#ya she has floating arms so what

[klavery]

truth

#hollyposts #ya she has floating arms so what #eyestrain #eye strain #(<- the background)

[fanaticsnail]

Sapsorrow Chapter 7

Masterlist Here, Sapsorrow Masterlist Here

Word Count: 8,800+

The Storyteller - Sapsorrow"Whom so ever fits the ring becomes wed to the warlord who owns it"Themes: enemies to lovers, arranged marriage, forced proximity, lord and subordinate, one bed trope, apprehension, mutual pining, obligation, slow burn, eventual love, protective, "where is my wife" trope.

(Image Source)

Tag List: @maybe-a-bi-witch @fuzzyfestcat @sordidmusings @writingmysanity @gingernut1314 @since-im-already-here @feral-artistry @be-good-please @little-bunnybabe @sukilovesyou @buggyenjoyer @thesailus @under-kitty @acehyacinth @andriannag @one17 @canthebest1 @khaleesihavilliard @quirkyrascal @hungrhay @sentieence @lebanese-afg-ya @captaincupio @szired @sexc-snail @alphaash99 @mfreedomstuff @h0n3y-l3m0n05 @mrs-wolfwood

Notes: Thank you to @i-am-vita for her banner! Thank you for your patience, I had this chapter beta-read twice. Thank you to @since-im-already-here and @vespidphoenix for their kindness in volunteering to do that for me! Such love and appreciation for you both.

Song Suggestions: Casper's Lullaby,

Their Wedding Serendade: Turning Page - Sleeping At Last

“I will not marry him.” 

Her voice held such sorrow, but her cries fell on deaf ears as her governess began to tug her hair into place with the rough scrape of a bone comb. Thrown onto her hands, pale gloves thrust up to her elbows by the hands of her ladies maids; her shoulder straps readjusted to float down her forearms like beams of radiant moonlight. 

“He has heard your demands, and seen them done. You are his princess...”—her governess’ voice paused while she shook her head to rid her eyes of her own tears—“...and now you are his bride. You bound yourself to him the moment you placed that damned band over your unity finger.” The small quiver in her tone had the princess’ eyes spilling over with a fresh stream of hot tears. 

Immediately springing to her feet and snatching her hair out of the firm grip of her ladies maid, she flung herself against the corner of the room. Her face was littered with tears, her eyes swollen and lip bruised from the force of her teeth clamping on them. 

“My princess,” the governess spoke, her hands quivering as they reached out in an anxiety induced panic, “You have been training your whole life to marry royalty. This was a title you were born to bear. You are to be queen of your lands, ruler of your home country. With your union to the king-.”

“-I will not marry him!” She beat her gloved hands against the wall, her enclosed fists almost shattering her bones atop the cobblestone walls. Sobs rocked her shoulders, her wails echoing throughout the hallway and flooded the ceremony space with her grief. Attendees held a similar somber expression, along with royal subjects celebrating with glee at the prospect of a new queen. 

“My lady,” the governess’ voice shook as she stepped closer to the shaking princess and placed her hand over her shaking shoulder, “My lady, please.” 

The bloodshot eyes of the royal princess snapped up to her with a cold and frightening stare. 

“What would you have me do, my governess? Wed this man who is more than twice my age? Dine with this man, consummate a union with this man? A man who already rules over these lands as king? A man who i-is-...” 

Her eyes fluttered closed as a fresh surge of tears fell from her darkened orbs. 

“A man who is my father?” 

The princess rounded on her ladies in waiting, her eyes now incandescent with helpless rage. “What would you do?” she continued. “What would any of you do, were you in my place? The law of the land binds me to this ring. I have become plagued by an unnatural and grotesque curse-.”  Her voice halted in her throat, plagued by her own revelation. 

That is exactly what this was. This was a curse. 

A curse on her soul to bind her in matrimony to her own flesh and blood. Where other children dreamed of fairytale romance, being spirited away into the arms of a lover, she was bound by fate to this ring. 

The princess’s gaze landed on a pot of water hanging in the fireplace. As she walked in that direction, her eyes never leaving it, the water went from simmering to bubbling to boiling over. Hardening her resolve, she grasped the iron handle and removed it from its place above the fire. 

“My lady! What are you-,” the calls of her ladies in waiting were silenced by a single look from  the governess. 

The princess’ sobs began to crack and cackle into maniacal and sinister laughter. 

“I will curse you. I will curse all of you,” she booms, casting the glove from her left hand to reveal a violet ring encrusted with an array of several stones bound within a thick band. Nine stones of unique colors danced within the light, their forms melded into a large central stone in the middle. The green hue of moss overshadowed the radiance of the smaller stones, the thick band dwarfing her unity finger. 

“If you are thinking of casting it into the fire, my lady,” the governess stepped closer, her hands held with palms facing outwards in defense, “The damage is already done. You are bound to marry him, there is nothing you can do.” 

The princess flung the band from her finger and threw the object into the iron pot. 

“In that hopelessness, I shall thee bind,” she intones in a hundred voices, at once of the deepest bass and highest soprano. The attendees within her chambers stepped back, some thrust onto their knees under the powerful boom of her voice. 

“Whosoever shall find, claim or attune to these crafts, their souls shall be cursed under the plague of unity,” she continued, her hair shifting in colors and tones to several shades closer to death, “May their suffering feed my heart with gladness and life, as my suffering brings gladness onto thee.” 

“-My lady,” the governess spoke, her eyes widening in fear as she witnessed the princess wither beneath her curses, “My lady, please-.”

“-And as my yearning for a love true and just shall never be quenched,” the princess’ voice hitched, her own tone dominant within the vocal strands of external forces, “I will allow the wearer to place a plague of conditions on their heart the moment the craft is thrust upon them.” 

Her hair whipped in the unnatural wind, the ring now smelting down into a lava of molten gold. The gems began dancing within the pale light as smoke poured from them in hues darker than night.

“Should their conditions never be completed,” the princess continued, her heart swelling with vicious rage, “I will claim their souls and bind them to my own in eternal suffering a year from the day it begins.” She ripped a fistful of her vibrant hair, placing it within the concoction alongside her tears. 

The ladies in waiting, the maids, and the governess clutched their hearts and covered their screams with their hands as the clouds of smoke spread through the chambers. 

“My lady!” The governess shrieked, “Princess, please! You do not know what it is you are making. This unnatural phylactery has no place in the lands of the living. My princess-.”

“Your Queen,” her voice boomed, her pupil-less gaze snapping over to her governess. Her face contorted into an unnatural and cool gray tone, her vibrant hair lifeless in hue while whipping around her face within waves of spectral ocean. 

“My queen,” the governess repeated, bowing her head to the royal witch. Her hue returned to her, the gold simmering down as she poured the liquid onto the coals below the surface. An unnatural steam rose within the flames, the vapors smelling of metallic blood mixed with the sweetness of honey. 

“I-I just-...” the princess wailed in defeat, her shoulders slouched, “-I just wanted to find love, governess. I wanted so desperately to find peace with a spouse of my own choosing. I wanted a partner to court me; to woo me, to cherish me. I never wanted-.”

“Sapsorrow, your king awaits you,” A voice called from behind the door, interrupting the unnatural scene within. As the ladies glanced nervously between the princess and  the door, the final words of the princess’ confession bound all but one stone within nine rings, leaving the central moss agate laying dormant, as if awaiting a final command. 

“I just wanted a love that was truly mine.”

- 

The echo of those final words plagued your mind, dancing as the concept of time began to mould from the past and spring you into your future. The repetition of ‘truly mine’ rotated and stirred within your slumber, breaking the peace you had once found for yourself beneath your bedsheets. You catapulted from your huddled pile of blankets into an upright position; your damp hair clung to your brow and sweat stuck your nightdress to your body. Your plagued slumber left you with more questions than answers. 

Had the spectre wanted you to see that image? Did she have control over your mind, did your attunement to the moss agate ring bind to you? Drawing your right hand up to your face, you rotated your thumb and index finger over your temples to rid yourself of the nightmare that seemed to persist each time you lay down to slumber. 

A light rap at your door had you jolting from your thoughts, snapping your head towards the wall and hastily making your way over to the interruption. 

“Governess!” A hushed feminine whisper called to you, “Governess, can I come in?” Perona continued her polite rapping, the drum of her knuckles gathering up rapidity against the wood in an anxious thump. You sighed, shaking your head and allowing a small smile to dance over your features. 

Collecting the iron handle beneath your hands, you open the door and immediately become overwhelmed by the embrace of your pink-haired pupil. She squealed into your ear, bouncing happily on the balls of her feet as she attempted to twirl you. 

“You are getting married to Mihawk today!” Her voice squeaked with high-pitched enthusiasm, “Have you tried on your dresses? Have you written your vows? Did you read his letter yet? Have you thought about your perfume? How are you doing your hair? Are you doing it in three different styles for the three different outfits?” 

The sheer rapidity of her questions had you unable to find an anchor to hold them. You fluttered your eyelashes shut, shaking your head hastily and attempting to wrap your mind around her flurry of words.

“Of course you haven’t read his letter yet, I still have it! I am scatterbrained today, my lady. I can barely contain all of the excitement!” She continued, breaking away her contact from you and thrusting a wax-sealed envelope into your hands. 

“Perona-?” You began, your voice halting as she danced past you into your chambers and staring at the two mannequins in the corner of your bedroom beside your changing shield. Her voice caught in her throat, all air relinquished from ballooning her lungs. You turned to face her, holding the envelope close to your chest as a warmer smile drew itself to your features. 

“O-Oh-... Oh m-my-...” Perona’s words found no harbour against her lips, all thoughts became silenced within her mind as she hovered over to the dresses. You allowed a warm giggle to rise within your throat at her fawning over the objects. 

“Do you like them?” You asked her, cocking your head over to the right hand side to find a better angle to read her face. 

“They are beautiful, my lady,” she whispered, reaching her hand towards the sleeve of Sir Crocodile’s creation and halting before her digits found purchase, “Can I touch them-?”

“-Don’t you dare, Perona,” A gruff, masculine voice called from the corner of the room. You snapped your face over to the doorway, noticing Zoro donned in lengthy tan sleeping trousers and a dark yukata hanging limply at the front. 

“Zoro!” You gasped, drawing your chemise closer to contain your form from his eyes, “It is one thing having Perona in my personal suite, but another to have a young gentleman while I’m clad in my nightdress.” Zoro shook his head, his wolfy grin taunting you beneath his down tilted head. 

“Would you change your tune if I said I have wine?” Zoro’s brow quirked up, revealing a green bottle from behind his back with a small, nonchalant shrug. You huffed out a laugh, shaking your head and removing your arms from concealing your chemise from vision. 

“Have you got a saber tucked somewhere on your person, Zoro?” You quirked your own brow up in question. Zoro laughed, turning away from his lean to reveal three swords clinging limply against his hip. 

“You can take your pick, my lady,” he shrugged, his hand lying on the hilt of his favoured blade. You opened your arms to him, gesturing for him to enter your suite with an elaborate flurry of motions. 

“Then by all means, my green-haired pupil,” you mixed your tone somewhere balanced between absolute sarcasm and unwithheld appreciation, “Welcome to my humble abode. Shall we begin by getting ourselves ready for the ceremony, or having a drink before breakfast?” 

Zoro answered wordlessly with a small smirk. Withdrawing the white blade from within its scabbard to claim the cork from the top of the wine bottle, and unlatching the wax by severing the rim with his sword. He reached towards your small dining table, upturning three of the four teacups from their place atop their saucers and pouring the amber liquid to the brim. 

“You gonna open your letter?” he asked, nodding to the envelope clutched within your hands and reminding you of its presence, “We’ll do a small cheers and give you a bit of privacy to read it.”

“I hope you are both planning on giving Mihawk a similar wake-up call,” you laughed, reaching forward and claiming a teacup from Zoro’s outstretched grasp. Zoro chuckled, shaking his head as he raised his own teacup to clash the rim with your own.

“Oh, he’s been up for hours,” Zoro confessed, Perona giggling as he handed her her own teacup, “He’s been brooding in the ceremony space: hovering over the decor and pacing, last time I checked.” Perona struck the corner of her teacup against Zoro’s before meeting the edge with your own. Your brows furrowed, glancing from the corner of your eye outside your bedroom window to seek out the elevation of the sun. 

“How many hours remain between now and the ceremony?” you asked Perona with a partial anxious quiver depicted within. Perona stepped forward, brushing her shoulder against yours in a small gesture of comfort. 

“You’ve got two hours, my lady,” she whispered, prompting your heart to nearly stop beating and your breath to halt in your lungs, “That’s why I thought to wake you-.”

“-And why I thought to bring you booze,” Zoro added, throwing back his teacup and downing the contents in one heaping gulp, “Just to take the edge off.” Your hands stuttered, taking a small sip of the wine within your cup before setting it back down. 

“I thank you both for your thoughtfulness, my dears,” you gave them a small downturned smile, your brows triangulating in the center of your forehead, “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time getting to know you as my pupils-.” 

“You’re going to be our lady now, my lady,” Perona added to your thoughts, “No longer just our governess, but something akin to an adoptive mother beside Mihawk as our apprehensive father.” Your breath caught in your throat, hitching at the thought of becoming unified not only to a spouse today, but upholding a promise to chaperone the two wards at a place of higher standing.

“Don’t think too hard about it, my lady,” Zoro reassured, his brow furrowing down. Placing his mug down on the table, he reached his hands up to clasp your shoulders beneath his heavy-handed grip, “You’ve already got so much goin’ on in your head, just know-,'' his breath caught in his throat as you looked up at him through your eyelashes. He was bewitched by the charm of your melancholy and apprehensive expression, your doubts begin to spiral behind your eyes. 

‘You are not good enough for this role. This is not your place. This is not a role you were born to play. This was a role that always belonged to someone of higher standing; someone of higher class-.’

“-Know we would be proud to have you as our lady, not just a governess hired to serve a role,” Zoro continued, collecting your chin beneath his fingertips to hold your gaze with his own. Perona stepped her body closer to you, weaving her arms around your waist and hastily drawing her cheek to press against your back. 

“I can hear her too, my lady,” Perona whispered into your back, prompting you to break your eyes away from Zoros to glance over your shoulder. Perona’s large, dark eyes looked up at you with sorrow and understanding held within her orbs, promises of empathy propelling her utterances, “And any words she brings onto you harbouring doubt, I will smother you in nothing but kindness and love to reassure you.”

Heart swelling at her utterances, your eyes began to pool over with gladness. The mist of your eyes clouded your vision as Perona continued to sing her praises into you. 

“I love you, my lady,” Perona hushed, her eyes beginning to dance with her own emotion. Her lip quivered, looking up into your eyes with true adoration and love at you, “We both do, don’t we Zoro?” At the sound of his name, Zoro’s breath caught itself within his mouth for the second time. 

You trailed your eyes back over to his, breaking away from your contact with Perona, and meeting his hazelnut orbs with your own once more. No whisper of a word, nor utterance fled his lips; all emotion depicted in the slight shudder of his eye and quirk up of his lips. Sighing out, you drew your arms around Zoro’s waist, turning your head to feel his heartbeat below his warm chest. Perona continued to nuzzle against your back as Zoro’s hands on your shoulders snaked over your back and pulled you both closer to him. 

“I am so glad to have met you both, dears,” you whispered, scrunching your eyes shut and deeply inhaling your insecurities, exhaling your worries into the air as they held you firmly. 

“Zoro, you need a bath. You stink, and I can smell you from here,” Perona called over your shoulder, “I pity your proximity, my lady. He’s probably spilling that musky smell onto you, meaning we’ll have to bath you too- My lady! We’re running out of time!” Perona immediately broke away from the embrace, tugging at your hips to break from Zoro’s grip and leading you to the changing shield.

“You: bath,” Perona ordered, pointing her finger at Zoro, “And you,” she snapped her eyes over to you, “Moon-dress first, right?” You sighed, nodding your dismissal of Zoro with a light smile. Zoro grunted a cough, adjusting his waistband around his yukata, and nodded in return before exiting your chambers. He halted at the table, collecting the half-drunk wine bottle by the neck, before heading through the door and latching it again with a small click.

“My lady, the moon first?” Perona asked once more, taking your attention from the door to gaze into her eyes. You nodded in confirmation, prompting her to shove you behind your changing screen to rid your body of its night chemise. You folded the chemise over the door of the screen, as the variety of items presented themselves to you in order from lesser to grander. 

“Perona, sweetheart,” you called to her, your voice holding an anxious laugh, “There is far too much material here for me to continue thrusting this onto my body.” Perona laughed in response, walking over to the screen and peeking over the top of the wooden frame. She inhaled deeply, a small squeak propelling her inhale. Her brows rose in excitement, her eyes upturning in glee at the first part of the assembly of the moon dress. 

The bodice of the dress clung to your breasts, an ovular shape wisping in layers of tulle and smoothed satin to draw over the midpoint of your shoulders. Trailing down from its seamless layers, your back was joined with an elaborate assortment of ridges and latches. Upon investigating it initially, you were unsure of why such items were joined in bands of silver, onyx and gold to its back until it hit you.

This was truly the moon. 

The silvery hue of the beams, the mystery of fluttered blues and pale whites cascading from end to end; all bound by circular divots of darkened onyx and quartz to resemble faces and craters atop the lunar surface. The many layers of skirts laid a train ending in the same ovular shape as the neckline atop your chest. 

“O-Oh, my g-goodness,” Perona’s voice managed to stutter out, her soul mirrored within her expression of youthful adoration and excitement, “You look so beautiful, my lady. As luminescent and radiant as the moon in peak of nightful.” You sighed with your smile, brows upturning and weight falling away from your shoulders. 

You gave Perona a small twirl, the material pooling and drifting as effortlessly as warm mercury over cool stone. She gave you a small applause and a small jittery cry of joy before ushering you over to sit at your vanity. Glancing up at your features, the illumination of the dress mixed perfectly with the tone of your skin and hair.The task had been executed flawlessly. 

“Now then, my lady,” she said, shaking her head and clapping her hands, “I am going to leave you to get yourself primed, painted and dressed with the jewellery-,” Her eyes widened, “-Jewellery, my lady! I have to get the jewellery!” She hastily turned back around and fled to the door, flinging it wide and immediately cowering away from a large, balled fist descending to where wood once was. 

You recognised the scent first, the smell of cigar tobacco and ashen smoke wafting into your chambers mixing with the expensive and earthy cologne of the hulking and boorish-.

“-Sir Crocodile,” you uttered as you began to rise from your vanity. Turning to face him, the intimidating aura of the hulking man hung behind the threshold of your door. 

“My lady,” he nodded his head in response, his head ducking below the frame to meet the purple hue of his eyes with your own, “May I enter your space?” Perona sucked in a breath, darting her eyes between the man at the door and you in your bridal dress in a small panic. Without turning his head, Sir Crocodile’s eyes met with Perona’s through the corner of his narrowed gaze.

“I harbour no ill intent with your mistress, little mouse,” Perona pouted at his words, prompting the twitch of his smirk to pull at the corner of his lips. He cleared his voice, removing the cigar from his lips and extinguishing the flame atop the stone wall beside the door frame; an action prompting your lips to curl in a small snarl. 

“As I were the means to provide you with such a dress,” his sinister smirk drew up to his cheeks, the huff of cigar smoke pooling from his lips, “I desired to be the first to see you in your radiancy. How are you enjoying your daw' alqamar-,” he shook his head in reprimand for his verbal linguistic slip, “-Your moonlight, my lady?” 

Several thoughts lingered in your mind: a reprimand for using your wall to douse the burnt end of his cigar, asking him to leave your space to continue dressing yourself for your wedding, thanking him for the skill that designed and crafted the garment over your body. Elevating to your feet and walking over to the door frame with precision and grace, you halted your movement and dipped into a low stooped curtsey.

“Sir Crocodile,” you spoke in a low and stern tone, “I would offer my praises and my gratitude to you presently,” your tone twitched in subtle agitation as you rose to your feet, “But I am a bride, and my groom is awaiting me.” Crocodile hummed through his nose, his smirk continuing to hold against his lips as he stared down at you. He took a moment to stare at your bodice, his brow twitching as he cocked his head.

After taking a moment's pause, his eyes softened to a point almost unavailable to an untrained eye. 

“You look beautiful, my lady,” he offered in a hushed whisper, “That dress was made for you by my means,” he stooped lower, remaining outside the threshold but hovering closer to you in proximity, “And you wear it as it you were born to don such a garment.”

At those final words, both Perona and Sir Crocodile left you in your solace to prepare yourself for your wedding ceremony. As you applied the final stroke of paint to dance atop your lips, from the corner of your eye; you spotted the parchment paper sealed with a wax stamp not dissimilar to the letter of summons from Mihawk those months ago. 

Placing down your lip-paint brush, you reached for the letter and unfolded the crease and snapping the small seal holding it closed. Immediately, your eyes widened at its contents:

“My Beloved Wife,

In light of harbouring no such secrets between us; I have written the vows I desired to forge with you, and present them to you before we meet for the first time as husband and wife.” 

You halted your reading, the swell of emotion elevating your heart to a risen drumbeat of both adoration and anticipation. Quickly reading through the customs he wished to claim over the ceremony, your smile broke your sorrow as you truly witnessed how much thought he placed into each declaration and decree. So many elements, so many customs you were learning held meaning for your husband to be; you found yourself awestruck.

“I have no such means for communication with you before we meet to truly know if you agree with the terms. 

But know this, 

I appreciated you for your skill as a governess to our wards, I found myself smiling at your playfulness as my Lost-Lady, and I am looking forward to the future that we will find ourselves forging; unified as one. 

My darling, I do

I will.

And I will always love you. 

Dracule Mihawk ~ Your Devoted Husband.”

A small drop soaked the page, swelling the signature lovingly scrolled ink into the bottom of the page, smudging its words. Shocked, you rose your hand to your cheek to find a damp trail of tears falling against your cheeks; completely unaware of when you had begun to cry. A small laugh flung from your lips, prompting you to sniff and shake your head before setting to the task of reapplying your paints and perfumes to the highest quality. 

The final step was placing the cascading veil atop your hair and covering your eyes, sheer in material appearing to illuminate pale blue under the lights. In your hand, you clutched your bouquet of lilies, roses, and baubles of babies’ breath. Nestled into the arrangement peered throughout were small wisps of blue forget-me-nots, a small nod to your prior filterless encounter with your Farm-Hand and you as his Lost-Lady. 

The halls were littered with similar flowers, illuminating the area with bulbs of roses, flurries of jasmines and hiding within the scattered arrangements: the same innocent and small forget-me-nots in clusters joined with twine. Although walking alone, you felt the presence of all guests loitering within the ceremonial space of Castle Kuraigana to propel you. 

Murmurs of hushed voices, small conversations resonated within the halls and beyond had your heart beating with irregular jumps in anticipation for what awaits you behind the large, closed doors. You sucked in a breath, the trail of your moonlight dress dancing along the lengthy hallway for each movement of your feet. 

‘You are truly going through with this, are you? Joining yourself to a role that you have no place in unifying with-.’

“-Sapsorrow,” your hushed voice rang into the air, the atmosphere cooling at the immediate utterance of her name. Whispers and hushed hums alerted you of her presence standing beside you in her spectral regality. 

“You dare speak my name, Governess?” the voice to your side answered you, your spine and follicles standing in tingles at her tone. You rolled your neck on your shoulders, twitching your hands by your side to rid it of your anxiety as you turned to face the spirit haunting you.

Her hollowed eyes framing her pupil-less gaze found your face, her sinister smile resting comfortably against her lips. Hair swiping in a wind not present as she moved, her dress pooling at her feet like a flag within water. She was a horror to behold, but there was a deep melancholy reflected in her eyes. 

“Queen Sapsorrow,” you stooped low, bowing yourself almost to the floor with your humility, “I express my gratitude to you.” You heard her spectral voice hitch in her unnatural throat, her animosity fleeing from her in the wake of curiosity. Before she opened her mouth to speak her taunts to you, you spoke once more as you rose to your feet. 

“I have no parents; no father, nor mother,” you confessed to her, your eyes depicting your honesty through each word spoken, “No family to call my own, until this very moment.” You stepped closer to her, reaching out your hand to bare your right palm to her. 

“I was alone in this world, drifting from place to place and finding purpose as a governess - an excellent governess,” you corrected yourself with a smile. Her uneasy and cautious expression unwavering for each parting moment you held her hostage with your words. 

“You are the reason I am here, and I will forever be grateful to the future you had bound to me,” She clicked her tongue at you, scrunching her nose to reveal her snarl at you. You hardened your resolve and continued, “Two wards: a man akin to a roguish son, alongside a beautiful and delightful daughter. In this unity: I have found a love that is truly mine,” you concluded, a warmer smile drawing up to reveal your teeth to her in a kind smile. 

Sapsorrow’s eyes widened, her unbeaten heart fluttering and reigniting within her chest at hearing her own words reflected from the lips of another.

“Would you care to join me as I take the walk?” you offered her, stepping closer to her and continuing to hold your hand elevated to the front of you.

“Excuse me?” Her spectral voice called, her tone somewhere between offended and bewildered at such an offering. 

“Would you care to join me as I take the walk, Sapsorrow?” you again offered, gesturing to her spectral hand with your forehead, “From what I know of your history in the tale once told to me, you deserve your own happy ending. Walk with me, and I will be glad to share mine.” 

“You think my curse ends with just you?” Her form faded from vision, her voice reverberating in the hall outside of the ceremony with you, “Oh, I have eight more curses to awaken, you arrogant woman-.” Her voice held source from all corners of the hallway, “-Nine if you account for the clause that stupid tall blonde placed upon the band lying around that inked doctor’s neck!” 

Her sinister cackle broke her sentence, unnerving you more than the words she was speaking,“I shall start with those who aided you in completing your conditions; the easiest of the three to ensnare will be the Crocodile, for I know where his ring lay-.” 

Your breath hitched at her confession, her own words halting as she attempted to stuff them back into her undead lips. A rough spectral sigh drifted within the walls, her face once again revealed to your eyes. She looked softer, almost human now. Her hair was less wild, her face less horrifying, and her eyes soft and baring pupils within them behind her thick and lengthy eyelashes. The was truly beautiful, her sorrow depicted alongside an unfamiliar warmth in her undeath. 

“I will allow your happiness to lie only with you, Lady of Kuraigana. You deserve peace today,” she confessed, a warm smile rising to her lips as she leant forward to take your hand, “Enjoy the time you have with your love.” She stepped forward, pressing her left hand against your offered right, a tingle dancing against your skin at the contact. 

“This is where I leave you,” she confessed, floating backwards slowly towards the high ceilings, “But I will be watching your future closely.”

“Thank you, Sapsorrow,” you offered your gratuity by slinking down to another low bow. Halting her final exit by the upper window, she turned once more and glanced at the corner of her eye at you and smirked through the left hand corner of her lips. 

“The Sun-Dress is my favourite, my lady,” her small laugh propelled one of your own to dance alongside hers, “If I had a heart, I would even show mercy on Red-Hair for such a fine craft. But alas,” her beauty once again faded into the horrifying spectre you had initially seen her as, “I do not.”

Her spectral body disappeared from the window, a swell in orchestral melody commencing as soon as she departed from the space. You were once again drawn to this single moment, your heart beating now in anxiety of what your future held for you. 

You were to become Lady of Kuraigana, bound to one of the former warlords of the seas. The World’s Greatest Swordsman as your beau, the Lord of this land you were now to call home. As you began to step towards the threshold of the door, the wooden barriers were pulled back by members of staff to reveal the attendees within. At the end of the ornately decorated row, your gaze immediately found linked with the honeyed hue of your beloved. 

Flowers lined the pews within the large room, candles alight with warm flames to illuminate the shadowy row. All eyes snapped to you, gasps fleeing from their lips as they took in your incredible beauty dressed in an arrangement as radiant as the moon. You could audibly hear the smirk from the hulking Sir Crocodile, as praises of your dress were flung into the air with their comments and sighs. 

The music swelled, a small smile drawing up to your face as you propelled yourself forward while clutching your bouquet close to your naval. You thanked your veil from shielding your nerves from prying eyes, a small blush dusting your cheeks as you shamelessly raked your eyes over the body of your intended.

His shirt was dipped into a deep ‘V’, tasteful frills decorating the hemline against his collarbone and neck. His overcoat lay open black in colour with the softest shade of mauve within the inner shield. Dark, leather pants were clasped by a golden buckle decorating his waist, the outer frame of his thighs supporting embellished embroidery in the similar mauve decorating his overcoat. Atop his head, his signature hat with his puffed, white feather dancing behind the broad brim and shielding his curled locks beneath it. 

In all your time spent with Dracule Mihawk, you could safely assume you had a grasp on how to read the subtle changes in his stoic face. His lips were barely parted, his eyes only slightly widened and his face only a single shade away from his regular hue with the dusting of the palest pink. Once again, the thought hit you like a puff of cautious wind: you were to wed Lord Dracule Mihawk, become his wife and he your husband. 

If his words to you were left unread and unwritten, you would have no doubt plaguing your mind at this very moment of one thing. Lord Dracule Mihawk was hopelessly, truly and deeply in love with you. 

As you approached the final steps towards him, you slowly turned to view Perona standing to the side of the aisle, noticing Zoro standing beside your intended: both holding similar expressions mirroring your own. You had all been awaiting this moment with the greatest anticipation: from the moment your accidental hands toyed with the moss agate ring, to the knowledge the curse bound you now by fate. 

Mihawk opened his mouth, watching as you slowly placed your bouquet he had affectionately crafted for you within Perona’s outstretched and awaiting hands. The officiant gave you a soft smile, turning to address the large number of attendees scattered amongst the pews in their most formal attire. 

“Valued and adored guests here gathered,” she began, her arms gesturing outwards in a warm embellished wave, “On behalf of the Lord and Lady to be of Kuraigana, I would bid thee welcome to witness the unification of two souls in matrimony.” Mihawk had yet to tear his eyes off you, paying attention to all words spoken by the woman in front of you, but hypnotised by your presence at his side. 

“There are a few elements to witness performed here. We are to leave no stone unturned nor phrase unuttered in their bonds forming,” she continued, turning away and gathering a larger twin candles within her hands and holding them to the side of her body, “Lord Dracule, you may reveal your wife from beneath her shroud, so we may witness her declarations departing from her lips.” 

Mihawk rose his hands to your collar bones, his fingertips pinching the sheer material within his thumb, index and tall finger and hastily withdrawing the shield from your face. He allowed himself the luxury of the backs of his hands brushing with your cheeks as he flung the sheer fabric over your hair, a shaken breath escaping your lips at his tender touch. 

As your eyes met without filter between you, his expression finally revealed more to you than a subtle tick and twitch. The air was sucked from his lungs, his eyes softening as he found his body drawing closer to you almost against his will. You smiled up at him, adoring this new and unrefined experience of adoration dancing over his face. 

“I present you with two candles,” the attendee informed you, placing them out in a gesture for you to take them from her hands, “I shall alight the wick of Lord Dracule's, and he will speak his actions and their meaning aloud.” She lit his wick, gesturing for you to turn to face one another with your candles extended in the middle of your bodies.

“With this flame,” Mihawk uttered in full clarity, “I vow to light your way through all darkness that plagues you.” He extended the flamed tip to ignite your candle in front of you. 

“Under its light,” you uttered with a small bow to him, “I trust you to guide me.” A small sniff from Perona, attempting as she would to halt her emotions from expressing themselves, had a similar experience rising in Zoro behind Mihawk. The two wards witnessing their Lord and Lady now unifying themselves in matrimony finally began to find harbour within their hearts in each passing moment and gesture. 

Taking the candles from you and placing them within their designated dishes on the table and elevating a silver goblet and accompanying decanter. She poured the crimson liquid within the spherical container, offering to place the cool stem within your fingertips. 

“Your cup may never empty,” you expressed, offering to your swordsman the container, rotating the object twice within your hands first and bowing your head low, “For I will be the wine that fills it.” His fingers brushed over yours, grasping them and taking them with him as he elevated the wine to his lips. He continued holding his hands over yours as he offered the goblet up to your own lips. 

“May I be the wine that fills your cup,” his smile twitched at the corner as he added, “And may you always be satisfied with the contents that replenishes you.” A small blush rose to your cheeks as your eyes never broke from Mihawks. He elevated the wine to your lips, allowing for a small sip to pass from your lips. The celebrant reclaimed the goblet from your hands and placed it beside the lit candles, rising now a tray with two cubes of sticky honeycomb atop the surface. 

“This may get a little messy, bear with us everyone,” the attendee expressed, drawing a small teetered chuckle and rise of giggle from your guests. Mihawk allowed the softness to be depicted in his face at the small giggle that fell from your lips, both claiming the sticky cubic piece of honeycomb into your fingers. 

“I shall serve you in all the ways you require,” you both spoke in unison, “And may the honeycomb taste sweeter coming from my hand.” You both placed the sticky cubes within each other’s awaiting mouths, both laughing at the mess atop your fingertips. Without hesitation, Mihawk clasped your wrist, holding your hand in place as his tongue danced around your fingertips to skillfully rid them from the honey. Your shocked expression was shrouded by the presence of Mihawk’s thumb within your own lips, prompting you to perform a similar action to suck the sticky substance to rid its presence from his digits. 

Small whistles and flirtatious commentary fell from the lips of the Red-Hair pirates, hooting and hollering in their support of such an unbridled expression of lust within the ceremony. Another rise of laughter occurred between you as you retracted your fingertips from each other’s mouths. The attendee placed the tray beside the goblet and returned with two thin sheets of material and offered them to Zoro and Perona. 

Perona reached forward and gathered the material within her hands, Zoro apprehensively doing the same with no frame of reference as to why he was doing so. 

“The two wards under the care of Dracule Mihawk will present the ties to bind you, solidifying their positions in upholding you within your commitment to one another as your chosen witnesses,” Mihawk turned away from you, as you did him, to gather the material within the hands of the wards behind you. 

“May our bond continue to grow all the years you choose to remain with us in unity, Perona,” you whispered to her, prompting her to smile through her tears that began to fall as soon as your vows commenced.

“I will stay as long as you’ll have me, my lady,” she confessed in a similar tone, offering the sash for you to take into your arms. 

Although you both were too wrapped to hear the conversation occurring behind you, Zoro and Mihawk had a similar moment parting between them.

“Although you are destined to earn my title as ‘World’s Greatest Swordsman’ in single combat, I am proud to call you a son under my familial name, Zoro,” He uttered with a small twitched smirk and narrowed eyes. 

“I will hold both such titles with honour, Lord Mihawk,” he reached forward, his arms containing the sash and prompting both Mihawk and you to return in facing one another. 

“May this knot you tie demonstrate to those present here the symbol of your unity,” the attendee uttered to you, prompting a skillful dance of fingertips brushing and hands clasping one another to tie the two sheets into a single knot in the centre. You and Mihawk both presented the unified material to the celebrant, who collected it from you by the knot in the centre. She placed the knot beside the dish containing the small syrupy honeycomb remnants, raising a box containing two bands of gold within. 

“My lady, you may raise your hand to place the ring atop your beau’s unity finger and relay your vows onto him,” she gestured for you to claim the larger band within the box, elevating it to his left hand and hovering it over his fingertip.

“My beloved,” you began, glancing from his hand to dart your focus between his two honey-coloured eyes, “These are the vows of promise I swear unto you, unifying us in marriage.” He awaited expectantly his breath hitching once more as you relayed your confession of love onto him.

“I will never possess you, for you belong to none but yourself,” you smiled at him, beginning the descent of his ring slowly over his finger, “I cannot command you, for you are free.” Shimmying the object over his first knuckle, you continued to relay your vows.

“I pledge to you that your name be the one I cry into the night,” your smile cracked at the corner of your face at a small stifled squeak from Perona, “And may mine be the smile that greets you the morning after.” You slid the ring over his final knuckle, securing it to the base of his finger before interweaving your fingertips with his. 

“May this ring be a symbol of my devotion to you, unifying us as one to all those who view it,” you concluded. Finally meeting his eyes once more, his glazed over eyes held such softness for you it felt too intimate for his public persona. He firmly squeezed your right hand within his left before unweaving his fingertips from yours and collecting your ring from the box presented by the attendant. 

“My beloved,” he began, clasping your left hand with his right, and elevating his left hand to hover the golden band above your left finger; his own new band catching your eyes as it danced in the light, “These are the promises I swear onto you through my vows of devotion.” He slid the ring slowly over your fingertip, his eyes never breaking away from your own as he presented his words.

“I will never command nor possess you,” he ushered the ring over your first knuckle, “For your will belongs to you alone.” Sliding the ring over your second knuckle, he continued to relay his vows slowly onto you. 

“I pledge your name to be cried from my lips in the night, and my smile-...” his right hand gently squeezed your fingertips as his smile drew up onto his face, “-be what greets you on the morrow beside you.” Perona stifled another squeal behind her unoccupied hand clapping over her lips, prompting a smile to break over your own lips. 

“May this band unify us in matrimony, and be a beacon of my promise to all who view it,” Mihawk concluded, immediately stooping his lips to press a chaste kiss atop your knuckles, much to the detest of the celebrant. She clicked her tongue to reprimand him, shaking her head with a smile of her own. 

“Given your lips can’t hold their restraint, my lord,” her warning tone playfully reprimanded him, “I will now allow for the lord and lady to solidify their unity in the sharing of their first kiss as husband and wife. You may both collect each other and seal your covenant with words left unspoken. You may now share your lips with one another.” 

Mihawk immediately began his descent, cradling your jaw beneath his left hand and shepherding you towards him with his lips parted in anticipation. You hastily drew your own left hand up to his right cheek, your right hand finding purchase on his waist and anchoring yourself to him as he finally pressed his lips onto your own. 

His lips were slow in movement, savouring the sweet taste of sugary honeycomb mixing with the bitter wine presented to each other earlier. He gasped into your mouth, opening it to deepen the unity between you by presenting a small flick of his tongue into you. His nose brushed with your own, his hand on your jaw fell immediately to your waist and clutched you firmly against his waist. Brows furrowed in unbridled passion, the world around you fled from memory at each press of his lips against your own. 

You slid your hand up to clasp his shoulder, a small squeak fleeing from your mouth into his as he turned your body in a low dip towards the guests in their seats in the pew. This action drew you away from your lustful hypnosis, the applause and cheers of your guests gleefully erupting into the air. He hastily drew your body back upwards with the flitter of your luxurious dress pooling behind you. 

“I am now delighted to pronounce, through this seal of unity,” the celebrant concluded her presentation, “The Lord and Lady Dracule of Kuraigana. Celebrate and uphold them, and may jovial celebrations continue into the night with merriment.” Mihawk clasped your hand and placed it into the crook of his left elbow, beginning his ushering of you to flee with him from the ceremony space to continue into your reception. 

Several of your guests greeted you both with their offerings of congratulations and affirmations, Red-Hair Shanks prying your husband away from your arms with his arm hooking over his shoulders and ushering him into a warm embrace. You made eye contact with the first mate of the Red-Hair pirates, who offered you a polite smile and the nod of his head; both of which you returned with actions mirroring his own. 

However, as soon as you became distracted by the embraces falling to your now husband, your elevated mood of joy was immediately halted as a floating and severed gloved hand clapped over your lips. You could not offer a hum of protest, nor a scream as your body was pried away from Mihawk’s and into the hallway outside of the ceremony space. 

“All part of the plan, Starlight,” a soft, nasally voice reaffirmed you in your ear. You turned your head to meet with the face of the flashy-fool himself, his face painted to the highest quality. His hand rejoined his forearm with a small suctioned ‘pop’.

“I’m gonna take my hand away from your face now, alright? You gotta be quiet and listen to what I’m ‘bout to tell you,” He nodded, his eyes serious with no room for joking. You nodded in return, prompting a smile to rise to his lips. 

“I’ve done some reading,” Buggy informed you, his tone apprehensive and nervous, “And there’s a custom in Kuraigana regarding weddings that sounds way too fun to be left out of ol’ Hawkie’s.” 

“And what may that be, sir Buggy D Clown?” Your frown deepened the longer Buggy kept you away from your new husband. He chuckled at your apprehension, a sly smile now developing further in elevation. 

“You are to be dressed in a new gown, no longer a bride but a wife under his name,” he confirmed with a nod, your understanding reflected in your own nod. “As your new dress is placed onto your body, you’re a new woman. And as a new woman,” his eyes twinkled with mischief, “Your groom has to woo you to win back your favor.” 

“What are you saying, sir?” you narrowed your eyes, and threw him an accusatory and pointed look. 

“What I’m saying, Starlight,” he continued, linking his arms with yours and beginning to shepherd you further away from your celebration, “Is that I’m going to kidnap you and dress you in your starlight gown,” he grimaced a small grin, “I may have had a couple of my crew break in and steal the mannequin earlier,” he quickly uttered before waving his hand in front of him to halt your protests, “And he has to humble himself and perform a skill worthy enough to win your favour.” 

Your bewilderment was pictured over your face, looking from his eyes and apprehensively allowing him to draw you to the peer. 

“What type of skill, Buggy?” you asked him, your curiosity peaked the longer the clown explained himself.

“Could be anything, Starlight,” he shrugged, his playful smirk pulling wider. His eyes twinkled, the paint falling within the crows feet beneath the blue and white hues, “He could dance, sing, recite poetry, he could even juggle. It truly doesn’t matter as long as you’re impressed and successfully wooed.”

You took the moment to study him. From his painted face, to his beautiful assortment of a red and yellow diamond patterned vest, to his tanned leather pants, and all the way back up to his hair braided and styled away from falling in front of his eyes. He threw his best grin at you, his lips curling in an apprehensive and crooked smile. You shook your head, stepping closer to him. 

“Does Mihawk know about this?” You uttered quietly, your dress shifting behind you in your haste. He sighed out a shuddered laugh of dark glee.

“Oh, I’m certain Red-Hair is filling him in right about-...” he trailed off, thinking long and hard about his answer. As soon as your feet found the wood of Buggy’s ship, the anchor rising and sails drawn down by his crew, he gestured to the doors of Castle Kuraigana in the distance.

“-Now.”

#one piece #opla #x reader #opla fic #one piece live action #mihawk #dracule mihawk #mihawk x reader #mihawk fanfiction #sapsorrow au #dracule mihawk x reader #mihawk sapsorrow au #mihawk storyteller au #mihawk fairytale au

[shankschewtoy]

hi.. sorry if I boring you! I’m just thinking about shanks, zoro, mihawk and koby who have a huge crush and the reader offers to help them declare their love by saying: “I really love you, you know?” And like they tell to the reader exactly the same sentence that she recommended and she just answers dumbly: “ah, I know, NOW go telling that to your crush” not understanding that they have a crush on her! You know what I mean..?

SORRY IF ITS A SUCK REQUEST!!

a/n - HAHAHHAA POOR BOYS 😭😭😭 omg anon this is an amazing request don’t ever say otherwise >:)

Warnings ⚠️ - g/n reader, mihawk questioning his life

I really love you, you know?

- ok if it wasn’t made clear to you already, this man has a big fat crush on you and he is horrible and hiding it

- but luckily and unluckily for him- you’re super dense and still hasn’t found out yet >:)

- He ended up trying to outwardly ask for your help, hoping you’d get the hint. but knowing you, he wasn’t so sure if you’d get it

- “Hey y/n! I got a secret for ya- so uh… I have a big crush on someone in the crew and I kinda need your help. What do I say to them??”

- you thought he had a crush on benny 😭 so you got super excited, giving him a hug and agreeing to help him the moment he asked for help

- he was shocked, did you get the hint? Do you like him back?! Was this gonna be the best day of his life?!

- “OKOK- so this is what I’d say.. ‘I really like you…’ and you HAVE to put emotion into it ok?” You instructed him, sitting down as if you were an acting coach (you had a clipboard and everything)

- He cleared his throat and tried to stop gripping the sides of his coat out of nervousness.

- “Y/n… I really like you.”

- …I really don’t want to do this to poor shanks

- “WHOA! THAT WAS GREAT!!! Now go say that to ben!” You said excitedly, clapping for him with a smile

- shanks’ heart literally just broke in two- and he saw benn standing behind you, crossing his arms and shaking his head in disappointment

- why were you so dense?? He even added your name in the beginning?! And you thought he was in love with his best friend?!

- oh god he was about to pass out and drink his sorrows away until next week

- you gave him a reassuring hug, giving him a positive pep talk for when he’d confess his love to benn.

- “If he doesn’t like you- well then- uh… I’ll try to help you! I’ll buy a barrel of alcohol- it seems to help.” You said, patting the top of his head with a grin

- your smile always cheered him up. The way you were so supportive, always willing to lend a hand whenever it was needed. God he loved you.. So much.

- “thanks y/n… I appreciate your help.” He said with a faint smile, his eyes having a twinge of sadness behind them

- later, benn found him with four empty bottles of alcohol around him while he sobbed on the table

- “I- I thought i made it clear that I liked y/n!” He said between muffled sobs as he grabbed another bottle of booze

- “You did, they just didn’t get it.”

- “stop drinking, you’re gonna pass out.”

- “Stop telling me what to do benn-“ *passes out*

- “You’re both so stupid.”

- Mihawk is so subtle about everything, and it’s come to the point where he has to make it painfully obvious that he loves you

- “Y/n… How do I say to someone that I love them?” He asked you softly, cringing inside at his blatant question

- perona helped him with this, so she was in the background floating around with a thumbs up

- you gasped excitedly, mihawk liked someone?! This was amazing! You didn’t think he was capable of it!

- “Oh my gosh! Ok- so here’s what I’d say.. ‘I really love you… You know that?’ And you gotta put some feelings into it! Don’t do that blank face you always do.” You explained, trying to force him to smile with your soft fingers

- He was about to throw up- why would he ask this? Would you even get the hint? If you didn’t he wouldn’t know what to do- he loves you so much that he’s afraid that you won’t love him the same way. What if you don’t reciprocate his feelings?

- he cleared his throat and sighed, staring straight into your eyes with his deep golden gaze

- “Y/n… I love you, you know that?” he said softly

- his emotions were so deep, and it made you blush slightly as if he were referring to you.. But no, this was for his crush! You had to focus!

- “That was great!! Now go say that to them, you’ve got this.” You said with a thumbs up and a smile

- Perona was screaming into a pillow from your obliviousness, banging her head against the walls as she passed through them

- Mihawk was absolutely shocked yet heartbroken at the same time, all of his courage to say those words had left him

- How could you not see that he was referring to you??? He might as well go crawl into a hole and stay there forever now- at least that’s what his heart wanted to do.

- “Thank you, y/n.” He said quietly, his face returning to the usual emotionless expression it was paralyzed to

- “Of course! I bet they’ll love you the same way, so don’t worry!”!

- ‘I don’t think you will’ is what he thought inside his mind. Perona was trying to cheer him up the best she could- she felt horrible for him! She knew how much he loved you, and she thought it must’ve been horrible to drop so many obvious hints, only for you to blow past them without batting an eye

- he would kind of stare out the window for a couple days, lost in his thoughts. He thought maybe after a while, this crush of his would go away. But it didn’t, it never left him

- you were all he thought about, not a moment passed where he didn’t think of you

- I think he’s gonna go suffocate himself now- jk

- Zoro has had his eye on you ever since you joined the crew

- it was little things he did. Always protecting you first, sitting closer to you, always choosing to be your partner when exploring new islands

- he wasn’t outwardly confessing his feelings, but if you looked at it closely, it was pretty obvious hehe

- everyone in the crew (except for Luffy) knew about his crush- I mean who wouldn’t know (again except Luffy bec he’s Luffy)

- “Zoro- you should just tell y/n! You have to tell them sometime soon or else it’ll be too late!” -nami

- he kept trying to deny his feelings for you, because he was too afraid of you not sharing the same feelings for him

- “Stupid mosshead’s too scared! What a wimp.” Sanji said with a smirk

- he’s gonna go ask you now 😭

- Nami came up with the plan that maybe he could ask for your help with confessing to someone else on the crew. And then he could turn it into a confession to you! Yes! That’d totally work! Everyone was spying on him from different angles, they even hid Luffy away so he wouldn’t ruin it!

- Sanji had to make him a whole buffet of meat to keep him occupied lol

- Zoro walked up to you, fidgeting with the hilts of his swords before he finally asked

- “Y/n- I uh… I have a crush on someone in the crew. What do I say to ‘em?” He asked, visibly shaking from both cringing at his words, but also nervousness

- you smiled at him, making his cheeks flush red, “Oh my gosh! You do??? OKOK- so here’s what you say. ‘I really like you.. you know that?’ Ok go ahead and say it to me so you can practice!” You instructed, sitting down on the top of the barrel

- he was about to break his own finger from how tight he was holding it to calm himself down

- He cleared his throat, the rest of the crew anxiously waiting for the words to come out of his mouth

- “Y/n. I really like you… You know that?”

- the crew smiled, gasping in anticipation, you were gonna say you liked him back right?!

- “That was great! Now go say that to your crush- let me know what they say.” You said with a grin, patting the top of his head as you walked below the deck

- Zoro just stood there, his heart being snapped in two right then and there

- the crew fell to the floor, stunned by your obliviousness to his confession. How could you not get that he was saying those things to you?!

- Zoro was internally wanting to curl up into a ball and cry. He was both shocked and sort of discouraged at the same time. All that courage that built up to be able to confess to you was just gone in a blink of an eye.

- He walked towards the mast of the ship, sitting down and leaning his head against it as he looked down at the ground, an air of depression surrounding him

- the rest of the crew felt bad for him… they’d never seen Zoro look so- defeated and gloomy before

- yet he still thought of you, he pictured what it would’ve been like if you had shared the same feelings for him. That weight to be off his chest..

- would you ever love him the way he loved you?

- I don’t know if this poor boy has any tears left to cry

- he’s had this HUGE crush on you for the longest time. So much so that he even made a matching bandana for you, hoping that one day you two could wear them together :)

- helmeppo was literally dying- all Koby talked about was you and sometimes Luffy. Mostly you

- how beautiful you were- how kind and sweet- how strong you were when you fought alongside him! He went on and on, much to helmeppo’s dismay

- “Koby. Just ASK. It’s not the end of the world if y/n doesn’t like you back.” -helmeppo

- oh but it was the end of his world if you didn’t love him back

- helmeppo ended up trying to create a plan to help him confess to you. He was hoping that maybe if you loved him back, he’d shut up about you (jk jk) he just wants his friend to be happy :)

- “Y/n- um.. I have a question- how would you confess to someone?” Koby asked you, his hands visibly trembling from how nervous he was

- “Oooo! So here’s what you should say.. ‘I really like you- you know that?’ You have to put a lot of feeling into it!” You instructed

- “Y/n.. I- I really like you!” He said with the pinkest cheeks you’d ever seen

- Helmeppo and Garp were hiding behind a wall, waiting for your response

- “That was amazing! Go say that to them, and let me know what they say! You’ve got this so don’t be nervous!” You said with a smile, holding his hands to try and stop them from shaking so much

- When you walked away, he collapsed into a little puddle of depression and sadness

- “Uh… Koby are you alive?” -Garp

- He heard muffled sobs and a small thumbs up from Koby, indicating that he was still alive. Poor Koby’s heart was just ripped in two, he had no self-esteem or confidence anymore..

- he thought that maybe you’d see that he liked you… But- maybe you just didn’t like him. Was that why you didn’t see it?

a/n - I’m going to give them all a hug 🥲

#one piece #one piece x reader #one piece hcs #anime hcs #shanks x reader #shanks x y/n #akagami no shanks #shanks one piece #koby x reader #koby x y/n #koby one piece #mihawk one piece #mihawk x reader #mihawk x y/n #mihawk headcanons #dracule mihawk #zoro one piece #zoro x y/n #zoro x reader #zoro headcanons #roronoa zoro

[chatsukimi]

ꜱᴋᴀᴛᴇʙᴏᴀʀᴅᴇʀ!ᴄʜᴏꜱᴏ

★ ☄︎ he was a skater boy, she said see ya later boy!

⤷ genre: fluff, frustration ⤷ tropes: reader fumbles, fluff, minor hurt -> comfort, popular!reader ⤷ series (jjk men as athletes)

SKATERBOARDER!CHOSO who is the school's nonchalant object of desire. he doesn't realise it, how those silver-onyx piercings speckle his ears or the devil-may-care bandaids around his body that has the school in a chokehold. he doesn't realise loads of things, as you'll find out.

SKATERBOARDER!CHOSO who asks you out casually after school, his hands in his pockets, half lidded eyes as he inspects you. you bristle.

you've witnessed boys handpick bouquets for you, girls write you careful love letters, but this choso hasn't tried much at all.

you reject him, thinking nothing of it.

SKATERBOARDER!CHOSO who you start noticing him at the cafeteria, composed beside his friends. in class, his habit of keeping to himself, bobbing his head to some invisible tune. it's almost as though nothing happened.

at the skate park your friend drags you to because she swears you'll finally catch feelings on one of the skaters, unaware of the prior rejection, you watch him glide seamlessly over the rails in the distance.

'hey, let's go. there's nothing much to see.' you tug your friend's arm, your face burning. what if he sees you? he'll think you're spying on him.

he catches your eye as he does a trick mid-air. your breath hitches. he says nothing. the skateboard hits the ground.

SKATERBOARDER!CHOSO who's standing right beside you when a guy from your class comes over, shyly.

oh no, not now....

you compel your eyes on the boy before you as the same old stunt unfolds, ignoring not the guy beside you. when the confession finishes, you kindly send the boy off with a "sorry. i'm not super interested right now". you turn around, ready to flee.

humiliated, the boy asks, "do you flirt with guys for fun then?" your heartbeat staggers (what did he just say?), and you unconsciously lean away from him. no way he said that...

"don't harass those who have no interest in you." the taller figure steps forward. "did nobody teach you better than that?" the boy squeaks something incomprehensible at the sight of choso interfering and hurries away.

"thanks."

there's a super good question doing cartwheels in your brain... why are you so flustered?

you figure that's it, you'll leave and never speak about this incident again, about to step away, until you hear a low voice rumble behind you. "that's nicer than how you rejected me." all words die in your mouth as choso eyes you, not making a move. "you gotta be meaner," he instructs. his tongue works a piece of gum.

as he skates away, too fast for you to chase, you breathe out in the hot afternoon.

"you gotta be meaner" the words float through your head.

meaner, you think. choso returns to your head, with absolutely no ill intention but that sexy nonchalant gaze roving over you, gently splitting apart.

there's only one thing stuck on your mind.

"fuckk i fumbled."

SKATERBOARDER!CHOSO who's shipped with you in the weeks leading up to valentine's day. tiny conversations in class. absent-minded nods. disappearing to the skate park after school. the grade's ultimate unofficial couple... and he doesn't seem ruffled at all.

SKATERBOARDER!CHOSO who teaches you how to skateboard, to the distress of your parents and friends. bruises and minor scrapes appear on your knees, contrasting your dainty baby blue shorts. it's a way to show you're his, even if unofficially.

SKATERBOARDER!CHOSO who comments on your progress, the necklace you gave him tucked under his black shirt. he pats you on the back in a friendly way, too friendly.

SKATERBOARDER!CHOSO who lets you grip onto him when mounting the skateboard, strands of his black hair tossed over his face concentrated on your footing.

you hold your breath. he walks you slowly down the bank of the river, sunset illuminating his beautiful beautiful features, the lean curvature of his jaw. the peace he holds with his gaze.

you suddenly say, "are you going to ask me out again?"

"no," he states. your heart drops. "no, no- no." his expression contorts from apathy to sudden desperation. you flinch away from his hold.

you're wobbling. oh no-

he skids to the ground just in time, catching you before your fall. rough baggy pants grind against the rough concrete. he's holding you with a criminal care.

"i meant, no- i didn't know you liked me like that," he says. collecting himself again, he asks, serious, "i know this isn't the best time to ask, but i hope this time you can give me a chance." his inquisitive eyes are watching for your consent. "you don't have to, of course, but... wanna grab a bite after this? i know a place."

it's the perfect time to ask.

SKATERBOARDER!CHOSO whose baggy hoodie you wear to school to the surprise of nobody but choso, himself.

"you know they're all expecting this, right?"

he looks around the hallway. "what? oh. yeah." you're about to ask what he means when he explains, 'yeah the boys know i've liked you.'

this time it's you in shock. 'since when??'

he pauses, as though pondering, himself.

'freshman year.'

maybe you're the real oblivious one at the end.

#choso kamo #jjk choso #choso x reader #choso fluff #jjk x reader #jjk fluff #choso x you

[redheadspark]

The Denial prompts!! 2 is so Druig-coded! Can you write it for Druig please?

A/N - Awww this is perfect for the mind controller himself! Thanks for the request, anon!

Told Ya

Summary - Druig is always filled with doubt, but leave it to Makkari to bring him to the light

Warnings - Mostly fluff

Druig’s eyes were on you from his spot in the Meeting Room, the smile on your face making you almost look like you were glowing after listening to Sersi’s story that she was telling you. Of course, he was trying to make it seem like he wasn’t looking or watching at all, hoping a book tentatively in his hands with his thumb on the spot of the book where he stopped.  But hearing your laugh ring like bells in the small room, the small twinkle in your eyes that was illuminated from the Domo lights, and the soft color of your armor against your skin, Druig was nonetheless entranced.

If he had to be honest, he has been entranced with you for the longest time.  Maybe for as long as you all were on earth.

Druig was never one to show he had feelings or that he was weak, though he knew there was nothing wrong in showing one’s feelings or being vulnerable.  Druig never did it himself, he was busy and preoccupied with saving humans from Deviants to channel his inner feelings toward you.  But you none the less caught his attention from the moment you two met.  He thought of your wicked sense of humor, able to brighten any room with a chuckle or your light hearted attitude.  He adored your kindness and soft gestures towards others, especially those who were in need of comfort.  

Most of all, Druig was enraptured with your heart that was filled with beauty that then reflected in your smile and bright eyes.  

Over time, Druig held it against his chest and locked it away, not wishing to expose himself and let others know of this secret that he had.  Maybe he thought of it as a major secret when it was a simple crush, and he would try his best not to show it or say it in front of anyone.  You two were in fact friends, Druig loved having you as one of his closest friends who knew him far too well and brought out the best in him.  But then again, he inwardly and selfishly wanted more with you.  He wanted what Ikaris and Sersi had, which was saying something since he was still indifferent to Ikaris.  But still, he wanted to hold your hand and feel how soft your skin was against his calloused palm, he wanted to hold you in his arms to feel that warmth he knew you had around you like a shield.

Druig wanted to kiss you and bring you nothing but joy.

Watching you like a love-sick puppy, Druig was too distracted to see Makkari speed over to chat with him with her mesh bag in hand, wishing to share with Druig her recent treasure haul.  But she saw his eyes trained in your direction, her eyes looking over to see you and Sersi chatting away.  The speedster smirked, looking back at her best friend and she playfully shoved his arm with her own to get his attention.  He looked over a bit too quick, almost stumbling off the bench where he sat. 

"Druig, you’re drooling."

“What?”

 Druig looked at his best friend, seeing Makkari gesture to his slightly open mouth, to which he slammed his mouth shut instantly.  Makkari chuckled, the sound filling the room as you were on the other side of the Meeting Room, looking away from talking to Sersi and at Makkari and Druig.  Druig was looking down rather sheepish, blush was evident on his cheeks.  You smiled, thinking of it affectionately as Ajak floated over to you, lacing your arms together.

“Come, I have something to discuss with you,” She said to you, taking you out of the room with ease.  Druig and Makkari were watching you being escorted away, Druig then glaring at Makkari as she smirked back at him.

“What?” She asked him was giving her a hard look, “You’re literally eyeing her with affection!” 

“I am not,” He signed and said to her in retaliation, though Makkari titled her head at him as he kept going, “I think of her only as a friend,”

“Doubtful.  You two would be cute together since you bring out the best in one another,” Makkari explained to Druig, her eyes light and filled with truth as Druig was already shaking his head and rubbing the back of his neck, “There’s no shame in liking her, she’s wonderful!  As are you, and you two getting together wouldn’t be a bad thing.”

“It would be an interference with our work on Earth,” Druig reasoned, though Makkari was now the one glaring at him.

“Sounds like an excuse,” She commented, “You made it sound time-consuming to be with her, or anyone for that matter.”

“I don’t have time for a relationship, anyways,” He added on, though Makkari slapped his arm and scoffed at him,

“That has nothing to do with anything I just said, like at all,” She said to him with her glare, seeing him look a bit sheepish as she sighed and sat down next to him.  As stubborn and hard-headed as he was when he came to what was on his mind, Makkari knew her best friend deep down.  He had a massive heart, and she knew he wanted, craved even, for you to hold it in your hands.

“Even if….if she thought of me like that…I don’t think she would want to be with someone like me,” he said in a mumble.  He thought of you as the sun and himself as the moon, opposites and never able to share the same space.  You are bright, cheerful, and filled with life and warmth.  He was mysterious, aloof, and wrapped in the calm and silence that the night would bring.  Druig always hated the notion of comparing two things, but he always compared himself to you.  

It wore him down sometimes, always thinking of the worst and how you would never dare look in his direction in that way.  

Makkari tucked a finger under his chin, and gently coaxed him to look at her as she gave him one of her infamous smiles that would always brighten his day, “You can be a silly fool sometimes” 

Druig raised an eyebrow at her, not understanding what she meant as he then heard someone gliding over in their direction.  Both Makkari and Druig looked, seeing it was you with a massive grin on your face.  Just the way you were smiled was enough to make Druig almost lose his breath.  You stood right in front of him, Makkari scooting away slightly as you finally spoke.

“Druig, Ajak wants us to go on patrol tonight, together,” You explained, Druig’s eye going a bit wide as Makkari was grinning wide like she a prize.  

“Did she?” Druig asked, keeping his voice composed as you nodded your head.

“Well..it was my suggestion anyways,” You admitted, fiddling with your fingers in front of you as Druig felt his heartbeat go a bit faster now and a flushness was now on his cheeks.  You wanted to go with him?  Was he hearing you right?  Not that you two haven’t been on patrol alone before.  In fact…you haven’t.  You were always going in groups of three or more.  This would be the first time….alone…

“Oh,” Druig could only say as Makkari was mentally wished she could kick him in the leg.

“The city itself is well secured, and we haven’t seen a Deviant in a week now, so only two of us seem to make more sense. Plus, we haven't got to be together for some time and I wanted to catch up with you,” You explained, thinking that you had to explain to him why you wanted him to come along with you.  Maybe you thought he was going to decline the offer, but seeing the small smile morph into a bigger one on his face was enough to make you realize you made the right choice.  

“I would love to join you,” he replied, the smile you had was enough to make him feel hot all over as you nodded your head at him.

“Great!  I’ll….I’ll meet you outside then.  I’ll grab some snacks for us too, see you out there!” You explained, turning on your heel and heading over to the makeshift kitchen area where Gilgamesh was starting to make dinner for the family.  Druig watched you walking away, already replaying you asking him to come with you over and over in his mind.  Hearing the tone in your voice, seeing the twinkle in your eyes, and he felt like he was dreaming the whole time.  But it all happened, and he could feel every insecurity he had towards himself melt away and evaporate in thin air.  

Once again, Makkari scooted his side to get his attention.  Druig looked, seeing Makkari give him a wink as he rolled his eyes.

“Shut up.” He replied, though Makkari snorted.

The End. 

January Prompt Session

#druig x reader #druig x female reader #druig x y/n #druig x eternal!reader #druig fanfiction #druig fluff #eternals #fanfiction #writing #barry keoghan #druig #marvel #the eternals #marvel cinematic universe fandom #marvel cinematic universe #marvel mcu #mcu phase 4 #mcu fanfiction #mcu

[mermaidgirl30]

✨Enchant Me Chapter 2: The First Date✨

Series Masterlist

A/N: I love writing this series so much and can’t get over how cute these two are 🥹 I can’t wait to hear your thoughts on this one and hope you enjoy!!

Chapter Summary: You and Joel go on your first date 💜

Pairing: Joel x witchy fem! reader

Word Count: 9k

Rating: Explicit (18+ ONLY)

Chapter Tags: Mutual pining, flirting, first date, Joel buys reader a flower, Joel visits reader’s tea shop, star gazing, first kiss, falling in love, so much fluff, chapter is in both Joel and reader’s POV

Dividers by @saradika-graphics

Joel can’t seem to keep his mind focused the next day at work. He only thinks of you, your hypnotizing eyes, your beautiful smile, your sweet, delicate soul. It’s all he sees, all he hears as your infectious laugh floats dreamily through his mind. It’s you. You, you, you.

He needs to see you again, needs to hear your melodic voice as you talk endlessly about your love of roses and teas. He can’t stop smiling, can’t stay still as he paces back and forth restlessly inside his wooden shop. Tommy doesn’t take long to catch on as he knows something’s up.

“Joel, you alright there? You’ve been pacing back and forth this entire mornin’. And your face, are you actually smilin’?” he laughs as he leans up against the register and slicks his long, greasy styled hair back.

“Everything’s good, Tommy. Just peachy,” Joel calls from across the store as he comes up to the worn register, meddling mindlessly with a stack of colorful pens in a glass cup that sits next to the computer screen.

“It’s her, ain’t it?” he smirks.

“Who?” Joel asks like he has no earthly idea what Tommy is rambling about, but he sure as hell knows who he’s talking about. He’s talking about his enchantress.

“You know damn well who I’m talkin’ ‘bout, Miller,” he smirks with a raised eyebrow as he points his index finger at Joel. A sure sign that he caught him in a lie. “The girl you delivered that table to. I told ya, didn’t I? She’s a beauty that one.”

Joel runs a hand through his unruly curls and stares at the linoleum floor, eyes slowly reaching up to meet Tommy’s view. He sighs, knowing lying won’t do him any good. “Yeah, it’s her. She really is somethin’ unique. She’s gorgeous,” Joel gushes as a small smile curls against the edges of his lips, his cheeks turning slightly red as he imagines your soft smile, your gentle touch, your eccentric beauty, your everything.

“Oh, man. You’ve got it bad, brother. Look at you blushin’ and smilin’ just thinkin’ ‘bout her,” he teases as he hits Joel playfully in the arm. “You gonna see her again?” he asks with his eyebrows knitting together, eyes hounding Joel for more information.

Joel doesn’t even take a second to contemplate his answer, he just lays it out flat. “Yes.” There’s no question about it. “You know she has a tea shop just a few minutes up the street?”

“No, I didn’t. That seems to suit her perfectly though. You should stop by at lunch today. Go see her,” he encourages Joel.

Joel contemplates his options carefully. Would you want to see him? Is it too soon? No, definitely not too soon. He paces back and forth for a minute, flexing his fingers together as nerves pull in his stomach. When he stops at the counter again, he makes a decision.

“You know what, Tommy? I think I will,” he decides.

Tommy comes around the register and gives Joel a strong pat on the back. “Proud of you, brother. Go get her,” he smirks.

Right as the clock hits noon, Joel practically runs out the door as he unlocks his truck and starts the engine up. The truck roars to life as he drives it carefully out of the empty parking lot and into the busy streets of Austin.

The day is sunny and warm, the wind barely blowing as its howls echo through the dry air. He stops at a red light and taps his fingers against the leather steering wheel, eager to get to the tea shop, to you.

In just a few short minutes, he’s pulling up to the parking lot of his destination. The place he’ll find you, his enchantress.

As he gets out of the truck and closes the door, he takes in the dainty sign that reads Starlight’s Corner. The sign is a light shade of purple, a little crescent moon in the corner of the S as it sits neatly above the storefront.

When he walks in, chimes carry softly through the lit up store as he passes through. A golden moon star crystal suncatcher hangs right next to the glass door, carrying sparkling beams of light that make little shadows appear against the cream colored walls.

“Be right out!” you call from the back of the store as you hear the wispy wind chimes call your name. “Just finishing up this batch of tea. I’ll be right with you!”

Just the sound of your voice makes his skin crawl with goosebumps. He loves the sound of it, a sweet heavenly sound he could listen to all day long. It’s so very dreamy, misty.

He walks around the quaint little store, taking in the whimsical surroundings that fill your space. Tall white shelves line each corner as decorative tea cups and kettles sit displayed in neat rows. Pictures of green forests, colorful butterflies, and different phases of moons paint the walls in a sea of vibrant colors. Bags of all kinds of herbal teas sit out amongst the front of the butcher block counter.

Joel traces his fingers over a row of books that are all about the history of tea and then his eyes slide along the back counter where different containers of brewed tea sit out for customers to buy. The air smells like home baked goods and cinnamon as a plate of sugar cookies and blueberry scones sit wafting inside a closed up container by the register.

He takes another walk around the little shop and smiles to himself as he trails his finger along a dark display case of sparkling crystals that seem to glisten in his eyes. The vibrant orchid flowers spilling over the edges as he remembers you telling him about these kinds of flowers yesterday. He shakes his head, chuckling quietly at how much you probably love this little shop. This place is so unique, special. It’s so very… you.

“Hi, there. What can I…” your voice trails off as soon as you see him. Joel.

Joel turns around and faces you, his breath catching as soon as he sees your face. Today you’re in a light pink sundress, the skirt just barely grazing the bottom of your creamy thighs. The strapless v-shape of the dress dipping as it hugs your soft curves perfectly. Your hair is down today, silky locks ending in soft curls as they kiss your shoulders.

Your lips are berry stained red, glittery eyeshadow raining down as the glitter seems to bring out the vibrant colors of your eyes even more. And then that soft smile pulls at your lips when you realize it’s him. He thinks he’s about to fall to his knees, thinks you’re absolutely stunning, a vision only the gods should be worthy of.

Joel thinks you’re the most beautiful thing he’s ever seen. The prettiest enchantress he’s ever laid eyes on. Enchant me. The words echo through his head on repeat like a broken record. He would be so lucky if you were his. So very lucky. He just had to have you.

Please, be mine. Be mine.

“Oh, Joel,” you say with a lilt to your soft tone. “Hi.” You give him a dreamy smile and bat your long eyelashes at him. It nearly takes him out.

“Hi, sweetheart,” he drawls out, a sideways smile appearing lazily over his mouth. You can’t seem to take your eyes off him.

“Didn’t expect to see you here. What are you doing here?” you ask as you stand behind the counter smiling up at him.

He clears his throat and rolls the sleeves of his green button-up flannel up, walking over toward you as he places his hands on the edge of the counter. “Thought I’d drop by on my lunch break to see your shop. I was cravin’ some of that delicious sweet tea you made yesterday, was hopin’ you’d have some brewed up when I got here,” he smiles, making tingles run clear down your spine.

“Oh, you liked my tea so much you just had to stop by today?” you flirt, your eyes beaming into his as he stands right across the counter from you, so close but not close enough.

“That’s right, darlin’. Couldn’t stay away from that pretty face of yours,” he blushes as he runs a hand straight through his curls, feeling the back of his neck burn with heat.

He never flirted like this before with anyone. Not until he met you.

“Oh,” you giggle, feeling your cheeks turn pink. “What’s your favorite kind of tea? I have plenty of flavors,” you say as you move your arm to the back counter and trail your fingers over each container. “I have anything from chai tea to green tea to black tea to sweet tea and so much more.”

Joel watches you move along the back counter as your dress swishes around you fluidly. He thinks you look like you belong in a painting, a masterpiece at best with the way your hair falls over your shoulders and your sun kissed skin from the garden seems to glow in the haze of the store lights.

“I usually just get sweet tea, but I’d take anything, darlin’. Give me whatever you think I’d like best,” he says easily.

You purse your lips and let your eyes fall over his tanned arms and soft brown eyes, his thick fingers sprawled over the edge of the counter as you have to fight yourself to not reach your hand out to his. You quickly assess him, taking your best guess.

“Hmmm,” you hum. “Do you like peach flavored drinks?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Perfect. I think you’ll like this one then,” you answer as you grab a compostable cup and fill it with your specially made herbal peach tea that you put a little extra love and care into making today. You turn and hand Joel the cup as his fingers graze along yours, making your fingertips tingle with fiery sensations.

You watch him tilt his head back as his curls fall into a tousled heap. You watch the orange liquid slowly disappear as he gulps it down, leaving half the cup empty. He wipes his mouth clean and sighs as he looks back up at you, his caramel eyes beaming into yours. “Sweetheart, I don’t know how you do it, but your tea is the best thing I’ve ever tasted. You’ve got a gift.”

You bat your eyelashes at him and shake your head nonchalantly. “You’re too kind, Joel. Here, let me pour you some more.” You grab his cup and fill it back to the rim, carefully handing it over to him as he takes it with a thank you leaving his mouth.

“Here,” he says as he digs in his wallet and takes out a five dollar bill, placing his closed fist on the counter as he tries to give you money.

“Oh, no, Joel. You don’t owe me anything,” you say as you try to wave him off.

“Gotta pay for it, darlin’. Here, take it,” he insists as he pushes his hand further over the smooth wooden counter.

“No, really. Joel, don’t. I don’t want your money,” you say, refusing the green bill as you place your hand gently over his, pushing it back toward him.

He feels your smooth hand slide over his as your soft skin mixes into the roughness of his. He swears his heart skips a beat as you hold your hand over his. He’s unwilling to move, unwilling to do anything except stare into your breathtaking eyes.

“You sure, sweetheart?” he asks with knit eyebrows as he leans into your gentle touch.

“Positive. Consider it my special discount,” you wink playfully. “You can come get tea whenever you like, Joel. I don’t want your money though.”

“No? What do you want then?” he asks as he leans against the counter, your hand still clasped over his tightly as you lean closer to him.

“Just your company is enough for me,” you say quietly.

You feel the room suddenly go still as you’re so very close to him now. So close that just an inch more and you’d be grazing your lips against his. You can almost taste his flavor, peach tea collecting on his lips as you see the sheen liquid cover his bottom lip. He looks so inviting, so very tempting. And you’d really like for him to break the distance and kiss you now.

Kiss me. Please, kiss me.

Suddenly the moment is broken as you hear the door chime loudly as a customer walks in. You pull your hand away from Joel’s and watch him take a few steps back, fingers dragging through his salt and pepper scruff as he takes a breath and moves out of the way of the front of the counter.

“Hi, welcome in,” you smile, feeling your cheeks burn red from the interrupted moment between you and Joel. You wish it wouldn’t have been interrupted. Would he have kissed you? It seemed like he kind of wanted to.

You look up and see who it is, noticing one of your favorite customers as he walks in with a button-up yellow Hawaiian shirt and khaki shorts. “Oh, Tony! Nice to see you,” you shout as he comes over to give you a quick hug hello.

“There’s my favorite tea maker! Mary said to tell you hello. She’s out sick today with a bad cold, so I thought I’d grab her some of her favorite tea,” he announces as he pushes the wide rimmed gold glasses up to his nose, his grey hair fluffing up from the wind.

“Oh no, poor thing. Tell her I’m thinking of her. Here, take a scone for her. I know she loves them.”

Joel watches the interactions between the older man and you, observing the way you carefully package up a blueberry scone and get a gallon of green tea prepared. He trails his hand along one of the glass displays with intricate tea sets inside and watches the way you smile carefree as you cash the man out and talk fondly of your garden.

“You will have to drop by sometime to help Mary with her sunflowers. The poor things dried up immediately last spring when she planted them. I know she’d love your company,” Tony says as he takes the white sack of scones and grips the gallon of green tea in his other hand steadily.

“I’d love to! Anytime she wants me to come help her in the garden, just give me a call. I’d be more than happy to help. They probably just needed a little more shade and water. A little love goes a long way,” you smile.

Joel stares at you, watching the way your infectious smile seems to light up the room as you talk of sunflowers and gardening. He thinks you’re so soft, so gentle the way you care for others. And you’re so sweet. Sweeter than the peach tea Joel just drank down. The tea that you gave him.

Soft. That’s exactly what you are, and Joel can’t help but to fall harder for you in that moment. His little enchantress. You enchanted him.

When the customer walks out the door and the wind chimes stop singing, Joel moves back up to the counter and places his cup full of peach tea down on the smooth surface. He pushes a curl out of his face and starts the conversation up again.

“Thanks for the tea again, sweetheart. You didn’t have to give it to me for free,” he chuckles as he embeds his fingers into the edge of the wood.

“Joel,” you give him a knowing look, “you heard me. Please, just take the tea,” you laugh, crossing your arms over your smooth dress as you smile over at the man with pretty brown eyes.

“Fine. But I owe you,” he states adamantly as a brow lifts in place.

“What do you possibly owe me?” you laugh, letting it echo across the doorway.

“A date.”

Your lips fall open as you suck in a breath. A date. He wants to take you on a date.

“A date?” you ask nervously, hands now fidgeting with your crystal necklace as you try to not bite your lip as nerves flood your insides.

“A date,” he nods, confirming the words. “What about tonight? You doin’ anything tonight?” he asks as his big chocolate eyes look at you with hope pulling in those lavish eyes.

“I was just planning on making some spaghetti tonight, but I’d love it if you came for dinner? Will you come for dinner?” you ask with hope running through your veins.

Please, come for dinner. Let me show you my world.

“Darlin’, I’d love nothing more,” Joel smiles, brown eyes clashing into yours. You’d never been so excited to cook dinner for someone. “But I’m not lettin’ you cook alone. I’m helpin’. Just tell me what to bring and I’ll bring it.”

“How about you bring some French bread? That’ll do. I have all the other ingredients I need at the house,” you say with your fingers knotting into the skirt of your dress.

He’s coming for dinner.

“Alright, French bread it is,” he nods. “How’s 6:30pm sound to you?”

“Perfect,” you beam.

“Perfect,” Joel echoes back.

Joel looks at the time on his black military watch and huffs out a breath. “Well, I gotta get back to work. Got a customer coming in a few minutes to pick somethin’ up,” he sighs as he picks up his cup of peach tea and taps his fingers against the counter. “Thank you for the tea, sweetheart. Nothin’ tastes as sweet as your tea,” he says sweetly as his eyes flick down to yours.

“You’re welcome, Joel. I’ll be sure to make you some more,” you smile.

His eyes trail over your soft hands then back into your glowing eyes, eyes he wants to wade in forever. He gives you one more smile then starts to head for the glass door, eyes roaming over the room until he gets to the doorway and looks back your way.

“See you tonight, little enchantress.” He winks your way and then disappears out the door, dragging your heartstrings along with him as he leaves your heart beating wildly for him.

You lean against the counter and rest your chin in the palm of your hand, sighing as you watch Joel pull out into the busy street and disappearing down the road. You can’t wait to see him tonight.

You’re having a date with Joel Miller. This was the most exciting day of your life.

You open the purple shutters and crack the windows, letting the burning sage flood out into the crisp evening air as you light lavender candles in the space of the dim lit living room. Soft music plays through the air as the smell of blueberry muffins cooking in the oven waft through the lit up kitchen. As you pass Oliver in the long hallway, you bend down and scratch behind his orange ears before you pad off to your bedroom.

The scent of vanilla lingers through the room as the blown out candles still drift softly through the air. You turn the overhead light on and stand in front of your mirror, smoothing out your pink sundress and slipping the bristles of the sparkly pink brush through your soft locks of hair.

You touch up your makeup and paint some glossy red lip gloss over your lips, puckering them together before taking one last look at yourself. You straighten the crystal amethyst necklace on your neck and spritz a dash of lavender perfume on before you spin in a circle and decide you’re ready. Joel will be here any minute.

You turn off the lights and leave the room as the timer on the oven goes off, signaling the muffins are finished baking. You shove some scarlet oven mitts on and take the muffins out, setting them on top of the stove to let them cool off. They’re fresh, fluffy, and smell delicious. You just hope Joel would love them. Maybe he’d want to take some home with him.

Just as you start to boil some water and set the various ingredients out for the spaghetti, you hear the rumble of his truck and see his bright headlights shine through the window. He’s here. You see the truck lights go off and hear the squeak of his leather boots against the front porch, and then he’s knocking on your front door.

Your heart starts beating incredibly fast as you pad over to the door and open it quickly, almost letting out a gasp at how good he looks. His tousled curls are slicked back with gel holding them in place, his flannel forgotten as he wears a denim button-up shirt with the top two buttons undone, exposing his large neck as tanned skin peeks through. Dark washed jeans cling to his strong legs, and you can’t help but stare at what he holds in his hand. A single red rose.

He brought you a rose.

“Hey there, sweetheart. Don’t you look pretty,” he gushes as he holds out the blood red rose for you, his smile lingering on his handsome face as his deep brown eyes stare back at you endearingly. You reach your hand out and take it, letting your fingers brush over his as a chill runs through your insides.

“You got me a rose?” you ask quietly, completely melting at the fact that he even thought to get you one.

“I did. I saw it in the store when I was picking up some French bread, and it just got me thinkin’ of you.” He blushes shyly and brushes past your shoulder while you close the door behind him, watching him set the bread down on the little oak table in the corner.

It got me thinkin’ of you. Joel’s so charming, so sweet.

“Thank you. That was really sweet,” you smile dizzily as you inhale the sweet scent and set it down on your glass coffee table.

“It was nothin’. Consider it a small token of my appreciation for the tea today,” he replies, eyes finding yours as he walks into the kitchen. “Blueberry muffins? Now how did you know those were my favorite, darlin’?” he grins as his eyes roam over the fresh muffins and then back up to you.

“I was hoping you’d like them. Go on and try one. I just took them out of the oven a few minutes ago,” you say as you walk to the edge of the counter, your hands sliding over the smooth surface as you watch him pick one up and take a bite.

You watch him swallow the first bite and it’s like his eyes light up as they go wide, turning slowly toward you as he parts his plush lips. “These are the best muffins I’ve ever tasted! Holy shit. What all did you put in these?” he asks as he takes another large bite until it’s completely gone.

“Oh, you know. Just my love and care,” you giggle as you let the flirtation flit through the air.

He just shakes his head as you hear him chuckle, the sound reverberating through your soul. “Well, sweetheart, they’re incredible.”

“I’d make you some anytime you wanted,” you say quickly without even thinking. He just smiles and nods, the edge of his lips curling up to expose a dreamy smile.

He’s so handsome.

“Might take you up on that,” he laughs.

“So, dinner?” you ask as you wind around to the stove and start to pour the noodles into the boiling water. “If you want to open the can of marinara sauce for me, I’d really appreciate it. Need a big, strong man to twist the lid off for me,” you flirt, giggling to yourself as you internally kick your feet in the air.

“That so, darlin’?” he laughs as he grabs the can and twists the lid off with almost no effort. It’s too easy for him.

You shake your head and smile to yourself. “Made it look too easy.”

“Nah. Was a piece of cake,” he shrugs. “Maybe you just need a man around here more often. You know, to help ya out if you need help fixin’ something or something breaks or just need a pair of hands to help you in the garden.”

“Oh, really? Think I know anyone that would want to do that?” you ask, smiling as you finish mixing the noodles in, letting them simmer over the boiling water.

“I don’t know, darlin’. Might just ask whoever you gave that purple rose to,” he smirks.

He’s flirting and he’s funny and he’s so charming. You like him so much already.

“Maybe I will,” you say shyly back, the smile staying on your face as you spend the next half hour preparing dinner with Joel.

The two of you pass each other by, sliding against the back of the counter as your hands gently brush one another’s, your hip bumping up against his as small apologies and infectious smiles fill the little kitchen space. His eyes never quite leave your face as he chops some tomatoes, his sappy brown eyes flicking up to yours every few seconds. And you can’t stop laughing, can’t stop smiling as he tells you silly little jokes and sends sweet compliments your way.

You think you like this. Having someone to cook with, to laugh with, to have fun with. You’ve barely scratched the surface with Joel, and it’s like it’s as clear as day. You two would be the perfect match. He compliments you so very well, and you’ve already decided you wouldn’t mind if he’d just come back again and again and again.

When dinner is finally served, Joel sits next to you at the wooden oak table and brushes his knee against yours as you take a bite of the marinated spaghetti. It’s delicious, the spice really bringing out the rich flavors of all the ingredients. You see Joel take his first bite, watching him closely as his eyes get wider the second he lets the noodles slide down his throat. You let out a giggle as your knee lightly knocks against his.

“Sweetheart, I’ve gotta say everything you touch is magic. Your tea, your muffins, your spaghetti. Everything,” he drawls proudly as he takes a sip of the hibiscus tea you made just for him.

“You helped me cook dinner,” you reply with one eyebrow arched up as you spin your fork around the thin noodles.

“Yeah, but still. Your creations in the kitchen are to die for,” he smiles as he takes another big bite. The red sauce spills down his chin and without thinking you reach your thumb out and wipe it off, placing your finger in your mouth as you lick it clean. He puts his fork down and just looks at you, eyes fixed intently on your lips as you feel warmth flood your cheeks.

“Sorry,” you inadvertently apologize, pushing your hand under the table as you latch on to the hem of your dress. Why did you do that?

“S’alright. Nothin’ to apologize for, sweetheart.”

There’s a heaviness in the air. Something like thick tension and slight fog that wraps around your head. He scoots his leg over and it gently brushes over yours as you feel tingles slide along your entire leg, feeling your nerves fire off as you quickly break the tension.

“Right…” you trail off, eyes going back to the plate of spaghetti. Just before you twirl more noodles on your fork, Joel reaches out and drags a thick finger over your shiny crystal hanging from your neck, making you gasp at the contact.

“S’pretty. What kind of crystal is it?” he asks curiously as his thumb drags along the smooth edges of the crystal.

“It’s amethyst. One of my favorite kinds of crystals,” you fawn as your eyes stare into those deep pits of honey warmth. Swooning as his fingers continue to graze the necklace. His eyes flick up to yours as a smile tugs up the corners of his mouth.

“I guess I should’ve known by now. It’s purple and it makes those pretty eyes of yours glow even brighter, little enchantress,” he calls out, making your insides coat with warmth.

Little enchantress.

He’s so dreamy.

“Oh, thank you,” you quietly respond as you feel your cheeks redden from his lingering eyes. “You always have a way with words, don’t you?”

“It doesn’t take much, sweetheart. You’re just very… beautiful is all,” he smiles.

Beautiful? Oh. Oh my.

“Beautiful…” you repeat back, lost in a daze as his words repeat over and over in your brain in a never ending cycle.

“That’s right. Beautiful.”

There’s that tension again. The one that makes your head swim and your heart race a million miles per hour. And there’s those eyes again. Those deep brown eyes that seem to stare straight into your longing soul. His foot curls under yours, the side of his thigh pressing heavily against yours. A simple affection that makes your heart spiral out of control.

For a second you think he might lean in, but then he clears his throat and sits up straighter as he notices Oliver tip-toeing under the table as his little feet pad against the dark wood.

“Hi, Oliver,” you say with a greeting as you reach down to rub his furry head. Joel just watches you, a smile tugging at his mouth as his eyes wander back down to Oliver. “You gonna go say hi to Joel?” you ask as he steps over to Joel and rubs up against the edge of his ankle, purring his hello as he heads into the kitchen.

“He definitely likes you,” you nod as you find Joel chuckling to himself.

“Yeah, you think so?”

“I know so,” you confirm.

Another deep chuckle rumbles out of his chest as he shakes his head in disbelief. “Sarah would never believe this.”

The gears in your head start to grind, bringing questions up that you don’t know the answers to. “Sarah? Who’s Sarah?” you ask cautiously as you tap the fork lightly against the glass plate.

“Oh,” he says with a nervous expression as he slides a hand through his slicked back curls. “She’s uh… well, she’s my daughter,” he says quietly as he looks up through the fringe of his dark eyelashes.

Daughter? He has a daughter?

“I didn’t know you had a daughter,” you say sweetly, lips curling into a smile as it seems to relax his stance. “How old is she?”

“She just turned twenty this year. She’s a sophomore in college now. My little girl is growing up,” he says as he bites his lower lip, probably trying not to get too emotional as he thinks about it. He must be such a good father. That smile. That majestic, radiant smile. He must love her so much. He is a good father.

“Do you have a picture of her?” you ask, trying to dig inside his chest and find out every single thing about him.

“Oh, yeah. Got one on my phone, just a second,” he says as he digs in his pocket and pulls out his phone. He scrolls through his camera roll and stops on one picture as he holds the phone out to you. “That’s me and her last summer at the lake. She’s almost as tall as me,” he laughs casually.

You look at the picture and take in the surroundings. Clear blue water, bright skies, and kayaks. Joel stands in a light blue t-shirt and black swim trunks, and his daughter stands next to him. Tall, thin, long curly hair that passes down to her shoulders. They look so happy in the picture. He must love her a lot.

“She’s really pretty,” you smile.

“Yeah, she is,” he beams, his crooked smile pushing a dimple into view as you nearly swoon at the sight.

He’s so handsome.

Thoughts of her mother come into focus. A mother. Was Joel married before? Was she still in the picture? Was he still seeing her? You push down the negative thoughts and press on. “And the mother? Is there… is there anyone in the picture?” you ask cautiously, stepping over lily pads in a crocodile infested swamp.

He huffs out a sigh and shakes his head. “No. She uhh… she left a couple days after Sarah was born. Said she never wanted to be a mother, didn’t want the responsibility of her. So she left her with me. Haven’t seen her since.”

She left? How could anyone want to leave Joel? He’s so good, so perfect. You couldn’t imagine anyone wanting to leave him.

He chokes back a muted response, and you see just the slightest hint of a wet tear swimming in his eye. You didn't want to upset him, you never want to upset him.

You slide your hand on top of his and curl your fingers around him. “I’m so sorry, Joel. That must’ve been so awful. I can’t… I can’t even imagine anyone wanting to leave you or her. I’m so, so sorry,” you apologize through thick words, knitting your brows together as a look of concern washes over your face.

He leans forward, placing his other hand on top of yours as he squeezes gently. “No, don’t apologize, darlin’. S’not your fault she left. It was probably for the best. Me and Sarah got along just fine without her. So don’t worry. I’m alright,” he responds as he slowly gulps a lump down in his throat. He might say he’s okay, but you can see just a tad of sadness behind those honey eyes. And you want to take that away, make the pain go away forever.

“I just hate hearing that. How could she hurt you like that? I couldn’t… I wouldn’t ever do that to you.” You freeze, realizing just what you said as fear strikes your insides. You said too much. You said too much.

As if he sees the fear inside your eyes, he squeezes the top of your hand as a gentle smile spreads wide over his beautiful face. “No, I don’t imagine you would, sweetheart.”

You blush at that, and he continues on. “But enough about that. What about you?” he asks curiously, eyebrows raising as he waits for an answer.

“What about me?”

“How can a gorgeous girl like you not be taken by someone already?” he asks, patiently waiting as his fingertips brush lightly over yours.

Gorgeous. There’s that word again.

“Oh, it’s been a while since I’ve dated, really. Guys aren’t… well, guys these days aren’t very nice. My last ex told me I was ridiculous for collecting crystals and spending my days in the garden. Kinda hurt my feelings,” you say quietly as you purse your lips and knit your eyebrows together, trying not to get too in your head over the whole ordeal.

“Ridiculous, huh? That boy was a fool,” Joel spits as anger flashes like fire through his eyes. “Any boy who broke your heart had no idea what a sweet, beautiful girl you are. Frankly, they’re fuckin’ blind. I mean look at you. You’re the most stunning girl I’ve ever laid eyes on. Your gardening and collections make you unique. And you are, you’re so unique. You shine so bright like a diamond in the rough, little enchantress,” he purrs, his honey eyes melting into yours as you nearly sink to the floor in a wet, muddled puddle.

Unique, diamond in the rough, stunning, beautiful.

Soft. He’s so soft.

You’re speechless, mouth hanging open as your eyes water over. He’s so good, so very gentle and sweet. And if you hadn’t fallen for him before, you sure as hell have now. Soft. Joel is so… soft.

“I… uh… thank you, Joel,” you whisper out, nearly tumbling over your own words as you try to get a hold of yourself.

“You’re welcome, sweetheart.”

He holds your gaze and slowly squeezes your hand again as his knee knocks gently against yours. You look over at the clock and see that it’s nearly 9:00pm. About the time when all the fireflies are out dancing in the flower fields. You get the perfect idea then as you straighten up in your chair.

“Do you want to go see the stars?” you ask excitedly, eyes getting big at the thought of Joel stargazing with you.

“See the stars?” he asks with an intrigued expression over his warm face.

“Yeah, in the backyard. They’re so pretty out here, and tonight there’s barely any clouds so you can probably see the Big Dipper,” you smile.

Please, say yes. Take my hand and watch the stars with me.

“Yeah, I like stars,” he confirms with a nod. “Gonna teach me a thing or two about the constellations?” he asks eagerly as a warm smile slips beautifully over his handsome face.

“What do you think?” you smirk, eyes full of wonder as he takes you in.

He chuckles, pulling back his chair as he stands and holds his hand out to you. “Well, c’mon then, enchantress. Show me your world,” he smiles.

Show me your world. He wants to see your world. He wants to know you. The real you.

You smile and grab a large blue blanket as you let him lead you out the back door, your hand in his as he holds it tight. It feels good, feels warm, feels so right in yours. And you know then that this is more than a date. He’s someone you want to keep seeing again and again and again. And you hope he stays, you hope he wants to stay for you.

Please, stay.

You walk ahead of him and keep your hand curled around his, leading him down the cobblestone path as you make your way under the wooden garden arbor. The green vines catch your shoulder as you walk past, and the red rose bushes blow gently through the night breeze.

LED lights glow along the winding path as fairy lights glow in the near distance, their lights bursting through tall flower beds and scented rose lilies. Tree frogs sing their night song as crickets chirp back and forth through the green grass, their voices echoing in the distance as you continue walking through your dreamy garden.

You feel Joel’s eyes roam around your colorful garden, wildflowers sprawled every which way as shades of blue, pink, purple, red, and every other color meets your gaze. A look of surprise and maybe even wonder flit past his eyes, his mouth opening as he takes in the glowing fairy lights and the flickering fireflies that dance all through the painted flower beds.

“Wow, this is really somethin’. Looks like I stepped into a fairytale,” he laughs as his brown eyes land on you. “You did all this?”

“Mhm,” you nod as you stand still and look around the lit up garden, your hand falling from his as you trail your index finger over a soft white tulip in the ground. “It’s my own little sanctuary.”

“Must’ve taken you a long time, I’m guessin’,” he answers as he drags a hand through his wind blown curls, looking so ridiculously good as his eyes train on you.

“Yeah, but it was worth it. I still have a lot I want to do. Like I still need to find a bench that I can place right over there.” You point to the middle of the garden, right in front of tall vines of grapes and berries as a bundle of sunflowers sit behind that.

Joel flicks his eyes to where you point and then back to you. “Oh? You been lookin’ for one?” he asks curiously as he crosses his arms and takes one step forward, his leather boots crunching in the lush green grass as he takes another. One step closer to you.

“For quite some time,” you sigh.

“Anywhere particular you’ve been lookin’?” he asks with one eyebrow cocking up, taking one step closer to you as he crunches against the soft ground.

“I’ve looked everywhere it seems. I’ve been to every hardware store around town, looked at endless websites until I scrolled through every page I could. Just nothing has stood out to me. Guess I just haven’t found what I want yet,” you say quietly, another huff leaving your chest as you stare at the vacant spot where you envision the perfect wooden bench.

Joel stands there looking where you are and then back at you, feet shifting their weight against the ground as he gulps before asking. “What do ya want?” he asks softly, eyes trailing over to you as you slowly turn and grin up to him.

“I don’t know. I guess I envision maybe a teak garden bench where the sides are open. Maybe flowers somewhere on the bench. Something more personalized than anything else I’ve seen. I just want it more… me. You know?” you say dreamily as you daydream about the perfect garden bench.

Joel looks at you carefully, eyeing you closely as you gaze around the lit up garden. His lips twitch, but no words come out of his mouth. He’s thinking hard about something, gears grinding in his head of things you can’t quite discern. But he looks like he wants to say something, maybe even do something.

Something swirls in his eyes as his eyebrows thread together and his fingers flex against his palm, concentration seeping through his broad shoulders. He wants to tell you something, but he just grits his teeth and shakes his head. Whatever he wanted to say was gone now.

“Well, enough about that. Come on, the best viewing spot is over here.” You hug the blanket closer to your chest as you lead him to an open field with wildflowers spread in a big circles around you, encumbering you with floral scents that you can almost taste flying through the thick air. You lay the blanket out carefully and sit down, patting the spot next to you as Joel quickly joins you on the blanket, his body just a few inches from yours.

Joel looks up as the stars shine bright in every direction, encasing the dark sky in trickles of light. “Wow. You definitely don’t see stars like this in the middle of the city,” he says with awe as he leans further back against his hands, his button-up pulling at his bulging biceps.

“Yeah. That’s why I love it out here so much. You can see the stars every single night, and it’s just absolutely lovely.”

You lay back against the soft blanket, your head resting on the ground as you sigh and take in the sparkling stars in the sky. They seem to shine extra bright tonight, like diamonds in the sky. And maybe it’s because Joel’s here, like the stars know it’s an extra special night. Your first date, the best night you’ve had in a long time.

“Hey, isn’t that the Big Dipper?” he asks as he points high in the sky, finding the biggest and brightest star in the night sky. And he’s right. It is the Big Dipper.

“You’re right, that’s it,” you beam with excitement. “You know about stars?” you ask as he looks down at you while he leans against his elbows.

“Just a little. Not anything like you though. You’re probably an expert in that too, aren’t ya?” he asks with an amused look on his face.

You shrug, giving him a shy smile as you dig your fingers into the blanket. “I mean, I do know a lot. I have a couple of books on stars,” you blush nervously, not wanting him to know just how much you have studied the stars in your spare time.

“Don’t be coy, sweetheart. You don’t have to hide from me. Go on now, tell me how much you know,” he coaxes as his eyes meet yours, all warm and welcoming as he smirks down at you playfully. You can’t help but giggle as he tries to ease it out of you. And that’s it, you can’t hold back from him.

“Okay then, you’re right. I do know a lot about stars. In fact, I have a few books on my shelf in my room. Might even have a telescope somewhere in my closet,” you stammer out, cheeks flushed as he stares at you silently, eyes gazing into yours.

“‘Course ya do, darlin’. Such a smart girl,” he purrs out, making you blush even more at his kind compliment.

Your eyes wander back to the sky as you search for the constellations. It doesn’t take you very long to spot one instantly as your voice grows louder than before. “Hey, look! Up there. Do you see those four stars connecting together, kind of in a slant?” you ask as you point to the sky.

Joel looks up, but doesn’t see where you point. “Where at, darlin’? Can’t quite see it.”

“If you come down here maybe you’d see it,” you laugh, your voice carrying through the wind as a lone firefly lights up over the corner of the blanket.

“Maybe you’re right,” he murmurs. He lays back against the the blanket as his shoulder brushes yours, chills running down your spine as you can smell his woodsy scent swirling all around you. It’s almost too much. He smells so good, and you wish you could bottle it up and release it all through your cozy room. Have his scent draped across your pillow so you could breathe him in every night.

“Now, show me where you were pointing again.”

You point back to the constellation as his eyes follow your finger, closely monitoring the sky as he squints just a bit and finally sees what you’re seeing. “Oh, I think I see it now.”

“That’s Aries. The ram. There’s a whole story on how Aries got its name, but I won’t bore you on that subject,” you reply, eyes floating through the stars as you try to find another one.

“You couldn’t bore me, sweetheart. You can talk about it as much as you want, doesn’t bother me. Like hearin’ you talk about things you love,” he responds with a lilt to his voice. Soft, quiet, assertive as he drops his head to the side and flicks his eyes over to you. You look over at him and smile back, eyes quickly scanning back over the sky.

“If you say so,” you giggle. You point back up to the sky and start talking about the stars, pointing out Ursa Minor as you tell him the it’s named Little Bear, going more in depth about the history as your eyes grow wide with excitement when you spot another bright star in the sky. Going on and on about the stars in the big night sky, pouring your heart out as Joel carefully listens to you.

Joel turns his head to the side, eyes trailing over your face as a smile slowly spreads across his lips. He’s captivated, fully immersed in every word you say. His eyes flick over your features, long hair spread across the blanket as your eyes seem to glow as you look up at the stars. He sees the glitter around your eyes sparkle, sees the shine of your lip gloss glistening in the moonlight.

He can’t hear the wind, can’t hear his own breathing. All he hears is your soft voice blowing through the wind, getting warped inside his mind as it sounds like a dreamy tune. Words as delicate as a lullaby as it slowly sends him in a romantic trance. All he sees is you, all he can think about is you as his mind says your name over and over and over again. He sees your beauty, your passion, your entire heart. He sees you, just you. And he knows he’s fallen. He’s fallen hard, fast. Maybe too fast, but he doesn’t care. He knows what he wants right then and that’s you. It’s you.

He drops his hand from his chest and it lands against the soft blanket, the back of his hand lingering against yours as he glides it back and forth, brushing ever so softly against your delicate skin. Your breathing speeds up, your throat catching on a sigh as he slowly digs up enough courage to slide his hand into yours, softly entwining his fingers with yours as you feel your heart start to gallop like wild horses running freely through a wide open field.

His hand in yours feels like it’s exactly where it belongs as he brushes his calloused thumb across the back of your hand, time freezing as you feel his eyes staring softly at you. “You know what you remind me of?” he asks as his thumb continues its journey over your skin, your fingers curling around his affectionately.

“What?” you whisper, eyes searching as his shoulder brushes up against you once more and his brown irises fade into yours.

“A binary star.”

You gasp. A binary star. Oh. That’s romantic.

“A binary star?”

“Mhm. Two stars that revolve around each other. Both bound together. Unable to part from the other. Rare. Special…” he purrs as he scoots closer to you, leaning closer, closer, closer until his forehead is grazing yours, brown eyes blazing into yours as his mahogany scent seems to drown you, bathe you in pure bliss as all the stars seem to fade around him. It’s just him now, only him.

“Yeah? You really mean that?” you breathe out, your chest suffocating on nerves and anticipation as he leans in closer, a tousled curl falling against your forehead.

“I mean it, darlin’. You’re a beautiful binary star. My binary star,” he smiles, breath blowing against yours as you see nothing but him. Joel, Joel, Joel.

He called you his beautiful binary star. His.

“Oh,” you quietly elate, gaze falling into his as he comes closer, closer, closer. His hand grazes your jawline, slowly sliding his calloused fingers against delicate skin. And your skin burns for him, igniting the flames as you dance in them, burn in them.

His forehead meets yours, lips brushing up against you as you feel him, smell him, breathe his air. All dizzy with mahogany and pine scents, his brown eyes locking with yours. And you swear you see entire galaxies in his eyes, Heart Nebula etched in his irises, and you see your reflection as clear as day in them. You see yourself embedded in the heart shapes. Brown, warm, calling you to him like you belong right there in his eyes.

His eyes trail down to your glossy lips, lingering there just a second as he dips lower, lower, lower until he’s hovering right there, right where you feel him the most. His eyes linger back to your eyes as you see just how beautiful he shines against the night sky. He’s the only galaxy you see now. Everything else slipping slowly away as his breath consumes you.

And then he smiles. Warm, soft, so ridiculously tender. His calloused fingers cupping your chin as he slowly sinks down. Slowly, so subtly.

“My little enchantress,” he whispers, and then he closes the distance as his lips sink down on yours.

His lips are so soft. Velvet clad lips that seem to melt against yours. The entire world goes silent as the wind seems to halt and the hum of the crickets go mute. It’s just you and Joel caught in this dreamlike, whimsical moment. It’s just you and him, all wrapped up in each other as you slot your lips and allow him access to you. He slips his tongue in slowly, delicately as he traces it over yours. Two souls dancing together as you get lost in his honeydew taste, in his warm embrace as he grazes his thumb against your cheek gently.

Gentle. He’s so very gentle with you, so careful as he continues to trace his lips over yours. You taste him, drink him down, pour yourself out to him so he’ll take all that you have to give him. You're his now as much as he is yours. And it’s in that moment that you realize this is what you’ve been waiting for your entire life. It was Joel.

You get lost in the kiss as the sparkling lights surround you, lighting up the nighttime as you stay just like that for what seems like an eternity. You don’t know how long you’ve been connected, don’t know how long his lips have lingered on yours, don’t know how long his calloused fingers stayed trailing along your jawline. But when you finally do disconnect from each others lips, he hugs your body into his chest and holds you close. Your arm reaches across his body, and you grab a hold of his button-up shirt as the soft material slips between your fingers. His hand slowly travels up, up, up until he’s covering your hand with his as he threads his fingers through yours, lacing them together like that’s exactly where they belong.

You breathe deep, inhaling his woodsy scent as you look to the stars. They seem to shine brighter now, a clear message that this is where you need to be. That Joel was a star sent from the sky just for you. Your own binary star.

“Your binary star, huh?” you ask again, wanting to hear the words come out of his mouth again and again and again.

“My binary star,” he smiles.

You seem to float away, joining the stars as you stay entangled with him on the soft blanket. Unwilling to move, unwilling to leave this perfect night. It was beautiful, it was all beautiful. And you just couldn’t stop thinking of the words that left his mouth.

My binary star.

Tags: @5oh5 @vividispunk @vvitchesh3x @strawberri-blonde @thischarmingmandalorian @r3dheadedwitch @laurrrra @nandan11 @anoverwhelmingdin @forgetmenotsexy @vie-is-punk @msjarvis @reddedmiller @vee-bees-blog @lorilane33 @mountainsandmayhem @keylimebeag @littlevenicebitch69 @lotusbxtch @thethirstwivesclub @joelmillersblog @tuquoquebrute @princesatracionera @princessanglophile @amyispxnk @jasminedragoon @akah565 @casa-boiardi @prettytulips @ezrasbirdie-main @orcasoul @vivian-pascal @dugiioh @pedrostories @cherrybombsxxx @ka-x-in

#joel miller #joel miller fic #joel x female reader #joel miller fanfiction #joel the last of us #tlou fanfiction #joel tlou #joel miller pedro pascal #soft!joel miller #soft joel miller #joel x fem! witch reader #joel x f!reader #joel x reader #enchant me #joel miller fluff #joel fluff #lots of fluff #falling in love #pedro pascal fanfiction #pedrostories #no outbreak!joel miller #no use of y/n

[sinfullyrosey]

Aggressive Affection - Azul

Azul Ashengrotto X Fem!Reader

Warnings: Tentacles, Claustrophobia (octoboy holds you close and encases ya in tentacles), Bondage (via said tentacles)

Fun Fact: Octopi can taste with their suckers. I only knew this after writing this, but still feel like it was an important addition.

All characters are 18+

How the two of you ended up in this situation didn’t really matter at this point.

What’s happened, happened.

You two had decided to go swimming together after finals, as a sort of date, and while he refused to change into his original form, fate had other plans it seems. Whether it be due to the nerves of seeing you in a bikini top and swim trunks for the first time or a simple oversight on his part, but he had forgotten to retake the potion that kept him in his bipedal form and slowly started to change.

His skin darkened and long, thick tentacles started to grow out to replace his two human legs, while you watched on in confused awe. He hadn’t had time to plan an escape route or brought an extra potion with him, instead left to transform right there in the waters of the Octavinelle Dorm, in front of his beloved.

The details of what happened next were blurred by the dark blackness of his ink spraying out in a panic and muddying the waters around them. Anxiety pricked at his veins when he made direct eye contact with you and saw the baffled look on your face. The image sent waves of fear rushing into his mind.

He remembers trying his best to hide himself away from you then, curling in on himself and desperately trying to find some closed off space to squeeze into and hide. The sheer embarrassment and shame clouding his thoughts. His mind was uncharacteristically frazzled, leaving him to simply float to the bottom floor, kicking up sand like a cloud and mixing with the ink.

He can’t quite recall what led to what happened next.

His partner was speaking to him, coming closer and trying to reassure him. Her delicate touch and kind words are what ultimately brought him out of his self-deprecating state. He was still ashamed of his body, despite her efforts, but they were not all in vein. He began to open up a bit more, allowing her to see more of him, but still hidden in the ball of embarrassment and tentacles.

He just remembers feeling safe with her around, her presence offering him some much needed comfort. Her kind smile painting one of acceptance and love, not a single inkling of disgust or fear could be seen, only compassion and understanding. The feeling made his body jittery all over again, only this time for the better. If he didn’t know any better, he’d say she was his new octopot. Warm, comforting, safe…

Maybe that is why his tentacles acted on their own accord and gently wrapped themselves around her smaller figure. Curling and coiling around her arms and legs, the suckers latching on and pulling them closer into the ebony limbs.

You had gasped at the first unsuspecting touch, but soon relaxed when you saw it was only him. Your smile grew as you pet the squishy appendages, giggling when you spotted his blushing blue face.

“Ha ha, your face is so blue, ZuZu! It matches your eyes.~”

The playful comment had made his blush deepen and caused two of his tentacles to raise and cover his face. You giggled some more as the tentacles around you drew you closer to him. He wasn’t doing any of this on purpose. He wasn’t commanding them to wrap around you protectively like you were some newfound coin to add to his collection. He hadn’t meant for them to hug you so tightly in such a protective manner.

They were acting on his emotions alone, playing out the secret desires he kept hidden away deep inside him. The desire to just hold you close; so, so close…

Before he knew it, his tentacles were pulling you closer to him and creating a cage around the both of you, blocking out the ocean blue waters and leaving nothing but the inky curtains of darkness. Your vision was left with nothing but black, and the light blue glimmer of his horizontal-pupiled eyes. You smiled at him in the darkness, hands slowly reaching out to gently hold them against his pale cheeks.  

His heartrate increased as you rested your forehead against his, softly murmuring such praises at him. Showering him in compliments and words of affirmation with that lovely voice of yours. He couldn’t take it anymore, his tentacles pulling you even closer to him until your bodies were flush against one another and he could feel the soft flesh of your skin against his own. He could feel the heat radiating from your body as his greedily soaked up everything it could from you.

Azul could just melt into this moment forever. To never leave and share this all with you, holding you close in his makeshift security pot and bask in each other’s soft affections. But, of course, it still wasn’t enough for his greedy, little heart. He always wanted more, needed more, even if he himself didn’t realize it.

“A-ah, Azu…” A soft moan slipped past your lips. Your back arching forward at the pleasurable sensation between your legs.

The tentacle that had wrapped itself there was now slowly rubbing against the clothed folds of your most sensitive bits. The pleasure mixed in with the feeling of the others wrapped around your thighs and lower bottom squeezing and massaging the plump skin. You were left panting as the ones at your breasts joined in, curling themselves around the round mounds and fondling them, causing your nipples to pebble at the treatment.

“Azul… Az…ul~”

He only watched as his eight limps worked at you in tandem, sending you new waves of pleasure with every sudden squeeze and light pinch. His body heated up at the sight of your body so positively responding to what he thought was so ugly about himself for so long. Despite what he assumed, your body did not act in disgust, but rather, pure wanting arousal.

You gasped when the same tentacle’s suckers latched onto the slick skin of your groin, creating a suctioning effect against your folds and now swollen clit. Your pussy quivered and fluttered, leaking at the touch. The tentacle would rub and grind against you, then release with an audible “pop!” before re-latching themselves once more. The strange sensation had your toes curling and mouth singing a chorus of moans and pants.

“Azu-I’m g-gonna cum! O-oh, it feels so good!” You keened.

The other tentacles started to squeeze tighter around your thighs and bottom. The ones at your breasts started to give your nipples the same treatment as your clit, suckers massaging the perky buds until they were red and swollen.

The pain and pleasure was becoming too much and you could feel your insides coil and tighten with every new jolt sent to your core. The expression of bliss on your face had the octomer in awe. He tentatively took your face in his hands, much like how you had done to him earlier, and pressed his lips against yours in a desperately passionate kiss.

He swallowed down your moans when you finally came undone, walls clenching and hips grinding further against his tentacles to gain as much friction as possible. You whimpered against his lips, leaning into him as your vision went white, before slowly fading back to the black around you.

Your body went limp in his hold, cradled securely in his many arms. Azul smiled at the lovestruck look in your tired, lidded eyes, bringing you closer to him once more and kissing your temple. For now, he just chose to hold you and nothing more, enjoying the moment for now.

#Twisted Wonderland #Twisted Wonderland Smut #TWST #TWST Smut #Azul Ashengrotto Smut #Azul Ashengrotto X Reader #Fem!Reader

[reo-kisser]

MARRIED LIFE

reo, nagi, chigiri

gn!reader, fluff, hcs

"my love" used once in reo's part. soccer used instead of football.

MIKAGE REO

Life with Reo is oddly peaceful and chaotic all together. There's so much going on, but somehow, there's always some down time for you to spend together- he makes sure of it. While the eyes of the public will never, ever, go away completely, he does all in his power to control where they look (for your safety and comfort, which is also partly his).

Reo is quite the fan of hugs from behind. Even better if you don't notice beforehand, his arms come around your waist as his head rests upon your shoulder. Whenever he sees you, a smile rests upon his expression. Every moment he was away, he missed you, and being able to see you again is his freeing of the cruelties of life. He never fails to give you a kiss, no matter whether it's been 2 minutes or 2 weeks. Just being able to feel you, to have you in his arms (or, perhaps, he in yours) was the antidote to fatigue.

Even though Reo runs towards his dreams, goal in front of him and his eyes locked onto it, he's learned how to take a step back and enjoy a moment of rest- especially with you. As much as he's involved in work, he always tries to put you first, when he's on vacation with you. There will always be calls and emails and unexpected emergencies, but as much as he can, he's there with you. After all, he set away this time for you, not for everyone else who "needs" him.

Let your dreams run wild. If he can, he'll grant it. After all, his motto is "Get everything you want"- and he'll get it for you. You, whom he found meaning in life in, will receive everything you wish for. (If you want it easily, he'll give it to you. If you want it from your own power, he'll let you have that too. After all, he knows all too well the emptiness of no ambition.)

Reo is always a bit "too much"- endearingly so. His words are always just a little bit flowery, a little bit teasing- but it's easy to know he's earnest about it. Whether he calls you, texts you, or is right there by you, it's second nature to him to be full of love for you. He does a lot, but it's because it feels right to him- and it didn't ever take long for him to find what felt right for you too. After all, what's right for you is right for him too.

It is always at the end of the day that Reo is able to finally relax, to move from the constantly moving world into a time of bliss, accompanied by you. This is the time of day he gets to nuzzle his face into your neck, hold you tight, giggle as he whispers a hundred different ways to say "I love you".

You first, always. The first scene that reaches his eyes in a day is you, and he wouldn't have it any other way. Reo is always, always content to be able to feel your breath tickle his skin, as his thumb rubs circles on your cheek. He hopes he doesn't wake you up, but he just can't help it. He feels nothing but love, admiration- and if you're partial to teasing him, now would be the best time.

If possible, he'd love to be next to you when your eyes open to see the world too. He often places a kiss on your forehead, and your ears catch a "Good morning, my love."- whispered, fully for you. At this time, he still feels dreamy, floating on clouds. He giggles from happiness, and he doesn't want to get up. Not yet. The goals won't go anywhere. Nor will you, but he simply just wants to bask in the moment.

Reo adapts quickly. He's aware, he's observant. He knows that the eyes of the public are everywhere, and at this point, he's almost drowned them out- but if you want, he'll keep his ear out, he'll cover you. You're his and his only, and as much as he wants to brag about his wonderful lover, the only who has captured his heart so, your safety and comfort is always at the top of his priorities. No matter what, he wants to bring you happiness, and he'll go through any efforts to do so.

Sometimes, Ba-ya comes over. Now, she knows little Reo has grown into big boy Reo with stable income, independent life, and a wonderful lover, but sometimes, she'll come over to visit, fix up a few things here and there and make something he likes. She enjoys your company too, and even though Reo asks her to leave most of the time, so he can spend that time with you, but he's always grateful that she's fond of you too.

Just because you're married, it doesn't stop him from taking you out on dates. The ring doesn't mean "I'll stop dating you", it means "I'll be together with you forever." Dates on a whim, dates planned, dates you knew were coming, dates you had no idea about. If life was about passion, spending time with you was a big part of it- and that won't ever change.

Sometimes, both you and he didn't know you were going on a date. Sometimes, dates just happen like that, on a whim- not that was ever a bad thing. It isn't always fancy either- maybe he takes you on a stroll through town and you discover things you've never seen before. Maybe something catches your eyes and you decide, on the spot, "let's go there." His hand is always intertwined with yours, as to never lose sight of you.

Reo loves going above and beyond. After all, he dreams big, and he gets what he wants. (Reminder: what you want, he also wants!) If you want, he'll bring you to the fanciest places- Michelin star restaurants, exclusive sights, seven star hotels. He'll plan it perfectly, and the outcome will be perfect. There is nothing he won't do for his beloved.

There isn't a year that Reo doesn't celebrate your anniversary. How could he forget the day you were wed to him? He always is able to take the day off from work to bring you somewhere nice, and every year is nothing short of magical. In fact, if the two of you have time, he'll take a week off and bring you somewhere on vacation, an unforgettable experience.

SEISHIRO NAGI

If there's one way to describe life with Nagi, it would be comfort. There's one truth in life, and that was that Nagi is, and will forever be, in love with you. That is the one, undisputable fact of the universe. Nagi finds comfort in knowing that you love him too, and that's enough for him- of course, there are things he wants, but he's okay just knowing that you're in love with him too.

Nagi never wants to get out of bed- especially in the mornings. Even if he has soccer to practice, it doesn't hurt to stay in a little bit longer, right? He clings to you, just a little. He doesn't want to move; to him, time's almost stopped, as it's not a time of reality but rather a time of bliss for him.

Somehow, you've found yourself with an increasing amount of plants in the house. First, choki was already there. Then, there was another. And another. And until the windows were filled with plants, it was hard to notice just how quickly the plants seemed to multiply. Just one more, that one would be cute, let get that one- they added up, not that Nagi ever minded. It was somewhat like a family- maybe you and Nagi had become plant parents.

Nagi could be with you forever. And that's why he made that promise, but there's rarely ever a moment he doesn't want to be with you. Even if he's playing soccer, he's just as happy just being with you, no matter what he's doing with you.

Even if practice is intense, Nagi always makes sure to come home on time. There are priorities, and while soccer is important, being at home with you is more important. He needs his daily dose of you, and whenever asked, his answer would be, "I can't play soccer unless I go home tonight."

On break days, he's home all day. His mere existence is a constant reminder of "hey, I'm here". His hands might be playing games, but his head rests on you, snuggled against your body. He needs you, he needs to feel you. He feels his ego when he plays soccer, but with you, he feels at peace.

Nagi isn't one to go all out and extra, but on important days, (like your anniverary) he'll do anything you want to do. He always takes the day off, no matter what. (His motivation magically disappears, oddly. He has one priority on those days, and that's spending time with you)

In terms of house chores, Nagi doesn't mind doing it, but he isn't insistent on doing it either. He's rather familiar, especially because he's lived alone for a long time. He'll do whatever you don't want to do, so you have full reigns. Though, if he finds that you're doing too much, he won't think twice before doing some of that himself.

Despite him not having said much at all about being married to you, everyone, even people he had recently met, know he's married to you. Not just because he was famous (and by extention, so were you) but also because no one can deny the absolute affection he shows. It was simply so clear that he was in love with you, not just from his eyes but also the way he sought to simply be by your side.

In the moments that you're alone with him, Nagi always buries his head into your shoulder. It's almost like his resting place, with his arms around you and mumbles escape his lips. His eyes close too, but he doesn't always fall asleep- that wasn't the plan. After all, in what other position could he so easily reach your lips- your cheek and neck too, even your hands?

CHIGIRI HYOMA

It's oddly stable- living with, married to Chigiri Hyoma. Even if he could run the fastest, he kept pace with you, always- your hand intertwined with his. After all, he'd stay wherever you go. It was the sense of consistency, a constant peace that was surprisingly difficult to break.

It was assuringly routine - get up, get ready, eat breakfast, go to work, come home, eat dinner, relax, and fall asleep. Although quite standard, and for some, mundane, it was also special. After all, Hyoma was there, too. There was nothing like hearing his voice at any time of day, intertwining your hand with his, sharing a quick kiss- there was nothing at all comparable to that.

Hyoma has a habit of kissing your wedding ring. It's especially often when he won't see you for a bit, but there really is never a day where there isn't at least one kiss. It's always as calm as ever, but if you look closely, you can see the smile on his lips. His lips are soft- they always are- and it's so easy to feel it as his lips brush your fingers.

You can always sit by him while he does his hair care routine. He'll save a spot for you, scoot over a little when you come to sit. He didn't mind at all; actually, he'd been waiting for you. Even if you simply sit there with him, doing your own thing, or talk to him about anything, he enjoys this time with you, no matter how you spend it with him. It's less lonely; from a time of being alone, which isn't a bad thing in itself, it's more often that he finds himself comforted by the fact that you're there with him. Just that makes it better.

He always lets you know when he's going out of the house. It's like a greeting, always a little "I'm going out to practice" or "I have to get to work", and if possible, he'll leave a little kiss on your forehead and a little smile, especially when you give him a little kiss back. He'll be thinking about you all day, until he can see you again.

Nightly routines are commonplace with Hyoma. He has his self care routine to make sure he's in top shape to play soccer, and he loves doing that together with you- even if yours isn't the same as his. It adds another element to his routine, that it's not just a thing for himself but also time to spend with you.

#blue lock #bllk #blue lock x reader #bllk x reader #mikage reo #mikage reo x reader #reo x reader #seishiro nagi #seishiro nagi x reader #nagi x reader #chigiri hyoma #chigiri hyoma x reader #chigiri x reader

[tightjeansjavi]

Slow Hands | Chapter 4

“I used to float, now I just fall down”

A/N: so I already forewarned that this was going to be a particularly heavy chapter. I also just want to say that I don’t claim to be a medical expert on the effects trauma can have on a person. I also do not self diagnose, but I did a lot of research on the reasoning behind why Beanie doesn’t have any recollection of what happened to her. I specifically researched‘dissociative amnesia’ caused by trauma. Some of the symptoms may include a person forgetting part or all of the traumatic event, and having a ‘foggy’ memory of trauma, or feeling like ‘it didn’t happen to you.’ However, even if you are unable to recall specific details, your body still does which would explain Beanie’s flight or fight response to specific sounds. Depending on the person, your body may associate certain sounds, sights, and smells to a specific traumatic event. Thank you for reading 🤎

~word count: 4.1k~

Pairing | Joel Miller x f!reader

Summary: while on patrol, Tommy and Joel make a gruesome discovery.

Warnings: disturbing/distressing themes that may be harmful to some viewers. Please do not read if this kind of content upsets you. Violence, dead bodies, talk of the past, mention of murder, mentions of guns, mentions of chains, implied S/A by raiders, women held captive, trauma, trauma triggers, PTSD, possible diagnosis of dissociative amnesia (I do not claim to be an expert and just did some heavy research to make it accurately depicted in the story), protective! Joel, Beanie dissociates on her rooftop, implied suicidal thoughts, implied depression, isolation, some fluff towards the end, Joel is incredibly gentle with beanie, no age gap, reader has no physical descriptions, readers nickname is beanie (coffee beans) +18, minors dni! Please heed the warnings!

main masterlist series masterlist playlist

“What the hell do ya mean she doesn’t know what fuckin’ happened to herself? What does that even mean,Tommy?!” Joel was visibly frustrated, confused, and bewildered. His mind was already running circles as he tried to piece together what he knew about you. He was desperate to grasp some context clues that would ultimately lead to a conclusion as to what had happened to you. He gently pulled back on his horse's reins between a cluster of snow dusted evergreens.

Tommy, however, kept his horse moving and this frustrated Joel even further.

“Don’t you fuckin’ walk away from me like you’re deaf or somethin’ ,Tommy!”

The younger Miller brother cursed under his breath as he halted his horse a few strides ahead of Joel. Both brothers were deathly silent. Tommy rolled his shoulders, appearing to try and relieve some stress and tension that was building up. He gently pulled the inside rein towards his torso as he turned his horse around. “Would you fuckin’ keep your goddamn voice down? This is exactly why I don’t want to discuss this with you, Joel.”

“You think I give a damn? What, you just expect me to go ‘bout my business when she crumbled into my arms this morning?’ Tommy, you know me, you know I ain’t gonna let this go.” Joel’s tone was far softer now. His frustrations were still simmering below the surface like that of a once dormant volcano that was gradually becoming active once more.

“Look, Maria and I have our own assumptions about what happened to her. When we found her..she was in pretty fuckin’ rough shape. She was most likely traveling for days without food or water Joel. She was barely breathin’, and for a moment we thought she was long gone.”

“Well, that ain’t all surprising..considerin’ we’re livin’ in an apocalypse Tommy.” Joel fought the urge to scoff under his breath. Tommy wasn’t giving him a straight answer and he wasn’t having any of it.

“That ain’t the fuckin’ point, Joel. Maria..she found somethin’ on her.” Tommy trailed off as he focused anywhere but his brother’s face.

“Tommy, what the hell did she find? Spit it out, or so help me god–” He nearly growled out as his jaw clenched harshly under the pale white moonlight.

“Someone tried to fuckin’ carve her up. That’s what.” Tommy deadpanned.

“what?” Joel could feel the bile rise in his throat at this newfound utterly disturbing information. His pupils were blown wide and an unsettling chill rolled down his spine.

“You fuckin’ heard me. Some sick fucks tried to carve her up. Maria and I both think it was raiders.”

“..like us?” Joel’s question hung heavy in the air as both Miller brothers slowly looked over at one another. There was nothing for them to hide. They had both done unspeakable things to countless people. Some people deserved it..others? Not so much. Joel knew it would be impossible for him to wipe all of his sins and carnage completely clean. His moral compass had been skewed after Sarah died. His actions were fueled by rage and indescribable pain. But even though he was a murderer, and he,Tommy, and Tess committed heinous crimes together, even they had their limits.

“No, Joel. Not like us. We didn’t fuckin’ carve people up.” Tommy shook his head with a heavy sigh. Maria didn’t know half of the shit he had done to survive, and he hoped to god she would never find out.

“No, you’re right. We didn’t carve people up, but we did some terrible fuckin’ things, Tommy.” There was a heaviness in Joel’s voice that lingered in the frosty air.

“Yeah, we did. Endure and survive, right?” Tommy responded with a bitter laugh that slowly crept up his throat.

“So, when you say that they tried to carve her up..”

“Maria found a knife wound that pretty much wraps all the way up her torso and back. It was, and is gruesome.”

“Fuck.” Joel breathed out a puff of air as his heart began to hang heavy in his chest. “She doesn’t remember any of it?”

“No. We actually had Doc check her out after we brought her in, and he thinks she might have dissociative amnesia. He said it’s commonly found in patients that have dealt with an excessive form of trauma. Essentially, her brain is blocking out certain events to protect itself. He of course doesn’t know for sure, but that’s the best explanation he could give as to why she has a foggy memory of what happened to her. He also..thinks there’s a chance that she was heavily drugged for an extended period of time, which could have also led to her memory essentially being botched. That wasn’t..all that Doc found. He also said that after doing a full body exam–”

Joel cut him off immediately like a sharp knife slicing through a hunk of meat. “Stop. Not another word, Tommy. Not another fuckin’ word.” Joel whispered harshly under his breath. He could only imagine the hell you went through. God help those motherfuckers if he ever got his hands on them.

“All this is to say that she may never fully recover those memories. Frankly? It’s probably for the best. I’m entrustin’ you with this information, Joel. And I need you to promise me that you’re not going to go and ask her questions. I need you to bite your fuckin’ tongue on this one. Alright? Jus’ be her friend. Jus’ be there for her.”

Joel wanted to laugh. He wanted to bitterly laugh and shake his fists to the heavens above because how in the hell was he supposed to just deal with the guilt of having some form of knowledge on what happened to you. How was he supposed to look you in the eyes without imagining the horrors that you faced? How was he supposed to pretend?

“Tommy, you know I can’t–”

“I don’t give a damn on what you think you can’t do, Joel. I’m not about to let you or anyone for that matter go and traumatize that poor woman even more. Maria started treatin’ her different than everyone else at one point, and Beanie came to me one day and wanted to know why. I had to sit down with Maria and practically beg her to just treat her like a normal person. Folks ‘round here either think she’s the nutty coffee woman, or some fragile piece of china that is gonna shatter at any minute. She ain’t either of those things, but hey, I guess even an apocalypse can’t stop people from havin’ their judgements.”

“For the record, Tommy, I don’t think she’s either of those things either. Quirky? Sure. She’s better than half the folks in town. That is for damn certain.”

“Exactly. So just treat her like a normal person. Don’t go and try to be her savior either. She ain’t need savin. She just needs a friendly face that understands her.”

“I have a friendly face?” Joel murmured with a soft chuckle to alleviate the tension.

“Hardly, big brother.” Tommy softly joked back.

“So, just so I got this all straight, Doc said that he thinks she might have..dissociative amnesia..but then what about her triggers? Does he know about her episodes? Cus’ she looked at me like I was gonna fuckin’ hurt her. If her brain is tryin’ to block out the trauma..her body is still actively experiencing it?” Joel asked as he gently nudged his horse’s side to walk forward.

“Y’know how you have your own triggers? I’m thinkin’ that she does as well. However, hers are most likely associated with noise. When we first brought her in we had her stay at our place for awhile..and there was one mornin’ I was up early putzin’ around the kitchen and I guess the sound of a pan clatterin’ in the sink freaked her out. She kept tellin’ Maria someone was out to get her, but when Maria asked who, she couldn’t answer.”

“Well..that explains what happened this mornin.’ I jus’ uh—wanted to do somethin’ nice for her so I was shovelin’ her walkway. Maybe the sound of the shovel scrapin’ on the concrete triggered her?”

“Well, chivalry ain’t dead. That’s for damn sure. Yeah, I’m sure it triggered her flight or fight response. She wasn’t logically able to decipher what the noise actually was. Y’know, I'm pretty sure Doc has some books on this stuff if you wanna read up on it.”

Joel was just about to respond when his horse let out a nervous snort and pawed at the ground with his hoof. Horses were incredibly intuitive creatures. They could sense danger from a mile away.

Both Tommy and Joel were already grasping their rifles in a fight response. There was a drifting odor of smoke from a fire..at first Joel thought it was just a typical wood burning fire, until the putrid stench of rotting flesh hit his olfactory senses and it brought him right back to living in the QZ. His eyes watered, and his lungs burned. No doubt in his mind that there was a raider camp nearby.

“We should turn back right fuckin’ now Joel. We should go find the others—” Tommy hissed under his breath.

“No. We’re gonna go investigate. Lucas and Cody probably already detected the smoke as well. This ain’t the first time you and I have gone into somethin’ together. You cover me, and I’ll cover you. Deal?” It was incredible how fast Joel was able to switch back into survival mode. It was embedded deep within his bones, and it didn’t take much for it to be clawing right through his skin. He had been the hunter, more times than he had been the prey.

“If we’re outnumbered, then we split. Got it?” Tommy wasn’t about to go and risk his life tonight.

“Got it.” Joel agreed.

The raiders camp was only a few miles to the east from Jackson. The smoke was billowing high in the air as Joel and Tommy used the snowy evergreens as cover. They had since dismounted from their horses and continued on foot. The camp they stumbled upon was freshly abandoned..but why keep the fire going? Was the first thought that crossed both Joel and Tommy’s minds. They had the barrel of their rifles aimed at the ready as they cautiously crept through the camp. The smell of rotting flesh only began to intensify as they neared the source of the fire.

What they stumbled upon was nothing short of gruesome. Five bodies in total stacked upon chopped down logs. It was difficult to make out facial features, as the deceased bodies were charred to a crisp. One thing was for certain, these people were not infected.

“Were they killed for sport?” Tommy questioned as Joel slowly crouched down next to a body that wasn’t as scorched completely. He could make out feminine features and long follicles of hair. He could feel the bile churn deep in the pit of his stomach as he looked away and pressed his face into the collar of his jacket to try and block out the smell. “These are women, Tommy. Five of ‘em. All dead.”

“Jesus fuck. What the hell happened here?” Lucas and Cody had smelled the fire as well. They were in utter disbelief as they approached the slow burning fire.

“Raiders.” Joel muttered under his breath as he slowly stood back up. His knees cracked from the movement as he grinded his teeth together to block out the uncomfortable tightness in his back.

“Were they infected?” Lucas had asked.

“No. They were just..people.” Tommy somberly confirmed.

Silence washed over the four men as they retreated from the fire. Joel kicked at a pair of heavy chains that laid upon the ground with his boot. “These women were prisoners.”

“We need to put this fire out, and then report back to Maria immediately. She’s goin’ to want to hear about this, and I already know she ain’t gonna be happy.” Tommy muttered as he slung his rifle strap along his shoulder.

“Tommy, we can’t just leave them here. They deserve a proper burial. They deserve to be laid to rest..” Joel couldn’t help but wonder how long these five women were enslaved. Could they have been saved if the patrol group had left earlier? Five lives could have been saved if only he had just—

“Joel, I hear you brother, but the ground is too hard. We can’t bury them. I’m sorry.” Tommy was sorry. These five women deserved better. He wanted to be able to bring them peace as well, but some things were just not possible.

“Fine. I’ll fuckin’ do it myself.” Joel snapped as he slung his rifle strap over his shoulder in one swift movement. He started the trek back to his horse while Lucas and Cody kicked a bit of snow over the dying embers.

Joel returned with a blanket from his saddle bag. He was going to attempt to move the bodies, but he was afraid that their charred bones would shatter. Instead he gently laid the blanket over their remains. He stood there for a good solid five minutes just staring down at the snow covered earth with a clenched jaw, before he finally walked away.

For the entirety of the somber ride back to Jackson, Joel was dead silent.

It had felt like months had passed since you had last seen Joel Miller. In all actuality, it had only been one month. Your brain was just going all doomsday mode on you and convincing you it had been longer. At first you had tricked yourself in believing that maybe Joel didn’t actually want to be your friend. Maybe he was just lying. Maybe he too thought of you as just the nutty coffee woman. It wasn’t till Maria had given you a surprise visit to your little coffee shop. While she was quietly sipping on her latte, you couldn’t help but ask if she had seen Joel lately. You felt slightly pathetic with a sprinkle of naivety. Were you really that desperate for human connection?

“I assigned him, Tommy and a few other men to patrol the late night shift. They stumbled upon something in the woods, and brought it to my attention. Now, before you start freaking out, we are safe here. What they found was just concerning, and they’re making sure that there is no active threat that we need to pay any concern to.”

You paused the movements of the towel below your palm as you were wiping down the countertop. “Oh. I thought maybe he just..nevermind. What exactly did they find in the woods that was concerning, Maria?”

“Beanie, you know I can’t disclose that to you. All I need you to remember is that you're safe. That’s why we have patrol parties. They keep everyone in the commune safe. I just figured you were deserving to know that Joel hasn’t been blowin’ you off for the past month. Him and Tommy are resting in the morning after patrolling all night. It shouldn’t be an issue now that the weather is starting to shift. Usually means that people are movin’ on as resources will be plentiful again.”

You let out a sigh as you crossed your arms over your chest. It did feel silly in some way that you let your brain convince you that Joel was in fact blowing you off. “Yeah.” You mumbled under your breath. “I know why you can’t disclose that information to me.”

“You’ll see him in a few weeks, Beanie. Don’t worry.” Maria reassured you.

Ha

By the time that you did see Joel again, winter wasn’t quite ready to release her icy grip around the earth. She was going to cling on just a bit longer. It was late at night and to put it simply? You were having a rough time. Spending the majority of your day alone was beginning to close in around you. The thoughts were growing louder and louder, and the nightmares you had begun to experience were the same sequence over and over like a vicious cycle that you were sucked down into, unable to escape its painful clutches. That's how you found yourself sitting alone on your roof. Your bedroom window was opened just enough that you were able to climb out onto the roof tiles. You were shivering at first, trembling as your teeth rattled against your jaw. Soon enough, the nipping chill didn’t feel as painful. A peaceful numbness washed over you as if you were in a trance.

Joel had just gotten back from being on patrol. He stopped at the stables to untack his horse, Tex and then he was heading home. He passed by your house every night, and he would stop at your front gate, debate seeing if you were awake, before he would ultimately decide going straight home was easier. On this particular night he was torn from his path home. All because he swore he saw a shadowy figure sitting on your rooftop. He thought maybe his own mind was playing tricks on him until he stepped closer to your house. He was then able to make out a human shape sitting upon the roof tiles. He didn’t even have to guess hard if it was you sitting up there. He just knew.

He called your name, and you didn’t budge a smidge.

“For fuck sakes.” He muttered under his breath as he cupped his hands on either side of his face and yelled your name once more. “BEANIE!” This time his baritone voice broke through the figurative icy shell that was wrapped around you like a cloak. You finally looked down, squinting through the vast darkness.

“Woman is gonna fuckin’ freeze to death out here. Fuck. What the hell is she doin’ up there anyway?!?” He muttered to himself as he pushed open your gate. “I’m comin’ up!” He yelled from the top step of your front porch.

Joel?

The sounds of his heavy boot steps descending up your staircase sounded muffle to your ears as you slowly dropped your chin to rest along your kneecap.

“Jesus fuck, Beanie. What the hell are you doin’ out here?” Joel harshly whispered as he pushed open your bedroom door. He had genuine concern stricken through his hardened features.

“Sitting outside on the roof.” You murmured.

“Yeah, ya don’t say? I can see that you’re sittin’ on the roof, but its fuckin’ freezin’ out here. Why don’t ya have a jacket? A blanket? Beanie, you’re gonna fuckin’ freeze to death out here.” He was already slipping his own jacket off of his shoulders and gently placing it along your shoulders as he carefully climbed through the window and onto the roof beside you.

“I don’t really feel the cold anymore, Joel.” There was a lack of emotion in your tone as your eyes slowly flitted over to him.

“Fuck. Well, that ain’t good either, darlin.’”

“I just..needed to breathe. I felt like I was suffocating in there.”

“Somethin’ happen? How long..have you been feelin’ this way Beanie?” Joel asked you softly as he met your soft gaze.

“I don’t know. A while?”

Joel sighed as he rested his weight back on his palms. “Well, I've felt that way before too. Numerous times actually. I’ll have these moments where the fear comes up outta nowhere, and…my heart feels like it’s stopped.” He softly admitted.

“Like…you can’t breathe?”

“Yeah, like there’s water in my lungs instead of oxygen. Like i’m drownin’ and no matter how hard I swim, I can’t make it to the surface.” He murmured.

“Like..the darkness is closing in? Swallowing you whole?”

“Yeah, but that’s why you gotta look for the light. When you're lost in the darkness, look for the light.”

Joel’s words hung heavy in the air as you both sat in silence, looking up at the vast array of stars that were outshone by the brilliant pale white moon. Shining like a beacon in the inky black sky.

“Joel?” You asked through the growing silence.

“Hm darlin?’”

“Joel, what keeps you moving forward?”

Joel didn’t even have to give a single thought to your question. He already knew the answer. It was family. Family was the one thing that kept moving him forward in this new life.

“Family. You keep goin’ for family.” He confirmed as he watched the way you absentmindedly scratched at your arm, wiggled your nose as you let out a puff of icy air. “I don’t have any family.”

“That ain’t true at all. We’re friends, you and I. Friends can be family. What about Maria and Tommy? Wouldn’t you consider them to be your family as well?” Joel was looking straight into your eyes now as he softly spoke.

“You..consider me to be your family?”

“Darlin’, absolutely I do. You are my family. Why do you think I'm up here with ya right now?”

“To keep me from freezing to death?”

“Well, yes. But also because..I like spendin’ time with you. You think I'd come up here if I didn’t care about ya? I got a bad back and knees, darlin.’ One fatal slip off here and I'm toast.” He stifled a chuckle as his hand was now resting close to your own along the roof tiles

“Please, don’t fall.” Your pinky slowly looped around his.

“I ain’t gonna fall, dontcha worry.”

“Well, for the record, I'm glad you came up here.” There was a ghost of a smile on your lips as you looked over at him once more.

“Me too.” He gave your pinky a gentle squeeze. “Hey, if ya want..maybe you can go spend some time with Dina and Ellie? Help out around the stables? I know they can always use an extra set of hands.” He softly suggested.

“I guess I could do that, huh? I could use some more fresh air and I do like to see the horses.”

“Well, there ya go darlin.’ Sounds like you got it all figured out. I just know they’ll also appreciate seein’ another friendly face. Ellie ain’t got many friends either beside Dina and Jesse. I uh—think you’ll get along really well.”

“Joel?..” you asked as your cheek came to rest along his covered shoulder.

His heart skipped a beat as he did his best to not move and disturb you.

“Yeah Beanie?” He gently asked.

“Thank you.”

“What are ya thankin’ me for?” He asked as he cleared his throat under his breath.

“For being my friend.”

His heart had nearly just gone and burst right out of his chest as the frigid air turned the tips of his cheeks and nose bright red. He was secretly thankful that it was far too dark for you to detect the blush rising on his skin.

“You’re welcome darlin.’”

The sun was just beginning to peek above the horizon when Joel had finally convinced you to go back inside. He was genuinely concerned that parts of your body were frozen. Despite his aching back, and tired joints, he stayed with you until he felt like you were safe. His eyelids were beginning to droop as he rested his palm along his chin. His head bobbed as he struggled to stay awake. You were busy making a fresh pot of coffee and homemade cinnamon rolls, and you didn’t see his slumped form until you had turned around.

“Fiddlesticks,” you softly murmured as you set your bowl down and attended to his side. You gently shook his shoulder a few times before he was startled awake.

“Hey, how about you go and lay down on the couch? Rest up before you head home?”

You didn’t have to ask him twice as he slowly pulled himself up from the kitchen chair and trudged into the family room. You followed him shortly after and grabbed the thick quilt from alongside the couch and draped it over his sleeping frame. His arms were crossed over his chest as he snored softly through his much deserved slumber.

When he awoke hours later, there was a mug of coffee on the coffee table next to the couch along with a freshly baked cinnamon roll. Under the plate there was a scribbled note that read, Went to go see Dina and Ellie at the stables. Make yourself at home. -Beanie

He carefully tucked the note into his flannel pocket as he sat up. He took a hefty swig from the mug of coffee before he picked up the cinnamon roll. It smelled heavenly. With just the right amount of cinnamon and vanilla as the icing slowly oozed down the sides of his fingers. His first bite nearly had him moaning from the sugary taste. He devoured the entire thing, before drifting right back off to sleep with his arms wrapped tightly around the quilt that you had laid on him.

Banners made by the lovely @saradika

Remember, I no longer am doing tag-lists. Please follow @tightjeansjaviupdates and turn on post notifications to be notified when I post new fics/chapters

#joel miller #joel miller fanfiction #pedro pascal characters #pedro pascal #the last of us #joel miller x reader #joel miller x you #joel miller fic #joel miller angst #joel miller fluff #joel miller the last of us #joel x reader #joel miller fanfic #joel miller tlou #joel tlou #joel last of us #joel the last of us #protective joel #joel and tommy #joel miller/reader #joel miller x female reader #joel miller x f!reader #joel miller comfort #pedro pascal fanfiction #tommy miller #maria miller #the last of us fanfiction #the last of us fic #tlou fanfiction #tlou hbo

[cranetreegang]

The Call of Adventure - Ominis x FemReader

I just wanna shoutout everybody. You have all been so sweet and kind with all these fics of Ominis <3 So thank you!!! I'm so happy y'all are enjoying them just as much as I am writing them <3

This was a fun one. Ever since I got the Companions Mod, ya know your gurl had to have Ominis tagging along. I will say, there is something quite amusing about dismissing Ominis on the other side of the map and just being like 'yeah walk your blind ass back to Hogwarts' as he shuffles away.

Anyways, I got carried away with a simple broom flying lesson (looks at word count with a heavy sigh).

hope you enjoy and enjoy while listening to -> Soaring over Hogwarts

Summary: Hoping to show Ominis the joys of broom flight, things take a drastic turn.

Word Count: ~ 4,400 words

Read my other Ominis Fics Here!

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

“I’m not so sure about this.” Ominis holds the broom away from him, not daring to put his leg over the wild thing. 

“You were sure just mere moments ago.” She teases. 

“That was before the damn thing nearly ripped my arm off.” He mumbles. 

She hums in thought then offers, “Perhaps, we should take things slow.” 

Ominis lets out a sigh of relief, but the feeling is short lived as she continues, 

“We can fly together on my broom.” 

He grimaces, “Surely you jest.” 

She walks closer to him and he catches the slight shake of her head, “Not at all. The only way we can get there and back before curfew is by flying.” 

He scowls with a grumbling complaint under his breath. 

“Oh, don’t be that way, Ominis. I think you might enjoy this.” 

“Or, I’ll fall to my death.” 

She snorts, “Then better be quick to cast Levioso on yourself then. Now, come on. We’re losing daylight.” 

She mounts the broom, patting the seat in front of her. He debates with himself on what to do. This is a horrible, ill-advised, reckless plan. But, when will he get another opportunity like this? And he’s heard the rumors of her excellent flying abilities. He lets out an exaggerated sigh as he swings his leg over her broom, dropping the other broom onto the lawn. 

“I better not regret this.” He hisses. 

She can’t stop her wide grin as she scoots closer to him, “Alright, grab hold of the broom with both hands. One in front of the other.” 

Ominis puts his hands around the broom’s handle then they’re just as quickly launched into the air. Her arms fly around his waist as they rocket higher into the sky. 

“Ominis! Even out! You’re pulling too much!” She shouts over the roaring wind. 

He can barely breathe, let alone think. He pushes the broom down, sending them into a downward spiral. His stomach plummets and he can’t make out what she’s trying to say over the air shooting past them. 

Her hands are on his and she speaks in a level voice right into his ear, “Ominis. It’s alright. Follow my movement.” 

She gently pulls up and he does the same until their descent stops, leaving them floating in the air. She lets out a sigh, collapsing against his back. 

“Not exactly how I envisioned our take off going.” She chuckles between heavy pants. His eyes are wide and he’s surprised the death grip he has on the handle hasn’t shattered the polished wood. 

“I nearly killed us.” He murmurs, his body shaking out of his control.

“Nearly. But, not quite.” She slowly removes her hands from his and leans off his back. “How are you fairing?” 

“I want to get off this damnable thing.” He seethes.

She laughs, “But, you’ve already done the hardest part! Granted, we will need to work on takeoffs, but we’re at the best part. Flying.” 

He shakes his head, “No. This was a mistake. I never should’ve gotten on this thing. Now, tell me how to land.” 

She bites her lip, “Ominis.” 

“What?” He snaps. 

She frowns as she takes in the tremors racking through Ominis’ body. A pang of guilt overcomes her at putting him in this position. He’s confessed his desire to fly on a broom before as they were on their way to class. He heard the whoosh of a student passing overhead and he had a slight smile as he mentioned he’s always wanted to learn to fly. It hurt her heart to hear him dismiss the idea as soon as he uttered it. Now that he’s here, he may very well never fly again. Perhaps this was indeed a mistake. Her jaw sets and her head rises with determination. 

She’s not willing to give up just yet. She places her hand on his back. The touch makes him stiffen even more than he already was.

“Take a moment. Breathe. Breathe with me.” She sucks in an audible breath while rubbing her hand up then down his back. “In and out. Slowly. Like this.” 

He matches her breathing, realizing just how frantic he had become. They’re fine, he reminds himself. They’re both fine. He follows the assuasive movement along his back and he’s able to relax himself bit by bit. 

With their hearts no longer threatening to burst out of their chests and his breathing evening out, she continues,

“A broom is only as good as its rider. If you are calm, your broom will be too.” She glances around with a slight grin, “Do you know where we are?”

“Not in the faintest.” 

“Well, take a moment. Feel where we are.” 

Ominis’ relinquishes his tight hold on the broom; enough to let a hand slip into his robes and grab his wand. His wand adjusts his field of view by sending out waves as far as it possibly can. He’s amazed at how much he can make out and he takes notice of the spires surrounding them.

They’re over Hogwarts. About thirty meters above, judging from how far the ground is below them. He can hear the distant chatter of students as they cross in the courtyard. He believes it’s the Transfiguration Courtyard given the sizable tree in the center. 

His shoulders sag with an exhale, the last of his tremors leaving him, “We’re over Hogwarts.” 

She nods, “Yes.” 

He shifts in place, finding some comfort being airborne, but not much.

“We can land if you wish, but I think if you make a lap around the castle, you might enjoy it. Hogwarts from above is truly a sight to behold.” 

“I don’t want to lose control again.” He whispers.

“You won’t.”

He scoffs with his head dismissing her, “Do you not value our wellbeing? Your wellbeing?” 

“I trust you.” 

He’s stunned at her admittance. He almost wants to question her sanity in placing so much faith into him. She shifts to be even closer to him and he’s acutely aware of her arms coming around his waist. 

“Now, trust yourself. I know you can do it.” She encourages. “Once you’re ready, take it slow and lower the handle until it’s in front of you.” 

He takes a deep breath, putting both hands back on the broom with his wand tight in his grip to guide him. He pushes the handle down until they begin to glide forward. 

“Just like that!” She exclaims. 

He grins at his progress as they soar over the rooftops of the castle. Without realizing, he leans towards where he wishes to go. The movement is easy and he can’t help a prideful smile from coming over him at the smooth turn.

“See, you’re a natural.” She beams, further cementing his elation.

He takes them over Hogwarts, his mind reeling from visualizing the campus from above. There’s many sections he didn’t even know existed and others he had new appreciation for. He dives them under one of the stone bridges and flies them through the canyon. He hears the waterfall and river below them. He flies so close to it, water sprays up in a fine mist onto them. 

“I think that’s the Slytherin common room.” She points out to the right of them. 

He glides them closer and he chuckles, “If Sebastian could see us, he’d believe he’d lost his mind. Or that we’ve both lost ours.” 

“You’ll have to surprise him some time. I’d love to see his face as you take off. We could all fly over to Feldcroft and surprise Anne too.” 

Ominis could almost hear Sebastian’s exclamations and Anne’s pure shock. It’s enough to make his stomach flutter. He follows the river towards the Black Lake when he comes to a gentle stop; their feet hover just above the cool waters. 

“Well, where is it you wanted to go?” Ominis turns his head towards her. 

Her grin consumes her whole face at the sight of Ominis’ poorly disguised zeal.

“Towards the right. You’ll need to get us above the treeline though.” She points to their heading and he nods. 

He turns them until she tells him to stop. He takes in a deep breath, enjoying this sensation of floating in the air. Then he takes off. 

Screeching across the lake and going far faster than he ever thought he would be going at the start of this flight. She squeals in delight at his pace and his chest swells at the sound of her joy. He gets them high enough to soar over the treetops. He’s beginning to understand how the broom reads him and it’s becoming nearly intuitive to fly.

“We’re just over the Forbidden Forest!” She yells. 

He smells the fresh pine and the damp air of the forest which accompanies it. Trying to sense the trees below them as they zip by makes his head whirl. While he can’t make out the fine details of the branches, he can tell they’re massive and their thick canopy blocks out the ground below.

“That’s not where we’re going, is it?” He questions. 

“Not at all! It’s forbidden.” She smirks, making him scoff.

“Like that word has any meaning to you!” 

She chuckles and gives him a slight squeeze around his waist, making his chilled cheeks warm. They continue soaring over the countryside. The Forbidden Forest seems almost pleasant being so far above it, he thinks to himself. He keeps them just above the treetops, but he’s sure if he stretches his foot out, he’d kick the top of some of the towering giants poking out.

“Nearly there. Do you see it? It’s just to the left of us.” She says.

He angles them to the left, slowing them as he does so, and he picks up on some sort of structure poking out between the foliage of the forest. 

“What is it?” He wonders as he tries to find a way for them to land. 

“I’m not sure. That’s why we’re here.” 

He finds a clearing near the front of the edifice and begins a slow descent. The tips of his shoes graze the ground while they glide forward until he comes to a complete stop. 

“Here we are.” She says, letting him dismount before she dismisses her broom. “Not bad for your first flight.”

Ominis turns his head towards her with a soft grin, “I’m glad we landed without the aid of Levioso.” 

“As am I.” 

Ominis examines where they are. From what his wand is able to pick up, they’re in front of some sort of ruin. The grand entrance has long since crumbled into a half formed arch. 

“Up for some exploration?” She asks while she heads through the dilapidated entryway. 

Ominis can’t help his grin as he follows her inside into what he suspects was a courtyard. There’s remnants of stone between patches of overgrown grass and ivy under his feet. He lets his hand trace along a moss covered pillar while they venture inside. Wood crunches under their boots as they step over the door and the interior isn’t faring much better than the outside.

“So, how did you stumble upon this place?” Ominis questions. 

The fading sun warms parts of his cheek and neck as it filters in through the many cracks and holes in the deteriorating walls. He reaches his hand out to touch these exposed rays of light in the cool, damp ruin. She admires him basking in the sunlight; envious at how perfect he looks. His windblown hair and easy smile makes this whole scene feel dreamy. She has to avert her gaze to be able to answer him.

“Do you want an honest answer, or that I simply stumbled upon this place by accident?” 

He shoots her a concerned scowl, “I fear I may regret this, but the honest answer.” 

She hums while she kicks a cracked pot over, “I may, or may not, have been in the area dealing with some poachers. And, well, I came here seeking cover while I dispatched them.” 

“You are too reckless for your own good.” He sighs. 

She shrugs, “You must admit this place is amazing. I wonder just how old it is. Or what it once was. I’m sure it was quite stately in its time.” 

Ominis goes towards a shattered wooden long table with a fallen chandelier as its new centerpiece. His fingers trace over the once polished edge as he walks by the rotting relic.

“I’d imagine this was someone’s grand estate. A count’s, perhaps. Given the size.” 

“A count you say?” She looks around the ruined architecture in a vain attempt to picture what this place would’ve looked like when it was alive with people instead of vines. “Shame it’s in ruins now.” She frowns as she stares at a faded portrait hanging precariously on the wall above the fireplace.

They wander towards the back of the estate when she notices wooden boards laying on the floor. As she approaches, she realizes the boards are covering a hole in the ground.

“Oh. What’s this?” She kneels next to the wood boards and peers into the darkness below. Ominis joins her, his head tilting to the side in curiosity. 

“See anything?” He asks.

She shakes her head, “No. It’s too dark.” 

Ominis’ hand scours the grass-covered ground around him until he finds a palm-sized rock. He slips the rock between a gap and lets it fall. He presses his ear in the opening and listens to the rock clattering at the bottom. Based on the echoes, he believes this is an actual room rather than a hole in the ground.

“Anything?” She wonders.

“There’s certainly something there. I believe this may have been the cellar.” 

“Stand back.” She gets to her feet, pulling out her wand as she does. Ominis stands next to her. 

“Depulso!” She swishes her wand and the boards are reduced to splinters. She’s quick to lean over the edge again, sticking her wand into the opening. “Lumos.” 

The ghostly hum is higher than her own as she catches glimpses of dusty stone flooring and walls from her wand’s cold light. She looks over to Ominis, “It’s not too far of a drop. Let’s investigate!” 

Before he can object, she’s already jumping into the opening. He hears her land with a ‘huff’.

“Come on! What’re you waiting for?” She yells at him when he doesn’t make any sort of movement.

He groans to himself as he sits on the edge of the hole, his feet swinging into the abyss. He takes a sharp breath before he falls in after her. He lands with a slight grunt, but he’s pleased he stayed on his feet. His wand picks up what he heard and this is indeed a room of some kind. The musty, moldy air makes his nose crinkle in disgust. He hears her walking towards the far wall. 

“Cellar indeed. Although…,” She brings her illuminated wand closer to the wall. 

“What is it?” Ominis joins in with her examination. He reaches out and touches a large metal ring attached to the wall.

“I think it can be opened.” She takes several steps back and he does the same. “Accio!”

She rips the lid of the case off, letting it crash to the ground, and she gasps in shock. Something knocks into his foot. He frowns at the object being far too light for a rock or piece of stone. He kneels down and his fingers graze over the object. It’s spherical in nature and there’s two large holes then two smaller ones. He traces over several ridges until a clear picture forms in his mind. His hand reels back.

“A crypt.” He exclaims. “We’re in a crypt.” 

“It does appear that we are.” 

He whips his wand around, searching for a way out. He crosses to the other side, but he can’t detect any sort of stairs. He does however sense a hallway leading underneath the estate. He stands near the entrance of the corridor and a chill shoots down his spine when a cold draft gusts into his face.

“I don’t like the feel of this place.” He murmurs. 

“Oh, there’s no reason for such angst. It’s just a long, dark hallway inside an abandoned, creepy crypt. What could possibly go wrong?” She smirks as she takes the lead down the hallway with nary a hitch in her steps. 

“I can think of plenty.” Ominis states while following after her. “I will admit, I do admire your bravery. This is certainly not a place for those of the faint hearted.” 

She giggles, her amusement echoing off into the distance, “I can admit the same of you, Ominis. I’m starting to believe there’s a bit of Gryffindor underneath all that green.” 

A smile splays across him and he can’t suppress his chuckle. He is surprised he’s not more upset with being potentially trapped in a tomb. If he were here with anyone else, he imagines he would be far more vexed with the situation than he is. It seems her adventurous nature is quite contagious and he finds himself eager to discover more secrets to this long forgotten place. 

The hallway takes them into an open room. Their footsteps reverberate into the vast nothingness.  

She lets out a gasp, “It’s huge.” She waves her wand around in an attempt to penetrate the darkness, but it’s like a thick veil is placed in front of her. “We’re probably the only ones who've set foot here in some time.”

“I don’t see a way out though.” Ominis frowns. “The room dead ends here.” 

“Perhaps there’s a secret entrance somewhere.” She heads towards the center of the room. 

He snorts to himself at her guileless wonder and excitement. They move through the open room, noting the columns supporting the ground above them are in rather good shape considering the rest of the fallen estate. 

“It’s so eerie here.” She observes. “Like the air is completely still.”

“Almost like we aren’t supposed to be here.” He teases. 

She chuckles, “Fair point.” She smiles as she looks at him. He’s enjoying himself far more than he’s pretending to be. “I am glad you’re here with me. Even if all we find is just a big, dusty room.” 

He takes in a sharp breath at her statement, hating how easily she could send him spiraling with just one comment. The sounds of pebbles dragging against stone catches his attention. It’s not coming from her though. It almost sounds like feet shuffling the more Ominis tunes into the noise.

“Did you hear that?” He questions.

She freezes where she’s at and turns her attention to her companion. His head turns more towards where he first heard the noise. She strains her ears to do the same, but she only hears ringing due to the silence of the place. 

“I don’t hear-,” 

“Behind you!” Ominis shouts just as an arm swipes at her. 

In a flash, she’s suddenly next to him. He almost can’t believe it and his wand can barely comprehend how she achieved such a feat. It’s like she transformed into magic then reappeared next to him. He can’t dwell on the moment though as the room erupts into groans and growls.

“Inferi!” She cries out. “Fire’s the only way to kill them.” 

There’s several coming towards them, more than he can count. He readies himself and she does the same. 

“Where are they? I hear them, but I don’t see them.” She states, her head turning every which way. 

“There!” Ominis points towards where he hears at least three.

“Confringo!” She lights one on fire and the sparks ignite those around it. Burnt flesh consumes the air and she’s able to see enough from the immolated corpses to continue her attacks.

Ominis is suddenly aware of more Inferi coming behind them. He turns and casts, “Incendio!” 

A blast of flames knocks two of them back, leaving him the chance to cast Confringo on those still standing. 

“Bombardo!” She explodes the ones getting close to them, rocking the ground and walls, and sending gravel on top of them.

“Depulso!” He knocks the rest away, leaving a clearing for them to retreat back down the hallway. He grabs her free hand and tugs her from the battle. 

“Bombardo!” She blasts the ceiling and he can hear the room collapsing just behind them, nearly knocking them off their feet from the impact. Unfortunately, not all the Inferi are caught in the rubble. She keeps firing spells down the hallway while he dodges them past swiping arms reaching out from the crumbling stone walls. They manage to get back into the room they dropped into when she wiggles her hand from his tight grasp. 

There’s a surge in the air, one which electrifies his skin and overwhelms his senses. He’s amazed to find this surge to be stemming from her. She lets out a cry and the entrance to the hallway topples down with a roaring clap of thunder, blocking the Inferi from chasing them. Dust blasts into the room, staining their mouths, and the ground shakes under their feet. Their relief doesn’t last long as more Inferi begin to clamor out from the caskets lining the walls. 

“This way!” She grabs his hand and guides him back underneath the hole. She glances around at the Inferi nearly free from their stone confines. 

Ominis readies himself to face the remaining Inferi when she turns towards him. 

“I’m going to cast Levioso on you. Then you’ll be able to reach the ledge. Ready?” 

Before he can question, she quickly casts, “Levioso!” 

His feet leave the ground and he levitates in the air. He barely catches himself from flipping around. His mind whirls into overdrive and he reaches out towards the ledge. He grabs on and pulls himself up. He searches for her below and he finds her just underneath him. He hears her rapid fire of spells to keep the horde at bay, but she’s about to be swarmed with Inferi on all sides. Without any more hesitation he yells, “Accio!” 

She’s yanked up to him with a surprised gasp leaving her. She lands right on top of him, sending them both crashing to the ground. They’re both panting, their hearts beating frantically. She manages to push herself up to look down at him. 

“Are you alright?” She asks. 

“Never better.” He groans. 

She laughs, falling back onto him with a sigh, “You sure do know how to make things exciting, Gaunt.” 

His chest rumbles under her as they both laugh. 

“If I remember correctly, I believe you were the one to say ‘what could go wrong’. Seems the universe was apt to show you just how wrong things could go.” 

“Seems so.” She giggles, finding enough energy to roll off of him.

Below them, they can still hear the faint groaning of the Inferi. His hand pats the ground until he finds what he’s searching for. He grabs her hand and gives her a squeeze with a soft sigh.

“You are unharmed, yes? They didn’t hurt you?” His tender voice makes her heart skip a beat.

She glances towards Ominis, noting his face firmly plastered to the ceiling above them. 

“I’m okay.” She reassures him with a squeeze of her own. She watches his chest rise in a deep breath and the sight makes her cheeks warm for some reason. 

She releases his hand to prop herself up with a wide grin.

“Well, this hasn’t been quite the adventure I had in mind, but at least I’ll have you back before curfew.” 

Ominis chuckles as he stands, dusting himself off, “I believe you’ve satiated my need for adventure for the day. For the month even.”

He offers his hand to her and helps her to her feet. She takes in the disheveled sight of the Slytherin boy. His hair is wild and untamed from their fight. Dark soot and dust coats his reddish cheeks and stains his formally tidy robes. It’s a good look on him, she decides before she brushes a few pebbles, leaves, and other small debris from his hair and shoulders. His eyes are wide at the gesture and he’s forgotten how to breathe for a moment. 

“I think you’ll find yourself craving such reckless activities. In fact, you’ll be practically begging to come on another adventure with me.” She smirks, satisfied with her efforts in preening him, then heads back towards the entrance. He coughs, willing himself to calm down, before catching up to her.

“Will I? I’m not one to beg, you know.” He smirks right back at her. 

They arrive back at the entrance of the sullied manor with the sun having long since set, leaving them both bathed in the moonlight. The cold light of the moon makes the boy next to her seem otherworldly. And if she were to try to reach out to him, he would simply vanish like an all too pleasant dream. She’s thankful he can’t see her staring. Or, perhaps he could in his own way. Perhaps he could feel her awestruck gaze upon him as it whispers across his skin. 

She bites her lip while she summons her broom, “Guess we’ll see, won’t we?” 

“I suppose so.” He replies in a near whisper.

She holds the broom between them, letting him mount first. He settles himself on the broom, finding it far more natural than when they started earlier this afternoon. A crack of a twig makes Ominis turn his head towards the forest. While he almost dismisses it as an animal, something about it makes him pause. 

“What is it?” She wonders, turning her gaze to what’s got his attention.

“I’m… not sure.” He gets the distinct impression they’re being watched. Not just by one set of eyes either.

Out of the shadows of the night’s embrace, a masked man steps forward.

“Hello, lovelies.” He greets, twirling his wand between his fingers with a malicious grin. Her hand grips Ominis’ forearm and her whole body is frigid as more people emerge from the shadows. “Was hopin’ you’d come back ‘er, lil’ girl. We’ve been waitin’ for ya.”

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

Read Part 2 Here

AN: Did I get carried away? Without a doubt. But, I really wanted to have some Ominis adventures sooooo here we are. I did my best in the combat, but that's one of my weaker writing skills in my opinion *stares at my part two with even more action*

I think I maaaay have abused his wand's 'seeing' ability quite heavily here, but ehhhhhh magic am i right???? ...right? 💀💀💀💀💀

I've never tagged peeps before so uh hopefully this is right 😂-> @mehnotenoughtime

#ominis gaunt #ominis x reader #hogwarts legacy #fanfic #fanfiction #hogwarts legacy fanfic #fluff #ominis gaunt x mc #ominis gaunt x reader #creative writing #ominis x mc #ominis x you #ominis x oc #ominis gaunt x you #adventure #it was supposed to be a quick in and out #now we got poachers wanting to kill us #shit's twisted

[moon-huny]

Stole the Moon - Chapter Five

CW: My content is not for anyone under 18. Minors DNI. You're kidnapped, hostage situation, standard pirate stuff. Smut. Like the whole thing. p in v. she her pronouns

Word Count: 3.1K

Summary: After the events of going ashore with Buggy, you demand answers, he gives them ... and then some.

A/N: It's that time ya'll. I think I am getting a bit better at the whole smut writing thing but I still never know how to end these kinds of chapters. I hope it was worth the wait.

I always feel like smut is so hard to write in character so send me some recs you have of Buggy smut I can read for inspiration.

I was a little disappointed in my chapter last week. I had a lot of ideas I wanted to get out and I think having all those ideas lead the chapter to suffer.

Okay, that's all, enjoy.

masterlist ✧˖°

previous • next

To experience the feeling of floating, only to come crashing down so hard made you unsteady even in your seat, yet you stood up to leave.

“Ya know,” you began your closing remarks for the temperamental man. 

He had turned away from you leaning against his desk, arms crossed. He was so stiff that the muscles in his back flexed through the thin fabric of his billowy linen shirt. Long locks of blue hair cascaded down around him. Even from this angle he was a vision, and for you, in this moment, the idea of leaving him was painful. 

“If I didn’t know any better,” you continued. A mix of heartache and frustration and anger. “I’d say you were scared of me.”

He scoffed, his body jolting with the dismissive sound. “Oh baby, you don’t scare me.”

He turned to look his nose down at you. He wanted to make you feel small, unimportant. He wanted to take all the power he knew you had over him and wring it out like wine in a white table cloth.

But the moment he turned to look at you standing there, your beautiful body illuminated in the moonlight, he couldn’t control himself. Your eyes didn’t even attempt to hide the ache you had for him. You looked at him like he was a work of art and Buggy realized that he could die happy if it meant you would always look at him like that. 

He was already stained.

“You frighten me, step terrify me, step horrify me, step petrify me.”

He had to stop moving toward you, had to find a way to stop himself in his footsteps as they continued their trajectory to you. He paused, just before he would have been close enough to feel your warmth radiating from you.

“Tell me,” you said. “What is it about me that has you so frightened?”

Your captor stood before you, unable to say anything. All he could do was look at you. For once he was speechless. He would not dare tell you of your power. To do so would be a death sentence especially on the night of a full moon.

“You know what I think? I think you can’t tell me. I think it has something to do with how that man died on the pier and you are too worried about your own safety to tell me.”

As anger rose up in your chest so too did your words rise in volume.

“Are you worried what I’ll do to you, Buggy? What I might be capable of if I found out. Under your control, under your will I could be whatever you wanted me to be, right? I could help you reach the Grand Line. I could be your little weapon.”

He felt his jaw tighten at your accusations. Buggy would rush over to you, he would shut you up, but god … if he were to touch you again, in this room, in your sweet little dress, he wouldn’t be able to stop from falling off the edge. He simply stood, still, face pulled into a scowl.

“You know, I bet you left me alone on purpose. I bet you wanted me to get in some trouble on that roof. You wanted me to have to defend myself. I did that, didn't I? I killed that man, you know it and I know it. I remember watching the light leave his eyes. I do. I remember now. It is only a matter of time Captain that all those memories come flooding back so you better start talking.”

The ship began to rock, lightly at first. It began when you first raised your voice at him. As the captain of a vessel as magnificent as the Big Top, Buggy notices the little things. Now though, at the allegation of him leaving you on purpose, your anger caused the lights to sway, small items began to roll off of the tables.

You didn’t even seem to notice.

“You ungrateful little creature,” he began vollying back just as much anger as you’d sent to him. “I bring you onto my ship–”

“YOU KIDNAPPED ME!” The Big Top lurching as a particularly large wave hit the starboard side.

“I SAVED YOU!” he yelled back, shocking you. “I saved you from a life of inferior pirates, the kind that would tear you to shreds! You were about to spend your entire life being thrown back and forth between the lowest of the low who wouldn’t hesitate to do so much worse to you.”

“And that is an excuse?” you said. While no longer fueled by rage, a different calm anger surrounded you. “That is your excuse for locking me in a hole and keeping all of the secrets you’ve kept?”

He needed to say something, anything. This wasn’t just about making you pliable for him to use, this felt like so much more. It felt like you had held a mirror up to him and he had seen the face of a monster. And he was used to that – by the East Blue was he used to that. But your heat and your sweetness still lingered on his lips and so he needed to say something to mend the heart he could hear breaking in front of him.

“You –” he kept searching for the words he needed, but what to say? I wanted to protect you? I know what you can do? I need you? I’ve wanted you for so long? You’re everything?

All of it was too much, not true – or worse, too true. And then he realized, he could really just tell you the truth. He could soften your gaze, calm the swell of water he knew you were conjuring up.

“You’re just like me,” he said, his hand coming apart from him and floating to your face. “You and I are the same.”

In the warmth of the candlelight, you looked across the distance between the two of you and knew exactly what he meant. Your hand went up to touch his. You still weren’t completely sure of yourself, and it would take some time to learn exactly the kind of power you had, but the only self discovery you wanted to make was in his bed.

“I need you,” you whispered out. “Please.”

His heart felt torn from his chest. How could he say no to you? How could he look into your pleading eyes and turn you away? And yet, how could he do it – bed you, he means. How could he possibly survive being inside of you, hearing you cry out for him, pulling him in?

He decided to just let it all go and to stop asking questions he could answer tomorrow. But, he did have one rule, something that could possibly keep him from falling off the precipice.

“You can have me however you want, gorgeous, just keep those lips to yourself.” He joked, pulling his still disembodied thumb across your lower lip. He couldn’t kiss you again. It would make him drunk, it would poison him but he needed some upper hand, you couldn’t know all that you were capable of.

Sure, now you knew you had a devil fruit power planted inside of you, but he’d like to keep the secret that you had one of the most powerful pirates in the East Blue in the palm of your hand.

“Deal,” you said. His terms were strange, but the last thing you wanted right now was to dive headfirst into the sea that was Buggy the Clown-Pirate of The East Blue. It would be safer this way for you. Tonight wasn’t about falling in love, you just wanted to ease the tension and feed the hunger.

“Good,” he replied. His voice lowered to a growl. His gaze upon you darkened and you felt your heart speed up.

He leaned himself back against the desk. Lifting his left arm to his side, he sent the full appendage over toward you. You turned to watch it push the chair you had previously sat in up against the backs of your knees. With his right hand still hovering near your body, he gripped your throat and forced you down into the chair.

“Relax, baby,” he said, his arm floating back to him. “I just want to watch you. You think you can do that for me? Follow my orders and let me play with you for a little bit?”

You nodded.

“Very good,” he presented his gloved hand out in front of you. “Can you take this off, pretty girl?”

Your own hand reached up to carefully tug at each of the fingers of his glove, loosening the perfectly fitting fabric off of him. Once all of his fingers were free, you pulled the white fabric off of him. All the while he watched you work on your task, letting you explore the sensation of him. He could feel you too, of course. Your hand, smaller by comparison, unwrapping him like a little gift. He thought of all the ways he could toy with you. Your hand pressed into his, your fingertips just barely brushing one another. It could still be so hard to believe that this was his power. 

His hand flew behind your neck. Between his thumb and forefinger he rubbed little circles into your tense muscle right at the base of your skull. The sensation was soothing and gentle and he knew just how much pressure to use to make you really feel it but not to cause you pain.

“You're so tense, sweetheart. I really want to make you feel good. Will you take the straps of your dress off? Just slide them down your shoulders baby, I’ll hand-le the rest.” He let out a stupid little chuckle.

His hand moved from its place massaging your aches and pains. His flat palm pushed itself into your hair at the base of your scalp and made gentle little scratching motions that sent you into a total bliss. He knew how to be rough, how to choke and push and shove you, but he could also make you melt.

Your hands came up to lay atop your shoulders and delicately drew the straps of your dress down until they hung limply off of you.

“Good girl, look at how relaxed you are for me. So obedient. It wasn’t too hard to get you like this was it? Daddy just had to be sweet to you, hmm?”

The hand at the back of your head snaked its way down around your neck, his fingers petting their way down your chest until they reached the top of your dress. He pulled it down, unclothing your breasts.

Your arms immediately on instinct went up to shield yourself from his view. Call it insecurity or shame but you suddenly felt nervous at the thought of him seeing you displayed like this.

“Oh come on pretty,” he teased. “Don’t hide from me. It is way too late for that.”

He didn’t need to do anything to you, the tone of his voice was enough to make you drop your modesty. To rebel now, the threat that he might stop after you had already become so wet from his slow teasing and sinful praise.

“Look how beautiful you are,” his eyes burned into you. Your eyes glanced down to see a slowly growing tent forming in his loser outfit.

He spread and flattened his palm. The flexed appendage brushing light little circles into the hard nippple of your left breast. The little teasing movement and position offered enough stimulation to arouse, but not nearly enough for a feeling of relief. Your body arched into his touch.

“Ah ah ah,” he tutted. “You’re getting greedy.”

“Please,” you sighed. “Just a little more … it feels good.”

“Oh gorgeous, I know it feels good.” He could tell by all of the gasps and little hitches in your unsteady breathing since he began his assault on you.

“But you have to let me,” his hand squeezed into the flesh of your tit causing you to moan out. “Take care of you,” he finished, punctuating his sentence by pulling on your sensitive little bud before making his way to your other.

As you writhed against his touch, Buggy felt himself grow more and more impatient. He was already so hard beneath his belt and wanted to quench the flame burning inside of him. But more than that, he wanted to watch you come undone for him.

“Pretty, so so pretty,” his voice sent shivers down your spine as he continued to massage and work the supple flesh of your chest.

You’re not sure what came over you, maybe it was desperation to have him lower, to stop the teasing and to let him finally take you further.

“Captain, I need more … please … it’s so, you’re so,” Captain. You called him captain.

He never felt something go straight to his cock so fast. The way you sit there across from him, gripping the armrests of your chair and begging for him. Your eyes half lidded, lips wet and body keening for more of him.

“My girl, you can have whatever you want.” 

His hand moved further down your body and reached under your skirt. Through the thin lacy fabric he could feel you. He let out a groan and the feeling of the small wet patch on his fingertips.

“I have thought about this pussy since the moment we touched, you know that?”

He ripped your underwear down your legs causing you to jump in surprise from the sudden roughness. His hand quickly flew back up to find your soft little button he knew would send you closer to the edge.

You stifled a moan in the back of your throat coming out as more of a whimper. He slyly smiled and continued the little circular motions on your clit. With his other hand, he gripped the desk next to him.

“All I could think about was how you’d feel cuming around my fingers,” he slowly pushed two fingers into your slick cunt. The soft warm walls of you sucking him in.

He was going too slow. The friction you needed just barely out of your control. You began to rock and buck your hips into him.

His eyebrows raised at your eagerness. He began to slow his pumping fingers completely enamored by you chasing and taking your own pleasure from his hand. Using him like your own personal toy.

“Fuck… you feel so good Bugs, oh oh my god.” You moaned out trying to angel your hips to reach further into you. “Please go faster, please you feel so good. Wanna cum, captain.”

There it was again, he was growing painfully hard now. Watching you fuck yourself, bouncing and moving your hips in a motion to find your sweet spot. You kept calling him captain. You were so pretty falling apart in front of him, but that name. 

Finally he felt that little rough patch as he curled his fingers and you gasped.

“Right there honey, is that the place?” He took control again, “I want to make you feel good.”

You leaned back in the chair, legs spread wide for him, one up draped on the armrest. The skirt of your dress was pulled up and your panties were wrapped around one of your ankles. Your arms came up over your head to hold the back of your chair. You were so beautiful.

As Buggy continued to hit the spot inside you, he felt an even greater need to fill you with him. He continued to speed the pace of his hand.

“Oh fuck Buggy I– Im– Im oh fuck fuck fuck,” you cried out.

He felt your pussy clench around him as you came. He wanted so badly to feel you around his cock, to feel that tight clench around his length. As you came down from your high you looked up to him, eyes droopy and mind clouded.

“Good girl,” he growled out. “Good girl, cuming for me so sweet like that.”

His hand floated back to him and settled into place. He stalked toward you as he sucked his two fingers – that were moments ago bringing you to climax – into his mouth. Your taste only fueled him. He would have to make a note to spend the rest of the night tasting you. He picked you up and threw you down onto the bed on your back.

“I just need you to lie here and keep making those precious little sounds.” 

You nod.

“You keep those eyes on me while I fuck you, yea? That’ll make me feel really good, baby, you keep those eyes on me.”

He pulled himself from his confines. After rolling his purple head through your slick floods and pulling a moan from you, Buggy pushed his tip in. Slowly at first but after getting one inch of seven inside he though might as well skip to the best part.

Shoving himself into you caused you both to cry out. Your head rolled back and eyes closed, gripping the sheets and blankets around you.

“Eyes. Open.” He commanded as he pumped himself into you.

“Holy fuck baby right – look right here. You like how this dick makes you feel? Feels good, yea? You feel so good. This tight pussy is all I want, s’all I think about. Fuck.”

His movements sped up. You were blushing at the way he praised you, the nasty way he spoke to you made you feel even hotter than you were after cuming like this.

“Shit! Okay, baby, shit – Daddy has to come now, your captain has to come where – where do you want – where can I –”

“Wherever you want, you can cum wherever you want,” you cooed, feeling your own second orgasm approaching. You liked the way he became so needy this close to his own high. You made a note to take advantage of that.

After a few more hits to your sensitive spot, your second orgasm rocked through you causing him to feel all of the little flutter of your body as he released into you. The sound he made was a stifled whine and a muddle of curses.

His head fell forward. His long blue hair covering his face. His hand came up to rank his fingers through his locks to look at you, his other arm propping himself up on the mattress hand planted by your head. Your face, blissed by your evening of pleasure, is a vision to him. 

“So, captain, huh?” he smirked.

“Oh please,” you said, rolling your eyes and pushing Buggy off of you so you can sit up to pull your dress back up. “I'm going back to Lettie and Marie’s room.” You said, standing up off the bed.

He grabbed your wrist causing you to spin around.

“If those two acrobats think they’re getting you tonight, they have another thing coming.”

✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧✩₊˚

taglist: @tokoyamisstuff @mommymilkerfanclub @chaoticqueen33 @tootoomanycats @cefni @ruledbyproblematique @crayolacat-lilybelle @melissahew @hallow1090 @soulkingbimbo @kurinhimenezu

taglist is open.

#stole the moon #buggy the clown #buggy x reader #buggy fanfic #buggy x you #buggy opla #buggy smut #buggy x y/n #captain buggy #buggy d clown

[ellies-star]

something about july. pt 1

pairing. outdoors staff! ellie williams x pool staff f! reader. 

synopsis. ellie has been working at this summer camp for the last 5 years, and when she spots you for the first time blowing up pool floats with Dina, she knows she's in trouble. ellie and reader find themselves flirting every chance they get, pulling pranks and having a sweet summer fling. warnings. right now it's just fluff and wholesome, use of y/n, friends to lovers trope but eventual 18+. eventual mention and usage of substances, drunk/high kissing, and makeout woot woot.

an. lol so this is my first time writing a fic in a while. wanted smthn that would make you wanna kick your feet and giggle, so i present to you part one of summer camp ellie and reader &lt;3 p.s. apologies in advance, editing as I go lol.

It's 9:00 am on a Saturday in July, and Ellie pulls up to the campground that's already buzzing with excitement and chatter. Dust flies behind her truck as she drives along the dirt road and gravel through the camp. Window down, the summer breeze and smell of pine fills her car bringing a smile to her lips. Damn I missed this, she thinks.

She immediately recognizes her friends and fellow staff among the small crowd, they work hard to move tables and haul in groceries for this weeks meals, others are organizing gear and supplies for hikes– which she should be doing at this moment.

"You're late Williams!" Ellie looks to her left to find the source of the oh so familiar playful chide. The camp director approaches her car with a grin on her face. She slows down to pull up next to the woman, leaning her left arm out the window.

"Morning Maggie, beautiful start to the week, huh?" She looks at the older woman, salt and pepper hair in a wild bun, navy blue t-shirt with the camp's logo written across the front and back in a faded white. Her busy clipboard propped against her hip cladded in worn-out denim jeans. She embodies camp mom in every single way, and Ellie missed her like no other.

"It would be, if all of my staff got here on time!" She smacks Ellie's arm playfully with her hand. "We got new staff this year, and the boys are already tormenting them!" She turns around to point to Joel and Tommy under the roof of the mess hall on the left. The brothers laughing as they already finish tying one of the new outdoors crew members' shoes to the beam.

Ellie sticks her head out the window to shout to them. "Better hide the ladder once you're done!"

"Don't worry, already on it!" Tommy turns around almost falling off the thing, but shouts back with a grin.

"How could I forget, you're just as bad as they are." Maggie rolls her eyes. Ellie laughs at her response, getting more excited for what's in store. Joel looks passed Tommy, using his hand to shade his eyes.

"Get your ass over here Williams, these boxes ain't gonna move themselves!"

"I'm coming, hold your horses old man!" Ellie shouts back. She shakes her head and diverts her attention back to the lady with places to be.

"Hurry up now, and be nice to the boys! God knows those two won't. See you later chickadee." Maggie pats her car door to send Ellie off, before giving her a wink.

Ellie drives off to park her truck by the pool and other cars shaded beneath the line of ponderosa pine. It's still pretty early, but the sun's hot beams are brutal right now. Stepping out of the truck, she takes off her green flannel and tosses it onto her tattered passenger seat. Seconds after the slam of her truck door, she is greeted by a warm breeze and another friendly face.

"Ellie! You're here!" She turns around to see Dina peering over the wooden pool fence to say hello. Ellie instantly walks to the gate door to meet Dina for a sweaty hug.

"It's good to see ya D!" Ellie laughs squeezing her tight and taking in the smell of her freshly applied sunscreen. She pulls back, and Dina comments like everyone else she’s seen.

"You're like an hour late." Ellie scoffs.

"I know! Don't blame me, blame Florence." Ellie groans pointing to her overheated white 1999 Ford Ranger. Dina rolls her eyes in response, but gets a burst of excitement. She almost forgot what made her so giddy in the first place. She grabs Ellie's shoulders with force and locks eyes. There’s a shift in the air between them with a sense of seriousness. Ellie doesn't know what to think, but stands confused and leaning back slightly. "What is it Dina..."

"Ellie, we got new swim staff."

"I know, I met them at the last meeting?"

"No Ellie, you didn't meet this one." Ellie quirks a brow looking at Dina with a puzzled eye.

"Dina what are you talking about–"

"Ellie she's cute, and gay." Dina emphasizes, cutting her off to nod her chin to hint what's behind her– or more importantly who.

"Again, what are you talking about?" Dina turns around and pulls Ellie to her side to reveal the sight by the other end of the pool.

As a few other new staff members begin to move away from the shed, behold there you are barely out of reach of the pool structures shade, glistening in the sun. Your skin tanned and kissed by freckles, and exposed in your yellow bikini top and denim shorts. Your hair tied up in messy ponytail, loose pieces stick to your back from sunscreen and sweat.

"oh, that's what you're talking about..." Ellie's eyes widen. Dina looks at Ellie and giggles like a school girl.

It's funny, while Ellie gawks at you, you look quite silly bent over struggling to blow up pool floaties alongside Jesse. She can hear you arguing with him over how many blow up balls versus rings you need.

Dina knows what she's doing, and already feels the need to play matchmaker.

Grabbing Ellies hand and giving her a devilish grin, she begins to pull her along the edge of the pool towards the two of you. "Jesse look whose here!" Dina announces giggling.

Ellie's heart quickens, her nerves sinking in. The thing is, she hasn't talked to a pretty gay girl in, let's be honest, a while. And on top of that, she's also an over thinker. So she has indeed already exhausted every encounter or issue that could errupt after talking to you.

"What are you doing?!" Ellie whisper panics trying to pull away without looking too suspicious, Dina just snickers in response as they both now stand in front of the two pool staff attempting to blow up a giant turtle floaty.

You hardly notice the two girls that come up, you are too caught up in your mission to find the other air pump in the ridiculous wooden chest of a mess overflowing with pool toys and goggles.

Jesse looks up before his face falls into a big smile. "Aye you finally made it!" He beams while standing up. Ellie tries to focus on giving him a hug, but all she can think about is who this mysterious girl in a small yellow bikini is.

Your back was to the three of them before you turn around. You briefly scan the over the two girls before locking eyes with the one you've never seen before. You first notice her tank top, Patagonia baggies and dirty blue vans. Her shoulder length auburn hair was tied half up half down, but a few pieces escaped framing her face. Freckles sprayed across her nose and cheeks, and her green eyes never left yours.

Everything about her screamed gay, and hot.

Dina and Jesse watch as the two of you stare blankly at one another, unsure what to say– Ellie is afraid to take a breath from the looks of it, her cheeks are showing the slightest shade of pink.

"Y/N this is Ellie! We grew up going to camp together with Jesse, and now she's been working in outdoors for about 5 years now!" Dina grins after her introduction, nudging Ellie's arm with her elbow to say hello.

But all she could think was holy shit, cute girl cute girl cute girl...

"Uh, hi yeah I'm Ellie, nice to meet you." She sticks her hand out, showing off her right forearm; covered in the most gorgeous tattoo you've ever seen.

"Hi Ellie, i'm Y/N." You smile, shaking her hand– it's a little sweaty which you blame on the heat, but she blames on you. Your eyes flicker back to her arm. "I really like your tattoo! It's really pretty." You beam as you let her hand go.

You're really pretty. She makes a note to herself to never wear a long sleeve around you ever.

"Oh thanks, I got it a few years ago." She replies, unsure of what to add. God why do pretty girls make my brain go dumb?

Just as Dina was about to intervene, Tommy calls for Ellie over the fence. "Ellie, Joel needs your help planning the first 3 day hikes, Mia can't go!" He shouts before walking back towards the outdoors tent.

She turns her head back and shouts that she's coming before turning back to look at you, a small smile forms on her lips. "I gotta go before Joel kills me, but uh– it was nice meeting you."

You offer a smile and a "you too" in return as she heads back towards the pool gate. She looks back one last time and you give a little wave.

Of course this small interaction made her chest flutter, and knees weak. She fought every fibre in her body to not look back at you. As she walked towards the group of boys all she could think to herself was: I'm in trouble for sure.

#ellie williams #ellie x fem reader #ellie tlou #ellie x fem!reader #ellie x y/n #dina tlou #dina nolastname #jesse tlou #the last of us #tlou #the last of us part two #lesbian #wlw #sapphic #sapphic romance #fanfic #fanfiction writer #gay #abby tlou #abby anderson #abby and ellie #abby x fem!reader #lgbtq #lgbtqia #lesbian pride #lgbtq+ writing #joel miller #joel the last of us #joel and ellie #the last of us part ii

[ell0ra-br3kk3r-writes]

Yours

pairing: sirius black x fem!reader, platonic!james potter x fem!reader

genre: angsttt

el's thoughts: friends with benefits hinted at, but not explicit. 'cause i can't write... ya know... so yeah :) ALSO the word count is 1.3k and that's the most i've written in a loooooooong time so i'm proud haha

Y/N glared at the back of a random girl’s head when she saw Sirius leaning against the wall beside her. Talking and flirting. Talking and flirting. Her glare turned colder if that was possible when Sirius tossed a wink over his shoulder to a random guy passing. 

“Merlin, he’s such a flirt.” Remus sighed and shook his head in slight amusement, but his face turned concerned when Y/N didn’t hum or respond in agreement. “Y/N/N… You alright?” 

“Hm? Oh yeah yeah, I’m fine.” Her voice was light as if she was bringing herself out of a daze. James shared a look with Remus, a distinct look of pity on their faces. James finally spoke up, “You know you could just tell him?” A sharp look was thrown his way in response. “Y/N I’m not messing with you. Just talk to him.”

“I can’t do that.” 

Remus furrowed his eyebrows, “Why not?”

“He’s not mine in any way, shape, or form. I just… Just need to accept that.”

~

“We can’t keep doing… this.”

Y/N froze. She couldn’t bring herself to look at the boy next to her on his bed, “Is that because of what’s her face?”

“Jessica? Yeah… I um, I asked her to be my girlfriend and, um she said yes. So…” He ran his hand through his hair awkwardly as he waited for her response. Y/N nodded numbly, “I’m-” She finally turned to look at him and reached for his hand. “I couldn’t be happier for you Siri. Honestly.”

He smiled shyly, “Yeah? You’re fine?”

She let out a laugh, hoping it didn’t sound as forced as it was. “I’m fine! We said no strings attached and there aren’t. I’m just so happy you found someone.”

She shouldn’t be jealous. She has no right to be, but she couldn’t help it. She hated the disgusting feeling growing in the pit of her stomach. She wasn’t anyone special to him, she was just someone he’d call upon. Someone he would touch, but never truly hold. She hated that she let herself fall for him. She wasn’t his in any way, shape, or form.

She reached for her jacket and slipped her shirt back on as she made her way to the door, “I’m happy for you.”

~

Music blared through the common room, and the chatter of all the upperclassmen was an underlining sound that filled the room. Y/N normally enjoyed parties like this but today she sat on the stairs of a back corridor, hidden, with a cup in her hand as she tried to keep her tears at bay. Tonight was supposed to be a night to have fun and finally get her mind off Sirius. Not a night where she saw him making out with his new girl, pinning her against a wall. 

She knew she didn’t stand a chance, so why did it bother her so much? Why couldn’t her heart just move on? 

James walked around the corner and saw Y/N curled in on herself leaning on the wall beside her. “Y/N/N?” She looked up with slightly red eyes and a pathetic smile, “Oh, hey Jamie.” Her voice has hoarse as she wiped her nose with the napkin she held under her cup. The bespectacled boy moved to sit on the step above her and ran his hand up and down her spine in a comforting motion. “I’m so sorry.”

“Don’t apologize. It’s not your fault.”

“I know it’s not my fault, but I’m sorry that he’s an idiot. I thought I raised him better.” He smiled as a weak laugh fell from her lips. Before she could reply the sound of hurried footsteps and giggles floated to her ears. 

Sirius made his way around the corner with his girl clinging to his arm, swaying slightly. “Oh… Looks like this spot is taken.” A high-pitched giggle fell from her lips as she tried to tug Sirius away. He pulled back, stopping himself from moving, as he tried to take a step forward. “What’s wrong? Y/N, are you alright?” 

She couldn’t bring herself to look at him nor could she bring herself to answer. She angled her head down turning it slightly more into James’ side. The boy holding her felt his heart, ache as he shook his head at Sirius, silently telling him to go. 

Once he left the pair alone Y/N sighed and fully placed her head on James’ knees. 

“You okay?”

She shook her head and sighed, “I’ll be fine. Right now I’m just being dramatic, aren’t I?” He stroked her hair, “You’re not being dramatic. This hurts, it’s okay to hurt.”

“Yeah it hurts, but it’s just pathetic at this point. All the things I’ve done to get his attention just so he doesn’t notice. It’s embarrassing.”

James sighed to himself and bent down to kiss the side of her head, never stopping his hand in her hair as she cried silently, knowing this will be a long journey for her. But as long as I’m there for her, he thought to himself, she’ll be fine.

~ 

The progress she had made from that moment exceeded her expectations, and she was proud of herself. Within a few months, she had healed herself. She would’ve been even better -at least that's what she told herself- if Sirius didn’t approach her after lunch...

“You want… You want me?” 

“Yes!” Sirius let out an exasperated laugh, “And I’m sorry it took me so long to notice you. To realize what I had in front of me, and I know I was a total jerk about it then. James gave me an earful about it, but I see you now.”

She was cornered. So many feelings flooded her at once. Anger and frustration for him springing this on her unannounced. All the feelings she had finally worked through bubbled up in her chest again. She hated feeling so weak in front of him, it felt like giving into something she promised herself not to.

Y/N rolled her eyes and crossed her arms over her chest, trying to swallow the emotions rising in her throat along with her lunch. “No.” Tears pricked in the back of her eyes, “No no no. It’s too late. It’s been a year Sirius! And all it took was for you to go date some other girl, break up with her and then notice me?” She shook her head and backed away from him slightly, “That’s not fair.” Her voice was barely above a whisper.

“I know. I know it’s not fair, and I’m sorry! Honestly, I feel terrible about it all.” He tried to step forward to hold her hands but she turned away from him, not giving him the chance.

“You can’t just expect me to be fine with this. I did everything imaginable to get your attention. It was dumb love, the type of love that was toxic for me.” Her throat got tighter and tighter with each word before she was finally crying.

“I moved on, I’m happy now! Why can’t you just leave me alone? I wasn’t yours then and I’m most certainly not yours now. You can’t just expect me to forgive and forget. I had chosen you over all of our friends and I’m grateful they didn’t walk out on me, but I wouldn’t have blamed them. I was a pain in the ass when you got together with her. Ask James. Ask Remus. How many times have they caught me crying over you as if you were mine to begin with? As if you broke up with me, but Sirius we weren’t dating. You didn’t love me. I wasn’t yours! Get that through your thick skull. I'm. Not. Yours.” She let out a breath and unclenched her fists before finally looking up at the taller boy.

He stared at her, tears lining his eyes as he opened and closed his mouth trying to get words out. 

“Don’t try to fix something I already fixed myself.” She took a deep breath, “Please.”

~*~*~*~

event taglist: @masivechaos @the-marauders-world @innerloverpainter @pleasingregulus @romanticvampire @iiirhiane-g @thewitchamongthemuggless @smashleywow @ranbcq @anon142409 @lucahgile-blog @steveharringtonlovesme

#sirius black #sirius black x reader #sirius black x you #sirius black x y/n #harry potter #harry potter x reader #harry potter imagines #ellora.writes #superache event

[more-cardigan-than-woman]

Brother & Bestie: The Roy Problem

Summary: Still keeping a secret from your bestie your new fuck buddie tries to solve the problem.

1.9k

Dick Grayson x Reader

Warnings: SMUT 18+, edging, fingering, piv, blackmail.

The First Time

"Dick, you still haven't told me what you're going to do about Roy. What if he tells Jay? We're fucked," you start to pace around your kitchen, "we'll I'm fucked. Not like he's going to kill his brother." You sigh, planting your head on the kitchen counter.

"I'm handling it. Don't stress yourself over it," he leans down, kissing into your hair, "it'll be fine," his hands wrap around your middle pulling you up to hug you from behind, "I gotta go. Stay here and try not to spiral okay."

"I'll try, but I make zero promises."

"Good girl," he steps towards the door checking his phone, but just as he's about to leave he turns to face you, "and Pet, if he was to find out from Roy. I'd be in way more trouble than you." He shuts the door leaving you to reel in that statement until he gets back.

Xx

"Mr Harper, take a seat." Dick smirks at the younger man.

"What is this Grayson? You trying to intimidate me?" Roy tries to sound confident, but it comes across as the opposite.

"Nope, just wanted to talk."

"About what?"

"Exactly. Nothing. I just wanted to show you something." He opens his laptop, a file sitting on it labeled Harper's Harpies. "Thought you might want to see this."

"What is this? Blackmail? Didn’t think you’d sink this low."

"No, I just wanted to remind you that you did things that maybe you weren't proud of and that maybe you'd like Little Wing not to know about."

"You're not proud of her? Should be, you know Jay told me about the talk you guys had."

"Which talk was that?"

"When he asked you not to fuck her. To keep that fuckboy dick of yours in your pants. Don't know why he hasn't noticed yet, how long has it been going on?"

"None of your business."

"So you are fucking her."

"Look Roy," he leans down on the table, "I don't care if Jay knows. But she does, so I am asking you not to tell him." He changes tactics, knowing how the outlaws feel about you, "I know you guys have your banter, but you wouldn't do this to her would you?"

"Using her to save your skin? Not very classy Grayson."

"Blackmail didn't work, so yeah. She is though, she thinks he'll kill her."

"Kill you more like."

"You think I don't know that?” he runs his hands through his dark hair, “Please just keep it to yourself."

"Do you love her?"

"What a question." He sits down, resting his head in his hands. Dick sighs, does he love you? He could, he sees it when he goes to sleep at night. But what is this to you? He doesn't know.

"You're scared, I get it." Roy stands, "We’ve been friends a while and I love you, man. I won’t tell him, but you should. Keeping this going in secret isn’t good for anyone. Just promise me you’ll delete this and think long and hard about what you’re going to do and we're even."

"Didn’t think you cared about Jay seeing it?”

“I don’t, but I still don’t want it floating around.”

“Thank you." Dick clicks delete on the file, then looks up from his hands to see the pitying look on Roy's face as he opens the front door.

"I’m not doing it for you.” he pauses one foot already out of the door, “And Grayson,"

"Yeah."

"If you hurt her, even slightly as badly as Asami did. You will get twice the punishment," He slams the door and leaves Dick to dwell on his feelings.

Xx

"What happened? What did he say? Is he going to tell him?" You swarm Dick with questions as he comes through your  door.

"Told ya I'd sort it, but Pet-" he's cut off when you jump into his arms, yours wrapping around his neck as your legs hold you close to him.

"Thank you, thank you," you liter his face with kisses. His hands sink into your ass grinding you down onto his cock.

"We should talk, I need to"

"Later, please. Please Dick."

"Okay Pet, later." His fingers slip under your dress, pulling your panties to the side, "you need me now don't you?"

"Yes, right now." 

"So needy for me," he pushes your back into the wall, his fingers flicking through your pussy stopping to rub at your clit, "so desperate for my touch," his face pushes into your neck, licking and sucking at the soft flesh, "my pretty little pet. You've been such a good girl for me. You deserve a reward."

"Please," your nails dig into his back, gripping his shirt and pulling it over his head, "want to feel your skin."

"Hmm, smart girl. Clean these for me." He shoves his fingers in your mouth and when he's satisfied he pulls your dress up over your head, "no bra, Pet? Fuck, you really are perfect," his lips seal around your nipple while your hands fiddle with the button on his jeans, "there's no rush, let me take my time with you. I'll make you feel so good." His fingers thrust back into you, his teeth biting down on your nipple while his tongue flicks over it.

"Yes, fuck." You dress down onto him, your tit pressing out into his face. You can feel your release edging closer, your pussy clenching on his fingers while your tits tingle in his mouth.

"Can feel you getting close Pet," he mumbles his kisses moving up your body, "don't you cum."

"But you said you-"

"I promise to make you feel good. Trust me," his voice now in your ear, "do you trust me?"

"Really? Aladdin? Right now?"

"Stopped you from cumming didn't I?"

"Yes. You dick."

Grayson laughs, pulling his fingers from you and starting to walk down the hall towards your bedroom.

He drops you on the bed and drops his pants almost as fast. "Bring that pretty pussy to me, Pet." His fingers dig into your thighs, pulling you down to the edge of the bed. His face is buried in your pussy as he starts to lick you up. 

"Fuck, give a girl a chance."

"No Pet. No chance," he smiles into your pussy before slowing down, his lips pressing their way into your inner thigh, "do you want me to stop?"

"No, don't stop."

"And your safewords?"

"Lance Tucker." You start to thrust up into his face.

"Good Pet," his tongue licks at you, laps at you, his fingers slipping inside you, "I know your body so well, Pet." His fingers split, spreading you open, and holding your cunt apart, "better than even you."

"Di- fuuc- I. AHhh." 

"Like that noise means you're going to cum soon."

Your hands fist the sheets your heels digging into nothing as you try and find leverage go push your pussy further into dicks face, "dick, more, I need-"

"I know exactly what you need, Pet," he mumbles into you, "you need to hold it."

"Yes, I can-"

"I want you to want it" he starts to suck on your clit and when your pussy starts to pulse around him he stops, "I want you to want me."

"I do."

"Do you want me or do you just wanna cum?" His breath grazes over you, his finger just toying with you, "be honest."

"I want you to make me cum." you pant, squirming in the sheets as he climbs over you, crowding you into the mattress.

"That's a great answer, Pet. Because why?"

"Noone can make me cum like you can."

"Fucking right." Dick hoists your legs up over his shoulders,  bending you in half as he kisses you deeply, "and Pet." His cock parts you, teasing you so bad it makes you shiver.

"Dick," you grab at his face, pulling his down down a deep kiss.

"Noone takes my cock as well as you." He shoves himself inside you grinding his pelvis down onto yours, his cock making you feel so full and fuck, you're so close already.

"Dick, if you don't stop that i-"

"I know, Pet. I can feel it." 

"Fufk, can you, stop."

"No, I want it all." He grinds down harder, "all your cum," his nails dig into your thighs, his lips stealing another kiss, "it's mine Pet." You feel his cock throb inside you, "give it to me," he bites down on your lip, growling into your mouth, "give all of yourself to me."

"Ah, fukdk dick, I hwhs-" you moan a jumble of words that gets lost as your brain starts to melt and your legs start to chase. You can feel your pussy sucking dicks cock in, feel it hitting ao deep inside you and when he bites you again you lose your mind as you shatter underneath him.

He doesn't stop, instead changing movement to slam his hips into you. "Fuck, you take it so well," he drops your legs wrapping them around his hips, "draw me in, Pet." His hand holds your face, "look at me," you try but your eyes are so close to just rolling away to space, "stay here," he kisses you as if to keep your mind on this plane, "stay with me, Pet. Don't float away on me."

"I'm here," you flutter your lashes, trying to focus on those pretty blue eyes staring down onto you.

"Good girl, stay with me," he continues to pound into you, fucking you so full. But you keep your eyes on him and fuck if his smiles doesn't make this harder, make you want to cum harder, make you want to take him every moment of every day, "you’re doing so well for me, Pet."

Your hands grip at his shoulders as your back starts to lift from the mattress and he hits so deep within you. His cock throbs inside you, his Pacing becoming erratic as he changes his release inside you. It's so fucking hot the way he uses you like this, like you're his own little fuck toy, "Dick, I'm getting close again."

"Just let it out," he moans, "let all of it out and I'll follow you."

You pull him down for another  kiss, your legs tightening around him and holding him so hard that he can barely move his hips to fuck you. "Fuck Dick," you fuck up onto him, pushing him further and deeper inside you.

"Yes, yes let. Fuck- I can feel it, you. God-" your cunt pulses and clenches down so hard on him, your body goes into full shakes as you cum on him. The sight of you losing yourself like this sends Dick over the edge and he cums so hard that his muscles tense and he collapses on top of you. Your legs are still holding him deep inside.

"Fuck, Dick. You ok?" You ask, your pussy still twitching around him.

"Hmm, sleepy. Are you alright?" He sits up, giving you space to breathe and inspecting the marks on your thigh, "do they hurt?"

"No. I like the sting.".

"Course ya do. Little degenerate." He pulls out of you, rolling onto his side and pulling you up to him and kissing your forehead.

"That was kind of intense." You angle into him, squirming at the cum dripping from you.

"Intense bad?"

"Just new. Any reason for that?"

"Maybe, maybe I just think you needed a treat. My pretty pet." He angles your face up so he can give you a sweet kiss.

"And Roy?" You finally ask.

"Let's not talk about hmHarper right now. Can we just cuddle in peace?"

"I guess. But we will talk about it, right?"

"Yeah," he pulls the comforter up over the both of you, "later."

#dick grayson. #dick grayson x reader #brother and bestie #reader x dick grayson #dick grayson #x reader #nightwing x reader

[sadhours]

Billy abuses his body more than Neil does. In ways he doesn’t even realize he’s doing it. Handful of pain relievers on an empty stomach, then a few beers and a pack of Marlboro’s. It’s best when he everything’s a little fuzzy and he’s at the pharmacy and has to stop and blink because he’s not entirely sure if his next step is gonna land.

The symptoms of his dad’s abuse wasn’t ever clear to him for months. Like when he realized his fist couldn’t clench all the way after his arm broke. Or when his left eye would water constantly when Neil headbutted him and split open his eyebrow. But the waves of vertigo was something he didn’t realize was because of so many blows to the head. He thought for the longest time that he just needed his ears cleaned or something, like the disturbance in his equilibrium was because of that. But on a night where his head was pounding and his ears were ringing, he wondered if it was due to how often his dad was attacking his head. Smacking across his face, kicking the back of head, slamming his forehead into the wall. Any of it could probably explain this ever present dizziness.

It’s part of why he hasn’t left this shithole, he can’t even drive for long before he starts to panic and feel like he can’t even control his body anymore. The booze seems to help, or at least, he knows what being drunk feels like so it’s not as scary.

But like in the pharmacy, he’s sober. He’s here to pick up a prescription for Susan. And suddenly the shelves are spinning and everyone’s smiles are growing too big and Billy takes a deep breath as he plants his feet. It’s getting annoying. Wishes he could go see a doctor and figure it out but as soon as he turned 18, Neil took him off the insurance. And well, he saved money from the pool but not like, that much. He just swallows hard, tells himself he’s okay and continues on. To his shock, he doesn’t fall. But he does stumble into someone. Oh, fuck. Anyone but her.

“Billy, hi,” Karen’s makeup waves around her eyes but Billy knows he’s seeing shit and the thick blue shadow isn’t actually moving. “Are you okay?”

He raises his brows, his tongue feels too heavy in his mouth and he feels like he’s floating up and up and up and looking down at the pair of them in the middle of the incontinence aisle. His voice doesn’t sound like his own when he answers, sounds like it’s far away, “Just peachy, Mrs. Wheeler.”

An ice cold beer is calling his name. If only he can hurry up and get this task done. But time feels like syrup, too viscous for Billy to swim through. He tries to be conscious of his body, tells himself he’s blinking at Karen and he’s literally standing on his feet. Conversations are the worst when he gets like this. He’s saved on driving Max to school because he can blast his music and focus on that instead of how he feels like he’s floating.

“You look pale,” Karen sounds far away too, and also extremely irritating as he wants to be alone right now. All the time. “You sure you’re feeling well?” she presses the back of her hand against his forehead.

“Yeah, listen, great to see ya,” Billy grumbles as he pushes her hand away, “Even if it’s not in a swimsuit.”

Karen looks upset but Billy’s stepping away, floating down the aisle until he gets to the line which contorts fifty different ways and shapes until it’s his turn. He swears he hears a voice behind him but when he whips around, no one’s there. He places his palms on the counter, looks to the pharmacist and his stomach churns something wicked. Billy goes to say something but there’s this pitch black liquid spilling from his mouth and onto the counter. The pharmacist screaming tells him it’s not an hallucination.

#idk what this is #Billy Hargrove

[ab4eva]

‘Tomorrow Will Be Too Late’

Part 5

Summary: Elvis Presley x Reader / For as long as you can remember, you’ve loved two things - Elvis Presley and time travel. After seeing the 1968 Comeback Special for the first time, you decide to try and get back to him for one incredible night, by any means necessary.

Author’s note: I must thank my darling Marina for helping me really flesh out the storyline in this chapter. I came to her with my idea, and she said “Darling, now we’re talkin’ southern gothic and that’s my jam.” She really helped me get the vision for it, talked it out with me and for that I am incredibly grateful. She also contributed a couple of lines so thank you baby! Also gotta shoutout my other two wives, Ally & Birdy, for their constant support, love & creativity. And last but never least, all of you who are invested in this story. You keep me going when I feel like I can’t go on with it. I cherish your screams and your support. 💕

Warnings: Angst, mention of death, sad Elvis, language.

Word count: 4.4k

TWBTL masterlist

-

I love you more today

More today than yesterday

But I love you less today

Less than I will tomorrow

-

Elvis grips her shoulders, her body trembling under her thin, white nightgown, her eyes haunted and wild. She lifts a hand and presses a soft, warm palm to his cheek, looking for all the world like she knows him, really knows him, and is sorry for him. Like she’s trying to comfort him. At her touch, the hearing in his left ear vanishes, the chirping birds and crickets filtering through lopsidedly. Elvis shakes his head and a ringing noise slowly filling his ears as his hearing returns, a calmness settling over him. The feeling of deep grief, that heavy ache in his heart, has subsided a tiny bit, the tears that had tracked down his cheeks earlier are dry. Her hand slips from his face with a sigh, and her eyelashes flutter closed as she slumps in his arms. He gently lays her on the grass, smoothing the hair from her forehead and patting her cheek gently.

“Aw hell, honey. Wake up. Please wake up.” A familiar voice floats somewhere above you, a desperate, pleading edge coloring the words. “Aw hell,” you hear him swear again, and struggle to open your eyes. A large, warm hand cups your face, alternately patting lightly and stroking. It feels so nice you’re tempted to let the nothingness pull you under again. There’s a reason you want to let it…you just can’t recall what it is. And that voice, so familiar, yet - not as you remember. It’s higher, for a start, not the deep, rumbling tone you’re used to. And quicker, running words together almost as if he can’t get them out fast enough, like his mouth can’t keep up with the ideas tumbling from his head. You’re used to the slow and steady pace of his thoughts made manifest.

“Come on, be a good girl and open those pretty little eyes for me. I saw ‘em lookin’ at me before, like you’d seen a ghost or somethin’. Now why would you look at me that way, honey? I ain’t ever seen you before in my life.” He carries on a one-sided conversation and somewhere in your foggy brain you find it amusing. “Now, I-I-I don’t know what’s wrong with ya, why y-y-you’re actin’ like this but I-I-I need ya to get up now. You hear me? Wake up, dammit!” He shakes you gently by the shoulders, then a little more forcefully and you can hear the fear in his voice. He’s scared. You hate that he’s scared, hate that you’re the one that’s made him this way. This, more than anything, breaks you from your fog and your eyes blink open. He’s backlit against the pale, misty morning light and for a moment, you can believe it’s your Elvis staring back at you, so eerily similar in their shapes and contours - the sharp curve of cheekbone and strong jaw. The swooping hair and broad shoulders. But…he isn’t your Elvis. And everything comes flooding back in a painful flash that has you sitting up and doubling over, all at once. You feel a light hand on your back as you clutch your stomach, trying to breathe in and out, trying to still the racing of your heart, not to mention the terrifying cacophony of thoughts jumbling your mind.

“Just breathe, baby. Good girl,” he whispers, and it makes your stomach turn. For a moment you’re jolted upside down and back again, his words ringing in your ears, and you’re filled with a coldness so deep you begin to shake. You remember the last time you heard him speak those exact words to you…in the hallway of NBC studios, when he knelt beside you just like this, hand on your back, murmuring quietly as if to a skittish colt. Now his hand begins to rub slow circles between your shoulder blades, his palm barely meeting your skin, an attempt at calming you…but it burns like fire. “You must be cold,” he continues quietly and it makes your arms tighten around your middle as you bend further in on yourself, silent tears falling, short gasping breaths only adding to your chill. You wish he’d stop touching you, wish he’d take his hand off your back. His palm is so feather-light, as if he’s afraid of too much contact now that you’ve come around. It’s a reminder that he isn’t the Elvis you left. Your Elvis would have his arms around you in a heartbeat, he’d be pulling you into his lap, truly comforting you. Your Elvis wouldn’t be afraid to touch you. You scoot forward a little, desperate to get away from his scorching touch.

She’s a curious thing, isn’t she? Elvis thinks, wondering why she’s leaning away from his touch, when he’s used to women doing the opposite. For the moment, his grief is forgotten, moved to the back of his mind. How did she get here? And why? Who is she? These questions and so many more are doing somersaults in his mind, slicing through the overwhelming sadness he had been trying to escape. Early morning walks in the back pasture at Graceland had been the only thing that seemed to calm his spirit since his mama got sick. Since his mama went and left him, went and left him to spend the rest of her time with Jesse. Somewhere in his heart he knew it was selfish to try and keep her from her other son. Jesse needed Mama too, and Elvis took a tiny bit of comfort in knowing they were together again. It wasn’t much but it was all he had to cling to these days.

And then this woman had just…appeared. Out of nowhere, out of thin air. He’d been been walking and crying, talking to God, begging him for a sign that he hadn’t been fully abandoned, completely forsaken. A sign that things would be ok somehow. He had felt so utterly alone since his mama left this earth. He had so much love left for her and he didn’t know where to put it now. Didn’t know what to do with all this love that was running through his veins for her. And then there she was…she knew his name, she seemed to know him. Not like the world knew him, not “Elvis the Pelvis” or “The Memphis Flash,” not even “Elvis the Movie Star.” Just him, just Elvis. Her wild eyes had held so much…love. And pain.

When she touched him he had felt - like he was floating above his grief instead of walking hand in hand with it. A small reprieve. Had God seen fit to take his mama but send him another instead, someone to help him? Help him see a way through this darkness, this despair that was eating him alive, tearing at his insides day after day? A way through the troubled thoughts that too often swirled uninvited in his mind. Dark visions of a river rushing over him, of letting it pull him under, letting it take away the pain. It was almost as if…as if her touch had absorbed his grief, as if she had taken some of it from him and into herself. That must be why she had passed out, why she couldn’t stop crying now. An angel. Angel of Grief. An answer to his prayer. He wasn’t alone, not anymore.

Elvis suddenly wraps his arms around you and the heat radiating off of him warms you almost instantly. You freeze, not expecting the sudden closeness. But you shiver in his arms, and the familiar feeling of them comforts you. His arms are the same - same strength, same bones, same flesh. He’s mumbling something into your hair, you can only make out snatches of words. You hear him whisper “mama” and “…sent me an angel.” On instinct you wrap your arms around his waist, spanning his back as your head falls onto his shoulder and you melt into his embrace. You sit there a minute, each comforting the other, until he pulls away and looks at you, wonder and awe and a little bit of shyness lighting his features.

“You alright? You had me scared there for a minute. You’re not hurt, are ya?” His hands flutter lightly over you, as if to make sure that you aren’t physically injured. His concern makes your heart skip a beat and you open your mouth to respond but your breath catches in your throat. This is as close to young Elvis as you’ve been and you take him in, fully, for the first time. He’s familiar of course, you know him too. Just not in the same way your knew your Elvis. This one you know from his movies, from the countless pictures you’ve seen of him from this time period, from the TV performances. He’s different entirely from the man you left, and now that you’re getting your bearings, you don’t feel quite so shocked by him. His cobalt eyes are red-rimmed, dark circles underneath marring his his beautiful face.

“Is she ok?” he asks suddenly, looking at you expectantly, his eyebrows drawing together as worry etches across his pretty features. You’re confused by this question, seemingly out of the blue.

“Is she…” you start, unsure of what he means.

“Mama…is she ok?” he asks again, waiting for an answer like you’re the only one who can give it. And it dawns on you, remembering his whispered words a minute ago, his sudden closeness. It can’t be. Can it? Does he really think you’re…an angel? You knew Elvis was a spiritual man, always in tune with things not of this world. It makes perfect sense from everything you’ve ever read or heard about him. It just- fits. But how will you explain it to him in the future, your presence here. Does he not remember… Oh. Your stomach drops and you think of all the times he said he remembered you but couldn’t place you. How he insisted that you’d met before. And you passed it off as a man who had met too many people, seen too many faces and you just reminded him of someone else. In his haze of grief he’s convinced himself you’re an angel. You swallow, unsure of how to proceed, unsure if you can actually pull this off. Let him believe you’re not human, an angelic being. It makes you uncomfortable, like you’re lying to him. But the hopeful look on his face and the fact that you have no good reason for being here makes up your mind for you. He’s still looking at you expectantly, waiting for an answer.

“She’s fine, Elvis. She’s just fine,” you whisper, blinking back tears that threaten to fall again as you cup his cheek, your thumb running over the rough stubble gathered there. “I know how much you loved your Satnin. I know how hard this is for you.”

Elvis looks at her, startled. How did she know…Satnin? No one but family and close friends knew he called his mama that. There’s no way she should know this, but she does. He shouldn’t be surprised, shouldn’t be shocked but he is. It’s just further confirmation that this woman, this angel, was sent here to help him, comfort him.

“You’re in pain,” he says, eyebrows drawing together again, this time with concern for you. “You took it didn’t you? When you touched me? Took my sadness, took it upon yourself knowing I’d have a chance to heal a little bit. It nearly killed ya in the process.”

This man, your man. Only he would be concerned for a angel, a supernatural being. It’s the first thing that endears you to this strange version of the man you love. He can’t understand the complexity of your pain, the part of you that aches for this boy who just lost his mother, who would do anything to take away his sadness. He thinks you’ve done just that - a small mercy. And the other part of you that aches for the man you love, the man you left, the man you might never see again. And so you say the only thing you’re capable of at the moment - “I’m alright. I’ll be alright,” you reassure him, shivering again, the dampness from the ground seeping through your nightgown. It’s unseasonably cool this morning, a rare summer dawn that holds more chill than warmth at this early hour. Elvis notices and helps you stand, holding onto you while you get your balance.

“Let’s go for a drive,” he says suddenly. “Always helps me clear my head. ‘Sides, got a blanket in my car so you can warm up.” He gently takes your hand in his, tentatively at first but when you instinctively lace your fingers through his, he smiles at you, a small sad smile, and squeezes your hand. Another little piece of your heart clicks into place.

It’s quiet on the road, you wrapped in the scratchy wool blanket Elvis has pulled from the trunk and him in the driver’s seat, absentmindedly tapping out a rhythm on the steering wheel to a song only he can hear. He keeps looking over at you, as if to reassure himself that you’re still there, that you’re not gonna disappear on him. You see him breathe a sigh of relief every time, his shoulders relaxing, the small exhale of breath a constant, soothing reminder in the silent car. You’re not sure how to talk to him, still disoriented and shell-shocked as you traverse the empty Memphis streets, the ten-year gap from this boy in 1958 to the man in 1968 becoming ever more apparent the more you drive through town. Mercifully, he breaks the silence with a question.

“Jesse?” A word. Just one word. A word that holds so much hope, and a great deal of fear. It reaches out and takes hold of you, this word, heavy with meaning and love and a strange sort of grief. The kind of grief that is placed upon you by others. Well-meaning, intended with love, but forced upon you nonetheless. It’s mixed with his own grief, the kind he has come to recognize with time and self-reflection and that unknowable ache that is always with him, as near and dear to him as the brother - twin - he lost. You realize he’s asking if Jesse is ok.

“Jesse’s happy. He’s with your mama now…they have each other and they’re ok. They both miss you something awful, though. Your daddy too.” You glance at him out of the corner of your eye and see him blink rapidly, futilely willing the tears that threaten to fall to stay put. You bite your lip and look back out the window, feeling like a intruder on his heartache. He sniffs and clears his throat, hurriedly swiping at his eyes with the back of his hand.

“You alright? Elvis?” you murmur quietly as you cover his hand resting on the seat between you with your own, running your thumb in gentle circles over his skin. He nods, still too choked up to speak, and gives you a quick, watery smile.

“I’m gonna be alright, darlin’,” he pauses, unsure of how to go on. “If I don’t get a chance to tell you before you go…thank you.” You smile, entirely charmed by this sweet and gentle boy, so unlike the man you know.

“She was very special, wasn’t she? Your best girl,” you press his hand, gently encouraging him, thinking maybe it’ll do him some good to talk about his feelings.

“Mama is…was…my best friend. She took care of me, like no one else could, not even Daddy, not even Dodger.” He tries to keep his voice steady, tries and fails.

“You were her special boy, her whole life. She put all of her love and care into you, didn’t she? Couldn’t bear to be parted from you, not even for a little while. Took you with her when she worked the cotton fields…you couldn’t have been more than a few months old when she was dragging you in a sack beside her, picking cotton til her fingers bled. That’s true love.”

He pales, the blood draining from his face as his mouth opens, a sharp inhale of breath the only sound in the car except the pounding of your own heart. You realize your mistake almost immediately. You shouldn’t know that about him. It’s too intimate, too personal. He isn’t so far removed from that life. The problem with Elvis having been dead for over forty years is that every single person who ever knew him feels the need to talk about him. Even those that didn’t know him talk about him, write books and articles and papers about him. Research his life and his parent’s life and on and on.

“How did…” he starts to say, looking spooked, but then his face relaxes and he lets out a ghost of a laugh, a little huff of air that leaves his half-upturned lips and he shakes his head. “Gosh, it’s good to talk about mama with someone who really knew her. Daddy can’t bear to talk about her now…and he’s the only other person who really knew her like I did. Loved her like I did.”

You take his hand again without a word and grasp it lightly, encouraging him to go on. He does, and you talk about his mother with him while he drives and cries, and the sun comes up fully, painting Memphis a beautiful rosy color, the late summer sun bouncing off the brick buildings, the leafy green trees waving to you as you pass. Before you know it, hours have gone by, and you see the gates of Graceland come into view. You can see a crowd gathered there, and it’s a shock to your system after the quiet, cozy drive. You start to panic, there are women with cameras everywhere. You can’t be photographed with Elvis, in 1958. You simply can’t.

“Elvis, I can’t…I don’t…” you aren’t able to finish your thought, you’re getting closer to Graceland by the second and you’re frozen in fear, powerless to do anything about it. Somehow Elvis understands what you’re trying to say, how you feel.

“Just lay down, darlin’, I’ll cover you with the blanket. No one’ll see you, I promise,” he glances at you knowingly, and you slide to the floorboard, your knees hitting the carpet as he pulls the blanket over your head. You peek through your cover and watch him as he pushes his sadness to the side as he pulls into the drive, his fans a comfort to him now more than ever before. Showering him with love, not the kind that he used to get from his mama, but love all the same. And he soaks it up like drought-stricken earth.

You realize with a start that you’ve seen this photograph of him, have alway been enchanted by it. The slender figures of the women outside his gates, cameras raised to hide their faces. Hiding their faces while capturing his. His long, slender arm hanging outside of the open Cadillac, hand drooping lazily as if in invitation. That hair, those sideburns. You’ve seen this photograph a dozen times…you just didn’t realize you’d be next to him when it was taken. And the oddest feeling courses through your veins, not quite deja vu but something hauntingly similar. In a flash, you see all the men he will become. The all-American Army boy: soft and young when he leaves for Germany, lean, older and wiser when he returns. The slick, Hollywood Ken Doll: singing and dancing his way through film after film, a continuous montage of tiny white shorts, red windbreakers and cowboys hats on an endless loop. The slender ‘68 Comeback Special man: a gritty, leather-clad force of nature reminding everyone why he was a star in the first place. The glittery gaudiness of Las Vegas: jumpsuits and karate moves, hundreds of women kissed each week and left begging for more. And finally, as if he somehow knew he was nearing the end of his life, a return to the soft and round form much like the one he had entered the world in.

But all of that was before him still and only you have the privilege and pain of seeing all that he was, all that he would become. Beside you now sits the young and eager boy with his whole life ahead of him. Only you can look into his eyes and see the man you knew and didn’t know. The man you loved and didn’t love. The man who would become more than an icon, almost god-like in his legacy. You ache to tell him all these things, to spare him pain and save him in some way. But you risk losing everything you’ve gained so far if you do, and so you simply hold his hand as he drives you through the gates of Graceland, posing for the girls outside as he does.

In a moment it’s over, this flash of past, present and future that leaves you reeling, suffocating under a blanket and heaped on the floorboard of Elvis’s car. Just when you think you might panic, he pulls the blanket off your head and pats the seat next to him. You manage to crawl back onto the seat just as you’re pulling up to the house and it hits you, why it was so familiar before. This moment has simultaneously not happened yet and already happened, sixty five years prior. Time travel is trippy, you can’t even begin to wrap your head around it.

Elvis feels a little bit lighter now, like a tiny sliver of sun peeking through the clouds on a stormy day. Still heartbroken, but maybe like he can go on somehow. The ache is still there, it would always be there. Seeing his mama the past couple of days in the hospital had been unbearable, he had felt so helpless. And then his heart had been ripped from his chest, and everything he had ever loved, everything he had ever held dear was gone in an instant. But this woman - this angel - had helped him when he needed it most. He wishes she could stay forever, he feels so at peace with her near. He knows it’s too much to ask, but he hopes she’ll stay a little bit longer.

In the few hours you’ve spent with Elvis this morning you’ve come to realize that he isn’t so different from the one you love. His spirit is the same, his humor and wit, his love of life and all that it offers. He’s the same man, and you find yourself wanting to inch closer to him, to close the distance between you on the car seat. It hits you like a lightening bolt - you…god help you but…you love him too. Of course you do. Is this why you have an almost unnatural possessiveness over him? When it seems like you shouldn’t, like you haven’t any claim to him. But…he hasn’t met his future wife, not yet. It’s you. Here and now. He’s meeting you for the very first time. Before he even lays eyes on her. Somewhere in the ether you must have known it, in your bones, deep down. He was yours first. You loved him first.

A fire blazes through you at this revelation, taking your breath with it. It’s all starting to makes sense and it frightens you to your core. It wasn’t supposed to be this way. You’re not supposed to love Elvis Presley, not like this. He isn’t supposed to know you and you’re not supposed to be here. It’s not in the history books, it’s not what happened. You have to leave. Now. You can’t stay any longer and risk messing things up - messing his life up. He’s too important to too many people, you included. He’s staring at you now like you're the only lifeline he has, like you’re the answer to every problem and every question he has. That heart that was being pieced back together earlier, your heart, now shatters apart. It breaks to think about leaving him like this, so entwined with his grief, so overcome with the hand life has dealt him - cruel and kind at the same time. Your tears pool and fall down your cheeks as you reach a hand out to him, needing to feel his touch again, maybe for the last time. He takes your hand, placing it on his cheek, his warm palm covering yours. He nuzzles it, the scratchy hair of his unshaven jaw tickling you lightly, before he gently places a soft kiss to the inside of your wrist, his tender lips branding you, claiming you. You didn’t think it would be this hard, leaving him. You didn’t think you’d be torn, that you’d actually give a thought to staying. Not when you had someone to get back to. And yet…

“Elvis…sweetheart…it’s time. I have to go now,” you say through your tears, surprised when you feel something hot and wet drip onto your hand still holding his cheek. He’s crying now too, as if he knows this moment holds more significance than he can fully grasp. He shakes his head, no, always stubborn, and pulls you to his chest, clutching you there tightly. Your arms encircle his waist as you hang on for dear life, the waves crashing over you both threatening to pull you under.

“No, no, no….please don’t leave me. Please don’t go,” he cries against your hair, your bodies wracked with sobs as you cling to one another, each mourning the loss for a different reason. You know you’ll never be the same after this. You can never again be who you were before you held a broken Elvis Presley in your arms on the day his mother died. Before you realized that you'd gone and truly fucked up the one life you have. Because now you know. Know that you can’t have a life that Elvis isn’t a part of. You’re breaking in two and he is holding you. And everything is exactly as it should be. And everything is all wrong.

-

Tags (please let me know if you want to be removed): @meladollsims @godlypresley @jelliedonut @butlersxbirdy @precious-little-scoundrel @eliseinmemphis @powerofelvis @elvisabutler @ccab @richardslady121 @isthlsfate @rjmartin11 @thatbanditqueen @prompted-wordsmith @airyx0x0 @baddieandblue

#elvis #elvis presley #elvis fanfiction #elvis fanfic #time travel #time travel fic #elvis imagine #elvis x you #elvis x reader #elvis x y/n #elvis smut #elvis presley x reader #austin elvis smut #elvis 2022 #austin butler elvis #austin elvis x reader #austin elvis imagine #written by ab4eva #tomorrow will be too late #i’m coming for you elvis #68 comeback special #baby elvis