#like it just wrecks me from a place that was never there just unknown and i cant begin to imagine what it can do for people where its known | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

misshoneyimhome · 4 months

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Hi! I'm the anon about Willy wrecking her respectfully, so what i was thinking is that she hasn't great experiences and he has been patient and exploring what she likes. So she wants to learn what he likes and his kinks hope that makes sense.

Okay okay, so I've got to admit, this might be the longest smutty imagine I've written so far 🙈 and I may have gotten a bit carried away, having not planned it out at all (obviously) - but I hope, fingers crossed here, I still captured your idea! 🫢🤍

I think it goes without saying, but:

Warnings; 18+ smut; fingering; oral sex (f and m receiving); portected & unprotected penetrating sex; light spanking; mild choking; brief public stimulating; very light bondage; language; and i think that's about it;

Word count: 5.6K

[Inexperienced!reader x Willy]

・✶ ｡ﾟ

All good boys go to heaven - But bad boys bring heaven to you | William Nylander 🖋️⚡️

"Okay, next question!" Estelle exclaimed loudly, wearing a grin.

"Alright, what's the most thrilling or unusual place you've had sex?" Stephanie read aloud from her phone, displaying the list of questions.

And you found yourself involuntarily holding your breath just a bit as the question was announced.

It was a simple game of truth or dare that you were playing with your friends, a few players from the Toronto Maple Leafs, and their girlfriends, wives, or fiancées. However, since no one ever really chose "dare," you all eventually switched to just answering truth questions instead.

Maybe it seemed a bit odd for you to be there since you weren't specifically involved with any of the players. But as a close friend of some of the girls, having met them through another mutual friend and simply being welcomed into their tight-knit group, it didn't feel out of place at all. In fact, you felt more like a part of the group than your mutual friend ever did. And given how well you were getting along with the girls, it was natural that you'd been spending so much time with them.

And you weren't the only single person there. Some of the players were also single, so it was a good mix of people.

However, knowing your relatively new group of friends quite well already, you were aware they all had much funnier stories than you. And worst of all, they would now discover your lack of interesting sexual experiences in your life.

Not that you were a virgin or anything. However, like few others in their mid-twenties, you hadn't really delved into most sexual activities. But those kinds of details about you were unknown to any of them.

You could, of course, choose to lie, but let’s face it, you were terrible at lying, and they’d easily see through any attempt.

"Oh, once was at a New Year’s party in the walk-in closet," Auston admitted with a boisterous grin.

"Please, don’t tell me it was one of our parties, Auston!" Stephanie almost cried, knowing that she and Mitch often hosted such events, just like tonight.

"Guess you'll never know," the lad from Scottsdale replied casually, with a shrug and an excessively mischievous laugh, making both Stephanie and Mitch reconsider the next time they’d plan to host anything where Auston might bring a date.

"Alright, who's up next? Willy!" Mitch shouted in a playful manner.

"Uh, at a pool party in the pool house back home in Sweden," he smirked, briefly reminiscing about the memory of that day.

"Ah, that time Sandy and Alex caught you, right?" Auston chuckled.

"Yup, one of the several times," William laughed in response.

"Okay, and next up is y/n," Estelle announced excitedly, and you had to summon every ounce of energy to keep from showing any signs of blushing.

"Oh... um... didn’t I already have a turn?" you tried to casually brush it off, but without success.

"Nope, it's your turn now, come on y/n! I bet it’s something really dirty," Auston teased from across the coffee table. Meanwhile, William's gaze was fixed on you intensely, with everyone eagerly awaiting your answer. "It's always the cute ones who are the kinkiest," he teased further, and you just shook your head, chuckling lightly.

"Well, um... Alright," you coughed a bit as you gathered the courage to share. "I guess it'll have to be... by the foot of the bed," you breathed out, causing complete silence to envelop the room.

"I think we have a winner," Max cheered jokingly, prompting the others to join in with 'oohs' and laughter. And you felt a wave of embarrassment wash over you but managed to chuckle along with the rest of the group.

"Wait a minute," Auston interjected. "Are you saying that the most exciting place you've had sex was at the foot of your bed?"

"Yeah..." you sighed softly. "Well, to be fair, I've only been in one long-term relationship, with my high school sweetheart, and the guy just wasn’t exactly the most adventurous type - more like a 'missionary position only' kind of person," you explained with a slightly nervous smile. "And the only two one-night stands I've had after the breakup; one was too drunk to even manage anything, and the other didn’t exactly have the time to explore different positions, so..."

Your friends kept their gaze on you for a moment longer before all letting out chuckles and moving on to the next person, Max.

The game carried on for about half an hour before the group slowly dispersed, and soon, you were preparing to head home as well.

"Hey, I can walk with you some of the way?" William suggested as you both were getting your coats and shoes on.

"Sure, that would be nice, Willy," you replied, genuinely appreciative of his kind offer. Being a young woman alone late at night in the dark Toronto winter wasn’t always the most comfortable feeling.

And as both of you stepped into the chilly city air, you began to walk towards the underground station. Knowing that William lived in the opposite direction, you found it genuinely thoughtful of him to walk with you.

William Nylander was probably one of the people you'd connected with instantly among the many you'd been introduced to. His natural calm and laid-back energy were incredibly comforting, and his laughter was always extremely contagious. Additionally, you shared a similar quirky sense of humour, a profound love for food, and a mutual interest in the diverse cultures of Europe, which he would passionately discuss.

Overall, he was just a really cool guy. He consistently included you in social gatherings and, like tonight, offered to walk with you so that you wouldn't be alone.

And as you strolled the streets of Toronto, your conversation flowed across various topics, never any awkward silence between you.

Over the past several months, you'd shared many personal details with the Swede - things you wouldn't typically discuss with someone you’d just met. However, William had a way of encouraging you to open up.

Which was also how he suddenly changed the topic of your conversation as you walked side by side. Something from your earlier game lingered in his mind, and he couldn't let you go home without some clarification.

"Is it really true, what you mentioned back at Mitchy's place?" he asked curiously.

"Which part?"

"You know, about never really experiencing anything exciting with sex?" William turned his head to look at you, his eyes revealing a soft expression as he pondered how that could be.

Looking up at him, you offered a sweet, slightly resigned smile and nodded gently.

"I'm afraid so…"

"But then, how do you know what you like and don't like?" he asked, stopping in the middle of the pavement, a touch puzzled.

"I suppose I don't really know, Willy…" you chuckled, feeling a bit nervous. "As I said, my ex wasn't really keen on trying new things…"

"But don’t you want to find out?"

"Well, actually… I am a little curious," you smiled, glancing down at the ground before meeting his gaze again. "It's just that I'm not seeing anyone at the moment and considering my not-so-great experiences with one-night stands… it's not exactly what I think would be the best option."

William held an intense gaze, as if trying to discern your thoughts. Then with a soft smile, he took a step towards you.

"How about I help you figure it out?" he almost timidly proposed, yet his tone carried a significant level of confidence.

It wasn't exactly a secret within the team that William had taken an interest in you since you'd met.

He found you undeniably attractive, sweet, and funny, and it hadn't gone unnoticed by the whole team how he consistently included you in group activities.

Though initially, William's intention was purely to be friendly. But as he got to know you better over time, a growing desire to spend more time alone with you developed within him.

The way you spoke passionately about your hobbies, work, family, dreams, and aspirations captivated him. Your smile was incredibly endearing, and deep down, he longed to be the reason behind that lovely laughter.

So, upon learning about how you hadn't been treated the way he thought you deserved in your previous relationships, particularly in terms of sexual experiences, his heart felt disappointed on your behalf. He strongly believed that you deserved to experience complete pleasure with someone who would treat you respectfully and tenderly, while showing the endless and wonderful possibilities when it came to sex. Perhaps someone like… him?

Yet, William had never made a definitive move on you. Uncertain if you were open to starting something new since your breakup, he chose to maintain a casual and friendly demeanour around you.

Which, consequently, left you with no idea about what was going on in the mind of the Swedish lad.

In your perspective, William was simply a good friend, always ready to offer support and a listening ear.

Or, perhaps, a really good-looking friend. With an infectious laughter, a fantastic sense of humour, and not to mention his body. Oh yes, you’d definitely noticed his muscular, well-built figure. How could you not?

The man had the confidence to roam around in tiny shorts and a bare torso at any time of the day - before training, after training, before games, after games. He didn't shy away from showing off his body, and rightfully so.

If you were to be honest, you'd admit that thoughts about William Nylander had crossed your mind, even the sexual kind. However, you'd never dare to speak those thoughts, considering it inappropriate for your friendship.

Yet, a part of you couldn't help but linger on William’s words. The way he looked at you intensely stirred unexpected feelings within you - feelings that seemed to run deeper than you had anticipated.

However, there was no way William could be entertaining such thoughts about you, you thought. You were simply his innocent friend; someone he spent time with from time to time.

But his recent words seemed to convey something else.

"What?"

"I'll help you figure what you like, if you want to?"

Was he being serious?

And yes, William was dead serious.

He even repeated his proposition the next time you met, after leaving you somewhat puzzled with a 'think about it' accompanied by a smirk.

Following a training session at the rink, he whispered suggestive remarks in your ear, sending shivers down your spine.

Which led to the very moment when you found yourself in his bedroom the night after.

After dedicating your entire Saturday to shaving, moisturising, and carefully selecting your best lingerie and cutest outfit, you arrived at his place, a bundle of nerves but also overwhelmingly intrigued.

"Relax, y/n/n," William spoke gently as you stood in his spacious living room, handing you a glass of water.

"I am relaxed, Willy," you chuckled lightly. "Believe it or not, this is me relaxed."

William simply offered you a reassuring smile as he contemplated what was about to unfold in his condo.

He understood it wouldn't be anything overly sensational. It was simply a beginning, an opportunity for you to explore different aspects of sex, to discover what you might enjoy. He knew he had to be patience with you, guiding you through this journey of exploration.

Though, in the depths of his desires, he simply wanted to wreck you completely, fuck you to the point where you'd lose track of how many times you'd come. However, that wasn't the agenda for tonight.

And as you sipped your water, meeting William's intense gaze, you too pondered what was about to happen.

You were aware of William's extensive experience in the sexual department, as he wasn't one to be shy about it. Yet, he often came across as an overly laid-back young lad, someone who might not prioritise a partner's needs over his own. However, it turned out he was quite the opposite.

And upon learning that he genuinely cared about your lack of experience, aiming to respectfully push boundaries and understand your desires further, left you wondering about what lay beneath his calm and youthful facade. It was in that moment, you simply yearned to explore new territories with him, discovering his deepest desires and what turned him on.

"Come on," William softly urged as you finished your drink, placing the glass on the table and guiding you slowly to the bedroom.

Although you had previously had sex in a bedroom, William thought it would be a comfortable place to begin - a space where you could relax and explore other aspects first, such as different positions and sexual activities.

Then upon entering his bedroom, he took his time to ease your obvious nerves. His lips tenderly met yours, as his hands gently explored your body and hair. Skilfully, his tongue ventured into your mouth, intertwining with yours, and mixing your saliva, meanwhile his hands moved down your upper body, finding the edge of your clothing before delicately slipping underneath, caressing your smooth skin. Gradually, he undressed you, one piece of item at a time, only parting his lips from yours when necessary.

It wasn't hurried nor eager; it was tranquil and soothing as you stood before him in your finest lace underwear, his eyes lustfully appreciating every curve of your body. And it felt entirely natural, as William, as always, made you feel at ease and comfortable in his presence.

"Lie down on the bed," he softly instructed, and you obeyed instinctively.

As you lay on your back, William removed his own shirt and positioned himself above you, gently planting a cautious kiss on your lips before speaking.

"Has anyone ever touched you... like this?" His fingers traced the soft skin of your body, trailing down your stomach to the edge of your underwear, before slipping inside and stroking your folds, causing a soft moan from you.

"Mmm..." you softly nodded, confirming that you had experienced being touched this way before. Surely, you had been fingered a few times as a form of foreplay before penetrative sex.

William maintained his focus on you as his finger continued into your warmth, gently poking your entrance and gradually sliding inside, prompting a soft moan from you. He worked his finger in and out a few times, coating it thoroughly with your juices before slowly adding another, while observing your expressions as he brought you pleasure. Then with his fingers still inside you, he whispered softly in your ear.

"Has anyone ever kissed you... down there?"

And to this, you shook your head in response, a clear 'no' to his question, causing a smirk to form on his rosy lips.

"Then that's where we'll start," he announced before tracing kisses along your jawline, down your neck, between your breasts, and lower, reaching the area where his fingers were working their magic. Gently, he then removed his fingers and hooked them around the edge of your lacy underwear, pulling them off and discarding them along with the rest of your clothes.

William hen positioned himself between your legs, and gently encouraged them to part, wrapping his arms around your thighs before bringing his mouth tantalisingly close to your core.

This was something you had often wanted to try, but your ex had always been unwilling.

And now, you were in for a treat.

Your first moan escaped uncontrollably as William's tongue delicately traced your folds, licking your juices before his mouth began sucking on your clit.

"Fuck," you cried out, your hands gripping the sheets firmly on either side of your head, as he skilfully worked his mouth, exploring every inch of your most sensitive area, licking and sucking, drawing out your sweet nectar, and occasionally teasing your entrance. Then as your breaths grew incoherent and uncontrollable, William adjusted his position slightly, freeing an arm to once again guide his two long fingers to stimulate your inner walls. Your fluids mixed with his saliva, granting him easy access to thrust his digits in and out of you, gently angling them to hit a particularly sensitive spot.

"Willy," you breathed out, feeling waves of pleasure coursing through your body. You sensed a satisfaction in him, as if he were smirking with contentment into your cunt, making you a mess under his touch. "I think... I think I'm gonna..."

William then gently withdrew his mouth from your warmth and concentrated on using his fingers to bring you closer to the brink, fulfilling your intense longing.

"That's it, baby, just relax and let go," he softly encouraged. And it didn't take more than a few seconds for you to lean your head back into the pillow, closing your eyes as waves of ecstasy filled your mind, and pleasure surged through your veins, leading you to climax.

"Shit, Willy," you softly breathed, opening your eyes as you gradually calmed down from the intense orgasm. Then he gently withdrew his fingers, licking them clean, a huge smirk on his lips as he stood to undress completely.

Your gaze followed him intensely as he moved to his nightstand, retrieving a small foil packet before returning to kneel in front of you on the bed.

"You're doing great, babe," he praised you, his voice deep and gentle.

"Willy... can I?" you asked timidly, biting your lower lip gently as your eyes glanced towards his hard member, standing proudly.

But William gently shook his head. "Another time, tonight is only about your needs, babe," and you couldn't really argue with that.

Although William indeed wanted to experience your sweet lips wrapped around him, feeling the warmth of your mouth and throat, it would have to wait for another night. He was already on the edge himself, holding back in order to give you the time and comfort needed to explore new positions.

So, instead, he unwrapped the foil, prepared himself, and then firmly grasped your thighs while locking eyes with you.

"Ever tried doggy?" he inquired.

Once again, you signalled your lack of experience with a gentle shake of your head.

And with a dark chuckle, William used his strong arms to flip you forcefully onto your hands and knees, causing you to gasp softly. It was a new but thrilling experience; you couldn't see his face, yet you anticipated what was to follow.

You then felt a gentle pressure from the tip of his cock before he slowly entered you deeply, your walls enveloping his length while his hands maintained a firm grip on your hips.

"Shit, you're tight," William moaned as he stretched you with each thrust. And you couldn't help the sounds escaping your lips as he moved in and out, establishing a steady rhythm, your hands gripping tightly onto the sheets beneath you.

He felt incredible inside you, and as he increased the intensity, moans grew louder, filling the hot, heavy air of the room alongside heavy breaths. Your juices coated his shaft with every movement, and you began to feel another surge of an orgasm as he filled every inch within you, reaching the very depths of your being.

Then William's next idea hovered in his mind, a bit intrusive, yet he hesitated. Perhaps it was too much, too soon for you. However, curiosity got the better of him, and he decided to push your boundaries just a little further.

Besides, this was all about discovering your likes after all.

His firm hold on your hips relaxed slightly as his hand tenderly caressed your soft skin, retracting momentarily before delivering a sharp smack across your tender flesh, eliciting a shriek as the painful sensation coursed through your body.

Painful, yet mixed with pleasure.

And then another sting followed as his hand connected with your ass once again, a hint of redness starting to appear on your skin.

It was all so intense. Never before had you experienced such a potent mix of pleasure and pain.

And it didn't take long before your second orgasm approached, your walls contracting with pleasure as it surged through your body. You couldn't hold back; William's increasing thrusts were pushing you over the edge, making you arch your back, as your mind went blank, and you came all over him.

William sensed himself nearing his climax too, his movements becoming sloppier as he felt you tightening around him.

However, he wasn't quite prepared to finish just yet.

Instead, he withdrew from your warmth, leaving you feeling empty, before swiftly flipping you onto your back and entering you once more. Your hands instinctively found the back of his shoulders as your legs lifted slightly, granting him better access in this familiar position.

His pace quickened, thrusting harder and faster as he neared climax.

Your moans grew louder, accompanied by the release of air from your lungs, but then your sounds were briefly muffled as William's hand gently found your throat.

It wasn't a tight grip but enough to surprise you as he pressed you down into the mattress while continuing his vigorous thrusting. Pearls of sweat formed on his forehead as he prepared to reach his peak.

"Fuck," a deep grunt escaped from him. And with a few more forceful thrusts, William finally came, releasing himself into the condom.

Breathing heavily and still filled with husky sounds, he needed a moment to compose himself.

And a silence settled in the room as he then carefully pulled out of you, settling beside you after disposing of the condom in the nearby bin.

"So," he softly broke the silence. "Was it okay?"

"Okay? Willy, I just experienced two of the most intense and best orgasms ever," you chuckled, resting on your side, gazing at him with a satisfied smile.

"I wasn't too rough with you?" William chuckled lightly, still a bit out of breath, lying on his back with an arm resting above his head, as he met your gaze.

"It was certainly... something else," you replied softly. "But... I have to admit, I really enjoyed it."

That reassured William. He had been unsure whether he had pushed your boundaries too far but knowing it had been a positive experience for you eased his mind.

"Good, that's good."

"So, is this a particular kink of yours? Being dominant in bed?" you softly inquired, eliciting a light chuckle from him.

"Sometimes," he simply replied. "I mean, I guess I've always liked taking charge, but it doesn't always have to be rough or anything like that."

"What else do you enjoy?"

William flashed you a curious smile, turning to his side and propping his head on his arm. "Many things, like the positions we tried tonight. But I also really like spontaneous sex, that's usually fun, and then there's something hot about sex in different locations or having the girl on top," he explained, watching keenly for your reaction, finding your interest in his desires rather intriguing.

"And you enjoy going down on women?"

"Absolutely."

"Well..." you timidly began, briefly pressing your lips together before speaking again. "If you're interested... I'd like to do more. I want to learn more about what you like, what turns you on."

William couldn't help but smile at your sudden curiosity, feeling rather happy about the prospect of being the one to introduce you to various levels of pleasure.

"On one condition," he softly replied. "I'd like to take you out."

Your eyes brightened like Christmas lights at his words.

"You what?"

"I want to take you out, y/n. You're not just someone random I've had sex with and then moved on to the next girl. I really like you."

You could sense that it wasn't easy for him to admit his feelings, but you couldn't help but smile as you realised that William Nylander actually had feelings for you, and you had to admit, you felt the same way.

"I'd like that, Willy. I really like you too."

Your first date with William was sweet and simple. He ordered takeout from his favourite place, Sugo's, and you both enjoyed it on the sofa, indulging in a classic Netflix and chill session.

And then naturally, it evolved into a passionate kissing session, with you straddling him, and his hands on your ass while your fingers tangled in his blonde locks.

He let you take the lead, exploring the idea of you being somewhat in charge, which eventually led to you riding him in the bedroom. However, even though you were on top, his hands on your hips still guided the intensity. Yet, it was still thrilling to explore new positions with him, discovering ways to please him while satisfying yourself.

But you still wanted to explore things further, as you sensed that he was still holding back.

And by the next home game, sporting his jersey on the side line among the other partners of the team, you made it a personal mission to seduce him, boosted by your newfound confidence.

But as fate would have it, after the team secured a great win, they decided to celebrate with a dinner outing, partners included.

And to your surprise, nobody on the team was surprised when William proudly took your hand and tagged you along as his date. In fact, it seemed everyone had been waiting for it for quite some time.

Then amidst laughter and cheers at the dinner table with good friends, William seized the opportunity to address your lingering curiosity about his kinks. Leaning in while Auston and Max were engrossed in sharing a story from their latest road trip, he whispered into your ear in a seductive tone.

"Are you sure you want to know about my preferences?"

And gently, you simply nodded, biting your lower lip in anticipation.

"Then take off your panties."

You were slightly taken aback, feeling your heart race at his words, and turned to face him, slightly puzzled.

"Here?" you whispered.

William simply nodded, flashing a mischievous grin and lustful eyes. And so, you did. Carefully, without attracting any attention, you discreetly slid your lacy thong from beneath your skirt, smoothly removing them from your legs, before bending down, and retrieved them under the table, leaning up to tuck them into William's pocket.

So, being naughty in public was a kink of his, you thought.

And the thrill of it intrigued you too. Sitting there, with nothing underneath, your secret known only to your partner beside you.

Then just as you thought that was the extent of his actions, William smoothly placed his hand on your thigh, gently gliding it upwards towards your warmth, causing you to gasp softly, still trying to maintain composure so no one would notice.

His fingers lightly brushed against your core, barely exerting any pressure, yet his touch was enough to quicken your pulse.

"Hey, anyone up for dessert?" Reaves called out, catching everyone's attention.

"Sorry, but I think we're calling it a night," the team's captain announced, citing the need to get home to their children.

"Yeah, we're pretty tired too," Max added.

And then William joined in as well. "I think we'll have dessert at home."

His cheeky remark prompted the team to erupt with whistles and playful looks, while your cheeks flushed with a light pink hue, slightly embarrassed by the attention.

However, that embarrassment quickly faded.

Once you were in the car with William, heading back to his condo, something entirely different occupied your thoughts: his two fingers delving deep inside you while he navigated the streets of Toronto with his other hand.

"Willy, I'm close," you gasped heavily, your body trembling with sheer pleasure, your hand instinctively grasping the door handle.

"Don't come," he commanded, causing you to look at him, slightly confused.

"What?"

"I said, don't come," his voice was firm, his gaze fixed on the road.

Oh, so this was another one of his kinks?

You had to stifle your breath to regain control, but his touch made it exceedingly challenging. And your grip tightened as William's fingers continued their movements inside you.

Fortunately, your torment ended soon after. Not in the way you desired, but as William withdrew his hand upon arriving at his apartment building, leaving you both disappointed and needy.

Clearly, another kink.

Passionately connecting your lips, you rode the elevator up to his floor, and upon reaching his door, he swiftly opened it, shedding coats and shoes. Using the leverage of his size, he effortlessly lifted you into his arms and carried you to the kitchen, where he placed you on his large dining table.

"No bedroom tonight?" you asked breathlessly, a playful smirk on your face.

"No," William chuckled, gently shaking his head. "I told you; we're having dessert at home."

And without further words, William squatted before you, lifting your skirt a bit higher, positioning you at the edge of the table, then tossing your legs over his shoulders, and buried his mouth between your thighs.

"Fuck, Willy!" you moaned loudly, your hand entwined in his dishevelled hair as he expertly ate you out. Which had become something you immensely enjoyed by now.

Balancing yourself with your other arm, you tilted your head back slightly, feeling the arousal surge once more.

And this time, he allowed you to reach your long-awaited orgasm, licking up all your essence as you unravelled in pleasure.

"You taste so fucking amazing," William chuckled, kissing the inside of your thigh, lightly nipping your skin, as he made sure to leave a mark where he'd been.

"Not fair that you're the only one getting dessert," you said seductively, suddenly feeling more empowered than ever before.

"Oh, definitely not," William chuckled softly, a surge of excitement coursing through him as he stood and undid his belt, stepping back to let you join him. And with a smile, you kneeled in front of him, licking your lips in anticipation of finally tasting him.

And without hesitation, you eagerly lowered his trousers, only to find that William too had gone commando during dinner.

"Naughty boy," you sensually chuckled, giving his member a few gentle strokes before licking up the shaft, softly teasing the tip with your lips before taking him in.

William's hand gently guided your hair as you skilfully took him further down, coating his length with your saliva and starting to move your head in a gentle rhythm.

It wasn't exactly the easiest manoeuvre, being your first time giving a blowjob, but having heard about it, read some guidance, and even watched some porn, you surprisingly found yourself easing into it. Your mouth and hand worked in unison, eliciting pants and moans from him above you, boosting your satisfaction in your oral skills.

In that moment, you understood why William enjoyed going down on you so much, as the mere sounds of pleasing him aroused you immensely.

"Shit, baby, you're really good at this," the Swede praised above you, sensing his own impending peak.

And his words spurred you to intensify your actions. However, just as William felt close to climax, he halted you.

"Babe, I'm about to come, but I want to be inside you."

So, following his command, you released your mouth form him, and rose with a confident smile on your lips.

Yet, William, feeling the urge to reassert his dominance, untied his tie and firmly directed you to turn around, clasping your wrists together behind your back.

"So, you think you're in charge now, huh?" he whispered seductively, his voice husky, causing you to gently shake your head. "Didn't think so."

While gently securing the fabric around your wrists, keeping them in place, he then guided you to bend over the table.

And then aligning the tip of his cock with your dripping cunt, he slowly pushed inside, one hand gripping your hip while the other held onto your bound hands, prompting uncontrollable moans to spill from your lips as William established a steady rhythm, thrusting in and out of your warmth.

In contrast to your previous encounters, this time the sex was more fervent and forceful, as William's hips slapped against your buttocks, stretching and stimulating your inner walls. And you knew neither of you were going to last long this time.

After an evening of teasing, edging, and oral stimulation, you were both on the brink of your peaks.

And the overwhelming sensation, your hands bound and unable to move, coupled with the incredible pleasure from William's movements, made it hard for you to concentrate on anything else.

"I can't, Willy," you almost whined as you felt your orgasm building. "I'm about to come..."

"Yeah, baby, come for me," William urged roughly, quickening his pace as he too neared his climax.

And so, you did. With a loud, intense moan, you called out his name along with a string of curses, letting your orgasm take control and cloud your mind. With the clenching of your walls around his cock, William followed suit, emitting a deep grunt of pleasure, as he released himself completely.

"Fuck…" he moaned as he emptied the last of his drops into you, before withdrawing slowly as he regained control of his breathing. Then gently, he untied the knot, freeing your hands and assisting you to stand as you returned from your euphoric state of mind.

"That was…" you spoke softly, turning to face William and leaning into his embrace.

"Intense," he added.

"Yeah, intense..." you smiled up at him.

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah... and in desperate need of a shower," you chuckled lightly, and William joined in.

"Let's go shower then, I think we both could use it," he suggested, and you agreed, both acknowledging the need for some post-sex clean-up.

#18+#Inexperienced!reader x Willy #william nylander imagine #nhl smut #wn88 imagine #william nylander smut #nhl hockey imagine #toronto maple leafs imagine

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untitled-gem · 11 months

Text

betty's story was really so incredibly tragic.

she was visited by her fiancé from the future after she just ran away from a present him that was just chasing her around yelling her name. she must have already been so terrified and confused, and now she's seeing a time portal open up in front of her with the same guy inside to apologize for stuff she doesn't even know he did or what he became.

so suddenly she's confronted with the option of going into the future to see him as he appears to have no damage. he looks fine, so he must be fine, right?

no. she goes inside and he tells her that he's DYING!!!!! so now betty is stuck in an unknown world and she has to try and get her fiancé to not fucking die what the hell.

she ignores his pleads to die because she is convinced that she can save him and that it will all be okay. thus, at the end of that episode, her arc is started and her free will is basically sacrificed to try and find a cure for simon's curse.

she does so many terrible things to try and get him back!! she tricks finn and keeps ignoring ice king when he's basically telling her that he just wants to do his own thing, and on top of that, he's still confused about who tf this lady is!! and in the end, her efforts are fruitless anyway. and before patience st. pim froze her, we saw that she was at least trying to appreciate simon for who he became, with the bird illusions and all. but that just wasn't enough for her after that, clearly bc she decides to just hop right back onto the train that'll make her do all those bad things in the first place.

when she's on mars, she's literally a wreck from trying so so hard to free simon of a curse she doesn't even fully understand. THE WOMAN IS COUNTING GRAINS OF SAND FOR GLOB'S SAKE!!!!

the worst part of THAT is, and one of the saddest parts for me, is her inability to give up even AFTER changing the past in the temple. she gets told that she "has learned a very pressing lesson", but she takes it the wrong way. she thinks now that she has to strain herself even HARDER to get her fiancé back. she's fallen right back into the unhealthy pattern so easily after trying to get better about it. it's like a relapse in some ways.

and then the finale comes. she's on her last nerve, she is SICK of ice king trying to get in her way, and it results in both of them, by some fucked up chance, getting reverted back to their non-crazy selves. so now simon is fixed and she didn't even know that being eaten by golb was the way to do it, so it's just by convenience! what a slap in the face

now that simon's back, she's glad to see him again, but she's aware of all the shit that she's caused in ooo and how golb is quite possibly gonna destroy everyone if she doesn't do something. so, to fix all of her mistakes, she does a selfless act (although to be honest ALL of her acts up to this point have been selfless because it was for simon) and sacrifices herself for the good of the world.

so now she has simon back but she's not even around to be with him in a human form. she's in golb. SHE DESTROYED HERSELF FOR HIM. and now all she can do is watch over him, and feel so glad that he became him again, but she's stuck being golbetty for eternity.

all because simon made a portal into the past to apologize to her. and to be fair, he never intended this at all. he was trying to say goodbye to her, apologize to her about what he became and how he failed her. he didn't know that betty was gonna jump right into the future and become hellbent on saving him. he tried to tell the others to stop her. finn and jake didn't do anything because they thought it was a good idea too. they didn't envision this whole, depressing path laid out in front of betty either. and simon my bro just wanted to die. he didn't want to live as ice king again.

it was a lose lose situation!!!!!! and the way it ended was just so bittersweet.

#i didnt know this was gonna be this long holy #i love ranting. that felt good #the plot in at that drives me the absolute most insane #adventure time #simon petrikov #betty grof

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clumsiestgiantess · 5 months

Text

Chapter 15 of the Other-world Universe; uhhh.. where’s Erica? Wasn’t she just here a chapter ago?

all chapters linked here

[Throw Caution to the Wind]

That night I slept so soundly I didn’t hear the quiet scuffle of figures on the cliffside, nor did I notice the sun rising over the ruined city. I even slept through the early morning bird calls that broke up the otherwise silent terrain. When I finally woke from my well rested sleep, the sun hung far higher in the sky than I expected. “Oh! I woke up late! Erica, why didn’t you wake me?” I turned to the cliffside and stopped short. Her sleeping bag was empty, thrown haphazardly to the side. Ok, don’t panic. She probably couldn’t wake you and left to go do something… Though there is a perfectly good way to wake me, I realized, eyeing the metal scraps that Erica used to get me up. In fact, one of the pieces had been dragged off a ways, like someone tried to pick it up but dropped it.

“Erica!” I called, “Where are you?” I waited anxiously as the noises of late morning dwindled into unsettling silence. After a few minutes, I began scouring the cliffside for any signs of where Erica could've gone. Though my search came up empty-handed, and it became even more obvious that she wasn't there, I refused to believe she'd left. Unless Erica was taken. I felt guilty at the mere thought of her being kidnaped by looters like the ones in the city. Or worse, those scientists from the future. I was supposed to be keeping her safe, after all. Had I already failed to do that?

Eventually, thankfully, my strange internal compass steered me in a direction beyond the cliff. It was the same feeling I'd had in the city shortly before finding Erica. She’s.. Why is she getting further away from me? Why is she so far away?!

I took off at a run, hoping that I wasn't too late to find her safe. With the world in such a catastrophic state, I was never really sure what might happen. As I jogged to some unknown destination, I noticed I'd been inadvertently following a set of small tire tracks; they were still slightly fresh. Her captors can't be too far off. If they really were driving this small car, I can catch up to them in no time at my size. Thank god they aren’t from the portals. I picked up speed, passing the end of the subdivisions. Wide patches of grass and rock spread out beyond them. Though I’d been jogging for a while, I wouldn’t give up my quick pace even as my side began to burn. Erica was out there, ahead of me somewhere. I had to hurry.

Please, please let her be alright! She just confessed how she wanted me there to protect her! Why is she gone the very next day? Who would take her? Who would dare take her? Anger forced me to go faster, and I broke out into a run. I’m such an awful friend! How could I have let this happen? She’s going to lose trust in me again! That can’t happen; it can’t! What if I lose her? “ERICA!” I yelled as loudly as I could, despair quickly engulfing my thoughts and my voice. “I’M COMING! Just wait for me!”

Another mountain range, taller and more diverse than the one by the city, soon appeared before me. I slowed at its edge. My sixth sense had pointed here. Scouring the large rock faces, I soon came upon an interesting wooden structure hidden in the foothills of a mountain.

The structure didn’t seem very polished, yet it looked recently built. Haphazard boards of wood stuck out in odd places, most likely scavenged from other wrecked buildings. I touched the structure’s side with one of my fingers, studying it curiously. Before I could investigate further, someone inside stuffed a shotgun through a hole in the wall and opened fire. I stumbled backwards in shock. Had I known there were people inside, I wouldn’t have hovered so close. Quickly, I ran on, dodging into a ravine between two mountains to gain some cover. However, I realized shortly afterwards that this was a very bad decision. There were more wooden structures there, all of which began shooting at me. Sure, the bullets wouldn't kill me, but they still hurt like hell.

I was forced to turn around when even more buildings appeared further down the ravine, barraging me from every side — so much so that I feared I might get lead poisoning. However, as I began to retreat back out of it, my unnatural sense went haywire. Apparently, I needed to go down there. Sucking in a shaky breath of air, I took a moment to find some confidence before charging through the mountains. I got much further than I thought. With every bound my sense became stronger until I was certain Erica was being held down the ravine somewhere, just beyond my reach.

As the wooden structures dispersed, I tripped over some tripwire trap of sorts and became ensnared in a large chunk of netting. The coarse fibers dug painfully into my skin, cutting it in some places. By then, I was pissed off and fed up. Everything hurt and I was in no mood to be dragged to the ground by some flimsy trap. You're gonna regret stealing Erica from me, just you watch. Do you really think THIS can hold me!? I glowered as people slid out from crevasses in the mountainside to watch my fighting struggles. All I could think of was how scared Erica seemed when I'd left her the day before. That was only for a moment. Imagine her now.. taken, again.

Adrenaline pumping furiously through my veins, I tore right through the netting and furiously kicked the sides of the mountain where I saw people emerge a moment ago. The wooden structures opened fire again, but I angrily tore them down with a swipe of my arm. "WHERE IS SHE!?" I roared, furiously battering the mountainside. I'd grabbed a large metal beam from one of the bigger structures; it was probably a support of some kind, but it made an excellent crowbar. I tore into the rocky slope where my sixth sense was the strongest. Having found a tunnel leading deeper inside, I pressed down harder on the beam and gouged out chunks of rock from the opening.

Leaning heavily against the sheer face, I wedged my makeshift weapon into the small tunnel and pushed. At last, the mountainside gave way. As the rubble and dust settled, a camp, no, a town took shape inside a now open chasem. Before I could wreak my vengeance on that as well, I heard a shout from somewhere inside. "WAIT! STOP! CALM DOWN; I'M FINE, I'M RIGHT HERE!" Through the heavy dusting of rock that still wafted in the air, I spotted Erica herself racing through the town to the chasm opening, clambering desperately over rubble.

Relief flooded through me, and my adrenaline rush faded away, leaving me suddenly exhausted. I dropped the metal beam and reached into the mountain without a second thought. Quickly, I scooped Erica up, her little body flinching harshly against my palm. Turning to leave, I readied a kick that would send the open chasem collapsing in on itself — a nice example of my power to show anyone else stupid enough to steal Erica away. Just as I was about to demolish the place, Erica must have realized what I intended to do.

"NO! DON'T!" I froze, foot half raised, and stepped back. With shaking hands I brought her up to my face so I could more clearly see her. “These people,” she explained, panting as she caught her breath, “They’re survivors of the wreckage out there. They only took me because some of their scouts saw us fighting. They thought you captured me.”

I shook my head, confused, “But I didn’t capture you.” Erica nodded, “They didn’t know that, though,” she said, pointing to the chasm I created. “Late last night a few scouts showed up to sneak me away. I- I thought they were going to hurt me, so I ran to the alarm system to wake you, but a few of them stopped me. There, like, leader explained who they were and where they came from. What she described — it sounded like a safehaven. But I.. couldn’t bring you with me.” She turned her head down, avoiding my gaze for a moment. “I swear I was coming right back! I just wanted to go see it — to know if it was even true. I promised myself that I would be back before you even woke up! It was a lot further away than I thought and.. I guess I kinda lost track of time… You can’t really tell what time of day it is when you’re under a mountain.”

I glanced guilty at the gaping hole in the mountainside. “There’s a whole town down there, hidden from all the giants.” “…And I just revealed it,” I finished numbly. Erica shifted in my hand to look at the damage I’d done — more destruction I’d caused. “Yeah.. Alexis, I appreciate what you were trying to do, but you can’t just go around destroying everything whenever something happens to me. It’s great that you care so much about me, but… you need to chill.”

“Ok, alright, I just- You were gone when I woke up, and then I panicked because I really have no idea what might happen to you. You know, with the state of your world and all?” She nodded slowly and I realized my explanation didn't really justify the amount of damage I did. I didn’t even want to think of the people I potentially killed. “I should probably clear things up with the refugees down there,” Erica noted, glancing meaningfully up at me. Stepping back to the opened mountain, I placed Erica back into the town in a daze.

"Ok, I'll.. I'll just leave." "Mmhm," Erica mumbled absentmindedly once she returned to the ground. Already, she was focused on negotiating what to do about the terrifying destruction I'd created — reassuring everyone that I was not going to capture them. I watched with an awful sting in my chest as the people there rushed over to her, trying to pull her safely away from me, deeper into the mountains.

She’s with her own people now, I realized, she’ll probably be happier with them. And, I noted with a hint of jealousy, she won’t need me for protection anymore. "Goodbye, then," I added awkwardly. Erica barely seemed to notice me backing away as I walked solemnly down the crevasse. Surely she was just too preoccupied to answer, right? Was she relieved to trade my company for her own kind? Even from my height, it was clear that these people were much more caring and welcoming to Erica than I'd first been to her. The first 'help' I gave her turned out to be literal torture.

My pace slowed to a halt at the opening of the valley. I felt as though I were sinking through muck, unable to move. The oppressive force of realization weighed me down further. She doesn’t need me… but I can’t be so selfish as to try and get her to stay. Erica once said she felt stuck with me, trapped even. Here’s her chance at independence; why would I stop her from taking it? Because I want her to stay with me, to choose me over her own people? Of course not.

Hours later, the sun had drifted from one side of the horizon to the other and Erica hadn’t returned yet. I’d checked on the town twice since I left her there that morning. The first time, I began getting gunned down again, and the second time I was told with growing annoyance that Erica would come for me when she was good and ready. If she wanted to see me at all, that is.

I glanced back at the empty mountainsides and the wooden structures that were still standing guard at the entrance, then turned and headed to the ruined mansion. I would collect my things and go home. Maybe I could try to explain to my family why I'd taken fifty things from the kitchen. Ok, more like fifteen things, but still. I would come back in a day or two to check on Erica after I fixed up the stinging holes in my skin, and ate a couple meals worth of food.

Hey, this is a good thing, I tried to assure myself, Erica is safe; you did your job. You can go home now! As much as I longed for a place that fit me, I was devastated to leave so suddenly. I wanted to ask her so many things; I wanted to say so many things. Maybe she’ll be willing to talk to you in a few days. Clearly now isn’t a good time. God, why do I have to tear down every single structure I see!? I can’t prove myself to be anything but a monster in this place. It’s what I’ve always been.

Dusty dirt kicked up in clouds that swirled smoothly around me as I trudged back the way I came. Hopefully, I could remember where the cliffside was. I’d already been walking for a while along the tire track trail, but that ended before anything familiar. My strange inner sense only worked one way, and I'd basically just followed it blindly. Thinking of it only worsened my mood. The sense was still pulling me back the way I'd come.

In fact, it's going a bit nuts all of a sudden, what the heck? Then I heard a vehicle speeding towards me from behind. I turned to see one of the trucks that had been parked in the mountainside town racing towards me at top speed. At first I thought the people living there were coming for revenge. After all, I did destroy their clever hiding place. As the truck rapidly gained ground towards me, I saw that it was really useless for me to run from it. Even though I was much faster, my height made it all too easy for them to spot me from miles away and hunt me down. I slowed and waited as the truck lurched to a stop beside me.

When Erica herself threw open the door and scrambled out, I was so genuinely surprised my heart did a little flip of excitement in my chest. Shortly afterwards, I realized that this might just be a proper goodbye and sighed, disappointed. I was kinda hoping to avoid this drama. Now I'm going to cry for sure, then Erica will feel guilty and want to stay, and then I'LL feel guilty for guilt tripping Erica into staying, and then-

"Get down here." Erica said it so sternly I thought she might have been turned against me by the survivors. I sat down warily in front of the truck. Erica then climbed up the truckbed and stood on the roof. This way she could yell at me without having to crane her neck directly up to look me in the eye. However, now that she was closer to my face, I could see the confliction scattered across her face.

"I- When you left," she started, anger rapidly fading from her voice, "I thought you meant you were moving away so you wouldn't scare those people.” Her eyes darted between both of mine, confusion and concern flickering in their gaze. “Alexis, why did you say goodbye?" Erica stepped closer to me, only to nearly slip down the windshield of the truck. She glanced around quickly, searching for a way to get closer to me and still maintain the height she had. Finding nothing, she turned back to me. "I came back as quickly as I could! I wanted to talk with you the moment you put me down, but things got messy… You were going to leave me there?"

I wasn't sure what to say. "You didn’t come back, and I just- I couldn't ask you to stay with me,” I explained, “Not after last night." Erica looked even more confused, so I continued. "You said you only needed me to survive, but now that you have that whole town to keep you safe.. I mean, of course you want to be with people of your own kind, I get it. It’s alright, Erica. Don't worry about me. You'll be safer with them."

Erica gave me a pitying glance. "Look," she began, "In the short amount of time I've spent in that town, I've learned a bunch of things, and yeah, it is nice to be around others my own height. And it's super safe, probably safer than I would be with you, out in the open. Plus, I know a few people there. Turns out they weren't taken after all," she shrugged. "It’s basically the safehaven I’ve been wanting ever since I was first trapped in the city.”

Erica studied my expression closely before continuing. “But when I had the chance to stay with them.. I stole a truck, drove out to the middle of nowhere, and found you. Because honestly, who cares if you're ten feet taller than an office building? I think that’s really fucking cool. I'd choose your protection over theirs in a heartbeat, and I’d rather travel around fighting hazmat giants tooth and claw with you than hide under a rock with everyone else. I finally figured it out, Alexis," she stated with unwavering confidence. "It’s- It’s been a long time coming, but I know for sure now. If you’re really leaving, I want you to know. What you do afterwards is entirely up to you."

Erica stepped off the roof of the truck, across the hood, and onto my knee while I sat there, cross-legged. I'd been leaning over with my head propped on my arm, and my arm propped on my leg. This way, we were at least somewhat eye level. Once she was balanced nicely, Erica strode up, lifted my chin off my hand, and brought my face to herself. She looked at me head-on for a heartstopping moment. Determination lit her eyes with such a fiery passion I was struck still. Then Erica pulled me closer and planted a small kiss on my lips, binding us together for an immortal moment before shying away a few steps backward, her face flushed a rosey red.

"I don't know if you- I mean- I-I love you.. have loved you. You don’t have to-” she stuttered, "I'msosorryIdidn'tmeantodothat." Erica stepped backwards a bit more, her head tilted away from me in an attempt to hide her blushing expression. “You don’t h-have to do anything in return, it’s.. I.. just wanted to…” She cleared her throat, trying to back away, nearly falling headlong off my leg.

Dumbstruck, my thoughts only came in snippets of their usual size. Holy shit. This can't be real. I love her. She loves me too! Why? How? Before Erica could back off completely, I swiftly scooped her up and kissed her in return, my lips accidentally covering her entire face. I held Erica back a moment later, worried that I was suffocating her. Scrutinizing her little expression, I found she seemed at once both shocked and ecstatically delighted. Her jaw-dropped expression slowly melted into a radiating smile as she reached for my face again, so I kissed her over and over until she was breathless in my hands. I peppered her entire body with kisses instead, afraid of accidentally hurting her in my excitement if I kissed her on her face.

The unspoken words between us suddenly had no meaning. Their weight lifted from me like bonds finally broken — a constrained creature no longer burdened by its chains.

Once the euphoria died off, I carefully set Erica down beside me and lay back in the dirt in blissful disbelief. Erica immediately lay down herself, chest heaving. She laughed out loud at the absurdity of it all, and I chuckled along with her. "Wow!" Erica exclaimed after my laughter faded to a delighted sigh, "I didn't think that would work! I mean, I knew you'd come around to me wanting to stay with you, but I didn't think you would react so… well to.. the other part." All I could do was nod, too choked up to say anything. A few minutes ago, I thought we were saying goodbye. "Now what?" I asked once I found my voice, turning my head to look over at her.

Erica sat up, "We do whatever we want," she answered happily. "But first, let's go home." "If that's what you call the few feet of mansion still standing,” I sneered, "then we better get started. I don't even know how to get back." I stood up and scanned the horizon; the sun was setting already. "I think I know. Let me show you the way." Erica gestured for me to put my hand out for her, and I eagerly obliged. She hoisted herself effortlessly over the side of my palm, falling happily onto it. I grinned down at her, cupping my fingers slightly closer around her. However, when I lifted her up and started walking, she stopped me.

"Wait, wait, I've been wanting to try this for a while now, but I've never been able to ask you." Erica slowly stood in my hand, using one of my fingers to balance herself as she got up. "Can I sit up there?" she asked, pointing to my shoulder. "That's not really safe," I noted, glancing at the small space beside me. Erica grumbled, "Oh, come on. I'll hold on to your shirt so I don't fall off. I'll be fine." After a few more pleas, I gave in and brought the edge of my hand up to my shoulder. "Just don't hurt yourself," I sighed.

Erica eagerly planted herself onto the middle of my shoulder, grabbing the fabric of my shirt like reins. “Alright, that way home! Let’s go!” She pointed somewhere to my left, so I walked off in that direction. However, it wasn’t long before Erica’s grip slipped from my collar. At the last moment, she managed to grab the back of my shirt as she nearly fell over backwards with a little yelp. “I told you this was a bad idea,” I said in a warning tone, straining to look backwards at her. Reaching around my back, I picked her off my shirt and held her out in front of me. Erica only crossed her arms in defiance and turned away. "I'll get the hang of it eventually," she grumbled, "but I guess I can sit like this for now."

In the end, Erica rode in my hand yet again. This time, she was comfortable enough to kneel right on my fingertips. I had them slightly cupped, trying to ensure at least some safety, but Erica giddily leaned right over them, watching the scenery. Annoyingly, she somehow evaded every bit of security I tried to give her — rather enthusiastically, too. I was slightly convinced she put herself in danger just to give me something to save her from. With one hand pointing out the directions home, and the other gripping my finger for balance, Erica and I headed home together.

Now that she’d confessed how she felt about me, Erica’s whole demeanor had changed. She was no longer cautious with her actions around me, as if she’d been holding back just as much as I had. Knowing that I had loved her secretly while she had secretly loved me brought out a new side of her I’d yet to witness. Her fear of getting too close to me was completely unnecessary now as she threw caution to the wind and confessed what she wanted to tell me. If only I had been that brave.

With Erica's surprisingly reliable navigation, I managed to make it back before nightfall like I'd hoped we would. If it had gotten dark while we were still a ways out, I doubted we'd have found our way there. With Erica safely set on the cliffside, I could finally eat. My stomach had been growling the last stretch of the trip. We'd joked about it for a bit before I realized my hunger was slightly more serious than I thought. Once or twice I had to stop and close my eyes for a moment because my vision kept spinning. Only then did I realize I hadn't eaten or drank anything all day. No breakfast; I'd panicked over Erica's disappearance. No lunch; I was busy waiting at the ravine. And so far, no dinner either. I quickly gathered up enough provisions for a decent meal and chowed down. Erica could only watch me, baffled, as I proceeded to eat more food in that one meal than she could eat in a month.

"Shit," she laughed uneasily, "Why are you always starving? It's kinda unsettling, really." "I'm not always starving," I corrected her, "I literally haven't eaten all day. And yesterday I didn't have lunch, either. I have to ration this food somehow, or I won't have anything my size left to eat. My house only has so much food that I can steal." Erica thought for a moment while I finished scarfing down my buffet for one. "How did you get my food? Before we stole stuff from the houses?" Erica asked once I'd finished eating. "I put mine the shrinking box like I used to do, why?" "What if," Erica reasoned, "you just make a box that can grow my food to your size? Or create a box that'll just make food."

I stared at her blankly, "Do you think that'll work?" "I don't see why it wouldn't work." "I'd have to go to my world to make one, though. Do you think you can hold out alright up there while I disappear for a bit?" Erica nodded slowly, "Sure, just don't be gone too long, you know?" I agreed and vanished to my world for a while, again surprising myself with how bright it was before remembering the time difference.

I worked quickly, knowing my father could come back down at any moment. All I had to do was make a box big enough to fit food my size. With the table completely barren, I had to search the basement for a bin of building blocks I could use to make it. Eventually, I found a massive bin of miscellaneous bricks I could use. It was smooth sailing from there. Building a large rectangle was easy enough. Most of the objects I made were box-shaped simply because it was the easiest shape to build.

I brought my mismatched box into the zone of the weird energy, and concentrated on it; this was how I'd made the previous few objects. When I put my hand on this box and ask it to produce any type of food, or drink, I added quickly, the item or items will appear instantly within this box. There, that should do it. It still looked like the same flimsy, mis-matched creation in my world, so I couldn’t immediately tell if it worked or not, but I would soon find out. Just before I left, I grabbed two pillows and a blanket off the couch. I was tired of sleeping on the ground with nothing but my clothes for warmth.

Back in the other-world, I appeared before the cliffside again, box in hand. It was now a plastic gray rectangle, much more even and sturdy than what I made in my world, and one side was hollow and open to take food from. "Well, here it is," I held it up for Erica to see after putting down my other belongings. "Now let's see if it actually works." I cleared my throat and placed the box on the ground with my hand still on its side. "Box, make me a banana." Nothing happened. I sat on the ground, perplexed. "What the hell," I heard Erica complain from the ledge above me, "I really thought that would work."

Quickly, I ran through what I'd created it to do in my head. I've noticed that when making these things, you have to get the wording as precise as you can or there will be a loophole of some kind. Sure enough: When I put my hand on this box and ask it to produce any type of food… I hadn't been specific enough. I'd told the box to do something instead of asking it like I'd said when I created it. See what I mean? The universe always finds a loophole. I grabbed the box again and asked, "Can you make me a banana?" Just as I uttered the last syllable, a banana materialized in the box. "Hey! You got it to work!" "Yeah, sometimes these things can be a bit finicky," I replied.

I wasn't really hungry after eating my other stolen goods, but I ate the fruit anyway, simply out of the satisfaction that my box worked. Then, I settled down on the cliffside, placing my pillows onto the rocks before laying back. It was blissfully cushy now. The cliffside really was becoming more and more of a chair to me. It was the same height, and now it had a similar softness too. I was sure an actual chair would still be comfier, but I’d take what I could get.

I sighed happily and watched the night sky. It was slightly cloudy that night, and what might've been a pretty view was obscured by deep grey clouds that melted into black. Something suddenly whacked my shoulder and I flinched in fright, but it was only Erica. "Could you at least give me a warning next time you do that?" I gave her a peeved look. "I nearly flung you off." "That would've been funny." "No, that would've been stupid." "Well it's a good thing you have such nerves of steel then, huh?" Erica snuggled down into the same spot as the night before. Her feet stretched lazily out down my shoulder, and her head rested halfway up my neck. I tried to look at her through the corner of my vision, not daring to turn my head. She seemed so damn comfortable. Meanwhile, I was stuck with the bare minimum.

We sat together for a while, the two of us surviving out in the destruction of the old city. I never even bothered to learn its name. “Hey Erica?” I felt her shift beneath my jaw, “Hmm?” “What.. made you decide to come back for me? How did you know you- you liked me?” There was a light silence, but after such a heavy question, I couldn’t stand it. “I’m just asking because… Well, the whole reason I didn’t say anything was because I thought.. We’re from two different worlds, literally, and-” “Stop, stop,” Erica told me, placing a hand lightly at my throat, which was right beside her. “I don’t care where you come from. I don’t think like that. Us being friends was one of the best things that happened to me, so when you ran off, I slid back into my old habits.. then the hazmat giants came.. and then.. John. In short, everything was kind of a melancholy downward spiral from the day you left. And- And the more awfully I was treated, the more I wanted you back.”

Erica shuddered and I gently placed my hand on my shoulder beside her, assuring her that I was with her. She gripped one of my fingers tightly to herself, then continued. “That’s why I said all that stuff about how I wasn’t sure I wanted to be with you, because I wasn’t sure if I genuinely loved you all this time or if I was just desperate for someone to treat me decently for once.”

“And?” I replied nervously. “And,” she repeated, dropping my finger and scooting closer to my neck. “I found that it was a bit of both. But when I was settled into the refugee camp in that mountain with everything I needed, yet still wanted you there, I realized that it was more than just trauma or survival. I wanted you.” A large grin stretched across my face and Erica laughed softly. “Ok, so what’s your story? I wasn’t going to confess anything because I thought there was no way in hell that you would think of me that way. I mean.. last time we were together you didn’t exactly think of my kind as worth very much to you.”

I sighed tiredly and my grin fell. “There was a time and place where I didn’t think much of you, either,” I confessed, “Just like there was a time and a place where you thought I was a horrible human being, I’m sure.” Erica nodded slowly. “But that was.. five-ish years ago, I think. I’ve learned since then that your kind is basically a smaller copy of mine. Or, if you prefer, mine can be a larger copy of yours.”

“I wasn’t going to say anything, but I was thinking it.” I chuckled, “I don’t really know what started it, actually. From the very first time I saw you, I’d been attracted to you in some way. Why else do you think I was so persistent in trying to help you out? I was thrilled that you let me befriend you. I think it must’ve been sometime around the day we stayed in and watched movies together when I started to feel.. different about you. Anyways, it just kinda.. hit me.. a few weeks ago that I felt a bit more strongly towards you than I’d realized. I’ve been keeping it to myself ever since.”

“Aww, I was wondering why you chose to mess with me and not literally anyone else. If your methods weren’t a few steps away from psychotic, I’d have found it endearing.” The frown returned to my face; Erica could feel it from the side. “I was being sarcastic; don’t get too upset,” Erica assured me. “I understand what you were trying to do for me, even if I don’t quite understand why you did it in that way. Besides, that’s all in the past. Like you said, it’s been five whole years; things have changed. A lot of things have changed,” she reiterated, gesturing to the ruined landscape in front of us. “So, we’ll start again again, with the truth this time?” Erica nodded eagerly, burying her face in the side of my neck, “Yes, please. I’ve only been daydreaming about that for the last four years.” “Hey, me too.”

Twice I nearly drifted off right there, but I still refused to sleep with Erica so close. It was too dangerous — even she had to realize that. Eventually, I could hear light snoring to my left, signifying that Erica was down for the count. I don't know how she can fall asleep there. If it were me, I'd be terrified I'll roll off the shoulder's edge unconsciously.

Sliding Erica into my hand, I sat up and searched for her sleeping bag again. Just as I'd found it, slight movement brushed against my palm. Looking down, I saw her staring up at me with wide eyes. Then she yawned, and smiled at me sleepily. I smiled softly back, setting her down gently by her things. "Nooo," Erica grumbled as I released her. "Just five, no, fifteen more minutes? Please?" I sighed, "Get some sleep, Erica. I'll let you ride on my shoulder tomorrow, but I need rest." She nodded tiredly and slid into bed. "Goodnight." I shook my head slightly in amusement and spread out the blanket and pillows I'd borrowed off the couch. Today has to be my favorite day in the other-world so far. Except for the kidnaping, but everything worked out in the end. I think…

#confessions confessions confessions!#they are in loveeee!#g/t #giant tiny #other-world universe

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bonky-n-steeb · 2 years

Note

Merman bucky x reader please . Buck took her while she was lost at sea and kept her in an isolated island

I’ve wanted to write merman Bucky for sooooo long asjdgsusy

JOIN MY SLEEPOVER!!

Your head was spinning and your lips were dry as you groggily woke up. You blinked your eyes rapidly, disbelieving that you were still alive. Your last memories were of the wreckage and you didn’t know how you landed up here, safe and alive.

You gasped as you took in your surroundings. You were laying on smooth rocks in a cove and this was honestly the most beautiful place you’d ever seen. Though you couldn’t see any man or even pieces of the ship wreck nearby, the beauty of the place was breathtaking.

Just as you wondered how you’d come so far away, you saw a pair of eyes looking up at you from beneath the water. You screamed before you registered what exactly you were looking at.

A Merfolk.

His eyes were electric blue, such a colour you had never seen before. His face and upper body was just like a human, but it was the huge tail in place of legs that three you off. It was glimmering silver and distinctly visibly under the clear waters.

“Hi!” You awkwardly waved. “Hi!” He finally got above the surface and repeated your actions. His voice was hoarse as if unused for a long period. “Did you get me here?” You asked and he nodded.

“Wait! You understand English?” You squealed when the realisation hit you. “Yeah. Small small.” He squinted his eyes and you couldn’t help but think how cute he was. He was truly the most beautiful man you had ever seen.

“Oh, but how?” You couldn’t stop being curious. “I listen… on ships.” His words were broken, but you understood perfectly. “Are you alone?” You knew you should wary of such a unknown creature, but something about him made you trust him. Also he had indeed saved your life.

“No.” Was his simple reply. “Did you.., did you save someone else too?” You hopefully asked. Though you were sure many saved themselves using lifeboats, you hoped for those drifted apart like you. “Only you.”

“Where am I?“ you asked. “Sea!” He stated as a matter of factly. You were about to ask for a name, but then you realised that naming a place was a very human concept. “Yeah.. right. Can you get me back though? Somewhere with other humans?”

A look crossed over his face that you couldn’t really pinpoint, but he seemed a little angry. His jaw clenched and his electric eyes narrowed at you before he quickly changed his demeanour to a smile. “You rest now.” You smiled and nodded. He was right, you were too tired.

“Thank you!” Bucky beamed at you as you thanked him. He knew you were his soulmate the instant he had seen you drifting apart. He had been worried sick but he was so relieved to see you safe now. But you didn’t have to be worried anymore, he was going to keep you safe — he was never going to let you go.

#you’ve got mail 💌#drabbles #skye’s sleepover #bucky barnes #marvel #sebastian stan #mcu #bucky barnes x reader #bucky barnes x you #bucky barnes x y/n #bucky barnes x plus size reader #bucky barnes x female reader #bucky barnes angst #bucky barnes fluff #bucky barnes smut

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acriminalmind · 2 years

Text

Old Sea Shanty

GN!Pirate!Reader x Sirens!Natasha/Wanda/Carol

Summary: Summary: The sea is full of unknown creatures.

Warnings: darkfic, murder, death, seduction, kissing, a small mention of smut, groping, manipulation.

Tell me if I missed any warnings.

⚠️This is a dark fic. Don't read if you don't like horror. ⚠️

While writing this I had the song on repeat.

Upon one summer's morning, I carefully did stray

Down by the Walls of Wapping, where I met a sailor gay

Conversing with a bouncing lass, who seemed to be in pain

Saying William, when you go, I fear you will never return again

The darkness of the night lay as a blanket over the world. Stars stood clear in the sky now that the wrecking storm that hid them had gone away. The light of the full moon shone down upon a piece of wood, floating in the middle of the sea. It was the only thing that kept your tired body from being pulled down. The screams of your fellow pirates has silenced minutes ago. There was no land to be seen and no other ships near. It was just you and the creatures beneath you in the dark waters.

My heart is pierced by Cupid

I disdain all glittering gold

There is nothing can console me

But my jolly sailor bold

It felt like hours had passed, while it was just ten minutes. When you opened your eyes you saw the top of someone's head a few meters away from you. Green eyes were staring at you. A small touch on your leg made you look down, but the darkness made you not able to see your legs. The figure in front of you just a few seconds ago was gone when you looked back up. It was just a hallucination, was what you told yourself, not aware of the three pairs of eyes from under you.

His hair it hangs in ringlets, his eyes as black as coal

My happiness attend him wherever he may go

From Tower Hill to Blackwall, I'll wander, weep and moan All for my jolly sailor, until he sails home

The tiredness had won and had made you close your eyes, while still holding on to the piece of wood from your sunken ship. Your mind went to the moment before you landed in the water. The storm was heavier than expected. The loud sounds of thunders smothered the screams from your crew. Everyone was trying to hold on to something, but it was a lost cause. One big wave threw the ship on its side, slowly being swallowed by the other waves. The day had started like any other day, not showing any sign that a simple trip would end like this.

My heart is pierced by Cupid

I disdain all glittering gold

There is nothing can console me

But my jolly sailor bold

A splash right next to you made you startle awake. You were surrounded by three beautiful women. One redhead, one blonde, and one with auburn hair color. They were humming a tune while closing in on you. Soft hands were placed on your face, forcing you to look into the green eyes you saw a few moments ago. She pulled you into a passionate kiss while the others touched your wounded body, worshipping it like it was a treasure. The humming turned into singing. You recognized it as an old sea shanty you were warned about as a young kid.

My name it is Maria, a merchant's daughter fair

And I have left my parents and three thousand pounds a year

Come all you pretty fair maids, whoever you may be

Who love a jolly sailor that ploughs the raging sea

While up aloft in storm, from me his absence mourn

And firmly pray, arrive the day, he's never more to roam

Moments ago you were cold, but now that feeling has magically gone away. Without you even noticing it you were getting undressed by the women. They took turns in kissing you while the others downed themselves to pleasure you between your legs. Every rational thought had left your mind. The song they kept singing on a low volume completely relaxed you, making you vulnerable. The piece of wood had been removed from your grasp a while ago. Your arms were settled around the waist of the auburn hair beauty while she had hers placed around your neck. The other two had emerged from the darkness and were hanging on your shoulder, kissing your neck.

My heart is pierced by Cupid

I disdain all glittering gold

There is nothing can console me

But my jolly sailor bold

Teeth sunk into the back of your shoulder. Something started to pull your body down until only your head was above water. The song had reached its end. Your face was being cupped and you received your last kiss. You lost consciousness halfway down, but before that half of your body was already gone. Your bones joined those of your crew at the bottom of the silent sea.

My heart is pierced by Cupid

I disdain all glittering gold

There is nothing can console me

But my jolly sailor bold

Onto the next!

Check this out.

#fanfic #criminal minds #marvel #natasha romanoff #wanda maximoff #dark fic #carol danvers #gn reader #jolly sailor bold #natasha romanoff x reader #wanda maximoff x reader #carol danvers x reader

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pantherastevens · 9 months

Text

His Sunshine in the Darkness: I'm Safe in Her Heart

Back again with anotha' one. Welcome to His Sunshine in the Darkness Part Two!

Here is where things start picking up. You should already have idea of what's about to go down in this chapter so I'm not even gonna hold y'all.

Here's Part One, in case any of you guys missed it!

Enjoy!

Warnings: Main Character Death

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

Everything was going so well for Miles... until it wasn't.

It all happened so fast. It was the start of summer, Miles' sophomore year becoming nothing more than a distant sweet memory. His dad left for work that morning, along with his mom. One of the last things he told him,

"Have a good day at work, papá. I love you." Jefferson smiled that good-natured smile, hugging his son in his famous bear hugs as the boy laughed at his antics.

"Will do, son. I love you too." And he was out the door with a large hand around his mom's waist.

That was the last time he'd seen him so alive.

The next time Miles would see his dad was in the hospital, lying on the bed with his mother weeping over his body. He and Uncle Aaron stood behind her. He felt the weight of his tío's hand on his shoulder while he rubbed his mamá's heaving back.

It was the only thing teetering him to this Earth. The only thing that was keeping him mentally here. He could feel the memories of what had happened earlier that led him to this point.

Seeing the building collapse from the window of his room.

Turning on the news to see his dad's body placed in an ambulance.

Reading the news headline, "NYPD Captain in Critical Condition After Saving A Little Girl From Building Collapse."

Seeing Uncle Aaron on the other side of the door, telling Miles they were going to the hospital to see his dad.

Clinging onto Uncle Aaron as he sped through the streets on his motorcycle, silently praying for his dad to be alright.

Hearing his dad's final words as he stood on Death's doorstep.

"I will always love you, Rio. You're... the love of my life. Aaron, despite... despite our differences, you'll always... always be my baby brother. Take... take care of Rio and Miles for me, yeah? And... Miles... you'll always be my son. My pride... and joy. P-Panthera... is a good girl for you... she'll t-take care of your heart like your mom has done for me... Just know that... Whatever... you choose to do, I-I know you'll be great at it. I... I believe in you. Never forget that... I love all of you... I love you..."

The sound of the heart monitor flatlining in time with his dad's final confession and the limpness on his hand on all of theirs was deafening.

Just like that... Jefferson Morales was gone. Taking part of his family's heart with him to the great beyond.

The next few days felt like a blur. The most Miles remembers was watching the news, trying to understand why.

Why he now had to grow up with a father. Why his mother had to continue on this journey called life without her husband. Why his uncle had to bury his older brother so damn soon.

Why. Why? Why?!

The answer? A premeditated plan made by some unknown gang. Since being sworn into his position, Jeff had to deal with the steady rise in crime in Brooklyn. He has done a great job thus far, which made criminals hate him even more. What is the best way to solve the problem?

Get rid of him by any means necessary.

The statement left in his dad's office at the station by said gang about his demise said that much.

That stuck with Miles.

While everyone else was enjoying their summer, Miles spent his time rotting away in his bed. His normally pristine room was a wreck from the rage fit he had when he returned from the hospital.

Plenty of his classmates had stopped by the apartment to offer their condolences, but Miles could barely remember who showed up. Miles never felt more out of touch with reality in his short life.

Uncle Aaron and his mother worked together to put together the funeral. Miles never questioned his tío on how he managed to get the funds to pay for everything, and neither did his mother, who was just grateful to have the funds in the first place.

Then the day came.

Miles was awake in the wee hours of the morning, sightlessly staring up at the ceiling. The boy knew he was nowhere ready to face it.

The physical manifestation that his dad was never coming back.

But he knew he had to.

The mother and son showered, ate breakfast, and dressed in their respective black dress and suit in silence. They went to the local church early so his mother could ensure everything was in order. Miles sat on the steps outside. Aaron arrived soon after, patting the boy on the shoulder, who nodded in acknowledgment, before heading inside to ensure his sister-in-law didn't stress herself even more.

Soon, it was time for the funeral to start. He, his mom, and Uncle Aaron stood towards the church entrance. A lot of Miles' classmates and their parents showed up. Some of his teachers too. Some old friends from his old school showed up. A lot of his dad's coworkers came as well. Members of his mom's side of the family showed up, at least who could on such short notice. Uncle Aaron and his mom did handle most of the conversations. Miles just nodded in acknowledgment.

Until she showed up.

Miles always considered Panthera to be an angel. But he didn't expect her to come to her to come as one.

While everyone, including his family, showed up wearing black, she and her father, whom Miles finally had the opportunity to meet, showed up in white with white face paint adorning their features.

Miles felt a bit of himself return to reality for the first time since the hospital.

Panthera had left Brooklyn with her dad to visit Oakland just a few days before his dad passed away. He texted her what happened, which led to a late-night FaceTime call with her comforting him. A part of him desperately wanted her to be there with him, hold him, and comfort him. But he knew that she couldn't. When she promised to be there for the funeral, it eased his bleeding heart for the night.

Seeing her physically in front of him was like a breath of fresh air after being underwater for so long...

Miles finally tuned in to the conversation being had between the adults.

"No disrespect or anything, Eric, but um... why white," Aaron asked as he took in the outfits of the young man he helped years ago and his daughter.

"It's customary in our culture to wear white to funerals," Eric answered easily. Aaron raised a brow at this but accepted this.

"Well, thank you for coming and honoring my husband in your unique way, Mr. Stevens and Panthera. Your... Your support means a lot," Rio spoke up, her voice shaky. Eric squeezed her hand.

"Please, call me Eric. And, of course. I'm sorry I never got to meet the man himself, but from Panthera has told me about him... it sounds like he was an amazing man and an incredible father..." Eric's eyes focused on Miles. "I know what it's like to lose a dad. Just know you're always welcome in our home if you ever need it..." With a pat on the boy's shoulder, Eric entered the church. Panthera was about to follow her father when someone grabbed her hand. She turned to find Miles' eyes nervously searching her own.

"I... C-Could you sit next to me during the service, gatita?" Panthera's brows nearly kissed her hairline at the sudden request. She wasn't family, so she had no real reason to be with them...

...but she could see that Miles wanted her to be by his side. No... needed her to be by his side.

"...If it's alright with your mother and uncle, then sure," she said softly. The pair turned to Rio and Aaron, who were already observing the exchange. Rio gave the girl a watery smile, hugging the girl tightly.

"Of course, you can. We already consider you to be family, mija. Please, sit with us." Panthera hugged the grieving widow back.

"Then it will be my honor..."

Soon, the group entered the church to start the service.

Aaron acted as Rio's pillar of support, and Panthera acted as Miles' as they made their way down the aisle. Panthera sent a silent look to her Baba, who seemed to understand that she would be with family rather than with him. His eyes softened at the boy walking beside her, knowing he needed a friend, and Eric was proud that Panthera could be that friend. Miles had a death grip on Panthera's arm as they walked through the pews with people staring at them. Luckily, his precious gatita didn't seem to mind, rubbing his arm soothingly as she offered her quiet support. Soon they were finally in front of the casket.

An open casket.

From the side, Jeff looked as if he was sleeping. It's not until you get closer you see the enormous gash on the other side of his head. The suit concealed his other injuries well.

Still, the sight of his body was enough to break Aaron, Miles, and Rio into tears. Miles couldn't cry for days. Upon hearing the news of his father's condition, the numbness he felt seeped into his bones and nervous systems, stifling all other emotions.

But now? It was like the floodgates were broken, splintered into millions of tiny, unfixable pieces. He collapsed on his knees alongside his mother, crying for a man long gone. Aaron stared at his brother's face as he held his grieving widow, tears running down his angular face like neverending waterfalls. Panthera's comforting arms found their way around Miles' shoulders, a few tears escaping her eyes into his hair.

"I'm here, Mi. Let it all out. I'll still be here..."

The service soon started after Miles and his family calmed down. A slideshow of Jeff throughout his life played on a projector in the background. A choir sang. Tears were shed. And the sermon was preached. Miles felt himself zone in and out until the preacher focused on him specifically, bringing him back with sharp focus.

"For the Bible says in Romans 13 verse 4, "...if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer." Young man... Your father died protecting this city and its citizens. I'm sure one of the things he taught you was to follow your conscience... in an often cruel world. Trust in that. Trust and believe in your heart that the criminals who took him away will face judgment."

Miles felt something twist in his chest as he looked at the preacher, giving a slow nod. Aaron didn't have to look to know that his nephew was glancing at him periodically as the preacher continued his message.

He knew there was gonna be a talk later.

When the man was done, it was time for those who wanted to share a few last words to take a stand and go to the front of the church.

Rio gave a heartfelt speech about her husband and how they spent many happy years together in their marriage.

Uncle Aaron talked about their childhood and how even though Jeff was a pain in the neck to him, he'll always be his older brother and will always love him as such.

Some of Jeff's coworkers spoke on his leadership, his love for the law, and his heart always wanting to serve and protect those who needed it most.

It took Miles a bit of courage to go up, but with reassuring hugs from his family and Panthera, he made his way to the podium. He shared how much of a loving, caring, doting, protective, and goofy dad he was—reminiscing on all the good, bad, and ugly times in their relationship. How much he loves him, even then, as he gazes at his dad's coffin.

"I remember the last thing I told you was 'I love you.' And... only God knows h-how glad I-I am that was the last thing I ever s-said to you. I know there were t-times wh-where we d-didn't see eye to eye, b-but you were still m-my dad at the e-end of the day... a-and I was still your s-son. I-I hope you're a-at peace, d-dad.Te quiero... te quiero mucho papá..." The boy couldn't hold back his tears, sobbing into the sleeve of his suit jacket. The boy couldn't see past his tears as he staggered away from the podium. Luckily, he didn't need to see.

He felt Panthera's familiar embrace wrap around his waist, silently urging him to lean on her as she led him back to their assigned bench. The girl silently handed him off to his mother, who immediately wrapped him in her arms and kissed his forehead. Through his sobs, he heard the preacher ask for one more person to come up before they ended, and much to his surprise, Panthera gracefully turned on heel and made her way back up to the podium.

She pulled the wireless mic from the stand before turning her attention to address the crowd.

"Hello, everyone. My name is Panthera Stevens. A close friend of Miles Morales... I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Morales towards the end of my freshman year. Upon our first meeting, I could see how fiercely he loved. How he would tenderly gaze at Mrs. Morales. How warmly he would watch Miles speak about our experiences and interactions. How welcoming he was to me, curious and willing to open his home to someone his son befriended. Since then, I have spent much time with the family. They made me feel as if I was family. He spoke to me as if I was a daughter than just a friend of his beloved son. I could see where Miles got his heart from..." The family gazed up at the girl in awe as she spoke. Her eyes were sparkling with unshed tears, but her voice remained steady and resolute. Panthera's warm gaze lingered on the trio.

"What happened to Jefferson Morales was sudden, tragic, and heartbreaking. I know... I know it may seem as if this is the end of life, but I beg to differ. You see... in my culture, my father's culture, my grandfather's culture... death is not the end. It's more of a... stepping-off point. You reach out with both hands, and Bast and Sekhmet... they lead you to the green veld where you can run forever. We celebrate the life the person lived on this plane and the start of their new one in the plane beyond, which is why we dress in white. He may not be here with us physically, but he will always live in the hearts he touched while he was here. If the family permits, I love to sing one song in his honor and memory." Rio nodded to the girl, giving a weepy smile.

A member rushed up to the front; one quick conversation was all needed before sprinting away.

Soon the instrumental of the song played through the stereo system.

"Stand if you would like. Mr. Morales... Jeff, this for you..."

If you were to ask Miles to describe Panthera's voice in one word, he would say "passionate." He's heard her sing many times before, but this time...

It was like she was pouring out everything within her to sing this song in front of everyone. To say the words his father could no longer say for himself. From the corner of his eye, he could see his mother clasp both hands over her heart, beaming despite her heartache. Aaron's eyes shimmered with pride, happy to see his brother's philosophy performed so beautifully by a girl he would've loved to see become his daughter-in-law. Panthera approached the family, a ghost of a smile could be seen on her lips.

"I just want them to know..."

She grasped Aaron's large hand with her small one, squeezing comfortingly, "That he gave his all, did his best..."

Panthera moved on to Rio, hugging her briefly but fiercely, "Brought people some happiness..."

She stopped in front of Miles, cupping the back of his neck so he could rest his forehead against hers for a moment. His teary tawny eyes met her warm expresso ones. "Left this world a little better just because..."

The girl turned to face the closed casket, a single tear escaping her eye. "He was here..."

Panthera sang the song's final lines with all she had, laying a single hand over the smooth wood of the casket as she sang the last line. When she finished, the crowd burst into tearful applause, but she wasn't paying them any mind. Her gaze remained focused on the closed lid that hid its occupant from sight.

"Rest in Power, Jefferson Morales..."

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

The funeral procession made its way to the cemetery. Panthera and Eric ended up riding with the family at the insistence of Rio and Aaron. The adults were talking amongst themselves while Miles held onto Panthera in silence. Panthera mindlessly rubbed Miles' neck as his face was hidden in hers.

"You okay, Mi," she asked softly, not wanting to draw too much attention to them. She felt him nod, lips brushing against her sensitive skin.

"Just wanna hold you..." The girl let out a mute chuckle, relaxing further in the boy's arms, much to his delight.

"Of course, anything for you..."

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

The burial was a quick affair. When the time came to lay Jeff to rest, everyone was emotionally haggard. When everyone threw in their choice of flowers, Panthera and Eric threw in a single Black-Eye Susan.

Eric and Panthera silently crossed their arms over their chests as the dirt was thrown to cover the coffin.

"Phumla ngoku, joni," Eric whispered. Panthera felt her bottom lip wobble but stood strong alongside her Baba.

"Enkosi ngenkonzo yakho... siyakuthanda," she said quietly.

It was finished.

Here Lies Jefferson Morales: Father, Husband, Brother, Hero.

Rest in Peace...

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

It's been about two hours after the funeral and burial, and Miles hasn't moved from his position on the couch for about an hour and a half. Aaron had stepped out for a while, promising to return by dinner. His mother had decided to take some time to sleep before deciding on dinner.

It would most likely be takeout again. Rio Morales hasn't had the energy to cook since Jeff died. The most she'll do is figure out what her son and brother-in-law were in the mood for and go from there.

Miles was mulling over what he could possibly eat tonight when there was a knock on the door. The boy huffed from his position on the couch, not in the mood to deal with any more people for the day. Whoever it was seemingly didn't get the message and knocked again, more insistently. Miles glared tiredly at the barrier, hoping the person would get the hint and go away.

Soon his phone started to ring. LOUDLY.

The song "Hide" played through the phone speakers, immediately alerting Miles of who was calling him.

Panthera.

The boy scrambled to answer the call.

"P-Panthera," he asked slowly, confused as to why she was calling.

"Mi! I know you're inside, get off your ass and open the door before my arms give out!" Miles didn't need to be told twice, as he could literally hear her annoyance over the phone and outside his front door.

He met with the sight of Panthera and his father holding bags and containers. The pair were dressed down, wearing matching black wife beaters, gray sweats, and black socks with black Nike slides.

Miles blinked owlishly as he moved back to make room for the duo to enter his home (shoes off, of course) and head to the kitchen.

"Not be rude or anything, but... why are you two here," Miles asked as they set everything down on the counter or on the floor. Eric gave the boy a smirk.

"Your mom has mentioned to Panthera in passing how you all have been eating takeout more often than an actual home-cooked meal. My little girl has taken it upon herself to change that and make dinner for you all." Panthera glared playfully at her father, smacking his chest.

"Not little," she mumbled, completely ignoring how she was the shortest of the group. Miles and Eric chuckled, choosing not to comment on it.

"Sure, gatita. Thank you for Panthera... for everything." The girl spared a glance at her friend, finding a tired, vulnerable, yet grateful expression on his face. She sent him a small smile.

"Think nothing of it, Mi. Now go to sleep. You look half dead," she said, shooing the boy away. The boy let out a tired chuckle, leaning over to brush a sleepy kiss on the girl's temple before he went on his way. Eric raised a brow at that.

"Baby girl?" Panthera looked up to her father, who had a thoughtful look.

"That boy Miles... do you think he likes you more than just a friend," Eric quietly asked, not wanting to be overheard.

'I love you, mi vida...' Panthera cleared her throat, pulling the produce she'll need for the recipe she had in mind for tonight.

"What makes you say that," she asked instead, cleaning off the veggies in the sink. A hand landed on her shoulder, forcing the girl to acknowledge her father's presence.

"I'm serious, Panthera. I know he's grieving the loss of his father, and it's wonderful that he has someone like you in his corner. He seems really comfortable with you to be considered just a friend..." Panthera pursed her lips, mulling over her next words.

"...It wouldn't surprise me if he liked me like that... I like him too, Baba. Very much," Panthera whispered, glancing at the slumbering boy on the family couch. Eric could see the soft look in his daughter's eyes as she looked at him. She didn't have to admit this to him. Eric knew Panthera loved the boy. And he could see Miles' love for her, clear as day whenever he looked at her...

But there was something there. Something... darker...

Maybe it was just Eric, but he could see a bit of himself in Miles. He lost his father when he was a young boy, having to witness his body grow colder and colder until nothing but a shell remained. He had to grow up alone. All Eric wanted was to be seen.

To be heard.

To be loved.

But he was left alone, unable to get into contact with the people who seemingly rejected his father—rejected him.

If he had someone like his daughter in his corner, he would've done anything and everything to keep them in his life.

Even if it meant getting rid of others that stood between him and his person.

He would burn it all if it meant that one person who showed their love to an unfortunate soul such as himself would stay, be with him, and continue to love him. All because he loved them.

And if they didn't... well... they would have forever to learn to love him again, now wouldn't they?

Eric mentally shook off that last thought and looked at his daughter, who was looking up at him, those dark eyes peering curiously into his own.

"I know you do, inkosazana yam encinci. Anybody would be lucky enough to have your love... just be careful." Eric watched as Panthera's brows pinched in confusion.

"What do you mean, Baba..." Eric sighed, gazing at the occupant in the next room over.

"Love is a powerful emotion. It could empower you, give you purpose, and make this thing called life all the more worth it... but sometimes, it can change one's moral compass. Make them wanna do anything and everything to keep it close. People do unexplainable things when they're in love... I just want to know that the person that falls in love with my little girl can make her happy the same way she makes them happy. Freely..." Panthera hugged her father.

She wasn't entirely sure what to make of his words, but she knew that there was a reason behind it all. Maybe he'll explain it more when she's older...

"I'll do my best to be careful, Baba. Ndiyakuthandana," she mumbled into his broad chest. The man hugged her back, squeezing her.

"Nam ndiyakuthanda..." He kissed her forehead.

"I have to go now. I have another job tonight. You going to be okay," Eric asked softly. Panthera nodded.

"I'll be fine, Baba, I know things are getting worse ever since Mr. Morales died, but you took a lot of precautions to make sure I can defend myself if necessary. Hopefully, I can get home before it gets too late, but if not, I'll see if I could spend the night here and go home in the morning," Panthera said. Eric nodded. It wasn't the first time Panthera had spent the night at the Morales household, so either way, Eric can trust she'll be in good hands.

"Okay. Bye, baby girl, see you soon..." The girl followed her dad to the front door.

"Bye, Baba, see you later."

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

Miles awoke to the smells of rich spices and seasoned meat a few hours later. The boy blinked blearily, eyes catching sight of Panthera cooking and dancing to the music playing through his portable speaker in the kitchen. Miles sighed dreamily as he watched his little wife-

I mean girlfriend-

I MEAN, FRIEND!

Yes, friend, make herself more comfortable in his home. It seemed so natural for Panthera to be there. God, what he would give to have something like this every day...

Panthera turned around, finding Miles' sleepy grin there to greet her. She smiled.

"Hey there, sleepyhead. How are you," she cooed, walking over to the couch. The Afro-Latino immediately sat up, pulling the girl into his lap before she could try to find open space on the couch. Panthera raised a brow at this.

"Mi, I'm not a teddy bear, you know," she drawled as Miles nuzzled her neck.

"Mmm... yes, you are. You're my teddy bear," he mumbled, pressing his lips against her throat as if to imprint those words onto her skin. Panthera chuckled, trying to pull Miles out of his hiding place only for him to let out a whine of complaint.

"Nooooooo..." She could partially feel his pout.

"C'mon, Mi, let me up. I need to double-check to see how the food's doing." As if on cue, Miles' stomach let out a loud growl. Panthera laughed freely, knowing the boy was blushing.

"C'mon, you can come with me, and we'll see if I can feed the beast from within," she teased, poking his belly. The boy let out a disgruntled grumble before releasing the girl, simpering happily as she held his hand to lead him into the kitchen.

"Smells amazing, gatita. What're you making," Miles asked as he watched Panthera taste-test the dish.

"Injera, Doro Wat, and Gomen, it's Ethiopian Spicy Chicken Stew and Collard Greens served a Flatbread," Panthera said offhandedly, leaning into Miles' embrace when she felt his arms make themselves at home around her waist. Miles rested his head on the girl's shoulder, curious.

"Want a bite," Panthera offered. After a small nod, Panthera guided a forkful of chicken dipped in sauce into the boy's awaiting mouth. The boy let out a happy moan at the series of flavors exploding on his tongue.

"Ohmygod," he groaned, squeezing the girl. Panthera smiled at the reaction.

"Good," she asked, even though she already knew the answer.

"Mhmmmm... I'm so marrying you so I can have this for the rest of my life," he said. Panthera burst out laughing. Little did the girl know that Miles was being dead serious.

"Relax, Mi. I'm not going anywhere anytime soon. Plus, we're still years away from even thinking about that," Panthera chuckled, plating the food.

"Can you go set the table and wake up your mother? I'll finish plating everything and wash the rest of the dishes." Miles nodded, kissing Panthera's cheek before wandering off. The girl paused a bit, blushing.

'That felt... oddly romantic? I mean, we did almost kiss at his dad's party, but it's not like either of us has really made a move since then. What changed? Could Baba really be onto something here?'

Before the girl could think harder on the matter, she heard the front door open and close, hearing Aaron announcing his presence.

"Umalume! Just in time for dinner," she smiled. The older man looked surprised to see her, similar to Rio, as she groggily trailed behind her son, who immediately helped his friend set the plates on the table.

"Hello, Mrs. Morales. I hope you managed to get some rest." Rio blinked at the table arrangement before on Panthera's shy smile.

"Hello, Panthera and I did, thank you. Wh... What is all this?" Panthera's smile brightens a little.

"After you told me that your family hasn't had a real home-cooked meal since Mr. Morales' passing, I got my Baba to take me to the supermarket and brought some food prep from home to make you all something." A slow smile spread on Rio's lips as she hugged the girl.

"Oh, mija, thank you. You've been a literal angel throughout this time, and I can't be more grateful that Miles has someone like you in his corner. Muchas gracias querida." PAnthera hugged the woman back, heart full.

"Of course, Mrs. Morales. You've all been through a lot. This is the least that I can do," Panthera said. Rio pulled back, hands firmly on Panthera's shoulders as she looked the girl squarely in her eyes.

"Please, mija. Call me Rio. I meant what I said today when I said that we consider you to be family. You are family, Panthera." The girl teared up a bit but smiled, nodding her understanding.

"Okay, Rio. Now come, best to eat while it's still warm." Panthera urged the family to find a seat at the table, taking a seat by a heart-eyed Miles.

Rio and Aaron sent each other a silent look.

'She's good for him.'

'Yeah, she is.'

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

The Morales/Davis family finished dinner with full bellies and content smiles. They complimented the girl on her culinary skills, who accepted the praise with a blush. Panthera offered to take care of the dishes, which was vehemently rejected by Miles.

"You've done so much today, muñeca. Lemme do this for you." Then proceeds to kiss her cheek in front of his mother and uncle. You could cook on an egg of Panthera's face with how hot her cheeks were burning. Rio and Aaron only smiled secretly, chuckling at the two teens.

As soon as Miles was done, they all sat and chatted, occasionally laughing and joking with each other. Panthera soon looked down at her phone, staring in shock at the time.

"Bast! I didn't realize how late it was getting! I need to go home," Panthera exclaimed, standing up and patting her pockets to ensure she had everything. Miles felt his heart drop to his stomach.

Panthera squeaked when she suddenly felt a pair of arms wrap around her, pulling her into a solid chest. Miles buried his face in the crock of her neck, not caring if his mamá y tío could see him and Panthera like this.

"Miles-"

"Stay." Panthera shivered as the single word was whispered right next to her ear.

"I probably really should try-" Rio interjected.

"No, please, Panthera. Stay the night. Walking the streets alone is too dangerous, especially since crime has been increasing nearly every day." Panthera looked into the pleading eyes of Rio before turning to Aaron.

"Umalume, can't you walk me home? You know I don't live that far from you," Panthera tried. Aaron sighed.

"Sorry, lil cub, but Rio is right. I've been caught in a couple of fights just trying to get home. I don't want to risk you being caught up in that." Panthera pursed her lips in thought. It wasn't until Miles turned her around and cupped her face in his hands.

"Please, gatita. I don't want to lose another person. I can't lose another person in my life. Especially not you. You mean too much to me. Please, stay... I need you..." Damn it, if the vulnerable look in those tawny brown eyes didn't seal it for her, his words did.

"...okay, I'll stay. I'll take the guest bedroom..." Panthera's question trailed off when she noticed the semi-sheepish look on Aaron's face.

"Sorry, Panthera, but I've kinda been using it." The girl smiled at the man, silently reassuring him.

"No worries then, I could take the couch-"

"No, the heck you not!"

"Absolutely not, mija!"

The girl looked at mother and son with an exasperated expression.

"Then what do you suggest," she huffed. Miles was quick to respond.

"You could sleep in my room. It's not like you haven't done so before." Panthera glanced at Rio, silently asking if that was okay. Rio smiled and nodded.

"Just keep the door open, you two~!"

"RIO!" "MAMÁ, PLEASE!"

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

After a quick and embarrassing escape, a change of clothes, and a quick night routine, Panthera and Miles lay side by side in the dark room. Miles, in his wife beater and gym shorts, couldn't help but admire Panthera in his clothes.

He gave her one of his old t-shirts that swallowed her frame, reaching her thighs. She rejected the shorts he tried giving her, claiming too much clothing makes it harder for her to sleep at night. He didn't put up much of a fight, finding the view she provided quite enticing. He wanted nothing more but to reach out and caress those brown thighs...

"You can come closer, you know," he quietly stated, drawing random shapes on her arm. Panthera blushed.

"You sure? Wouldn't that seem..." The boy raised a brow, waiting for the girl to finish her sentence.

"Intimate?" The boy blinked before giving a little shrug.

"I mean... it would. But I wouldn't mind that... do you?" Panthera chewed on her bottom lip, mulling over her answer.

"I... I don't mind either..." Miles smiled, tugging on the girl's waist to pull her closer. The boy even went as far as to rest one of her legs on his hip.

"Mmm, comfy," Miles asked, finding Panthera's eyes in the dark. The girl nodded, unable to get her voice to work without it coming out as a high pitch squeak. Miles chuckled, kissing her forehead.

"Heh, so freaking cute. Goodnight, gatita. Sweet dreams."

"Goodnight, Mi. Sweet dreams..."

The pair managed to doze off into a comfortable slumber.

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

Miles stared at the beauty sitting next to him. The pair was out on top of one of the building's rooftops. The moon was out tonight, ethereal light bathing the girl in a breathtaking glow. He could see the stars twinkling in her eyes, creating a new galaxy in those dark orbs. Panthera glanced at him, noting the dazed look in Miles's eyes.

"What are you looking at, Mi," she teased good-naturely, ignoring the warmth feeling flooding her cheeks.

"You, princesa," Miles answered easily, scooting closer to the girl. He took note of the confused blink he received as he cupped her cheek.

"God, you're so beautiful, Panthera. How are you even real," Miles whispered, looking into her galaxy-decorated eyes. The girl's eyes began to cross as Miles approached her face.

"Mi...?" A shiver escaped the boy. He always loved the way that nickname sounded coming from her.

"I love you, Panthera. Te amo tanto, mi vida," Miles sighed, leaning in for a long-awaited kiss...

Only to be shoved away at the last second.

Miles' furrowed expression turned into one of fear. The disgusted look on Panthera's face, the cold look in her eyes.

"What the hell, Miles?! I don't love you like that." His heart shuddered to a stop.

"Wh-what?" The girl stood, backing away from him.

"Why would I ever love someone as needy and broken as you? Be so for real, Morales. I don't want your deranged love. Keep that shit to your fucking self." Panthera turned on her heel and ran inside the building.

"Panthera, wait! I'm sorry, please!" The boy chased after her, heart aching as she remained out of reach. The staircase seemed to go on forever as he tried racing down them.

"Leave me alone, Miles!"

"No, gatita, please! Don't leave me, don't leave me!" Tears ran down the boy's cheeks in ragged streaks, losing sight of her. The boy took a harsh tumble as he accidentally stepped on his untied shoelaces. After an eternity of rolling, the boy reached the bottom of the staircase. He could see the exit just meters away—the door was left wide open, blowing in the seductive scent of his beloved. Miles stared into nothingness. The aches and pains going off in different parts of his body were nothing compared to the gaping hole in his chest.

He curled into himself and sobbed.

"Panthera, mi amor, mi vida... Vuelve, por favor. Te amo. Lo lamento, Lo lamento..." He begged and cried. Silently pleading for the girl to hear his cries and come through that door. To hold him and say she was sorry. That she didn't mean any of her cruel words and will never leave him...

That she will always love him.

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

"...les... Mil... Mi, wake up! You're having a nightmare. Wake up, please..." Miles let out a tired moan, his swollen eyes struggling to open. His eyes struggled to focus, but slowly, he could see and worried and frantic Panthera straddling him.

"P... Panthera," he croaked, his voice thick with sleep and unshed tears. He watched as her face morphed into one of relief.

"Oh, thank Bast, you scared me, Mi! I just slipped out to use the bathroom, and when I came back, you were shaking and crying in your sleep. You were speaking in Spanish, but you sounded so hurt, Mi," Panthera whispered frantically. She didn't want to wake Aaron or Rio with their conversation. Miles shuddered at the lingering memory of his dream, wrapping his arms around the girl, hugging her tight.

"I'm sorry I scared you, Panthera," he weakly apologized, snuggling closer to the girl's warmth. Panthera returned the embrace, running her fingers over the week-old stitch pattern of the boy's braids.

"Shhh, it's okay, Mi. I'm here, I promise," she whispered. He looked into her dark brown eyes, seeing their familiar warmth.

"Really," he asked in a small voice. As much as Miles didn't want to admit it, that dream scared him just as much as he had seen his dad's broken body on the news. The strong potential of losing someone close to his heart scared him.

He loves the girl. He would move heaven and Earth to keep her in his life.

He needed to know that she'll stay.

"Of course, I promise. I love you, Mi." Miles let out a shaky breath when he felt those full lips press against his clammy forehead. God, he wanna bask in this moment forever...

"I love you too, Panthera..." Miles couldn't help himself. He kissed her clothed chest, right where her heart was. Panthera allowed herself to be maneuvered to Miles' comfort. She laid on her back with his head on her chest; his ear pressed against it to hear her heartbeat. Miles' long body was nicely accommodated by the softness of Panthera's thighs over his hips. The featherlight touch over his hair and eyes coaxed the boy into a peaceful slumber.

Panthera watched as the boy slipped back into unconsciousness, her mind wired.

She wasn't expecting such a drastic reaction when she returned from using the bathroom. Miles was sleeping so peacefully when she left...

She also didn't tell Miles she heard her saying her name. She had an okay understanding of his mother tongue and could help but blush at the parts she did understand.

'Panthera, my love... please... I love you...'

She wasn't entirely sure what Miles was begging for, but whatever the dream version of her did left him with an empty, scared, and heartbroken look in his tired eyes.

Something about that look unsettled her. She never wanted to be the cause of that look; she loved Miles. She wanted him to be happy...

The girl let out a tired sigh.

'Sleepy, sleepy...'

She looked down at the boy sleeping on her chest and bit her lip.

As carefully as she could, she tilted the boy's head up. She watched fondly as his face unconsciously scrunched up and let out a whine at being moved. Only to be silenced when she gently pecked his lips. She had to suppress an amused giggle when a dopey smile crossed his face, and he snuggled up to her.

"Goodnight, Mi..."

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

The rest of the year was very busy for Miles. When Panthera left that morning to go back home, and his mom went to take a shift at the hospital, he spoke to his Uncle Aaron about his "business dealings."

"Miles, I don't think it'll be a good idea-"

"Tío, please. You know I wouldn't ask if it wasn't important to me. I want to be able to protect the people I love. What if papá wasn't enough for them? What if they manage to get to mamá or even Panthera? I can't lose anyone, Uncle Aaron, I can't. I won't let those bastards get away with what they've done to my family."

"...alright, kid. Lemme take care of a few things first, and we can start...."

It took a couple of months of training and remodeling a suit, but soon Brooklyn had a new Prowler.

The newcomer was just as good as his predecessor, if not better. And he was always in high demand.

Miles was proud of the name he had created for himself in the crime underworld. The business was doing well, so he could support his mother at home and at her job. With the extra bonuses he and his uncle received, he would save most of it, spend a little on himself, and hopefully soon, on his precious gatita.

With it being their junior year and his new mantle as Prowler, Miles had difficulty spending time with her outside of school. He missed the days when they would spend their days together, whether they drew in their respective sketchbooks or curled up on his couch watching "Spirit: The Stallion of the Cimarron" for the 50th time (it was Panthera's favorite movie, he wasn't going to deny his precious kitten anything).

The last time they spent real time together (like for more than an hour) was toward the end of summer. School was supposed to start in less than two weeks, and Miles was still training but was about to take up his first assignment as the Prowler in just a few days. Miles had stopped by Panthera's apartment to ask her to come tagging with him. What resulted from that was a mural of his father. He remembers staring up at the smiling face of his papá. At that point, it's been over a month and a half since Jeff died. He wanted a physical reminder of what he was doing this for...

The comforting feeling of having Panthera's arms around his waist warmed his chest. Her words rang sweetly in his ears.

"Whatever you do, I know your dad would be proud of you, Miles. You will always be his pride and joy..." Miles allowed his hand to find hers, intertwining against his stomach.

"Thank you, Panthera... it means more than you know..."

In the months since then, the two would spend time in class, studying, or spending a rare Saturday together. Despite their limited time together, Panthera could clearly see the difference in Miles. The coldness in his stare. His aloofness to the majority of their classmates around him. The silent, almost predatory vibe in his stance and walk.

He morphed from the Summer Child she knew from their freshmen and sophomore year until a Winter Soldier.

Their classmates had noticed this, some choosing to stay out of the boy's way while others flocked to him, finding this change cool and finally worthy of their attention. Guys soon began calling him their homeboy, while girls batted their eyes at him with flirtatious grins on their glossy lips.

Miles remained indifferent to this attention. Only seeking the attention of one person.

Panthera.

He knew his precious kitten never liked having so many eyes on her, and ever since he became "popular," he was hardly alone. There were a few moments when he could snag her away for a few minutes of solitude. Panthera would always find herself in the boy's lap. His arms circled around to keep her close. He would normally find his face buried in her neck or resting on her chest to listen to her heartbeat.

She was his small piece of heaven.

Miles had found his eyes straying to the couples in the halls during passing or in the lunchroom. Often times imagining himself and Panthera in the same setting. His mamá y tío have been waiting for him to finally take the leap of fate and ask her to be his, officially.

He decided their junior year would be the start of their love story.

Neither of them anticipated how bloody of a start it would be...

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

CLIFFHANGERRRRR! Sorry not sorry lol. P.S. I know the font with Miles' dream is off, I honest to God don't know what Tumblr is on.

Dedicated to @444morales and @l0v3morales

Translations:

~Spanish~

Mija : Darling

Te quiero... te quiero mucho papá : I love you… I love you so much dad

Muchas gracias querida : Thank you so much dear

muñeca : doll

Te amo tanto, mi vida : I love you so much my life

Panthera, mi amor, mi vida... Vuelve, por favor. Te amo. Lo lamento, Lo lamento... : Panthera, my love, my life… Come back, please. I love you. I'm sorry, I'm sorry…

-Xhosa-

Phumla ngoku, joni : Rest now, soldier

Enkosi ngenkonzo yakho... siyakuthanda : Thank you for your service… we love you

inkosazana yam encinci : my little princess

Baba : Father

Ndiyakuthandana : I love you

Nam ndiyakuthanda... : I love you too...

Umalume : Uncle

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felis-artis · 3 days

Text

Official Arc 1 Playlist

It will be full of The Mechanisms, I know that for sure. Try to decontextualize those songs if you know the stories. They are silly cats now.

I will put every song below. I will use links on Youtube (to have access to archived videos, not on Spotify) but if you want to port any of this into a music-playing site or app, be my guest. I'll add it to the post if you do!

Version: 1.0 Last Update: April 28th, 2024

1 -> Stranger (The Mechanisms)

Oh, my love, what madness can this be (Why did you come here?) In your place a monster I do see (I warned you not to look) You don't understand I had to keep my nature secret This was never planned You were never meant to know

This song is so Crowtongue and Wildfire to me. Minus the "love" portion. I might actually animate a portion of this song to them, if I had the time or money to spare.

2 -> Nothing Critical (Cloudeater)

Oh my we forgot to smile Guns are drawn, now my lawn's a wreck I know, someone had to go If not him it'd be me instead

Crowtongue and Wildfire. Enough said.

3 -> Willard! (Will Wood)

Never learned how I should feel, instincts somehow stunted Just seem haunted by my stupid urge to protect Until frustration makes me wish my teeth were sharp as yours Chew through their garage doors They'll call me crazy but their words all seem made up to me Maybe they just need more friendship like yours

Its not a playlist of mine without a good song from In Case I Die. It's too good an album. Anyways, this is so Cloudnose that it hurts. I love his character.

4 -> Alarm Call (The Correspondents)

Where have you gone? I am calling on you Your alarm call's on and I'm coming to your rescue I know exactly what to do I make the call and sit by you Check your heartbeat against mine But there's no trace of it this time

Goldenflower and Wildfire. I love them so much. A good mother-son relationship, layered with a million feelings and filtered through such a simplistic lens, it breaks. I would animate this, but I don't have any time.

5 -> Fading Kitten Syndrome (Roar)

Carry me in your teeth with tender jaws of sympathy (Arrow deep inside the meat Impossible for us to reach)

Wildfire's kits. When your father is a symbol for the start of the end, its hard to detach yourself from that symbolism.

6 -> Reduced to Guts (Vivivivivi)

This song reeks of Timberstrike. I can't explain it, it just is. Every breath he breathes is filled with lies at the end, and he hates himself for it. He loves it though, he's practically intoxicated by its power.

7 -> He'll Use ... Show / Dr. Sunshine is Dead (Will Wood)

Well, who else could I be when I can hardly see? I am not the sunshine, I am not the moon at night I'm no one if I'm nowhere in between

This specific recording has the exact vibes I need for Sagewhisker, the Seer for Arc 1. She doesn't have a big appearance, but she has a large enough one that it matters. Also, Mario Conte is THE drummer of all time.

8 -> SCAPEG(8)AT (Ghost and Pals)

Now do you hate me? Are you afraid of mе? Are you able to feel culpability? Come forth and kill me Bow down and worship me Take your time, all we have is eternity Now with a new start Broken and torn apart Nothing in me resembles a human heart My name is unknown Something I've never told On my own, I declare "I don't wanna go home"

Crowstar and Timberstar. Their dynamic is important to me in a way that most people's cars are important to them. I love their dynamic, hate their ideology, and adore how they grow as characters. Beating them with hammers.

More to be added at a later date!

#FA: Arc 1 #FA: Playlists #warrior cats rewrite #warrior cats

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yaesnovels · 1 year

Note

nur hello dear <3 i saw your prompts list just now and i was wondering if i can request please? how about prompts 6 and 12 for my beloved kazuha? if two is too much feel free to go with the one you feel most comfy writing 🤗 thank you so much and have a v happy halloween if you celebrate and hoping that november treats you kindly mwa! 🫶🏻💗

⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ i'm yours. always been yours.

used prompts : 6. “i’ve known you since… forever. i can’t imagine my life without you.” + 12. “i’m yours. i’ve only ever been yours.”

best friend!kazuha x gn!reader, use of they/them pronouns for neutrality purposes | wc ; 1,014

requests open! check out my promptlist!

becoming kazuha’s best friend was something you always thanked the archons for.

you had never met someone so understanding and considerate as him in your life before and you always loved spending your time with him.

“oh, come on, you can’t do this to me!”, you whined when you, yet again, lost a little race against him; the winner would be able to choose where you would go for lunch. you had agreed to a race from the geo archon’s statue to liyue harbor’s entrance. “you always cheat with your stupid vision.”

he let out a chuckle at your pout, booping your nose tip gently . “you never specified i couldn’t use it to move faster now, did you?”, he grinned triumphantly. “come on, let’s go pay xiangling a visit. i’ve missed her interesting creations.”

you couldn’t help but excitedly clap your hands. you, too, had missed xiangling during your long trips with the alcor and were excited to finally return to the place you once called your home.

that was until you met kaedehara kazuha when he was a fugitive in his homeland and had to escape with beidou’s and the alcor’s help. you met him wandering around the harbor shortly before you yourself had to leave to board the alcor once more and his attire made you wonder where he is from.

that had happened over two years ago now. the decree in inazuma has been lifted and kazuha was no longer a fugitive in his homeland. though, as you got closer, he told you that as of now, he has no wish to return to inazuma permanently because he had grown a particular liking to traveling with beidou.

little did you know that his true reason not to return permanently was you.

kazuha could not fully describe the emotions he was feeling when he was around you. this was truly a surprise to the descendant of the kaedehara clan – he had never struggled to put his feelings into words before. then again, he had never felt like this before either, so the unknown emotions were quite a surprise to him, too.

all he knew was that he wouldn’t want to feel this way towards another person ever.

and all he could tell captain beidou when she questioned him about it that he was always feeling this warmth in his heart and the happiness he felt whenever he saw you smile at something he said.

“aww, do you have a crush?”, beidou laughed out loud, kazuha immediately panicked, hoping that you wouldn’t have heard the captain talking so loudly.

“shh, please, this is already nerve-wrecking as it is for me, i don’t need them to hear you yelling it out like this”, kazuha looked around just to see you at the other side of the alcor, luckily busy chatting with someone else from the crew. he couldn’t help himself but smile as he saw you excitedly clap your hands at something the woman in front of you said. that was one of your habits he had noticed a while ago and he found it insanely adorable.

“well, i think you should talk to them. a little birdie whispered to me that they might feel the same”, beidou grinned knowingly. “translation, they actually told me. seriously. you should talk to them.”

“it’s just so … nerve-wrecking.”

the moment he had decided to finally go through with it, he realized the previous description of admitting his feelings being nerve-wrecking was an understatement.

“hey, y/n, i… have something to talk to you about.”

“hm? what is it?”, you asked as you put away your chopsticks to focus on him. you had already noticed earlier that he was quite nervous for some reason and you did want to ask him about it but decided to let him open up by himself.

“you know… i’ve uh..”, he was hesitating. what if beidou misunderstood whatever you had told her? he tried to relax by breathing in an out slowly and looked at you. “okay, here goes nothing”, he whispered to himself. “y/n i have been thinking about us a lot lately. and i have come to realize that… i just can’t imagine my life without you at this point. i’ve known you since what feels like forever, despite it being only maybe two years? no matter how much time has passed, i always enjoyed spending my time with you. and i don’t want us to ever separate in any way imaginable. i think … no, i know i like you and i just have to know if this is one-sided or not. because… i don’t think i can handle knowing that i like you but you don’t like me back in the same way.”

kazuha had been so deeply focused on his talk that he didn’t notice your slightly teary eyes and you had probably the most beautiful and happiest smile on your lips. when he did, however, he couldn’t help the relief in his body. this had to mean something good, right?

“archons, kazuha, this … i seriously didn’t expect you to confess tonight. because i was going to do it, too. i don’t think i can just improvise a speech like you just did” – you both chuckled when you said this – “but i like you, too. i have never met an understanding and amazing person like you before and i always admired you as my friend so much, i can’t even explain. and now to know that you feel the same about me? it feels so unbelievable.”

“sweetheart, i’m yours. i’ve always ever been yours but it just took me too long to figure it out. and now i just want to know… will you be mine just like i’m yours?”

you nodded excitedly, laughing at how beautiful this night ended for the both of you.

and you wouldn’t want it any other way.

#. flowers for : kaedehara kazuha !#genshin impact #genshin impact fluff #genshin impact fanfiction #genshin impact imagines #genshin impact drabbles #genshin impact kaedehara kazuha #kaedehara kazuha #kazuha x you #kazuha x reader #. mail from : ven !

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kadavernagh · 6 months

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Hitchhikers || Regan & Eleanor

TIMING: Current LOCATION: The morgue at the ME's Office PARTIES: Eleanor and Regan SUMMARY: Eleanor is in research mode for her novel, and she's thrilled to be invited to watch Regan conduct an autopsy so she can write an accurate medical examiner. Regan is pleased to have a curious mind to engage. But the autopsy turns out far more horrifying than Eleanor ever thought it would when things get squiggly, which is great for a horror novel, right?

After rejecting two autopsy viewing requests from people whose reasoning was “I just wanna see,” it was a refreshing change of pace to be welcoming in an author today. An author who cared about doing her due diligence to represent Regan’s profession.

When Marcy alerted her to the visitor, Regan was quick to offer her usual brisk greeting. The winter coat lacked professionalism but she would make up for it in every other way. “Dr. Kavanagh. I assume you’re Eleanor. If you’re ready, follow me.” She guided Eleanor toward the door, carded them in, and led her down the long hallway that terminated in the autopsy suite. “Did you have that breakfast we discussed?”

Death greeted her as the doors swung open, tugging her closer. Whatever had happened with Beau the other day wasn’t a constant. Right now, the death was a familiar comfort and light touch; a far cry from the smothering weight it had become before. It would need to stay that way. Yesterday she had been forced to retreat into her office in the middle of an autopsy, crushed by her surroundings, yet electrified. She couldn’t escape it, even there. Glass still needed to be swept up.

Today would need to be more favorable. Regan pointed over to the personal protective equipment and wriggled into a lab coat herself – two sizes too big so as to fit over the coat. She turned to Eleanor, explaining. “Take notes if you wish. While I haven’t made a determination yet, I selected a decedent whose death seems to be of an accidental manner. Your novel likely involves homicide, but I don’t want to bring you in on an autopsy for an ongoing investigation.” She picked up the clipboard by the autopsy table, where the cadaver was waiting patiently, already washed and ready. The body’s short, freshly-washed mop of curly hair was drying on her scalp and without contesting muscles, gravity was not kind to her face, aging the woman considerably. “I suppose I should acquaint the two of you, too. This was Martha Williams, 41 years old, Caucasian, five-foot-seven. She was found by the bushes in front of her home a couple of days ago. When I went to the scene, her state was consistent with a post-mortem interval of one to two hours. But one must never be closed off to other possibilities.” She looked between the very dead woman and the very live one. “Any questions before we begin? The waste bin is in the corner. Do not stop me if you have to vomit.”

Although Eleanor had been a nervous wreck after being offered what she considered to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, she had made sure to get a good night’s rest and, per instructions, successfully put down a good hearty breakfast. She’d always believed in doing extensive research whenever writing about subjects she wasn’t familiar with but had never been granted with such an honor before - she couldn’t stop her hands from shaking.

Upon her arrival at the medical examiner’s office she was immediately made aware of the lack of living people around and while Eleanor knew full well what to expect in advance, it still gave her an eerie feeling. It wasn’t like being around the undead: they could communicate with her whereas the bodies that filled the morgue had been reduced to place holders, evidence of people who had passed onto the great unknown. More than anything the utter silence of it all caused a shiver to run down her spine.

“Yes! Hi! I had a great breakfast, thank you.” Eleanor had reached out her hand for a shake but let it drop and immediately fell into step behind Doctor Kavanagh. From their short exchange online Eleanor had picked up that the other didn’t engage in lengthy conversation so she didn’t take the clipped sentences and monotone words as an insult. She was there to be professional, not to visit a friend at their place of work, so she followed silently, her eyes wide and her ears open. She’d also tried to get a read on the pale woman and was happy to find that she seemed relaxed and mellow, moreso when they entered the actual autopsy suite. Eleanor sighed and mentally thanked the doctor for her stable mood - there would be no battling her abilities, just pleasant note taking as she had planned.

Eleanor wanted to ask about the winter coat but decided against it and obediently pulled on her own lab coat. Surely if Doctor Kavanagh wanted to explain her fashion choices she would, and if she didn’t it had absolutely no effect on why they were there in the first place. She nodded, her notepad and pen already out and scribbling furiously as the other spoke. Her eyes roamed over the body in front of her and that same shiver ran down her spine - she wasn’t frightened, it was just strange. “Yes, how were you able to determine how long she’d been dead?” Eleanor eyed the trashcan and the corners of her mouth turned up in a small smile. “I think I’ll be alright, but I’ll be careful not to bother you if I do prove to be weaker than I believe.” Returning to her notepad she asked one more question, “What about the scene makes you believe the cause of death to be accidental?”

Eleanor’s chipper attitude was bothersome, but Regan approved of her professionalism. She had clearly come ready to take notes, and if someone was going to watch an autopsy – the most intimate medical procedure one could receive, Regan thought – the observer should be getting value out of it. And Eleanor was already asking questions. Good. “We have different tools to determine PMI, depending on what stage of decomposition is occurring. In this case, rigor mortis had not even begun when the body was found, and a neighbor confirmed that she had a brief conversation with the woman only a few hours earlier. We also use body temperature. Bodies cool at a predictable rate… though influenced by many factors.” Regan reached down and wiped a couple of blow fly eggs off the woman’s cheek. The freezer had rendered them invalid, but they clung to her skin even through the bath. “Insects help, too. The flies had just found her.” Admirable little things. They were quick.

If Regan could smile, she might have. “I’ll show you.”

With practiced hands, she rolled the body into a prone position, revealing what had been invisible from their previous perspective. In the upper right quadrant of the woman’s back there was a large hole – too big to be from a bullet, and the margins were flush with blood. Regan had already stuck a ruler into the hole earlier, needing to make an early assessment of the situation. She went four inches deep before a rub pushed against the ruler, halting its progress. She suspected whatever had tunneled into the woman had gone straight into her heart. Around the hole was a series of smaller holes and places where the skin was raised and irritated concentric to, what looked like, pinhole-sized bug bites. “I could be wrong, of course, but this is suggestive of an animal. You can tell from blood that this occurred ante-mortem – that is, before death – and when the cause of death is animal-related, insect envenomation, or similar, the manner is classified as accidental.” She looked down at the holes. “Had a person done this, I would expect overt signs of a struggle. Is that what happens in your novel?”

“That said, we still must be thorough. Everyone gets a complete autopsy. Not only in case initial impressions are wrong, but because we may find something else that could be important to the family. Even beyond the decedent. Many findings have a genetic component.” It made sense to start with the woman’s back, considering everything was currently served in front of them like a feast-filled dinner plate. “I will be dictating my notes today, which will be to your benefit.” She pressed the START button on the recorder. After speaking a brief overview of the patient’s demographics and findings at the scene, she attempted to document what they were seeing. "A deep, well-defined cavity is situated in the dorsal upper right quadrant, approximately 4 inches in depth and two inches in diameter. Consistent with a traumatic or penetrating injury, suspected from an animal, with clean edges and no evidence of irregular tearing or avulsion. Upon examination, the depth of the cavity is noted to extend beyond the subcutaneous tissue, reaching into the underlying musculature." She turned to Eleanor. “When we open her, we will be able to know precisely how deep it goes.” Regan continued, next describing the smaller surrounding wounds. “What do these look like to you?”

Eleanor hardly had time to look up from her notes when Regan started to throw information at her left and right and her hand flew across the notepad as she tried to keep up, her tongue poked out past her lips in concentration. She hadn’t even had time to truly feel intimidated, though she was sure that would come at some point, because she’d been immediately tossed into the thick of it. While her hand continued to scribble messily she looked up when Regan rolled the body over and sucked in a quick breath while her eyebrows knitted together. What could have possibly made that hole? She’d wanted to ask, but there would be no point since that was the reason they were there, to find out what exactly had happened.

“Since you mentioned you could tell from the blood whether an injury occurred before or after death, how soon after one dies does blood flow stop entirely? And is it true that you can tell what position a person was in when they died by the amount of blood pooled into a certain area of their body?” Eleanor was certainly out of her comfort zone and thought it best to ask as many questions as she could since up to the point her main form of information on the subject had been true crime podcasts and TV shows. She wanted to know the truth from someone who actually worked in the field and didn’t just make content for the masses. She nodded in response to Regan’s question. “Yes, in my novel there will be signs of struggle - wounds on the hands, among other things, to show that the victims attempted to defend themselves.” She was glad to hear that the notes would be recorded because it meant that Regan would be sure to thoroughly explain everything for the recorder, if not for Eleanor herself.

Something about the way the phrase “when we open her” sounded made Eleanor’s hand pause for a brief moment before she went back to scribbling down her notes. It amazed her how calm Regan was and had to remind herself that this was something she probably did nearly every day, the shock had more than likely worn off long ago. She glanced at the doctor for a brief moment as though making sure it was alright for her to approach the table and took a long, close look at the wounds on the corpse’s back. “They look to me like bite marks. So, would whatever did this have gone inside of her or just taken a couple chunks out?” She was sure she knew the answer but, again, wanted to be thorough.

After the tumultuous couple of weeks Regan was having, Eleanor’s questions were music to her ears. They reignited her sense of professionalism and expertise when she was not feeling as though she understood much of anything at all. She wasn’t sure what the right way forward was – staying or leaving – or if she could have any semblance of a say on the matter. But death, she knew; death, she could speak on. “Blood flow stops immediately, technically, but it takes about fifteen to twenty minutes for that to become physically apparent. You’re referring to a process called livor mortis. When the blood stops flowing, it moves toward gravity-dependent regions of the body, causing a sort of… redfish-blue coloring of the skin. This is said to become “fixed” after about 6 to 8 hours, and can be informative for both post-mortem interval and how the body was positioned.” Regan gave the decedent’s back an amiable tap. “You won’t be seeing any livor here. She wasn’t left out long enough, and the freezer spared her most of it. But she was found prone, like this, and her shirt was full of holes. Much like her back.”

She noticed Eleanor seemed to hesitate for a moment. She was doing well. Many could not tolerate this much. But that jolt of a pause spoke to her nerves, or thoughts. Regan was pleased that Eleanor was able to quickly regain her focus, keeping it where it ought to be. “I also believe them to be bite marks.” And her question was a good one. The smaller marks were not very deep – it looked more like an animal had been sampling the skin, or had decided there were too many obstacles in those locations – the scapulae, or the spine, for instance. The large hole in the middle, though, was clearly an entrance wound. The way the skin peeled inward was indicative of that. And much like a gunshot wound, Regan would have expected more of a stellate pattern had something come out there instead. “I don’t see a clear exit wound. But it could have come out the same hole it created to go in.” And if not… well, Regan wasn’t sure what they’d find inside of this woman. But whatever it was, her fingers itched with anticipation. She nodded toward Eleanor as if to say they were done back here, and then carefully rolled the decedent back into a supine position. For a second, she felt something. Like some force inside of the body resisting the movement. Pushing against her hands. Regan denied the thought; it made no sense.

What other opportunities could she provide Eleanor? If it was for the good of this book, for the good of scientific accuracy and literacy among the fiction-loving general public… a thought occurred to her. Regan reached for the dead woman’s hand; the fingers were stiff but not set in rigor. “Have you ever touched a decedent before?” She asked Eleanor, her eyes inviting. It was obvious why she was asking. “Only if you want, and only her hand.”

“Livor mortis…” Eleanor repeated under her breath as she hastily paraphrased the doctor's informative words. There was another wave of satisfaction that came from Regan, though not much of anything else, and it kept the empath focused and ready to learn more - there were no sudden changes in mood, no overwhelming feelings of sadness or anxiety. Regan, she realized, was just as easy to be around as the undead. “Have there been any other deaths that were common to this, or is this the first to have these kinds of wounds?” In her novel the medical examiners would notice a trend when it came to the victims’ wounds so it made sense to her to ask if the strange holes in the woman’s clothes and back had ever been seen before. Eleanor felt the doubt behind Regan’s words more than heard them. She didn’t like the idea of whatever had burrowed into the woman still being inside of her, but because she didn’t want to make her host regret allowing her to witness the autopsy she kept her concerns to herself and simply nodded along as Regan spoke.

Once again Eleanor was pulled from her notes and stared straight at Regan with wide eyes. “No, never.” She remembered vividly that awful funeral she’d been forced to go to for a relative of one of her foster families. She’d never met the man, didn’t know anything about him except for the things people said about him during the service, but she’d been told she had to be in attendance because her babysitter had canceled. Already terrified, she had had a panic attack upon viewing the body since it was her first time seeing a dead body and her first time not being able to get a read on someone. She was fine with observing from a few feet away but could she honestly handle physically touching the cold hand in front of her?

Of course she could if it meant being able to obtain accurate information for her novel. As she nodded she reached out with the hand that still clutched her pen and, ignoring the way it shook, lightly brushed her fingers along the back of the woman’s cold, dead flesh. Curiosity gripped her then, stronger than it’d been before, and her mouth pulled down at the corners as she made to hold the woman’s hand. Had she imagined it or had the body reacted to her touch? But that wasn’t possible, of course, the woman had been found dead, not to mention had been living in a freezer for the past couple of hours.

“Did you see -” Eleanor started to ask but was cut off by another convulsion. She immediately pulled back, her eyes fixed on the supposedly dead woman. “Tell me you saw it too.”

“I haven’t had any other decedents with wounds quite like this, though it’s possible Dr. Rickers – the other forensic pathologist here – has. I expect he would have told me, though. He tells me… everything.” Far too much. “Communication is important; it can be the only way we notice patterns. They’re… unusual wounds. Not the strangest I’ve seen, not even close, but they demand answers.” Regan presumed Eleanor had a good reason for asking about that, whether simple curiosity or a literary purpose. Either way, she would continue to entertain questions. Eleanor has been exceptionally polite in how she asked, never objectifying the body she was learning from or making rude remarks about Regan’s profession. Like calling her a coroner. The woman had seemingly done enough research to know not to do that. She was, all things considered, a model attendee. And Regan was interested in seeing how she would fair with the invitation she’d extended.

Everyone responded differently to touching death, even seeing it, whether it was a bird that flew into their window or their grandmother’s wake. Regan had observed people shy away, averting their eyes like death was the ugliest thing one could possibly look in the face. Others had childlike curiosity, understanding very clearly that the cadaver before them was no longer a person, and what remained was something worthy of both fascination and respect. Others yet simply voided their stomach. Eleanor was affected in some way, but Regan couldn’t tell if her reluctance was born out of some innate fear or distaste of death, or the humbling that inevitably came with confronting it so plainly. Regan believed that no one should be seeing a loved one as their first dead body. To be able to separate death from grief pulled back the veil, and allowed people to understand that it was not something to be feared. Too often it was entangled with a sense of loss.

But as Eleanor reached for the dead woman’s hand, something… rippled inside of the cadaver. Regan’s eyes snapped to her torso, where it seemed like the skin had shuddered. It was still now, like nothing happened. Had Eleanor somehow managed to do that when she’d made contact? Had it been in the way she’d gripped her hand? She seemed just as surprised, if not more. Regan swallowed back her uncertainty, knowing she was the authority here. For multiple reasons. “I saw it.” Despite the cool composure in her voice, her eyes widened and she found herself straightening up, readying herself for something. It wasn’t the first time she’d seen a cadaver seem to move. Though past incidents could be explained by her asfís bháis, this was also witnessed by Eleanor. So… maybe it was the first time. “Sometimes cadavers become so bloated, the gas – it can make noise, cause some motion. But…” …But the cadaver in question had not yet reached the bloat stage of decomposition.

With a sickening squelching sound, something long exploded out of the dead woman’s stomach. Scraps of skin flew across the room, coagulated blood spattered across Regan’s face shield, and a hissing, snapping noise filled the room. For a second, she wondered if she had done this. It was in line with – but no, they weren’t alone. She quickly noticed the writing creature on the floor, snaking closer and closer to their feet. It had a perfectly round jaw set with rows of serrated teeth, attached to a long, fleshy, pink body that was covered in bits of viscera. The shade reminded Regan of Teagan’s skin. Eugh. Regan’s slow heart quickened when she realized they needed to do something. This had obviously been the cause of those wounds. And right now, it seemed more interested in the two of them than going back to snack on her decedent.

“Behind me,” Regan said, though she didn’t exactly have a plan. Screaming was out. But – right, she had everything she needed right here. Her eyes flashed to the table. Of course. Her hand darted down and her fingers frantically clenched onto the bone saw’s handle.

By that point Eleanor was taking notes so quickly that her hand was a blur as it raced across her notepad. She was overjoyed by the amount of unrestricted information that Regan shared and admired the woman even more for the amount of work that she did, but the admittance that the wounds the Williams woman had sustained weren’t nearly as strange as others that had come through the morgue stumped her for a moment. She wondered what could possibly be stranger than bite marks around an open wound that appeared to have been burrowed in. It certainly wasn’t anything that she’d ever heard of before but, then again, she didn’t spend a whole lot of time around or inspecting dead bodies.

Gas, right. Regan was the expert, she literally did this every day, but still Eleanor couldn’t stop herself from thinking that something wasn’t right. Gas was a perfectly acceptable excuse, especially since she herself had no way of actually identifying whatever had caused the strange ripple, so for a brief moment she simply nodded and tried to bury her head in her notes again, trying to convince herself that she’d just witnessed something unsettling but completely normal. Honestly, what were the odds that something not normal would happen on the day that she’d been promised a thorough walk through of the autopsy process? Eleanor believed that she had some really bad luck but it couldn’t have been that bad.

She hardly had time to react to the awful noise that filled the room because of the explosion that accompanied it. Letting out a bloodcurdling scream, Eleanor dropped her notepad and pen and held her arms up over her head in a failed attempt to protect herself from the blood and skin. “Can gas do that?” She dropped her arms to try and get a glimpse at the state of the body but her eyes went straight to a large worm-like creature on the ground that had started to move toward them. For a split second that felt like an hour she wanted to simply drop onto the ground right where she was in a dead faint, but the realization that that would put her closer to the creature’s teeth kept her upright. Regan’s voice helped clear the fog that had started to fill her mind and Eleanor responded immediately, jumping behind the other woman without a second thought; she noticed immediately how Regan had been stirred from the dead-like state she’d been in since they’d met. “What the hell is that thing? It’s just been sitting inside of her this whole time?!” Again, she was by no means an expert, but she thought that a giant flesh-eating worm would have been pretty hard to miss and the thought that they’d been so close to it the entire time made her sick to her stomach.

“That wasn’t a very impressive scream, you kn–” The snapping of the worm’s jaws cut Regan off and reminded her that her scream queen status was not the most pressing matter right now. The bone saw was tight in her hands and the worm writhed across the floor with carnivorous intent, swerving a trail through the decedent’s splattered blood and flesh. It didn’t have eyes – at least from what Regan could see – but nonetheless seemed to be angling itself toward them, like it otherwise sensed them. She would not let it harm Eleanor. The woman was under her supervision right now. And she preferred her patients dead on arrival. “It’s a– I mean, it looks like a worm.” That was obvious. Eleanor probably hoped Regan knew a little more than that. But it wasn’t like her patients were full of worms that sprung out in the middle of an autopsy.

Her lungs banged with a sensation of fullness, of panic. Something crying to come out. One look at Eleanor’s giant eyes and trembling bones was all it took for her to gulp it back down and remind herself to be stone. She was as dead as Williams, or at least she needed to strive to be, and Williams, in death,was not subjected to such shameful emotion. Regan would not be either. Why should she fear a worm? It was a worm. And she was a force of nature. In a swift motion, Regan lunged forward, the saw making a clean slice through the center of the creature before it could jump at her or squirm out of the way. She allowed herself a moment of victory; it warmed her, and she looked to Eleanor with satisfaction that was only absent a smile.

Both halves of the worm squirmed, a clear fluid spurting across the floor. But then they turned, both of them, the motion catching Regan’s eyes again. And where there should have been a clear bisection, the worm’s layers of flesh and innards visible, there was instead another row of glistening teeth. “Lámhaigh.” Regan muttered. This was the first time a bone saw had ever caused a problem for her. She was filled with the dreadful realization that it would only create further problem if she tried that again. Was this some sort of replication? She scanned the room dizzyingly, looking for a solution. Her scared companion would be no help. This was not what she had signed up for. Maybe next time Regan should add the possibility of this happening to those autopsy attendance consent forms. “Okay, forget the saw,” Regan said, setting it frantically aside. She didn’t even want to tempt herself to take another swipe at it. “The bag! Can you get the body bag?” It was off to the side, closer to Eleanor, and the two worms were rounding on both of them like a pair of hunting wolves. “You have to reach it. Move. I do not want to autopsy you yet. So stop being a scared thing and help yourself.”

Had she not been more terrified than she’d probably ever been in her life Eleanor might have spent more time questioning Regan’s judgment toward her scream, but since an alien-looking worm was inching its way toward the two of them she decided that it could wait until they weren’t about to be devoured by a creature from the most twisted of nightmares. “You’ve never seen this before?!” She wasn’t sure what kind of response she’d expected, but it didn’t make her feel better to know that this wasn’t something the other had experience dealing with. How the hell do you always find yourself in the middle of these kinds of situations? It was a question she’d found herself asking a lot recently. When Regan lunged forward Eleanor closed her eyes tightly, not wanting to witness a murder firsthand. When she opened them again she was surprised to find the medical examiner in one piece but the worm in two.

“Are you crazy?” It was the first thing Eleanor could think to yell until she realized that Regan’s quick, although foolish, thinking had probably saved their lives or at the very least allowed them a few extra minutes. “You’re crazy but kinda amazing.” But the feeling of terror bubbled up inside of her again as she realized that the fight was not over - the two halves didn’t seem ready to give up just yet. “M-move?” That was the last thing she wanted to do. Whenever it came to fight or flight she’d always defaulted to the third and most pathetic of the responses in her opinion: freeze. Her mouth went dry and her heart beat so quickly in her chest that she thought she might actually be in danger of a heart attack. “I really don’t think I can…” She managed to tear her eyes away from the worm and located the body bag, pleased to find that it wasn’t nearly as far away from her as she’d thought, but she’d still have to risk moving from where she’d firmly planted her feet. Eleanor shook her head quickly and wiped her sweaty palms on her pants. This wasn’t the kind of thing she did, she wasn’t someone who could just muster up the courage to face off with something from a horror novel -

A horror novel! Wasn’t that the whole reason she was there? She needed inspiration and, in a terrible turn of events, she’d found herself in a horror novel. What would the main character of her story do? She sure as hell wouldn’t cower in the corner and hope that whenever the monster eventually got to her it wouldn’t prolong the process and save her from feeling too much pain. She’d get the damn body bag and follow any other orders thrown her way. Without thinking, otherwise she might convince herself again not to do it, Eleanor reached for the bag and missed by inches, stumbled, then reached again and found purchase, yanking it roughly so that she could return to her position behind Regan. She shoved it into the doctor’s arms and tried to stop herself from hyperventilating. “Please tell me… you have a plan… an actual plan.”

The worms twisted, still leaking fluid all over the shiny floor, and Regan didn’t wait to wait around to learn what they would do when they reached them. Maybe they couldn’t do anything. Or maybe they’d bore through flesh and muscle and bone, burrowing inside just as they had with Williams. So Eleanor needed to move. But the woman was looking to Regan to know what to do. And as clueless as Regan felt about this situation, she was determined to earn that status and recognition. If Eleanor thought her competent enough to handle even this – and she was right – then by Fates, she needed to step up.

She frowned. She was not crazy. But the compliment was acceptable and now did not seem like the proper time to argue. “The plan is to put the bag over the worms and get rid of it before they chew through it. Sound sufficient?” Regan wasn’t sure it was. She also wasn’t completely sure she wanted to get rid of it. Actually, she had another thought about that. Amazingly, Eleanor listened. Regan must have done something right. The body bag was shoved into her hands with a loud crinkle, and she realized that it was now on her to do what needed to be done. No further help from Eleanor, then. That was fine. Regan’s lungs tightened and she tried to summon the cool composure she knew she needed. What was a worm, anyway? Nothing. It was nothing, yet it dared to interrupt an autopsy. Any remnants of fear twisted into disdain, and Regan pounced before she could second guess.

She ended up on the floor. The bag was successfully slammed over both worms, but one of them was sticking out from under the edge, writhing and far stronger than it looked, like it was made only of muscle. Regan buckled at the force but didn’t let herself get thrown off. She slapped the tail end of the creature and through what was probably dumb luck alone, it worked to get it stuffed into the bag. Now she had them both trapped. But the opening was against the floor. It was like trapping a spider under a glass, right? If she could just… in one swift motion, Regan swooped the bag to the side, and she could feel the two masses tumbling down to the bottom. She clenched the neck of the bag with her fist, and gave Eleanor a startled, incredulous look. It worked?

For now.

Two violently wriggling worms pushed against the bag in her hands, and she wasn’t sure they had very long. She managed to clumsily tie it shut. “Open the fridge door! The empty one that Williams was in.” She pointed to the right section. Eleanor better not pontificate about this. “If you do not open it, you might as well tell me your medical history now so I can start writing your autopsy file in my head.” There. With a deep hiss, the door opened and Regan had never been so glad to see a completely empty compartment before. What was usually a disappointment was now to their benefit.

In, with a thud, went the animated bag. Eleanor wasted no time closing the fridge, which was good. Learning.

Regan immediately twisted the thermostat down as low as it went. “If the cold doesn’t kill them, I will.” A glance to the gleaming set of tools by the table, and the bone saw she did not get to use today. She realized her breath was catching in her throat and her heart was pounding. Now, she could feel panic receding even if she hadn’t allowed herself to feel the actual panic. Regan swallowed, looking from the closed fridge to Eleanor. “They’re not, um, all… like that, you know. For your book.”

Eleanor had a lot of concerns regarding Regan’s plan, most of all how they were going to carry it out without losing a limb or two, but because she didn’t want to annoy the doctor with her questioning she decided to remain silent and nod along. Anyhow, she was distracted by the almost tangible shift in atmosphere as Regan apparently simply decided that she would no longer be fearful of the things in front of them - it was like nothing the empath had ever witnessed before and it left her confused, impressed, and in awe all at the same time. Swaying nervously on her feet, Eleanor tried to tap into Regan’s confidence thinking that even if it was fabricated it was better than being scared out of her mind and of no help whatsoever.

She forced herself to watch the entire struggle and silently swore that if things looked as though they weren’t going in Regan’s favor that she would jump in and do… something, but she wouldn’t just stand there and let the person who’d given her such an amazing opportunity get brutally mauled by an alien-thing. But as it turned out Regan was a lot better at wrangling the worms underneath the body bag than apparently even she’d anticipated. Keeping her promise of acting and not speaking, and Regan’s threat of immediate death at the forefront of her mind, she quickly followed her orders of opening the fridge, everything moving too quickly for her to fully process it in the moment, and slammed the door shut with all of her body weight.

Her back still against the fridge and her breathing ragged, Eleanor slowly slid down to the floor. She focused all of her attention on trying to get her hands to stop shaking, then her legs, her shoulders… “How the hell - why does this kind of stuff happen to me? Am I really that big a magnet for trouble?” She let out a choked laugh, somewhere between impressed and annoyed that the only thing Regan seemed to really be concerned about was how her autopsies might be portrayed in a fictional novel. “I’ll take your word for it. I think I’ve had my fill for the time being. But I am very concerned because where did they come from? Are there more?! How are you not just a little more freaked out?” She tried to take a moment to rest but gave up on trying to get her breathing back under control. “What’re you gonna do with those things? I’m sure it’s not lost on you, but we almost just died - you’re not serious about trying to kill them yourself, are you?”

With the danger (probably) passed and self-preservation instincts being quelled, Eleanor was overcome with the type of full body panic Regan herself had once been prone to (no – that was someone else). She looked down at Eleanor, her gloved hand itching to reach out, but it did not. The whole display was embarrassing – for Eleanor – and Regan felt pangs of something meant to be long-forgotten. “You? You think this happened because you were here?” She raised a brow. Humans were terrible at understanding that the universe did not work in such a way. Most banshees would handwave it by saying it happened because it was fated to happen. Regan chalked this one up to a random present from the universe. Wrong place, wrong time. Though Williams was even worse off than Eleanor in that respect. “This town has a way of bringing out the most unfortunate of experiences. By staying here, you resign yourself to that. Consider this one of them.” She ushered Eleanor up and away from the door so she could drag a desk in front of it (with some difficulty). “Just, uh, to be safe,” she explained, grunting as it pushed in front of the door.

Where there was one, there might be more. This seemed like something to ask Kaden about, if she could tolerate it. Right now, though, she did not need Eleanor telling the entire town that the worms were taking over. She realized that, to Eleanor, this had been a life-or-death experience. Oh. She had been primarily concerned with her decedents (and, fine, Eleanor), barely even considering the potential for her own death. “We were not going to die.” But she also knew all too well how quickly the tides could change. And despite her confidence, she could feel her own muscles relaxing. They had been pulled more tense than she’d realized. “I don’t get freaked ou–”

There was a hollow thwap as something thrashed against the metal door of the refrigerator… from the inside. Regan’s spine stiffened, and she forced her expression to calm before it contradicted what she had almost just said. “I - don’t worry about how. But when I kill it and understand it, I will preserve a cross section for you. You have earned it. You must come back for another autopsy, though. They are not… this hasn’t happened before. It will not again.” Probably.

Another thwap.

She needed Eleanor gone before the worms managed to escape. And also before she could actually proceed with worm-icide… or attempt to. In the meantime, Williams was decomposing on the table. And Eleanor continued to display a hive-inducing amount of emotions. “These old fridges, you know, they – um, why don’t you go write up what you’ve learned before you forget it?” Regan gave Eleanor a gentle nudge toward the door that left no room for interpretation; she was being dismissed. “Except for the worms. Leave those out. No need to include them in your story. Oh, but be sure to sign out with Marcy at the front desk before you leave. She has coupons for therapy sessions.”

#c eleanor #writing

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bxttxms · 6 months

Text

Orchid Oasis

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words: 1,077

Summary: PJ falls in love very easily. Hazel works at a bouquet shop. They are both losers.

Note: HI! This is my first fic so like if you have any constructive criticism please tell me but I also made this late at night before a 6-hour shift so :D I hope you like it though, I know it's pretty out of character but I love thinking of PJ as a complete wreck around women and someone who falls in love very easily and I mean, look at Hazel. Like I was in love at first sight too.

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Unknown to most, PJ gets bitches. Even though she's never had her first kiss, a girlfriend, or any girl even slightly flirt with her, she has amazing "rizz," as she likes to say, and it makes Josie cringe every time.

From Josie's perspective, she has seen every one of PJ's attempts to get girls, and every time, it ends with a slur of curses and Josie having to comfort a wailing PJ outside of a Baskin Robbins with Snickers ice cream melting in her hand. So, when PJ grew another quick crush on a new, very obviously straight girl, she knew it was only gonna end in lesbian despair.

"She's just so amazing, Josie; she was all like, "Hey, I think it's your turn to order, so can you, like, move?" and I was like, "You can go first actually," and she was like, "OK?" ugh, you just had to be there."

"I was there; it was an extremely tough watch, actually."

"Yeahhhh" was PJ's only reply; she was already daydreaming about their domestic life together in a cramped Chicago apartment with 2 dogs. In reality, though, they were in PJ's dorm room, where Josie disapprovingly looked over at PJ, who was literally kicking her feet while thinking about the girl she'd probably never see again.

"You know, that new flower shop down the street from the movie place just opened; maybe you can get her a bouquet and express your undying love for her in a poem!" Josie sarcastically exclaimed while flailing her arms like a Disney princess.

Then, an idea struck within PJ.

"Holy shit Josie!" was all she said before suddenly jumping up.

"Wait, no, PJ, I was joking! You can't just leave; we have a class in like 30…minutes.."

Running down the street, PJ dashed to the old DVD place that's probably been open since the Roman times and searched for the previously mentioned flower shop. Once she saw the bright, pastel green exterior with flowers bordering the sign saying, " Orchid Oasis," she knew she found it.

As soon as PJ stepped into this place, however, she realized she was entirely out of her element. PJ didn't know shit about flowers, especially for girls. She'd never even received flowers before, let alone given them to someone. She saw a group of pretty purple potted flowers out of the corner of her eye that reminded her of the girls outfit, so she went up to inspect it.

"Hi! Did you need any help with-"

"JESUS FUCK" PJ shouted, and basically jumped out of her skin and knocked the poor plant over, shattering the pottery that was holding the aforementioned flowers.

She quickly turned around to yell at whatever teleporting asshole jumped behind her to make her piss her pants when she caught sight of the most bottomless blue eyes she's ever seen. They were wide with shock, staring at PJ like she was the one who snuck up on her!

"Dude, you scared the shit out of me! Do you always just sneak up on people like that?!" PJ blurts out before she can actually think about what she's saying. She should probably apologize, but fuck that, this weirdo shouldn't have snuck up on her!

"I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to scare you; you just looked confused, and I wanted to help if you were looking for something specific or something. I'm really sorry." She starts to ramble as she scrambles to pick the pieces of broken pottery up from the floor. Was this girl from Mars or something?

"What the fuck are you doing? You're gonna cut yourself!" PJ grabs her hands from picking up the broken pieces, which causes her to stop rambling and God. She looked up at PJ with the biggest puppy dog eyes she'd ever seen. She looks extremely panicked, making PJ both confused and even weirder, sad. PJ never feels bad for people, especially people who freak out about minor things, so why does she feel so bad now?

"OK…" PJ briefly looks down at her nametag that says, "Hazel :)." "..Hazel, so do you have a broom or dustpan or something to clean this up before you go all Jeff the Killer on your hands?" Hazel looks up into PJ's eyes so hard; they stay like that until the other girl realizes what she said and looks around.

It takes her a while to respond, but eventually, she replies, "Yeah right, broom, it's um, it's in the back. Let me…go get it."

She stumbles into the back room and emerges a second later, holding a bright yellow broom and a small handheld dustpan. She then bends down to clean up the dirt and clay everywhere. At the same time, PJ stands awkwardly, admiring the girl and taking a moment to examine her.

She looked like someone you'd find working at a place like this, down to her shaggy haircut, multiple bracelets and rings, and oversized green sweater that matched the store's vibes. She looked like someone who just jumped out of Josie's Pinterest page, aka the exact opposite of PJ's type.

And yet, for some reason, she's absolutely enthralled by her. Everything about her is just so endearing; it makes her forget about, whatever she was doing before. Wait, what was she doing before?

After Hazel is done cleaning up PJ's mess, she stands up and looks back at her. They stand like that again, the two staring at each other in awkward bliss, until the dark-haired one finally says with a sincere grin, " So, did you need any help looking for anything today?"

"Do you wanna go get coffee with me after your shift or on your break or whenever you want to, ya know? I'll pay to make up for the whole, yelling at you and knocking that over, then making you clean it up," PJ blurts out before she can even think about it. Smooth.

Hazel's face turns a lighter shade of pink. It's a fantastic sight, her hair slightly ruffled and her face flushed, and PJ can't help but let her mind wander.

"Um, I like tea better, actually." She responds while slightly giggling.

"Yeah, no, me too; I think tea's great actually."

"OK, my break is at 3, so if you wanna wait for a bit, then we can go?" Hazel was full-on beaming at this point; it was the most beautiful thing she'd ever seen.

"3 is perfect actually."

#fandom #ruby cruz #writing #ao3 #sapphic #wlw #fanfic #hazel callahan #pj bottoms #bottoms 2023 #meet cute #falling in love easily

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savage-rhi · 8 months

Text

Mending Shadows // Chapter 9

Summary:

Y/N was a simple Scavenger of Lucis, until meeting a deadly blow at the hands of an infected creature. At the crossroads of death, they are found by Niflheim’s cryptic Chancellor with his own agenda. Now bonded to Ardyn Izunia, and tossed into the world of Niflheim, Y/N struggles to cope with their new life as an Imperial Icon all the while battling their feelings toward their fate and that of Ardyn’s.

Click here to read on AO3

Ardyn hissed while feeling another needle enter his veins, and he closed his eyes. The dull sting radiated under his skin much like his memories. In quick flashes, he saw himself at the MedZin lab, and how he had been too slow to counter strike the scientist who jabbed him with the unknown substance that was wrecking havoc on his body in the present. He still couldn’t believe he had made much such a grave miscalculation, not anticipating that the scientists would be just as formidable as regular kingsguard.

Every so often, Y/N’s face came to him. Ardyn could still feel how their fingers trembled against the stubble on his cheeks, before sickle claws drew blood from his flesh. Awe and dare say guilt combed over each and every nerve inside of him. He wanted nothing more than to reach a hand toward Y/N, and stop them from glitching in and out of time--to stop them from lingering between monster and human--but his mind wouldn’t allow him any peace there. Then all he saw was blood and darkness.

The metallic scent invaded his nostrils, and for a moment, Ardyn feared he was no longer in Verstael’s lab, but was back at Outpost 98. It was only when he suddenly found himself face to face with Ifrit, did Ardyn feel a wave of confusion shut down all other thoughts. There was nothing but a void and the light of Ifrit’s fire that penetrated the plane of existence his consciousness fell into.

You… Ardyn thought aloud in his head while staring at the primordial deity of fire. He swallowed as the horned god stared him down like an insect.

You haven’t shown yourself since the day we ransacked Insomnia…

Ardyn swallowed. The sullen red eyes of the fire god pierced through the bravado Ardyn had mentally prepared himself with prior to entering Verstael’s lab. Frozen in time, Ardyn watched as Ifrit smirked and rushed forward. A hand engulfed in flames struck Ardyn in the chest. He yelled at the intrusion, and the upper half of his body jerked forward as he began to feel his very skin melt off his bones.

“Easy, Izunia!” Verstael’s raspy voice commanded, bringing Ardyn back into the present as he screamed aloud. Verstael used his free hand that wasn’t upon the syringe to push down on Ardyn’s left shoulder, keeping him from lurching out of the seat. “Whatever danger your body perceives, you are safe my friend.”

While Ardyn panted heavily, Verstael observed with caution as he capped the first syringe full of blood, and prepared to apply another needle and tube to Ardyn’s right arm. He placed the fresh tube of blood on a small platter by the chair Ardyn was sitting in, and breathed out.

“Where did your mind go?”

Ardyn blinked several times. There was a brief ache in his pupils before he grew accustomed to the dull illumination of the lights overhead. He almost didn’t register Verstael’s question.

“It’s nothing to fret about, I assure you,” Ardyn tiredly whispered. “I was simply reminiscing of your old examinations of me. It seems your not-so-gentle hand triggered my body into a panic.”

“How sentimental of you,” Verstael scoffed. He knew Ardyn was lying to him, but there was no use in trying to pry. Not when he himself didn’t have the energy to pick apart the Adagium's brain.

“What did you give me prior to taking my blood?”

“Only a small dose of a muscle relaxer per protocol,” Verstael furrowed his brows. He let go of Ardyn’s shoulder he had been grasping onto to keep him stable. “I’ve never seen you have an adverse reaction. I doubt it was the medicine that had you not feeling like yourself.”

“It’s as I said, post traumatic stress and all the dreary bits that entails.”

“You certainly hold a grudge, I will give you that.” Verstael darkly mused. While he wasn’t too keen on the experiments he had put Ardyn through decades ago, Verstael felt justified in his actions. For the sake of knowledge and science, putting the Adagium through some mortal misery was a worthy endeavor. Even if the blasted creature continued to hold it over his head from time to time.

“Tell me again, what your primary symptoms are.”

Ardyn wetted his dry lips. “Irregular breathing, muscle aches near the injection site, longer regeneration, dulled senses, and capped power. Do you want me to give you Aldercapt’s grocery list while I am at it?”

Verstael grimaced and rolled his eyes. “Your sarcasm is not needed, my dear friend.”

Ardyn winced as Verstael finished taking the other sample. He narrowed his eyes at the old man, watching Verstael make his observations at the tube filled with dark blood.

“Unless your eyes have a power in the realm of microscopics, I don’t believe you leering at my blood like a vampire is going to find us answers.” Ardyn bitterly said while he rubbed his arm, trying to take the sting off. The draw site wound stopped bleeding, and Ardyn rolled down his sleeves to cover up.

Verstael let out a laugh while his voice rumbled. “I have long forgotten how much you despise needles! You can relax now. I shouldn’t need anymore than two vials of your blood to run some tests.”

Ardyn suppressed a growl that wanted to conjure up from his throat at the first remark. He briefly remembered the months that followed after Verstael had freed him from Angelgard: how he had been poked and prodded at like an animal, just to see how far he would go to survive certain conditions. As if being imprisoned for 2,000 years wasn’t enough… he thought to himself. Growing too irate for his own good, Ardyn neutralized his features.

“Pray tell how long we can anticipate the wait?”

“These things take time as you know from experience,” Verstael sighed. Now that the fun aspect of the process was complete, he braced himself for the more serious conversation at hand. “We have much to go over since you’ve returned home.”

After putting the vial down on the tray next to the other blood filled tube, Verstael huffed while he pulled up a chair and sat across from Ardyn. A bottle of wine sat on a small table between the men along with two glasses. He raised a brow, watching Ardyn immediately grab the container and ripped the cork off with his bare teeth, surprised he didn’t chip a tooth in the process.

“I see that you are eager to roll back into old habits,” Verstael chuckled. “Being in Lucis after all these years must’ve done a number on you in more ways than one.”

“You don’t know the half of it,” Ardyn huffed, smirking while he poured himself a full glass and then merely gave Verstael’s cup half of that. His gold eyes peered up at Verstael with a mischievous glint. “Consider this payback for the blood work.”

“I wouldn’t expect anything less from a man consumed by vengeance.” Verstael smiled. He grabbed his wine glass, and took a cautious sip before consuming more. Ardyn more or less mirrored his motions, although he downed his whole glass and quickly poured himself another.

“So, how much did MedZin come to find regarding our affairs?” Verstael swished the glass around with his hand, observing the dark color of the wine before he stared at Ardyn.

Ardyn sighed. He leaned further back into his seat, letting his legs relax while the alcohol numbed his nerves. He tilted his head up, getting comfortable while examining Verstael’s office. The space was large enough to house an entire family. The imperial aesthetics accompanied by ancient relics and scattered paintings would’ve made for a welcoming environment akin to a museum. However, with only two people present, it was rather dull.

“MedZin was narrowing down their list of suspects of the Adagium’s identity,” Ardyn began. His voice was weary as he felt the weight of all his travels sink in. “My name showed up in their database, but it was so far down that I could easily be written off compared to other suspects. Their spies that ransacked our laboratory months ago had a firm hold on our priority projects. Namely daemonic applications, the artificial crystal we created, and of course the extraction device plans for the Lucian crystal itself. I can confidently say, that has all been obliterated. No stone was left unturned."

“Good, good,” Verstael let out a sigh of relief he had been holding back for weeks. He nodded repeatedly before taking another sip of his wine. “Outpost 98 has given us so much strife over the years, that I thought we’d never have the opportunity to squish them like the insects they are. I must say I’m almost jealous I didn’t get to participate.”

“You didn’t miss out on much. For the record, an old one such as you shouldn’t overextend himself, nor overstay welcome.” Ardyn chuckled darkly. He propped his elbow on the armrest of the chair he was sitting in, and his head rested against his palm.

Verstael laughed. “Speak for yourself, and be grateful the Gods didn’t bestow upon you a body that matches your age.”

“They very well can’t let their little prophecy play out if I'm emaciated like a mummified skeleton.” Ardyn scoffed in jest.

“Ah, if only,” Verstael chortled. He furrowed his brows, feeling his demeanor shift as he lingered on the facts of his and Ardyn’s respective situation.

“Now that MedZin no longer has a hold of our research, King Regis's feeble attempts to defeat our magitek army are squandered, along with the ploy to unmask you. We can once again focus on our long term goals: you fulfilling your destiny, and I becoming the ruler of Niflheim.”

Ardyn felt the wine wanting to come back up his throat. He wasn’t morally superior, but Ardyn took pride in having tact unlike his counterpart. He reminded himself that Verstael was an end to justify the means, and one day, much like the King of Light, Ardyn too would snuff the old man out. One day… Ardyn repeated to himself. He needed to continue playing the game, and use the chess pieces he had painstakingly aligned after all these years.

“I wouldn’t celebrate an early victory as of yet,” Ardyn watched Verstael’s ego take a few steps back at the proclamation. The old man stared at him with puzzlement. “There was a tracking device on my car. I found it after I settled the situation at the Cape. While I haven’t had any informants tell me of suspicion, we may be dealing with another round of spies coming our way.”

“Why didn’t you tell me this right after discovery?!”

“Because I was preoccupied with getting back home in one piece.” Ardyn shrugged as if he couldn't be bothered.

“Blast it!” Verstael made a fist, slamming his free hand not holding the wine glass into the side of his chair. He felt blood rush to his face. “Your little Lucian friend wouldn’t have anything to do with this development, now would they?”

“A beg of your pardon?” Ardyn asked with bewilderment. He leaned back up in the chair and put his glass down on the table, having lost his thirst for wine for the time being.

“Don’t be daft, Izunia.” Verstael sternly replied. “We are fighting a war against Lucians, and you are safekeeping an enemy. One that MedZin planned to slaughter for research as you eloquently said before I took your samples. Medzin could've seen you coming from a mile away, and conveniently planted them into your peripheral. I can easily foresee this being an inside job!"

“Y/N has nothing to do with the mishaps that have occurred under my watch. If you recall, I chose them at random to assist me with MedZin’s sabotage. You are giving our adversaries too much credit for being smart.”

“So you’re on a first name basis now with the thing? How quaint.”

“Don’t start.” Ardyn callously replied.

“I’m merely making a statement based on observation,” Verstael said as a matter of fact.

“Well then you must be blind. There is nothing to gain from accusing my guest. If they were in league with our enemy, I wouldn’t go through the trouble to bring them here to our doorstep.”

Verstael narrowed his eyes, noting the glimmer of light in Ardyn’s gaze that normally was never present. “You’re hiding something from me, I can feel it.”

“What do you believe I am keeping from you?” Ardyn countered.

“You were supposed to kill the poor soul you chose after they led you to Outpost 98. You didn't follow through. Based on that, I can deduce this… person, is important to you, but the why though, that is what bothers me. And don’t even think about resorting to your little idea on the airship, using them for social gain because of the empire’s founding day approaching. I know you well.”

The energy in the room became stifled in a matter of seconds as two powerful men stared one another down. Ardyn’s right hand balled up into a fist, and his thumb rubbed over his flesh tenderly. He looked at Verstael’s veiny left hand, and watched wrinkled fingers flex against the arm of his chair. They were both at an impasse of sorts, and something had to give. Ardyn carefully weighed out his options before he decided to play a risky hand.

“If you must know,” Ardyn sighed. “I performed a scourge bond with them.”

Verstael’s eyes widened, and his breath hitched in the back of his throat. “You did what?!”

“I had no choice!” Ardyn raised his voice. “After my power had been capped by MedZin, I performed the bond. Y/N can provide me with a plentiful tap of scourge on hand while we determine how my abilities are being repressed."

“I know you were in dire circumstances, but did you really--”

“Do you think I so easily chose this course of action?” Ardyn harshly whispered. He gave himself a mental pat on the back for his desperate little performance, finding it hard not to crack a smile while watching Verstael begin to settle down. Concern replaced the cold suspicion the old man held moments ago.

“If I didn’t make the call, I wouldn’t be having this conversation with you. I was nearly slaughtered at Outpost 98. With my healing factor diminished, who knows how long it would take for me to regenerate if I were to suddenly be killed. Perhaps decades. I couldn’t risk that. Not when we are so close to accomplishing our respective goals. This is why I am adamant on having Y/N at my side. If I find myself in a predicament, I can siphon their life force to save mine."

“Gods above,” Verstael breathed. He shook his head while his left hand stroked through his beard in contemplation. “So it’s only been a short time since you’ve been bonded?”

“Correct,” Ardyn lied.

“Have you experienced a bleed through?”

“Nothing of the sort,” Ardyn shook his head. He shuddered while thinking back to the first time he was forced to undergo a bond at Verstael’s command. Scourge bonding was a harrowing ordeal, much more than he had confided to Y/N. “I refuse to undergo the ferocity of that experiment all over again.”

Verstael sighed. “We both know that is false. If I needed you to perform such a task to help us both maintain power, you’d do it without a second thought. That being said, even with your justifications, I am failing to see why you’d put yourself through something you despised so much.”

“It’s as I said, there are gambles I don't want to take that makes undergoing this process easier for me to accept." Ardyn made it clear in tone he was becoming irritable with having to repeat himself.

While Verstael pondered in silence, a thought came to Ardyn that had him smirk. “I’m failing to see why you are dreading on my behalf.”

Verstael made a face and huffed in defense. “Not that I am a sentimental sort of man, but we are business partners at the end of the day. It would be inhumane of me to not share some remorse toward your little fiasco. Just--"

“I’m listening?” Ardyn quipped.

“Report any changes of symptoms is all I ask of you,” Verstael’s tone softened before he bitterly breathed. “And if you get worse, you must cull the Lucian. Sever the bond before it breaks you. The last thing either of us need, is you having an existential crisis at the height of our climb.”

For a split second, Ardyn wasn’t hearing the stern words of an old scientist, but a man who had so much ambition, that he was scared to lose what enabled his pursuits. While he knew Verstael wasn’t someone of warmth, there was a part of Ardyn that was thankful for the worry. He decided to take advantage of the vulnerability Verstael displayed, and redirect the conversation so as to not reveal anything further.

“Speaking of culling a Lucian,” Ardyn chuckled darkly. “I never got to divulge my idea to you regarding how the empire can use my dear bonded.”

“There is just one trivial thing I need to address before I fire off,” Ardyn mused.

As quickly as Verstael’s humanity peered out out of the shadows, it relinquished itself back to the realm of his psyche while a sinful intrigue lurked in every crevice of his wrinkled face. He gestured with his right hand.

“You’ve had my interest piqued since you brought it up aboard the airship. Lay upon me your concept."

“And that is?”

Ardyn gestured to his empty wine glass “We’re going to need more alcohol for this conversation.”

Verstael laughed so hard, Ardyn was surprised the man didn’t wet himself.

“I hate to admit it, but I have so missed our talks these past several weeks!” Verstael said in between fits. “I’ll order another vintage, and you and I shall plot on how we are going to impress the Tenebrae Ambassadors.”

Long into the discussion, Ardyn laid out his ideas, with Verstael offering tactful approaches on how they best broach things with Aldercapt and the imperial council. For the rest of the night, Ardyn made sure the first strings to his intricate web had been spun and Y/N’s fate in the country was sealed. It was one less thing he had to worry about.

It was only after Verstael and he hashed out the details, did Ardyn feel the weight of his vision with Ifrit. He found himself alone in the lab after Verstael took to his quarters to sleep. His amber eyes glanced at the five empty wine bottles near him while gingerly taking a sip from the sixth bottle in his hand. He was lazily situated on a couch, sitting across from a painting of the gods. Verstael had procured it from a collector in Tenebrae some odd years back. A chill went down Ardyn's spine, and he could’ve sworn Ifrit was behind him. The sensation was enough to warrant Ardyn to glance to the side, and see if the god of fire was present. When that turned out to be false, he sent daggers to the entire Hexatheon within the painting.

“Whatever it is you lot have in store for me, know that I’ll tear you all down.” Ardyn said aloud, mostly to reassure himself. He couldn't help but wonder if perhaps he should've been truthful with Verstael regarding the vision of Ifrit. Alas, he knew better. Confiding in such a man was dangerous, especially when Ardyn understood that they both saw each other as a means to an end. No, he had to do this on his lonesome, and trust that the blood tests would yield fruit to helping him figure out how to solve this problem on his own.

Ardyn nearly choked on the wine when he felt a throbbing pain shoot up his neck. He went from slouching on the couch to rising up like a soldier being summoned for boot camp. He coughed a few times, letting out a dry hiss when his nerves lit up again and again. Through the darkness, Ardyn could feel Y/N’s immune system desperately trying to attack the scourge from proceeding further in the hijacking of it’s host. Given the distance between them, there was little Ardyn could do to make Y/N’s woes go away. Nevertheless, he put his intentions out through the hive to get the scourge to take it easy on himself. Little by little, the pain began to subside.

While it wasn’t a true bleed through, Ardyn knew it would only be a matter of time before such an event would transpire. A warm feeling grew in his chest while he lingered on Y/N, and daresay guilt. His brain nearly had a short circuit.

Guilt…? Ardyn thought to himself. He had nothing to apologize for. Every action he committed with and against Y/N was in both their best interests, yet the more Ardyn lingered upon it, the more his heart felt like it was trapped in a vice. A brief flash of Aera's smile pulled him out of contemplation, and he looked disgusted with himself.

The feelings bothered Ardyn a great deal while he glanced at his phone nearby and debated about calling for a wellness check on Y/N. He decided against it, and looked elsewhere, not before texts began to blow up the screen.

“What unfortunate timing,” Ardyn bemused as he sighed and reached for the device. He scrolled through, reading order after order that Aldercapt’s secretaries had for him. At the rate things were looking, Ardyn knew he wasn’t going to have time to see Y/N for the next few days. Not with him running around bringing order to chaos. Bitterly he began to dial the main line for the palace residency. When it went to voice mail, he growled under his breath.

“This is Chancellor Izunia. I will be unavailable to tend to my guest in the foreseeable future. They are to be kept within my residence until I return. I respectfully request that up to three Imperial Help be assigned to them until further notice. The help are to stay put, and heed to my guests requirements. I expect updates hourly through the network. If something transpires in my absence, please call me. I will be in touch with more detail.”

Ardyn hung up, and he downed the rest of the wine within a few chugs and rose to his feet.

“Looks like we’re not going to get any rest,” Ardyn said to himself, smiling in defeat. Not that sleep mattered anyway, not to an immortal, but he did find himself missing it back at Lucis. “Might as well tend to the menial tasks first before dawn.”

Putting his best foot forward, Ardyn made his way out of Verstael’s lab and put on his mask as Chancellor of Niflheim.

#mending shadows #ffxv fanfic #ardyn izunia #ardyn lucis caelum #ffxv ardyn #ardyn x reader #ardyn x you #gender neutral reader #fanfic

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