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itwasthereaminuteago · 1 year

Text

|| Rough Road ||

Frank Castle x female Reader.

Tags/warnings: 'annoying acquaintances of circumstance' to lovers, fingering, oral (f rec), unprotected sex (wrap in RL!), swears 😯

Author's note: This is for the TFC December fic challenge 'Snowed In', so check the tags for more!

If you enjoy my fics please consider reblogging, it means others get to enjoy them too! Thank you so much for reading! 💕

"I think we should try and find somewhere to pull over." you say to Frank. You had been driving for hours and the snow was coming down harder now.

"Mm, I'm pretty sure there's a motel about 15 miles ahead, we can make it, get a couple of rooms and start again in the morning." He replies, concentrating on the road.

You stare up through the windscreen at the neverending horizonless thick grey-white of the sky and the flurry of heavy flakes building up on the road ahead of you. "I don't think we'll make it that far."

Sure enough after another couple miles the road became impassable, you had hardly seen any other cars ahead of you or coming the other way for most of the drive. It was gonna get dark fairly soon.

"Shit." Frank says simply, turning off the ignition after he stopped the van at the side of the road.

"Thank fuck I've got cell service" you say, "I'm gonna call for a truck."

While you were on the phone Frank checked his paper maps for the nearest habitations, but there was nothing that warranted risking trying to walk through a snowstorm at night.

"Okay, the rescue company is dealing with shitloads of people in similar situations and 'cos we've got a van and some supplies they're saying we're further down the list. Earliest they could get to us is tomorrow morning."

"Alright, well they'll probably have cleared the roads by then. Guess that ain't too bad. Just gotta hunker down for the night."

You kicked at the dash in frustration. "Urgh. I told you we should've left after the storm, now we're stuck here in your stupid van, which stinks by the way."

"Stinks?" He screwed up his face in disbelief. "What of? I keep it clean!"

"Of you!"

"Listen, as much as you're a complete pain in my ass it was too dangerous to wait in the city any longer. Now the Russians associate you with me…"

You threw your head back against the rest and sighed. "Yeah. I know. Just gotta lay low for a while." you parroted.

"This ain't exactly my idea of heaven either sweetheart."

You hated when he called you that. Even though it was just an automatic thing for him and it didn't mean anything it really annoyed you. He reached into the back bringing out a pack of cards from the seemingly random selection of shit he had squirreled away there. "Imagine you don't wanna talk about what happened, so it's this or I-Spy."

You groaned and nodded as you whiled away an hour or so playing blackjack until your hungry stomach noises got too loud to ignore.

"Alright, chicken or beef sub?" he asked, diving into the backpack.

You chose the chicken.

"Damn, this is really good. You pick them up before we left? Where from?"

"Made em." He replied, taking a bite of his own.

"Huh." You mused, digging in again.

"Surprised I can make a sandwich?" He scoffs.

You shrug. "Surprised you can make a good sandwich. Guess being ex-marine you gotta have some talents."

"You got no idea." He throws you a wink as he takes a sip of coffee from the thermos and you roll your eyes.

After another hour of whooping his ass at blackjack and a lightning quick excursion into the nearby trees and back to relieve yourself, your yawns and heavy eyelids make it clear that you're gonna have to go to sleep at some point soon.

"Does one of us, uh, need to keep watch or something?" You ask him, watching as he crawls into the back of the van and starts digging out a mat, a singular sleeping bag and blanket.

"Nah. Even if they did send someone to follow us ain't nobody getting through this, we're safe enough." He rolled out the bag and caught your awkward look.

You wrapped your arms around you, it was getting cold now the residual heat from the van had disappated. "So… just the one lot of bedding then?"

He nods. "Yeah, usually just me in here y'know, with all my stank."

You rolled your eyes again. "Yeah, I guess that makes sense."

He has to resist the urge to let you panic about sleeping beside him for a while longer, he's not that cruel. "It's okay, you can have it. I'll be alright up front." He sees your visible relief as you process what he's said, nodding and rummaging in your pack for the toothbrush and toiletries you'd thankfully picked up at your last gas stop, there having been no time to grab anything but the absolute ultimate essentials before you left.

The thick layer of snow that had built up around and on top of the van probably provided quite a bit of insulation, but that didn't exactly stop you from being fucking freezing. You tried to snuggle up deeper into the sleeping bag, all your clothes and a beanie on and the blanket on the top, but you were still cold. You tilted your head up to glance at Frank in the passenger seat, still awake with his jacket on and arms wrapped around himself tight, the occasional puff of his breath misting the air.

"You awake?" You ask, already knowing he was.

"Yeah. You alright?"

"Cold."

"Yeah."

The silence between you seemed to stretch on forever. You pull the blanket tighter around you.

Fuck it. "Uh, if you want, you could come back here, share the blanket? And y'know, body heat will help I guess."

"Thought you couldn't stand my stink?" He throws back at you.

"Well, the cold is kinda trumping that, but it's fine if you don't wanna… just thought it is your stuff after all, don't wanna put you out of your own van."

"Nah, s'good idea." he agrees, climbing into the back with you. You shiver at the initial chill as he lifts the edge of the blanket to lie next to you, your back to his. His jacket is cold against you but after a while you began to warm up, stopping your shivering and finding yourself drifting easily to sleep.

When you wake up it's still dark but you're warm, hot even. As you gradually gain a bit more consciousness you realise that the reason is because Frank has you in a bear hug. He must have turned around in his sleep. His arm is draped over you, big hand splayed over your stomach pulling you impossibly close to him. The only skin contact is his nose at the back of your neck, the warm exhales tickling the light hair there.

It's… pleasant, maybe even something more. He actually smells good. You smile to yourself thinking about the juxtaposition of this killing machine, this angry guard dog let off the chain being a big soft snuggly puppy of a man behind closed doors.

You shift slightly in his hold and then freeze.

Okay, maybe not so soft…

Despite the layers of clothing and a sleeping bag between you, it's unmistakable that it's his cock that's hard and pressing against your ass. You try to rationalise. It's just a normal bodily response after all, but do you dare move? What if he wakes up and it gets awkward, you've got a lot of driving still to do if this snow ever clears…

Any control is taken away from you as Frank stretches momentarily and then wraps you even tighter in his arms, his nose nuzzling into your skin and hips slowly grinding against you with a quiet contented moan. He suddenly stops, pulls away as he wakes and realises where he is, where you are, and what he's doing.

"Shit, fuck…" he turns away from you as he sits up scrubbing his hand over his face. "I'm sorry, I uh… it's uh, been a while since… y'know?"

The blanket rustles softly as you shrug.

"Fuck, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to-" He cuts himself off as his eyes adjust to the darkness, his ears registering the sound of the sleeping bag zip being opened and his gaze finding the smallest glimmer of soft light reflected in your own.

"It's okay. S'been a while for me too," you admit. This might be the stupidest decision you've ever made when it comes to sex, or even when it comes to roadtrips, but you can't seem to override it. Not when he looks at you like that, smells like that, makes you feel like that. He saved your life but you don't think that's all it is.

You slough off your defensive dislike and begin to embrace something that at least feels real.

His face is a picture in the dim snow-reflected light within the van as you reach for him, pulling his warmth and his lips towards you. He's taken aback, but his hand cups your jaw and you find yourself surprised by the tenderness with which his mouth meets your own. You don't waste a second, catching his wrist and guiding him down to palm over your chest, quickly leading his hand under the waistband of your pants so he can feel just how much he's affected you in this short space of time. It's like you're trying not to have the time to think about it. You both carry ghosts from your past that you've never openly shared, but you know, simply from the slight hesitation in his touch even as you urge him on.

The tender kisses soon heat up. "Call me sweetheart again." You breathe against his mouth, and he groans deep as his fingers meet with the wetness at your core. Your own hands explore underneath his jacket, fingers feeling the hard muscle of his chest under his shirt. You reach down to cup his cock through his jeans and then tug at them, moaning as he hurries to unbutton your pants so he can swipe his fingers through your slick folds. His mouth is on your skin, hungry to taste more of you as you scrabble to undo his pants too, urging them and his underwear down just enough to free his gloriously erect cock. He helps you wriggle halfway out of your pants too and now you're jacking each other off like a couple of teenagers, his fingers slippery and desperate over your throbbing clit, and yours covered with sticky precum as you wrap your hand around and stroke him.

"Oh shit…" you whine, as he skillfully brings you closer to the edge, your hips moving against his hand as he watches you. You forget the cold, gasping as he slips a finger inside you, your grip tightening around his cock making him grunt in such a delicious way that you can't help the words spilling from your lips.

"Frank, fuck me, please!" You're begging, you've never begged for anything other than to stay alive, but you need this, you want to feel him inside you, there's nothing else that will satisfy the ache.

He pauses, staring at you like you've just proposed or something. It takes him a hot minute to register what you're saying, but once those words sear into his brain he moves fast, lips sucking and kissing at the skin of your neck like a brand as he yanks your pants all the way down and off, his mouth following. He pushes up your shirt when he gets to the hem, his tongue trailing right up the centerline of your body to your bra where he mouths over the curve of your breasts before pulling down a cup. You arch your back as he takes your peaked nipple between his lips before he continues downward.

You claw at his shoulders as his nose bumps at the front of your underwear, just giving your clit the barest pressure, teasing you instead of giving you what you need, but you soon change your mind as he hooks his fingers under the elastic pulling them off you so he can bury his face in your pussy. He presses your thighs apart, holding you down as your hips try to rise up to meet the mind melting sensation of his tongue on you, in you. You moan, curse, and praise him as he quickly stokes your need and desire into a sharp dense point where you can do nothing else but implode in on yourself, screaming his name as he makes you feel.

He rises from between your thighs, licking his glistening lips with a small smile. It looks good on him.

"You alright, sweetheart?"

"Getting warmer, could be better." You throw back as you catch your breath and return the smile, yanking him back over you and using your feet to help him push his pants all the way off. When you take him in your hand again his gaze flits between your eyes and your mouth, which he claims in a hot kiss as you guide him to you, reveling in the feeling of the head of his thick cock spearing inside your heat.

"God damn." is all he can say, and you can only agree as he repeats it like a mantra as the slow slide of his cock filling and stretching your cunt has your eyes almost rolling back into your head with a long and loud moan.

You wrap your legs around his waist as he rolls his hips into you, the mental and physical battle he's fighting between going slowly, gently, and pounding you fucking senseless is palpable. He's drawing out sounds that you would never even make when you're alone. It might just be because you haven't had any form of touch from anyone for a long time, but you're more certain that it's all him that's making you flustered, hitting all your spots and stripping you down to a bare wire of being with nothing but his soft dark eyes.

That growling, barking, flesh-ripping fighting dog is still there underneath, you can feel how he holds it inside himself, yanking at the chain and always ready to be released when there's a need. The fact that he's driven you out of the city is proof that he actually cares what the fuck happens to you, and that sort of blows your mind. You could have easily gone alone, you were ready to jump on a Greyhound and make your own way but he wouldn't have it. He made you his responsibility. Yeah he was a killer but he was also a protector. Your protector.

He wasn't much of a talker but with his dick buried inside you he's soon gritting out reams of praise that have you clenching around him and mewling as his hand squeezes over the firm curve of your ass.

"Feel so good girl, s'fucking tight…"

You inhale sharply as he reaches between your hot skin to find your clit and ensure that you feel what he's feeling. Your fingernails graze over his scalp and the short hair at the nape of his neck as you pull him even closer, your second orgasm building up fast as he drives into you over and over.

"Ohh, god-"

"That's it sweet thing," he murmurs against your ear as the indescribable feeling of his cock dragging inside has you both on the very edge. "C'mon angel, such a good girl f'me."

You keen at the praise, something he'd unlocked from your subconscious with the simplest key, something even you didn't know you would react to. "Fuck… you're gonna make me-"

Frank feels you start to shake around him, moving his fingers even faster over that swollen little bundle of nerves. It's too much.

"Shit. You feel too fuckin' good, I gotta-" He moves to pull out suddenly and you claw at his ass stopping him before he does, you'll be damned if you don't feel him come inside you.

You whine as he stills. "Fuck! Don't stop, don't fucking stop…"

He looks for your assurance. "You sure? You want this?" his voice is quieter now, wavering. If you say yes he doesn't know that he'll last.

You nod frantically, tilting your hips up, wrapping your arms around his neck, the movement making him groan as you feel like utter heaven around him. He never thought you could be so soft, so open, needy.

The van rocks gently on its suspension as he resumes, every powerful thrust as he's fucking you punching such beautiful sounds from your throat. He can feel every gripping twitch of your perfect cunt as you begin falling apart underneath him, so tight, hot, and wet and quietly begging him to fill you. Your nails dig into the muscle of his huge shoulders and your mouth falls open, thighs tightening their hold around his waist as your moans crest. Don't stop, you told him, and he briefly wonders how he thought he ever could when you feel like this.

"Good girl, fuck- that's my good girl…" it's whispered and desperate, he's barely holding on by a hair.

The possessiveness in his words makes your eyes scrunch up tight and your body open. His cock is hitting you hard right where you need it, the focused touch of his fingers radiating out and burning you up.

"F-frank I-"

You unravel, crying out as you clench around him again and again as torrents of pleasure rip through your entire body. Your eyes fly open, locked on his, determined to witness how he might follow you into bliss. Your hips buck up chasing his own, his harsh warm breath washing over your skin with a deep, sensual moan as he finally lets go, pulsing inside you, not stopping the slowing, stuttering motion of his thrusts until he's given you absolutely everything he's got.

Laying there still entwined, a deep satisfying rumble from Frank's chest breaks the contrasting near-silence as he carefully rolls you on top of him and strokes his fingers lightly over your cheek and along your jaw, sliding them into your hair as his lips brush yours in a soft kiss.

"Frank..." you hum, your forehead resting on his. You can't stop your small nervous giggle as you're still unsure about what this is.

"Yeah." is all he says in return, his hands gliding down over your bare back and your hips, the sleeping bag and blankets forgotten now that inside the van had become a damn sight warmer. The windows with the covering of snow on the outside almost glow through the misting from your body heat on the inside of the glass. It's like you're trapped in a snowglobe. The image soon shatters as your mind clears from the dreamy fog of what you've just done.

"Shit. I-I'm sorry, I know that you-" you start to explain all the reasons that you know this is just a one-time thing, more for yourself than him, but he stops you before you can reel off the excuses.

"Hey," he says, gently catching your chin in his hand and running his fingers lightly over your skin. "We don't need to do all that shit, y'know?"

You can't help looking anywhere but in his eyes.

"Hey, c'mon, it's okay." He repeats.

You wish he wasn't like this, wish he would be colder with you, go back to the sniping, reluctant, thrown-together partnership, or whatever it was you had before. It takes effort but when you manage to meet the warmth of his gaze it feels like something you could get used to looking at.

"Look, it is what it is, yeah? I'm gonna keep you safe, no matter what."

You nod and allow him to pull you close to his chest, feeling the rise and fall of his breath and the thump of his heart through his ribcage.

"It is what it is," you murmur, your eyes growing heavy as you melt into sleep.

Frank tags:

@divinearchangel @saintmurd0ck @castlesnchurches @mindidjarin @hellskitchenswhore @pedrito-friskito @sweetieswiftie @shedaresthedevil @freshabogados

@father4giveme @stress--relief @e-dubbc11 @whistle1whistle @tea-and-wine @emiemiemiii @imherefordeanandbones @phoebe-danvers @munsonownsmyass

#TFC December challenge #frank castle x reader #the punisher x female reader #the punisher smut #frank castle smut #TFC challenge #frank castle x female reader

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itjazzbicch · 4 months

Text

Finally

Pairing: Roronoa Zoro x Fem Reader

Summary: Fighting feelings for quite some time, the reader tries to find the courage to boldly get those feelings across to Zoro, thinking she failed temporarily, just to find out Zoro feels the same and keeping this a secret, their crewmates end up being the reason that secret gets out...

Note: This was a request from my Wattpad!

Warnings: SMUT! (18+ ONLY! MINORS & AGELESS BLOGS DNI! YOU WILL BE BLOCKED!) Swearing, mentions of drinking, Sanji being a simp (LMAO), rough sex, spanking, unprotected sex (Wrap it before ya tap it!)

Word Count: 2.3k

I hated getting lost in my head.

It was dead at night, and I was in bed, staring at the ceiling—one thing in my mind.

Zoro.

I came onto the crew right after he did, and despite him being a bit of an asshole, we were two peas in a pod. Earlier that night, while eating dinner, the way he looked at me made a question arise.

Did Zoro like me?

--------

"Hey! What happened to my sake?!"

"Sake? What sake? Hehe!" That's what the little shit deserved for stealing my last bit of food!

He was mugging at me and hiding this smirk.

That damn smirk.

-------

"Fuck it."

I knew deep down inside there was something, and I didn't want to wait to find out. Hoping out of bed, I tiptoed my way to Zoro's room.

Peaking my head in, he was laid back with his arm over his head, not noticing that I was there till I came in, picking up the blanket to get into his bed.

His eye opened to see what I was doing, bumping him with my hip as I got in and chuckled, "I can't sleep, so move over, asshole."

"What the hell are you doing?"

"I just told you that I can't sleep. Now, shut up." I mumbled, laying back and plucking his forehead as he started to push me with his feet, "Keep them things off me!"

"You're the one who came and tried to make yourself at home!" Still kicking, I fought him off, taking his arm and wrapping it over my waist:

"You act like we haven't had to share a room before!"

Shutting up, Zoro stared at his arm, his cheeks a pink hue, murmuring at me as he closed his eyes, "Whatever."

Laying still, the thoughts I had circled in my mind faster. Not long after, his body was heavy. He had to been asleep. Seeing him asleep so up close, I found him adorable. Our heads were side by side, lust making my eyes fall to his lips.

For some reason, something was telling me to kiss him, my nose brushing his before I stopped myself, panting softly as I realized what I had almost done. Trying not to move so much, I fixed my head straight and closed my eyes with a deep breath, slowly drifting into a slumber.

——————

"BREAKFAST!"

"Luffy, urgh," Why was he so damn loud? It woke me right up, stretching and giggling as Zoro took the words straight from my mouth:

"Shut the hell up, Luffy."

Rolling on his back and stretching, I was already awake, yawning softly to him:

"Well, I guess it's time for breakfast."

"Not so fast," Taking my wrist, he pulled me to my side to look me in the eyes.

There went that look again. My heart was racing just from that alone, let alone when he said:

"I know that you were ready to kiss me last night."

"Uhh-I-" Not sure what to say and stuttering, I took a deep breath before confessing, "Look Zoro, I can't help but feel a certain way about you."

There was a brief silence; I looked away from him as I continued to confess in my whisper:

"I like you a lot, and I almost couldn't help myself."

Taking my chin, I sucked in a deep breath, thinking the worst but getting the best as he kissed me.

"You really do, huh? It's not like you to be all shy like that," He whispered between kisses, crawling on top of me, legs intertwining, our kisses growing so much deeper, "You're lucky I like you too, or I would've kicked your ass out of my bed."

"Just shut up and kiss me," Rolling my tongue made him groan, fighting back with his tongue, getting lost, deeper and deeper with our arms embracing one another.

I was starting to get a little too lost, rolling my hips against him. It was just too good, Zoro picking his head up to look at me, but our eyes looked towards the door as we heard Luffy again:

"ZORO AND Y/N BETTER GET UP, OR I'M GONNA EAT THEIR FOOD!"

"Greedy," Zoro groaned, sitting up as did I, suggesting to him:

"Maybe we shouldn't tell them just yet?"

"Yeah, they'd lose their shit," He yawned, helping me out of bed and groaning, "And it's too early for that."

"It'll all work out," I smiled tiredly, kissing his cheek before slipping out first, making sure to yell at Luffy, "Touch my food, and you're dead, Luffy!"

Keeping us a secret was probably for the best. We were still on the sea, and with all the stuff we had to keep up with until we got to the next island, it would just be too much on our plates.

Only a few short weeks passed, and it was hard to keep up with it considering Zoro was always kissing me when someone wasn't looking or tapping my ass, having to avoid him sometimes as my urges were so hard to fight.

Doing that yet again on the day we finally made it to the next island. Thankfully, there was a civilized village, and they didn't seem to care about pirates.

Nami had sent Sanji and me out to get some things from the store, and we had to restock our food, which was a lot, so I figured I'd help anyhow.

Of course, Sanji was flirting away the entire time, wouldn't let me carry a thing, and kept trying to buy me things. It was hard not to be mean to him, so I wasn't too hard on him, forcing him to give me some of the many bags to carry back to the ship.

"Oh, Y/N. You've been so good to me today! I won't make you carry all these bags to the ship!"

I didn't even try to fight it this time, handing over the bags I had and watching as he carried them, following till he said:

"Ah! Ah! Stay put; give me just a second!"

Again, I just listened, watching as he rushed up to the ship, then came back down to me, placing his jacket at my feet:

"There's a puddle. Allow me, princess."

"Thanks, Sanji," He was so lovesick that he didn't even care that I was laughing at him.

Offering his hand to me, I gave him the tiniest bit of satisfaction by taking his hand, letting him guide me up back on the Sunny.

"Aww, what a lovely couple you two are," Nami teased as I made it up deck, Sanji hugging and squeezing me with a squeal:

"You think so, Nami-Swan?! Y/N is the CUTEST thing!"

"Thanks a lot, Nami," I said sarcastically, glaring into her eyes as she giggled:

"Hey! I'm just saying that you two look cute together!"

"We do, don't we, Y/N-"

"Don't you have some food to put away before Luffy eats it all?" Quickly changing the subject, I wasn't worried about the food, but more so, Zoro on the other side of the deck, glaring with his hand on one of his swords.

"Oh, my goodness! You're right! You're so smart, Y/N!"

"Better be quick!" Pushing him away, he ran off to the kitchen, and I could finally breathe, exchanging looks with Zoro as I went to my room.

Thanks to Nami and Sanji, my blood pressure was through the roof, but it didn't take long for that moment to be in the past. Everyone ran their errands, and we decided to have dinner on the Sunny. After, we all wanted to hang out.

So, we shared some drinks, and it was someone's brilliant idea to play truth or dare. All of us sitting in a circle, it was funny and stupid at first, till Brook asked:

"Zoro, truth or dare."

"Truth," Zoro spat out while drinking, cocking his eyebrow as Brook asked:

"Is it true that you think someone on this ship is hot?"

"Yes."

The silence in the room was almost scary. I was nearly sweating. Why would Brook ask that? Did he catch Zoro and me before? Considering he was just bones, he could move quickly without attracting attention.

Zoro wasn't budging, just shrugging at everyone as they expected an answer.

"Anyways....." Nami began to break the silence, turning to me, "Y/N. Truth or Dare?"

"Dare," I hoped she would make me do something funny to break up this awkwardness, but all eyes fell on me as she smirked at me, clearly knowing something.

"I dare you to kiss Sanji," The gasp in the room had me ready to kick everyone's asses, but she wasn't done yet; Sanji's jaw fell as she added, "Or Zoro, and say why."

I let out a massive sigh of relief, glancing at Zoro, who scooted closer to me, smirking and licking his lower lip.

"Wait just a damn second! And you back up, Moss-head! This is unacceptable!"

"Too damn bad, chef," Zoro huffed at him, turning back for my lips to smack into his.

Everyone was losing it; Robin even trapped Sanji with her powers because of how hard he was spazzing out, getting to the next part of the dare as she asked:

"The explanation?"

"Zoro's my boyfriend, duh!"

"HE'S YOUR WHAAAAAAA?!" Everyone screamed out with Sanji, who was now crying, and I had to laugh, nodding at them and kissing Zoro again:

"You heard what I said."

Even Zoro was a bit shocked that I called him my boyfriend, his cheeks pink again, but I understood, considering how I had avoided him. After this game, there was no point in keeping it a secret. Someone knew something with the way Brook and Nami strategically set up our turns.

"Tell me this is a nightmare!" Sanji kept crying, and this game was ruined. Standing up and heading out the door:

"I say we call it quits, huh?"

"Yeah," Zoro was right behind me, snickering at Sanji's crying, mumbling as the door shut, "I'll give that stupid chef something to cry about."

"What was that?" I briefly caught what he said, snatching me up into a kiss, stumbling our way to his room:

"I said, I'm going to give that stupid chef something to cry about."

"Oh, is that so?" I giggled, kissing back, "Wanna tell me how?"

Next to the bed, he turned me around and bent me over, leaning down to nibble my ear while tearing at my pants, his deep growl having me shake with arousal:

"By making sure he hears you screaming my name."

He was dead serious, even more relieved that we didn't have to hide this anymore, teasing him while helping to get out of my clothes:

"Been dying to get your hands on me, huh?"

"Don't act like the feeling isn't mutual," Spanking my ass hard, I jolted into place with a moanish hiss, my ass stinging with heat, already rolling my eyes at how good his cock felt nudging my clit, letting me feel his length as he rubbed his cock through my slicked fold, "You know you've always wanted this."

"Give it to me, Zoro," I took one big deep breath, knowing I wouldn't get another for a while.

Taking two handfuls of my ass and spreading me as wide as I could, he placed his tip at my entrance, slowly pushing his tip in for just a moment before slamming his cock into me, my face slamming into the mattress and barely muffling my lewd moan.

"Like that's going to do anything," He chuckled, spanking me again and pulling back just to slam his cock clear up to my cervix, right in his words, as my moans couldn't be muffled.

His thrusts only grew quicker, sweating and having to pick my head up to try and breathe, only moan and whine, his skill blowing my mind:

"Fucking hell, Zoro!"

Pinning his hips and rolling them, he made sure to drag out my sudden orgasm, considering how quickly it came, leaning to bite at my neck and leave marks behind.

"Already made you cum, and you didn't even know it, huh?" He was happy to find his new way of poking at me, placing a foot up on the bed, his arm strong enough to lift my hips while rubbing my clit, bottoming out and drilling into me, the sound of his wet balls slapping against pure proof of how much I had came already.

"Do it again!" I was practically begging, woozy and cockdrunk, trying to pick myself up to kiss him but beginning to crumble from the built-up heat and pressure in my core, "I'm already about to cum, again!"

"Oh, I know," He snickered in my ear, able to lean and kiss me, sloppy from how much I was moaning, his hand coming up to take my throat, keeping my head up so all the screams of his name could be set free, my ass stinging from how hard his hips slapped against them.

"Zo-Zor-" I was gasping so hard that my voice went out on me, my walls clamping his cock so tight that he stopped, gripping my hips hard and shaking as I drenched his cock.

"Fuuuuck," Growling under his breath, he pulled back, biting his lip at the temptations in his mind, pushing back deep one last time before pulling out and taking a high-pitched moan of mine with him, "Don't wanna let me go, huh ma?"

"No," I whined at being left so hollow, knees shaking at the hot cream I felt spilling as his cock rested on my ass, running his tip through our mess and tapping my ass, smirking as I looked back to him and hinting:

"Maybe someday."

2023 © itjazzbicch — do not repost or translate my work. Likes, reblogs, and comments are always welcome

#one piece #one piece x reader #one piece imagine #one piece smut #one piece oneshot #zoro #zoro x reader #zoro x y/n #zoro imagine #zoro smut #zoro oneshot #request #read and enjoy

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darkficsyouneveraskedfor · 7 months

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Helping Hand 4

Warnings: non/dubcon, mentions of divorce, and other dark elements. My username actually says you never asked for any of this.

Characters: Jonathan Pine, 40s reader

My warnings are not exhaustive but be aware this is a dark fic and may include potentially triggering topics. Please use your common sense when consuming content. I am not responsible for your decisions.

As usual, I would appreciate any and all feedback. I’m happy to once more go on this adventure with all of you! Thank you in advance for your comments and for reblogging.

Silence. Excruciating and embarrassing. Here you are, a middle-aged woman, accepting a ride after being as good as stranded at your minimum wage job. How very respectable.

Streetlights flood in through the window and you let your mind flicker with the flashes of yellow. The tension is enough to make you want to throw yourself out of the car. You wring the strap of your bag and tap your thumb on your phone case.

“So, how was your day? Rather long,” he breaks the lull.

“It was… a day,” you answer, certain to keep your eyes out the window.

“Ah, yes,” he shifts his grip on the wheel, “forgive me for presuming overly much of myself, but have I upset you?”

You clear your throat as you mull your response. You should be honest. How long had you held your tongue and suffered? Why do that again? And for another man.

“Why didn’t you tell me who you are?”

“Hmm, yes, I suppose I was duplicitous but I thought maybe you might make the connection. When you didn’t…” he lets the end dangle, “I sort of enjoyed you not knowing. It always changes things.”

“Well, it would. It should. You’re my boss.”

You look down at your lap. This was easier when you were young, when you were ignorant of how little you didn’t know. Now, you’re all too aware of everything you’ve missed out on. Of all the glaring blind spots you have to fill in.

“Maybe,” he allows, “but we get on. Yes, I’m your boss, but it doesn’t have to be strained. You do your job well, neither of us need to worry about that.”

Easy for you to say, you bite down on the retort. You instead untangle your hand from your purse and rub your neck. You’re tired, you don’t have the energy for this. After a long shift, your call with Andy, and missing your bus, you just want to roll into bed and forget it all.

“I hate to pry but you didn’t have anyone to pick you up? A husband perhaps?”

You snort without thinking. You try to disguise it with a cough but it’s obvious. You drop your hand into your lap.

“Divorced. Starting over, if you can’t tell,” you blink at the road ahead. Your own isn’t as well-lit or certain.

“That’s tough. I can’t say I’ve been there,” he says.

“Still married?” You counter.

“Never done,” he turns the wheel slowly, “almost. Once. She didn’t show up at the wedding.”

“Oh, I’m sorry,” you don’t know what’s worse. The price of a divorce or a wedding without a bride.

“Don’t be. It’s a story to tell. A bullet dodged, I think. I suppose I could be on your end, starting over.”

“You’re right. I definitely have it worse.”

Your phone lights up and you squint at it before blacking the screen. Andy’s all caps message can wait. Along with the rest.

“Urgh, just here,” you point to the brown building before the corner. “Sorry, that’s me.”

He taps the break and steers up along the curb. He hums, “this is… a very interesting neighbourhood.”

“Trust me, I know,” you peek out the window and adjust your purse on your shoulder, “I’ll just get my keys now and run right up. It’s not that late.”

“I’ll stay until I see you make it inside,” he shifts into park, “just to be sure.”

“You really don’t have to–”

“I want to.”

“Alright, thanks. Have a good night, Jonathan.”

“You too,” he grins, “you’ve earned a good night’s sleep.

You smile, sheepish and stiff. You pull the handle and let yourself out of the car. Your hip pangs as you stand but you don’t show the pain. You gently close the door behind you.

You cross the pavement, your keys clutched tight as each step is quicker than the last. You can’t help it. You have a bad feeling. You’ve heard the shouting at night and a few times, the banging in the hall kept you awake.

You shove your key in the hole, cranking it with all your strength as the lock sticks. You sense a shadow behind you and hope it’s just another resident. You jar the door open only to hear a growl.

“About time,” Andy sneers, “I’ve been sitting out here for an hour.”

You face him in surprise. You keep a hand on the door.

“Why?” You ask sharply.

“You hung up on me. You haven’t answered me all day. God, you are just the same childish girl I married.”

“Right, Andrew, exactly, and we are not married anymore. I’m tired, I’m going to bed. I’ll call you when I have time.”

“You have time now,” he insists.

“I don’t,” you rebuff curtly. “How did you even find out where I live?”

He shrugs, “it was on the paperwork.”

You cringe. Of course, lawyers stick together. You can’t trust any of them.

“Not tonight,” you say, “sorry, Andrew.”

You turn and he grabs your arm. You try to free yourself but he’s just as stubborn as he’s always been. You jar your shoulder but only pull it at a bad angle. You cry out and Andy grunts, suddenly releasing you.

You turn and flatten yourself to the front door as you watch the skirmish. You recognise Jonathan as the light above you shines over the conjoined bodies. He has his arm around Andy’s neck, your ex-husband clawing at his sleeve.

Jonathan turns and flings Andy away from him, spinning to place himself between you and your uninvited guest.

“Go. Now. Or I’ll call the police,” Jonathan warns.

“Who the hell are you?” Andy sneers.

“Who are you?” Jonathan counters, his hand open and closing, ready to throw a punch.

“I’m her ex-husband. We’re talking.”

“Ah, ex,” Jonathan chuckles, “so that mean there’s no more talking.”

“Mind your business–”

“My business? I heard her tell you to go. So my business is making certain that’s exactly what you do.”

Andy scoffs and puts his hands on his hips. He juts his jaw out and looks at the man in front of him, then leans over to glare at you. He shakes his head in disbelief.

“You moved on fast,” he accuses.

You swallow. You won’t argue with him. “Good night, Andrew.”

“Yes, good night, Andrew,” Jonathan opens his hand and gestures towards the sidewalk.

Andy curls his lips and throws up his arms. He grumbles and turns on his heel, stomping off as you stand in another mortified silence. You swear, this man has been sent to see you at every low.

“Uh, thanks,” you utter, “and I’m sorry–”

“None of that is needed,” he turns to you, “are you okay?”

“Yeah, I’m an adult. I’m fine.”

“Yes, you are a strong woman. I’m sure you didn’t need me here but I am happy I was,” he tidies his silk tie, “and now I shall leave you to your peace. It seems you don't get much of it.”

He nods his head and pivots on his sole. You deflate as you watch him go. It might just be worth it to quit to save what’s left of your pride.

#jonathan pine #dark jonathan pine #dark!jonathan pine #jonathan pine x reader #fic #andy barber #helping hand #drabble #series #au #defending jacob #bookstore au #the night manager

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bagel-muncher · 1 month

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urgh i need. akimina HCs immediately (holding you at gunpoint)

Mods send him to the torture nexus he keeps threatening me.

But yeah sure, why not? Still pretty new to 3 in comparrison so forgive these for being ooc and the like. Also sorry for how long I took to respond to your ask I could not figure out how to word some things.

• I see Akihiko as demisexual, it takes a long time for him to even consider crushing on someone but when he falls he *falls*. I honestly have no idea how I feel about Makoto's sexuality. He's totally trans tho.

• I feel like they both had a crush on each other for a pretty long time. Both just thinking "Man, he's so cool" about the other constantly before coming to the realization they wanted to be with each other. Just casually admiring the other throughout the day and even in Tartarus, thinking nothing of it until the realization hits them like a brick.

• Then the flirting begins. God. They both suck. Akihiko tries pick-up lines from a book, Makoto gets so desperate he asks *Junpei* for advice (luckily Akihiko did not understand any of the terrible pick-up lines)

• Them actually getting together was messy as hell. Both of them just barfing out their feelings and being relieved the other felt the same.

• Akihiko almost exploded the first time Makoto refered to him with just his name, no "senpai" attached. Makoto kept a pretty neutral face the first time he was called by his first name but inside he was just :D

• Makoto expresses love through gifts. It's usually small things, like making a playlist or giving Akihiko something he won at the arcade. Akihiko is more about expressinng his love through words. Even if he's not the best at conversation, he does his best to tell Makoto how much he loves him and how important he is to him.

• Very soft. They open up to each other about things they wouldn't tell anyone else. Like the two of them could just be chilling and cuddling in Akihiko's room and Makoto just suddenly brings up how much he mentions his parents, and Akihiko just nods and talks about how much he misses Miki.

• Neither are that into PDA. Maybe some handholding, but that's about it. But if Makoto see's one of Akihiko's fangirls checking him out? Oh you bet he's gonna give him a little smooch right there even if Akihiko combusts from it. Makoto's not possesive by any means, but he'll make sure they know who Akihiko's with.

• They totally spar for 'dates'. Friendly fights at the dorm (usually won by Akihiko) or battling with their Persona's during the Dark Hour (always won by Makoto). They make sure to patch each other up as soon as they're done, and be extra lovey-dovey to make up for any pain.

• 10/4 had a big impact on how both of them fight. Makoto's more reckless and puts less value on his own life so his teammates can survive, while Akihiko's more protective because he doesn't want to lose someone he loves again. Honestly the main source of arguments for them. They're both just greiving and trying to take care of the one's they love in their own ways.

• Akihiko was completely despondent for a good while after 3/5. Losing someone he loves yet again (and only a few months after losing Shinjiro) practically destroyed him for a long while. Despite this, I can't imagine his stance in the Answer changing. As much as he hates it, it was Makoto's choice to sacrifice himself, undoing it would be a massive disservice towards him. Besides, going back would put everyone in danger from Nyx again, and he knows their friends being in danger is the last thing Makoto would've wanted.

#persona 3 #persona 3 spoilers #p3 spoilers #akihiko sanada #makoto yuki #minato arisato #akimina

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izukuisbaby · 2 years

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New anon here please just call me 🧝🏽‍♀️ Could you write about how the BNHA boys would react when you're on your period!!

(most likely shoto, katsuki, izuku and eijirou!! ^^)

🧝🏽‍♀️

⊹˚.⋆ WHEN YOU'RE ON YOUR PERIOD - MY HERO ACADEMIA

℘. flora's notes : HELLO ANON, it's so nice to see you there 🥰, i have other works on this theme that u can find here and here if you're interested 💓

℘. no gender specified but the reader has periods xx

m.list | comment or reblog if you enjoyed ! I AM NOT POSTING AT PEAK HOURS I WOULD BE SO GRATEFUL IF U COULD REBLOG

⊹˚.⋆ IZUKU MIDORIYA

℘. izu is ✨ the standard ✨

℘. he keeps track of your cycle on his calendar so that he can buy everything you need beforehand 🥰

℘. isn't ashamed to go to the supermarket buy period products and will gladly do it for you !!!

℘. hates to see you suffer because of your cramps and will take time off his schedule to spend your first day (the most painful day) to cuddle you

℘. he grew up with his mom who gave him all the information he needed to be a perfect boyfriend when he was as young as 10

℘. he knows what you need, what happens and what helps !

⊹˚.⋆ KIRISHIMA EIJIRO

℘. he literally has a drawer dedicated to you with your period products, favourite snacks, skincare products and a heating pad

℘. and it's soooo organized so you can find everything you need right when you need it !

℘. watches sappy rom-coms with you so you can cry all you need

℘. another babe who will hold you during your cramps 🥰

℘. if it's too painful for you, he will wash you. he's not disgusted of your blood AT ALL and he will also take care of your skin if needed

⊹˚.⋆ KATSUKI BAKUGO

℘. urgh his ego

℘. he will buy your products but he will grumble the entire time

℘. honestly, he's happy to be useful and his heart cant help but flutter when he realizes how much you trust him and rely on him

℘. when he sees you wincing because of your cramps he'll go "tsk come here dumbass" and gently put your head in the crook of his neck

℘. he won't watch rom-coms with you, he says he hates them but it's because he's scared he'll get emotional and shed a tear or two 🙄

⊹˚.⋆ SHOTO TODOROKI

℘. legit panicked when you were crying the first time

℘. "y/n what the fuck is going on ? who made you cry"

℘. and he never curses, that means he's stressed out

℘. when you explain he's like "oh" and his mind starts to go to the "what do I know about periods" part of his brain

℘. he leaves without saying a thing and goes to pick up your favourite food

℘. and makes a stop to izu's dorm room so he can ask him questions-

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themagnusbane · 1 year

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GAP The Series Episode 12 Thoughts

Aaaaaand we have made it to the very last episode. And boy it has been quite the thrilling ride. Now, I give my final thoughts on the series as a whole, at the very end of this post, but for now, I am strapped in, eager to see what Idol Factory will be giving us for our series finale (thank the universe that the angst is ending this episode cuz I don't think I have the strength to watch my girls cry for more than 2 episodes. Nope. I am not God's strongest soldier. I'm a weak ass bitch, who hates PAIN!!!!!), and keeping my fingers crossed that they stick the landing!

It probably says something horrible about me, but the glee I felt watching the previous episode snippet of Dishonourable Grandmother screaming for Sam as she walks away from her and her toxic mansion, is making me cackle so loud!!! Utterly satisfying!

2. Urgh!!! The pain I feel at Sam crying at the loss of her grandmother and asking if Mon will love her forever, because now she's separated from the one family that has defined her, and I am in so much PAIN!!! Because this isn't fair! This isn't right! Dishonourable Grandmother's abuse has so sunk into Sam that now she's floundering and wondering if there can be her without her grandmother and it's just heartbreaking because that's the codependency that abusers strive for, and my poor baby Sam, you deserve the world. You deserve better than what you got. Family shouldn't do that to you, especially when it's the only family you thought you had left. THIS IS PAIN!!!!!

3. My dearest Mon. YOU ARE AN ANGEL!!!! Look at Mon trying to comfort Sam, and telling her that she can have both: she can have the love of her life, and also have the love of her grandmother, and Mon is willing to help Sam fight to have both. And I'm crying because although Mon is that kind and loves Sam that much, that she realizes just how much Sam loves her grandmother, and separating form her would break her, the Dishonourable Grandmother, doesn't have that same insight, or just doesn't care. She is willing to break Sam, so she can get her own way, and Sam would be forced down the path she wants her to take, and that is just so painful to witness, because those you love shouldn't want to break you like that. But alas, abusers can do nothing but abuse the love and care you have previously extended to them. This is breaking my fucking heart, and I need to give Sam ALL the hugs!!!

4. Wanna bet that the person calling is fucking Kirk?

5. Aaaaaaand I was right. URGH!!! This phone call is giving me the call of doom. Like the minute Mon picks up, it will be something guilt-tripping like Dishonourable grandmother is in the hospital, and she needs Sam to marry Kirk as the incentive for waking up from like a coma or something. Which if this is the path that they take with this phone call, I AM LOSING MY SHIT!!!!!

6. They really did. They really did "Your grandmother is in the hospital". How. Fucking. Original. And of course, all the work from the previous episode will go down the drain because even whilst in a coma, Dishonourable grandmother is still a MANIPULATIVE BITCH!

7. Thank the heavens Nueng is here!!! Maybe she can speak some sense into her.

8. Aaaaand I spoke too soon. Sam honey. It's not about winning or losing. It's about your grandmother's abuse and you breaking away from that. Because what I foresee is a lifetime of her being able to use her frailties as yet another weapon in the arsenal of her abuse, and my heart is breaking for Sam because her grandmother is so clearly succeeding. AND URGH!!!!!!

9. But she's right though to call out Neung though. They are both being sucked into Dishonourable grandmother's wishes. The difference is that her sister at least knows this and resents it. Whilst Sam is resigned to this. Which, once again... FUCK!!!! But she is right in telling Sam to break up with Mon though. Let baby girl Mon go. Keeping her on a leash after she's decided to follow Dishonourable Grandmother's wishes is unfair. And now we will probably have them separated from each other until like the last 10mins of the show. Which... URGH!!!!!!!

10. Yuki is such a good friend. My queen!!!

11. Mon saying that she should have known that their relationship wouldn't last, and that of course Sam would pick her grandmother... MY HEART!!! This show is so determined to crush my heart into tiny smithereens. I'm dead inside.

12. The fact that Tee and Jim rushed over immediately to be with Mon is making me cry even harder. I just love the way this show has depicted the relationships between these group of women. Sure they are Sam's besties, but they have also adopted Mon into their group, and now that their bestie has been forced to break Mon's heart, they are there to offer Mon emotional support, and even Kade is desperate to come over, even though she's on set. They really are the ideal! And now I'm crying all over again!!

13. Me too Jim!! I really hate it when people leave things unresolved. It's something that is making me really resentful in this episode. Sam's been told to break up with Mon. Choosing to instead ignore her calls and refuse to speak with her, is very frustrating. It's this whole leaving her plunging at a precipice, and the only person it serves is Sam, who's chosen her grandmother, and by extension has stuck her head in the sand. Mon isn't getting the closure to move on, and although I know why Sam is doing that, it still reads as selfish because Mon deserves to have that thread snapped off, rather than it being pulled taunt, keeping them still connected because Sam isn't brave enough to make that choice. But I guess that is something that Sam's been battling with this entire series: her bravery. And this yo-yoing is driving me nuts!

14. Hold up. So it's not ONLY Mon that she's ignoring? She's gone radio silent on everyone??? Fuuuuuuuuuck. Sam baby girl. You can tell that she's distraught. And now she's cut off all contact. And the only people she's with is Dishonourable Grandmother, and Kirk the trash heap. Urgh!!!

15. I repeat. Sam's friends are the best!!! The fact that they're the ones forcing this. To give Mon the chance to move on. But are also willing to provide her the support, if she does want to walk away without having this final conversation with Sam? Best. Friends! For real! No show's doing female friendships like these! I love these women!!!

16. Gghjghjghjghjghjg. OMG!!! OMG!!! OMFGGGGGGG!!! Yuki just called Tee BABY!!! Yes!!! I HAVE ASCENDED!!!! GAY JESUS THANK YOU!!! LESBIAN JESUS WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR THIS MORSEL!!!

17. Hold up! HOLD THE FUCK UP! They are married??? She is marrying Kirk for real???? And It's not until her wedding day that Mon gets this closure??? Not from Sam, but through their mutual friends? What in the??? SAM WHAT ARE YOU DOING??? WHAT ARE YOU THINKING?? WHAT IN THE FUCKK IS THIS??? WHO WROTE THIS?? WHO THOUGHT THIS WAS IN ANYWAY OKAY???????

18. You know what? At this point I'm just exhausted. And done. This conversation... That Sam is having THIS conversation, whilst IN her wedding dress, ON her wedding day, and from what Mon has said, has ignored all of Mon's messages to her, until this very moment??? Mon is a much better, kinder and more forgiving person than I am. Because I would be screaming right now. And now in a good, sexy way. Mon sweetheart. You deserved so much better than this!!

19. Sam, Dishonorable grandmother falling ill IS NOT YOUR FAULT!!! Her body's the one that is LITERALLY failing her. It's got NOTHING to do with you. I swear, if at some point, this show doesn't address this huge ass fallacy, taken straight from an abuser's handbook, I. AM. GOING. TO. RIOT!!!

20. Wait. I'm confused. So were those pre-wedding pictures that they were taking? What is with this editing???

21. Yes Mon! That's good news!! Travel to England. Move on. Find a new great love. Leave everything behind. I am not the one dealing with all of things, but I'M EXHAUSTED!!! I can't even begin to imagine how Mon feels.

22. You go Mon beloved!! Get that post-heartbreak haircut!! Plus, it just makes Becky's face look even more angelic and beautification!! Absolutely stunning.

23. The audacity of dishonorable grandmother to say she would do anything to make Sam happy, whilst literally listening to Sam cry her eyes out because she's being forced into a marriage she doesn't want, to make her dishonorable ass happy? I AM LIVID!!!

24. Awwww. Her coworkers cheering her on, is making me so sad. So many people love Mon, and are so sad to see her go. And you know what? Valid. I love Mon too, and if I was in this universe, I would be spitting mad that because of dishonorable grandmother's comfort and wishes, Mon wouldn't be in anyone's lives in Thailand anymore. I repeat, this IS ASS!!!!!!

25. I know the show is expecting me to be ecstatic about DIshonourable grandmother and Kirk having a change of heart, but you know what? Fuck that. This is too sudden. We have been given NO hints that this woman and Kirk and the trash heap have been reconsidering the vileness that is this goal of theirs. To have it suddenly pop up feels unearned. Like the story needs to wrap up quickly so boom! We will have her grandmother change her mind. And honestly, I am over it. We still haven't tackled the abuse. It goes beyond just you being selfish Dishonorable grandmother. And the fact that we can see traces of you making it about you, and not the pain that Sam is going through??

26. I know that this show wants us cheering Sam rushing to make it to Mon to tell her that she's now gotten permission from Dishonourable grandmother and they can now be together. But you know what? Fuck that. I sincerely hope that by the time she gets to Mon's house, her parents tell her that she's already left for the airport. And that when Sam calls Jim to ask where they are, they tell her that Mon's plane has already left. They need to make her work to earn my girl, Mon back. I am vindictive enough to want that. Mon deserves that. After all the bullshit Sam and her family have put her through. But knowing this show, we are probably not going to get that.

27. I swear, the only reason why the premise of this show is able to work is because Mon is a Mary Sue character. That quick easy forgiveness and hug that she's given Sam right now? If it were me, I am first screaming at her for almost killing everyone in the car, especially Jim who is HEAVILY pregnant. Then telling her that nope. I'm going back to England. Cuz fuck EVERYTHING!!!! But alas. Mon is a much better, kinder, and sweeter person than me. So here we are.

28. Now that I've resigned myself to the fact that we are getting this rushed resolution and reunion, I will like to admit that this scene of their confession and reunion is soooo cute!!! ALL THAT COLOUR!!!!! It's sooooo pretty!!

29. OMG!!! It's Saint. My pretty pretty boy!!!!

30. Sam being all "I shall shout to the world that MON IS MINE!!!!!" is giving me life!!! Yes! That's a good start to making it up to us and Mon. Make that love visible!! Shout it from the rooftops!!

31. Now I know the reason why they've brought Saint, is to show Dishonourable grandmother that there are other royal people like her, who aren't homophobic, and his words have got her thinking outside the box... But I really don't like her as a person, and I'm miffed that every time I smile at Saint's pretty face, she shows up!

32. WE ARE GETTING A WEDDING!!!! YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!! This is sooo awesome!! And the colour of choice is Mon's pink hues??? Be still my heart!!!

33. Hold up a second. Is that Chin? Are he and Yha together??? I thought he was married??? Is he now divorced and with Yha??? I AM CONFUSED!!!!

34. I'm still wary of everything grandmother says. But I get it that this show is trying extra hard to remake our opinion of her, and even pulling in Nueng to do so. I don't buy it one bit. But I'm here for my girls being married, so I guess, I'll just have to live with that.

35. THEIR WEDDING DRESSES!!! I AM DEAD!!!! They both look so radiant. My babies. My hearts. MY LOVES!!! GAH!!!!!!!!

36. Their vows!! OMG!!! This is so beautiful. It's everything I've ever wanted. My heart!!!!

37. Hehehehe. I was hoping that either Yuki or Kade would catch the Bouquet. But having it be Kade and Kirk? Not bad. Not bad at all! Hehehehehe.

38. Awwwwww. That was beautiful. Her loving pink now because of Mon? My babies ARE married!!!!!

Aaaaaand we made it!!! This entire show was a rollercoaster. Am I still slightly miffed that we never actually tackled how abusive Sam's grandmother was? Yes. But am I surprised that the show didn't? Nope. I don't think it's a discourse that society is ready for. We are always so quick to sweep over the "sins" of our elders as long as they are moderately acceptive of our queerness, and I guess I am not surprised that Gap maintained that.

What I am happy about though is that we got a full-length GL series, that centered women and our queerness and also our community. Not only was it Sam and Mon's incredible love story, but we also saw two other sapphic romances. We also saw friendships amongst women. The type where they show up for one another, and also accept their friend's lover into their circle and become her friend in turn. It was beautiful and amazing and I hope we get more of stories like that.

And can I also say, I'm really appreciative that they didn't make any of the women catty? Like I thought for a second that they were going to make Nita this femme fatale. Especially with her noticing Sam and Mon's couple bracelets. But that didn't show up, and I love that!

GAP the series made my Saturdays enjoyable and I am definitely going to come back and rewatch it over and over again.

Thank you to everyone who came on this ride with me. If you want me to share my thoughts on other series like I have done for Gap, please come into my ask box, and drop your recs. Just make sure that they are gay and interesting and I will definitely get around to checking them out.

Until next time...

See ya!

#gap #gap yuri #gap the series #gap episode 12 #beckyfreen #freenbecky #mon x sam #sammon #monsam #sam x mon #becky armstrong #freen sarocha #gap episode thoughts #noria watches gap

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jennyandvastraflint · 4 months

Text

Xena Reactions S2Ep3

What a cheery place, very Ninth-coded all them bones

Giants!!!

I love, by the way, that you can actually see stuff when it's night in the show. I wish shows now would do that...

"I hate when you go cryptic on me..." Cryptic wife is amazing tho

OH SHIT ONE IS ALIVE, APPROACHING

I love how they use perspective. Camera angles and forced perspective. So smart.

Who is Gareth?

"I understand a man's soul can be poisoned by hatred"

"You know, you think she'd mention that her friend was taller than most pine trees"

URGH FFS SOLDIER BOY

XENAAAA

And Gabrielle obviously also skilleddd

NO GABRIELLE!!!

"Thanks for the hospitality..." :|

Goliath??? OH IS THIS DAVID AND GOLIATH?

Fairly sure the boy is called David.

"It's a sling" OOOO

Oh they do not like him.

AHAHAHA GABRIELLE STEALING FOOD

"You wouldn't understand" Oh he's such a #I'mNotLikeOtherBoys guy....

"I owe you my life, not the lives of others"

Gabrielle, don't. Please.

Xena's gonna save em

She's like GET THE FUCK AWAY FROM MY GIRLFRIEND

Dayum she just picked that wheel up and yeeted.

Xena mounting that horse? And Gabrielle sitses behind herrrr

"Maybe my friendship with Xena is more important" AAAH

A SKULL (TLT reference? Is this our friend SEX PAL!?? 😭)

Gabrielle is like :c

Please, just resolve this PEACEFULLY

Stands brooding by the window as a storm rages

👀 IS GABRIELLE'S HAND ON THE SMALL OF HER BACK!!!! 🏳️‍🌈

THEY HOLD HANDS

HAND SHOTS. LOOK AT THE HANDS. THE SQUEEZE. HELLO!???? 👀

Not to be a lesbian, but HANDS. THEY'RE SO

Noooo, I don't want them to fight :(((

Shfhdh he has a helmet, lol. I shouldn't laugh, but this is kinda funny

Wow they're SO bad at everything sjfjdhs

Gabrielle is amazing. I keep saying this.

"Come out, Xena" I'm gay

NOT SALT OMFG. HE'S NOT A GIANT SLUG!!!

Thingy is dead. King's son. Ah well.

Ok. You NotLikeOtherBoys... I really don't like him. Sorey but I'm siding with Goliath 😅

"Do you think your wife would like you to hurt innocent people?"

Istg I left fucking Catholic church for a REASON I don't wanna hear that stuff in my shows actually...

Nooo, Goliath...

The sun?

NOOOO... I hope he doesn't DIE

Xena's sad face :(

OMG HIS EYE IS BLEEDING

I hope he gets to be happy with his family :(

Ngl I think this was my least favourite episode so far... Maybe it's my religious trauma, but I really did NOT enjoy this ep... Which is a shame :/

#ah well. One episode I didn't enjoy isn't that bad. I'll just know to skip it on a rewatch #v watches xena #xena warrior princess #xena and gabrielle

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thatboxylady · 5 months

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nothing like a mini fic where jetstorm from a thrust reformatted au meets the canon universe thrust :)

"Neither of us is the real deal, you know," Jetstorm finally said. Better to address the proverbial elephant in the room now before they hurt themselves worse, or frag forbid an actual elephant came through-- damn Maximals. He was too tired to add any real sass to his inflection for the sake of a bit, because the only bit he was having to deal with right now was the piece of broken reality in front of him. He felt like he was going crazy. "Not as far as the other is concerned. Sorry. All we are to each other is a... copy. Copies."

"What makes you say that?"

Even hearing his voice felt wrong. At least the feeling seemed to be mutual? For as mutual as you could get when the world was upside down with nothing to adhere to, because none of this should have been happening. Thrust was still standing relatively stiff and squared off, which was a telltale sign he was anxious. Primus, it was like he never left. Like...

Both Vehicons continued to linger by the edge of the pit. Neon green bioluminescence splashed over their frames. it smelled like rotting organic matter and rust down here. The stank of underground musk was mud drenched in battery acid. Vague sulfur lingered on his olfactory sensors like the disorientation that came from a waking nightmare. "Storm?"

"We're not from the same..." Jetstorm hated how he was struggling with this. Talking to a reflection of a dead man who somehow wasn't dead in the way he had become used to was a little unnerving, honestly. "Urgh. Roller wonder, you know what I'm trying to say. If you're anything like my version of Thrust, you would understand..."

"I know. I ain't playin' dumb, I promise. I'm just wanting to figure out if you're thinkin' the same way my Jetstorm would." Thrust shrugged, and frag, even the way he held himself was identical. "That make sense?"

"Was there even any difference between our universes besides... this?" Jetstorm gestured to the pit and regretted taking a closer look. On the rock jutting from the center of the pool were marks. Some with fushia paint transfer from where his Thrust had tried to bash his own head in; with blue where his own counterpart had tried the same. Whatever was necessary to stop the pain each must have gone through. The blending of their realities had superimposed those separate instances on top of each other, leaving them plain to see in all its technicolor suffering. They were looking at their own doppelgangers' graves as much as someone they cared about.

"You mean the other one dying," Thrust mumbled. "I haven't noticed, if that makes you feel any better. You're identical."

"It doesn't. I'm still thinking that this feels wrong," Jetstorm murmured. "You're not my Thrust. I'm not willing to replace him. What would he--?"

"I'd think he'd want you to be happy," Thrust suddenly said. He didn't look at him, keeping his stare straight at that same rock. The green refracting off his armor made him look as sick as sad. "I'd want you to be happy, y'know? Ain't a lot of that in abundance around here. We always what we get and don't question the good stuff when it comes, because gettin' too comfortable means that losing it will hurt."

That was more than fair.

"I say we take it for what it is. No one's getting replaced," Thrust continued. Now he did turn to look at him. "We're just picking where the other left off so we get taken care of. I think that's why this is happening. We could take it for what it is-- no one is replacing anyone."

Jetstorm scoffed. "You wouldn't be even a little upset?"

"Would you?"

Theeere it was. The hail mary gone bloody in the face of losing everything you cared about, versus gaining it back through a looking glass. What was even real at this point? Was it worth trying to figure out when your entire world was ripped out from underneath you, only to get dropped back on your plate as if his partner, friend, mate hadn't been murdered? "No."

"We ain't ever gettin' a second chance as good as this one."

Jetstorm hummed. "Guess not, roller boy."

"That settles it, then-- right? You wanna go? I could use a drink. Maybe a reintroduction, too. I'll try not to ram you off a freeway this time."

Jetstorm managed to laugh at that. It was only a little, but it was a start. Running away with a second chance felt like "We could try to get this right this time. Better be careful! I still bite, biker boy."

The bastard laughed right back, and damn. After going so long without hearing that smokey codec, having it resonating against his processor bordered something beautiful. "That ain't ever scared me."

All they ever had between them was blues despite the stardom; bruised in all the glamour laid before them. This broken life they were born into was the only one they had, with the few parts shared between them that made it worth surviving. Through all of the sorrow, though? Jetstorm was ready to feel like flying high again-- this reflection of Thrust seemed more than ready to do the same. Even with all they had lost, the truth of the matter was neither one of them had ever let the other go. "Nothing wrong with that," Jetstorm answered.

#KNOCK ON THE DOOR ASKING FOR THE DEVIL AND HE MIGHT ANSWER #AND THIS TIME HE DID........................#beast machines #boxy writes #haha oh no i hurt my own feelings

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michaelmilligan · 2 years

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Midam week day one: CLEAR

“It's a straightforward question”, Adam insisted, frowning.

Michael looked at him for a long moment. “I'll admit it's very forward,” he finally said, “but not exactly straight.”

“Oh my God, I've rubbed off on you!”

Michael opened his projection's mouth, then closed it again. Maybe the joke that had come to mind was better left unsaid in this situation. (Adam was probably right, anyway.)

“I'm just not sure why you're asking,” Michael said instead, and he knew it sounded defensive.

He also knew that Adam could see through his bullshit, but it was still worth a try.

“I'm asking because it's not clear to me.” Adam spelled it out slowly, as if he were talking to a small child, making Michael bristle. “You of all people should know that I'm just a human who doesn't understand a lot of things.”

Well, that was just unfair. Michael had used that line many times, in the beginning, before they had really known each other. Using it against him after all this time was basically cheating.

“You know many things,” Michael said petulantly.

“Can you just answer the question?”

Michael squirmed, his grace shifting in embarrassment in Adam's body even while he tried and failed to keep his projection still. “Well. I could.”

“But?”

“You should really know this already.”

Adam didn't say anything. When Michael glanced at him, he was pursing his lips.

“I just want to know if you like me,” Adam said quietly.

Michael couldn't help but snort, shaking his head. The question was absurd. That Adam wouldn't be absolutely certain of the answer... “I'm an archangel, Adam,” he said, looking towards the window. “Think about it for two seconds.”

Since they were sharing a body, it was usually easy to pick up on Adam's feelings. Sometimes, Adam downright broadcast them in his direction. But right now, there was nothing, Adam keeping a tight lid on every emotion.

Which didn't bode well.

When he finally turned back to Adam – Michael froze. Oh no. There were tears in his eyes.

“I see.” After swallowing thickly, Adam jumped up and paced to the fridge, opened it, then stood in front of the open door, unmoving.

Stepping away from Michael's projection didn't actually put distance between them, of course, but Michael was starting to suspect that Adam needed the illusion of space right now.

Which filled him with an unspeakable dread.

“You know,” Adam suddenly continued, “I really thought we were past this whole 'angels don't have feelings' or 'angels don't have friends' or whatever bullshit. I thought-” He clamped his mouth shut, and, focusing, Michael could now feel the tears in the corners of their eyes. “Never mind what I thought.”

“Adam, that's not what I meant,” Michael hastened to say, but Adam's soul was already curling in on itself, even as his body stood tall. “Adam.”

“It doesn't matter,” Adam muttered, and threw the fridge door closed.

“Yes, it matters!” Michael jumped up from the couch, and closed the (if only metaphorical) distance. “I'm an archangel. I could be anywhere in the world right now, or the universe for that matter! Do you really think, if I didn't like you, I'd be here?”

Adam blinked at him, a tear catching in his eyelashes.

Michael raised his projection's chin in challenge. “After all this time in the cage, I really thought you'd know me better than that.”

Closing his eyes, Adam took a deep breath, still keeping his emotions tightly locked up in his soul.

Then he yelled: “You asshole! You could have just said that!”

Michael glared at him. “Why do I have to say it when it's so obvious?”

“I fucking hate you! Urgh!” Adam threw his hands in the air, then rubbed them over his face. “Goddamn archangel and your gooddamn inability to just be fucking emotionally honest!”

“Oh, and you're so much better,” Michael said sarcastically.

“Hey, at least I asked! You couldn't even look at me when I did!”

Michael took another step towards him, glaring. “I'm inside you. I don't need to look at you!”

“Well that just sounds really gay!”

“Well, maybe it is!”

They glowered at each other for a while longer, before Adam's expression wavered and he bit his lip, his face flushing. “What... what does that mean?” he asked.

And here Michael had thought they were through with it now, embarrassing feelings revealed for the world (or at least Adam) to see.

“It means... whatever you want,” he replied stiffly, his grace once again squirming, even if his projection was not.

“Oh come on, you big gay angelic chicken,” Adam muttered, and closed the last steps between himself and Michael's projection.

Even with his only semi-real body, Michael could feel Adam's closeness – or maybe it was his soul pressing against Michael's grace.

“Archangelic chicken, if anything,” Michael corrected him.

A smile tugged on Adam's lips, which Michael suddenly realized were very close and very inviting.

“Alright. Archangelic gay chicken,” Adam said, and his tongue poked out to wet his lips.

Michael always burned very bright, but for some reason, he felt especially hot in that moment.

And even more so when Adam finally leaned in.

#Hi hello. They're both emotionally constipated pass it on. :)#Usually I think they eventually figured it out in the cage bc you know they had like 1200 years #But honestly. They're both stupid.#So have this coming together/first kiss/idiots to lovers (who are still idiots)#Midam week #Quick writing #Michael is gay in a very umbrella term kind of sense #Still plenty gay though #Adam will enjoy rubbing off on him even more in the future is all I'm saying 😏

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sallertiafabrica · 1 year

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1, 7, and 14?

1. the character everyone gets wrong

More than one honestly, but the one that gets most on my nerves is Marinette. And the worst part is that I can’t even blame fanonfication on it, as canon is the main culprit of this hellhole I live in 🙃

I friggin’ hate that meek girl that can’t fuction around her crush characterization and that needs other characters to constantly preach to her. It’s annoying, demeaning, disrespectful, and URGH. No kiddin’ so many folks end up disliking Marinette (there’s alsp the stalking and jealousy plots, but those are the writers thinking these things are “cute” and “romantic”, so I wouldn’t pin those on Marinette).

And on the other side of the coin, there’s what I call the Characterization to Overcompensate..... and like. I get the appeal of portrayin a usually disrespected character as stronger and “sassy”, but when doing this, I feel like people strip Marinette of what makes her her, y’know? Taking off all the fun parts of her characters for the sake of an angry powerhouse that comes off with a “holier than thou” attitude more often than not. And after a while, it gets tiring.

I’ll admit to using the skin of this Overcompensating writing trope during Trickster’s earlier half, but it was for the sake of a character exploration and to see what an angry/tired/depressed Marinette that didn’t lose her marinette-ness could look like.

(shout out to Classic!Félix, though, for also being incredibly misunderstood by the fandom at large, hahahahahah.. ha... 🥲)

7. what character did you begin to hate not because of canon but because how how the fandom acts about them?

Most characters that aren’t Marinette and Félix I stay in a state of disinterest to annoyance unless some particular characterization pushes me to either hate or enjoy the characterization of that specific work. With ONE exception–

Chloé. I know. I know. The redemption’s seeds were planted on canon, and I agree that they should’ve gone through with it if they setted it up in the first place, but– I just. don’t. care. for Chloé and she’s everywhere.

Ngl. Low-key regret making her slightly sympathetic in Trickster, cuz it gave folks the impression I like her and want her redeemed when. I fucking don’t. I couldn’t care less what happens to Chloé, I just needed someone to fulfill a specific role in Trickster and she happened to fit the bill. I have no strong feelings for her. But then she keeps getting shoved on my face at every single turn, and now every time I see her in fics I have the urge to crush something between my hands.

She’s being the villain/antagonist will keep me in the “couldn’t care less” to “kinda amused” side of the reaction board, but to me, the best use of Chloé is “so disconnected from the main plot, it’s HILARIOUS”. Anyway, Flora and Amber ftw

14. that one thing you see in fics all the time

Several things, but right now, I’m particularly peeved with the “There’s a New Villain!” plot, but it’s just Hawkmoth rehashed. Actually, making Hawkmoth-esque villains in general. It gets tiresome after a while. Like– pick a new storyline!!!

#this is my hater moment. so I’m letting myself be bitchy. obviously. nothing’s wrong with enjoying these things #just like there’s nothing wrong with NOT enjoying these things and then talking about it #ok? ok #mailbox #Sal being Salty #< so folks can filter if they want to #choose violence ask game

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animeweebart · 5 months

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Tattoo artist Kirishima x coffee barista Bakugou Part 2 Get to know the family

!Warning!-this part contains small violence and family issues. If you do not feel comfortable reading this part you can skip to part 3

Bakugou's POV

The loud sound of my alarm clock woke me up. URGH WHY DO YOU HAVE TO BE SO ANNOYING!? I turned it off and sat up to see Eijiro sleeping in the weirdest position I have ever seen. Is he a contortionist or something? I quickly got dressed and shook him. How could he still be sleeping? I smacked his arm and he quickly sat up.

“Sorry!” He sat up with a frantic look in his eye.

“Come on idiot, I'm taking you home now. I’ll see you in class later,” I started as I traveled down the stairs.

He followed promptly behind. Once we reached the bottom of the stairway, we slipped on our shoes and traveled out the front door. I unlocked the car and took the driver’s seat, starting up the engine as Eijiro settled into his seat. As we pulled up to his house, I noticed that his house was a little rundown. He looked at me with a smile.

“Thanks for the ride, I’ll see you later in class!” Eijiro said while he stepped out of the car.

I watched him walk to the door and opened it. Before he could enter, a little girl ran up to Eijiro, squeezing him in a tight hug. I was about to drive off until I realized she was crying. Eijiro picked up her and soon, I heard him yelling, his voice muffled by the car windows. What do I do now?! If I leave he might get hurt, but I bet he wouldn’t want me to get involved. I merely watched as he continued to scream at who I believe were his parents.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

At school, I waited to see Eijiro walk through the door. When he finally did come in, it was almost the end of class. He had a bandage on his forehead and arm. Not only did he miss the whole period but he also was hurt. God I’m such an idiot for not helping, I swear.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

At lunch, I looked for Eijiro. I found him in the back with who I believe was Sero, based on the intensely detailed description from Denki. Another girl was sitting with them. Brown skin, hair dyed pink, colorful clothes. I thought maybe I should just go back to the table that Denki and Deku were sitting at.

“Bakubro! Come sit!” Eijiro called out to me as I began to walk away.

I turned around to face the bastard, and he moved over to make room for me to sit next to him. I reluctantly walked towards the table and sat next to him. I wanted to ask about this morning, but decided it would be better if we talked privately. The pink-haired girl was on her phone taking pictures and talking to the black-haired boy next to her.

Eijiro made a gesture that made the two look in my direction. “Guys, this is Bakubro. He’s the guy I was talking about.”

She put her hand on her chest. “Nice to finally meet you. I’m Mina Ashido, and this is Hanta Sero,” She said, as she made a gesture to the boy. So I was correct. God damn has Denki been studying him?

Mina continued to show Sero random TikToks as the lunchroom continued to be filled with people and voices growing louder and louder. Lunch was the worst part of the day for me. It was the loudest and my hearing aids didn’t make it any better.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As school ended, I fought my way through the crowds of students in the hallways. Somehow, Deku and Denki were able to make their way outside before me.

“There you are, Blasty! We were scared you got trampled by them. I was about to risk my life to save you,” Denki exaggerated.

“Those extras couldn’t take me down that easily! I’m stronger than you think, Dunce Face!”

As usual, Deku’s face was in his notebook. He’s probably writing about this guy named All Might. He always has a paragraph to say when someone just mentions All Might. I both hated him, yet also had some respect for his ability to keep up with me. I would never say it out loud, but it’s true.

“Can we get on the bus before we turn into popsicles?” Denki pleaded as he shivered.

He was right, it was getting cold. I walked to the bus, having to drag the fanboy. Dunce Face followed closely behind me. Before I got on the bus my focus shifted to Eijiro walking on the sidewalk. He doesn’t live anywhere close to the school. What is he thinking walking home in this weather? I remember what happened this morning, but that still didn’t explain why he didn’t go on the bus. I had to force myself onto the bus and sit down, but the thought of Eijiro walking home plagued my mind. Then, the little girl crossed my mind, she didn’t even look old enough to be in school or preschool. That means she is at home with those parents twenty-four seven. For once I felt sorry for someone that wasn’t me or my mom. I wasn’t born deaf, I had an accident when I was a kid. It was stupid, I was stupid. I decided it was a good idea to play a movie at full volume while wearing earbuds, the next time I knew I couldn’t hear the movie. I turned the movie off and ran to my mother who rushed me to the hospital. Soon after buying the hearing aids my father passed away. She had to support us on her own, when I finally got a job I swear I cried happy tears that day. The bus pulled up to Deku’s and my stop.

“Kacchan, it's our stop. Let’s go.”

He grabbed my arm, pulled me off the bus, and up the hill towards our houses. We’ve been friends ever since kindergarten. He's the only one who knows how I lost my hearing and has been learning sign language for when I lose or break my hearing aids. He’s a nerd, but sometimes he can do things that don't piss me off. Deku left my side as we approached his house.

“Bye Kacchan, see you tomorrow!”

He closed the door behind him as I continued walking to my house. I was surprised when I saw Eijiro standing in the hallway talking to my mother.

“Speak of the devil. Katsuki, why didn’t you tell me about your friend Eijiro?”

The old hag questioned me with a slight smirk on her face.

“Because it’s none of your Goddamn business!” I explained taking off my shoes. “Now can you explain why you're at my house?”

Eijiro turned to face me with the little girl in his arms. She was crying just like this morning, this time with bruises on her arm.

“I thought this was the safest place, I can leave if you don’t want me here. I bet Sero wouldn’t mind if I stayed at his place for a bit…”

I froze at the sight of the girl. She was his little sister and he was protecting her. I pause to collect my thoughts before agreeing. He hugged me crying.

“Thank you so much! I’ll make it up to you I promise.”

“Tch, you can stay as long as you respect my boundaries. Beginning with hugs,” I said, pushing him off.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A week later he was back at his house if you could even call that. After a shift at work, I went over to the tattoo shop he worked at. I don’t know why, I felt like I had to see him. Something told me I had to. I saw him at his station working on a customer and Sero working on another, and other employees doing the same. The place was decorated with Christmas decorations. I felt my face heat up when I looked back at Eijiro. His tank top showing off his tattoos and chest. What is happening? Why do I feel like this? He’s just a friend—a stupidly cute friend. Wait, what am I saying?

“Hey Bakubro, did you come here to get a tattoo? Or something else?”

He was in front of me now. All that time thinking about him made me forget where I was and what was going on. I shook my head.

“No, I was just seeing if you were ok. I’ve been worried about you, idiot.”

His smile was bright enough to light up the room. I felt my face heating up again. W-Well it seems like he’s ok, or he’s lying just to make me feel better. I walked out without saying anything to him and went home. Before going to bed I caught myself smiling at the sight of “new message from Eijiro Kirishima” on my phone. What the heck is wrong with me?! Why am I feeling this way about him!? I could barely sleep but managed to doze off by around midnight. The next day at school Eijiro kept crossing my mind. His smile. his eyes. The thought of running my fingers through his hair. He had me in a daze. All I could think about was him and how he looked at me with those eyes.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

At lunch, once again he was sitting with Mina and Sero at the same table. I quickly walked over and sat down next to him. I could hear Mina snickering and whispering to Sero. I couldn’t hear what she was saying but I could guess it was about me and Eijiro. I managed to eat my lunch while talking with Eijiro. Soon we had to go our separate ways to classes.

Part 3 is going to be released on the 16th

#no quirks au #kiribaku #mha #my hero academia #bakugou katsuki #eijiro kirishima #mha fanfiction #ashido mina #hanta sero #denki kaminari #izuku midoriya #angst #tattoo artist kirishima #coffee barista bakugou #kiribaku fanfic

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secretswiftymarvelfan · 2 years

Text

The Demigod From Asgard - Steve Rogers x Reader (Part 20)

Summary: You get your first real experience of the flu

Word Count: 1.3k

Warnings: Fluff! Slow Burnnnn!

Dividers by @firefly-graphics

Series Masterlist / Masterlist

Chapter 20: Even Gods Get Sick

You had felt weird the last couple of days. You weren’t exactly sure what it was, but your body just felt tired. When you woke up this morning though you felt like you’d been hit by a truck.

Your head felt like it was triple the size. Your nose would not stop running, and you had a cough that wouldn’t go away. You had been sick before as a kid on Asgard, but it was extremely rare, like only once or twice rare. Plus, your mother would always use her magic to help you feel better.

Ignoring your alarm clock, you buried yourself further down into your bed. Bringing your duvet over your head to block out the sunlight that was streaming in through the crack in the curtains straight onto your face.

You woke back up to the sound of someone knocking on your door. You slowly get up from your bed, feeling dizzy as you did so. When you were fully stood up you felt your body shiver so you grabbed your blanket wrapping it over your head and shoulders.

When you opened the door you are greeted with the sight of Steve looking down at you. His face instantly turned to one of concern when he saw you.

“Whoa you okay? You look terrible” he asks looking down at you.

“Thank you, I feel terrible” you grumble with a sniffle.

“I’m guessing training is cancelled today then” he says eyebrow raised.

“You guessed right” you nod.

“Alright well let’s get you back to bed” he smiles wrapping his arm around you and leading you back to your bed.

“Where do you keep your meds?” He asks as you climb back into bed.

“I don’t have any, I don’t get sick” you mumble pulling the covers up.

“Well I hate to break it to you sweetheart… but you’re sick” he says with a small chuckle.

“I rarely get sick, I’ve only been sick like twice before” you say correcting yourself.

“Well you’re one of the lucky ones, right well I’ve got a spare key so I’ll go grab some stuff, I’ll be back soon okay” Steve tells you but you were already half asleep.

When he returned Steve gently woke you up. You groaned as you sat up, only to start having coughing fit. Steve gave you a sympathetic smile as he passed you a glass of water.

“It looks like you have the flu so I picked up some of the strongest stuff” Steve says pulling out all the different medication.

“Here you go” he says passing you some tablets.

You take them with a large gulp of water sighing deeply as you slump back down in bed.

“How hungry are you?” Steve asks placing a hand on your knee rubbing it gently.

“Not at all, if anything I feel really sick” you say shaking your head.

Steve leans forward placing the back of his hand against your forehead frowning slightly as he does so.

“You’re burning up, you should probably take all these layers off” he says grabbing the blanket that you added over your duvet.

“But I’m cold and shivering” you complain as he does so.

“That’s the fever, we need to bring your body temperature down” Steve explains pulling the duvet back a bit.

“Easy I can do that with my power” you cough.

You hold your hand out and will it to cool down but instead the potted plant went crazy the roots spurting out breaking the pot. You and Steve jump in surprise at the crashing noise.

“Maybe don’t use your powers, we don’t want to set the place alight” Steve says with a small chuckle.

“Urgh fine” you groan in defeat dropping your hand.

“What did you do back on Asgard when you got sick?” He asks as he moves to tidy up the soil and the dirt.

“My mother would use healing magic on me, I’d go to sleep and wake up completely better” you explain blowing your nose.

“Well I don’t have magic but my ma made a good chicken noodle soup that can cure everything” Steve tells you as he stands back up.

“Sounds pretty magical” you say making him smirk.

“Yeah maybe it is, now get some rest I’ll bring the soup through once its done” Steve tells you.

“You’re cooking it?” You question with sarcastic worry.

“Don’t worry its one of the few things I can cook” he chuckles before heading back out of your room.

You relax back into bed trying to resist the urge to pull all the covers back up over your head. Although if you were 100% completely honest the cool breeze was pretty nice and refreshing.

A short while later Steve reappeared with a bowl of soup in hand. You push yourself back up discarded the tissues you had collected in the time he had been gone.

“It’s only a small portion since you said you weren’t very hungry, plus the flu can make you physically sick so take it slow and don’t eat more than you can” he says passing you the bowl and spoon.

“I would say it smells delicious but I can barely smell a thing” you say with a small sniffle.

“Well I hope you like it” he says before moving to sit down on the other side of the bed.

You start slowly eating the soup. Your sense of taste wasn’t as good as normal but the soup was still delicious. You had to work hard to heed Steve’s warning to eat it slowly because it was that good.

Soon enough you had drained the bowl “that was really nice, I’m already starting to feel better” you say a little too soon because you then had a coughing fit.

“Urgh my throat” you groan taking a large sip of water.

“I’ve got something for that, it’s not very nice though” Steve says getting up grabbing a small bottle and spoon.

He pours the dark thick liquid out and passes the spoon to you. You take it not expecting the vile taste barely being able to swallow it.

“What depth of hell did you get this foul liquid from? Tartarus?” you exclaim grabbing your water to wash the rest of it down.

“The convenience store down the block and its cough syrup” Steve chuckles taking the empty spoon from you and setting it down on the side.

“It’s disgusting and if you give me that again I will turn you into ice” you tell him making him laugh even more.

“Alright I won’t I promise now, shall we watch a movie?” Steve asks.

“Yeah sounds good” you agree passing Steve the TV remote.

He turns to TV on quickly finding your favourite movie and putting it on. As he did so he shuffled closer to you.

“You can relax up against me if you want” Steve offers when he sees you try to get comfortable.

“Won’t you get sick” you question.

“I don’t get sick, thanks to the serum” Steve explains.

“Well I didn’t think I’d get sick but I did” you point out.

He just shrugs smiling down at you “its a risk I’m willing to take” he says “c’mon I know you like it” he adds.

You sigh in defeat shuffling over so you could rest your head on his chest. He wraps his arm around you pulling you closer. He hits play on the movie and the both of you settle down.

As you rested your head on his chest you could feel his steady heartbeat. Something that was incredibly soothing to you. You could feel you heart fluttering as he held you.

Glancing up to look at him you could feel a smile growing on your face as you looked over his features. You hadn’t felt this way before towards anyone but then again you’d never had anyone like Steve in your life before.

Pushing your thoughts aside you returned your attention back to the movie. Enjoying the comfort Steve brought you.

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tryingtocomeupwithagoodname · 6 months

Text

THE BLOOD RUBY

“One…” Rome fished about in his coin purse, a measly, “...two…” the only other thing he could find. “Two. Two coins. Two silver coins.” They were tiny, their sun patterned faces shining dimly on the old oak bar. “We only have two coins.” He could suddenly feel every draft his chiton let in, his bare feet rubbing together despite the warm fire that always roared in The Bouncing Jackal. “How do we only have two left?” He ran his hands through his hair, a slither of dull blonde clinging to his fingers. “What could we have possibly spent it all on?”

“We?” Came from his left, the otter on the bar stool next to him splitting his glare between the silver coins on Rome.

Comet wasn’t happy. Comet hadn’t been happy since they had left home. Maybe before that. Still, “Yes we. Need I remind you it’s not me who keeps asking for fish every two to three business days.” And ordinarily Rome was happy to get him his fish or his frogs or whatever else he asked for. But that was before. That was when they had more than two measly silver coins in their coin purse.

“Fish doesn’t cost that much,” Comet grumbled.

“It doesn’t cost nothing,” not when they were buying it from the fishermen. “You’re going to have to hunt Comet, there’s nothing else for it.”

“And you?” Comet huffed. “What exactly are you going to do? Spend our last two coins on yourself?” Which, Rome knew, wasn’t fair. But silver coins couldn’t buy much. Not here in Longwood. But Longwood had been appealing because it was large. So large a wanderer and his talking otter could walk the streets practically unseen as something else just as weird would round the corner seconds after them.

“Two coins can get us another bed for the night.” It wouldn’t be a room. Just a bed they would have to share in a room with other patrons who couldn’t afford a room. Comet wasn’t too keen if the low grumble he gave was anything to go by. “Well, do you have a better idea?”

Comet grumbled some more before hopping down from the barstool. Before Rome could even ask ‘what’ Comet was toddling out the door and onto the Longwoodian streets.

Despite being a small brown creature whose speed was that of a human toddler on the best of days Comet was doing a rather good job of being elusive as Rome struggled to keep up with him. If Rome didn’t know any better he’d think Comet was trying to run away from him. However Rome did know Comet better. Comet wouldn’t have stuck by him this far if he wasn’t planning on staying around forever. So Rome did his best to pick up the pace and before long came to a stop just outside the carpenter’s.

Comet looked rather proud of himself. Rome didn’t know why. “Really?”

Comet pointed like Rome hadn’t seen the stupid fishing rod the carpenter was selling. Two coins. Two silver coins for a measly fishing rod Rome could have made himself. “You said I had to hunt,” Comet reminded him. “We may as well try together.”

Rome rather hated Comet in that moment.

He bought the rod.

“You know fishing isn’t my strong suit,” Rome huffed as he watched the carpenter disappear into his shop with the last of their money. “Hunting I can do. But fishing?” He didn’t have the patience for it. Or the skill. Or any idea where to even start.

Except now he had a rod and, “You know hunting is illegal here.”

Another downside to Longwood.

Fishing wasn’t illegal, thankfully. He supposed, if he did master fishing he would be able to catch as much food as he liked as well. He could maybe sell a few, make some money. Enough so that he wouldn’t have to unroll his bedroll at the edge of the lake for a long night on the ground.

It was all a big load of ‘if’s’ however. ‘If’ he caught anything. ‘If’ he figured out how to cast the stupid thing.

Urgh. He should have stood his ground and bought another bed for the night.

Comet helped catch some worms for the end of the hook. That was all he did. As soon as the line was in the water Comet was gone, his sleek body diving into the lake for an afternoon swim. Rome settled himself in for a long day, the chill of the day already settling in his bones.

He hated fishing.

Somehow the day got away with him, Rome waking in the middle of the night to find himself on his back, the rod by his side and his bedroll much too far away. He crawled his way over to it, curling up in a ball and ignoring the furry lump that hadn’t deemed to wake him up before going to bed himself.

Voices woke him.

They were too far away to make out much. Yet every now and then the breeze would drift a word or two over. “Blood… moon… potion…gold,” was what had Rome scrambling out of bed. He bare feet scrambled across the leaves, the bushes snagging his chiton as he caught up with the distant voices.

They were girls. Two of them to be exact. One of them was taller than the other, her shoulders broader but that could have just been from the armour. Gold adorned her shoulders, chest and arms. A sword was strapped across her side, another on her back. A purple cloak was all Rome had to go on, no sigal, no banner. He tried to remember his tutors telling him about the kingdoms here. Their lords and colours.

Then he figured it didn’t really matter. Not when they were talking about gold. Namely, “I’d pay my weight and more so if someone could just fetch this-” the second girl, a slight thing in furs, kicked the ground in front of her, “this stupid blood ruby! I mean, why- why could we have not gotten a list? Why must he send us off again and again for last minute ingredients when the moon is almost full. Why-”

“Marion,” the warrior soothed, her voice low, hands gentle as she turned to the second girl, Marion, to face her. “I know it is frustrating. I wish I could help but if you wish to go down this path then we must do what he asks of us.”

Marion rubbed her brow, “I know. I know! It’s just- by the time we get this stupid ruby we’ll have lost any time we could have spared grabbing the wormroot from Locksbridge. Which, might I add, is another four days from here and who knows what from where this ruby lives. We’re just- we’re not going to make it, which means another month and-”

Rome cleared his throat before he thought better of it. Literally. Between stepping into view and having a sword pointed to his throat Rome seriously wondered why he’d decided to announce his presence at all. However, “I could get that ruby for you.”

The sword dug in, Rome lifted his head up, the point lessening slightly against his skin. “A spy,” the warrior announced.

“A tradesman,” Rome corrected.

The sword dug in again, and Rome must really have been in trouble since he could hear the pitter patter of leaves crunching as Comet finally joined them on the foot worn path. A low growl built in Comet’s throat and it was only the, “Let him go,” that stopped Comet from ending up with both of them impaled by a sword.

His neck free again, Rome scratched at the cut the sword had left behind and finally got a good look at Marion. The furs were grey, some of them white. All of them from animals Rome had seen in the colder lands. A heavy purse sat near the back of her hip and despite a dress laying under her furs Rome could see a knife poking out of some strap she had hidden under there.

He pasted on his best smile, sweeping low in a bow in a way he would have been told off for back home. “The name is Rome. Perhaps you’ve heard of me,” doubtful, but confidence got someone everywhere.

Marion arched her brow, and her warrior definitely smelled a liar, her hand tightening as Marion asked, “And why would I have heard of you?”

So Rome didn’t strike a chord? That was good. It meant word hadn’t grown too widespread yet. “Because I’m exactly who you’re looking for.” He grabbed Comet, subtly placing him between his neck and that sword. “Comet and I are adventurers. Not ordinary ones mind you. We travel around for people who need their errands ran. A little potion taken to Lakesfield. A dragon scale for a trader. We dabble in just about anything.”

The warrior narrowed her eyes, “Convenient.”

He could feel his smile grow tight, “You don’t know the half of it.” He turned back to Marion. “I could get that ruby for you. I could get it to you in plenty of time for whatever you need it for-” the sword was back up, Rome backing up until his back hit bark. “Not that it matters. We’re a no questions asked business. So long as we’re paid, what does it matter who needs what fetched?”

“Lya.” The sword was lowered.

Lya looked back to Marion, “You cannot be entertaining him. He’s obviously lying.” She glared back at Rome, her eyes drifting to his arm. He covered it before she could get a better look, settling both hands behind his back.

He sent a winning smile back at Marion, the Lady herself giving him a long look back. It wasn’t nasty. At least, it didn’t look completely nasty. More assessing. Like someone who was wondering how much she could trust a complete stranger.

It turned out Rome had read the desperation practically dripping off her right. “How much?” was what opened the negotiations.

By the end of it, Rome had half his pay in his pouch and a sick feeling in his stomach as he watched Marion and Lya walk off to Locksbridge.

He could feel Comet’s glare on him as soon as they were out of sight. This time, Rome had the willpower to ignore it as he found his way back to his bedroll. Packing was easy, he’d rolled and unrolled his stuff so many times now it was almost second nature to sling all of his worldly possessions onto his back. Everything except Comet. Comet who Rome honestly didn’t think would still follow him. Yet there he was, his brown coat shining as he kept pace.

The blood ruby was located in Owltree. A small town overseen by Lord Talos and his family. It was barely a speck on the map yet anyone and everyone knew of the reputation Lord Talos had accumulated over the years.

The road there was simple enough. Being only three days walk from Longwood they had a good week and a half to grab the ruby and make their way back to the waiting ladies. Rome hoped most of that time they would spend simply walking back. Hoped being the optimal word as the forest path evened out into a village.

There were no signposts to signal this was Owltree this far back. No words anyway. There were two prisoners however. Thief hung in bloody brown letters around one man’s throat, his body hanging limply from a stake in the ground. His twitching was the only sign he was alive. At least, Rome thought it was twitching. For all he knew the crows ripping at his skin could be what moved his body.

The other man was a murderer, his stomach ripped and entrails laying in Rome’s path. He wiped his feet as soon as he passed, the dusty gravel a welcome pain after the blood softened ground that lay at the lip of Owltree.

There were banners hanging out of doors, some were strung up across houses along with other bunting. Orange and black were Owltree’s colours, with three birds flying across a black sky. Rome couldn’t remember the reason why. He’d often slept through lessons about the lords and ladies in Adonia. He sort of wished he hadn’t as he glanced at banner after banner telling a story he didn’t know about.

He could always ask he supposed.

Comet climbed his tunic as they passed a market stall selling candied fruit. The coins in his purse were itching to be spent, Rome’s mouth watering already as Comet said, “I think we should get off the road.”

A candied lemon? Oooh, an orange tart. “Rome,”

Urgh. He hated that tone. “Fine.”

They ducked into an alley, Rome bending down the scrape off the last of the bloody dirt on his feet. Comet scampered to the lip, his head whipping from side to side as he saw something Rome didn’t.

“What is it?”

Comet held a paw up. Rome rolled his eyes as he dug his toes back into the dirt. That was better.

He joined Comet at the opening, watching as people walked to and fro, some of them carrying heavy casks while others smoked meats. Children were being called by their mothers, some of whom were doing their best to tuck their hair into bonnets. “They’re dressed up,” Comet said.

“They are?” At home, dressed up meant dyed chitons and long capes. Here? In Adonia? The more elaborate the better. The dresses he’d seen some women in could barely pass a door. Even the gentlemen in some parts of this country had collars that stuck out so much they could barely look past their nose. The people here didn’t seem that excessive. The women had stays, some of them rich browns some others with patterns on them. The men had long doublet’s and if they did wear capes they were fastened with a knot instead of a pin. Some even had fur on them.

“Look at them,” Comet insisted, “They’re fussing.” And Rome supposed they were.

Still, “What’s that got to do with us?”

Comet gave him a dark look. Which wasn’t very effective since he was an adorable otter who Rome had long since gotten accustomed to. Not even his begging face could get Rome to give in these days.

Much.

“Come on,” he grabbed Comet around the waist, hefting him up until he could climb onto Rome’s shoulder, “the sooner we get to the castle, the sooner we can get that ruby. The sooner we get the ruby, the sooner we can go back to a nice tavern bed and meals caught by someone else.”

Comet grumbled but didn’t argue as they walked the streets along Owltree and up to the gloomy castle at its heart.

“What makes a ruby a blood ruby?” Comet asked. “Can’t we just find any old red thing and tell them it’s what they’re looking for?”

If they could, Rome would have done so already. “Unfortunately not.” He tried to remember his tutor’s words. Eventually, he gave up and said, “It’s a spoil of war. Someone needs to have bled on it for it to be a blood ruby. It holds like their soul or something?” Rome shrugged. “It’s magical is what I’m saying.”

“And people use it in potions?” Comet asked.

Rome shrugged again. “Dark potions.” He knew Comet was giving him a look. “Or light. It all depends on what they’re using the potion for I guess. Look,” he said, stopping whatever complaint Comet was going to give him, “it’s not our problem. We’re errand boys. Our job is to fetch what we’ve been told and get paid handsomely for it. Whatever happens after that is up to the buyer.”

The castle loomed ahead of them before Comet could complain again. It was an old black stone surrounded by a wall. It crumbled in parts, Rome, again, forgetting the history of why although he was sure it was bloody and important. There were bodies of criminals hanging along the battlements. Rome wondered if they were all connected, the bodies fresh enough it looked like they had been executed around the same time. Or if Lord Talos merely decided to murder anyone he thought looked at him funny.

They weren’t stopped from walking through the drawbridge, the long iron gate littered with rust. Or what looked like rust, the brown flecks dusting the deep black iron spikes. Like the village beyond, the castle was abuzz. Servants, guards and well, everyone, was bustling back and forth with linens, food, wine, basically anything someone could want for, say, a celebration.

Rome’s heart picked up. He loved parties. The ones back home, the ones he had been allowed to, were always fun. He loved listening to the music, the stories people told in both song and speech. It was much better listening to people who were there than tutors who weren’t. Plus, things went missing at parties. Things like a lovely blood ruby Rome was starting to think would be easier to grab than he-

He ducked into an alcove, his heart hammering at his throat. He checked his arm, the red snake coiled around his wrist just that, an inked snake.

He looked around the corner again. To where that same snake was folded onto itself, the red nestled on gold as it hung across the side of a horse. It was Orland’s banner. High king Orland.

There were others now Rome looked for them. Other banners, even people decorated in gold and red. Orland’s servants, his guards, his people. All of them here. Now.

“We need to leave,” Comet said, seeing the same thing Rome did.

“We made a bargain,” Rome reminded him, even if the urge to run was tensing his legs so much they ached.

Comet climbed to Rome’s shoulder, his little body shaking as Rome turned back into the alcove. “They don’t know us,” Comet said. “That woman was probably thinking we were going to run as soon as we got the money anyway. They don’t know we didn’t get it. They’ll just assume we were killed or something. It wouldn’t be too far-fetched.” With the bodies on the side of the castle maybe not.

Rome closed his eyes. “We made an agreement.” They needed that money. They needed more than that. Sure, he’d been lying out his backside when he made this agreement with Marion but if he did this, if he got that ruby then who knows what this might mean for them. They couldn’t go on as they had. “We can’t live as we have been Comet. We can’t go home, we can’t make a home here. You and I both agreed moving was our best option. To move we need money. I need clothes. We both need food and medicine and- and everything I can’t get for us like I could before. And we gave our word.”

“You’ve broken your word before,” Comet reminded him.

Rome didn’t correct him. It was true. But still, “We’re staying.” They could do this. This was fine. “It’ll be fine.” They just needed…

If Rome was honest with himself he could have disguised himself fairly easily. He wasn’t a well known face, if even a known face, the guards Rome had met once maybe not even in service presently. If they were, perhaps they weren’t even here at all. He didn’t know. So, really, he could have just bought himself a doublet and some breeches, perhaps slicked his hair and be done with it.

Panic was a delicate thing however. Just because he wasn’t a known face did not mean the guards, Orland’s guards, weren’t on the lookout for a blond boy of twenty in a chiton. His skin was pale enough his accent drew attention when people placed it. The tattoo on his wrist would draw attention as well. Especially to those who knew about it. So Rome had to think outside the box. Meaning he found himself tying a bonnet around his head as Comet finished rolling in charcoal. “I still don’t think you can get away with being a dog.”

“My ears are too short to be a cat’s,” Comet said. “They’ll think me a rat if nothing else.”

Rome hummed, knowing it was simply a matter of keeping out of sight for Comet. Keeping quiet too. “Make sure to actually squeak. Or bark. Or whatever noise you’re going to make. If they know you can talk they’ll know who you are.”

Comet sighed but didn’t argue. Instead he tugged on Rome’s skirts until they lay smoother under the stays. Having no chest to fill them, it was rather weird having to wear it at all, but it made him look the part. The skirt too. The sleeves covered his arms to the wrist and the bonnet hid his hair. “You remember to lighten your voice,” Comet said.

“If I have to talk,” Rome agreed. “Mother rarely did. I doubt it’s any different over here.”

Comet grumbled. But even he had to agree that Rome’s disguise was a good one. There were so many people bustling about there was no way they could keep track of everyone working in the castle right now. If he was a boy he might have been called upon, but women usually were told by the Lady of the house what to do. He shouldn’t be bothered so long as he looked like he knew where he was going.

Speaking of, “As soon as we find the ruby we’ll meet up with one another. I’ll look in the main rooms, you take the private quarters. If you find it but it’s too difficult to take alone, come get me. The last thing I need is for you to get hurt.”

“You too,” Comet said.

Rome dropped a kiss onto his fuzzy head. Then wiped his mouth when the charcoal stuck to it. Making a face, he shooed Comet away before, with one last tug on his stays, he grabbed his folded chiton and made for one of the doors.

He wasn’t stopped but Rome half hoped he would be. Perhaps if he had been he might have done what Comet had said and ran. But no one stopped him. No one even looked at him.

Finding an empty room, Rome stored his clothes and bag. He looked out for markers, the view out the window, even the number of doors from the main one he’d come in before he was sure he would find it again and started along the corridor.

He hadn’t hope that the blood ruby would be in a guest room. Or even a simple room in this wing. The blood ruby had been forged in war. It was a prize for a Lord who had done more for his king than others. A Lord who was favoured enough to host the high king himself when he came to visit. So no, Rome didn’t think it would be here. But that didn’t mean he was stupid enough not to look.

He did look too. Under papers, in jars, he even rifled through readily made beds just in case Lord Talos had dropped it chasing after a maid.

The reception room was empty. It wasn’t even guarded. Rome wondered why until he stepped inside. He had to force himself not to laugh, the throne that would have rivalled King Orland’s sat in the middle, its back almost hitting the roof. Despite the dark walls the sides of the throne room were covered in raised beds that stank of smoke. The oil inside was plentiful and with no other torch or candle to speak of Rome could imagine what the braziers were used for.

It was a remarkable room, the throne was comfy too, but try as he might Rome couldn’t find a blood ruby. He checked the other abandoned rooms before resigning himself to the kitchens. A stupid place to look perhaps, but for all Rome knew Lord Talos had sent his ruby to be cleaned by one of his servants. Rome’s mother used to be in charge of a lot of their master’s jewels. She would bring them down and let him try them on before polishing them. So Rome refused to rule it out.

Tugging his skirts down, Rome let the smell of freshly baked bread wash over him before stepping into the warzone that was the kitchens. If it was busy outside this room then inside Rome didn’t have a word to describe the flurry of people on top of each other as screams and shouts filled the air. Plates were being carried, others brought back. There was steam rising from every corner and every step Rome took seemed to have someone bumping into him. He still managed to search the place. It was hard, his hand being slapped, his body being pushed and everyone around him seeming to have something to say to him but Rome managed to look in the cupboards and the jars and everywhere else he could think a blood ruby would be kept.

Nothing.

Hopefully Comet had more luck.

Still, there were a few more places for him to check. One of whom- “Here.” His arms were grabbed, a pitcher shoved into one and a tray of fine meats on the other.

“I-”

“Hurry!” pushed him out the door, Rome sighing as he followed the flurry out of the door and into the room he’d been hoping to save for last.

The banquet hall was guarded. A knight in orange and black on one side and another in gold and red. Both didn’t spare a look at Rome as he slipped inside.

There was a system inside the chaos inside the banquet room. The servants seemed to enter one way and exit another after doing a circle around the tables. Rome quickly found somewhere to set his pitcher, the lords and ladies around him picking at the meats on his platter as he walked around. Rome did his best to keep his head down, his platter all too quickly finding itself empty under his arm as he made his way to the more shadowy areas of the hall. There was a servant's door he spied others flitting down. A place he should be flitting down too. But something, call it intuition, something had him looking up.

Rome rather wished he hadn’t.

Of course he was here. Of course he was. Where else would he be in this wide universe but exactly where Rome was. He thumbed the snake, the skin around it still normal no matter how hard he pushed against it.

Why would it not be? Rome didn’t seem to have been spotted. He needed to keep it that way too. The last thing he needed was Prince Pari-

“Noooo.”

He felt like screaming. Had Rome not been surrounded by guards and lords and whoever else was at that stupid party maybe he would have because it was just his luck that the exact thing he’d been looking for, that stupid blood ruby Lord Talos was known for keeping around his stupid neck, was no longer in possession of it. Instead, “It’s around his fucking neck!” he told Comet when they caught up with each other.

Comet’s fur stuck on end, “Are you sure it’s him?”

“I’d know those doe eyes anywhere.” It was Paris. It had to be. He was dressed in gold and red just like the last few times Rome had seen him. Unlike then, he was armed in this castle away from home. “I don’t think Orland’s here,” which was good in a way. “There weren’t many guards.” Not like there would be if there was a royal retinue. If Paris was here on his own then he was probably here on his father’s behalf. Merely a messenger or something of the like. Something that meant he didn’t bring his own personal army with him everywhere he went like his father did.

“That’s not the point!” Comet snapped. “The fact we’re still here at all-”

“I know,” he did. Rome knew the risk every second they stayed here. “But we made a promise. And I think I know how I can get the ruby now. It’ll be easier swiping it off Paris than Talos.”

Comet gave him a crazed look. But Rome was optimistic. He knew more about Paris than he did Talos. Maybe not all of it held true anymore but the point still stood that Paris wouldn’t gut him for so much as touching him. Or, in Rome’s case, knocking some expensive wine onto his person.

“Stay close,” he told Comet. “I’m going to get him drenched. He’ll have to change, which means he’ll go to his rooms. As soon as he takes the ruby off or you think you can grab it without him grabbing you do it and I’ll wait for you outside.”

Comet gave him another crazed look, and it did take some more convincing. But eventually the pair of them parted ways, Rome back to the kitchens for some wine and Comet to the royal chambers he’d scouted before they met up.

It took some time to get a pitcher. For some reason everyone wanted him to carry platters up. But Rome was nothing if not resourceful, tripping one of the boys who was going to bring a pitcher up and stealing it for himself. He scurried out, drifting into the throng before the boy could catch up. He kept his face down to the guards at the door, the warmth of the banquet washing over him once more as Rome slipped into the shadows.

The music was nothing he hadn’t heard before. The taverns Comet and Rome had stayed in these past few months all had bards coming in and out with frequency. It wasn’t anything like home, but the music in Adonia was nice all the same. They still told stories, they were still pleasant to the ears. But it was different. More bawdy than lyrical.

The tale of ‘The Maiden and the Dragon’ drifted to Rome’s ears as he scoured the room. Lords and ladies danced in the middle, their lines uniform tight and faces sombre as they remembered the steps between the chords. The tables lined the outside, the banners of the High King and lord Talos appearing over every chair depending on who was seated. The gold and orange seemed to blend together the more Rome looked, his eyes glazing more than once as he tried to force himself to look beyond the colours. He’d caught Paris so easily before it was rather annoying the man was remaining elusive now.

He spied Lord Talos at least. The man was sturdy, heavy with age and wine. His wife was by his side, a young thing not much older than Rome. The smile on her pale face was strained as she caught the eye of a boy to bring her wine. Talos’s children were easy to spot now Rome had seen the man’s face. All of them held his stern weathered features. The square jaw and dark hair. Two were older, huddled near the back. Their swords were strapped to their hips as they talked about something in the shadows. There was a daughter, her hair tied harshly back from her face, her eyes too whipping across the room.

Perhaps it was the eyes on the back of her head. Or, perhaps it was something else as she caught Rome’s gaze, her eyes hardening.

Definitely something else he decided when, as he turned, his pitcher hit the man approaching him.

Well.

That was easy.

Paris, while he wasn’t drenched, did have some wine starting to stain his doublet. It was hard to tell what with the deep red he was favouring tonight but if Rome squinted he could see the colour change starting to set in. “I-”

“My fault,” Paris waved off before Rome could get a word out. “I knew I was inviting trouble by coming to Owltree in the first place. If a bit of spilled wine is all that I’ll take away from here then so be it.” His voice was deeper than Rome remembered it. His accent thicker too. Gone were the days he’d adopt an Othranian lilt so he wouldn’t be teased. He was broader, his shoulders finally filling in the clothes his father had made larger than they should be for him. Taller too, Rome having to look up to catch the one thing that had remained since childhood: those big brown eyes of his. Maybe it wasn’t the only thing that had stayed the same. His hair was still brown for one thing, his smile crooked as well as he sent one Rome’s way, his goblet held up between them. “Is there any left?”

Rome’s hands shook slightly as he filled it up. He cleared his throat, doing his best to make his voice high as he asked, “Should you not change my Lord? It will stain.”

“Then it will stain. Lord Talos has prepared a feast far too entertaining for me to leave for more than a second.” Damn him. He peered close at Rome, his head tilting enough that Rome felt for the snake on his arm. “Your accent. You are Othranian?”

“Er…”

A throat cleared from Rome’s left, the girl, Lord Talos’s daughter he’d spied before, closing the space between them. “Prince Paris,” she greeted with a curtsey eyes snapping to the spot on Paris’s doublet. She cut a look harshly at Rome before smiling balefully at Paris. “My apologies, it appears one of our servers has gotten you all wet. My father will have her dealt with.”

“It’s no trouble,” Paris said.

Talos’s daughter disagreed. “A new doublet will be brought to you tomorrow to make up for this one,” she said.

Paris shook his head, “Peace Lady Kendra, it was my fault. Your maid was merely trying to do her job when I bumped into her. If anyone should be punished it should be me.” And, well, all of them knew they couldn’t do that. Rome eyed what was left in his pitcher.

It wasn’t enough for another ‘accidental’ knock. Rome would have to pour it over Paris’s head and run if he wanted to try again which… hmmm…

The pitcher was taken out of his hands before he could go through with it, Paris handing it off to another servant. “As I was saying to your Lady,” brought Rome back into the conversation, “It was very generous of your Lord to give me his precious ruby. He won it in the siege of Althos did he not?”

Althos? Rome eyed the blood ruby that was much closer than it had been before.

“Before the great peace,” Lady Kendra agreed. “Your father agreed to let him keep it for his deeds.”

“And now my father will get to see it once more.” Paris held the ruby around his neck, the candlelight seeming caught inside of it. “As will an othranian. Have you been to Althos…?”

Rome ignored the probing, shaking his head instead. He’d heard of Althos. He’d heard of a lot of places in his home country. He had yet to see them. Still, that a treasure from Althos was in an Adonian’s hand didn’t sit right with him.

“It’s a wonderful place,” Paris told both of them, remarking on the craftsmanship of the gold the ruby lay in.

Rome needed more wine. Or maybe a better plan. Either way he curtsied and started in the direction of the departing servants.

Rome would like to say he got far. Really he only made it to near Lord Talos’s chair before he was stopped with a hand on his arm. Paris tugged him around, his voice low as he said, “Wait,” And Rome couldn’t really deny a request from a Prince. Not here anyway. “I’m sorry. It was insensitive to bring up your homeland. No doubt you are here to make a new life for yourself if you left it behind. I merely didn’t think Lord Talos knew of my fondness for Othra.”

Fondness? “He wishes to make your stay pleasant, my Prince,” was a good reply? Rome said it anyway, it wasn’t like he could take it back.

“He has achieved it,” Paris smiled and oh.

Oh.

Oh ew. But, Rome supposed, this was as good a way as any to get Paris alone… he tried to remember how his mother behaved at these kinds of parties.

Plastering on his own smile Rome pitched his voice high again as he said, “If there is any way I could be of more assistance to you my Prince you need only say so.”

Paris must have been waiting for that invitation since the moment he came over since he was more than ready with a plan. “Make your excuses to the kitchen, I will do the same here. I’ll have Fane take you to my rooms. I have something I believe someone of your origin will enjoy.”

Rome bet. He curtsied anyway, “I’ll make haste.”

Fane appeared as soon as Rome made his way back to the main corridors. He was an older guard, his face kind of familiar. He didn’t recognise Rome however, instead leading him quickly to the rooms Comet was hiding inside.

Rome didn’t know where. He would have liked to since this ‘something Rome will enjoy’ could either mean Comet was going to see something slightly embarrassing or Comet was going to see something extremely embarrassing. Both options Rome wanted to kick the little otter out for. He could grab a ruby on his own. Now he could anyway.

Rome got as far as walking to the wardrobe before the door opened, Paris hurrying in. He opened the top of his doublet as soon as the door shut. His sword was put to the side afterwards, Paris indicating the chaise someone had dragged inside his rooms. Rome sat, then almost jumped when a furry hand grabbed his ankle.

Great.

Actually, maybe this was great. Good hiding place Comet.

Divested of his sword and another few buttons Paris grabbed something out of his trunk before sitting next to Rome. Their knees knocked together, Paris unlatching a box whose opening made him jump. He knew before looking that whatever Paris had was powerful. The air was alive with energy, the hairs on Rome’s arms standing on end. He could feel the snake coiled around his wrist flickering to life, Paris blinking a few times before shaking his head. He held the box between them, Rome glancing down to see a bracelet inside. It was gold, a delicate band with runes inscribed along its edge. Despite the runes the bracelet was othranian. No Adonian could make something so fine.

“Beautiful isn’t it?”

Horrible was what it was. “What is it?”

Paris lifted it out as he would any other trinket, his fingers clumsy as he turned it over. “I’m not sure. My father made me fetch it from the village beyond Owltree. It’s why I’m here to begin with. The ride back was too far and Lord Talos loves to host us. I had a feeling this was othranian. Was I right?”

He was and he knew it. “It looks like magic.”

“I’m sure it has magical properties,” Paris agreed. “But what those are I’m not sure. Nor will I get a chance to ask. No doubt the king will want to examine it as soon as he gets it.” He held it out between them. Rome had to sit on his hands to stop himself from pushing it away. Touching that would definitely get him caught. Even being near it was tempting fate a bit too much. Paris gave up after a while, holding it himself as he asked, “I don't suppose you can read the inscription?

He leaned back when the bracelet came near, “It’s not othranian,” Rome wheezed out, Comet touched his ankle again. Rome shook him off gently. He was fine. He just had to not touch that thing.

Paris looked at it again, his eyes lighting up. “I knew it,” he said, his hands turning it over again like that would help him read it.

Rome eyed Paris’s neck. The clasp for the ruby was a thick gold. It wouldn’t snap if Rome tugged at it like he’d hoped. Likely he’d end up choking Paris which… wasn’t the worst thing. But for all Rome wanted to stay away from Paris he didn’t want the entirety of Adonia calling him a murderer. He’d be even more wanted than he already was if that happened.

Cursing every god he could think of Rome looked for any other idea, inspiration, even a distraction so Comet could grab it off Paris’s neck himself and came up empty.

Well, not empty.

Releasing one of his hands, Rome forced his fingers to stop shaking as he lay them on Paris’s leg. Those big brown eyes snapped to Rome’s own, Rome pasting his winning smile back on his face as he asked, “Did you really invite me here to look at a bracelet?” He raised his hand a little higher on Paris’s leg, fingers drifting to his inner thigh.

“No?”

“Was that a question?”

Paris cleared his throat, his head shaking before he set the bracelet back in its box. “No,” he said, voice a little surer now. “I merely-”

Huffing, Rome swung his leg over and kissed him. It wasn’t the weirdest kiss he’d ever shared, that was reserved for Atlanta back home. But it wasn’t the best. Paris was barely breathing for one. For another, as soon as Rome had his hands on that golden clasp he found himself on his back, the breath shooting out of him as Paris climbed on top.

Attention was moved to Rome’s neck, the bonnet being pushed as much to the side as it could without choking him. Rome tried to keep his head as central as he could, the clasp having hidden itself back into Paris’s doublet. He ran his hands across Paris’s neck as teeth bit into Rome’s own. The chain caught on his fingers when he reached the back, Rome pulling it up as much as he could without Paris feeling it as he filtered it through his fingers.

A hand grabbed Rome’s thigh, the dress bunched and released as Paris searched for the edge. Rome hurried his fingers, lips attaching back to his own leaving him to go by feel alone. “Say my name,” was murmured against his lips.

What? “My Prince?” Really?

“Paris,” he corrected.

Hah! He found the clasp. “Paris,” Rome said, ignoring the breathy sigh as he worked his nails into the gold.

“I love your accent,” Paris moved down again, the hand on Rome’s thigh finally making its way under his dress. Rome didn’t care, the chain opening up. Wrapping his legs around Paris’s waist he turned them over, the floor knocking the wind out of them both but mainly Paris. Rome quickly unwrapped the ruby, sliding it under the chaise. A furry hand took it as more human ones grabbed his waist. “Are you alright?”

“Fine,” Rome sat himself up. He spied Comet scurrying to the door, squeezing himself behind the back of a side table. The hands moved up, tugging Rome until he was bent over, his lips seconds from Paris’s own. “Did you hear that?”

The pressure was gone. “What?”

Rome cocked his head, “That.” He sat up slightly, “That,” he said more insistently.

Paris shook his head underneath him. “I don-”

“Stay here,” Rome stood, smoothing his dress down. “It’s probably just revellers. I’ll check.” He hurried to the door, angling his skirt so Comet could slip beneath it. Paris was still lying on the floor when Rome checked, the door opening as he sat up.

“Hurry back,” Paris said.

Rome hummed, Comet climbing up Rome’s leg.

The guards didn’t stop him from leaving. They didn’t even look at him, Rome making it around the corner before he stopped. His heart was beating in his throat as Comet slipped out. They walked to an alcove, Comet handing the ruby over. “Is that definitely it?”

Rome nodded. “The colour, the feel, it can’t be anything else. Paris also let slip some of its history. It’s definitely a blood ruby.” He hung it around Comet’s neck. “I need to grab my things. I’ll meet you outside the castle walls.”

“Can’t I just come with you?” And damn him for using his big eyes.

Rome struggled to hold his own against them. Eventually he would blame his own nerves for saying yes. Maybe it was stupid to take a chance with Paris and his guards so near. So they stayed together as Rome peered around the alcove, the two taking the stairs that led them to the lower rooms.

Rome found the room with a little difficulty. It turned out quite a few windows had the same view from them. It was hard to remember the exact view too, the sky having grown dark as the evening hours caught up with them. Hopefully they would be able to use the moon to guide most of their way back to the forest, the last thing they needed was to actually spend the night-

There was a squeak from outside.

A squeak Rome had heard very rarely in his life. Not since he was young. Young and, occasionally, when he stood on Comet’s tail. Pinning his chiton in place Rome stepped outside to find Comet struggling against the chain around his neck. It had been pulled tight, twisted once and tugged up until Comet was on his toes. Kendra held the other end, her eyes hard as she looked from Rome to Comet. “Thieves!” she shrieked.

Comet’s dark eyes locked onto Rome’s own. “Let him go-” there were footsteps hurrying down the hall. “Please, we’ll leave the ruby just-”

Her mouth opened and maybe Rome knew that she wouldn’t have let Comet go. She would have held on until Comet choked. She would have held him there as Rome was taken, maybe killed on sight by whatever she was about to say. She was Lord Talos’s daughter, why would she be no different to her father? So Rome shushed her.

The magic barely flared in his blood. This wasn’t even an effort for him. He just needed her to be quiet so she was quiet, her mouth disappearing until there was nothing but smooth skin. She could still make noise, but without the lips to open up and let it spill out it stayed trapped in her throat, her hands scrambling as she realised something was wrong.

There was a shout from somewhere in the castle, Rome’s arm burning as he dove for Comet, scooping him and the ruby up. “He’s here!” Paris yelled, the words barely distinguishable through the turns of the castle. Still, Rome heard them. He heard more guards take note, the footsteps doubling as Paris said, “He’s here! I saw him. Find him!”

Rome ran.

Out the doors to his right and down the courtyard. The guards here hadn’t heard the commands from above, Rome making the best of his head start. He ducked and wove and ran as fast as his legs could take him through the throng of the village beyond. He made it to the trees, unpinning his chiton and throwing it to the dirt before doubling back.

They spent the rest of the night hiding in a meat shed. Every bark of Talos’s dogs, shouts of his guards, laughter from the people of the streets kept him up.He checked his arm more often than he wanted to admit to Comet. The grin he forced on his face belying the beating of his heart as he waited for some slither of magic, some remnant of what he’d done, the enchantment even disappearing from Kendra, causing the flare of movement in the tattoo that bound him to Paris.

But they didn’t find them. The tattoo stayed a tattoo, and come morning the guards had retreated to the castle to start a proper search with proper resources.

His pin was gone when they reached the edge of the forest once more. It wasn’t a hardship. Not really. He’d worn his chiton with one shoulder before, his red cloak keeping the rest of him warm.

They took the long way to Locksbridge. Rome considered stealing a horse at one point to keep their scent off the ground. However neither Rome nor Comet knew how to ride a horse meaning they were stuck to walking.

They made it with a day to spare. Marion and Lya had made their base at a tavern in the heart of Locksbridge’s town. It was a nice, upscale place. A live in bard, real silver for their cutlery. It was somewhere Rome was tempted to book a room in for the night.

However, after the debacle at Owltree, maybe it was for the best that they stayed away from well known and frequented places for a while. Let the rich keep their rich haunts.

Speaking of, “In full,” Marion said, Lya handing over the rest of their payment. Marion herself hadn’t taken her eye off the ruby ever since they had shown it to her. She wandered off, Rome hearing plans muttered under her breath for how they were to get back to her sorcerer before the full moon.

Lya lingered, her eyes sweeping over them. “You kept your word,” she said.

Rome shrugged, “Needed the money.”

She hummed. “Travel safe,” were her parting words, wandering back to her Lady.

As for Rome, the first thing he did with a full coin purse once more was take a trip to the fish merchant’s. “You deserve it,” he told Comet, buying him the biggest fish he could.

His hand was stayed when he went for the coins. “A smaller one,” Comet asked for instead, his paw pointing to a small but hefty haddock. “We don’t know when our next job will be.”

Oh. “So we’re getting another job are we?”

Comet grumbled, his paws making motions to the fish instead of answering him. Not until he was back on Rome’s shoulder, Rome doing his best to ignore the chewing in his ear as a fish’s head was devoured. “You’re right. We can’t live off of nothing. But if we do this, we need to be more careful. You need to blend in Rome. Both of us do.” He gave a pointed look to Rome’s chiton.

“Fine.”

They went to the tailor's Rome walking away with a new tunic and breeches. His cloak he kept but his chiton was nothing better than another blanket now. The worst thing was the shoes. The breeches he could force himself to get used to, but the shoes? Bleh.

Still, Comet was right so as much as Rome hated it, he forced himself to lace up the cowhide boots he’d bought himself. “Where to?” he asked, shaking out his cloak. Pinning it across his throat he looked over Comet’s shoulder to the map they’d bought, the cities, towns and villages of Adonia laid out before them.

“I heard they were looking for someone to deliver medicine in Bassenmere.”

Bassenmere. Bassenmere was on the other side of the country. They could probably hide from Paris there for a while. “Alright.” To Bassenmere they go.

END

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