Tumgik
#the sketchy look suits him well
bee-rosmyth-art · 1 month
Note
please draw Doug Rattmann :)
Tumblr media
Doug!! I'm pretty sure this is my first time drawing him ever, actually
125 notes · View notes
writeouswriter · 2 years
Text
Screwed up my drawing by making it too good but only in one area, so now the rest looks bad in comparison
23 notes · View notes
thealtoduck · 4 months
Text
Being the son of Roulette and meeting Damian Wayne…
Tumblr media
Damian Wayne x Male Reader
Warnings: None
Summary: You’re mom is the villainess known as Roulette and she sends you to attend Gotham City High School, where you just so happen to meet the so-called ”Demon’s son”…
(A/n: I know i was supposed to work on other fics but i got distracted…)
——
So how does one go all the way from Las Vegas to Gotham of all places. Well you see having a mom who runs several underground casinos with secret superhero cage fights. Can be a kinda dangerous environment for a person.
So in order to keep you safe she sent you to Gotham to attend school there. She got you a penthouse and signed you up for Gotham City High School.
Once you started attending the school, word got around that you were from an incredibly rich family, with no specifics on where the money actually came from. And since it was Gotham people knew better than to ask.
You befriended several other rich kids enrolled in Gotham City High School… or befriended was a strong word, took advantage off would fit better.
You didn’t make a real friend until Damian…
The two of you wouldn’t meet until you were paired up for an assigntment. As the teacher called out ”Damian Wayne” and ”Y/n Sinclair” as the final paring. You invited him over to your place to work the next day, he accepted and the two of went your seperate ways.
Damian had heard about you around the school, a future heir of an unknown fourtune sounded sketchy to him, so he decided to some digging that night.
Suprisingly he didn’t have to look very hard. After searching for a bit he found a file on the bat-computer for ”Veronica Sinclair” aka ”Roulette”, a woman who owned several illegal casinos all over the U.S, some which even included ”Superhero cage fights” where she kidnapped superheroes and then forced them to fight each other.
Damian grew suspicious of you, Why were you here? Was this a plot of somekind? Were you an agent for your mother? His suspicions followed him to bed and in to the next day.
Damian made sure to pack an extra set of knives along with his textbooks, just in case.
Alfred then drove him to the adress you’d given him. He stopped outside an expensive looking apartment building. Damian said a quick ”Goodbye” to Alfred and went in to the lobby. Nothing too out of the ordinary.
A man in black suit approached him and stated ”Damian Wayne, follow me. Mr Sinclair is waiting for you”. The man guided Damian in to the elevator and pressed the button for the top floor. He was then led in to the hallway where a door waited.
Damian prepared himself for what waited behind, Assasins? Armed guards? Your evil mother? The possibilities were endless.
The man in the black suit unlocked the door and as he entered the inside was beyond anything Damian could’ve imagined…
It was just you… Just you…
You sitting at the dinner table with your study books and notes…
You sitting there looking cute in a Spyro the Dragon t-shirt and loosefitting sweatpants…
Damian didn’t know what he had been expecting but it wasn’t this.
You got up from your seat and went over to him. ”Hey Damian, what’s up?” you greeted cooly. Damian looked around in silence for a second and then answered dryly ”Uhm, I’m alright”. ”Cool, you wanna get to work now or…?”.
”Yeah, let’s get to work” he said awkwardly. The two of you went to the dinner table and Damian started bringing out his notebooks. ”I was just gonna make some coffee, you want some?” you offered.
”So this was his plan” Damian thought to himself. Lure him in to a false sense of security, drug his coffee and then throw him in to one of the illegal cage fights. No way he was falling for it.
”No thanks, i’m fine” Damian answered. ”Checkmate, Sinclair, I know what you’re up to” Damian thought satisfied with his detective skills. ”Okay, I’ll be back in a sec” you said walking towards the kitchen.
Damian took a look around the room, nothing seemed out of place. No loose weapons, secret plans or traces of blood. But then he found something, a giant portrait of your mother, Roulette. The painting was probably hiding some kind of secret vault or hidden elevator to a secret lair.
You came back holding a cup of coffee and a small tray of cookies putting them down on the table. You looked over at Damian seeing him observe the painting of your mother closely. ”Oh yeah, that’s my mom she comissioned a portrait of herself so i wouldn’t ”be lonely” here” you stated coming over to stand next to him.
Damian decided to test the waters of what information he could gather. ”Where is she then if you need a portrait for company?” he asked. ”Probably running one of her cansinos” you said, you weren’t fully aware of what she was doing at the moment and you had other things to worry about at the moment like chemistry and math tests.
The two of you eventually sat down and began your studies. Damian took occasional glances at you while you scribbled something down in your notes. There you sat looking all cute and evil, but Damian wasn’t fooled by your charms and he wasn’t gonna fall for them.
You were probably ready to strike at any moment when he wasn’t 100% alert. He knew your type, all pretty and sexy but as soon as you turn around you get a knife in the back.
Damian played along as if he weren’t on to you, talking pleasantly while you worked on your assigntment together, the leauge of assassins had prepared him well for sirens like you.
Once you finished your work for the day you offered Damian to stay for dinner but he politely declined, he needed to bring his newfound information home before you tried to kill him. He texted Grayson to pick him up.
You followed Damian to the door. ”This was a lot of fun Damian, i hope we can hang out more sometime” you said happily. Damian looked for the right words ”Yeah, me too” he said.
Once he got in to Dick’s car Damian started explaining everything he had found out to his older brother, who listened sceptically. ”I don’t know Damian are you sure he is ”evil” he sounds polite enough for someone raised by Roulette” Dick stated.
”That’s what he wants me to think, Grayson, he’s like a pretty venus flytrap trying to lure you in” Damian said. ”Oh yeah and why do you keep emphasizing that he’s pretty?” Dick asked.
”I DO NOT!” Damian yelled indignantly. ”You’ve called him pretty 7 times during this ride?” Dick noted. Damian ignored him. Thought for a while and then stated ”Grayson, i have a new theory”. ”That you have a crush on him” Dick asked with a smirk.
”Of course not, no! I don’t think he knows about me as Robin yet, which means if i hang around him, i can use him to gain inside information on his mother’s crimes” Damian plotted out loud.
”Are you sure you’re not just looking for a reason to be around him more?” Dick questioned. ”I- No! Don’t say stupid things Grayson…” Damian scolded. He was gonna find out what your pretty and definetely evil self was up to, no matter the cost.
541 notes · View notes
koolades-world · 4 months
Text
One bed troupe w/ Lucifer
You were out on a tour of the Devildom with Diavolo, Lucifer, Solomon, Luke, and Simeon. Diavolo wanted to promote the exchange program further, and let the Devildom see the faces of the wonderful angels and humans that had come to stay with them. They would be out with the group for about a week in order to tour the entire realm. It really wasn’t necessary for Lucifer to be there. In fact, it would have been better for him to stay behind to keep his brothers in check and run the school, but, he had insisted on coming along. His brothers joked it was to stay with Diavolo, but they were secretly mad that Lucifer got to go and they had to stay, jealous about the quality time he would get with you.
It was day four in the trip, which was about halfway through. The day was finally over, and the group was finally returning to the hotel. They hadn’t been the one to move their luggage into the rooms. The room arrangements were as following: Luke and Simeon, of course, Diavolo and Solomon, and finally you and Lucifer. Simeon didn't want to leave Luke alone, and Diavolo enjoyed sharing a room with someone. Lucifer was definitely torn between who to bunk with. It was clear he wanted to keep both you and Diavolo safe from the sketchy sorcerer, but Diavolo insisted he would be just fine with Solomon, and even saw it as a bonding experience. He was rich enough to avoid this altogether, but found the experience novel and once-in-a-lifetime. It was typical of Diavolo to look at the situation that way, which left you and Lucifer together. Dia and Solomon got along surprisingly well, much to Lucifer's dismay, and on the first night alone they painted each others nails and ordered three hundred grim worth of food.
Once reaching your room, you kicked off your shoes and sat at the small kitchen in the hotel room. Lucifer followed behind them, moving their shoes out of the way of the door. He shut the door behind himself, and took off his own shoes more carefully to set them beside theirs. He saw both sets of luggage propped up beside each other, one set black and one set pink. The cute bag tag that Mc had made him adorned his own, complete with his name and bedazzlement.
“Luci, my feet hurt.” You whined to him. He chuckled at your behavior.
“Go and take a warm shower, or bath if you see fit. That will help. We have a few hours before dinner.” You nodded, agreeing and promise to be quick. He opened his suitcase and began looking for a new outfit to wear the evening. You took your own suitcase and disappeared into the bathroom. He turned around to lay out the outfit on whichever bed he should call his, but to his surprise, there was only one. He stopped for a moment, holding the suit. Did Diavolo do this on purpose? Was this a mistake? He found himself thinking for a good moment. He knew he wouldn’t mind sharing a bed with his beloved Mc, but he didn’t want to make you do anything they didn’t want to. He decided to lay out his outfit on a nearby chair instead, leaving the bed untouched. He busied himself in the kitchen instead, poking around for anything that could be his saving grace. He was only able to find some dishes and dishwasher soap.
You finally emerged from the bathroom, with damp hair and wearing a robe, suitcase in tow. “Luci! The robes at this hotel are so nice. I should get one for home.” The way you were affectionately enamored with every small thing in the Devildom warmed his heart. He would have to buy one for you. In any other situation, he hated that damned nickname, but he could never bring himself to stop you from using it.
“Can we talk for a moment?” He decided to bring this up sooner than later. He was a grown demon and running from his problems would not help.
“Sure thing! What’s up?” You set your suitcase down, right back next to his.
It took him a moment to say what he wanted to. Having you in front of him made it much more difficult then he initially thought. "I believe there has been a mistake. We only have one bed." He studied your face for any negative changes. To his surprise, there wasn't one.
"I thought it was going to be much worse that that with the face you were making. I don't mind if you don't." You smiled at him. He found his face heating up and he glanced away. "No need to be shy! This way, one of us won't be super far from the TV. My favorite part about staying in hotels is watching TV in bed and now I get to do it with my favorite demon. Don’t tell Mammon I said that." You giggled.
Lucifer covered his face with his hand. He got up and turned his back to you. "I'm off to shower. See that you are ready to go in an hour." He blindly tried to walk into the bathroom and instead hit his head on the wall before walking through the doorway. You laughed at how flustered he was. Since he was busy, you decided to snuggle up on the side of the bed with the outlet closest so you could charge their D.D.D. They turned on the TV and watched the Devildom cooking show intently. If anyone asked, it was to "acclimate to Devildom culture" but really it was because they enjoyed watching cooking and yelling at the screen. Solomon called you at some point, so the two of you began amiably chatting about the hotel rooms.
Lucifer emerged from the shower pretty quickly and saw you under the sheets, watching TV and talking to Solomon. He picked up on context clues and quickly asked if he could talk to Diavolo. His mood was slightly soured when you rejected his request because you were having a great conversation about the TV show and because Diavolo would not help him get a different room. He decided to get changed while you talked with his least favorite human. Time passed quickly and before he knew it, dinner was over.
You could tell Lucifer had drank a little more than he usually would and was tipsy. He was much taller than you, yet you were the one dragging him in the right direction. You told him to go get changed, and he came back with his clothes folded. He was in a pair of simple black pajamas. You almost preferred him this way, actually. He didn’t try to hide how he felt or anything, but you still felt guilty about it.
He flopped down on the bed, sprawled out, leaving the bathroom open. The pajamas Mc had were long sleeves and long pants. During the day, the Devildom was scorching. However, at night, it was freezing. It rarely snowed or iced over, and most demons barely noticed it. But you for sure as hell did. You learned there was barely a day where you could wear something light, unless you knew one of the brothers would be in your bed since they made nice heaters. Belphie gifted you a heating pad, which quickly made him your favorite for that week, much to the dismay of his brothers. Once you changed, you entered the main room again. Sitting at the edge of the bed, you pushed at Lucifer’s side until he finally rolled over.
“Luci! You’re laying on the remote.” The TV was going wild. Flickers of your cooking show came and went as Lucifer cycled through the many channels at an extreme speed. He dug around underneath himself until he found it and passed it to you. As you began looking for your channel again, you felt a pair of crimson eyes on you.
“I don’t tell you you’re gorgeous enough.” His words caught you by surprise. “You’re gorgeous.” He would never usually say that. Everything always went unsaid or physically communicated. You stared at him for a moment. His face was half illuminated by the flickering TV screen and was nestled under the sheets, like a bird would. You followed suit soon as the room began to grow colder and colder, indicating nightfall. You began to shiver, pressing your hand against your face for warmth.
You felt hands over yours. They were very warm. You turned and caught Lucifer staring right into your eyes. "Next time, tell me if you're cold." He pulled you close, granting you the well needed warmth. He wrapped himself around you. Usually, he was never this cuddly, but you didn't complain. Without him, you might literally freeze to death. The past few hotels had compensated, and given you warmer sheets, and whatever else they could to make you comfortable. This one had not. Lucifer tucked your head under his chin. Your hands were still half frozen, so to keep them intact, he placed them on Lucifer's hips. With you in his arms, Lucifer passed out pretty quickly. You continued watching their show.
Half asleep, you tried to continue watching the TV, your eyes fluttering shut occasionally. You awoke with a startle every time. Your D.D.D. lit up after a while, to which it took you a moment to register. It was a text from Solomon, which read: "Hope you're having a good night. Thank Diavolo and I later ;)" You definitely had some opinions about this since if it didn't work out, you might have actually frozen to death. They would be getting an earful tomorrow.
You sighed, not upset nor happy. Of course Solomon did this. Oh well. It gave you the opportunity to see the other side of Lucifer and gave you something to tease him about. Plus, he was really cute cuddly and without it they might actually freeze. (Note to self: Lucifer is the best personal heater!)
The next morning, Lucifer seemed embarrassed with himself. Lucifer stirring had waken you up, so you got to see his initial reaction. He didn't say anything, and got up pretty quickly.
"You're very warm. I might need to borrow you during winters." You laughed as he hurried off to the bathroom without a word. You would never get tired of his charming antics.
428 notes · View notes
strawbeerossi · 7 months
Text
Tiny Dancer
Tumblr media Tumblr media
Pairing: Fem!Reader x Spencer Reid
Description: After Spencer meets you while you are on an undercover mission, it isn���t long until you two get to know each other. After your first date together, you give him a few lessons.
Content/Warnings: Awkward Spencer, strip club, minor case matter, lap dancing, cumming in pants.
Word Count: 2.8K
Kinktober Day Nineteen: Lingerie
Navigation || Kinktober Masterlist || AO3
This is my least favorite fic. I apologize in advance.
Tumblr media Tumblr media
“Are we sure this is a good idea?” Emily asked, gazing at the front of the strip club where Aaron was smoothening out his suit jacket and glancing at her and Spence.. “One million percent. Don’t get too distracted here. I have a friend who is in sex crimes working undercover to catch someone who is taking advantage of strippers and call girls. She agreed to meet us but you have to be prepared for the way she’s going to talk to us. It’s not going to be a traditional interview.”
The two agents looked between each other in confusion. What did he mean by that? Regardless, they both walked inside the not too busy club. This was a more upscale place, one of the strip clubs that kept the high paying men of the city anonymous, able to enjoy the likes of a the establishment without someone going back and telling wives, girlfriends, or employers. The safety due to the membership only status worked out in their favor, only having to flash their badges and mentioning they needed to scope out the place before they were let inside.
Once in the dimly lit building, Aaron’s gaze was scanning the room before his eyes landed just on the undercover agent they were looking for. You had gotten the hint he was here to see you, so you were moving away from the man you were currently talking to before twirling your hair around your finger. “Hi sweetheart. Looking for a dance today?” You asked sweetly, glancing back at the other agents who were waiting as well.
“Yes. My friends and I woulda actually like to ask for a private dance. Is that something we could do?” Your gaze lingered on one particular agent; Spencer Reid. He was a living legend around the FBI due to his intellect, of course you’d heard about him around the office. “I charge extra for groups.” You added soon after, which you were leading the three agents back to the safety of the private room while you closed the door. “I really wish you would text me before you do something like this.” You scolded Aaron while holding a hand out to take the money he was getting out of his wallet. The cameras in the room made it hard to have a normal conversation, you having to play along to the private dance fantasy.
After pushing the bills into the babydoll lingerie top, you were going to the pole in the middle of the room. “I know. However this is an emergency that I didn’t plan for. One of our victims worked here. Her name was Amanda Raymond. What can you tell us about her?” Aaron stated as if there wasn’t a half naked woman in the room that had Spencer’s face bright red and Emily practically drooling at the sight.
“Mandy?” You asked, smile faltering hearing about how your missing friend was in fact dead. “She was a sweet girl. I mean, she worked damn near every night to support her son.” Your leg hooked around the pole as you did a spin around it, ultimately moving away. “She hasn’t left with anyone that I know of. I mean she had some sketchy regulars but I can get you their information,” You shrugged, moving to straddle Emily’s lap while laughing at her reaction. “Prentiss, stay focused.” You’d teased, smiling as you could feel her soft hands against your hips as she cleared her throat.
“Right, sorry. Anyone in particular that you have both serviced?” She asked, unable to help her gaze over your exposed body. How was she gonna look you in the eye around the office after this?!
“There’s Michael Lewis. He’s actually a deputy on the police force. He’s really violent. He’s left bruises on my arms and hips before whenever security couldn’t get here fast enough.” You’d answered, thinking it over. “And Trevor Brown, a college professor who likes to try and take every dancer home,” You responded, laughing a bit as the raven haired woman was pushing a twenty in your lingerie top before you were moving to Spencer.
He looked like he was gonna pass out the minute you were bending down in front of him, continuing on with your dance routine as you let your hips play with some rock song playing over the speakers of the private room. “Y-you-“ Spencer was bright red, adam’s apple bobbing in his throat as he clutched the arm of the leather sofa. The outfit left very little to the imagination. “I’m sorry.” He squeaked while his eyes were diverting their gaze from your ass perched in his face. “You said that they’ve t-touched you, I can assume it was insitent?” Spencer asked, his own hands itching to touch your soft skin. “Yeah. They weren’t very kind and they were pushy. I’m sure you’ve seen the type on the field. I’m just sure they don’t grab you the way they’ve grabbed me.”
You turned to face Spencer again as your arms loosely draped around his shoulder, your tantalizing hips having Spencer drunk in the moment. The genius would think you were doing this on purpose, almost as if you enjoyed the act of teasing him and rendering him speechless. He had to admit that he was definitely a fan. He just wished his boss and coworker wasn’t with him, this interview would’ve gone just a tad different. “I can give you their information. I’ve had them leave their numbers and some business cards as if I would ever talk to them outside of this job.” You added, your dance coming to an end anyway as you were heading to a stack of cards and such.
The girls had gotten used to tossing any kind of numbers or other things on one of the tables in the room. Sifting through the numbers, you were smiling whenever you came across the two cards. “I really do think they should be watched closely.” You spoke while handing a card to Aaron. Now you were going to tease Spencer more, putting the card between your teeth before heading over to bend in front of him once more, leaning in close so he could retrieve the card.
Due to his germaphobia, he definitely wasn’t taking into his mouth, however he slowly took the car as his honey colored eyes were overshadowed by lust and embarrassment from seeing how much of an effect you had on him. “You three get out of here safely. Don’t call too much attention to yourselves. I’m not saying there is anyone here who could hurt you at the moment but.. Feds around here would terrify the mass amounts of customers who are trying to stay on the downlow.”
The three agents were getting up from the couch as they had gotten all the intel they needed. “Alright. You three keep your heads down.” You spoke while walking them over to open the door. There were a few moments where Spencer was stopped, his gaze on you. “Got a business card you wanna add to our table?” You couldn’t help but tease him, a smirk on your face. “What if I uh..” He was awkwardly reaching in his pocket, getting out a card with his number in it before he caught you off guard, slipping the card into your cleavage. The bold move was overshadowed by his embarrassed little blush, a shaky laugh leaving his lips. “Please don’t put it on the table. I’d rather have you contact me directly.” He said softly, only glancing back when he could hear Emily calling his name. “We gotta go but.. Call me?”
“You got it, Dr. Reid. Go save some lives.” You grinned, waving him off as you were walking out of the private room again to get right back to your post.
After that, the BAU did what they did best. They caught the man on a murderous rampage against sex workers, his view of them as being dirty and deserving the release of death to forgive them of their sins. Which you never understood but hey, you weren’t a psychopath so it made sense why you didn’t understand.
You’d been texting Spencer throughout the week, mostly just small talk while his awkwardness and shyness translated to messages as well. You found it endearing. He was a charming man who did have a small confidence issue but you were happy to tell him just how attractive he was and help the best you can to boost that confidence without making his ego inflating too much. You’d both agreed to meet up for coffee on a Sunday morning, the both of you meeting at a small cafe in DC.
“I’m glad you came. I was nervous you wouldn’t.” Spencer admitted as you were sitting at one of the outdoor tables with him, a smile on your face as you sipped from the cup in your hand. “Why wouldn’t I come? I’ve liked talking to you! It’s been an honor to get to know you, honestly. I mean, you’re very well known around the FBI as a whole so actually meeting you is nice rather than just hearing about you.”
The words had him blushing, hand rubbing the back of his neck. “Well, I’m just not used to asking anyone out. Which I mean, if you don’t want this to be considered that I understand.” He spoke while you were letting one hand gently pat his hand resting against the table.
“Well. You did a great job asking me! I also have to say that I don’t want this to end early. How about we go back to my apartment? I know how much you love Doctor Who and I have the whole classic series! I like the earliest seasons but I am willing to watch what you want.” You added with a smile, Spencer not daring to turn it down as you were pushing themselves to stand. Thankfully, the walk to your apartment wasn’t too long considering you lived only a couple blocks away from the cafe. After leading Spencer upstairs and unlocking the wooden door, he broke the threshold and headed inside right behind you, his hand moving to gently close the door behind you both. “You have a really nice place.” He’d commented.
It smelled like vanilla, the atmosphere being welcoming and so inviting that he had no problem towing off his shoes at the doorway before making himself comfortable as you were going for the case that held all the classic films and shows you had taken a liking to. “Here we go. Should we start with season one?” You asked, although you both didn’t share any confirmation as you were popping the disk in. After getting the remote, you were hurrying to leap onto the couch beside Spencer, the both of you laughing as you were crossing your legs to get comfortable.
The binge-watching had gone pretty standard, your body leaning comfortably against Spencer’s while your cheek was against his shoulder, his arm wrapped loosely around your shoulders. Despite his dislike for most human contact, he had to admit that he liked sitting like this with you. It helped that your body was warm against his. The contact was oddly intimate — At least to Spencer.
It was well established in the past that this guy doesn’t know how to go slow. So as you were so engrossed in the first season of your show, he was too busy thinking of the future opportunities of you both sitting on the couch like this and enjoying each other’s presence. “Can I ask you a question?” His voice finally spoke up as he glanced at you, your head lifting from his shoulder. “Yeah. Go ahead!” You offered a smile. “How long have you been doing undercover work at the uh.. You know.” He asked, eyes gleaming with curiosity.
“Well. I was just assigned to do it. I took pole dancing classes in college with a few friends. It’s actually a really good workout and I enjoy doing it. I just wish it wasn’t in front of a crowd.”
You answered honestly. It wasn’t something that you ever pictured yourself doing, however you were happy to catch sick fuckers that occupied the place. “Wait. They have classes?” The male asked, the hobby piquing his intrigue in the subject. “Yes! Why, want me to give you a lesson?” You joked while offering a smile. “I can teach you how to do a lap dance. I’ve already given you one so I don’t think it’ll be awkward. Right?”
Hell no it would not.
“I don’t- I don’t think so!” His voice squeaked as you were moving to stand with a smile. “Perfect! Don’t worry, you can touch me this time. No need to be freaked out.” You teased, hand retrieving the tv remote to get the screen turned off. You had moved to playfully toss your hair around, acting as if you had to gussy yourself up for the part. “Let me put on a costume. I feel like I need to do this perfectly.”
Which you disappeared for ten minutes, finding a silk purple negligee with lace stockings. You may have been overembellishing just a tad, however you wouldn’t mind Spencer putting his hands on you in any way he chose. Whenever you were coming back to the living room, your hands were on your hips as you sauntered to the couch. When the male’s eyes fell on you, he felt the wind get knocked out of him. This wasn’t at all what he was expecting. “What do you think?” You asked, doing a turn while grinning. “I was gonna put on some heels but I felt like that would be overkill.”
“I think you look stunning.”
“Flattery will get you absolutely everywhere, Dr. Reid.” You smirked, hand retrieving your phone as you were searching for a suitable song for the occasion.
As you’d landed on an old school rock song, it wasn’t long until you were dragging your hands up your body, watching as the agent in front of you was giving you his full divided attention. As you walked around the couch, your hands were sliding down his chest from behind him. The mere touch had his cock springing to life in his pants, especially when you ran them up his chest and rested a hand under his chin before making his head tilt up to look at you.
After lingering contact and leaning down to press a kiss to his left cheek, you were walking back in front of him again while bending. Your hands were against his knees while you lowered yourself, the angle making your cleavage nearly spill from the silky top of the ensemble and catching his attention. As your touch dragged up his thighs, you couldn’t help but grin at the way his body reacted to the touch. It was like he was so desperate to be touched and he hadn’t had any sort of intimacy like this in a while. Your hands squeezed his inner thighs before you were straddling his lap.
With your hands against his shoulders, you were humming along with the music as your hips rolled down into Spencer’s, the friction against his clothed cock being heavenly. His large hands were quickly moving to your hips, his mouth agape as he watched the intoxicating movements of your hips.
He could remember being jealous of Emily when they talked to you, the way you put on a show for her and gave Spencer hardly anything. This was a hell of a way to make it up to him though. While your hips gyrated against his lap, he was letting his head tilt back against the sofa while letting out a gentle whine. Your movements were overwhelming, hips rocking to stimulate riding his cock so good that it could nearly be considered the real thing.
By the end of the song though, Spencer could feel arousal building up in the pit of his stomach. His heart was beating fast, face red as a thin layer of sweat was collecting on his forehead from how hot he felt in these fucking clothes. What happened next was out of his control, the friction of your hips rubbing him just right as his hands squeezed your hips, a whine of your name slipping out before he could feel his cock twitch in his underwear. The arousal snuck up on him, unable to hold back as he soiled his underwear with cum. You knew all too well what had happened, your hips slowing down as you looked at him with wide eyes.
“Did you just..” You began, blushing as the male was quickly looking away in embarrassment. “I’m sorry! I can’t- I didn’t mean-“ Your hand was what cut him off as it rested gently over his mouth. “You don’t have to apologize.” You said softly while laughing some. “I’m flattered! But I think that we should probably get you cleaned up, don’t you think?”
Spencer didn’t catch on at first, not until your hands were on the button or his slacks. “Y-yeah.” He spoke shyly, lifting his lips in order to help you tug the bottoms down his legs.
“Good boy.”
Tumblr media
684 notes · View notes
callmerainman · 5 months
Text
Cameras | Reigen Arataka x fem!model!Reader
Tumblr media
plot. The last thing you expected when you entered the office of Reigen Arataka, was to be head over heels for him. Reigen can't seem to believe it himself when Dimple points out that the beautiful model who came in his office for help is, in fact, flirting her way towards him. It's your first time chasing a man and not the other way around, and it's so much fun.
fandom. mob psycho 100
word count. 2.2k
tags. fem!reader, reader is a model, flirting, seducing, awkwardness, suggestive tones, implied sexual reference, oblivious Reigen Arataka, photoshoots, smoking, wingman Dimple.
part. 1/2
An elegant smile softly spread across your face, your hands touching your soft hair with delicacy, your legs crossed under the wooden desk. And, hard to ignore, your foot moving slowly in a circling motion. Your classy composure hides your real emotions so well, you're a woman of style. But, in reality, you're completely losing it.
Shit, he's handsome.
The blond man sitting in front of you is explaining his parcels and exorcism plans as he moves his hands left and right. He looks serious, professional, and focused. His name is Reigen Arataka, or The Greatest Psychic of the 21st Century. You didn't know anything about him until twenty minutes earlier, when you entered his office.
You work as a photo model in a well known modeling agency in Seasoning City. You recently started catwalks, but you're mainly featured on local fashion magazines covers and billboard signs across the city. Your career is going well, except for this feeling that you just can't shake off. In the last few months, every time you pose for a picture you feel a haunting presence weighing on your shoulders. It's like a cold, gloomy breeze. It didn't stop you from getting your work done, but it was more energy consuming than it should be. You didn't believe in ghosts, to be clear. But your friends suggested you call a psychic, and so you did. You chose the cheapest in town, just to give it a try. But nothing could have prepared you for this situation.
«So, considering the context, I think the best exorcism plan is the second in my list, miss»
You snap back to reality and quickly realize that you didn't listen to a single word he said. Too busy staring at the smooth gestures of his hands. You have to play it cool.
«How about you come with me to my next shooting? I have to get there in 30 minutes. Maybe you can take care of the problem on the spot. I'll be glad to pose for you if it can help, Reigen-san» you smile, resting your chin on your open palm.
It's weird. Usually men were the ones who chased you, and fell for you right on the spot. This is your first time being head over heels for a man, and at first sight too. You can't exactly pin point what it is that makes you twirl your hair around your index, and smile so intently. Maybe his ginger hair, or the way he articulates words. Or his grey suit and eccentric pink tie, and charismatic smile.
The man exudes sex. In sort of a pathetic, sketchy way.
«Fine by me» Reigen replies.
You clap your hands together and spark him a shiny smile «Great! Let's go then!»
As you go ahead to bring your car in front of the building, Reigen closes the office. Mob is at school and no clients are expected to come for the next few hours.
The conman trots down the stairs quickly so that he can go wait for you outside the building. But he feels a presence floating behind him.
«Oi, Reigen»
Reigen turns around and grumbles as his gaze meets a familiar green cloud.
«What, Dimple»
«That lady is most certainly hitting on you»
Reigen almost trips down the stairs. He quickly recollects himself as he stops in the middle of the stairwell.
«That's not true»
«Pff» the spirit spits «it's so obvious»
Reigen descends the stairs again, the sound of his shoes stomping on the floor booming in the echoey building.
«It's not obvious because she's not hitting on me! You're just saying it to make fun of me»
The green spirit floats backwards, in front of Reigen's face. He looks dead serious.
«Look man, I would never use such a poor excuse for a joke. I mean, a knockout of a model hitting on you? That would be too unrealistic!»
Reigen rolls his eyes and just keeps going, trying to ignore Dimple.
The latter agitates a little green arm in front of his face «Hellooo? She was literally eating you up with her preying eyes! Basically giggling and kicking her feet like a schoolgirl! And what about the "I'll be glad to pose for you~"»
Dimple channeled his most feminine, high-pitched voice to say that. Green little hands intertwined, eyes glittering and lashes fluttering. It pisses Reigen off.
«Miss (Y/N) is not hitting on me. And even if she were, obviously in a very parallel and distant world, I would never get my way with her. She's my client, and I'm a professional»
«Whatever you say dude...I warned you»
Dimple didn't pop out until later on, when you and Reigen get to your modeling agency. Everything is ready for today's photoshoot: lights, cameras, setting. As Reigen wanders around pretending to scan for spirits, you're approached by your publicist, Haru.
«Is he the male stripper we rented for Sakura's birthday?» she asks, pointing a finger towards Reigen.
«What? No! That's the psychic you suggested I call!» you exclaim.
«Oooh! Is he here to help you exorcise that spirit?»
«We don't know if there's a spirit yet, but he's here to help me out»
«And how are things going?»
«I want to sleep with him»
«(Y/N)!»
«I'm sorry, I can't help it!»
«Okay, I'll reschedule your Christmas jumpers shooting for next week. No big deal even if we don't do it today. Now go put some lingerie on»
«I love you so much, dearie»
In the end, there really was a spirit giving you a hard time during shootings. Or, to be specific, a curse. Dimple was able to detect it in no time, a cloud of gloomy, red smoke hovering over your shoulders. He absorbed it completely and you immediately felt the pressure on your back being released. Your pics came out perfect, flawless. You even put some extra work with that lingerie since you had a guest. And you did catch his brown eyes getting lost in the fabric of your garments, not without a sprinkle of guilt. It was a sight you yearned from men. Seeing them guilty for how mesmerized they are. But Reigen was dense. All afternoon you sent many hints that you, in fact, were flirting with him, but he didn't catch them. You still have time. Of course you have no idea that the one to get rid of the curse was Dimple, Reigen played it out as if he was the one doing all the magic. Dimple got accustomed to it.
«Thank you so much, Reigen-san» you smile, stunning as always. You already changed in your casual clothes, your body covered in a long, beige trenchcoat.
«No big deal, it was a small fish»
Dimple rolls his eyes behind Reigen's shoulder, but you can't see him. The sun is setting behind the building of your modeling agency. Reigen is smoking a cigarette, he asked you in advance if it bothers you, and you asked if you can join him. Reigen takes a quick glimpse at you. Even the way you smoke transpires elegance. His cheeks are lightly powdered in pink.
«I feel kinda bad though, I didn't pay you enough»
«No need to feel bad, I'm confident in my pricings»
«So you're gonna reject my drink invitation?»
Reigen chokes a puff of smoke. He throws you a quick glance and sees you smiling calmly, smoke slowly flowing out of your half-open lips. Dimple's words started floating in his own head. Was he right all along? Or you're just being nice? Do you really want to go out for a drink? Then, words just spill out on their own.
«Never said that»
You take a hit of your cigarette «Good, I'll lead the way»
There's something in your presence. So resolute, classy, confident. A different kind of confidence compared to Reigen. You always know how to behave, how to present yourself. It's hypnotic, magnetic even. Reigen can't help but be left speechless. He would lie to himself if he said that you weren't the prettiest woman he has ever seen. As you two walk towards your parked car, Reigen feels a familiar presence again.
«I told you, dude! She's all over you!» Dimple exlciams, waving his cloudy hands in front of Reigen.
«Shut the fuck up, she's not!»
You turn around «Did you say something?»
Reigen shakes his head vigorously, a bead of sweat running down his temple in embarrassment «N-nothing!»
The lounge bar you picked looks too expensive for Reigen's pockets. But you assured him that the drinks were on you, and ignored his insistence in paying. So now you and Reigen are sitting in front of each other, still dressed as you were this afternoon. He kinda feels out of place with his office suit on. But you fit the luxurious atmosphere so well. Your figure, your red dress, your make-up and smile. The way you talk, and laugh, and politely order two martinis. This place looks like it was made for you and you only. Talking with Reigen is an experience that you honestly expected very much. He's an interesting person, he's kind, funny, and smart. You didn't get the hots for him only for his looks. You understood the kind of person he was the moment he started listening to your problems this afternoon. He might look like the average japanese functional working citizen, but you saw right through him immediately.
And Reigen thinks the same of you. You're not only extremely attractive, confident and classy. You're cultured, intelligent, witty. He feels like talking to you is so easy, a feeling he didn't always get from others, or at least it wasn't often reciprocated. He wants to listen more of your words, of your mind. He's slowly getting hypnotized. You have a way with words, with gestures. The way you place your hand on your chin, or tuck hair behind your ear, is not casual. Everything you do is measure and balance. And the way you listen to his most complicated thoughts makes him want to tell you more, to stay a bit longer. He's enjoying himself for once in a while, laughing without thinking about anything else.
You put down your martini after taking a sip «By the way, Reigen, I think my photoshoot came out really, really well»
In a slow, sensual movement, you cross your legs under the table, your dress brushing against your bare skin with a velvet-like sound. You let one of your heels hang from the tip of your foot, then drop it down to the floor completely. Without any premeditation, you let your foot travel up Reigen's leg, first his ankle and then all the way up under the fabric of his pants.
«Maybe you should come to all my shootings from now on» you coo.
His shock is evident. Reigen locks his lips and holds his breath as he feels your foot stroking his leg under his pants. He wants to say something, but he can't.
Is she playing footsie with me?!
And then, for only God knows how many times, Dimple pops out again behind him, making Reigen jump on the spot.
«I fucking told you man!»
«I'm flirting with you, Reigen-san»
«Okay Dimple maybe you were right but what the fuck do I- say what?!»
You suppress a small giggle «I said that I'm flirting with you, Reigen. Since you didn't really seem to catch it»
Reigen is too stunned to speak «Oh!»
«I can stop though, if you're not interested in...more. Pursuing men so much is not my style. But I don't regret trying»
Your foot falls down from his leg and gets back to your heel, sliding it inside. You rest your chin in your hand, scanning Arataka's face for a reaction. He looks so embarrassed that it has you concerned. Did you go too far? To be completely honest, you liked messing with men. Making them look at you, leaving them speechless. But in a completely harmless way. Your last wish was to make Reigen uncomfortable in any way. You're about to say something, but you get interrupted.
«No, it's fine!» Reigen yelps, a nervous smile cracking on his face.
He mentally facepalms himself for sounding too excited, and too high pitched. But the reassuring smile you show him makes all his worries fade away. He doesn't feel judged, or under scrutiny.
«I-I mean» he resumes «I won't hold back if you're interested in...more»
Jesus he feels so stupid. But maybe you like stupid. It's written in the way you lean forward on your shared table, your hand reaching for his pink tie. You lightly pull it to encourage Reigen to come forward as well, sensually stroking it with two hands as you see his throat gulp out of nervousness.
«I'm glad to hear, Reigen. Otherwise I would have felt very lonely tonight, in my apartment»
«Good...»
Then, you let go of his tie and get up from your seat, and Reigen does the same. Mustering up some courage, Reigen extends his hand for you to take it. You happily oblige, placing yours in his palm. With a satisfied look on your face, you proceed to walk out of the lounge bar, hand in hand.
Without you noticing, Dimple appears in front of Reigen one last time.
«Can I come?» he asks.
«Fuck, no!» Reigen growls under his teeth.
«What did you say?» you ask.
«Nothing!»
155 notes · View notes
britcision · 6 months
Text
So I made it 4 years without being struck down by AO3 Author Curse! But here we are. I’ll spare y’all the details but let’s just say “fuck this year” and leave it there. We’ve had the requisite Third Bad Thing and I will burn the universe down if it goes for a fourth
What this means for y’all, of course, is that there’s been a long ass break between last chapter and this one! Aaaaand this one is being broken in half because it is Longer Than Tumblr Allows
(And they’ve lessened how many paragraph breaks you get cuz this one is only about 9.5k and it made me add it in thirds, woe is me)
So, as usual, links to the first chapter, last chapter, and the link to the AO3 version is I think in BOTH, so if you can’t find it from there I can’t help you 😁
First Chapter:
Last Chapter:
And just a little recap where last we left off:
Bruce has gone to the Watchtower to debrief the Justice League about Amity Park and the Anti Ecto Acts, and been told that Jason has left the land of the living! But like, on purpose
Jason and Danny have gone to visit Frostbite and learned that they are ghost-bonded, which you should take seriously like being ghost-married, and that Jason is gonna pop out Pitty in a couple more days/weeks and have to emotionally raise a ghost-baby
Tucker, Tim, and Conner are all playing video games and hiding out from the Amity Parker/Bat Chat for Tim and Tucker’s mutual stalking ways, which Sam blew wide open by sharing Timblr, as punishment for Tucker not telling her they were all alive
(Danny’s off the hook cuz Tucker was haunting his phone with soundtracks for half the day)
And Damian’s off being Sketchy And Mysterious
————————
Well You Did Get Down On One Knee (part 1)
The evening was beginning to draw in, the sun getting low over Gotham city. Between her patrol the night before, helping Signal out with a case, and then that brief group heart attack about Jason, it had already been a really long day.
Spoiler cracked her neck a couple times and sighed, then sunk into the shadow behind a gargoyle.
It was smaller than usual… and occupied. Robin glowered up at her, leaping up to sit on the gargoyle’s head instead. He looked for all the world like he wanted to hiss at her like a cranky cat, which diffused all of Spoiler’s tension (but would only make his worse if she mentioned it. Maybe tomorrow).
Sighing philosophically she settled back against the base of the gargoyle, tipping her head back to see him.
“Hey… what are you doing out so early? Usually you lot wait until sundown to swing from the shadows,” she pointed out (rather fairly, she thought). Totally ignoring that she was 1000% usually one of “you lot”.
Robin just scowled disdainfully down at her, then twisted his head away to glare at the city instead.
“As if I needed any more reason to be out than you do,” he sniffed archly.
Spoiler grinned, puffing herself up. She did have an answer for this one, and, being generous or not, winding Robin up was always a treat.
“Hey, I was actually requested today. Signal needed a second pair of eyes on the back door of a bust. Didn’t see you there,” she added innocently, a brow rising.
It was technically possible that Robin could have suited up and left the manor in between Bruce’s message and Tim’s response. Spoiler wouldn’t put money on it though.
He’d have had to be on his way down already, and while they could all change quickly, there were no rushed or sloppy patches to her experienced eye.
His hair was even neatly slicked back into the traditional Robin spikes, one every Robin but her and Duke had used during their time as the baby bird.
Nah, he’d not rushed out in a panic, even if he was still more tense than he should have been. Every line of the kid was tight with… Spoiler cocked her head thoughtfully.
Frustration?
Definitely not unusual, Damian didn’t have Dick’s temper but he’d spent pretty much all of his first few years in Gotham unbearably frustrated with them all. It had just been a while since she’d seen it so… visibly.
And for all Steph was a gleeful little shit and loved poking at trouble, she wasn’t cruel. There was no point in pushing Robin if he was already on edge.
So she shrugged nonchalantly and looked forward instead, reaching back over her head to pat him gently on the foot. He didn’t dodge, which only cemented her decision.
“‘Course, no rule against taking a daylight run if you’re in the mood. See anything interesting?” She asked innocently.
Kid wouldn’t admit it if he had been worrying.
Silence reigned for another long moment, and then Robin huffed and dropped down to the rooftop beside her, folding himself back into the sharper shadow the waning daylight provided.
“No.” Short and sweet, unlike the kid himself.
But he also hadn’t left, and Spoiler was gonna call that a win.
“Will you be out tonight too?” She asked instead of pushing, reminding herself yet again; he’d open up in his own time.
Hypothetically.
Robin made a soft, disgusted noise, glowering at the smog filled sky. Probably even in the right direction for the Watchtower.
“I intend to be. Someone must keep an eye on things,” he grumbled, and Spoiler made an effort not to take it personally.
B had been majorly distracted with all this Amity Park business, not even breathing down their necks about the usual nightly reports. The rogues hadn’t exactly noticed yet, but the goons had.
The big Bat himself not making an appearance for a couple of nights usually attracted some comment, and an up-til-now entirely Bat-free new year?
The guys she’d helped Signal grab today had been muttering about it right until they ran into her arms. Fists.
They’d mentioned not seeing Stabby Robin either though.
Which she might as well also mention.
“Weren’t you out last night too? I saw your gear missing when I dropped by at the end of the night,” she added when he tensed again, hands wedged in her utility belt. “Didn’t hear you on comms though.”
And that was more than just rude; it was bad protocol, and Robin, for all his other faults, respected the strictness of protocol. Not being chatty was one thing, but if you were out on the town you had to call in.
He stayed silent, not looking at her. Spoiler decided he could use just a little nudge. Totally not because she was getting impatient. And nosy.
“Y’know unless you went out tech free I can just ask Oracle,” she pointed out gently, giving his shoulder a gentle bump.
It got him to glower up at her anyway.
“I was not on patrol,” he grumbled, whites of his mask narrowed before returning his glare to the city at large, “like I am not today.”
When he didn’t elaborate, Spoiler flipped a mental coin. Figured why not; they were already doing well.
Kid must be on the verge of having to, dread the thought, ask for help.
“And what would you be doing out and about if not patrolling…” she began, then stopped when a piece clicked suddenly into place.
Robin, Damian, was about as social as a feral cat. And about as friendly with anyone who got close to those he considered his.
Right now, Danny Fenton and his friends had more than half the family utterly wound up. All except Bruce in a good way, Spoiler was the first to admit, but Robin wouldn’t see it like that.
The only trick was, how to word the question.
Spoiler liked blunt. It made her stand out from the bats, who all played way too much mental and emotional chicken to be healthy. She’d always been more of a bird that way.
“Wouldn’t have anything to do with Hood’s little disappearance today, would it?” She asked instead, grinning broadly when Robin twitched.
Hit the nail on the head.
From the scowl he shot her he knew it too, and looked away quickly enough that he knew there was no taking it back. He folded his arms across his chest and sulked and fuck he was just adorable.
She’d bet anything Dick used to pout exactly like that.
Still, she tempered the grin down to a slight smile. Dropped a hand on his shoulder, squeezing gently and letting go when he pulled away.
“Worried me too. Were you close enough to see anything?” Because yeah, if Robin was already at least on his way into uniform before the message arrived?
Spoiler would put easy, easy money on him having been already tailing Jason and Danny around. Last night too, probably. She and Cass had left early to take the night shift, leaving Tim and Damian with the Amity Parkers.
Damian had one hell of a dose of his father’s paranoia, and Steph considered it a solemn duty to teach him about personal boundaries to keep him from turning out just like the old bat.
Just a little friendly stalking from the rooftops didn’t really count though. Not between family.
Robin had tensed right up again too, but when she didn’t push the contact or needle at him he slowly relaxed back down. Scowled at her feet instead of his own.
“No,” he admitted bitterly, both at definitely having been busted and probably at having nothing to report, “Todd… Hood spoke to the magician. They argued, he went back inside Freeze’s place and did not reappear when his tracker went through the roof and into the sky.”
Spoiler blinked, mildly surprised.
“Hood was wearing a tracker? Didn’t think he was in the mood.”
“He wasn’t,” Robin corrected with a derisive sniff.
And… yeah, they were gonna have to do a little more work on that whole “boundaries” thing. Although the odds of Hood not noticing that he’d been tagged were lower than Robin probably thought. Keeping a tag on him that he didn’t want there?
Nah. She may not exactly trust Jason, but that was how she knew how good he was at finding and disabling rogue trackers. And sure, Damian was better than her at some things, but if Cass couldn’t sneak a tracker onto Red Hood no one could.
Kinda cute that Jason let the little guy think he’d successfully bugged him.
At least the constant mild stalking was just standard for the family.
Shaking her head, she gave him a gentle nudge with her elbow.
“That’s rough. Flying’s cheating,” she commiserated with a sly look to the sky.
She’d heard a super cross Oracle’s radar. Conner, almost certainly if Robin was still out alone.
Too bad he’d not thought to call his own Superboy, though taking flight himself wouldn’t have helped if dimensional travel followed.
Robin made another disgusted little tut, then pushed off the gargoyle and stormed away. Spoiler watched him go for a moment, then shrugged.
“Hey, go get some sleep if you’re coming back out tonight,” she called after him. Grinned when he flipped her off without turning.
If he’d been off stalking Jason and Danny two days in a row, he’d need some rest.
“And don’t forget your report,” she teased and actually laughed when he raised his other hand to flip her off with both before leaping off the edge of the roof, swinging back towards the bat cave.
Stephanie Brown had never been prouder in her life than the first day Damian had said “fuck” in front of his dad. Far be it from her to demand anyone transform into a social butterfly, but she personally was pretty damn sure that nothing was gonna help Damian out of his “raised by assassins” shell than learning some good old fashioned swearwords.
And a little teenaged rebellion. The proudest day was totally gonna be when he finally told his grandfather to fuck off (or any suitable equivalent; Steph wasn’t choosy).
Leaning back into the gargoyle’s shadow, Spoiler surveyed the city below. Technically, she’d been out as long as Damian had; if she wanted to be out tonight she’d need a quick nap too.
Or, more fun, she could nip back to the manor, kidnap Cass, and they could find and bully Tim and Tucker in person. Yeah, that was gonna be it.
**
Jason was feeling good, really. Actually a little surprised at how good, considering.
That crunchy little ecto-ice chip had been better than a gallon of coffee, filling him with energy like he’d actually gotten a full night’s sleep. (Not that he knew much about how that actually felt, at least not when not recovering from serious injury.)
He hadn’t actually felt this good since the night Danny slept over, which had been the night before last. Didn’t sound all that impressive, except that it had been the best he’d felt in half a decade.
Maybe the full decade. For all Robin made him magic, skipping sleep to fight crime had done a number on him in his teens. If he’d been as willing as Dickie and Tim to slack on his schoolwork, maybe…
Yeah, no, Tim was the poster child for Do Not Emulate This Sleep Schedule.
What mattered was that even after running the docks down with Black Bat for more than half the night and then getting up to get Danny, Jason felt fucking great.
Even after three separate courses of Bruce’s bullshit, both directly and through the medium of John fucking Constantine. Not so long ago, Bruce would never even dare call him, much less try and set up a bat cave ambush. That… was probably technically a good sign?
Didn’t feel like one at the moment, but Jason actually felt almost good enough to be charitable with the old bat. A little emotionally wrung out, sure, but he felt lighter for… having whatever that had been. Like the stress that had been compacting his chest had finally eased.
Jason was self aware enough to admit he’d probably had more than one breakdown owed to him. Maybe not a “take to the bed”, “trip to the sea” full Victorian lady meltdown, but he’d had a whole baby dropped on him. Except somehow worse.
He damn well deserved that freak out, and now that it was over and he’d been given what kinda felt like the ghost equivalent of speed… He felt like his brain was finally working again.
Which… meant he was fully processing that his fucking soul was vibrating in time with Danny’s. And every other ghost could just. Tell.
That was gonna make fight club… actually, Jason had no idea what the fuck it was gonna make fight club. By all accounts Danny being the Ghost King hadn’t made any of them less likely to throw down with him.
If anything, Danny had warned Jason that him being a “young” ghost would make the others more eager to fight. It was a kind of play, bonding and teaching the new baby their powers.
Sounded fucking terrifying by all accounts and Jason was just glad he had Danny to explain it to him, since apparently full ghosts just… knew it wasn’t serious. Even baby ghosts came into existence recognising the game.
Halfas didn’t.
Whiiiich meant that all the “playful” threats of dismemberment had sounded pretty fucking real to Danny, back when he’d been a baby ghost and had half the Zone flocking to “play” with him.
Pitty let out a rumbly little growl, like a sulking dog and Jason hid a snicker. Yeah, he’d also be kicking their asses that little bit harder for that given half a chance.
Actually, if they kept holding fight club, Pitty could take a chunk out of them itself.
That thought got him a contented little purr, which was weird enough that Jason was going to focus back in on Frostbite’s broader explanation. Which… he should have been doing anyway. At least this part wasn’t solely for his benefit though.
“In the sense that you have tied yourselves together, it may be somewhat like a marriage… however, it is a very different relationship. In a true love-union, your signatures would beat in time,” the yeti explained, gesturing once more to the screen.
Jason’s blob continued to pulse and blur a fraction of a beat behind Danny’s. Definitely not quite in time.
This was a relief. Yup. And Jason’s cheeks definitely weren’t any warmer than they’d been a minute ago, before he knew that, again, his fucking soul was echoing Danny’s.
Frostbite gave his tablet a couple more taps, and a pulsing blue line linked the images on the screen.
“In your case, young knight, your allegiance is marked in both your resonance and in your aura, which now carries a link to your King. In this way, even if the Great One is not beside you, all ghosts will know that you are the chosen protector of their King. His status is what defines your role as a knight, instead of a more casual bond.”
“No one’s king yet,” Danny protested, folding his arms and leaning into Jason’s side. Letting a little more of his weight rest on him.
Jason leaned in too, frowning from the screen to Frostbite.
“And all the other ghosts can just… see this?” He asked, not really sure what he was hoping to be told.
Frostbite switched from giving Danny a fond smile back to Jason, nodding brightly.
“Oh yes. Ectoplasm is very easily influenced by emotion, and bonds can form quite quickly. I presume you took an oath?” He asked, eyes sparkling in a way that made Jason pretty damn sure he’d met Clockwork.
Which, now that he thought about it…
Jason huffed out another deep breath, running a hand through his hair. As much as John Fucking Constantine specifically could ride a cactus straight to Hell… the guy mighta had the faintest inkling of a point about one thing.
“Yeah… about that.” He pulled a face, gaze tracking away from the others and down to the floor.
Would they think he was a dumbass too? Danny had been there when Clockwork made the offer and he’d been pretty against it, but Jason had thought he understood why.
It hadn’t sounded anything like Constantine’s claims of what he’d signed up for.
In the end, it was easier to address the question to Frostbite’s large hairy toes.
“I, uh… I made an oath to Clockwork, but do I have… a contract or something? The asshole magician I mentioned earlier was going on and on about eternal fucking servitude bullshit but it’d be nice to have something to shove in his face,” he added quickly, arm slipping back and almost around Danny (but with his hand still firmly on the table).
He didn’t need to wait to feel the guilt in Danny’s aura to head it off.
Jason wasn’t having second thoughts. He wasn’t sorry for what he’d signed up for, and when it came right down to it…
He didn’t think people could lie through their auras. Even when he was trying to project something like “I’m fine” and he wasn’t, he was pretty sure Danny could tell.
He could sure as hell tell when Danny was bluffing through his, which had happened maybe once total.
He trusted Danny. He trusted Frostbite. He even mostly trusted Clockwork, because for all the guy had been a little sketchy, Jason had felt his sincerity. How deeply he cared for Danny.
Keeping Danny safe forever didn’t sound like eternal servitude. Eternal babysitting, maybe, if Danny was being a pain in the ass, but he’d never top Damian at his most bratty.
Jason woulda been trying to protect Danny anyway. As far as he knew, knighthood just made that easier.
Which was another reason he’d like a look at his contract. You didn’t make it onto the streets as Robin without learning to read for loopholes, hidden clauses, and fine print. He may have already signed on the dotted line, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t find some wiggle room.
Danny, about to say something either apologetic or self deprecating, huffed out a breath as Jason’s arm slipped around him. Winded up giving him a half smile instead.
“Yeah… that’s a good point. I still need to find out if I can fire your ass.”
“Still didn’t hire me,” Jason pointed out archly, bumping his arm to knock Danny forwards a little.
The other halfa huffed a laugh this time and bumped him back.
“Yeah, and I gotta work out how to hire you so I can then immediately fire you,” he shot back.
Frostbite cut them both off with a raised hand, though he still looked fondly amused. Like they were cute little kids or something stupid.
“You will have to discuss this with Clockwork directly, young knight, but I do not believe a knighthood typically comes with a contract. It is a duty one is granted, and one that may be rescinded if you fail, but it is not a deal,” he explained patiently.
Jason’s brows furrowed a little, but at least he could feel Danny’s confusion-puzzled-not sure beside him too. He wasn’t the only one who wasn’t quite sure what that meant.
Maybe he shoulda looked a little more into magic shit while he was with the League of Assassins. That would have been the time, especially if the Lazarus Pits were the just grunged ectoplasm.
“It kinda sounded like a deal when he offered it,” he said almost as a question, glancing back at Danny for confirmation.
Danny nodded. So it wasn’t just Jason.
“He gave me a cool magic gun in exchange for keeping Danny hale and hearty. Protecting him in the living and Infinite realms,” Jason added in case the wording counted, more sure as he remembered some of the reasons.
Fuck, had that only been a week ago? It felt like it’d been a whole year.
Frostbite gave them a neutral shrug, inclining his head.
“As I said, you will need to ask Clockwork directly. All I can tell you is that it is not innate to the position; a knighthood is not usually something bought and sold,” he explained patiently.
Danny hummed an agreement, cheek resting on Jason’s shoulder again.
“It’s normally all ghost-to-ghost too, so is there a way we can check if the halfa thing has changed it?” He asked Frostbite, leaning against the table too and totally not actually putting his arm around Jason back.
Jason felt a little more tension leech back out of him. Which raised another good point, actually.
“And not related or anything, but if you gave me a buncha those ice crystals could I just chew them to get the ecto for…” he hesitated, waving his free hand at his general chest area again.
Honestly, given half a chance he’d love to get a bowl full and try and pop the pit out in one go… it’d probably be easier to train from outside his body where it wouldn’t immediately know he was so full of shit… his own aura notwithstanding.
Yeah, he was still a little worried about being anyone’s emotional guide, but if he could just get the damn thing out in the world… maybe it could have other guides too.
“To answer the simpler question first, young knight, unfortunately the energized ectoplasm is only a short term boost and will not affect either of your cores. I will provide you with a small supply to assist your emotional control whilst you stabilize, if you wish?” Frostbite offered gently, a slight smile on his face.
Jason hesitated, considering things for a moment, then nodded. Sure, it wasn’t a solid “yes here is the answer to all your problems Jason just smack it in”, but it was a concrete solution to what had actually been worrying him.
Having another one of those weird “episodes”. He’d still be waiting to get Pitty all the way out, but at least he had a backup plan until then. He could pop an ecto-crystal each morning, get some energy, and worry less about night patrols.
Shit, he’d have more energy than he’d had since he died. The others were gonna be jealous as hell, but it wasn’t like they could steal and take his ghost meds. Probably.
Jason… wasn’t quite ready to think about the panic attack itself. He felt fine now, way better, and it wasn’t like it was the first he’d had.
Just…
Just the first that he remembered. That his heart started racing, his head rushing, ears filled with rushing static and the world hadn’t just melted into a green haze of blood and violence.
His early training with the League of Assassins had involved a lot of losing himself to the Pit. He’d wake up days later, body aching with exertions he couldn’t remember, and be told how many he’d killed.
Good news: no fear of that either, apparently. Pitty wasn’t pulling for control anymore, so the green haze was all Jason’s own.
Joy.
He had a nasty feeling that Danny would notice him spiralling from anywhere in Gotham. And probably ditch class to come check on him.
Like Hell. Jason’d fucking call Harley first, put himself through some breathing exercises or whatever, he did not need an emotional support Ghost King.
He gave Frostbite a quick nod, a small smile forming almost without thinking about it. The yeti was just… so caring and helpful. Not exactly something Jason had a wealth of experience with. He’d probably be a great example for Pitty.
Frostbite returned the smile, making a quick note on his tablet.
“And of course, your ghostly parent or a mentor should also be able to assist you. Spending time with those who are important to you, especially a comforting figure will help both your control and your core formation,” the yeti added in a slightly pointed way, like he’d read Jason’s mind, and Jason had to stifle a laugh.
Frostbite might be an eight foot tall hairy yeti, but he’d get along with Alfred like a house on fire… he was even as stubborn about not using their names as Alfred was about nicknames.
And when Jason thought about someone comforting, the beacon of emotional maturity and constraint… it could only be Alfred. He was more grandparent than parent, but certainly the only mentor Jason still looked up to. And a paragon of control besides.
Alfred could help him with Pitty. Model a little actual emotional restraint and control for the both of them. The only question was if Jason could just be up front and ask him, possibly revealing the secret early, or if he’d have to come up with an excuse for them to hang out.
Stupid thought. Jason knew damn well he could just walk into the kitchen and Alfred would be more than happy to spend time together. He wouldn’t need a ruse; he wouldn’t even need an excuse.
The knowledge settled warm and soft and happy inside him, until his brain caught up with his ears and stopped him short.
Wait.
“Ghost parent?” He asked cautiously, looking from Frostbite to Danny again. Danny pulled a face but Frostbite beat him to the punch.
“Ah, yes. We did not discuss that last time either. Your ghost parent, young knight, is the second strongest bond a young ghost can have. They are the ghost who welcomes you into the Infinite Realms, who will guide your steps and protect you until your own haunt has formed.”
Brows furrowing, Jason twisted to frown more directly at Danny, not quite sure if he was looking for confirmation or asking a question of his own.
Cuz, y’know, other than the whole “protecting until his haunt formed” (and Jason certainly didn’t need protecting), that sounded a lot like what Danny had been doing. Which would totally make it weird if Jason was a knight to his own ghost-dad.
Clearly following the same lines, Danny raised both hands and shook his head, almost but not quite stepping out of reach.
“Oh no, it’s not me. You’ve had a ghost parent long before I came along,” he said emphatically, the sudden panic on his face making Jason feel better about his own response to surprise parenthood.
He magnanimously decided not to tease Danny about it, turning instead to give Frostbite a questioning look.
“Should I know who my ghost parent is? Who gets to decide?” He asked cautiously. He’d never met another ghost before Danny, but he had this awful sinking feeling that Ra’s al Ghul might have more to do with the realms than just the pits, and he was the closest proxy. Even Tallia would be better. Maybe even Bruce.
Reading his tension, Frostbite clapped a massive furry hand on Jason’s shoulder, smile and aura both full of comfort-reassurance-calm.
“Normally yes young knight, though yours is a special case. Usually when a young ghost first finds its way to the realms, one of the first ghosts they encounter will take them under their wing. It is an honour to care for a young ghost, and a halfa even more so,” he explained gently.
Beside Jason, Danny snorted loudly.
“Oh, yeah, they totally come running to play happy families. Super wholesome,” he grumbled, arms folded as he leaned back into Jason’s weight.
Honestly, Jason could kinda spot common threads between what Frostbite just said and what Danny had told him about Fight Club; the play fighting was supposed to be about sharing powers, right? Just, y’know, between people with shit verbal communication to actually check in that everyone was on the same page.
The yeti sighed fondly, his hand moving from Jason’s shoulder to rest proudly on Danny’s. Given the width of Danny’s shoulders respective to the hand, the last two fingers were back on Jason’s other shoulder.
“Again, Great One, your circumstances were also exceptional. You did not explore the Ghost Zone until after you had established yourself to many as a competent fighter and protector of your haunt, which along with certain… adventures led most to believe you were far older than you are,” Frostbite explained patiently, with just the faintest hint that they’d been through this before.
Danny rolled his eyes and shot Jason double finger guns.
“Yyyyup, which is why I don’t have to deal with any of this “ghost parent” business,” he agreed brightly, tipping Jason a smirk, “get good.”
Jason flipped him off, but there was something… not in his aura, Frostbite’s was still very carefully toned back all calm medical professional, but in the creasing of the yeti’s eyes. Now, ghost yetis were definitely a new species and Batman drilled them all on the dangers of extrapolating body language on new species, but Jason had done his time on alien planets.
Something in the change, something in the shift, a little quirk of the brow Jason had noted when the yeti was amused. There was something funny here, and it wasn’t Danny’s quip.
Putting his suspicions aside for now, Jason settled on the more pressing matter.
“So who is my ghost parent? When do I get to meet them?” He asked cautiously, still not entirely convinced he hadn’t accidentally imprinted on Ra’s or Tallia. Cuz he hadn’t been in the Zone before Danny either.
Danny himself, much less concerned, waved a hand vaguely.
“Oh, we’ll deal with that on the way home. Go do a proper meet and greet, that sort of thing,” he said nonchalantly, and Jason’s shoulders settled a little.
“They’re in the Zone then?” He prodded a little further, not fully willing to let the matter just drop. If he had to ghost-emancipate himself, he’d rather be ready sooner than later.
Danny grinned toothily at him.
“Usually. We’ll see if she’s around, but it might have to be another day. Gotta deal with our other list first, like if our whole halfa deal is gonna do anything to the knight thing, or your core coming in,” he added, looking expectantly at Frostbite.
Jason almost missed what he said next as his heart skipped a beat, a possibility he’d never even considered slamming home.
She.
Someone dead, if they were in the Ghost Zone.
Someone who’d claimed him as her son long ago, guided him as best she could. Someone he’d never expected to see again, not even having died and returned to life himself.
No chance, he told himself quickly, hurriedly refocusing on the conversation at hand. About his bond with Danny, about their shared fucked biology, about his whole undead future.
There was no point dredging up the past until he actually knew.
Frostbite was back in his familiar role of teacher, that same proud/warm/fond smile crinkling the corners of his eyes as he looked at Danny.
“For your bond, Great One, I am not sure what I would even test for. The young knight presently has no ghost form, yet the bond is present exactly as if he had. I am afraid we have no records of former halfas, so any problems which occurred before are long lost.”
The yeti gave the tablet another few careful claw strokes, pulling up lines and lines of scrolling numbers and data beside each of their silhouettes on the wall screen. Forcing himself to the present, Jason scanned them quickly.
Unsurprisingly, he couldn’t actually make heads or tails of it; ghost vitals couldn’t really include things like heartbeat, blood oxygenation, or anything they’d test for in the med bay.
Not until Bruce found out about all this crap anyway - Jason wouldn’t put it past him to try and buy out everything the Far Frozen had in his latest snit of paranoia. The second he got over his “oh no Jason is going somewhere I can’t supervise him”, obviously.
Frostbite clearly knew what it all meant though, highlighting a couple of different areas where Danny’s numbers were very different from Jason’s and giving him that reassuring smile.
“After your first transformation I would expect some of these to change, and it is likely that any differences in your particular bond would show then as well. Your ghost form will of course be entirely ectoplasmic, so the bond will be more present than it is even now.”
That snapped Jason from his internal flailing, and he grimaced at the reminder.
Because… yeah. They’d talked a lot about his first transformation, he and Danny. But the only thing Danny hadn’t really known was when to expect it.
“Yeah… about that. I know the basics, inversion of my moment of death crap, I’ll be able to change it eventually, yadda yadda,” and that was its own sword of Damacles hanging with the mistletoe, “but… when will it happen? Like, will it just… happen? Or will I… yeah.”
Even wording the question made him feel like the whole thing was just too complicated. He wasn’t even sure what he wanted to ask; what to look for? Would there be symptoms? Would he just un-die again in the street?
Luckily Frostbite seemed much more comfortable, hitting a few buttons on his tablet. Jason’s scan took over the full screen once more, zoomed in on the two orbs in his chest.
They were pulsing too, growing brighter and dimmer along with the more defined throb of the ectoplasm. Which was actually when he noticed that both cores were throbbing, so… was Pitty also a knight?
That was going on the list of questions for Clockwork like, yesterday. If he could get it its own little fear gun…
“As you can see, your core is still fuzzy around the edges and incompletely formed; once these edges have smoothed out, you will hypothetically be able to transform at any time,” Frostbite explained, blissfully aware of Jason’s new train of thought.
Probably for the best. Jason reluctantly refocused on the screen, tabling the idea of Sir Pitty for now. Nice to have something actually positive to look forward to.
He didn’t really remember seeing much of the screen during his last appointment, but he had seen the perfect sphere of Danny’s core, and his looked… well, like Frostbite said, smaller and kinda fuzzy. Like a ball of dough after it started sticking to your hands and losing its shape.
He frowned and nodded, looking back to Frostbite and then glancing around at Danny.
“So not until the next appointment, probably? Will it just… happen out of nowhere? Or will I need to trigger it?” It kinda helped, narrowing the scope. Dealing with it one step at a time.
Danny gave a helpless shrug.
“My powers started activating randomly, but I didn’t actually transform until I was in danger. Not like, life threatening danger,” he added with a roll of his eyes, like he’d heard Pitty’s growl… or maybe Jason had echoed it. “It was just Lunch Lady, she was never gonna really hurt us. She just made a mess and tried to feed everyone meat.”
Jason privately added Lunch Lady to his “asses to kick” list. On principle.
Frostbite gave a thoughtful nod, a large hand clapping down on Jason’s shoulder a lot harder than he’d probably intended. He didn’t flinch, but before his pit-growth-spurt it might have knocked him over.
“We can experiment more once your core is complete here in the Zone, and I would recommend waiting until Pitty has been expelled, if possible. Of course, any other changes in your knighthood bond will likely make themselves known with your first change as well,” the yeti mused, quite pleased with the idea.
Jason hesitated before agreeing, worry twisting through him again before he tamped it back down.
He wasn’t that scared little boy anymore; not inside. Besides, the bond was already firmly in place.
His soul was resonating a pace behind Danny’s.
It wasn’t like that little trip back to the moment of his death was gonna make Danny suddenly reject him.
The poor guy was probably stuck with Jason for life anyway at this point, which for a pair of halfas meant pretty much forever.
**
There was not a single thing on Earth or the Watchtower that he wanted less than to stop and talk to John Fucking Constantine and Diana after the meeting.
To be completely fair, Constantine clearly didn’t want to have that conversation any more either; Bruce had not been wrong about how well the magician would take the news that the United States had declared war on an entire dimension.
He was visibly green, had actually ground an unlit cigarette into a grainy mess against the table in lieu of lighting up, and looked about ready to lick up the tobacco.
Diana did not look happy either, but she never had. Her face was as stony and grave as Bruce had ever seen it, concern writ large even as she caught his eye.
The sure knowledge that her lasso would follow if he tried to leave was the only thing that kept him from ignoring her.
But since the only thing he wanted in the world at this moment was to have his son in his arms, and there was no chance of that happening until they were in the same dimension once more…
Bruce shot a quick, questioning look at Clark as the traitor made his way to the exit along with the rest of the Justice League. The Kryptonian at least had the grace to look a little guilty as he shook his head, stepping quickly out the door.
Wonder Woman hadn’t specifically told everyone else to get the fuck out. She had simply molded herself into an immovable force, concluded the meeting, and instructed Bruce alone to remain and discuss these… complications.
Bruce considered making an argument for Superman’s inclusion. They were the original three, and they’d probably need at least his and Aquaman’s help to handle the diplomatic situation.
Possibly the Oa, and Bruce was quite sure Green Lantern wasn’t looking forward to that possibility any more than he was. Hal Jordan talked a good game, always far too flippant, but he’d been pale enough by the end of the lecture that his suit made him look frankly unwell.
Unpleasant times would be in all of their futures it seemed. It was no real comfort as he slipped into a seat across from Wonder Woman and the slumped form of John Constantine.
The magician didn’t even look up, but clearly noticed.
“Didn’t fuckin’ think anyone’d fuck this up worse’n you, Bats,” he groaned, face still pressed into the table.
Bruce grunted, uninterested in his judgement.
“There are new complications we should focus on.” A vain hope, and one Diana instantly crushed.
“One that makes the contents of our discussion all the more vital,” she corrected sharply, piercing blue eyes narrowed as she watched his face. “It seems we have already caused unintentional offence.”
Which was an extremely light way to phrase the declared genocide, but Bruce didn’t bother arguing that position. Not when Constantine would do it for him.
But the mage just let out a long, hearty groan.
“Offence. Yeah. Maybe if we saw off the United States and toss it through a portal the rest of us will be fine,” he snarked, raising his head just enough to bang it off the table. Repeatedly.
By the third bang Diana gripped the back of his head, holding him in place against the table.
“Whatever the situation,” she growled, her tone daring either of them to comment, “we must deal with it as it is. You believe we would have noticed any countermeasures from the former Ghost King?”
She released her grip a moment later, and Constantine rolled his head just enough to glare at her through one eye.
“Pariah Dark? Sister, it wouldn’ta been a single town bein’ pulled off the map. We’d have lost the continent, and probably the world. You wouldn’t miss it,” he added with a bitter laugh, clearly considering banging his head off the table again.
Diana placed a hand on the table. Constantine set his head back down gently.
“And the new king?” She prodded, all icy control.
Bruce had to admit, even he felt calmer watching her.
He knew all the follies and foibles of gods, had no delusions about the limits of her power. He also knew her strengths. Her wisdom. Her ability to cut through complex issues with sword or words.
Whatever he missed, she was removed enough from this mess to catch.
Constantine shrugged, still not rising.
“No fuckin’ clue. All I know is they’re better’n Pariah, which is the lowest damn bar I ever saw. They call them Balance, and we’re not gonna fuckin’ like when the scales come due.”
Bruce’s brows furrowed. What could be a sufficient counterweight for demanding a whole people be hunted and experimented on until extinction?
The dead always vastly outnumbered the living.
Diana cut across his thoughts, her tone as sharp as her blade.
“So you believe we’d notice.”
Constantine sighed heavily and flopped back in his seat hard enough that he nearly toppled over. Diana steadied the chair with one hand, eyebrow rising archly.
Constantine stopped flailing, went to fold his arms, and instead stuffed his hands in his pockets.
“Probably’d be pretty hard to miss too,” he agreed gruffly. Diana nodded, having received the answer she wanted, and interlaced her fingers.
“Then we have time to rectify matters before word reaches his ears.” She paused, brow furrowing as she recounted John’s words. “Do we not know if the King is a man?”
Constantine shrugged again, pulling something unidentifiable from his pocket before hastily shoving it back in, coming out again with a lighter. He spun it between his fingers, eyes fixed on the metal lid.
“Nah. “King” is just a loose translation to living tongues, for what yer used to. Easier to say than “Supreme High Ruler, Core of the Realms”. Not even likely that they were ever human; not even the Ancients could take Pariah solo to take the crown, so a human ghost wouldn’t stand a chance.”
Huffing out a mighty breath, Constantine looked from the lighter to Bruce, his gaze somehow immeasurably more tired. Bruce had imagined that talking about Amity Park made the man look ancient.
He looked haggard enough to be an ancient ghost himself now.
Raising his other hand, he began counting off points on his fingers.
“We know they’re young. Everything agrees on that. Could be any time in the past few centuries, but it’s still a timeline. We know they’re tougher’n Hell and all its demons put together, cuz they put Pariah down single handed. Had to to get the throne. Might not have Ended him, the Casket of Eternal Slumber’s not turned up looking for a new occupant.”
The magician stared at his two fingers for a moment, then sighed and raised a third.
“And we know ghosts like them. They’re less scared, though most of ‘em never knew shit about Pariah. Didn’t even react to him waking, which had to happen for the change in power. That or it all went down too fast for the shockwaves to reach us here; not bloody likely. Wouldn’t take more than a day, and ghosts fight for decades on a whim.”
He hesitated for a moment, considering that last finger. Finally he sighed and shook his head.
“Can’t rule it out though. Pariah waking up’d be as much an emergency for them as it’d be for us, putting his ass back down is an all hands on deck situation on either side of the veil. If this new king is Balance, Pariah’d be their opposite,” he finished gruffly, glaring at all three digits before stuffing both hands into his pockets.
Bruce nodded, drawing a deep, calming breath in through his nose and then out through his mouth. Even this much discussion had something itching in the back of his mind, a building tension that he had to Get Away.
He was in control of it though. Could tell the difference between his own unease and the burning ember of the oath.
Turn and run right away his ass. Magic could never hold out against cool, calm logic.
“And this new king, Balance, has stamped a damn mark on Jason.”
And his breath hitched.
Sharp, white hot panic flared behind his eyes, every muscle clenching with the effort of not leaping straight from the table. The only reason he didn’t was because he had no idea where to go.
What would he even do? Run to Jason’s side? The boy was in another dimension, far beyond Bruce’s reach.
Again.
He was losing Jason again. Losing him to this Ghost King, this Balance, this-
Diana’s hand clamped firmly over his, the amazon’s grip immovable steel. Bruce felt his bones grinding together before he even noticed he’d stopped breathing, before he managed to look up enough to meet her eyes.
Stern, determined, brilliant blue locked with his. Her grip tightened a little further, the ribbing on his gloves creaking with the pressure.
She wouldn’t break them… probably. They were designed to hold up against any of the supers the League dealt with. Prolonged contact was another thing entirely though.
His attention now locked on her face, Bruce managed a deep breath in along with her. Held it when she did. Let it out.
She didn’t release him for another few repetitions, until he was breathing mostly on his own again. Then she returned her attention to Constantine.
“What.” It wasn’t aggressive. Just a completely flat, completely toneless statement.
Constantine gave her an entirely hopeless smile, pulling his hands from his pockets to give her jazz hands.
“And that’s what he’s not ready to hear yet. Your boy, Jason, Red Hood, has gotten himself personally warded by the Ghost King. He’s the next thing to invulnerable right now,” he added bitterly, as if that made any of it better.
An icy hand clenched in Bruce’s chest again, but he forced himself to still. To breathe through it. To not turn and run, run until he found his child and tore him away from whatever influence had him.
The Ghost King had a hold of Jason. Jason who’d all but ordered Bruce to let him go.
“And Jason must have been in direct contact with the King to receive these wards?” Diana asked sharply, and Bruce’s head snapped back to her.
It was a good question. Important, obvious, there was a connection there that he should be making, but he couldn’t think. His head was spinning, heart pounding, and every shadow seemed black as pitch.
Constantine grunted an agreement, shooting Bruce an almost sympathetic look.
Could. Could this be the oath? Not his own instinctive, natural panic?
Bruce couldn’t tell, he’d been so afraid for so long, ever since he held Jason’s broken body in his arms. Ever since he buried his son.
It felt the same. But he had mastered that fear long ago, so this would not control him now. He had to be better.
Frowning at Diana, he leaned forward.
“Explain.” She’d probably assumed that he’d made the same connection. He probably should have.
There was just a brief flash of surprise on her face before her expression softened, her hand gentling over his.
“Jason was the one who told you of these Anti Ecto Acts, was he not?” She asked pointedly, a dark brow arching delicately.
Bruce about managed a grunt of agreement, his jaw clenched too tightly to speak. She waited a moment longer, watching his face, and then sighed.
“Then is it not likely that either he has told Balance of these Acts, or that Balance was the one that told him?”
Constantine jerked and got halfway through a bellowed curse before she cut him off with a glare. Her tone brooked no argument as she continued with a firm, frosted patience.
“Jason is a principled young man, even if not of the exact principles you prefer. Either he has warned you because he believes we have time to fix this, or because the King would prefer we handle it,” she said bluntly.
It sounded so simple, put like that. Far too simple. Bruce shook his head, leaning in.
“We can’t know for sure-”
“Batman.” There was nothing harsh in her tone. Nothing so overtly aggressive as the glare she kept giving Constantine. Just a calm, cool statement that sucked the air from his lungs.
The weight of her own mantle, the Amazon princess who would one day be Queen. Not his friend Diana; Wonder Woman.
Once she was sure he wouldn’t continue, she fixed him with a sapphire stare.
“Do you believe Jason Todd would condone the end of the world?” She asked simply, and that at least was that plain.
“No.” It didn’t even require thought; whatever he feared ever since his son took his first life, Bruce knew that.
Jason was fundamentally a good boy. So kind, so giving, ironically he had been the most well adjusted boy Bruce had ever given the mantle to.
Which was what made what he’d become so painful. It was everything he never should have been.
Wonder Woman nodded as if that solved all the rest.
“And yet you called the meeting, not him. He has known for several days already and did nothing to alert any of us. Therefore, he does not believe this is an urgent threat.”
It sounded good, and Bruce almost believed it before Constantine snorted.
“Yeah, great, except the kid has no fuckin’ clue what he’s dealing with. Didn’t even know he’d been fuckin’ marked or that sellin’ his fuckin’ service was the dumbest fuckin’ thing he coulda done,” he grumbled and Bruce’s heart fell.
Wonder Woman was not so easily swayed. She raised an eyebrow slowly at the magician.
“And could those protective marks have been placed on Jason against his will?” She asked pointedly, like she knew the first thing about magic.
Constantine hesitated. Frowned a little, thinking hard. Finally he threw both hands in the air and leaned back in his chair, scrubbing them down his face.
“Technically, yes, alright? But I can’t think of a damn reason why they’d bother. Like I told the old Bat, it’s technically a good thing; I couldn’t even get a basic diagnostic spell off, he’s completely fuckin’ magic proof an’ anythin’ that can read that ward will run like fuck.”
Something in Bruce’s chest flickered hopefully. Wonder Woman nodded firmly, then redirected her stare to him.
“Then until we have reason not to, we assume that Jason Todd has control of this situation. He has assigned us to deal with these Acts, either before his king discovers them or on their behalf. You, Batman, will defer to his experience along with that of our experts,” she declared with all the ringing command she was capable of.
It chafed. And yet… he could hear the echo of Harley’s words in her voice.
What if Jason was wrong? It was the kind of thing he always thought about, the kind of thing he couldn’t stop thinking about. The kind of thing that had the Batman able to stand and go toe to toe with gods.
But what if Jason was right? What if Harley, Diana, Constantine were right, and his usual measures would spell disaster?
He had a dozen contingency plans that any member of the League could use to take him down. He was painfully aware that the first one, the one he’d already shown to Superman and Wonder Woman, only had two words in it.
Diana’s Judgement.
She hadn’t technically invoked it yet. Had never bothered asking exactly what he meant by it; she wasn’t one to back down from hard subjects, which meant she’d also never bothered hiding how little she thought of his contingency plans.
His League-specific ones, anyway. She liked the ones he had for the rogues and various end of the world crises.
It meant moments like this, where she would give him her honest, simple judgement and reign him in.
(Technically it also meant that he trusted her to decide when she needed to snap his neck, but Martian Manhunter always looked at him with disappointment when he thought about that side too much.)
Looking back to her face, he managed to meet her eyes and nod once. It went against every instinct he had, every year of experience and loss, but…
If he couldn’t do things he didn’t like, he’d never have become Batman.
**
Head spinning with a plethora of new information, bag of ecto candies in hand, Jason deliberately slowed down to let Danny precede him out of Frostbite’s office.
That little suspicion had been growing, kindling the more they discussed halfa anatomy and bonds, and honestly? Yes, he had been using it as an excuse to think about something other than his own problems.
Danny seemed not to notice, disappearing past the doorway as Jason looked up at Frostbite. Figured fuck it; he didn’t know how much time he had. Best be blunt.
“You’re Danny’s ghost parent, aren’t you?” He asked, knowing from the yeti’s face as he did that he was right.
The way it froze for just a moment, eyes flicking to the door Danny had just left through. Then the smile that spread, knowing and secretive as he bent down for the first time to put his face on Jason’s level.
“He takes such pleasure in believing he does not have one; the Great One values his independence highly, and his history with parental figures is… complex. It can be our secret, yes?” The yeti winked.
Jason hesitated for a moment, thinking back to all he knew about Danny’s home life. It wasn’t actually all that much; Danny probably actually knew more about Jason’s, after the last week.
That wasn’t just a rarity, it was practically unheard of for any of the former Robins, and Jason knew exactly how Dick and Harley would react to that information.
They’d accuse him of growth. Gross. They couldn’t be told.
And yeah, maybe Jason had a bit of a personal understanding of why Danny wouldn’t want an overabundance of parental figures around. Their situations weren’t exactly the same, not really, but Jason knew enough verses of the song.
All teen heroes tended to have certain things in common, the biggest of which was whatever parental figure they had failing to protect them. Failing to keep them from the darkness, forcing a kid to take on a mantle and burdens that they never should have.
He’d wanted to pound Bruce’s bones to pulp for putting another kid in his cape. Wound up nearly pounding Tim’s instead, however the pit and Tallia had twisted things to make that seem like the same thing.
And Danny hadn’t just picked up the mantle of Teen Hero. He’d picked up a crown, a whole realm of responsibilities and rulership over the dead.
Personally, Jason thought Danny was missing out on an easy dodge of king duties by not finding his ghost parent; Clockwork was his regent but still apparently bothered him for work.
A parent ruling until the child was of age was behind most of the most brutal regicides in any monarchic system; the dead had to know about it.
But that’d mean Clockwork bothering Frostbite at all hours, possibly. Or Clockwork finding new excuses to keep checking on a crown prince Jason had already seen was a handful.
Yeah, he could see why no one really challenged Danny’s assertion that he didn’t have a ghost parent.
Jason spared a moment wondering about his own again.
He knew better than to hope, he really did. Catherine Todd deserved much better than an afterlife of watching over his many mistakes. If there was any justice to death, she’d moved straight past the realms and into the most perfect of paradises.
He liked to think she’d be proud of him. Of the work he’d done, the good he’d spread through the Alley even if it was on the end of a gun.
So long as it wasn’t any form of al Ghul whatsoever, Jason was pretty sure he could handle any other ghost parent the multiverse could throw at him.
Danny’s head poked back around the corner, grinning in a very worried way between the two of them.
“Everything okay back here?” He asked with some of the worst overhyped cheer Jason had ever heard.
Alright, maybe Danny would actually also have been a problem for ghost parent. Because Jason thought he was hot. Because he was an awful mother hen even as a friend.
Jason raised his bag of ecto candies.
“Just checking how many of these I can safely have in a day,” he said innocently, and kinda hoped Danny didn’t actually feel the wash of Frostbite’s approval as the yeti straightened.
That would give the game away.
“They are not a substitute for sleep or nutrition for your human form,” Frostbite told him, as if that was what they’d been talking about.
Jason sighed heavily, doing his best impression of Tim being handed decaf.
“Listen, a guy can hope?”
“Oh you’re not gonna win that one,” Danny snickered, brightening with the distraction and all but skipping in to take Jason’s arm, “let’s scram before he gets the powerpoints.”
Frostbite gave them a cheerful wave on the way out the door, and Jason managed a mostly sincere smile as Danny began regaling him on some of his teenaged attempts to persuade Frostbite to let him give up sleep for finals week.
Yeah, he might add the Fenton parents to the butt-kicking list. Below the ghosts, obviously, for whom butt-kicking was a social courtesy.
But, y’know. If he ever got the chance to have a quiet word about taking care of your damn kids.
———————
And here we have Part 1! Imma just yeet it up so you can all get started while I edit Part 2, because again, this is a Girthy One without an easier breakpoint 👀
I’ll still try and get Part 2 done tonight, but I’ve kept y’all waiting long enough
Tag List: @welcometosasakiworld @kyrianclawraith @someonebored0100 @stealingyourbones @starkcravingmad @frostedthroughghost @akikkobara @rainbowbunny0159 @littlefeather345 @violet-catsarelife @serasvictoria02 @wolfjackle @blacksea21090 @secretdestinywerewolf @anime-hipster-the-amazing @undead-essence @skitscratched @blackroserelina @snoodly-boop @mayoota-blog @xysidhe @little-apricot-the-writer @chaoticmistake @the-legal-shipper @bun-fish @aroranorth-west @demon-cat-goes-woof f @perfectwastelandcreation @onyxlightdragon @larks-and-katydids @peachesandcreamfemboy @jesus-camp-the-sequel @may-rbi @mothman-the-mothman87 @viyatrix @stargirl1331 @idfk-man10 @thedepressedrobin @skulld3mort-1fan @rootsmudge @ravenshadow17 @cankoking @phantom-dc @mentalcarebear @magic-pincushion @redamancyardor @lyra689 @itsparadoxlacuna @alcorbearson @asphyxia778 8 @why-must-i-be-like-this @tkiesai i @greenpyrowolf @frivolous-pastel @honeysuckletook @adorkable1291
Part Two:
158 notes · View notes
captainkirkk · 1 year
Text
✩ WEEKLY FIC ROUND-UP ✩
ATLA
Divergence of Destiny by Fernandidilly_yo
This is his life now, here on this ship, serving tea with Uncle and the crew. Traveling the world and staying far, far away from the ongoing war.
The Jasmine Dragon is Zuko's home.
Meeting the Avatar does not change that.
It changes absolutely nothing.
(Until, inevitably, it does.)
Tea and Cakes by ghosteyes
Zuko is having trouble pretending he doesn't has a problem with food and through a series of field trips with friends, the gaang starts to pick up on that as well.
Wishful Thinking by mindbending
Right after Boiling Rock, Zuko found Sokka sprawled in his tent with a bouquet of red roses, and a ring of romantic candles, and one final rose set between his teeth. With the littlest twinge of envy, Zuko realized the entire display was for Suki.
The point is Sokka's flirting is about as subtle as a buffalo yak. To miss it, you’d have to be a complete and utter airhead.
Stranger Things
Down in a Dead Man's Town by holyfudgemonkeys (erraticallyinspired)
When Steve nearly runs over Will Byers on that fateful night in 1983, he doesn’t expect offering him a ride home would result in both of them being hunted into another dimension. Surviving there is hard. Adapting to normal life again is even harder. His old self settles like an ill-fitting suit, and there’s no room for nightmares and fear and his new bond with Will in it. As he struggles to find a new normal he can live with, Steve finds himself befriending a bunch of kids and maybe (definitely) falling in love with a local weed dealer.
BNHA
Overcome by redrobin1989
When Izuku accepted All Might's quirk, he never expected to feel this helpless again. Sitting in on the interrogation of a serial killer, he realizes that the past can't always be left behind. Sometimes it comes back and brings with it a body count.
One can either overcome the problem or yourself be overcome.
DC (Batfamily)
Conference Room 2B by motleyfam
And okay, fine, Tim can admit it: his parents paying off a school official to circumvent social services just to see him was sketchy at best—probably illegal at worst. They really shouldn’t have done it. Bruce and Alfred would be furious to find out that they had. Not to mention Jason, who would go absolutely apeshit.
But–
But it was also just really fucking sweet of them.
Tim hasn’t felt this loved, this cherished, this fought for and desired by his parents in years.
Doesn’t he at least owe it to them to hear them out?
(Three months into Tim’s foster placement with the Waynes, Jack and Janet Drake decide they want back into their son’s life.)
Another Mirror by byrambles
It’s over remarkably quickly. The winning Batman leaves the losing Batman on the floor, still and broken, and Superman moves quickly to tie that one up as Winning Batman turns away. Turns toward Damian.
His shoulders slump, and Damian feels numb. This is not his Batman.
Anton Syndrome by Anonymous
Tim's parents have been away for six months and counting—the longest he's ever been left alone at one time—and it's starting to have some unpleasant side effects. Luckily, he has a solution.
OR, the one where Tim attempts prostitution to cure his touch starvation. His plan goes wrong pretty much from step one, but it all works out for the better.
DC/Danny Phantom
I Just Wanna Talk by foldingfacets
John Constantine beat the system of life and death until it fully refused to touch him anymore, and when it did, it never went well. It was a fact that the League had come to terms with, or those that knew, anyways. None of Constantine’s past could explain the kid in fuzzy pajamas that was curled up on a chair in the Justice League’s control room asking for the elusive brit.
Danny had barely made it to high school graduation only to be thrust into dealing with the millennia of bullshit waiting ever so patiently for the King of the Infinite Realms to look at. The fact that there was a weird amount of paperwork filed regarding some dude named John Constantine that looked like the weirdest form of tax fraud he’d ever seen was puzzling, and his parents committed that regularly. He has no idea what the hell he’s looking at.
Alternately: Danny is the inter-dimensional personification of the IRS for Death and the Unliving, and he just has a couple questions.
351 notes · View notes
silver-tongued-bby · 6 months
Text
The Fall - Chapter II
Tumblr media
Pairing: Manipulative!Dom!Loki x Sub!fem!Reader
This work is set in an AU.
Chapter I here.
Summary: Against your basic human instincts, you choose to go on that date.
Author’s note: thank you so much for the love on chapter 1!! I was really hesitant to post this fic- I’m so thankful people are liking it so far! I am in no way advocating for this kind of dynamic, it can get very toxic very fast. Stay safe out there folks 🖤
As always, likes, reblogs, and comments are much appreciated 🖤🖤🖤
This is work of fiction is 18+!!!!, and contains graphic descriptions of rough sex, manipulation, sadism, masochism, a sketchy situation in a car, oral sex (m receiving), shoe stuff, a dom/sub dynamic, a broken reader. Please do not interact if you are a minor or are sensitive towards any of the themes mentioned above.
~~~
You stood outside your apartment. It was cold out, though your palms were sweating. 
You heard his car before you saw it, the sleek black vehicle pulling up just ahead of you. Walking over to the passenger side you got in, the butterflies in your stomach making you nauseous. 
“Hi,” you turned, giving him a little smile. 
His glance moved up from your legs to your face, a hint of a smirk gracing his lips. “Shall we?” 
Nodding, you smoothed your hands on your skirt. 
“Nervous?” His tone held an edge of amusement as he pulled away from the curb. 
“A little.” You pressed your thighs together, a low throb between your legs at his comment. 
“I’m flattered.” He gave you a smile. You couldn’t help but smile back, the warmth of it infectious. 
You felt some of the nerves dissipate. Though there was a tug within your chest as he drove on, something deep within you urging you to flee. 
“I suppose it doesn’t help that you don’t know my name,” he chuckled, running a hand through his dark waves almost bashfully. 
You kept your eyes on him, admiring the length and strength of his fingers as they returned to the wheel. 
“It’s Loki,” he grinned, catching your eye as he stopped at a red light. 
You smiled. “Hi, Loki.” 
He chuckled. “Hello to you too.” 
~~~
You sat in the chair before you, the low light of the candle the only thing illuminating the dark corner you’d been seated in. He slid into his seat across from you, eyes glittering in the low light, watching you take in your surroundings. 
The restaurant he’d taken you to was nice - shockingly so. The dark lighting provided an intimate yet warm space, the furnishings well made and clearly expensive. 
“I didn’t know this existed,” you said with a smile, looking down at the set menu, prices nowhere to be seen. 
He smiled back, his posture relaxed against the chair, long arm laid out against the rest, the glint of a silver cufflink peeking out from behind his suit’s sleeve. His brilliant eyes didn’t leave you. Interested yet amused, he looked as if he were seeing all of you, all at once. All the insecurities, the self-doubt, the constant stress of acting the part of who you thought you should be. You squirmed a little, feeling exposed, chastising yourself for the prickle of heat in your cheeks. 
“The best spots are always those off the beaten path,” he smirked, nodding at the server as they filled your glasses with wine. 
“How did you find this place?” You asked, taking a sip from your glass, the smooth, deep red delicious. 
“I work in the industry,” he leant closer, resting an elbow on the table. “Between you and me it’s the only perk of the job.” He gave you a grin. 
You couldn’t help but smile back, everything about him was so magnetic. You’d never been on a date like this before, one where you didn’t want to die of boredom. “And what do you do in the industry?” 
His eyes shone, “what do you think I do?” 
You pursed your lips in thought. “Food critic?” 
He let out a laugh at that. “Apologies. I suppose you could say that, though you’d be hard pressed to find a column of mine in Sunday’s paper.” 
You took another sip of wine, thinking. “You’re a chef.” 
He smiled, taking a sip of water. “I am.” 
You shook your head. “Honestly? Wouldn’t have guessed,” your eyes fell to his fingers, noticing the calluses and a faint scar here and there. “Though the 1 AM grocery store visits make a lot more sense.” 
He chuckled. “Where else am I supposed to gather the supplies to maintain my steady diet of instant noodles and microwaveable mush?” He saw your expression and smiled guiltily. “Hard to cook for yourself after a day of doing it for other people.” 
You smiled, the knots in your stomach gone. You’d never met someone so easy to talk to, so willing to listen and to ask about you. He was smart, almost intimidatingly so, able to keep up with you even as you described the intricacies of your work. The conversation flowed so easily you quickly found yourself divulging things that would’ve been off-limits for anyone else. But it felt good to open up, to have his focus on you alone. You wanted him to see you, the real you, all that you’d kept hidden away for so long. You found it flowing out with your words. 
It felt like minutes, not hours, as you spoke throughout the meal, the server dropping a delicate plate of small desserts off at your table along with some coffee. When he’d asked if you wanted to come back to his you hoped you hid the excitement brimming within you.
And soon you were walking back to his car, slipping in to the black leather as he peeled off back towards you came. 
~~~
“Do you do this often?” 
You turned to him, his expression unreadable, gaze fixed on the road. “Do what?” You asked, picking at the hem of your skirt. 
“Go places with strange men.”
You swallowed, your cheeks hot. “No.” 
“Not very wise, is it?” He turned off the main road. You ignored the racing of your heart as you entered a neighbourhood unfamiliar to you, the passing houses progressively less well-kept. 
You chewed your lower lip, unsure of what to say. The change in him in the 5 minutes that had passed since you’d departed the restaurant had your heart racing. 
“But that’s part of the thrill, isn’t it?” The corner of his mouth twisted upwards. “I could have a wife for all you know.” 
Your eyes fell to the glint of the silver ring on his index finger on the steering wheel, your heart in your throat. You pressed your thighs together, a poor attempt to quell your excitement. Christ. What is wrong with you?
He chuckled, turning another corner before pulling over, a mailbox in front of a pathway seemingly leading to a forest.
You swallowed as if it’d help you find your voice. “Do you?” You turned, watching the blue-green eyes focus on the rearview mirror as he reversed into the spot. 
He killed the engine, turning to look at you with a smirk. “Does it matter?” 
You licked your lips. “Please.” 
His eyes glinted as they searched your own. He watched you, those eyes easily seeing your fear, and beyond it. “Never married. Unattached.” He winked then slipped out of the car, closing the door behind him as he started up a path. 
You scrambled to follow, the walkway softly illuminated as it wound through the darkened trees. 
~~~
Your eyes widened as soon as you crossed the threshold, the living room beyond the entrance warm and welcoming. The floors were a deep mahogany, accented by curved wooden walls with new age sculptures and soft, expensive-looking furniture. The kitchen lay just beyond, the large black marble island looking as elegant as it did practical. 
He’d tossed his keys into the bowl at the front, slipping off his jacket before rolling up his sleeves. He was watching you with a smirk, his hands in his pockets as you took it all in. 
“This place is,” you trailed off, turning so you could get a look at it all. “Wow.”
“Thank you,” he smiled, coming forward to take the jacket from your shoulders. You shivered as his finger grazed your skin. 
“Something to drink.” It was more of a statement than a question. He hung your coat by his before making his way to the kitchen, pulling a bottle of wine from a cupboard. 
You followed him, resting your elbows on the black marble of the kitchen island as you watched. 
He pulled a corkscrew from a drawer, his forearms tensing as he expertly cut the seal before screwing in the device and pulling out the cork. He poured you a glass, then one for himself, before guiding you over to the couch. You sat as he settled in a chair across from you, his eyes glinting in the warm light. 
You chewed your lip, shifting on the couch. You couldn’t shake the feeling that if an audience were watching they’d be throwing popcorn at the screen, shouting at you to get your things and go. Everyone knew what happened to the girl who trusted a little too much, who took the wrong path. But that wasn’t you. You were always so careful, almost to a fault. This is just an act of rebellion, you told yourself. Why not be imperfect this one fucking time?
“You can leave if you’d like,” your eyes met his as his voice cut through your thoughts. 
“I don’t want to leave,” you spoke, your voice soft, almost apologetic. As if he’d chastised you. 
His expression was unreadable, glimmering eyes taking you in. “I don’t want you to feel trapped here. If you’d like to go at any point,” he gave a lazy gesture with his hand, long fingers curved upwards, “say the word.” 
You swallowed, nodding. 
“You seem like a smart girl,” he spoke, a rasp to his voice. “I’m sure a lot of people would say so, wouldn’t they?” 
Your gaze fell to your hands, “they would. But not a lot of people really know me.” 
He chuckled. “You aren’t some mystery to unravel, darling. I saw right through you the moment we met.” 
You pursed your lips. “I wasn’t hiding myself when I met you.” 
“You weren’t,” he smiled, tilting his head in acknowledgement as he leant back in his chair. “But this,” he gestured to you, “and the little getup you had on the next night when you begged for my attention, is that you hiding?” 
You chewed your lip. 
“Don’t be so coy. You like my eyes on you, don’t you?” 
You squirmed, swallowing. “I do.” 
“Finally!” He grinned as he saw you flinch with his exclamation, “she offers up some truth.” His gaze skimmed down your bare legs. “Now I can be honest with you. What I’m looking for- it isn’t conventional. Really, it’s anything but,” he smirked as if he’d told a joke. 
“I’ve been with partners, long term and short term. I’ve enjoyed the game in the chase. But I’ve had my fill,” he’d tilted his head to the side as he spoke, those blue-green eyes piercing. “I want something else. Something more. I want someone who won’t hesitate to break themselves for me,” he smirked. “Someone who wants to break for me. Who will let me tear them apart and rebuild them into exactly what I want. As many times as I want,” he took a sip of wine, assessing your gaze. “Does that put you off?” 
You were captivated as you gently shook your head no. 
He chuckled, shaking his head. “That does baffle me.” 
You tilted your head in question. 
“You know nothing of my life, and very little of my tastes. There is much wickedness in this world, little girl.” His grin was near criminal, his eyes alit with excitement. ”And yet you seem eager to toy with it,” he tilted his head. He was daring you to run. 
You swallowed hard. “Is that wrong?” 
He swirled the wine in his glass, studying it. “Not to me,” the look he gave you made your breath catch in your throat. You felt pinned to the very spot by the heat in his gaze. “I’m more interested in seeing just how far you’ll go.” 
Another challenge, you thought, heart beating fast as you twisted the stem of the wine glass between your fingertips. “Can I ask you something?” 
“Of course,” he nodded, gesturing towards you lazily. 
“That first night at the grocery store,” you bit the inside of your cheek. “Why’d you stop at the end of the aisle?” 
“Honestly?” 
You nodded, sitting forward. 
“I couldn’t recall if I had oyster crackers at home or not.” He fixed you with a passive shrug, the low light glinting off his eyes. 
You ignored the heat in your cheeks. 
He set his wine down on the table beside him. “Oh pet,” his voice was sickly sweet with condescension, “come here,” long fingers gesturing to you. 
You shakily stood, stepping over to the armchair before his grip found your wrist and brought you between his legs, guiding you to sit on his knee. His thumb smoothed against your cheek, his eyes falling to the low cut of your blouse briefly, a hand coming to support your lower back. 
Your breath caught in your throat as he brought you closer, blue-green gaze taking you in, his thumb tracing downwards, hooking under your chin to angle your lips closer to his. 
“Is this alright?” He spoke, voice low, your eyes fluttering shut as his lips brushed against yours with the words. 
You swallowed. “Yes,” you mumbled, lost in him already. 
“Do tell me if things ever aren’t alright, or if you want to stop,” his lips brushed against yours again, forcing a little gasp from you. “I take no pleasure in non-consent.” Another brush of his lips had you melting against him. He pulled back suddenly, your eyes opening to the low light. “I need you to answer me pet.” 
You swallowed, nodding. “Okay. I will.” Your voice caught in your throat. 
His lips curved in the slightest as he drew closer once again. “Good girl.” 
Before you could process anything else he was kissing you- his fingers light against your jaw, his other hand grasping your hip, guiding you to straddle him. Your head spun as you settled over his lap, feeling the warmth of muscle beneath his thin shirt. 
He guided you to roll your hips against him, and you gasped, his teeth nipping at your bottom lip as he did it again and again. You were panting as he licked into your mouth, his clever tongue making you tighten your hold on him. He held you tighter, closer to him, forcing a whimper from your throat. 
He pulled away, resting his forehead against your own as you kept moving, the heat between your legs almost unbearable. He hummed lightly, his hand falling to grip your ass as the other traced the skin of your thigh. 
Your breath caught as you felt how big he was, the heat of him seeping through his jeans. “I don’t usually,” you trailed off, panting as he bent to nip at your throat, sucking your skin harshly before smoothing over it with his tongue. You moaned, wishing you didn’t have so many fucking clothes on. “I don’t do stuff like this,” you breathed, lips seeking his for another deep kiss. 
He chuckled. “Of course you don’t, darling.” He bent to kiss just beneath your earlobe, his tongue coming to trace the shell of your ear as you whined, a tremble in your grip. “But that’s part of the fun, isn’t it?” 
You nodded, panting, not even really hearing his words. You melted further into him, lost in this stranger as his long fingers tilted your head upwards to capture your lips once more. His hand slid up from your thighs, slowly tracing up your skirt, his calloused hands warm against you. He splayed his hand out, pinky and ring finger finding the inside of your thigh, coming up slowly as he kissed you more. You gasped when you felt his fingertips graze against the seam of your panties, knowing the wetness he felt. 
He pulled back with a smirk, gazing up at you. “When was the last time you touched yourself?” 
You swallowed, pressing yourself further against him. “T-today,” you wet your dry lips. “This morning.”
He tsked, his fingertips pushing up the hem of your tight skirt slowly. “So wet again already?” His eyes flickered down to the black lace of your panties as they came into view with your slow movements. “You’re dripping. All for me?” You nodded, fingers pressing against his lower abdomen, the heat that seeped through the thin cotton of his shirt addictive. 
“And how did you get yourself off this morning, pet? Did you watch something vile as you played with your little cunt?” You shook your head. Your skirt was pushed up around your waist now, his fingertips sliding under the lace of your panties as they pressed into the flesh of your ass. 
He grinned sinfully. “Ah so your thoughts were of me. Naughty thing,” his gaze flickered to your lips, “what did you think of?”
You opened your mouth but closed it, the heat returning to your cheeks. 
You moaned as his fingers dug harshly into the flesh he’d been so tender with a moment ago. “Answer me.” 
“You-“ you swallowed, “you being rough with me,” you gasped as he smoothed the skin of your ass. “S-slapping me and choking me,” you swallowed, “and spitting in my mouth as you, fuck,” you shivered as his other hand traced up your spine, his eyes dark as they watched you. “As you used me to get off.” You finished, voice hoarse as you tilted your hips back as your cunt pressed against his lap. 
“My, my,” he chuckled, spreading his legs a little wider. “Did you come up with that all by yourself?”
Your brows furrowed as he guided you off of him, finding yourself on shaky legs, unsure of what to say. “Get down on your knees.” He commanded, as you sank down, the wood underneath them surprisingly warm. 
You looked up, your eyes falling to the thick outline within his trousers. He hooked his fingertips under your chin, guiding your gaze upwards, past his slightly exposed chest, the smirk he wore near criminal. His thumb pressed against your lips, and you opened, sucking on it eagerly as you held his gaze. He chuckled again. “Be careful what you wish for.” 
Spit gathered on your lips as he rubbed his wet thumb against them. “Open,” he called, and you did as you were told, tongue meeting the two fingers he pressed into your mouth. You took them deep, tears springing to your eyes as he pressed them further in, tickling the back of your throat. His gaze was expressionless, simply watching as you held your hands in your lap, tongue swirling against his palm as he reached new depths, eventually making you gag. 
That brought a smirk to his lips, and he pulled his fingers from your mouth, once again rubbing the wetted digits against your puffy mouth. “Take off your clothes,” he leant back against the sofa with a sigh, reaching for his wine as you fumbled with the zipper on the side of your blouse. You let it fall from your arms, then stood to shimmy out of your skirt. He passively watched as you squirmed out of your panties, peeling the gusset wet with your arousal away from your slit with a hiss. 
He beckoned you forward, and you stood between his legs. He grasped your wrist and pulled you across his knee, so your midsection hung over him, your breasts pressed into the cool leather of the couch. You gasped as his hand slid on the back of your thigh, just below your ass. “You are a lovely thing, aren’t you?” 
You whined, hips grinding against his thigh at the comment. You could feel the wetness spread with your movements, his fingertips lightly dragging against your slit making you whine. “So fucking eager,” he did it again, but slowly, gathering a bit of slick against his fingertips. 
“Fuck,” you whimpered, wishing he’d only give you more. 
He chuckled, “I’ve barely touched you, pet.” He slid a hand into your hair, tugging at the roots to pull your face from the leather. You moaned, hands scrambling for purchase beneath yourself as your back bent. “I was going to toy with your cunt, but it seems you won’t last long. No use in it, is there?” 
You groaned, pushing your hips against his thigh, all rational thoughts gone. 
He tsked, rolling you off of him so you landed on your knees on the ground, a hiss coming from your lips on impact at the sting. Looking up you spotted a mirror propped up against the far wall. You hadn’t noticed it until now. The scene before you made your cunt ache, your naked body almost a shock in contrast to the well-dressed man on the couch behind you, not a hair out of place. The slick between your thighs caught the warm light from the lamp. He leant forward, forearm pressing against his thigh as his other hand wrapped around your throat. 
You groaned, hips moving against the air as if it’d help quell the desire between your legs. 
“What a sight,” he leant forward so his lips ghosted the shell of your ear as he spoke. You could see down his loose shirt in the mirror, the top buttons exposing his taut chest. You trembled, hips moving on their own accord once more as his grip tightened. “I haven’t even touched you and I can already tell I own that cunt.” 
Your brows knit together and you nodded at his words, your mouth open as you panted. He turned, running his tongue along the shell of your ear. The sound that you made was almost inhuman, your hands clawing at your thighs as he tightened his grip further. “Fucking pathetic,” he whispered, the gravel in his voice making your eyes roll back as your hips moved in useless circles. He let go of your throat with a slight push and you gasped, your shaky hands scrambling to hold you upright. 
“Please,” you rasped, meeting his icy gaze in the mirror as he took another sip of wine. His brow raised, he nodded for you to speak before setting the glass back down. “Can I suck your cock?” You asked, voice small as you met his gaze with heavy-lidded eyes. 
He smirked. “You were telling the truth, weren’t you pet?” 
You watched in the mirror as he stood, stepping around to face you. “You’re willing to do anything for it, for my attention.” 
You nodded as your eyes fell to his fly, long fingers pulling against the fabric as he released his cock from his pants, the sight of it making your mouth run dry. “Well then, let’s see how far anything will take us, won’t we?” 
You gazed up to find him smirking at you and you smiled before opening your mouth. His fingers found your jaw and he held your mouth open, his lips pursing as he spat into your mouth, some of it catching on your bottom lip. You keened high in the back of your throat, tasting him on your tongue as your hips shifted again, your fingertips itching to touch your dripping slit. 
He chuckled. “Nasty little thing,” he spoke, fisting his cock with his other hand. “Hands off that fucking cunt.” 
You nodded, keeping your mouth open, your eyes on his as you licked your bottom lip. He rested both hands against your head as he fed you his cock, your eyes closing at the warmth and weight of it on your tongue. You got to work, relaxing your throat as you took him deep, your tongue rubbing up against him. You took him all the way and stopped, looking up to see his dark eyes gazing at you before he started to thrust. 
You gagged as he repeatedly hit the back of your throat, the length of him hard for you to take. Tears sprung to your eyes and fell as he moved faster, your hips still circling as your hands held onto each other in your lap. He pulled out, his eyes falling from your face to your breasts as you kissed his tip. “What a pretty little whore,” he smirked, running a thumb through your tears. His hand held the side of your cheek and you nodded up at him, giving permission. He raised it and struck, the impact stinging against your cheek as you groaned, licking your lips as you watched him. 
His eyes were cloudy as he pressed his cock within your mouth once more. You were so enthralled you hadn’t noticed he’d shifted to press the leather of his shoe up against your bare cunt, the sensation making you flinch. You held his cock between your lips, tongue caressing it as he nodded down at you. “It’s the only thing you’ll get tonight darling,” he thrust further into your mouth, “go on.” 
You didn’t need to be told twice and started grinding down against his shoe as he used your mouth. You groaned, feeling the slick gather quickly as you angled your hips just so to glide your clit against the soft leather. His jaw was set as he thrust into your throat, and the sight made you only wetter, your hips stuttering as his brows knit together. 
Your pace was frantic, and you moaned around him as he angled his foot upwards, so your clit dragged deliciously, and almost painfully against the laces. Just as he pushed as far as he could go against your throat you froze, feeling a your cunt spasm around nothing, whining pitifully around his cock. You felt his balls twitch as he came deep in your throat a moment later, the sharp exhale of breath from above the only other indicator that he came. You swallowed all he had to give you eagerly as you trembled, his warm hands coming to rest on your shoulders. 
He pulled himself from your lips and you blinked, processing what just happened. You’d never acted like that before, never came like that before. You’d fantasised about it, sure, but the most you’d ever come to was a light spanking and some choking, never that. 
“Pet,” he spoke, the lightest touch guiding your gaze to his. “Let’s get you cleaned up.” 
~~~
He was so gentle with you as you showered, wrapping you in a fluffy towel before he sat you on the edge of his bed. 
You were lost to thought. It had all felt so… So right. So right to do whatever he’d asked of you, the way he handled you so deliciously sent a pulse to your cunt, as if to remind you that you hadn’t even fucked. His cruel fucking joke only made you want more. 
“Are you alright?” He asked, bringing you a cool glass of water. 
You blinked up at him. He looked a little apprehensive. You hoped he hadn’t been watching this whole time. “Is it wrong to say I think I’m the most alright I’ve been in a very long time?” You bit your lip, the cool glass pressing against your palm. 
You could see the relief in his eyes. He hid a grin, biting his lip as he shook his head. “No, Pet. Not wrong.” He brushed your cheekbone with his thumb. “Just a little fucked up.”
~~~
Author’s note: 🙃 welcome to hell 🖤 thank you for joining me. Not sure if I’ll post a third chapter, as things are likely to only get darker. Thank you for reading! 🖤🖤🖤
148 notes · View notes
justanamesstuff · 2 months
Text
Chapter 5
Seasons
Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media
Matty Healy x f!reader A/N: And one day she uploaded the fifth chapter! I'm very happy to bring you guys this new chapter I had fun writing and editing...it's full of emotions but so am I. I also want to thank you all for patience and understanding while I'm going through this difficult time of my life, i really dont know where i will be without your unconditional love and support!! Please let me know what you think and what you expect for this tangled story <333 love you lots! Warnings: ANGST, anxiety, so many feelings...fluff, cuteness, surprises, typos. Word count: 8.2 K
MASTERLIST TAGLIST
< Chapter 4
Few weeks later, LA
Matty felt the mild temperature on the air caressing his cheeks as he opened the door of his rented car at the airport. Denise and some of her friends were supposed to step out of the big doors in only minutes. Trying to be a good son, he offered himself without being asked. One because he wanted to see his mother and, two, because staying at home with Hann’s eyes following around all the time was driving the frontman insane. They had been going through a weird phase after the talk involving Matty’s feelings and problems. They were good but, at the same time, they weren’t. Just as Matty with Y/N. Why that kept happening to him? No clear answer.
While he waited, Matty walked around the rented car, his hood up and trying to wake up massaging his face harder than intended. He was trying to keep his mind at ease. He couldn’t think about his issues. Quickly, Matty’s hands reached quickly for his pack of cigarettes. 
Matty deliberated a hundred of times if asking his mom about the situation would help, even though it was complicated. He would put her in a sketchy situation, and he was against it. At the same time, he knew very well –deep down– his mother would see through his eyes with her x-ray vision and say exactly what he had to do but was avoiding. 
Matty didn’t feel ready.
He had to decide. To accept what was really going on with his feelings, say those out loud and risk a lot in the middle. Or keep the same behaviour, not only the one he maintained for the past months, for the past years. Either way, he’d continue  hurting himself.
Lies -no matter how suited they could be- at the end are lies anyway. Denying feelings you have, don’t make them disappear…you only sweep them under the carpet and wait for them to explode in your face sooner or later.
The process of accepting is painful most of the time, but isn’t more painful to believe something that is not? Isn’t it worse to maintain a relationship that deep down you knew you don’t want?
Matty was protecting his heart. He was getting himself ready for the next part…for the inevitable. 
After a couple of more minutes, the singer spotted his mother looking for him. At the same moment, his phone rang.
“’Ello?” he answered, throwing away the butt of his smoked cigarette. 
“Hi Matty, where are you?” his mother asked. He gave her the directions, as he waved his free arm in the air. The whole group approached him. “Hi, love!” Denise greeted him, embracing him on a hug.
“Hi, mom.” Matty muttered, feeling the warmth of her arms. He didn’t realize how much he had needed that hug. “How was the flight?” the singer asked politely while greeting his mother’s friends.
“It was good.” one of them responded.
“Where are the others?” Denise asked.
“At the house, I volunteered to pick you up.”
“Aw, my son.” Denise took his face between her hands. 
Matty laughed feeling the tight squeeze. “Mom, stop!” he moved away, feeling like he was a teenager all over again.
“Oh, shush!!” she protested making the rest laugh.
Shortly after, Matty and the group of women got on the car. He started driving, chatting a little with Denise’s friends and her mom. He made jokes, trying to be the nicest he could be.
“So, how’s the record going?” Denise inquired.
Matty didn’t give her much information, “Good, good.”
“You look tired.” she noticed.
“I am.”
“Are you sleeping well?”
“Mom!” Matty whined, stopping at a red light. 
“What? I want to know if my son is alright.” 
“I’m sleeping just right, okay?”
Denise scoffed. “What that even means?” her accent thickened warming Matty’s heart thinking about home. 
“Oh god, I was missing you but…now I don’t know-” Matty teased her. He felt the urge to divert the attention.
“Excuse me, boy? First, I know you missed me- “
Matty smiled wide, “I did.”
“-and secondly, you can’t get fussy. I’m angry with you.” she folded her arms, emphasizing her sayings which was answered with a frown from Matty.
“What are you on about now?” Matty asked her.
“And you dare to ask!”
“Denise…” Matty warned her.
“Y/n? Ireland?“ Matty’s mother started counting, Matty’s face dropping. “Does that ring any bells?” 
Matty scratched the back of his head. “No? I mean- Yes, she’s working over there.”
“Not that! I know that!” Denise shouted. “Well, I’ve already known that.”
Denise’s son turned for a split of a second, staring at her puzzled. “What else then?”
“She’s dating someone! Don’t fake like you don’t know…” she continued rambling, but Matty’s ears closed. His mind was foggy while he imagined Y/n and a boy with no face doing a ton of shit he couldn’t do with her. 
“Like actually dating?” Matty’s voice came out strangled. He didn’t dare to look at her mother.
Denise hide her mouth behind her right hand, gasping, “Oh, you don’t know! She’s going to kill me!”
“Mom…”
“Do you remember Tom?” she exhaled.
“Tom?”
“Tom Blyth.”
“Yes, I do. I saw him at an even, I reckon? Not sure.” Matty’s mind desperately trying to remember how this Tom looked like. 
“Well, they… I don’t know how much I can tell you. I shouldn’t say a thing.” Denise explained, worried. Y/n never told her not to tell, but still.
“Don’t worry, I knew she was dating someone.” Matty lied. Y/n told him about a boy she fancied, not this. Why didn’t she? They talked a week prior, why hide this?
“Oh, okay. I’m really happy for her.” Denise felt a wave of relief washing over her.
“Yeah, me too.” Matty said through gritted teeth.
“It’s lovely she’s dating someone! He sounds like a good lad.” Denise continued ranting, unaware of Matty’s emotions.
“Yes, it is.” Matty couldn’t say more. His heart was aching. 
“Anyway, how’s Nadia?” his mother changed the topic.
“Ah?” Matty snapped out of his daydreaming. “Oh, Nadia- She- Yeah, she is alright. I guess, she’s in Italy right now.” Matty responded. Hoping his mother didn’t ask more. Luckily she didn’t.
Matty drove the group of women to the hotel they were going to stay at. He promised to come back later for dinner, and then he continued his driving.
His mind was nowhere to be found. His heart was hurt. Matty’s body was on pilot mode, he only wanted to arrive at the house and sleep. Just forget the news.
This Tom and Y/n? This new dude and his best friend? He couldn’t picture it. He didn’t want to. Why Y/n never said his name?
Matty was sure that the last conversation they had had was a fully sincerely one. He knew they didn’t talk about many important parts but…why she didn’t tell him?
…………………………………………
Hours later
Matty woke up suddenly. He sat on his bed, trying to calm his breathing. His heart beating so fast, he could perfectly sense it and hear it in his ears. 
After dropping her mother at the hotel, he came back home to sleep for a couple of hours before leaving to set. His life was hectic right now. His mind was troubled. And now his body was showing it more than before. He had to decide sooner than later. This thing was going to drive him insane.
His mother told him a lot of information he hadn’t considered. In fact, he forgot about this guy Y/n talked about. Matty was so focused on his relationship with her. On his relationship with his girlfriend. With maintaining both alive and going. But in the end: one, he wasn’t fulfilling the task, and secondly, he was only focusing on him.
The guy, well, Tom…never was in the equation for him. He kept Y/n in a place, in his head, where she was single and no seeking for a relationship right now. Did she tell him that or he believed it? She did tell him about this guy she had a crush on…but Matty knew that Y/n never took the lead. Probably Tom made a move. 
Matty ripped the blankets from his body, irritated.
He had to be happy for Y/n. He wanted to be happy. Matty couldn’t. He was more than screwed, he realized. The singer couldn’t say it out loud, not even to himself only. But he knew why this bothered him so much.
For a while he sat on his bed, running his hands –desperately– through his curls, trying to find the answer to his sorrows. 
Nothing helpful came to mind, but his breathing settled a little. His mind kept running. 
And then he remembered his dream.
He could picture it so vividly. It wasn’t fully a dream. It was more a memory with Y/n.
The dream took place months after they became friends. That time the rest of the gang wasn’t there, just Y/n and Matty. They had this kind of tradition, like a movie night but different. Instead of films they watched series. Sitcoms in particular. One of them picked two numbers, one for the episode and another for the season.
This time they were watching the office. They loved it. And Y/n particularly loved Pam and Jim’s relationship. Every time they appeared on the screen doing something remotely cute she screamed or remarked it for Matty in case he missed it.
He couldn’t care less about the episode. He was focused on her. How beautiful she got cheering for some random characters. Matty tried to look at her without her noticing. Y/n made him feel so many things back then. 
“Omg, he’s going to propose. Matthew!!” Y/n screamed turning to look at him, and then again to the screen.
“He’s not.”
“He totally is!”
“You already know what happens!” Matty accused her, chuckling. 
“Shh, I want to pretend that I don’t know.” the singer remembered how she snuggled closer to him. “Let…” she pointed a finger on his chest. “me…” again. “be, Healy.” Y/n looked up at his brown eyes, so close and yet so far. Matty’s heart was going to explode on his chest. He stayed there, just looking at Y/n. “Stop.” she looked away after a few minutes without a real reply from him. 
“I’m not doing anything, darling.” he smiled.
“You are.”
“What am I doing?”
“Looking at me.”Y/n said, drawing patterns on his clothed chest around his heart where his tattoo was imprinted. The girl wasn’t aware of the power she had upon him.
“Well, yeah, I’m not blind.” Matty was so surprised about how well he was faking being unbothered. “What’s wrong?”
“You are looking me like that night…” he made a puzzled face. “The night we met.” Y/n clarified. 
“Ohh.” he cooed.
“So- yeah- stop.”
“What if I don’t want to?” he asked cheekily. Matty touched the redness of her cheeks gaining her attention again.
“Dunno.”
“You’re beau-” Matty couldn’t help to start saying. Y/n moved her head forward hiding her face on his shoulder.
“Shh. Don’t. Let’s continue watching.” she made herself comfortable on his left side. Using his shoulder as a pillow this time. Matty couldn’t complain. He was happy there, with her, even when the words got stacked on his throat.
Y/n was everything he wanted back then. Why did he stop trying? Yes, they were friends. That was the most important part of this mess. Although he hated himself for not trying enough, for not waiting enough, for being an idiot, to realize late all of this when she was apparently starting a relationship with someone else, and he was in a former one already.
Nadia. He kind of used Nadia. He loved her, but not in that way…or not any more as the beginning. Matty couldn’t keep with that. He was going to hurt her so much..if he wasn’t already. Why he convinced himself he was ready for a formal relationship with someone else when in fact he wanted her? 
 If he broke the relationship, both of them would get hurt. Nadia doesn’t deserve that, in fact, she deserved better than a half love. It was the best, in the way that he had to let her have a better opportunity.
Matty ran his hands through his hair anxiously for a million time. He needed to know about this Y/n and Tom thing. He had to be sure if it was a real thing. Not because it would help. It would hurt in fact, even though he had the urged to know. He couldn’t ask Y/n though. Matty was sure that George knew something. He had to ask him.
Matty walked the short distance from his room to the studio downstairs where he knew George would be. 
He opened the door without announcing his presence. 
“Everything okay, mate?” George said in a calm tone without turning, his eyes still on the board in font of his eyes. 
“Do you know Y/n is with a Tom?” Matty didn’t wait a second. 
His best friend’s body stiffened visibly. “Tom? What Tom?” G tried playing dumb, although Matty saw right through him.
“George, I’m not in the mood for this. I know you know. So fuckin’ start talking.” he stated.
“Mat-“ 
The singer cut him short, “Don’t use that stupid tone with me.” Matty pointed his finger even though George couldn’t see him. He sat down on the couch behind G set up. “Please, I need to know.” Matty almost begged. “Can you tell me what you know?”
“Mate, you know I can’t tell you- “ George turned around on his chair. 
“So, she’s…mom’s right- Fuck!” Matty said more for himself, resting his entire body on the couch. 
“What’s going on? Why is making you so anxious?” G asked, with a patience he only had for Matty.
“I- I’m not in a good place right now…everything is- I don’t even know what to say.” Matty chuckled dryly.
“What do you mean?”
“George.“ he hissed.
“C’mon…say it.”
“I’m not ready to talk about this. I can’t- “
“This has something to do about the same feelings you had a while back?”
“Yes.”
“I know.”
George let the silence linger for a second, feeling like a pause between topics. 
“And Nadia?” the drummer asked.
“I don’t know.” Matty closed his eyes, cringing.
“Matty- “ G said in a worried tone.
“I know, okay? I’m going to talk to her…”
“Okay, it’s not going to be nice- “
“Believe me, I know.”
“I think it’s the best.”
“Yes.”
“And… Matty?”
“Yeah?”
George got serious after stating clearly, “You can’t say this to Y/n.“
“I know that too.” Matty responded defeated, hitting his forehead with the palm of his hands rhythmically.
“Mate- “
“I have things to figure it out, but I’m okay.” Matty lied to G and to himself.
G knew he was far from that state, but he wasn’t to push Matty more during that moment. “Okay…” 
“I’ve to go now.” Matty exited the room as fast as he came in.
G moved his face from side to side, praying silently that none of his best friend got hurt after all. 
………………………………………………
A week later
End of March
“What else could go wrong in this story?” Hann thought on the flight from LA to New York. He had no idea what he somehow manifested to happen after that without even knowing.
The first few days were fine, but when the fifth came everything changed. Hann and Matty didn’t talk much, they were still in this particular position since they had the talk. Hann decided to leave Matty alone for a while, but keeping his eyes close in case something happened. 
Strangely, Hann was left alone in the posh studio while the rest of the guys, the producer, and people he couldn’t retain their names even five minutes after meeting went out to get food. It would be easier ordering from an app or something even though all of them needed a break. 
The line connecting the front desk with the private area they had been working in rang startling Adam out of the zone. He left his guitar to the side, running to answer the thing.
The guitarist cleared his throat before asking, “Yeah?”
“Hello, I have a woman here that says he knows you.” the woman’s voice was tinted with suspiciousness. 
“Name?” 
Adam waited for longer than expected, listening quietly while the woman at the front desk asked the other person waiting.
“Nadia Parton.” she finally gave Adam a name.
‘Shit, what was she doing there?’
The receptionist did a strange sound urging Adam to inform her what he wanted to do with Nadia.  “Do you know her?” Hann rolled his eyes at the question and her urgency when she took longer than him asking Nadia only her name.
“Yes, I do. Let her pass, please.” he was short and polite, although he didn't give her much information. 
Adam hang up begging for a moment of peace that didn’t arrive.
…………………………………………….
Matty entered the room first, agitated as well since he played a bet with George that we would get up there before them and proceed to run upstairs. The run didn’t take his breath as much as witnessing Nadia talking calmly with Hann. 
Nadia was there.
To say that Matty didn’t expect her was to highlight the obvious. Matty had been trying to push the conversation as far as he could, and she was there, three meters away from him. He believed he had more time. The universe works differently.
“Hi, baby.” she approached him excited. “Surprise!” Nadia said while hugging him. Matty didn’t know what to do really. He hugged her back and looked at his best friend. Adam moved his shoulder as a sign he knew nothing about this, he even didn’t dear to ask the girl in the half hour they shared.
“I wasn’t expecting you…” the words fell from his mouth.
Nadia took a step back still with her arms around his neck. “That was my intention. I wanted to surprise you, as you did for our anniversary.” she said sweetly. Matty felt a little bit more miserable with each word she dropped. 
“Oh, right. I forgot some special occasion?” he inquired, lost.
She gifted him a big smile. “No, silly! I was missing you so much.” Nadia said, leaving a peak on his lips. A move that made Hann much more uncomfortable, sitting there just watching the scene as in a film. The studio’s phone rang once more, and he hadn’t been happier to hear that sound in his life. 
Adam spoke with the secretary once more informing him that Jack was in his way up.  
After he hung up, Adam tried to gain his friend’s attention at the same time he heard the guys approaching the studio. 
“Matty.“ he said between his bandmate’s name and a cough, getting the attention of the couple, not only Matty’s.
The frontman looked at him for a second time in only minutes, “What?” his face expressionless. 
“Jack is coming, and I think I hear the guys in the kitchen. ” Matty looked at him as if a second hand were growing beside the one holding the phone.
“Alright?”
Adam didn’t dare to look at Nadia. It wasn't rare that friends or family stay during the record sessions, but he was aware that Matty didn’t want her there right at that moment. Hann was trying to gain time and Matty wasn’t taking the hint.
Something must’ve clicked inside the singer’s brain because he continued saying, “Ah- Yes…I mean, top secret.” Matty moved far from Nadia’s embrace one because they were blocking the door and two because he was feeling guilty receiving so much caring he couldn't reciprocate. “Nad, would you give us a time alone? We won’t be long…just Jack checking some stuff about this-”
“Yes, yes…I knew I’ll have to when I planned the surprise.” she said, walking towards him. Matty couldn’t help feeling cornered, although he let her kiss him shortly before heading out of the studio.
When she was out of sight, and they were sure she wasn’t listening, Matty dared to ask, “Did you-?”
“Tell her something? Hell, no!” Hann said.
“Alright, alright…good.” Matty said, under his breath, passing around.
Neither of them continued the conversations. Adam looked how Matty walking in circles before turning around with his eye full of certainty. 
“What?”
“I- “ Matty mumbled the words making it impossible for Adam to hear.
“Come again?”
Matty stood in the middle of the studio, opening his chest, “I’m going to break up with her.” Matty admitted and Adam doubt it.
“Right now?”
The singer chew on his upper lip, “It wasn’t in my plans she was going to- “
“Yeah, I can tell.” Hann said sarcastically.
“This is not funny!” Matty looked at him with a stern look.
“Yes, sorry. And then…?”
“I can’t focus on that now. I have to work”
“Yes, you have to.” neither of them knew if he was speaking about work or something else.
Adam grabbed the collar of his forgotten guitar, leaving his friend with his own thoughts. 
……………………………………………….
Few hours later
Nadia wasn’t an idiot. She knew from a long time up to that moment the fact that Matty was dealing with something. She was confused though. Matty kept sending her way a lot of mixed signals. One day, she was everything to him, he followed her around, being the attended boyfriend or travelling for their anniversary, even though the next day, he was cold and doesn’t seem happy to see her in NY.
She continued dismissing it, thinking it was part of being with a rock star, or ‘Matty is Matty’, or ‘the album is stressing him’; everything instead of thinking he didn’t want her any more. 
The woman was deeply in love with him, Nadia was sure of that. She was head over heels for him. But, was he? ‘Yes’. Why would he be with her if he wasn’t? Matty wasn’t that type of guy, and Matty had shown her that he loved her. Still, something was wrong. Nadia didn’t want to think about it. She was happy with him. Matty was everything she sought in a man. She could deal with this bad moment of their relationship because it would past…or she wanted to think.
After they wrapped for the day, Matty and the rest of the group returned to the hotel. Matty was drained, very tired, so he decided to wait for the next day to talk with Nadia. That’s why she stayed with him in his hotel room, and he was in peace with his thoughts for just a moment.
“Finally, alone.” she said, smiling at him.
“Yeah. I’m going to take a shower.” he said, going to his suitcase.
“Can I join you?” Nadia said cheekily.
“Nad, I’m not in the mood.” he responded, searching for his clothes.
“Oh, okay…” she said feeling slightly embarrassed. “I’m going to call room service, what do you want to eat?”
“I’m not hungry.” Matty replied without looking at her, meanwhile he stood up walking slowly towards the bathroom.
Nadia left the phone on the side table, turning her body to face her boyfriend. Before Matty closed the door behind him, she exclaimed, “Fine, what’s going on?” 
“What?” he didn’t turn around.
“Matty.“
The singer quickly got defensive, “I’m not hungry that’s all.”
“I’m not talking about the food and you know that.” she kept glancing at him. She could tell he was nervous, his back muscles were tight.
“I don’t- “
Nadia left the comfort of the mattress, standing in the middle of the room. “I know you, tell me what is going on.” with a courage she didn’t feel, Nadia approached him, placing a hand on his back and sensing Matty got stiff felt like a dagger ripping her heart.
“I’m knackered, okay? Can we not do this right now? “
“I’m tired of this, Matty. I need you to speak to me if you are going through something. We’re a couple!” she let her hand dropped to her side.
“I- “
Nadia felt desperate. “Please, tell me!”
“Okay.” he turned around. “Please, take a seat.” she obeyed, returning to her previous position.
“I wasn’t expecting you to show up- “ he started to say.
She couldn’t stay silent, her anxiety making her interrupt his rambling, “That’s everything? Me surprising you?”
“Please, let me finish.” Matty scrubbed his eyes. 
“I’m sorry.”
“I didn’t expect you to show up in fuckin’ New York, at the studio. I was waiting to fly back home and talk with you properly.” Matty continued, starting to gain power on his words. “I know my behaviour during the last months weren’t the best- In fact, they were the worst. I’m being a horrible boyfriend, and you don’t deserve this. Don’t- “ Matty stopped Nadia with a signal of his hand when she moved and before a single word fell from her lips. “Please, let me finish. I wasn’t expecting you, but when you showed I decided the best would be talking tomorrow when I’ll be more awake than now. I guess this can’t wait any longer. I know this is going to hurt you, and me too. You’ll hate me for this- “
“You’re scaring me, Matty.” Nadia said worriedly.
“I- I’m struggling a lot with myself. And I don’t think you should…you have to deal with it too.”
Nadia’s eyes stung with tears.“What are you suggesting?” 
“I think we should break up.” ‘I said it, I finally did it’, Matty thought.
“What?” she asked surprised. “If it’s because I didn’t tell you or any of the guys that I was thinking on coming- I’m so sorry.” Nadia tried explaining quickly.
“That’s not why.”
“Then what? You don’t love me?”
“I- I do love you.”
“Then?” she moved on the bed anxiously.
“I love you, but there are things I can’t tell you that I’m dealing with…and you don’t deserve this.”
“There’s someone else?” Nadia hatred herself for asking that. She sounded so cliché.
“It’s not- It’s not exactly about that- “ he said sitting on the bed, reaching for her hand.
“Then what?” she asked again, looking down.
“I can’t- “
“Don’t you trust me?” she inquired, this time crying. She wanted to seem strong, she couldn’t.
“I do. I do. This is- I can’t even think about it without going insane.” he admitted.
They stay for a moment in complete silence. Both of them were hurt. Nadia’s heart was shattered in hundreds of pieces. Matty suffered watching her in that state. Fully knowing that he caused it.
“I’m so sorry.” Matty said verily out loud.
Nadia chocked on a sob, saying, “I love you, Matty.”
“I love you too, Nad.” he reached for her cheek, while she continued crying. “Please, don’t hate me. I mean, I understand if you want to punch me or kick me in the nuts.” she chuckled. “Please know that I’m doing this because you deserve so much better.”
“I don’t know.”
“I know it. It seems like the most horrible excuse, but I mean it. You’re an incredible person, women, and you deserve someone that loves you and treat you better than I do.” Matty admitted.
“I want you…”
“I know- “ Matty sadly said.
After a while Nadia tried to dry the tears that never stopped falling. She told Matty, “I better go.” 
“You can stay till tomorrow.” He offered.
“I preferred not to.” she took out her hand from Matty’s grip. 
“I’m so sorry.” Matty apologized again, staring at her form while she moved around the bed grabbing her stuff.
“I’m too. I wish you the best, Matty.” 
“I don’t deserve it.”
Nadia titled her head, staring for a last time into his soft brown eyes, “You do. I hate you right now, and I don’t want to see you for a while.” she stated, meanwhile Matty answered with a nod. “Don’t reach for me when you are sad, well, you stop doing that a couple of months ago. I don’t understand why this happened but above all, I love you and I know you’re a good guy. You gave me a lot of beautiful moments to remember, you’re a kind soul. I know I don’t deserve this, although you have to know that I stay because you're worth the wait…and if you tell me there is a little part of you that wants me to wait I’ll probably wait. I know you don’t have that part.” she said when Matty opened his mouth to speak. “It hurts so..so much, because I know, I’m sure, that in your own way you love me, you said it too. Sadly, not as much I love you. Because I love you fully. When I love I do it that way.” Nadia stopped and dried her tears once more. “For all we shared and how much I cherish you…I wish you the best. Goodbye, Matty.” she finally said, turning around, graving her suitcase and then left the room.
When the click of the door made a loud noise in the silent room, Matty started to cry. He hurt one of the most important people in his life. Nadia was gone. Matty knew it was the best, and he also knew it was going to hurt. Not that much. He couldn’t complain though.
She didn’t shout, Nadia didn’t even raise her voice. Which, made it more difficult to deal with. Sometimes, it is easier to hate the other and shout. Not the best, or healthiest, just easier. That time was the opposite
Why does he keep hurting the people that love him deeply?
………………………………………………..
The next morning Hann found an obviously tired Matty. The guitarist wasn’t sure if he wanted to ask or not. Something clearly happened, the singer’s face showed it.
They had a free day, luckily for everybody. A couple of days ago, they decided to be the typical tourist and walk around town. Matty wasn’t in the mood for that even though it might help.
Adam knocked on Matty’s door two hours before the activity started. The frontman took his time to prepare even though he ended up showing with a simple shirt and jeans combo. Hann was expecting to encounter Nadia, but she was nowhere to be found. That gave him the first hint. He also remembers what Matty told him the day before. He wasn’t expecting his friend to be so quick about it. Although, he couldn’t assume anything. Adam didn’t want to. He was going to wait for Matty to come around and speak about it.
They stayed in silence for a good amount of time. Matty plopped himself on the bed and rest his head on his hands after opening the room’s door for his friend.
“Nadia left.” he informed Adam when the eyes of the guitarist scanned the room.
“When?”
“Last night.”
“Mhm.” Hann only dared to express. 
“We- I broke up with her.” Matty looked at his best friend, waiting for a reaction.
Adam showed nothing, “Okay.” 
“It was the correct thing…right?” he hesitated.
“I’m not going to tell you what it’s or what it isn’t right, Matty.” Adam clarified. 
“Damn it!” Matty projected himself out of the bed.
“Take it easy, mate.” the guitarist said with a calm Matty envied. 
“How? I mean, HOW? She hates me now. I’m an asshole!”
“Okay, no. Yes, you did pretty fuck up things…although you can’t beat yourself up like at. Everybody makes mistakes, you’re trying to solve them. Focus on that. It’s not nice, because you realize big things, feelings and I understand you’re hurt- “
“I can’t make myself the victim. I know.”
“No, you can’t. Although this is not a Disney film, there’s not a good guy and a bad one.”
“Yes, you’re right.” Matty let a big breath out. “What I do now? I broke up with Nadia, and Y/n is…” the singer started to tell him, and then stop.
“Y/n what?”
“Nothin’.” Matty muttered.
“Oh, no. You’re going to tell me.” the frontman was satisfied with Adam’s nervousness. 
“Don’t you know?” Matty inquired. 
“About what?”
“Y/n is in a relationship.” just saying the words hurt as if someone was ripping his heart out of his body.
“Oh, shit. Did she tell you?”
“No, mom did.”
“Your mother told you?!” 
“And then George quite of confirmed it.”
“Fuckin’ hell.”
“Yeah, exactly. I hate my life right now.”
“Don’t..”
“Let me be miserable for a minute, okay?”
“No.”
“Please.” Matty begged without caring.
“No.”
“Hann!”
“You said it…you’re not the victim. Suck it up, mate!”
Matty scoffed, “Very kind of you.”
“I’m trying to help!”
“Well, you’re not helping…at all.” Matty snapped at him. And quickly regretted it. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry.” the frontman took a sit on the bed once more and Adam copied him. 
“I understand.”
“Why didn’t she tell me? Or you? Instead, she told George and mom…”
“I don’t know.” Hann lied. He perfectly knew why. He wasn’t even hurt. Hann knew the reasons why Y/n tend to skip talking to him about this stuff. He couldn’t tell Matty though, it wasn’t his thing to tell.
“Should I call her?”
“What? Are you insane?” Adam exclaimed.
“Fine. Yeah, I’m not going to…” Matty hesitated even when the urge to do it was big.
“Please promise me you’ll not.” Hann begged, massaging the bridge of his nose.
“I promise.” No matter how hard it will be, Matty had to stop hurting the people he loved. The first one was Y/n. Somehow, he hurt her. He doesn’t understand why quite well, but he knew it. He can ask her about how was she doing and all of that, although if she didn’t want to tell him about Tom…he had to stay out of that.
Matty had to focus on work again and work only. When he returned home in a month or so he could think what to do. For the time being, he had to fix himself and stay out of more problems.
————————————————————————————–
On the other side of the ocean
Spring was one of her favourite seasons. Y/n loved all of it. From the flowers starting to blossom to the mild temperatures and all in the middle it was a lovely season. Or maybe this year she was looking at it with other eyes.
The woman was happy beyond the imagination. Finally, after many months she was in fact and without a doubt happy. She longed for that moment and now she had it. The positivity she irradiated was amazing. Y/n was giving so much, and the universe responded or herself in a state of pure happiness wanted to believe that.
Y/n was euphoric for all the work she had done in the previously few months with herself, how much she grew. She took a step aside from the horrible place where she was, Y/n took a place aside from being the cliché girl in love with her best friend. But it wasn’t all her merit, she had a big helper. She had a handsome helper: Tom.
Y/n never felt what she felt with Tom.
Tom was everything she ever dreamed of: he was always attentive with her, but not overwhelming her, he understood her reserves and didn’t complain; they talked about everything and nothing, every conversation was perfect. Sometimes, they fought about their strong beliefs, but they also end up kissing and hugging. Y/n was happy with Tom.
She didn’t tell Tom about Matty. Y/n didn’t see why. She wasn’t thinking about that as well. Tom and her talked by text and she was okay with that. After all, he was her friend, and she promised not to disappear. She still had affection for him of course.
Anyway, Y/n was living in a dream. Work was going well, she was kind of sad because they had only one week left of filming, and then she would be back home. This time with Tom. They talked about it fully, feeling extremely happy that both of them were in the same page about continuing dating. Tom lived closer to the centre of London, and she was only 20 minutes away by car from there. They could make it work out.
Since they were in the last week of shooting, Y/n had a lot of work in hand. They had to leave everything perfectly done, and she had pressure about helping Lily accomplish all of what was expected from her.
“Please, could you leave those papers and hung out with me?” Lily begged, sitting in her trailer’s couch.
“You know I really want that, but I can’t.” Y/n continue going through the schedule.
“Agh!” Lily scoffed. “You’re not fun any more.”
Y/n rolled her eyes at her, “We see each other every day! Don’t overreact.”
“That’s exactly why…we have only a handful of days to be together and then- “
“And then, we’ll see each other as well.” Y/n turned around, looking at her.
“You’ll be so busy with your prince charming!”
“Omg, don’t call him that!”
“Being all happy and loving each other.” Lily continued with her rant, making weird sounds that tried to emulate kissing.
“You’re impossible.” Y/n returned to her papers.
“Talking about Romeo!” Lily exclaimed. Y/n didn’t understand until she heard a voice.
“Were you talking about me? I’m flattered.” Tom looked at Y/n, approaching her and the woman couldn’t help noticing her stomach sprung to life with excitement. 
“She was talking about you.” Lily pointed like a little girl.
“Oh, really?” Tom crocked an eyebrow while placing his arms around Y/n.
“Yes, about how she’s going to ignore me- like right now- and be all lovely jolly with you.” 
“I don’t want to brag but- I’m pretty cool so- “ Tom joked. Leaving a kiss at the back of Y/n’s head.
“Oh, you shut up!” Lily said standing up. “I’m going to leave you two to it…” and then she left without waiting for an answer.
“Lily!” Y/n exclaimed, shaking her head disappointed but laughing before turning to face Tom. “Hi”
“Hi.”  Tom looked down at her eyes. His height always amused her, Y/n felt secured with him being so tall, she didn’t know exactly with, but she did.
“Did you need something?” she inquired, placing her hands on his chest.
“Yes.”
“Oh, what?”
“You.”
“Cheesy, way too cheesy, Tom.” she laughed.
“It’s the truth.” he replied, kneeling down to meet her lips. 
…………………………………………………
Sad day, last day
The last day of shooting and the day before that one with the big wrap party, Y/n felt really emotional. This production gave her more than she could ever ask for: a lot of experience and work, of course, but also friendships and a lovely boy. She was more than grateful with it.
Y/n was leaving that day with Tom and Lily. He brought his stuff a couple of days before so when they had to leave, they went straight from the Airbnb that Lily and Y/n shared towards the airport. It was more practical and that let Tom and Y/n spend nights together.
Y/n woke pretty early sensing the warmth that Tom’s body spread. Her head was in his chest, and his arms were around her form. She let a sigh out in pure bliss. Tom moved a little, waking up as well.
“Morning.” he said in a raspy voice.
“Morning.” she smiled, propping herself up staring down at him. “How did you sleep?”
“Like a baby. After that intense activity- “
“Tom! Stop that!” she whined.
“Okay, okay. Now you’re shy but last night- “
“Omg, shh!” she shushed him, trying to leave his side.
“No, come back here.” he begged.
“Such a baby.” she teased.
“Thanks.” he answered laughing after she was only centimetres away from his face. “I need my morning kiss, y’know.”
“Oh, really? I don’t know.” she played dumb.
“Please? I’ll stop saying how hot last night was.” he chuckled.
“Exactly, no. You lost your opportunity.” she tried to stand up, but quickly Tom pulled her into the mattress.
“Why so shy so suddenly, darling?” Tom asked. The nickname made her think about Matty, making her instantly felt bad. Now she was fully aware they were coming home. “Hey.” he tried to get her attention when Y/n’s sight fell elsewhere, lost. “If it’s so bad to kiss me and think about us having- “
“Stop!” she placed her hands on his mouth, laughing at the same time. “I just- I don’t want to get back home.”
“Why?”
Her hands found his curls quickly, “I’m not going to see you every day.”
“And then I’m clingy?” he inquired, leaning down to caress her throat with his nose, taking her in.
“Oh, forget it!”
“No. I’m sad about that too, believe me. But, we don’t live that far from each other.”
“I know, but…”
“Stop with the but’s. I want my kiss.” he said, reaching her face to finally kissed her.
Tom’s kisses were like no other ones in her life. Y/n didn’t kiss many boys but she was sure none of them kissed like him. He made her feel inexplicable feelings. He was tender and kind, but hot and torrid at the same time. Tom treated her as if Y/n was made of porcelain, with so much love and caring. She was getting addicted to him.
Tom was like her favourite season. Tom felt like spring. 
………………………..
After the three of them left for the airport, Tom acknowledged quickly how clingy Y/n was being. In fact, he was making most of it because she was rarely like that around other people. Neither of them was. He kept her close. Hugging her or taking her hand. Subtle forms of ‘I’m here, we’re okay’. Y/n was glad he noticed. It amazed her how well he understood her when they had only known each other for nearly 10 months. He was going to miss him, no matter if he was close, and they already had plans to meet in London.
Y/n was trying to avoid overthinking her behaviour. She succeeded until they took the plane home, and Tom fell asleep. 
For a while, she admired his face and features. She didn’t want to appear creepy, so she turned her sight to the clouds. The sky was almost black. She could still picture the lights of the city, of Ireland. Then, the sea came into her view. Y/n always felt a big connection with the water no matter how much she loved the earth, the land. There was something so deep and meaningful about water that amazed her. Maybe, it was the fact that you can reflect yourself on water. At that moment she couldn’t picture her figure from so afar even though the colour and the depends on the Irish Sea made her look inside herself.
The inner talk was something she avoided a little since her relationship with Tom started. On the other hand, you can’t stop yourself from thinking. You have to, if you don’t talk with yourself how would you know what you want and what you have to do to get better?
Y/n felt that she failed to herself in that part. Yes, she wanted to be happy. She was happy. But she repeated something she acknowledges a way back. She avoided Matty. Well, she didn’t, they talked even though she avoided her feelings or not feelings for him. She avoided thinking about which position she was in about him. And that was a little bit wrong. Not because she was happy with Tom she could keep avoiding her problems, avoid Matty. 
Y/n wanted to solve her situation. She wanted to get back to her friendship with Matty as it was. Without knowing, she drifted more apart after she repeated that to herself.
She didn’t tell her best friend about the amazing relationship she was in now. Of course, Y/n had her reasons. Although, if she wanted to get back to be just friends…didn’t friend tell each other things like this? Matty told her about him and Nadia back then.
She wanted to tell him, but after two months or so Y/n wanted to do it in person. Matty was in New York at the moment, which made that quite difficult. Maybe when he returned. She knew he would get angry, that’s why she wanted to somehow explain it to him. She would have to lie a little bit longer…for the last time. 
Y/n had to admit to herself, she missed him. She missed the whole gang. She missed her English family. That was why she was also happy to be back. Not everything was awful.
Y/n came back to real life once the plane started the descended and Tom woke up. She tried to enjoy those last minutes. Yeah, she knew she was kind of overreacting, but she couldn’t avoid it. As well as oceans, she was restless…to many feelings. As well as oceans, she was going to settle. The calm was here. Or that was what she liked to think.
………………………………….
Two weeks after
Two more weeks went by during which Matty was still unhappy and troubled. That time not only due to Y/n and his feelings, this time because of the coronavirus. They had to return home. Sadly, the cases were rasing in so little time, that the government was closing down everything again.
For the album, Matty wasn’t preoccupied because with the rumours of this happening they managed to do most of the works left, and they wrapped a day before the announcement. And they could always continue from home. 
Staying in New York was an option, although they had been gone for a long while. George was missing his girlfriend, Adam his child, Ross his family and Matty the comfort of home. They preferred to return home. Back in England, the situation wasn’t bad but also not good. The government was considering closing everything again, they didn’t have news about it.
A part of Matty wasn’t sure if he wanted to get back. Part of him wanted, he missed his family, his shared house with the boys, and everything. Another part, didn’t want to get back though. Too many things to deal with. Being out of the country, wherever work took him, he was available to stay far from his normal problems, or he had that illusion. 
Anyway, coming home was exhausting. More during the corona time. Having to use the face mask and all the protocols. He wasn’t complaining, he supports taking care of the rest and his wealth. It just adds a lot on his shoulders and made him more tired.
Once he returned, Matty spent a lot of time inside his room playing games or writing, he even went on a walk with Denise for a short time. 
He knew Y/n was also back home, and she sometimes met up with George and the rest. Although, he wasn’t ready to see her. They still talk by message, they avoid the topic. Even when Y/n knew very well he was at home, she mentioned nothing. She didn’t want to push him, and at the same time, she was spending time in London for a good amount of time with Tom.
So, yeah, Matty wasn’t ready for what life, the universe or God had under her/his sleeve this time.
……………………………….
Sunny Sunday
A week prior to the dinner, Denise started begging and bugging him to get all together. She said, ‘let’s share a nice meal at this place closer to you guys now that we’re allowed before everything closes again, Matty!’ and no matter how much he tried she won. The boys were excited to see new faces after weeks of only seeing each other working to get the record ready to publish.
Matty and Hann arrived at the restaurant first but they waited at the car park for the rest to arrive. They did minutes after.
“Hi, boys!” Denise said, very happily.
“Hi, mom.” Matty was the first greeting her.
“Hello.”
“Why so happy?” George inquired.
“Can’t I be happy for seein’ you handsome boys?” she asked, innocently.
“Mom…” Matty knew better.
“Okay, okay. I have a surprise for you all!”
Ross got all excited like a little kid during Christmas, “What?” 
“Patience, dear. We have to wait a little longer before it arrives. Well, it’s not a thing, is a person.” Denise’s smile was wide. 
“I’m not following.” Adam interrupted.
Louis interfered,  “Me neither. But, you get used to it.” and the rest chuckled.
“Wait and see. She is arriving!”
“Oh, she?” George inquired.
“Yes, she. Not whatever you’re thinking- I don’t want to- “
“Mom, could you just tell us!” Matty was growing anxious.
“Oh, she is here!!” Denise cheered so loud.
The whole family looked at how a very familiar car parked beside theirs. Shortly after, Y/n came out smiling nervously at them.
“Hi, guys.” she greeted the group.
Matty’s heart stopped beating right there.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Taglist: @hollybrislen @sinarainbows @eaglestar31 @sugarkane1001 @brittluvs1975
Chapter 7 >
70 notes · View notes
megu-meow · 24 days
Text
take my breath - sukuna
Tumblr media
Part 4 of my Hockey Player Sukuna Series - Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3
Lmk if you want to be added to the tag list! :D
This part is shit, I'm sorry. After TTPD I found myself unable to write fluff, but I've kept people waiting, so I had to force myself to write this.
Tumblr media
When Sukuna says soon, he means the next Thursday. He calls you on Wednesday after practice to ask you formally whether you could keep your schedule open for the next evening and you agree, because you have been waiting for your date for a few days now. However, you find yourself frustratedly trying on every piece of clothing you own, being indecisive about what to wear. You want to look good for him, because as you shyly admitted to your brother, you really like Sukuna. He's rough around the edges, but he seems like a good guy, unlike all the other people you've dated before. You contemplate calling one of the girls, but Senna and Akane love to gossip, and for the time being, you'd like to keep this little date with Sukuna a secret. So you call the only person you can trust in this situation.
Sophia arrives ten minutes after calling her saying you need help getting dressed for a date. She's the only one of the girls who knows that you have something going on with Sukuna, it makes total sense to reach out to her in your current circumstance. You already made her swear on your brother's life that she's not going to say anything about it to the girls, so you're safe in that regard. Plus, she has a keen sense of style, which comes in handy considering you want to impress the pink-haired centerman with your looks. You noticed already how many pretty girls were wearing his jersey to games, you know that he could have any of them at his disposal in a second. It still seems sketchy that he became so fond of you in such a short period of time, but you're not complaining.
"He was so nervous when I left, Kento thought he was going to explode." Sophia says as you try to put socks on, balancing on one foot.
"Who was?" you look at her and you nearly kiss the ground, regaining your balance at the last second.
"Sukuna, of course. He's been pacing around the apartment like a maniac all day."
"Really?" you ask timidly.
"Yeah. Kento said he had never seen him so stressed." for some reason hearing this makes you smile and your heart warm. Sukuna doesn't strike you as someone who would be nervous about dates, but you already learned not to assume anything about him, because he always surprises you with the way he acts.
"I'm kinda nervous too. I want this to go well." you explain and you try to put your earrings in. As you look at yourself in the mirror, wearing the outfit your sister-in-law put together, you're content with your reflection. You look amazing and you feel confident in the pieces you're wearing. Your makeup and hair are done in your usual way, you don't want to look like a completely different person. Apparently, Sukuna agrees that you look good. Because the moment you open your door for him, he freezes in place, with his eyes wide and glimmering. For a second you think something is wrong, but those thoughts are quickly dismissed as he speaks.
"You look beautiful, y/n." he states, his voice softer than you've ever heard. He is wearing a burgundy suit, one that complements his skin tone. His hair is sleeked back, but it still looks effortless in a way. You can smell his usual cologne, the musky scent that lingers. It suits him.
"Says you, handsome." you compliment him back and you swear a blush appears on his cheek. Suddenly, he remembers something, and he gives you the flowers he was hiding behind his back all this time. "Thank you! What happened to all flowers are stupid?" you ask as you smell the peonies in your hand.
"Well I got you some sunflowers, but your brother told me I was insane, so he dragged me to a florist to get 'ones that girls actually like'." he explains.
"He's right, you know? You made me wait four days for this date, the least you can do is give me some girly flowers." you joke and he rolls his eyes. Nonetheless, he reaches out for your hand. You slip it in his palm, which is calloused from holding a hockey stick most hours of a day, but very warm.
"Listen, woman, I made you wait because I wanted to take you to a 3 Michelin Star restaurant that specializes in your favorite food." he explains as he opens the door of his car for you to hop in.
"What?" you ask in shock before he closes the door after you. He leans down, looking into your eyes with a smirk across his face.
"You heard me, y/n. Now, don't be so shocked, I told you I would go all out for our date."
"You didn't have to though. You could have taken me to a hole-in-the-wall ramen place and I would have liked it." you say, slightly feeling bad "How did you manage to get a table anyway? These places are booked months ahead."
"The owner is a huge Wizards fan and apparently I'm his kid's favorite player. I had the team sign a jersey and got them season tickets, so they were glad to do me a small favor in return." he explains like it is nothing, but it means the world to you. No one has ever done something so grand for a date with you. It makes your heartbeat go nuts and you can't help but stare at him as he drives. You observe his tattooed hand that is on the armrest, shaking slightly. You smile and instinctively take it in yours, laying your intertwined hands in your lap. He turns his head towards you in shock, but he quickly looks back to the road. The blush from before returns, even his neck turns pink, and you smile, adoring his reactions.
The dinner goes by fast, despite lasting for hours. The food is exquisite, as expected. Most importantly, there's not one dull moment. You and Sukuna talk like you've known each other your whole lives. He asks about your interests, what you like to do in your free time, where you went to school, and about your friends. He seems interested in everything you talk about, he listens with an intensity you find rare. He drinks up every single word that leaves your mouth, he asks questions, and he's genuinely curious about how you perceive the world. You ask him plenty of questions yourself and he answers them gladly. He seems very fond of his brothers, he shows you pictures of them and you observe how Yuji has the same color hair as him and Choso has a very similar line tattooed on his nose as Sukuna's.
"They're coming to town soon, by the way." he comments and your eyes light up.
"How come?"
"It's Yuji's draft year and it's held here in Tokyo. Choso just tags along because he clings to that brat like a leech."
"That's so rude!" you exclaim, but you're smiling. You're aware that Sukuna probably shows his love towards his brothers a little bit peculiarly.
"Well, it's true."
"Do you see a chance of Yuji being drafted by the wizards?" you ask.
"Not really. He is prospected to be in the top three of the draft and we are clinching the playoffs this next game as number one in the league. We probably won't have a pick in the top ten."
"I'm sorry to hear that. It would have been cool for him to have you on the team he's drafted to."
"I don't think so. If I'm being honest, I'm glad there is little to no chance for that to happen as of now."
"Why is that?"
"He won't have a target on his back. Otherwise, people would be mean to him and would rough him up with the sole purpose of pissing me off. This way he can become a professional player without being concussed every game."
"You're very protective of your brothers, huh?" you ask and he smiles.
"You could say that." he smirks "I'm protective of everything I own, you know." he adds looking into your eyes deeply. You know there is a deeper meaning behind his words. He's implying that he would be just as safeguarding about you if you were his girlfriend. You find it hard to believe that a guy like him exists. He is so charming but respectful. He is attentive, you mentioned one time what your favorite food was and he remembered, moreover, he went out of his way to get you the best version available of it.
"Where were you my whole life?" you ask, not realizing that you blurted out your thoughts just like that. You feel embarrassed as your hands fly to your runny mouth, covering it. However, Sukuna just laughs. He rarely laughs like this. It comes deep from within, the type that shakes your whole body and you're sure you're red like a lobster as you observe him.
"Sweetheart, I've been asking that question about you since December." he answers, his charming smile never fading.
"December?" you question.
"Oh, I thought your brother told you about that too." he seems shocked, but he continues "I've spotted you in the crowd at the Family Game in Kyoto. I was mesmerized, I even ran into one of my teammates on accident, I was too preoccupied with looking at the angel in the Wizards jersey."
"Oh, I remember that. I was laughing about that with Akane." you recall and Sukuna frowns "So you've had your eyes sat on me since then?"
"Well, I didn't know I was going to meet you on my first day in Tokyo while I was shirtless, but destiny has its way, I guess."
"You believe we were destined to meet?"
"I told you before, sweetheart, I am superstitious. Take that as you want, but I do think we are here having dinner for a reason." he explains.
Your date ends when the restaurant staff asks you nicely to leave because they've been closed for two hours already. You didn't even realize that all the other customers had left and the staff was ready to close. Sukuna pays for the bill and he sends you a death glare when you offer to pay for your part. "Woman, you won't have to pay for anything while you are out with me." he states, irritation evident in his tone. He also drives you home and walks you to your door. You're wearing his suit jacket, because you were a bit cold, although he turned the heater on in the car.
"Thank you for tonight! I had a lot of fun." you smile up at him, as you're trying to say goodbye on your doorstep.
"There is nothing to be thankful for, you got what you deserve, princess." he says and he seems a little bit disappointed, but you're not able to determine why. Maybe the date didn't go as well in his perspective as you thought.
"Is something wrong? Did I say something to offend you?" you ask in panic and he quickly shakes his head, dismissing it. Suddenly the redness returns to hiss tattooed cheeks and he suddenly seems nervous.
"I just thought I deserved a kiss after that." he whispers shyly, his face down, gaze locked on the tip of his shoes.
It's your turn to laugh at his awkwardness, but you still cup his cheeks in your hands and pull him in for a kiss. You don't quite understand where all this fearlessness came into you from, but you're glad it did because the kiss is magical. It's soft but eager and you can feel him smiling into it as his large hands find their destined spot in your hips. You're the one to break the kiss, but Sukuna pulls you in closer, resting his forehead on yours, and looking deeply into your eyes. His smile reaches his ears and he whispers to you softly:
"I hate to break it to you princess, but I don't think I can go on with my life without doing that every day."
You smile, and respond with a smile just as wide as his "Good, because I don't think I can either."
The next day is game day and you arrive at your brother's apartment beforehand. You usually drive with them to the arena. Sukuna emerges from his room in his game-day suit, his eyes glowing up the moment he sees you there.
"We're gonna be down at the car, Bambi." Sophia says as she and Kento leave in a hurry.
Sukuna steps closer to you, embracing you, his muscular arms around your shoulders.
"Hello, princess! How are you?"
"I'm great, Sukuna. Thank you for asking! How are you?"
"Better now that I know you're coming to the game to cheer me on." you smile, stepping away from the embrace, and you look into his eyes. "Are you gonna give me a good luck kiss or what?"
You're surprised by his boldness, but you leave a peck on his lips nonetheless.
"If I do good today, you're gonna have to do that before every game." he states.
"Alright. You've got yourself a deal." you smile and you urge him out the door, before your brother and his wife could start thinking that you're doing something inappropriate in their home.
Good does not describe the way Sukuna plays that night. He has one of the best games of his life and after the first goal, as his celebration, he looks towards where you're standing and points at you with a wide smile on his face. This is your sign that from now on, you're gonna have to keep your promise of giving him a good luck kiss before every game.
Tumblr media
🩵 Tag list: @ichorstainedskin @ureuphoriasworld @new-weather47 @deepchromatose @cvr2mya @janrcrosssing @bakuhoes-bxtch @deluluforcarlos55 @stainednailpolishremover @thejujvtsupost @bleachisfood @dorck26 @chilichopsticks @when-worlds-end 🩵
106 notes · View notes
phoenixyfriend · 25 days
Text
Entry of the Gladiators
Remember my Fake Sith AU? Yeah, so I got around to writing it.
I started writing this around a year ago, planning to finish and post for an event. I never finished. So. Here's what I have so far, and let's hope I can get around to finishing it at some point lmao.
The year is 7939 CRC, and Obi-Wan is one-hundred percent not moonlighting as a Sith Lord with a drawling accent and a linen suit. And Anakin surely isn't pretending to be his unhinged Sith second. And Ahsoka definitely isn't actually a vigilante. And Cody absolutely isn't enjoying the chance to manage an entire set of organized crime rings. And Rex certainly isn't seducing the half-mad head priestess of an evil cult. Totally.
Chapter 1: Wake Me Up (Before You Go-Go)
Fun fact: I went to upload the first chapter of this fic, which I started writing a year ago, and I forgot I had a title for the chapter, so I just slapped something together to put into the chapter title slot.
Then I went back to my planning document and it's the same damn chapter title.
I am very predictable.
----------
Anakin wakes up with a pounding headache. This is, against all wishes, a very familiar feeling for him. Unfortunately, it has almost never been a result of something fun, like alcohol. He’s much more likely to wake up drugged and chained by his enemies or recovering from grievous injuries than, say, boozing up.
Hondo incident notwithstanding, of course.
(Besides, Obi-Wan got drunk too. That makes it his fault.)
As he catalogues his remaining fingers and extremities past the pain in his skull, he hears others shuffling nearby. The Force isn’t warning him at all, so they’re probably friendlies.
There’s a quiet groan a few feet away, high-pitched, that is almost definitely Ahsoka.
When he sits up, it’s to more pain and the ugly little realization that Ahsoka must also be in pain.
Obi-Wan’s voice cuts in. “What did you do, Anakin?”
“Nothing!” Anakin protests, his own voice loud enough to set his headache off. He runs through his most recent memories in hopes of uncovering actual wrongdoing. He doesn’t seem to actually have any memories past entering the possibly-Sith-in-origin temple, though. That’s… a bad sign, in part because they are now outdoors and looking at a completely different sky. “You went into the sketchy temple, too. I don’t remember doing anything that could have knocked us all out, especially not knocked us out and transported us to what’s probably a different planet.”
“Sky’s orange,” Ahsoka notes, getting unsteadily to her feet. There’s a moment where it looks like she’s about to fall, but Rex is closer than Anakin, and reacts fast enough to steady her.
Anakin finally gets a full look around. His master, his padawan, his captain, and Commander Cody, who isn’t Anakin’s in any way, except as a friend, but that’s not an exclusive group, because ‘his friend’ could mean a lot of—
He’s getting distracted.
“If we’re lucky…” Obi-Wan says, stretching his back with an awful cracking noise. He eyes the sky with distaste. “If we’re lucky, the cloud cover will dissipate and let us see the constellations when night falls. We can figure out where we are then.”
“Anticipating hostility from locals, sir?” Cody prompts
Obi-Wan shrugs. “Don’t want to hedge our bets on there being locals. We aren’t where we were, and we aren’t in another temple, either. Most planets in the galaxy aren’t actually inhabited by sapient species…”
“But that’s mostly because most of them don’t have breathable air, isn’t it?” Ahsoka asks. Anakin pats her between the montrals, almost like Obi-Wan used to ruffle his hair when he was this small. Well, smaller. Ahsoka at fifteen tolerates this much better than Anakin at the same age.
Ahsoka at fifteen is, however, the same height as Anakin at thirteen, when Obi-Wan was still ruffling his hair.
“You’re right, Ahsoka. Since this planet does have breathable air and some vegetation, the chances of sapient habitation are relatively high,” Obi-Wan agrees. “So, we’ll see how it goes. If we can find civilization that isn’t hostile to us, we might get off by nightfall.”
Anakin has a feeling that’s a bit too optimistic.
(Continue on AO3)
58 notes · View notes
Text
Tumblr media
*waking up in the middle of the night to create the rewrite* Da hoes gonna loooooove this~.
As vaguely promised, here is Ban! The Sin of Greed himself, finally with a bit less red on him. But, of course, still with his slutty little crop tops, as he deserves. Might not be able to mansplain, manipulate, manwhore his way out this one, though.
Long hair on Ban does things to me so i’m subjecting all of you to the mullet. But it’s okay, because he looks good in almost anything. This outfit is largely inspired from a few of his Grand Cross outfits that I took a liking to, especially the jacket with the fur collar. I think it gives him more of that fox look, while also emphasizing the Greed aspect and how he likes nicer things; fur coats or even coats with fur linings or collars are typically viewed as being more luxurious, and I think it looks good in him. Same goes with the fur-lined boots.
As stated above, the steel-toed boots and armoured claws are good for both combat and scaling buildings. I like to think Ban is good at scaling buildings since he climbed the Sacred Tree so easily, and he’s a thief so why not let him be a thief. Let him get up to sketchy stuff, it’s what he deserves. Additionally, I thought it might be cool to make Ban a Beastman, or at least half of one. He always had a few characteristics about him that were just a bit too animalistic to not be explained. He hides it pretty well, and it’s likely that most of the Sins don’t actually know about it, bar Meliodas who’s known him the longest. And, despite what you might expect, I think it might be neat to make Ban a Werewolf rather than a Werefox like Zhivago. You would expect a Fox, which are sly, cunning, untrustworthy, thieving—most of which Ban is, but I think making him Wolf reveals the parts of him that aren’t as often considered, like his bravery and loyalty—if not towards Liones then towards Meliodas—and his fiercely protective nature.
In my mind, the “tattoos” on each sin have always seemed more like brands; they’re technically criminals, after all, and tattoos CAN technically be removed even if it would be harder in this setting (bar some sort of magic, probably). Brands are much harder to get rid of, if not impossible, and I think it would suit their perceived crimes. However, because of his regenerative healing, the branding iron never quite worked on Ban, so they said “fuck it” and whipped out the stick and poke.
And that’s all for Ban for now. I’m quite proud of this one. Let me know what ya think, if ya’ll are so inclined, and I will see you relatively soon!
63 notes · View notes
mildlyanxiousverge · 1 year
Text
The Slytherin trio(Barty, Evan, Reg) after running away from their rich families and living together at an apartment Reg got under his name not used to not having moneys so they made a plan and use their expertises to hustle in Hogwarts:
Reg being a god at potions and herbology, money maker, with a businessman's mind, with good manipulation tactics to make his products the 'it' factor😌 selling anti-sleeping potions (ravenclaws are his no.1 costumer with this), anti-nighmare(Slytherins, this is also why no one at the greenhouse messes with them), prank goos and other pranksy stuff(surprisedly this is a hit at the Huplepuffs), and anti-talking(the Gryffindors adored him for this one, I wonder why?👀) and other good stuff and convinces you to buy and agree to shit like he's Ursula and Dr. Facilier at the same time.
Barty selling his notes (he's got 12 owls, this bitch is smart), making his assignment duplicates and altering them with and altering spell he somehow knows, tutoring shit, making his mind open with answers at the exam and letting people enter, matchmaking king, he's Hogwarts cupid, he also does extra background checks for your crushes to see if they have red flags😌
Evan master at conviction and charm, he is rented for breakups because he can somehow make bad things sound like a dream, master at reasoning people need him when they want to win a fight, the messenger god, here to bring message from people are too cowardly to tell someone, sometimes people go to him to help the confess and barty is bitter because 'that's supposed to be his costumers Ev'.
They also have other deals, and can deal with your shit, so if you have a problem go to the trio for help, need to humiliate ur ex cuz he cheated? they've got you!!! Need your parents to never know the shit you do at school??? they'll cover!!!Need to kill someone but torture them brutally first???well...*looks to cannon* sorry not today
They also sell tea about people, they know shit, they know her ex's boyfriend's secret mistress, AND BLACKMAIL!!! Don't forget that they'll sell it at a high price!!! but if you need it, you know where to go!!! They can also get you out of trouble, no one knows how they'll do it but whatever they do works!!! They can prank someone you hate at a reasonable price (and they don't get caught unlike some people 🙄)
Regulus also got their business legalized(idk how he did it he's just that awesome) and have documents and does all thing legally (loopholes baby) with processes of contracts before agreeing with a client so something can't go wrong (and the teacher can't do about it) HAHSHSHAH
Pandora and Dorcas fully support them They're the managers and handles a lot of shit we don't talk about😌😏
Imagine Sirius' reaction when he finds out not only his brother run away but he also runs a sketchy yet legal(?) business with his friends and they're thriving JAjsjajajaHAJAHAHAH Remus at the background impressed about the whole thing and James drooling at Regulus' business suit atire AHAHSHAHAGHAAH Peter is a honorary member for being an investor with secrets, blackmails, and gossip that he adds
458 notes · View notes
sxmpfxrortega · 8 months
Text
Tumblr media
an: soo this is my first time posting a fanfic before so please go easy on me ;( i usually just write them for myself but ya know... where's the fun in not sharing? i want to start doing g!p soon so if this doesn't completely bomb, i'll definitely do more!
5 Sheets to the Wind
"Max, this party doesn't seem like the best of ideas" You say, rubbing your temples at the very thought of blaring music.
Max rolls his eyes and gives you a deadpan, "You and I both know that this is much needed time away from the shit show we've endured."
You raise an eyebrow at him and his antics, "...you mean, work?" You retort, laughing slightly at him.
"Uh, duh, what else could I possibly be talking about that is so mentally and physically draining???" He fires back, eyes bulging out from his skull.
You sigh and ponder the thought of the party; you didn't know many people attending and it wasn't like you were too socially awkward, just enough to not be able to meet new people well. "Fine, I'll go to the dumb party with you" You gave up, having enough of his pleading puppy dog eyes.
Max fist bumps the air and yells cheerfully, "Sweet! Do you want to meet there or?"
"I can pick you up, dork. What time does it start?"
Max looks at his phone, "Uh, 9 I think?"
You pinch the bridge of your nose and look at the time, 7:35.
"Okay dude, if I'm going, I need to be ready so...skiddaddle out and I'll be at your house at 9:30"
Max raises a questioning eyebrow at you but you wave him off before he says anything, "Late is early, ya know, I don't really feel like being the first ones to be there, now shoo" You say, swatting at him to leave your apartment.
You lock the door and make your way to the bathroom to shower, putting your music on shuffle for the time being.
After what feels like forever, you make your way back to your room, your short hair damp and a towel draped around your tall frame.
'Ugh, why must I have so many clothes but never know what to wear?' You think to yourself, growing slightly frustrated.
You opted for a black and white striped shirt, ripped black jeans, and white high top vans.
Looking at yourself in the mirror, you put some coconut oil in your hair to make your curls look good.
While putting your deodorant and cologne on, you check the time.
"Damn, 9:15 already? Time flies when you try to make yourself look presentable" you say aloud to absolutely no one but yourself.
'Phone, wallet, keys... am I forgetting anything?' You mentally make a check list as it dawns on you.
"Oh yeah!"
You were an avid pothead, so going to a a party without bud just seemed like a major party foul.
You head out of your apartment and lock up, jumping into your Jeep, you make your way to Max's house.
-----------------------------------------
Finally arriving at the house party, you notice that there is indeed a shit ton of people here.
"Uh, Max? Who exactly is throwing this party, because this seems like a banger." Your palms get slightly sweaty at all of the people gathered outside; god only knows what the inside looks like.
He thinks for a moment, "Honestly dude, I'm not really sure, someone semi famous, but that's all I got." He shrugs and hops out of your car, you follow suit, stuffing your hands into your pockets.
Max takes the lead and heads inside the house, the music so loud you can barely hear your inner monologue, but hey, at least it's good music.
"You want a drink to loosen up?" Max yells to you, even though he's right beside you.
"Sure, if they have beer, I'll take it" you yell back to him, watching him disappear into the kitchen for your drinks.
A sigh escapes your lips as you make your way into the big ass living room, you plop down on the sofa that surprisingly isn't taken.
Max appears from out of no where with a bottle of beer and a sketchy looking solo cup.
"What's in your cup, dude?" you ask curiously, sniffing the contents, your nose scrunching up at the mixture of alcohol.
"Jungle Juice" was all he said as he gulped it down like it was water.
"Now that's sick, bro" you say laughing at the face he made after.
"Says the one drinking hotdog water." He claps back with an eyeroll.
"Touché" you shrug, "but, I like it so, it's an acquired taste."
Max finishes off his concoction and gets up from the couch, "Mingle man, it is a party after all, I am going to try to find some girls and see how good my skills are." He says, flexing his biceps.
You couldn't help the laugh that escaped your mouth, "Oh, please, save some for the rest of us, lady killer."
He huffs out and mumbles something, walking away.
You chug the rest of your beer, getting up from the couch to grab another one when a pair of brown eyes catches your attention.
'Oh damn, fuck, what the hell'
Ahh, there it is, your internal monologue, you thought the bass was too loud but apparently not for what you've just witnessed.
Standing there in all her 5'1 glory, The Jenna fucking Ortega.
Your eyes are practically out of your head at the moment and your jaw is on the floor, how the fuck and who the fuck is person who threw this party?
Not wanting to seem like a creep, you stalk your way into the kitchen, pushing past several bodies to get to the cooler that has a plethora of beer in it.
You opted for a Corona, wanting to feel it fast, you chug half the bottle.
"I like your outfit" a voice says behind you.
You spin around and look down.
No. Fucking. Way.
Jenna fucking Ortega is talking to you, and she likes your outfit.
Gay panic is setting in and you're trying so hard not to let that show.
"Oh, uh, thank you, I didn't really know what to wear" you chuckle awkwardly, rubbing the back of your neck.
'Why the fuck would you say that, you gay bitch?!' your brain is screaming at you and all you want is the floor to open up and swallow you whole.
She giggles sweetly and looks up at you, "You wanna go to the backyard, they have a fire going out there and I'm sure we could hear each other better too."
Your voice feels trapped in your throat so all you do is nod dumbly.
She takes your hand gently and leads you through a large crowd of people.
Sitting on the swing in the backyard, you look at the flames from the fire, it feels as if you're dreaming.
You can definitely feel the alcohol creeping up on you, but you only chug more of your beer.
'Don't even say it.' your brain is scolding you but you aren't listening, "Sorry, I'm a little uh, starstruck right now and on top of that, I'm pretty socially awkward at times." you ramble off, not wanting to scare her away.
She looks at you and you feel like you're being hypnotized, she's absolutely breathtaking and you cannot believe you are in this situation.
"Starstruck huh? There's a good amount of famous people here, but I'm the one you're starstruck over?" she says with a mischievous glint in her eye and a smirk playing on her lips.
Before you can stop yourself from saying something stupid, your mouth opens without warning, "Well, they aren't you so, very starstruck would be a better way of saying it." you say back to her, looking into her brown eyes, getting lost in them.
She takes a drink from her solo cup, keeping eye contact with you doin so.
"Did you get the jungle juice too?" you ask with the curiosity of a child.
She laughs and scrunches her nose up, "God no, I'm drinking Hennessy, jungle juice is too chaotic for my taste buds"
You're about to say something when a guy comes to the backyard yelling, "Spin the bottle is goin' down in like, 5 minutes!"
You look at her but she's already looking at you, her eyes roaming your body.
"You wanna play?" you ask her smoothly, thanking the stars that you didn't stutter that out.
She raises a perfect brow at you and smirks, "Come on, we aren't children who plays those games."
You squint your eyes at her and challenge out, "Sounds like something someone would say if they were afraid."
She feigns shock, putting her hand to her chest, "Me? Afraid? Let's go then, you get to lead the way this time, though."
You give her a goofy smile, standing up and offering her your hand, the alcohol definitely helped you loosen up more.
You both made your way into the living room, taking a seat on the sofa, she's sitting so close to you, so much so that she's basically in your lap.
Some random dude starts talking and then asks who wants to go first, it's a pretty big group so someone definitely volunteers.
It's Jenna's turn to spin the bottle and you're praying to every god you can think of that it lands on you.
She spins it gracefully and it goes on for a good amount of time, slowing down, it lands on you.
You feel your cheeks heat up at a fast rate and you clear your throat.
'Thank you, power of manifesting, you are amazing'
"U-uh, so, heh, m-may I kiss you?" you say, stuttering almost every syllable.
God you were a mess at this point but that isn't at all what you were thinking, what was on your mind was one thing and one thing only; trying to not faint if she says yes.
She looks at you with something in her eyes, but the alcohol isn't quite letting you decipher what that would be,
"You know, they say chivalry is dead, here you are asking consent for a spin the bottle game." She says with a sly smile playing on her lips.
Your face heats up and before you can start stuttering out a retort, she grabs your face and kisses you passionately.
Stars.
That's what you saw, stars.
She pulls away but not without biting your bottom lip.
"W-wow I uh-" before you can finish your sentence the game is continuing.
You look over at her and she's blushing softly, she leans into your body and whispers in your ear, "maybe it could happen again, if you can find me." She ends her sentence with a smirk and the next thing you know, she stands and drifts out into a sea of bodies.
"Fuck." was the only word you could manage to get out.
137 notes · View notes
keesdarlin · 4 months
Text
☆// striking midnight (MDNI, 18+)
Tumblr media
info! cayde-6 / fluff + gender neutral reader
cw! n/a
notes! just a silly little idea i had. also new year's eve has been a little bit rough, so i'm writing this to cope a little bit lol. enjoy :]
Tumblr media
in all honesty, what you were doing probably seemed pretty sketchy to someone who was uninformed. or maybe even someone who knew what you were doing. to the unsuspecting eye, it probably looked like-
“are you rigging a bomb? what are you doing, guardian?” your ghost asked, hovering anxiously over your shoulder. 
“no, i’m not rigging a bomb,” you retorted, moving around some wires attached to your little contraption. it was colorful and roughly the size of a backpack, mostly metal cylinders and colorful tubing with wires attached. you sighed to yourself, still fiddling with it. “...they’re fireworks.”
“ah. a colorful bomb,” your ghost replied, an air of disappointment in their tone. 
“no, no. it’s a light show. we’re gonna send these off to celebrate the new year,” you explained, not looking up as you screwed in a loose part. 
“but why do we need to celebrate again? it’s just another completed revolution of the earth around the sun. there’s been a ton of these; it’s nothing new.”
you sighed. you had set up a display leaning against a trash can to the left side of the little alley you’d set up shop in, your headphones connected wirelessly. on the screen played a sort of podcast – two humans sitting together at a table, reflecting on the year with music playing in the background. the viewer count in one corner of the screen read a measly 24, not that you really minded. a countdown to midnight sat in the other corner. the hosts wore no armor, just civilian clothes. you yourself wore minimal armor. probably not the smartest decision considering that you were currently working with explosives, but you wanted to honor the holiday. not quite in your civvies, but not in any kind of battle suit either.
your screen glitched where it leaned against the trash can, the hosts’ voices becoming momentarily distorted. you leaned over, hitting the side a few times. the screen corrected itself. old tech. “because of what it means,” you began, focusing back on the work at hand. “a new year is a fresh start, a clean slate. holds new opportunities. think the light of a new day and all that shit. symbolism.” a beat passed as you rearranged some wires, and then, “i learned that we used to celebrate it before the going got tough. guess i got a little bit sentimental.”
your ghost hummed somewhere behind you, their shell rotating curiously. “well, i think that’s quite nice, guardian.”
“thank you,” you mumbled appreciatively, distracted with your work.
a thud sounded behind you, but you didn’t think much of it. if it turned out to be a threat, you had confidence in yourself to handle it. do you stayed the course, twisting and rearranging and soldering quietly as you hummed along to the music on your livestream. at least it’s nice out. all chilly and calm, just like winter should be. not a peep. judging from your ghost’s silence, they didn’t detect a threat either.
“whatcha got there?” a robotic voice asked from behind you.
you looked over your shoulder to find none other than cayde-6 leaning against the wall of the alley, watching you work. one of his hands lingered near his hand cannon, the other draped across his torso, blue eyes glowing in the dim light.
“a bomb,” your ghost answered easily, shell spinning.
“not a bomb,” you rushed to assure the hunter vanguard. “and not funny,” you directed at your ghost before turning back to the exo. “they’re fireworks.”
“ah,” cayde nodded. “pretty bombs.”
“they’re not bombs,” you corrected, standing to face him. “they shoot up in the air, they’re not gonna hurt anyone.”
“oh, relax. i’m not here to snitch on you or anything like that,” he said nonchalantly.
you looked at him again, gazing pointedly at the hand that lingered near the gun resting in his holster. “mhm,” you said, tone disbelieving.
cayde coughed awkwardly, bringing that arm up to cross the other over his chest. “say, do i know you from somewhere?”
you sized him up, somewhat offended. “i work at the tower. i’m a weapons expert.” i’ve actually worked on the ace of spades, you thought, but left it unsaid.
“of course i knew that,” he assured, nodding. sundance thrummed by his ear, observing.
you nodded too, half-heartedly affirming him.
“so what’s with the bombs?”
“am i the only one that celebrates new year’s eve around here?” you asked lightly, tone bordering on a laugh. 
cayde whistled. “from what i’ve heard, yes.”
you frowned to yourself, shoulders slumping. “that is so disappointing.”
“i suppose so,” he agreed. “how are you planning on celebrating?”
you pointed to the podcast playing on your monitor. “once that timer hits midnight, i’m gonna get off the fireworks. probably get a bite to eat after.”
“sounds… interesting.”
“care to join?” you offered, giving him a lopsided grin.
cayde seemed to think on it a moment and then shrugged. “i mean, why not? as long as no one gets hurt, of course.”
“great!” you smiled, turning back to your machine. you quickly went back to soldering and tweaking various parts of it.
cayde came up, crouched down next to you. “so how long do we have until it’s time to set this sucker off?”
you spared a glance to your screen, checking the countdown timer. “a couple minutes.”
“a couple minutes? and you’re still working on it?!” 
you waved him off. “calm down, i know what i’m doing,” you muttered.
“you’re sure?” cayde checked.
you turned to him, eyes narrowed. “if you don’t trust it, leave.” when he didn’t, you turned back to your work. a few more sparks flew before you finally stood up, setting your hands on your hips. “there.”
cayde hummed, standing up beside you. “okay, great! now what?”
you gestured to the screen. the timer in the corner stood at only 11 seconds. the both of you watched as midnight grew closer. “5… 4… 3… 2… 1…”
the timer hit zero and you pushed a button on the contraption with your foot, stepping back. thankfully cayde followed suit because, a moment later, a barrage of fireworks went up in the air. both of you watched as they exploded in a colorful, booming display of sparks. “wow,” he whispered breathily. 
grinning, you turned your gaze to him, nudged him with your elbow. “happy new year.”
although it seemed a little hesitant, cayde smiled back, eyes glowing a little brighter. “happy new year.”
“now…” you trailed off, grabbing your display screen and dropping it into your bag. another troop of fireworks went up and your grin seemed to gleam a little brighter around the edges. “we should probably run before we get in trouble.”
cayde blinked at you. “what?”
you laughed, staring at him a moment before taking off down the alley. “we should go! you think i got permission from this?”
and then he startled into the realization. you jerk. he broke into a sprint after you, watching the fireworks over his shoulder as he went. “i guess i assumed!”
“no way!” you called, mischief clear in your voice.
he shook his head, following you around a corner. “you owe me ramen for this, kid!”
Tumblr media
62 notes · View notes