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xzhdjsj · 13 hours

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Iron on my Tongue

Isaac x Reader

Isaac has a bad feeling about your meeting. (Isaac's POV)

Warnings: anxiety, description of blood, death of character

@chilliesillie and @kieran-rhoades created a vivid image in my mind of this scene so here it is written for you my loves<3 I hope I was able to capture this the way you imagined!

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It’s a dim afternoon, grey clouds are settled in the sky with a promise of rain later and the wind is chilly. My partner isn't with me right now, maybe if they were I would be enjoying the weather more. I hope they make it back home before the shower.

They're out on their own business, a meeting with a client I introduced them to. As much as I'd like to pride myself in my improvements thus far, I still can't quite let them leave the house to meet someone completely unknown to me. Whatever client I hand over to them are well researched and kept on tab to ensure their meeting environment is a safe one and they’ll be able to get back home to me.

I still have my doubts regardless, but I can't control their every move. They deserve to live. It’s funny because they tell me the same thing, "Isaac you deserve to live, without the worry and torment."

I don't think I'd ever be who I am today without them. The day I met them all those months ago, I'd never believed it if someone told me we'd not only be partners in my field of work, but also lovers. They're the one thing that means the most to me and I absolutely cannot let them get hurt. I trust them, and I know they'll do their best to stay safe but the underlying worry still bothers me.

There's this unusual feeling in my chest, the kind I haven’t experience in a while and worst of all, I'm not sure why it's there. It's bearable, but it's not. A distant but static feeling that hazes over my body and clouds my senses.

I take a sip of my coffee and its burns my tongue. It's hot, way too hot.

"Fuck" I pinch the space between my eyebrows and sigh.

My luck hasn't been the best today, but maybe a shower would wash away whatever this is and I can finally settle down. I push the cup aside and head for the bathroom, peeling the clothes from my body.

I let the water slide off my skin, the only thing on my mind is them. I could chalk this feeling up to just my anxiety, but this is more. This is an additional weight that presses against my chest and squeezes at my heart. An extra burden to carry on my shoulders, one I'm unfamiliar with yet I distantly relate to. Some sort of gut feeling that’s pointed in some unknown direction. I could easily pick up my phone and call them but their voice rings in my head.

"Here's the deal Isaac, no calls from you this time. We have to work something out little by little until you're comfortable with me leaving the house. Instead of you calling me, I'll call you before and after my meeting. Deal?"

I agreed to it of course. I want to be better. For them I want to be better, so each time I think of calling, I turn my phone screen down. I know their meeting started at 3pm and lasts about two hours, so I'm expecting a call at 5.

I step out the shower, tying my robe at the side. The first thing I do is glace at the clock.

4:55

I should be receiving that call soon, and since a shower did absolutely nothing to sooth my nerves, I'm hoping their voice will.

I'm back in the kitchen again, my phone sitting in front of me and I reach for the coffee I had left earlier. I take a sip and now it's too cold. What a day. I dump it down the sink without a second thought, it’s not important right now anyways.

5 o'clock rolls around and I'm impatiently bouncing my knee. There isn’t a single notification from them. 10 minutes. I'll wait 10 minutes and then I'll call. The feeling in my chests grows heavier and heavier and I'm counting down every second. I can't look away from my phone, waiting and hoping to see my screen light up.

5:07

That's basically 5:10 right? If I call now, it wouldn't make a difference. I frantically find their contact and click the small button near it. I take a deep breath, then exhale. It's okay. They'll answer and say their meeting ran a little late and scold me for not waiting a full 10 minutes like I promised. Nothing bad is going to happen. I’m able to fool neither my mind nor my heart.

It rings, and rings, and rings... then disconnects.

There’s no answer. My heart rate picks up and I call again.

Same as before, it rings but no answer.

I attempt to call again, but the phone slips from my grasp. I hadn't noticed it before but my palms are clammy and covered in sweat, cold sweat. I drag them against my robe and quickly snatch the phone off the floor, skipping a call entirely to find their location.

The little icon is not at their meeting location, it’s not at the coffee shop they enjoy visiting, its nowhere close to home. Instead it stays stagnant at a foreign location, a maze-like pathway between a block of buildings.

I’m unsure about almost everything at the moment, but one thing I know for certain is that I need to find them. I leave my house right away. I call until their voicemail is engraved into my skull. I send text after text, but there’s still no response. I check their location again but the only icon that moves is my own as I get closer to my destination.

The rest of the way I need to continue on foot. I have a gun tucked into the waist of my pants and I don’t know what awaits me, or if I’ll even be able to fight it but if I don’t find them I might go completely insane. My stomach turns at the scent, and sight before me. It’s a dirty alleyway, much dirtier than the one I found them in. It makes me sick. The unease in my body casts over me like a giant shadow and it’s starting to make sense. It feels like a rat in my stomach trying to claw its way through my mouth. I hate it. I hate it so much.

I find their phone, their bag and random sheets on paper scattered through path. They’re covered in muddy footprints and soaked in murky water. Something bad happened, that much I knew, but there’s 3, 4, 5 maybe 6 pairs of footprints here. They were outnumbered.

“Name!” I yell. “Where are you?”

I run further and further down but there’s no sign of them. My heart is pounding against my chest and I’m so so scared. I’m looking everywhere but there’s no one here. I grip onto my hair in frustration. Where are they? Did those people take them away? Who were they? There’re hundreds of people who’d want to hurt me but specifically WHO?

“I-Isaac…?” a weak voice calls behind me.

I’m overcome with relief when I hear them, but the state I see them in as I turn around fills me with worry and rage.

They’re holding onto the mouldy walls, sliding down to the ground when they couldn’t support themselves anymore. Their body and clothes are covered in mud and dirt, ripped and bruised. I rush over to them, supporting their weight against my own body.

I’m worried, so worried but I’m relieved they’re still here. I’m relieved they’re still alive.

“God, Pickle” I place a hand against their back, its warm and wet, and they wince in pain at the pressure. “Where are you hurt? Who did this to you?”

“Isaac,” they smile up at me, a hand reaching for my face. “You came. I knew you’d come.”

I hold their hand against my cheek. “Of course, my love. I’ll always find you I promised to protect you always.”

“My knight.” Their voice comes out faint and dull.

“Yours, always yours.” I lean down to kiss them, gently on their lips. It was supposed to be a simple kiss, more as reassurance to my self than them but I taste iron against my tongue, metallic and salty. I pull away abruptly and their body bends forwards choking on coughs as the red liquid spills from their lips. Blood.

It's on the concrete, my pants and my hands? The hand I had against their back… It's covered in blood?

Their jacket wasn’t soaked with water? The warmth I felt wasn’t from their body? It was their blood.

“Isaac.” Their hand is on my face again, pulling me from my thoughts. “You’re *cough* spacing out my darling.”

I don’t bother responding, pulling their jacket off their shoulder. Red, it's all red. Their shirt is soaked through and through with blood and ripped in multiple areas. Stabs, fuck they were stabbed.

“No no no!” I panic. “I need to do something, I need to get you out of here!”

“Isaac please, I can barely move. Its’s *cough* gonna be okay, just please stay here with me.”

“How could I let this happen to you? Why not me instead?” I feel tears roll down my cheek and I’m terrified.

“It’s not your ugh fault Isaac. Please, for my sake, don’t blame yourself.” Their voice continues to weaken. I feel stupid for honouring their request of just staying here, but some part of me knows that there’s nothing I can do now.

“Isaac, I love you”

“Yes, I know my love. I love you too, I love you more than anything.” I feel like a child again, crying my eyes out. I should be the one comforting them, but my voice is filled with fear and my breathing is unsteady.

“Thank you… for all you’ve done for me.” Their voice fades in and out. “Please don’t ever forget me”

Their hand falls from my face but I catch it pressing it back onto my skin. “No, you have to keep your eyes open! Please! Keep your eyes open name! Don’t let go of me!”

“I’m… sorry Isaac. I don’t think I can.” They barely whisper, their eyes struggling to stay open.

“No please, not now! I’ve only just gotten you, you- you can’t leave me yet.” I held them close, sobbing into their hair.

We never made it home before the downpour. I stayed there with them to the very end. I held them in the freezing cold until their breaths slowed. I held them until the warmth drained from their body and they also grew cold. I stayed there until left me for good.

I held my composure, for their sake, wrapping them in my jacket and took them home. I washed their body until they were completely clean before tucking them into bed. One last time, they were by my side. Tomorrow they’d be resting in my garden resting among the flowers, and my mother would finally meet the love of my life. I hope she’d be proud of me, I hope they’d reflect fondly of me.

I hope they’d forgive me for the things I must do in the future.

I hope they’ll shield their eyes and stay blind to the things I will do. Every last breath of mine will be used to avenge them. I will find those who are responsible for this, and I’ll make sure they regret it.

I couldn’t protect as a knight, so I will destroy everything as a shadow.

#oh look its more isaac angst!#zsakuva #sakuverse #asmr #isaac #isaac rhoades

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jumexju · 3 days

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CIRCLES

Fic Type !! : Series / Fluff / Some angst

CW !! : Nothing really

Summary !! : Two worlds collide when Gojo comes across a certain edgy 6-year old & decides he needs a babysitter to care for the kid. As you step into his world, he realizes just how different you are from him. They say opposites attract, but is it really true?

Note !! : I visualized a poc reader while writing this, though it can be read by anyone

WC !! : 2k

✦ MASTERLIST

CHAPTER I

The pitter-patter of the rain could be heard faintly as you looked out the window, trying to drown out the voice of your teacher who was lecturing Satoru for going overboard during a mission, again. The raindrops fell & landed on the window, allowing you to see how they slid across the glass. You didn’t hate the rain. In fact, it was quite beautiful to you. But you hated getting wet. Soggy socks weren’t exactly an ideal.

It reminded you of the things you didn’t have. Like new shoes for example. The rain would always find a way to get into your socks through the holes in them, you remembered getting sick in middle school because of it. Your mother didn’t have enough money to buy new ones, so you had to wear those until they eventually wore down to the point you had to get new ones. Thankfully now, your situation has changed. You were a jujutsu Sorcerer now, so you didn’t have to worry that much about money.

Being the quiet kid meant that you’d overheard conversations quite often. Not because you were trying to eavesdrop, people just tended to forget you were there.

“So, you need help taking care of the kid?” Shoko lifted a brow at the white haired sorcerer.

He sighed, “Yeah.. I get called on missions a lot n’ can’t really look after both of them. Plus- They’re menaces. Well, Megumi anyways.” He complained about the kid.

Shoko tilted her head, taking the lollipop out of her mouth. “So you need a babysitter?”

“Basically.” Satoru rested his chin on his palm as he looked out the window, obviously bored.

“ I think I might know someone.” Shoko said quietly.

Satoru lit up, “Really?”

You were about to walk out of the classroom before you heard your name fall off Ieri’s lips. You mentally groaned, you’d heard enough to know exactly where she was going with this. Still, a little extra money couldn’t hurt right? You turned on your heel & faced Shoko. Satoru had an annoying smile on his face. “What's up?”

“Would you mind helping Satoru babysit?” She put the lollipop back in her mouth, “He’ll pay you.” Shoko added. The both of you had been friends since you were first years so she knew about your siblings & how you’d grown up. She was one of the only people you trusted with that information since you know she wouldn’t mouth off and tell anyone else. It’s not like you were ashamed, but you’d rather not have a certain rich kid try to use that against you.

“Really? How much?” You lifted a brow as you crossed your arms.

“Anything you want, money’s not an issue.” Satoru smirked and finished his can of soda.

“.. Okay then, give me some time to think about it.” You told him, “I’ll have an answer for you by tomorrow night.” As you slid the door to leave, you felt cold fingers wrap around your wrist. You jolted before looking up & seeing Satoru towering over you.

Satoru let go of you, “Uh.. Shouldn’t we exchange numbers?”

You froze, “Oh. Yeah- We probably should..”

He laughed a little & handed you his phone, you did the same. You pressed in the numbers & saved it, typing your name above it. “Here,” He handed you your phone.

You took it, your warm fingers brushing against his cold ones. “Thanks,” you said before telling him goodbye and continuing on your way to your dorm.

“She’s a little uptight.” Satoru commented.

Shoko laughed, “Give her some time, she’ll warm up to you. ..Hopefully.”

“Hopefully??”

The ringing of your alarm woke you up, it was 6am. You sighed and rubbed your eyes, despite it being a Saturday, you didn’t want to sleep in today ー you had other, more important things to do.

Like getting more cheesecake.

Unfortunately, your love for sweets was greater than the fear of getting a cavity from them. For a while now, cheesecake was a comfort food you often indulged in because it could keep you full & it was also tasty. Ensei’s Bakery always had the best cheesecake. However, when you stepped out of your dorm, phone in hand ー you found yourself within the sights of a certain blue-eyed boy ー Much to your dismay.

You were going to pretend you didn’t see him walking along the hall until-

“_____!” He called after you with the playful smile he always wore.

You stopped in your tracks, looking back at him as he caught up with you. “..Gojo.” You lifted a brow, wondering what his business with you was. You told him you'd text him tonight didn’t you?

“No need for formalities, just call me Satoru.” He smiled as he walked beside you. “Okay..” You said with a little hesitation in your tone. “So.. What do you want?” You looked up at him, still skeptical that a guy like him would actually choose to be near you. It’s not that you had low self-esteem, not at all. It’s just that well, it was unusual for you to be with someone so popular. You mainly kept to yourself so it felt weird to you.

He chuckled, “Where’re you going?”

“Ensei’s Bakery.” you answered curtly.

“Really? I’m going there too.” He smiled to himself. Though you were a little rough around the edges, Satoru tried not to make it personal. You were probably like this with new people, just like Shoko said.

(Newsflash : Shoko didn’t say that. You just were caught off guard by his ‘friendliness’ towards you.)

“I heard the cheesecake there was good so I’m checking it out.” He looked down at you, his boyish smile still painted on his face. You looked up at him, his words seemed to brighten up your uptight mood.

It was one of the first times he saw you smile.

You looked ahead, “Yeah the cheesecake there is exceptional. Creamy but not too heavy. It’s good.” Your fingers fidgeted with the keys in your pocket.

“What do you recommend?” He asked curiously.

Your brows furrowed a little as you thought about it. He noticed the way you brought your thumb up absentmindedly while you contemplated your answer. “Mm.. The Red Velvet one is really good.. But the Chocolate one is good too.. That's a difficult question..” You mumbled that last part, a little embarrassed at how you were letting yourself ramble in front of him. “My favorite is the one with both Strawberry & chocolate though.” you told him.

He teased you about your sweet tooth & kept the conversation going with you as you two walked. He asked about your family but your answers remained vague, he guessed it was just a sensitive topic so he left it alone. Soon enough, you two reached Ensei’s Bakery. Satoru held the door open for you, you thanked him for the gesture and as soon as you stepped in, you could smell the sweet aroma of baked goods ー it was heavenly to you.

It seemed to appeal to Satoru as well, evident by the expression of bliss on his face. “Look, the cheesecakes are over here,” You pulled on his sleeve softly. His eyes widened behind his shades as he glanced at all the different cakes & sweets in the glass casing.

“There’s so many to choose from..” His smile was almost infectious, you could feel the corners of your lips lifting up. “That's the one I like,” you pointed at your preferred Cheesecake on display. “I see why, It looks good..”

“____!”

You turned around, looking for who had called your name. You smiled when you saw Keisha, one of your friends from childhood. “Isha, Hi!” You walked up to the counter where she was working.

“How are you?” She asked with a warm smile. Her light brown skin bathed in the warm light as she walked around the counter to give you a hug. “I’m good,” you answered as you returned her hug, “How’re you?” She told you she was well before leaning close to you and whispering, “Who’s that? He’s cute..” She giggled as you lifted a brow. “Cute..?” You chuckled dryly, “You mean Gojo?”

“Is he your boyfriend or something?” She nudged you playfully.

“Don’t kid yourself, he’s your new customer.” you joked. You couldn’t really imagine ever being close to a guy like him.

“Really?”

“Maybe,” you shrugged and went over to Satoru, “You know what you want?”

He leaned back up, “Yeah.” You followed him to the counter, Keisha smiling as the tall man walked over to where she was at. His smile was bright.

“Hello, what can I get you?” Keisha shot a smile at you who stood beside him.

“Hi,” he greeted your friend warmly, “Can I get one of everything?”

You eyed the bags hanging off Gojo’s arms, a little impressed at his ability to spend that much. ‘I guess the rumors really were true..’, you thought to yourself as you tried not to make it obvious you were staring. Unfortunately, Gojo was a keen observer.

He smirked. “Do I really look that good? You keep staring at me so I’m assuming I do.”

You scoffed and looked off to the side as you both crossed the street. “Whatever helps you sleep at night.” You half-joked. “Why’d you spend so much? You could always come back y’know.”

“Money’s not a problem for me.”

You glared at him. It was like he was flaunting his money. “Clearly.” you muttered, then sighed. You couldn’t really say anything to that. It wasn’t like it was his fault you weren’t born into a rich family like he was, so why should you be ticked off that he had more than enough money?

You were envious though.

It was hard not to be.

Soon enough, you two were back at Jujutsu Tech. The walk there was mostly silent, save for a few bits of small talk. As you were about to depart from him, he stopped you. His large, warm hand on your shoulder.

“..?” You looked back at him.

“Here.” He handed you a box of one of the cheesecakes he had gotten. You hesitated taking it from him but it was okay since he was offering, right?

“.. What’s the catch?” you narrowed your eyes at him.

“Nothing?” He laughed, “Just thought it’d be polite to show some courtesy to my future babysitter.” His smile shone brighter than diamonds.

“How do you know I’ll even say yes?” You deadpanned as your hands held the box of cheesecake.

“I know you won’t say no.”

As much as you hated him being right ー He was right. You didn’t say no to his offer. To be fair, you were going to be compensated so that was the upside to this whole thing. You untied your bonnet and freshened up your hair, staring at yourself in the mirror as you got ready to go meet the kids you were going to babysit.

You only hoped they weren’t too annoying.

Gojo headed to your dorm, it was around the time he told you he was going to pick you up and he thought it best to be early. It wouldn’t exactly look right for him to show up late, right? He absentmindedly scrolled on his phone as he waited outside your dorm room, patiently waiting for you to come out.

And when you did, he couldn’t really believe it.

You looked.. Different.

“You..” His eyes widened behind his shades as he looked at you, your black maxi dress showing off your physique. The vintage necklaces on your neck styled beautifully matched with your earrings and the bangles on your wrists. They added the right pop of color that contrasted your dress.

“You’re early.” You didn’t pay much attention to his reaction, “We should get going. It’s not exactly good parenting to leave kids on their own, Gojo.”

He caught up to you, walking beside you as he led you to Ijichi’s car. “You look nice.” There was a ghost of redness on his cheeks if you looked hard enough. To say that Gojo was stunned at your ‘casual’ look was an understatement. This was a deep contrast to how you usually dressed. Granted, Jujutsu Tech did require you to wear a uniform so it was rare to see anyone in different clothing. Nevertheless, it was hard to miss someone who looked as good as you.

Especially when you did it so effortlessly.

“Thank you.” A small smile tugged at your lips as you took his compliment. Gojo opened the door for you, getting in beside you as Ijichi drove you to Gojo’s apartment. “So, Megumi and Tsumiki huh?” you asked, “Two girls? You must have your work cut out for you, Gojo.” A soft chuckle made its way out of your mouth.

“Girls?” Gojo lifted a brow, “Oh- No, Megumi’s a boy.” He corrected you, laughing a little.

“He’s a boy..??” you laughed at the revelation, “Did his parents name him?”

He laughed along with you. Seeing as Megumi wasn’t exactly a boy's name, your reaction was appropriate. “His father did, I think.” Gojo replied. “It was his father who told me about him actually.”

This piqued your curiosity, “Did he ask you to take him in?”

“No. He told me his son would be sold to the Zenin’s and to do what I wanted with that information.” Gojo explained. “I decided that I'd train the kid instead.”

“That’s awfully nice of you,” you joked as you looked out of the window, “What happened to his dad?”

“.. I killed him.” His tone wasn’t lively like before.

This caused a crease to form in between your eyebrows. It seemed to be a sensitive topic, you decided not to touch on it any further. Maybe Shoko would tell you.

“.. I see.”

“We’re here.” Gojo perked up, not wanting to ruin the mood with the story of how or why the kid’s father died. You thanked Ijichi before leaving the car, Gojo had opened the door for you of course. “So what’re they like?” You asked Gojo, a bit nervous to meet them since you didn’t know how they’d react to someone new.

“Tsumiki’s a ray of sunshine, Megumi on the other hand is a little reserved but he’ll warm up to you eventually.” He said with a smile. Gojo seemed more animated whenever he spoke about his adoptive kids. He seemed to have an ambition to shape them.

Maybe Gojo wasn’t entirely as bad as you thought.

The jingle of Gojo’s keys was heard as he took them out to unlock the door. Once it was open, you walked in to see the place completely empty. It was huge, you weren’t even sure you could call it an apartment. “This is where you live??” You were in awe at the spacious kitchen and the pristine-looking living room.

“Yeah?” Gojo chuckled before calling out for the kids. “Megumi! Tsumiki! I have someone I’d like you to meet!”

“What if they’re sleeping?” You asked as you looked up at Gojo.

He shrugged, “Well now they aren’t,”

“‘Cuz of your yelling,”

“Yeah, yeah, whatever.” He went to the kitchen, deciding they’d probably come out when they were ready. “Want somethin’ to drink?”

“You got cranberry juice?”

“That’s oddly specific.” He remarked as he opened the fridge. “But yeah, I do.”

You sat on the stool by the counter, patiently waiting for the kids to magically appear. Unfortunately, this allowed your thoughts to run rampant. Like, what if they didn’t like you? What if they never warmed up to you? You snapped out of it when Gojo handed you a glass of cranberry juice. “Thanks.”

Right before you were going to take a sip, you felt a tug on your dress.

“Who’re you?”

Below, next to you, was a small kid with black hair that stuck up. He had a defensive look on his face. You guessed this would be Megumi.

“I’m _______. Your new babysitter.”

Do not translate or copy my works on other platforms.

#gojo #gojo satoru #satoru #satoru gojo #jjk #jujutsu kaisen #gojo x reader #gojo fic #gojo fluff #megumi #jjk megumi

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grammmarli · 1 day

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「 RAIN WALKS... OR NOT 」

synopsis: just a lovely walk in the pouring rain with a guy who could care less about you, or so you think

pairing: zenin naoya x gn reader

tags: fluff, profanity, vulgar language

word count: 1k

"Tch... I don't get why I had to come along with you in the first place."

"C'mon! It'll be fun."

"Fun, my ass. Can't you be fucking reasonable for one second and—"

"Being reasonable can wait!"

What had originally been a mere grocery trip with Naoya turned into a rainstorm when, all of a sudden, it started to pour. Hard.

To hell with Naoya's handsome looks and freshly shampooed hair that afternoon. You immediately went and dragged him by the arm and out of the comfort of shelter.

"It was either we waited for the rain to stop or walked in the rain. And knowing you and your nonexistent sense of patience, you wouldn't pick the latter. So~! Therefore, I went ahead and made the executive decision for you," you said with a proud smirk.

Naoya's voice dripped with sarcasm as he sneered, "Well, congratulations on mastering the art of being an idiot, like always. No shocker there. Maybe next time, use that genius brain of yours to make decisions that actually make sense."

His sarcastic remark hung in the air, but you were having none of it—or instead, you were already used to his antics. It was quite refreshing, actually. Even as the rain poured, he still wasn't letting up.

With a mischievous grin, you let go of Naoya's hand and cupped your two together, collecting some rainwater, and, with a single motion, you threw it directly at the Zenin, colliding with Naoya in a triumphant splash of victory.

His clothing stuck to him like it was soaked in sarcasm, and his once-confident countenance gave way to one of astonishment. His mouth hung open, and his face slowly shifted into one of plain disgust.

"You were saying?" you smirked. "Hmph. Now you're soaking wet, just like I am."

"You..."

But before he could say another word, you once again grabbed him by the hand and led him, walking together on the sidewalks as the rain continued to pour down on them.

"Let's go. My house isn't far, and we can dry off and freshen up a bit. After all, we just brought some groceries from our haul."

Naoya gruffed in response, but he didn't resist, even as you pulled him along by the hand like he was a dog. How pathetic.

But it was something that Naoya, for some reason, felt oddly at ease with...?

As cold as it was while walking in the rain without an umbrella or even a hood to block the water from your face, your hand was still oddly warm. It was much smaller and softer than his, a stark contrast.

He was unable to take his eyes off of you. It was only because you were in front of him, dragging his hand like a guide. Yes, that's right. Where else was he supposed to look? Down?? A Zenin like him would never.

But amid all that, there was something about you that entranced him. Was it the rain? Never. That same pathetic rain was ruining his perfectly styled hair he had just for today with you—though that would be something he would never tell to you straight.

Or was it the way how you always managed to defy expectations just to do whatever the hell you wanted? Perhaps.

...Or maybe, it was—

"Here we are!"

Great. That wretched shriek that, god forbid, came from a human being, was back.

Just as you and Naoya arrived in the empty home, you threw off your shoes and left the wet bag of groceries on the carpet to dry.

"Make yourself comfortable," you mused, unclothing your jacket.

"Ugh."

Naoya peered closer, only to see the clothes that you were wearing, or rather, what was under them. The thin t-shirt you were wearing was nearly close to being see-through.

Naoya was close to making a fire of his own—using his own rage, that is.

Did your dumbass seriously not even fucking notice?! What if it was someone else who saw you like this!? Would you have been so stupid then with them?

"Here."

The next thing he felt was a towel on top of his head, and your face was right in front of him. You had a small towel of your own wrapped around your neck to keep your wet hair from dripping onto the floor.

Your hands came abnormally close, and with your eyes focusing on him and him only, you used your hands, grasping the towel sitting on the top of his head to dry his hair.

He flinched. "What the—"

"Hold still," you commanded. "Your hair is soaking wet."

"Well, you were the one who wanted us to walk in that dang rain to begin with," he grumbled.

You blinked once and then twice before yanking his hand off, forcing his arms to his side so that you could finally get to what you wanted to do. "Then, just let me do this."

"...."

For whatever reason, Naoya was silent. It was sort of peaceful, really. Feeling your hands comb through his hand with an expression of concentration.

The ruffian creature eventually relaxed, even to the point where he closed his eyes and let out a content sigh as your fingers played with his hair. If it weren't for the towel covering most of his face, he would've ratted himself out—revealing a rare vulnerability.

To even begin to think that the Naoya Zenin would suck up his pride and let someone else even touch him, but he was also secretly pleased—even if his arrogance wouldn't allow him to admit it. He tilted his head back a little closer to your chest and lowered his posture, permitting you to have an easier time tending to his damp hair.

Naoya smirked, rather pleased with himself.

Look at him. He was being far too kind to accommodate you.

No one else would've had the oh-so-magnificent pleasure of drying his hair. So you had better savour it.

You both lay there silently for a few minutes, enjoying each other's company as you continued to dry his dark hair with a towel as Naoya held his body still. That is, until you suddenly stopped. And you could've sworn that you heard a noise coming from Naoya's mouth, but you didn't push it.

"There," you said happily. "All dry! Hehe, now how about that?"

"...Just this one time."

Your hand stilled for a moment before continuing your gentle strokes. "Huh?"

"You're the only one I let do this. So savour it," Naoya said, his voice softening for a mere second, only for him to split back into an expression of aloofness.

You smiled before moving your hands again. "Then I'm flattered."

You weren't about to tell him about how you could see everything from the very beginning. He would never let you hear the end of it otherwise.

Guess it'll just be your little secret.

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aratitty-itto · 12 hours

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Diluc's In-game outfits: An analysis

His regular outfit- Official name Darknight Blaze (really Diluc???) source First, it's similar to the long coat he wears in the manga when he's still in the knights. The ropes he has on one shoulder are something you usually only see on military uniforms, too. Also, the belt that crosses the chest and then one across the hip- that's similar to a weapon/sword belt, and it's one many of the knights have with the one across the chest there to keep the belt from sagging. These are two things I think Diluc had in the knights and incorporated into his later outfit. The all black with some gilt/gold is because Diluc is dramatic and likes the color and also looks good in it. The red on the gloves I personally think is also because Diluc is, again, dramatic and determined to wallow in guilt, so he made the palms red "to remind himself of the blood on his hands" or some shit. (I'll admit this is headcanon territory but i think it's really in character.)

Practically, the coat is armor. The coat looks and moves like it's made of some heavy material. I think it would be wool, because wool as a material has a lot of bonuses. It burns after some time- but is hard to catch on fire. It's a great insulator, so it keeps heat in in the cold . . . . and also keeps it out in. It doesn't melt to your skin like some materials (usually synthetic ones) would when burned. Wool can withstand the temperatures of a regular campfire normally for a fair amount of time, and even higher temps if its specially treated. It's used in firefighter suits even today for all of these reasons. Wool keeps you warm even in rain. It also repels water because of the oils in wool and it takes a lot to get it wet.

And as for armor- Heavy and/or padded fabric is fantastic about spreading out the force of a blow. Diluc would probably barely feel an average punch and maybe get a bruise from a sword slash. It might even block a stab from a dagger or sword (depends on weapon quality and force behind it) or at least keep the stab from going in too far. Those giant arm cuffs have a purpose- double the armor on his wrists, one of the most important things to keep from getting injured while fighting. Same for that little capelet- a hit on the shoulders or near the spine would stagger you and make it hard to swing a heavy claymore with the force necessary. I definitely think Diluc decided to put his collar up like that because he thinks it makes him look cool- and then realized it helped prevent slashes to the back of his neck. The coat is open in the front- but you're able to guard your front a lot easier than your back. Even the fact that its sewn in all those weird shapes is useful. If it gets cut/burnt/bloodied too much in one section he simply rips the seams on those specific panels to replace them, instead of having to replace the whole coat. Also, if you headcanon Diluc as autistic I can tell you that wearing a wool cape/coat is like wearing a weighted blanket. It feels so nice. i also wonder if there's something about self-consciousness, and feeling like he needs several layers between his body and the rest of the world at all times.

Red Dead of Night- 5-star skin

source His Hidden Strife event outfit. In the Hidden Strife event we got it in he said something like "It's an old outfit he got while fighting the Fatui." It looks a bit similar to the Pyro agents, actually. Not so much the recent ones besides the feather-like coattails, but I bet the Fatui changed military uniforms, partly because uniform changes happen regularly and partly because Diluc may have been using Fatui uniforms to sneak into bases and such.

He probably doesn't wear it all the time for darknight heroing, but it comes in handy for certain things because-

-if its night you will only see shapes instead of colors and red isn't actually super noticeable in the dark, if someone sees it they will see the distinctive tailcoat that looks a lot like a Fatui Agent, and will assume its Fatui- perfect for if he wants the Fatui blamed for this action.

-if it is a Fatui uniform he stole it's a combat uniform so its meant to be maneuverable in combat. if he has it why not use it.

-already has armor built in, its probably meant for Pyro agents so it's presumably fire resistant. I've seen several cosplays made with leather which would make a lot of sense, it's light, maneuverable, fire resistant and provides light armor.

-and probably the original reason he has it- it has bird theming, the bird on the waistcoat and the back looks like tail feathers, it's red, it's fire-themed, I bet you when Diluc first saw it he was so jealous and needed one himself. And then realized all the other practical points of stealing one.

In conclusion, Diluc is wearing armor at all times even when it looks like he isn't. I wonder what he would wear for purely comfort?

#diluc #headcanon #genshin headcanons #genshin diluc #diluc ragnvindr

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cryptid-ghoulette · 1 day

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You can always reach me

Some days rain really struggles, but luckily phantom is there to help

(shout out to @sister-nyx for giving me the push to finish this!)

WC - 683

Includes - rain dealing with chronic pain, very mildly injured phantom, but very much fluff with a happy ending.

Rain slumped face-first onto the couch, ignoring the others who were sitting at the dining table. He was too tired to hear anything they might have been saying. His head pounded, and the sound of blood rushing in his ears was deafening and ceaseless. He didn’t even care that he could barely breathe with his face smooshed into the musty couch, and even if he did care, he was pretty sure none of his limbs would respond.

He wondered if this was the time he wouldn’t be able to get back up, if this was the moment his body finally just gave up, leaving him stuck inside his own head, permanently part of the couch until someone came and peeled him off it, like gum stuck to the bottom of a shoe.

Eventually, he felt a hand tousle his hair, and a familiar voice said far too cheerily, “Hey, let me join this pity party,” followed by the weight of someone directly on his back, curling into a ball, purring loudly into the crook of his neck.

Of course, it was Phantom. The youngest of the ghouls and by far the sweetest. “Hey bug, comfy?” Rain joked, his voice a little muffled by the couch.

Phantom let out a soft giggle, gently lifting one of Rain's arms. “Yep, very. You okay, Rain? You feel even more floppy than usual,” he said, letting the arm fall back onto the couch with a dull thud.

“Just a bad pain day, nothing I can’t handle. Don’t worry about me, Ant,” he said, still face-down in the couch, trying his hardest to hide just how tired and sore he really was. He knew Phantom would see right through him, though. The kid had a sixth sense for lies, especially when Rain was the one telling them.

“Well… if it makes you feel any better,” Phantom started to say, moving off Rain and back onto the couch, Rain rolling onto his side. “I got this earlier today falling down the stairs coming back from Mountain’s room. Tripped over my own tail,” he said, pulling up his pant leg to reveal a large bruise trailing along the side of his knee, already starting to turn a deep, angry purple.

Rain winced. “Ouch, Bug. You do know you control your tail, yeah?” Phantom rolled his eyes. “Ha ha, very funny. Do you want my help or not?” Rain chuckled softly, nodding his head and rolling back onto his stomach with a groan, letting his body settle back into the dent in the couch.

The small quint took his place on Rain's back again, curling up tightly, purring louder, letting the vibrations rumble through Rain’s body, a warmth slowly spreading, and he could feel his body relaxing, sinking further into the couch (if he couldn’t move before, now it was probably worse, but for the best reasons).

There’s something about Phantom’s purrs that is magical. Rain knows it’s probably the quintessence, but the soft hum settles into his very bones, warming him from the inside out, loosening all the knots and tangles of muscle and sinew.

This little exchange has become an unspoken agreement between the two of them, both knowing more than most what it's like to have a body that is more often than not aching in some way or another, even if for two entirely different reasons. Rain's pain is more chronic, something he can't control, while Phantom’s is mostly out of clumsiness and his seeming inability to fully control his own tail. Either way, the two of them have bonded in mutual agony, with Rain quick to share any heat packs, band-aids, and some of Mountain’s special teas, and Phantom always happy to help with some purrs and a little quintessence.  Eventually, the rest of the pack spotted the two on the couch; by then, both were sound asleep. Phantom continued to purr on Rain's back, while Rain quietly purred into the couch. It wasn’t long before Mountain fetched a blanket, draping it gently over Phantom and Rain without disturbing their peaceful slumber, both completely at ease.

#the band ghost #rain ghoul #phantom ghoul #cryptidrambling #my fics

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stayevildarling · 3 days

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hi, i loved your work a while back where mina wasn’t feeling well & reader helped. could you write something with cordelia x billie x mina x reader where mina gets hurt and they all try to help her but she tries to refuses…or something along those lines? no pressure i know you are probably busy. thanks you

Cordelia Goode x Billie Dean Howard x Wilhemina Venable x Reader- A silence so loud

A/N: It pains me so much to write poor Mina baby in pain but I have had a few requests about it so 🙇‍♀️

word count: 6k

tw: mention of scoliosis, mention of pain medication, mention of doctors, smoking, angst

taglist:

@lunaticwhittaker, @billiebeanhoward, @lanawinters-ily, @kenzbro, @minaslittleone, @httpfiftyshadesofgay, @whitelotus00, @ninaahs, @vintagepaulson, @isle-of-earle, @paulsonsratched, @stepintomyworld, @grilledcheeseandguavajelly, @lucyintheskywithxanax, @fanfics4world, @mymiraclewitch, @hazard-to-myself, @awritersometime, @ohrwurm26, @wastdstime

Today was quiet, the atmosphere in the academy almost filled with a sense of unease, the air feeling a little colder than usual, the sky outside much darker than usual and the weather taking a sudden turn as the sky pours with rain. The four of you had decided to do some things of your own, still having some things mostly related to work left and excited to spend the evening in each other's embrace, Delia deciding to head to the markets to get some ingredients for dinner.

Billie Dean sitting in the living room by the fire place, in between face time calls to her agents and doing some things on social media to promote the upcoming season of her show. You had opted for doing some things around the academy in order to help out your girlfriends, especially Cordelia who has had a long week, filled with supreme duties. At first you briefly tidied her office for her, enough to make it clean and sort through some documents but not enough to invade her privacy. The supreme didn't mind, not having any secrets and trusting you enough to teach classes and help look after the girls but you still never wanted to pry. Afterwards, you took care of some things in the greenhouse, helping some of the few girls left at the academy packing their things and heading out for the weekend.

And as you close to the front door, walking through the large white hallway, you catch a glimpse of Billie, typing away on her laptop, taking some sips of the coffee you had brought her a while ago and you can't help but smile, seeing her in her element, looking as ethereal as ever in a long flower skirt and blouse and wondering how she managed to always look so stunning, even on a quiet rainy weekend. Suddenly, the thought of your redhead girlfriend crosses your mind, thinking how she seemed a little tense this week, not enough for either of you to worry but enough for you to notice. And then it kind of dawns on you that despite it now being the afternoon, you hadn't seen her today.

This morning you only caught a glimpse of her, not long enough to really even have a conversation with her and then as thunder strikes through the academy, Billie shrieking a little at the sudden noise, it dawns on you again how when you had tried to bring her some tea before, she wasn't in her office and so you had left it on her desk. With a sense of urgency, you glance at Billie, who had abandoned her phone call a while ago, deciding it was enough working for the day. ,,Billie?'' you ask, almost a little anxiously as she turns her head to look at you. At first she thinks the thunder may have upset you, quickly on her feet as her heels tap against the marble floor. ,,Are you okay babydoll?'' she asks, as soon as she reaches you, noticing your slightly pale expression.

,,Have you seen Mina today?'' you question, your voice betraying your anxiety. Billie's eyebrows furrow for a moment, thinking back but she also had no recollection of really seeing the redhead today, trying to think whether she mentioned anything about heading out today. ,,No babydoll'' she reassures, a flicker of worry now mirroring her brown orbs.

Clearing your throat, your eyes wander to the staircase, before taking a deep breath ,,I'm going to check on her'' you announce, already on your way, before Billie is quick to follow behind. ,,Let me come babydoll'' she ushers, taking your hand as the two of you climb the staircase, halting outside the redheads office door.

What neither of you three had known was that the past week had tested the usual strong woman in ways she hadn't been tested before. Her work had been unusually demanding, her bosses draining all the energy she had left to give with their usual demanding and ridiculous personalities. She felt more agitated, struggling a little to keep the perfect facade up as soon as she returned home in the evenings. All she wanted to do was hide away, to the comfort of bed or even the silence of her office. But she couldn't, Wilhemina never able to lay out her feelings in front of either of you, her past having scarred her in ways neither of her girlfriends could imagine.

Despite everything, the redhead felt like she had a job with you three, a purpose. Being the shoulder Cordelia could lean on whenever the academy and being the most powerful witch weighed heavily on her shoulders. Whenever doubts filled her about whether she was doing this justice, whether she was slowly turning into her mother. The two of them had a quiet understanding and of course Cordelia knew all too well about Wilhemina's past and sorrow. She tried hard to make her life easier in any ways she could, offering her full support, whether that was with Wilhemina's demanding job, her pains, often offering to accompany her to Doctors appointments, pick up her medication for her, anything to make her life easier.

With Billie, the redhead felt like she had the purpose to cheer the medium, knowing despite all the fun parts of her job it was never really easy, the hauntings, the ghosts, often keeping Billie up at night and Wilhemina the one awake and softly coaxing her back to sleep. Often the two of them communicating with nothing but sarcasm and bickering but it was their love language, it always had been, Billie knowing it triggered the redhead a little but at the same time coaxed her out of her stoic shell at times. And Billie wasn't great with words sometimes and so the only thing she could do for the redhead was coax her in her attention and love. Mostly showering her in gifts that Wilhemina would find randomly almost weekly in her office. One time it was a small lilac Chanel purse that Wilhemina had taken to work ever since. Another time a lavender candle that the redhead kept lit in her office and just this week a bouquet of lilac flowers, that Wilhemina had kept on her night table, a reminder that she could get through this week as Billie had, in silence, noticed that this week was a little harsher on her girlfriend.

And at last there was you, her little one. Since meeting you and you joining their relationship, Wilhemina felt an odd amount of protectiveness over you. She felt the same towards Cordelia and Billie, especially considering the dangers their jobs and lives brought. But you were different for some reason, Wilhemina seeing a small part of her younger self in you, wanting to protect you from life's pain and burdens. She was always by your side, a set of brown eyes always lingering whenever you are nearby, making sure Madison wasn't teasing you too much, making sure your students respected you, as she sometimes made an appearance at your classes, observing quietly from a distance. Wilhemina made sure whenever you were in pain, may it be a simple headache or a specifically painful period, that you would confide in her. You didn't know but deep down she never wanted you to be like her, not able to ask for help. And so she showered you in love, nothing too much for her, often making it a habit to make some time with just you, sometimes reading to you, even teaching you to knit a while ago. And in return you gave her your everything, there was something special about your love with all of them but Mina was different.

You had never loved anyone so deeply, as no one ever made you feel quite that safe. And you knew all too well about her stubbornness, her refusal of asking for help and so you tried to do it in silence. Every morning, she would find a packed lunchbox on the kitchen table, along with the daily newspaper, the kettle and some tea already prepared for her. When she returned from work, she would find a nice warm bath waiting for her, her office always tidy and her medication draw always stocked up. And despite her hating it secretly, she accepted it from you, knowing you meant well, you never pried, never asked too much or the wrong questions and she adored you for it. But despite it all, she couldn't confide in either of you this week, how her back had hurt so much more than usual, how she couldn't walk at times, how her legs, arms and hands and every single bone in her body hurt so much that sometimes it brought tears to her eyes. How she had considered to take double her usual dosage as it all felt a little unbearable.

And so, the only thing she could do today, was sit in her office, not to do any work, giving you all that excuse to be left alone but simply to deal with her pain. Deal with this week, knowing if she wasn't going to get this quiet time she would lash out, letting all the anger and frustration out on either of you, like she had done many times in the past, her eyes always pleading for forgiveness after but she didn't want to do this today. Not after all the kindness you all had showed her and continue to show her. And then her thoughts are interrupted by a knock, a very quiet one and she knew it was you by the way it was so faint and quiet, knowing you had no intention of disturbing her. But she also knew it was Billie, hearing the sound of heels ascend the stairs moments before and she sighs, knowing she couldn't stay in here forever as the evening approached and she had every intention of spending it with you three, having missed you this week.

,,Come in'' she announces and you breathe out in relief, as you gently open the door, exposing her sitting in her armchair, her expression neutral despite the pain. As you glance around her office, you notice how it all looked the same, the tea cup in the same spot you had left it in, her computer and work pile not being touched either and it makes you wonder what she had done all day. Billie approaches, lacking your gentleness, walking over to the redhead and pressing a kiss to her cheeks. ,,We wanted to check on you Venable, haven't seen you all day'' the medium announces and you can't help but notice the way she winced when Billie gently placed her hand on her shoulders and kissed her cheeks. ,,Is everything okay Mina?'' you ask, anxiously, knowing she was unusually quiet today. ,,Fine, little one'' she replies, forcing her best smile and watching Billie as she strolls through her office almost noisily and Wilhemina watching carefully.

,,So what have you been up to?'' Billie asks, almost absent-mindedly as she lights a cigarette and continues strolling through her office and by your girlfriends reaction you knew she was about to snap. Wilhemina didn't condone the habit and she wouldn't usually say anything about Billie smoking near her or in her room but you also knew whenever she was agitated, she would scold her and tell her off for just that habit. ,,Really Howard?'' Wilhemina questions, her eyebrow perched up and her voice mirroring her annoyance. Billie simply shrugs, while you continue to observe carefully. And then with a swift motion and almost too quickly, Wilhemina gets up, reaching for her cane, her steps echoing through the room as she walks towards you, noticing your worried expression. ,,I'm going to make some tea, would you like some little one?'' she asks and you simply nod, unsure how to interject.

Billie and you follow behind as the redhead walks down the stairs, almost a little slower than usual and you can't help but notice the way her right foot was limping a bit, ever so slightly but that wasn't usually there. And as your eyes meet the mediums, the same expression is on her face but you remain silent, knowing you couldn't bring this up now. Billie observes quietly as she stands by the doorframe of the kitchen, taking turns between scrolling on her phone and lighting another cigarette. You stand almost frozen as you watch the redhead walk up to the kettle, struggling as her shaky hands fill it up with water. And then comes the first challenge as you had clumsily put the tea back on one of the top shelves, needing a little stool before as one of the girls had put it there you assume. And you scold yourself internally, usually being so mindful of the redhead around the academy and wanting to make everything accessible for her.

,,Mina let me help'' you usher, walking over to her but she glares at you then, her features filled with anger, hating to be treated like a child as you never would have offered the same with Billie or Cordelia. And you halt in your steps, Billie watching the scene unfold quietly as your heart breaks in front of you. But you can't help it, knowing by now she was upset but wanting to help, wanting to make things easier, not wanting her to hurt by reaching for the tea herself.

,,Mina, I'm sorry I must have put it up there by accident earlier, let me get it'' you try again but her stubbornness takes over as she glares at you again, abandoning her cane on the kitchen counter and stepping onto the little stool ,,I am more than capable-'' she begins but she doesn't get to finish as fate decides to have a turn. And then just as the front door opens, Cordelia returning with some shopping bags and a smile on her face, excited to see her girlfriends, Wilhemina slips, her heels scraping against the stool as she loses her balance, her hand pathetically trying to hold onto something but there was nothing to hold onto. And despite Billie dropping her cigarette, Cordelia trying to move quickly and you leaving your frozen state and lunging forward she slips, falling backwards, the thud that follows sending waves of pain through your heart and her back.

There is a split moment of silence, the room frozen as the seconds tick by, Wilhemina on the floor, Cordelia almost by the kitchen now, Billie and you watching in shock. And you all heard it, that crack and as you all snap awake, you see her ankle and the way you could only imagine what just happened and how much that must hurt. ,,Mina'' you call out, ever so quietly as you finally find the ability to breathe and walk again, quick by her side as you kneel in front of her. Her eyes are closed, not from unconsciousness but pain and the medium and supreme are quick by her side as well, Cordelia dropping the shopping bags and Billie quickly abandoning her cigarette in the sink.

,,Honey?'' Cordelia tries, gently taking her swollen and red ankle into her hands but she flinches at her touch then. Opening her eyes, you see a fire in them, anger but also tears but she definitely knows how to fight those back. ,,I'm fine'' she is quick to compose herself and sit up, ignoring the waves of pain crashing over her body. ,,Darling, let us help'' Billie tries, feeling awful that she simply stood and watched this unfold. And as Wilhemina scans her surroundings, trying to find wherever she had abandoned her cane, Cordelia tries again ,,Honey, your ankle looks hurt, let me check'' she fusses but for good reason. However she is having none of it ,,Leave it'' she scolds almost hissing, her voice filled with venom. And you can tell, you can tell she didn't want this, didn't want to be fussed, didn't want any help, all she wanted was to get up and her cane. And so you stand up, quickly reaching for her cane and handing it to her. And as her eyes meet yours, they mirror some gratefulness, the anger slowly subsiding.

And so she takes her cane into her hand, the stubbornness winning over as she simply gets back up, as if she didn't just break her ankle, as if this wasn't the second time she had fallen this week, despite remaining quiet about it. As if she hadn't hurt her ankle this week already at work but putting on a brave face. As if everything within her just wanted to cry and let the pain win over. But that side always won and so the three of you back away a little, Cordelia's hand lingering behind the redhead to at least be able to help if she lost her balance again, Billie taking some steps away, giving Wilhemina space. And then she stands there again, composed, as if nothing happened, taking a deep breath, before leaving, definitely wanting to be alone now. You watch in pain as she exits the kitchen, even slower than usual walking away, leaving the three of you behind in pain, as the sound of the kettle startles you, a painful reminder that this was all your fault due to your foolishness of leaving the tea on the top shelf.

,,Mina-'' you try one more time, tears lingering in your eyes but she doesn't pay you any attention, simply walking up the stairs, carrying the whole world of pain on her tired shoulders. Billie is quick to leave, abandoning all of this to cool off, to have a cigarette outside, wanting to be alone and deal with this herself. And so it leaves you and Cordelia, the supreme watching in pain as the redhead finally makes it up the stairs and back to her office, you a shivering mess in front of her. ,,Sweetheart'' she tries, moving closer to you and placing her hand on your shoulder to get you to turn around. And when you do, your face filled with tears, she takes you into her arms as you sob quietly into her chest, her holding you, despite not having the full picture on what had happened.

Cordelia is quick to turn the kettle off, to rid you of the painful sound and reminder on what happened, before sitting you down at the table, kneeling in front of you. And for the first time today, you really see your girlfriend, taking in her features as she looks ethereal as ever, wearing a black slightly see-through flower patterned blouse, her usual black long flowy pants and some heels. Her features are filled with concern and worry before she speaks softly ,,Darling, what happened?'' she asks quietly, placing her hands on your knees, rubbing little circles on them to comfort you. Her eyes reassuring you it was okay and she was going to fix it but that she needed all the details.

,,I- I'' you struggle to find your words, focusing in order to make your tears and pathetic breathing stop and return to normal. ,,I didn't see Mina a lot today and me and Billie checked on her'' you begin, the supreme listening intently. ,,And I think she got a little annoyed with us'' you admit, thinking back to the conversation in Wilhemina's office. ,,She came down to make some tea'' you explain further before your gaze averts her, catching a glimpse of Billie returning and heading to the hallway, to collect the dropped bags from Cordelia. ,,It was my fault'' you admit, meeting her brown eyes before her eyebrows furrow. ,,I- I made her some tea around lunch time and I must have placed it on the shelf- I'm sorry'' you cry but Delia is quick to shush you. ,,Hey sweetie, it's okay'' she coos, pulling you forward and back into her safe arms. ,,You couldn't have known darling, this isn't on you'' she reassures.

And then Billie startles you, despite not meaning to as she places the bags neatly on the table, wanting to desperately help out as she is feeling utterly useless in this whole situation. ,,I think'' Billie begins as she clears her throat, catching yours and Cordelia's attention. ,,I think there is something off'' she announces, nervously unpacking the groceries. ,,She seemed off this week and-'' she stops herself then before looking to you. ,,I can't be the only one who noticed the limping earlier, babydoll?'' she questions only to be met with your agreement. ,,When she walked downstairs she was limping on that ankle already'' you confess to Cordelia, hoping the supreme could fix this, could help your Mina. And again, the supreme listens intently, slowly understanding by getting the full picture.

Silence fills the kitchen as the blonde tries to weigh her options, knowing how stern Wilhemina was and knowing there wasn't really a right way to approach this. ,,I'll try and talk to her'' she announces after a little while and you and Billie simply nod gratefully. Before the supreme gets ready to leave, you stop her. ,,Wait'' you call out, quickly walking over to the counter and finishing what Mina had tried to do in the first place. ,,Can you take this up?'' you ask, your eyes pleading with her as you hand her a cup of tea. She smiles then, before taking it and pressing a kiss to your forehead, adoring your kindness. And when Cordelia walks upstairs, Billie comes up from behind, wrapping her arms around you protectively. ,,How about we get a head start on that dinner?'' she murmurs and you simply nod, wanting to help out both Cordelia and Mina, hoping the supreme could calm her enough to join you for dinner.

And while the two of you begin, Cordelia finds herself knocking on the redheads office, waiting for a reply but knowing there wasn't going to be any. And so she enters, pushing aside the voice in her head telling her not to but refusing to let her girlfriend struggle in silence. ,,Mina darling?'' she tries as she enters. She finds her office empty, but hearing a faint noise from the bathroom and so she closes the door, abandoning the tea cup on her desk, finding another cup there, assuming it was the one you had taken up to her hours before, despite it being left untouched. The door to the bathroom is closed and so she knocks again, this time a little more urgently ,,Darling?'' she tries, her voice betraying her concern and anxiety. And Wilhemina stands by the mirror, tears lingering in her eyes as she holds onto a bottle of her pain medication, the pain of her ankle almost killing her but the guilt weighing more heavily on her as she didn't mean for her stubbornness to win over again.

She ignores the supreme, her pleas to open the door, as she contemplates what to do, whether to finally just open up and let those walls tumble down. But the voice has the upper hand again, causing for her to simply extract two more pills, quickly swallowing them, before composing herself and opening the door, again as if nothing had happened. ,,Are you okay?'' Cordelia whispers, her eyebrows furrowed and the redhead simply nods, brushing past her and taking a seat on her armchair again, Cordelia of course noticing the limping and trying hard to contain her emotions. And so the supreme stands there, unsure what to do or say. ,,Here'' she softly tries, walking over to her desk and handing her the cup of tea, hoping it could at least coax her out a little. Wilhemina takes it almost hesitantly, abandoning it again on the little table next to her, wanting nothing more than to be left alone.

,,You need to let me take a look darling'' she announces, her voice sounding a little firm, glancing at Wilhemina's red and swollen ankle. And as Cordelia kneels down in front of her, the redhead watches carefully but there was always something about the blonde that made her falter even a little bit. And so as Cordelia inspects it carefully, hovering her hands above it while she closes her eyes, Wilhemina simply watches in silence, ignoring the voice for once. And as Cordelia looks up, noticing how the red and swelling didn't go, how the pain was still there in her girlfriends eyes, she knows this was more severe than her magic could fix. ,,Honey, I'm afraid it may be broken, otherwise my magic could have fixed it'' she announces and Wilhemina simply scoffs then. ,,Darling, I need you to see a doctor'' she tries, again firmly but her eyes still portraying the usual gentleness. ,,I will do no such thing' she scoffs again, averting her gaze.

,,Mina darling'' Cordelia tries again but the redhead is having none of it. ,,I'll be fine Cordelia, just stop worrying'' she hisses but then something snaps within the supreme, not being able to take her stubbornness for a second longer, especially if her wellbeing was at risk. ,,No you aren't fine Wilhemina'' the blonde blurts out, her eyes meeting hers. ,,You are hurting and we can all see it and you have been hurting all week'' she exclaims. And then Wilhemina's eyes meet hers, locking with her girlfriends, maybe the slight sternness from her girlfriend, finally causing some walls to break down.

,,What happened this week?'' Cordelia asks, noticing the redheads confusion ,,The first time this happened?'' she questions and Wilhemina almost cries then, unsure how exactly the supreme had figured it out but all the pain finally faltering. And in response, Wilhemina lets the tears flow, a very rare occasion, tears of pain, physical pain from her back, ankle and her tired bones. Heartache from treating you three like this before and having to remain so stoic and stubborn all the time. And Cordelia doesn't push for answers, simply letting her fall apart in front of her, not saying anything as she knows words are too much, simply placing a comforting warm hand on her girlfriends knees as she continues to kneel in front of her.

Meanwhile Billie and you had finished cooking and as the food simmers, you watch as the blonde paces a little, sighing in frustration. ,,Billie?'' you question gently, noticing how her mood suddenly changed a little and how agitated she seems. ,,I'm sure she broke her ankle'' the medium sighs, fiddling nervously with her nails. You can't help but equally sigh, frustrated with how this day turned out and not able to feel anything but guilt. Silence fills the room as you think about it for a moment, only now realising that if this was true, neither you or Cordelia could fix this for your girlfriend as your magic didn't allow and work that way. ,,I really think we should get her to see a doctor'' you sigh, propping yourself up on the kitchen counter as your legs dangle away. ,,She won't go to see one'' Billie huffs, taking a safe distance away from the food and lighting a cigarette in frustration. And then suddenly, an idea pops into your head and Billie can tell by the way you bite your lip, how you always did that, almost biting the words away.

,,What is it babydoll?'' Billie questions, a cloud of smoke surrounding her ,,You know that friend of yours you have mentioned? the one that does visits?'' you ask, remembering how Billie knew all sorts of celebrities and always talked about this specific one, knowing Wilhemina hated hospitals and doctors and she wouldn't go to a place she didn't know, her usual doctors not being an option considering it being the weekend and evening now. And as the revelation registers in the mediums brain, she is quick to abandon her cigarette, reach for her phone and walk into the hallway, pacing in circles as she usually did whenever she was on the phone. And as you listen carefully, not to pry, but to get Mina the help she needed as quick as possible, you hear Billie set all the details. ,,Thank you'' you exclaim with a soft and grateful smile. The medium returns your gentleness with brushing her nails across your cheeks, before kissing your forehead. ,,Thank you babydoll, for being so smart and always listening to me ramble'' she jokes almost, before you watch her ascend the stairs.

And you follow behind, not wanting to disturb either of them but to simply listen and be of assistance if anyone needed anything. And so, Billie Dean walks into Wilhemina's office, not knocking, not really caring, thankfully the supreme having wiped the redheads tears by now. ,,Alright, I don't care what either of you say but-'' Billie begins, pointing her fingers at both of them, earning a small smirk from Cordelia at her antics and even Wilhemina smirks at least internally at her dramatic entrance. ,,I have called one of my close friends, she's a doctor and will be here to do a house call in about 20 minutes''. As she finishes her sentence, Cordelia's face grows a little pale, anxious as she wasn't sure whether she had already gotten Wilhemina to the point where she would be willing to accept help. And as the redhead glances around the room, she notices the anxiousness in both Cordelia and Billie's faces, awaiting her response and as she for the first time notices your presence, as you almost hide behind Billie still feeling guilty and overall horrible that she was suffering so much, she falters, still composed and graceful as ever of course.

,,Alright, thank you Billie'' she announces, both blonde heads snapping in her direction as neither of them expected it. ,,You're welcome and I promise she's great'' Billie assures, giving the redhead a gentle and warm smile. ,,I'm going to go and check on dinner, maybe we can all eat together after she's finished with you Venable?'' Billie jokes, trying to lighten the mood a little and despite everything earning a low chuckle from the redhead and a nod in agreement. ,,Would you like me to stay with you honey?'' Cordelia offers with a smile but as you follow behind Billie, she clears her throat ,,Actually- little one?'' she asks, instantly causing you to turn around and look at her. ,,Would you mind keeping me company?'' she offers, patting the seat next to her. As you glance at Cordelia, she smiles, giving Wilhemina a proud gaze as she leaves you both to it.

,,Come here little one'' she offers, patting her lap as her brown eyes search yours, but you don't feel comfortable considering the pain she must be in and so all you do is take a seat beside her, playing with your rings as a nervous habit. The room fills with silence as Wilhemina watches you intently, trying to think of something to say to get her little one to smile again. ,,I'm so sorry Mina'' you suddenly blurt out, taking you both by surprise. ,,I- I guess someone placed the tea there and when I made you some tea I must have put it back up there'' you cry, tears flowing freely from your eyes as you squeeze them shut. ,,I'm sorry that you are hurting Mina, it's all my fault''. And as she hears your words and takes in your sobbing form, she can't help but fight her own back, how you could ever blame yourself for this, considering this was all due to her own stubbornness and refusing to let you help her. ,,Little one'' she tries, the back of her hand brushing over your cheeks to wipe your tears. ,,None of this is your fault, you have been so kind and gentle and well I- I have just been me'' she admits and this causes you to look at her, your eyes locking with her brown ones.

The two of you are quickly interrupted when Billie knocks on the door, exposing one of her famous doctor friends, who enters with some supplies and two bags. ,,I'll leave you to it'' Billie announces softly, glancing at you and Wilhemina before giving you some space. As the older woman introduces herself to Wilhemina, you retreat from the chair, wanting to give them both some room and the doctor some space to do her examination and as Wilhemina glances at you, you see something in her eyes that you don't usually see, fear and the silent plea for you to stay close. And so you opt to stand behind where she is sitting, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder, not enough to hurt her but enough so she can feel you are there. The examination is over quickly, the doctor actually a little unsure whether the bone is broken or just fractured. ,,I recommend you to get an X-ray done tomorrow, I would gladly set up an appointment with Ms Howard for you'' she explains as she wraps up her things. ,,But I urge you to rest and maybe you can make sure she puts some ice on it and uses these creams'' the woman explains now addressing you directly and handing you some supplies. ,,Of course, thank you very much'' you thank her as you watch her wrap up her things and leave.

Cordelia and Billie wait anxiously downstairs until the doctor returns, having set the table for the four of you, hoping after the examination, a sense of normality would follow. ,,And?'' Billie Dean asks nervously as she fiddles with her nails yet again. ,,I can't confirm whether it's broken, I will need to do that at my practice but I'm happy to set up an appointment with you, for now I suggest rest and the medication that I have left with them both'' she confirms and Billie sighs in relief a little, unsure what exactly she was expecting but glad it doesn't seem too serious after all yet. ,,Thank you so much doctor'' Cordelia thanks her with a warm smile before Billie exclaims ,,Rest will be hard with her'' and she is met with a smile and nod from the supreme. ,,She seems tough'' Billie's friend exclaims as she gets ready to leave, Billie guiding her to the door ,,Oh yeah, she's a feisty one'' Billie chuckles before saying her goodbyes.

Meanwhile you kneel in front of your girlfriend gently, glancing around the room a little anxiously before asking ,,Mina?'' and she is quick to hum as a reply, meeting your eyes. ,,May I help you please?'' you ask, your voice filled with gentleness, not an ounce of judging or wanting to coddle her. And so she simply nods, meeting your eyes, a little unsure how to actually accept help when given. ,,Would you like if we get you in some more comfortable clothes?'' you ask and after thinking about it, she nods and you are quick to leave her for a moment to get the necessary things. In a heartbeat you return as you help her gently into some new clothes, with her consent putting some of the cream on her swollen ankle, promising to get her some ice as well. ,,Do you need any more pain medication?'' you ask carefully but she shakes her head, remembering she already had the highest doses today.

,,Would you like to eat downstairs? I could easily take something up here for you'' you try but she shakes her head, already reaching for her cane as she carefully balances on it. And as she walks towards you, a little slower than usual, you smile, grateful and proud that for once your stoic Mina accepted help, despite all the circumstances leading to this. ,,Little one?'' she asks as she holds out her free hand to you. ,,Thank you'' is the words that follow after and it almost brings tears to your eyes then, watching her soften up. And so as you and Wilhemina moments later, walk down the stairs together, Billie and Cordelia watch with expressions filled with love and proudness. And as the four of you finally enjoy each other's company for the night, Cordelia insisting on Wilhemina putting up her leg on a nearby chair and you fetching an ice pack for her, Billie gushing about her doctor friend a little and praising herself mostly, it all comes full circle.

And despite the pain and the unknown of whether your girlfriend in fact really broke her angle, the anxiety of having to get the checks done, waiting for the result and the painful weeks to follow, tonight is another reminder that maybe Wilhemina didn't need to keep her walls so high all the time, at least not with you three. Maybe she could allow Cordelia's hovering at times, Billie's suggestions that sometimes sounded awful but ended up being good in the end and maybe even your kind and gentleness towards her. And as the evening wears on slowly, the mood outside of the safe walls of the academy lightens as well as a bright sunset filled with red and oranges fills the sky, illuminating the kitchen, almost matching Wilhemina's mood as of right now, everything felt right, being with each other.

#sarah paulson #cordelia goode #wilhemina venable #ahs #american horror story #billie dean howard #sarah paulson x reader #cordelia goode x reader #billie dean howard x reader #wilhemina venable x reader

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