#me floundering to come up with a response to a compliment?

[bunny-yan]

Yandere Duke x Spouse!GN!Reader

TW: mentions rape, mentions violence, language, confinement —

“You’ve changed.” 

It was surprising to hear something other than the sound of cutlery hitting the glass plates you used for meals considering the weeks of silence that filled the dining hall before. 

Finishing the bite of steak, juices running from the meat, you dabbed at your mouth before responding without a glance up. 

“How do you mean, my Lord?”

Your knife worked easily, cutting away the next portion to feast upon. The chef had decided on something heavier since you were trying to put on weight now that the seasons were changing. There would rarely be a need to travel beyond the mansion’s expansive garden now that you were due to experience a freeze. Parties would be halted for the weather to ensure everyone’s safety, the lord of the territory even going so far as to fine anyone found guilty of hosting due to the coming danger. It stifled things, but the mansion was large enough to keep one busy and hidden if need be. 

 “For starters, the way you address me.”

A small smile that didn’t quite reach your eyes appeared on your face as you finally deigned to look into the stern expression on your husband’s face. It hadn’t changed much, but the years you’d spent observing him allowed you to see that this went beyond a cold exterior. No, he was feeling bothered. 

You remembered when the lack of expression used to bother you. You felt as if you lived on eggshells trying to guess your husband’s mood since he never made it clear how he felt about things he considered tedious, but little gestures, a quirk of the lips, gaze drifting off to the side, they were all things you learned to be closer to him. To truly understand the man beneath. You often were proud of your devotion when it helped in your desire to get to know him.

“Is there a problem?” you asked, feigning innocence as you stabbed the next piece of steak. “I’m simply offering the Duke, the respect you have earned through the hardships you’ve faced in acquiring your position.”

There was a twitch in his brow with slightly downturned lips. 

Distaste. 

You didn’t think much of it as you placed the steak in your mouth, making a mental note to give compliments to the chef. He remembered how you liked yours cooked and it was simply divine. 

You felt giddy From his continued silence knowing he couldn’t disagree with you. There wasn’t an issue. As you said, you were acting with the highest respect. What problem could be found there?

“You used to call me by my name.”

You had to stop the surprise that threatened to ruin your unbothered facade at the open confession. He’d usually flounder for something else to say or change the subject. You didn’t expect such a straightforward answer. 

Your response was delayed by another bite and after continuing to avoid eye contact. Assuming that you wouldn’t respond he cleared his throat before continuing.

“You spend more time in the garden.”

Shaking your head, the easy smile was once again plastered to your face as you said, “I wanted to get a chance to see the flowers before the snow comes. There will be little to see then.”

Pursed lips. 

He had more to say, but some things he felt damaged his pride to admit.

“You’ve also gotten lazy,” he said, voice taking an accusing tone. “You spend more time in bed in the mornings rather than seeing to your tasks.”

You could’ve gotten upset, but instead, a small laugh escaped from your lips. 

“My Lord, the time allotted to spend on work for the duchy has not changed. I assure you that everything is being handled according to schedule.”

Again, his lips pursed. With a twitch of his eye, it was a telling sign that he was beginning to get angry. 

There was only so much one could say without truly admitting what was wrong. Did he mention the time you spent in the garden because they were usually trips you took in his company? You couldn’t understand why he’d get so upset. The duration of your walk about the garden, you spoke and he offered little response if any. From the way he resisted the idea, making it out as if you were being a nuisance for forcing him to take breaks in the middle of his work, you couldn’t imagine why it was something he’d get so upset about being excluded from. As for your apparent laziness, coming home from morning meetings with the king, you suppose he found it odd that you no longer waited patiently at the door to greet him when he came back. Considering he barely glanced in your direction, it was again something that shouldn’t have caused him to make a fuss. 

“Are you trying to tell me that this perceived distance is simply a figment of my imagination?”

He never was one to beat around the bush for long. 

“Distance?” you began, again deciding to play innocent. “I’m right next to you, aren’t I, my Lord?”

“You know what I mean,” he said, voice tight as he stabbed a finger into the table. “You aren’t the same. You don’t-” treat me the same, you supposed he would’ve said had he not cut himself off. But he couldn’t mention the way the two of you used to lie in bed together. Talking of nothing when you got bored and decided instead to exist in his company. How could he say that he missed the way your hand would trail from his hair to the nape of his neck, making him feel closer to you with every graze of your skin against his? How was he supposed to reveal that it unnerved him when he didn’t see you every odd hour, having to now make excuses to leave his office since your impromptu hourly visits stopped? The anxious feelings would vanish when he caught sight of you, reassuring himself that nothing was wrong, but it quickly returned the longer he didn’t receive the same attentiveness that he was used to. You no longer sat in his lap to distract him from work or make offers for the two of you to get drunk beyond remembrance after he finished his tasks for the day. Your hands no longer reached for his when you went to bathe. Granted it wasn’t often that you would invite him, but even the weekly requests for his time and affection had stopped. You could sense the frustration building up and so you decided to drop the act in favor of finally talking about the elephant that drove a wedge between the two of you. 

“No, I suppose my behavior is not the same, but please tell me, Duke. Do you think this supposed change happened before or after His Majesty visited?”

His body went rigid and his eyes locked on yours, cold and unyielding. 

“Is that what this is about?” he asked, lighting resentment in you as you struggled to keep your composure. 

“You’ll have to be a little more specific, my Lord.”

Sighing as he pushed a hand through his hair, he leveled your stare with his own as he began softly, “You have to understand that there are certain proclivities that the King has. The partners he brings in to gentle certain urges are customary.”

“And since when was it considered customary for one of those partners to be your spouse?”

You didn’t know how much longer you could contain the rage burning deep inside you as he continued to look at you as if you said nothing worthy of his concern. It took weeks for him to even acknowledge it and that was after you withdrew the affection that he had grown used to. Had grown to miss considering he rarely brought up anything unless it was of immediate detriment to the state of the duchy. 

“Do you have nothing to say?” you asked, voice rising as you lost the control you struggled desperately to maintain.

The memory haunted you. It followed you no matter where you went, no matter what room you fled to. You couldn’t sleep at night without waking in sheer terror and panic that he would be standing at the edge of your bed. Watching you silently like a predator with eyes that felt too familiar for your liking. You couldn’t feel safe, could no longer feel comfortable in what you had called your home. Not when a shadow persistently followed you from room to room. It grew larger as the sun went down and sometimes you struggled to breathe in a room without a light banishing the darkness that threatened to consume you. 

“I understand that event has upset you-”

“Upset me‽” you seethed, cutlery slamming down on the table and making it shake. 

“But that is no excuse for neglecting your matrimonial duty.”

You scoffed. 

“Duty? You speak of duty. And what of yours when you allowed your brother to fuck me?”

You felt yourself explode when he pinched the bridge of his nose. 

“Watch your tone.”

“How could you allow something like that to happen‽ In our home!” Getting to your feet, you fought the wave of dizziness that threatened to overtake you as you pierced him with a glare. 

“I don’t wish to speak of this,” he said, setting his fork down with downturned lips. “Especially when you cannot control yourself enough to have a civil conversation.”

It was just like him to ask you to be civil while discussing something as appalling as what he refused to acknowledge. 

He wanted a civil conversation? Fine. 

Placing your palms on the table to give yourself a chance to expel the overflowing anger, you pinned him with a glare that held more than contempt, more than rage. You didn’t want to admit what you felt, but the longer you looked at the man you’d once felt proud to call your husband, cracks began to form at the edges of your furious exterior. 

“Did you or did you not give your brother permission to have sex with me?”

“You don’t give the King permission. You heed his requests.”

Slamming your hands on the table, you didn’t care that the tactics to calm yourself down hadn’t worked. “Stop arguing semantics with me and answer the fucking question! Did you or did you not let your brother have sex with me?”

“I did.”

Stunned, you almost bit your tongue to keep from lashing out as he finally admitted what had been weighing down on you for so long. It killed you to go about your day as if you hadn’t been subjected to such cruel abandonment. What was worse is that he looked at you as if nothing had changed, as if life could continue, passing off that night, that moment, the single most terrifying happening of your existence, as a normal occurrence. It made you want to scream.

“And do you not see an issue with this?”

“If I did, we wouldn’t be having this conversation right now.”

You bit the inside of your cheek this time. Blood quickly poured into your mouth, but you couldn’t acknowledge it or the pain. Your mind wallowed in your husband’s sangfroid demeanor. 

You knew he wasn’t the most affectionate person in the world, that he often had trouble expressing his emotions, but you could’ve never imagined that he would be so… so uncaring. Especially after all this time. Especially after the lengths that you had gone to to understand him. 

You didn’t know who this cold stranger was. 

Only a stranger could turn a blind eye to their spouse being taken advantage of. Their spouse of eighteen years. To allow something that could only be described as the single, most humiliating experience of your life. 

If you fought or denied him, you’d put your family's name, honor, and lives on the line. The King had been happy to remind you in punctuated grunts, body slick with sweat as he… as he…

You felt yourself get nauseous. 

There was plenty you didn’t have to remember considering you closed your eyes to try and block out what had happened, but blocking one sense only heightened the others. You could still hear his harsh moans scratching across your ears and feel the stubble on his face from when he buried his head in your neck. Smell, taste his breath when-

“I’m going back,” you said suddenly, not knowing whether you spoke to your husband or yourself. Lifting yourself from the table, you tried to hold yourself with trembling legs that threatened to buckle if you didn’t focus on putting strength into them. “My father won’t be happy, but my mother will convince him. I’ll even ask him to consider not asking for you to return the dowry.”

“You aren’t going anywhere. Sit down.”

You couldn’t be here. Not if you were going to forget. Not wake up and experience that awful moment each time you opened your eyes in that bed. Going back to your house at your age would forever be a shame on your name. Others would whisper and assume that the Duke no longer had any interest in the lowly Baron’s child, but you didn’t care. You didn’t care if it hurt your chances to get remarried. You didn’t care if you would never be able to remarry. You couldn’t be here.

Walking towards the entrance hall, you tried to swallow the uneasy feeling as you thought of what you would say to convince your father to take you back. 

The sound of a chair screeching across the floor made you flinch, but you could do nothing as a firm hand closed around your forearm before you were dragged forward. 

“What are you doing?” you questioned, feeling pain when you tried to pull away from his tightening grip. Stumbling after him up the stairs, you felt panic grip you.

The duke had never been a violent man. You’d known of his strength, of his experience and success in battle. You knew he was strong from glimpses of training you watched him engage in, but he wasn’t violent.

He would never-

Being shoved into a room, you fell without him holding you up and your eyes were incredulous as you looked up into his. 

It wasn’t hard to pick up on the fact that he was angry. 

Brows furrowed heavily, the door handle groaned in his fist.

“From the minute your father walked you down the aisle and handed you to me, you became mine to do with as I please. Your behavior is unacceptable. You will remain in this room until it changes.”

He slammed the door closed without another word, leaving you reeling in shock as the sound of the door locking echoed throughout the room. 

The duke was never one to treat you with such little respect. 

He never put his hands on you, only treating you with the utmost care. 

He was hard to read, but he’d never- He wasn’t capable of something like this.

He would never-

He was… a stranger.

#yandere #yandere oc #yandere x you #male yandere #yandere x gn reader #yandere x darling #yandere x reader #yandere male #ask #gn reader #yandere duke #yandere duke x reader

[ddejavvu]

hi!!! ugh ive been rewatching criminal minds and i have such a bad spencer reid addiction

can i request something where y/n and spencer are both a little oblivious. they both like each other and have been on dates and are very close at work, but spencer just kind of assumed they were dating, but y/n didnt know because he never officially asked her to be his girlfriend?

Thank you soso much! im so in love with your wtiting

You and Spencer have very different responses to Penelope's giddy, "You guys are such a cute couple."

Spencer blushes, and ducks his head towards his desk with a smile on his face. He's mortified at the attention on him, but he relishes the compliment all the same. Your face heats up equally warm, but Spencer's thaws immediately when you grumble, "Penny, stop. We're not a couple."

You're not?

Spencer's head is no longer hung towards the desk, instead it's pointed at you with wide eyes and caution flickering in his irises.

"We aren't?"

Your brow furrows, and Penelope's smile begins fading. She lingers, but quickly feels the need to make herself scarce, and scurries away when you double down.

"When did we get together?"

Spencer flounders, his expression only growing more wounded, "We- I've been taking you out for weeks."

"Well- yeah," You stammer, "But- but that doesn't mean-! We're not together, Spence. You haven't asked me."

"I ask you on dates all the time." His voice is empty, clueless and dumbfounded, "We- isn't that dating?"

"We go on dates, but that doesn't mean we're dating!" You insist, years of nitpicky high school etiquette coming in handy, "You have to ask me, Spencer, you have to ask me to be your girlfriend."

"Oh." Spencer's shoulders slump slightly, and you realize with a start that he's contemplating asking.

"Do you want to be together?" You ask him incredulously, suddenly unsure of the dates you'd gone on with him in the past. Apparently they weren't satisfactory if he's not Every happy memory lodges itself like a poison dart into your rapidly beating heart, and you're confused when he nods vigorously.

"Okay. So~," You prompt, leaning towards him in your chair, "Are you going to- y'know, ask me?"

"Are you gonna say yes?" He asks, and though the question is unbearably stupid, the tone in which he asks it is soft and scared and endearing.

"Of course I'm gonna say yes!" You huff, "Spencer, I- I really like you."

"I really like you, too." The furrow in his brow smooths as the last thread of fear cinching it is snipped, and then his pretty pink lips part to finally ask, "Will you be my girlfriend?"

"Yes," You gush, and you'd be embarrassed at how fast you shot from your chair to hug him if he hadn't done the same. The kiss you share is an awkward chaste one, because neither of you have forgotten that you're on duty in a government building, but Spencer's hands wrap tightly around your waist, and you sling yours over his lithe shoulders to crush him in a hug.

"I'm sorry I didn't ask you sooner," He breathes, his voice barely audible even as he speaks against your ear, "I didn't know I was supposed to. I've never done this before."

"It's okay," You assure him, hiding your giddy grin in the knit of his sweater vest, "I'm sorry I scared you when I said we weren't. I just figured you weren't sure yet."

He draws back to thumb at the apple of your cheek, a lock of his hair dangling in front of his face from where it slipped from behind his ear.

"I'm sure," He vows, eyes boring into yours with a sincere sparkle, "And you're-? I mean, you're totally sure?"

"Totally," You let out a gushy laugh, "I'm glad you're my boyfriend, Spencer."

"Me too," He agrees, with a smile on his face that clocks in just short of disbelief, "And-! And I mean, I'm glad you're my girlfriend."

You're not permitted more than three seconds of the sentimental atmosphere you've created around you when Rossi decides you're distracting the rest of the team.

"Alright, lovebirds, this is wonderful for you, but I'm sure Hotch doesn't want you heavy petting on government time."

You flush and Spencer does the same, breaking away from you reluctantly as you grumble about government positions needing age caps. Rossi pays no mind to your insults, though, because Hotch's voice steals his attention, threaded with a spark of amusement.

"Oh, soften up, Dave." He calls from where he'd been obscured from view at the far end of the kitchenette, "I know you're three divorces bitter, but the rest of us are happy for them."

#spencer reid x reader #spencer reid imagine #spencer reid scenario #spencer reid oneshot #spencer reid one-shot #spencer reid one shot #spencer reid headcanons #spencer reid headcanon #spencer reid hc #spencer reid hcs #spencer reid fanfiction #spencer reid fanfic #spencer reid fic #spencer reid blurb #spencer reid drabble #spencer reid dialogue #spencer reid fluff #spencer reid x reader fanfiction

[jjkamochoso]

Hii!! I love how you write noritoshi sm i wish more people liked him!! Maybe a coffee date with noritoshi x reader and it starts raining :3

Omg THANK YOU!!! I’m the biggest Noritoshi fan and I’m glad I’m not the only one lol he’s such a cutie!! He deserves so much attention😤 Anyway I LOVE this prompt, it’s literally so freaking adorable, thanks for sending it in!!! I hope you enjoy this lil story🥺🫶

The Most Delightful Rainy Da(y)te

Fluff

Noritoshi Kamo x gn!reader

Warnings: none

"Hey, y/n... Would you maybe want to get some coffee? With me? Just us, together... sometime?"

Noritoshi Kamo was standing in front of you, nervous as can be, sporting a smile (a grimace, really) that could only be described as awkward and completely unsure. It was totally opposite of his usual collected, almost aloof, demeanor. He thought he was making a fool of himself; you found it the most endearing he'd ever looked.

"Are you asking me on a date?"

"Is... is that okay if I am?"

You raised a brow. "If? You aren't sure?"

That had Noritoshi sweating. As he floundered out a response, this clearly not going as smoothly as he planned, you quieted him with a laugh.

"Noritoshi, I'm just teasing you. I'd love to go on a date with you."

That conversation was what led you to meet the blood manipulator outside of a quaint cafe in a sleepy Kyoto neighborhood. You were happy to dress up a bit for the occasion, opting for a comfy yet stylish outfit. When Noritoshi entered your view, you were in awe of how attractive he was. He was in an all black ensemble and looked sleek as ever, even with his hair left untied and loosely framing his face.

"If you don't mind me saying, you look really good," he complimented upon greeting you.

"As do you, Kamo. I'd say you clean up well but you always look handsome," you replied, trying to hide your grin from seeing his face dusted with a light pink blush. He opened the door for you as you stepped inside the cafe, grateful for the rush of warmth upon entering. It was springtime but the chilly days had not yet come to pass. The cafe wasn't busy, you two being its only patrons at the moment. The atmosphere was calm but not enough to calm your nerves at the prospect of being on a date with Noritoshi. You'd had a huge crush on him for a long time so when he finally asked you out, you were beyond ecstatic. Even though you knew he was a kind person, you still found yourself anxious as you got ready for your date, running through all the possible bad scenarios that could happen. Noritoshi did the same thing, too. His overactive imagination had him picturing the worst outcomes if he went on this date with you and he almost canceled due to sheer nerves. Now that he was here with you, though, having already conquered (and succeeding in) the hard part of asking you out, he felt himself relax a bit in your presence. You two sat across from each other at a table in the back corner to enjoy some privacy as you got to know one another. When he pulled your chair out for you then scooted you in, you felt your heart flutter. He was such a gentleman! His actions might have been more old fashioned than what you were used to but you appreciated his high level of attentiveness. There were two menus on the table and you both reached for one at the same time, resulting in your fingers brushing. Pulling away like you received a strong electric shock, both of you apologized profusely at your blunder, though secretly wishing it could happen again so you could chase that heart pounding feeling. He let you pick up your menu first and you started browsing all the different coffee and tea selections they offered. For such a small place, there were lots of options to choose from. Your eyes began to wander from the printed paper in your hands and landed on Noritoshi as you admired him. His sharp features were highlighted under the glow of the cafe lights and he looked positively ethereal as he studied his menu. His broad shoulders and sculpted biceps were accentuated by the tight fitting black long sleeve he sported under the black blazer that he had shed when you sat down, resting it on the back of his chair. Some longer pieces of his hair fell into his face and when he pushed them behind his ear, he caught your eye. You averted your gaze as fast as possible, not wanting to admit you were staring.

"So, do you come here a lot?" you asked, busying yourself behind the menu and getting back to deciding your order.

"Yes, I'm here often. I like how quiet it is. Most of the other cafes here are too bustling and noisy for me but this one is never like that. Their coffee is the best I've ever had--and I've had a lot of coffee."

"Well," you said, closing the menu, "you've made my decision easy, then. I'll have whatever you get."

Noritoshi's eyes widened in surprise. "Are you sure? I don't know what you like yet and I don't want to order something you might hate."

"I trust you."

Although you two were dealing with something trivial, certainly not a life or death situation, Noritoshi's stomach still did flips when he heard you say that. Trust was very important to him, something he didn't give or take lightly, but in that moment, it was like something clicked into place. Here you were, looking at him so earnestly about a topic so laughably unserious, yet he could tell that you absolutely meant what you said in every sense of its meaning. You were wearing your heart on your sleeve so nonchalantly, waiting for him to grab ahold of it and never let go, and boy, did he want to. He gulped as his feelings for you amplified moreso than he ever thought possible for a first date and it only started less than 10 minutes ago. He was definitely in over his head.

When the waiter came over, Noritoshi ordered you both the same drink and you were excited to try his suggestion. You also ordered some delicious sounding pastries to share. As you waited for your food and drinks, you began to engage in meaningful conversation. Noritoshi was a very intellectual, mature man, but he was fun, too, and you liked being able to talk with him about all sorts of subjects, from world politics to gossip to the beautiful tree that stood strong outside the window next to you. You found it easy to get enthralled in his words, his soft voice lulling you into a state of relaxation. Watching him speak quickly became your favorite source of entertainment. HIs contemplative nature made him a fantastic listener as well. He nodded along with everything you said and he mulled over what you had discussed before he included his own insights. As you both spoke, you easily got lost in each other's eyes. His gray ones sparkled when he talked about something he was particularly interested in, like archery, and yours glistened whenever you got passionate about the topic at hand. You even felt yourselves lean in toward each other more and more as the date went on, trying to attain closeness in a subtle way. When the waiter finally brought over your order, you were ready to taste what Noritoshi had chosen for you. Carefully blowing on the steaming hot cup, you took a sip of the coffee and immediately knew it was your new favorite. The coffee had a rich, full flavor, but wasn't too overpowering. There was a hint of sweetness and the pleasant aftertaste made for a perfect finish.

"This is beyond amazing. I see why you're here often," you said, taking a bite of pastry and then another drink. You set your cup down and went to continue what you were last talking about but Noritoshi cut in.

"You have a little..." He pointed to his face. Embarrassed, you tried to wipe off whatever it was, but the slight chuckle from the man in front of you led you to assume you didn't get it in the slightest.

"Do you mind if I help?" he asked, and you obliged. Noritoshi had a napkin in hand and leaned over the table. He gently held your chin with his thumb and forefinger as he dabbed your upper lip and side of mouth and you felt like you could've fainted then and there. His hands, like everything else about him, were strong and steady, yet held a tenderness unlike anything you'd experienced in the past. The light hearted smile he wore had not an ounce of malice or disgust as he wiped your face like it was something he'd done a million times before. You felt the pad of his thumb reach up and ghost over your bottom lip.

"There," Noritoshi said, barely above a whisper, "all clean."

"Thank you," you muttered, your heart pounding from his actions. He sat back down, taking a long drink of his coffee as he stared out the window. It was silent between you but not uncomfortably so. All of a sudden, you heard the pitter patter of raindrops hit the cafe ceiling. You hadn't noticed the dark clouds roll in during your date; you were much too interested in Noritoshi.

"I love the rain," he mused, a dreamy tone present in his voice.

"We can move to the booth by the window if you want a better view," you proposed and Noritoshi readily accepted. He took the spot next to the window while you slid in the bench next to him. He got goosebumps from how close your face was to his, your warm breath hitting his cool skin. You were struck by a sudden onset of bravery so you put your hand in his and rested your head on his shoulder, keeping your eyes focused on the nature scene outside the window. He stiffened from the unexpected contact at first but quickly melted into your embrace, his heart overflowing with joy and love. He laid his own head on yours, finding the position quite comfortable and natural. Normally he would never dream of engaging in public displays of affection like this, too afraid of what his clan or peers might think, but he couldn't care less at that point. He was extremely happy for once, in that moment, just you, the rain, and his favorite coffee keeping him company and he would stay like that forever if he could. You sat there and watched the rain quietly until it started letting up into a sprinkle, and by that time you needed to head home. You reluctantly lifted your head from his shoulder and let go of his hand in order to exit the booth. Noritoshi paid for your meal and you thanked him profusely, trying to at least give him some money, but he wasn't having it.

"There's no need for that, really. It's the least I can do. Your company is worth much more than a few coffees and pastries."

"Fine," you conceded, "but the next date is on me."

Noritoshi was taken aback. Next time? You're already planning another date? You really did like him?! He was beyond relieved but his poor heart couldn't catch a break from all the excitement-- he'd barely recovered before you gave him a kiss on the cheek, dangerously close to his lips.

"That's also the least I can do. Now, may I walk a fine gentleman like yourself back home?"

"Under one condition."

"And what will that be?"

"I walk you home first."

You playfully scoffed. "That's the lamest thing you've said all day." You then tilted your head, pretending to think, before taking his hand in yours once again as you started the walk to your place. "But I still really like you so you get a pass."

The rain had stayed light on the walk home, but the temperature seemed to drop a considerable amount. Noritoshi noticed you shivering and easily slipped his jacket off, putting it around your shoulders. The rest of the walk went by much too quick for your liking. You'd prefer to spend more time with Noritoshi, but alas you arrived at your front door. You went to give him his jacket back, but he stopped you.

"I'll get it from you on the next date. It looks much better on you than it does on me anyway," he said, his flirting making your face warm. You bid him farewell and he was on his way, but you knew you wouldn't miss him too bad if you had his jacket that smelled of his delicious cologne and the promise of seeing him again soon. You felt your phone buzz not too long after you settled in at home and pulled it out of your pocket to see you had a text from Noritoshi:

Thank you for today, I had such a lovely time getting to know you and I look forward to seeing what the next date brings us. Also, I don't like being in debt to anyone so next time I see you, I owe you a kiss :)

#noritoshi kamo x reader #noritoshi x reader #noritoshi kamo x reader fluff #noritoshi x reader fluff #noritoshi x y/n #noritoshi kamo #jjk x gender neutral reader #jjk x y/n #jjk x you #jjk x reader

[wolfawaycamp]

Maybe some abi/nick/jacob(which I am now calling furblygstos) getting together post-game? 👉👈

🌦️ somehow I was captivated by the most unlikely pairing (abijake) in the trio. here it is! Also it kind of got out of control. it's a 1.3k monster of a ficlet and Nick’s barely here

There were messages in Jacob’s phone, from the one and only Abigail Blyg.

The idea was so, so daunting just in itself. What could Abi have to say to him? Kaitlyn and Nick were the only ones who had any words left for him, after he came clean, and it was still weird with Nick. Though, Kait had assured him that Nick was just ‘like that’ now, which he really didn't know what to say to, and he had no clue how to broach the subject with Nick himself, so he never did.

It took him a week to open them because it was just so easy to put it off.

ABIGAIL: i forgive you

i’m sorry that was out of nowhere. i know we weren't the closest at camp but

i don't know. sorry

do you want to meet?

That was… weirdly reassuring, but also weirdly threatening.

JACOB: Hey ‼️💯 Sorry for late reply haha football practice is crazy 🔥🏈😩

That was believable… right?

JACOB: Let's do it‼️‼️‼️ Are u still in NY area⁉️

That was how Jacob ended up trying boba for the first time. Abi had ordered a purple drink, matching the new purple dye in her hair (complimenting it was the first thing Jacob had said to her, even before ‘hello’, because it really did suit her) and advised Jacob to get the same, when she saw him floundering over his order.

He watched her get the straw in in one precise shot, and then proceeded to get his drink all over the table and rip the lid when he tried. She laughed, tried to stop herself when she realised Jacob could hear, and then laughed tentatively louder when she saw him laughing too.

Abi tapped her short, painted nails against her drink and finally came to why she wanted to meet, “I just— I feel so bad for you. I feel so guilty for so many things that happened and we all did things but you're the one who's getting all the heat.”

Crumpling up the wet napkins into a ball, Jacob quickly asked, “Wait— guilty for what? You didn't do anything wrong?”

Abi took a deep drink from her straw. “I looked Nick in the eyes and shot him. He lived, but I didn't know he was going to. All you did was try to get one more night at camp. Half of us wanted that. Your intentions were a lot purer than mine.”

Jacob’s internal response to that was a jumbled mess of emotions. He'd heard the story, in full detail, from Kaitlyn. Even to him that was a clear case of self-defence. He had come to terms with, kind of, his own share of guilt, because even if he didn't mean it like that, it was still a whole ordeal. “Okay, no. A: my intentions were not pure, they were ‘ignore Emma breaking up with me’. 2: literally self-defence, dude. Sorry, I shouldn't call girls ‘dude’. Anyways, it was definitely self-defence. Kaitlyn told me everything, about how the—” his eyes darted around— “thing was making Nick go psycho.”

Jacob realised that he was thinking about Nick a little too hard while saying that, and ended up copying the ‘A’ and ‘2’ thing Nick had said to him that night.

Abi lightly chewed on the plastic of her straw. Jacob watched it catch on her lower lip. “Thank you. I guess if Nick’s friend tells me it's okay, then that's the second best source.”

“Dude— sorry, uh, girl— Nick doesn't even remember. No harm, no foul. He holds literally nothing against you.”

Abi gave him a wide-eyed look. “He told you that?”

Shit, was he supposed to tell her that? “Um, yeah.”

“Huh,” Abi said, and Jacob took a sip of his drink in the ensuing pause. It was really sweet but pretty good. “You're over Emma then?” she asked, and Jacob choked, and what the fuck, he had forgotten there were those balls in the drink.

Abi yelped. “Oh my god, I’m so sorry,” she said, throwing more napkins at him, “I just— you mentioned the Emma thing so casually and I— sorry.”

Jacob cleaned himself up again, cringing a little at today’s clumsy streak, “Um, you're fine. Yeah. It's been nearly a year now. Plus, she really drilled it into me after.”

She snorted. “I heard.”

“Hey!” he exclaimed with no real anger.

Conversation came strangely easy after that. It was nice. He wondered why he hadn't talked to Abi more at camp.

Long after they finished drinking, Jacob felt a pang of hunger.

“Hey, do you want to get something to eat?”

Abi looked at him with an indiscernible expression for a reason Jacob didn't understand, and then just said, “Okay.”

Jacob got a chicken burger, and Abi got some vegan chicken fingers. Jacob laughed at how much ranch Abi used and she smiled at him picking the onion out of his burger. She told him about her art, when he asked, and then she asked him about his football practice. He had to hold himself back from admitting that it hadn't been that crazy, and he had just been making excuses.

In the end, Jacob was left holding a receipt with a drawing of him on it, dizzied by the realisation that his time spent with Abi had felt like the best date he'd ever had, when it wasn't even supposed to be one.

It was okay to ask his ex-girlfriend’s friend on a date, right? She had said they were only a summer fling, after all. Was it okay to ask his friend's ex-situationship on a date, too? It was coming up on a year since, and Nick avoided the topic like the plague, so it was probably fine. He hoped it was, because he was going to do it.

On their fifth date, a quiet night in watching a movie, Abi brought up Nick. It all came spilling out of Jacob all at once.

“I know exactly what you mean, Abs. Whenever I talk to him, hang out with him, whatever, it's just so weird. I’ve never had a guy friendship like this before— um, wait, other than Tyler in sixth grade— it just feels like we're staring at each other the whole time. I just don't get it.”

Abi looked fascinated. “I really don't think we're on the same lines here but— Go on?”

“About what?”

“Nick— Tyler?”

“You're a girl, but it's like when you and your bro have that close friendship that just feels weird, right? Like you get kinda nervous and sick when you hang out with him. Do girls ever get that too, like with other girls?”

Abi had that wide-eyed look again. “Some girls do. I have— but Jake, that's because I’m bisexual.”

Oh, shit. “Oh, shit. Sorry, uh,” Jacob stammered out, needing time to think about this. “What was your thing about him?”

A bad deflection, but Abi took it in stride, “Oh. Uh, I kinda still like him— not, um, that I'd ever do anything! I know we aren't like, together-together but I'm not— I’m not a cheater. Um, I kinda like him but my feelings are so weird. That night weirdly made me, um, like him more but also made me feel sick over him. I’ve worked through my feelings with therapy, we all did after that court mandate thing, but some things just stay stuck together. Anyways, Nick is weird and I’m weird, um, sorry for rambling.”

“Don't say sorry—”

“Sorry,” Abi cut in, and Jacob couldn't help but smile.

“Don't say sorry,” he repeated, and took Abi’s hand, “I get it. Turns out we both have weird Nick feelings.”

Jacob was proud of himself for his emotional maturity, as his therapist called it. He didn't even get jealous over the Nick thing!

“Don't tell Nick?” Abi murmured.

“Only if it goes both ways,” Jacob joked, serious in sentiment. Abi nodded and shifted closer to him on the couch.

They changed their mind in a few months.

Then, Nick was waiting for them, all perfect curls and doe-eyed, outside the same boba shop. Abi and Jake approached him as a unit, and hoped they wouldn't scare him off.

#the quarry #jacob custos #abigail blyg #nick furcillo #furblygstos #furcustos #abijake #furblyg #character study #of sorts #fluff #getting together #fanfic #ficlet #ask box #request #🌦️ #polyamory #rarepair

[sapphicwhimsy]

Hi hi! Shiny duo for the win >:3!!!!111!!! As for a prompt, “stargazing.” I hope we win :]

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE have some cute stargazing in return for your fight

"You know," Gem said as she laid back underneath the stars, staring up at the beautiful display above them, "after last season, I didn't think I'd ever be able to enjoy stargazing again."

Next to her, Pearl made a noise in the back of her throat. It was something between cat-dunked-in-water, and a whimper, and she felt Pearl's grip tighten as she squeezed her hand. Last season was hard to remember for everyone, not just Gem, and she knew Pearl didn't entirely like talking about it.

"Sorry."

"No, it's-it's alright," Pearl tried to soothe her, and she heard the grass rustle on the alien terrain as Pearl looked at her. She tilted her head as well, meeting Pearl's gaze, and gave a sheepish grin to try and soothe the pained look Pearl gave her in return. "I didn't think about… It just seemed like… I…"

When Pearl floundered for her words, Gem's free hand came up to stroke her cheek. She thankfully melted into her touch, closing her eyes and letting out a soft sigh.

"Hey," Gem murmured softly, rubbing her thumb over her cheekbone, "it's okay. I know you weren't thinking about last season. I wasn't either when you asked me to come out here with you, ya know? I just thought it could be fun. And it is!" Pearl's eyes peeked open at her, as if she truly wasn't sure if she believed Gem, but Gem smiled brighter at her, hoping to chase her fears away. "I mean it! It's fun. You're fun."

"Don't say it like that," Pearl whined in the back of her throat, and even in the pale moonlight, she could see her blushing at the admittedly silly compliment. Pearl tried to look back to the stars, but Gem scooted closer, close enough to bump their shoulders together, and that seemed to make Pearl's poor brain melt.

"What abooout… You're cute instead?" she asked, and Pearl's cheeks shifted two shades darker.

"Geeeem…"

"What?" she asked, snickering at how flustered Pearl had gotten over something so simple.

"We're supposed to be star gazing," Pearl said, in what was almost a pout, her bottom lip sticking out in the cutest way possible. Gem hummed in response, looking up towards the sky for a moment, before turning her attention back to her wonderfully flustered girlfriend, who was doing her best to look annoyed but mostly looking like a kicked puppy trying to gain sympathy.

"Nah," she said, sliding her hand down Pearl's cheek to tilt her chin. She leaned in, then gave her a quick peck on her lips, feeling Pearl stiffen momentarily before melting against her again. She was so cute. "I think I like the view here a lot better. Besides! I'm still looking at a beautiful Moon!"

That got a yelp and a flustered almost-laugh, before Pearl was burying her face into Gem's shoulder, as if she could hide away from her compliments and love.

"Ge-he-hem!"

"Whaaat? I'm being serious! You're the most beautiful Moon I've ever seen!"

For a moment after, Pearl fell silent. She wondered if she had pushed her too far, if Pearl needed a moment to breath, and she allowed her such because she didn't want to upset her. They laid like that, though it wasn't truly for long, before Pearl had lifted her head up and pressed a quick kiss to her lips in return, as if to attack her when Gem least expected it. And, she had to admit. It was cute, and she couldn't help giggling over it.

"You're cute too," Pearl mumbled, puffing up her cheeks, and Gem couldn't stop herself from giggling more as she pressed their foreheads together. Oh, void, she loved her so much.

"I love you too, Pearl."

#gempearl #shiny duo #pearlgem #hermitshipping #whimsys writing #whimsy whistles #tournament propaganda

[microsuedemouse]

you know the character trope - pretty much exclusively used for villains - of the woman who possesses the power to make any and every man around her fall in love (lust) with her, and thus she builds an army of slobbering man-drones to do her bidding? I often seem to have a similar effect, except only on men maybe 20+ years my senior, and instead of inspiring sexual desire I bring out their fatherly affections.

I don’t know exactly why this happens, but it’s been pretty consistent throughout my adult life, and especially obvious when I’m working in retail (and also during my summer at the optometrist’s office). it comes up a lot at the grocery store. I can think of a couple instances of this phenomenon off the top of my head, like the time I quipped to a customer that I had to do something ‘so I don’t get in trouble.’

“Pshh, that doesn’t happen!” said the guy behind him in line, immediately.

“Yeah, I can’t really imagine it,” agreed the man in front of me.

“All she’d have to do is smile and all would be forgiven!”

“Exactly!”

(Both older gentlemen, both being utterly sweet even while joking around. 😭)

Or, as another example - if you’re working in the last hour-ish of the day, you’ll see a lot of the night crew trickling in, and many of them will do a quick shopping run before they clock in, so at cash we get to know their faces. One of the night managers, Mark, is a very pleasant guy around my parents’ age. One evening I was bagging Mark’s groceries while my coworker Colin rung him up, and Mark glanced over and commented how much he liked seeing me when he came in. “Her smile just lights everything right up, eh? Don’t you think?” he asked, looking expectantly at Colin.

Colin, who is nine years my junior and did not know me well enough yet at that point to be 100% smooth playing along, initially just grinned, with a touch of amusement (whether more at Mark or at my own mild floundering at the compliment, I’m still not sure). When he realised Mark was looking for an actual response, he just chuckled, “I’d say so, yeah.” At which point Mark nodded, pleased to be in agreement, and paid for his groceries.

I do not know how I have this effect on people at 28 years old, even taking into account the fact that I’m often mistaken for younger. When I was an adorable (plus smart and polite - killer combo with the grownups) little girl, it made sense that dads loved me. Now? Who knows! I mean, I’ll certainly take it over being hit on, which I’m extremely grateful to say has never happened to me at work. The only flirting I receive is the silly and decidedly harmless kind that comes from grandpa-type men who are, sincerely, just being playful. These interactions aren’t the untoward kind - they’re more reminiscent, to me, of the way my own dad treats my female friends: respectful, fond and sweet, caring. The vibe is like, this man would probably be happy to give me some sound advice and a lift home from the slumber party.

But yeah. I very consistently bring out the fatherly/grandfatherly affection in seemingly any man over the age of 50 or so who has an ounce of paternal kindness in him. And I do so more than many of my female friends or coworkers do. Is it because I look so young? Because I don’t wear makeup and I dress more like a kid than a ~Grown Woman~? It’s true that in my head I’m little more than an overgrown child, but does that energy actually come through - in a positive fashion, no less - to other people (and especially dad types)? Do I just exude some kind of undefinable Beloved (Grand)Daughter vibes?

I don’t actually remember what on earth got me thinking about this tonight, tbh. But I had to get my rambles out, so here you are. This is my weird tiny useless superpower: I attract fatherliness, entirely without meaning to. I feel like there must be a way to leverage this ability, but I’m not sure what it is? Also I’d be a terrible supervillain anyway.

#me assembling an army to give me hugs and build me a deck #Courtney thinks #yadda yadda yadda idk why I even wrote all this out but. there you have it

[absentcaryatid]

Fated to be Together

An ATEEZ fanfic by AbsentCaryatid

When your matching soulmate marks appear, it does not bring the joy Mingi hopes for.

830 words, Content note: all ages, gender neutral reader, aromantic reader, angst that ends well

~

Often Mingi would catch you just like this, an adoring gaze fixed upon him. The weight of your one-sided affection was burden enough, but he had never expected how much worse it could get. The day identical symbols appeared on your wrists, he questioned how the infallible process had gone so wrong. Mingi looked at you, knowing it would dash your hopes when he said what he had to. “Despite this sign, it is a certain thing I am not the person for you.”

You hung your head while holding your breath. This was a conversation you had always seen coming. Stone still, you listened intently to your best friend while waiting to make a response.

“I'm sorry, but I am interested in only one gender, not bisexual like you have probably been hoping. Given my dating preferences you have seen, you know we will never be partnered.” His apologies would have continued but were interrupted by the long breath you let out. Mingi put a gentle hand on your shoulder and found the words to continue, hoping you could be forgiving in time. He would hate to lose you from his life if you did not take this well. “Please know this is no reflection on you as a person, you have always been a dear friend to me, and I hope that can continue as long as you are not hung up on what could have been between us.”

When his arm was solidly hit by you as you laughingly called him vain, he realized you were taking the loss of him as a soulmate far better than he could have hoped. Curious, he watched a sense of relief cross your face.

“Wonderful, and I mean that truly. This is the best possible news.”

Now it was Mingi's turn to flounder. “Come on now, I'm not that bad to consider, right?”

“Of course not, I still get to admire you, and the view is great. I consider gazing upon your beauty a perk of our friendship.”

“You are such a tease!” The mock indignation in your friend's voice was familiar ground, and welcome to your ears. “That's enough buttering. Tell me, what is it really that has you smiling?”

It was difficult to suppress your grin. “I am aromantic. I never wanted you either, and had always worried there was a chance I would have to let you down one day. The soulmate scare from our matching designs made me think that time was finally here.”

Mingi remained unconvinced, “But the way you look at me, I always thought you wanted something I could not provide.”

“I just think you are really a neat person.” The excitement in your voice helped him understand you were being truthful, despite the wholly unexpected message. “I admire so much about you, love being your friend and around you all the time, but it has never been romantic appreciation.”

He blushed from the compliments. “All those times we were both concerned, makes me wish we had been completely open with each other from the start.”

“I am still interested in looking for an apartment together, if that works for you, Mingi. I never want to be far from my soulmate best friend.”

Resting his chin in his hands, Mingi considered the issue. “Maybe you really are my soulmate, and we are destined to be together. Nobody says bonds have to be romantic.” Nodding thoughtfully, he added, “You are on then.”

It was months later when Mingi was spending a lazy Sunday morning on the couch swiping through a dating app. While most people used the soulmate symbol database to find their match, others rejected the concept and tried to forge their own relationships. With his own soulmate bond to a non-romantic partner, Mingi had decided to give the app a try and was looking over prospective dates.

From the kitchen of the apartment you shared, you heard his whoop of joy, then were practically bowled over as he rushed in to show the photo of a person with a soulmate mark that seemed to match yours and Mingi's. An excited messaging session later, including some exchanged wrist photos, led to Mingi getting a date that night.

Not only did the romantic couple seem to be made for each other, once you met Mingi's partner several dates later, you warmed to them immediately. The feeling was mutual, and by the time they moved into the apartment permanently, the two of you were fast friends for life.

A little internet sleuthing turned up other rare cases of soulmate trios or larger groups, but as far as you could discover, you were the only aromantic person partnered as a soulmate to a romantic couple. Despite the novelty, it worked for your household. Even with unusual looks thrown your way when out in public together, you displayed your matching marks proudly because nothing made you happier than to be bonded nonromantically to your two best friends.

~

Mingi Masterlist

General Masterlist

Masterlist of Stories with No Reader Romance

Masterlist by Tropes and Themes

#ATEEZ #ATEEZ fanfic #Kpop Fanfic #Song Mingi #Mingi #gender neutral reader #diverseinsertknet #ATEEZ Mingi #cross posted on ao3 #aromantic reader #it was a rare day off

[chosenrule]

@ofrhapsodos was trying to help me feel better and said: 

i like how deep u dig when you go into his lore & when you craft your own parts of it !  & how much u get the feelies

[ Thank you babe ;w;

I definitely try to milk what I can out of canon -- but you know... Invariably I do what I want that seems fitting to the character?? And I... Well okay I actually really love this compliment from you bc it means a lot. Esp. since I know you can be a little picky with the Sephiroths

#kai su teknon ; see you in hell punk // writer speak. #for god's sake. my battery is empty // saved. #me floundering to come up with a response to a compliment? #more likely than you think #asdfg I also have to deeply appreciate that you jumped on this #don't think I didn't notice #it took you all of 2 seconds to come up with smthn #have I mentioned lately that I love you?? <3

[rebrandedbard]

The Chain

Slightly horny drabble. Geralt has a thing for Jaskier’s neck and a chain he wears around it. Reverse bath shenanigans. Non-explicit.

WC: 1900

-

Geralt had noticed it on many occasions: on hot days when Jaskier opened his chemise a little wider than usual, when Jaskier stripped for a dip in a river or tub, when he stripped for the night and bundled himself into bed. It was unusual considering the ornaments Jaskier usually hung himself with, shiny rings with etchings, engravings, and gemstones. But these were for parties and grand affairs. Day to day, he did not primp and preen like a peacock with a fat purse. He wore only his signet ring. It was a tool as much as an accessory, though it was still something with detail.

The thin chain around his neck served no purpose. It was not silver, nor iron, which at least would offer some barest form of protection. It had no enchantments. It could not even be said to bring luck. It was dull, unfashionable, and did not have so much as a single charm hung from it. It was just … there. A short, barren chain wrought of plain steel.

Perhaps it was the fact that it was so plain, so thin, flimsy, and pointless that drove Geralt to distraction. At the very least, Jaskier might put something on it. If there were a locket or a pendant, something for the eye to focus on, that would be enough. But leaving the chain bare only seemed to draw attention to Jaskier’s neck itself. It was … a handsomely long neck. When Jaskier turned his head, the muscle stood out in an attractive line. Objectively.

Geralt wished he’d put something on the damn chain. Before he volunteered his own teeth to the task. It was a fantasy that had come to him one night. Jaskier had a rather distracting habit of nibbling the ends of his shirt laces. The chain was too short for him to reach. But Geralt could. And he nearly had before he’d come to his senses, leaning too close into Jaskier’s space. He clumsily reached past Jaskier to collect his empty bowl from the ground, floundering for an excuse. That had been a week ago when they’d been out in the woods. He’d had plenty of space then to breathe and forget about it.

But now? He was suffocating. Trapped in their little room above the tavern, Jaskier stripped of all his things, sighing as he leaned with his torso above the line of water in the bath, his head dangling back over the rim, neck elongated, exposed, and Geralt saw that damn chain glisten in the firelight. Jaskier had even taken off his ring, but the chain remained.

Jaskier hummed pleasantly, a damp washcloth over his eyes. “You’re awful quiet, even for you,” he said. He lifted the washcloth from his eyes and smiled at Geralt, catching him staring. “Cat got your tongue, witcher?”

Geralt looked away immediately. “I was just thinking,” he grumbled.

“Is that something you’ve learnt to do? Oh, I’m so very proud,” Jaskier teased. He dropped the cloth back over his eyes and put his hands behind his head, sinking further into the water. “Do indulge me. Pray tell, what has those ancient, rusty gears clinking and turning tonight?”

Geralt glared at him, the effect rendered less than effective by the washcloth. “Nothing,” he said. He finished unbuckling the last of his armour and sat to clean it. There was nothing to wipe away but dust. Even so, he was looking for an excuse to stay. To linger. Or perhaps to distract himself, having little else to do but turn in for the evening.

“Hm, that’s the Geralt I know. But come, some thought is rolling around in that head of yours; I heard it clink against the walls just now when you did your curious little head tilt. Won’t you share it with me?”

“You’ve been soaking for nearly twenty minutes,” Geralt replied. “You haven’t even begun to wash up and the water will be getting cold.”

Jaskier waved a hand at him. “So it can be reheated. A little snap-snap of Igni and I’ve got another half hour of relaxing ahead. Besides, cold water is good for the skin.”

“You’ll keep me up all night tending your water if you had your way.”

“Ah, if I only could have it my way,” Jaskier sighed. “I’d have you tend to me hand and foot, hanging on my every word. What fun! Providing hot water would only be the start; I’ve got a long list of things I’d do.” He chuckled fiddling with the chain, twisting a length of it between his fingers where his hands supported his neck.

Geralt tracked the motion with rapt attention. He cleared his throat began to pack his armour up after all. As he walked behind Jaskier, he plucked the cloth from his eyes. “You’d better hurry up and wash. I’m not reheating the water for you and I know you hate when the water gets cold, never mind what good it does your skin.”

He dropped the cloth back down on Jaskier’s face with a wet plop and Jaskier slipped back with an indignant yip, splashing beneath the water’s surface. It was a satisfying sound.

Jaskier wiped his face clear and wrung the cloth out again. He huffed and began to lather the cloth with soap. “Always so gruff,” he complained. “Here I help you selflessly scrub monster guts and foul muck from your hair day in and day out, but you can’t even be bothered to heat up a little tub water to warm my icy bones. By rights, you ought to at least return the favor once in a blue moon. I’m not asking you to scrub me head to toe—I only think a little reciprocation would be nice.” So saying, he scrubbed his face and ears, rinsed, and patted around for his oil.

Geralt sighed. Depositing his armour, he turned back to the tub. He scooped up the oil and pushed away Jaskier’s hand. “Fine,” he said. “Sit up.”

Jaskier beamed at him. He wiped his eyes and turned around. “Will you really? Surely I’ve fallen asleep, dozed in the hot water, and tumbled into some fantastic dream. Who is this courteous stranger before me? You couldn’t possibly be my witcher. My witcher would never!”

The hairs stood on the back of Geralt’s neck, tingling at those words. My witcher. Jaskier said them so often, so casually, and yet they never failed to get a rise out of him.

Geralt turned Jaskier’s head roughly. “Face forward or you’ll get soap in your eyes,” he said.

“O-o-o, so forceful. Always straight to manhandling with you.”

“Give you something to handle,” Geralt grumbled.

“What was that?”

Geralt poured a bit of the oil on his hands. “I said it smells like sandal. Sandalwood.”

Jaskier settled once more against the rim of the tub and tilted his head back. “Got some new supplies. Do you like it?” he asked.

Geralt did, but then he liked most of the scents Jaskier wore. They complimented him. Not that he would ever dignify that with a response. Instead, he simply began to massage the oil into Jaskier’s hair, working his way from the crown of his head down, fingers lightly scratching his scalp the way Jaskier often did.

“Oh, that’s heavenly,” Jaskier sighed. He leaned into the touch, his eyes closed as he relaxed beneath Geralt’s ministrations.

Up close, Geralt had a perfect view of the chain. He watched it shift as Jaskier spoke. The chain reflected the flickering light in an almost hypnotic fashion. Slowly, his hands worked down to the nape of Jaskier’s neck, still massaging as he stared, his mind drifting. Jaskier made an odd little rumble in the back of his throat. Geralt massaged the place harder, hoping to hear that sound again.

“Soap next,” Jaskier said. He passed the cloth to Geralt, not bothering to open his eyes.

They’d never said anything about soaping or scrubbing, but Geralt was in no position to refuse. Not with Jaskier’s neck angled so enticingly, and here, the perfect excuse to reach out and touch. He lathered soap in the cloth. In a moment, it was touching the side of Jaskier’s neck. And yet …

“Your, uh. Your chain,” he said.

Jaskier cracked one eye to look back at him. “Oh. You may remove it. Just be sure to put it back when you’re done.”

Geralt swallowed and set the washcloth on Jaskier’s shoulder a moment. He reached for the chain, only to find no fastening in the back. He had to turn it, had to watch the drag of it against Jaskier’s skin as he searched. The chain was warm and wet and it was difficult to get a solid grip on the clasp when he at last had found it. But it soon came free.

He hesitated. Now that he had it, where could he put it? There was no stool, and it felt improper to put it on the floor. He looked at Jaskier, wondering if he might offer to hold onto it, then he was again distracted by the line of his neck.

He’d been wrong. After wearing the chain so long, it was now, perhaps, more indecent to see his neck without it. Geralt watched a drop of water roll down the side of Jaskier’s neck and felt the impulse to chase it with his tongue. To prevent himself from following through, he succumbed to another impulse which might go unobserved and placed the chain between his teeth.

Jaskier hummed once more as Geralt’s hands returned to their task. It was meditative, Geralt discovered. He moved the cloth in small circles, covering every inch of Jaskier’s neck twice. He cupped water in one hand, let it trickle down and wash the suds away. With gentle fingers, he flicked away a stray bubble, his touch lingering only a moment more to appreciate the soft skin beneath. And then he was washing Jaskier’s shoulders, his hand dipping only a little to feel the breadth of his chest.

“Geralt,” Jaskier said.

But Geralt was distracted. He was busy running the cloth once more between Jaskier’s shoulders, running the tip of his tongue across the links of the chain.

“Geralt,” Jaskier repeated. He reached back, raised a hand up to run along Geralt’s cheek. His fingers touched the end of the chain, slipping against the corner of Geralt’s mouth. He tugged it, pulling it link by link from between Geralt’s teeth. And then Geralt felt something warm and wet lightly touch the opposite corner. A kiss. Just barely.

Geralt’s breath caught in his lungs and his eyes fluttered shut. He felt Jaskier’s teasing touch disappear, fingers curling beneath his chin and sinking once more beneath the water. He opened his eyes and saw Jaskier smiling back at him, the chain dangling in his hand.

“The bath is getting cold,” he said, a salacious tenor to his voice. “Feel like warming me up?”

And before Geralt could answer, Jaskier had a finger curled around the silver chain of his medallion, pulling him in.

Jaskier smirked up at him. He took the washcloth from his hand and replaced it with the chain. “I’ll wear yours,” he whispered, “if you’ll wear mine.”

And now Geralt indulged a new fantasy. Yes, Jaskier’s chain needed something after all, he decided. It needed only one simple ornament to make it complete.

It needed a wolf.

#witcher #the witcher #geraskier #geralt of rivia #jaskier #my fic #the chain fic #drabbles #I was bored and saw a pretty picture of someone wearing a chain necklace #got me thinking

[ilikekidsshows]

how much do you think Adrien and Marinette's relationship developed from season 1 to 3 ?

Very well, as a self-professed connoisseur of all things slowburn, let me go over the Adrinette development that has happened in the show up until the season three finale and educate this fandom on the subtle beauty that is the Adrinette arc. This is gonna be long, because, apparently, there's a lot of material to cover, because this relationship can fit so much development into it.

Let's go in chronological order (as far as I can tell). In 'Origins', Marinette first started becoming a stuttering mess around Adrien when he opened up to her about how he wanted to make friends, becoming infatuated with the sensitive side he showed. Meanwhile, Adrien is excited over the prospect of having made a friend.

In 'The Bubbler', Marinette only manages to get out an awkward "hey," at Adrien and Adrien mimics her, in lack of a better response. He barely seems to know her at this point.

Marinette begins her infatuation with Adrien by simply thinking about him and fantasizing about him. In 'Stormy Weather' we hear Marinette's daydream, fully fleshed out on the details of what their children should be named, but not sure what their pet should be. Adrien seems pleased to see Marinette, but doesn't seek her out, also maintaining some distance.

Then comes 'Mr. Pigeon'. Adrien finds out Marinette is into designing and is taken aback by her verbal floundering. He also didn't know Marinette's last name. When he introduces Marinette to his father, there's an awkward silence after, like he'd finished the sentence too early, because he did, he never said her last name. Adrien knew Marinette existed, and was interested to know more about her, but that's it. Meanwhile Marinette speaks complete nonsense to Adrien, unable to remember what words even are.

In 'Evillustrator' Adrien seeks Marinette out of his own volition, having the perfect conversation starter in her encounter with Cat Noir. He wants to know what she thinks of him. Meanwhile, Marinette manages to get full, coherent sentences out, but keeps saying contradicting things. Adrien responds to Marinette with a drawn out "okay," starting to learn to just go with it and, at the end of the interaction, pats Marinette's shoulder companionably as he leaves. He thinks they're familiar enough for him to touch her casually, he was just waiting for the chance because he’s so touch-starved.

'Horrificator' doesn't actually show Adrien and Marinette interacting directly outside the acting scenes, where Adrien is very receptive to having Marinette as his co-star, but Adrien gets to see Marinette at her best, helping people out and solving problems. This episode is where Adrien starts to form his opinion of Marinette as someone dependable.

In 'Animan', Adrien knows Nino likes Marinette and is fully supportive. He's convinced Marinette would be receptive to Nino just acting natural and not doing anything special, so he thinks Marinette is a kind and warm person. He has no reason to think Marinette is into him instead. Marinette fumbles around Adrien again, and this time Adrien doesn't react at all: he's used to it.

In 'Kung Food', Adrien rushed to help Marinette the instant he heard from Alya that Marinette needed help. Marinette manages to get her meaning across even as she fumbles. When they have a discussion about Marinette's uncle, Marinette doesn't stutter once, and Adrien holds Marinette's shoulders when he comforts her. They managed to keep to casual interactions during the episode because they have other things to focus on.

In 'Gamer', Adrien is very casual around Marinette, inviting himself over to practise the game and being pretty frank about his insecurity as Marinette's gaming partner. Marinette responds first in a way that devalues Adrien's feelings ("No, you're amazing, I'm bad"), but eventually gives Adrien the lucky charm as a gesture of accepting him as her partner, a gesture Adrien will treasure for several episodes to come. Also, this episode has more casual shoulder-touching from Adrien to Marinette. (Aside note: Cat Noir later mimics Tom's body language in the episode, so Marinette's parents really made a first impression that stuck.)

In 'Volpina', Marinette shields Adrien from Fu's suspicions, but does briefly entertain the thought that Adrien might be Hawk Moth. This could be part of her catastrophizing or realizing she doesn't know him well enough to know for sure. Marinette also saves Adrien from his father, for Adrien's sake, not even revealing her own involvement in the matter to get closer to him. Marinette just wanted to help him out.

'Despair Bear' has Adrien protect Marinette from making a scene and making herself look bad, something he'll do again later in 'Chameleon'. Adrien sees it as his place to interfere for Marinette's benefit in this way and he thinks about the possible repercussions Marinette might have gotten from accusing Chloé publically without evidence. Adrien also instantly gets the idea to ask Marinette to dance when she bumps into him and decides to just roll with him when Alya arranges them into the typical "slow dance" position. At the end of the episode we see the first instance of Adrien invading Marinette's personal space by leaning in to talk to her. All in all, Adrien is just very comfortable around Marinette in this episode.

'Gigantitan' is more about Marinette learning not to overthink, something she didn't entirely learn as she prefers to abort the entire mission rather than enter a scenario with Adrien she hadn't considered. But we see Adrien offering Marinette a ride home even when his bodyguard is impatient. He really wants to do a favor for her.

'Riposte' has the second attempt from Marinette to simply spend time with Adrien, after 'Gamer'. She went into a lot of effort to learn fencing on time for the try-outs. She accidentally compliments Adrien to his face, who is very grateful for the nice things Marinette said about him. Caught off guard, Marinette fumbles once more, but manages to recover. Adrien laughs in enjoyment of the occasion and Marinette shares the laugh. Adrien keeps showing how comfortable he is with touching Marinette when he tutors her. Meanwhile, Marinette is very flustered, but manages to focus on what she's doing, doing well enough for Adrien to notice.

Adrien also questions Marinette's call as the referee, not concerned with Marinette's possible negative reaction and Marinette does respond honestly, showing Adrien that he can trust her judgement. Adrien also gushes about Marinette to Kagami, when he insists that Marinette didn't deny her the point to be mean, and the affection in his glowing endorsement has Kagami immediately note that Adrien likes her a lot.

In 'Befana' Adrien admits that he always carries Marinette's lucky charm with him, which inspired him to make one for her as a gift. The episode even ends with him looking at his own charm fondly, as the narration brings up "the person giving (the gift)", signalling that Adrien is specifically thinking about Marinette, who gave him the charm.

When Adrien asks Marinette for a safe place to hide in 'Gorizilla', Marinette gets over her stuttering very quickly when she realizes Adrien is in trouble to help him. Even in the subway Marinette is able to focus on Adrien possibly getting into trouble at home instead of getting flustered again. Adrien sidesteps the concern by playing the situation down, reminding Marinette that he does, indeed, always carry the lucky charm he got from her with him. At the movies he's more upfront to her about the restrictions he's placed under and why the movie is so important to him. Also, at no point does he point out Marinette is in her PJs, even though he definitely noticed. He probably just thinks it's a Marinette Thing.

'Frozer' has Marinette go all out for Adrien's sake, not because she wants to be with him, but because she wants to see him happy. She gives him advice on how to pursue another girl and asks Luka out on a double date to be there for him. On this occasion Marinette also shows how she's not as selfish over Adrien here as she was back in 'Gamer', when she was very willing to rob Max of something he really wanted in order to spend more time with Adrien. Meanwhile, Adrien gets distracted from his actual date when he wants to make sure Marinette is okay. When Plagg accuses him of "going after Marinette", Adrien is surprised by the suggestion, and assured Plagg that Marinette is just a friend.

An interesting thing to note is that Adrien actually sounds uncertain in 'Frozer' when he calls Marinette a friend, the one time he does so (at least in the English dub). This is why, when Marinette asks him to go skating with her sometime, he does entertain the thought of it just being just the two of them (aka, a date). However, when Marinette assures him it would be a friendly outing with other people too, the moment passes, and Adrien forgets his doubts and agrees to a friend outing. Plagg put the idea in his head, and Marinette could have sealed the deal. This is another occasion where Adrien pats Marinette's shoulder.

'Troublemaker' is the episode where Marinette's self-sabotage really gets going, when she "reassures" Adrien that she'd never consider him attractive in a romantic way ever. Meanwhile, Adrien once again invades Marinette's personal space and implies he doesn't mind modeling if it's for Marinette as he invites her to a photoshoot and says he's glad to have her as one of his fans.

In 'Style Queen', Marinette is actually open with Adrien about her insecurities and Adrien reassures her, and he supports her in 'Queen Wasp'. He also says he'd be able to model for her if she made it in the business, repeating his desire to model for her specifically that he first stated in 'Troublemaker'.

In 'Reverser' Marinette panics when suddenly encountered with Adrien and having to explain what she's doing, but Adrien gets the gist of it, having learned to interpret most of the word vomit Marinette produces and astutely claims: "That's typical of you," about Marinette helping someone out and offers his assistance if she needs any.

In 'Maledictator', Adrien is brave enough to let Marinette know he disagreed with the reason she and everybody else was happy. He doesn't pretend to be fine with the "good riddance, Chloé '' party because, just as Adrien knew, Marinette doesn't judge him for being sad to see Chloé leave.

In 'Heroes' Day', Adrien admits he came to the picnic to tell Marinette just how highly he values her. He shows how much attention he pays to all the times Marinette has helped their classmates and gives the iconic line "You're our everyday Ladybug". Marinette manages to gather up her courage to kiss Adrien on the cheek in response. This is also a notable moment when Adrien opts out of the usual shoulder pat, implying the gesture is something Adrien does to cut away the physical distance between himself and Marinette, since such a thing wasn't necessary in 'Heroes' Day'. (This boy is touch-starved, guys!)

In 'Chameleon' Adrien starts trying to play mediator between Lila and Marinette but, when that didn't work out, he once again protects Marinette from making a bad call with an opponent out to wreck her reputation, but he also acknowledges that Marinette had been wronged and decided to personally support her by sitting next to her since she'd been having such a tough time that day. He just wanted to support her like a friend would.

'Backwarder' has Marinette try to take the easy route of confessing through a letter, which predictably ends up not going as planned. But, as Adrien said, he spent all weekend making sure he could help Marinette with something he thought she really needed help with. Adrien just really wants to be able to do things for Marinette.

'Weredad' gives us an interesting glimpse into how Adrien views Marinette in relation to romance, noting that he "didn't think Cat Noir was her type". He's most likely referring to Luka, since he's the only guy Adrien has seen Marinette with, and Luka is quiet, contained and thoughtful, nothing like how Adrien presents himself as Cat Noir. However, since Adrien doesn't consider himself a candidate, he does most likely consider himself more like Cat Noir than Luka, aka, not Marinette's type.

'Desperada' has one of Marinette's worst freakouts in a while. Adrien showed up suddenly, and Kagami challenged her directly by saying: "Are you here to watch your boyfriend practise?" Marinette also tries to shoehorn Adrien into every situation, be it a guitarist or superhero, possibly as a subconscious attempt to gain more control of the situation with Kagami. As Tikki said, Marinette has a troubled heart in this episode.

'Chrismaster' shows off the fact that Marinette has tons of presents prepared for Adrien in advance for different occasions. These were most likely prepared during the early stages of her infatuation, when she was admiring him from afar and fantasizing about him. Making presents "just in case" fits the fantasy model. At this point, she’s embarrassed over having done it.

In 'Startrain', Adrien immediately relaxes into sleep as well when Marinette falls asleep on his shoulder. This boy is touch-starved, guys, and Marinette's touch in particular calms and soothes him. Similarly, when Marinette wakes up in the middle of their nap, she settles right back to continue sleeping, no panic in sight.

'Stormy Weather 2' shows Adrien connecting Marinette's handwriting from the note on his homework with the valentine he got, and all of the misunderstandings together convince him he was mistaken. "She's just a friend who loves fashion," Adrien says with a downtrodden face, disappointed that Marinette couldn't care for him as more than "a friend who's also in fashion". He thinks of Marinette insisting that she'd never be into him, and of Marinette and Luka skating together, with obvious chemistry between them. And, in the end, when he says it's just someone with similar writing, he sounds wistful.

'Party Crasher' has Adrien insist Marinette is one of his guys, clearly missing her when he's hanging out with his school friends. In fact, when she does show up unexpectedly, he looks very pleased.

'Puppeteer 2' is an episode that sets up obstacles for Adrinette in addition to the misunderstandings listed in ‘Stormy Weather 2’. Marinette finds out Adrien is in love with someone else, and Adrien tries to share more parts of himself with Marinette, only for it to end very badly. Adrien has been getting braver about expressing himself to Marinette, but it's mostly been his opinions so far. In 'Puppeteer 2' Adrien tries to joke around with Marinette, only for Marinette to end up mortified and crying. This convinced Adrien that there's a part of him that Marinette won't be able to accept so he'll have to hold back with her.

Meanwhile, Marinette overcorrects because Manon, as kids are wont to do, keeps airing out all of her dirty laundry regarding Adrien, and so she convinces Adrien he's lucky she even kinda likes him. Adrien connects this with the fact that apparently his sense of humor is something that Marinette hates enough to cry over it.

The rest of season 3 stays on the course set by ‘Puppeteer 2’. Adrien still cares about Marinette immensely, even if he's convinced she doesn't like him nearly as much. He puts himself on the line to protect her from Lila in 'Ladybug', and neither he nor Kagami consider Marinette's presence on their outing third-wheeling in 'Heart Hunter'. Meanwhile, Marinette is pulling away, convinced Adrien and Kagami are the perfect match.

There you go, that's the Adrinette development, broken down step by step, during the first three seasons. As you can see, it's actually quite a lot, and some people might even notice more development tidbits.

#miraculous ladybug #miraculous tales of ladybug and chat noir #adrinette #lovesquare #adrien agreste #marinette dupain cheng #ml meta #long post #popular

[reidyoulikeabook]

Personal Google

4 times Spencer knows the answer, and the 1 time he doesn’t.

Summary: Spencer is your own personal Google. He always knows the answer to anything you ask him.

Warnings: Pining, slow burn-ish (?), reader and Spencer are both idiots who aren’t acknowledging their feelings for each other. Some mentions of a case and case-typical violence. No references to the gender of the reader!

Word count: 2k (this ran away from me)

A/N: Part two to this is here!

Requests: open!!

“Hey Spence?” You call, barely looking up from your phone as you scroll through Twitter, “What’s a hedgefund?”

“Are you reading about the GameStop stock?” He asks.

“Yeah.”

He clears his throat, and you look up at him, “Okay. A hedgefund is a way for accredited investors to invest in a way that minimises the risk to their own assets. Without getting too complicated, because it can get really convoluted, it’s basically just a way for rich people to get richer a lot of the time because a prerequisite for investing in the majority is having a high net income or a high net worth to begin with.”  

You smile, “So basically rich people are getting screwed?”

“Something like that.”

“Good,” You respond, putting your phone away.

You swear you hear a little laugh escape his mouth as he turns back to the computer at his desk.

***

You’re sat on the jet, in your usual seat next to him, when everything starts to go pear-shaped. It jolts a little, sending you knocking into his side. You grimace.

“It’s just a little turbulence,” Hotch says, “Probably because of the storm coming from the East. We should be landing soon.”

Rationally, you realise there’s nothing to be afraid of. But it’s easier said than done to keep rational when the plane’s rattling like a pack of smarties and your head is bashing against Spencer’s bony shoulder every five seconds.

He senses your unease, tentatively reaching across to take hold of your hand. His instinct is to supply statistics about plane crashes but something in him tells him you won’t respond too well if he tells you the odds of getting in a small plane crash are higher than a regular commercial flight but still lower than the chances of being involved in a motor vehicle accident. Instead, he chooses a different tactic.

“It’ll be alright, we’ve been in the air for two hours and,” He squints at his watch, “Forty-three minutes. This flight’s two hours fifty-eight tops.”

You nod, “Hey Spence?”

“Yeah?”

“Remember this morning when you were telling me about the French dancing plague and we got interrupted by the call about the case?”

You don’t have to say anything more, he immediately launches into a spiel about France in 1615: the death of crops, how the people felt they were being spited by God, the whole thing. He gestures wildly with his free hand, but the hand that lies atop of yours doesn’t budge an inch. You rub small circles on it with your thumb, which goes unacknowledged. Privately, you’re a little disappointed. Privately, he’s afraid you’ll stop if he points it out.

***

It’s been a long and fruitless day. The local PD had been worse than useless, they were so reluctant to accept that anybody from their town could possibly have been responsible for what was going on that it felt like a constant battle to get anything done. You’d been out interviewing possible witnesses from the local bar. Well, trying to, you would have been a lot more successful if the Sheriff hadn’t constantly been under your feet, undermining your questions and generally resulting in making you look like an idiot.

Hotch had chewed him out in the end, relinquishing you from interview duty to help Spencer with the geographical profile back at the station. He’s scribbling away on the map while you slump in the chair, a little defeated.

“Hey Spence?”

“Hmm?” He hums in response, not taking his eyes off the section he’s just crossed out.

“How come you’re ruling out that side of town?”

He flips the whiteboard pen in his hands, returning its cap before turning around to you, “A lot of the area over there is industrial. I’ve been combing through to get a closer look, but it doesn’t look like our unsub would have the kind of privacy he needs. There are a lot of factories, granted, but they’re pretty much all occupied. He’s meticulous, I don’t think he’d take the risk of working in an environment where he couldn’t control anything and risking getting himself caught. And from what we know about him he certainly isn’t affluent enough to rent property on that side of town. Rent is almost three times as expensive there,” he gestures with his hands, tapping the lid of the pen on the area he means, “I think he’s more likely to be from the northmost part of town.”

You smile, “I don’t know how you do that.”

He opens his mouth to respond before seeing the softness in your eyes, realising you’re not asking for an explanation. You’re giving him a compliment. His chest feels a little warm.

***

You can’t sleep that night, despite how exhausting your day has been. You’d think the physical and mental exhertion would knock you out but instead you’re sat on your bed, idly flipping through TV channels. Not much is on except some old NCIS re-runs, and oddly enough you don’t feel like watching a crime show.

You could text Spencer. The thought appears in your head of its own accord, without your consent.

You could though.

10:12pm - You

You’d think after a day like today I’d be able to get some rest

10:13pm - Spencer

You can’t sleep?

10:13pm - You

No, sorry, I didn’t think you’d be asleep

10:14pm - Spencer

I can’t sleep either, don’t worry. Do you want to come over to my room? I have a documentary about Pearl Harbour I was going to watch

10:14pm - Spencer

Or we could do something else. Not sure if Pearl Harbour is more fun for you than struggling to fall asleep

10:15pm - You

A Pearl Harbour documentary sounds great

Thankfully you’d had the forethought to bring nice sleeping attire rather than your old ratty ones. You’d learnt your lesson before, when your presence had been required in the middle of the night and you’d had to scramble down to team meetings in pyjama bottoms that had a hole in the right thigh.

You take a quick look at yourself in the mirror, some anxiety fluttering in your stomach for some reason.

It’s odd. It’s hardly the first time you’ve been over to Spencer’s room for crying out loud, I mean he’s the person you’re closest to on the team and your best friend and your private yearning for him is mostly   inconsequential. Mostly. Except you fix your hair and smooth down your top a little anyway.

He’s only three doors down and it’s easy enough to slip quietly into his room. He sits on the bed, two glasses of water resting on the bedside table, his laptop resting by his knees. He’s illuminated by the bedside lamp next to him, and his hair looks fluffy as hell. No doubt from him running his own hands through it in frustration today. He smiles at you, patting the space next to him.

You pad across and join him, “Hey Spence.”

“Hi.”

His laptop isn’t particularly loud, and the screen isn’t very big, so you end up sat quite close to him. The laptop rests on his lap. You hesitate before nuzzling in against him, feeling how his breath catches in his chest as your head rests against his on the bedframe.

“Is this okay?” You ask.

“Yeah,” He answers, a small content smile playing on his lips, “Yeah this is okay.”

***

You’re not sure when or how you fell asleep but you wake up with a start to the sound of pounding on the door. And you’re not in your own bed. You briefly acknowledge the warmth next to you before it’s gone, Spencer leaping out of bed to answer the door.

“We’ve been-” Emily stands in the doorway, the bedroom lamp that you must have neglected to turn off allowing her to catch a glimpse of your dazed face, “Reid, why is ____ in your room?”

Spencer opens his mouth, flustered and unsure of what to say, floundering between looking at you both for a moment before  Emily rescues him. The digital clock obnoxiously blinks the time: 2:18am.

“Okay we’re definitely talking about this later but there’s another body, Hotch wants us all down at the station in 15.”

It occurs to you, as you rush embarassed from Spencer’s room, apologising to him at least five times on your way out, that the only thing standing between you and a million questions about your personal life is the focus on an unsub who you’ll hopefully catch today. You shrug your clothes over your head, replacing them with fresh ones and pulling on your shoes. The jet home is going to be fun.

—-

You were right to be hopeful about today. The unsub is tracked down and arrested by the time night comes around. His arrest is clean, no hostages and no shots fired. Really, in your line of work, it was the best possible outcome.

Hotch made the call that you’d spend another night here, since there was paperwork that’d need to be taken care of in the morning and some final loose ends that required wrapping up. You suspected some small part of it was because J.J wanted to ensure you made nice and left things on good terms with the local PD before you left, since there’d been a lot of headbutting throughout the case. Spencer had also been completely right about the geographical profile, the unsub had been working and killing from a rundown ramshackle house in the northmost suburb.

Speaking of Spencer, you’d barely acknowledged each other since this morning. Sure, you’d shared rooms together before, even beds when the occasion had called for it, but you’d never been so intimate before.

Maybe it was best for you both if you just ignored the whole thing entirely, carried on as normal. Yeah. Yeah that’s what you’d do.

You worried about the meaning of anything you said being lost over text so you headed to his room, knocking on his door. It brought a small smile to your face to think how you’d been on the other side of it the last time someone knocked.

He opens it, just slightly, before relaxing when he sees it’s you, “Hey.”

“Hi,” You step past him into the room, watching him close the door and take a step towards you.

He waits for you to speak.

“So. We never finished that documentary.”

He laughs, soft, “We didn’t.”

“Do you want to finish it now?”

“Uh…”  He visibly pauses and you feel a small twinge in your chest. Maybe you’d made him uncomfortable, maybe you’d misread the whole thing, maybe you’d...

He interrupts your self-deprecating runaway train of thoughts with a simple, “Yeah, I’d like that.”

As you settle down to watch the film, his laptop situated firmly in the middle of the bed this time, you feel the gulf between you. Empty space where his leg rested against yours yesterday. Still, that was what he wanted, right? His own space. Not to talk about it.

You don’t notice because you’re watching the documentary, but Spencer has to stop himself from reaching his arm out for you when he stretches. You didn’t want to talk about it, obviously. Meaning you probably wished it hadn’t happened. He tried to ignore the ache in his chest at that thought, the hollow feeling it left. Thankfully it wasn’t too long before you spoke again.

“Hey Spence?”

“Yeah?”

“Is this historically accurate?”

And explaining the nuances of Japanese-American history is much easier for him.

#spencer reid fanfic #imagine spencer reid #spencer reid x reader #reid x reader #spencer reid fluff #spencer reid #imagine criminal minds #criminal minds x you #bau!reader

[fallinfl0wers]

love stories with some genshin boys i thought of while listening to my playlists

includes: aether (210 words), xiao (261 words), scaramouche (277 words) and albedo (307)

warnings (?): spoilers of ‘we will be reunited’, english is not my native language and uhh idk what else, idk really know what these are, headcanons ?? snippets ?? also not beta read and not edited.

it’s long so uhhh i’ll add a cut somewhere

anyway enjoy!! ...whatever this is i guess

Aether

Falling in love with Aether is like a fun adventure. He, being always the center of attention and the protagonist no matter where he goes, is a free spirited, kind and hardworking man. 

Throughout your time travelling and being in a relationship together, you’ll find that your relationship with the Honorary Knight is one of sweet kisses under the sunlight; innocent handholding while thinking up of what to make for dinner tonight; of easily talked out arguments and finding ways to compromise; of softly pushing each other to become a better version of themselves and, most of all, of supporting and having each other’s backs no matter what.

And when Aether confronts the Abyss Princess face to face for the first time and his world comes crashing down on him, this trait of your relationship shines like no other, as you hold him in your arms after everything was over during the night, Paimon sleeping soundly next to the both of you inside your improvised campsite.

“Even though I’m not sure what -or who- I should believe anymore, I... I know I want to see this journey to the end, and I want you to be there with me for it. Let’s be together until the last moment and beyond.”

Songs:

Snow Fairy - Funkist

Snowing, be honest with yourself and smile When two people are getting closer, time overlaps Fairy, where are you going I will gather all the light and shine it on your tomorrow

Still Lonely - SEVENTEEN

This cursed popularity. Why won’t it leave me? But why am I getting lonelier The early morning chill makes me feel Even lonelier today I feel completely empty, as if I’m empty

Kanpeki Gu~ no ne - Watarirouka Hashiritai

I'm at a loss for words, with this and that, I'm totally in love with you Someday, I want do the same to you: Watch you flounder, At a loss for words right back to me!

Side by Side - The8 from SEVENTEEN

I want to hold hands with you but I don't know what to do what to do oh baby I want to give all my heart to you but You still don't know what's in my heart

Hope - Namie Amuro

At the end of this blue, wide world there's a place I want to aim at with you We chose this long ago for eternity

Xiao

Falling in love with Xiao is like living a bittersweet dream. The Vigilant Yaksha is far from human, or so he says, and thus is out of touch with the way we mortals experience feelings, both the negative and positive ones.

Your relationship with him is one of compassion, mutual understanding, appreciation and patience. So, so much patience. Of intertwined pinkies and soft stolen glances, of shy smiles and comfortable silence sometimes filled with your voice chatting time away and his short responses to your talks.

I mentioned patience. He knows you’re making an enormous effort to try and understand him and be patient with him and his slow learning process of how relationships work, so it’s only fair that he makes a true effort to understand you and your feelings.

Xiao is well aware that he could hurt you without wanting to, be it with his blunt phrasing of his thoughts or his Karmic Debt, as much as he is aware that you will eventually pass away and leave him behind to go somewhere he can’t follow, and that undeniable truth haunts him every second of every day he gets to spend with you. And still, he wishes and wants and does cherish each and every warm, kind feeling he gets every single second you’re together nonetheless.

“I might not know what to make of these new feelings you gave me. But I’ll learn. I promise I’ll learn, so please... don’t go, not yet. Let me treasure you and carve you into my memory for as long as I can.”

Songs:

Euphoria - BTS

I don't know what this emotion is Perhaps this is also the inside of a dream A dream is the blue mirage of the desert Deep inside of me, a priori I become happy to the point of being unable to breathe The surroundings, bit by bit, become clearer

Fallin’ Flower - SEVENTEEN

While flower blooms and falls, scars cure and buds shoot We are living our first and last moment So I won’t take you for granted Because you loved me as I am

Fear - SEVENTEEN

Get out my mind I can't handle it, I'm afraid of myself The truth has me tied up My heart is tainted I'm afraid it'll eventually change you too

The Truth Untold - BTS, Steve Aoki

It’s my fate Don’t smile to me Light on me Because I can’t get closer to you There’s no name you can call me

You know that I can’t Show you me Give you me I can’t show you a ruined part of myself Once again I put a mask on and go to see you But I still want you

Tiny Light - Akari Kitō

Because you colored my unchanging monochromatic days Even the blurred darkness gained meaning

Still, hidden in this heart, these feelings of preciousness so strong that they hurt I just want to convey these feelings to only you before they disappear someday

Scaramouche

Falling in love with Scaramouche is like constantly playing a game. He’s strict, demanding, disagreeable, and widely disliked by enemies and allies alike. Still, he has a heart too; and he holds desires and hopes deep inside of it, although most of them are fueled by the unchanging curiosity he has towards the world around him, curiosity to know what he can get out of whatever the world wants to throw at him.

You were no exception to that rule, at first.

When he met you he wanted to get something from you. And you knew it from the start, just as he knew that you knew. And that didn’t change anything, at first.

Your relationship with him is one of dangerously playful, yet still light-hearted games of seduction, teasing and deceit; of secret kisses exchanged in expensive private rooms in restaurants or the cozy warmth of your home, of an unspoken shared respect and, most of all, complete, mutual devotion.

You know Scaramouche is not a good man. He has done many, many unspeakable things in his life as one of the Eleven, and he knows he’s far from being the perfect charming prince you could aim for, but he will never let you go. Because behind those hardened walls of egocentrism and pride, you saw what no one else bothered to see. You saw him, not the role he was playing, you saw him and fell in love with him.

“To be honest, I don’t think I could find anyone else who understands me as much as you do. And no, I’m not saying this because I want something, give me some more credit, geez...”

Songs:

soldier game -  µ’s

You'll come with me, yes? You've grown curious about my touch, yes? Then it's already love Since you're someone I must meet in battle someday, That might just be your reason It's soldier game Though we've met again, I'm soldier heart

Kowareyasuki - Guilty Kiss

Just stop it already and show your heart only to me I love your eyes that are about to cry And your defenseless, clumsy way of living too (...) The hesitation you convey makes my chest hurt Some people just don't know what such kindness is But then I discover the truth When we got together, you don't have to endure anymore Right now, show your grief only to me I like that you think too much The complete opposite of me

Shhh - SEVENTEEN

Don't think of all these as your mere illusion They're not lies that follow the moment No one can underestimate it, my feelings are an ignition 'Cause I'm always the same Me and you, we got hurt by the lies that we won't ever work But it's fate

(...)

So I can cover you from danger A consented dedication

(...)

It's as natural as breathing An everlasting dedication

Good to me - SEVENTEEN

Yeah, when you were making that sign in my heart It was a long time since my firewall broke down Pass with the password What in the world do you know about me? Are my deep feelings seen by you?

Hiraishin - Keyakizaka46

(To trust is to be betrayed, to open one’s heart is to get hurt So to avoid being struck by lightning-like sorrow…)

Which side am I picking? Ah, these values are hard to handle That’s why I won’t stop watching over you Positive positive positive You should just be yourself… I can forgive whatever absurdities you pull off I’ll support you without being noticed Even when you get nitpicked I’ll be your companion Let us now promise to live an unremarkable life hereafter What we have here is the lightning rod of love

Albedo

Falling in love with Albedo is a fairy tale-like experience for both of you. His attention had always been focused on his research, everything else fading into the background save for a few exceptions, until you came around. You, who stole all his attention by just existing. 

As an alchemist, he’s naturally the curious type. He wanted to know what about it had caught his attention, what was so special about you that had him clinging to your every word and movement every time you interacted with him. Still, human relationships are hard for him, and he figured you might go away the second he started to feel burnt out from your interactions. But you didn’t. Instead, you stayed. You stayed and took interest on what he did, asked questions, gave your insight, and dragged him to sleep when he needed a break. In exchange, he did the same for you.

Your relationship with Albedo is like one of those awkwardly sweet first time crushes. Of carefully calculated movements, dates and compliments, of soft kisses on lips, hands and cheeks, of mutual support, understanding and mature compromising and commitment.

The Kreideprinz, like everyone else, has his own fears and insecurities, especially regarding his... nature, but he does his best not to let them affect the relationship he has with you. Each moment spent by your side, even when he’s not actively doing any research, is considered perfectly spent, meaningful time.

“A long time ago, I was tasked with finding out the meaning of this world. Though I have directed my efforts and resources to looking for the answer through alchemy, ever since we met I... think, I’ve found an unexpected conclusion to said issue. While it’s likely that this is not the answer expected from me, I’m positive that, at least personally, I finally have the answer.”

Songs:

Futari Saison - Keyakizaka46

In the wind blowing through the city’s streets, even though I caught whiff of something’s scent, I had no interest in looking back

In a 1m radius around me, I formed an invisible barrier to another world And yet, you took someone like me out of it

What made you do that?

Home - SEVENTEEN

What can I do? Without you I’m just an old robot, my heart stops and it’s always cold What can we do? Without me You’ll struggle just as much, so what can we do?

Baby, I want to cherish our warmth So no one can come between us

Flower - SEVENTEEN

You taught me, you showed me You’re my only reason If you can forever remember me I can get hurt, I can get hurt

My heart that’s engraved with your light Makes me stronger Give me your sharp thorns Cause you’re my flower

Oh my! - SEVENTEEN

Sorry for repeating the same thing But this is all I can try using hard words But my true feeling is this, every everything

(...)

How about you? Is it hard for you to sleep because of me too? If you keep making my heart flutter What do I do?

Naze koi wo shite konakattan darou? - Sakurazaka46

Why hadn't I fallen in love? I've been making fun of it all this time I mean everyone keeps saying 'I love you' just like cats in heat But after falling in love I realized what people live for To meet, to love, to the point of nothing but... I'm not myself, I want to find my true self.

#xiao x reader #aether x reader #scaramouche x reader #albedo x reader #genshin x reader #genshin x y/n #genshin impact headcanon #genshin imagines #genshin impact imagines #first post yay #why is albedo's so long tho he's not even my favorite out of them lol #melodywritings #fluff #genshin impact x reader #melwritesgenshin

[alj4890]

I got an ask we know Riley gets kidnapped by Anton but what if Anton was in love with her and he didn’t wanna kill her but makes her his. What if Olivia killed Claudus for shooting drake.

I love the way you think, Nonny! I actually would have eaten this up with a spoon if that had happened in canon. To be honest, I really liked Justin in book 2. If he had been a new love interest, I would have done a play through just to see what happens if Riley chose him 🤦🏻 Of course then we find out he is behind all the bombings and such so...oops, LOL. When I first saw your request, I made an aesthetic with just Justin/Anton and Riley in mind. I completely forgot to add a definite OTP of mine, Drake and Olivia, to it. Smh. The story though will definitely include them along with Riley and Justin. I am so tempted to turn this into a series 🙊

@gkittylove99 @krsnlove @kingliam2019 @texaskitten30 @yourmajesty09 @mom2000aggie @ofpixelsandscribbles @twinkleallnight @lodberg  @amandablink @neotericthemis  @mm2305 @sfb123 @iufilms

Masterlist

True Intentions

It had happened when he had not been paying attention. It shouldn't have happened at all. He had one goal. One mission. Nothing had ever come to mean more to him than that. Nothing. No one.

Until Riley.

He knew he shouldn't have spent so much time with her. He shouldn't have helped Maxwell in picking the right dresses for her. He shouldn't have stuck around to see her come out of dressing rooms, an excited smile upon her face, as she twirled around for them to give their opinions.

It had taken all his will power to keep from telling her what he truly thought. Riley's beauty was simply stunning, not because of her outer loveliness, but more that he saw her inner beauty shining through each trial she faced. Her strength amazed him. Her wit brought a smile to his face. Her kindness touched his heart.

It made him begin to long for things he shouldn't. They shouldn't be a part of any dream or plan he had.

And yet...she was beginning to crop up in his thoughts. In his dreams.

In his plans.

He winced as he tried to get comfortable.

His plans hadn't exactly gone as he had hoped. In fact, he should have talked to his men and explained that Riley was not to be a target.

Thank God for Drake. If he hadn't jumped in front of her, she would have been taken from me.

His lips twisted in another painful grimace.

"Are you in pain?"

Justin looked up and tried to smile. "Just a little."

His nurse shook her head. "I told you to buzz before it got too bad." She gently checked his wound.

"I don't want to be a bother." He mumbled.

"You aren't." She patted his hand. "You aren't any trouble at all." Her nose wrinkled. "We had a few nobles cause unnecessary problems when the attack happened."

"Really?"

She rolled her eyes. "Some were knocked down during the chaos and demanded they be admitted."

He chuckled softly. "Sounds like something they would do."

"It's a shame that good people like you were seriously hurt while those spoiled nobles try and take all the attention." She readjusted his covers after administering some more pain medication in his IV. "I don't know why King Liam is so hellbent on bringing them back to court."

"What do you mean?" Justin tried to fight the effects of the pain medicine. "What's he doing?"

"He and Lady Riley are going on some type of tour to some of the major houses to personally invite them to their wedding."

His brow furrowed.

A unity tour. That would work on these small minded individuals. It was a smart move. The public were already Team Riam. Once the royal couple convinced the most powerful houses to come to their wedding, all the other minor lords and ladies would follow suit.

"Well played, Liam." Justin's eyes drooped closed. "Well played."

**************

He couldn't believe that they not only convinced Madeleine's entire family, but also somehow got all of Portavira on their side.

"What's the plan?" Claudius asked.

"We need something big to remind everyone that we aren't a one trick pony." Justin told him.

He looked out the window. Leaves were beginning to change with the first hints of autumn in the air.

A hint of a smile appeared as a plan began to form.

"It would be a shame if Cordonia's apple orchard had a bad year, wouldn't it?" He eyed his second in command.

Claudius chuckled. "It really would."

******************

Justin watched as every channel showed the devastation of the orchard near Applewood. He couldn't help but smile over Riley making the people love her even more for her righteous anger. Her promises to bring those responsible to justice along with making the orchard bigger than before made him nearly burst with pride.

She had grown into her role more so than he had ever imagined. Gone was the timid young waitress from New York who uttered no comment when reporters surrounded her. She was a confident woman now who could think on her feet.

Justin thought she was more attractive than the first time he had seen her floundering in front of the cameras, in desperate need of a hero. It hadn't been a bother to rush to her side then and put his arm around her. Her wide eyes had lifted to his and he had nearly melted from her beauty.

He still couldn't believe that she forgave Liam for choosing another over her. Granted Madeleine impressed him with how she could manipulate reporters into spinning a story to her advantage, but Riley was so many things that the cold countess was not. She deserved better than what she got.

And he planned on giving it to her.

*****************

A week after the orchard burning, he turned to see the one rarely far from his thoughts.

"Justin!" Riley rushed over to engulf him in a hug.

"How's my favorite media darling?" He asked.

She leaned back and gave him that smile that was brighter than flash bulbs. "Much better now that I know you're recovering." She playfully glanced about before whispering, "Save me from Madeleine!"

He laughed as he hugged her once more. "I don't know. I've seen her work and can't find fault with it."

Riley pouted. She linked her arm with his as they walked down the hospital hallway. "I prefer your guidance to hers." Her nose wrinkled. "It's weird being told how to act by Liam's former fiancée. I know there wasn't anything between them, but still."

Justin patted her hand. "Tell you what. If Madeleine is unable to do her job or you decide to fire her, then I will gladly step back into my old position." He dug around in his pocket for the earpiece she had used during Liam's engagement tour.

Her smile reappeared. "Old faithful."

"I'm always Just-in-time." He teased.

*****************

It had been too close. He hadn't expected Riley to go anywhere near Constantine. And there she was, by Liam's side, graciously accepting some necklace from the old man who had destroyed her initial happily ever after.

His heart had nearly stopped as he watched rubble fall around them. Riley had frozen in fear over Liam's safety. It was a nightmare come to life as pieces of the wall and ceiling began to collapse.

At least one good thing had come from this: one king was dead.

It sadly wasn't the king he needed to die.

Justin began to plan how he would comfort Riley once Liam was gone. He wouldn't have to tell her it was he, himself, who orchestrated his death. But he would make certain to enjoy the benefits of it.

His eyes narrowed over another slight problem he had.

He was going to have to kill his own wife too.

******************

Lythikos...

It had been almost too easy. Madeleine was already in need of a distraction after hearing Liam gush over how excited he was to marry Riley in a few weeks. Once she requested a fruity cocktail, he knew then that the poison could go undetected taste wise.

The bartender left to go replenish the champagne. Madeleine's irritation over having to wait on a refill was drawing attention.

"Here." He grinned at her. "Allow me to make you another."

Her eyes widened. "Aren't you that press secretary that helped Riley?"

"I am." He began to mix a strong cocktail for her while adding the poison, all right under her nose. "And I must say you are the best I've ever seen."

Madeleine's irritation disappeared over the compliment. "I am, aren't I?"

"Riley's lucky to have someone so knowledgeable in ways of both the court and public like you." He added.

"Yes, she is." Madeleine muttered. "I'll do anything for my country, even if it is a thankless job."

"You should be recognized for your sacrifice." Justin handed her the deadly drink.

"Yes, I should." She took a gulp.

"How is it?" He asked.

"It's the only good thing here." A tipsy grin appeared on her face when she saw Riley. She grasped Justin's hand and pulled him in her wake. "Let's go say, hi."

"Boooooo!" Madeleine giggled when Riley turned around. "It's the ghosts of press secretary past and present."

"The what now?" Riley lips trembled with suppressed laughter as she looked up at Justin for clarification.

"I'm the ghost of press secretary past." He winked at her.

"OoooOooo!" Madeleine swayed where she stood.

"Whoa, there." Riley tried to steady her. "You okay?"

"She's had a little too much." Justin mimed drinking.

"It's a party!" Madeleine slurred. "It's in the worst place ever but it's a party and I'm going to...going to..."

"Enjoy it?" Riley offered.

"Extractly!" Madeleine's brow wrinkled over that not being the right word. "Expactly?"

"Exactly." Justin corrected.

"That."

The crowd quieted around them when Olivia took the stage to offer a final toast of the evening to Liam and Riley's wedding.

"Woo!" Madeleine cheered.

Riley and Justin tried to shush her.

Her giddy smile fell as her rosy cheeks drained of color. "Somefing's not..."

"Madeleine?" Riley lost her grip on her when she swayed violently to the right. "What's--"

Madeleine hit a table, causing the plates to clatter and the vase of blood red roses to fall over.

"I hate this place." She collapsed on the floor.

"Madeleine!" Riley dropped to her knees and tried to bring her to. "Liam! Mara! Come quick!"

Justin stepped back as the two came to see what was wrong. He watched as Olivia made her way through the crowd to find out what the all the fuss was about.

"What's wrong with her?" Riley asked.

"She's been poisoned." Mara whispered.

*******************

Justin loved seeing the delighted surprise once more on Riley's face when he said he would take over Madeleine's duties for the rest of the tour. It would have been a perfect moment if Liam had not been standing there. He was ashamed to think of his nearly giving himself away when he panicked at the sight of Olivia walking in behind him.

He wished Lucretia would quit trying to push Olivia into going into the family vault. She had a sick sense of humor in wanting her niece to discover she was already married. For some reason, she did not approve of the way her niece depended on her friends for support.

Justin knew the power friends could have. Had he not been trained by his own parents' friends, he wouldn't be the worthy man next in line to the throne. His comradery with his own men inspired their loyalty and willingness to die to make him king.

He needed to distance himself from Lucretia the moment they got out of Lythikos.

****************

She was supposed to come alone! Why did she bring Riley? I can't kill her. I need her. I deserve to have a choice in the one I want ruling by my side. The people already adore her, much more so than they admire Olivia. I was supposed to become free of this marriage. Once she and Liam are dead, I'll be able to be king and have--

"Justin?" Riley's eyes were clouded with confusion as she looked first at a picture of him dressed in a royal uniform. "What is this?"

"I'm sorry, Riley." His voice cracked on her name.

Justin reached in his pocket and pulled out a revolver.

Lucretia cackled with glee as she told her niece the truth about her marriage.

Justin stood there silently as the woman he loved shook her head in denial.

She's so incredibly sweet to doubt a friend could be the bad guy. I hate that I can't pull her away from all this and simply explain why I should be the ruler of Cordonia. I deserve it. I worked for it. My entire life was made for me to take the crown. She would be able to understand that. Look how far she's come in her own life. Who could imagine a waitress from some dive bar in America would come to be the next queen of a small European nation?

"Do it already!" Lucretia hissed. "Shoot her!"

He couldn't do it. Even as he held the gun steady, pointed directly at the woman he loved's heart, he couldn't shoot Riley.

"Get away from her!" Liam ordered.

Justin spun around to see the king and guards filling up the narrow passageway.

"I thought you said this was secure." Justin snapped at Lucretia.

"It was." She held her hands up in surrender.

Justin watched as she stepped forward, pretending to stumble.

His eyes widened as once again his love was trapped within a collapsing room.

He managed to see her safely end up in Liam's arms before escaping through a hidden passage.

He left Lucretia to the guards. She had served her purpose and was sadly of no use to him any longer. Now he could plan what he truly wanted to happen.

*******************

Liam and Riley's wedding day...

"I don't care who you kill. Olivia and Riley are to be taken alive." Justin told the small team of men he was sending in. "If you have to wound them to get them here, make certain Riley's is non life threatening.

He ignored the questioning look Claudius sent his way.

"Bring them both to our stronghold." His eyes narrowed. "Do not fail me."

****************

Later that night...

"Good work." Justin straightened his jacket. He wanted to look his best when he saw Riley again.

Claudius smirked at him. "Just think of all the men we would still have if you had let me go alone."

Justin chuckled. "True, but at least we are free of our weakest links." He smoothed his hair back. "Now take me to our guests."

***************

"I know the real Justin is somewhere in there." Riley leaned as far forward as her bindings allowed. "You helped me gain the love of the people. You know that if you kill me, the people will not readily accept you as king."

He couldn't help but smile. "I know and that is why I don't intend to hurt you."

"Then why kidnap us?" Olivia demanded.

He turned toward her. "If I'm to be king, then I have to take the necessary steps to claim the throne." He motioned for Claudius to come in.

"You're the one who shot Drake!" Olivia shouted, struggling against the ropes biting into her tender skin. "You'll regret that."

"And you tried to kill me!" Riley added, narrowing her eyes.

"That was a mistake." Justin quickly said. "You were never to be harmed."

"Then why all the attempts?" She asked. "Why do you persist in--"

"You weren't supposed to be here, Riley." He knelt down in front of her. "You should have stayed in New York until the time was right"

Her eyebrows drew together. "What are you talking about.

Justin asked Claudius to remain with Olivia while he took Riley somewhere private.

"If you think for one second that I will remain with this man while you take her away go do only God knows what," Olivia's chair creaked at her straining to break free, "then you don't know what a Nevarkis is truly made of!"

Justine rolled his eyes over her rant as he untied Riley from her chair. He kept her ankles and wrists bound together. He swept her into his arms and carried her out.

Olivia's shouts were silenced by the sound of a hard slap.

Riley struggled in Justin's arms. "What did he do to her? OLIVIA?!" Tears streamed down her cheeks. "Justin, please don't--"

"Nothing's happened to her." He took her into a surprisingly clean, yet drab, sitting room.

Riley was dropped on a chaise lounge. She eyed the door then Justin.

"I'm not going to hurt you." He repeated. He gently cupped her cheek, fingers brushing along her jaw line. "I love you too much to ever harm you."

Riley stilled. She looked up at him. "You what?"

He knelt before her. "I'm in love with you. It didn't hit me until you told me you had accepted Liam's proposal on the train. I didn't plan it, but I refuse to hide my feelings any longer." He smiled at her. "You've proven yourself as the rightful Queen of Cordonia. Once Liam and Olivia are dead, you and I can rule this country as we see fit. We'll--"

Riley shook her head. "Justin," she believed he was deranged and knew she had to handle this carefully, "I'm flattered. Really I am. I mean, we both know I would never have gotten this far without you."

His smile grew at her realizing she owed him for her meteoric rise within the court.

"But if you kill Liam and Olivia, the people will not feel any love or loyalty for you." She tilted her head as she studied him. "Surely you see the problem with this plan."

"People respect power." He explained. "They respect someone who fights for what is rightfully his. Since my birth, I have been meant for something greater. My parents, Olivia's family, even my soldiers realized that I alone am worthy to rule over this country." He focused once more upon her. "And I've seen that you are the one to do so by my side."

Riley shook her head. "Justin, I am honored," her voice cracked on that lie, "to have your love but I can't accept it." Her eyes filled with tears. "I'm in love with Liam."

"Riley, he didn't choose you." Justin argued. "He left you on your own to fight against nobles, the press, even his own father. You deserve so much more than being an afterthought."

Tears slipped down her cheeks once more. "That wasn't what he did. He was trying to protect me. And I--"

He leaned down and kissed her.

She froze at the touch, refusing to participate.

"Once Liam's gone, you will see the truth." Justin promised.

"I won't." Her eyes narrowed. "As long as I live, I'll hate you with everything within me for taking him from me."

"You don't have it in you." He shook his head in amusement. "You've forgiven everyone. Olivia, Penelope, Madeleine, even Constantine. You never hold a grudge."

"You'll be my first." Riley vowed. "Liam is the love of my life. If you ruin my chance to finally be with him, I will never forgive you. As long as there is breath in my body, I will find a way to destroy you."

"You are amazing." He murmured, knowing she was speaking from her heart. He couldn't wait for that devotion to be for himself.

"Anton?"

The two turned to see Claudius in the doorway. "Liam should be here any moment."

Justin nodded and told him he would meet him and the rest of the men downstairs.

He lifted Riley in his arms and placed her back in the cell with Olivia.

His wife had the bruised imprint of Claudius's hand on her alabaster cheek. Blood had dried on her bottom lip. No tears had fallen from the force of the hit. Her left eye was bloodshot as she glared up at him.

"Liv?" Riley choked out. "Are you--"

"I'm fine." Her harsh answer echoed in the chamber. "It will take more than some two bit thug to hurt me." Her eyes did a quick scan to make certain Riley wasn't hurt.

"If you will excuse me, I have to go prepare for Liam's last night on earth." He retied Riley to her chair.

She threw her head back with all her might to connect with his face.

His glasses broke from the force of her strike. Blood poured out his nose as he stumbled away from her.

"Don't ever," his voice dropped to a hiss, "do that again, my love." He gripped her chin and jerked her face up toward his. "You will learn how to behave soon enough."

He slammed the cell door and left them alone.

"Did he hurt you?" Olivia whispered.

"No." Riley bit her bottom lip. "Not yet."

*****************

"Where is my wife?" Liam demanded.

Justin couldn't help but be impressed. The young king was standing before him, completely outnumbered, yet didn't show the slightest flicker of fear.

He asked the one question that he himself would have asked if Riley was taken from him.

"She is well." Justin replied. "Which is something I can't promise about your own well being."

"I want to see her." Liam bit out. "Now!"

Justin's chuckle was interrupted by a hastily whispered message from Claudius. His head jerked around to search the dim hallway as if doing so would reveal the missing prisoners.

How had they escaped?

"You don't get to make demands here." He snapped at Liam.

"Let Riley and Olivia go." Liam ordered. "And I will take their place." His eyes narrowed. "I know it is a temporary one."

Justin couldn't help but smile. The man was indeed brave to trade his life for Riley and Olivia's.

"No!" Riley screamed out from the stairs.

Chaos broke out as she led the charge to attack the Sons of the Earth. Justin watched as she ran over to protect Liam's back.

The couple were doing their utmost to protect the other from harm.

Their friends were taking his well trained soldiers out one by one. It was embarrassing to see how pitiful his men fought.

Olivia moved into his line of sight. Fury blazed across her delicate features.

"I'm impressed." He told her, unsheathing his sword. "I should have searched you myself."

"Trust me." Olivia circled him. "It will be the last mistake you'll ever make!"

She lunged at him. He easily parried her attack. "I think you've forgotten that it was your parents who gave me the same training you had."

"I think you talk too much!" She twirled about, bringing her daggers up to stop his sword from meeting her shoulder. He grunted from her heel piercing his leg as she pushed off to break his hold.

They continued to try and deliver punishing blows to the other. She was desperate to kill the man who was after her friends and country. He was anxious to be free of their marriage.

He noticed from the corner of his eye Claudius and Drake fighting. His second in command stunned the commoner with an uppercut to his jaw, causing Drake to stumble back into a wall.

Olivia heard the scuffle and followed Justin's line of sight. Her face paled at Claudius moving towards Drake to end him once and for all.

With a flick of her wrists she not only slashed Justin but threw her other dagger at Claudius. It struck true along the side of his neck, cutting into his jugular. He let out a garbled scream as he fell to the floor.

Justin hissed at the deep gash she had made along his ribcage.

Seeing that it was a lost battle, he hopped the banister and began to rush upstairs. He would have to go into hiding once more before orchestrating another attack.

"This ends now!" Riley yelled out at him.

He spun around to see both her and Liam rushing toward him. He raised his sword, determined to put an end to the man who stood between him and the throne. He hesitated when Riley jumped in front of her husband.

"You're not taking him from me!" She raised her battle ax. "Every time you try, I will stop you."

Does Liam know how lucky he is? She waited on him to choose her. Twice! And now she stands here, ready to defend him to the death. How could any man not fall in love with Riley?

His refusal to fight her was his downfall. He was pushed over the banister by the royal couple. While his breath was knocked out, Maxwell and Hana bound his hands together behind his back.

He looked about at his fallen and captured comrades. His attention was drawn toward Olivia and Drake. The pair were covered in blood and bruises, yet they were leaning against each other. Drake had his arm around her while softly speaking. Whatever was said caused Olivia to press even closer to his side. Her arms slipped around his waist. Her eyes were closed tight as she allowed him to hold her.

Justin had suspected something more between the pair. It looked like his coup for the throne had accomplished something for them.

Bastien and the rest of the King's Guards rushed in. After talking to the king and new queen, he collected Justin and hauled him outside.

On the way, Justin met Riley's eyes.

There were so many things he wanted to explain to her. He believed she would have been on board with his plans for the kingdom. Once he had killed Liam and Olivia, he would be the benevolent king the country needed. Gone would be the purpose for pompous nobles. He would have established a council of Cordonia's citizens from all walks of life to advise him. People would be rewarded and honored for their service instead of simply being born to the right parents.

And she would have been his queen, guiding and protecting all she deemed worthy.

"Riley, I..."

"You will never ever hurt those I love again." She hissed.

"Take him away." Liam ordered, keeping his arms locked around his wife. "He will be dealt with in the morning."

Justin knew then that it was pointless to try and explain. She would never give him a chance after all that had occurred.

For the first time in his life, he realized that his intentions didn't matter to the one he loved most.

#the royal romance #trr #choices #trr liam #liam x riley #drake x olivia #justin x riley #choices the royal romance

[spacedikut]

“i want to love someone and be loved” ; spencer reid - part 1

pairing: spencer reid (criminal minds) x reader

summary: spencer makes a confession as you’re doing dishes together. this is from a prompt list but i can’t find it :( 1633 words. part 2 

a/n: this was originally a poe dameron thing but i started thinking about it with spencer and then there were tears streaming down my face then i wrote it

Your favourite memories with the team are always those where you really feel like a family. Most days these are only fleeting moments, less than five minute conversations filled with banter and affectionate insults, but there are times, like now, where you’re all sat around Rossi’s dinner table with too much wine and too much pasta (although there is no such thing), and you feel like you might cry from happiness.

You’re a family.

The downside to being a family is you get treated like a family member, meaning when you and Spencer are assigned to clean dishes, dry them and put them away, you sulk to the kitchen just like you did when you were eleven and your younger sibling got out of helping by claiming he has too tired.

At least you can stare at Spencer as you do it.

In the kitchen, you’re working in perfect harmony – you, elbow deep in somehow tolerable hot water, scrubbing away at the bowls and plates stained with pasta sauce, and Spencer who methodically dries said bowls and plates with a worrying amount of scrutiny.

Right before you open your mouth to ask him if he’s okay, Spencer speaks.

“What do you think of love?”

Huh. Didn’t expect that.

“Love is… is good, I guess.”

You’re not sure what to say, or what he wants you to say. There’s obviously an answer he’s looking for, but you’re not sure you can provide it.

“Have you ever been in love?”

Your brows furrow. The question catches you off guard and your hand freezes mid-wipe. Why is he asking you this? It’s not that you’re not close with Spencer, cause you are, but you feel ill-equipped for this conversation. You wish you could somehow swap positions with Hotch, or Rossi, maybe Derek. Or Emily! Anyone, except you.

“I don’t think so, no, Spence.”

He grimaces.

“Why?”

“Well, because-cause…” He pauses and grits his teeth, as if the words are painful to force out, “I want to love someone and be loved.”

The confusion shines brightly in your eyes, “You are loved, Spence. Everyone in our unit would do anything for you, you know that. I’d go so far as to say you’re the favourite, probably the most loved person in the BAU.”

“No. No.” He shakes his head, “I want someone to love me. Romantically. Not Dr Spencer Reid of the BAU, notorious rambler and know-it-all who’s exceptionally good at pissing people off. I want them to love me – Spencer – the guy who is a technophobe, a pretty bad shot, and secretly wants to be a cowboy. The guy who has a recurring dream that Morgan forces me into a room where I’m plunged into darkness and Doctor Who is playing but it’s in a language I don’t understand. I don’t.. I don’t want someone that’ll make me feel like a baby, like the team sometimes does, you know? I think I’d be a great partner and I just… I just want someone to share something with. Something good, something pure, in this job where we face evil and demise every day.”

You’re in stunned silence when he makes eye contact, hands stilled mid-air as you gape at him.

“Sorry. Totally unloaded a lot of emotional stuff on you there – my bad. Uhh..” He clears his throat.

The air becomes awkward as you figure out how to reply. You flounder. You don’t know what to follow that speech with. It almost feels like the right time to admit your feelings for him, but a second later you realise this conversation sounds a lot like one you’d have with someone you definitely do not have feelings for. You’re just a consultation, you’re not the end goal. Suddenly, you wish you had been assigned to clearing the table rather than washing up.

Swallowing what feels like pure acid, you begin, “That’s sweet, Spence. Genuinely. And there’s nothing wrong with wanting that.” You want to reach out and touch him, but your hands are now submerged in water, and touching him might break you. “So what’s stopping you?”

“Huh?”

“What’s stopping you from getting that?” You ask. “I’ve seen you. When you put your mind to it, you can be preeeetty smooth with the ladies. Remember the magic trick you did for that one girl?” Spencer gives a small, shy smile, “Exactly! So what’s stopping you?”

Spencer looks like a deer in headlights. What is stopping him? He’s proud to say his confidence has exponentially grown since joining the BAU. When he started, his self-esteem was non-existent, but times passed and he’s grown to accept himself the way he is. It helps that you’ve been there, cheering him on and showering him in compliments whenever he starts to doubt himself. Initially, Spencer thought you were doing it just to get on his good side, maybe build some good karma, but somewhere along the line he started to somewhat agree with you. The compliments never ceased.

“Well,” He starts, “I’m picky.”

You scoff, “Yeah, if I was you, I’d be picky.”

You turn and squirt some dish soap into the sink, smiling when Spencer laughs, “What does that mean?!”

“You know what it means! I always say you could be a ladies man if you truly put your mind to it, and I stand by that. You’re a ten out of ten on a bad day so, yeah, you should be picky. I’m tempted to say no one is worthy, but I’ve already inflated your ego too much.”

He grins at your teasing and licks his lips, “There is one person.”

“Oh?” You ask, interest piqued. You ignore the pang in your heart.

“Yeah. She’s really cool. It’s kind of terrifying.”

You giggle at that. There’s a warmth to Spencer’s words, and you realise whoever this girl is is super fucking lucky. He’s completely and utterly smitten and she doesn’t even know it. You kind of hate her.

“So are you gonna tell her?” You ask.

He shrugs, “I guess so. Should I?”

Finally done with the washing up, you move to put the dried plates into their cupboards. With a quizzical look, you say, “You’re really asking me that? Yes, you should tell her.”

“Would you tell her?”

“God, no.”

“What?!”

“I’m shy when it comes to that stuff! I’d rather ferment my feelings and then tell myself to get over it and never think of it again.”

“Sounds healthy.”

You grin, turning to lean against the counter next to Spencer, “I would tell her if I was you, though. You’re sweet, attractive, and you have more than just your looks going for you. If I was you and got rejected I’d be like… okay, cool. I’ll just go bang every one of your friends, then.”

Spencer guffaws, “You’d what?!”

“I’m kidding!” You laugh, a hearty laugh at his expression. The pure shock and borderline disgust makes you oddly proud. It’s a rare reaction from Spencer.

He rolls his eyes but still smiles. His eyes lock on your face and you can’t pinpoint what emotion is pouring out of them, but it’s so strong that it shoots panic through you. You quickly turn and pick up as many glasses as you can, manoeuvring to the opposite side of the kitchen.

You can’t be thinking about him like that if he’s about to admit his feelings for someone else.

“So, you gonna tell her?” You try to sound nonchalant, but you can’t deny you’re unbelievably curious.

Spencer hums, but still sounds unsure, “I think I will.”  

“If she’s as great as you think she is, no matter her response she’ll handle it well. Otherwise, she wasn’t worth your time anyway.”

Behind your back, Spencer barely contains a gentle smile and thinks, yeah, you are pretty great.

“What did you say?” You swing around to face him.

Spencer straightens up and furiously dries the last bowl, “What?”

“You mumbled something.”

“Oh, I don’t know.”

You’re visibly bemused but don’t say anything. Spencer opens his mouth to speak, maybe tell you what he should’ve a while ago, when Emily comes sliding in.

“Garcia has had too much wine and I’m one glass away from joining her. Y/N, are you ready to head home?”

You roll your eyes and nod. In hindsight, you’re glad that you refused the big glass of wine Rossi initially offered you because you knew this would happen and you’d be taking drunk girls home. “Yeah, all good. Spence, is it okay if I leave you to put the last few dishes away?”

Spencer nods eagerly and glances at Emily when she sways, “No problem. Drive safe.”

You mumble a thanks and move to the living room to collect your bag. Garcia is splayed across the biggest couch and you can’t help but aww at her sleeping form. Just an hour ago she was giving a sermon on why Hotch is the best dad and how that translates to the bedroom (why did no one stop her), and now she looks at peace with the world in the fluffiest pillows you’ve ever seen. Then she chokes, snorts, and springs upright with a loud “Derek!” and you jump back at her volume. When she sees you, she looks like she’s found the cutest kitten and makes grabby hands, asking for a hug.

Yeah, it’s time to go home.

Just before you leave Rossi’s house, you turn to Spencer and shout across, “Good luck, Spence!”

Morgan turns to Spencer and silently asks what? And Spencer barely acknowledges him, “I’ve got big plans for tomorrow.”

“Big plans, huh?” Morgan teases.

“Yeah. Big plans, big payoff, and all that.”

Looking over your shoulder, you give one final wave after tying Garcia to her seat.

Spencer wonders if you realise you’re his big plan.

#spencer reid x reader #spencer reid fanfic #criminal minds x reader #criminal minds fanfic #mine #uhhhh this has been edited so many times and i hate it and can't bear to look at it anymore #so if theres mistakes look away

[duskholland]

Okay but fwb!roommate!Tom and you trying to have sex, but Harrison or one of Tom's brothers is staying for the week and no one knows you're hooking up?

au: fwb!roommate!Tom

18+ !!!! contains nsfw material. extended warnings beneath the cut.

warnings: unprotected shower sex. please practise safe sex!! condoms act as barriers against STIs as well as unplanned pregnancy. 

---------

When your flatmate Tom had asked if he could let his brother, Harry, bunk down at your place for the week, you’d been quick to agree. What you hadn't realised in your naivety was that you'd just signed up to the week from hell.

It’s not that Harry’s a difficult guest to have. Really, it’s quite the opposite: Harry is a lot quieter and neater than Tom, and he at least knows how to keep the kitchen tidy. He’s sleeping in Tom’s room, and whenever you’re home he’s either stolen away in there or he’s laying out on the couch, but he keeps to himself. He’s nice - friendly and warm, just like Tom - and you guys get along fine.

Just… Harry is an exceptional cock-block, and it’s beginning to get on your very last nerve.

To be fair to him, Harry doesn’t know that there’s anything going on between you and Tom. And really, there isn’t anything going on - you’re just friends with benefits who happen to live together. You’ve known Tom for years, and it had made sense to move in together for your third years of uni… Just like it had also made sense to act on that thick sexual tension that’d been hanging between you like a dark cloud.

So sometimes you and Tom shag. Usually in his room, or your room, sometimes in the shower, a few times on the couch… And it’s electric, and consuming, and completely fulfilling, but now his brother Harry is staying and you can’t seem to find the time or opportunity to jump Tom like your body aches to.

“Stop it,” Tom mutters. You’re sitting beside him on the sofa, watching one of Harry’s latest short-films through the banged-up tv that rests on the coffee table.

“Stop what?” You whisper, a smirk in your voice.

“You know what.”

You’ve got your hand resting on Tom’s thigh, beneath the blanket that covers you both. You’re pulled nicely into his side, his strong bicep keeping you close to him, and the position makes it oh so easy to just...let your hand wander up and down his inner thigh. You wouldn’t risk anything else - not with Harry sitting so close - but you’d be lying if you said you don't enjoy watching Tom’s jaw clench and unclench, his cheeks slowly rounding out with a pale pink blush.

“I miss you,” you mutter, tilting your mouth so it’s near his ear. Your eyes flicker out to Harry, and you note he’s still wrapped up in the scenes on the tv, so you add, “It’s been five days since you’ve fucked me, Tom. We haven't gone this long in forever.” 

Tom swallows, his eyes skittering over your face, and his gaze darkens as he takes in the aroused glint that dances in your stare. One of Tom’s hands wanders up from your shoulder to push some hair from your face, and he replies quietly, “You’re going to have to wait another two days.” 

You almost release a frustrated groan, but you remember to bite it back at the last minute.

“C’mon, Tom,” you coax instead, fluttering your lashes. “I know you want to.” Your hand twitches further towards his cock, and you can feel the strain on the material of his jeans. “Just one, quick fuck? Please.” 

“We can’t. He’s always around.” 

“Can’t you just… make him go out?” 

“You think I haven’t been trying?”

“Well, can you try a little harder-”

“You guys know I can hear you whispering, right?” 

Harry joins your conversation and you startle, an embarrassed smile curling around your lips. 

“Sorry, Harry,” you reply, hoping desperately he hasn’t heard the words of your conversation.

“What are you saying?” 

Tom clears his throat. “Just, uh, complimenting your camera work,” he lies, giving his brother a forced smile. “Hey, what was that technique just then?”

You tune out the conversation and remove your hand from Tom’s thigh, crossing your arms over your chest instead.

The rest of the evening passes by just as frustratingly. You try to corner Tom in the corridor, only to hear Harry approaching right when your lips were almost on his, and then Tom tries to bend you over the counter in the kitchen, but of course, Harry decides it’s the perfect time to grab a cup of tea. It’s so fucking annoying, and eventually, you call it a night and run away into the bathroom to sulk in the shower. 

But you aren’t alone for long. 

Just as you’re getting the final shampoo suds from your hair, you hear the bathroom door open and you jump, clutching at your chest. Your eyes make out the familiar figure of Tom through the fogged-up glass, and you relax as you call out, 

“Being a creep again, Holland?” 

His short laugh brings a smile to your face, and you watch as his blurry figure sheds his clothes in record time. You step aside and pull open the cubicle doors, inviting him into the warm space, and the moment Tom’s beside you, he’s got his lips on yours and you’re being pushed against the tiled wall.

“Shit, you’re eager,” you mutter, reaching up to curl your fingers into Tom's hair. Water droplets spray from the showerhead, loosening up Tom’s hair and causing it to slowly curl up into loose waves, and you enjoy the feeling of his wet strands wrapped around your fingers. He kisses you intensely, his hands running easily over every curve of your soft skin, cupping at your boobs and your hips and grabbing at your ass until you’re moaning quietly into his mouth.

“Shhh, love,” Tom mutters. He kisses you again for good measure. “Harry’s waiting for me next door. Don’t make any noise.”

“Better be quick, then.” 

Tom settles closer, and you wrap your arms around his toned torso as you continue to kiss him. It feels so good to have his lips moving over yours, and you enjoy the feeling of him pushing his tongue into your mouth and kissing you messily. After a few moments, he steps in again, and you feel his hard cock pressing against your thigh.

“Fuck, Y/N,” Tom mutters, one of his hands trailing down to settle between your legs. You part your thighs further, allowing him to push two familiar fingers into your entrance. They sink into the knuckles and you whimper, your sensitive walls pulsing around him as he fucks you open quickly. “Missed feeling this fuckin’ pussy. Gonna be so tight for my cock, aren’t you?” 

You can only mewl in response as you buck your hips down to meet the tips of his fingers. 

“You want me to fuck you, eh? Right in this shower?” 

You grab at Tom’s shoulders and nod profusely, your body burning with desire.

“Please, Tom. Fuck me.”

“Shit, of course.”

His hand disappears, but before you can complain about your neglected pussy, Tom’s got his fingers on your waist and he’s carefully turning you around. Your shower has a series of shelves set into the wall, and they make the perfect handholds, so you settle your grip there and press out your ass, arching your back seductively. You throw your head over your shoulder and meet his dark, heady eyes, winking at him cheekily. 

“C’mon then,” you tease, grinning wider when Tom runs his cock through your slit. “Made me wait long enough, Tom, might as well- shit.”

Your taunts are cut off as Tom enters you in one slick thrust, and as he bottoms out, you groan in sync. The water drags your sounds away down the sinkhole, and you clench your fingers around the shelf. 

“So good,” he praises, his voice a whimper. Tom waits a few moments before pulling out and then entering you again, settling into an easy rhythm that satisfies you both. “Missed this so much, babe.”

There’s water flying everywhere, and the bathroom is echoey and noisy, but you don’t care because it feels so fucking good having Tom inside you again. He bends you over further, one hand on your waist as the other grabs at your ass, and you start pushing back against him to meet his thrusts, loud mewls falling past your lips every time he curves just right and nuzzles up against your g-spot.

“Tom, Tom, shit, I love your cock, keep going.”

It’s messy and he’s rough with you, but you love it. Love the burn of his hands grabbing at you, and the rough sounds of your wet skin slapping together. The sensations of his cock pounding into your desperate cunt makes you whimper, and it isn’t long before you’re bringing your hand down to fiddle with your clit.

“There you go, rub your clit for me, Y/N,” he says, his voice strained. “Getting so close, I want you to come as I fuck you.” 

Your bud pulses as you rub it harshly, feeling Tom’s thrusts growing sloppier as his quiet groans fill the room. He pushes you right to the edge, and then you find yourself falling over it, your body rolling around in arcs of pleasure as you try desperately to suppress your moans and whimpers. Tom curses, and you feel his cock twitch inside your pulsing walls as he empties his load into you. He fucks into you until you’re whimpering and panting, and then he’s quick to pull out and grab your waist and pull you flush against him, his lips finding yours as you moan into his mouth from surprise.

“That was so good,” he tells you, his eyes wide. Tom pulls away from your face, his tender gaze skittering out across your face. “I really missed being with you, Y/N. You… You’re incredible.” And there’s a softer tone to his voice that you’ve never really heard before, but you like it.

“You’re not too bad yourself, Tom,” you reply, licking your lips. You reach up and press your hand to his shoulder. “I missed you-”

“Y/N? You alright in there?”

For the second time this evening, you find the voice of Tom’s brother startling you. Harry’s concerned words drift in through the wooden door, and your eyes widen as you realise you’ve been taking a very long shower.

“Yeah! All good!” You call back, ignoring the way Tom looks incredibly amused as you flounder.

“Are you sure? I heard some noises…”

You curse, and you reach back to finally turn off the shower. 

“Yeah, yeah, I’m fine, sorry. I was just… singing.” 

Tom’s really enjoying himself now - a big cocky smirk on his lips. You scowl at him and push playfully at his chest, only to have him wrap you up in his arms and press a series of soft kisses to your shoulder. 

“Right, okay.” Harry falls silent for a moment, and Tom presses a long, teasing kiss to the base of your neck. “If you and Tom can hurry up, I’d really appreciate it. There’s only one bathroom in this flat.”

Tom freezes, and you exchange wide-eyed expressions of alarm.

“Shit.”

#i would like to apologise to harry holland for throwing him under the bus #tom holland #tom holland x reader #tom holland smut #tom holland x y/n #tom holland blurb #blurb night #tomblurbs #myblurbs #Anonymous #fwb!tom #roommate!tom #tom.filth #smut

[imagineaworlds]

I Love You (Part Fifty-Nine) -- Aaron Hotchner

Written By: @desperately-bisexual

Request: None.

Warnings: SMUT!! Cursing. Unprotected sex. Wrap it before you tap it, ladies, gentlemen, and nonbinary sibs. Dom/sub relationship. Bondage (ropes and handcuffs). Spanking. Sex toys (dildo and vibrator). Edging. Impregnation kink. The reader does go by they/them pronouns, however, Hotch refers to them as female when saying “good girl”. Revenge pornography. Non-consented photographed pornography.

Pairing: Aaron Hotchner x Greenaway!Reader

Word Count: 4564

Timeline: Right after part fifty-eight.

Criminal Minds Discord Server

When Sean left, Hotch saw him out, leading him downstairs and hailing a cab on his behalf. I watched from the window all the way up on our floor as Hotch waved goodbye to his brother. And then I raced to the living room. I waited in front of the door, tapping my foot anxiously, watching the doorknob until I saw it twist.

Hotch stepped in, silently closing the door behind him before he even looked up to see me standing there. And then our eyes met. My shoulders fell when I saw how disappointed he looked, and how upset he seemed about the whole situation. I didn’t need anyone to lay the details out for me. Knowing what Sean did, and knowing Hotch, I knew that Sean was now on his way to go turn himself in for illegally selling the alcohol from his old job—including the spiked bottles. For Hotch, the thought along was probably torture. But the fact that he was the reason that his own sibling was going to prison… that was unbearable, I could tell.

“I’m so sorry, my love,” I whispered, carefully approaching him. He slid his palms onto my cheeks. “It’s going to be okay.” I leaned up on my tiptoes to kiss him. When he didn’t kiss back, I asked, “Do you want to talk about it?”

He shook his head. “Honestly… I just want to forget about it for now and continue where we left off before this whole mess came about. Can we do that?”

“Of course.”

Hotch leaned in this time, kissing me with a desperate and fiery passion compared to my light and gentle kiss prior, and I kissed back. It took a few minutes for us to slide into Dom and sub space. We were stumbling around the house, hands wandering around each other’s bodies, breathless kisses stringing one after the other, moans escaping us every so often as he got hard and I got wet. And then we made it to the bedroom.

I tried to jump up and into his arms, but he held me down, Dom space finally setting in. I watched him, trying to gauge if it was worth being a brat right now or not. I couldn’t tell. Honestly, when Hotch was stressed by outside pressures, he had a tendency to lose his cool and take it out on me—not that I ever minded—but since he has a tendency to Dom drop after intense scenes, I was worried that me acting up would make his temper worse, and while it would be fun for the next few hours, he was ultimately going to crash hard, and I didn’t want to do that to him now.

“Whatever you want,” I whispered to him. “I’m yours.” I looked over his shoulder to see the black box still sitting on the dresser from where we left off earlier. “Black box?” He nodded. “I love you.” I moved to kiss him, but he wrapped his hand around my neck and squeezed until I stopped moving. “Sir,” I quickly added. “I love you, Sir.”

He was still glaring at me slightly as he moved his hand from my neck up to my chin, holding me still so that I had to stare directly into his eyes as he pressed his thumb against my lips. I knew what he wanted. Since Halloween, he had discovered just how much he loved it when I would suck on his thumb because it wasn’t enough for me to know that I was getting him off, but it reminded him of what it felt like to have my mouth around his length. In a way, I supposed, it was some kind of punishment. It was like telling me that I wasn’t worth his cock, and I fucking loved it.

“Down,” he said gruffly, his thumb pushing on the soft patch of my mouth under my tongue. I moved with the pressure, slowly laying down on my back while he towered over me. “Suck.” I closed my lips around him and sucked on his thumb like he asked. “I think…” He hesitated as my tongue maneuvered under his thumb and licked. “I think I need to do more.”

I knew what he meant. We were rough, but there was always an extent with him. He never, ever wanted to hurt me, and I, of course, appreciated that. But I could see how stressed he was. I could tell that he needed to somehow get his anger out about Sean. If he needed to, he could do more with me. He could be different with me. If there was ever a point that I thought he was going too far, I’d stop him. He had to know that. I trusted him wholeheartedly, and I needed him to trust me.

I slowly slid my mouth off his thumb. “I’ll use Colors.”

“I won’t gag you, then.”

I nodded. “I’ll be fine.”

“I love you.”

“I love you,” I repeated lustfully.

He quickly grabbed the hem of my pants and panties together. With one smooth motion, he pulled them down and off my legs entirely, then threw them somewhere else in the room. I hissed at the feeling.

Hotch flipped me onto my stomach roughly, making sure to lean back in time so that I wouldn’t accidentally kick him. I gasped as he did so, trying to bite back any questions or retorts running through my head. After a moment of watching me get settled, Hotch slapped my ass. I yelped and tried to crawl away somewhat, but Hotch grabbed my thighs to hold me still. With his grip still on my left thigh, he raised his right hand again and smacked me. I yelped again.

“Shut up,” he demanded.

I whimpered before biting down on the sheet. When he knew that I was ready, he switched which hand was grabbing and which one was in the air. I tensed up, waiting for the next smack, but it didn’t come. I shifted around somewhat, trying to get a feel of where he was, and the second my guard was down, he slapped my ass again. And then he did again even harder. My teeth grabbed the sheet harder as I suppressed a moan.

“Good girl.”

Both of his hands were off of me now, hanging somewhere up in the air. I tensed again as I waited, but Hotch was playing a game. He was waiting for an appropriate amount of time to pass before I would subconsciously relax, and then he’d ruin it by spanking me again. Just as predicted, both of his hands came down on me when I let out a breath and released my hold on the sheets slightly.

“Fuck!” I cried out.

“Color,” he said after hesitating for a moment.

“Green, Sir.” Of course, it was green. I didn’t hate it. I didn’t want him to stop. If this was “more”, I wanted to know what absolutely losing control was, because this was hardly more. But maybe that was just the difference between me and Hotch.

“Good girl,” he cooed happily. After a moment, while I still expected him to spank me again, but I didn’t tense up to keep playing along with his game, he surprised me when two of his fingers dragged up my slit from my clit to my entrance.

“Sir,” I moaned, falling limp against the bed.

“I told you to be quiet, brat.” He spanked me with a little more force than before. I nearly moaned again, but I held it back by biting on the sheets again. “I don’t want to gag you, baby, but you’ve gotta be quiet for me.” I nodded. “Good girl.” He shifted off the bed and I heard him sifting through the black box. “Blue or purple?” he asked himself quietly. “Blue.”

I whimpered and cringed slightly, trying to pull my body together like that would somehow make me disappear. But it didn’t do anything. Hotch still noticed me, and he was still excited to toy with me. So, when I felt the mattress sink behind me as he crawled back onto the bed, I prepared for the worst.

Hotch grabbed my left ankle and bent it backwards up to my thigh carefully to make sure it wasn’t too painful for me. When I didn’t say anything, he kept going. I felt the sting of rope dig around my ankle and thigh as he expertly tied them together. He asked if that felt alright once I was secured and I couldn’t even wiggle my calf away from my thigh. After I told him it was fine, he moved to do the same thing with the other leg.

I didn’t even realize Hotch was capable of doing a Shibari leg tie— especially one like this. I hadn’t taught him how to do it, that was for sure. Yeah, there had been mentions of it over the course of a few different cases over the years, but that always seemed like Reid and Rossi’s thing. I never thought that Hotch would go out of his way to learn how to do it. This kind of bondage wasn’t at all “vanilla” compared to what he was used to. He liked simply tying me to the bed with knots or using handcuffs if he needed. But Shibari took skill and time. This one wasn’t the most complicated of ties, to be fair, but still. The positioning and the spiraling ropes and knots around my thighs and calves was impressive. That must have been the “more” he had been referencing.

“Color, baby,” he whispered while admiring his work. He leaned down to kiss my shoulder blade and I bit back a moan when I felt his clothed erection press against my core. When I told him that my color was still green, he smirked against my skin and grinded against me, probably leaving a wet spot on his pants. “You’re so wet, baby, and all I’ve done is spank you.” He sat up straight again, and in an instant, he started spanking both of my cheeks again and again as hard as he was willing to go with me. My thighs squirmed and my toes wiggled around, but that was the extent of how far I could move now. “Look at you,” he chuckled. “At my mercy.”

I turned to puddy under him in response. It didn’t matter how hard he was continuously hitting me, his words never failed to make me swoon and submit. Then, when he suddenly leaned down and licked a single strip up my slit, I floundered again. It felt so good, and I was desperate for more of that, but he had already pulled away because he knew that it felt too good.

“You taste so good, baby,” he complimented before lightly spanking me one more time. We both sighed when he stopped, but obviously for different reasons. As he rolled off the bed again, I slumped and tried to catch my breath. “I like watching you squirm. It’s my favorite part when I tie you up. But you know what’s even better— the real cherry on top, if you will.” It was a rhetorical question. “I like watching you fall apart when I don’t give you permission to cum. I like how it becomes almost painful for you to keep edging and holding your orgasms back.” He approached the bed once more. “Hands back.” I did as I was told, stretching my arms behind me, and pressing my wrists together. The freezing metal touch of handcuffs slapped against both of my wrists and he tightened both ends as much as possible. My face fell into the mattress when I felt the tip of a toy press against my clit. I knew that it wasn’t him. I could tell the difference between cold, soft rubber and his warm, hard cock. “It’s the blue one,” he explained.

I only had two different dildos. A purple and a blue one. Before, when Hotch was whispering to himself, I thought he was debating between rope colors, but I soon realized that he was planning ahead for the real torture to come. The purple one was slimmer, but it was more Hotch’s length. The blue one, his favorite, was only a few inches shorter, but it was much thicker. He liked watching it stretch me whenever he’d thrust it in and out of me at an unrelenting pace. He enjoyed watching how the first few seconds of insertion made me tense and cringe as I tried to accommodate the toy. He liked imaging that it was him doing that to me while still enjoying how it tortured me that it wasn’t really him.

“Do you want it?” he asked wickedly. I nodded. “Say it.”

“I want it, Sir. Please, Sir.”

Hotch slowly slid the dildo in, listening to me moan as I was stretched and filled by every inch. The rubber feel was an obvious difference in comparison to Hotch’s dick, but it still felt good regardless. “Don’t push it out,” he ordered once I had all of it inside me. I gulped and nodded. I squeezed my walls around the girth of it, making sure to hold it in place. “Good girl.” And then he pressed a working vibrator to my clit.

“Sir—” I gasped. My fingers stretched out, trying to reach for the toys I clearly wouldn’t be able to move away.

“I want you to beg for more.”

My eyes shot wide as I glanced up at the headboard. “Sir?”

“I won’t gag you; so, I want to hear you beg for what you want, knowing that I won’t give it to you. Maybe then I’ll think about letting you cum.”

“Please—” I immediately stopped when I felt him turn up the speed on the vibrator and hold it steady so that it was pressed directly on my clit. “Please, Sir. Please. Please. Please—”

“You’re going to have to do better than that, slut,” he hissed as he spanked me with his free hand. I tried to hide my face in the mattress again, but Hotch fisted his hand around my hair and pulled me to look up at the headboard. “I told you to beg.”

I took a moment to collect my thoughts while my eyes were screwed shut in response to my hair being pulled and held. “Sir… Please fuck me with the toy. Please make me cum—” My breath sputtered as Hotch released my hair, and grabbed the end of the dildo, then slowly and barely fucked it in and out of me. I fell forwards against the bed. “Just like that, Sir— Fuck! Yes— Please, Sir. Don’t stop. Please make me cum. Please let me cum.”

“So needy,” he hummed happily.

“I’m gonna—”

“No.” He caught me before I could even say it. He stole the vibrator away from me, ensuring that my peak could subside before it could even really build in the first place. I whined and squirmed. “Hold fucking still, whore.” He spanked me again, and I obeyed. He started moving the dildo again, making sure that its pace and strength wasn’t hard enough to wind me up again. “Color.”

“Green, Sir.”

“My good girl…” He slapped my thigh. “Do you want it again?” he asked when the buzzing of the vibrator echoed in the room again.

“Yes, Sir.”

He pressed it to my clit, making me squirm around the dildo. “Hold still or I’ll take it all away.” I whimpered. “I’ll just leave you like this while I cum in you and plug you full.” I whimpered again. “And then I’ll use you whenever I want.” I moaned. “You want me to use you like that, whore?” I moaned. “Speak.”

“Yes, Sir.”

He chuckled to himself. “You’re so predictable.” He lifted the vibrator away from me again. “I can see you tensing around the toy every time you get close. You’ve gotta work on hiding it better.”

“Sir, please, I’ll do anything. Just let me cum. Please.”

“No.”

“Please.”

“No.” He pressed it to me again, holding it there until I was at the very edge again, at which point, he took it away again. “How many is that now?” I was too frustrated to answer. “That wasn’t rhetorical, slut.” He spanked me again.

After I jolted and whimpered, I said, “Three, Sir.”

“Aw… Just three? You’ve done more before and you’ve never complained this much.”

“Well, you did leave me hanging earlier after a hard edge—”

He grabbed my hair again. “And I told you I would make it up to you. Am I not doing that now?” Now I was too scared to say anything. “If you’re not careful, I’ll just ruin you, then fuck your mouth so you don’t get anything out of it, then I will plug you full and leave you here. Got it? That isn’t rhetorical, either.”

“Yes, Sir,” I answered as quickly as possible. “I understand, Sir.”

He let go of my hair so that he could start fucking the dildo in and out of me again while pressing the vibrator back against my clit. I let out a defeated moan. I wasn’t going to escape this. Hotch was going to keep torturing me, and I the only choice I had was to accept it.

Another few edges passed, and every time they did, it got harder and harder to hold them back. Hotch wasn’t showing any remorse. But I could feel him getting antsy behind me, with how he was groaning and obviously palming himself while watching me squirm, cry, and scream. He was enjoying watching me suffer. After a bit longer, though, he couldn’t hold himself back any longer, just like on Halloween, and he had to have me.

Hotch pulled the dildo out of me and dropped it on the mattress, ignoring the way I whimpered when my walls clenched around nothing. He waited for another edge to approach before pulling the vibrator away. I whined.

“You never shut up,” he hissed, lining himself up with my entrance.

“Fuck, Sir…”

“Shhh… Just take… all of me…” He roughly thrust into me, holding me still my grabbing onto my hips.

“Fuck!”

“You’re so wet, shit—” It was like he couldn’t process any coherent thoughts either, because he stopped talking and just focused on fucking me as fast and hard as he could. “I love you.”

I wiggled my fingers behind my back for a second before I felt him hold my hands with one of his large palms. “Sir… Sir, please—”

He chuckled wickedly, knowing exactly why I was pleading, and he gave me what he wanted. Still fucking me from behind, he somehow managed to get the vibrator right against my clit, immediately tipping me over the edge. He hissed again when I tightened around his cock.

“I’m gonna cum, baby,” he growled into my ear. I moaned lightly. “Fuck—” He tightened his grip on my hips as his thrusts sped up and got harder. “Fuck, princess.” Holy shit. I melted at the name that wasn’t at all common for us, and I felt another orgasm already crashing through me without warning because of it. He snapped his hips forward, staying there as he came inside me, making sure that I took every single drop from him. I moaned into the sheets. “Fuck…” He was breathless now. After a second, he slowly slid in and out of me again, making us both whimper because we were so sensitive. “You did so well for me.” He ran his thumbs over the sore spots on my ass. “So well…” He finally slid out of me. “Are you okay?” I nodded. “Words.”

“Yes, Sir. I’m okay.” I collapsed onto the bed again, unable to keep myself up any longer.

Hotch chuckled. “I told you I’d break you.”

“Yeah, yeah.”

He found the end of the Shibari tie on my left leg and carefully started undoing it, holding my ankle to make sure that the second I had wiggle room I wouldn’t try to stretch and end up hurting myself. I let him kiss his way up from my ankle to my hip bone once the rope was gone from my skin, giving him a chance to slowly and safely stretch out. When my leg was completely extended and relaxed, he moved to the other one. I waited as he did the same thing.

When he was done, I rolled over to watch as he cleaned everything up. He wiped the toys down, putting them back in the black box, along with the ropes and handcuffs. After that, he disappeared to the bathroom. I smiled when he returned with a towel to clean me up since I was too weak right now to go do it myself. I moaned when he passed the towel between my thighs—but it wasn’t a sexual moan. I was just relaxing.

“You still okay?” he asked, tossing the towel to the side and climbing onto the bed with me. I nodded.

“Are you gonna drop?” I asked him worriedly while turning over to hug him. He hugged me back and hummed a “no” while kissing the top of my head. “You sure?”

“Yes. I’m sure.”

“You’re not lying?”

Hotch chuckled. “I’m not lying. Are you dropping?”

I shrugged. I wasn’t quite sure yet. It didn’t feel like dropping, but I didn’t feel entirely right either. I was probably just exhausted. I needed some food and some sleep. “I don’t think so. Maybe? I don’t know.”

“Let’s get ahead of it before it happens, then.”

Even though it always helped to be in his arms and to just feel his love, Hotch escaped my hold for a short moment to race to the closet to grab something. I watched the doorway suspiciously. When he came back out, he was wearing grey sweatpants, and he was holding a pair of his checkered blue pajama pants and an old college t-shirt. I smiled while sitting up in bed.

“I found this hiding somewhere the other day,” he told me, handing the clothes over. “I figured you’re probably getting bored of all the other clothes you’ve stolen from me—”

“I didn’t steal them. I’m just borrowing them long term. You can take them back any time you want.”

He shook his head while crashing back onto the bed with me. “Nah. I like that they’re yours now. You know how much I love watching you walk around wearing my stuff.”

“Yeah, because you can’t wait to tear it off of me again.” I pulled the shirt over my head and immediately felt safe and comfortable once it was settled around my body. I smiled and hugged my body.

“Or because I see that look on your face and I fall in love you all over again.”

I looked at him. “What face?”

“The one where you try to suppress a smile, so you close your eyes while deep in thought, and your nose scrunches, and your lips curl up, and then you look so… at peace…”

I rolled over to lay my torso on his, propping my head up on his left peck while staring at him. He brushed his fingers through my hair. “You have a look, too.”

“What is it?”

“You’re wearing it right now.”

He tried to change his expressions, but it didn’t matter because it didn’t do anything. The “look” was when he would fall in love with me again, just as he said he always did. His wrinkles would fade somewhat—but not my favorite smile line on his cheek—and his eyes would soften to the point that they had cartoonish heart reflections in the corners, his eyebrows would pout, and a toothy grin would slowly grow on his face. Every time. I had noticed it every day since we first met. Even when we were just acquaintances at work and he would continuously pass my desk just to see me, I could see that look on his face. Back then, I didn’t know what it meant. When I joined the team, the look faded away altogether because he was trying to hide how he felt about me, but ever since that day when we saved Elle on that train down in Texas, I had noticed that look was back, and I knew exactly what it meant. He loved me. He truly, infinitely, wholeheartedly, no doubt about it… loved me.

“You’re a sap, Agent Hotchner,” he whispered to me.

“I could say the same about you, Agent Hotchner.”

His fingers withdrew from my hair so that he could grab my hand and intertwine his grasp with mine. We smiled at each other. “I love you…” He kissed my knuckles. “Thank you for… Well, for tonight.”

I tugged his hand back to me, kissing his knuckles this time. “You are so very welcome, my love.”

Just as Hotch’s phone started ringing, we both groaned, and he rolled somewhat to answer. “Garcia, please tell me we don’t have another case.”

“No, sir, it’s not that. You remember how you and Section Chief Strauss asked me to keep an eye on that thing that no one else was supposed to know about and I’ve done a really good job so far of not telling anyone, even though more and more stuff keeps happening, and it’s getting really hard to not tell Morgan—”

“Garcia, breathe.”

She sucked in a shaky breath. “Okay.”

“What happened?”

“The thing you told me to look into… The Replicator…”

“Who’s The Replicator?” I asked.

Garcia stumbled. “I—Sir, I didn’t know I was on speaker.”

Hotch looked at me. “He’s an Unsub we’ve been tracking. I’ll tell you about it later. Garcia, what happened with him?”

“He, uh, he hacked my system. He… He went to my house, and he… He got everything.”

“How do you know that it was him?”

“He, um…” Garcia hesitated, choking back a sob. “He sent these pictures of you guys… You guys, um… in bed... and he had pictures of Scarlet, Jessica, and Jack when Morgan was with them at the park the other day.”

My heart sank. I didn’t even care about the first part. He had pictures of our babies. He had been watching them like he was watching us. “Aaron—”

“Garcia, send a team to our house, have them brought back to the office again. Do you understand?”

“Yes, sir. Right away.” She hung up as quickly as she could so that she could reach out to Jessica and Will—just to make sure that he and Henry would be safe, too.

I felt my breath hitch and stay like that, as if I couldn’t breathe at all. My babies. That monster had pictures of my little man and my lil’ bug… No… Anyone but them. They didn’t need to get dragged into our messes like Foyet had dragged Jack into it. But then there were the pictures of us. Garcia said that we were in bed in the photos—I looked out the large window of the bedroom to see all the other windows on the building just across the street from ours. He could have been anywhere.

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