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starmanskywalker · 2 years

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a hundred years, dear, i'll dream of you · anakin skywalker x f!reader

tw for somnophilia, noncon and stalking/kidnapping. do not read this if you're a minor and/or if any of the aforementioned subjects trigger you in any capacity.

this borders on pwp, my goodness. heavily inspired by this gem of a song. my askbox is completely open for prompts involving the galaxy's edgiest and angstiest twunk.

dark fic featuring vader!anakin if he won the battle in mustafar. reader is in her early twenties.

summary: the empire needs new blood. vader's actively searching for it.

word count: 2.709

“There's no use in hiding! I thought you would know that by now. I just want to talk!”

Your heart was beating fast and thundering in your ears. You were relieved your sister and mother managed to get away from him, at least.

You tried to keep your breathing a bit more controlled but you couldn't. You tried so hard to blend in with the dark - until the blinding light of his red lightsaber burned bright by your side, confirming what you already knew: there was no way to run from Lord Vader.

Especially now that you knew the news that flew around Naboo were true: he was on the hunt for an empress and would do anything to have a girl that pleased his eyes. Mothers and fathers hid their daughters in any way they could; Imperial officers subtly encouraged that, in case he appeared by a family's door, they should let go of the girl they raised with all the love in the world in favor of the greater good.

You and your mom were sure Vader was after your younger sister, after all, dictators were usually drawn to those much younger than them, so she was everyone's priority in the planning of your family's escape. But for obvious reasons you weren't so sure of anything anymore.

"If you just want to talk, then why are you hunting me?" You scream, clutching your bag impossibly close to your body, as if you were shielding yourself from whatever was coming. "Leave me the kriff alone! My sister's already gone! You won't find h-" The cabinet separating you from him is sliced in two and you lose your words instantly in a gasp, along with any kind of defiance left in you as you turn around and all you see is death, himself, on two legs.

You can't make out his facial features very well as his hood is covering most of his face, but his voice… something screams at you there's something familiar about him, but you can't make out precisely what. "It was never about your sister. Also, in my point of view, there's no reason you should be so attached to those who left you behind." His lightsaber is now humming very close to your neck. It's so, so warm. Warmer than actual fire. "I need you to come with me."

"O-Otherwise?" Your voice is reduced to nothing more than a whisper.

"You'll die." Your bag is pulled from you in an abrupt movement that comes out of nowhere, and is sent flying to the other side of your living room. So that's the Force? "Your family's insolence was amusing for a little while, but it's this close," he motions with his gloved hand, "to get boring. I'm not exactly known for being patient. So let's talk."

A little "oh." escapes from your lips and, after a swift motion of his fingers, you plunge into darkness.

As someone who's worked hard from a very early age, you weren't exactly a heavy sleeper nor someone who usually dreamed. The heaviest sleep you've ever gotten took place when you were in your early 10s - you were badly burned by the exhaust pipe of a speeder that was probably thrice your size and had to spend some days submerged in a bacta tank so you could heal. The scar crossed your chest like a leathery seatbelt. It still itches, sometimes.

That incident inevitably crosses your mind as you find yourself in a subspace of your mind you've never gone to. You know you're asleep, but there's no way that's a dream. You feel like you're swimming, stark naked, in pitch black cold water. You can move your limbs enough to keep yourself somewhat afloat, but not enough to explore - to break free.

Your heart's no longer beating fast. All you feel is numbness and lethargy until ghost fingers trace your scar and you jump at the sudden touch, your body once again alert all over. "Wh-where am I?"

"Somewhere safe. The safest place to be."

Vader's voice. Everywhere. It reverberates in your bones and the threat it always emanates petrifies you.

"Am I dead?"

"You complied. There's no reason for me to kill you." You're sure he has narrowly, deliberately avoided a 'for now'. You try to cover yourself from the phantom caress, but it's useless. What a weird, invasive fucking feeling. "I hope it stays that way. Don't be afraid."

You're so confused you can't even reply. You open your mouth a few times, but give up as it doesn't follow the pace of your racing, scared thoughts. So he continues: "Where have you gotten that scar? Did somebody hurt you?"

Huh. He sounds almost… amiable?

"No. It was… an accident. I was a child when it happened."

"You're not lying." He notes.

"I'm not. You're not the kind of guy one can lie to."

He snickers. "I see you're a fast learner."

You smile with absolutely no intention to. You don't want to get on his bad side, but maker, you were scared shitless. "Vader--Lord Vader, sorry," you quickly correct yourself, "Can you please tell me where I am? What's all this supposed to mean?"

"I need to know you better before you get to know that. But you know why you're here, don't you? I remember being very clear in my intentions." The phantom touch gets more daring, and god, you wish with your entire heart and soul you were able to cover yourself as you feel it wander through your ribcage, your sides, your back, your breasts. It was so light it made you shiver not exclusively in fear - even though you knew this wasn't a dream, the touch felt like it belonged in one.

"Why me?"

"Why not you?"

"I… god." The touch - his touch? - derails your train of thoughts completely. You're somewhat flattered yet horrified that out of all women in the galaxy, he's fascinated by you.

"How could I not be?"

"Get out of my mind!" you answer instinctively, not meaning to sound that panicked. You didn't want to annoy him. You feel your eyes start to burn. "P-please." Fuck.

For a "first date", this is going absolutely awry. Don't kill me. Please, don't kill me.

I won't. As long as you give me what I want without thinking too much about it.

"Why me? I don't understand--" You insist, your voice trembling and tears flowing freely after that little telepathic exchange. The touch now moves toward your belly, and further below, making you catch your breath. The feeling that takes over you right after is exactly the same one you get whenever you're stimulated in a wet dream - overwhelming, powerful. Whatever the fuck he's doing, it's the most bewilderingly pleasurable thing you've ever felt, making a sound you don't quite recognize come out of your lips. You don't want him to continue, but you know you can't manifest it, not without dire consequences. So you settle for conformity, instead, and a quiet, breathy "Maker." as your body shudders at the invisible contact.

Sometimes, it's better to let go than fight a battle you know you can't win.

"Do you remember that day at the starport?" He asks, unwavering, while the unseen ministrations go on. You were struggling to think. The Kwilaan Starport wasn't exactly a place you went everyday. Especially after…

Oh well.

Oh no.

"No way. Are you the Jedi? Anakin…?!" Your chest heaves, too many sensations at once taking over you and shock taking over your features.

"Not anymore."

Your dad, bless him, was murdered by Separatists in an attack that happened in what seemed like a lifetime ago at the starport in question. Anakin, his master and his apprentice were assigned for his security as he had important and incriminating documents with him, but the Jedi couldn't make it in time to protect him.

Anakin stayed for way more time than necessary that day. Your mother thought it was cute that he was seemingly so infatuated by you. You brushed it off as nonsense. Jedi can’t fall in love. Especially the Hero With No Fear.

"I knew you were familiar… Stars--what happened to you? Why me?" Your body twists as much as it can in this hold, bucking against the invisible touch while also trying to distance itself from it.

"Because I've followed your every step since then. For no particular reason other than fascination." For a split second, you could swear you were able to feel a presence behind you. “And I think it’s time for you to wake up.”

In the blink of an eye, you now find yourself yet again nude in a lush but strangely barren room. If torpor previously enveloped you in dark waves, all that surrounds you now is damp heat and the overwhelming feeling of drunken, lustful stupor.

You’re panting already and so much has apparently gone on in your absence of your own mind - it’s like you came back from a save state out of another dimension. You’re sweaty, disheveled, chasing a feeling you’re not quite sure you’re familiar with with an animalistic vigor.

You're sitting on the bed, leaning your back against Anakin--Vader’s bare chest, whose one of his hands - the coldest - pulls one of your thighs closer to him and further from the other while his other hand is drenched in your wetness, his fingers fucking you thoroughly while your face is buried in his neck. “What--what is happening to me?” is all you can purr in the middle of your short deep gasps for air and the obscene wet sounds echoing in the room, almost crying at how good he’s pleasuring you and at how confused and uncomfortable you are.

“Once again--fuck--I suggest you don’t think too much.” Is his answer, muffled by your hair in his face. Your body twists as much as it can in his hold as that aimless yet intense pleasure has now a very clear origin, and the way your legs are shaking surprises you as he grabs your messy strands with an impossible strength, making you gasp. “I can give you even more if you just accept it.”

“Is this your way of courting girls?” You can feel the humid heat of his breath move towards your throat as he sucks it intensely, making sure to leave a bruise on your skin. The resulting quiet groan of his new name close to his ear is music to him.

(Depictions of Vader as a vampire in underground rebel propaganda have never made more sense to you than in this moment.)

“Maybe. Only if you stay I’ll consider it successful.” His voice is painfully tight and he is struggling. You wonder how long you’ve been in this state, how long he was taking advantage of your (lifeless? sleeping?) body. Perhaps for some considerable time, judging by the hardness of the cock that’s brushing against and very coyly humping your back.

“You say it like I’ve always had a choice,” is your answer, breathless, as you chase and refuse your release desperately.

His answer, patient as ever, is grabbing you tight by your waist and impaling you in one swift motion on the same huge dick that was throbbing against your butt. You feel the sudden and very real sensation of being stretched around the girth of him as a sob escapes your spent throat, a sound he shares in a thunderous groan once he’s fully seated inside you. His teeth drags briefly against your shoulder and his human fingers wrap tight around your neck. “Do you want to have a choice?”

You feel like a cornered lothcat as your heartbeat drums in your ear.

Even though you didn't get to know Anakin that well a few years ago, you could see there was a certain cockiness he didn't show directly to you, choosing to direct it to his Togruta apprentice and his gentlemanly master instead. There it was now though, laid bare to you - it seemingly engulfed the man he currently was.

Many voices are now screaming in your head, some your own, some his.

It's better to let go than fight a battle you know you can't win.

“N-no, Lord Vader.”

With his human hand still choking you and his mechanic one curving your hips pulling you impossibly closer to him, he begins a steady pace of deep thrusts, so intense you can almost swear you see him moving beneath your abdomen. “Good.” He pants, “You don't know how long I've been waiting for this.”

“God.” Actual tears leave your eyes as you're overwhelmed by how much he's filling you. Steady. Precise to where your body needs him most. Almost machine-like yet so unbearably human.

“He isn't here now. There is only me.” Little whimpers leave your lips as you surrender completely to him. A specific thrust hits you even deeper than before as he manhandles you and your drenched pussy down his cock. “You taste lovely when you sleep,” he coos, “but you're fucking delicious when you're awake.”

The stretch, the slight sting of pain mixed with the blessings his body are giving to yours as he starts fucking you in earnest makes your head spin, your toes curl and your hips bounce on their own volition in his direction. Surrender has never felt so confusingly, primally, instinctively, incriminatingly good. You were so sensitive. “Please--please, my goodness—”

“I love hearing you beg,” he grunted as he took and took and took from you. Mercilessly. Everything you were. Everything you had. In every way he could. “Such a desperate little slut for me. I thought it would be harder to catch you.” he whispers. “Clenching so tight around me already, you sweet fucking thing. You love the thought of being mine, don't you?”

He pounds into you harder, and your body shakes as his fingers find your clit making you tighten up around him again. “Ffff-fuck,” is all you're able to say.

“Answer me.” You dig your nails into his strong arms, your orgasm approaching at such a rapid pace you're sure you're falling out of consciousness again soon. The drag of his hips against yours is almost overwhelming.

“I love it.” As long as you give me what I want.

And what is it that you want?

I want to cum. More than anything in my life.

Told you you'd gain so much from thinking less.

“Yes - please, Lord Vader,” You whine, completely cockdrunk, chasing your high as you crash against his hips, getting closer and closer. Vader's breathless as he watches you with an attention he's given very few people since things changed in his life. He wasn’t taking it easy on you.

You feel like those pitch black waves are crashing over you again and again the moment your body nearly collapses as the tension in your lower belly is ruptured and you come, crying out his name as you shudder. “There you go. Wade into the quiet of the stream,” Vader encourages, now chasing his own release as his limbs keep sliding against yours, sweat-slick and shaking. It feels like every nerve ending is slowly burning under the surface, a tangled, undulating knot of sighs and open-mouthed kisses anywhere that can be reached. The cadence of his hips eventually becomes erratic and all at once, you feel him filling you, heat and pressure as his hips stutter against yours.

You feel yourself grind against him unbidden. His breath catches as he presses his mouth against the meeting of your neck and shoulder, feeling you clench around him as he works the both of you through the last waves of pleasure.

“What are you going to do to me now?” Is what you manage to mutter as he finally stills inside of you, your core throbbing and leaking with his release.

“Keep you. You're my choice.” He answers as if he just told you how's the weather as he slowly moves you off his softening dick, your body limp as a ragdoll. “Seems like I'm yours, too.”

He kisses your lips so softly now, his yellow eyes looking straight into your soul. “Welcome to your new home.”

#anakin skywalker x reader #anakin x reader #anakin skywalker x you #anakin skywalker imagine #anakin skywalker smut #reader insert #star wars fanfiction #smut

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fitzs-trained-monkey · 2 years

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Little Favors

Title: Little Favors

Word Count: I lost count

Warnings: !EXTREME FLUFF AHEAD! Y'all don't even get it. So much fluff. The only warning I can come up with is a use of the slut word and a couple innuendos because Kol. Oh, also, canon is whatever I want it to be.

Summary: You know what? Adventures in Babysitting. That's all you need to know. Let's see if you guys can spot all the places where the reader almost becomes aware of the supernatural! || Kol Mikaelson x reader || Here lies my Masterlist ||

A/N: This idea wouldn't leave me alone so here's this surprise fic in celebration of this account reaching 300 followers. Thanks to everyone who's supported me!

✨STORY BEGINS BELOW✨

"Hey, do you wanna come over for a bit?"

You sent the text and bit your lip, hoping against hope that he'd say yes. Seconds later, your phone chirped with a reply.

"Do you even have to ask?"

A relieved smile spread across your lips.

"Yeah, still do. Thanks tho."

"See you soon, love."

You raised a brow at that.

"How soon exactly?"

His response was almost instant.

"Very."

Your head snapped up as the doorbell rang through your house. How was he always doing that? If you didn't know better, you'd think your friend was the Flash or something. Peeling yourself off the couch, you wandered over to the front door and threw it open. There, standing on your front porch, putting away his earbuds was the most handsome boy alive - or at least within the tiny town of Mystic Falls. You leaned your head on the door and lifted a brow.

"So what's your excuse this time?" You asked, suppressing a smirk. Kol just chuckled, dragging a hand through his slightly damp hair. Good heavens, he was hot when he did that. The sight set off a round of butterflies in your stomach.

Kol Mikaelson had moved into town with his family about two months earlier. He was a senior at your high school, along with his younger sister, Rebekah. They were Irish twins or something - you didn't quite know the specifics. Of course, in a town as tiny as yours, Kol and his family quickly became the talk of the town and despite not being one for drama, even you could admit that there was plenty to talk about. The family was English, and wealthy and all of them were outrageously attractive. Honestly, your first thought about them had been something along the lines of: "What kind of wacky Twilight crap is this?" It was so weird and, as ashamed as you were to admit it, you had avoided the new kids at first.

Such a course of action had been extremely difficult, primarily because you shared four classes with Kol and he'd been seated next to you in all of them. What are the odds, right? But, wait, it gets worse! Every day, when you say down, Kol would greet you with a smile and attempt to start a conversation. With dark hair, amber eyes, and a square jaw - not to mention that crooked smirk - the guy was so gorgeous, you didn't even know what to do. Intimidated by his status, his good looks, and his excellent sense of humor, you just tried your best to pretend he didn't exist.

Well, it hadn't taken him long to get fed up with that act. So one day you'd walked in to see a note sitting on your desk. It was addressed to you and written in perfect cursive, because of course his handwriting had to be impeccable too. The note read: "Dearest Y/N, I'm sorry I exist. If there's anything else I've done to offend you, then you have my sincerest apologies. Now, will you please stop acting like you've seen me commit murder? I'd really appreciate it. Your neighbor, Kol." Unable to contain your laughter, you'd started a timid conversation with Kol and the two of you had hit it off pretty quickly after that.

You'd learned that Kol and his sister were simply two really nice kids just doing their best to fit in at a new school, nothing more than that. As you got to know him a little better, it surprised you that Kol desired you to be his friend. He was intelligent, talented, and beyond attractive - one of those instant popular kid types - he could have been friends with anyone, yet he chose you. No one ever chose you. Ever. You had spent your high school carrier being invisible, and you were good at it! So when the most attractive guy in the twelfth grade started hanging out with you, people started paying attention and rumors got rolling pretty quickly.

Were you dating Kol Mikaelson? That was the question everyone at school was trying to answer. To be perfectly honest, you had no idea. He'd asked you to hang out a few times at different places around town, but he'd never labeled it as an actual date. And sure, he flirted with you quite a bit but that boy flirted with just about everything with a heartbeat! As far as you were aware, he only liked you as a friend which was exactly why you were trying hard to hide your nerves right now.

"I know it's crazy, but I swear I was right around the corner when you texted," He said.

You narrowed your eyes. "Doing what, exactly?"

"Just walking." He shrugged, burying his hands in his pockets. "Trying to clear my head."

"Really?" You scoffed. "In the snow?"

He rolled his eyes. "It's barely snowing, but yes."

You hummed. "Right…"

"It's the truth, love," Kol said. He rubbed his eyes.

"Uh, huh."

"I'm being completely honest!"

"You better be," You said, grinning. "Otherwise, the only sane conclusion I can come up with is that you're stalking me."

"As gorgeous as you are darling, that's not the case." Kol snickered and stepped forward, leaning his weight against the door frame. He crossed his arms, looking down at you with those droopy, amber puppy-dog eyes that you'd been in love with for as long as you'd known him.

You swallowed thickly. That position perfectly accentuated his lithe body, for a high schooler, the guy was insanely well built. Ugh! And those eyes! Those eyes made you want to throw yourself at him or disappear and you didn't know which one.

"Well, good. 'Cuz that would be creepy," You replied a little quietly. Kol hummed and nodded.

"So…" He trailed off and leaned closer almost conspiratorially. "Do I get to ask why you invited me over to your house on a Friday night?"

You tugged on a loose strand of hair, twisting it around your finger. "I mean, you are kinda the only friend I've got…" The only other person you'd consider a friend was Matt Donovan and the two of you really weren't close.

"I know." He smirked. Oh, he really wasn't making this easy on you.

"So I thought I might ask for your help?"

Kol wet his lips and tilted his head innocently. Geez, he was so much taller than you. "With what, exactly?" He asked.

You tucked a strand of hair behind your ear and cleared your throat. "W-well my parents aren't home and-"

His brows shot up and he blinked. "I don't believe this…" A slow impish grin spread across Kol's face and he leaned closer, eyes raking your body as he loomed over you. "Y/N, are you propositioning me?"

If you had been drinking water, you would have done a spit take. You felt like your whole body was blushing and you might as well have looked at Medusa for how still your limbs became. "N-no! Uh… I-I-I… um…" What were you even supposed to say to that? Why did he have to be so attractive?! It really wasn't fair!

"Are you sure?" He asked, stepping that much closer. "Because I certainly wouldn't be opposed to it." You thought you saw Kol glance down at your lips, but you must have been imagining things.

You twisted the fabric of your shirt between your fingers, struggling to find something intelligent to say. "That-that's not… I mean, that's not what I-" You sighed. "This would be a lot easier to explain if you came inside." You opened the door wide so he could come in, but he hesitated.

Kol raised a brow, almost surprised. "You want me to come in?"

"Yeah," You mumbled. "Is that a problem?"

"Not at all." He shoved himself off the door frame and stepped inside, closing the door behind him. You stepped back a good four feet, trying to dispel some of the tension. He glanced over his shoulder, gesturing at the coat rack behind him. "Mind if I-"

"Yeah, sure."

He shot you a little smile and stripped his jacket off before hanging it on the coat rack. He must have noticed your bare feet because he took off his shoes too, kicking them next to the door. Then he turned back to you and cocked his head.

"So, your parents aren't home…" He started.

"Nope." You shook your head. You couldn't seem to stop blushing. What was your problem?

Kol nodded, rubbing his lower lip with his thumb. "It's just you and me then?" He asked, taking a step closer to you again. His eyes were slightly hooded and there was something in them that you'd never seen before. It was… admiring, bordering on hungry.

You shot him a nervous smile. "Well… not exactly…"

His brows drew together and he lifted his head a little. "What do you mean? Who else is here?" His voice was calm enough but he seemed almost suspicious. You didn't have time to wonder why.

"Meow, Meow!"

The high-pitched whine came from just behind you and his eyes flew wide. You smiled sheepishly and slid one step to the side. The boy dropped his gaze down to your feet. Sitting on the floor, poised exactly like a little kitten, was your baby sister. The two stared at each other for a moment before Kol threw his head back and laughed. It was a vibrant, sincere sound, full of light-hearted mirth. He doubled over, bracing his hands on his knees. Clearly, he found this situation rather humorous.

"I'm sorry…" You hissed, biting your lip.

Kol waved a hand. "Don't be! It's completely fine." He tilted his head and knelt to be closer to the little girl's height. "Hey there, little one! How are you?"

"Meow! Meow!" Your baby sister responded.

You nodded and shrugged. "This is my baby sister. Her name's Nora and she's a two and a half year old menace to society."

Kol snorted. "I don't know about that, darling. She looks pretty harmless to me." He waved at the little girl and she recoiled, hiding behind your leg.

"Meow, meow! Meow, meow!" She said, pretending to tremble. This was her newest little game.

You sighed. "She's also a cat."

"Ah! I see," The boy hummed, keeping his eyes fixed on the little girl. He must have known she wanted the attention. "Is your big sister right? Are you a kitten?"

Nora nodded. "Meow, meow!"

"Oh, alright then. So, if you're a little kitten, then you'll probably want to sniff my hand so we can become best friends. Isn't that right?" He held his hand out as one does for a cat or dog. You raised a brow as you watched your baby sister crawl over to him. She sat up when she reached his hand and grabbed it, bumping her nose against his knuckle. Then she flipped it over and rubbed his palm against her cheek. He chuckled. "Hello, Nora."

"Purrr. Purrr." She said.

Kol grinned. "Awww! You're a cute little kitty-cat! Aren't you?" He scratched her chin a little bit before scooping her up so he could stand.

"Careful," You warned. "She'll lick you too."

The instant you spoke, Nora stuck her little tongue out and licked his cheek. He blinked and you pinched the bridge of your nose, groaning. Much to your surprise, Kol didn't so much as frown. He just laughed, shrugging.

"Still better than, Henrik!" He concluded, wiping his face with the edge of his sleeve. You regarded him questioningly and he nodded, explaining. "Henrik was my youngest sibling. When he was this young, he was convinced he was a wolf cub. He would bite your legs, he would bite your fingers, and he would bite your face - it stopped being cute rather quickly."

You snickered, relaxing a bit. "Is Henrik much younger than you?" You wondered.

Kol's face fell and he rubbed the back of his neck. "Uh, no, actually… Henrik, um… He-he passed away some time ago," He said.

"Oh." You whispered, fixing your eyes on your feet. You were such an idiot! "I-I'm really sorry, Kol. That was a stupid thing to ask."

He shook his head. "No, it wasn't. I wouldn't have raised the topic if I couldn't handle the questions it was bound to insight."

Wow... He was really well spoken… His voice sounded like a snowfall: gentle, playful, and pure.

You blinked. "O-oh, okay. Um, well I'm sorry I asked you over here then."

The boy sent you a quizzical look. "Why?"

"I mean, it's not for fun," You pointed out, scuffing your toe against the floor. "My parents left me in charge but this time I just need a little bit of help entertaining and wrangling them…"

Kol tilted his head as Nora cuddled up against his shoulder. "Them?" He asked. Your sheepish smile doubled in intensity and you let go of a nervous chuckle.

"Y/N! WHY ARE YOU FLIRTING WITH THE PIZZA GUY?!" A shrill voice pierced the air from one of the upstairs rooms. You flinched and Kol's face filled with understanding.

"Ah…" He nodded. "So, there's two of them…"

"Unfortunately…" You sighed, then took a deep breath. "I'M NOT FLIRTING AND HE'S NOT THE PIZZA GUY! NOW, GET YOUR BUTT DOWN HERE!" The boy in front of you flinched and you sent him an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry, Kol. She's eleven and I swear this is the only way to communicate with her."

"YOU'RE NOT THE BOSS OF ME, Y/N!" Your sister screamed down.

Kol glanced up there and huffed a laugh.

You sighed again. "I am so, so sorry."

"No, no, darling, it's fine. Seriously, stop apologizing!" He said. "You just shocked me is all. I guess I figured that screaming at one another was only the default language in dysfunctional families like mine."

The relief that flooded your body was palpable. "Really?"

"Of course," He assured you. "In fact, watch this." He shifted a hand to cover Nora's ear - the one that wasn't tucked into his shoulder - and looked up. "ACTUALLY, SHE IS THE BOSS OF YOU, UNTIL YOUR PARENTS GET HOME! SUCKS TO BE YOU, LOVE! SO WHY DON'T YOU QUIT WAILING LIKE A BANSHEE AND COME SAY HI!" He finished shouting and shot you a wink.

You smirked, crossing your arms. "That was impressive."

"Thank you."

A moment later a petite H/C girl came bounding down the stairs. She swung her weight around the banister and stopped right in front of Kol, staring up at him with scrutiny. She put her hands on her hips and spun to face you.

"Is this the boyfriend you wish you had?" She demanded.

You slid your tongue over your teeth, reminding yourself of all the reasons you shouldn't deck a child. "Ainsley," You addressed with a razor-sharp smile. "This is my friend Kol. He's gonna help me take care of you and Nora tonight."

Ainsley shot him a dirty look and turned to you. "I don't need another babysitter, I've already got you."

"Well that's a shame, because I'm not leaving for the whole night," Kol said, smirking. "And I'm afraid you got it wrong, sweetheart." He gestured to you. "See, she's the girlfriend I wish I had."

You flushed and tucked a strand of hair behind your ear - it was a nervous tick. Ainsley spun back to face him.

"You talk funny," She declared.

"Ég get talað fyndnara," He told her with a smug smile. The foreign syllables rolled off his tongue effortlessly - almost like he'd been born speaking them. What language was that? The rough sound of it made your stomach attempt gymnastics.

Whatever it was, it made Ainsley giggle. "You're weird!" She said.

"Why thank you, love." He held onto Nora and dipped into a flourishing bow for her and she laughed again, clapping.

"Wanna come see my dinosaurs?" She asked him, bouncing up and down on the balls of her feet. "They're in my room!"

The enthusiastic gasp he made for her was very convincing as he placed a hand over his heart. "Oh, wow. I would love to come see your dinosaurs, Ainsley. But is it okay if I talk to your sister for just a second first?"

"Okay." She shrugged. "I'll go get 'em ready!"

"Alright! You go do that and I'll be right up," He said. Ainsley squealed with glee and rushed back upstairs again. You watched her go for a moment before turning back to Kol.

"That was actually amazing," You marveled, staring at him with wide eyes.

He shrugged. "That was nothing, I-"

"No, no. You don't understand," You cut him off. "Ainsley hates everyone."

"Everyone?"

"Everyone!" You stressed. "She's at that stage where she knows everything about everything all the time so when she doesn't know someone she hates them and if they're in on her act, she hates them. In other words-"

"She hates everyone," He finished, nodding. "Bekah did the same thing, except she never grew out of it."

"I pity you."

"You should." Kol flashed you a grin and adjusted Nora in his arms. She made that little purr noise of hers and nuzzled him. He shrugged. "What can I say? The ladies love me."

You huffed a laugh and shook your head, focusing on the floor. "You don't have to stay if you don't want to," You said quietly.

The boy frowned. "What are you talking about, darling?"

"Well, I just-" You'd definitely made this seem like something it wasn't. Would he be mad? "I-I mean, you're not like… disappointed, are you?"

"Disappointed?" He scoffed and rolled his eyes. "Darling, I get to avoid my family and spend time with a beautiful girl. Why on earth would I be disappointed?"

Because for a second there you acted like you wanted me…

You pushed that thought away and shrugged, rubbing your arm. "I don't know… I-I thought-

"Woah, woah, sorry to cut you off, love. But what happened to your hand?" He demanded. You hardly blinked and Kol had somehow crossed the room. He was standing right in front of you, only inches away. You jumped as he reached to take your hand. "Easy! Easy now! I just want to look at it," He said. You bit your lip as Kol gently took your hand.

He trailed his fingertips over the reddened, burned skin, just barely skimming over the marks. Pain flared up in each one despite his best efforts and you hissed, snatching your hand away.

"Darling, what happened?" He pressed, a little more urgently. "Did someone do this to you?" Something flashed in his eyes, something more than the usual mirth or amusement he offered you. It was intense yet soft.

"No, I, uh… I burned myself making muffins," You admitted. "It's fine. I'll be fine."

"This is why you wanted my help, isn't it?" He asked, the way he regarded you made you pretty sure he doubted your tough facade. "Because it hurts more than you let on?"

You sighed. "I didn't treat it right originally and now it's coming back to haunt me," You confirmed.

"I see." Kol raised your injured hand to his lips and pressed a feather-light kiss to one of the few unburned areas. "Tell you what, I'll help you with your sisters - entertain them, and get them to bed - then I'll help you dress and wrap that properly, alright?" He offered.

You shook your head, trying to laugh his kindness off. "You don't have to do that."

"I know," He responded. "But I'm going to anyway." Then he leaned down and planted a sweet kiss on your forehead, shooting you a smug and very knowing smirk before turning and climbing the stairs after Ainsley. "Alright! Let's see those dinosaurs!"

You followed him up and pointed the way to Ainsley's room. She sat there on the floor surrounded by dozens of tiny dinosaur figurines no bigger than an inch. Kol knelt next to her, carefully avoiding crushing any of them.

"Wow, these are exquisite, darling," He said, picking one up to examine it. "The details are stunning. Where did you get them?"

Ainsley beamed. "I made them!"

Kol shook his head. "Nah."

The girl frowned. "I made them out of clay," She insisted.

"No, you didn't."

"I did so!"

"You did not! There's no way you made these, they're just too fantastic," He teased, shooting you a wink while your sister wasn't looking. You chuckled and rolled your eyes at his antics.

"I'm not lying!" Your sister rounded on you. "Y/N, tell Kol I'm not lying!" She demanded.

He turned to you expectantly and you shrugged. "She's not lying."

Kol's surprise was extremely convincing, even to you. "I can't believe this! Ainsley, darling, your work is fantastic!"

The little girl smirked and glanced back at you, waggling her brows as if she'd won some sort of competition. You took a deep breath, running your tongue over your teeth.

"Ainsley, are you gonna tell him all their names?" You prompted. You didn't miss the grimace that flashed across Kol's face at your words. There were so many little dinosaurs, that naming all of them would take a while.

"Not all of 'em." Ainsley shook her head. "Just my faves."

"You do that," You encouraged with mock enthusiasm. Kol shot you a look that reminded you a bit of a captive being made to walk the plank and you just smirked.

The girl picked up each one to introduce them individually. "This one's Diplodocus, this one's Deinonychus, this one's Ankylosaurus, this one's Baryonyx, this one's Compsognathus, this one's Archaeopteryx, this one's Dilophosaurus, this one's Coelophysis, and this one's a T-Rex!" She announced with pride.

"Ah, I see." Kol took that last figurine from her, inspecting it. "Now, I can't say that I'm familiar with most of those names you listed, but I do know this one. In fact, I went to go see the first skeleton of one ever found in a museum a while back!"

"Wow!" Ainsley gasped. "How big was it?"

"Colossal!" He exclaimed. "I think one could eat you in one bite. Om nom nom!" He reached up and chased Ainsley with the figurine she'd given him.

"Ah no! I don't wanna be eaten!"

"Too bad, love. The T-Rex has other plans."

"Oh." She dropped to the ground and started twitching. "Bleh! I'm dead."

Kol laughed and glanced back at you, grinning wide. "So, now that this one's dead, Y/N, when do I get to see your bedroom?" His tone was perfectly innocent but the expression he wore was anything but. His eyes skimmed over your figure and you realized you were wearing your slightly revealing pajama shorts. You knew you were blushing and he seemed excessively pleased with himself as you struggled to find something to say.

"Hey! I'm not really dead," Ainsley complained. "I was just pretending!"

Kol winked at you and turned back with an incredulous expression. "Really? Oh wow, that was extremely convincing. You should become an actor."

"Maybe I will!" Ainsley grinned, picking herself up off the floor. "Oh, and you can keep that by the way."

"I can keep this?" He affirmed, holding the T-Rex figure. Ainsley nodded. "Thank you! What an honor, lovely. I will cherish this gift for all my days." He stood and ruffled the little girl's hair in a casual gesture, but Ainsley didn't seem to like it very much. She recoiled from his touch like she'd been burned, jumping back and slapping his hand away with a yelp. She drew away from him, wrapping her arms around herself.

"Y-you're cold," She hissed, regarding him with a suddenly distrustful glare.

Kol was quick to back off. His brows drew together and he raised his hands non-threateningly. Confusion swam in his deep brown eyes. "Am I?" He wondered. He held his hand out to you.

You didn't feel anything out of the ordinary. His hands were soft and you supposed they were a little cool, but not cold. Not odd. A thin scar bisected his palm diagonally and you wondered where he'd gotten it. You shook your head. "Ainsley, what's wrong?"

"He's cold!" She insisted. "Don't you feel it?"

You shrugged. "He feels fine to me and Nora seems pretty chill." The toddler was still sitting cozy in Kol's arms, meowing happily. "Maybe you're coming down with something?" You suggested.

She just crossed her arms and huffed, glaring at Kol. You glanced at him and he shrugged, scratching his neck. The atmosphere in that room was incredibly awkward for a solid minute before you cleared your throat.

"Who wants to play a game?" You asked, desperate to clear the tension. One could have cut it with a knife.

Kol raised his hand. "I'm up for it! Ainsley?"

She scowled. "Do I have to?"

You sent her another sharp, forceful smile. "Heck yeah, you do, sunshine."

The little girl lifted a brow in challenge, putting her hands on her hips. "What's in it for me?" She demanded.

"Ah yes, the negotiator," Kol snickered. You sent him a scathing look and he quickly tried to cover his laughter with a cough.

"We can watch a movie after," You decided, turning your attention back to your sister. She hummed and pretended to inspect her fingernails - you were pretty sure she'd seen that on TV somewhere. Annoying as she was, that little brat was going places. "I'll let you pick?" You offered.

She flicked her eyes up to yours. "Emperor's New Groove?"

"Whatever you want," You sighed, rubbing your temple with your good hand. Kol was still trying ridiculously hard not to laugh.

"What about your hand, Y/N?" Ainsley asked, grinning like a satisfied Cheshire cat. "How will you play with us?"

You glanced down at the flaming red and pink marks that crisscrossed your fingers and palm, stretching up to your wrist. They stung and burned on their own, moving just made them worse. You frowned. "I guess I'll just have to watch you guys play."

"Oh, that's too bad." She didn't mean that one bit and you had to lean back against the door frame to keep yourself from throttling her. Ainsley shot you one last devilish smirk before rounding on Kol. "Do you know how to play Gin?"

"As a matter of fact, I do," He said, smiling amusedly. "Is that what you'd like to play?"

She nodded vigorously and swiped a deck of cards off her bedside table. "I'm gonna kick your butt!" She giggled.

"Is that so?" He hummed, shooting you a grin. You sent him a thankful one in return.

Nora sat up against his shoulder. "What about me? I wanna play!" She whined.

"But if course!" Kol exclaimed. "You're going to be on my team and help me beat your sister."

Nora gasped and nodded. "Meow! Meow!" She chirped. Kol chuckled and kissed her forehead lightly.

"There's a sweet little kitten."

"Why don't we go downstairs so you guys can play at the table?" You offered before they got anything started.

"That sounds like an excellent idea," He agreed. You shoved off the door frame and started for the stairs, glancing back to see Kol reach for your sister's hand. "Come on, Ainsley. I won't bite." She hesitantly took it and you turned back before he could see the smile that spread across your face.

Thirty minutes and eight rounds of Gin later and Kol seemed to be regretting his decision to play with your little sister.

"How?!" He demanded after her eighth consecutive win. "How is this possible? How are you rigging the deck when I'm the one shuffling?"

"Told you I was gonna kick your butt," Ainsley said smugly, leaning back in her chair.

"This shouldn't be statistically possible," He muttered. In his lap, Nora stood up and "pawed" at his chest, meowing in pity.

"Statistic probability does not apply when Ainsley desires to win a card game," You supplied, ruffling your sister's hair as you stood.

"It's uncanny," He agreed, nodding. You weren't aware of Kol's eyes lingering on you as you stretched, reaching your arms over your head. Wandering over to the pantry, you opted to search for a snack the four of you could enjoy during the movie.

"Say, Ainsley darling, have you ever played Poker?" Kol asked as soon as your back was turned.

"Kol!" You warned.

"Sorry, darling!" He called back. He lowered his voice to a whisper. "Wanna learn?"

You snorted and spun around on your heel. "Kol Mikaelson, you are not going to teach my little sister to play Poker!" You lectured, trying your best to contain your laughter.

"She'd be a bloody prodigy, love!" He defended. He too was struggling to keep a straight face.

"Uh, huh. A prodigy with a gambling addiction."

"A gambling addiction? With me as her mentor? Inconceivable."

"The image of you mentoring anyone terrifies me to my very core," You deadpanned. "Ainsley, go put something on and if Kol ever tries to teach you anything, run for the hills."

"Got it," She replied, hopping out of her seat and running off towards the living room.

Kol leaned against the counter, folding his arms as he watched you search for some junk food. You selected ice cream - holding the frozen tub felt glorious on your burns. His eyes never left you for a second and the faint smile he wore never faltered. You stood on your toes to reach for some bowls off the top shelf and felt your cheeks burn under his undivided attention. Setting the bowls on the counter, you took a breath in an attempt to settle the butterflies that were using your stomach as a bloody airport. If you turned to face him, you knew you'd lose your ability to speak, so you feigned nonchalance.

"You're staring," You pointed out in hardly more than a whisper.

Kol hummed. "Am I?"

"You are." You nodded, trying to keep your pitch from rising. "What is it back there that's got you so interested?"

You could hear the smirk in his voice. "Definitely not your legs."

His comment lit your cheeks on fire and you buried your face in your hands. Why did he have to be such a cheeky bastard?!

You turned back to face him, biting your lip and crossing your arms over your chest. "You just can't stop yourself from making those sorts of comments, can you?"

Kol grinned. "I don't exactly try," He said.

"Of course, you don't." You sighed, tucking a strand of hair away from your face. "And I assume you just shamelessly flirt with all your friends."

He shrugged. "Pretty much."

"Good policy."

Especially if your intention is to keep this socially awkward bundle of anxiety guessing every second of the day…

You smiled thinly and turned back to start scooping ice cream into the bowls. You gripped the ice cream scoop in your good hand and tried to transfer some of the surgery goodness but only succeeded in pushing the tub around on the counter. The burns on your left hand flared with pain as you absentmindedly attempted to use it and you whimpered, biting your lip to keep from crying. A frustrated growl escaped you as you glared at the frozen treat.

Kol's hand wrapped around yours, gently lifting the scoop from your grasp. "Let me help you out, love," He coaxed. His voice was as soft as snow - the kind you make angels in.

You sighed. "I can scoop ice cream, Kol. I'm not a complete invalid," You insisted.

"I know," Kol hummed. He swept your hair over your shoulder and ran a hand down your arm. His touch felt like lightning across your skin. "But you are in a lot of pain."

You glanced at the burns covering your hand. They stung and seared constantly. "Yeah…"

"Then move over and let me help you," He pressed, leaning on the counter next to you. He stared you down and you tried your best to stay strong but those soft amber eyes drilled into yours and you lost.

"Fine!" You relented, backing off. He smirked and took over.

"So how's the hand holding up?" Kol asked. He paused and cleared his throat. "Still the same or getting-" He cut himself off with another cough. "- getting worse?"

Your brows pulled together and you frowned. "Pretty much the same," You answered. He nodded, coughing into his sleeve a few more times. You blinked, starting to worry. "You good?" Kol sent you a thumbs up but kept on coughing. You reached up to touch his shoulder and he flinched away from you. "Kol?" You moved around to face him but he doubled over, coughing more frantically. You couldn't see his face. Was he in pain? What were you supposed to do?

"I-I'm fine." He waved you off, straightening back up after a moment. His voice was strained and he looked extremely uncomfortable. "I'm alright."

"You don't look fine," You said.

"I-I just…" He trailed off.

"Kol?" He didn't respond.

For a moment, he just stood there, watching you. Kol tilted his head to the side slowly. His brows were furrowed but his eyes were far away and there was something in them. You didn't know exactly what it was, but it made your skin crawl. You didn't like it. He swallowed thickly, wetting his lips. His hands were wrapped around the counter's edge and his knuckles were white. Was he having a seizure or something? What was his problem? He took a shuffling step backward, blinking rapidly.

"KOL!" You snapped your fingers in front of his face and he jumped.

"Yeah? What-what is it?" He shook his head as if trying to clear something away.

You stared at him with wide eyes. "Do I need to call 911?" You demanded, voice rising.

"No." He shook his head. "No, it's just a-a dry throat… I'm fine. I-I can handle it."

Why did he sound like he was trying to convince himself?

You raised a brow. "You sure? 'Cuz I did not pass my CPR class…"

Kol huffed a laugh, smiling wryly though you didn't get the joke. "Yeah, I'm fine. Can we just… Can we open a window or something?"

"Uh, huh… sure." You nodded slowly, giving him a last once over to be safe. You edged over to the window above the kitchen sink and shoved it open. The air outside was freezing from the snowstorm but you could hear Kol's sigh of relief. He muttered something under his breath.

"Heilagt helvíti, ég er of svangur í þetta…"

It was that language again, the same one he'd spoken earlier. You weren't sure how you knew but you were positive of it. The way it rolled off his tongue was too natural to be something learned. It had to be a native language… But wasn't he from England?

You wandered back over to him again, more than a little worried. "You're absolutely positive you're okay?" You asked, placing a gentle hand on his arm.

He nodded and maybe you were reading too much into it but his smile seemed oddly tight, almost forced. "Of course, I am."

You bit your lip, rocking back and forth on your heels for a moment. "Do you want something to drink?" You offered.

His eyes flicked towards you for a split second. He clenched his jaw, nodding. "That would be nice. Thank you." He cleared his throat again, rubbing at his eyes.

You drummed your fingers on the countertop before grabbing a cup from the cabinet and moving to the fridge. You opened it up and glanced over the contents. "So, we got milk, orange juice, grape juice that tastes like wine, grape juice that tastes like grape juice, apple juice that Nora may or may not have attempted to chug out out the bottle, or - the good ole' family favorite - water," You listed. "What do you wanna have?"

You weren't prepared for his response. It was so quiet - hardly a whisper - and you were certain you weren't meant to hear it.

"You."

Your whole body tensed and you blushed like mad.

"W-what was that?" You called over your shoulder. Don't turn around. Don't turn around. Don't turn around.

"I said milk is fine," He spoke up a little louder.

He lies…

Or maybe you were just going insane.

You ran your tongue over your teeth, trying in vain to calm your rapid heart rate. "Okay." You pulled the gallon of milk out of the fridge and kicked the door shut with your foot.

"I'll put this away," Kol said once he was done with the ice cream.

"Thanks." Yeah, your heart rate wasn't slowing down any time soon.

"Not a problem, darling." He brushed past you to tuck the ice cream away.

Once you finished pouring the milk, you turned to pass it to him. "Here's some-" The words got caught in your throat. He was standing a lot closer than you'd expected, watching you with a smirk that set your cheeks on fire. You snapped your mouth shut and just shoved the glass towards him.

"Thank you, darling." Kol took it from you, which was a relief because your hands were trembling so viciously you might have dropped it at any second. He leaned back against the counter, looking as perfect as ever and you dropped your eyes to your feet. "Are you alright, love?"

You shrugged. "Yeah, I'm okay. Why?"

"You seem rather agitated tonight - stressed," He observed.

"Well, I did burn my hand."

Kol frowned. "No, I don't think that's it."

You swallowed, your throat was suddenly as dry as a desert. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that the hottest boy in a one-hundred-mile radius is standing in my kitchen drinking milk. You thought. Perhaps it would be best to tell the truth, he always seemed to know when you were lying.

"I mean, it's just that you're the best friend I've had since kindergarten," You blurted out.

Kol raised a brow. "I am?"

You nodded. "You are. A-and I'm kinda freaking out, because we don't even know each other crazy super well and yet, here you are, at my house, helping me take care of my borderline insane sisters." You let go of a breathy laugh, though it sounded rather forced. "I know you'd probably rather be, like, anyplace else but I didn't have anybody else to call and I just want you to know how grateful I am that you came."

You hadn't realized before that exact moment that you'd never really seen Kol smile. You'd thought you'd seen it, but those glimpses had never been the real thing. When Kol smiled - really smiled - it took your breath away. It was bright and warm, the kind of smile that makes everyone else smile too.

"You don't have to thank me," He claimed with a slight shake of his head. "But I do think I know how you can repay me…"

You crossed your arms over your chest. "And how is that?"

He shrugged. "Say it again."

"Say what again?"

"That I'm your best friend."

"Really?"

He nodded enthusiastically. "I've never been anybody's best friend before."

You rolled your eyes. "I don't believe that for a second. You must have had loads of friends before you moved here."

"Not really, actually. I annoy people."

"Well, you don't annoy me. Most times."

"So that makes me your best friend?" He pressed.

You opened your mouth to say the words he so desperately wanted to hear but someone cut you off.

"WHAT'S TAKING YOU GUYS SO LONG?" Ainsley shouted from the living room.

Kol's response was immediate - premeditated even - as if he'd been waiting for her to say those words. "LEAVE US ALONE! WE'RE MAKING OUT!" He yelled back, grinning like a maniac when Ainsley started gagging obnoxiously.

You smacked your forehead and sighed. "You're gonna get me in so much trouble… and we didn't even do anything!"

"What are friends for?" He shrugged.

"Best friends," You corrected.

"Right." He smirked. Placing a hand on the small of your back, he guided you towards the living room. You stiffened at his touch. Oy vey, you were so obvious, but you couldn't help it! Kol leaned down to your ear as you reached the living room. "Relax, darling. It's just me."

That was the problem.

"Ooh! Ice cream!" Ainsley cheered. Nora, who had been sitting on the floor, looked up from pretending to lick her arm… at least you hoped she was pretending. Both girls hopped up to take the treat.

Kol held the bowls out of their reach. "Ah! What do we say?" He asked.

"Please?" Ainsley begged with her best doe-eyes.

"Very good, darling." He passed her the ice cream. "Nora?"

The little girl reached up. "Gimmie!" She demanded.

Kol glanced at you out of the corner of his eye and you just shrugged. "I don't know where she learned that, but it wasn't me!"

He looked back down at the toddler. "I'm sort of tempted to give it to her, because that's a very assertive attitude."

"And that's bad parenting."

"He's not my dad!" Nora said. "Now gimmie!"

"You have to say please, kitten," Kol insisted.

"Gimmie it please!"

"There it is," He said.

"Now!" She commanded.

"Alright, alright!" He lowered the bowl into her greedy little hands and she squealed in delight. His gaze shifted from the toddler to you and back again. "That one's going places," He announced.

You rolled your eyes. "Tell me about it." You sat down on the couch as Ainsley started the movie and Kol moved to sit beside you. Stretching his arms and legs as he settled in, his arm just so happened to wrap around your shoulders. You smirked.

"Smooth."

"I know." He winked.

About halfway through the movie, the doorbell rang. You had no clue who it could have been as your parents weren't supposed to be back until tomorrow. Both you and Kol got up to answer it and you waved a hand.

"It's okay, I've got it," You said.

"Well I'm coming with you." You shot him a questioning look. He shrugged easily. "There are some serious creeps out there, darling. I just want you to be safe."

“Takes one to know one,” You teased, walking backward towards the door.

“Exactly,” He replied. Then his expression sobered just a little bit under the dim light of your foyer. Kol’s humor was usually arrogant or self-deprecating in one way or another but that expression told you that there was something underneath that. That boy was by no means insecure, but ego and pride aren't the same as self-esteem. His honest opinion of himself wasn’t a positive one. You didn’t like seeing that.

“I don’t know how you do it.” You rolled your eyes, chuckling. Your tone was easy because you’d never been too great with people. You always said the wrong thing when you tried to be genuine, so you favored humor instead. "How can you manage to be so egotistical while also being self-loathing, and yet secretly kind all at the same time? You’re like some wacky combination of Emperor Kuzco and Shrek."

“Oh is that what you think?” He said, shoving your shoulder playfully. Kol scrunched up his face. "I was a perfectly nice guy and they ruined my life for no reason!" He quoted in a perfect imitation of Kuzco's American accent from the movie. That sound made you uncomfortable for some odd reason.

You squirmed a little. “Okay, first that was excellent. Second, never do that again please."

“Aww! Thank you, Y/N/N. It’s always good to be appreciated,” He continued in that American accent.

“Ewww. Staaaahhhp!” You complained with a feigned gag.

“Stop what?” He poked you in the ribs.

You jumped out of his reach, smacking his hand away. "That!"

"I have no clue what you're talking about." He cheekily grinned. Ugh! It was so cute… but the accent was still terrifying.

"That voice!"

"What? Does my impression of a stupid American bother you?" It was even more unsettling when he was insulting Americans while talking like one. He skipped ahead of you, blocking your way to the door and you laughed.

"Yes! It's gross, you're not meant to be American."

"Would you prefer Français?" He asked, switching accents. "May I offer you a baguette? Perhaps a croissant?"

You snorted. "That's worse, and culturally insensitive!" You pointed out.

"Italiano?" He waggled his eyebrows, smirking as he swapped accents again. "Rome is an impressive city."

"Ugh! No!" You cringed. The doorbell rang a second time followed by a few incessant knocks. "I know! I'm coming, keep your pants on!" You called at the door. It was only a few feet away, but Kol was blocking you.

"Wha' 'bout Sco'ish?" The boy swapped again. "Sco'ish is a'plen'y o' fun. When a true bloody Scott gets a'talkin', ya' can't even tell what them's a sayin'. I mean, is moose loose in the hoose or are ya' wantin' to go'in grabb'a bagg'a chips, pal?"

You blinked, completely clueless as to what he'd just said. "What?" You cackled, shaking your head. He spoke so rapidly, and none of his words even sounded like words. "How are you doing that?"

Kol shrugged. "Eh, I've traveled. Picking up accents is a… hobby of sorts,” He said, reverting back to his natural silk-like speech.

You narrowed your eyes, quirking a brow. "Kol?"

He hummed, tilting his head innocently. "Yes?"

"Are you stalling?"

"Nah...'Course not." His smile thinned almost invisibly.

"Cool. Now, will you let me get to the door please?" You asked, crossing your arms.

Kol swept his tongue over his lower lip, watching you for just a moment. His expression was something soft with a twinge of fear - or at least you thought that’s what you saw, He replaced it with a smirk before you had a chance to remember it. “As you wish,” He muttered, finally moving out of your way.

“Thanks,” You said as you moved past him. You couldn't see why he was trying to stall you. Maybe this was a byproduct of having lived in such big cities as he had. Crime rates were high in places like London, Moscow, Paris, or New Orleans. You'd never had to worry about that, nothing bad ever happened in Mystic Falls. You found it sort of sweet that he was so worried though, standing directly behind you like a bodyguard as you looked through the window at who was outside. You smiled. "You can relax, man. It's just Matt."

Yet, he didn't relax. When you twisted the knob, Kol quickly wound his arm around your waist, swiftly pulling you into his side. You blushed furiously, cracking the door open just slightly to keep the warmth inside. The snowstorm had gotten significantly worse.

Matt Donovan stood on the doorstep, hands shoved in his pockets against the cold as he shivered. He didn't have the money to afford a good coat to keep him warm, but he smiled at you with more warmth than anyone else in town ever had - aside from Kol of course. He was friendly but the two of you just weren't close. The blond had only ever been your friend out of proximity. In a town as small as Mystic Falls, it's a little hard not to get to know your neighbors from across the street.

"Hey, Y/N!" His teeth were chattering violently.

"Hey, Matt! Move it or lose it 'cuz I'm closing this door," You stated dryly. Opening the front door just wide enough for him to slip inside, you slammed it shut again as soon as he was in the clear. Kol's grip on your waist tightened as Matt stepped over the threshold and you bit your lip, pretending not to notice.

“Oh, hallelujah, it’s warm in here!” The blond-haired quarterback relaxed almost immediately once inside, closing his eyes and sighing. "You're an actual angel, Y/N/N," He said.

"Naturally, but what's the reason this time?" You smirked.

He groaned. "My payment was late by one day and the electric company shut my heat off."

You hissed in genuine sympathy. "Geez, sorry dude. That sucks."

"Tell me about it," He huffed. Matt opened his eyes and smiled at you. Then his gaze shifted to Kol and he startled, taking a step back as his eyes flew wide. "What the- Kol?" He sputtered.

Kol waved. "Hey there, mate."

Matt's face drained of color and you blinked, glancing between them. Weird.

"Y/N, what's he doing here?" Matt questioned. His tone was icier than the storm outside.

"Indentured servitude," Kol replied easily. You huffed a laugh.

"I lured him here under false pretenses and roped into doing my bidding," You explained, smirking. "Why?"

Matt's eyes remained glued to Kol. "No reason." Yeah, there was definitely a reason all right. A tense silence lingered in the air for a moment.

"So… Did you need something, Matty?" You wondered, rocking back and forth on your heels.

He blinked and shifted his attention back to you. "Yeah, no, um… yeah." He shrugged, gesturing vaguely. "I was just wondering if I could borrow your, uh, phone charger. Mine kinda… broke."

"Of course!" You chirped. "I'll go get it while you wait here, yeah?"

"Yeah." Matt's eyes drifted back to Kol as you were speaking. You glanced back at Kol but his expression was carefully, perfectly, unreadable. What was that about?

"Okay… Right."

Kol's arm around your waist was rigid but you tapped his hand twice and he let go. His fingers traced along your back as you moved away, pressing firmly into your skin. His hands were still cool.

You tried to shake the odd behavior off but couldn't help listening in on their conversation as you climbed the stairs.

"Speaking of things that break, how's the hand doing?" Kol asked casually. "I heard that was quite the injury you had a while back. Multiple contusions, eh? Nasty business that. Especially for a… quarterback was it?"

"Nah, I'm fine." Matt waved his hand, though his voice was oddly tense. "It wasn't as bad as it looked. Actually, I'm more interested in Y/N's hand. What happened there?"

Kol laughed, but you knew it wasn't genuine. "Ah, yes. That was a little misadventure in the noble profession that is baking, believe it or not."

"Wow, that's crazy," Matt said flatly. 'Yeah, I-I don't believe it."

"Don't you?"

"Nah."

Satisfied that their conversation seemed somewhat normal - aside from the obviously forced civility of it - you ducked into your room and retrieved your extra phone charger. You also grabbed a blanket from your hall closet because you knew Matt didn't have enough. Then you went back down the stairs.

Your two friends were right where you'd left them. Matt was glaring daggers and Kol's smile looked a bit more like a jaguar bearing its teeth than it did an actual human expression of happiness. The animosity simmering between them was thick enough to warrant a Dr. Suess book.

"Here ya' go, Matty," You said, dropping the items into his arms. "Phone charger and a blanket because Virginia law is stupid!"

There was relief that he didn't want to show when he smiled at you. "No, no. Y/N you don't have to give me this, just the charger is more than enough."

"Well, you might as well save your breath 'cuz I'm not taking it back." You smirked.

"You're a lifesaver." He chuckled.

You winked. "I know."

He sent you a grateful smile, but it didn't reach his eyes. "Well, uh, thanks. Have a - have a nice night."

"We will," Kol chimed in.

You almost missed the scowl that flickered across Matt's face, it was there for a second and gone the next. Then he turned and opened the door. You held it open as he stepped out, Kol trailing your steps like a shadow. His arm wound itself securely around your waist again, squeezing lightly for a moment. The gentle pressure made you dizzy, but it was gone just as quickly - you must have imagined it.

"I guess I'll see you later," Matt said with a small wave. You flashed him a smile.

"See ya." You expected him to just go, and he moved to leave, but he stopped. Just as you were closing the door.

"Y/N!" He called out at the last second.

You cracked the door open just enough to enable conversation. Kol's fingertips pressed in at your waist just slightly more - almost possessively… but that was just ridiculous. Right? You shook the thought away.

"Yeah?"

The blond's eyes flicked to Kol one last time before landing on yours. There was something in them, it was desperate but reserved. Like there was something he was begging you to understand. But he didn't tell you what it was. He just said:

"Stay safe."

You nodded. "O'course."

Then he turned his collar up against the wind and stalked away through the snow. You thought you saw him shake his head as you closed the door. How odd.

You hadn't realized you were holding your breath until the door clicked shut and you released it, leaning your head against the wood.

"That was so weird," You mused, just trying to make sense of it. "What's his problem, am I right?" You huffed breathily. Kol just shrugged.

"I haven't the faintest," He replied, shaking his head. "Vicious small town paranoia perhaps?"

"Maybe, I guess." You shook your head, baffled. "But Matt's usually just nice to everyone." You stood there, worrying your lip as you tried to puzzle it out to no avail. Your friend pulled you away from the door and your thoughts a moment later.

"Really?" Kol's arm around your waist dropped lower, his hand resting like a ghost's on your hip as he accompanied you back towards the living room. "That's the strangest thing. He's always just seemed to hate me. I don't even know what I did!"

"Huh. Weird." You gave up on trying to figure it out and shrugged. Returning to your place on the couch to continue the movie, Kol once again took up the spot next to you but he didn't let go. He leaned back and took you with him, holding you close as he guided you to lay across his chest. You were hesitant to curl up with him. What if you were misinterpreting this? Your fears were quickly swept away, however, when you felt him tug your body closer.

"What are you, a stiff?" He chuckled, tucking your head under his chin. "I want you to lay down, love. Now, come here." He dragged you closer and this time you went with him, letting yourself get comfortable. Kol pressed a sweet kiss to the crown of your hair and you shivered.

Holy crap, this was a cuddle.

Kol was cuddling you.

Your cheeks flared unreasonably warm and you prayed for him not to notice your heart racing faster than a rabbit's. He probably would, you could certainly feel it.

"What's this for?" You wondered, trying not to let your voice tremble. You thought you did rather well.

"Mmm. You're warm," Kol mumbled into your hair blissfully, curling himself around you a little.

"Well I have other blankets, you know," You pointed out, snickering. The boy's hand found your good one and tangled your fingers together.

"True," He acknowledged. "But none of them would be near as effective."

"How do you figure?"

He shrugged a little, rubbing circles into the back of your hand with his thumb. "Well, the average human's standard body temperature is ninety-eight degrees and there's two of us. Add that together and that makes one hundred and ninety-six degrees. Simple!"

You snorted. "Yeah, well I'm ninety-eight percent sure that's not how that works."

"Of course that's how it works!" He scoffed.

"You guys are gross," Ainsley muttered, shaking her head.

"Meow, meow!" Nora climbed up onto Kol's lap and curled up into a little ball, clearly not at all bothered.

"Plus a cat," Kol added. "That makes two hundred and ninety-four degrees."

"You're full of it," You sighed.

"Oh absolutely."

By the time the movie was over, Nora was fast asleep and Ainsley was well on her way there. Kol, you were pretty sure, was two and a half sheets to the wind himself and, if you were being completely honest, you too could feel the figurative wall approaching fast. Yet, you didn't want to move. You were beyond comfortable just where you were. Too bad your absolutely platonic cuddle puddle couldn’t last.

You knew this crush on him was stupid. You knew that.

You weren't a fool. Kol was your closest friend and you knew his reputation better than anyone. The boy was a troublemaker and a notorious flirt - a well-warranted reputation. The number of girls you knew he'd slept with was too high to count, not to mention all the others you had no clue about because you weren't exactly what one might call in the loop. Sure, all those other girls were complete sluts anyway, but that wasn't the point.

The point was, that wasn't you.

You may have been a nobody, but at least you had no delusions about becoming something more - someone popular. You didn't want attention and you didn't need it. Especially not from a hundred or so underage wannabes with self-esteem issues. No thanks!

You weren't going to throw your dignity away just because Kol or any other boy wanted something. You were worth more than that and you knew it. You weren’t going to lower your boundaries for anyone and you knew Kol knew that already.

So why did he put up with you at all?

See, that was the question that had you doubting. You meant nothing to anyone. No one would care if he screwed you over - doing so wouldn't bring him any sort of sick praise or status, though he didn’t seem to crave those things like every other high schooler did. So why make the effort to talk to you? Why would he go out of his way to help you tonight if he didn't care at least a little bit?

This was all so confusing. You didn't want to think about it anymore.

"Look at that, bedtime," You announced quietly. Kol stirred underneath you and you sat up, raising a brow as he rubbed at his eyes.

"I wasn't sleeping," He claimed, jabbing a finger at you.

You snickered. "Yeah, yeah… just resting your eyes, right?"

"Exactly." He grinned. You rolled your eyes and detangled yourself from the boy's arms, much to his disappointment.

"You know who's not resting her eyes though…" You trailed off, tapping Ainsley on the shoulder. She slapped your hand away drowsily.

"Iss' not bedtime… I’m-I'm not tired," She protested, slurring.

"Liar." You smirked. "Come on, you gotta get up so you can go to bed."

"I'll sleep here," She argued.

"No, you'll sleep in your bed."

"Too late."

You grimaced and Kol spoke up from behind you, tapping Ainsley's leg.

"Come now, love," He urged. "Don't make me carry you."

She shook her head. "You can't carry me, I'm a big girl."

"I can and I will," He warned.

You sighed. "Kol, don't. You'll hurt yourself."

"Oh, how wrong you are, darling," He whispered into your ear. You blinked, startled by his sudden proximity.

He settled his hand on your back and rubbed a few comforting circles before slowly, experimentally, sliding it lower. His fingertips danced along your spine, down to the base where he stopped.

Kol lifted his hand away and adjusted his grip on Nora who he had already scooped up. Holding her in one arm, he bent down and used his shoulder to hoist Ainsley up too. She naturally wrapped her arms and legs around him like a little Koala so that probably made things easier. Though it made it no less surprising to you as he began climbing the stairs a minute later with little to no effort. Together, Ainsley and Nora must have weighed about a hundred pounds and Kol wasn’t an athlete as far as you knew. So where the hell was he pulling that kind of strength from? You shut your gaping mouth and followed after them.

You arrived on the second floor just in time to watch Kol tuck Ainsley into her bed, covering her with a few extra blankets in light of the winter storm. Nora hadn't woken despite being moved and she was quickly tucked in a well.

"Meow, meow," She mumbled.

You offered Kol a smile from your position in the hallway and he just rolled his eyes, turning out their lights as he shut their bedroom door.

"That was adorable," You voiced under your breath.

"I bet," He hummed. "Your turn, darling. Let's go fix that hand."

You groaned. You'd been dreading this the whole night. What if treating your burns made them hurt worse? Wouldn't they just go away on their own after a while?

"What if I changed my mind about that?" You tried, lamely attempting to hide your burned mess of a hand behind your back.

He shot you a very pointed smile. "Not an option, sweet thing. Now, where do you keep your first aid kit?"

"My bathroom," You sighed, pointing.

"Thank you." He placed his hands on your shoulders and pushed you along though you didn't exactly fight him. You just complained more than anything.

"My body, my choice right?" You huffed, walking through your bedroom doorway and immediately turning to enter the bathroom.

"In any other scenario, absolutely." The boy smirked, closing the door. "Unfortunately this is not any other scenario and you will take care of your body even if I have to do it for you."

You huffed and rolled your eyes. Using your good hand, you hoisted yourself up to sit on the counter. "This is gonna hurt, isn't it?" You asked wearily, watching him search for the first aid kit.

"Just a little bit," He assured, pulling the kit out of the towel closet. He opened it up and started rummaging through the thing.

“You lie.” You deadpanned.

“Indeed,” He hissed, offering you a sympathetic smile. “Just trying to ease your nerves, love.”

"I think this is a violation," You grumbled.

“Well, in that case, shame on me," He replied cheerfully. The boy grabbed a spray of some kind out of the kit and held it in one hand, offering the other to you. "Might want to hold onto something for this next bit."

You were in no way prepared for the pain that came next. Kol sprayed the chemical solution on your arm and you bit back a scream. The burns stung. Your eyes welled with tears and you kicked your legs out, nearly crushing the poor guy's hand in your grip. He tried his best to keep you calm, muttering encouragement the whole time while you verged on hysteria.

"Kol? Kol, that hurts! Please don't do that, it hurts!" You hated letting anyone see you cry, but this was the most pain you'd endured in years. "Kol, please? Please, it hurts so bad. Just stop. Kol please stop!" You sobbed quietly.

From the expression on your friend's face, you would have thought that hearing your pleas hurt him as much as your burns hurt you. He looked guiltier than you'd ever felt.

"Shhhhhh, shhhhhh. Darling, it's alright," He soothed. "I'm almost done. Just a few more seconds, love. You're doing so well." His voice was shaking. You blinked away tears but they seemed incessant on falling. "There, that part's finished," He breathed what felt like an eternity later.

You choked down another sob and focused on your breathing. The scorching sting in your arm began to fade bit by bit as Kol pulled out bottles of aloe and antibiotics. He sighed deeply, unable to meet your eyes.

"I'm just trying to help you," He said quietly. "I'm sorry I caused you so much pain."

You nodded, slightly more rational now. "If not you then it would have been someone else later and that probably would have hurt worse," You reasoned. Your smile was tight but genuine. "I'm kinda glad it was you. I probably would have Spartan kicked anyone else."

"I'm honored," He snickered. Kol grew quiet as he shifted his attention to gently applying the aloe and antibiotic onto each of the burn marks. He was very careful and extraordinarily gentle as he wrapped the area in bandages.

"Where'd you learn how to do this?" You wondered, watching him with fascination.

The boy smirked, shrugging. "I was a dumb kid," He admitted. "Got hurt a lot." He secured the outermost layer with a few hooks and sighed. "There, almost as beautiful as you."

You rolled your eyes. "Kol Mikaelson, are you flirting with me or yourself?" You demanded, feeling uncharacteristically bold.

"Definitely you." The boy's lips twitched up into a crooked smile, as he leaned against the counter next to you. “I have been for quite awhile. Would’ve thought you’d notice.”

You blushed, bowing your head to avoid his amber eyes. "Believe me, I’ve noticed…” You hesitated, forcing a laugh. “I’ve watched you flirt with everyone."

"I know; yet, no matter what I try, I just keep on running back to you. It’s the strangest thing. Anyone else and I’ve never looked back or looked twice. But when it’s you, I can’t seem to stop myself… and I don’t think I want to.”

Your lips pressed into a thin line and you shook your head. “Kol, d-don’t do that. Please? Don’t make me sound like… like…”

He tilted his head. “Like what?”

“Like…I-I don’t know! Like something I’m not!” You scowled.

“Like special?”

You froze. Suddenly you didn't feel so bold anymore. He was so close to you, hardly an inch away. Your throat felt too dry to talk.

“Yeah.” You looked up, nodding. “I don’t like liars, I-I can’t stand a liar, Kol. So just-just stop, okay? This here, w-what you’re doing right now, it-it isn’t funny.”

The boy frowned. “No, darling, I’m not-”

“Not what?” You interrupted. “Not trying to chat me up? Make me feel all special just because my parents aren’t home and you think that means I’ll make some sort of exception for you? Well, the answer is no. I guess this is what I get for choosing the wrong friends.” You tried to hop off the counter, but Kol stepped closer to you, positioning himself to stand between your legs.

“That’s not what this is,” He said. Kol leaned closer, resting his hands atop the counter on either side of you. “Darling, I’m not trying to hurt you.”

You rolled your eyes, trying to fight off the blush invading your cheeks. “Right. As if there’s any other reason someone like you would ever acknowlage someone like me. I’ve never qualified as special in my entire life.”

"I don't think that's true," He murmured, sweeping your hair over to one shoulder. "I tend to avoid ordinary people."

"Then why are you here?" You demanded in a dry, derelict whisper.

His brows pulled together and he frowned slightly, but it wasn't directed at you. "There's… a lot of reasons, I think," He said. "I-I'm not all that good at telling the truth, especially when that truth envolves… well… me. But-" His voice trailed off and he swallowed thickly, seeming almost pained.

"What?"

His lips twitched up into a nervous smile as he glanced away. “You mean more to me than anyone else becasue when I’m around you I don’t feel alone. I feel at peace. My world has been crashing down around me for as long as I can remember and I’ve always been running, or hiding, or fighting for my life. But when I’m around you and you’re happy, you-you smile at me and I can pretend that-that I’m normal and that everything’s alright.” He bowed his head, smiling thinly. “I’ve always hated depending on anyone for anything, but when I’m holding you, things calm down. Its quiet wherever you are and I can just live in that moment, where the only thing you ask of me is the very thing I want.” Kol looked up at you through his lashes and you could never resist those soft amber eyes. “Why would I seek the company of anyone else when I know you’re the only one who’s ever sought mine? Darling, it’s not your body that I want… well, it is but-” He cut himself off with a sigh and a slight laugh. “What I’m trying to say is, I want you. I want you because you’re my best friend and I want more.”

You blinked. You hadn't been prepared for a full blown confession… and that one didn't sound very platonic. He had you trapped between his arms and you couldn't run even if you wanted to. But why would you? You would never run from him.

You bit your lip, there was no going back to anything if you asked what your heart wanted to know. "So, y-you really like me? As, you know, more than a friend?" Your command of the English language was legendary.

Kol grinned. "What more would you have me do? Propose?" He laughed. "Or would you prefer I just make out with you right this very second?"

Blushing deeply, you cleared your throat and twisted your fingers together nervously. "It's not my fault… I mean, when you're a senior in highschool who's never been asked on a date, you learn to ignore anything that might be considered a hint," You admitted. "'Cuz it just never is."

"I see…" His voice trailed off. Kol paused for a moment and you felt your cheeks color as his eyes skimmed down your figure. He made a slight movement towards you but stopped and met your eyes. "May I?" He asked in a much softer tone. The playful gleam you usually found in his eyes was replaced by something much softer. It was soft like cotton; yet there was something hungry there too.

"What?" Your voice was hardly more than a whisper.

"May I touch you?" He clarified.

Maybe he was lying. Maybe he only wanted you for your body. Maybe he would throw you away once he realized you wouldn't give in to him like any other girl. Maybe he just wanted to use you.

But if any of that were true, he wouldn't have been there for you when you needed him.

You smiled softly. "Yeah." He smiled.

Keeping his eyes on your face to watch for the first sign of your discomfort, he settled his hands on your waist. When he moved them, he did so slowly - achingly slowly - smoothing them tentatively, hesitantly, over your hips then lower to your bare upper thighs. You should have worn longer shorts, but you didn't object. You didn't do anything. You didn't know what to do.

Your heart was racing and you couldn't breathe properly.

"Do you like that?" He hummed. His lips were at your ear and you were hyper-focused on him but your brain refused to believe it.

In one swift movement, he dragged you in close - dizzyingly close - pulling you into his chest. The boy leaned down and rested his head on your shoulder, nudging his nose against your throat lightly, almost teasingly but you got the feeling that there was more to it than that. His touch felt like snow before the cold sinks in. The pressure of his fingers on your skin set your senses on fire as Kol squeezed your thighs in a gentle, precise grip. Your eyes fluttered closed. He traced his hands over your sides - up and then back down - and then Kol squeezed again. The boy's fingertips dug into the flesh of your thighs and you couldn't help the soft moan that escaped your lips. His touch felt… good. Like aloe on a burn. Yet, addicting like the rush of adrenaline.

You nodded. "Is this real?"

His grip on your thighs tightened and he leaned in closer, skimming his lips over your throat. "Exactly how obvious do I have to make my intentions before you believe them to be genuine?" He whispered, almost pained.

"Pretty freaking obvious, apparently," You laughed.

Then you felt it - a tiny feather-like pressure, soft and sweet against your pulse. Your breath hitched and Kol pressed his lips against your throat again - his kiss was sweeter than candy and you wanted more. You shivered and felt his lips twist into a smirk at your reaction. His nose nudged at your throat he took a deep breath, humming contentedly as he pushed a stray lock of hair out of your face.

He pulled back and captured your lips in a soft, adoring kiss. His hand slipped beneath your shirt, setting fire to your skin though his hands seemed colder than they had been a few hours ago - almost unnaturally cold. Kol broke away from your lips, smiling blissfully for a moment. When he came back again, he slid his tongue along your lower lip, asking sweetly. You granted him his request and holy criminy that boy was an insanely good kisser. Every time you flinched at something he did, he would squeeze your waist tenderly, reassuring you that he would never hurt you.

He didn't stop. With each kiss, the boy's lips lingered on your neck, savoring the sensation. "You, darling, smell divine," Kol whispered the words between kisses as though they were something he wasn't meant to tell you. After a few more sweet pecks, Kol opened his mouth and kissed you a little harder. The boy moaned a little and his mouth moved against your neck, harsher, needier. He tugged on your waist, drawing you deliciously against him and you couldn't help but gasp when you felt the tentative sweep of that boy's tongue glide along your skin. Kol shuddered and clinched your thighs; you took it he liked what he tasted.

Never.

"How's that for a hint?" He asked smugly.

"Pretty good," You laughed, taking a moment to catch your breath. Kol pressed a kiss to your temple and pulled away. "Wait-"

"Nora's crying," He informed you.

Your face fell.

"Of course she is."

Tagging: @yn-ymn-yln @r13mar @rootbeerfaygo @iiskittles16ii @fandomrulesall-blog @dark-night-sky-99 @railingsofsorrow @apolloroid @thatweirdoleigh @misswe03 @eat-cake @felinegrate Hey, if your name isn't on here and you requested to be tagged, send me a DM to let me know! Tumblr wouldn't let me tag some people and I'm really sorry about that...

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thesoulesscollection · 9 days

Text

Under The Sun (Thsc Fic)

I've been wanting to write something for my dear Oc, Choc but I never got the chance to until now. Here I wanted to expand on him as a character while exploring his relationships. This one-shot revolved his interactions with Mr. Macbeth. Hope everyone enjoys reading this. It came out better than I thought.

Combat boots hit the dirt ground with a thud and the heat waves of a summer day sends him to a slight stumble.

“Careful there, big guy” Soon in his tired haze stricken with a mild case of a heatstroke, he hears a chipper voice lull him out. “You don't want to trip over your two left feet and get a face full of the dirt below, would you?”

Macbeth switches his drowsy attention from straight ahead over to the source. Naturally loud, booming and smooth. Sure knows how to captivate someone in one shameless easy going swoop. Intensely scolding heat rises in his broad chest up to his face with his ears getting the brunt of it, turning a bright scarlet red. He coughs in his hand then uses it after to brush aside the beads of collected sweat from his bare head.

“It'll be very embarrassing for you, won't it?”

It would indeed be quite the harsh fall. As the ground below was a good foot distance from where he stood on the train and it's made out from rough dirt and jagged rocks. All it would take is one single awkward misstep on those steep metal stairs to ensure Macbeth let the earth swallow him up.

Alone he handled it well as he went to dust off the grime, ignoring the blistering pain that surfaced around his likely scratched face and trudge along as if it's nothing. However that wasn't the case here and now. If it happened in front of another soul, anyone else, he likely would be a little flustered, yes on the matter as he aggressively swore them to secrecy.

This he couldn't hide from. Not so easily. The other man at his side was built differently, he is eagle eyed and observant. Ready to pick on the details and tear them apart.

“Need to hold my hand to steady yourself for a sec?” He's reluctant. A hand, bandaged, is held out to him waiting for his response. Eyes flicker between the hand to the ground then back, trailing up the arm. Once the bandages stop at the elbow he notices the bare skin is a distinct charcoal color with the faint veins a light gold color. It wasn't any of his business to begin with but Macbeth had been worried about that fact with his oldest friend. The thin material protected him from serious damage, and he should know however there came the underlying fear it won't be enough. He wasn't the only one in the clan who shared a similar intuition when it came to that fact despite the man generally being a goofy guy nobody can sincerely hate.

Why would they?

“I'm all set here” Respectfully he kept his drooping gaze set firmly to the ground, afraid it may trail further to somewhere he couldn't explain. “Thank you though”

“Ain't going to kill you”

Where the hand pulls away, Macbeth drags a stilted breath. Awkward tension could be cut down by a dull knife. The hand returns again with a vengeance, grabs onto his wrist to the point it begins to hurt. Yet he didn't make an attempt in tugging free.

“Look at me” It orders him, firm, no room for an argument. Although it wasn't like Macbeth would've won anyways. He listens, steadies his slumped posture and looks up. “Good boy. I hope you do know I'm looking out for you as a friend” The unintentional pet name spoken in a whisper doesn't go unnoticed by him. Warmth uncomfortably settled in his gut.

What he sees staring back at him does him no favors. Golden eyes with hints of vibrant orange and reds swirling together are locked onto his dull gray. As if staring at the blazing sun up in the sky up close and personal that left Macbeth in awe, he couldn't look away from. Until it burns a gaping hole into his soul.

“I know, Choc. I know”

A part of him nuzzled deep in his own psyche suddenly feels very inadequate compared to his friend. Where he wasn't anything special to look twice at, really, described to be dull, too rashly hot headed acting before thought and he wasn't necessarily good with either his words or feelings. Classic socially inept, cold shut in.

Then came along Choc, a social butterfly able to light up the mood who back in the day was considered conventionally attractive, had people draping off his every word. Still was in Macbeth's eyes, only in a different way, even when long years amongst fraught sickness clearly wore down his friend. As he can look past the plentiful amount of gruesome scars on the man, across his sun kissed face, past his gold row of sharp teeth, and his unnatural skinny body, it just adds on to ruggish charm. Macbeth then scanned him from head to toe, at one time there were firm muscles laid ever so nicely on the man that had melted away to skin and bones over the years.

“Then you should know better, right?” Choc responds in an even tone and Macbeth feels worse. He isn't intending to worry him. This isn't what he meant to do.

“Don't need you guilting me, I know”

“I'm not. You of all people should know that. As your closest friend. I can worry”

Today was a stressful day as it is, being the train conductor holding both all the Toppats’ most prized possessions and the majority of their members. It was his assigned priority to travel back and forth from one port to another for the clan. So he's built to stay set on a tight schedule that he held high expectations and standards which he's behind on. However he is thankful they got to one small port despite the delay in a reasonable time frame. So he doesn't need this right now.

Really, didn't need it as Choc's hands cupped his tentatively in utmost care and led the way.

“Don't get time in the world for this, y’know that right?” Half-heartedly Macbeth pleads, from his free hand, fingers pinch the bridge of his flat nose, his gruff voice gains an octave then he dryly swallows.

A chuckle bursts out of Choc, shrugging, with a twinkle in his eyes, walking a few feet from the train through a path of bushes, “Dontcha worry. I do think we can squeeze in a couple minutes and relax, yes?” Choc lazily went to suggest though they knew it wasn't a choice, more an order.

“The others won't like it. The chief surely won't”

“They'll survive,” Choc scoffs, a hint of hidden agitation seeps in. “Maybe not the chief in his haughtiness with that gloriously pretentious stick shoved so far up his ass”

“Choc”

Soon the man in question stops in his tracks in front two trees, looking behind his shoulder at Macbeth, an unreadable expression on his face until he softens and discreetly rolls his eyes. “It's true, isn't it? Someone's gonna get real tired of it soon and do something about that”

Nobody should ever be brazen to detest the chief, his diligent reign brought the clan to new heights they haven't seen in a while, at least Macbeth thought so.

“He's under a lot of pressure” Macbeth adds in defense to the chief's name.

“Shouldn't be having the title and power then if he can't handle it. The cracks under the so called pressure is starting to reveal itself”

While Macbeth squirms, swaying on one foot to the other, Choc walks to a tree, presses a hand on the bark, lowering carefully to the ground. Macbeth manages to take a spare glance around, he notices they were alone, together at the train's head, and not a thing or person is there to interfere.

Woods surrounded them, as naturally thickly settled and so the colorfully painted autumn leaves above provide a decent amount of shade for whoever rests below.

“At least in my opinion. Though let's not talk now on it. We're here to relax”

Still holding hands it was until Choc let go Macbeth missed the soothingly comforting contact. What he would do to touch them again, worse is he wanted a better feel, and so the familiar overbearing sensation returns in his gut.

“For a few minutes, okay” Once he finds his voice Macbeth speaks, “And I have to leave. Get back to work”

“Sure. Sure, workaholic you. Beats me for wanting what's best” Leaned up against the tree Choc lightly jokes, scoots off to the side giving his friend room to sit. So with a grunt, he plops on the dirt next to the man, his hat laid off to the sideline.

“Hmm”

Macbeth hums, head back laying on the itchy wood behind him, eyes clamped shut, thin lips pursed with his large, calloused hands folded on his chest, and legs stretched out.

Relaxation never came to him. An unheard-of after thought. Yet this time around somehow it was different. There's a cool breeze nipping his cheeks, so having someone's presence for example, Choc's sets him at ease. Maybe it was the stress doing this, or all the pent up tension building inside kicking the wind out of his lungs.

He didn't know how long it was sitting there until he snapped awake covered in a cold sweat. A tingling itch burns underneath his skin near his heart. Reassured immediately when beside him Choc remained, sat cross legged, hands at his side, and staring up at the sky, and he didn't miss how peaceful his friend looked right now.

Rather he was mesmerized by the sight. The way the sun hits in all the right angles Choc shines a radiant glow. Once again the eyes are what took the cake, so captivating he is immersed and can't look away. At one point he opens his mouth but shuts it.

Then he catches the hand grazing across his own; he may or may not have deliberately put them aside. Long, boney fingers wrapped in tinted gauze barely touch his thick, stubby digits. Even with the bandages on, they were so elegant compared to his that's missing a few.

Temptation struck him.

Slowly inching towards the man's hands he hopes isn't too noticeable. Macbeth wasn't the type to ask for much anyways. A simple man with the most basic needs and the way Choc feels under his touch is addictive. What was a need turned to a strong craving unable to be explained in words. Hand holding won't do, he imagined his curious touch traveling up the man's arm to his chest, and down his waist.

How big his hands would be wrapped around the man, so slender, waist nicely cinched in by the corset vest. Push the sweet jester to the dirt ground, not caring if they got messy in the process as they return to the station.

“Whatcha starin’ at?”

Macbeth is startled out by his daydreams and snaps his attention to the man who returned an odd look at him.

“Caught you staring” Tilting his head in to a certain degree that's not known possible to a man Choc merely laughs, “Handsome, I get it”

A hefty shove amongst his friend's laughter later, Macbeth coldly replies, “Wasn't directed at you so don't get your head aired up, pal”

Can't help to watch the shit eating grin falter while the wrapped up hand inches away.

“Sure. You say that like you believe it's true as fact” Choc's smile returned just as quick, all knowing yet kept silent.

“Watch it before I wipe the smugness off you”

“Oooh I'm so scared”

Shambling back on his feet, Macbeth knew his time was up, hearing faint voices coming in the distance. In the corner of his eyes was Choc, usually teasingly persistent, resigned himself. Macbeth suddenly felt bad as he had to leave, turning around with the words on his tongue, however it died as Choc lazily waves him off.

“Took enough of your time. I'll see you later”

Nodding Macbeth, stiff, shambles on the trail to the train, turning his head slightly watching the figure disappear from his sight.

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vodika-vibes · 6 months

Note

Hi,

I’d like to request another fic from seeking out physical affection prompt with hesitant Darman. Hesitant Darman is so sweet and sexy.

draping the arm around their shoulder while sitting next to each other.

I know you’re busy so if you don’t have time I’ll understand. 😊

Thank you. 💕

Hesitant Crushes

Summary: Darman has a crush on you, but isn't sure how to make his move.

Pairing: Darman Skirata x Reader

Word Count: 600

Warnings: None

Divider by Saradika

It should be easy.

It should be.

You’re not mean or cruel or anything of the sort. So it would be a simple thing to just…walk up to you and ask you on a date. Or to bring you a caf. Or to even have a single, fucking, conversation with you.

But nooo.

Somehow, apparently, you’re more terrifying than the entirety of the Seppie army.

His brothers think it’s both pathetic, and hilarious.

Luckily, they’re not there. Luckily they’re away on a mission, so they can’t see just how pathetic he’s being right now.

You smile at him, “How are you feeling, Darman?” You ask. And, stars, he could listen to you say his name for hours. Gods, he’s so pathetic.

“Fine.”

“No nausea, headache?”

“Nope. Totally fine.”

“Okay, good. I’m glad.” Your smile is stunning, your best feature in his opinion. “I was worried about you.”

“That’s really not necessary, ma’am.” He replies, his gaze locked on your face, “I’m tough enough that a simple concussion won’t take me down.”

You laugh and his heart starts doing backflips. “Be that as it may,” You say, once your laughter has calmed, “I still worry when you get hurt.”

“Well, I’m sorry for worrying you, then.”

You shake your head, “It’s fine. At least I get you for company while everyone else is away.”

Wait. That’s…that’s flirting, isn’t it? Maybe? Or maybe he’s just reading too much into it. “I’m happy to keep you company,” Darman offers hesitantly, and you favor him with a blinding smile.

“Well, then maybe we can watch a holo together?” You offer, “There’s a couch in my office, that way I can keep an eye on you if your concussion gets worse.”

“That sounds great.” He hopes to his feet, “Lead the way.”

Darman follows you into your office, and sits on the couch while you get the holo ready. And then you drop on the couch next to him, and press yourself right against his side, “There. It’s a silly romcom, but it’s one of my favorites.”

“I’m sure it’s great,” He replies awkwardly.

You grin up at him, and start the holo. And then you lean against him, and you smoothly tug his arm over your shoulder, and you press yourself against his side. “There. Isn’t this better?”

“Uh…yeah.” Darman’s mouth is dry, and he very hesitantly tightens his hold around you, and when you don’t pull away, and instead cuddle closer, he realizes that it was the right choice.

“I’m not making you uncomfortable, am I?” You ask as the movie starts playing.

“No.” Darman replies immediately, “I just…I don’t want to misunderstand.” He says slowly, “You just like hugs?”

“No, not really.” You reply cheerfully.

“I don’t-”

“I want you to touch me. I want to be closer to you.” You explain bluntly.

“...what.”

You sigh, “I want to be in a relationship with you.” You say slowly, “I want to kiss you and hug you and be naked in your bed.”

Darman’s jaw drops, “Oh.”

“Are you not interested?” You ask, worriedly.

“I did not say that.” He replies immediately.

“So you are interested?”

“Yes. Absolutely. And if I wasn’t recovering from a damned concussion I’d say let’s jump to item three on that checklist.” Darman says quickly.

You laugh and lean up and kiss his cheek. “How about,” You offer, “We put this conversation on hold until such time that you don’t have a concussion.”

“but…I really do want to kiss you.” Darman grumbles.

“Later. I promise. When you’re healed.” You smile at him beautifully, “Now, we watch a movie.”

#star wars #tcw #darman skirata x reader #darman x reader #star wars fanfiction #x reader fanfiction

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starlahuskyz · 7 months

Text

Chances - Chapter 1

A TLB fan story

Summary: It's 1988 and Jordan has been alone for a while now. She's tried to escape her past which has forever tied her to Santa Carla, but now has to learn to trust again. She also finds out that her past will always come back to haunt her.

GIF by @hypnoticvamp

This is my first ever fic and most likely one of my only ones. I plan on telling this entire story so stay tuned for updates. BTW I'm not a very good writer but I'm just telling this story for fun. If you don't like oc x canon stories then you are gonna want to avoid this one.

TW// none for now

Chapter 2

Feedback is appreciated ^ ^

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Boardwalk

Summertime only means one thing in Santa Carla, it brings in hordes of new tourists and visitors into this crazy town. And you can expect it to remain that way for the next few months. But amongst all of the people on the boardwalk, there is one individual who walks alone. She isn’t a particularly special individual, not really attractive or ugly, dresses casually but not really normally either. She’s a stranger to most people and seemingly can’t be read by most who pass her. She has one goal in mind and one only, she doesn’t let anyone get in her way as she goes.

Within a few minutes, she’s reached her destination…Max’s Video Store. Looking through the entrance she doesn’t see the owner, “Awesome…” She isn’t a fan of the owner. He always gives her a ‘look’ when she walks in. She makes her visit brief as she sifts through old VHS’s looking frantically for something that catches her eye.

As she finally finds something, A new presence makes itself known by slamming its hands onto the box she was looking through. She winces as she already knows who it is.

“Before you say anything, please save it” She looks up at them with the most uninterested face she could muster.

“I wasn’t gonna say anything, I was gonna simply admire you from afar…” They said with a snarky yet lovestruck smile. It was Marko…

That curly haired blonde who sported the most complex looking jacket she will ever see and wore black leather chaps. He also had the face of a Greek statue and eyes that she swore could change colors at will. A part of her wanted to feel flattered that he liked her, but at the same time she knew she didn't quite trust him.

“Well I’ll have you know that I’m pretty busy, so you should do yourself a favor and go with your buddies before I let you down again.” She walked towards the counter to pay for the VHS when she heard a new voice.

“Jordan! You didn’t tell us you would be here today! Why didn't you tell us?” A tall lanky blondie who looked like Twisted Sister wrapped his arms around Jordan’s much shorter frame and spun her around much to her dismay. “You guys don't need to know what I'm doing OR where I'm going!" She twisted and writhed in his arms as he simply dangled her over the ground.

Paul kept blabbering while Marko came up to her and simply said, “You said I should go with my buddies, but I already brought them here.”

Jordan finally got herself out of Paul’s arms and slammed cash onto the counter for her VHS. “You can keep the change just please let me get the hell out of here” The lady working the register simply smiled and laughed to herself “I know how you feel.”

“What’s the hurry?” A new voice intervenes. Everyone looks from what they are doing, it’s David.

Jordan could recognize the platinum blonde from anywhere. Walking up to Jordan he puts a rough hand on her shoulder. “You should know they are just excited to spend some time with you.”

“You forget yourself, it’s just Marko who wants to spend time with me. You guys are just third wheeling his sad attempt at flirting with me for god knows how many times. I’m sure he’s wonderful and all but I’d advise you to give him a wake up call.”

Jordan snatches the VHS off of the counter and makes a beeline for the exit before she is blocked by the one brunette of this club of crazies. “Well, you haven’t even given him a chance, so how do you know you don’t like him?” He grabs her shoulders and turns her around to face Marko who is giving her the biggest frown she’s ever seen. “See? You can make that frown turn upside down if you give him the chance to-”

“What did I tell guys you about coming in here?”

#the lost boys #the lost boys 1987 #tlb #david the lost boys #dwayne the lost boys #paul the lost boys #marko the lost boys #oc x canon #tlb oc #tlb jordan

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romanarose · 1 year

Note

Ive seen TF boys on your page and I wanted to know you thoughts on how the moonboys would comfort and help a bulimic reader?

Hi love! Happy to give you come HC's for this <3

My inbox is currently closed as im working through old requests/ working on writing fics, but I wanted to do this one bc its a very important subject to my heart, with how bad my bulimia permanently destroyed my disgestive system and teeth

Moon Boys with a Bulimic reader

Warnings: Bulimia, vomit, food restriction, binging and purging NSFW refernces (bc its jake)

Steven Grant

He had to stay late tonight at work, some of his students were a little lost on the subject matter, so he held a study session before finals to allow everyone a chance to clarify. He had felt bad for missing dinner, of course, but he brought cake back as an apology

When you didn't answer, he saw the bathroom door was closed, and just figured you were in there bathing as you often did after diner

when he comes to the door to say hello and let you know there's cake, he hears you crying, and quickly opens the door, knowing your history with mental health problems and worrying you hurt yourself or were going to. He saw you crying against the wall, not even looking at him, and saw remnants of throw up in the toilet that hadn't all gone down with the first flush, he initially thought you were sick

"oh darling, here, let's get you to bed. Is it your stomach-" He paused as he saw your hand, red and scratched knuckles covered in throw up. Oh.

"I'm sorry" you cry "I'm fucking gross"

"No, no darling, you're not, here" Steven gets a wet towel and gently cleans your face and hands, as well as any mess you might have made. He washed his hands, then went to scoop you up. "C'mere love, lets rest, yeah?" And carried you over to the bed, not mentioning the cake he brought. Laying you down with a blanket and your favorite stuffed animal, he brought you water and asked you to drink it, knowing how purges dehydrate. He had read every book he could find on eating disorders, the health effects and treatment. He knew your addictive personality made things worse, harder to break out of habits.

"How long had this been going on again?" he asked

"Today was the first relapse" you answered, but he gave you a look like he didn't believe you "I swear! That's why I was crying... all the progress went to waste" You lip quivers trying to get the last few words out

Steven sits down with you, holding you tight, assuring you that this didn't detract from your progress, that progress isn't linear, and you are still his strong, beautiful girl.

He holds you tight that night, they two of you whispering with the sheets pulled over your head like children staying up too late at a sleep over, whispering about how much you loved each other

Will keep a careful eye on you, and definitely takes over the cooking to make you nutritious food, oh you want to help! Even better, love

Marc Spector

When you first approached Marc about going to the gym with him, he was elated! He was so excited about showing you around, teaching you how to use equipment, and of course spending more time with you!

So you started going with him every time he went, he even bought you cute workout clothes. That might have been a bit selfish on his part. He like checking you out, and he liked the way men stared at you, until they realized you were with him. The caveman part of his brain loved posturing, and he especially loved how you only ever had eyes for him, no matter the stronger, fitter men and women there.

Then you got really into it. Marc thought this was a bit odd, but was happy to spend the time training you.

First warning sign was when you started drinking protein shakes in lieu of breakfast. Not the end of the world, you were never a huge breakfast person. But when you stopped eating lunch in favor of the shakes, he confronted you. You insisted they were just easier, and tasted so good, you just preferred it.

Then there was the day he had to take you home early from the gym because you weighed yourself and found you hadn't lost weight, and you began crying, no matter how much he tried to explain that you were gaining muscle, which is denser than fat, and he was so proud of you for how much you could lift now!

You stuck to the treadmill and elliptical from then on, which Marc hated. He'd run with you for a bit, but then opted to do weights. although he stayed nearby in case anyone caused you problems, he missed working with you. He couldn't even really focus, watching you strain yourself and look miserable

The last straw was when he went to bring you water, and you refused to stop or slow down. In the middle of a argument while you ran, he watched your eyes go blank. Thinking quickly, he pressed the emergency button and caught you as you fell, the treadmill only managed to give a few rug burns on your legs and knees.

When you came to in his arms, you were greeted by his angelic face insisting you drink the water he had. He spoke soft, but obviously very distressed. He asked you how long it had been since you'd eaten. The frown on his face was deep as you watched his eyes start to tear up.

"Don't cry, please" you ask.

"You really scared me" He smiled at you.

Marc drove you insane after that. "did you eat today?" "what did you have?" "did you eat all of it?" this man did not know the meaning of sublty

He babied, and I mean babied the shit out of you

Fucker wouldn't even let you ride him

You gotta sit this man down and tell him to knock it off or you're gonna scream

You make a deal. You start going to counseling, he has to start taking you to the gym again (he wouldn't let you go alone, that's fir sure)

He agrees. You focus back on the weights, less on weight loss. (marc took the scale out of the house. You may or may no have found it shattered in the dumpster when you took the trash out. Marc has beef with all scales now.)

You enjoy the weights, you enjoy feeling strong, and you definitely enjoy using it to bring out Marc’s subby side

Jake Lockley

It's hard not to feel sexy with this man

The pet names and compliments are none stop. You've began to wonder if he forgot your actual name.

During sex, he takes the term body worship to a new level. This man's mouth and hands are e v e r y w h e r e

Why are his hand's all over your arms? Why is he kissing your calves when he's got your feet over his shoulders? Why does he suck hickies between your thighs? Why does he bite and squeeze your hip dip? you'll never know, but you love it

But you and him both know that sometimes, eating problems aren't about body image, but about control, and compulsions. And a little bit of body image because fuck, who doesn't struggle with that sometimes?

When he sees the warning signs, you hiding your body from him, not wanting to eat with him, generally being distant again, he always asks. He doesn't come on as intense as Marc with his protectiveness, but he will mentally keep track of your eating, and try to coax you into eating something if he see's you sipping meals. He has deficiently taken your car keys once, not because he was trying to keep you home, but because he didn't think you were safe to drive the busy streets.

Buys you literally anything he thinks might help. If its not about your body necessarily, he'll get you whatever you think might help you feel in control. Wanna craft? He'll build you a shelf and buy you all the fucking yarn in the world. Wana have a lil world you can control? Every sims pack you can imagine. Cat? Plants? A lizard? Fuck it, yeah, he'll buy you a lizard. Coolest lizard ever. He'll take lil charizard on a walk with you if thats what you want

All the boys

You're getting vitamins

And water!!! If you're throwing up, you're going to at least stay hydrated.

Bathroom lock is either taken out, or there's a spare key. Not out of control, no, they know you'll find a way to do it if you really want to, but in case of emergency

Will encourage therapy and medication, if you think it's right for you, maybe at least to try for a bit?

Never, ever, shame you for how you feel or act. You can tell them if you are having urges, need a distraction.

Steven and Jake make sure to keep Marc's protective nature in check, to make sure you aren't deterred from talking to them.

constantly shower you in praise and love and compliments

Always always always tell you how proud they are of you, even if you relapse, bc look how well you were doing! That means you can absolutely do it again!

I hope this was nice! I really love these 3 and I feel they would all be so supportive (even if marc might be a lil much sometimes XD It's okay, we love him <3 )

not tagging anyone today, but please be sure to comment/reblog if you liked this!

#steven grant #steven grant x reader #marc spector #marc spector x reader #jake lockley #jake lockley x reader #moon knight #moon knight thoughts #tw: eating disorder #tw: bulimia

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film-in-my-soul · 1 year

Text

Fandom Fic Rec: Throw Back Edition

I'm making a game cause I'm bored, and I've been thinking about old fandoms I've been in and the fics that have left an impression on me! So here are the rules:

Chose 5 fandoms you are no longer active in (as in actively participating/creating in), and then chose 1 fic for each fandom that's stuck with you. Tag 5 people when you're done!

(Of course, if you're not tagged, you're welcome to play. I just think it's fun to do a little fandom digging and share some blasts from the past :3)

1. Fandom: Harry Potter | Pairing: Draco Malfoy/Harry Potter

Forgive Those Who Trespass by: Lomonaaeren (AO3)

This fic is filled with heavy and disturbing subject matter, so if you check it out please mind the tags and then expect a little worse. Still, it's a highly captivating story, and the pacing is phenomenal. I love this writer a lot, actually, and when I was actively reading Drarry it turns out they wrote a lot of the ones I enjoyed.

2. Fandom: Law & Order: SVU | Pairing: Rafael Barba/Sonny Carisi

Good Morning by: @poipoi1912 | Kaye_21 (AO3)

I'm pretty sure, aside from the credit I give the TG fandom. This was actually my first introduction to the time loop concept. It's one I come back to, ironically, over and over again. I love pretty much everything about it, to the point where I once asked to do a podfic (and boy howdy did that slip through my fingers .-., rip to non-planning Alex of old) of the piece because I loved it so much!

3. Fandom: Star Trek (2009) | Paring: Leonard McCoy/Pavel Chekov

The Gap Between (Fanfic.net) by: McStories (Fanfic.net)

Talk about an age gap with this one (ties back into the title actually) and a rarepair at that. I don't even remember what fic got me into this pairing, though I know who to blame for dragging me into it. This fic runs the gauntlet of characters having misconceptions, preconceived notions, and learning how to get the fuck over themselves. I love this fic to pieces. It's one of the few I've read multiple times, and if you're open to the ship I highly recommend giving this one a shot. There is heavy subject matter, however, so be mindful.

4. Fandom: Teen Wolf | Paring: Derek Hale/Stiles Stilinski

(not so) Pure Imagination by: @halekingsourwolf / @theroguesrandom | theroguesgambit (AO3)

The concept in this fic was the first time I'd ever seen it done, and god, is it done well. It's fun and sexy and filled with a glorious amount of guilt and pining. Wonderful all the way through and one of the few Sterek fics that immediately comes to mind! If you're into Sterek and you haven't read this please do yourself a favor and go on!

5. Fandom: Stargate: Atlantis | Pairing: John Shepard/Rodney McKay

know how to fall by Auburn (Website)

With the downfall of old personally owned/hosted fanfic site, in the dark ages before AO3 and Fanfiction.net, where LiveJournal was really poppin', it's an honest to god shame how many amazing fanfictions have been lost to the cruel ways of the internet, and no fandom for me has been hit as hard as the Stargate: Atlantis fandom. I was so happy to see that this fic lived on with Auburn's personally maintained archive, and I hope that some of you get a chance to read this fic as well as some others from this author.

Tagging: @thestarlitnight @blackestglass @yikes-00 @kd-heart @cristinuke

(please do not feel like you need to have yours look like this; I am just very extra)

((also, rip to everyone in [REDACTED] who has seen these links over the last few months already <3))

#sterek #mcchekov #barisi #drarry #mcshep #fic rec #multifandom fic rec #rec game #tag game

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queerbuckleys · 2 years

Text

LOVING YOU THE WAY I DO [3k | pining | romcom] {ao3}

a/n: my fic for the lovely @ronordmann 's reverse prompt challenge <3 title from where you lead by carole king, cause well, it's very fitting. this is also like crack spec for 6x04, and after my 5x13 "not spec" fic i have learned to never say never 😅 enjoy <3

Buck wouldn’t say it’s a quiet shift, obviously, but they had cleaned every surface, tool, dish, and towel. Every item had been restocked and inventoried. And there were still four hours on the clock.

He picks up on a muffled conversation, a voice that is distantly familiar but he can’t quite place, but hears his name. He perks up upon hearing the footfalls on the stairs, mostly out of curiosity and confusion.

There is an element of surprise when Jamie is standing in front of him, looking a bit nervous. It takes a moment for everything to completely register, because he knew someone was coming up the stairs to see him, but he would have never guessed it would have been a roommate from his past life.

Every head swivels between him and Jamie before he can hop up.

And it’s awkward for a second, cause they never really hugged before but a handshake feels too formal, so buck opts for a quick side hug.

Eddie already has skepticism written all over his face.

“Okay, everyone, this is my old roommate Jamie! Jamie this is- everyone! Hen, Chimney, Bobby, Lucy, and Eddie,and I think you met Ravi downstairs.” They each nod or wave and smile.

“Oh my god faces for all the stories! Did you really have rebar through your head?” Jamie clearly asks Chimney to which he nods. “but you two, you guys are new, I would have remembered-“

“Buck you talked-” Chimney starts. It’s overwhelming and something is pulling at Buck’s consciousness.

“Okay, okay- that’s enough.” Buck pipes up nervously dragging Jamie away from everyone.

When they are down the stairs Buck takes a breath,

“Everyone’s okay right? No ones dead or dying?”

“Yeah, yeah everyone is fine. I just have a favor to ask? And I know it’s been literal years, and you can say no cause I know you’re busy, but, you always said-”

“Anything. And I meant it.” Buck nods, his arms are crossed loosely.

“Okay, you can totally say no or whatever, but I kinda sorta need a boyfriend for my high school reunion?”

Buck stills for a moment, processing the request and thinking back through the catalog of his memories of Jamie.

“Uh yeah, first off a lot happened after you left I guess. Went to therapy, figured out I was repressed, and uh, well- my boyfriend of two years broke up with me 2 weeks before my High School reunion in a small town where the biggest news is that I’m gay so-”

Just then Eddie leans over the railing slightly with a quirked brow, and Buck just looks back up at him and smiles.

“-whatever you do, don't come out on Facebook I guess.” The last bit of his sentence slows as he watches the interaction between them. “Oh shit, I’m really sorry, I would never have asked if I knew you were taken,” Jamie rushes.

“I- what? I am actually actively choosing to be single right now?” he doesn't really mean it to come out as a question, “Eddie and I are- uh- just friends,” He swallows trying his hardest not to look back up at the loft where he knows Eddie is pretending to read something on his phone, waiting to jump into action if he hears anything that indicates a disturbance of the peace. friends that have a kid together a voice says that suspiciously sounds like Maddie. “Yeah, just friends.”

“Really trying to convince yourself there huh Buck.”

Buck waves it off and claps his hands together, “So a high school reunion huh?”

“Yeah, it’s next weekend and I’ll text you the details?”

“Sounds good, my number’s the same,” Buck smiles and Jamie leaves.

He makes his way back upstairs and flops back down in his spot next to Eddie.

“What was that all about?” Eddie asks without looking up.

“He needs a date for his High school reunion.”

That gets everyone’s attention.

“A fake date.” he quickly clarifies but no one goes back to what they were doing. “Why is everyone so shocked, he’s my friend and needs help”

“It’s just it’s been awhile since you lived with him, and you just agreed just like that?” Hen asks Buck shrugs and the silence blankets over them again.

___

It’s a week and a half later and he’s pulling up to his old house, it has a fresh coat of paint and the front yard is more than just dead grass. And Jamie is standing on the porch before swinging into the Jeep.

“Oh man, glad you still have this old thing,” Jamie taps the dashboard lightly and Buck smiles before pulling away from the curb.

They hit the usual traffic that comes with trying to get anywhere near lax, buck adjusts his grip on the steering wheel, “So what’s our story? Do i have to be entirely different person or-“

“No, no one met Sam, and he wasn’t out so we never-“ Jamie stops and swallows, “so you can just be you. But maybe we ran into each other while you were working, reconnected, and then started dating like 4 months ago?”

Something passes across Buck's face before he nods.

“And basically everything with me is the same, I did stop bartending and got a job at a marketing firm though. But I want to know about you, I feel like something changed with you.”

So Buck gave him the rundown of the last 5 years, from Abby leaving to the science project that he and Chris worked on last week that he got an A on. Promising to show off pictures of Jee once they were at their gate.

“And you’re sure you’re just friends with this Eddie guy?”

“I never said there aren’t feelings there Jamie, just said we are friends.”

“Ohhhh, so have you told him?”

And Buck just turns to Jamie like he grew another head.

“Did you miss the part where there’s a kid, who is arguably one of my closest friends, who’s lost a parent already involved in all this? If something were to go wrong with us, I could never forgive myself.”

“But what if it goes right?”

and Buck sighs and adjusts his grip on the steering wheel. And the quiet music becomes the only thing filling the air as they continue their journey.

—-

They arrive late and are happy to find a pair of beds in their hotel room where they easily navigated sharing a bathroom and settled in for the night.

They found a nice brunch place where they settled in ordering mimosas and omelets, sharing a plate of french toast.

“Hey, didn’t you grow up like not too far from here? Did you want to visit your parents?” Jamie asks before sipping his cup of coffee.

Buck ducks his head and scratches his neck.

“I guess I kind of glossed over that part, but they wouldn’t be too happy to see me if I'm being honest. I don't really want to see them either. I have Maddie and she’s who raised me.”

Jamie tilts his head,

“Yeah, remember the brother who died?” Jamie nods, “No one else was a match, so- and I was just always a reminder of him I guess. We tried. or I guess I tried in therapy but- yeah. No need to visit them. Or Hershey. I have everyone and everything I need in LA.”

“like Eddie and Chris?” Jamie asks with a small smile on his face.

“and Maddie and Jee. Chimney, Hen and her wife, and Bobby and Athena. I have the big family that I always wanted. But yeah, even if it was just Eddie and Chris- I think life would be pretty good.”

“Okay we’re gonna have to do something about that.”

“What?”

“The way you get when you talk about them, it’s almost overwhelming, Buck. everyone will figure it out the second you talk about them.”

Buck feels like hitting his head against the table.

Instead he takes a gulp of mimosa and tries not to groan too audibly. He realizes that this is the only person who knew him before, seeing him now without the progression over time. Who has the juxtaposition, who also knows him well enough to call him out on it.

“I know. I am capable of not talking about them, I swear.”

Jamie looks at him with a semi serious expression.

“Yes it will be hard but I can.”

Jamie laughs lightly.

—

They walk around the small downtown before grabbing an early dinner with Jamie’s small group of high school friends, they tease him about being Jamie’s big strong knight in shining armor, and it feels nearly impossible to not talk about his knight and his prince.

Throughout dinner and at the reunion there’s something pulling in Buck’s chest. His hand feels wrong in Jamie's- his hands are too soft and delicate. When Buck puts his arm around him it feels wrong. And when he leans down to kiss him on the cheek it feels too far. And when someone brings up kids, and he has to bite his tongue and shoves his hands into the pockets of jeans as he nods and listens. And it might be one the most excruciating 3 hours of Buck’s personal life.

—-

When they land back at LAX and he switches his phone back on while they taxi. A rush of notifications buzz through Buck’s phone, the last one a text message resting on top of the stack

Eddie 🧯You’re on the plane. Sorry.

It rests above a few missed calls and a voicemail. All from Eddie, and Buck’s heart is in his throat. He opens the messages and he zeros in on the one that tells him everything.

We went to the beach, Chris’ request.

The other’s break his heart, and he wants to break down the door of the plane, beg to be let out that much sooner.

I think I made a mistake,

He’s asking for you.

Jamie is still next to him, but he feels a million miles away until he speaks again.

“Buck- everything okay?” Jamie asks, pulling Buck back into reality just enough.

“I- I don’t know. Something happened with Chris? I- I don’t know. I have to go, I’m really sorry but-”

“I get it dude. You need to go be Superman for your kid. I can catch a cab.” Jamie says a new look of understanding in his eyes that Buck had never seen before as he squeezes just above his elbow, he doesn't let go until they are able to move from their seat.

When they reach the jetway and Buck can maneuver past people, he takes a breath and nods at Jamie, not sure he can speak before taking off through the airport.

He knows he must be getting weird looks, Hen and Maddie have teased him relentlessly about how he runs. It’s not his fault his legs are stupidly long.

He makes it to the beach in 15 minutes, drumming his fingers on the steering wheel when he hits the red lights.

His mind feels too quiet and not running amuck with what he might find there. Just the red pin on the map, a siren calling him, drawing him closer.

He parks and begins to scan the sand for a familiar form and he finds them. Christopher pulled into his dad’s lap like he’s a kid again and not on the verge of a full blown teenager. His face tucked into his chest hiding away from the world. Eddie's nose buried in his hair. Something settles in Buck's chest upon the sight, but something else snaps in his heart.

He approaches delicately, carefully finding a place next to Eddie and placing a hand on his shoulder.

Eddie looks up and has slightly red rimmed eyes.

“Hey,” Buck says quietly.

“You came?” Eddie’s voice is quiet and rough.

“I'll always come when you call.”

“Buck?”

“Hey buddy,” he replies, rubbing Christopher's back.

“I thought I could do it.” Christopher says unprompted, now extracted from Eddie's chest, his fingers twisting in his swim shirt. “and I know I can do it, but I got out there and something else happened and I couldn’t. And I was just back out there without you.” Chris just looks up at Buck with wide eyes, chewing his bottom lip. “I think I can do it with you.”

His eyes shine.

Buck shifts a little in his spot, eyes darting to the powerful waves crashing over the sand.

“Chris, Bu-” Buck places his hand back on Eddie’s shoulder and squeezes, “You sure?”

He nods slowly, eyes now fixed on the horizon.

“I’ll be right there with you too, okay?”

Buck swallows again, and finally looks back to Chris.

“Okay. Let’s do this.”

Chris beams bright as they all carefully stand looking at the beast in front of them. And each of them holding tight to one of Chris’s hands they careen toward the waves.

It's an unspoken agreement that caution is thrown to the wind. Slow and steady too nerve wracking. Adrenaline pumping through each of their veins.

Chris is the first to shriek as their feet hit the water, and they both nearly freeze but it turns into a bout of laughter that changes their entire world.

They run, swinging Chris between them, until the waves lap against Chris's knees, and they are all smiling. Each from finding their own joy in the waves and the pride of the other two.

Rarely is a word spoken while they just stand there watching the ocean, reclaiming its name of peace in their hearts as the sun sinks below the horizon.

“I'm hungry,” Chris says, breaking the silence as the last sliver of the sun is left above the ocean. They slowly back away from the water, and something settles in Buck’s chest, he can sense that it has in Eddie and Christopher too.

They go to the pizza shop down the road with the plastic tablecloths and red plastic pebbled cups. It’s warm and cozy and none of them would change a thing.

When they arrive at home, Christopher fast asleep in the back seat after a long day. It’s unspoken as Buck scoops him into his arms and carries him to bed. He tucks him in, and his heart aches for a time when he was smaller. And it almost feels like there’s an ice pick in his chest as he closes the door behind him.

There’s already a mug of steaming tea on the table when he finally finds the kitchen.

The soft glow, the warmth, and the way Eddie has anticipated something drives the ice pick deeper, and Buck knows it shouldn’t- he doesn’t want it to.

“But what if it goes right?” echoes in his head, resounding in his soul.

Eddie just pushes the chair next to him out with his foot in silent invitation, as if the twin mug to his wasn’t enough.

A few minutes tick by, the silence heavy.

“You okay?” Eddie finally asks, setting his mug down, still holding it with both hands.

“Jamie said something to me in the airport.” He’s staring into the depths of his mug so hard he could swear he can see the particles of honey, “He told me to go be Superman for my son.” He holds his breath, waiting for Eddie to deny him that- say something, anything to the contrary. And the silence returns. And Buck waits.

But what if it goes right?”

“Buck-” and he tenses, not just to brace himself for rejection, but because the way Eddie says his name when they’re alone is always too soft.

“Hey, look at me,” Eddie says and it ‘s softer and even more delicate. He feels like he is 20 years old again as he finally tears his eyes away from the knot in the wood of Eddie’s table, that he already knows but studies anyway. “He is. Just as much as he is mine in all the ways that matter because that’s how he sees you.”

“Oh.” and the icepick twists itself out of his heart, releasing the tears being held captive.

And then Eddie is holding him. And he’s never felt more at home anywhere else.

Neither of them know how long they sit there like that, but eventually the tears stop. And Buck finally notices that Eddie has been pressing a kiss on his temple at random intervals. And he thinks about how wrong it felt to be without him, how wrong to even pretend with anyone else it felt.

“But what if it goes right?”

And then he’s smiling into Eddie’s chest. He pulls away and just studies Eddie for a moment. The slope of his nose, and the warm brown of his eyes. The little freckle under his left eye. Taking a moment to memorize Eddie’s face before he is brave enough to say it all.

“You’re kinda freaking me out here Buck,” Eddie says after a moment.

“I don't need to buy a new couch,” is what comes out. and Eddie tilts his head a little bit and smiles- it reminds him of when Chris is reading over lego instructions the first time.

“Oh” Eddie finally whispers when the pieces click into place.

Buck reaches up and runs his fingers through Eddie's hair bringing his hand down over his jaw, and Eddie's breath hitches a little.

“Cause you have one here, right?” he whispers. and Buck laughs softly because their son is down the hall asleep and nods.

“Yeah I do,” and he moves so he’s practically in Eddie’s lap, and he’s holding Eddie’s face in his hands, a thumb resting over the little freckle. and Eddie’s hands are on his waist, thumbs resting above the waistband of his sweatpants and underneath his shirt. they’re a hair's breadth apart and their whole world is about to change forever. And Buck whispers, “don't think that this revelation gets you off the hook about your own spiral, Diaz.”

“Just kiss me you idiot.” Eddie whispers back.

So he does. It tastes of honey and mint, with a hint of mozzarella and olives.

It’s soft and gentle and not like the movies with desperation and the music swelling, it was just another night with Buck in Eddie’s kitchen, feeling right at home.

#911 #buddie #buddiefanfiction #evan buckey #eddie diaz #aj writes stuff #userbuckleyhans #tuserksn #userceecee #usersharky #useroliii #useryb #userweres #userrin #maystag #not a romcom ✈️

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internalsealpanic · 2 years

Text

Set Them by the Door

Summary: It’s hard to say not to a favor when Oliver Queen is the one asking, but it becomes nearly impossible after meeting Roy and Lian.

a/n: Happy birthday to @pricetagofficial! This fic was based on “i’m the lawyer helping you get custody of your daughter and oops you’re all kinds of adorable with her and also i think she’s growing attached to me is this good or bad” au from this prompt list.

warnings: I know little to nothing about custody battles. This was a messy but fun fic to write so it's written in stream of consciousness.

"Well, what do you think?"

You look up from the case notes Ollie's handed you. "It's..." And well, it's not great. Dozens of misdemeanors, charges for assault, a juvie record, and oh, a history of drug possession. You always want to read that on a client's file, especially for a custody battle. "Ollie, I'll be straight with you," and boy, that's hard with that hopeful look Ollie's got, "It's a long shot and I mean long. Hail mary long."

"You said that about your last case."

You run your hand through your hair. That was because I was working with a single mother, you want to say but don't because that hope in his eyes steel, and yeah, that's that. "You're gonna run me out of miracle juice, huh old man?" Fucking hell, Ollie. You look at the file again. The client isn't bad looking which would help. You're gonna pray he never shows up to trial with a black eye or a split lip. His features hook on you though too bright and distinct not to leave an imprint in your memory. "He from the center?"

"No."

This, too, catches you. Ollie's altruism is impressive but it has limits. He's got a bank account that would take you a few lifetimes to catch up with but it's not bottomless, not enough to save everyone in this city. But that's not it, is it?

"Who is he?"

Ollie shifts. There's a strange flicker in his expression. You brace yourself for some brick to hit you in the face. Ollie's revelations feel a lot like that sometimes and you wish he'd come up with a way to ease people into it. "He's one of mine."

Well, that you weren't prepared for.

You blink. "Like a minion?"

Ollie balks at you. "First of all, what would I need minions for?"

You shrug. "I dunno all you commies seem to have 'em."

"Hal is younger than that joke," Ollie groans.

You smile and lean back, flipping through the files again, careful not to get the coffee you're sipping on it. "How come I've never met him?"

"We..." Ollie goes quiet for a second. It's a bloated pause as he searches for a way to explain too many things at once. "We had a rough patch and apparently, all my kids think I'm embarrassing."

"You are."

Ollie scowls at you but you just shrug again.

"But I've met Connor and Mia but not Roy."

"Like I said rough patch." There's a twitch in Ollie's jaw, a kind of guilt that worms under your skin. You soften. You flip through the papers again before standing up. Ollie was always about second chances and sadly, the old man has rubbed off on you. And fuck, you and your bank account hate him for it.

"Ollie, I'll... see what I can do."

()

The first time you meet Roy Harper. He's late. Almost an hour late. You're in the middle of your lunch late. You're going to throw a half-eaten salad at him late. But ultimately, it's Lian who keeps you from throwing the scruffy-looking man out.

That and the possibility of being charged with assault.

The first thing you realize is that Roy is pretty harmless. Sure, he's got arms that look like they could manually decapitate someone, and sure, they're lined with tattoos, but he's harmless to you and more importantly Lian. Lian is, in fact, very relaxed around Roy and hides behind him until you tell her you're a friend of Ollie's. She looks at him like he's the whole world. A complete and utter trust.

Your secretary, Jess, looks at once smitten and aggrieved as Roy reschedules another appointment. You can sympathize. The man has very interesting clavicles. It's going to be a lot easier for you if the jury will be as smitten with Roy and be able to skate past that mile-long juvie record. You shrug and pull your own phone out.

"Hi Dinah, yeah, no, this isn't an emergency. Just wanna know if Lian is with you. Mmhmm, yeah. Could I maybe... I know, I know, you're gonna say yes though." There's a sigh. "Relax, I'm not going to teach her poker. Oh, Ollie already— Ha! See, there is nothing worse I could teach her."

Jess frowns at you.

"What?"

"Are you even legally allowed to meet with the kid like that?"

"Yes," you lie.

You might have agreed to help them, but you're still not getting the full picture of this whole thing.

With all the missed appointments, you're starting to get antsy and maybe a little suspicious. Besides, you need to interview Lian and Dinah's there as a legal member of the family so if you squint at it, you're just following protocol.

Normally, you conducted these interviews during the first meeting but that meeting was cut short. Very short. So, here you are now, invading the Queen's kitchen, competing for counter space with Dinah who is making Mac and Cheese and has, reasonably, not offered you any. She does very much know that this is not protocol.

The interview is going well. Roy's, as you confirmed, a good dad from Lian's perspective and seems to be able to provide her with both emotional and fiscal support. If helping your kid out with math homework on practically no sleep doesn’t count as love, you don’t know what does. The stories Lian tells you make you soft and a little guilty about going behind Roy's back. You'll apologize— eventually.

“Do you not trust my dad?” Lian asks with a grounded-out look that kicks you between the ribs.

I don’t— I didn’t, is what you think, is what you would say reflexively, but through better judgment, you say, “I’m a lawyer.”

Lian scrunches her face. You are pretty sure she likes you a lot less. That’s … fine. It’s fine. You’re not upset at all.

You press your fingers together as your eyes cut away. “I trust your dad— I do! It’s just that…” You wave your hands vaguely. “... Lian, I’ll be honest,” you say taking her hand gently, “The court won’t trust your dad.”

“But dad’s awesome!”

You smile. “He is, isn’t he?”

She returns your smile with an even bigger one. You nod. “He’s really awesome, so you have to tell me how awesome he is then you have to tell them, ok?”

She huffs but she agrees, looking a little less upset with you.

"Yeah," you chuckle softly, packing up your suitcase.

Roy’s at the door covered in grease and grime, looking like he’d transformed into a car just to get here. You make eye contact. A panicked, startled sound bubbles up in his throat. You look him up head to toe. He’s still in his mechanic’s uniform, probably just got off work, probably a shift covered. “I got here as fast as I can—”

“ ‘s all good, Mr. Harper.” You shake your head.

"Satisfied?" Dinah asks, not quite as grumpy as before.

No matter how much you think you want Lian to be in a good home, Roy wants it more.

This is when you decide to help them.

Come hell or high water.

It's been a couple of months— custody battles drag on, often kicking and screaming— and the work is delightful.

()

Mostly.

The second thing you figure out, and this one is against your will, is that Roy Harper is by all accounts charming.

"You're late again."

Roy gives you a once over and you feel unfairly conscious. You're not wearing your full suit today, not when Star City is in the middle of a heat wave. Roy throws you a slowly, lazy grin. It's handsome. In its own way, it is. You know for a fact that that exact expression is something that gets him out of a fair amount of trouble.

You do your very best to scowl at him.

He holds up a box of donuts sheepishly.

"Sit down."

He does, biting back a grin. You roll your eyes at him. "How's Lian?" You ask, swiping a doughnut and taking a bite. It's freshly made and it's from that little store down the street. A man of good taste.

He shrugs flopping himself on one of the seats. "Oh you know, fixating on Dinosaurs, prepping a Ted talk about ponies for Ollie, and getting indoctrinated into hockey."

"Oh, that's nice."

Roy pauses.

You pause.

A grin creeps into his features as you look up from your papers. Your features twist and contort with a million things on your mind but the first thing that comes out is, "Couldn't she pick something civilized like football?"

This draws out a full-bellied laugh from Roy and your cheeks are burning. "Could be worse. She could play polo," Roy says, miming swinging a polo mallet while that smirk is still plastered to his face. This induces a frankly disgusted look from you and Roy is one step away from dying of laughter. You fight down a smile. "Never took you for a hockey guy. Does Star city even have a hockey team?"

"It does," he pauses like he's reevaluating the veracity of that statement then tacks on, "But we're more of Gotham Penguins fans."

You blink. You fail entirely to keep the shock off your face. Gotham? Star City is bad but woof, Gotham? "That's... Gotham? What, you couldn't pick a less cursed shit-hole?" You have nothing against Gotham. Nothing personal. You just take offense to its existence.

"Hey! My best friend happens to be from that shit-hole." You snort in response. "And honestly, he's the hockey guy." A friend who’s been in contact with the family. Good, you think. "Speaking of which, I need some character witnesses from you. I usually ask the client for any recommendations to make things expedient. You understand."

He nods and he does. It's a courtesy. It gets on your client's nerve sometimes but he understands.

As he lists the names, you're realizing slowly. That it's not just you who Roy's worked his charm on. It absolves you, a little. That feeling cracks seeping into rock dulling. It helps that it's not only friends but also teachers and medical personnel.

"Dick Grayson?"

You've heard the name before. Somewhere.

Roy grimaces. This territory feels a little like scorched Earth but you press on. "He's the one who figured out I was shooting up." Roy braces for something. The tension in his muscles rising as you shuffle through some papers. You only realize you haven't said anything when you notice that he's gone dead quiet.

"That's good."

"He knows— he saw how bad it got."

"Better."

“He’s a cop.”

“Spectacular.”

“He could tell the court about my drug binges!”

“He could tell the court the man you’ve become. You telling me that he figured out you were using, didn’t haul your ass to rehab, and you’re still friends? Fuckin’ christ, Harper.”

From Roy’s face, you can tell that you’ve got your voice raised up to an 11 but you can’t find yourself caring. “Sorry,” you mumble burying your face in your hand then repeat more clearly, “I’m sorry.”

Roy settles back into his skin. He laughs a little. “Wouldn’t they just ignore his testimony if we’re friends?”

“Depends on how we play it,” you say, looking up from your hands, “we could go with the friend angle but since he’s a cop who’s dealt with domestic violence cases—”

“He hates those,” Roy says with a bitterly, fond smile.

“Good. He’ll be able to give good testimony then.”

“That is if he agrees.”

“You’re making your friends sound stellar,” you laugh and Roy’s shoulders ease despite the terseness of the sound. “Love the guy but he’s kind of a dick.”

()

"What's your poison?" Roy asks, trotting out a smile that's bright and sweet and wholly inappropriate as you look over a transcript of Dick's testimony. It's manipulative— fully, aggressively aware of it— but your scowl falters anyway. He is aware that you're supposed to show him these transcripts without being coerced, right?

"Cyanide."

After a moment, you slide over the transcript to Roy to see if this'll end the conversation.

It doesn't. Please, you're not that lucky.

"A little old school, isn't it?" He says, sliding onto the corner of the desk, because sitting on chair to read isn't good enough. You cannot fault him for wanting to show off how those jeans fit on him though.

"Nothing better than the classics," you say, going through Wally's transcript. It's long. Too long. You did tell Jess to take everything down. Taking down even the chewing noises seems excessive though.

"C'mon," he says, leg bouncing, "you're not about to tell me you got nothing."

Roy's always like this when Lian is at her mom's— agitated and ready to sink his teeth into anything also long as it keeps him busy. You think about pulling something tired like alcohol or cigarettes and some sob story out of your ass but upon reflection, remember that Roy is terribly perceptive. "Ask Mia."

He pulls a face.

You pull a face.

"What?" hissing, defensive.

Roy's still got that face on him. You backtrack. “Shit Roy, I didn’t mean anything by it. All I meant was Mia has dirt on me.” His face blows wide open from the confession. A victory but at what cost. Well, at least he’s not forcing you to put money in the swear jar.

“Why the hell would you give Mia, Mia Dearden, anything to blackmail you with?”

“Because…”

“Because?” he repeats expectantly. You sigh. "I was new at the game and I didn’t know any better so I thought telling the kid something embarrassing about me would make her feel better and get her to yanno, trust me."

"Did it work?"

"No, but she at least said something other than fuck off."

“Lian’s looking less like a handful, huh?”

“Lian’s an angel.”

"She is. Listen," Roy says, cupping the back of his neck and cutting his eyes away, "Sorry. It's just— I'm sorry. I'm usually... better than this."

You want to remind him you blew up on him just a couple of weeks ago but then he might say it was warranted. "Roy, I work in family court. The look you gave me is pretty much child's play."

"Yeah?"

"You should see divorce battles. Terrible. So yeah, you're fine. I get it."

A grimace hooks on his features. "You're too sweet, you know that?"

You stare blank faced at Roy. Your brain is overclocking to process those words because that stupid smile on his face is blocking everything else out. Collecting yourself, you scoff. "Hal'd have a dozen things to say about that."

"Hey, as long as you didn't screw with his truck's engine, you're golden."

"Of course, that was you."

There's a bit where you two fall silent. It's comfortable. The shuffling of papers and the buzz of the space heater fills the room nicely like quilt draped over your body. Then as you lull into that trance like state you get into when you read documents, the clack of a box against your deck cuts through the buzz and brain is once again forced to inhabit the same plane of existence as the rest of you.

You look down at the box and stare at it. An ugly little card board box scribbled with crayon butterflies and dinosaurs. Giving Roy a questioning look you tap the box. "Ollie's gonna be covering your legal fees..." That's not it because Roy chuckles. "Lian asked me to give you the jewelry box she made in class."

Roy holds it out. It's obvious from the look you're giving him that you're still confused. "Connor told us it was your birthday last Tuesday."

"Oh." You take it carefully. It's stupid, but for some reason, you're scared it'll shatter if you put too much pressure on it. Something warm and fuzzy bubbles up inside you. "Thank you."

()

You never knew just how much projectile macaroni would hurt, but Thursday seemed like the perfect time to find out.

"Seriously, Mr. Harper, I'm fine," you say, holding the ice pack to your forehead. You are not actually fine. You feel like starting a petition to ban macaroni arts and crafts from schools but other than that, you're fine.

"Let me check," he insists. Lian is sobbing and clinging to your side. It's a little crowded.

You rub Lian's back. "I'm telling you it's fine. There's no bleeding."

"On the outside, what if there's some on the inside?"

"That's where it's supposed to be!"

"I'm sooooooorry!" Lian sobs, her tears and snot getting all over your suit as she clings even tighter. "Please don't be mad. I'm sorry."

You set the ice pack down and scoop Lian up. "See," you say, turning your face to show your eye. "Fine."

"U-huh," Roy huffs, crossing his arms.

You glower at him then Lian hiccups, mouth-wobbling to keep another sob in. "You're still mad."

"I promise. I'm not. It just... stings a little."

"I'm sorry," she wails, "don't leave."

You and Roy look at each other startled. More than that he actually looks panicked by the idea. You can't blame him. Finding a different lawyer at this stage is honestly a horrible idea. You, on the other hand, are struck by the fact that leaving them had never even been an option.

It's, well, wow. You're attached. Wow. Ok. Shit, you think. Scrubbing your hands over your face, you muffle a scream into your palms and debate whether to call Ollie and tell him to never sicc clients on you ever again. Instead, you call Hal because fuck, if anyone's going to be the voice of reason at 3 fucking AM, it's gonna be the former alcoholic who is up talking to God or something.

"I. Am. Going. To. Block. You."

"I think I'm attached."

Hal cackles then hangs up. He blocks you by the way. True to his fucking word, Hal blocks you and you're left to stew in your own self-recrimination and fighting off thinking about Roy. You stare up at the ceiling and god, you want to cry and "Jesus fuck, Roy," you think. He and Lian can't just walk into your life and throw it up against a wall and fucking rob it of its lunch money.

Two hours later, you're on Ollie's front door, staring up at a light-polluted sky.

Ollie comes out in his fluffy pink-slippered glory and hands you a mug. "You on a bender?"

"Some people call those 3-day weekends."

"Same people who would call neighborhood watch on you for sitting outside at 4 AM."

"Fucking weirdos."

Ollie laughs. "So, last time you did this, you wanted me to talk you out of law school because you were scared it'd cost your folks too much. What's up?"

"I need you to talk me out of something." You're not exactly famous for self sabotage but you've never avoided it. Besides, who better to ask about shitty love life decisions than Ollie. He probably knows this. He probably sees this written all over your face but he humors you. "What extremely good life decision am I talking you out of now?"

You give him a sideways look.

"I've... I got attached."

Ollie's quiet.

Ollie's never quiet.

You scrunch up your face. Reading his micro-expressions in the dark is not the smartest move but there's just enough definition on his face that has you wanting to throw the mug at him. "Hal told you," you say dangerously flat.

"Texted," he clarifies.

"Hal told you."

" 'bout 5 minutes before you got here, so I could get it all out of my system."

That more than anything pisses you off. The nerve they have for courtesy when you're having an emotional crisis. You set the mug down. It's a stiff gesture that has Ollie on edge. He's about to say something when you bolt up and shuffle angrily to your car.

"You got attached, so what? Roy tends to make people do that."

Your nostrils are flaring. It's a strange thing to focus on while your blood is boiling, but you hold on to it, not ready to take a swing. "So what?" Your fingers flex. "Ollie, do you hear yourself?" They curl into a fist. "So what?!" The wind-up. "Ollie, if I fuck this up, Roy's going to lose Lian. And I am going to fuck this up because I will." The words fly at Oliver like a fist.

You're shaking. You're inconsolable. You're going to fail.

The other shoe is always going to drop.

“Kid," Ollie leans his weight against your car, "I could have hired the best lawyers money could buy.”

“Are you bragging?”

Ollie scrubs his hands over his face, looking exasperated. “Just listen for a sec, ok?”

“All ears.”

“I coulda gotten Roy any lawyer, anyone, but you’re the best, you got that? How many cases have I thrown your way?”

"50."

"How many have you won?"

"What does that matter?"

"Answer the question."

"47. Every case is new and you know it. Just because I won..." You feel tired. The adrenaline buzzing through you is fading. Ollie rests his hand on the back of your neck. “Well shit, Ollie,” you laugh in the floppiest way you've gone through a mental breakdown. "Thanks."

"No problem. Just stop coming before the sun rises. The neighbors are starting to get the wrong idea."

"Sure, but you gotta do me a favor too."

"Hmmm?"

"Stop sending me supermodels. My neighbors are starting to get the wrong idea."

Roy's a little pale. It's like the color's been bleached out of him. You think, a little defensively, that this says a lot about how much he trusts your capabilities. Maybe you're projecting. He's probably more worried about losing Lian. The way he's holding her tight to him like he's trying to fuse her into his ribs to keep her safe.

She waggles, bored. She looks up at you and you give her a weak wave. You're not really paying attention to her but devoting most of it to Roy whose face is trying not to fall apart. You don't know how he's keeping his voice even or who he's even calling.

You lean against the wall and make faces at Lian.

A good lawyer would read through notes or something right now, but you did all of that last night.

The call ends and Roy looks up at you tired and grimacing. "Ya think we got a shot?"

"Mr. Harper," you say, more gentle than strictly necessary, "I'll get you more than a shot," mimicking his pantomimed polo shot.

"All you family court lawyers this cocky?" The grimace turns crooked and fond.

"Only if they're as good as me, yeah."

()

"Kidnapping is classified as a felony offense under federal law that has a minimum of a 5-year prison sentence."

"A, you and smart ass over there are adults," Ollie says, waggling a butter knife at Roy, "B, Lian came willingly. C, what cop is going to believe you if you say, 'they kidnapped me for free waffles.' Boohoo. Just take a seat."

Roy crosses his arms and glowers at Ollie who took the spot next to Lian at the exact same time as Hal took the spot next to Dinah leaving only one chair. Now, Roy is not a paranoid man, but the timing is a little suspect.

You side-eye Roy, breaking your staring contest with Hal. "Why exactly do you have that memorized? Should I be concerned?"

"No."

"Be very concerned," Hal says.

You look at Roy. He holds his hands up defensively. "Look, I was mad at Ollie and Jesus, I wasn't being serious!"

You blink, gape, then cover your mouth and look like you're about to tell him exactly what crime he's committed by opening his mouth. Ollie, helpfully, explains what Roy is floundering on. "When he was a teenager, he said he would tell people I kidnapped him if I didn't let him go with his friends on a weekend trip."

Roy's a little in love with you when you smile at him, corners of your mouth sticky with syrup. "Thank you," He leans in, whole body falling into your orbit, breath brushing against your ear, "and it's Roy now. I can't have you calling me Mr. Harper on a date."

"Do I even have to point out how ridiculous that sounds?"

"It's been said," Ollie says casually.

"Great," Roy says, "now, where's the other chair?"

Dinah shrugs, covering up the twitch of her lips by biting into a waffle. Hal opts to innocently look around. Ollie straight up ignores the question. Lian, well, Lian does some mental math before lighting up. "Musical chairs!" she cheers.

You'd like to see the work for that one.

"I feel like I'm entitled to a chair," you say, "since I won the case. I feel like that's fair."

"There's a chair right there."

"Dinah, there's a chair. Singular. Me and Roy's muscles would never fit."

Hal chokes on his waffle. If he dies, you could get his chair. It's more pleasant to think about than what you just said.

You sadly miss the tinge of pink creeping up Roy's skin. Or the way he flinches away when he's realized he'd subconsciously drifted in your space once again— something he's been trying to avoid the past few months.

You both shift your weight awkwardly and stare at the chair.

"I think we could fit."

You look at the chair skeptically. "You sure?"

"Do we have a choice?"

You cram yourselves awkwardly on the chair– arms, knees, legs, and shoulders bumping. It's a terrible process trying to keep up with the rhythm of the table while you're all tangled up with another person. Even engaging in shop talk, which you normally do like breathing air, is made difficult by all the squirming. You both mumble apologies as you try and fail to find the right places to slot your limbs into only accomplishing more skin-to-skin contact that has your hearts racing. It's painful when Hal and Ollie hint at your crush. It's especially headache-inducing when they just tell Roy to ask you out on a date as a thank you. This is quite literally painful because the waffle comes back up your throat like it's demanding a rematch. You ignore the fact that Roy doesn't strenuously object to the idea.

You give up eventually. Not before Ollie can laugh at your predicament. Such a fucking asshole.

"Take it down a notch love birds."

"Bite me." You say it as seriously as you can with a cheek full of waffles.

"Don't threaten him with a good time," Roy quips.

#roy harper imagine #roy harper x reader #oliver queen #lian harper #Hal jordan #dinah lance

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