#and yeah that’s so fair don’t lock the guy up but at the very least she needs to have at least one other person w her when she’s w him | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

feyhunter78 · 6 months

Text

Chapter One - A dance between mortality and desire, between that which you already know and the seductive lure of the unknown in the shadows of the morgue. Miguel, your new coworker, has this irresistible pull and seems to have set his sights on you. You try to stay professional, stay strong, but sooner or later you know you’re bound to fall. A fic in which vampire Miguel has found his lost love (you) once more, and he won’t let anyone, or anything stop him from reclaiming you.

Ch 2

There’s something strange about your coworker, Miguel. Maybe it’s how comfortable he seems to be with the late hours, or how he never seems to eat? At least not where you can see him eating, not that you’ve been watching him, waiting to see if he eats, and yes, the morgue is not really the place to eat, it’s entirely unsanitary, but in the break room? That’s fair game.

All he seems to do is work, drink those weird power shakes he’s so possessive over, and work out? He’s got to work out, there’s no other explanation for why he’s so built.

“Y/N, you need any help with that cadaver?” Miguel asks, a brilliant smile aimed your way, he’s dazzling, teeth straight as a military cemetery, white enough to blind you and his lips...they’re perfect, like unfairly perfect.

He’s handsome, and he knows it. A ladies man, the city mortician office’s Don Juan. You still can’t get over how you caught him and Cheryl from accounting, necking behind the building. Well, almost caught him, you heard the sounds they were making and all but sprinted to your car, face burning. And if your subconscious replaced Cheryl with you while you slept that night, then that was nobody’s business.

“No, no, I’m almost done, just wrapping up my notes.” You tell him, waving your voice recorder in the air, the standard one that the city gives every mortician. The one that annoying ass Dave always breaks, which means every project you work on with him takes twice as long because you have to wait for him to type up and submit his notes manually.

“We’ve got it, Manuel, no worries.” Dave says, the deliberate mispronunciation of Miguel’s name makes you cringe, but Miguel doesn’t even flinch, merely nods and heads back into the hall.

“You know his name is Miguel, right?” You know Dave knows, but you remind him anyways.

“Miguel, Manuel, same difference,” Dave says, brushing you off. “He thinks he’s so great just because all the normies fawn all over him.”

Normies aka everyone not tasked with cutting open dead bodies for a living.

“He’s nice, and he does good work,” You say briskly, finishing up your notes and zipping the body bag back up. “Put this one back in the freezer, yeah?”

“Why are you defending him, you got a crush or something?” Dave asks, leaning onto the slab, wriggling his eyebrows.

“No, I just don’t want to be called as a witness when you get hit with a discrimination lawsuit.” You drawl, clicking off your recorder and slipping it in your lab pocket.

Dave holds up his hands in surrender. “Whoa, hey, hey, I’m not being racist or anything, I’m just hazing the new guy.”

“Since when do we haze?” You snort, locking the freezer once Dave slides the body back in.

“Since we started hiring pretty boys.”

“Oh, so you think he’s pretty. You sure you don’t have a crush on him?”

Dave makes a fake gagging sound. “Excuse you, I am loyal to my wife.”

“That poor woman.”

“Hey fuck you, y/n,” Dave sputters.

You laugh and pat his shoulder. “I’m kidding, I’m kidding, I’m sure you and your wife are very happy together.”

“We are, thank you. It’s actually our anniversary next week, fifteen years.”

You’re taken aback. You knew Dave was married, but you didn’t think he’d be married for that long. “Wow, that’s amazing, seriously, congratulations.”

He smiles and pulls out his phone, showing you dozens upon dozens of smiling photos of him and his family. “Thank you, thank you, I’m a lucky man. Wait, don’t you have a boyfriend? How long have you two been together?”

Oh yeah, your boyfriend… “Oh, umm, like almost a year.”

“Hey, that’s not too bad,” Dave smiles.

You cringe internally. Almost a year of feeling like maybe your boyfriend doesn’t actually like you, compounded by your fear of being alone, driving you to do whatever it took to keep him. “Yeah, yeah, he’s great.”

A loud crash, the sound of metal crashing to the floor, and a low swear draws your attention.

You and Dave rush out into the hallway to see Miguel trying to lift a massive filing cabinet up from the floor. It’s dented on one side, almost the size of a…fist?

“Miguel, shit man, what happened?” Dave asks, hurrying over to his side and helping him lift the cabinet back to its rightful place against the wall.

Miguel’s eyebrows are furrowed, his hair disheveled, the sleeves of his lab coat rolled up exposing his forearms, his large hands flexing and unflexing. “I—I don’t know, I was walking down the hall, and it just fell, nearly broke my foot.”

“I’m glad you’re not hurt.” You tell him, searching the bottom of the cabinet for any loose parts or crooked corners that might’ve contributed to the crash.

He smiles at you, that Don Juan, panty melting smile, his warm brown eyes focused solely on you, as if you’re the only person in the world, the only one worth paying any attention to. “I’m just glad it was me and not you—or Dave, I wouldn’t want either of you getting hurt.”

“Aw, Manuel, you care about us,” Dave teases, going right back to his hazing.

“We’re a team,” Miguel says simply, rolling his shoulders back.

For a moment you wonder what his back muscles look like underneath his coat, his shirts always seem so tight. Do they ripple under the fabric, is it stretched taut, his back droolworthy and broad?

“A team that’s finally heading home, isn’t that right, y/n?” Dave’s arm landing across your shoulders brings you back to reality.

“Yeah, yeah, closing time,” you say, hoping you weren’t blatantly staring at Miguel’s back.

“You two go ahead, I have some things I need to finish up.” Miguel says, waving you both off as he heads back to his office.

You drive home in the dark, warm streetlights lining the street, soft music playing from the stereo. Miguel never left with everyone else, he always stayed late, and was always there early, like before the sun got up early. You did not envy his sleep schedule.

Digging through your purse, you fish out your keys and unlock your apartment door, flicking on the lights and sighing happily. There’s nothing like finally getting home after a long day and just getting to relax. Nudging off your shoes, you go to heat up some leftovers, letting the mindless reality TV shows keep you semi-entertained until you feel sleep tugging at your limbs.

You go through the motions, shower, skincare, pajamas, make sure all the doors are locked, turn down the air conditioning, and turn off the lights. Settling into your bed, you toss and turn, that fist shaped dent in the filing cabinet still bothering you. Did you need to call maintenance, or file a complaint with the city to let them know? It’s not like they’d give your department a new cabinet just because it was a little damaged, but still, at least you can say you tried.

Finally, you begin to drift off to sleep, breathing evening out, your heart rate slowing, the stress of the day melting away. Your dreams come quickly, cotton candy sweet and nonsensical, until a familiar figure appears.

Miguel’s hand caresses your cheek, his voice low, murmuring something in a language you don’t understand. He pulls you closer, and you can feel the press of his skin against yours, the toned muscles beneath your touch.

“Mi tesoro, tócame.” Miguel whispers, taking your hand in his and sliding it down, down, down his chest, stopping at his waistband, the fabric soft, his skin burning. Trsl: My treasure, touch me.

You take hold of the waistband, fingers slipping beneath it, as Miguel dips his head down trailing his nose up your neck, inhaling deeply before groaning, his free hand a vice grip on your hip.

“Touch me.” He breathes, his lips against your ear, his hand guiding your lower, more smooth flesh meeting your fingertips.

You want to, you want to explore Miguel, to find out if the rumors are true, but a shrill ringing draws your attention away.

“Te quiero y/n, no dejes que otros me roben tu atención.” Miguel pleads, his voice low and desperate, the hand on your hip pulling you flush against him. Trsl: I want you, y/n, don’t let others steal your attention away from me.

But the ringing won’t stop, and soon you’re jolting awake, alarm clock blaring, the sun streaming in through your blinds.

You throw off your covers, cringing at the sticky wetness between your legs. Really y/n? That’s what gets you going?

After eating breakfast and getting ready for the day, you check your phone, a few texts from your friends, some work emails, and a voicemail from Todd.

Hey babe, so I’m out at this bar right, and the drinks are fucking great, but I was talking to these girls about our issues, you know your whole not really enjoying sex thing? And they gave me some great advice, I want to try it out next time, so tomorrow night I’ll be at your place, get that couch ready, we’re going to tear it up.

He talked to other girls about your relationship? About your intimacy issues? What the fuck? You start to type out an angry text message but delete it halfway through. He’s trying at least, and you did ask him to try.

Maybe you should just hear him out on this, maybe those girls gave him actual advice like: “stop violently rubbing her labia thinking it’s her clit or listen when she tells you where her clit actually is, or maybe don’t be a dick and just give up once you’ve finished, your girlfriend deserves to get off too.”

You type out a neutral response and send it, before tossing your phone in your bag and setting out for work.

This fic was inspired by @sassyposssumm's kinktober request which was such an interesting prompt that I knew it needed to be expanded on! Also since this is a vampire fic there will be some instances of slight dubcon, I'll put warning in the beginning for those chapters with *slight* details in case anyone is uncomfy and wants to skip.

Let me know if you want to be added to the taglist!

#meg's writing #miguel o'hara x reader #miguel ohara x reader #vamp!miguel #vampire!miguel #miguel o'hara x you #miguel o'hara x y/n #miguel ohara x you #miguel ohara x y/n #vampire!au #new fic alert!!!!#mourge nocturne #spiderman 2099 x reader #spiderman2099 x reader #morgue Miguel

286 notes · View notes

legacygirlingreen · 5 months

Text

Strumming Hearts // Modern! Sebastian Sallow x MC

Authors note: another collaboration with @darch7995 , if y’all aren’t listening to her audios idk what all are doing! This is a modern, rocker Sebastian AU with lots of flirting, tension and happy ending I swear! I def might follow this up with a part 2 at some point. Lots of that 2014 tumblr era vibe going on! Also song is “new perspective by P!ATD

Part 2 of fic is here

Link to audio version(s) here!

Part 1; Part 2;

Love you all 💚

Word count: 6k

Warnings: flirting, teasing, mild angst, suggestive language, groping, nothing too intense

“Stupid friends, on a weekday no less, to the stupid club to see a stupid-“ she muttered into her drink as she leaned against the bar to herself as she stirred her vodka cranberry that Natty had thrust into her hands before she wandered off with the rest of their roommates to try and find the band members before the show.

MC hadn’t wanted to come. Not only had she never listened to this new band, that seemingly everyone around her was obsessed with, but she had finals to study for. On top of that, her usually level headed friends like Natsi, Poppy and Imelda seemingly couldn’t keep it together when it came to just 3 random guys roughly their own age with some instruments.

“Bad night?” A voice behind her said almost directly into her ear and she almost dropped her drink from shock.

Whipping around to see whatever asshole had gotten so close that she could feel his breath on her ear - a strong invasion of space in her mind despite being a necessity in the loud and packed club - she prepared the scowl in advance. As she did so she was confronted with a sight that made her question her desire to scold the man for getting too close.

Dark eyes that cut through her like a knife, however upon further investigation were not cold as she expected. They were warm, honey colored flecks near the center and very inviting despite how deep they ran. As if those dark eyes were swallowing her whole in fields of barley at sunset.

Dark hair to go with the dark eyes, perfectfully tousled as if he constantly had a hand running through the unruly locks. It fell around his head in a slightly shorter style than most of the males in the crowded room, but still maintained the rock and roll vibe of the majority of their peers. Towering over her in height and playful smile upon his full lips.

The one thing that shocked her the most was the endless supply of freckles dotting his extremely handsome face. Attractive enough that the words die upon her tongue, reducing her into a sputtering mess.

He was absolutely stunning. And based on his smirk, he knew it.

What had he asked her again? Oh yeah, if she was having a bad night.

“I suppose. This is just not how I wanted to spend my evening” she said with an eye roll as he smiled down at her.

“Don’t like live music?” He asked her curiously.

“I never said that.” She retorted, taking a long sip of the drink in front of her, as his eyebrow raised.

“So you are here for the show-“ he started but she stopped him with fervent shakes of her head.

“I’m here because my friends promised they’d stop asking me to go out for at least a month if I agreed to come tonight. I have finals coming up and it seemed like the better trade off for a month of peace and quiet” she explained with a shrug as she dug in her jacket pocket, desperately searching for her packet of cigarettes.

“Interesting…” he said without elaborating as he watched her fish a cigarette out of her pocket before attempting to find the lighter.

She seemingly came up empty, frustrated as she went to shove it back in her pocket.

“Need a light?” He asked, holding up a lighter, giving it a small shake as she nodded her head. Just before she could grab it from his hand he smirked.

“Might I bum a cig?” He asked.

“I suppose that’s fair,” she said, fishing another out of her jacket pocket as the sleeves slipped down her arms, exposing her dress straps and shoulders. Handing the cigarette into his outstretched hands she looked to him expectantly for the lighter he promised. Upon receiving the cigarette he joyfully passed off his lighter as his dark eyes scanned the recently revealed skin and the exposed top of her dress, making no attempt to hide the way he lingered on her breasts.

She placed it between her lips, lifting the small device up and striking it as she lit the end of the cig before taking a drag. As she went to hand his lighter back she caught some words written on it, and even in the dim lighting of the club she could still make it out.

If you wanna fuck, smile when you give me back the lighter.

Her eyes immediately went wide as he chuckled at her panicked reaction as she handed the lighter back.

“I mostly keep it for the shock factor at this point” he explained as he lit his own cigarette and re-pocketed the lighter as she decided the warmth of the club was not worth keeping a jacket on if he was already attempting to stare. So MC slipped her jacket off her arms and tossed it on the bar's counter.

“You don’t seem like the type to complain if it gets you laid though” she retorted after taking another drag and he smiled.

“Would anyone?” He asked and she took another sip of her drink, realizing he didn’t have a drink in his hand. Nearing the end of her vodka cran, he flagged down the bartender, allowing the curiosity of the character beside her. Not many people would stick around to hang with a girl who seemed as annoyed as her right now.

“Considering most men I’ve picked up in bars aren’t exactly as skilled as they claim, I would say that lighter seems like a walking red flag” she explained with a small grin and instead of getting upset he laughed.

“Perhaps I keep it around as a warning so smart girls like you know to stay away…” he told her and she let out a small laugh at his antics, finally successful in flagging down the bartender.

“What can I get you?” The man asked her.

“Can I get a refill on my vodka cran and a shot of tequila … along with whatever the gentleman wants. And I’ll start a tab” she explained, handing him her card before turning to the man beside her, gesturing for him to order.

Sebastian had been very surprised at her buying him a drink, as usually the girls he met gave him pretty smiles until he got them whatever fruity drink they desired. Instead this very grumpy girl, who he determined didn’t have a clue he was in the band her friends came to see, offered to buy him a drink.

“Uh… Jack and Coke and I guess a shot of tequila if the lady is having one” he told the man who nodded before turning away to grab their drinks.

“Thanks for the drinks. I can’t tell you the last time a lady picked up the tab for me. Pops is probably rolling in his grave for breaking propriety but I know for a fact he wasn’t always a gentleman either” he said with a genuine and intrigued smile.

“I won’t tell him if you don’t… I tend to find myself liking to do the opposite of what everyone else does” she said with a shrug.

“Just to be different out of principle or just a naturally inclined rebel?” He asked as the man set down the drinks in front of them.

“Depends on the circumstances I suppose” she said, lifting the tequila shot, gesturing for him to do the same. “What do you want to toast to?” She asked him as she set her cigarette into the tray on the bar.

“How about a night of being rebels?” He asked her and she nodded well enough, lifting the shot glass and taking a large lick of the salt on the rim as he did the same, the both of them clinking the glasses before tossing their heads back before reaching for the like wedge to bite.

Sebastian enjoyed the way the shot went down his throat and she seemingly did too as she smiled, tossing the lime in the glass and pushing it back.

“Now back to this question… I’m interested in these different circumstances?”

“Like I said it’s unique each time… growing up I tended to be a bit eccentric without thinking on it, so that I would say is natural born rebellion… but sometimes I just like to do the opposite of what everyone else is for the shock factor, much like your lighter” she explained and he nodded, understanding it quite well as he too got in much trouble as a kid and enjoyed the over the top nature for the humor it provided.

“I get that. What kind of things do you differ from the norm just to be different then?” He asked while watching as she took a sip of her drink, and he strategically leaned in closer to her body to hear her better, but also feel the warmth of her skin through his jeans.

“Well I came tonight to see a band I have intentionally been avoiding, despite them probably being the type of music I’d enjoy simply because my flatmates never shut up about them, simply because it’s funnier at this point to double down” she explained with a small smirk playing along her matte painted lips before she reached into the ash tray to retrieve the cigarette, taking a drag. So she didn’t know who he was.

“That’s interesting… I understand the sentiment there quite well… can I tell you a secret” he asked with a mischievous grin and she nodded. He leaned in closer as if this secret was one that was well guarded.

“I have never seen Star Wars and at this point continue to avoid it simply so people freak out when I tell them” he said before leaning back, and just as he predicted she was mouth agape at his confession.

“But that’s, that’s different… I mean come on, it’s Star Wars…” She said, trying to put it together and he smiled gesturing to her reaction and she rolled her eyes as he reached up to her hand, carefully removing the lit cigarette from her grasp with a raised brow and she nodded that he could take a drag as he had long finished the one she had given him while waiting for drinks. He did so, following it up with a sip of his drink and passing the cigarette back to her hand as he noticed the lipstick around the rim.

“Because at this point it’s more fun to watch those reactions like your own than actually watching the movie, I guarantee” he explained and she shook her head.

“You’d be wrong. You don’t even know what you’re missing. It’s like an amazing world with fun characters and epic stories and laser swords. And a whole army of rebels” she explained and the more she spoke the more he watched her cool girl image disappear as a very wholesome, internal nerdy girl came forward and the reaction made his heart beat hard. Extremely unexpected but it was equally adorable.

“I didn’t realize we had such an adamant Star Wars defender in the audience tonight… perhaps I’d be willing to rethink my position on the space opera saga..” he proposed as she took a sip of a drink to cool her warming cheeks.

“Oh yeah, what would change your mind?” She asked, she gestured with her drink as she set it back down .

“You give the band tonight an open mind…” he said with a grin and while he had expected her to go along with it but instead her face fell.

“Not you too.” She said with a groan, reaching up to take another drag before finishing off the cigarette.

“What’s so wrong with the band you’ve never even listened to yourself?” He tried to reason.

“It’s all that they talk about. All day. Every day. Cooking dinner. Doing laundry. Taking a shower. Never can escape it. I don’t get much free time between my classes, work and studying. What little bit I do have has been invaded. I’m sick of it” she explained with another eye roll shifting away from him.

“I suppose I get your frustration… You can still go into it with an open mind-“ he levied and she shook her head.

“Nope. I’m committed to the stubborn act at this point.” She retorted, making him laugh. She has conviction he’d give her that.

“Well if you hate this band so much, what kind of music do you actually like Miss Rebel to society who loves Star Wars?” He asked.

“I don’t know…” she said looking back into her drink a smirk playing on her lips as she denied him the information, knowing he likely would do as most men and roast her taste in music.

“You don’t know what music you like?” Sebastian asked jokingly.

“No, I know that. I just assume you’ll do that thing most men at bars do, where they roast my taste in music and say they had an earth shattering experience listening to the dark side of the moon for the first time” she explained with an eye roll and he barked out a laugh.

“That’s a fair critique, but I don’t plan on shitting on your taste in music. It’s a personal preference. Try me” he told her, downing the rest of his drink.

“Fine. I like stuff like arctic monkeys, cigarettes after sex, panic at the disco… that sort of vibe” she explained while taking another sip before running a palm over her opposite shoulder trying to brush away the goosebumps. As she did so he noticed several tattoos littering her arms, one in particular catching his eye.

“Wow that’s a really cool tattoo? What is it?” He asked changing the subject as he raised a hand up to stroke the exposed skin. The artistry was phenomenal, showcasing vivid shading despite only being black and white. His thumb rubbed along her shoulder as he examined it with a small smile playing on his lips. She looked over her shoulder and saw the one he was referring to as she had a few lining her body.

“Oh that’s one I drew. I really love mythology. it is my take on the Mares of Diomedes” she explained and he was astounded by not only her artistry but also her love of mythology, one he related to.

Slipping off his jacket, he showed the girl the healed hyper realistic ink depicting the marble statue of Apollo that laid on the inside of his bicep on the arm closest to his heart. Famous twin of Artemis and a tattoo he carried for his own sister.

As he did so, she ran her hands over the exposed skin, not only noticing the ink but also seeing the trail of freckles lead down to his tanned arms. As she did so, she trailed her sharp dark nails along his skin, making him shiver before she let go.

“Apollo, very nice…” she said in a low voice with a smile.

“What were you saying, sorry I tend to get distracted kind of easily… oh yeah those are all wonderful bands. As for tonight… I still think you should keep an open mind especially if you like those bands…” he said cryptically as he looked around. He knew likely he’d have to slip backstage but the girl didn’t know that.

“Hmm” she thought for a moment as she finished her drink, setting it on the counter and grabbing her coat. “I’ll bear it in mind. I should probably find my flatmates. They abandoned me when we got here trying to see if they could meet the guys in the band before the show” she explained and the notion made him chuckle that her friends had failed and she had succeeded where they hadn’t.

“Of course” he said with a smile, knowing this was a perfect time to slip off.

“I would be… more inclined to have an open mind if you stuck around… it’s actually been pretty fun talking to you so far…” she said with a smirk falling off her lips and she slid in close and he absolutely adored her confidence in her movements and words. She looked up at him through her lashes, accentuated by the thick Smokey makeup around her eyes.

He was almost annoyed when she wrapped a hand around his arm once again at the bicep, not because he didn’t want her touch, but because he knew that she likely wouldn’t respond well to his necessary rejection of watching the show together.

Sliding close to put his lips near her ear he wrapped his other hand around her waist to pull her closer.

“As much as I would love that I unfortunately can’t…” he explained trying to muster some sort of an explanation that would lead to him being able to get her number after the show still.

“I just thought…” she said somewhat dejected but still seemingly trying to maintain a level head.

“I really am sorry… I’ve enjoyed the company Love, trust me, but-“ he tried to explain as she remained hooked around the waist by his hand. Shockingly she hadn’t pushed him off.

“Bash! There you are! I’ve been looking all over for you!” Anne. He dropped the girl as his twin jumped into his arms without warning, pressing a kiss to his cheek in the loving fashion he was accustomed to. He cringed realizing how this would look, but before he could explain the girl had already taken a step back looking mortified.

“You slipped away for water a while ago! What took so long?” Anne innocently asked and the girls face fell so fast.

“I’m sorry I held you up, excuse me.” She said, pushing past him, shoving him with her shoulder as she did so and Sebastian groaned, removing Anne.

“Fuck.” He said as his sister pulled him back towards backstage.

“Were you actually - Sebastian you never talk to fans” she said and he awkwardly chuckled.

“She actually seems to hate our band on principle so I don’t think she’s a fan” he said and his twin raised a brow and he shook his head.

“Long story but she piqued my interest. I suppose now she probably thinks I’m a cheating git who was taking drinks and flirting with her while having a girlfriend” he explained with an annoyed sigh and Anne looked at him apologetically.

“Seb, I’m sorry. I can try and find her and explain before the set if you’d like-“ she tried to reason.

“Don’t worry about it Annie. I’m sure I’d have found a way to screw it up anyways…” he said, as they flashed a badge to security before stepping into the room with the rest of his friends and bandmates.

“Dude where the fuck did you go?” Garreth asked with an annoyed sigh.

“Seb was talking to a girl,” Anne said.

“I was until someone ran along and screwed it up” he said trying to bite back the realization as he moved to dramatically flop on the couch next to Ominis.

“That’s not like you… must’ve been a real smoke show” Garreth responded with a laugh and he nodded to agree.

“I mean, yeah, she was hot, but-“ Sebastian explained when Ominis cut in.

“She must’ve been more than a pretty face to peak your interest” his blind friend levied and he nodded.

“She was really funny, and said she goes to Uni so smart too… I wish I could’ve gotten her number.” He said with an annoyed groan, reaching for his guitar which was propped up near the couch.

“Did you get her name? Could say something during the set” Ominis suggested.

“I didn’t get that either,” he explained.

“Damn. You can always point her out to Annie -“ Garreth reasoned and he shook his head.

“It’s not a huge deal. I doubt she even will stay for the full thing. She told me she’s only here because her friends forced her. She actually seemingly hates us on principle and at this point is committed to being stubborn just for the humor of it” he explained with a chuckle.

“Seems like you’re made for each other ‘Mr I refuse to watch Star Wars even when it’s my twins favorite movie” Anne said with a laugh and the others joined in.

“Oh well” he said trying to ignore the semi sad feeling lingering in his stomach at the thought.

“Well mate, if anything changes during the set go for it. You know I never mind, besides you’re the front man anyway. It’s always your call” Garreth said, standing to grab his bass.

“Actually…. Is it cool if I make a small change to the lineup…” he said, a brilliant idea in mind and a room full of his favorite people eager to hear his plan.

—————————————————-

“Where did you go?” Poppy asked cheerfully as she rejoined her friends. It wasn’t long after she separated from the mysterious man that she’d been chatting with that she ran into Imelda, who escorted her back to the rest of the group. Natty and Poppy had been saving a spot right at the front of the club waiting for the band to start and had sent Imelda to go find her.

“I stayed where you left me basically the whole time” she explained with an annoyed scowl still on her face.

“I know you’re not happy about being here but I thought once you got out maybe you’d have a good tim-“ Natty started and she let out the frustration of the situation prior slip out.

“I actually was having a great time talking to some guy. I bought him some drinks, we were having a good conversation, turns out he’s got a similar tattoo and understands my need to be stubborn. He’s never even seen Star Wars simply out of principle” she said with a dramatic sigh as her friends smiled at her.

“Well that’s great” Imelda said looking around. “Where is lover boy then?” She asked and MC shook her head.

“I think the girl that jumped into his arms and kissed his cheek would know better than I am where he is now” she explained as the others looked at her sadly.

“Oi what an arse. Point him out if you see him. I would love to have a few words…” Imelda said, and she knew it wasn’t that deep. The lighter should’ve been a red flag after all…

“It’s alright Melda. Don’t worry about it. He’s not worth the time. We are here for you guys to see your band and then I’m off to bed when we get home” she said as Poppy offered her a comforting smile.

“Was he at least cute?” Natty asked as the other two glared at her; prompting the girl to defend herself by asking “what? It’s just a question?”

“Unfortunately yes. Very sexy… tall, dark and handsome incarnate…” she said, plucking another cigarette out of her pocket as Poppy looked around the room.

“Why don’t we get you another drink if you hold our spots up here. Cheer you up some. Especially since you’ve attempted to be a decent sport tonight despite that asshole” the girl said and she would’ve rejected it, but a drink did sound nice right about now.

“That would actually be lovely Poppy, I’ve got a tab open if you want something-“

“Don’t worry it’s on us, come on Natty we will be quick” Poppy said grabbing their other flatmate, leaving her with Imelda to hold their spots right in the front of the stage.

“I stand by what I said, I’ll deck him if you need me to” Imelda said and she laughed, grabbing her friend into a droopy hug, pressing a kiss to the girls cheek.

“You’re the sweetest Melda” she said playfully as her friend intentionally dropped her arm and wiped her cheek with a sarcastic eye roll. Imelda was the tomboy of their group, coming out to the clubs in a simple tank top and jeans, minimal makeup and usually the protective one when it came to any of their flatmates and boys.

“Yeah, yeah” she said with a small smile before looking around the room, and MC couldn’t tell if it was protectively trying to keep an eye out for the mysterious man who had hurt her friend or to keep an eye on their other roommates, but she didn’t question Imelda’s surveying.

“You all manage to sneak backstage in my absence?” She asked Imelda who laughed it off.

“No but they sure tried and I had to talk them down. There’s always after I suppose. But I promise to wrangle them in a tad in case you’re desperate to avoid mystery man. You haven’t seen him since?” She asked once again looking around the room and MC shook her head as Poppy and Natty rejoined them.

“One drink for the most beautiful girl in the room” Poppy said with a smile, as she passed her a refill on her drink.

“Thanks Sweets, and no Imelda I haven’t. I promise to point him out if I do” she said just as someone came on stage, and her eardrums almost burst as the 3 girls next to her got excited when he asked if they were ready for the performance.

As the lights went dark she tried to just mentally disassociate, the sooner this was over the faster she could get into bed. And the little spark in her that had desired to give the band a chance died when the mystery man asked her to go in with an open mind.

A few more shouts of excitement from her friends and various people in the audience as she sipped her drink before the lights came on and she felt like a deer trapped in headlights.

Fuck.

“Aren’t they all just so dreamy?” Poppy said with a starstruck smile and her face immediately soured. Looking confused, Poppy went to ask what was wrong when she looked back up to the man from earlier, who happened to be standing in the center of the stage with a guitar.

Before she could lean into her friend to shout in her ear he looked at her, mostly given she was directly in front of the stage. MC rolled her eyes at him as he looked down at her from behind the mic stand.

“MC he’s looking at you!” Natty said with a cheerful exclamation.

Instead of backing down Sebastian walked slightly forward as he kept his gaze trained on her and her friends seemingly lost their minds over the action. Adding insult to injury he had the gall to wink at her, very obviously.

“Oh my stars” Poppy said lovestruck as she watched the front man of the band openly flirting with her friend in front of the crowded room.

In response MC only narrowed her eyes at the man and leaned towards Imelda so she could speak to her before saying “there’s the guy from earlier. Go get him Melda” she said mischievously before pointing to him and rolling her eyes and turning to leave.

“Wait, what?!” The girl said, surprised that not only had their uninterested flatmate met the lead singer but that he was the man from before as she grabbed MC’s shoulder preventing her from leaving. Before she could ask further questions she was cut off due to Sebastian’s announcement.

“Wow what a very good looking crowd we have here tonight… dare I say the best looking we’ve seen” he said while continuing to stare in her direction and she made a genuine snarl at the man who only seemed egged on by her reluctance. In the time it had occurred Imelda must’ve informed their other roommates he was the one who entertained MC earlier.

“MC…” Poppy said, tapping her shoulder and getting her attention before she fully left to go stand outside.

“What is it Sweets?” She asked, her mood officially and completely ruined.

Curse the stupid undercroft.

“You should stay, show him you can have a good time even with what happened -“ Natty tried to reason.

MC did realize she had promised them she would stay the whole time.

“I promised you guys I’d stay the whole time” she said, chugging the rest of her drink as they started the opening notes of a song and her friends gave her a comforting group hug. “You’re allowed to enjoy it you know” she said with a smile and they turned back, joyfully enjoying the first few songs.

When he finally started singing she grew increasingly more frustrated.

Of course the very attractive, very funny, and cheater of a guy she ran into had to be in the band. Even more annoyingly, he was incredibly talented.

She tried her best to tune them out, focusing on her friends and their silly dances and every now and again leaning over to press a kiss to one of their cheeks or twirl them under her arm. She was here for them. Not for some idiot in a band.

“Before we start the next song I want to dedicate this last minute addition to our setlist to the very beautiful girl at the bar earlier who borrowed my lighter, and just letting you know, it’s offer still stands” Sebastian said as he stepped on the board on the floor that changed the sound of his guitar slightly before starting the first few notes.

Her heart absolutely sunk when she realized not only had he dedicated a song to her, but she knew this song.

It was her favorite.

She fully anticipated he was gearing up to butcher her favorite song, effectively ruining it for eternity but when he started singing she could’ve died on the spot.

“I feel the salty waves come in…” he sang as Imelda turned to her with her mouth hanging open.

“He just dedicated that to you?! But that’s your- wait what did he offer earlier?” Imelda asked as the other two leaned in and she looked up at him over their heads.

“That if I wanted to fuck, I should smile when I have his lighter back” she said through gritted teeth and they all melted, having seemingly forgot he flirted when he had a girlfriend, or at the very least a very comfortable groupie he knew by name.

The band expertly continued to perform her favorite song and as Sebastian sang her favorite lines, he leaned over the stage directly over her with a grin almost antagonizing her with the line

“Can we fast forward to go down on me” he said and at the end of the line and the kick off of the chorus he winked at her, tossing a pick before grabbing a new one and continuing.

“MC!” Her friends shouted and Sebastian watched with a smile as her friends fawned over her. He could still see her angered expression but in her eyes showed something counter to her body language. She seemed impressed. He could work with impressed.

He continued to perform his heart out, knowing he wanted to end the set with a song for the girl as she continued to stare from the front.

She felt very frustrated that as the song went on, she seemingly forgot what had happened. A small part of her screamed to just accept the attention and then go home and put it to rest but she felt guilty soaking up the flirtations of a man who had a girlfriend - who was likely backstage no less.

Sebastian saw the war in her eyes every time he looked back and as he got to the bridge he crossed back until he was in front of her, kneeling with his guitar until he was more level with the girl and her friends.

Her eyes widened as he did so, and he moved in as close as possible with the guitar in his lap, making sure that he could stare directly into her eyes before he leaned forward, the rest of his bandmates continuing music despite the absence of lyrics being sung a part she new would’ve been the bridge. Instead she realized he was beckoning her closer, and her friends pushed her forward until he met her in the middle.

When she did so he used his other hand to cover the mic hooked to the side of his face and leaned into her face saying “sorry my sister interrupted us earlier, hope this makes up for that” he said before kissing her cheek as she could hear her friends losing their minds screaming and slapping at her back.

Her face burned with all the attention so much that she almost missed him pressing something into her hand before he stood and started to sing the bridge to her and her alone…

Stop there, and let me correct it

He sang and she realized he was trying to use the song to convey that he felt sorry for running off…

I wanna live a life from a new perspective

He also explained that everything had been a misunderstanding with his sister, not girlfriend…

You come along because I love your face

And the way his eyes roamed made her feel as if the song was coming to life and she was the girl in the song…

As Sebastian continued he couldn’t help but smile down at her, seeing in her expression how she slowly pieced together both his intention as well as the mix up, and he almost stopped singing when he saw her opening the note he’d passed her.

“So catch me up on getting out of here” he sang the final line with a smile as he looked down and saw her finally reading the note.

He went to thank the crowd and start their final song as she finally got to reading the note. Pulling it closer to see in the dim lights she unwrapped the crudely written note on a bar napkin that said:

Beautiful rebel,

Thanks for the drinks and I’d love to buy the next round sometime. I’m also open to finally watching the silly space movies, and what better way to do so than with someone who loves them so much, if you’re down…

Sebastian Sallow

013194960558

PS keep the lighter since I know you’ve lost yours, however feel free to return it whenever you’d like, hopefully with a smile ;)

When she finished reading the note she realized he had wrapped the napkin around the lighter from earlier. Taking out her phone she added his number into her contacts before carefully folding it up and pocketing both the note and the lighter.

Opening a new message she typed a quick text before enjoying their last song for the night with her friends, happily nodding her head along with the song and blushing madly when he winked at her one last time before he exited the stage.

When Sebastian finally got his phone out of the dressing room he saw a new message from an unknown number and he couldn’t help but smile as he read the text.

UNKNOWN : That was quite clever Mr. Brown eyes with the Apollo tattoo, or should I say Sebatian… I will say the choice of god makes a tad bit more sense now that I remember Apollo and Artemis were twins… I’d love to show you the wonderful world of Star Wars sometime if you’re providing drinks; which leaves the important question: When are rockstars free? ~ your rebel in crime MC

He quickly flipped up his calendar, checking his schedule before replying.

Her phone buzzed as her friends walked home from the bar, still chattering about her luck with the lead of their newest favorite band. Opening the text she saw the message.

Sebastian: How about tomorrow at 4? My place?

She smirked reading the text and quickly shooting a reply and continuing her walk home feeling much lighter and now excited for the following day with her mystery rockstar.

Sounds perfect. I have a lighter to return :)

166 notes · View notes

zepskies · 7 months

Note

How would Beau comfort reader who’s gotten home from work and is feeling overwhelmed and sooky? I’m in need of comfort my the cutie patootie pls and thank you beloved 🫶🥺

Hello, my love!

I know it's been a while since you requested this @chernayawidow, but I’m so sorry you’re feeling down. It’s my pleasure to fulfill this prompt for you! 😘💞

AN: This is sort of a sequel to “Didn’t Mean to Stay,” but can be read as a stand-alone.

Word Count: 3,000 Tags/Warnings: 18+ only! Smut, lots of hurt/comfort, fluff, and feels.

Imagine: Beau gives you the support you need.

You heaved a sigh while climbing up the short flight of stairs to your apartment. Why the hell you decided to live on the second floor, you had no idea…

Okay, mainly for the safety aspect of being a single woman living alone, but at least for the past year, you hadn’t been all that single (or alone, for that matter).

Seeing Beau’s truck in the parking lot reminded you that your boyfriend was already home from work. It was rare that you got here after him, but you perked up a little.

I hope he got something for dinner. Your stomach began to rumble at even the first stray thought of food. After the ridiculous day you’d had, you’d happily eat your weight in just about anything.

A hearty sandwich, Chinese lo mien, a whopping burger with fries…hell, you’d eat a whole damn bag of pizza rolls. As long as it was hot and you didn’t have to cook it.

Once you managed to insert your key and unlock the apartment, immediately there was too much sound coming from the living room. Guns and blasting and whoops and hollers. It all grated on your ears and your frayed psyche.

You grimaced as you locked the door behind you.

“Are we being invaded?!” you called.

Mercifully, the cacophony ceased as you walked into the living room and found your boyfriend with a sheepish smile. On the TV was an old western classic, The Magnificent Seven.

Typical, you thought. Your Texan cowboy loved his westerns.

“Sorry. Too loud?” he asked.

“Just a touch,” you replied.

“Well, I’m glad you're home.” Beau nodded at the TV. “Was gonna ask you what your Netflix password is.”

“What, don’t tell me you settled for 1960s cowboys?” you quipped.

You dumped your purse on the coffee table and sunk onto the couch next to him. Beau slid an arm around your waist and pulled you in closer. You obliged by shucking off your shoes and resting against him, with your head on his shoulder. You let out a long sigh.

“Well, that was my fallback plan. See, damn Netflix booted me out and I’m really gearing up for that new season of Cake or Cake,” Beau said, with a somewhat childish smile that almost succeeded in tugging your lips upwards as well. Your brows drew together.

“Cake or…oh my God. You mean Is It Cake?” you asked. You nearly slapped yourself with your own hand as it came up to cover your eyes. Your shoulders shook with silent laughter.

“Ah, yeah. That one.” Beau grinned.

“I just can’t figure out how I keep guessing so wrong," he continued. "It looks like a hat. It should be a hat. How the hell is it actually cake? These guys are just so damn talented, I’ll tell ya. I mean, I’ve eaten my fair share of quality cake, but I ain’t never eaten a hat cake…though that does sound good to me, now that I think about it. Heh, I could finally say, ‘if that ain’t real, I’ll eat my own hat.’ And I’d actually be able to take a bite.”

Now, normally you found boyfriend’s diatribes incredibly endearing. Beau was a talker, and you appreciated having him with you at social gatherings. Not only was he great at connecting with people (something you very much admired), but the man was damn good at filling a silence.

Today, however, he was feeding the headache pulsing behind your eyes. You loved him dearly. Yet you were tempted to dig your nails into your own arm just to stop yourself from snapping at him to please, stop talking.

“Speakin’ of food, that reminds me. My stomach’s damn near ready to eat itself.” He eyed you. “What’s for dinner, baby?”

Your hand slid from your face and slapped onto your leg. Your head slowly turned to him.

“I don’t know, Beau. What’d you cook?” you said tartly.

It was an effort, considering how comfortable you were while tucked against him, but you moved his arm off your hip and lifted your heavy-feeling body off the couch. Shaking your head, you trudged a path over to your room.

You didn’t see it, but Beau frowned. Though you heard him follow after you. You did your best to go about your business, unbuttoning your pants and starting on your blouse. You were just so damn tired, and probably still anxious. Even your hands were trembling and fumbling with the buttons.

Still, you sensed him coming closer, saw his sock-covered feet out of the corner of your eye. The rest of him was comfortably dressed in sweatpants and a wool sweater you bought for him last month; he was getting better, but still acclimating to Montana winters.

“You’ve been here all this time,” you grumbled. “You see how late I’m coming in, and you don’t think, hey, my girl’s gonna be tired. Why don’t I figure out how to work the stove so she doesn’t have to worry about feeding my six-foot-ass, bottomless pit—”

Beau’s hands stilled yours, and he took over unbuttoning your blouse to help you. He bent his head enough to catch your eyes, smiling a little at your grumpy face.

“All right, all right. I see your point,” he said. “You had a bitch of day, huh?”

“The longest of my damn life,” you said. The stress of each moment played behind your eyes. So much that they stung with unshed tears when you raised your gaze to meet his.

Beau’s brows furrowed in sympathy. He paused in what he was doing to stroke your cheek and press a tender kiss to your forehead.

“And I wanna hear about it, but first, you go take a nice long shower,” he said. “What do you feel like eating?”

“Food,” you said petulantly. But he was being too sweet for you to be all that annoyed with him. A reluctant smile was growing across your lips. Beau smirked.

“You in the mood for Italian? Chinese? Maybe feeling a little adventurous and wanna try that Greek place down the street?” he suggested. “I think they deliver.”

By now he’d worked your blouse open. His hands were finding their way along the curve of your waist, smoothly across your skin, then meeting at the small of your back. He pressed the heel of one hand there, where he knew your shitty desk chair often made you ache.

You gripped his strong arms for support and leaned into him. You let out a sigh and rested your cheek against his chest, where he dropped another kiss on the top of your head.

“Greek sounds good, actually,” you confessed.

“Mmm, hell yeah. You want chicken, steak, or lamb on your gyro?” he asked. You felt the reverberation of his hum, and it was weirdly soothing. Though his question reminded you of one of your favorite movies that you too often quoted to him: My Big Fat Greek Wedding.

“What you mean he don’t eat no meat?” you said with a giggle. Beau’s lips moved to your forehead, and you felt the shape of his smile.

“It’s okay, I make lamb,” you both said together.

He chuckled and held you a bit tighter, secure and comforting. “All right. Lamb it is…you think they got cake on the menu?”

When you laughed, it was muffled by his sweater.

After a hot shower, good food, and three episodes of Is It Cake later, you were falling asleep on your corner of the couch.

All through dinner, Beau had listened to you vent about your day. About the problems your coworkers had hoisted on you to solve in the midst of a massive project you were already tackling. How your boss then blamed you for not coming to her first before you overloaded yourself, and how you’d very seriously contemplated going to HR before you figured just dealing with it would cause you less grief in the end.

Your boyfriend listened and gave his two cents, both supportive and fair. That was another thing you liked about him; he was always fair.

Now, he roused you out of your drowsy state when his arms wrapped around your frame and lifted you up.

You whined in protest. “Whaaat? Don’t move me.”

“Nope, you’re goin’ to bed,” he said, in his sheriff’s voice that boded no argument. You grumbled, but you still snuggled closer to his chest and pressed your sleepy face into his neck.

Smirking, he walked you into the bedroom and laid you down on your side of the bed. He came to your place often enough that he now had his own side, complete with his own nightstand and a couple of drawers of your dresser, even a bit of closet space.

You really should’ve just told him to move the hell in already, but you weren’t like Beau. He was a man of action. He processed things quickly and made decisions just as fast. His job demanded him to be that way.

You tended to drag your feet. You also tended to worry, and weigh pros and cons, and you were cautious by nature. Even dating this man had been a slow process, for which he’d been very patient with you. (And you with him, especially in the beginning as he learned to open up to you.)

The evidence was plain to see, as he raised the blankets and helped you roll underneath them. You just took him by surprise when you grabbed the front of his sweater and pulled him down with you.

“Hey!” he laughed. He had to brace himself against the mattress before he crushed you. His knees fell on either side of your hips while your arms twined around his neck.

“You’re a wily one, even half-asleep,” he remarked. You smiled and threaded your fingers through his soft brown hair.

“Like a rattlesnake in the tall grass,” you teased. In fairness, the two of you had gotten into watching David Attenborough's nature documentaries.

Beau’s brows raised, his smile deepening.

“Oh yeah? Better not mess around then,” he chuckled. “I might just get bit.”

You snorted. “You’d like that, wouldn’t you?”

You leaned up until your lips were nearly brushing his. Beau’s eyes lowered to your face, taking in all the things that felt more like home than his little trailer near the woods.

Just before you would’ve closed the small breadth of distance, you veered away from his mouth and went for his neck instead. He even flinched at the tease of your teeth playfully biting him.

"You little vixen!" He laughed deeply as he unwound your arms from his neck. He pinned you down to the bed and pressed his hips down into yours over the sheets. But it was his claiming lips that stopped you from fighting back.

Your shoulders trembled with giggles that he swallowed up, kiss after kiss. Your eyes closed as he dragged the sheets down away from your body. His hands caressed you through your thin tank top, brushing over a hardened nipple with the back of his hand, then squeezing your breast through the fabric.

You sighed into his mouth. “I know I kind of started this, but I’m really tired, baby…”

“Who says you gotta do anything?” rumbled his rich voice.

A tremor of heat ran through you. Even with your eyes closed, your exhausted body responded to his touch. His lips drew a hot, wet path down your neck, all while his hands did sinfully good things, sliding under your tank top and gliding against your skin. You let him take it all the way off, followed by your pajama pants and cotton panties, though he paused to squeeze your ass in appreciation.

“Someone’s been doing squats,” he noted, grinning down at you.

“Nah, just an extra slice of that honey cake,” you retorted. Apparently, the Greeks liked honey on everything.

Beau’s head tilted. “Huh. Well, I do like me some cake.”

You laughed, then jolted with a yelp when he slapped a bare cheek.

But you couldn’t just lay idle when he started on his own clothes. You sat up and helped him raise the sweater up and over his shoulders, but he stopped you.

“I mean it. You just lie back and relax,” he said, giving you a charming grin. You resisted the urge to roll your eyes; he was just too damn good to you.

While he finished taking off the sweater, your hands drifted down to the waistband of his pants. You caressed the hardening length of him, earning a hiss and a groan from him.

“Can’t I just…” you tried.

With difficulty, Beau grabbed your wrist. He raised a brow at you and guided you back down.

“For once, I’m ‘a need you to listen to me,” he said, kissing your cheek and then the other side of your neck.

You breathed a laugh, but it caught on a moan as his fingers brushed through your wet folds. He made a sound of approval. And those nimble fingers gathered some of your wetness and began circling slowly over your clit.

You sucked in a breath and arched against him. You even whimpered a little as his free hand wound through your hair, giving him further access to your neck. He hummed against your skin and grazed his teeth under your ear.

“I gotcha, baby. Whenever you need it,” he said, low and steady. You gripped his arms for dear life as two of his fingers slipped deep inside you. You panted into his neck, rocked your hips mostly in time with his fingers as they twisted and pulsed around your tightening walls. His thumb rubbed against your throbbing clit.

“Please,” you whispered into his neck, squeezing your eyes shut. “Want you inside me.”

“We’re gettin’ there,” Beau nodded. He was breathing harder too, just from anticipation. The sounds you were making, the way you were squeezing his hand from the inside had him painfully hard.

“Now,” you insisted. Your hands moved to grip his hair, and your lips met his in a devouring kiss.

Beau matched your passion with closed eyes and furrowed brows. He’d had a plan for you at the start of this, but what kind of man would he be if he didn’t abide by your wishes?

So he withdrew his fingers from your slick pussy, even though you uttered a shuddering breath. It took everything you had within you to remain still and resting against the pillows as you caught your breath. You wanted to wrestle down his sweatpants yourself and show your boyfriend how appreciative you could be.

But you also appreciated what he was trying to do. You watched him with tired, but still hungry eyes as he kicked off the pants and the boxer briefs and returned to you, bracing a forearm above your head after he spread your legs and raised up your knees.

He lowered himself between the warm cradle of your thighs and kissed down your chest, licked between the valley of your breasts.

You arched up again when his tongue found your nipple, swirling around it, and finally taking it between his teeth. His hips rolled against yours, making his cock press against your core teasingly.

“Beau, for the love of God,” you moaned.

He chuckled. “Maybe you oughta learn how to be patient.”

You grabbed his bearded face between both hands and raised him up to you. He noted your challenging brow, but also your smile.

“Maybe you shouldn’t tease the rattlesnake,” you replied.

Beau laughed and ducked his forehead against yours. “Okay, darlin’. I’m sorry.”

He nosed at your cheek, angling for a kiss. You tipped your head back and welcomed his lips, especially when his tongue slipped past to tangle with yours. His forearm was braced above your head, but his free hand left your hip to line himself up to your entrance.

Another shudder went through your body as he finally slid home inside you. The shape and feeling of his cock was familiar as it stretched your inner walls, and you caught his moan in your mouth.

Your legs wrapped around his hips and squeezed, forcing him in deeper. His eyes screwed shut as he lost focus for a moment. He didn’t think he’d ever get tired of the feeling of you, or the sound of your voice, or the way you trusted him, but still tried to give as much as you took.

He pulled out nearly all the way, slowly sliding back in so you’d feel every inch. You clenched on him as a tremble ran through your body.

You uttered a broken gasp of his name that spearheaded goosebumps across his skin. And his next movements were faster, though just as deep.

He followed the encouragements of your voice, especially when he shifted his hips at an angle he knew would make you writhe. His fingers stroking your already sensitive clit, in time with his last wild thrusts, had you threatening to rip out a chunk of his hair. Instead, you gasped in his ear and dug your fingers into his hips.

His own release followed yours shortly after; he could only resist you squeezing the life out of him from the inside out for so long. And you held him afterwards, even though he still had a trembling arm braced above you.

Your hands smoothed up and down his back, trailing lightly with your nails. His breath was hot, but not uncomfortable against your neck.

You felt absolutely boneless as your legs slid from his hips. He pulled out of you soon after, but your embrace kept him from moving very far. He rested on his side, and you turned towards him. You both knew you’d have to deal with the sheets and the cleanup, but not just yet.

You carded your fingers more soothingly through his hair and drew his face back to yours.

“Thank you for taking care of me,” you whispered. And you didn’t just mean in this bed. “I haven’t had that in a long time.”

Beau’s smile crinkled the corners of his eyes. “You don’t gotta thank me for that.”

“Yeah, I do,” you nodded. Your lips formed a tired smile before they pressed softly to his. “I love you.”

Beau took a moment to brush a sweaty strand of hair away from your face. He’d believed in second chances before he met you…just not for himself. Meeting you made him swear by them.

“Love you too,” he said.

And the warmth of that bone-deep knowledge was more satisfying than even the heftiest slice of cake.

AN: God, I love Beau. I miss Big Sky. 😭 But feel free to let me know what you think of this one! It's only my second time, but I really do love writing this guy. ❤️

And tell me...are you team cake 🍰 or team pie 🥧?

Big Sky Masterlist

Main Masterlist

BA Tag List:

@deans-baby-momma @samanddeaninatrenchcoat @deanwanddamons @antisocialcorrupt @lacilou @iprobablyshipit91 @agalliasi @venicesem @deans-spinster-witch @chriszgirl92

@lyarr24 @ladysparkles78 @solariklees @xsophianicolex @deansbbyx @mimaria420 @candy-coated-misery0731 @curlycarley @sarahgracej @bagpussjocken @waters-2567

@ultrahviolentart @deans-spinster-witch @this-is-me19 @kazsrm67 @letheatheodore @agothwithheavysetmakeup @ades106 @jacklesbrainworms @foxyjwls007 @wincastifer @emily-winchester @beautyvaliant @beskarfilms

@syrma-sensei @tmb510 @fabimaou @mimaria420 @fromcaintodean @mrsjenniferwinchester @jc-winchester @iamsapphine @simpforbuckyb @vanillawhiskeyflavoredkisses @roseblue373 @this-is-me19 @brianochka @branj19 @hazel-eye-coffee-shop-girl-blog @charmed-asylum @globetrotter28

#Beau Arlen imagine #Beau gives you the support you need #big sky #beau arlen #beau arlen x reader #beau arlen x female reader #beau arlen x you #Beau Arlen smut #fluff #hurt/comfort #zepskies writes

241 notes · View notes

dayseternal-blog · 4 months

Text

Summary: Hinata meets her new neighbor in a very unconventional way.

Written for NaruHina Fair, NH Month 2023 Day 11: New neighbors - Thin walls.

Rated T.

"Proper Introductions" - Short One-shot (maybe part of a 2-shot?)

The next door unit at the end of the hall had been left vacant for so long, she thinks at first that all the thumping and yelling noises are happening right outside her own door.

Slightly afraid, she peeks through the door’s peephole, and…it’s some guys who might be around her own age…and they’re lugging boxes across the hallway and setting stuff down in front of that vacant unit.

A new neighbor! Or neighbors! She doesn’t know what to think. On whether to be happy or concerned. Despite the less-than-stellar living accommodations, she has at least been doing well with her neighbors on this floor. She recognizes and trusts her neighbors, even if they don’t really talk.

Tenants have come and gone from a few of the units over the past year, but for whatever reason, the unit next door has always been left vacant.

Until now.

Rather than go out there and be friendly to some guys she doesn’t know if she can trust, she tests that her door is locked, backs away, and returns to her dinner preparation for the next week.

The energetic yelling, the heavy thumping…she thought it would all become background noise.

It really sounds like it’s coming from her living room.

“This apartment really is crap! Check out his sink!”

She looks up from chopping carrots, attention at the wall where the vulgar speech is clearly coming through.

Her own sink is fine.

She returns to her chopping, but now her curiosity is piqued.

“Why did you agree to this shithole?” A different voice. Some laughter and agreements.

“His stove is a burner.” “The paint is peeling.” “You’ve got, like, one wall socket in the living room.”

“I can afford it, and it’s cheap!”

“How did you even find this place? I’ve been checking all the listings and I never saw this!”

“Oh, I didn’t tell you? The landlady’s my godfather’s friend. And yeah, the other units aren’t like this one. It’s actually a part…” Suddenly the voice gets muffled, and she can’t hear the rest of his sentence.

“Whaaaaaat??” Laughter. Scoffs of disbelief. “Is that even legal???”

Frowning with bafflement, she dumps the carrots in the pot. Grabs a potato, washes it, and starts peeling.

The masculine conversation turns to the furniture and what’s going where, and she continues peeling potatoes.

About twenty minutes later, she’s got all the vegetables and chicken boiling in the pot, the curry blocks are melting, and her stove’s vent is noisily fanning out some of the heavy aroma.

She’s settling into her old couch when she hears the grunts of exertion and occasional discussion become something else entirely, tearing her attention off her phone to the wall.

“AGH, FUCK! Oh, shit! Shit! Naruto!!”

“Wha-, AH-”

A huuuge thunking, breaking sound.

And the top half of a shelving unit of some sort.

Is sticking through her wall. Their wall.

That was apparently hardly a wall.

Utterly shocked and uncertain, she stands, and voices fill the air again.

“Oh shiiiiiiiiit.”

“Ugh. Fuck. Fuck.”

“Oh fuuuuuuuck.”

She's never heard so many swear words so frequently as today, but concern has her taking a deep breath for courage. In the few paces it takes to get to the wall, she manages to ask the hole, “Are you okay?”

Deathly silence.

“Um.” She tiptoes to try to look through the hole, and just at that moment, the “wall” crumbles some more, the weight of the bookshelf too much.

Pieces of “wall” fall to the ground, and she finds herself standing in front of the group of boys. Guys. Young men? One is holding his shoulder and arm. Another is holding his foot. The others have their mouths gaping open in shock and maybe even amusement.

She stands there, taking in their interesting expressions, recognizing for herself how ridiculous this situation is.

“Oh, man.” The rather tall, blond guy who had been cradling his arm looks like he wants the earth to swallow him up. “I am so sorry. I’ll fix it. I swear. I’m so, so sorry.” Hands gesturing spastically, he’s the most apologetic person she’s ever seen in her life.

“Oh, it’s okay-”

“I’m really so sorry.” He bows so deeply, all his friends begin copying him.

She’s never had so many people apologizing to her all at once before. Pulling her eyes off the incredible sight of all these tall guys bowing to her, she quickly decides to pass the uncomfortable attention off of her. “It’s, um, the wall’s fault. I didn’t know it was so thin. It shouldn’t have broken so easily.” So really, this isn't his fault, but rather, the apartment complex's.

The blond one stands straight, obvious stress still lining his features. “Ah, yeah-”

“I should call Senju-san-”

“No, don’t!” He has his hands out to stop her, nearly lunging over his fallen shelf and the pieces of wall between them. “Please, don’t call her, please!”

The begging has her take pause, and she recalls him talking to his friends about his personal connection with their landlady.

“She’ll kick me out if she hears about this! She’ll end me for sure! Please, please don’t tell her.” He’s bowing repeatedly and has the most kicked puppy, begging expression she’s ever seen in her life, and she feels bad that he feels this bad.

She’s never had anyone groveling this much to her before. “Okay, okay, I understand, I won’t tell her,” she soothes, and it’s such a relief to see him relieved.

“Thank you, you’re the best. I have such a nice neighbor!” he gushes in such a sincere tone that it feels like an exaggeration.

His friends apologize and thank her repeatedly in turn, and just to get them to stop, she runs away to retrieve a broom, dustpan, and trash bags.

They insist on doing all the cleanup, so she pretends to be busy in her kitchen as they go back and forth in and out of her living room, and before long, it’s just them and a giant hole between the two units.

“Excuse me.” That blond guy’s voice draws her attention up from her phone. He gives her a meek smile from his side of the hole. “I’ll try to get this fixed up as soon as I can… I don’t have the money for this right now, but-”

“I’ll help since it’s partially my fault!” The brown-haired guy who looked like he might've hurt his foot raises his hand.

“Oh, okay.” She nods her head, feeling the awkward tension still palpable in the air. She decides to brave it and venture closer. She steps out of the kitchen toward their shared wall.

They cleaned up really well.

She passes her scrutiny along the edges of the cracked wall, raises a finger, and feels the material. “Walls are supposed to have framing, right?” There’s none here. She’s not quite sure, but this wall might only be stiff, thick foamboard.

“You should tell her.” A guy with long black hair tied into a ponytail has his hands on his hips, looking at the blond one pointedly.

She turns a confused look at him.

Her new neighbor sighs heavily. “Umm, well, to be honest… My unit is supposed to be a part of yours.”

She turns this piece of information over in her head, and despite the cautious and meek look on her neighbor’s face, she’s not angry or disturbed. Instead, she feels interested, almost amused. “What? Really?” she asks, genuinely curious. “Why?” She ventures another step forward, and they make way for her to peek into his unit.

“Uhh…” he intones.

She spots the burner stove on a counter that looks like her kitchen counters.

“I’m not sure why. I’ll ask my godfather. He’s the landlady’s friend.”

She gapes at a toilet tucked in a corner of the room and one simple sink.

It’s like her living room and kitchen were supposed to be twice as big. Instead, this area got cut in half. His door should be her door. Instead, it seems like her door was cut somewhere it's not supposed to be. That closet next to his door should be hers...

“When you get a good deal, you don’t ask questions, you know?”

She knew her unit was cheaper than others. She didn’t ask why. “Yes, I know what you mean...” She certainly understands now.

“Ahh, I didn’t get to introduce myself.”

She blinks up at him, realizing that they completely skipped over introductions in all the chaos.

“My name is Uzumaki Naruto.” He bows and straightens. “I’m 22 years old and just graduated from the University of Konoha. I’m starting work at Representative Hatake Kakashi’s office next Monday. I swear I won't be a bother to you anymore.”

She bows. “It’s nice to meet you.” She offers him a small smile. “My name is Hyuuga Hinata. I’m also 22 years old, but I graduated last year from Biwako Women’s College. I work with Konoha Tourism Authority. I hope to get along with you.”

He gives her an impressed look that she shies away from and without letting her stew in her awkward feelings, he rapidly introduces his friends to her in a blur of names, schools, and jobs. A cry of “The smell of her curry is making me die! You promised to feed us if we helped you move!” and, before she can even offer them any, Naruto and company practically run out the door, leaving her alone with her thoughts.

She stares at the massive hole in the wall.

She honestly has no idea how they're going to fix it.

After checking how much longer she still has to cook the curry, she settles back into her couch to finally relax, but her thoughts quickly return to her new neighbor.

Well, rather than a new neighbor... Nerves race up her legs, and a blush heats her face.

She thinks it might be more accurate to say she just gained a new housemate.

A housemate who's...a man!

#thank you for reading!#nhmonth2023 #naruhina fanfiction #hinata is a shy cinnamon roll here #“cookies” because I can only write small things

54 notes · View notes

c0ld0utside · 27 days

Note

Hi💜💜💜

Firstly I just wanted to say that I loved your writing, it's very good and I loved the story you wrote about the human father and the monster son, I would like part 2 of this story if it wasn't too much trouble (of course only if you want to do it)

What’s this, a part 2?

Yeah, it’s a part two.

Joey and Tim back at it again.

Warnings (Let me know if I need to add any): Mention of force-feeding, mention of bondage, mention of “Joey”!Reader’s horns are filed down, mention of “Joey”!Reader getting muzzled, infantilization(?)

It’s been a few months since you were adopted by Tim, and the first few weeks with him were rough, to say the least. Any chance you got, you’d either bite, headbutt, and scratch him, or you’d make a break for it. This led to him having to file your horns down after one of them nicked his cheek and putting a muzzle on you after you bit him so hard he had to get stitches. Tim wasn’t happy about it at all.

He wasn’t happy about having to force-feed you, either. He didn’t know why you wouldn’t eat the meals he made you. Tim made sure to include everything since he didn’t know what your species ate. Meats, seafood, dairy, grains, greens, fruits…you either wouldn’t eat it or would find a way to cough it up. Tim had to settle on making you drink smoothies and protein shakes.

“I hate doing this to you. You’re not an animal, sweetness. Stop making me treat you like one.” He’d say, rubbing your head gently as he tried to help you fall asleep. It would’ve been nice had your arms and legs not been tied together with rope. “Anyone else would treat you like one, but I don’t. I know you’re sentient enough. You’re not a dog. Just work with me, okay?”

“I’m doing so much for you, you have no idea. Can you even fully understand me? Probably not. I wonder what that’s like- well, I kind of can. It’s been a while though.”

Begrudgingly, you did. You stopped lashing out and let him feed you food that wasn’t put through the blender. You pay attention when he reads you stories and shows you those silly things on his “phone.” Tim called them “educational videos,” leaving out the fact that they were targeted at pre-schoolers and elementary school kids. You fight the urge to run whenever he has you trace the cursive prints in the writing workbooks he bought.

Tim is especially understanding whenever you voice your hatred for math with hisses and growls during the middle of a problem. It was easy at first- adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing…and then fractions and decimals came in. Once you got the hang of reading and writing, Tim enrolled you in online classes. “Remember to put on those contacts I got you,” He’ll say at least ten minutes before your first class starts.

Unlucky for you, Tim works from home as a translator, so that means no escape attempts during the day. He changed up the lock to your bedroom so it locks from the outside and nailed your window shut. “I’m really sorry sweetness, I don’t trust you entirely just yet.” Tim had explained. “It’s fair, right? You don’t completely trust me, and I don’t completely trust you to not run away.”

Today’s different. Much to his surprise, you’ve curled up into his side, watching as he translates a book into French. Tim’s surprise melts into pure joy. He wraps an arm around you, pulling you closer as he works.

“What’d you learn today?” Tim asks, gaze shifting back to his laptop screen. “How genes work,” You reply simply. “It made me wonder who my sire is. I take after them more.”

Tim hums in reply. “You’re a funky little guy, I’ll give you that.” He says, gently scratching your head, fingers running through your…mane? Hair? He doesn’t know what to call it. “Does your species have a name?” Tim asks, sounding genuinely curious. You shake your head.

“My parent never told me much about my “species.” We just are, I guess. That and to stay away from others because they’ll try to kill me.” You say.

“Like bears?” Tim assumes. You can only shrug. “Probably. How do bears behave?” He shuts his laptop. “Alrighty, documentary time,” Tim says, getting up to put his laptop away.

“What about your job?” You ask, sitting up on the couch. “No need to worry. I’m almost done and I could use a break, anyway.” He answers dismissively, plugging the device in to charge on the counter. Walking back over to you, Tim grabs the TV remote off the coffee table and turns it on. Opening up some streaming service, he turns on a nature documentary and sits down next to you.

“Isn’t this nice?” Tim asks. “Sure,” you offer, reaching up to feel your horns. They’re coming back in, slowly but surely. Tim promised that he wouldn’t file them down again unless you tried to hurt him again. Which is fair. He takes notice of your movements, expression turning apologetic.

On the TV, the narrator observes a herd of zebras. “...Is it still a firm no?” You pipe up. Tim lets you have online friendships with the other kids in your classes, but won’t let you see them in person. “On meeting up with Shay and Lucas?”

Tim sighs. “Sweetness, you know it’s dangerous. Other humans aren’t accepting like I am, and I don’t want you to be taken away and prodded at by scientists. You’re a person, not an-” “-Animal. I know.” You cut him off irritatedly.

“Hey,” He says, tone softening. “...How about this. You can meet up with them, but I come with you. Deal?”

“Is that the only option I have?” You ask. “Mhm,” Tim hums.

“Fine. Deal.”

I'm taking advantage of my break to catch up on asks instead of writing an essay. No regrets. As always, criticism is welcome.

May I just say, you're looking divine today. Have you ever had a fruit bowl before? You should try it.

#yandere #platonic #platonic yandere #yandere dad #yandad #yandere platonic

19 notes · View notes

alicepao13 · 9 days

Text

Hudson and Rex S06E14

Damn it, no Mankiewicz lol. Yeah, it was okay, had some funny moments too (Rex is a comedian). There’s a pattern lately where the promos immediately hook me up for the next episode, so even as I’m writing this, I’m already thinking of the next one.

Risotto, jeez, if I was a guy I’d hate Charlie Hudson for the impossible cooking standards he’s setting.

That guy messed up all the floorboards with his blood dripping all over! Good luck getting that out.

Rex being upset and whining as forensics is sweeping the house. Yeah, this sucks, buddy.

Joe did not seriously consider not giving Charlie this case. The man has investigated his own brother!

Well, that seemed like a cold night of shooting. I bet they all enjoyed that :P

“Looks like Rex and I are your problem again tonight”. Well, at least they’re letting us know he didn’t sleep at Joe's couch at the precinct. I’ve given up on seeing Sarah’s apartment and I’d like her to give up on the idea of pretending to live there too.

Are you telling me that packages are not getting scanned somewhere inside the precinct before getting delivered? Oh, boy.

I’ll say this again, if they don’t trust Rex to sniff out whether there’s bomb components inside a package, then there’s no reason to allow him to work in cases.

That’s a lot of keys and I can't help thinking of what their prop master thought about all this.

“Better be safe, right Charlie?” lmao the passive aggressive comment from Joe. Leave him alone, he was right this time. Trust Rex.

Rex barked at the ransomware? Yeah, okay, lol

Getting from low-tech burglaries to high-tech heist. That’s an interesting transition.

Ah, stakeout. And they’re eating fries which was what I was also eating as I was watching this, on a very random note.

Pirating one season of Death Note? How can anyone only watch one season? Lock him up! Also, are we sure this kid is old enough to work at a bank?

Sarah with the beverage assist. I swear, some of these scenes seem like reshoots to add more Charah after complaints were made.

Well, that whole car almost hits Rex thing was anti-climactic. Obviously I didn’t want it to hit Rex, but make it a bit exciting. And it was the cutoff for the commercials too? I mean, I didn’t have to watch them but still.

Someone really loves cryptocurrencies in this show. The displayed price is off by, like, a lot since Bitcoin took off the last few months, which is understandable. Also, assuming that it’s in Canadian dollars, I estimate by the price (if they used the real one) that they shot and/or post-processed this episode near the end of November, as it didn’t really fluctuate around those levels again after that. And kudos for displaying an accurate BTC address.

“Well, that must have hurt”. I beg to differ. These boxes were very obviously empty.

Wait, so is this the end of the unwelcome guests in Charlie’s house? I’m not sure I like the new security system.

Ha! Sarah is still after the risotto. I totally get her.

lol Rex! Look at that evil smirk. He’s totally tripping the alarm for the heck of it. To be fair, when Rex is at home, there’s no need to put the alarm on but let Charlie make the risotto.

While it was an interesting case, it lost me a bit as we were going through the names of the people involved. Also, I did expect someone who came to bleed out inside Charlie’s house to have a more personal connection to him. I find it ridiculous that packages which are sent to the precinct aren’t scanned for explosives, I mean, that’s the first thing you do when a package arrives at a police station.

Promo: Charlie with a bomb strapped to his chest! What’s not to love? Oh, by the way, remember what I said about concussions and getting hit a second time on the head in a short while? This is actually the ghost of Charlie Hudson strapped to a bomb. Also, he has an earbud, which is presumably to communicate with whoever is doing this? Can we use to tell Sarah goodbye please? If this is parallel to the Castle episode, Charlie is going to say “I love you” to… Rex :P

One more piece of useless trivia, a bomb is how we lost one of Rex’s partners in the Italian version (and of course Rex had to watch because why not torture the poor dog, as it was canonically his third partner that was killed). But somehow I’m certain that Charlie will manage to pull through.

Only 2 episodes left! As always, I don't care much for a renewal until we're almost out of episodes.

#hudson and rex

11 notes · View notes

nohoney · 10 months

Text

anonymous said: Love love love your Us series! I wanted to know if y/n would ever go out and get back at keigo/touya by sleeping with someone else? Especially after they just continue to hurt her on purpose when they found out about the drugs. (From the prev dabbles)

note: the reader in the main series wouldn’t go through with it but let’s explore anyway if she at least attempted to (¬‿¬ ) this takes place just right after the reader leaves the bathroom in pt 2 but she and keigo don’t speak in the bathroom to make up

pt 1 / pt 2

warnings: infidelity, drug use, angst

“Fine. I was checking on you, but you don’t want me.”

You turn away quickly from him Keigo, leaving him behind and keeping in a cry when you hear him drag the girl he was with into the bathroom. Touya was already cruel enough to point out that Keigo had gone out of sight for quite a while. You’re not stupid; they’re both giving you payback.

I didn’t even fuck anyone! You loudly scream in your head.

But now you were wanting to.

It’s a horrible cycle that you are participating in but it’s just not fair that they can do this to you. You can’t stand the fact that they had to take it a step further to make you feel bad. You never even wanted Shigaraki for more than just a plug! It was mostly about drugs!

All you wanted was more drugs so that you would stop feeling so bad over them!

Why wasn’t you crying and apologizing enough for them?

Fuck returning to Touya and fuck Keigo for being the same cheating piece of shit.

It’s almost reminiscent of the very first party Touya took you to. You’re upset as you snag a bottle off the liquor table and disappear to the upstairs of this stupid house. On the way with the bottle, you spot a lonely young man nursing a red cup in his hand; he looks meek. You think he’ll do.

“Hey,” you approach him and don’t really care the way he jerks in surprise, “do you think I’m cute?”

You’re given a once over and his face flushes before answering, “Yeah. I think you’re-“

“Okay, come with me.” you’re pulling him with your free hand to a room at the end of the hallway. He’s sputtering behind you but you don’t really have a care as you take charge of pushing him into the bedroom. The door locks and you take off the cap off the bottle to drink straight from the lip.

Ugh, whiskey.

Just like the first time too.

The young man still holds his red cup and you don’t even bother to ask if he’d like any. Whiskey pours into the plastic, mixing with whatever alcohol he was nursing. Being a little drunk will be necessary to go through with this. Maybe also a little sniff too.

You sit close to a bedside table and lay your phone face up, pulling the cocaine from your pocket. It doesn’t occur to you that you do it without having a second thought at this point. To be able to get through your hard moments and when you need to collect yourself, coke had always done a better job of comforting you these days. You cut a line neatly before looking over to your company and offering him one as well, “You want? It’s good.”

He politely declines and he’s wary as you make a second one anyway. You inhale both of them and now you’re a little more sure of yourself. The numbness from when you gummed earlier in the bathroom is starting to wear off so you collect coke off your phone screen to numb the inside of your lip again.

“Drink.” You tell the young man as you raise the whiskey bottle to your lips. He obeys and you realize that this is the first time in a while you’ve had a guy ever listen to you. No questions or anything, just immediate obedience.

It felt… different.

Actually not different. Maybe a little familiar…

The whiskey burns down your throat and it’s not a pleasant taste with the drip at the back of your throat.

You pat the edge of the bed in indication for him to join you. Again, with no question or complaint, he does as told and sits right next to you. “I’m really mad,” you say out loud, “and I wanna do something about it.”

“Oh um… I’m sorry you’re mad.” he tells you with uncertainty of what his part is.

Already the alcohol makes you a little loose in your mind and you think this is a good idea to follow through with. You take another shot for courage before settling the bottle down on the floor and taking his cup from your hands. “You ever go down on a girl?” You ask him as you swirl the liquid in the red cup. He face flushes but he nods his head.

Silently you open your legs, your eyes flicking down to the space in between.

“You know, I think you’re drunk-“

You raise a finger to his lips to hush him, “I won’t ask a second time.”

There is something very different about ordering someone else around and being given what you want. It’s satisfying when he does as told, going on his knees before you and kissing along the inside of your thighs first. You lean back slightly, letting one hand to support your weight while you sip at the red cup. “Tell me I’m pretty.”

“You’re pretty… really pretty.” He whispers against your skin before pushing your dress over your thighs. “You’re… you’re really hot.”

Your eyes flutter and you feel the coke in your brain now. It swims in your veins along with the whiskey. Your panties are pulled to the side and despite him being so shy initially, you gasp as you’re eaten out so sloppily.

He tongues at your clit and licks you up and down with enthusiasm that you wouldn’t have expected. A quiet fuck is gasped out by you and for a moment, you’re exhilarated. For a moment, you enjoy the talented tongue of a stranger on your pussy. For a moment, you forget how mad you were at Keigo-

But then you feel a soft bite to the inside of your thigh, lips closing around the skin and a soft sucking. It feels good and you think to let it happen but then you realize something. That even if you were to lord it over Touya or Keigo that you fucked someone back, you wouldn’t be able to keep this guy’s identity a secret. He’s innocent and unknowing of anything about you, just thinks you’re a random cute girl he’s getting lucky with. Because knowing your boys, they would find out who no matter what.

Touya’s already beat two men up over you, both way more than he really should have and you felt incredibly guilty when it happened both times.

They’d definitely hurt this poor guy.

You don’t want to do this after all.

“Don’t! Stop!” You jerk back and the red cup fumbles out of your hand. Whiskey spills all over you and all over the young man in front of you. You fumble apologies now that you realize what you’re doing. “I’m sorry! I don’t—I don’t want to anymore!”

He’s flustered too and he looks sorry, as if he thinks he had done something wrong.

Looks like you can’t give them a taste of their own medicine and a part of you is very upset over this fact. But you’re also too considerate to drag anyone innocent into your fucked up relationship with boyfriends.

Honestly, it is irritating that they don’t give the same courtesy to you. You’re upset because you feel guilty for attempting to cheat back and equally upset that you just can’t go through with it.

“Did I do something wrong? Did I not do it right?” He starts to ask.

“No! No, you’re actually good. Really good, truthfully.” you give him a genuine compliment over his performance, “I just can’t. My boyfriends would kill me.”

“Boyfriends? Plural?” He asks but the door knocks, and the both of you jerk in surprise.

“(Name)! Are you in there?”

Oh fuck! Oh fuck! It’s Touya!

You try to think quickly, looking around the room for any hiding spot. Whether for himself or you, you’re not sure yet. All there is a closet so you take the red cup and shove it in the guy’s hand, aggressively pointing to the closet for him to hide in, and again, he listens with no argument. Touya pounds on the door a few times and the lock starts to jiggle.

You take the whiskey bottle for one last big swig before placing the cap back on it.

The door swings open, a dent in the middle of the wood from Touya’s boot, and your boyfriends enter the room.

“Fucking hell! You had us worried and searching every goddamn room in this house!” Touya barks at you but you see that he’s more relieved than angry. His eyes naturally draw to your phone and the cocaine out on the table and he sighs to himself. “What did I say about-“

You burst into tears, audibly sobbing and holding the whiskey bottle close to your chest. Now the whiskey hits you and the guilt hits you even harder. Maybe you’re not really cut out for being a cheater. You want to hurt them back in the same way they hurt you but you just can’t.

It makes you feel so pathetic.

“Hey, hey… don’t cry dove. Is this about downstairs?” Keigo asks as he kneels down in front of you, “Look, nothing happened. I didn’t do anything-“

“Don’t lie to me! I already know you did!” You cry in between hiccups, “Just go away!”

He attempts to soothe you again but with no real apology attached to his words, “Hey, we won’t do that shit again as long as you don’t hide anything from us anymore. We only did because you lied to us first and it really hurt us.”

Touya pries the bottle out of your hands and pushes off your arms when you try to reach for it. “You’re drunk and you reek of whiskey. I can smell it all over you. We’re taking you home.”

A part of you wants to put up a fight just to be stubborn but the smarter part knows that you should leave right away. That poor guy is still in the closet and you’re embarrassed that you even tried to cheat back in revenge in the first place.

So you stay quiet as you’re led out of the bedroom and choose to not look back. You walk behind Touya and Keigo, quickly adjusting your panties underneath your dress and trying to keep your head down as you walk out the party.

You shower alone and inspect your body as you clean yourself. There’s a small hickey on the inside of your thigh from your attempt in the bedroom. You wish that more had happened, that you had gotten more guts to go through with it. You’re also grateful that nothing happened more than that.

Still though, they got to hurt you in the way they wanted and you…

You just have to take it.

━━━━✧

end notes: including my extra tags - also wanted to show case how the reader actually interacts with another man / cuz obviously when it comes to the boys she’s only submissive at this point / it wasn’t just her being drunk in the scene it was actually the old version of her that came out for a bit / pt 1 reader had a little more spine so i just wanted to bring her back for a hot minute

#REPOST #dabi x reader #todoroki touya x reader #hawks x reader #takami keigo x reader #tw cheating #tw drugs #tw toxic relationship #us series

34 notes · View notes

petertingle-yipyip · 2 years

Text

DEVIL ON MY SHOULDER - MATT MURDOCK

one - criminal

// tags: @ironprincessstranger //mad at god (s1)// two // masterlist

Pairing: Unofficial Matt Murdock x Reader (DD X Vigilante!Reader)

Word Count: 8,810

Summary: With Wilson Fisk in the past, Exodus tries to move forward without Daredevil. But a strange meeting leads to potentially another threat… Or maybe an ally.

“How you feeling?” Karen asked as you plopped on your couch.

“Exhausted. It’s hot even at night.” You sighed and threw your mask to your coffee table. “And avoiding Daredevil is harder than I thought it would. He’s everywhere.”

“So stop avoiding him and talk it out.” She laughed. “After all, isn’t he your friend?”

“No.” You said firmly, crossing your arms. “Well, not anymore. I’m still mad at him. All he had to do was mind his damn business for one night. One night! But noooo… If he hadn’t gotten in my way, I could’ve-“ You groaned and rubbed a hand across your face. “I could’ve made sure that Fisk was done. For good. Мертвый и ушел.” (Dead and gone.)

“You’re mad at him but you still wear the suit he gave you?” She raised a brow in playful accusation.

“It's very light and breathable and the- the- the plates are really strong and-” You tried to defend but the look she gave you made you laugh. “Okay, shut up!” You complained with a grin as you unzipped the top and threw it on the table with a huff.

“Look, Fisk is locked up.” She reassured gently. “You did that. Isn’t that enough?”

“Yeah, but do you really think it’ll last? I’m sorry but I just can’t shake this looming feeling that he’ll be back…” You turned to face her. “With that kind of money and influence, he can buy the best lawyers in the state and get off scot-free.”

“You and the boys won’t work for him though.” She tried. “And you’re the best lawyers I know.”

“I’m not a lawyer… Not yet at least.”

“You thinking of going back to school?”

“No, I already finished school. And I took the Bar Exam. All my t’s are crossed and i’s are dotted. I’m just waiting for everything to be official and come in the mail.”

“Oh my god. Y/N! That’s incredible! The guys don’t know?”

“No. I did my last few classes online while I was in London, picking up odd jobs with a friend. When I had to leave him, I came here and took my exam, finished the last few steps in the process… Should be coming in any day now, but I think I put the London address cause I didn’t plan on staying. I’ll have to call the guy I got the place from and have him send it over.”

“How could you not tell them?”

You raised your brows and gestured to your Widow suit, emphasizing your point by flicking the Red Room emblem.

“There’s a lot I don’t tell them, Karen.” You deadpanned.

“Okay, fair point.” She laughed. “But you have to tell them this!” She insisted with a wide smile.

“I know, I know. I probably will…”

“Probably? Y/N, they’d be so proud of you!”

“It’s just not a very pressing conversation topic lately.. Besides, they like to tease me about being half a lawyer… Which actually reminds me, I want a promotion.”

“Wait.” She chuckled slightly. “You want to downplay your success for the sake of your male friends’ egos? Since when!?”

“It’s not for their egos.” You laughed. “It’s just- I don’t know, easier? They’ll wanna make me a partner and put my name on the firm and I just- It kinda feels like one of those group projects where someone slaps their name on it so they don’t fail, even though they hardly contributed..”

“You deserve it, Y/N. You should tell them.”

“When the fancy stuff gets here, I will. I’ll even let you guys throw me a party.” You nodded and you held up a hand with your pinky sticking out. “Pinky promise.”

She faked a gasp. “So serious. You can’t break these, yknow.” She joked and hooked her small finger around

yours.

“I am aware, yes.” You giggled. “But for now, starting tomorrow, I’m a paralegal slash disabilities assistant. I know and do too much around there to not be a paralegal.”

“Sounds good to me.”

The next day at the office was full of small cases, civil suits that seemed a bit silly to you but Nelson and Murdock helped the little guy. You and Karen worked to get them organized and in some sort of a queue for when the boys arrived. You had just gotten everyone settled when you were able to take a breath and pull your hair up.

“Look what the cat dragged in.” You commented when they finally walked through the doors. “Let me guess. He-“ You gestured towards Matt “-fell in a hole and you-“ You gestured to Foggy. “-had to fish him out, leaving your office manager and your favorite paralegal to handle everything.”

“Good morning to you too, Y/N.” Foggy nodded with a smile. “Morning, Karen.”

“Hey guys.” She answered absently as she sorted some files.

“Paralegal?” Matt asked, stopping his steps to his office. He turned to you with a lazy, amused smile.

“As of this morning.” You nodded with a smile.

“That can only mean that you’re back on the lawyer train.” Foggy said proudly. “Nelson, Murdock, and Y/L/N is back in action.”

“Stop it.” You pointed to Foggy, who put his hands up in surrender. “It doesn’t mean anything as of right now.”

“Means a lot.” Matt said gently, reaching out to give your elbow a gentle squeeze. “So, what have we got?”

“Little bit of everything.” You said with a chuckle. “Karen?”

“Mr. Marino’s dog was viciously beaten by his neighbor after the dog um- “ She began and cleared her throat awkwardly, to which you chuckled. “-defiled the neighbor’s statue of St. Francis.”

You covered your mouth to hide your giggles as Matt laughed through his response.

“Defiled?” His brows raised playfully.

“Humped repeatedly until completion.” She answered with the same awkwardness.

“To the patron saint of animals, no less.” You playfully scolded, making Matt chuckle.

“How dare he?” Matt said with a grin.

“That is a dog I want to defend.” Foggy nodded, offering Mr. Marino a thumbs up.

“And then Mr. Maxwell was attacked in a bar fight last night.” You continued, pointing to the slightly roughed up biker.

“He started it.” Maxwell defended.

“I already called Metro General and the guy’s gonna recover, but if we start to lean towards a trial, it’s gotta wait till his jaw is unwired.”

“Your girl’s a badass.” Maxwell said proudly, looking at Matt more than Foggy.

“You’re not wrong.” You laughed, rubbing the mark ove ryour eyebrow.

The gashes from your mask jamming into you during your fight with Fisk were mostly healed, now just discolored scars that weren’t as long as they originally had been. Lucky for you, you could hide the cuts with makeup until they started to shrink and you could come up with an excuse. As far as the boys knew, one was caused by a broken zipper on your dress and the other was the dewclaw of a stray dog.

“And Miss Jacinto just got her third denial of working papers. Dad’s gone and factory work is all she has for her family… Karen pulled her DOE applications but I think we can do better.”

“Good, cause we will.” Matt nodded and stepped into his office, you and your friends following behind.

Foggy paused to acknowledge the small table of bananas and pie, giving an enthusiastic response after Karen explained it. You shut the door most of the way once everyone was in, knowing what conversation was coming next.

“So I had installed this free trial accounting software on my computer and um..” Karen began while you stepped around the group to sit on the edge of Matt’s desk. “We’re broke as in, our income can’t cover our bills.”

“We’ll manage.” Matt said optimistically with a shrug. “I don’t know how but I know we will.”

“Optimism isn’t enough, Matt.” You said simply. “I love what we do here but we can’t do it much longer if we go into debt.”

“I know but-“

“I can make a few calls.” You offered. “I know some people who can help. They’d probably love to.”

“No, we can figure it out on our own.” Matt answered.

“Matt, just let me-“

“It’ll be okay.” He cut in, a certain finality in his voice.

You simply sighed and offered a small nod, giving up on the argument. And that’s how disagreements had been going between you and Matt the past few times, creating a new pattern. You two would have opposite views and when the other tried to counter it, they were met with a short and almost final response. One that wasn’t open to continuing the topic. So the other person would drop it, but the lingering looks of concern from your friends and almost chokingly thick atmosphere of tension were hard for you to miss.

Everyone understood that there was a shift, in you and in Matt, which had changed the way you and Matt interacted with each other. There was more tension, more resignations. Neither of you would admit it, but you saw each other differently. Though neither of you understood what happened to the other to change their point of view, individually you both knew.

For Matt, though he would never tell anyone, it was thanks to Exodus. The way she left him on that rooftop, left covered in blood that was and wasn’t hers. The way her voice lingered in his head every night since, a voice without the Russian accent he had grown accustomed to hearing.

If you get in my way again, I won’t hesitate to kill you.

He didn’t doubt she would intend to, but he also believed that she wouldn’t. Maybe even couldn’t. They were partners, friends even. They worked together to take down Fisk and it was only a matter of time until they were on the same side again. He cared about her and the knowledge of her still combing the streets of Hell’s Kitchen at night without him, it hurt him more than he would ever admit. Especially on the night where he would find her, only for her to run the other way. But even so, the sound of her voice, it was too familiar to forget.

Like a voice he had been hearing for years, a voice he loved to hear. After that night, he started to wonder how he knew her…

You, on the other hand, were acting different because of Daredevil. The man who you had thought was warming up to you and your flaws had - from your perspective - turned his back on you. He ultimately chose to stand against you, rather than beside you. He chose to save Fisk, to put the monster in a cell rather than a coffin. And you hadn’t forgiven him for it. Maybe you never would.

Either way, it made you reevaluate the people you trusted. Karen had softened up towards you and was truly someone you could regard as a friend. You were beyond thankful for that, especially in those moments when you saw yours and Matt’s friendship cracking apart. Foggy had been never more oblivious to your nightly escapades so there was never a question there. But Matt…

He asked too many questions, held too many suspicions. And what made it worse was that he would ask the very specific questions.

What happened to your hands?

Your voice is scratchy. Are you sick?

You didn’t answer your phone last night. Where’d you go?

Are you sure there’s nothing going on I should know about?

What do you mean, you didn’t sleep? What kept you up?

There was a disconnect between you and Matt now because he was paying a bit too close of attention to you. And you tried mentioning it to Karen, that Matt was poking around a bit too much but she brushed off your concerns, saying that he just cared about you and was worried.

That night, Foggy convinced the entirety of your friend group to go out for drinks and it was the most normal thing you had done in weeks. You had almost forgotten how good it felt to leave the suit in its case and just breathe, to just live. You and Matt were making jokes while Karen and Foggy were shooting a game of pool. It almost felt like nothing had changed.

“You sure you’re not being hustled here?” Matt asked Foggy after Karen landed a great shot.

“That’s why I didn’t want to play against her.” Foggy pointed firmly to you, making you laugh and throw your hands up in surrender.

“I didn’t-“ You laughed. “What did I do?”

“I remember college.” He said firmly, squinting his eyes in suspicion that made you drop your forehead to Matt’s shoulder while you laughed.

“Oh no, I can’t shoot pool. Oh no, I’m terrible.” He mocked you and you began losing your breath and nearly collapsed as you laughed, remembering the night you fooled him. Matt’s free hand came up to your arm when he felt you wobble. “Then boom. Perfect break.” Foggy deadpanned.

“I-“ You tried, though the sound was more of a wheeze. You shook your head and waved your hands, signaling that you couldn’t answer.

“She got, what, twenty bucks out of you that night?” Matt laughed and pulled you a bit closer to him.

“Forty!“ Foggy exclaimed.

“That’s on you for betting that much.” Karen giggled, high-fiving you on her way around the table.

“Betrayal. All of you.” Foggy said simply. “Take over, buddy. Be right back.” He passed Matt the pool cue and ducked away.

“I’m a little offended he didn’t hand it to me.” You said, finally able to refill your lungs with air and stand on your own.

“Maybe he wanted to take it easy on me.” Karen said playfully.

“Cause you’ll go easy on Matt?” You raised a brow to which she offered a devious smile. “You’re going to hustle a blind man!” You laughed.

“You hustled his best friend.” She grinned in return.

“This place always brings out something special in Foggy.” Matt said fondly.

“Sure it’s not the alcohol?” Karen teased.

“It’s the company.” You smiled. “He loves when all of us are together.”

“Yeah, we’d be doing this the rest of our lives if it were up to him.” Matt continued.

“It’d be a good life.” You nodded in agreement.

“As long as you two aren’t fighting over something stupid.” Karen nodded.

“Low blow, Page.” You shook your head with a small scoff.

When it came time for Matt’s shot, Karen instructed him. You hung back, feeling their emotions spike when they got closer than usual or when their hands touched. It wasn’t quite love, but the longing and admiration were palpable. You smiled softly to yourself and twisted your wrist discreetly, mimicking turning up a dial. You upped both of their desires and watched as they both blushed and separated with nervous chuckles or coughs.

Karen would be good for Matt, you decided. As much as you adored him - probably even loved him - you knew your double life would be too much. And even if you told him, it was unlikely that things could ever be romantic after that. So friends you two would stay, and you knew over time, you’d be okay with it. But until then, you sighed as the sadness cooled your skin, admittedly a refreshing sensation compared to the recent heat.

“I thought you were gonna watch them.” Foggy scolded playfully when he came back to your side. “I was gone two minutes.”

“You didn’t tell me anything about babysitting.” You defended with a laugh as Karen headed over to the bar.

You turned to watch as she left while Foggy was talking but your attention caught on a shifty guy at the bar who ended up next to Karen.

He was staring at you three, nervousness radiated off him in waves. You could feel his apprehension but also there was a hard intent behind his stare. Though you tried to feel deeper into him, you couldn’t. Like there was nothing below those surface emotions. But the way he moved in his seat, the way his hand was tucked under his coat, you decided you had to get closer.

“I’m just gonna…” You trailed off as you headed to Karen’s side.

Gently, you put your hands on her arms and guided her to your opposite side to put yourself next to the man. She looked at you with furrowed brows but you simply shook your head. You discreetly jabbed your thumb towards the man, to which she nodded and was quick to bring the drinks back to the guys.

“You doing alright over there?” You asked casually once Karen was gone. You glanced over to make sure and saw she was talking to Foggy and Matt, who were both seemingly focused in your direction. “Seem a little tense.”

“It ain’t what you think.” He said tightly. “I got business here.”

“I don’t think you know what I think.” You chuckled in annoyance as you faced him. “Whatever business you have here, pack it up and find somewhere else to do it. I won’t tell you again.”

“Got business with Nelson and Murdock.” The man answered as he stood. You sidestepped to block his path as your hands tightened into fists at your side.

“What makes you think you can get to them?” You challenged with an upward tilt of your chin.

“Hey.” Matt said suddenly from your side, a hand landing on your lower back. His touch made your whole body tense but you were quick to relax, loosening your hands and crossing your arms over your chest. “What’s going on? Who’s this?”

“You must be the blind one.” The man answered. “Looking for Nelson and Murdock.”

Matt nodded and gestured for the man to come to the other side of the bar, your friend group joining him around one of the small tables. You put yourself between Matt and the other guy, Karen on Matt’s other side between him and Foggy. Matt had tried to get to that spot before you did, but you were quick to reach around and guide him to the seat next to you. He frowned at you and gently tried to pull you to switch but you refused to budge.

You tuned in and out of the man’s story. It seemed fabricated, dramatized to earn sympathy. But as you read his emotions, you didn’t find any hint of smugness or pride that normally comes with getting people to believe a story like that. There was remorse, fear almost, along with nerves.

“Burren Club, 47th and 10th. Can’t miss it.” He explained and you were quick to commit the address to memory.

Karen leaned around Matt to look at you and you offered a brow raise and an acknowledging tilt of your head. You saw her shoulders rise and fall with a quiet sigh before you turned back to the man from the bar.

“And your involvement in the organization is?” You asked simply.

“Who’s she?” He looked to Foggy and you scoffed.

“Answer the question.”

“Ran for Brannigan for a long time… Did some things I probably shouldn’t have… But the guys I work for, the guys that did this…” He let out a long sigh. “I’m telling you, I had nothing to do with that massacre.”

“Assuming you’re right and the Irish were hit by a powerful crime syndicate tonight…” Matt started. “If you’re the only one that survived-“

“Someone’s bound to come back and tie off this loose end.” You cut in, leaning your elbows against the table. “What do you expect us to do for you, Mr…?”

“Relax.” Matt said quietly, trying to discreetly pull you to sit back.

“Last time we took a case when we didn’t get a name, it was a shit case, right? You really trynna do that again?” You answered in the same hushed tone, to which he nodded reluctantly in response.

“Grotto.”

“Grotto what?” Matt pressed as if it was his idea to get a name.

“Just Grotto.” He answered, which made you roll your eyes as you sat back with arms folded.

“I just need you guys to get me the hell out of here before I permanently end up in the only place hotter than this.”

“Witness protection.” You nodded, knowing it wasn’t an impossible thing to ask. “Could be doable.”

“We’re a private law firm.” Matt began before Grotto cut in.

“Yeah, a trustworthy one… Got quite a reputation after you took out Wilson Fisk.”

The mention of that case made you grind your teeth, thinking of how it didn’t go down the way it should’ve.

“DA’s office is the only place that can make a deal.” Foggy explained.

“And I’m not walking to the DA without representation. I know and seen a lot. I’ll give the cops anything they want to get out of Hell’s Kitchen.” He said honestly, desperation practically spilling onto the table.

“We have a reputation of representing the good people of Hell’s Kitchen, not negotiating on behalf of career criminals.” Matt said and the words seemed to slice you more than they affected Grotto.

“And if that criminal wants to change careers?” You asked, staring at the table as you settled your riled up nerves. Karen cleared her throat and when you peaked up, you saw she was already staring at you in warning. “You’re gonna tell me you don’t believe in changes of heart? Second chances?”

“You’re actually on my side?” Grotto asked in disbelief.

“Wasn’t that your point?” You countered smoothly.

“You weren’t exactly warm and welcoming a few minutes ago.”

“And you haven’t taken that hand out from under your jacket since you walked in.” You pointed out, nodding your head towards his hidden hand. “So I really don’t think you should be challenging who is or isn’t on your side.”

“Y/N..” Karen said gently, though you felt the warning in her words. “Tone it down a little…”

“I know I got nobody to vouch for me and I can barely cover your fee but… Word is that Nelson and Murdock put their faith in people and I- I could use a little bit of that right now.” Grotto was practically begging.

Your friends were huddled together and muttering about what to do about it but you hadn’t taken your eyes off Grotto. You watched as his eyes went wide as he shook his head, swaying in his seat. Matt began to ask a question but the man collapsed and fell to the ground. You had already begun to move and catch him so you were able to get your hand under his head before he hit the floor. You glanced towards your friends as you knelt by Grotto’s side but only saw Karen coming over.

“He’s bleeding.” Karen noted, carefully moving his jacket out of the way.

After having gotten an ambulance to come get Grotto, Matt and Foggy decided to turn in. Karen offered to go with Grotto and asked what you would do. You shrugged and said there was a club you had meaning to check out, knowing you didn’t have to full on say it for her to get it.

You hurried home, changed into your Exodus suit, and headed to the Burren Club. It was easy to see the lights on the cop cars from blocks away so you tapped your scar and tried to listen in on police chatter. There were random calls from their dispatchers but nothing about that incident so you turned it off. Instead, you snuck your way to the rooftop opposite of the club and used the new lenses of your mask to get a better look.

But the first thing you saw was Matt and Foggy. Your attention snagged on the boys while they talked to Brett, likely trying to get some intel and check out the validity of Grotto’s story. But you noticed Foggy was doing most of the talking while Matt was just listening.

“What are you listening for?” You murmured, leaning over the edge a bit more.

As if Matt heard you, he tilted his head up and turned towards your hiding spot. You didn’t flinch and didn’t hide, rather you held your position with the confidence that he couldn’t see you.

But it did make you wonder if he heard you…

Matt turned and said something to Brett that you couldn’t hear but could tell was something of interest if Brett grabbed a passing officer to scold him. Your brows furrowed as the three stepped further from the crowds and you started to wonder if you would sneak a mic onto Matt’s cane. Out of curiosity, you followed the trio and hopped down into the nearest alleyway.

You crept as close to the street as you could while still having shadows to hide in so you could eavesdrop on what Brett knew. You focused on key words that you knew would likely mean solving more later; the theory was paramilitary, they were capable of taking out half the city, and the DA had no leads. You heard one of the other officers mention the Dogs of Hell had been hit recently too, being that their members were currently taking residency at the morgue.

Though the conversation didn’t give you too many leads, you knew it was something to start. You had to get a hold of local underground arms dealers, see if they’re selling bigger things than pistols and pump action shotguns. You had to check the usual back alley haunts for someone - or multiple someones - who didn’t belong.

You figured starting with the Dogs of Hell would be the best bet. If anyone has seen what happened, maybe there’d be more of a starting point. A silhouette you could watch for or a vague description you could work down to something more specific. But as you were approaching the building, you saw a familiar pink shirt entering the building.

“Он сам себя убьет.” You complained and slammed a fist against the wall beside you. (He’s gonna get himself killed.)

You ran across the street and hurdled the trash building up in the alleyway until you reached the back door. There were two men posted out back, playing cards and smoking. They didn’t even notice you until you were right beside them.

“He has an ace tucked into his belt.” You commented, your usual Russian accent dancing in your voice.

They both turned on you and held their guns up.

“I have questions, maybe you boys can answer. You help me and I don’t crack your skulls on the pavement.” You tried, though they yelled for you to leave. “What happened to your men last week? What do you know?”

When you were greeted with nothing but shouts to leave, you shrugged. You made a move first, running at one and jamming a knee into his chest to slam him against the wall behind him. The other tried to grab you so you reached up and hooked your arm around his neck.

You used the first man as a foothold and flipped over, pulling the second man into a very uncomfortable bridge position. You dropped to a knee and brought him down with you, his spine slamming against your opposite upraised knee with a deep and echoing crack. You pushed him to the side before returning to the first man and grabbed him by his shirtfront, leaning several punches to his face until the skin split and the man fell unconscious.

Just in time for the door to open.

You hand shot to your belt as you ducked out of sight between a dumpster and the building. The huge man was towering over someone he had thrown in front of him, but even without seeing him, you recognized the voice. It was Foggy.

“Put it away.” You warned firmly when you saw the glint of a knife. Your Bite was now glowing as you lifted your bloodied hand and stepped into view, the biker now turning to face you. “Put it down or I will make you.”

“Holy shit.” Foggy breathed.

“This ain’t about you.” The biker warned, though there was a waiver in his voice. “So mind your business.”

“You just made it my business.” You said simply. “I won’t ask nicely again.”

“I helped a guy named Foster.” Foggy tried, though the biker ignored him. “Ricky Wex? … Pope?”

That name caught the man’s attention but he didn’t lower the knife. You moved around him to stand a few steps behind Foggy, lowering your hand but not letting it disarm.

“You helped Pope?” He asked and you realized that Pope meant something to that man. A spark of grief. “Get the hell out of here.”

The man turned his back and you reached for Foggy.

“What happened to Smitty?” Foggy exclaimed.

“Ты шутишь?” You groaned as the man came back with his knife raised. (Are you kidding me?)

You quickly put your forearm up to block his knife and used your other hand to catch it as it fell from his grip. You hooked your foot around his knee and yanked it to bring the man to his knees. You held his own knife to his throat and gestured for him to answer Foggy‘s question.

“Your men were massacred last week and the Irish were slaughtered tonight.” You explained. “Unless you want to join your pals in the morgue, I suggest you talk.”

“If I don’t get answers, a lot of innocent blood could be shed.” Foggy continued. “Please.”

“You got guts, Harvard.” He nodded to Foggy. You took a second to survey the man and found his hostility had come and went so you flipped his knife in your hand and offered it to him by the handle.

“Columbia, actually, and it’s just sheer adrenaline right now.” Foggy replied and you snorted a laugh as you took a few steps to the side. “I wouldn’t be here if doing this wasn’t important.”

“Smitty was on a run down I-90 with four other guys, got hit by an army and cut to pieces. They were left there like roadkill.”

“An army sounds extensive for a five man job.. Who did it?” You asked.

“Some new crew.” The biker shrugged. “But we’re gonna find them and you’re gonna wanna be far away from that action.”

The biker turned and left after that, leaving you and Foggy in the alley. You grabbed Foggy’s arm and began hauling him away, feeling him practically deflate in your grasp.

“Are you insane?” You scolded, taking careful intent to maintain your accent. “He could've killed you.”

“Why are you here?” He asked in counter. “Shouldn’t you be out with Daredevil?”

“Сорвиголова.” You scoffed. “No. I haven’t seen him since he got in my way with Fisk. We aren’t working together anymore.” (Daredevil.)

“What?”

“Listen to me because I will not say it again.” You said firmly, stopping your steps so you could face him. “This is going to get very messy, very fast. You need to keep you and your friends out of it, alright? If anything, work from a distance. Wait for this to come down a legitimate path rather than some back alley bullshit. Got it?”

“Okay..” Foggy said carefully. “Thanks.”

You nodded and took off, not really headed anywhere other than away from Foggy. You weren’t sure where to go from there. Going down I-90 wouldn’t make a difference because it was probably cleaned up and the officers long gone. Local cops had nothing, meaning the morgue had nothing, other than a label for homicide across a herd of bodies. You got yourself to a rooftop and sat on the ledge, wondering what to do next.

Your implant was ringing in your head with your usual cell phone chime. With a confused tilt of your head, you double tapped the scar.

“Yeah?” You answered quickly.

“Where are you?” Karen said in a panic and you could hear the skirting of tires in the background. You quickly jumped to your feet and tapped your mask, looking around as you tried to lock on her cell signal.

“I see you. On my way.” You answered as you broke into a sprint. “Tell me what’s going on.”

“Someone attacked the hospital!” She screamed and you heard the glass shatter. “He came for Grotto.”

“But you’re alright?”

“For now!”

“Okay. Did you see how many?”

“Yeah… One.”

One?

“Alright, I’ll take care of it. Get somewhere safe and call me back.”

You ended the call and heard the sounds of a fist fight as you neared the hospital roof. You stood on the ledge and checked the surrounding buildings, only barely able to catch a glimpse of the two men fighting. It was easy to recognize his fighting style, even in the dark.

You had just landed when you saw the spark of a gunfire and Daredevil went tumbling over the ledge. You screamed out and the sound drew the attention of his attacker. He scoffed and got to his feet, though now you were pissed.

“Вы заплатите за это.” You sneered. (You’ll pay for that.)

Your anger was collecting in your palms, burning through your skin. You ran at him without hesitation and ducked his shot. You kicked the small gun from his hand and blocked a heavy hit from him. You slammed your fists against his jaw, seeing red puffs of smoke escape each time time you made contact.

He grabbed you by your shirtfront and hoisted you up, his other hand wrapping around your belt as he moved to slam you to your back. You grabbed his wrist and as your fingers dug in, you noticed that where your skin met his was turning red, as if it were burning. Quickly you shook the thought and tucked your legs so you could kick out against his chest. The move sent you two in different directions and you used the gap to jump the ledge you saw Daredevil fall down.

It was easy to recognize that you couldn’t beat him on your own, not as distracted as you were. You had to bail and figure out an actual plan. But at least you gained something. You saw his face.

You turned back and saw the man glaring down at you, bloody faced and angry. You pulled one of your charge disks and offered a fake salute so the movement doubled as the flick. He groaned as the disk landed at the base of his throat and you chuckled before turning to find Daredevil.

He was face down and not moving, making your heart stop. You knelt beside him and carefully rolled him over and tucked your fingers under his cowl, looking for the pulse at his throat.

“C’mon…” You muttered and slid your fingers down. “Please, c’mon.” You repeated with a bit more urgency.

By then, the tears were fogging your mask so you aggressively pulled it to sit around your throat. Your breathing was shaky and you couldn’t even focus enough to get yourself under control. You didn’t even care if he saw what you looked like, if he remembered who you were from when what happened with the Russians. You didn’t care, just as long as he was alive.

Sure, you hadn’t been on the best of terms with Daredevil as of late, but that didn’t mean you wanted to see him die. Especially not by getting shot in the head right in front of you. By some no name, trigger happy bastard with a vendetta.

You let out a quivering breath of relief when you found his pulse and he moved, ever so slightly he had moved his arm almost like he was reaching for you. You slid over so your back was against the small structure that you couldn’t specify in the dark. You very carefully repositioned him in your lap as you leaned your head back and sighed towards the night sky as you slipped your hand into his.

You bit down on the finger of your other glove and pulled your hand free. You tucked the glove into your belt before placing your hand gently on his cheek. Your thumb traced his features idly as your mind raced, but the slow movement was enough to help you settle yourself and focus.

You couldn’t leave him there alone. You knew that much. But where would you take him? Metro General would raise too many questions. You couldn’t get him back to your apartment on your own and you had no idea where he lived. You thought about calling Claire but you didn’t even know if she was back in Hell’s Kitchen.

That would’ve been a good time to actually know each other’s names.

Instead, you decided to stay on that rooftop.

Next thing you knew, your implant was pinging loudly. Opening your eyes, you found it was morning. You wiped your eyes and realized your mask was still down. You were careful to reposition it without moving Daredevil as you answered the call.

“Hey.” You said, sleep hanging on to your voice.

“Thank God you’re alive.” She said quickly. “Are- are you alright?”

“I’m alright, yeah.” You answered.

“I tried calling last night but you didn’t answer.” Karen answered worriedly. “You can’t do that, Y/N. Not with this maniac running around.”

“I know. Yeah, I know. I’m sorry…I promise, I’m fine.” You nodded, looking down at Daredevil. “Someone else… Not so much.”

“What happened?”

“Whoever came after you and Grotto, Daredevil found him first. The guy shot him in the head.”

“Oh my god.” She sighed and you could feel her worry through the call.

“I’m just glad the guy had the protection in his new suit. The idiot’s alive, barely.” You slid your fingers to check his pulse again and while it was stronger than it was last night, it was still weak. “I’ve been on this roof with him all night. I didn’t know where to take him. I thought I didn't care and was done but seeing him like that, I wanted to tear that guy apart…”

“At least he wasn’t alone.” Karen tried and you nodded in agreement. “Well uh- I called Foggy and I told him. Grotto and I are at the precinct. The cops wanna ask him questions about everything.”

“Okay… Foggy say not to let anyone talk to him witho-“

“Without one of them here, yeah.” She cut in. “Yeah, he told me.”

“Good.. I’ll probably head over there when…” You trailed off, hearing footsteps across the roof. “I gotta go.”

You tapped the scar and flexed your hand, lighting up your Bite as the person came closer. You were more than surprised to see Foggy.

“Jesus.” You sighed, easily slipping back into your accent and disarming. “What are you doing here?”

“Looking for him.” Foggy answered, kneeling at Daredevil’s other side.

“You know him?” You didn’t bother to hide your shock.

“You don’t?”

“I wouldn’t have stayed on this roof if I did.” You shrugged. “Guess you can’t stay out of it even if you wanted to, can you?”

“Guess not.” Foggy chuckled without humor.

“At least you have a friend you know can protect you.”

“Not if he gets himself killed.” He muttered and you couldn’t help but agree.

“Take care of him for me, okay?” You asked as you helped Foggy get Daredevil to his feet.

“I thought you weren’t friends anymore.”

“When I saw that guy take the shot and he went tumbling, something inside me…” You shook your head, deciding you didn’t need to explain all of it. “I just didn’t like what I saw. I tried taking on the guy on my own but I.. I didn’t have a chance. Probably too distracted but.. Look, just take him home, please.”

“Yeah, thanks for looking out for him.” Foggy nodded and you returned the gesture before heading to your apartment.

You had to get into your building through the rooftop door rather than your usual window. You slipped to your floor using the old stairwell that no one seemed to use anymore and got inside your apartment with no fuss. You ditched your suit quickly and showered, noting the blossoming bruises and busted knuckles as you got ready for the day.

Meanwhile, Matt was just lucky to have survived.

“Y’know, Exodus was there when I found you.” Foggy explained as he handed Matt the Aspirin.

“Exodus?” Matt chuckled. “You met her?”

“She looked like she’d been crying all night.” Foggy pressed. “She saw you get shot. Do you realize that?”

“She probably just would’ve rather been the one who pulled the trigger.” Matt pushed himself up with a groan.

“You’re not listening.” Foggy complained. “She cares about you, Matt.”

“No, she doesn’t.” Matt countered easily. “She only cares about herself.”

Matt didn’t fully believe that though. He was glad that Exodus was there and that maybe she did still care, at least a little bit. But as far as what her actions showed, she wanted nothing to do with him anymore and he wouldn’t force her to fight with him if she wouldn’t even talk to him. He knew saying she only cared about herself was hardly any different than when Fisk said she had no loyalty. And in both cases, it just wasn’t true.

“That’s why she stayed on that roof all night with you?” Foggy shrugged. “She went after that guy once you went down.”

Matt groaned in annoyance. Not because of what Foggy said about her being there, but at the fact that she went after the shooter on her own. He knew she was reckless and brave, but he never knew her to be stupid.

“All I’m saying is that you should try to make amends before you end up dead. Whatever happened between you and her, whatever you did to piss her off, you need to figure it out beca-“

“She didn’t like that I didn’t let her kill Fisk that night.” Matt snapped. “She didn’t like that I- I- I knew she could be better. I didn’t let her go around and take lives when it wasn’t up to her.”

“You look like shit.” Foggy resigned, knowing the argument would go nowhere with Matt. In that moment, he understood why Y/N didn’t bother arguing with him anymore. “Stay here. Get some rest. I’ll have Y/N come check on you later.”

“Foggy.” Matt sighed. Hiding it from Y/N was the hardest part of the secret, and with all of that, he didn’t know what he would say when she got there.

“Just don’t.. You already know she’s gonna come anyway when you don’t show up to work today.” Foggy reasoned. “And I’ve covered for you enough as it is. Just… Just stay here.”

You got to the precinct just before Foggy did. Grotto was tense, aggressively on edge. Him and Karen were both terrified, the fear from them vibrating through your bones. It was so dense that you felt it as soon as you walked into the precinct, not even near the interrogation room. You had to take a deep breath when you stepped inside and used it to blow away the frazzled buzzing in the air.

“Where’s Murdock?” Grotto asked when Foggy was the only one to walk in.

“He took a sick day.” Foggy answered before he went around the table to talk to Grotto.

You turned to Karen, who was looking at you with the same quizzical expression you wore. You leaned in and spoke quietly.

“He’s hiding something.” You said simply. “Look how freaked he is.”

“You think it’s about Matt?” She asked in the same hushed tone.

“Or the fact that he knows Daredevil and ran into her this morning.” You shrugged a shoulder. “Either way, I’m guessing it’s another ‘hit by a car’ situation like that one time.”

“Wait. Back up. What?“

You shushed her once the door opened. You nodded to Brett and he gave you a slight wave. After a brief conversation between Brett and Grotto, your trio and Brett stepped out to let him change. You blew out a sigh as you followed Brett, listening to what Brett knew about the shooter.

“Vigilante type.” Brett explained, causing Karen to sneak a glance at you. You were focused on Brett but you saw her glance at your peripherals. “Targeting different crime families.”

“But not in a Daredevil-type way.” You added. “He kicks some ass and the city cheers like we won the goddamn World Series.”

“Not even in an Exodus-type way either.” Brett agreed and your brows raised. “She’s something else but even she doesn’t do this… Anyway, he makes a lot of people question the whole ‘hero’ idea.”

“And what do you think about it? I’m guessing not a whole lot of cops love Daredevil or Exodus.”

“Whole force is split, actually.” Brett shrugged. “Some cops want ‘em gone. Some say they make the job a whole lot easier.”

“But what do you think?”

“I think it’s only a matter of time before the wrong person gets caught in the crossfire.”

“You put it that way, I guess copycats were inevitable.” Foggy added.

“Not even the first, just the latest.” Brett said simply.

You nodded slightly in acknowledgment. You thought about the whole thing while Brett continued talking to Foggy about it. You figured your actions would inspire others to do the same. But you hadn’t thought of how wild it would be. Would that man really have claimed you and Daredevil as inspiration? Could you two really be responsible for a man who opened fire in a hospital?

It made you want to crawl out of your skin.

Targeting the crime families was one thing. It was something you had your fair share of experience with, considering your elimination of the Russians not that long ago. But to put innocent people at risk, just to get to one man? That didn’t sit right with you and it only made you want to find him and get answers.

You needed to take a walk.

“Hey.” You asked Foggy when Brett left. “Do you got this? I wanna go check on Matt. He was fine last night so it’s probably just food poisoning or something with the heat lately but y’know…” You shrugged at your lame excuse.

“Uh..” Foggy looked around and sighed. “Yeah, I got it. Go ahead.”

“You sure? Cause I can stay if you need me.”

“Yeah.” He offered a small smile. “DA’s assistant shouldn’t be too hard to handle.”

“You’ve got Karen, too.” You added and Karen agreed. “I just-“

“You worry about him.. I know.” Foggy nodded and offered a knowing smile.

“Thanks.” You smiled and hurried out.

The walk to Matt’s was quiet so you were able to think. It wasn’t so much that you wanted to stop this new guy. Granted, you didn’t appreciate him blowing holes in people all over town, but it’s not like he was killing good people. He did what you did, but messier. You thought about how you get to him again, get a time where you could get him to talk. Find out his motives, his goals. From there, you could decide if you wanted to fight with him or against him.

You tapped on Matt’s door with two quick knocks. You waited a minute to see if he would open it but he didn’t. You assumed he was asleep so you let yourself in. Coming into the living room, you found Matt around the corner.

Before you could say anything, he had knocked over the glass of water on the corner of the table. You yelped in surprise and jumped back, letting the glass shatter at your feet. You tossed your purse and blazer onto the couch and stepped around Matt to get a towel from the kitchen. You came back to the mess and knelt down, laying the towel over the entirety of the mess.

Your actions stopped when you heard Matt shout. Your head snapped up and your fists tightened, mind racing. You instantly thought something had happened. Someone followed you, the shooter from the hospital maybe. He saw you without your mask last night and was coming to kill you. But looking around, you quickly realized no one was there.

“Matt?” You tried gently as you crossed the room to kneel beside him, though he seemed to ignore you and screamed again. “Matt?”

You reached forward carefully and put a hand on his shoulder, one he quickly jumped away from. You furrowed your brows and reached out again, only this time Matt took a sloppy swing at you. You leaned away easy enough and caught his wrist, slipping your hand in his instead.

“Who…” He said quietly, nearly a whisper. You didn’t need your ability to know he was terrified.

“It’s me.” You answered in the same hushed tone as you guided his hand to your cheek. “You’re okay..”

His thumb traced your cheekbone before following the bridge of your nose to your lips. It reminded you of the first time he felt your face in college.

“Y/N..” He said, so desperately it was almost a whine.

He shifted to lean his shoulders against the wall instead of his back while the hand that was on your face went behind your neck. His other hand wrapped around your waist and he pulled you into his chest. You let out a small ‘oof’ as you fell into his lap but your arms went around him while he buried his face in the crook of your neck.

“I can’t… I can’t hear.” He mumbled against your skin. “I can’t hear.”

You closed your eyes and focused on him. His fear hadn’t changed but there was a relief mixed in. He was glad to not be alone but also terrified of losing another sense. You thought of how you could help him if he couldn’t hear you, so you took a chance and used your power.

You knew that emotions could relay messages and hold weight, depending on how individual people interpreted them. As you had been recently developing your powers to be more precise, you began learning that if you put enough intention behind what you did, you could essentially send a specific message.

So that’s what you did. Through the close grip he had on you, you let yourself absorb some of his fear and replace it with comfort, safety. You focused until those two emotions were nearly balanced and the physical tension in his body subsided. His hold on you tightened, practically begging for you not to leave him.

You’re gonna be okay. You’re not alone.

“Thank you.” He finally broke the silence after you didn’t know how long. He loosened his hold on you so you sat back to see him clearly. You kept hold of his hands loosely while he talked. “I’m glad you came by.”

“Something happened…” You said sadly, though you didn’t expect him to hear you. His head tilted but you kept going. “I know you won’t tell me but.. No one suddenly goes deaf unless something drastic happens… But, again, you won’t tell me so, I’m just glad you’re okay.”

“I don’t want to worry you.” He said honestly, giving your hands a squeeze.

“Then be more careful.” You scolded when you realized he heard you. “Cause if we lose you, I… I don’t have a lot left.”

“I’m sorry. Really, I am.” He offered a lopsided smile. “I’ll try, okay?”

“Promise me.”

“What?” He chuckled.

“Promise me.” You repeated firmly.

“Okay, okay.” He smiled, letting go of one of your hands to cross his heart. “I swear.”

“Thank you.” You nodded. “Now, I need to go.”

“Wait. Really?” Matt said quickly as you got to your feet.

“Yes, really. Foggy’s down at the precinct and the DA’s office is probably already there. We still have to figure out Grotto’s witpro. I can’t sit here on the floor with you all day.”

Even if you wanted to. Even if you wanted to remain in his embrace, listening to his heart beat. Feeling safe.

“Right.” Matt nodded, though his disappointment hit you in the chest like a brick.

“But call me if you need anything… Okay?” You said as you grabbed your stuff. “I’ll come as soon as I can.”

“Yeah, yeah, I will. Thanks, Y/N/N.”

“See ya later, Matty.”

You peaked at your phone on the way out and saw a text from Karen.

karen : DA office says it’s one guy.

karen: they almost have a complete profile

karen: “the Punisher”

280 notes · View notes

the-chihayafuru-landslide · 1 year

Text

Charles Rambles: on Chiharata and shipping the losing ship

I’m currently working on something else but I had to break away for a bit because this train of thought was too long to include and needed a post proper. This is a topic I have always wanted to discuss but have been too scared to because people are always ready to jump you in a dark alleyway if they even hear Arata’s name mentioned in vain. Well guess what DING DONG bitch ANSWER THE FKIN DOOR because today I’m breaking my silence and talking about Chiharata.

I mean lucky for me most of the avid Chiharata shippers have died in the war and what else do I have to lose since I am already hated by quite a few in this fandom (lol). So anyways this is more of a ramble (not an essay) on why I never shipped Chiharata and the reasons why I think it would have been a lacklustre ending to Chihayafuru on the basis of the way that Chiharata was PURPOSELY written.

You should have known it was over for your when Arata did the platonic Eden no Hana goodbye handshake. I blame the flowers.

For anyone who knows me, I was an Arata hater from day 1. When I was about to watch the anime people told me I was going to like the 2ND ML (Taichi) more and be very depressed. I was like pffff yeah right we’ll see about that. Then it happened exactly the way they said it would. The moment Taichi was introduced I was like oh noooo that guy lol he’s the one. Then for the rest of Chihayafuru I laid awake in anguish as I watched Chihaya have a crush on Arata FOR NO DISCERNIBLE REASON (to me)!! I was like WHERE TF DID THIS COME FROM??

So she did want to see him but was it because of a crush or because she wanted to play him in a match? (Spoiler: it was about Karuta)

I’ll admit a little hatred began brewing for Arata (but like I didn’t hate him but I also did y’know??) and I’m going to be real, I wasn’t always fair to Arata’s character lmao. I was biased because of preconceived notions I had going into the anime. I know this, but I don’t regret it because at least it was funny:

OK NO THE SECOND TWEET I AM STILL RIGHT ARATA SHOULD HAVE DELIVERED IT HIMSELF? EVEN IF TAICHI WAS HER BF HE CAN GIVE HER HIS PHONE NUMBER WTF

Like at the start of the manga Arata was going through the traumatic loss of the person he loved the most (canon) his grandpa. And I was like HOW DARE YOU NOT TALK TO YOUR FRIENDS IMMEDIATELY?? Why was I so needlessly heartless towards him LMAO.

I mean he was purposely written as the boulder so WHAT WAS I SUPPOSED TO FEEL

Sometimes people tell me that Taichi was right (when they first visited him in Fukui) in pushing Arata over when he kicked the cards but Taichi really DID NOT need to do that at all idc what you say. I’m defending Arata’s big stinky dogs in this case. Taichi I still love you even when you make mistakes. Sorry this got off topic... (that’s why this is a ramble not an essay)

However, I never fully hated Arata. The problem was since I didn’t like him in the ship there wasn’t much to like him outside of that. I did like the relationship with his grandpa but it only seemed to be really relevant at the beginning of the manga and at the end. Arata’s Karuta arc was probably the messiest out of the three and it was really difficult for me to resonate with it. His arc seemed to be a prodigy not feeling bad for playing at his full strength and winning? I don’t know the jury is still out on that one (and I am simplifying it a lot for the comedy). I actively looked for people discussing Arata’s Karuta arc but I almost never found any and I’m not sure if it’s because they kept their analysis locked up behind an Arata loving paywall or because I quickly made myself known as another bitchass illiterate Taichihaya they kept me blocked and off their lawn. So I am not an authority on that but I think when I do a re-read I actually would like to try and figure it out.

What I did often read in relation to Arata was of course the romance the ship between him and Chihaya. Now, I didn’t read these analysis to piss myself (necessarily lol). I actually think to be fully critical and fair you should read the other side’s arguments if for no other reason than to rip them apart (which I could every single time lmao). However, now it make a me sad because now that Chiharata didn’t pan out nobody wants to talk about him much anymore. Taichihayas hate him and already dug his grave out back Chiharatas threw him in there started piling dirt on him. It’s ok Arata, if nobody loves you then I will. YES I HAD MY LOVING ARATA ARC…

Funny story after shipping him pettily with Sumire I flew to close to the sun b/c I wrote a 5k petty fic about him and Sumire (as a response to my ACTUAL LEAST FAVOURITE SHIP TAICHI AND SUMIRE) and then I started to like the ship and Arata… I was like oh no this isn’t a joke anymore… AND THEN I MANIFESTED MY CRACK SHIP? Crazy

Back on topic:

From what I observed through the bars of my Taichihaya cage these are some of the reasons people like Chiharata:

Arata not putting any sort of pressure on Chihaya when he confessed and respecting her boundaries (not that she ever had to explicitly set any since they barely interacted)

His earnestness

The connection they had to their childhood

Their flirting? (I mean people thought it was sweet the way they were always blushing around each other and using someone else’s words “the cautious touch” personally I found it awkward that’s why I cannot in good sense not put a question mark LMAO)

Both being Karuta Bakas and the idea that they would be clueless in their relationship because they would just hyper-fixate on their shared passion. (This was more a HC than what we actually saw considering Chihaya didn’t remember the game she played against Arata)

Right so on the surface level I don’t see anything wrong with any of these points? A lot of them I too like in theory. Especially a man who respects boundaries (side eyes at you Taichi). I don’t think shipping them because this kind of relationship appeals to you is bad even if they were not the canon ending. It’s fiction and you can do whatever you want. You can have your head canons and your fan fictions (like someone passively aggressively said to me about Taichihaya once lmao)! Please your Chiharata AO3 tag needs it there’s only 24 fics (I think)

Even I can think of moments between Arata and Chihaya that made me question my loyalty (ok there was only 1 LMAO).

Not gonna lie it’s kinda funny he picked hauled her up on his shoulders like a sack of potatoes. ARATA IS SO IMPULSIVE AND THAT’S WHY HE’S A FUNNY LIL GUY.

Why did I like this moment despite finding it a lil awkward and cringe? Because for the first time Arata kind of understood the weight that Chihaya carried and he really saw who she was - someone who works hard and wants to win more than anything. He learned more in this little moment than he ever would playing against her. It was THIS that was needed… moments outside of a Karuta match where they could dispel the illusions that they had of each other and actually get to know WHO THEY WERE IN THE PRESENT!! Both of them had changed a lot since their childhood.

That was always my criticism of Arata and Chihaya’s relationship was that they really did not know each other beyond their childhood selves. Let’s look at what I tweeted I think 12 episodes into the anime:

This tweet still makes me laugh because of the Karuta name thing cddkj I was really going through it

That is not to say you need to know someone in order to date them. You can date anyone for any reason. In fact, people seem to forget that Chihaya herself was willing to date random man from train station who had no interest in Karuta lmao.

But surely, knowing someone intimately is something required to maintain a romantic relationship? I’m hoping that is a given for everyone. That’s why I failed to understand why people would see them dating as a victory in the romance department; that they would instantly have this incredible profound, moving, and impactful relationship instead of thing that happened because Chihaya had a crush and felt like it? Or was it because they both liked Karuta and dating would be an extension of their passion for Karuta…….. uh ok sounds gr8 but they don’t need to date to play Karuta together dclksdjknsdjk

Like what did Chihaya even see in Arata as a person? The only thing that she seems to admire about him is how he plays Karuta..

That and his big hands I guess lmao. Big hands to play Karuta with.

Because I am in my Arata defender stage I actually think THAT IS A CRIME BECAUSE ARATA HAS A LOT OF GOOD TRAITS GOING FOR HIM:

He’s shy and blushy

He’s awkward but cute

His black hakama

He’s blind in an endearing way

Domestic King (thanks to the spin off chapter)

Caring to the elderly

Occasionally very sweet when he feels like

Cares DEEPLY ABOUT HIS FRIENDS

Strong arms can pick you up because of his 500 practice swings

Gives tall guy vibes despite being shorter than Taichi (he’ll always be taller to me idc)

Now unlike Arata we actually saw Chihaya’s thoughts towards Taichi:

I mean I don’t even need to point out the stark difference between them lmao. That’s not even mentioning what the boys think of Chihaya. It’s pretty evident when you put their confessions side by side.

Like for Arata the basis of his confession is him thinking back to their childhood memories and Chihaya asking him to play Karuta together forever. So no wonder he ended his confession with “let’s play Karuta together sometime” because literally that’s all he knows about her.

Which brings me to my next point of why I never shipped Chiharata and this is due to their lack of present “screen time”. Now, do not misunderstand me, lack of screen time does not stop me from shipping two characters when I think characters might actually be a good pairing. I shipped Arata and Sumire based on their one single interaction in the manga BEFORE IT WAS COOL. So trust me when I say I AM OPEN TO FILLING THE GAPS OF CANON WITH HEADCANON.

Though it immediately becomes clear at the beginning of Chihayafuru that Chihaya feels some sort of way towards Arata (a crush) however we as the reader only got like 6 chapters of childhood backstory to explain their relationship which included Arata helping Chihaya make a dream of her own and her awesome moment when she takes a card from him. What is lacking is any cute childhood blooming romance. Most of the childhood arc is spent on the trio: Chihaya, Taichi and Arata. So I always failed to understand WHY she would be crushing on this guy other than guy really good at Karuta and me likey Karuta. Literally she said the time they spent apart made him become like a God of Karuta… Like uh this your man?

Chihaya and Arata’s bond based on their shared childhood dream is meant to be contrasted to the relationship Chihaya has with Taichi. While one is confined to Chihaya’s longing to see him (Arata) THE ONE SHE HAS WITH TAICHI IS REAL TANGIBLE AND CLEARLY UNFOLDS BEFORE OUR EYES.

This is from the first 11 chapters we early Taichihaya shippers were FEASTING

From this we understand their dynamic! Did Chiharata’s ever listen to the reasons we liked Taichihaya? Well here are my reasons: it was because of their chemistry, their banter and teasing. But they are also so caring towards each and supportive and it wasn’t one sided either. They help each other become the best versions of themselves and they also have something that the other person lacks. Chihaya has a terrible memory and Taichi doesn’t have naturally gifted hearing. They are soulmates but opposites. SUN AND MOON.

Maybe all of this could have been used to develop a friendship? You know sure I’ll roll with that let’s say it was all leading to something completely platonic. Then please explain to me what would be the reason of PURPOSELY DEPICTING TAICHI AND CHIHAYA LIKE THIS?? LIKE THE PICTURES SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES

I purposely picked moments from Chihaya’s perspective to make a point lol

The only thing that was lacking from these interactions is the shoujo filters, sparkles and flowers almost like the point was a superficial teenage crush vs. SOMETHING WITH A BIT MORE SERIOUSNESS AND DEPTH.

I have always ascertained that Chihaya is clueless when it comes to love but I never meant that in a derogatory sense. She is a teenager who is figuring herself out IN A COMING OF AGE STORY! She has to start as a dumbass in order to grow up!! People always seemed to get it wrong and think that Chihaya was somehow very mature in her feelings when it came to Arata when she was most certainly not. Why did she leave Arata hanging for 8 months only to be reminded by Kana’s remarks about turning into sea foam (sea weed?) that she should actually respond to his confession like kdjsnakjdsnsc.

It’s fine that she had a crush on Arata though. At that age, I too had dumb ideas about love. I thought that the person I marry should be good at piano because it would be very important to be serenaded in the future. While this certainly would be nice I AM WISER that there are far more important qualities to look for in a partner.

Since Chiharata shippers have also suddenly become cognizant that Chihaya and Arata had little screen time together (and none outside of Karuta) they are calling it bad writing since it wasn’t “fair”. First of all, real relationships are not always “fair” - not everyone gets an equal chance to become a couple with someone and spend time with them? Not to mention that it wasn’t the problem that Arata didn’t live in Tokyo because LONG DISTANCE RELATIONSHIPS EXIST? If Chihaya and Arata wanted to they could (Taichihaya ending up long distance is almost like Suetsugu is trying to say the distance was never the problem). It was never supposed to be “fair” because thematically that’s not what Chihaya’s crush on Arata was ever about.

These girls are me being like Chihaya what on earth are you talking about.

Chihaya’s views about love at the beginning are incredibly and purposely naive and immature. The only thing that seems to matter to her in a partner is being good at Karuta. THIS IS NOT TREATED AS SOMETHING SERIOUS AND OR MEANINGFUL IT IS PURPOSELY RIDICULOUS!! Because of this being one of the only traits Chihaya looked for in a partner IT MADE HER FIRST CRUSH BE her MARRIED sensei.

On the one hand I get it Chihaya Harada is a dilf you are valid.

That’s why when Chihaya said she needed to be “worthy” to sit in front of her crush I hope every single one of the people who shipped Chiharata realized this was an arbitrary standard and really should not matter when it comes to love?

If you or someone you know had to say this line with any ounce of seriousness as a defence for your ship you may be owed financial compensation.

I’m going to give them the benefit of the doubt and assume they were thinking that eventually this notion would be deconstructed afterwards because damn that is very shallow and also stupid lol. It’s just very weird that so many people still thought that “feeling worthy to sit in front of him” was relevant for Chihaya to be able to confess back to Arata because…

Arata confessed independently from Chihaya feeling “worthy”

She already sat in front of him and smoked him

It definitely does help when the person that you love shares your passion absolutely but again “passion” for another (love) is not the same as “passion” for sport. They are separate and not interchangeable. That was the point.

Like I’m sorry it couldn’t get more on the nose when some NPC said this about Chihaya’s crush dcndacjkjkn.

Then of course there are the subjective reasons why I don’t think a relationship between Chihaya and Arata would be really good for them. In a lot of ways they are too similar to each other in the sense of being “clueless” Karuta bakas. That’s why so many people made a ship where Chihaya and Arata’s relationship had to be mediated by Taichi who would keep both of them in line, which, would be fine if Taichi wasn’t a miserable sod who had his heart broken. Like that was simply too much to expect from him even if he was the happily rejected party in the end… Like sorry I don’t wish that for him !! He has the self esteem of a roll of paper towel in what world would that be a good ending for him kjncjdjkn

Even in canon like Arata simply must let Chiha go to move forward (I will expand on this a later time). The love that was pushing him forward (unlike for Taichi) was actually the love he had for his grandpa.

That’s beautiful, I guess platonic love wins! Thank you, I’m collecting tips in my hat.

No but seriously there was also this holier than thou attitude that some Chiharata shippers had that they were the enlightened ones who valued the true platonic love that Taichi and Chihaya had and that people who thought it was romance were simply projecting. Taichihayas simply were not respecting Chihaya’s agency! Because YES it was so clear that Chihaya was already in love with Arata!!

Damn Kana that manipulative mastermind making Chihaya doubt her strong and passionate love for Arata!

I mean she had a crush on him, she already said she was in love with him (even though she said she didn’t understand her feelings platonic love could never apply to Arata shhh) and rejected Taichi. The thing is, it’s fiction idc what the author might have “intended”. The depth in a relationship I wanted was in the Taichihaya pairing. I never once felt guilty shipping them even though I didn’t genuinely believe in a Taichihaya ending until 246. Not because Chiharata was better written but because I am a depressed bitch. But like if Chiharata was canon I could simply write it off as being dumb and pretend away the ending while enjoying everything else. However, I was always willing to accept a Chiharata ending because at the end of the day I actually do respect the character’s “agency” to pick their partner and love doesn’t always make sense.

What would not make sense to me in the slightest is why Taichi and Chihaya would be written like that to have a more meaningful and impactful relationship than the guy who she was in love with. But then we get to subjectivity, maybe people consider their best friends to be their closest relationships and the guy is the one you date because of his large hands and supposed sexual tension. Idk to each their own.

It speaks volumes that now that Chiharata didn’t become canon people are pissed off because at the end of it they don’t even consider Chihaya and Arata to be friends? SO WAIT A MINUTE THEIR RELATIONSHIP WAS ENOUGH TO SUGGEST LOVERS BUT NOT FRIENDS?? I don’t even need to say much about that.

I know some people REALLY wanted a friendship ending with Taichi maybe more than they even wanted Chiharata to happen. I get it, the idea that your friend can be crazy in love with you but then be you know what after everything we can still be friends (WHICH TAICHI FKIN DID). So if you liked that theme, why are you not satisfied with it being told through Arata? HELL SUMIRE HAD THAT EXACT STORYLINE?? YOU HATE WOMEN OR WHAT.

Is it because Arata didn’t need that much time to process getting rejected (well he did actually b/c as we always said he got soft rejected) because MAYBE HE CLUED INTO THE FACT that he was fighting a losing battle? Or is it the fact that absolutely nothing changed Chiharata’s relationship with Chihaya not reciprocating his feelings? If that’s the case, then maybe the author was trying to say that Arata’s feelings weren’t that DEEP for Chihaya. Maybe HE VALUES friendship with both Taichi and Chihaya more than to make a big scene. He has been set up to process disappointment easier than say Taichi?

LIKE LOOK:

I guess it sucks when it turns out you guys were PROJECTING as much into the story as those Taichihaya romance obsessed baboons. Everyone projects into a story. It’s actually ok ! WE ARE THE SAME IN THIS REGARD. LET’S JOIN HANDS AND UNDIG ARATA FROM HIS GRAVE PLEASEEEEEEE. To conclude my massively long rant and because I can no longer add any pictures, by the time we got to 246 without Chihaya and Arata dating it should have been fairly clear that it was not going to happen. Their relationship had barely progressed and if Chihaya would date Arata with the intention of getting to know him more OUTSIDE of Karuta... SHE’D NEED TIME FOR THAT!! It should have happened much earlier and not been dragged out to the end of the manga. (A topic I will leave for another time)

However by the time we got to the ending if Chiharata happened it would simply just be the pairing off of two characters a romance conclusion a la shonen. Chihaya would be getting a trophy and a husband for accomplishing her dream.

Instead the thesis was actually that “love” like Kaurta is something you have to work towards. It’s not always easy nor is it always “happy”. Yet it is worth it when you find the right person- you will still want to be with them “by their side” even when it’s rough.