, this is so much more than a stolen, lustful moment in my office. 

Still gazing deeply into his eyes, I peel his blazer off his broad shoulders, letting it fall at our feet before allowing him to pull my trousers down my legs. Then he lifts me into his strong arms and pins me against the bookshelves, leaving me deliciously trapped in his embrace. Using his body, he demandingly spreads my thighs apart and urges me to wrap my legs around his waist, and my whimper mingles with his muffled groan when his shaft comes to rest against the most sensitive part of my body. The rest of our sounds of passion are silenced by our heated, open-mouthed kisses.  Drowning in his taste and the rough feeling of his beard against my burning cheeks, I let my hands slide down his chest and slip under his shirt to caress the bare skin just above his trousers, causing him to groan in a way that sends my every thought astray. 

Eager to feel his naked chest under my hands, I hasten to unbutton his shirt, and once all the buttons are undone, I wrap one arm around his neck and bury my fingers in his unruly curls while my other hand caresses his chest, lingering on his nipples and the patch of curls between his pectorals before slipping down toward his belt. I wince at the loud thud of his belt hitting the floor, but the stone walls are thick enough to muffle this kind of sound, and in any case, Richard’s groans in my ears make it impossible for me to even think about stopping now. 

When Richard finally enters me, he praises me in a heated whisper as I bury my head in the crook of his neck to muffle my whimpers. He allows me to adjust to his size, one hand wrapped around my waist to hold me tight against him while his other hand caresses my bare thigh, the tenderness of the touch causing me to shiver and clench around him. Richard groans in my ear, and without any hesitation, he begins to move. Instantly, he finds the perfect angle, and as he thrusts into me, he moves his hips in a circular motion so that with every thrust, he brushes against that sensitive spot on my inner walls, and my head spins with the nearly overwhelming pleasure coursing through my veins. I follow his rhythm as much as I can in this position, abandoning myself to the burning passion flowing between us, responding to his physical declaration of love with equal care and eagerness. Richard devours my lips sloppily to silence the moans he knows I cannot hold back, but when my climax washes over me, I whimper his name in his ear, and that’s when he hardens further inside me and follows me over the edge with a muffled moan. 

For a long while, our laboured breathing and the pitter-patter of the rain against the window are the only sounds in my office. Then, slowly, Richard lifts his head to meet my gaze, and we both giggle as we share a series of tender kisses. 

“I quite like breaking rules with you, Professor Browning,” he says cheekily, his nose brushing against my own. 

“The feeling is mutual, Professor Armitage,” I reply in an equally teasing tone. “But—” 

“I know, we shouldn’t be doing this,” he finishes my thought, and I bite my lips. “And I promise; I will behave in the future.” 

“You’ll behave?” I chuckle in disbelief. “I’d like to see that!” 

In response, Richard playfully spanks my bum, and I have to bite my lips to stop myself from moaning. “Careful, or I’ll have to punish you.” 

The low rumble of his voice makes me clench around him, and he groans against my lips. “Is that a promise?” I say softly and lick my lips, knowing he cannot resist that look. 

After a few more kisses, Richard pulls out and carefully sets me back on my feet. My legs shake, and I have to steady myself by leaning against my desk, causing Richard to smirk. We help each other get dressed, and once I’m tying my boots back on, I look up at Richard as he fixes the collar of his blazer. Apart from his unruly hair and the soft, satiated smile hiding under his beard, no evidence of our stolen moment can be seen in his appearance—unlike me, with my wrinkled blouse and reddened cheeks. But I don’t let my haggard appearance distract me; for a few days now, I’ve been considering something, and now seems like the perfect moment to bring it up to Richard. 

“Are you okay?” he asks as he leans against my desk and reaches out to hold my hand. “You seem distracted.”

“I think I want to go on the pill.” 

“Oh,” Richard says in surprise. “If that’s what you want, why not?” 

“It would make things easier,” I point out, and he chuckles. 

“Well, yes, it definitely would, but there’s other options we can consider. I know the pill has a lot of nasty side effects, and I certainly don’t want you to suffer just to make our sex life more convenient.” 

His words stir a wave of affection in my heart, and not knowing how to express how much his consideration means to me, I wrap my arms around his neck and hug him. He wraps both arms around my waist, squeezing me tight as he presses a soft kiss atop my head. 

“Thank you,” I manage to say after a short while. “But I don’t mind going on the pill. I really don’t. I was on it years ago and it was fine.” 

“Oh, I assumed you weren’t on the pill because you didn’t want to or because it wasn’t the right solution for you,” he says while rubbing my back. 

“No, I wasn’t on the pill anymore because I was single for so long my virginity was growing back,” I joke, and the low rumbling of Richard’s laughter brings a smile to my lips. 

“You don’t have to make a decision now,” he goes on after a while, “but if going on the pill is what you really want, then I will support your decision. Not that it’s any of my business what you do with your own body, though, obviously,” he adds, and I smile. I know he doesn’t say that because he knows it’s the right thing to say but because he genuinely believes that, and I love him even more for it. “You don’t have another class, do you?”

“No, I’m done for the day.”

“So how about I drive you home so you can change and then we can go out for a bite?” 

“That sounds perfect,” I reply, and we share another tender kiss before I grab my coat and bag, and we step out of my office, though not without making sure that the hallway is clear first. A few minutes later, we walk across the misty courtyard, huddled under my umbrella, as a few rays of sun pierce through the clouds and cast their golden rays over the sandstone walls of the college.  

Taglist: @lathalea @linasofia @mcchiberry @fizzyxcustard @bitter-sweet-farmgirl @i-did-not-mean-to @xxbyimm @middleearthpixie @enchantzz @myselfandfantasy @notlostgnome @laurfilijames @swoopswishsward @quiall321 @dianakc 

Let me know if you’d like to be added/removed from my tag list or tagged in future chapters! 💙

#richard armitage #richard armitage fanfic #richard armitage x oc #richard armitage x reader #richard armitage x you #professor au #office hours

[ghost-wolf34]

The Beast and The Wolf.

Chapter four. Nick meets a new ally.

Monroe was thinking about who he could call that would know what to do and the only person he could think of was Nick, but he didn't know if Nick would be able to help or not. He sighed and shook his head, before looking at his phone when he saw a text from nick and hearing a knock at the front door. 

"Nice warning." He said, he looked at Shadow when he heard her growling. "Hey, no. It's just Nick and your are not going anywhere, okay? You are going to stay right here, until I get back." Monroe told her as he backed out of the room, before closing the door and locking it so she couldn't get out as he went downstairs to the front door. 

Monroe opened the door and let Nick inside, before quickly closing it and looking at Nick who was looking at him a bit confused. "Are you okay? You seem a little tense." Nick told him, as he then heard something making noise upstairs. "What was that?" Nick asked Monroe as he looked at him, which made Monroe sigh and look back at him. "My sister, I locked her in her room. It's a little difficult to explain, but she's not exactly in the best of moods right now or in the right mind set."

"What's wrong with her? Isn't she like you?" Nick asked Monroe, as the noises got louder and louder but it sounded like a dog of a sort. "Not exactly, but she does have some issues going on and I'm not sure how to help her. Other then try to get her to calm down, but I can't do that unless I have some help. Because she isn't exactly the easiest to handle when she's like this, so I figured maybe you could help me calm her down." Monroe told Nick. 

"Uh....okay, how do you expect me to help you calm down your sister if I don't know what's going on with her. "Nick told Monroe, he honestly had no idea what Monroe wanted or needed him to do but he was also confused as to what was going on with her. Monroe sighed and lead him up the stairs to where the guest bedroom was, where growling, clawing and shredding stuff could be heard. 

"Just try not to say or do anything that might tick her off and avoid pulling out your gun, she will attack you if she sees you pull it out. You might wanna take a few steps back, you know in case she tries anything as soon as I open the door." Monroe told Nick, as he got ready to unlock the door. "Then we better hope I don't need to." Nick said as he took a few steps back, mean while on the other side Shadow had her ears pinned slightly back as she growled at the door lowly waiting for Monroe to open it. 

After Monroe did open the door Shadow looked at both him and Nick growling, til she saw Monroe woge which made her backup a little as he woged back to normal . "Easy Shadow it's still me, I'm not gonna hurt you neither is Nick here alright? He's here to help you, I know your scared and pain but we can't help you if you don't shift back or let me try to find the person you imprinted on." Monroe told her gently, he knew she had feelings for the assistant at the spice shop but he didn't know if he would care for Shadow as she did for him. 

Nick was confused as to what Monroe meant by that, but for the moment he kept his mouth shut and let the two of them have a brother sister moment. Shadow looked away from them as her face relaxed a little bit, before she looked back at them and gave a light nod of her head, as she then thought of the person she imprinted on and focused on him as she started to relax to the point she was starting to change back. 

Nick watched as Monroe covered up Shadow with a blanket as she changed back, before Monroe lead them both out of the room so she could get dressed and such. "We should probably go downstairs and talk about why your actually here, since she's gonna shift back and get dressed." Monroe said. 

"Yeah, but if you were able to get her to calm down why did you need my help?" Nick asked him, as they both walked down the stairs to the kitchen where Monroe had dinner ready for Shadow. "Because I needed your help with something else, I need your help with finding someone not for me but for her. He might be the only one who can help her." Monroe said as he sat down at the table, after pouring him and Nick some wine. 

"Who is he?" Nick asked Monroe. Monroe looked at Nick as he waited for his sister to come down to eat. "Someone you Grimm's don't like, he's the assistant at the spice shop. He was there working, when I went to go inside and get the thing you asked for. Even though you never got to meet him because he was always working in the back of the shop, don't ask me how I know that because my sister knows a lot more about then I do." Monroe told Nick. 

Nick was thinking about what Monroe was saying, he wondered if the car that drove off was the assistants car but if it was he was a suspect in a murder investigation. "I'll have to ask her about that, but the spice shop owner was killed." Nick said, which made Monroe look at him with a shocked expression. 

"Wow okay that's a shocker, I will be right back." Monroe said as he went to grab a can of soda for Shadow. "Uh, nothing in the spice shop was illegal." Nick said as he looked the file over, Monroe sat the can down for his sister before sitting back down. "It's really a shame. He was a nice guy." 

"Is there anything in these reports that someone would kill for?" Nick asked Monroe as he gave him the report. "I'm sure there is. But I don't know what any of these words mean. Beramethyl silacybanate? Hornisolic fullmanoxin? I mean, what the heck is this stuff?" Monroe asked Nick as he sat the report down. "I have no idea. Could you tell by looking at it?" Nick asked him, wondering if he could help him figure it out. 

"Maybe, wait was he the only one you found dead?" Monroe asked Nick, he was hoping the assistant wasn't involved in this somehow. "He was, but one of the cops who got there heard someone run out the back along with seeing a car driving off. We tracked the license plate and it belongs to the assistant, we think he was involved." Nick told Monroe. 

Monroe shook his head not liking this, he knew Shadow definitely wouldn't react well to any of this if she heard it. "If that's the case then you might not want my sister to know he's involved, or she'll end up shifting again but I wouldn't be able to calm her down like before." Monroe said with a sigh. "Just don't let her know any of this til you know whether or not he had something to do with this, I don't want her to flip out hurt someone on accident over her imprint getting in trouble." 

Nick was a bit confused. "Imprint?" He said confused, before looking up when he saw Shadow come down stairs back in her human form all dressed.

"Imprint is another word for liking someone, but for someone like me It's means that there is only one person that you have your eyes on and want to be with. I heard most of your conversation, he wouldn't do anything like what your implying." Shadow told them both, as she sat down to eat her food while the guys looked at each other not sure what to say now. "We should probably head to the spice shop, we will talk more about this later." Nick said, before leaving with Monroe to the spice shop.

#Monroe #Rosalie Calvert #robert pattinson #neil schade #grimm #Shadow Monroe’s sister #nick burkhardt #The beast and the wolf

[princesswithabraidedcrown]

While part of me is kinda amused that the housekeeper crossed out taking their trash to the dumpster from their contract...the other part of me is boiling with rage about how nobody besides the PM shift, of which I belong, takes trash to the dumpsters. Yes, some AM workers will empty the trash on the weekends, because that has been procedure since the beginning of the building, but would it kill them to notice that three giant trash barrels were at least 3/4 of the way full?

#the blogger is a home health aide #work problems #yeah part of me is amused by the housekeeper #the other part of me wants to throttle them #it doesn’t help that due to families realizing that they can take care of their mildly incapacitated elders at home #all of our newer residents have more severe health concerns #and some mad genius plunked two tub baths on the same shift for people that have difficulty moving quickly #plus the new resident needs a two person transfer...right when I was supposed to be giving a bath #and then the brain trusts that are the powers that be moved a resident down to memory care #without thinking to grab all the safety equipment #so this resident that was a grumbling one assist upstairs had to be a s #slightly difficult two assist downstairs #when the only staff on the unit was a new hire that um could be politely called a ditz #and a longer hire that also could be described as a ditz #i got to play the role of grizzled elder that will gladly show the younguns how to do so #something but I was not messing around #yes I will happily go check on the resident whose call button has been going off for like half an hour #and I will manage to metaphorically argue with the transfer situation #so that the resident stands up safely but I will be calling and letting the nurse know what an absolute crapshow this room movement is #somebody should have let the room pickers know that because of the resident’s arm weakness #they really should use a different room if you want to not break your back toileting the resident #or possibly the aides need to be better at communicating these things to the nurses #cause my working knowledge of the residents is much more workable than what is in the chart #but the last hour or 45 minutes of the shift was a mild disaster

[mahbonesmccoy]

The Baron's Painter

Chapter 5

Series masterlist

Summary: Zemo tried to slither his way into your heart further and to ignite your hidden desires...

Warnings: does sensual dancing counts? Also, Possessive!Zemo And Soft!Dark!Zemo.

Wordcount: 2.6k

tags: @fleckeshummel @linkpk88 @luvmeijii @justfangirlthingies @thetempleofthemasaigoddess @reallystressedhoneybee

It’s been a long time since you have worn a formal dress, let alone going to the see the opera. You’re far too busy exploring and painting, trying to make the best out of your life. Wanda is helping you out with the dress, making sure the corset is tight enough. Looking at yourself, you remembered the dreadful balls that you have to attend with your parents for the sake of exposure and marrying you off to a random rich bloke. Quickly, you shake that thought away and focuses on the fact that you’ll be spending the night with the Baron.

You’re not a little girl… get a grip of yourself. This is nothing more but a social engagement.

Wanda asked if she could do your hair but you simply refused, just wanting to have the normal updo hairstyle and it's enough to hold your hair tight , and you really didn’t want to bother her that much. Nevertheless, Wanda stayed by your side as you fixed your hair by yourself while talking about Sokovia’s culture, and their language that is quite similar to Serbian. Not wanting to delay you further, Wanda helped you with the shoes and then helped you out of the room.

“The Baron is already waiting outside; I do hope you enjoy your night at the heart of Sokovia.”

“I bet I will, Wanda. Thank you.”

You make your way downstairs, cautiously walking on the stairwell to prevent stumbling and humiliating yourself. The Baron was unaware of your presence since he was preoccupied talking with Mr. Grey, but Mr. Grey cleared his throat, alerting Zemo to your presence. Turning around to face you, as cliché as it is, he was sort of out of breath upon seeing you. He then offers his arm to assist you to which you gladly accepted.

“You look lovely, Lady (Y/N).”

Your grip on his arm stiffened and that did not go unnoticed by the Baron. It’s not that you feel uncomfortable, but you feel rather awkward and could not take compliments well this time, but you are appreciative, nonetheless.

“Thank you, Baron. You’re not so bad yourself.”

In response, the Baron just grinned and escorted you to the carriage. You've been out before and have seen the sights of Sokovia, but you can't help but admire Novi Grad's beautiful architecture. A new landscape to paint or sketch in your sketchbook. This time, it's the Baron's turn to steal glances at you while you're absorbed in your surroundings. It's no surprise that some guys longed after your hand in the past. Men often believe they can tame the likes of you, but despite their promises to offer you the whole world, you are a difficult person to persuade. Promises aren't always fulfilled. He respected your tenacity, which made you even more... delectable.

Finally, the two of you made it to the opera house. Inside, a group of wealthy men and ladies are greeting each other, shaking hands and kissing one other on the cheeks. You don't feel at ease, not because of your assumed social standing since you have given up your Ladyship in House (Y/L/N), but because you don't know anyone save the Baron. Of course, everyone knew him and greeted him with high regard. Noticing your uneasiness, he lays an arm around your waist and introduced you to anyone who comes near him to greet, and they greeted you with the same manner as well. You were supposed to feel relief but the Baron’s arm around your waist begged to differ, making you feel rather hot and slightly red but you managed to pull it off with a confident smile. Afterwards, he takes you to the respective opera box and finally free from the eyes of everyone. You settle yourself, sitting down comfortably beside the Baron.

“Are you okay?”

Zemo asked, noticing you took a long exhale as you two went inside.

“Yes. I was rather overwhelmed with the attention we're getting out there. I’m not a fan of meeting and greeting people. But I am clearly fine, please do not worry.” You then give him a small yet confident smile to give him assurance.

But of course, you'd be slightly apprehensive given your lifestyle. Even in your London days, when you had to constantly accompany the viscount's daughter after painting her portrait as she flirted with various men. Some even wanted to dance with you.

One gentleman entered the opera box, giving you the impression that this is the man who invited Zemo in here. He introduced you to him, offering your hand to the man in return for a handshake.

“Lovely night, lady (Y/N). I am Tony Stark.”

Ah, the American businessman. The Two started a conversation, lowering their voice a little.

Your anxiety disappeared when the event finally started. The booming and pleasant sound of the drum from the orchestra reminded you of your younger days where your father used to bring you to the opera house often, making you feel slightly homesick and just wanted to give your old father a long embrace.

This social engagement isn’t entirely all about gathering but also about business. That, you knew. Words spread rather fast these days and that’s how you knew Tony Stark. Through papers and gossips. Your heart filled with joy as your ears filled with delicious melody from the solo, raising up the hairs on your back. Zemo, on the other hand, is rather focused on observing you discreetly. There… the sparkle on your eyes that he adored so much. When the whole act got rather emotional, you unconsciously hold his hand, and he relishes the moment of intertwining his hand on yours. Your soft hand against his calloused ones… Your eyes slightly filled with tears.

“Women are rather emotional…”

Said Stark beside him, making him slightly annoyed for ruining his immersion in the moment as he holds your hand.

“You’d be surprised by Lady (Y/N).” Zemo replied softly. “But aren’t we all emotional?”

By the end of the performance, the Baron is required to attend a ball hosted by the mayor. The mayor wanted to publicly announce and celebrate his daughter's engagement. To Helmut, this is the perfect time to slightly poke you out of your shell and test the waters. Grand Balls are usually where the rich goes who are in need, or want, of husbands and wives so he better get close to you as often as he could. Tony Stark did not want to stay long since he had a small talk with the baron already and did not see any reason to stay nor attend a ball. He doesn’t want to be in the papers this time.

You are quite a talker after the opera and you’ve enjoyed the whole show, talking about the small and emotional details to the Baron. Of course, what did he expect? You’re a woman who obsesses with art. Be it a theatre act, music, and painting. That, he finds it rather endearing. Upon arriving at the venue where the Ball will be held, you are not entirely surprised how crowded the whole venue is.

“You remembered you first time dancing in a ball?”

Helmut asked, teasing you a little bit.

“Yes, and I don’t miss it at all…That was a living nightmare. Thankfully, my parents aren’t here to watch over me and offer me to any wealthy bloke who badly wants a wife.”

“You stay by my side all the time then.”

Thankfully, the Baron disembarked the carriage before he could notice that bothersome tinge of pink on your cheek, as you describe it most of the time, but you were able to restore your composure before he turned to offer his arm. Upon entering the venue, it felt like you went back straight to Germany. It just brought back many memories. Your train of thoughts is suddenly interrupted when people started to greet him with the same energy you feel at the Opera. You have seen some similar faces and new ones as well. Not wanting to embarrass the Baron with your maverick characteristics, you greeted them all with the same wide smile and shake hands. But the good thing in this occasion is nobody knows you at all.

The Baron had drawn you back to the present when he did the same thing at the opera, laying an arm around you as he guides you further into the crowd.

“We won’t be long but there will be a dance. I would hate to miss it. Would you like to dance with me?”

He murmured, meaning for the talk to be heard only by you. Because you've been so close to him for the previous 10 minutes and now, he's talking in your ear, it felt really intimate. This is going to be rather an unforgettable evening.

“I don’t mind a dance, Baron. But don’t forget we are here for the food as well.”

He chuckles at your response, squeezing your hip a little bit as he brings you closer to his side.

“I can imagine a sixteen-year-old (Y/N) eating and hiding from men during ball events.”

You were taken aback by his presumption that you were like that... which is correct. And you didn’t entirely take offense from that.

“I have to assume as well that you have done the same thing in your younger days as well, Baron.”

Everyone seemed to assume now that the Baron has finally found someone again, rekindling with the feeling of love but they did not dare ask the man himself and thought it best to leave the two of you alone.

While the two of you have your banter, you notice a familiar presence around the room and it suddenly feels suffocating. Zemo, of course, notice the change of your mood and slowly follows where your eyes are looking.

“Who am I looking at, Schatzi?”

“Remember the man who wanted my hand when I was sixteen and had an incestuous relationship with his sister? That’s him. Edward Thompson… I think he didn’t know I’m here yet.”

It was obvious to him that you were quite concerned. He could tell the man wasn't from Sokovia by his appearance. But if he ever creates a scene, it will be a huge embarrassment for him.

“You are untouchable if you are always with me. Why don’t we dance first before returning home? I bet you don’t want to stay for the food anymore, yes?”

“Quite right.”

Being the gentlemen he is, he guided you to the dancefloor with grace and you both position yourselves for the dance. Quite some time, he would look at the man just to check if he was looking. It seems like he hadn’t noticed your presence yet. You, on the other hand, have been struggling to not make this dance awkward and you remained poised as possible as the baron sways you slowly like how your mother had told you regarding dance etiquette. You relish the moment to look at his neck, his Aberdeen collar, that button on his white crisp shirt that has a lovely design, and then his beard. The things you could do with that beard. Of course, Zemo knows you’re checking on him upclose. Not quite subtle of you.

Oh how long are you going to just do that, Liebling…

When the melody's time signature increased, Zemo took advantage of the chance to pull you much closer and began to circle you with elegance. When he does, you quietly gasp and place your other hand on his chest. He slumped his shoulders slightly and pressed his forehead onto yours... The tension between the two of you is undeniable. Might as well enjoy this moment before it’s over.

He had envisioned this moment, but it had never been as wonderful as this... Your gentle hand on his shoulder, your other on his chest, and him leaning his head against yours. Zemo slightly lifts his gaze towards the direction of the man, and he had finally caught his attention… He smirks at him, leaning much closer to you that his nose and lips are dangerously close to your cheek. His other arm is slithering around your waist, possessively. He rests his cheek on yours tenderly just in case this is far too straightforward to your liking, flaunting the fact that he has you in his arms like this... As the music fades away, he twirls you around again before tipping you down. Your neck and chest so exposed to him that he could just devour you right there and then. If only could. He’d show everyone that you’re his.

You don’t know how you managed to keep your composure normal the fact that the Baron himself is intimately holding you as you both danced together. The thought of Edward being around vanished in your head… Your body is acting on itself, giving the Baron a curtsey after the dance whilst your head is elsewhere.

“You’re quite a dancer, Lady (Y/N).”

He smirked, noticing how lightheaded you are at this point.

“Well, I had a pretty good partner too…”

Before you left the ball, Zemo had a small talk with the mayor and bid him a goodnight.

---

Before returning home, the two of you had supper somewhere in Novi Grad. Thankfully, the meal continues to be full of the normal banter. However, on the way back to his mansion, you still feel a little lightheaded from the events, particularly that dance... This will undoubtedly come back to bother you in your dreams tonight. Once you got out of the carriage, holding onto Zemo’s arm for support, you have no idea how exhausted until now. You feel like you just wanted to sleep in this dress despite how uncomfortable corset is.

“I hope you had fun for tonight’s events, Lady (Y/N).”

You nodded, smiling softy at him as he guides you inside.

“Oh, I really did! Despite the fact that my night was almost ruined by Edward’s presence.”

The Baron insisted on accompanying you all the way back to your room since your feet were suffering from the intensive dancing. The conversation between you and Zemo reverberates down the corridor, with you chuckling at him and Zemo simply gazing fondly at you. But his eyes were slightly different and you failed to notice that. Upon arriving at the door of your bedroom, you gaze at him one last time before retiring to bed.

“I thank you so much for letting me accompany you to the Opera and the Ball… Good night, Helmut.”

You usually refer to him as The Baron, yet the unexpected shift piqued his… desire. Much to your surprise, he took your hand slowly and softly kisses your palm. As he does so, his eyes never left upon yours… He then lifts your arm a little higher, kissing your wrist. Then your forearm… now your shoulder.

If it wasn’t for the doorhandle you’re currently holding onto, you would have melted right in front of the Baron at this moment. He only stopped right on your shoulder, but you are still trapped between him and the door. His usual brown eyes went rather dark… dark with desire.

“Good night, draga… Sleep well.”

He whispered. He then steps away from you, making you realise you had been holding your breath far too long.

And just like that… he steps away further and makes his way to his bedroom to the other hallway, leaving you melting on your own on the door.

Unbeknownst to you, the Baron had a smug smile on his face as he retires for the night.

Not yet, Draga. You patiently wait there like a good girl.

#baron zemo x reader #baron zemo #helmut zemo #zemo x reader #baron helmut zemo #zemo x y/n #daniel bruhl x reader #pinning #soft!dark!Zemo #helmut zemo x reader #zemo #possesive!Zemo #daniel bruhl #marvel imagines

[dented-nado]

Well since you specifically asked: Twiddler

“Yah I like Eddie but he’s straight // BAD LUCK, HUH?”

“No he’s not”

“NO IM NOT??”

Shenanigans

I’m dying right now, the ol’ Harv(ey) stubbornly thinks that Edward fucking Nygma is s  t r a  I g ht love it.  Still one of my fave convos we’ve ever had.

==================

Eddie’s POV

 =====================

It had been about a year since he had joined the sort of halfway home that Bruce Wayne had opened up for Ex-Rogues. However Eddie was somewhat convinced the billionaire he now realized had been Batman the whole time (pfft, he totally could have figured that out… he just… hadn’t…) rather liked having he, Harley, and Harv(ey) as a sort of odd band of roommates. And well… a literal mansion wasn’t a bad place to stay in by any stretch of the imagination.

He certainly had expected (and been quietly and not so quietly jealous) that because Harv(ey) and Bruce had apparently been close as far back as when they were children, Wayne would certainly be ecstatic to have Two-Face hanging around. He still was a little bit taken a back that well… anyone would want him around.

But he really was trying to reform. Maybe part of it was because the routine had gotten boring and he’d started finding more quiet and less destructive games and puzzles more entertaining these days. Besides, he realized he could have more fun with such things when he wasn’t being hauled back to Arkham because he’d taken things a little too far so often.

That being said, he had a new focus, a new goal.

And that was the previously mentioned Harv(ey) Dent. The giant, the absolute unit that towered over him.

Two souls for the price of one. Harvey was quietly intelligent (though sometimes a little bit delightfully oblivious), kind, and soft. Then Harv, he was bold, had a wonderfully fun fashion sense, and had a gravelly voice that admittedly caused Eddie’s mind to pull a blank at times.

They were a man that could have half their face burned to a crisp with acid and still be the only man that had been in Arkham (in Edward’s opinion) that could really get it.

He still remembered the first time “two-face” had been escorted into Arkham, the sight of them had knocked the wind right out of him, completely stopped his plotting for his next attempt to outsmart Batman.

Sure, perhaps he had heard and sort of seen images of Harvey Dent, the famous distract attorney that had been nicknamed Gotham’s “white knight” on the tiny, crappy TV they were occasionally allowed to watch when they were let out of their cells. But that never did him justice.

Seeing him here? Up close?

What a man. A handsome man, carved by angels and blessed by the devil

Now if only he could get Harv(ey) Dent to notice him.

Since that day he’d tried time and time again under the hope that maybe just maybe… this giant of a man would consider a relationship of sorts.

He tried to impress them with his vast intellect, sitting close to him and going off about any fact or subject he happened to know. He then tried to drill Harvey about his knowledge as a lawyer (which he thought also might just be interesting to know). They were certainly a good listener… and Harvey warmed up to talking about legal jargon and the pains of law school with Eddie eventually.

He was able to talk to Harv about their mutual love of fun patterns and bright colors and agreed that anyone who dissed it just didn’t understand fashion. He also realized soon that Harv loved to talk when he was acknowledged, and Eddie was more than happy to encourage him to and lightly swoon at that voice.

However, they were still only on a ‘good pals’ basis.

Which maybe Eddie could have accepted, except he caught Harvey staring at him at times, smiling slightly whenever Eddie would talk about what interested him. And Harv, he had gotten Harv to laugh a few times.

There was something there, he knew it, but for some reason he couldn’t puzzle out, Dent wasn’t acting on it.

It continued to this day. Harley had suggested to Edward he simply outright tell Harv(ey) Dent he was interested in them. But that wasn’t fun or interesting, and certainly not as romantic as Eddie would like.

So, after years of frustration now, he decided he’d go to the one person who had known Harv(ey) Dent their whole life for advice.

 ============

Bruce’s POV

============

“So, that’s my dilemma.”  Edward finished, pushing up his glasses in a very matter-of-fact way.

Bruce sighed. The only person who had ever rivaled his own stubbornness and… stupidity when it came to others having an romantic interest in them, was in fact Harv(ey) Dent. This would no doubt be difficult.

He wasn’t even sure how he managed to get into a relationship with Clark and Diana, so he wasn’t sure how much of a help he’d be trying to get Harv(ey) and Eddie to pair up.

“I’m decently sure he’s interested in you.” He replied.

“I’m quite sure too, however nothing I do seems to get them to do anything.” Eddie expressed, looking completely exasperated.

“hrrn....” Bruce grumbled thoughtfully. “What have you tried so far?”

“Well… I’ve given them gifts, flowers seemed like a sure-fire method- yet he seemed to somehow take them as a platonic gift.”

Bruce stared at Eddie for a long moment. “Who gives flowers platonically?”

Eddie shrugged.

Bruce sighed. “Dammit Harvey… Harv…” He mumbled under his breath. “I could try talking to them, get some better idea of what’s going on their head, could be Harvey and Harv keep arguing on how they want to respond.” He suggested.

Eddie nodded thoughtfully. “That may be the case, that is a possibility I had not considered… thank you for your assistance batma….. ah… Bruce…” He corrected with a slight grin.

Bruce half smiled back.

Batman was on the case.

====

“So… Harv…. Harvey…” Bruce began wandering over to where they were sitting.

They were seemingly switching between drinking a hot coffee and a Frappuccino.

Harvey had complained more than once that because of their disagreements Harv ended up making them consume way too much sugar. Too much caffeine in this case it seemed.

Their eyes flicked over to him.

“Hi Bruce.”

“What’s up Pretty Boy?”

Bruce sat down across from them. “Eddie seems to be interested in you.”

Never hurt to be blunt with a lawyer.

Harvey snorted. “That’d be nice… he is really cute but…”

“I’m sure Eddie is straight, just our luck, right?”

Bruce had never been so shocked in all his life.

Straight?

Eddie…

Straight?! E d  d I  e.

Str a I ght, Edward Nygma E Nygam s t ra ight

The two concepts being put together caused a complete error in Bruce’s mind that was slowly beginning to fry.

Who could possibly conclude that Edward was s t r aight?

The riddler…. The riddler who for a while greeted Batman like he was lowkey interested in a literal love-hate relationship

Edward

Str a I ght.

“Are you… fucking kidding me?” Bruce ended up stammering before he even realized it. “He’s not… at all!”

Harvey blinked at him a few times in surprise.

“What do you mean?”

Bruce gaped at them. They couldn’t be serious.

“Harvey… I… Harv… he… he’s not exactly subtle about it. In fact he’s very open, very much out and proud, flaming even. I’m sure he’d agree.”

Harvey looked at Bruce through squinted eyes. “Are you sure Bruce?”

“Sure, maybe he’s a bit more flashy than your average guy, but that doesn’t mean gay.” Harv added with a shrug.

“He calls you handsome at least 3 times a day.” Bruce said still staring at Harv(ey) like they were absolutely insane.

“Lots of people do.”

“Have you ever seen him even flirt with any women??” Bruce asked in disbelief.

“No but… well there’s always been more men in Arkham, and when do you even have time for that?”

Bruce was somewhere in-between wanting to laugh at them and slap them.

“He’s given you flowers.”

“Pretty sure he’s just being friendly.”

“Friendly…” Bruce wheezed.

This conversation was taking years off his life at this point. He shook his head and texted Edward.

“Get in here (the living room downstairs) It’s important”

Edward slid in and sat peppily down on the couch with Bruce within a few minutes, causing Harv(ey) to look between Eddie and Bruce in confusion.

“You rang Mr. Wayne~?” Eddie asked with a cheeky grin as he leaned his head against his hand.

“You know what these men just said to me?” Bruce began folding his hands together.

“Bruce nooo…” Harvey pleaded.

“No no, I think he should know.” Bruce insisted.

Eddie raised his eyebrows comically high. “Well don’t keep me waiting, what’s the tea?”

Bruce cleared his throat. “They said… they’re sure you’re straight.”

Eddie stared at Bruce for a minute, eyes widening.

“Me?” He asked completely baffled.

Bruce nodded.

Eddie threw back his head and laughed until his face turned red and he had trouble breathing.

Harv(ey) looked on stiffly, feeling as if they had made a mistake somewhere as the dawning realization slapped them in the face.

 ============

Harv(ey)’s POV

===================

It was bad enough they had put themselves in denial so far they had missed out starting something with the small bean-pole riddle-man much earlier…

But now because they had convinced themselves Eddie was straight and therefore could have no interest in them… Eddie and Bruce were refusing to let them live it down.

And Bruce seemed to have gotten literally everyone in on the joke. Anyone Bruce hadn’t told between his partners and his massive family, Eddie had told.

Harley had begun kissing Ivy in front of them while they both traded off saying “no homo tho” between kisses until Harv(ey) groaned and left the room in a huff, leaving them both laughing maniacally.

Eddie had begun dramatically entering a room with a flourish announcing “Ladies and Gentlemen, Guys, Gals, and Non-binary pals, the straightest man alive has arrived, you may all start the party.”

Even when they first slept together, Edward had started quietly laughing and mumbling about “how straight, and very much not gay at all this occurrence was.”

Bruce hadn’t been able to look at them in weeks without breaking out into a full on belly laugh at his expense, mumbling something along the lines of “The Riddler, st r a I ght, good lord...”

On one hand they were happy Bruce was laughing more but god dammit…

They felt a bit dumb about it to say the least.

“How did we ever think Eddie was straight?” Harvey thought to himself.

“I don’t fucking know. I really… really… don’t.”                                                                                          

Well… maybe giving everyone a little levity while still being able to date a cute red-head that seemed to know the strangest facts about almost everything that they could enjoy listening to him babble about for hours happily…. Was all worth it. Even if they were embarrassed by their comically stupid brand of denile.

#prompt fill #twiddler #two face x riddler #harvey dent #harv dent #edward nygma #e nygma #the riddler #batman #bruce wayne #two face #gotham rogues #dc villains #dc comics #fanfic #dc fanfic

[hellishhin]

Unfamiliar Servitude

Length: ~3,100 words

Content warnings: Very mild servant/master interactions

Post themes: High fantasy, found family, friendship tension, unkind master, new friends, frustration at being ordered around, homesickness, devout friendship loyalty

Summary: Tensions are high after Sadie pledged her servitude to the cold and unforgiving Taerand Calentavar. Kireen is angry and believes her sacrifice was unnecessary but Brimir is grateful she saved his life. Sadie has a soft moment with K'lai'a'la and makes a promise she won't do anything stupid to get in trouble with Taerand but her first day on the job makes that difficult. His vague instructions and barking orders gets on her nerves and she finds herself scolded regularly. It's only the first day and she's already struggling to hold her tongue but she must do it to fulfil her promise to her beloved friend.

Intro with links to all previous posts

[next post]----[previous post]

The eyes of the entire room felt like pinpricks across their skin while three guards escorted them briskly out the front door. By that time, the remains of the vase were nowhere to be found and the party had not quite returned to its previous vigor. Once they were free of their escort and well away from the manor, Kireen let it out. “What in the nine hells, Sadie! Did you really just turn yourself into a slave to save someone we don’t even know?!” by this point she had stopped walking, towering over Sadie and glaring down at her. This was matched by an equally fierce glare from the halfling, fierce enough that their size difference did not seem to matter quite as much.

“I know him well enough to know he doesn’t deserve to die. Also, are you forgetting that K’lai’a’la’s neck was on the line too? I don’t care if he decided to not execute her, she could have been flogged and that’s way worse.”

“That part hadn’t even been decided yet and now you-”

“Stop,” once again K’lai’a’la’s soft voice cut through the tension like butter. “Do not yell. I do not like yelling.”

Sadie’s face flashed through a range of emotion starting at annoyance and ending at tight-lipped resignation. “She’s right, it’s already done. I will move to his manor in the morning.”

Brimir then dropped to a knee and pulled Sadie into a tight hug, “thank you, Sadie. You are a true hero,” then he began to sniffle, drunken emotions taken over as even the threat of death had not sobered him up sufficiently.

“You’re welcome, Brimir. I’d do anything for a friend,” she said soothingly then looked up at Kireen from behind his back and gave her a sour face. Kireen just narrowed her golden eyes at her.

“Then to make it up to the rest of us you’re going to help us with the favor we still have to do for Taerand,” Kireen said to the back of Brimir’s head then reached down to pry him off of Sadie who was sagging under his drunken weight. When he stood, he looked at Kireen through tearstained, blood-shot eyes.

“Anything. I will do anything. I owe it to all of you,” he sniffed and wiped his nose across the back of his hand, smearing snot unattractively over his face. “I just froze. That man is… well he’s scary. I shouldn’t have snuck in.”

“Yes thank you for stating the obvious, too bad you couldn’t have had those thoughts earlier today and none of us would be in this situation,” Kireen’s face was still taut but she was slowly coming to terms with the fact that there was no changing the situation now and it ended better than it might have otherwise. She turned and led the way as they continued toward the Stag in awkward silence.

Once they turned onto the street and saw the warm firelit windows of their home, K’lai’a’la touched Sadie gently on the shoulder, bending down to do so.

“I come in to get dress off. Then I go to my tree.”

Sadie nodded and looked up at Kireen who did not look back. Instead, she entered the Stag and made right for the stairs. Sadie turned to Brimir who was swaying on his feet and sighed. From the bosom of her dress she procured a key and handed it to K’lai’a’la.

“Go upstairs and wait for me, I’ll be right up,” then she approached the bar where Dwinain was wiping the counter off. “Did ye have a good time Blaze?” he asked jovially and glanced to Brimir who was following Sadie like a sad, lost puppy.

“It’s a long story but before I tell it I need you to know I’m moving out in the morning,” the rag froze in place.

“But where’ll ya go?” behind his beard he looked quite perplexed.

“I am going to live with Ser Calentavar. I work for him now. But not right now Dwinain I have an elf in a dress who wants out of it and I need to get a room for my friend here,” she rubbed a hand across her face while the other hand gestured in the vague direction of Brimir. Sadie had seen Dwinain’s face contort in a frown before but not quite to this degree. His eyebrows and moustache almost touched.

“Number seven then. But we are going to speak of this before you go,” he hopped off his platform and brought a key out to them. Wordlessly, Sadie gestured for Brimir to take it and then he was stumbling up the stairs toward his bed.

“I’ll give you the money for his-” but Dwinain clasped her hands in his before she could continue.

“The night is on me. I know ye can take care of yerself but that won’t stop me from saying be careful,” he pulled her in for a tight but brief hug and Sadie returned it, melting slightly into the embrace. But then it was over.

“Thanks Dwinain, I’ll explain before I go. Promise,” he nodded and wordlessly went back behind the bar.

K’lai’a’la was waiting awkwardly in the center of her room when she entered and was surprisingly quiet even as Sadie removed the pins from her hair. It wasn’t until she was back in her normal mossy clothing that she finally spoke.

“You should not have done that,” K’lai’a’la has never been truly angry around Sadie but the slight furrow between her brows showed she was nearing upset.

“Can you please just drop it? I feel like I did what was best and I want to go to sleep now,” her tired features really showed her age and the candles seemed to shine extra off the silver streaks in her hair.

“No. Do not leave tomorrow. Stay here.”

Sadie hopped off of the chair and pushed it back in its place then started to undress herself, keeping her back turned to her friend.

“I can’t. I already made the promise and I can’t break it. Why do you two even hate him so much anyway? He only tried to…” She trailed off as she pulled a few pins from her hair.

“He try to kill me. He try to kill storyman. He try to kill you,” she said with a little more heat than Sadie was expecting which made her turn to her friend and look up at her.

“Hey, tonight was just a couple mistakes and he’s really strict. He wasn’t going to kill you in the end so I will be fine. I can’t break my promise to him but I can make one to you that I won’t make any mistakes while I’m there, ok?” she smiled and held her hand up, palm facing outward. K’lai’a’la knelt down and sighed but put her palm against Sadie’s and their fingers interlocked, sealing the promise. Sadie gave an extra squeeze.

“You can stay here tonight if you want,” but that made K’lai’a’la shake her head. “I go to tree but be back at sunrise.”

“How about… sometime after sunrise?” That made K’lai’a’la frown. “Ok fine I’ll leave the door unlocked.” The elf nodded and quietly left Sadie alone with her thoughts.

She haphazardly tossed some of her clothes and trinkets into her trunk but wasn’t fully finished before she fell into a fitful sleep.

***

When dawn broke with her rosy fingers, the click of the door opening pulled Sadie from her light sleep. K’lai’a’la looked quite awake but quietly watched and waited as Sadie began the process of getting out of bed. There were not many words to be had as she finished her packing. When she went downstairs there was a modest breakfast for her that she only poked at. Kireen was finishing her plate already and also didn’t have much to say.

“Can you all not act like I’m walking to the gallows? I’m literally getting a job as a servant, something a lot of people actually wish they could do,” the early morning made her extra bitter.

“You have a point,” Kireen actually sounded sincere “but when he treats you poorly and you complain about it to us, I get to say I told you.”

Sadie rolled her eyes and was going to respond when the door opened and Taerand’s majordomo entered with two other male servants in tow. He approached and gave her a polite nod. “Good morning, Miss McRimmik. I have come to collect you. Where might my assistants find your things?”

“Room four. It’s unlocked,” something churned in her stomach as she set the key on the counter where Dwinain put his hand over hers for just a moment before taking the key. The two servants went upstairs and the majordomo procured two letters from his tunic and handed one to Kireen, the other to K’lai’a’la who did not take it. Kireen took it instead.

“Ser Calentavar would like to meet in two days' time, once Miss Sadie is settled in.”

“About time,” Kireen grumbled and just tucked the letters away without opening them. The majordomo nodded at Sadie and she hopped off her stool and made for her new home.

***

The manor had a different air about it than the night before. It was a lot more subdued and seemed less lived-in, almost. But soon Sadie was back in front of Taerand and his large desk that was starting to seem more like a judge’s bench than a desk. With a nod, the majordomo left, leaving only her and Taerand. He was sitting, shuffling through parchment on his desk while she stood there. Finally he looked up.

“Take this to the kitchen and give it to Jordo,” he handed her a folded piece of parchment. She slowly took it, looking more than a little baffled.

“Okay… who is Jordo?”

“I do not have time to introduce you to every one of my staff,” then he went back to looking at the papers on his desk. Sadie just stood there for long enough that he looked back up at her.

“If I was not clear before, you are to leave now to deliver that message to the kitchen. Go.”

Remembering her promise to K’lai’a’la, she silently left the room with the parchment in her hand. She hadn’t been told what to do with such authority since she was a child and Ethna was ordering her about. Even then it got on her nerves. Once she reminded herself that this was only temporary, she focused on finding someone to ask, ignoring the glaring question of just *how* temporary this would be.

An older woman was carrying a basket of laundry toward the main staircase and she approached, clearing her throat.

“Excuse me, I’m new here. Can you tell me where I can find Jordo? I have a message from Taerand.”

The woman pursed her lips “you have a message from Master Calentavar, child,” she corrected “the kitchens are down the far hall, last door on the right,” and she continued up the stairs with her basket.

“Thank you! I’m Sadie by the way and I’m not a child, I’m a halfling,” but the mistake didn’t actually bother her.

“Sigrun,” was all the woman responded with. Sadie followed her instructions and did indeed find the kitchen and could probably have found it on her own had she caught a whiff of the delicious smells which seemed to be dying down after breakfast. The kitchen was spacious with a large wooden counter in the center of the room. An oversized oven took up one corner which was next to a large cookfire. Shelves of more kinds of food than she could identify lined one wall. From the ceiling hung pots and pans of so many different sizes and shapes she couldn’t begin to fathom what one could need with such a variety. Even just the sight of the pans had her halfling stomach rumbling. Peeling her eyes away from the vast culinary expanse, she saw a fairly large man with his back to her. He was dressed in a well-worn but clean linen shirt with an apron tied around his waist. Sadie cleared her throat.

“Excuse me, are you Jordo?”

“I should think you wouldn’t have to ask if you’re in this kitchen,” he said coolly and when he turned around, his eyes were centered three feet above her head. It took him a moment before he looked down and realized she was there. “Well hello there, my apologies, I didn’t see you. I suppose we haven’t met, have we. You have the right man. I’d shake your hand but I’ve got raw lamb all over,” he gestured behind him to a beautiful rack of lamb he had been rubbing seasonings and butter all over, presumably to let it age. Her mouth started watering.

“I’m Sadie. I’m new here, just started this morning.”

“Well then it’s nice to meet you. Set the letter just there if you don’t mind,” he gestured next to him, between the lamb and a plate of biscuits. He turned back around to continue his work and when she set the letter where he asked, she eyed the biscuits long enough that Jordo chuckled and bumped one on top of the pile off with his elbow. “Oops, look out below,” the biscuit bounced off the counter and Sadie managed to catch it. “That one was burnt anyway, wouldn’t do to be served.” It was, in fact, very slightly darkened along one edge as though it were too close to the wall of the oven.

“Thank you,” she bit into it and even though it was a simple biscuit it was the best she’d ever had. Jordo chuckled at the noises of pleasure emanating from the small halfling.

“I’d finish that here if I were you. Nothing wrong with havin’ it just don’t want to get crumbs on the carpets.”

“Thank you for the advice and the biscuit. Do you like working here? Is Taerand nice to you?”

“Master Calentavar? He pays me well and I get to cook, can’t go wrong with that I don’t think,” his tone was genuine enough that she believed him but he wouldn’t be the last person she asked today. She was going to be cautious since Kireen and K’lai’a’la were so worried.

“Do you cook for the servants too? Is food included?” She asked after another bite of biscuit.

“I do and it is but there’s a budget for it. We don’t get lamb that’s for sure. Well, I get to taste it but I don’t get my own portion at least,” he didn’t seem too bothered by that.

She chewed and nodded, “so what do I do now? I did the job I was asked to do.” This time he turned to look over his shoulder, his thinning hair slipping into his eyes.

“If you were not given a second task you better get back and ask him what he wants next. He’s probably expecting you to return to him once you deliver my message.”

“Oh. Okay. What does the message say?” she asked, not picking up on his advice.

“Just a meal list for a private dinner in two nights,” he didn’t seem concerned that his advice wasn’t heeded. Sadie just did not want to leave the kitchen. To her it was one of the most magical places she’s experienced. But it finally sunk in that he had a point.

“I’ll go now, thanks for the biscuit Jordo. It was nice to meet you!” She stuffed the rest of her biscuit in her mouth and he just chuckled as she left.

She returned and entered Taerand’s study, finding his icy gaze upon her. Only when the door was shut behind her did he speak.

“I did not realize my kitchen had moved across Stawold,” he said flatly.

“Well you didn’t tell me where it was so I had to ask,” she did not like how upset he seemed, she knew she hadn’t been gone more than ten minutes and that wasn’t long at all.

“Five minutes is far too long for a message to be delivered within my own manor. Do you understand?” Sadie had no idea why he was so stern and why that message was so critical. Jordo didn’t make it sound critical.

“I’m… sorry?” Once again, she found herself baffled and it wasn’t even midmorning yet.

“Two more rules you have disobeyed that I shall correct just this once. You will always knock before you enter a room and you shall address me as Master Calentavar. I will ask again, do you understand?” The hint of threat in his tone gave her pause and Kireen’s voice was in her head I told you so.

“I understand, Master Calentavar. I apologize.” She also had a promise to K’lai’a’la to uphold.

His frigid demeanor warmed up slightly. “Good. Now deliver this to my page.”

***

The day was long and by the end of it, Sadie was tired and her feet sore but she barely noticed. He had her running around the manor all day and listening to him barking commands at her was starting to wear down the filter between her mind and her mouth. Luckily, she was dismissed to her room before it broke fully and it helped when she found out she was given a private room. Maybe he was just testing to see how she did under pressure. Maybe she could put up with this, but the weight of that maybe would get significantly heavier if the next day was anything like the last.

The more she thought about how many times the word ‘master’ came out of her mouth over the course of the day, the more disgusted she became until she was just throwing the clothes from her trunk into random drawers. She was Blaze, the hero of Stawold, the best performer in the whole town and she was calling someone else master? Her blood started to run hotter in her veins and she felt it burning her cheeks. What’s worse is she never kept her promise to tell Dwinain what happened and he hadn’t said anything to remind her. Not to mention, she missed her bed at the Stag, she missed the sound of drunken laughter floating through the walls; there was no laughter here. Only obedient silence. A knock at the door caught her before she started knocking candlesticks off of surfaces.

“Yes?” The door opened and a younger servant girl peered in. Sadie recognized her but if she had asked her name, she promptly forgot it.

“Master Calentavar would like you to sing while he has his supper.”

Her promise to K’lai’a’la was the only thing that had her snatching up her dulcimer and attempting to plaster something resembling a polite look on her face. She is the great performer of Stawold, after all.

Taglist: (adds/removes always open!) @betwixtofficial @taerandcalentavar @talesfromaurea @faelanvance @definitelyquestionit @drippingmoon @dontcrywrite @a-wild-bloog

#oc #d&d #writeblr #original work #sadieblaze #kireen #k'lai'a'la #taerand #brimir #post 32 #overall can I get a vibe check on my pacing? #am I moving things too slowly? #You can be honest! #I hope you like it! #I'm hella proud of this #I'm hella proud of all my work lately #and you all are gonna know it.

[kaunis-sielu]

On Pointe: 6

“Pepper and I want you to represent to company in a couple of photo shoots!” He says excitedly, and relief courses through you.

“Why us?” Bucky asks your unasked question.

“Aesthetically you two and Peggy and Steve are our best couples. Lines wise and stuff.” He says, “Plus, there’s always interest in what Chou is doing.” You roll your eyes and Bucky laughs softly, “So, you’ve got your first shoot today at 3.”

“We have rehearsal with Thor until 3. Are they coming here?” You ask in an attempt to get out of the shoot.

“I’ll talk to Thor. A car is coming to pick you up. Don’t be late and you’re not getting out of this.” Tony says shoving his hands into his pockets before he walks away.

“Sorry.” You tell Bucky without looking up at him.

“For what?”

“Dragging you into this. These photo shoots are honestly the worst.”

“We’ll make it fun, it’ll be fine.” He says but you just dread these things.

You meet Bucky at 2:55 at the elevator with a bag of costumes in your arms. He’s just got his shoes and a coat on.

“What’s going on there?” He asks nodding at the stuffed garment bag.

“I was given zero information so I just grabbed a bunch of costumes.”

“How many times have you done this?”

“Too many.” He reaches over and plucks the bag from your arms, “what?”

“I got it Chou.” He says stepping into the elevator shooting you a grin. “Do you think I should have more stuff?”

“Probably not. The guys always get off light.” You tell him, readjusting your hair and make up bag on your shoulder. You didn’t know if they’d have their own team or what was going on so you’d brought all your own stuff.

The car pulls up exactly at three and a team of people get out. Two of the women have brightly colored hair and the man is a short surly looking guy.

“You Chou and Bucky?” The one with magenta hair asks and you nod, “I’m Gamora, this is my sister Nebula and this is our assistant Rocket. We’re going to start here. What were you told?”

“Nothing.”

“Okay, well we’re keeping it super basic today so you won’t need all of those.” She says pointing at the garment bag in Bucky’s hand.

“What do you want me in?” You ask as she glances over at Bucky and eyes what he’s wearing. She glances over at Nebula before answering,

“White. Longer sleeve, with a tie skirt? Light colored point shoes, white tights? Do you have any cropped ones?”

“I do. I’ll go get changed if you give me a couple of minutes.” She nods and you take the bag from Bucky and rush back to your apartment to change then go back downstairs to find them in studio A. They’ve set up their equipment and Bucky is stretching when you walk back in.

“Can you put your hair into a bun?” Nebula asks and you nod while they start taking some test shots of Bucky. Once you’re ready Nebula starts positioning you and Bucky.

You do lifts, turns, pirouettes and even a couple of sillier poses. Ones where Bucky just kinda, takes you by surprise and causes you to laugh.

He dips you and says, “extend,” so you lift one foot slightly off the floor and your arms go up in a V formation, one hand touching the floor as you turn your face two look at Bucky with a smile on your face. His gaze is focused, intense and you have to look away. One of his arms is curled securely around your waist, your body weight is resting on the inside of his forearm, the other hand rests next to the other on your waist as he leans slightly toward you.

When you risk a glance up at him he still has that intense look on his face but he gives you a quick wink and you have to look away again before you laugh.

You spend the rest of the day driving around New York City stopping at a few landmarks along the way. Central Park, the World Trade Center towers memorial, the New York library, the Empire State Building and your personal favorite, the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Your favorite picture that you take is there on the top of the steps, it’s one of the less difficult lifts you can do but the effect is always so pretty. You’re completely in the air left leg straight back toe pointed and your other leg bent with the toe pointed at your left knee. Bucky is holding your left leg, his right arm wrapped around your thigh his hand resting on the top near your hip. His other arm is around your waist as you lift your chest, left arm up in line with your left leg and your right arm reaching forward. Bucky’s right leg is slightly bent and his left is straight out with most of his weight shifted back. You both look straight ahead while the photo is taken from the front so it looks like you’re both looking off into the distance to the right.

When Gamora, Nebula and Rocket drop you and Bucky off it’s already dark out.

“Can I walk you home?” Bucky asks with a small smile as he offers you his arm. You take it without hesitation,

“That’d be nice. Thanks.” You join in on the joke as you start for the elevator.

“That wasn’t too bad today was it?”

“Honestly, one of the better photo shoots I’ve done.” You admit as you wait for the elevator. “Was that your first?”

“It was, I’m glad it wasn’t as bad as you were expecting.”

“We have the actual interview tomorrow.” You remind him, “but I’m glad I could pop your photo shoot cherry.” You tease without looking up at him. You can’t believe that just fell out of your mouth, thankfully Bucky laughs softly and gives your hand a little squeeze.

“You made it fun Chou.” He says and you risk a glance up at him, you almost wish you hadn’t because he’s got that look on his face again. That intense look that makes you feel like he can see into your very soul. The moment is broken by the elevator doors sliding open.

“I’m glad that it wasn’t terrible.” You tell him as he walks you to your apartment.

“Honestly, it was nice.” He assures you, before you punch in your code. Your door unlocks and you push it open then give him another smile.

“See you tomorrow Bucky. Thanks for walking me home.”

“Good night Chou.” He says before turning to head to his own apartment. You close the door softly and lean against it. It’s nice being friends with Bucky Barnes.

Tag list:

@abschaffer2 @dsakita @dramadreamer14 @thesassmisstress @andahugaroundtheneck @loving-life-my-way @thefridgeismybestie @killcomet @dumblani @im-just-another-monster @mywinterwolf @scuzmunkie @biskwitmamaw @geeksareunique @paintballkid711 @lumar014 @also-fangirlinsweden @connie326 @inkedaztec @valsworldofcreativity @strangersstranger

#imagine #bucky imagine #imagine bucky barnes #bucky barnes au #imagine bucky barnes x reader #bucky barnes x reader #ballet dancer!bucky barnes #dancer au #ballet au #ballet #on pointe story

[sleepylixie]

Cupid’s Arrow-1

Boxer! Lee Know x fem! Reader

2k words, Romance, College AU(Imperium Universe-4) 

Songs: Tiger Inside- Super M

A/N : Y’all heard right. Part-1. Tumblr deleted the draft i was working on here, leaving me only with the first half of the fic that I wrote on Docs. I'm so sorry for the delay @delicatewerewolfsoul I'll make sure to get that posted asap 🥺💕 This fic can be read individually, of course. :) Do let me know what y’all think about this story!! ONTO THE FIC. - Elliana

Imperium Universe: Jisung || Seungmin ||Lee Know || Chan

“Who the everloving heck are you?!” You yell, hands banging roughly against the surface of the table. Assorted shushes and glares were instantly directed towards you, the closest being the admonishing stare of Mark Lee, your best friend.

“You do realize we are in a library?” He hissed, a mess of dark brown hair swinging over his brow as he shook his head at you. You rolled your eyes at him, only turning your attention back to the source of your annoyance- your laptop screen.

“This is the 13th ask I’ve received about the same M in this semester.” You retorted, albeit quieter than your initial outburst. Mark’s brows furrowed, lips pouting in a frown as he absentmindedly turned over a page of his book. “How do you even know it’s the same M? It could very well be one person sending the same ask 13 times.”

“You were the genius who put together the one-ask per account rule in the first place!” You threw your arms up in exasperation, the volume control still proving to be a bit of a struggle. “Besides, they’re all worded really differently, look-” You turned your laptop to face Mark, who leaned forward to scan the words on your screen.

A sleek red website sat open in an incognito tab, punctuated with assorted dove-grey boxes full of questions and curiosities, the sidebar flashing a pretty name- Lovelorn Secretkeeper(LLS). Your best friend chuckled as he read the questions on the site. “People have it bad for this dude.”

“I know! They even say the exact same thing, that he’s too out of their league to even try, but he’s too handsome and talented,” punctuating handsome and talented with exaggerated hand movements, “to not try- What do they expect me to tell them!?”

As cliche as it sounded, Lovelorn Secretkeeper was your university’s anonymous love-guru and wine aunt, meting out advice about crushes and heartbreak solutions like over-the-counter pills. People caught wind of it days after the website mysteriously popped up on the informal forums, impossible to trace altogether. Tens of questions poured in by the day, all questions from lovelorn souls asking for the help of the elusive apparition running the site.

If only Everlark University knew that LLS was run by not one, but two apparitions- both of whom were currently puzzling over the identity of a certain M who had turned up on their list of secrets once too often.

“How difficult do you think it would be to find out who M is?” Mark mused, pushing the laptop back towards you. “I mean, you know he’s a dancer and he’s handsome, so why don’t you, I don’t know,” a nonchalant shrug moving his shoulders, “ask the girls you know, I guess? I’m sure word gets around fast if he’s as hot as these questions scream he is.”

The cogs in your head began to turn, albeit rather unwillingly. You weren’t the most social person despite being aware of status quos your university’s student functioned on- was this Dora-the-explorer-esque expedition to find the elusive M absolutely necessary?

No, it wasn’t, you realized, but your own curiosity wouldn’t be satisfied until you found out who it was that had managed to enamour these many people all while looking evidently unavailable.

“Yeah, I’ll probably do that.”

//

“Hey! Y/N, Right?” A pretty girl sidled up to you on the other side of the bar, her fingers slightly awkward around the glass she was cleaning. New to the trade, you thought belatedly as you smiled politely and nodded at her.

Imperium Bar was just beginning to fill up with students and teacher’s assistants, ready to celebrate the end of yet another week with some cheap alcohol and good times. It was barely halfway through the semester but people inevitably ended up drowning in work- such was the life of a normal student in university, always busy and bustling with full checklists-

“You’re looking for Minho, I heard.” she grinned setting down one glass and picking up the other.

“Yes, I am.” You responded lightly, your eyes still grazing over the slowly filling booths and tables from the corner of the counter you were sitting at.

“He is pretty handsome, really good in the ring. You have a good eye.”

By ring, you could only assume that the new bartender of Imperium meant the stage. You’d spent the past week asking around for a possibly new admit to Everlark who happened to be a dancer and unattainably handsome. To your surprise, your search was cut short in the matter of days when Yeji, a junior in your class pointed you to Lee Felix from her class who knew a Lee Minho. Lee Minho, a transfer student from Everlark’s sister university on the other side of the city, with an express acceptance into the dance club Felix was a part of.

“You’ll find him in Imperium on Fridays,” Felix had the sweetest disposition, a warm smile on his face as he divulged information about his seemingly old friend with great ease. “You should drop by if you want to see him!”

Your better judgement yelled at you to forget the chase- you knew his full name, it was just the matter of a social media stalk before you found out what you needed to know for your 13( now 16) askers. However, you found yourself pulling on a dark hoodie and slipping into the bar on Friday evening, shivering slightly from the cool breeze. You were just curious, you were sure. Just curious.

“Felix! Over here!” The bartender raised an arm in greeting to somebody behind you and moments later, Felix’s dark mane of hair made its way into your line of sight. His eyes were slight crescents on his face as he smiled, the sunny amiability prompting a smile to creep over your face as well.

“Hello, Felix.”

“Sorry for making you wait!” Felix pulled you into a quick hug, before cocking his head towards the back of the bar. “Let’s go, he’s already down there.”

An eyebrow raised in curiosity, you dragged your eyes between Felix and the bartender as you hopped off the stool. “Down...where?”

Felix’s eyes widened, the bartender letting out a gasp of surprise. “Uh…” Your new friend’s voice trailed off in uncertainty, wide and beseeching eyes immediately darting towards the bartender for help. “Oops.”

“Your access should really be revoked, you troublemaking gremlin.” The bartender accused, tossing her dishcloth at him and reaching over to smack him across the head before turning to you.

“There’s been a misunderstanding, Y/N. Junior moron here-” waving indistinctly in Felix’s direction, “is talking about the cellars. Minho works part time here, so he’s usually getting into the stocks in the cellar downstairs. Felix forgot about the rule stating that patrons can’t-”

“At least try to lie convincingly.” You cut through her tirade, a choked laugh from Felix punctuating her surprised silence. Possibly not the most polite thing to say, in hindsight, but her attempts to cover up whatever was going on in the cellar was just getting difficult to hear. You smiled quietly, eyes dragging between Felix’s eyes, alive with mirth to the bartender’s, flat with suspicion.

“It’s not illegal, is it?” You let the question slip loud enough for the two of them to hear. The bartender nodded the exact moment Felix shook his head. A giggle bubbled up your throat at the instant glance of betrayal that passed between the two of them.

“I’ll keep silent about this if the two of you will.” You grinned, shrugging slightly as you pushed the strap of your bag further up your shoulder. Felix let another crow of laughter, twining his arm with yours as he steered you towards the dark back door of Imperium, waving off the bartender’s expasterated shouts to be careful, for fuck’s sake-

“You seem like such a cool person,” Felix giggled as you followed his lead, making your way past the tables and groups of people and back into the cool air outside. . “I was a little intimidated by you at first but you’re actually really cool.” You laughed aloud as Felix knocked thrice on a door next to the bar’s back door in a neat pattern.

“Good to know you think so, junior.”

Just then, the door swung open to a set of stairs and a wave of noise much louder than what you were used to.

“Welcome to the real Imperium.”grinned Felix.

//

You did not think this was where you’d be spending your Friday night- in the basement of a bar with higher ceilings than you thought was possible, the roar of voices settling you more firmly into reality than anything else you’re ever experienced.

The second you and Felix reached the bottom of the stairs, you could see the crowd gathered around the center of the space, the flood lights pointed towards whatever was going on in the middle. There were sparse groups of people scattered throughout, a makeshift bar and couches spread haphazardly around one side while the windows at the top of the walls were left open for some semblance of ventilation. Despite the number of people in the underground space, it didn’t feel… suffocating.

“Do you mind blood or gore?”

Your eyes narrowed; what even was this place? “No.”

Before you could question it, Felix was pulling you towards the crowd and into it, easily slipping between the spaces towards the attraction in the center. You allowed him to lead you, as you had the entire night, until the two of you re-emerged at the edge of the-

The ring.

It looked very much like a boxing ring, but on the same floor level as the audience. Inside were two guys circling each other, breath heaving in puffs of smoke against the chilled air through gritted teeth. They were both dressed in contrasting red and blue, their clenched fists enclosed in hand-wraps. The two guys slipped in and out of the stark shadows that the criss-cross of the floodlights created until one of them caught your eye-

Lee Minho. You didn’t need the yelled introduction Felix was giving you because there was no other way to describe that other than unattainably handsome. Suddenly, the 18 askers in LLS made sense- of course, of fucking course this face seemed impossible to match up to.

You watched in bated curiosity, your eyes scanning him and his opponent- and Minho made the first move. The crowd dissolved into roars of encouragement as he went in for a clean right hook, his movements smooth and feline-fluid. He was confident, you realized as you watched him dodge and block and strike with an almost bored, practiced ease. No, he was good at looking confident. The set of his jaw was nothing but confident, his teeth bared in a snarl of fake amusement as he lunged at his opponent, the fight dissolving into a tangle of arms and legs rolling against the concrete floor.

“He’s one of the best this season.” Felix yelled over the din of the crowd, but your eyes were still trained on the match. “You don’t say.” You shouted back, catching yet another glimmer of amusement light up your companion’s face before turning your attention back to the fight.

Yes, he truly seemed like the best- your breath caught in your throat at Minho’s unhesitant, almost instinctual manner of moving, already on the other side of his opponent before he could even throw a swing. His poor opponent was almost effortlessly pummeled to the ground soon after, a grin of triumph pulling up his lips and the nasty looking bruise high on his cheekbone as he was announced the winner.

His eyes scanned the exultant crowd, catching on yours for a split second before moving away-

You let out a long breath as he hopped out of the ring and into the dark of the surroundings. So it was him.

This was the M your askers were going on and on about-

For the first time, you were in agreement with them.

Lee Minho truly did seem unattainable.

//

Taglist/Interested Parties 🥴: @aliceu @decembermoonskz @rebecca-noona @skzctnightnight @fylithia @illicit-roses @cotccotc @straykidsownmysoul @soya-zz @stellarmonsterr @seraplantery @jl-micasea \\ @inkidz @starryktown @districtninewriters @stayhavens​  

Do let me know what you think! - Elliana

#stray kids #skz lee know #stray kids imagines #skz scenarios #skz fluff #stray kids fluff #stray kids au #skz lino #lee know #lee minho #skz x reader #minho x reader #man I'm so sad about this #ellaskz #Imperium Universe #cupid's arrow lino

[emy-loves-you]

Snowed In

Janus and Remus get stuck out in the middle of the snowstorm. Patton is the kind stranger that saves them.

Pajamus (Patton/Janus/Remus)

Word Count: 4,718

Warnings: Mentions of Sex, Guns (but no gun injuries), Hypothermia

Masterlist

Janus growled as he trudged through the knee-high snow. “W-why did you believe that it was a good idea to p-play with a gun in the car?” His boyfriend, Remus, merely shrugged, apparently not seeing anything wrong with their current scenario. Janus rolled his eyes. “You’re lucky I love you.”

“I love you too, Janny-poo!” Even though Remus seemed to have no trouble moving forward, practically skipping through the snowstorm, Janus knew he wasn’t fairing much better.

Janus frowned as another shiver ran down his spine. “We need to find shelter for the night, and possibly a way to call Roman.”

Remus whined, trying to cover up the way his legs buckled for a moment. “Why did you have to bring up my brother? He always interrupts our fun time, even when he’s not here?”

Janus snorted, blinking rapidly when his vision went spotty. “You see this as a fun time?”

Remus giggled breathlessly. “Of course! We’re alone, I’ve got Bertha in one pocket and a condom in the other, and Roro isn’t here to cockblock us!”

“Hello?!” Both of them froze, staring at the pale yellow light in the distance. “Is anyone out there?”

“Over here, Sweetcheeks!” Janus couldn’t even find himself to be mad at his boyfriend giving away their location to a potential serial killer, his vision swimming as he forced himself to stay standing. The yellow light came closer, but Janus couldn’t focus on it, the winter chill seeping through his bones. He heard muffled words before his world went dark.

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When Janus woke up, his first reaction was to shiver violently. He groaned softly, gripping the soft blankets around him. There was a gasp followed by footsteps before a cool hand touched his cheeks. Janus flinched away from the touch before falling unconscious once more.

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This pattern of waking up to shiver before falling back asleep continued several times before Janus regained the strength to stay awake. This time he was actually able to open his eyes, and he was slightly surprised to find the room empty. Seeing as this was the first time he’s been awake long enough to see, Janus took stock of his surroundings.

The room was large, but it was difficult to view it that way, the walls covered floor-to-ceiling with large wooden bookshelves. Each shelf was filled to the brim with books, except for a few shelves clearly missing a book or two. The bed Janus was sleeping in was smaller than he was used to, most likely a double-mattress, with dozens of dark blue and space-themed blankets on top of him. A small lamp sat on the night table next to him, the stars and designs on the body of the lamp appearing to be hand-painted.

“Oh, you’re awake!” Janus’ head snapped to the doorway and he winced, clutching his head as a headache quickly formed. “Oh, don’t strain yourself, please! Here, take this.” Janus felt something being pressed against his lips and he quickly pressed them shut, not trusting whoever was in front of him. “It’s just pain medication, I swear. Here, would you take it if I showed you the bottle it came from?” Janus didn’t move, and the stranger seemed to take that as confirmation. “Alright, I’ll be right back!”

The footsteps retreated but Janus kept his eyes closed, trying to ignore how much his headache was affecting him. As he waited for the stranger to come back, he belatedly realized two very important things:

The clothes Janus was wearing were not the clothes he was wearing out in the snow, and he didn’t know where his clothes or his gun were.

Remus wasn’t there with him.

Janus grunted softly as he forced himself into a sitting position, ignoring how heavy his limbs felt. He swung his legs over the side of the bed, shivering as his bare foot brushed against the nightstand. Just as he was about to try and get up the footsteps returned followed by a gasp in surprise.

“Oh, please don’t get up yet! You’re fever just broke an hour ago and I don’t want you to overexert yourself. Here, I have the bottle they came in.” Janus glanced down at the bottle now in his palm and read the label. “Headache relief, take 2 every 3 hours, no more than 12 in 24 hours.” Janus tried to remember the numbers but his head was still sluggish. He tried to open the bottle, but the child-proof seal proved to be too much for him at the moment. A warm hand covered his own as the stranger opened the pill bottle, their movement slow and obvious as they kept the bottle in Janus’ field of vision.

The pills were gently pressed to his lips once again, but this time Janus opened his mouth to take them. A glass of water was held up to his mouth and Janus drank eagerly, a small stream spilling down his chin. When the glass was pulled away Janus gasped for breath, the cold water making it easier to focus. “...where...am I?”

The stranger turned away and Janus looked up at them for the first time. They were short and on the heftier side, tufts of curly chestnut-brown hair peeking out over a sky-blue turtleneck. “You’re in my cabin, around a 10-minute drive from where I found you, and you’ve been here for almost 2 days now. You and your friend had some pretty bad hypothermia. What were you doing out there in the middle of a snowstorm?”

Janus shrugged. “My friend was messing around and we crashed the car. Where are my clothes? And my friend?”

The stranger turned around and Janus bit back a gasp. Standing in front of him was the most beautiful angel he had ever seen. Soft, round face; a smattering of freckles across pale skin. A pair of wire-framed glasses made their cerulean blue eyes look big and innocent, and plump pink lips formed a little ‘o’ before they answered. “Sorry, I had to change you out of those wet clothes. They’re all clean and dry downstairs in the living room, along with your… other items.” Janus suddenly remembered his lack of weapons and gripped the blankets tighter, suddenly feeling much more exposed. “Your friend is in the room next to yours.” They gestured to the door they didn’t come in through. “The rooms are connected through that closet, and when you’re feeling better I’ll help you over there so you can see him. His fever broke last night, but he hasn’t woken up yet.”

Janus snorted, speaking without fully thinking. “Remus sleeps like a log, he’ll wake up when he’s ready to wake up.”

The stranger gasped, a pretty pink blush dancing across their cheeks. “Oh, how rude of me!” They held out their hand for Janus to take. “I’m Patton Heart, he/him pronouns please!”

Janus tentatively took Patton’s hand, giving him one firm shake before letting go. “Janus, he/him. Remus also goes by he/him.”

Patton smiled and Janus felt his heart practically melting. “Thank you for letting me know!” Janus heard something beeping and Patton gasped. “My soup! I’ve gotta go take care of that.” He rushed over to the door before giving Janus one last stern look. “Don’t you even think about getting out of bed, mister! You need to save your strength so you’ll get better.” He nodded dumbly and Patton smiled, closing the door behind him.

Janus stared at the door for a few more minutes before shrugging, deciding it best to follow Patton’s orders for now. The man didn’t seem threatening, and he didn’t appear to be a threat to Janus or Remus.

Janus groaned as he laid down. “Roman’s gonna kill me. I’ve gotta give him another raise when this is all over.”

Roman was Remus’ twin and Janus’ personal assistant. Janus’ parents had each owned their own successful companies before they passed away, and Janus had made work of expanding them into his own financial empire. Roman gladly took up the job of managing the company behind the scenes, making Janus’ only job to make the big decisions, keep Remus happy, and not get kidnapped. While that third one could be easily solved with a few bodyguards, Janus preferred to just have himself and Remus armed and vigilant.

He had been driving home from a business meeting (he hated having chauffeurs when he could drive perfectly well on his own) when Remus decided to mess around with his favorite pistol, or ‘Bertha’ as he tended to call it, and they ended up crashing the car.

Janus sighed, his eyelids already growing heavy again. Maybe just a few more minutes of sleep…

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It wasn’t until around noon the next day that Remus woke up. Janus had been awake for around 2 hours now and had just finished eating when he heard Remus swearing in the next room. While Patton went to assure Remus that ‘no, you aren’t being kidnapped right now, and no, this is not a sex thing,’ Janus slowly got himself out of bed and made his way through the open door and into the other room. This room was much darker than the one Janus was staying in, with purple and black decor and My Chemical Romance posters on the walls. Patton was facing away from Janus, fretting nervously. Remus was still laying on the bed, whining about how much his head hurt. “My head feels like it just had an orgy with Dwayne Johnson and-”

“Remus.” Janus growled out, and both of them turned to look at him.

“Janny!” Remus whined out, making grabby hands. Janus rolled his eyes and slowly walked over to the bed, putting his hand in Remus’ hair. Remus melted into the touch and Janus smiled fondly.

There was a sigh and Janus looked up to see Patton frowning slightly. “I could’ve helped you in here, you know.”

Janus smirked. “I’ll be sure to ask for help next time.” He then sighed. “We need to call a friend to pick us up. May we borrow a phone?”

Patton frowned, looking away. “I’m sorry, but the phone lines went down last night. And the storm’s still going on strong, so even if you managed to call someone they wouldn’t be able to get here until after the storm let up. But you can stay here for as long as you’d like!”

Janus glanced over to Remus, who just shrugged. Janus thought about it for a few minutes before sighing. “If you’re alright with it, then we’ll stay.” It’s not like there’s much else we can do.

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The next day, Janus and Remus recovered most of their strength and explored the rest of the house. It was a simple house, with three bedrooms and one bathroom upstairs, and a bathroom, living room, study, kitchen and dining room downstairs. When they made their way to the living room, Janus’ attention was immediately drawn to the dozens of photos that lined the walls. All of them had Patton with two children. One kid was pale and short, probably around 12 years old, with Patton’s chestnut-brown hair but brown eyes. They wore an oversized purple hoodie in most of the photos. The other kid was tall and lanky, probably around 16 years old, with much darker skin and wavy black hair tied in a knot and dark blue eyes. They wore a pair of glasses like Patton’s, along with a polo and necktie in most of the photos. “Hey, Pat?”

“Yeah?” Patton called out before his head popped into the living room, a tray of small sandwiches in hand.

Janus gestured to the pictures lining the walls. “Who’s in these pictures?”

Patton beamed, setting down the tray. “Oh, those are my kiddos! Virgil’s the one in the hoodie, and Logan’s the one with the necktie! They’re just the sweetest little things!”

Remus piped up from where he was sitting on the couch. “Why aren’t they here with you?”

Patton sighed, sitting down. “Well, Virgil’s mom got pretty upset when I came out as bisexual, so we got divorced around 3 years ago. I get to have him all summer vacation and on weekends, while she gets him on weekdays and all winter break. Logan’s technically my godson, but I adopted him 2 years ago. He goes to a fancy boarding school for gifted kiddos out in the city, and he wanted to stay there during the break since Virgil wouldn’t be here.”

Janus frowned, his chest aching at the sad look on Patton’s face. “What are your sons like, Patton?” he asked, not being subtle with his desire to change the subject.

Patton didn’t seem to notice, smiling like a proud parent should. “Oh, they’re the bestest kiddos ever! Logan’s really smart, and he always has fun little facts to share! And Virgil’s really good with music, I don’t recognize most of the songs he plays but they’re still really good!”

Janus smiled, taking a bite of his sandwich while Patton rambled on about his kids. Maybe staying here for a little while wouldn’t be so bad after all.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Remus, we are not having sex in a kid’s closet!”

It had been almost a week since Janus first met Patton, and things had been going pretty smoothly so far. The three of them spent most of their time chatting and spending time together. It was obvious that Patton was lonely in this big cabin all by himself, almost as obvious as how attached Janus and Remus were to the sweater-wearing dad. There were very few moments where Janus wasn’t either spending time with Patton or thinking about him. And it was very obvious that Remus was feeling the same way, and that he was trying to find distractions for these newfound feelings.

By having sex in a closet, apparently.

Remus whined, practically throwing all of his weight on top of Janus. “C’mon Jan, it’s been ages since I’ve touched you!” He pouted and batted his eyelashes. “Pretty please, Janus?”

Janus sighed, leaning back on the door that connected the closet to Virgil’s room. They hadn’t told Patton that they were in a relationship, and they were still sleeping in the kid’s bedrooms, so they hadn’t actually had any time together in a while. “Just kissing.”

Remus purred, his hand reaching behind Janus’ head to pull him closer. “Fine by me.” They wrapped their arms around each other, their first few kisses hot and desperate, before melting into slow, languid kisses-

“Eep!” Janus quickly pushed Remus off of him, who fell back on the floor with a quiet ‘oof.’ Patton stood in the doorway to Logan’s room, blushing brighter than a cherry. “I’m sorry- I didn’t- I- I’ve gotta go!” And then he was gone.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

When they eventually got over their own mortification of getting caught and found Patton again, he was perfectly fine, all traces of blush gone. “You should have told me that you two were together!” He chided. “I’ll take Logan’s bed and you can have the bed in my room!”

Janus blushed. “We’re perfectly fine with our current arrangements Pa-”

Patton interrupted, putting his hands on his hips in the ‘I’m the dad, you listen to me’ voice. “Nope, no buts!”

Remus snorted. “Hehe, ‘butts.’”

Patton smiled fondly before continuing. “I’ll be fine in Logan’s room. Besides, that bed’s too big for little ol’ me anyways.” He clapped his hands and spun around towards the kitchen. “Now, who’s ready for lunch?”

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Patton was avoiding them.

Well, avoiding would be the wrong word to use, but Janus didn’t really have a word to fit their current situation. He still ate with them and they still spent hours chatting about anything they could think of. But there were quite a few times where he would get really excited or he would give Janus or Remus a look that would make their hearts melt, but then the light in his eyes would die and he would close himself off. Janus didn’t know what to make of it.

It didn’t help that he and Remus were absolutely smitten with the kind-hearted man. They’ve been sleeping in Patton’s bed for 3 nights now (an alaskan king bed, two big for the two of them, and definitely too big for Patton all on his own), and contrary to what would’ve been expected, they didn’t spend their time getting, ahem, reacquainted with each other. Instead, they cuddled on the too-large bed, whispering about how they felt about the amazing man who slept just down the hall.

They had just finished lunch and Patton had rushed off to clean up the plates, despite Janus and Remus’ assurances that they could clean their own dishes. Janus got up to at least clean up the living room when-

Knock knock knock

Patton stepped back into the living room, his eyebrows pinched as he wiped his hands on a small towel. “That’s odd, no one should be out in the middle of this storm.” Patton opened the door and Janus immediately knew who it was from his voice alone.

“Hello, I’m looking for two men. One looks like me with a mustache and the other looks like he would actually take candy from a baby.”

“Gee, thanks.” Janus called out sarcastically as Remus shouted “Roro!”

Patton came back to the living room with an enraged Roman trailing behind. Roman stormed in and grabbed Janus by his (technically Patton’s) sweater, shaking him slightly. “Where the hell were you?!? I thought you and Remus were kidnapped! I was tempted to send out a search party! You’re lucky that the GPS on you’re car was still working!”

Janus gulped. He had almost forgotten how terrifying Roman can get. Almost. “Relax, we’re both safe and sound, so there’s nothing to worry about.”

Roman glared at him before letting go of him with a huff. He then pulled Remus into a hug. “God, don’t scare me like that again.”

Remus chuckled softly. “You know I can’t promise that Roro.” He looked up at Patton’s confused look and pulled away from Roman. “Oh, time for introductions! Patton, this is Roman, my twin. Roro, this is Patton. He’s the one who saved us!”

Roman looked up at Patton and nodded. “It’s wonderful to meet you, Patton. Thank you for saving my brother. And my boss.”

Patton blushed. “Oh, it was noth- wait, boss?”

But Roman had already turned to face Janus. “C’mon, we need to leave ASAP. I had to postpone 3 different meetings to find you, and we can’t launch the new HYDRA TECH product until you officially give the go-ahead.” He looked around at everyone’s faces and suddenly realized that there was something he didn’t know. “...You have 10 minutes before the helicopter takes off.” He quickly left to give them privacy, the shutting of the door the only sound for a while.

“...So,” Patton chuckled nervously, looking away, “you have a helicopter.”

Janus blushed, rubbing the back of his neck. “Yeah… I inherited quite a few companies from my parents.”

“Oh.” Patton frowned. “...Were you ever gonna tell me?”

“Eventually.” Remus piped up. “It’s kindof dangerous, having so much money and so little protection. You can’t say things like that to just anyone, y’know.”

“Right, of course.” Patton didn’t really sound like he agreed though. He suddenly smiled, a smile that by this point Janus and Remus knew was fake. “Well, I guess it’s time to say bye.”

Janus frowned, stepping forward. “Patton-”

Patton held his hand up. “Nope, you heard him. You have important business stuff to go do. No reason to stay here any more than you already have.”

Janus looked hopelessly between Remus and Patton before sighing defeatedly. “Alright. Goodbye Patton.” And he left without another word.

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After a whole week of being away from Patton, Janus was just about ready to throw everything away and run back to him.

The only things stopping him were his company, and the fact that he was pretty sure Patton didn’t like him back. Or Remus, who seemed to have taken it even harder than Janus had. He’d spent the entire week curled up in their room, staring off into space or sleeping. Janus had completely dove back into work, hoping that by the time he was done all of his feelings would be gone.

Roman was the one who put an end to it, slapping a manila folder onto the desk.

“Here’s all the information I could find on the guy you were staying with. Patton Heart, age 36. Has partial custody over his biological son Virgil Heart, and full custody over his adopted son Logan Heart. Worked as a vet for several years before retiring shortly after his parents died 3 years ago. Owns that cabin and stays there year-round. No living family other than the kids. Virgil is homeschooled while Logan goes to Sanders Academy for the Gifted.”

Janus was surprised by the last part. “Logan goes to Sanders Academy?” Janus’ family had been huge donators towards the academy and Janus had joined in shortly after they died, even becoming good friends with the headmaster.

Roman nodded before realizing what was going on. “Oh, no you’re not. I see that look in your eyes. You’re plotting something.”

Janus sputtered. “I’m not plotting!”

Roman snorted. “Dude, that’s your plotting face.” He suddenly grew serious. “Just don’t do anything that’ll hurt my brother, got it? Goodness knows he’s already hurt enough.” And with that he left, leaving Janus to plot.

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Logan Heart was a very good student. He always showed his work, he aced every test, and he never, ever, cheated.

So, when Logan’s counselor arrived to tell him that Headmaster Sanders himself wanted to speak with him, without any warning as to what this conversation would be about, Logan grew to be very, very nervous.

He walked into the Headmaster’s office considering every option under the sun as to why he would be summoned in the middle of the day during winter break. He did not expect to find said Headmaster quietly chatting with the school’s main benefactor, Mr. Hydra.

Headmaster Sanders looked surprised, as if he didn’t expect Logan’s presence (or perhaps he just didn’t expect him to arrive so quickly). “Ah, Mr. Heart, how delightful for you to join us.” He suddenly got up, holding his hand out for Mr. Hydra to take. “I’ll leave you two some privacy. It was a pleasure to see you again, Janus.”

Mr. Hydra smiled, shaking his hand. “The pleasure was mine, Thomas. Tell the mister Remus and I said hello.”

The Headmaster chuckled. “I’ll make sure I will. Yell if you need anything!”

When the Headmaster left Mr. Hydra gestured to the seat next to him. Logan sat down stiffly, not entirely sure of what was going on. “Mr. Hydra-”

“Please, Mr. Hydra was my father.” The man interrupted, waiving his gloved hand. “Call me Janus.”

“...Janus,” Logan ammended, trying to not squirm as he kept eye contact. “I’m not quite sure why I’m here. Could you please explain that to me?”

Janus chuckled. “You’re so smart and polite, just as he said you were.”

Logan felt his lips twitch into a frown. “Just as who said I was?” It was highly unlikely that he was referring to the Headmaster, or any of the counselors. So that only left…

Janus shifted, suddenly looking… uncomfortable? Embarrassed? Logan always struggled with reading facial expressions. “Patton did. He’s actually what I came to talk to you about.”

Millions of scenarios began flying through Logan’s head at once. “What happened to my father?”

Janus waved his hands frantically. “No no no, nothing’s happened to him, I promise!” When Logan finally calmed down, he continued. “My boyfriend and I met your father around 3 weeks ago. We had crashed our car in a snowstorm, and your father rescued us and nursed us back to health. We stayed with him for nearly 2 weeks before leaving.”

Logan nodded. “You needing to tell me this implies that there’s more to this story.”

Janus blushed and looked away. “Yes, well, you see-” He huffed, crossing his arms. “This sounded like a much better idea in my head.” He turned back to face Logan. “My partner and I both developed romantic feelings for your father over the course of those 2 weeks, but we were forced to leave before we could tell him or learn if our feelings were reciprocated.”

Logan nodded in understanding. “You want me to ask Patton if he harbors any feelings towards you or…”

“Remus. And yes, I would be most grateful if you did so.”

Logan sighed, moving his glasses to pinch the bridge of his nose. “You do realize that it will be near impossible to do this, right? My father has an extremely difficult time with admitting what he wants. I hope you also know that my father wouldn’t want to enter a relationship that quickly. Contrary to what he might say, he is still rather heartbroken from Virgil’s mother leaving him.”

Janus nodded. “Of course, but I need you to pull every trick in the book. Guilt tripping, ‘innocent’ questioning, doe eyes, whatever you have to do. Surely you must know what makes your father cave by now. And we can take it as slow as needed, I just need to know before we accidentally break our own hearts, or his.”

Logan stared before sighing. “Alright. Do you have a number I can give him?” Janus scribbled off a number and handed it to him. “Thank you. This will most likely take a few weeks, so don’t get upset if he doesn’t immediately call. If I’m confident that he does not harbor any romantic feelings for you, I will call you at the earliest convenience.”

Janus nodded. “Thank you.” He went to get up, but Logan grabbed him by the wrist, pulling him down to face Logan.

“Oh and one last thing. If you do anything to harm my father, physically, emotionally, you name it, my brother and I will find a way to make your life a living hell. Got it?” Janus nodded, not even showing a hint of shock or fear. “Good.”

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It took two weeks for Janus to get a phone call.

It was the most miserable two weeks of Janus’ life. He hadn’t told Remus of his interaction with Logan, not wanting to get his hopes up. So, he spent two weeks glued to his cellphone, desperately hoping for and dreading the inevitable phone call.

He had been in bed when it came. He shot up and answered the unknown number, putting the call on speakerphone and ignoring Remus’ questioning look. “Hello?”

“...Janus?” Remus jumped at the voice but Janus put a hand up to silence him.

“Hello, Patton. I see Logan sent you my number?” Remus gave him a questioning look and Janus just mouthed ‘later.’

“Yeah, he gave it to me a few days ago.” The line went silent for a second. “Is Remus there?”

“I’m here.” Remus croaked out, apparently still awestruck by the thought that Patton was calling them. “What do you need, Pattycake?”

There was a giggle, and Janus felt his shoulders untense from the sound alone. “Well, the storm’s finally let up, and Logan wants me to come visit him at his school. I was wondering if maybe you wanted to meet up for lunch. Not on a date or anything! I don’t think I’m ready for that yet, but-”

“Patton.” Janus interrupted, and the line went silent. “We would love to have lunch with you. Would you like to invite Logan, and maybe Virgil?”

“...Yeah, that sounds really nice.” There was more silence, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. It was calm, peaceful, relieved. “How about next Tuesday at 2pm? We can meet up at Logan’s school and choose where to go then.”

“Sounds amazing Pattycake!” Remus called out, a new light shining in his eyes. “We’ll see you then.”

“Alright, bye!”

“Goodbye!” They both called out as Patton hung up. Remus turned to Janus, a large smile on his face as he kissed him. And Janus had just as big of a smile as they kissed. They kissed for hope, for new beginnings, and a chance for love.

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Taglist: @bisexualdisaster106 @self-taught-mess @arodynamic-enby @sanderssides-angst @whatishappeningrightnow @idont-freaking-know @cute-and-angsty-princess @artsy-enby09 @girl-who-reads @larrymalecsolangelo

#sanders sides fic #pajamus #janus sanders #remus sanders #patton sanders #logan sanders #virgil sanders

[skyriderwednesday]

False Omens

There was not a banshee, or anything pretending to be a banshee in the attic. The scariest thing about the house's attic is that it had been designated as her bedroom. Or so she thought. -- When Susan's youngest charge claims that there is a banshee in the attic, she is naturally skeptical. After all, the scariest thing meant to be in the attic in this house is her. However, it soon transpires that some spooks are stubborner than others.

(G Rated, 1366 words, Governess Susan)

Also on AO3

Night had fallen. The day’s duties were done. The children were bathed, fed, read to, and put in bed. In front of the bathroom sink, Susan had willed her hair to be braided, and was about to finish brushing her teeth when there was a tap on the door. “Miss Susan?” a small voice said. “Yes?” Susan replied, looking over her shoulder in the mirror. The door opened a crack, and Emily, the youngest of her charges, peeked through it. “There's a banshee in the attic.” Susan set down her toothbrush. “No there isn't,” she said calmly. “Banshees are extinct.” “Do they know?” the child asked, allowing a little more of her face to be seen. Susan turned around and opened the door fully. “I think it would be quite difficult to unknowingly be a member of an extinct species.” “But I heard it screaming…” Emily insisted. Susan studied the mousey little girl, standing in front of her in a pink dressing gown clutching a floppy toy rabbit, and chose her response carefully. “Are you sure that wasn't your brother?” “No!” She shook her head vigorously, knocking a carefully set rag curl loose. “It wasn't Toby!” Susan crouched down, removing one of her own hairpins to put the curl back. “I see, are you sure it wasn't Graham?” She gave her the kind of disparaging look that only a six year old can manage. “Graham sleeps downstairs. It came from the attic.” Mentally, Susan conceded. The baby did sleep downstairs, and it was fairly difficult to mistake down for up. “Emily, do you want me to check the attic?” She nodded, nuzzling her rabbit. “All right, I'll check,” Susan said, standing up. “But even false banshees don't like to be seen by more than one person at once, so you have to go into your bedroom with Mr Rabbit and pretend to be asleep.” Emily thought about this. “I'll come and tell you when it's gone.” She silently conversed with Mr Rabbit, who deemed hiding in the bedroom acceptable. “Very well, go on.” Emily and Mr Rabbit ran off into her bedroom. Susan waited a few moments until she heard the door crack open again. There was not a banshee, or anything pretending to be a banshee in the attic. The scariest thing about the house's attic is that it had been designated as her bedroom. Or so she thought.

Upon setting first foot on the stairs, Susan heard wailing from far away. It's the baby, she thought. But no, it did appear to come from above her. Damn the force of children's belief, they could manifest anything given half the chance and a quarter of an hour too long to think about it.  Once she reached the concerning creak three-quarters up the staircase, the wailing grew louder. She would be having words with the cook first thing in the morning. They had already banned ghost stories twice. And now there's a bloody false banshee in my bedroom… Susan flung open the door. She scanned the room. A long shadow formed in the far corner. “Excuse me,” she said, “this is my bedroom.” There was a faint moan. “Don’t start that. I don’t scare easily and you don’t want to annoy me.” The shadow darkened and lengthened. It extruded from the water-stained wallpaper into a gaunt spectre with an ill-defined pale grey face and grey rags clinging to its misty body. A textbook ghoul. Susan looked at it sideways.  “To my understanding, the last practicing banshee in the city conducts his trade via note,” she said. The ghoul groaned. “You’re a ghoul,” Susan said, “you make stairs creak and rattle the boiler.” The spectre reared back into the corner and let out a high shriek. Susan’s ears shut down defensively. Thank the gods that people unaware of ghouls generally could not hear them, or the adults of the house may have thought she was being murdered. It would be mortifying for them to think she would scream like that. “Stop pretending to be a banshee,” she said sternly.  It stared at her. “Go away.” Nothing. “I’ll use the poker,” she said. Still no response. “If I have to involve my grandfather in this, I'm going to be very upset. My grandfather is a very busy man and calling upon him to resolve a dispute like this will make him late to several important appointments.” Continued nothing. Susan sighed deeply and shut her eyes in resignation. “Very well.”

There were many methods to catch Death's attention, some less humane than others. The one Susan preferred was one of the more polite. It involved covering mirrors and stopping clocks and opening windows. The mirror in this room was already in the wardrobe, which made things easier. Willing her heels to click on the age-worn floorboards, she walked over and stopped the clock on the mantelpiece. Then she opened the window. Finally she placed two age-blackened pennies neatly on the table, and turned her back on the window, the ghoul staring all the while. A chill entered the room and time slowed down. She didn't move, staring forward until she could no longer feel wind on her back and the light returned to normal. GRANDDAUGHTER,  Death said. WHAT IS IT THAT REQUIRES MY ATTENTION? “Hello Grandfather,” she said. “I’m sorry to have disturbed your work.” Behind her she knew Death was tilting his head, slightly confused by her formality. IT WAS NO BOTHER, he said. I OFTEN HAVE BUSINESS IN THE CITY. IT WAS JUST A MATTER OF CROSSING THE RIVER. “Still,” Susan said. “I hate to disrupt your schedule.” Death was squinting. I ASSUME THIS IS NOT A SOCIAL CALL. “Unfortunately, no.” AH. THEN HOW MAY I BE OF ASSISTANCE TO YOU? “Are any members of this household due to die in the near future?” I DO NOT BELIEVE SO. WHY EXACTLY DO YOU ASK? “I believe this 'banshee' to be misinformed.” Death turned to look at the creature. He studied it for a moment. THAT IS A GHOUL. he said. Susan turned around to face him. “I know,” she said. “I informed it of that, it refused to listen to me.” YOU ASSUME IT WILL LISTEN TO ME? Susan turned out her hands. “I’m only human, Grandfather. Your words may hold more weight than mine.” Death hummed, rattling the mirror inside the wardrobe. Susan bit her tongue to suppress the urge to roll her eyes. If he broke it, she would have to pay for it. Death turned to the ghoul. YOU ARE NOT A BANSHEE, he said. YOU ARE A GHOUL. It groaned at him. Death straightened, his expression sharpening. CEASE THIS NONSENSE. The ghoul more half-heartedly wailed. BEGONE FROM THIS PLACE. With one final pitiful moan, the ghoul’s form reduced back into shadow and dissipated in the light of the room. Susan allowed herself to breathe a sigh of relief. “Thank you, Grandfather.” YOU ARE WELCOME, Death said. He spread his arms wide. I REQUEST A HUG. All right, she supposed he had earned it. Susan smiled. “Okay, one hug.” She walked into range, and Death’s bony arms wrapped around her. She managed to find his torso amongst the tide of black robes and closed the distance between them, going for the least awkward embrace between a young woman and a seven-foot-tall skeleton she could manage. Death’s head lowered and Susan tried not to wince as he bumped his jaw against her forehead. Kisses were not supposed to be performed by people without flesh, let alone lips. Still, the sentiment was sweet, and she let him let go first. Death smiled. GOOD NIGHT, SUSAN. I LOVE YOU. “I love you too, Grandfather,” she replied. “Good night.” Death turned to leave the way he had come. Time slowed and a cold wind blew. Susan shut her eyes. On the mantelpiece, the clock resumed ticking. Susan closed the window, and opened the wardrobe to check on the mirror. With a frown, she noted that her hair had tied itself up again. Oh well. As she descended the stairs, Susan smiled at the lack of a concerning creak a quarter of the way down.

#discworld #discworld fic #susan sto helit #discworld death #susan: there isn't a banshee in my bedroom #susan seconds later: ffs there's a ghoul pretending to be a banshee in my bedroom #(''wait how is susan's youngest charge six when there's a baby in the house???'' governesses don't do babies my dude. that's nurses)

[aswithasunbeam]

Rated: Teen and Up

Summary: Fanny Antill has been separated from the Hamilton family for four years when she learns her big brother has died in a duel. She rushes to the Hamilton's home, uncertain of the reception she'll receive. Four years was a long time to be away. (But not so very long at all, in the end.)

_

The carriage rolled to a stop outside the Hamilton residence. Fanny Antill reached for the handle to open the door before the driver could come around, but her sister placed a hand over hers to stop her. Polly peeked out the window, looking nervously at the building.

“Are you sure, Fanny?” Polly asked, uncomfortable. “This feels…intrusive. Their son just died.”

Fanny felt a lump form in her throat.

She’d grown up adoring Philip. When she’d read in the paper what happened to him, she’d felt his loss like a blow to the stomach. The idea that she would never again be pulled into one of Pip’s bear hugs had left her dizzy. But it had been four years since she’d left the Hamilton’s home to live with Polly and her husband, long enough that no one around her seemed to deem the loss as her own.

“I wish to give my condolences in person,” Fanny said, hoping that sounded mature and reasonable even as she swallowed down tears.

Polly still looked uncomfortable, but she removed her hand from Fanny’s. The driver had come around and the door opened just as Fanny pushed, causing her to stumble slightly. She caught her footing and descended without the assistance of the driver, rushing to the door as fast as propriety allowed. She’d already rung the bell before Polly was by her side.

A young maid Fanny didn’t recognize answered the door. “May I help you, ma’am?”

Polly answered, “My name is Mrs. Lansing, and this is my sister, Miss Antill. We are here to see your master and mistress, if they are at home?”

The maid looked surprised and uncertain. “Well, ma’am, they are at home, but they aren’t receiving visitors at the present time. There has been a…a family tragedy, you see. If you were to come back, maybe in a week or so….”

“No, please,” Fanny interrupted, desperate, not caring if she was being rude. “They know me. I…I grew up here. Please, just ask them if they’ll see me. Please.”

The maid now looked confused and even more uncertain. She glanced back inside, as though hoping to see someone else, then back at the two women on the doorstep. At last, she opened the door to invite them in.

“If you’ll both just step into the parlor, I will inquire if Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton will see you now,” she explained, motioning them to the warm room with the fire blazing. Fanny stepped inside, the smell of home comforting to her in a way nothing else had been since she’d read that horrible newspaper report.

Polly sat on the edge of the chair near the fire, the one Papa liked to sit in with his paper after breakfast on Sunday. Fanny took a turn around the room to examine the familiar knickknacks and finery. Her stomach started to twist as the minute hand on the mantle clock continued to move without any sound of footsteps on the stairs.

Had they refused to see her?

It had been four years since she’d been part of the family. She’d seen them a handful of times since, but she was much older now, sixteen, nearly a grown woman. Maybe she’d overestimated her place in their affections?

Oh, but they just had to see her. Her big brother had just died. All she wanted was to share her grief with people who had known and loved Philip, too. Should she really have taken Polly’s advice and written a letter of condolence instead?

She sank into a seat and closed her eyes. She remembered, as a very little girl, being sat down by Mama and Papa on the very sofa upon which she now waited, while they gently explained to her that her father had died up north. She hadn’t remembered him well enough to mourn him, but it had been her first introduction to the idea of death. The loss of the elusive father figure who'd featured in stories and an occasional letter had left her with terrible nightmares of Mama or Papa dying, too.

She recalled one night slipping out of bed and downstairs, hovering in the partially opened doorway to Papa’s office. His candle was burning low, his face shadowed as he scribbled out notes with great concentration. After watching him for several minutes, she’d finally gotten up the nerve to ask, “Papa?”

He’d startled slightly. “You shouldn’t be up, my little lady.” Beckoning her towards him, he added, “What’s the matter?”  

She’d crawled up into his lap, worrying her lip as she leaned against him. “Are you going to die?”

She’d watched his face, saw him swallow back his knee-jerk “no” and consider her question carefully.

“Someday,” he’d said. “Hopefully not for a very long time.”

“But you don’t know that,” she’d pressed.

“I don’t,” he’d agreed. His hand soothed over her back in a comforting rhythm. “We can only do the best we can with the time God gives us. But I can promise you that you’ll always be loved and cared for by your family, whatever might happen to me.”

She’d taken such comfort in that assurance, that whatever might come, she had a family who would love her. Had that just been a kindness, a soothing lie to a frightened child?

Finally, finally, she heard footsteps coming towards the parlor.

She jumped out of her seat, shifting nervously and practically holding her breath.

Papa stepped into the room and closed the door behind him. Fanny felt a new wave of grief crash over her at the sight of him. He looked ill, pale and shaky. His pallor was even more stark against the suit of deep black he wore.

Now, after all her doubtful thoughts, she wasn’t sure what to do. She stood there, staring at him, her lower lip quivering as she worried the end of a satin ribbon on her dress with her hands.

He looked at her with glassy eyes for a silent minute. Then his lips formed into a half smile and he held out his arms. “Come here, sweetheart,” he invited with a hoarse voice.

She all but ran over to him, crashing into his embrace and squeezing him tight. Hot tears rushed down her face; she turned her head into his soft jacket to hide them from him. “I…I’m so sorry. I didn’t know if…if it was…I…I wanted to….” She struggled to speak, her voice high and halting through the tears that suddenly wouldn’t stop coming.

“Hush, my little lamb,” he cooed, rocking slowly back and forth on his heels as he held her and rubbed her back, just like he had when she was a little girl.

She cried even harder, letting out an embarrassing little hiccup when she tried to catch her breath. She didn’t know what to say or do, and instead she let out a plaintive, “Papa.”

“It’s all right, Fanny. I know. Everything’s going to be all right,” he soothed.

When she finally had her crying under control, she leaned back, her cheeks flaming red from her tears and a blush. She hadn’t meant to go into hysterics; she had meant to come here to comfort him.

He produced a clean white handkerchief from his inside breast pocket and offered it to her. She took it and wiped her eyes, then her nose, which had started running. A sniffle escaped her as she cleaned her face, and Papa ran his thumb across her cheek to dry the last of her tears.

“There, there,” he said gently. “That’s better now. You’re all right.”

She nodded and he pulled her into his embrace once more.

“Mrs. Lansing, thank you for bringing her over here today. At this difficult time, I'm sure you can imagine the comfort of having our family together,” Papa said to Polly. “If it wouldn’t be too much trouble, perhaps we could keep Fanny with us for a few days?”

Fanny felt relief and love course through her at his words.

“If that’s all right with you, of course, my dear?” he added, pulling away a little to look at her again.

Fanny nodded. "Yes, please."

“Of course, General Hamilton, but…well, Fanny isn’t prepared for any kind of stay,” Polly said hesitantly.

“I’m sure some of Angelica’s old things will suit for a few days,” Papa said. "We'll make sure she has everything she needs."

“Well, all right,” Polly agreed, standing from her chair, her brow furrowed slightly. “I’ll send the coach for you on Friday next, if that’s agreeable?”

Fanny nodded to her sister and untangled herself from Papa’s arms long enough to give her a hug goodbye. Polly squeezed her once, then let go. Polly stopped before Papa and said, “I…I am so sorry for your loss, General.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Lansing.”

When Polly had gone, Papa kissed her on the forehead, then placed his hands on her shoulders as he looked down at her. “You are a sight for sore eyes,” he said, smiling weakly. “Look how you’ve grown.”

“I thought, maybe, you wouldn’t want to see me,” she confessed.

He shook his head. “Never. You are always welcome here, my dear little lady.”

She smiled at the old pet name and hugged him again.

“Let’s go upstairs,” he said. “Mama’s anxious to see you.”

“She is?”

“Of course.” His arm settled around her shoulders as he led her from the room.

She trailed him upstairs and fell into the warm embrace of her family.

#hamilton fanfic #alexander hamilton #fanny antill #philip hamilton #grief/mourning #father-daughter relationship

[otomegema]

Title: Convergence Theory, ch. 3 summary: Transitional chapter GET. Aka, the one where reader meets Gojo's students a little more and I show off some of her powers and set up some future uh-- issues. That might effect the would-be couple. I'm just rolling with it. pairing: Gojo Satoru x Reader rating: mature Ao3 Link (We are uh-- up to ch. 11 on Ao3 just fyi)

Weird did not even begin to describe the feeling that went through your chest and flipped in your stomach as you closed the door on your hotel room, bags in hand, and went downstairs to meet your new roommate in the lobby.

No.

New fiancé.

A fact Gojo was delighting in explaining to the hotel staff, animatedly conjuring from the depths of his mind some new bullshit on how you met. How he proposed. Some of the girls at the station were near puddles of envy. Others, happily told you how “lucky” you were as you handed off your keycard and checked out.

You had managed not to scowl the entire time, but just barely.

“You’re gonna have to send me a spreadsheet of all these lies just so I can keep up.” You muttered, swinging your bag into the open trunk of the car that had arrived to pick you both up. Oddly, the driver was not the same as the one from the other night. The man in question looked nervously in his rear view mirror, but also with an intense amount of curiosity.

“I already forgot um. Besides, not like we need one for the Gojo clan. They already know how we met.”

Gojo didn’t bother to get the door for you this time, sliding into the back seat without waiting for you to finish loading the car. You took your own spot, mirroring him in taking out your phone to check your latest messages. The driver would occasionally exchange looks with you in the mirror. You gave him a polite smile.

“Principal will wanna meet with you,” Gojo said abruptly, “I had my guys put in your rec already. Just let him know you want me as your mentor and when he brings me the request I’ll sign off.” Gojo didn’t even look up from his phone, “Old man will probably faint. I haven’t agreed to babysit anyone in—“

He paused, but only for a second.

“—Awhile!”

“Too busy?” You asked.

“Too much of a pain in the ass. And after, you can unpack your stuff at my place. I have a room on campus too, probably will spend the majority of my time there when I’m not on mission.”

“When we are not on mission.” You added with a smirk. Gojo sighed.

“Yeah, yeah. You enjoy this while it lasts, I’m already planning our next ‘date’ and you can bet before I’m done with planning the third one the family will demand a visit.” Gojo grinned, “When was the last time you’ve been?”

You groaned, the sound drawing a chuckle from Gojo. He knew damn well when the last time you were invited was.

“Do I get to plan any dates?”

He scoffed, “Why would you wanna?”

It was a fair point. You shrugged and turned to look out the window, admiring the view of trees and the greenery that surrounded Jujutsu Tech. Your days as a student were long over, but there was still so much protocol, so many hoops and tests and missions to jump through. If they had warned you being a sorcerer was like being a forever-student… maybe some of the others had it right. Ditching the school and the rules and wandering as independents. There was an allure to just throwing in the towel— but how would anything ever change if you just left?

You wondered if Gojo felt the same way, his personality not exactly meshing with the idea of a dutiful and obedient Jujutsu sorcerer. He was smiling lazily to himself as he typed on his phone and you found yourself content to just enjoy the silence.

The campus was not foreign to you and so you rebuffed Gojo’s offer to walk you in. Besides, if they came in together it might be too much of a tip off. There was no rule about the relation between a potential first-grade and their mentor, but given his tendency to rub the higher ups the wrong way, you didn’t want to risk any bumps. It was bad enough whoever that driver was had clearly heard you both talking. He seemed to be a staff member.

Passing through the halls though, you had the distinct feeling you were being watched— and definitely not by Gojo. If he was keeping tabs on you, you’d never know.

The cursed energy signatures were familiar, young and new, yet strong. You slid around a corner, barely flexing your Limitless to teleport around behind your spies, hiding out of sight.

“Wha— did we lose her?” The young boy with the pink hair gaped, rushing around the corner and then back, “I don’t see her!”

“Dummy, she probably heard you mouth breathing a mile away.” The girl muttered, slapping her fist into her hand with a disappointed grunt.

The other tall young man said nothing, his eyes drawn down into almost apathetic sleepiness.

“Why were we following her anyway?”

“Didnt you hear, Megumi? She is Gojo-sensei’s wife!”

“Fiancé, Yuji. Not wife.” The girl corrected.

“Fiancé, wife, girlfriend— whatever! Point is, how did we not know about her?! Who marries a guy like that anyway, she has to be crazy strong!!”

“She didn’t do so well on that last mission.” Megumi added, his voice flat. You winced slightly at his assessment. That was your cue. Shifting your energy, you appeared behind Megumi, forcing a tense, but still sufficiently bright smile unto your lips.

“That’s because my rat future-husband was busy showing off for his students!”

Megumi, to his credit, only stiffened. The other two openly shrieked at your arrival, the boy Yuji swiftly switching to an expression of awe.

“She moves like Gojo-sensei! I didn’t know she could do that!”

“Lots of people can do this… can’t believe he gets away with acting all high and mighty…” you grumbled.

You swore you heard a muffled sneeze from somewhere behind you, but your attention was suddenly wholly on Gojo’s two more animated students as they crowded into your space. Nobara Kugisaki— that was the girls name. And Itadori Yuji. The other boy you knew even before the mission was Megumi Fushiguro. Gojo’s longest running student and “ward” of a sort. Plus, he had affiliation with the Zenin. The Gojo clan liked to pretend it was as important, but even with the Six Eyes, there was no contest over which clan held the most power.

“Aren’t you a Gojo too? You have the Limitless right?” Yuji continued, smiling. This was Sukuna’s vessel? He seemed far too simple and far too sweet.

“Distantly. And yes.”

“That is so cool. You must be super strong.”

“I’m— I do okay.” You said, finding the praise a bit hard to accept. Sure in comparison to other third, fourth and even some of your fellow second-grade sorcerers you were notably talented— but how could anyone even judge such a thing when your true comparison was Gojo Satoru?

“When that curse hit ya? I thought— yikes. She is done for. But you barely had a mark on you!”

“Yeah, how did you dodge it? Oh! Can you do the thing?!” Nobara extended her hand, pressing her palm outward in what took you a minute to understand was a mimic of Gojo’s barrier technique.

You smiled faintly and lifted up your own hand. Nobara grinned as she tried to reach out and touch her fingertips to your own and she was stopped just short, hovering and wavering slightly in infinitely slowed movement.

“Neat.”

“I wanna try!” Yuji exclaimed and you happily demonstrated for the young man as well. Shockingly, you had to increase your output a little to repel him.

“I can’t have it up all the time, but it does help in a pinch.” You said and were surprised when Megumi finally spoke up.

“You make it sound like that somehow makes it less powerful.”

Had you? Your tone when talking about your abilities was always reserved. Cautious. You had no reason to gloat— no right to it. You masked your inner reflection behind a terse smile and offered your hand to Megumi.

“You wanna turn?”

The boy flushed.

“I’m… I’m good.”

“Are you going to be around campus today? Are you coming to our lesson?” Yuji asked, Nobara perking at the idea too.

“Maybe. I have to meet with the principal, but I’m sure I’ll see you all later.”

Satisfied with that, they wished you luck and departed, Nobara and Yuji falling again into animated conversation as Megumi steadily followed behind. It would be nice maybe to take part in a lesson or two… you hadn’t given the idea of teaching much thought, but just working with Gojo’s students you were starting to think you were getting the appeal of it.

Especially if you were one who loved to be adored, you thought with a scoff, wondering where Gojo had run off to if his students had been following you.

Dealing with principal Masamichi was a short affair. You accepted the recommendation news with humble gratitude and made your intention of being mentored by Gojo known. You were prepared to ignore the tension that seemed to permeate the atmosphere the moment you did so.

Masamichi simply stated he would let Yoshinobu know of the transfer. There would be no objections from Tokyo.

You could only imagine that your former principal would have something to say about all this— but he and the higher ups had done little to assist you in achieving first-grade status. Perhaps now they would realize they did not hold the keys to every door forward in their world.

Feeling strangely smug and self-satisfied, you left the office and set out to find the three students. It wasn’t difficult. Barely expanding your awareness of energy brought the familiar bright ray of Gojo into your mind. He was easy enough for you to find, you’d been doing it unwillingly all your life.

Near the outskirts of the woods that surrounded Jujutsu Tech you found Gojo shockingly studentless, sitting on the ground and playing what you could only imagine was an extremely high level of Candy Crush.

“Aren’t you suppose to be teaching?”

“I am! Kids are chasing a couple of third grade curses around the woods!”

“… and what are they learning?”

“Optimistically? How to dodge. Those things shoot out some kind of energy thing that definitely looks like it would sting.”

Gojo rapidly tapped across the screen, ending the level in record time before stashing his phone and leaning back on his palms. He tilted his head back at you with his usual smirk.

“You get your semi-grade one status?”

You nodded.

“Perfect!” He stood, brushing off his pants, “Now we can start your lesson! But first, I wanna see your baseline.”

He cracked his knuckles and then lazily stuffed his hands into his pockets.

“Hit me with your strongest technique.”

“…what, like right now? Now, now?” You shouldn’t have been surprised honestly, Gojo was a loose cannon in every sense of the word.

“Now, now, babe.”

You scowled, the furrowing of your brow only seeming to make him smile brighter.

“C’mon. You won’t get me and you know it. Just hit me with your best Limitless technique.”

“My best Limitless technique is non-combative.” You said wryly, wishing you had chosen to wear slacks that day instead of a skirt. Your own uniform was a modified version of the Jujutsu Tech one from your time spent as a sort of “adjunct” instructor. This was definitely not your practice outfit.

“Is it?” Gojo asked, humming thoughtfully. Was he being purposefully obtuse? Most likely, yes.

“Show me your best combative technique.”

You knew what he was getting at. Cursed Technique Lapse: Blue. It was, without utilizing reversals, the strongest technique a Limitless user could achieve— or at least Gojo had made it so. You could do it, sure, but you were not sure on how long you’d be standing upright after you did. All your previous attempts to master the technique usually ended in you taking a sudden and unplanned nap. At best, the output was a little weaker, but sometimes you could hold unto consciousness and only be tapped for the rest of the day.

“I’ll faint.” You said quietly and Gojo lifted his hand to cup his ear, grinning.

“What was that?”

You huffed, “I’ll faint.”

“I don’t think you will.”

“I’m sorry, is this your technique or mine?”

Gojo gave a small shrug, “Obviously mine. You're just a knock-off.”

“Ya know, I activated my Limitless abilities before you.”

“I mighta heard something like that once— Now hit me.” Gojo took a few steps back, crooking his finger at you, “Come on, come one. Don’t be so boring. I have to know what your capable of it you are going to come on missions with me.”

“This is a terrible idea.” You grumbled, but swung out your shoulders, breathing out slowly to mentally prepare yourself if anything.

“Maybe! But like I said, I gotta know just how weak you are.” Gojo said, mirth in his voice— and mocking.

“I’m not weak.” You snapped out before you could real in your tongue, feeling your neck flush.

“You just said you can’t even do the base technique of our ability without fainting.” Gojo gestured his hand out as he gave another little shrug, “Kinda seems super weak to me.”

“I’m not you.”

“Not with that attitude you aren’t."

Okay. Fine. He wanted you to hit him? You’d hit him. Your cursed energy had already flared up, irritation giving way to anger as you opened that channel within your memory and your emotions— focusing it until all that bitterness, all that rage was nothing more than a battery for you to use to fuel your own jujutsu.

You knew Gojo would be fine, but for a moment, you nearly faltered. Having someone ask you to basically collapse them apart with the cursed equivalent of a black hole? Not exactly a normal every day occurrence.

“C’mon! Stop thinking about hitting me and hit me! Unless you wanna renegotiate our deal… hell, maybe it would be easier for both of us if I just paid your rent instead. I don’t know how I’m gonna manage to get someone so pathetic to first-grade.”

You were going to kill him.

You were going to rip the eyes from his skull and spit them out at the dinner table of the main family, teeth and gums bloody.

“Cursed Technique Lapse: Blue.”

The cursed energy ripped not out from your body, but in. Focusing around Gojo as it manipulated space, dividing it down to the negative and seeking out to rend him apart. The area of effect was like a circle, but you pinpointed at his eyes regardless. Targeting what excess energy was left to his face.

The blast of blue sent clouds of dirt and grass into the air— or what was once dirt and grass. Having been nearly crushed into nothing, the debris shot around in fine powdered ash. When the air cleared, Gojo was standing where he had been before, entirely untouched.

Except for his blindfold.

One end had twisted, the fabric swirling up so tightly it was risen up against his forehead and revealing one bright, blue eye. It had gotten caught in part in the curling shrinking energy of the technique, but not enough to destroy it.

You let out a breath, stunned to find you were still standing.

“See?” Gojo said cheerfully, “Just a little motivation and you—“

The last thing you saw before everything went black was the ground suddenly rushing up to your face.

The low painful rumble of your stomach woke you, awareness of your body coming back in small waves. There was something soft tucked under your head… and your legs were elevated, knees curled around something.

You opened your eyes to the bright, unforgiving sky above and groaned loudly.

“Rise and shine, honeybun.”

His very voice made you wanna faint again just to get away from him.

“Really. Honey bun. Here, eat.”

A packaged sweet was tossed unto your stomach and you sat up enough to recognize the thing your legs were swung over was Gojo’s own lap. His phone was in one hand, the familiar blips and tones of a game audible. His other was rested on your knee, pressing down to help support your efforts to sit up.

He had taken off his jacket and put it behind your head, the white sleeves of his shirt beneath rolled up around his elbows. Judging by the absence of his blindfold and the return of his sunglasses, he hadn’t been able to save the item from your rending.

You flushed, attempting to pull your legs away and recognizing with a sharp sound that he could easily have seen up your skirt at that angle. Gojo’s hand tightened on your knee, keeping you in place.

“You should let your blood settle back before you try squirmin’ so much.”

If he had looked he did not make mention of it, focus fully on his game. Your stomach grumbled again and you tore open the honey bun packet and into the soft, sweet bread in short time.

“You really did faint.” Gojo said lowly, “Not the greatest. We’ll need to start with getting your cursed energy output higher. You can call on it in a pinch, sure, but it’d be better to have an ongoing source rather than relying on me teasing you into snapping off something halfway decent.”

“Ya know, anyone else and that move would have turned them into soup.” You said, not in the habit of defending yourself, but something about Gojo making the assessment set off your nerves. Why would he compare you to a level only he could achieve? It wasn’t fair.

“I know! I mean— it was good! Don’t get me wrong. Just not good. Blowing shit up is great and all but not if it blows you up with it. Leaves you vulnerable to reprisal if the curse isn’t alone.”

You shrugged, “I guess I just always figure if I take something out with that, if there is anything left the other sorcerers will get it.”

“… so it’s a sacrificial play, for you?”

You nodded. Gojo switched off his phone and shoved your legs off his lap, standing up. He didn’t offer you any help as you wobbled unto your own two feet.

“You got some serious hang ups.” Gojo said and you couldn’t very well argue.

He tugged his blindfold from his pocket, holding up the tattered piece of fabric for your inspection— as evidence. Your eyes widened. You didn’t realize until now the full extent of the damage, the way the cloth was shredded in the center as if a wild animal had tried to claw his eyes out. You had been so focused, so preoccupied… no wonder the damage wasn’t fully resembling of the true Lapse: Blue technique.

“Here. A souvenir.”

“… sorry.” You mumbled, reaching out to take it. Gojo quickly moved, pulling the blindfold from your reach at the last moment with a chuckle. You rolled your eyes and went to take it again only for him to repeat the same trick, earning a wary smile from you as you snatched at his hand and he allowed you to take it the third time.

“I never—“ Gojo began and stopped, humming to himself as he seemed to reconsider his words.

“What?”

“Well, I was just thinking I picked the best possible choice for this charade!” Gojo began, “It may really take you the whole year to fall for me.”

You smacked him with the torn piece of fabric, earning a startled “ow” from him and the satisfaction you must have caught him off guard to get through his barrier. You seemed to be able to do that a lot. Showed what he knew letting his powers wane around you.

“In the meanwhile, there is no time like the present! Let’s go!” Gojo reached out, grabbing your arm by the elbow before you could recoil away.

“Go—”

The forest disappeared, the world refocusing in the middle of Tokyo. The sounds of birds and wind replaced with the sound of tire treads on wet pavement and the faint, constant roar of the city scape.

“—where?”

Ah— yes.

To an abandoned apartment building.

That radiated cursed energy.

Of course.

#gojo satoru x you #gojo satoru x oc #gojo satoru x reader #gojo satoru fanfic #jujutsu kaisen fanfic #jujustu kaisen fanfiction #fic; convergence theory

[mandoalorian]

Without You [Maxwell Lord x Reader]

Summary – Maxwell Lord had been shutting you out and pushing you away. You felt unwanted and unloved. It was only a matter of time before you snapped and confronted him.

Pairing – Gender neutral reader x Maxwell Lord (No Y/N)

Warnings – angst, a lot of arguing, alcohol consumption

Word count – 1.7k

A/N: Two Max fics in one day! Hope you enjoy x

 The anger resided deep within you, burning a hole in your heart. You just got home and threw your keys on the breakfast bar of the penthouse apartment kitchen. Maxwell followed you, slamming the front door behind him. “Please for the love of God will you say something,” Max said, becoming increasingly frustrated. You scoffed and walked around the breakfast bar in messy circles after being silent the entire journey home. You tried collecting your feelings and regulating your breathing but you just couldn’t; especially not with him standing right there. He said your name and your face snapped up at him as you clenched your fists.

“Who is she?” You asked, your voice shaky as you furiously blinked away the tears threatening to spill from your eyes. Max froze. “Who is she Maxwell?!” You repeated, raising your voice this time. He sighed angrily, huffing as you bit your lip anxiously and continued to pace around.

“She is my new assistant,” Max told you, his voice as calm as could be. “I told you sweetheart, Angela retired last week. Barbara is my new assistant.”

“Is this why you’ve been working late every night this week? Even heading to the office on a weekend? You know that’s meant to be our time together. And you won’t even let me come visit you like I used to.” You cried out.

“I’ve been busy with Germany’s conference arrangements! You know this!”

“Because you always put your work first,” you hissed back at him, bitterness dripping from your tongue. It was true, especially as of recently. When you first started dating Maxwell, he had warned you that his work was his life – and you expected no less from one of the most respected CEO’s in the world. But this relationship was starting to feel one-sided and you were getting fed up, especially when he began to shut you out. “I’m asleep by the time you come home Max, and when I wake up, you’re gone again. I can’t keep doing this.”

“What has gotten into you?” He shouted at you, his tone making you flinch. “All of a sudden you have trust issues with me?”

“You shut me out!” You yelled back. “You don’t tell me anything anymore. You never tell me about your day at work and when I ask you just grumble or say nothing. I feel lost. What is a relationship without communication? And now this ‘Barbara’ girl…” you shook your head in disbelief. “Why didn’t you mention her to me?”

“I didn’t think it was important!”

“Right because you don’t talk to me about anything anymore,” you held your head in your hands as tears dripped on your fingers. You turned away from him, sniffed, and wiped your face before turning back to him. Maxwell’s heart fell in his chest when he took in your sore red eyes. He opened his mouth to speak but he couldn’t find any words. “Your last assistant was 65, Max. She’s, what, 20?”

“30.” Max sighed, running his fingers through his dark blonde hair.

“She’s beautiful Max,” you told him as you recalled seeing her wearing that tight, black lacy dress that looked far too expensive for just an assistant to afford. You refused to let your mind wander. There’s no way Maxwell would’ve bought her that number.

“She is beautiful,” Max reiterated. “But she’s not you.”

“What the fuck is that supposed to mean?” You spat.

“I’m sorry,” Max was practically pleading for forgiveness at this point. “You know I’m not good at words.”

“Bullshit!” You couldn’t believe his audacity. “You are a businessman Maxwell! You literally do commercials for the whole country to see. Hell, you even get invited to the White House to do broadcasted speeches for the President! And you’re telling me ‘I’m not good at words’,” You imitated his voice and he looked down at the floor, embarrassed.

“I mean… talking about my feelings,” his voice was barely above a whisper and you took in his pained expression. Maybe you had taken this too far. But the fact he had been keeping things from you and putting his job before his relationship infuriated you so much.

“Max, I’m leaving,” you announced after deciding this conversation was nothing but counter-productive.

“No no no,” he said, following you to the door. He grabbed your hand but you ripped it away.

“Don’t come looking for me.” You warned before leaving his millionaire penthouse.

It was like pathetic fallacy when you took your first step on to the street, as lightning flashed and rain saturated your hair and clothes. You signalled for a cab and sat down in the passenger seat. The driver asked where you wished to go and you told him the address of the first person you could think of.

Bruce Wayne’s penthouse was almost as impressive as Maxwell Lord’s. When you knocked on the door and he answered, a look of concern appeared on his face. You shuffled inside, pools of water following you as you kicked off your shoes and let your coat fall to the ground. Bruce sighed, “I’m not gonna lie,” he shrugged. “You don’t look so great.”

You scoffed and made yourself comfortable on his leather sofa. “Can I stay here tonight?” You asked him.

“Of course,” he replied. “Can I get you a drink?”

“No,” you shook your head and he poured himself a glass of whiskey on the rocks. You felt a feeling of sadness wash over you as you remembered Bruce liked his whiskey the same way Max did. In fact, as you looked around Bruce’s apartment, you couldn’t help but associate things with Max. You took a deep breath when you saw a piece of artwork on the wall. It was a replica that came from Maxwell’s museum and you find it incredibly difficult to hold back the tears.

“Excuse me for a moment,” Bruce said after taking a sip of whiskey and putting his glass on the table.

Bruce walked to his office and sighed before dialling his arch business rival. “Lord.”

“Wayne.”

“You messed up big time.” Bruce sighed and Max knew immediately you had gone to Bruce’s place on the other side of the city. Nothing riled him up more than knowing you were with his nemesis. Out of everyone, you had gone to see Bruce fucking Wayne.

Maxwell hung up and didn’t even bother taking his coat. He ran downstairs to the garage and took one of his car’s before driving to Bruce Wayne’s penthouse. Max hadn’t drove in years but he didn’t have time to contact his driver, especially so late night. He was reckless and probably ran through a few too many red lights, but it didn’t matter. He couldn’t lose you, especially not to Bruce Wayne. He didn’t trust Bruce at all and he knew Bruce might even take advantage of you just to get back at Maxwell for some petty past business drama.

When Maxwell arrived at the penthouse, he didn’t even bother knocking on the door. He barged in, soaking wet and calling out your name, tears threatening to spill from his eyes, but when you stood up and he saw you, he felt his heart drop. Your eyes were still red and your hair had curled slightly from the rain, but even still, to him, you looked just as beautiful as you did when he first laid his eyes on you. He said your name again, this time only a whisper as you approached him slowly. You were so glad to see him too. You thought you could handle being alone from him, but you couldn’t.

“I fucked up.”

“Max…” you said quietly and he took your hand.

“No, let me speak.” He said sternly. “I should have told you about work, and Barbara. I should have communicated with you… told you how stressful it’s been. But I’m not here to make excuses. I’m here to say sorry. I know you’re disappointed with me but I can assure you, you’re nowhere near as disappointed as I am in myself. I hate myself for pushing you away. How could I ever let myself push you away?” He raised his hand and cupped your cheek. You closed your eyes and hummed under his delicate touch. Maxwell glanced over your shoulder and noted Bruce sitting over on the sofa drinking a glass of whiskey. “Maybe… maybe I’m too late,” Max sighed and you opened your eyes. “You deserve more, really, you do.”

“Max…” you shook your head sadly.

“Can I just,” Max stumbled over his words. “Can I just kiss you? Please. One last time. Fuck. I know I never say it but I love you. I love you.”

You pressed your lips against Maxwell’s and curled your fingers into his wet locks of hair. “You didn’t have to say all of that,” you said gently after pulling away but pressing your forehead against his.

“If you give me a second chance I promise I’ll do better,” Max told you. “I don’t know what I’d do without you. I was so close to losing you tonight and without you, I had never felt so alone. You have always been there for me. When we were younger, you stayed by my side after my father passed. You stayed with me when my mother threatened to sabotage the business and you comforted me when my first marriage broke down. You saved me more times than you even know. Without you I don’t even know if I’d still be here.”

“Max please,” you whispered. “I won’t ever leave you. You can push me and push me but I’m not going anywhere.” Max breathed a sigh of relief. “But,” you began, and let out a tired giggle. “You’re gonna have to stop pushing. I don’t want this to happen again.”

“Never again,” he promised, and you felt yourself soften as he held you close, your head resting on his damp chest. “Let’s go home, my love.”

#maxwell lord x reader #max lord x reader #max lord #maxwell lord #pedro pascal #bruce wayne #wonder woman #ww 84 #wonder woman 1984 #angst #one shot #fan fic #fan fiction