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teamatsumu · 3 months

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“draw me like one of your french girls.”

(rafayel x reader)

word count: 1676

warnings: fem!reader, swearing, non-sexual nudity, slightly bittersweet ending, nothing explicit

It was an insane request. One that you never should have listened to.

Your first reaction was very organic. An incredulous look of ‘what the fuck’ that included a slacked open jaw and wide eyes. Rafayel was as blank faced as ever, like he had just announced that he wanted grilled vegetables for dinner, and not that he wanted you to pose naked for him to paint.

“No.”

Now he looked up, almost affronted. “No?”

“No!” You emphasized, cheeks burning hot in embarrassment. “I’m not posing naked for you!”

“It’s nothing I haven’t seen before.”

You smacked his arm, making him draw back with a grumble. “When have you seen me naked?!”

“Not you! But other girls.”

“You pervert.”

“It’s not like that!” You saw his ears flame, a cute little pout tugging on his lips. “I’m an artist. I’ve done lots of nude paintings.”

You gave him a blank look. “That’s….. somehow worse.”

Rafayel let out a pained sigh, lifting his head up as if asking the gods for strength. Dramatic as ever. He leaned closer to you again, and his violet eyes pleaded with you.

“Please? I promise it won’t take long. You just inspire me and I want to utilize that.”

You hesitated once more, mulling the options over in your head. Was this the best thing for your relationship right now? You and Rafayel weren’t dating, but you definitely had feelings for each other. You knew he liked you, and there was this strange push and tug that came with liking someone as ambiguous as him. You liked how things were right now, the playful banter sprinkled in between tender moments. And you really liked him. You didn’t want to mess it up.

But here he was, eyes wide and pleading, shining indigo and dreamy purples, making the carefree ruffles of his hair look all the more dreamy. You felt your resolve crack.

“Okay..” You sighed reluctantly, feeling the apprehension settle slightly when Rafayel positively lit up in response, excited that you had agreed.

“I won’t do anything that will make you uncomfortable. And if you want to stop, we stop. Okay?”

You nodded, feeling more at ease when you saw how considerate he was being. Maybe this would actually be a good experience.

Over a week and a half later was when you finally had a whole free day. When you showed up at Rafayel’s studio, you were jittery with nerves, and unable to focus on anything except the fact that you would be posing nude. He had already sent you some poses as references, and all of them placed your arms and legs tactfully in places that would conceal anything you wanted hidden. He left it all up to you though, saying anything you were comfortable with was what he would make. Nevertheless, you felt the little buzz under your skin, a mix of nerves and excitement, as you entered his place.

Rafayel turned his back to you so you could get comfortable, offering to leave the room if you wanted. You dismissed it though. This would take a few hours, might as well get accustomed to the feeling.

You perched yourself on the surprisingly comfy stool the best you could, opting to use one of the poses Rafayel sent. It was sensual without being sleazy, and it hid anything you didn’t want to reveal.

“You can turn around now.” You couldn’t hide the slight tremble in your voice.

Rafayel turned back to face you, but he didn’t look at you. He made to sit on his own stool, perched before the canvas so you could see just his eyes above the top of it. He picked up the palette in his left hand, reaching for a clean brush with his right, and then, his eyes flicked up, directly meeting yours.

Your breath paused, stuck in your chest, and you felt unfamiliar under how intense his gaze was, like a fire lit inside him as he picked up the brush. The teasing and playful Rafayel was gone. He was….. serious. Careful.

You felt like your body was burning when his eyes slowly moved downward, and his hand started moving. Gentle pitter patter of the brush on the paint, and then the delicate swish of it over the blank canvas. The room was silent besides the sound, and the ruffle of his clothes every time his arm moved. Every few seconds, his eyes would flick up again, focusing on some new detail of your body.

You had anticipated feeling nervous throughout the process, but under the monotone sounds of Rafayel’s brush, a wave of tranquility passed over you. You felt the fragile lull of the silence drape itself on the room, and you focused solely on the deep purple of his eyes, remembering when you had first met him in this very studio. He had come off as flirty and mouthy, and you remembered how unsure of him you were. You hadn’t anticipated that one day you would possibly be in love with him. And certainly not that you would bare yourself to him like this.

“Doing okay?” His voice was quiet, as if afraid to break the peace of the surrounding air. It was so gentle, like he was offering you an out if you wanted. The sound made your heart stutter. You gave him a small smile and a nod.

“I’m good.”

For the next hour and a half, Rafayel painted in silence, checking in on you every now and then, offering to take breaks. You said you felt fine, and you wanted to get this done in one sitting. Honestly, you didn’t mind it all that much once you two had started, and something about having his eyes study you the way they were made a blissful shiver run up your spine.

You almost didn’t want it to end.

When Rafayel finally announced a ‘done’ to you, the corner of his lip lifted up in triumph and joy, you released a breath of your own, unaware that you had been holding it. Rafayel stood up and walked closer to you, holding up the white robe you had previously put on. He turned his back to you again as you hopped down from the stool and put in on.

“It might be useless to ask, but can I see it?”

Rafayel gave you his signature teasing smile and a wink. “Not yet. I want to do the finishing touches before I reveal it to you.”

You sighed, not having expected anything different. Rafayel placed a gentle hand on the small of your back.

“Come on. Let’s get some food in you. You’ve been a wonderful muse. You deserve a reward.”

…………………….

‘It’s ready.’

The text made your heart leap, despite it being many days since your little session with Rafayel. Having been busy with work, you had barely even thought about the painting, though it did flit through your mind every now and then. You felt jittery with excitement when you knocked on his door that evening. Somehow, you were more nervous for the final result than you were of the process.

Maybe it was because this was Rafayel’s creation. It essentially showed you how he viewed you. What you looked like to him. The thought was nerve racking.

Rafayel opened the door with his signature teasing smile, inviting you in and immediately making a beeline for the painting because he knew how impatient you were to see it. It was covered with a plain white sheet, and you had to laugh at the theatrics of Rafayel pulling it off with flourish and revealing the piece underneath.

“Ready?” He asked, gripping the cloth in his hands. You took a deep breath and nodded, giving him permission to tug off the sheet, and he did.

Your world seemed to freeze.

You tried to suck in a breath, but it seemed to be stuck in your windpipe, unable to get past the lump forming in your throat. Your lips parted open, jaw almost slack. Your eyes darted over every detail of the canvas.

The brush strokes were careful, reasonably thin and lengthy. It looked exactly like you, and yet nothing like you at the same time. Your bare skin was glowing, your face was turned to capture the highlights of the light perfectly, and you looked absolutely radiant. Despite the shine of your hair and the glimmer of your skin, there was nothing that drew your attention more than the way he had painted your eyes.

There was a melancholy in them, a distant feeling of a bittersweet memory. Your lips were separated in a quiet O, and even your eyelashes were so detailed, like every single flick of Rafayel’s wrist had been thought out to perfectly create the image.

It took your breath away.

You turned to look at the man beside you, so speechless that even moving your tongue seemed like a feat. “Rafayel…”

“I’m assuming you like it?” He supplied, and you could see just how proud he was of his creation. You were still stuck on the fact that “this is what he thinks I look like”.

You wanted to ask so many questions. You wanted to ask him if he had exaggerated it, or if he really thought you were this beautiful. You wanted to ask him how long he had spent on it, trying to make it as perfect as possible. You wanted to ask if he would keep it or sell it.

You wanted to ask when he would give up on this back and forth limbo and finally kiss you with the same amount of love he put in this painting.

“It’s beautiful.” That’s what you settled on instead, feeling your cowardice creep up on you again. Once more, you left your emotions unsaid where they were.

Rafayel’s smile widened, softer than anything as his eyes seemed to search your face for something.

“Thank you for being my muse.”

You only smiled in return.

#rafayel x reader #love and deepspace #lad #lnd #rafayel fluff #love and deepspace rafayel #rafayel x you #rafayel x y/n #rafayel x mc #love and deepspace fanfiction #love and deepspace x reader

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sweetestdesire · 29 days

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JOYRIDE

WARNINGS: absolutely none. Just some pure, sweet content.

PAIRING(S): Luke Hughes x Fem!Reader

SUMMARY: in which Fem!Reader convinces Luke Hughes to go on a late night drive.

If she could, Y/N would freeze this moment. This very moment. Right here, right now. Just as the wind blew on her hair, and just as Luke’s smooth driving lulled her to sleep. She looked at him then. Focused on the curves of the road, a small crease in between his eyebrows as he was forced to make a particularly sharp turn.

There was something about being on the road with Luke that brought her nothing but peace. It must be the perfect combination of clear skies, warm winds, the comfortable silence and the freedom of being on the road. Even with a destination in mind, it didn’t feel like she needed to follow it through.

The road got busier and busier the closer they got to the city, but it felt like she was in her own little world. It was always like this. Luke was there and, suddenly, it hit. Everything around her melted, there was nothing else. Sometimes, when Luke was in the room, it almost looked like he shined. To her, there was a bright, golden aura surrounding him. It was warm, inviting and irresistible.

"See? I told you this would be fun.” Y/N hummed.

"Fun for you, maybe. You get to sit and do nothing. I’m the one driving.” Luke gave her a side glare, one that he was sure she saw but elected to ignore in favor of picking the next song on her phone.

If she’d told him half a year ago that he'd be here, giving up sleep to drive her to God knows where in the middle of the night, Luke would think he might have actually laughed. He was a bit appalled with himself, truthfully. It was half past midnight, way past his usual sleep hours, and he had practice in the morning. Yet somehow, he almost thought he was having fun.

And then he came to the daunting realization that he wasn’t really sure who he even was anymore. Athletes like Luke needed to follow strict regimens. Athletes like him needed at least eight hours of sleep a day, needed balanced diets and a healthy amount of exercise, and needed to be level headed and make responsible decisions. Athletes like him didn’t stay up this late because of one measly pout and a tug to his arm. There was no reason that Luke should be this weak to her, no reason she should hold this much power over him, and yet, in a cruel twist of fate, she did. She did and she knew it, and she was evil enough that she used it to her full advantage.

"Where are we even going?"

"Luke, shut up.” Y/N rolled her eyes. "Why do you always have something to say?"

Scoffing, he stopped the car at a red light, pressing on the brakes and turning to face her. And he hated to admit it, but the moonlight kissing her skin through the windows made his heart beat rapidly. “Do you realize I’m sacrificing my sleep for you?" He scoffed at her, looking over at the small patch of skin of her shoulder blade as his shirt drooped over her body. He tried not to stare too long, but he failed miserably, and she seemed to notice it, too.

"Quit staring at me.” Y/N smirked, reaching over to pinch his cheek.

“I was not staring at you." Luke gently swatted her hand away, grumbling under his breath at her supposed claim. She only offered him an amused giggle as he rolled his eyes, and no matter how correct she may have been, he refused to admit, even to himself, that he was in fact staring. In his defense, how could he not stare when she looked like that in his clothing?

"You so were.” Y/N laughed, and he grunted, shaking his head as he rolled his eyes at her unimpressed. It was a battle that costed him just about all of his self control to not glance down at her lips, but he won, although miraculously, otherwise, he'd have to hear even more of her teasing, and he didn’t think his eyes would recover from another round of rolling this time.

"No, I wasn't. That head of yours is just too big.” Luke said, frowning and flicking her forehead at the smug grin she gave him.

Luke should be asleep, he should be getting enough rest to ensure his optimal performance at practice in the morning so that he could put his teammates efforts to shame, but she said please, and she pouted, and he wasn’t as strong as he claimed to be, although he'd never admit it. So now Luke was here, and he was fighting for his dignity as she wiggled her brows playfully at him. But deep down, he didn’t think he wanted to be anywhere else right about now.

"Okay, if you say so.” Y/N snorted. “You’ll survive without eight hours of sleep for one day. And by the way, the light's green now, dumbass. Pay attention."

Luke heard her giggling as he cursed under his breath and pressed on the gas pedal, and Y/N slid her hand over his shoulder to play with the curls at the back of his neck. He pretended to lean back and try to shake her hand off, but they both knew it was his way of leaning further into her touch. She granted him more of what he craved, rubbing over the back of his neck soothingly as he drove.

"Okay, well you're supposed to be giving me directions, so where do I go now?" Luke muttered. She shrugged and he groaned.

"I don't know, I’ve been making up directions this whole time. Just wanted to drive around. Anyway, did you know Van Gogh's starry night was painted from his window in an asylum?”

Side eyeing her, Luke pursed his lips, rolling his eyes with a heavy sigh. And even if she dragged him out of bed for no reason, on a practice night no less, while he was supposed to be getting much needed rest, he couldn’t help but find every annoying little quirk of hers endearing, even this one.

"What does that have to do with anything?" Luke asked flatly.

Luke wasn’t an easy book to read, he never was. He was like those difficult words she had to stop and google to understand, or those ridiculous metaphors that only literature teachers cared for. But he was well worth it, Y/N thought to herself. He made her want to skip the pages and jump right to the end, and he was the kind of story she prayed ended happily. And somehow, when he climbed out of bed in his wrinkled shirt and loose sweats, hair tousled and sleep laced in his eyes as he begrudgingly grabbed his keys for her, she thought maybe she didn’t want the story to end at all just yet. Or ever.

"Just a fun fact, jeez.” Y/N pouted. "Any hockey fun facts you wanna share?"

"Athletes need plenty of sleep to perform their best.” Luke shot instantly.

She huffed, rolling her eyes and crossing her arms at his stubbornness to just admit he enjoyed being here as much as she did. "Luke, one of these days you'll drive me so crazy, I’ll need to be in an asylum myself."

"One of these days, when I send you to an asylum, maybe I can sleep reasonable hours.” Luke smirked at her. The soft slap to his shoulder caused him to chuckle in amusement, and she caved and sent the softest of grins at his direction.

"You’ll never last a day without me.” Y/N quipped, and to her surprise, he smiled. It was gentle, but it was pretty, just like the rest of him, and she hoped fate permitted a few more nights with him by her side, whether it was in bed as he slept or in the car as he drove. Maybe, she even dared to hope for an eternity.

"I don't know.” Luke hummed, and one hand laid gently on her thigh as he drove mindlessly with the other on the wheel. “I think I could manage to squeeze in ten hours of sleep if you were gone.” He added with smug grin, and even as she scowled at him, she decided right then and there that if he wasn’t her happy ending, she didn’t think she wanted one.

"You’re rude, y'know that?" Y/N muttered, and there was that cute, innocent little pout that she always did tugging at her lips, the one that drove him mad and reminded him he was just as in love, too.

"I’d say driving aimlessly for your stupid whims is rather generous of me." Briefly, Luke looked at her with a small smirk before turning his attention back on the road.

"Maybe.” Y/N murmured, looking at him with a look so sweet, he felt his breath caught in his throat when he peeked at her through the corner of his eyes. And he hoped she didn’t notice it, or the way his expression softened, too. “I love you.” She added quietly, lifting his hand to kiss the back.

“Yeah.” Luke mumbled. "I love you, too." She laced her fingers with his, setting his hand back down onto her lap. He squeezed gently, and she squeezed back. “I’ll love you more when you let me sleep, though."

#luke hughes fluff #luke hughes one shot #luke hughes blurb #luke hughes fic #luke hughes fanfiction #luke hughes x reader #luke hughes fanfic #luke hughes imagine #luke hughes #luke hughes x fem!reader #luke hughes x you #luke hughes x y/n #luke hughes oneshot #new jersey devils #lh43

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clanwarrior-tumbly · 5 months

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Hi ! So I had an idea for a Matthew Patel x reader fanfic, where the reader is playing Ramona in his Scott Pilgrim musical, and when they have to kiss for the play, in front of the whole theatre, they see sparks, but can't talk about it until the play is over. Like realizing they're in love or something, I hope I explained it well- thanks<3

"🎶 Howwww do I tell him my exes are evil?🎶"

Standing alone on the stage, you sang your heart out to the adoring audience, the spotlight shining down upon you and your dyed rainbow hair.

You weren't even nervous about performing for Scott Pilgrim's Precious Little Musical anymore. Everything seemed to come naturally the moment it came time for your soliloquy as Ramona Flowers.

Indeed, for the play you were starring as her, with your first solo number being an emotional lament on the inevitability of Scott fighting all seven of the evil exes in order to date you freely.

It seemed silly when you read the script for the first time...but now?

You were absolutely killing it, as you could hear a few cheers from the crowd.

Even Ramona herself was sitting there, looking quite entertained by your reenactment of her...whereas the real Scott Pilgrim was right next to her, appearing the exact opposite. He just seemed really confused and annoyed..

But you couldn't blame him for feeling somewhat mocked considering he was presumed dead after his fight with Matthew--only to suddenly come back without much of an explanation and realize this musical was all about him.

Speaking of whom, he probably felt more insulted by Ramona's actual first evil ex starring as him, wearing his coat and a ridiculous orange wig that hardly looked anything like his own hair.

Nevertheless, his other friends and all the Exes seemed to be genuinely enjoying the show. Some even teared up at your incredible acting skills and moving singing voice.

Among them was Matthew, who was hanging out backstage and preening himself until it was time for his cue.

You two have been friends for a long time, even before he knew the League was something that existed. Being theatre kids, you two were more than eager to get this musical to take off..and maybe get it on Broadway itself if the opening night was received well.

So far..it was being received extremely well. Every other actor knew their lines and sang flawlessly, putting their heart and soul into each performance just as you and Matthew did.

Although....there were a few minor hiccups--such as the part where him, Scott, Ramona, some of their friends, and the remaining Exes were all mysteriously warped out of the theater by a red portal. But they eventually returned and everyone figured it was part of the play, so it continued on without a hitch.

During one of the final acts, there was a "special" scene planned that you and Matthew have only 99% rehearsed...

Because the other 1% had to be done right the first time. It was the most highly-anticipated part of this musical:

The kiss.

One that proved Ramona truly loved Scott, forever securing their happily ever after.

When it came time for the scene, the stage darkened everywhere, with the light only shining down on you and "Scott". He took a deep breath as he turned to you, taking your hands into his own, wearing a gentle smile.

You both stared into each other's eyes for a long time, soft piano music playing in the background.

Your heart was thumping in your chest, as was Matthew's as you two tried to focus on your line delivery and nothing else.

"Ramona?"

"Yes, Scott?"

"...I love you."

"I love you, too. You saved me. Saved our relationship..and I could never thank you enough."

"Hah, I should be the one thanking you...because I finally stood up for myself, and for us!"

"Oh, Scott.."

At that point, some of the spectators began to chant for the kiss--with Wallace being the loudest, of course--and you could only smile bashfully, not realizing how fast this part came up until now.

Yet for some reason, Matthew appeared unusually nervous, red rising to his cheeks as he squeezed your hands rather tightly. You didn't know why he was acting this way, considering you've seen him do kiss scenes in past plays.

But you figured that since this was his first major theater performance, he was only nervous about wanting everything to be perfect. So you gave him a reassuring nod that said "it's okay, you can do this."

Fortunately, he seemed to understand, as a moment later he pulled you into a passionate kiss, lips crashing against yours.

The volume of the applause and cheering grew tenfold; some people even gave you a standing ovation even though the play was nowhere near over.

They loved it.

They absolutely loved it.

And honestly? You kinda liked kissing Matthew in front of everybody, partially wishing this wasn't just for the play..

But while the special effects team went to work recreating the "spark phenomenon" with glitter, confetti, and more....there was something going on between you and him that nobody else could see:

The real sparks that manifested after you both parted.

Your heart jumped into your throat as you watched them fade away, before looking at him.

Judging from his face, you knew that he most definitely saw them, too.

You've been skeptical of the sparks in the past, as you've dated several people yet never saw them at all.

So...why were you only seeing them now? And why with Matthew, of all people?

Did it have something to do with you dressing up like his ex-girlfriend?

Or was he finally looking beyond that curtain and discovering that he actually loved you?

Regardless, now wasn't the time to be thinking about any of that stuff, as you noticed he was slowly going off-script...something that you've never seen happen before. His hands shook and he seemed to forget his mic was still on.

"S-Sparks.." He stammered out, still giving you a wide-eyed stare.

"I...guess there were sparks, after all." You hastily salvaged the situation with a small laugh, putting your improv skills to work. "I never believed in such things until I met you, Scott Pilgrim."

After the lights dimmed, the cheering persisted as you grabbed his hand and half-dragged him backstage. By that point he seemed to have snapped out of his trance, deciding to scramble to prepare for the final musical number with everyone in the cast coming out.

But despite him returning to his snippy attitude with the makeup artists, he could barely look your way without blushing immensely...and quite frankly, you couldn't get rid of your smile.

'Shit..he's in love with me, I just know it..' You sighed as you sat comfortably in the chair, letting the wardrobe crew swap your dyed wig with a different colored one.

As badly as you both wanted to talk about what just happened...you knew it had to wait.

For the show must go on.

........

After the musical was finished, you changed your outfit and searched around backstage for Matthew, hoping you could finally discuss the sparks you both saw.

Soon you stumbled upon him, Gideon, and Julie...and for a moment, you were nervous.

Considering what happened between the two guys, you figured all hell was about to break loose--and apparently it almost did during the play since Gideon rigged the overhead area with dynamite. It was out of pure revenge for all of his assets being taken.

Yet it seems all was forgiven as they hugged it out, laughing with tears in their eyes, before Gideon and Julie walked away hand-in-hand.

Now that Matthew was finally alone, you had your chance.

"Since when did you two become besties?"

With a small yelp, he spun around quickly, relaxing as he realized it was only you. "Oh! Uh..no. I just...decided to give him back the company, and he let me keep the musical." He grinned, although it appeared rather forced. "That's all."

"I see.." You sighed, stepping closer to him. "Listen, we need to talk about-"

"I know." He answered bluntly. "I....saw them, too. And those weren't any special effects. They were legit."

"...are you sure about that?"

Matthew looked taken aback, as he just gawked at your question.

"Let me rephrase that," you cleared your throat. "I confess that I saw them because of you. The real you. But..I don't know if you saw them because of the real me."

"...I'm not following."

"Did you only see them because I looked like you ex-girlfriend?"

"N-No!" He nearly shouted, his cheeks flaring red as his stare remained intense. "I've moved on from her, I swear!"

Part of you remained skeptical yet. "I may need some convincing."

Before he could ask you why, you interrupted him by bringing him into a kiss this time. It initially shocked him, but he quickly melted into it, cupping your face in both of his hands.

Just like before, the sparks were there. Not as brilliant or explosive as the first time...yet they were all the proof you two needed.

Now you knew for sure that your love was real and true.

Matthew was quick to pull you back in for one more kiss after seeing them, desperate and wanting you as close as physically possible.

It probably would have escalated into a full-blown makeout session had you not heard the voices of the other Exes drawing nearer.

You immediately parted and saw them all standing there, looking utterly shocked at what they were witnessing. But you had no shame, instead smiling and waving to them as you held his hand.

"Great news, guys...G-Man's not the only one with a hot date anymore." You winked to your new boyfriend, whose ears turned red with embarrassment.

The group then smiled back, happy for your new relationship and trusting that you'll treat him with all the love and respect he deserved.

Before either of you knew it, you were being carried out of the theatre on the shoulders of Todd and Lucas, while the rest of the gang--along with Scott and Ramona--followed suit, eager to celebrate the play's success.

But tonight wasn't just about that.

It was also about what the future held in store for you and Matthew.

#clanask #anonymous #scott pilgrim x reader #scott pilgrim takes off x reader #spto x reader #matthew patel x reader #matthew patel #fluff

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laurasimonsdaughter · 3 months

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It took a full minute of struggling before the vampire finally gave up and held still, going mostly limp under the tangle of briars.

“Alright,” he said, rolling his eyes at them. “You’ve made your point.”

“Have I?” they asked menacingly. “Because that’s what I thought last time.”

He looked up at them. “Oh come on—”

“I told you,” they snapped, “that if I tested one more giggly person with inexplicably low haemoglobin, I would fucking find you.”

The park was badly lit, but they could see the vampire’s face well enough to see that he wasn’t taking this anywhere near as seriously as he should be. Ballsy, considering they had him fully immobilized at the moment.

“Clearly you can’t actually be trusted,” they added. “So now you’re stuck with me.”

Dull light glinted of the vampire’s teeth as the corners of this mouth twitched. “That really isn’t the punishment you think it is.”

They stared down at him, baffled. “What—?”

The red shine in his eyes was almost amused. “You’re the only person around here who knows what I am, who I don’t have to pretend for. You know how tiring it is never to smile?”

The cool night air suddenly didn’t seem as cool anymore and they bristled with indignation. “There’s plenty of slayers in town all of a sudden who seem to know exactly what you are,” they replied sourly. That pissed them off too. Slayers were a brutish, self-absorbed lot. They had one or two violent encounters and suddenly felt entitled to harass innocent people just because they had a bit of trouble around the full moon.

The vampire grimaced. “Correction,” he said smoothly. “The only person who knows and is nice to me.”

“Nice to you,” they choked.

“Come on,” he grinned, fangs sparkling. “I could be lying here choking on garlic, or burning with silver! But instead...roses?” He gave a half-hearted tug on the bloom and thorn covered branches. “You could have done far worse…”

A loud, thoughtless rushing filled their ears, their face flushing with confusion. That was not—

“On that note,” he continued conversationally. “Why are you still here?” He gave them a curious look. “Why not just leave me here?”

“I—”

His grin returned. “You don’t want the slayers to find me, do you.”

“Shut your fanged face.”

“Ouch,” he winced, but not in a way that anyone could possibly interpret as painful.

They were too annoyed – too angry – to think straight. “I could be asking you the same fucking thing,” they snapped, recollecting themself. “Just passing through, you said last time. So why the hell are you still here?”

His expression changed, just a fraction, and for a moment it looked like he had an answer for them. Then he shrugged, shifting uncomfortably on the grass, and looked away.

That, at least, was better. Slightly. Probably. “Well,” they said after a brief silence, folding their arms. “If you’re sticking around, you better keep your fangs off my patients. You can go right back to stealing the lab’s medical waste.”

The vampire made a dismayed noise, his gaze snapping back to their face. “You expect me to survive on nothing but dead blood?” he cried.

“I expect you not to trick innocent humans!” they glared.

A sly look passed across his face. “So the slayers…?”

Well, if they kept bothering Mrs. Lupus… They gave a sharp shake of their head. “No! No biting any humans!”

“Unreasonably cruel,” he muttered sulkily.

“You—” They raised their head with a start, glancing in the direction of a sudden sound.

“Speak of the devil,” the vampire breathed, eyes darting in the same direction.

Damn slayers. They grimaced through their frustration and drew their pocket knife. It glinted in the dull twilight and the vampire’s eyes were on it instantly.

“Now hold on, there’s no need for that!” he protested nervously. “I agree— I agree to your terms.”

“You better,” they hissed, kneeling beside him with the knife. It wasn’t silver, but he couldn’t have seen that immediately they supposed. They deftly snipped through the briars and cut him loose. “Go on, get out. And I better not have reason to bother with you again.”

The moment he was free all the vampire’s speed and grace returned. He was on his feet in a moment and smiling brilliantly down at them the next. “Well, that’s highly unlikely,” he grinned ominously. “You’ve just turned your place of work into the only place in town where I can get a bite to eat.” He winked, and fled.

They watched him disappear, their hackles raised as high as their heartbeat, and swore into the dark.

#laura drabbles #vampire #vampires #vampire/human #enemies to lovers #at least in the vampire's mind~#nblm romance #urban fantasy #Harper & Lysander

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i4oba · 26 days

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nct dream as… / movies 𓈒✳︎🪜

[feel free to follow me on letterboxd eheh!]

✰ MARK — 10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU

“maybe it was the dose of alcohol in your system, or maybe it was just the rush of adrenaline you got from the people of the party, but when you looked into mark’s eyes, you couldn’t conceal your feelings at all anymore. it was all just fun and games, you weren’t amused at all, hardly deciding on giving attention to his antics… but here we go now – you, ready to throw up, while listening to him speaking his mind, saying whatever he could think of, while the only thing that filled your brain was only one thing: kissing him. kissing him right there and then, in the crack of a night at some random’s place, both taking place at the rusty swing. should you do it? does he actually want you, or are these mere mixed signals?

✰ RENJUN — THE HOLDOVERS

“he could’ve sworn this was by far the best point of his stay at the campus – or, rather away from there, as both him and his teacher took a trip to boston, as it was all supposed to be, am i right? ice skating, searching for books on the street, deepish talks and a screening at the movie theatre… he felt happy, relieved even, but how long is this going to last him? how long can he rely on the sole feeling of relief when he cannot be so sure when it’s gonna end all so suddenly? is he selfish, or is he rather self conscious? his arm was hurting badly, aching, as he leaned back, deciding last minute about what he wants to do – “i need a bathroom break” is all he says.”

✰ JENO — FOUR WEDDINGS AND A FUNERAL

“he had to rub his eyes so hardly when he spotted you, ever so beautiful and ethereal in your light pink dress, smile so charming his heart wouldn’t stop beating way too hardly against his chest. he wouldn’t have thought you two would meet ever again, but here you were – a wedding (again), which was pretty much unwanted and rushed, but he couldn’t even think about how much of a bad choice it was from his best friend to marry this early. all he could focus on was the way you softly talked to one of the guests, tucking a strand of hair behind your ear as you simply nodded. you only looked up for a minute, maybe two at that, but you definitely noticed jeno’s gaze on yourself. you mouthed something at him, which took him a few moments to solve properly, caught off guard by the never forgotten beauty of yours. “i missed you, jeno”

✰ HAECHAN — NOTTING HILL

“when you looked at him, barely even paying a glance, his breath instantly got taken away by the sight of you. not only because of the fact that you were a top actress, wandering into his bookshop, but because you were stunning as well, glowing, brightly shining in front of him, seemingly searching for something through the shelves, sunglasses sitting atop of your nose. he could’ve easily just take a few steps closer to you, even offer some help, but he was way too flustered to even mutter his name if you asked him. but why would that even happen, right? he’s nothing, compared to you – an angel, he cannot quite capture. and then you came up to the counter, three books in hands… well, maybe he could…”

✰ JAEMIN — BEFORE SUNRISE

“standing next to the train, which would take him to paris, he simply just looked at you, stars in eyes and blush on cheeks, as he reached for your hands, thumbs caressing the back of them ever so slowly – his forehead against yours, you could breathe in the unsaid words that were playing on his lips endlessly, and you could’ve just kissed him, kissed him once and then a thousand times more, so he would never leave. but he had to leave, leave vienna behind, leave the journey behind, leave you and the mesmerizing feeling of blooming love between the two of you. his eyes were rather teary, as you bore into them. “we have to meet here again” you said, both hands on his cheeks, eyes full of certainity. you want this, more than anything. “ten years from now – the same place, the same feelings, the…” would that happen? ever again?”

✰ CHENLE — LITTLE WOMEN

“was he actually interested in the play you wrote or not, you did not even care, as you saw the way his eyes formed such definite half moon shapes, smile so bright and wide, you’d never seen such beautiful sight. he laughed so loudly that it was echoing in the almost empty attic for way too long, as you kept on acting with your sisters, relentlessly and enthusiastically, staying in role even after you saw chenle, wiping his tears of laughter. you took it as a sign – he liked it, he enjoyed it, which was all you needed to be reassured: you did good. not only you, as the writer, but your sisters too, little actresses and primadonnas. chenle wanted to say something, he was keen on letting you know whatever was going through his mind, but he kept it to himself. maybe later, maybe on a different day – maybe when he gathers his courage to tell you he’s madly in love with you?”

✰ JISUNG — DEAD POETS SOCIETY

“with utter and undeniable admiration, jisung simply just looked up from the trembling hands of his, that were previously laying on the crumpled piece of paper he had torn out from his notebook - he wrote the poem with pencil so the letters seemed and were pretty much smudged, but he didn’t even need the paper itsel, he knew his creation by heart, as he rewrote it thousands of times because of sheer anxiety. he wanted it to be perfect, he wanted it to sound like something whitman would adore, something rilke would’ve written in those early years. when his teacher’s voice finally reached his ears, he simply stood up, legs shaking, as he walked out to the front, barely being able to form words, as the fright got over him - “do it, son, i believe in you” was all he heard - he sighed, and then… “unbeknownst to me the feeling of…”

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anathemaloren · 7 months

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can you make a fic where jake peralta is a girl dad?? he would be such a good girl dad too 😭😭 learning to do different hairstyles just for her, playing with her dolls, etc.

his daughter would totally be a mini amy though

Learning takes time

Jake Peralta x f!reader - fluff with a hint of angst

★ Summary: Jake Peralta becomes a girl dad, and he has to learn something new every step of the way.

★ Word count: 3.8k (I always think I write WAY more than I do)

★ Proofread: no :)

★ Warnings: cutie patooties being cuie patooties? and english is not my first language and the timeline is weird at some point

★ Note: Anon this is so good I'm LIVING for jake peralta as a girl's dad! And I know you said Amy but I didn't realized that until like halfway writing this but I hope is not too bad anyways. Also some parts are based on my boyfriend's little brother and my baby cousin so shot out to them.

★ In The Beggining ★

When Jake became a dad he couldn't believe his eyes. The beautiful baby he held in his hands was HIS, she had a part of him in her. Like, DNA or somethign. And she was adorable. She definitely took a lot from her mother, who was now resting after 49 hours of delivery. Y/n has said the moment she held her that she was definitely going to take after him, fighting like she had been for staying near Y/n for a bit more. Jake knew she was joking but who was he kidding, his wife was so right. But now the baby was here. The baby. The small, little, minuscule person he had been waiting for for the last 8 months, since they foud out Y/n was pregnant after she refused to eat popcorn because they had been upsetting her stomach lately. It was Jake who had figures out what happened, realizing his wife would never turn down popcorn and that she hadn't had her period that month. And them BOOM! She's pregnant, 8 months go by in a flash and now he is holding her. Wow. He snuggled a little bit closer to her although he knew it was becoming impossible to be nearer, but it felt like heaven. A piece of heaven at least. She definitely was an angel. His girl. His girls, because Y/n was starting to be awake and spoke with a rough voice of screaming so much the past 2 days.

'Hello love' Jake said with a blinding smile on his face. 'Hi, handsome' she said smiling, tired but happy. Jake got close to the bed and sat on it, handing the little bundle of love to Y/n. She looked at the baby with the same affection and adoration as Jake, but then she seemed to remember something and looked at him, looking a little bit stressed. 'Jake' she called him, gaining his attention and making him stop looking at the baby. 'Yep?' he asked tentatively, worried about the look on his wife's face. 'We haven't chosen a name for her yet!' she exclaimed whispering at the same time, and Jake seemed to realized that too. 'Oh, shoot!' he said while she just nodded along 'We really have to!' he continued. 'You don't say!' Y/n retorted. They both looked down at the small person in Y/n's arms. 'How could we forget something so important?' she asked. 'I have no clue. Who even forgets putting a name to their daughter?' he moaned.

To be fair, they had been looking for a name since the day they foud out they were having a daughter, but nothing had shined as the perfect name. 'Maybe now that we see her face we can think of something' he proposed, and Y/n just looked at him sourly 'What? What did I say?' he asked then. 'Jake darling the problem isn't not having ideas, is having a good one and actually agreeing in one for once!' she said, half scolding him for the names he had suggested the past few months. 'The names I said weren't that bad' he defended himself. 'Should I remind you that you wanted to name our daughter Johanna after McClain?' she told him 'It's brilliant!' Jake exclaimed. 'Jake we are not going to name our daughter after a guy doing thingies in a building on Christmas!' she exclaimed back. 'Hey, take that back! I never said anything when you suggested Beth because of Little Women!' he retorted. 'Maybe because that's a sensible name' she argumented, finishing off the conversation saying 'Maybe now that we can see her we can think of a name' she said, and they both turned to look at the sleeping baby.

'She's cute' he said. 'Of course she's cute, she's ours' she turned to look at him smiling, and a lightbulb seemed to appear above Jake's head. 'That's it! he said, happily. 'What's it?' Y/n asked, confused about her husband's behaviour. 'Adelaide' he stated. A few seconds of silence were followed by a 'what??' coming out of Y/n's mouth. 'Think about it, I'm a genius!' Jake continued, starting to pace around the room like he was solving a vital case 'We've always talked about wanting to go to Adelaide, and it was where went for our honeymoon. Plus, is not too long because we can call her Addie but it would still sound good in a professional setting when she grows up! It's perfect!' he sentenced. Y/n pondered the information about a few seconds that felt like hours for Jake, who wanted his wife agreement on that. 'Okay, you ARE a genius' Y/n said after the everlasting silence. Jake bounced a bit before going back to the hospital bed, where he looked at his baby and at his wife, who was focused on her baby with a satisfied look on her face. 'Adelaide' he said, looking at the little girl fondly. 'Addie... damn it does sound good' Y/n said, also trying out the name. And after a moment of tranquility, peace and quiet, Y/n looked at Jake again and talked again 'you do know we still need a second name right?' All Jake coul do was groan a bit while Y/n laughed at the defeated attitude of her husband. There were going to be some difficult years for Jake.

★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆

★ First times ★

Life as a father had challenged Jake in ways he couldn't imagine. Changing diapers had probably traumatized him forever, and he learnt that bathing a baby was not too far from just bathing himself, especially when Addie started becoming more aware of her surroundings and she started splashing everywhere and Y/n and Jake were wet from head to toe after giving her a bath. But the worst for Jake hadn't been the diapers or the first times eating new foods where Addie decided to just throw food absolutely everywhere, no - the worst were the first steps.

Jake knew he was supossed to be excited about his daughter's first steps. And the first ones were no problem - she stumbled a bit and fell about a million times and then cried for about 20 minutes before settling down, but that wasn't out of the usual and him and Y/n were over the moon - the problem came when she dominated the art of walking, and then the practice of running.

Every time they let her out of the trolley in the park, Jake had sore knees from chasing her around. She would just run and run until she tripped or slipped and then she ended up on the floor. And there were times in which she just stood up and Jake had to chase her again. But there were others in which she would truly hurt herself, and then Jake became the most soft man known. He would go sprinting to her, checking everywhere for blood because she knew she got nervous when she saw it, and then taking her and cuddling her for some time, telling her she would be ok and that daddy was with her. Y/n had told him a million times that he was spoiling her a little bit, and that she Addie had to learn to get up by herself and not cry every time she fell because then she would always do that and she had to learn to not go to dad every time something happened to her because she knows that he would give her everything he wanted if she cried a bit. Oh, what a cruel mother! Trying to give her child a small amount of reality and helping her grow up not spoiled! How dared she! Jake actually agreed with her, and he really, REALLY tried to not go to her everytime she fell, but to no avail. In each time she stumbled upon the groud, Jake would be by her side in less than 5 seconds. He couldn't bear to see her cry like that! And yes, maybe Y/n was the most sensible one for not running everytime and assessing the situation first because she honestly knew that falling in grass didn't hurt much, but he couldn't help himself. His dad had never been there for him, but now it was his turn to be there for his daughter when she fell. Even if it meant being scolded by his wife later on. At least he knew he was Addie's favourite for those things, and that she would always go to daddy when she got hurt.

★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆

★ Not-so-professional professional stylist ★

Addie liked her dad for some things, but she would always go to her mom for others. Like getting her hair done. Jake had tried to learn how to do Y/n's hair a few times during their relationship, but given he had failed the times he had tried, he decided to let the hair department to Y/n. Actually, scratch that. He had done it because, you know, he was a nice husband and father and wanted her wife and daughter to hame some quality ttime together. Yeah, that sounds quite nicer.

But some days, Y/n left earlier, and if she didn't have time to do Addie's hair, Jake had to do it. Those days, Addie's hairstyles where much simpler than the ones that Y/n did, and the girl never complained. But Jake knew she was a bit sadder when she didn't have her mom to do her hair with the braids and other thingies Y/n did to her and that she liked so much. And, being the amazing dad he wanted to be, Jake decided that he was going to learn how to do those things for her.

He started learnign when Addie was on kindergarten, practising on Y/n's hair, who was equally excited about the idea and taught him how to do the hairstyles she did to Addie while letting him do them on her hair. Jake learnt the ones that Addie liked the most, and the practised every night. When his daughter was in elementary school, he was pretty good at them. So, one of the days that Y/n had left earlier, Jake decided to try one of them on Addie.

'Hey, princess?' he called her while she was brushing her teeth. She was so grown up that he foud it hard to believe he had held her in her arms on her first ever day on earth. Cool, cool cool cool. 'Yes?' she answered, rinsing her teeth. 'Can I try a new hairdo on you today?' he asked, while Addie turned around to see him. 'Why?' she asked, trying to figure out if her dad was about to turn her hair blue. 'Well, because your mom has taught me a few and I want to try one out' he explained, hoping she would trust him. 'Okay' the girl decided after a few minutes of thinking it through. He was about to hug her when she spoke again 'BUT if you turn my hair any funky colour I'm telling mom' she said. Jake smiled fondly while hugging her, relizing how much she spoke liker her mom. 'Please don't, she would ground me' he joked, letting Addie go. 'Yeah, she better, I can't go around with pink hair or something, Aunt Ames would have a heart attack' she said while sitting on the chair Y/n used to do her hair. Jake laughed a bit. She definitely also have part of his personality on her.

After 20 minutes of carfeully doing his daughter's hair, Jake stepped back to look at it. It looked exactly like the aroud 2000 times he had tried it on Y/n's hair. But the judge wasn't him; it was Addie. 'You can go look now if you want' Jake told her, nervous. Nervous. He was nervous about the opinion of a 9 year old. When had he become like that. Addie walked slowly to the mirror with her eyes close, and then opened one of them, tensed about what she could find. But then she opened both of them when realization starting hitting her. 'Do you like it?' he asked her, smiling a bit. 'Dad, it's like the ones mom does on me!' she giggled, turning a bit o look at it from behind. She then hugged her dad tightly, overjoyed 'Thanks for learning how to do this, dad' she spoke softly. Okay, definitely worth it.

★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆

★ Playtime ★

There were many things that Jake wasn't precisely a fan of as a girl dad. But there were some other that he strangely liked, and one of them was playing with her daughter and her dolls.

The dolls were impeccable for aroud 2 months, but then Addie started playing right with them, as Jake said, and the dolls would end up painted, half-bald and with interchanged clothes. Y/n tried to convince her daughter to take more care of the dolls, but to no avail. And Jake couldn't care less about the state of the dolls. What amazed him was the stories her daughter would make up with them. No soap opera could compete with the dramatic storylines of Addie.

One of the times when Jake arrived from a case happy, he sat to play with her, being ready to try to assimilate the far-fetched stories her kid made up. And oh, my, it was probably the best story he had ever heard. And mini Shakespeare was aroud 5 at the time. Jake had the best daughter ever.

'Hi Ads' he greeted her. Addie looked up to see her dad sitting with her. 'Daddy!' she exclaimed, having been so engrossed on the dolls that she hadn't realized her dad was with her. She hugged him and the sat on his laps, between his crossed legs, like she did with everyone in that position. 'So, tell me, what are you playing to?' he asked, interested in what could the story be this time. 'Do you want me to tell you the story?' she asked excitedly, with eyes shining with emotion. 'Of course!' Jake answered, and she got up from his lap to show him the characters of her story. 'This' she said, taking a blonde Barbie on her hand 'is Lady. This' she took a red haired Barbie 'is Rosa' she said. 'Like Aunt Rosa?' Jake asked. 'Exactly!' Addie said, even though Jake knew she named her toys after everyone she knew because she could never remebmer more names. 'And this is Carlos' she showed Jake a dark haired Ken. 'Carlos?' he asked, pretty sure they didn't know a Carlos. 'Mom told me the name, it's a driver or something and mom says my Ken looks like him' she shrugged her shoulders and Jake focused on the doll until he realized his wife had put Carlos to the doll after Carlos Sainz. Goddamit, that guy was everywhere if Y/n was aroud. 'Is there any more characters in the story?' Jake asked, knowing his daughter always forgot one or two. 'Oh, yeah!' she said, taking another Ken 'This is Paolo, he's Carlos brother'. 'Paolo?' he asked. 'From Friends. dad!' maybe they shouldn't let her watch so much TV, she was learning things. 'Come on, tell me the story' Jake invited her. And so the story began.

Apparently Lady and Rosa had been friends for like, forever, but then Lady met Carlos. And Rosa was like, totally ok with it, but actually, SHE WAS NOT OKAY WITH IT (shock) because she had liked Carlos for way longer, like 2 months or so. So Rosa planned on stealing Carlos from Lady, but on like a bar or something where she was with Lady and Carlos she met Paolo and they were like totally in love and they kissed! (oh my god they kissed!) So the four of them were happy together and they even moved together, but one day Rosa came late from work and foud Lady, Carlos and Paolo having a sleepover without her! Can you believe it? (how dare they) So obviously she was like super sad so she left, and Paolo left the country because he was like SO in love with Rosa and didn't want to be with anynone else so he left to Italy and became the Pope. (Can you just become the Pope?) And then Rosa killed Lady and Carlos for having a sleepover and not telling her and she also left to go live in Mexico because she liked the beach. The end.

Jake was doumbfounded. That had took a dark twist. But Addie had a big smile on her face like she had told him that she had had pizza for dinner, so her dad just patted her in the head a bit scared, and got up from the floor to go to talk to his wife. 'Did Addie tell you what her dolls are up to lately?' he asked Y/n, who was on the couch reading Vogue. 'She told you the Lady-Rosa-Carlos-Paolo thing?' she asked, not even looking up at him. Jake dropped on the couch, still shocked. 'And you are like, ok with it?' he asked. She dropped the magazine to a side and look at him. 'Of course not, I have already told her something' Her husband sighed. 'Oh, good, what did you tell her?' he asked, wanting to be on the same page about what to tell her. 'That Carlos would NEVER have a sleepover with someone behind other people's back!' she said, like what her daughter had done had been the most offensive thing ever. Jake looked at her and then they both started laughing, with Addie looking confused at them from the other side of the living room. Jake should most definitely tell his coworkers not to talk about cases around her anymore, she was starting to pick things up.

★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆

★ The end of an era ★

'I just can't believe you're going to high school next week!' Jake exclaimed, watching his daughter get ready to leave. 'Dad, you gotta assume I'm 14 and I'm starting to leave the nest, you should talk to someone about this' she said, with the quick humour she had learnt in the last years. 'Your mom is a therapist, I have already talked to her about this and she says that this is a total normal reaction to a child advancing on school level' he retorted. 'Mom is also facing the change, maybe you should talk to someon ELSE' she got back at him, putting her hair in a braid that now she knew how to do alone. 'Yeah, but your mom is completely objective and would never lie to me' he said again. 'Dad' she said, turning away from the mirror to look at him 'mom also tells you that she doesn't hate Die Hard, maybe you should reconsider if what she tells you is always the truth' she clapped back. Damn she was good. 'Okay' he admitted his defeat. 'But I'm still kinda sad about you going to high school'. Addie sighed, and made her way out of the bathroom, taking her dad by the wrist and taking him to the couch, where she sat him and she went to sat on the armchair that was nearer to the couch.

'So, tell me, why is it that you are so scared about me going to high school?' she asked him, reclining back on the armchair. Jake looked at her with a surprised expression 'Are you therapizing me or something?' he asked. 'Yep' her daughter confirmed, gesturing him with the hand to start talking. Jake sighed, knowing that her daughter was smart and if he didn't tell her what what on his mind, she would eventually figure it out... ot she would ask her mom to ask him. 'I...' he started, not knowing where to begin 'I'm scared to see you leave. I know high school is not such a big deal and your'e not going to college yet or anything, but it's the last step. We don't do much things together anymore, and I'm realizing I can't stop time or make it go slower, and I definitely can't go back to do your hair or play with your dolls or running after you when you started to walk. And maybe we grow more distant the years you have left here, and the you'll leave for Standford, which is quite far away from here, and you'll move to the West Coast for a job and then we'll only see you on Christmas and you'll only call your mom and we'll never be you and me anymore, you know?' he told her. It was weird having to tell his own daughter all those things, but he knew it was for the best. When he stopped looking to the floor, he realized Addie had glossy eyes. He inmediately went to her and hugged her tightly. Some things never change.

When they let go of each other, the girl was the first one in talking 'Dad, I didn't know you felt like I never do things with you' she said. Jake smiled softly and wiped the tears from his daughter's face. 'I never told you, Ads' he said. She composed herself again and spoke 'Let's have a movie night every week' she proposed 'we choose a movie each week and we watch it, the both of us. It can be our thing!' she said, excitedly. Jake nodded. 'Of course, princess' he agreed, hugging her again. 'I love you, dad' he heard through the hug. 'I love you too, Ads' he answered her. She was still part of him.

#jake peralta x reader #jake peralta imagine #jake peralta #jake peralta x you #jake peralta fanfic

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certainmaybe · 5 months

Text

Somewhere in their heart Medic had always known that their generosity would one day bite them in the back. You could only let a certain amount of people sleep on your couch before your address became public knowledge. But Medic didn't have the power to bring down evil like the other heroes on their, all they could do was patch up cuts what the villains left behind. So they did. They helped every hurt soul they came across and hoped it would one day be enough.

And now they had Villain sitting on their couch, staring blankly into space.

Medic debated running. It didn't seem like Villain had noticed them yet. They could get away, call an actual hero to take care of this. But then again... Villain should have noticed them. If they hadn't, something was seriously wrong.

"Villain?" Medic spoke softly, ready to run and hide from Villains reaction, but nothing happened. They just sat there on the couch, slumped over. There was a faint scent of puke in the air.

Medic decided against calling Villains name again and instead started moving. They closed the door. They sat down their groceries softly. They made their way towards the slumped figure, noting every small abnormality.

They were slumped to one side, hand pressed against a spot at their ribs. Their other arm seemed strangely limp. One foot was held in a strange position, to avoid any weight being put on it. They were pale and dirty, with a bruise beginning to form around their neck. Pearls of sweat sat on their forehead. They were breathing swallow and slow.

"Villain?" This time the others gaze settled on Medic with a hint of recognition. Both of their pupils were blown wide.

"What are you doing here?" Villains voice was low and brittle.

"This is my living room." The flashlight was in Medics hand and shining into Villains eyes with out a conscious thought. They were running on years of training now.

"Yes. Right. I... wanted to tell you something."

"Maybe what happened to get you in this state?"

"No, no, that wasn't it. It was something important."

"Do you remember what it was?"

"No."

"Then maybe it can wait for later, can't it? Until you are patched up? How does that sound?"

"See, I told you so." Villains eyes had drifted again, and Medic felt earnestly afraid they would pass out.

"What did you tell me, Villain?" Medic debated giving Villain something against the drug they were obviously on, but while it disoriented and destabilized them it was most likely the only thing keeping them from passing out from pain, so maybe it was better that way. But how was Medic going to get them through resetting their shoulder? They didn't dare mix painkillers with what ever Villain was on.

"That you're the only good hero. The only one who actually cares about saving people."

"That's not true."

"Then why don't you call them? Tell them a dangerous Villain broke into your home?" For a moment Medic stopped, trying to think of a good answer.

"Let's just focus on getting you well again."

Part 2?

#heroxvillain #hero x villain #villain x medic #villain #writing snippet #snippet #heroes and villains

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aphroditesmoon · 10 months

Note

hi there ! could I get a gwen x gn! reader where gwen finally confronts reader after going missing for months during events of atsv?

lose your faith in me

gwen stacy x gn!reader

summary: two months without her was too long for you, but not long enough for you to forget her.

warnings: hurt/comfort, gn reader, fluff, curse words.

a/n: hopefully this is to your liking<3

°°°

IT'S BEEN accurately 68 days and 1610 hours since you've last seen Gwen Stacy.

Two months since she slid out of your window while you were sleeping in the middle of the night. Two months since she disappeared without a word, leaving you nothing but a folded paper by your bedside with a 'text u when i get home' scribbled over it.

George Stacy wouldn't meet your eyes when you decided to come knocking on his door a month ago. It felt like you're not looking beyond the curtains where the sun hides when you're talking to him.

He didn't know where Gwen was, it was evident, but he wasn't worried over it either. And when he says her name, it sounds foreign to both ypur ears, like he's talking about a stranger and not his own daughter.

He tells you that you shouldn't look for her. An odd thing for a father to say, but the grief in his eyes forces you to oblige, so you gave in and threw away her stupid rotting note, buried deep in your pockets for all the while she's been missing.

But ghosts eventually find their way back home, her grave in the shape of your bed, and in your arms the only place she'll ever find peace.

You felt her before you saw her, chilly air enters your room from the window, and when you glance up from your pillow, her silhouette stares back at you, an image so clear and persistent that you know you weren't dreaming it. You lift up your body, eyes squinting at her. When she steps closer, the moon finally shining its light on her face, you flinch as you're met with a masked face, the widely known ghost-spider.

A barely audible gasp leaves you when the spiderwoman moves to rip the mask off of her face, and all the questions you've asked nightly to the universe finally answers themselves. You take off your blanket slowly, getting up to walk towards your Gwen is a cautious manner, her eyes stays on your face, waiting for a reaction. Waiting for fear to colour your features.

But besides your suprised expression, you don't show any sign of hostility towards her.

Gwen watches as you finally step in front of her, faces inches from eachother, eyes wide and brows furrowing. She didn't plan to reveal this to you, neither did she plan to find herself in your room, the moment she's been zapped back into her universe by Miguel.

Her fingers flexes to stop itself from trembling, and when your hands reaches up to cup the right side of her face, her eyes soften, and Gwen lets out a heavy breath, succumbing to your touch.

You don't hesitate to move your arms around her, pulling her towards you as she finds her place on your neck, her own hands wrapped around your waist.

You feel her fingers fisting the back of your shirt, as if you'd disappear if she pulls way. Eventually you do, facing eachother once more, you lean your forehead againts hers and feel your mind finally coming back into yourself. She didn't want to speak, it was obvious, but you also knew that it was necessary.

Dissapearing for two months was one thing, finding out she was ghost-spider is another. You should feel betrayed, angry, disappointed in the least, but all you felt was aching pity for her, trying to imagine how alone she must've felt, even when she had you by her side. You opened your mouth to speak but she cut you to it first.

"I'm so stupid." You cracked a smile despite the circumstances as Gwen winces at her own words.

"That fucking came out wrong- I was gonna say 'I'm so sorry' actually." She corrected herself, gripping your forearm.

"I know." You tell her. "You should've-"

"-Told you, I know, god knows, I know. I was just so terrified, I lost Peter, and everyone thinks I killed him, my own dad looked at me like i was a monster when I took my mask off in front of him. Do you think I could've handled having you look at me like that?" That silenced you.

All the petty anger you've buried deep waiting for her return felt childish now. You would've done the same thing if you were her, you knew that.

When she sees your own tears welling up, Gwen cursed herself for saying the things she said. She didn't need you to carry her guilt. Gwen pulled you back into her arms, and you take in the odd mint smelling shampoo she must've been using and kissed her temple.

You felt yourself about to burst now, She was here, and she's laying herself open for you to see, all the things she's never told anyone about before.

"I love you." You croaked out, feeling yourself unable to strain the overwhelming sadness. And Gwen wipes your tears away despite her own and tells you what you already know. "I love you too."

#gwen stacy #gwen stacy x reader #ghost spider x reader #ghost spider #atsv x reader #atsv #hobie brown x reader #across the spiderverse #pavitr prabhakar #miguel o'hara x reader #spiderman across the spiderverse

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ashesbreadandbutter · 16 days

Text

Solomon x Fem! Parent! Reader || It's Okay, I'm Right Here

Word Count: 3,081

Rating: Sfw, Mature matters

Includes: Hurt/Comfort, Angst, Fluff

Thank you for commissioning me! @eternallyanxiousandstressed I hope everything is to your liking and again I hope that the things going on right now that may be painful heal and get better but I wish you nothing but love and luck momma!

It's that day and to say the least you were hurting.

You knew it was happening, knew the time was coming but that didn't mean you ever enjoyed it..

You carefully watched as Solomon played with him, a chest of toys that the white haired man had even gotten for himself sat wide open as your son ran back and forth just to show off his favorite toys and things. You can see the look on his face, the smile you son gives him as he grins up at Solomon with that smile you've always loved.

Your heart is literally aching, feeling as though it's being torn apart.

Solomon was always so good with him. Ever since you both introduced the two your son had seemed interested in the man even if he was a little shy at first. You remembered the way Solomon smiled warmly at the boy who slightly hid his face and then with that flair that he always seemed to have… Solomon kneeled down on one knee to the child and with a short little chant and a sway of his fingers glitter and colorful swirls seem to form from his fingers before poof! A toy sat in his palm, one that he didn't exactly know the boy would enjoy but really hoped so.

Though Solomon isn't necessarily one who cares for the way people looked at him this was completely different. This was you and your son and after being with you for as long as he has now it only made the most since that he wanted to get along with the boy.

It seemed to have worked out quite well. You knew from the moment that Solomon had looked into your eyes that he was a good one, loving and understanding and when your son happily took the toy after a moment just to make sure it was actually alright to take. There's a moment where he looks up at Solomon, bright eyes twinkling at the sight of the gift and Solomon nods with a hum.

“It's alright, you can definitely have this.” Solomon reassured the boy, something else you had noticed the white haired male was quite good with over the timespan of your relationship.

You remembered looking at Solomon after, lifting a brow as if asking how he knew the young boy would like such a gift only to feel your cheeks warm up just a bit when he seemed to smile back knowingly.

Back then Solomon had given a little carefree shrug, a light chuckle coming from him thanks to that adorable look on your face that he always loved to see.

“He's a kid. There's not much else they usually enjoy aside from toys and candy last time I checked.”

He says with that smartass voice of his that you always seemed to love hearing and you huffed out a little laugh.

You smile carefully, looking at the scene just a few feet before you with so much love and affection whilst leaning against the doorframe. You loved catching them in these moments, seeing that carefree smile on your baby's face while he spent such important moments with Solomon who was basically the man that happily stepped up to help you raise the boy. You had caught them a few times in some rather cute moments; catching Solomon feeding the boy, guiding and teaching and correcting the boy whenever it seemed needed …like an actual father was supposed to…

Oh course you never wanted to stop your son from seeing his actual father but every time you looked at you child… his smiling little face that seemed to shined brighter than every other star in the sky, you couldn't help the clenching you felt in your heart. It wasn't that you necessarily hated or felt anything angry over your last partner and you knew that realistically your son should be allowed to see his father no matter what you and the man had gone through but as you watched these moments you couldn't help but simply wish it had been Solomon to actually be the boy's father. Though, you did love seeing that the white haired man treated your son like one anyway even without you having to ask or say anything.

Your baby deserved a father and you and Solomon had talked about it so many times, mainly because you couldn't help but feel scared… and just like the caring and adoring man he was, Solomon carefully reached his hands out to wrap around you and hold you close. Telling you that it'd be okay because whether the boy was his or not… he'd happily help take care and raise him. And that's exactly what Solomon has done since the two of you… three of you met.

The air of peace and tranquility pauses.

There's a knock at the door…

One that you all seem to notice at the very same time.

You're the closest to it and as the two look over at you, you let out a soft sigh before turning and going to the door. Solomon frowns a little, he simply can't help it because while he knows you had to do this didn't mean he had to be happy about it… He looks at your son before smiling softly and the boy seems to return the little look before Solomon gets to his feet.

“Stay right there okay?” Solomon says to the boy who shyly now seems to nod.

He follows you, your child hanging back for now, peeking around at the scene as you take your hand and unlock the knob before twisting it and just as expected he stood there… your past husband, the man you nor Solomon wanted to see but as you try to resist frowning Solomon takes his place at your side, reaching over to rub your shoulder in a way that seems to actually convince you to open the door.

You pull it open and there he stood, looking at you first as a little smile almost dares to taint his lips before falling completely at the sight of Solomon and your son who crept forward until he could grip at Solomon’s pants leg as if the sight of the boy clinging to the man was like pouring salt into an already infected wound.

There's a moment of silence and you can feel the weight of the air around you getting heavier. You were sure he was simply displeased at the sight of you raising your child with another man but Solomon stares him down, as if he's daring the other man to do something about it.

You managed to speak first, greeting the man who seems to huff in return before crossing his arms over his chest.

“I've come to pick up my son.” He says and it sends a spark of blistering rage through you because after everything the two of you have been through you thought he knew by now that if you could your son would be exactly just that, your son. You don't like that tone he uses either, the one he seemed to pull out as if he was better than you and had something to hold over your head and Solomon can practically taste the way it makes you feel.

He doesn't get angry often he'll admit but something about this ex-husband of yours could really pull Solomon into doing so. Especially when he can see that look on your face, the saddened expression that he dreaded seeing on your precious face. It's not just that either, as his eyes turn from you down to your son he can only feel more annoyed, upset at the fact that this man of all people has come just to ruin all of your day.

“Our son.” Solomon suddenly hums and the tension in the air suddenly seems to grow a lot heavier as if the air around you all had turned poisonous.

“You've come to pick up our son.” He says again and there's a moment where both you and your child perk up just from hearing Solomon say such a thing. It's not like he didn't say it often, with permission many months ago Solomon had spent hours holding you, kissing you until you cried and clung to him and felt comfortable with him being this close in your family and home and now as you savor the feeling of his hand gently squeezing your shoulder, you've never been more grateful. It calms you even while your ex seems to sneer at the man who calmly grins, smug in his stance. He knows he shouldn't pick a fight, you've told him not to before but oh does Solomon love seeing that stupid, angry look that washes over your ex's face.

If it weren't for the fact that Solomon was a sorcerer, a lesson that your ex husband was still stubbornly learning he probably would have never spent any time dealing with this man to begin with. Even resisting simply slamming the door in his face right now was rather difficult for Solomon…

You pat Solomon and without argument, without further distraction, he looks over and down at you and his smug grin falls quickly as he sees the look in your eyes, that saddened expression… it manages to shut him up for a moment all the while calming him even before Solomon allowed his own irritation over your ex to bring out the worst in himself.

“Ah, anyway..” Solomon says softly as he looks into your eyes with his own before slowly looking back at your ex who seemed even more annoyed at the sight than the blatant disrespect he was receiving. “I'll allow it, at least until I figure out just what to do with you exactly.” He finishes and there's meanings hidden behind those words, a threat spoken like the millions of spells Solomon's spoken before. All of the sudden the room feels colder, so much so that your ex seems to shiver even though he's not even standing in the house… the only one to shiver, matter of fact, considering Solomon only had the intent to affect him personally. Something else he's been working on for a while now.

“And..what's that supposed to mean?” Your ex asks now, his tone softer than he'd like it to be and Solomon smiles innocently.

“Oh nothing, just that I'm trusting you to be responsible so I don't have to correct you too harshly later on.” he hums and then silence falls over all of you, a few seconds passing just to let the words cook and simmer and then you let out a little laugh as if to lighten the overwhelming mood looking over to your son who moves closer to you, now hugging you leg as you gently run your hand through his hair. There's a soft smile that forms on his lips as he slowly looks up to you.

“He's just kidding, surely you're happy to spend time with your father right baby?” You ask softly, petting that head that you loved so much and while you do so the two men seem to glare harshly at each other, fists slowly balling up on each of them. You son looks over to his father who seems to huff lightly through his nose and Solomon follows the action in a much similar way before nodding carefully. Of course the boy always wanted to see his father. He just secretly wished… he could do so without these moments, without having to leave. Why couldn't the four of you just be together?

Sometimes he still didn't fully understand it all.

“Right, I'm only kidding.” Solomon repeats, giving another smile now as he keeps his eyes on the man before him to show that he actually wasn't ‘just kidding’, that the only reason he didn't strike him where he stood was because Solomon knew just how these things made you feel.

Silence falls over the four of you before you sigh and you say goodbye to your son, smiling at him and taking the time to kneel down and give him the biggest of hugs you could ever offer before he slowly pulls away even though it hurts both of you so much. He had to be a strong boy though, the brave and smart boy that you always found him to be. He seems to take a few steps forward to his father. The man looks at the boy before sighing, reaching out to offer his hand and your son slowly takes it, stepping out the door now.

It's a bittersweet moment, one that leaves an oily taste in your mouth as you look at your child one more time, waving bye as they go to leave but not without your baby returning the action, quickly waving his little hand like his life might have depended on it.

“Bye mommy! I'll see you and dada later, I love you!” He says like how he'd do if you were dropping him off at school or something, moments that always managed to feel like slow motion once they actually happened. Your son's words ring in your ears as you and Solomon wave goodbye though not without you yelling out to your ex to call or text if anything ever managed to happen in your absence. Begrudgingly he seems to accept your words, sighing again and you and Solomon watch at the door as the father of your child helps the young boy in before giving a wave to the both of you before pulling open the drivers door and climbing in.

The sound of the doors closing, the sound of the engine starting and gears revving makes you hurt even more and just like that, they pull off carefully before driving off.

You don't even realize the wetness in your eyes until Solomon carefully reaches out to you. As he gently cups your cheek you look at him and as your eyes connect with his own all you can see if his care for you, his undying love for you that you worried one day might disappear even though Solomon continuously corrected you each time because he was going nowhere without you being by his side. The two of you have already gone through so much and continue to do so but Solomon was happy being there with you to go through it together. The look in his eyes are genuine, focused and bright as if you were the only thing that existed in his field of sight, as if nothing else for now mattered.

Before you can stop yourself you sniffle before quickly turning into him.

You wrap your arms around his torso before pressing your face into his chest, the tears falling just being able to be close to him in a moment like this and of course Solomon returns your gesture by slowly closing the door with one hand while the other moves around you to hold you back. You arm wraps around your shoulders, his hand carefully moving and petting your hair before he moves his other arm to wrap gently around your waist. He pulls you closer as you seem to let it out. It's not like you got like this everytime, not always but you did get sad one way or another and as much as it hurts, like tearing your heart into pieces, Solomon is here… holding you, caressing you while your tears seem to wet his shirt.

“I know you always hate these days but I promise you my love that it's okay…” he hums softly, his voice like a light in the darkness that leads you to a bit of clarity.

“He'll be fine, he'll be okay.. I can promise you that.” He breathes, taking the time to lower his head and press his nose into your hair, taking a deep breath and savoring your scent that he simply loved so much. “I gave him a talisman. If anything unexpected happens we'll know. I promise.. please don't stress yourself out, it's not good for your skin.” He says with a light chuckle and it does calm you down, his words and the way he's holding you as if he worried that letting go might just break you. Even with his teasing tone you know he's serious, that his words are genuine and even though your heart was aching you felt… so, so much better knowing that Solomon had even taken the time to give your son a seal of protection just in case somehow, someway, something managed to cause any malicious harm to your baby.

Which wouldn't because Solomon had promised to always help you keep him safe.

You can't help but cry harder, so grateful to have him here with you, holding you close while telling you that you were okay.. that your son was okay with him around. He's so caring, so loving, patient… gentle, always holding you as if you were the most prized jewel in his world.

“Thank… you..” you say with a shaky tone, clinging to him because you know he doesn't mind not one bit.

He moves his hands to slowly trail up you body, over you curves and dips leaving shivers running over your skin up until he reaches your cheeks and with so much care, he holds you. He kisses the top of your head, then you cheek, then back up to your forehead until he's left peppering to sweetest kisses against your skin and like a cat getting scratched behind your ears you seem to fall completely in his hold.

“There's no need to thank me my love and you know that, you know I adore you and that boy more than I've ever adored anything else. You know I'll always be here, yes?” Solomon says softly, his eyes gentle as his voice fills your ears and you hold his arms, nuzzling his chest.

“Yes..Yes of course I know that my dear, I-I just love you so much… I'm so grateful you're here..” you breathe, calmed down as you press against him like he's a life support and he holds you like he feared you pulling away.

“I’ll never let go of you…either one of you for I love you both just as much.” He hums as he continues to hold you, taking in your scent, kissing you…loving you like you always craved to be loved.

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black-amortentia · 4 months

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Under the Mistletoe with Sirius

Sirius Black x Auror!Reader (HP era) | Warnings: Mainly just fluff, hints at a past relationship between Sirius and reader, barely proofread

Summary: Sirius Black was spending Christmas on the run, and a visit from an auror is not the gift he wanted. Luckily, it's not just any auror. Will a close call reunite him with an old friend?

“Well, well, well... What do we have here?”

You stood in the alley, hands on your hips, staring down at your quarry. His grey eyes turned to you, wide with fear as you made yourself known. The shining auror bagde on your chest caught his eye.

“Whatever am I going to do with you?” You continued, drawing his eyes to your face.

Sirius Black, the most wanted man in the Wizarding world, stood slowly, gaze fixed on yours.

“Auror L/N,” He said quietly.

You closed the small distance between you. Holding out your hand, you lifted an eyebrow. “Come on, then.”

Sirius sighed, his hand landing in yours.

You pulled him into a hug, his arms coming around your waist to embrace you in return.

“Y/N... It’s good to see you.”

“What are you doing here? You’re lucky it was me that ran into you and not someone else.”

“One of the houses in this village used to be part of the Order. Thought I’d see if it was still free.”

“Sold last month, actually. New owners moving in soon.”

“Really lucky I ran into you, then,” Sirius grinned.

“Oh, please, Sirius, luck had nothing to do with it,” you told him with a shake of your head. “I volunteered for this shift.”

Sirius’s brow furrowed in confusion. “You did? Why?”

“I thought you might feel a little nostalgic. Or don’t you remember that Christmas the two of us spent holed up in that house you mentioned?”

His lips curved into a playful smile. “I could never forget that Christmas, Y/N.”

Sirius laid a hand on your shoulder. “I often wonder what might have happened if one Christmas wasn’t all we had.”

“Yeah,” you whispered. “So have I. Too bad the war got in the way.”

There was a moment of quiet between you, shared looks of longing, what-ifs heavy in the air. Finally, you cleared your throat. “We should get you out of here before you’re seen. This way.”

“We’re just going to walk?”

“I’ve got somewhere you can lie low for the night,” you told him. “Just around the corner. The whole village should be in church.”

As you walked down the lamp-lit street, Sirius grabbed your hand and pulled you toward a lamppost decorated with mistletoe.

“Really?” you asked with a laugh.

“You know mistletoe means you have to kiss me, right?” he teased, leaning in close. “It’s bad luck not to.”

“Is that so?” you murmured, your heart skipping a beat at his nearness.

“Absolutely,” he whispered, his eyes dancing with mischief. His hand came up to cup your cheek, thumb brushing over your skin. “Just a quick kiss...”

You tilted your face up, lips parted, memories dancing in your mind.

But just before your lips could meet, a quiet chatter of voice floated down the street and you jumped out of Sirius’s arms.

“I hear voices. Get down!”

Sirius ducked behind a nearby garden wall, slipping into his dog form in a fluid motion. You leaned against the lamppost, looking nonchalant but alert, like any good auror on patrol.

An elderly couple strolled past, headed for the church. You nodded politely, and they smiled in return. It seemed to take several agonizing minutes for them to get out of earshot, but that was probably just your impatience.

When the coast is clear, you turn to look for Sirius. “That was clo- ah!”

As you looked for the shaggy black dog, the ice on the lamppost and the ice under your feet conspired to send you sprawling onto your back, knocking the wind out of you.

You blinked up at the light above you, the sprig of mistletoe seeming to laugh at your plight. You felt the weight of two paws on your chest before Sirius’s canine head appeared in your vision. He cocked his head at you, then leaned in and licked your cheek.

“Get off me, you mangy mongrel.”

Sirius changed back into a human, still pinning you down. “Mangy? I’m insulted!”

You laughed at the look on his face. “What are you doing, anyway?”

Sirius glanced up. “The mistletoe, remember? Going to risk that bad luck?”

“Well, we need all the luck we can get, don’t we?”

Sirius’ eyes glinted playfully as he leaned down, his cold nose brushing against yours. His lips captured yours in a gentle kiss that soon deepened, his body pressing against you. Your fingers tangled in his shaggy hair as the kiss left you breathless. When you finally broke apart, his eyes were dark with desire.

You moaned softly, and Sirius raised an eyebrow. “Someone sounds eager.”

“No, there’s a rock in my back,” you groaned.

Sirius chuckled as he got to his feet, holding out a hand to help you up. “One close call is probably enough for tonight. I should get going.”

When you were back on your feet, you didn’t let go of his hand. “Don’t spend Christmas alone. Come on, it’s just a few doors down.”

He leaned around you to count the houses. “But that’s… I thought you said someone bought it.”

With a jingle, you pulled a set of keys from your pocket. “Oh, didn’t I tell you about the new owner? It’s got protections and charms that would even impress Dumbledore. Come on. One night.”

Sirius’s face breaks out into a grin as you pull him down the lane, watching for threats. “Maybe this time, it can be more than just one Christmas.”

“Yeah,” you said. “Maybe it can.”

#sirius black #sirius black x reader #sirius black x you #sirius black x y/n #sirius black fanfiction #sirius black fic #harry potter fanfiction

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royallyprincesslilly · 9 months

Text

Title: Message My Heart {One Shot}

Lewis Hamilton x Famous Reader

Warning: Cursing, Heavy Angst, Some Fluff, PLENTY OF WORDS,

Words: 8.2k

Summary: You are a famous and jaded singer. You’ve closed yourself off from others and even experiences. However, one unexpected comment changes everything.

Note: Let's pretend we all can't recognize or man in .2 seconds from a super pixelated shot of his forehead alone. Let's pretend that we never followed this man a day in our lives. LOL

As always, thank you for reading! I appreciate it!

If you enjoyed this, please, LIKE, COMMENT, REBLOG!!!

***NOT Edited/Proofread***

~~~~~~~~

You'd posted this on a whim, as a joke and nothing serious. It was a night you should have been kept away from your socials, a night of heavy drinking, illicit smoke passing your lips, and hours and hours of dancing until your legs were sore and the bottoms of your feet were numb. A night of laughs, tears, anger, and joy. A night all in the hopes of forgetting the loneliness of your existence.

Though you were never alone you always felt it. You were always surrounded by at least 10 people at any given time, always having someone snap your picture, scream your name, begging for an autograph, for you to smile, for you to pose this and that way, for a moment of your time, your voice, your heart, your life.

It was exhausting always being on display like you were 24/7 entertainment and not a person. Everyone believed you belonged to them and hence you had no right to privacy, no right to be human or left alone. Everything was always so intense and fast-paced, so sexualized and impersonal. You guessed it was the price to pay for the life you chose because of the vocal talent you possessed and oftentimes you believed you had no right to complain because you had chosen this, though you had no idea what this really was all those years ago.

You groaned, wrapped your fur blanket around your naked figure then took a heady sip of your mimosa. Then you scrolled through the comments underneath your post. You rolled past comment after comment of men giving you their sexual fantasies which ranged from mild to very depraved. You were beyond shocked that people would actually speak filth like this on social media for the world to see and not feel shame.

As you scrolled, you also noted how most of those sexual fantasies were deleted. That told you that your social media team was on it and doing the job they were paid handsomely for.

Your ringing phone drew your attention and without looking you knew it was your manager. You sighed then answered.

"Yeah."

"What were you thinking posting that? What did you think would happen?"

"I wasn't thinking."

"Damn right you weren't. The ways that statement could be taken."

"It's not like it was meant the way it was taken! Look I am not going to apologize for the depravity and lewdness of most of the male population. I will not take responsibility for that, nor do I deserve you calling me to belittle me about it."

With that, you ended the call. He was on thinner ice than he'd ever been before. You were ready to fire his ass before but now you were past ready. Your anger tried to overtake you but you recited the mantra you'd learned from your Balinese getaway where had a strong spiritual awakening that made you confront just how bad a shape you were in.

It took 7 repetitions but at the end of them, you felt more rooted in your strength. You continued scrolling rolling your eyes at comments that were weird or cringe then your finger hovered over the screen as a particular comment caught your eye.

Blessedbeyondmeasure44: Take you away from everyone who makes those beautiful eyes empty and sad so I can gently caress and love away the pain that shines through wrapped around the lyrics of every slow song you put out that your voice so hauntingly expresses to the world. I would just simply love you for all you are that you hide from the world and all you wish to be that you fear you can never be.

For a very long time, you sat there staring at the words in a complete daze. You sat there so long that you actually forgot to breathe. When your chest burned and your head got light, you gasped filling your lungs. You then read the comment again.

Holy shit, you thought.

Who was this person? So many things raced through your mind. Was this just some random person, some random response? Did they know you? How was everything he said so on point? They'd seen through your eyes. Heard the pain. Slowly you began hyperventilating but quickly you got yourself under control. Who was this?

You clicked their name but found their account on private. You contemplated messaging them but quickly decided against it. It was stupid to do.

So you went about your day fulfilling your obligations and doing everything you normally would. Smiled for the cameras, posed for pictures, signed endless autographs, chatted with fans, kept everything PC, shook hands, and gave the people what they so thought they were owed. Every bit of yourself.

However, as your day progressed and winded down you couldn't stop thinking about the comment, and the more you thought about it, the more your curiosity increased. So by the time you were on your way home for the night, you went back on social and sent a follow request before you chickened out, then closed the app.

Though you tried to forget it, you didn't. So as you ate dinner, watched TV, showered, did a little work then wrote some lyrics you had it in the back of your head. When you checked it you couldn't help but smile as you found your request had been approved. However not much was posted in the way of a face. There were plenty of animal pictures, landscapes, and abstract things but nothing to tell you who this person was.

So with nothing to quell your curiosity, you backed off of their page ready to close the app all together when a red '1' appeared indicating you'd received a message. It took all of 5 seconds for you to open it.

Blessedbeyondmeasure44: Didn't imagine this would be the end of my day when I started it.

You smiled. Hell neither did you.

You: Me neither.

Blessedbeyondmeasure44: To what do I owe the pleasure?

You thought about your possible response. You couldn't just tell the truth...could you? After some minutes you bit the bullet.

You: Why did you comment that?

You watched the three dots appear and disappear 5 times as you anxiously waited for their reply. You imagined all the things they could say, all the ways you'd possibly misread the situation and made a wrong decision. Just when you thought you couldn't take it anymore, came a lengthy response.

Blessedbeyondmeasure44: I was just being honest and some more honesty would be that I've been following you for a long time and been a fan for about the same time and there is something about you. Something ethereal, something poetic and hypnotizing.

You: Ah. Another fan of my looks. Okay. I get it.

Blessedbeyondmeasure44: This has nothing to do with your looks and everything to do with your aura. To be truthful I am convinced you look 1000 times better without the layers of makeup and lashes. It cheapens your beauty. The glow around you has changed over the years. It began beautiful and golden and has morphed into copper, then rust, now it is barely visible and just a shimmery black as if you are a former shell of who you were.

Talk about a stab in the gut. You read their words over and over and thought back to something the Dali said in Bali. It was something similar, something just as profound. A shiver rushed through you producing goosebumps along your flesh.

Blessedbeyondmeasure44: I posted that comment because I saw you and wanted you to know it. I wanted you to know that while the world wants something--everything from you I want nothing but to give something to you.

The tears in your eyes made your lids heavy. You fought the inevitable struggling to keep them at bay.

You: And what's that?

The reply was lightning quick as if he knew you'd ask.

Blessedbeyondmeasure44: Safety and love.

That was it. That was all it took for your bottom lid to give up and release the floodgates. Your tears cascaded down your cheeks and they didn't stop for long minutes that turned into hours until you'd cried yourself to sleep.

~~~~~

-12 Weeks Later-

A stranger's kind words to a random drunken post ended up being a gift from the universe. Every time you talked which was every day now he put you at ease. It was like having the worst case of poison ivy that nothing soothed but that one salve you decided to try on a whim. He was that salve and every time you spoke his effect was one that mystified you.

Your moods improved, intrusive thoughts decreased, and depression staved off. Hell, even your outlook had changed. Once everything was bleak. You saw the worst in everyone and everything. You were Ms. Pessimistic always with the defensive wall because you expected everyone you encountered to be trash. Now, that outlook had changed and because of the chance you were giving him and him not fumbling it was slowly changing your mind about people.

When you asked him what his motives were, he simply said to be your friend because you looked like you needed one of those more than someone to tell you how beautiful you are or break your back. That answer floored you. Never had you had a man who wanted to be your friend as opposed to something else--something more.

So friends was what you became. He became one of your biggest supporters always cheerleading you on through social media. He was the ever-present positivity your negative mind craved. His light and vibe were contagious and soon they'd infiltrated your whole outlook. He even got you into jogging, which you hated. Every morning at the ass crack of dawn you were jogging together sending snapshots of the view you were zipping by, short text messages throughout, and even voice messages.

You often decompressed together either watching a movie, playing against one another on gaming platforms, or just doing the same activities in your own towns. Through it all, you still didn't know what he looked like still didn't know who he really was and though you were curious, you also were afraid to rock the boat.

When your friends found out about him they often badgered you into figuring out who he was. They even offered to do a deep dive investigation on social to figure it out. You knew they could crack the case in a few hours but again the fear told you not to.

"What are you afraid of?"

It was a good question that one of your best friends, Alaana, asked as you sat with both of them in your theater room watching the latest release on Netflix. Twiddling your fingers, you avoided her eyes.

"Do you think he's a perv?"

Your other friend, Takia, gasped as she shot upright. "That he's a catfish?"

"Who is he catfishing as? She doesn't even know who he is let alone if he looks like who he says he is," Alaana pointed out.

"So what is it? Afraid he's butt ugly?"

The two cackled together as if they were the best stand-up comedians alive while you gave them your best unamused expression.

"Just tell us," Alaana whined.

"Rocking the boat."

They stared at you in confusion which made you even more frustrated. With a kiss of your teeth and a sigh you continued.

"Disillusionment. What if finding out who he is or what he looks like rocks the boat and destabilizes everything? What if things change and not for the better? Like I have no idea how this man I know nothing about was able to--"

"Bring back the Y/N before you got famous and jaded?"

The three of you nodded and sat there in silence for a few moments as if giving that silence to your former self as a show of sorrowful recognition.

"He hasn't even done anything. He's just been...there."

"The universe usually brings us what we need at the time we need it. What if he is what you need?"

"I've thought about that the last few weeks. I don't know how but somehow the way I think of him has changed. I daydream about him and get giddy when I think of him. I don't remember this with anyone else and it's weird because I don’t know him in the slightest."

"You like him," Takia accused.

"I don't know him."

"Girl, please. You've been talking to this man every day for the last 3 months. Every day. You know his routine, know his likes, dislikes, and dreams. You know him so just take the next step. Maybe you guys can make things work past friends. His first initial message to you was that he would love away the pain and love all you are that you hide from the world and all you wish to be that you fear you can never be."

Hearing his earliest words spoken made goosebumps skirt across your skin. They still affected you, still made you weak.

"No lie at first I thought it was creepy but seeing how pure and innocent it has turned it doesn't make me cringe anymore. I think at least find out who he is then decide."

"What if he's some normal guy who is like a doctor or teacher?"

"Would that make you think twice?"

"Normal people don't do well in this world. It's hard to understand and adjust to."

"Or maybe he is in this world."

"Making anything work in this world sucks especially if they are already in it."

"Which is the more appealing one?"

Just then your notifications went off. Checking it, you found a new message from him.

Blessedbeyondmeasure44: I'm sorry I'm on a business trip and it has been a crazy day. I'm all yours now. How are you?

You smiled and typed out a reply.

You: No need for sorries. I can't expect to have you all to myself 24/7

Blessedbeyondmeasure44: And why not? It's nothing short of what you deserve.

Lite fluttering butterflies took over your stomach making you burrow deeper into the couch.

You: So are you saying if I want you 24/7 then you're mine?

Blessedbeyondmeasure44: Even if you don’t want me I’m yours.

"Oh my god," Alaana squealed.

Glancing back, you found Alaana peeping over your right shoulder and Takia over your left. Both had literal heart eyes.

"Ask for a picture," Takia badgered.

"Tell him you'll send one too," Alaana backed up.

Shaking your head, you chewed your bottom lip trying to stick to your guns though the curiosity was killing you. Just then, another message came through.

Blessedbeyondmeasure44: Scared you off?

You chewed more intently on your bottom lip as you thought over his words. You weren't scared in the slightest.

You: It takes more than that to scare me.

Blessedbeyondmeasure44: Good to know. So the real question is, could you--would you want me?

Seconds later, an image came through and you sat there dazed staring into the most beautiful pair of brown eyes you'd ever seen.

"Wooooow," Alaana and Takia said in unison.

"That there is a beautiful man," Takia added.

She was right. Though you could only see his eyes you could see that they were kind eyes and kind eyes said a lot about someone. It had been a long time since you'd looked into a pair of kind eyes and now faced with his, you wanted nothing more than to stare into them for the foreseeable future.

"Holy Shit," you exclaimed.

"Right. Girl, I can tell he fine. I can tell these things. You can see it in the nose bridge. That's a nose bridge of a fine piece of man," Alaana said.

"The nose bridge? Come on Lana, I would have said the eyebrows and the lashes. Like, did he go to the lash bar or something? I'm jealous," Takia added.

You heard them but nothing was registering. His eyes held you captivated.

Blessedbeyondmeasure44: Take your time. I'll wait.

And wait he did. Your friends booed you for not answering with a resounding "hell yeah", but you didn't let it phase you. Tucking your phone away, you tried your best to focus on the rest of the movie while ignoring the big elephant trunk sticking out of your phone as if to remind you what was happening in it. You didn't need the reminder. Your mind was already thinking and overthinking the exchange.

By the time your friends had gone to sleep it was almost 2 in the morning and no matter how you tried, sleep evaded you. So with your phone in hand, a bottle of wine in the other you trekked to the pool and set yourself up. It took less than 5 minutes for you to end up back on your messages. 6 hours had gone by since his last message. 6 hours you'd left him on read. 6 hours you'd thought about his words. You pressed the audio record button then sighed.

"Even before you sent that picture...I could and would want you."

Your finger hovered over the send button and it was fear again that stood in your way. So as you did 12 weeks ago, you took a deep breath, closed your eyes, and pressed send. After, you dropped your phone on the lounger, grabbed the bottle of wine, and took a hearty gulp of the sweet red liquid. This brand had a higher alcohol content than most of your whites which meant it would be the best 'no thinking' wine for you. It would make it easy to relax and just exist in the moment. You leaned back and gazed into the sky. You were far enough away from the lights and glitz of the city that you could see the stars and tonight you were glad for it.

Releasing a sigh of contentment, you realized it had been years since you felt this calm. It was easy to get lost in the view which is what you did. By the time your notifications went off again, you'd had half the bottle of wine. It was a voice message.

His normally deep voice was even deeper now. He sounded as if he'd just woken up or was very intoxicated and in the mood for nothing but sin. You pressed your knees together as a sensation you hadn't felt in years washed over you--desire. Who in the fuck was this man to have this power, you wondered incredulously.

"Wow. I honestly didn't expect you to reply. I'm pleasantly surprised."

Smiling you took another mouthful of wine.

"Sorry it took so long."

"It's all good. No need to apologize. I understand you better than you think."

"How exactly? You've never met me."

"I actually did, once. It was in passing and I guess I didn't make an impression so..."

Your eyes bugged as you wracked your brain trying to figure out if you'd seen his eyes before. There was no way you'd forget eyes like those.

"Trying to think over all the people you've met through your life to see if you remember me?"

He sounded amused.

"I was trying to figure out how I could not remember eyes like yours. Since I don't think it's possible I'm going to say you're full of shit."

The recording that came next put the biggest smile on your face and set those butterflies flapping again. His laugh was a thing for masturbation.

"Real talk though."

"So safe to say you're not a teacher or CEO of some major company."

"Ha, no not a teacher. As for a CEO of some major company...that's pretty accurate."

You continued to think over who he could possibly be but nothing was sticking. The only thing that was sticking was more and more curiosity and confusion.

Blessedbeyondmeasure44: As I said before. You'll know when you're ready and when you are ready...really ready for me I will be there.

You stared at his words. They were words he’d sent before. Words he'd patiently abided by. Words he apparently meant. Your heart in your chest purred as of it were blissfully soothed and content. Staring back up at the stars you gaped in wonderment.

"Wow."

~~~~~~~

-4 Weeks Later-

You: I'm ready.

You stared at the message you'd sent 30 minutes ago. You couldn't believe you'd mustered up the courage to send it let alone actually meant it. In the last 16 weeks, there had been more than enough things that were working for him than against him. He was kind, funny, patient, funny, gentle, honest, gracious, spoke of his faith in things in such a way that instilled faith in you. You'd gone from not seeing the point in continuing if emptiness was all that awaited you to wanting the next day to come so you could experience new things through and with him.

Takia asked you a week ago if you'd fallen in love with him and though you were apprehensive to give her any response your heart lurched and thudded even more strongly within your chest. Since then, you'd thought even more about meeting him.

Today you woke with a stronger desire to meet him, touch his skin and see if he smelled how you imagined, like vanilla, cedar, spiced and fragrant musk, an open field of lavender, and lemon thyme and ripe citrus. You just wanted to be in the same room to see if you were romanticizing a stranger for his kind words or if there was really something there.

"You'll be late if we don't leave now," your new manager Iyla said.

Since firing your old manager and having Iyla come in who was always in his shadow because of how obnoxious he was you'd felt better and better about your career. She'd really stepped up in the past few weeks and showed you what you already suspected, that she was good at what she did and was a much better fit for you.

Once you were out of the hotel and in your car on your way to the venue you were set to perform at, you harmonized your new song trying to make sure you had everything right. It was partly because of how much of a perfectionist you were but also to distract yourself from the silence on his end from your message.

You tried not to think that he'd seen it and left you on read or that he was not on the same page as you anymore or that he'd changed his mind about you. There were so many thoughts and possibilities running through your head that work was the only way to quiet them.

20 minutes later you arrived at the Versace show where you were going to perform. This would be a first where live music was used for the models to walk the runway rather than backtrack. When Donatella had approached you with the idea you leaped at the chance. Half of your closet was filled with Versace so there was no way you'd pass this up.

"This is so iconic," Iyla said as she readjusted your altered vintage Versace dress. The material fit you like a glove and accentuated all your striking features.

"You will be the first ever to perform at a Versace show, hell any show that isn't the VS shows. You are about to break into another layer of this atmosphere, forget the stratosphere," Iyla said with a wide smile.

There was something about her that always made you comfortable. Her vibe always gave off excited and caring big sister and you loved that.

"Are you nervous?"

You wiggled your hand to show her how in the middle of the fence you were.

"Don't be. You look amazing and we already know your voice is sublime. Talk about an Indica trip."

You smiled already feeling calmer. As you walked the black and gold carpet you smiled for the cameras and did a few interviews. Overall everyone was looking forward to the performance and the show. Across the way, you heard a commotion. The photographers went into a tizzy and fans that were mingled together across the street looking on screamed. It sounded like a K-pop concert instead of a fashion show. People loved fashion but they didn't get this crazy for it.

Carning your neck you tried to see what the fuss was all about and instead saw fans losing their ever-loving shit.

"Oh my god, it's Lewis Hamilton," one screamed.

You'd heard the name plenty of times but you'd never paid much attention. All you knew was he was British and did some kind of sport. You watched on as he stepped up on the carpet and posed in his all-black outfit. You watched on for a few moments curious as to what all the hype was. He was too far away for you to make out much of his features but from what you could make out, you had to admit he was attractive.

Though you felt Iyla tapping you to tell you it was time to move you couldn't. There was something about him that was so captivating. Alas, you had a performance to kill. You turned and saw Donatella approaching you with a huge smile.

"You look even better than I thought you would."

"That's kind. Thank you but I am only the vessel for this beautiful piece of art you've created."

The photographers screamed for you both to pose so they could get the shot and that is what you did for almost a full 10 minutes. No amount was good enough for them, they wanted more and more and more.

"Ah, Lewis. Come, come, come. Join us!”

You spun and found the same man from a few minutes ago approaching. His smile was wide as he looked at Donatella but when they shifted to you his smile slipped. At the sight of that for some reason, your belly sank. Did he know of you and didn't like you?

As quickly as the smile disappeared it appeared again. He embraced Donatella kissing both her cheeks as he exchanged pleasantries. You caught a whiff of a scent that couldn't be cologne. It had to be him. It was strong but not in an overpowering way. Though he didn't stand too close to you, you could catch notes of spiced wood, and rich floral undertones that smelled as if fragrant flowers had been gently smoked over a fire to unlock their deeper fragrance. He smelled good--mouthwatering even.

Donatella turned to you, "Do you know Y/N? Have you met?"

Your eyes met and instantly the feeling of familiarity washed over you.

"Uh--,” you began.

"No, I've never had the pleasure, Lewis said holding out his hand for yours.

You placed it in his palm and felt the familiarity shake you again in the form of a sharp but almost comforting jolt. Neither of you budged though.

"Are you sure? I swear I feel like I've seen..."

"Trust me if I had ever been properly introduced to you, I'd remember."

His eyes held you locked in place. There was something familiar about them but you knew you'd never met him before. He was right. You were sure you'd remember eyes like his. Lewis suddenly dropped your hand, then slipped to the other side of Donatella to take part in the photos. Then like a thief in the night he was gone. Who was that you thought to yourself.

As showtime approached, you tried to forget the strange encounter and the way your body came alive from his scent. The more you tried to forget the more you focused on it but instead of thinking of the man you'd just met you kept thinking about the one you'd been talking to for the last several months.

A notification came up, sending you to your DMs.

Blessedbeyondmeasure44: Ready for what exactly?

Seeing his message your belly fluttered. It truly had been a while since you'd had a reaction like this to anyone.

You: You know what. Ask me again.

30 seconds ticked by, then a minute, and the whole time you tried not to chew your lip. When another message came in, again your belly flipped.

Blessedbeyondmeasure44: Do you want me?

Seeing the rephrased question instantaneously brought up your anxiety. It was direct on purpose because he wanted an intentional answer. Not a possible or hypothetical one. Oh, you thought. This man was different from any other little boy you'd encountered and every fiber of your being said take a chance.

Unable to resist, you bit down on your bottom lip and chewed forgetting all about your plum-painted lips, and prepared to type your reply but before you could get a letter down Iyla called your name telling you it was showtime.

5 minutes later, you were backstage waiting for your cue. You would be the first to walk out and down the runway as if you were one of the models. You'd then take your seat and begin. You should have been nervous about it but you weren't, you were more nervous about the message you were about to send.

A few of the models gave you hugs and thumbs up for support just before the stage manager gave you a nod for you to go. Once you stepped through the threshold, you took note of just how many people were there. The creative director had done amazingly on the set and ambiance. The large pool in the center of the runway space really was a vibe. The audience instantly erupted in applause as you stuck your beginning pose for dramatic effect.

What a dream you thought as you took your first step down the sleek white platformed runway. There were plenty of little girls who dreamed of this moment and here you were living it. It had been a while since you were open enough to feel gratitude but here and now you felt it in full force. Another thing to credit the man who still hadn't revealed his name for.

As you walked you noted the plethora of celebrities that sat around the runway at their posh-looking garden tables watching every move you made. You saw singers, actors, models, and even athletes from varying fame levels. On your turn, you saw Dwayne Wade who was seated next to Lewis Hamilton. Both men gave you an appreciative and polite head nod as you passed. When you got to the end of the "U" shaped runway you stopped and the audience again applauded you.

Once you were seated behind the piano, you adjusted your microphone and got ready to get down to business. As the first chords of the piano played for the intro you fully gave yourself to the track. A few lines in and the models began walking showing off the art that had taken months to prepare.

The song you'd chosen tonight was new. It was something that had come to you since you'd begun your interactions in your DMs. It was softer than the songs from your last album which was quite heavy. The lyrics were flirtatious, the melody fun and soothing but it was still somehow all you.

20 minutes later you'd sang 4 new songs and was in the middle of a piano solo that would close out the show. When Donatella stepped out after the model precession went by, you added some flair to the solo giving Beethoven and Bach a run for their money. The audience clapped and whistled as you showcased your musical abilities, abilities that had gotten you your current fame and status. Upon the grand finale, you hit the perfect ending chords making Donatella laugh.

The two of you walked on either side of the line of models toward the center of the "U" shaped runway to meet and join hands. She gestured to you making the audience applaud and cheer. You did a dainty curtsy then motioned to Donatella and cheered loudly which promoted those around you to do the same. You stood there allowing the photographers to take pictures for a few moments. When you glanced down you realized you were standing directly in front of Lewis whose eyes were glued to you. The smile on his lips was soft and the look on his face was endearing. You wanted to ask why but you shook it off.

2 hours later after endless pictures, interviews, autographs, and tens of flirtatious men trying to either get your number, get you to give them your number, or convince you to leave with them for the night; you finally had time to yourself. You finished your glass of champagne, leaned on one of the 9-foot tall hedges, and scrolled through your phone.

Blessedbeyondmeasure44: Your voice is still haunting and amazingly beautiful, but your eyes are no longer sad and empty. God, you are gorgeous like this.

Smiling, you took a deep breath.

You: I want you.

You were sure of that now.

Blessedbeyondmeasure44: Are you sure?

You: Yes. I've spent the night having CEOs, oil tycoons, actors, models, athletes, artists, and men from every other profession you can think of flirt with me, attempt to spend the night with me, and try to create some sort of connection only to fail miserably because all I can think of is you and the fact you haven't once flirted with me or tried to convince me to spend the night with you.

Blessedbeyondmeasure44: I didn't know you wanted me to.

You: I didn't either. Now I do. I want you to. I want you to do all of that.

Blessedbeyondmeasure44: What if I don't want to convince you to spend the night with me? Spending the night with you is the least of what I want to do with you.

You: What do you want?

Blessedbeyondmeasure44: I want your days. I want your afternoons. I want your trust. I want your honesty. I want your vulnerability. I want your mind. I want your heart.

Once again he'd stolen your breath.

You: And what do I get in return?

Blessedbeyondmeasure44: I will give you smiles. I will give you laughter. I will give you joy. I will give you honesty. I will give you my days. I will give you my afternoons, my nights. I will give you my loyalty. I will give you trust. I will give you vulnerability. I will give you my mind, my heart, and only when you are sure you can match me I will give you my body and all the passion and fire you can stand.

Wow, you thought.

You: I'm in Cannes for a few days. I fly out the day after tomorrow. How can we meet?

Blessedbeyondmeasure44: Depends. How badly do you want it?

You: I'm not thirsty or anything but a hard 9.

A voice message came through of him laughing. Then another.

"I'm glad you can hide your thirst but I won't. Not anymore. I'm at 100."

It was your turn to send a voice message of you laughing.

Blessedbeyondmeasure44: Glad you find my suffering funny. I'm currently in Cannes too. If you trust me enough we can meet tonight.

Your brows rose. He was in Cannes too? What a coincidence.

You: Tonight then.

Blessedbeyondmeasure44: Tonight.

You felt all sorts of giddy now. It overshadowed the nervousness that was trying to overtake you. Fifteen minutes later, as you left the fashion show venue, another message came through.

Blessedbeyondmeasure44: Vieux Port, 12. Tell this to your driver and they will know where to go.

You smiled then attached a photo of yourself from the night and sent it.

You: Me now so you don't miss me

Blessedbeyondmeasure44: Jeez. You're beautiful Y/N.

You: It is a bit unfair that I still don’t know your name.

Blessedbeyondmeasure44: You'll know when you see me.

You dropped Iyla off at the hotel with an excuse of wanting to sightsee then you took the drive to the port. On the way you texted her the location you would be in case you bumped into trouble. With the window down, you relaxed into the scents of Cannes. Baked goods, salty sea air, citrus, and sand. It all smelled wonderful. You'd been here tens of times before but this was the first time you'd taken time for yourself to mellow out. You were in a completely different headspace than you were on previous trips and it felt so freeing.

15 minutes later, your driver pulled up to find 2 people, a man, and a woman, already waiting there. Your phone vibrated with a notification.

Blessedbeyondmeasure44: I sent Verona and Linus to escort you. They are waiting at the port. I promise you're safe.

Another message came with 2 pictures and vouching credentials. Sighing, you relaxed again. He had thought of everything. As you approached the two they smiled.

"Verona? Linus?"

"Yes. Ms. Y/L/N?”

"Yes."

"Wonderful. Please follow us we will take you to the vessel," Verona said.

As you walked behind them you couldn't help but wonder what vessel and how he'd pulled all this together in less than an hour. Who was he exactly? It took all of 3 minutes until Linus and Verona both stopped in front of a lavish yacht that looked like it was at least 3 stories.

"Whoa."

"Ms. Y/L/N, after you," Linus said with an outstretched arm pointing to the boarding plank ahead.

You stood there for several moments thinking about things again. Were you really going to get on this yacht with someone you’d never met before? Were you really going to be this trusting?

Blessedbeyondmeasure44: I had Verona and Linus provide your driver with the details of this yacht before he left. I've told him to give it to your manager so they know where you will be and how to contact authorities if you aren't returned safely. I’ve also asked them to check in with you every 30 minutes using a code word they choose. I don't want you afraid of me Y/N. If you are afraid I won't think anything of you turning around and we can try this another way, a more public way with your manager present. Whatever you're comfortable with.

You didn't know if it was game or not but his words calmed you. Maybe it wasn't his words and the fact that he thought ahead and provided these securities for you to feel safer. A call from Iyla came through then.

"OMG, Y/N. Wow. I have so many questions and I want all the details later but your code word is Calamari. I will call every 30 minutes."

She sounded excited and you had no idea why.

"Got it."

Just like that, she ended the call. Why was she so excited? You wondered if she knew something you didn't as you put your phone in your bag. With a breath, you crossed the plank and allowed a man dressed similarly to Linus and Verona to lift you onto the yacht.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome. He is waiting on the top deck. Follow this hallway to the steps at the end and up you go," Verona instructed.

With a nod, you were off. As you walked you noted just how luxurious the yacht truly was. Did he own this? If he did he was possibly in or close to your tax bracket. You weren't sure if you should be happy about it or leery. If he was in your tax bracket it could mean he was a celebrity as well. At that thought you paused on the 4th step on the stairs.

You thought about celebs that you'd tried to get to know or date and cringed. All of them were slightly weird with quirks you couldn't handle on top of your schedule and responsibilities. A celebrity relationship took a lot and you didn't know if you could give any of it.

"You're getting ahead of yourself, Y/N."

You took a breath and continued. When you reached the top of the stairs your jaw dropped. There were candles and flowers everywhere. Slowly you looked around and realized they weren't just any flowers, they were your favorite flowers.

"Oh my god," you whispered.

With a step forward you took in your 360 view and you knew that no matter who he was you wanted to try for him. As you looked behind you, you walked backward distracted by the beauty surrounding you. He'd somehow managed all of this in under an hour. Somehow he'd filled the entire top deck with all your favorite things. Your favorite flowers were covering every surface of the floor. Your favorite scented candles were lit and their scent wafting in the air. Your favorite snacks and treats lining the railing on the left. Your favorite fruit lining the right railing.

"He's really been paying attention," you softly said.

"Of course I pay attention. You're important to me."

You stumbled to a stop but kept your back to the voice. You recognized his voice. You recognized it from your messages and even tonight. Suddenly, everything swirled in your mind as it slowly came together.

Hi, Y/N."

You took a deep breath and turned. Your jaw dropped while everything fell into place as you looked into eyes you'd seen before this moment. They were eyes you'd looking into mere hours ago.

"I'm Lewis."

He smiled and your heart skipped a beat but words escaped you. He didn't speak again, he waited with his hands clasped behind his back. He wore the same full black outfit from earlier but he looked even better in it now with the candles and flowers as his backdrop.

"I--you--oh my god. You're--”, you began.

"Blessedbeyondmeasure44? Yes, I am."

The silence stretched for a long moment before you snorted.

"Bullshit."

Lewis chortled in return then let out a chuckle.

"I've said it before but God I love that you have no censor and say the first thing that comes to your mind."

Your eyes bugged. He had said that before.

"No. You're not."

Lewis smiled and took a few more steps to you, "How can I prove it to you?"

"Prove?"

You wracked your brain trying to make sense of this and come up with a way he could make you believe this.

"What was the first thing I said to you in DMs?"

Without hesitation, Lewis spoke, "After you sent a follow request I said I didn't expect that this was how my day would end and you said me neither."

You raised a brow. "What was the last thing we did together?

"We went to the beach. You went to Crystal Cove in Laguna Beach and I went to La Concha because I was in Spain at the time. You sent me a beautiful picture of a cave and said it was one of your secret spots. It was called--.”

"Dana's Point," you finished as he proved his point.

"I can show you the messages, and our pictures including the one you sent earlier so I wouldn’t miss you. I wouldn't miss you though Y/N. You stand out no matter what."

He took another step to you leaving only a few inches between you. He reached out and took your hands.

"I have missed you though. I've missed you in so many moments that I wished you were with me, so many experiences I wished I had with you. I missed you every time a message of yours came in. I even missed you in my dreams."

You lifted your hand and cupped his cheek while staring into his eyes.

"I knew I saw those eyes before. I felt it."

Lewis smiled. "I'm sorry. I didn't want to do this in front of those cameras and the crowd. I'm sorry I wasn't 100% truthful."

You smirked.

"Your message."

Lewis cupped your cheek in return. "Your voice is still haunting and amazingly beautiful, but your eyes--," he paused then cupped your other cheek. Using his thumbs, he softly slid them across your cheekbones. "Your eyes are no longer sad and empty. God, you are gorgeous like this."

Tears welled your eyes and you scoffed.

"Now you flirt with me."

A chuckle fell from his lips and if you hadn't fallen for him before you definitely had now. You hung your head and shook it.

"I am so stupid. This whole time."

"You're not."

"You're Lewis Hamilton. I am sure any other woman would have recognized those eyes. I had no clue. Hell, I don’t know the first thing about you, not really. Yeah, you're a racer but other than that..." you shrugged.

Lewis lifted your head his hands now cupping your skull. It put you on high alert at just how large his hands were. "Hey, love that you had no clue. I love that you don't know me. It was refreshing. I loved these last few months of you knowing me and me knowing you without the extra stuff."

"We know the extra stuff now. Oh my god, from the ruckus on the carpet of the Versace show you're a huge celebrity. How in the world---."

Before you could continue your freak-out Lewis' lips were on yours. It was like you’d stuck your finger in an electrical socket. Your entire body came to life as if his touch was life itself. His soft lips slowly pressed against yours before he opened them enough to take your top lip between his. From there all thought escaped you.

When one of his hands slipped around your waist you moaned unexpectedly. Where had that come from? Your body had no trouble following along. You pressed yourself closer to him relishing the tingles that skirted across your lips and everywhere he touched. Just as you were going to sink your fingers into his braids, Lewis pulled away keeping his forehead to yours.

"Do you want me?"

His voice was low and deep and it wrapped around you pulling you closer to him.

"I-I don’t see how I can have you."

Again Lewis kissed you. This time he delved his tongue into your mouth wrapping it around yours, teasing you to open more for him. When you did it was because you moaned. He took advantage of that opening and kissed you in a way that said he was not letting you go. His moan melded with yours and you felt his other hand tighten as he held your skull. Tearing his lips away, he panted as harshly as you were.

"Do you--want--me? Because I want you Y/N. I want you even knowing the obstacles in our way. I want you more than I have wanted anything in a long time. I want you in ways that surprise me and make me year all at once. I'm not saying this will be a walk through the park. I'm saying I want to walk together with you from this night on. Do you want me too?"

He had to be kidding. Who in their right mind would say no after that? You snorted then laced your fingers together behind his neck thrusting yourself flush against him.

"I want you more than anything. I want you in my life. I want to really run with you though I hate it. I want to go to beaches together and have movie nights truly together. I want to see the same sunrise and sunsets you see. I want to touch your skin like this whenever I want instead of thinking about it. I want to smell you every day. Yes, Lewis. I want you too."

The look in his eyes held you in place as did the tightness of his arms that were now wrapped around your waist holding you possessively against him.

"I can't wait to give you the world Y/N," Lewis said in such a way you knew he meant every word.

"I don't need the world, nor do I want it. I just want you."

His smile was the cutest thing and you knew you'd never get tired of it.

"You have me. Next up...the world."

You smiled then giggled when he lifted you in the air and spun you around. You laughed louder loving the way the sound came from the very depths of you and how authentic it felt. When he put you down you were at the railing looking out to the ocean.

"Started from a DM now we here," Lewis said making you snort.

"Started from a DM soon the whole world will fuckin hear bout it."

Lewis threw his hands up.

"Ayyyy!”

You laughed loudly and soon he joined in. When he wrapped his arms around you again he gazed into your eyes but said no words. Slowly both of you moved closer until your lips softly touched. Neither of you moved. You took the time to savor the feel of your skin connecting in a way your minds and souls already had. A way that he had retaught you, a way that he so patiently and diligently worked for and it all started when he messaged your heart.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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#lewis hamilton #lewis hamilton fanfiction #lewis hamilton fanfic #lewis hamilton imagine #lewis hamilton drabble #message my heart one shot

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ornii · 9 months

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Hi how about an Enid Sinclair x Male! Reader. where both are werewolves and wake up together one morning after a full moon night in the woods[Not with clothes on, of course]. They haven't talked much to each other before but they know each other anyway Enid knows everyone. Throughout the day, both remember what happened and that there was nothing "bad" about it. They talk to each other in the evening, with Enid finally confessing to him that she actually thinks it's a bit of a shame that it didn't happen. The reader just looks at her in amazement while she says with a wink that she feels more for him. He can only grin and says me too when she already pounces on him and wants to catch up on things that didn't happen.

In the Pale Moonlight

Enid Sinclair X Male Werewolf

It was all a blur at the beginning, the sudden racing of your heartbeat. The heavy breathing you started to do, you couldn’t control this primal urge overcoming you suddenly. Your head began to bound with the sound of your own blood rushing from your heart, your eyes dart upward to the full moon. In that instance you immediately recognized What was transpiring. You attempted to stand up to reach the door, only for your feet to expand out of your favorite pear of slippers. Your body hair growing and in places no body hair should exist. Your only salvation was the wolfing chamber, specifically made for situations like this.

Leaning against the wall, you attempt to make it to the door of your dormitory to get outside, it you could only make a few steps before collapsing, and your mind slowly going blank, the howl of the night was the last thing you could make out before it was over. You had no idea how much time passed before you slowly began to regain control, feeling the dirt in your claws, on your feet.

Finally regaining normal vision you watch your hairy arm slowly revert back, the ill moonlight shining on the forest, slowly you sit up, eventually looking at your surroundings to figure out just where you’re at, your eyes do catch something as well, a hand. Since the moonlight had its own reflection and light, the shadows casted by the darkness hid much but you leaned in to get a closer look, until you were met face to face with a girl. You both keep back with a small scream. She looks down quickly, realizing she’s naked and covers her body. You advert yourself eyes.

“Shit! Im so sorry!” You say, trying not to let the embarrassment stop you from doing the right thing, you felt the cool wind against your back, your spine, and also realize you’re naked. You back into the shadows of a few trees to hide whatever shred of dignity and manhood you had.

“I’m really sorry about that..” you mutter. The girl, also shrouded by a few trees tries to be a bit more pleasant.

“I-it’s fine, I didn’t know I’d wolf out..” she said. When you looked more at her face you recognized the uniqueness of her hair, and the beauty of those teal green eyes, you couldn’t mistake her anywhere else.

“Enid?” You asks, and she slowly nods.

“Yeah, and you’re (Y/n).” She said, Enid was the social butterfly, if you could call her a butterfly of Nevermore so she’s the need to know kind of type of girl. You two stood a bit away from each other, trying not to let hormones and curiosity take over.

“So, first time wolfing out?” You ask, immediately realizing it’s a dumb question, you attempt to take it back but she answers.

“It is.” She says..

“Oh…” you murmur, you looked up to see the moons position and your tracking training kicks in.

“It’s gonna be daylight soon, we should probably get back to our dorms.”

“Yeah..” Enid agrees and you both move out of the moonlight but quickly back in, it was an awkward few tries before you decide to cut it short. “You should just go first.” You say.

“Okay, you aren’t gonna peek or anything will you?”

“Of course not, promise.” You turn around to face a tree and Enid hesitates for a moment, before leaving. You hear the rustling leaves and you think for a second, you decide this might be your only chance and you spoke up.

“Hey, Enid?” You say, she stopped and turned to see you were still staring at the tree.

“Congrats on, wolfing out.” You say, while it was embarrassing to be naked in the forest with a boy you barely knew, his words of encouragement meant more than she expected. She couldn’t help but smile at this.

“Thanks.” She, in a much happier mood, headed back to her dorm before the sun could expose anything, you quickly made haste after she made a good distance away from you.

The sunlight rose on the next day, and you were trying to remember most of your wolfing out. Sitting in class you were staring off into space, trying to remember most of it, it was a haze for the most of it, but you could remember that it was mostly running, howling and, fighting? Mostly just horsing around with Enid. Thankfully you didn’t harm anyone or her. Hopefully this was something you could just shove into the back of your mind and forget, but you couldn’t and you had to confirm your theory. Late In the evening you approached Enids form room and with caution, knocked. Knowing there’s a possibility you could run into her roommate, Wednesday was a nightmare.

“Hey.. uh, Enid? It’s (Y/n).” You say, “Can.. We talk?” You ask. Your hear it unlock and out comes Enid, more casual wear and still had the pink dye in her hair.

“Cmon.” She says and you enters, noticing the split of color and lack of on the other side of the room, definitely Wednesdays side, best for avoid it, might be cursed or something. You take a moment to sit on Enids bed as she approaches.

“There’s, something I’ve been meaning to ask you, I thought a lot about last night, I’m glad I didn’t hurt you or anyone. Do you remember last night?” You ask, she looks more bubbly than before.

“Yeah, it was.. Rough. Not like that kind of rough just, fun.. I really enjoyed it actually. I’ve never wolfed out before and I had someone to wolf out with.” Enid stated, and she looked you dead in the eyes and with the most obvious hint, said “It’s a real shame we couldn’t do anything else~” she winks and a sudden hotness rushes over your face. You blink a few times and put on a smile.

“Well, feelings mutual.” You say, and she takes the opportunity to close in. Sitting on your lap, you feel her palms land softly on your shoulder and her lips close in, reciprocating her feelings, your arms coyly wrap around her lower back and waist and feel her soft breath against your lips. Her eyes closed and you shut yours to feel her lips embrace yours, her soft giggling in your ear hummed. Lying on her bed, it was the perfect time for you two to catch up on the events that could have happened last night

#netflix #male reader #wednesday #enid sinclair x reader #enid x male reader #enid x you #enid sinclair #enid x y/n #enid x reader #enid sinclair x male reader #emma myers

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chrisbangsbf · 4 months

Text

Minho/Jisung

Explicit | 728 words

Tags and Warnings: accidental voyeurism to consensual voyeurism, developing relationship, masturbation

AO3 link

Minho hadn't meant to catch Jisung masturbating, he really didn't. He was just here to give Hyunjin his sweater back. He truthfully didn't even know the younger boy was even home– thought maybe he'd be at the company with Chan and Changbin. But after hearing soft groans coming from Jisung's room, he decided to check in on him before leaving, just in case something was wrong.

He should have known better.

Everything felt like it happened in a flash. How in the world he went from standing wide eyed in the door with Jisung nearly screaming as he scrambled to cover himself up to sitting on the edge of the bed and watching Jisung touch himself is beyond him. But he takes a second to appreciate that the best possible outcome has chosen to grace him.

They have been tip-toeing the line of best friends and dating for a long time now, sharing kisses and wishful words in the rare moments of privacy they'd get, but they'd never gotten to this. Nothing besides some heavy petting and naughty texts. Nothing like Jisung shyly spreading his legs to show off the shine between them.

He's beautifully flushed from head to toe, hair tousled and lips swollen from where he had undoubtedly been biting them. He looks so debauched that Minho has a hard time not pouncing on him right away.

"It's not that I don't want you to fuck me," Jisung pauses, hissing as he squeezes the tip of his cock, "I just want to take things between us a little slower."

"I know– it's okay," Minho reassures him, hesitantly resting a hand on his out-spread knee. He's so warm. "I'm okay with just watching," he adds mischievously, making a show of letting his eyes scan up and down Jisung's naked body, "–if you're okay with that, I mean."

"Oh," Jisung gasps, twisting his hand in a way that makes a deliciously wet noise. Minho shivers. "That's really fucking hot, actually."

"Then show me how you get off, jagiya."

And fuck, is it a beautiful sight. Jisung continues jerking his cock and pinching at his nipples until his body is shaking, quiet moans making Minho's own cock throb desperately in his pants. All he does is press a palm down over himself to alleviate some pressure, wanting to focus all his attention on the other. But it becomes even harder when he watches Jisung slip a hand between his legs and press a finger to his lube-slick hole.

"Hyung," he whines, adding the slightest bit of pressure.

Minho gulps, without even looking up. "Yeah?"

"Can't wait until this is you," he says, sliding two fingers past his rim at once, lips falling open in pleasure.

"Fuck, me too, baby. You look so pretty right now," Minho curses. He feels much less embarrassed to be staring so hard when Jisung's eyes start fluttering open and closed, working a third finger inside himself as well.

Either the stretch must feel incredible or his words are affecting Jisung much more than he's letting on, because Minho sees his dick twitch in his palm, precome pearling in his slit. Minho so badly wishes he could lean forward and suck it clean, but it's immediately spread down Jisung's length to make the slide even wetter. He can tell he's close.

"Let me see you come," Minho mutters, eyes half lidded and so so desperate to see Jisung fall apart. It feels like all he needs in life at the moment. "Go on, come for hyung."

Time sort of seems to stand still for a moment when Jisung finally arches off the bed and reaches his high. Eyes screwed shut, he comes with a choked whimper, and Minho watches in awe as his hole clenches, as come drips down his knuckles and pools at the base of his tummy. It's incredible.

When Jisung reopens his eyes, they're heavy and tired and they immediately flick from Minho's flushed ears down to where he's still digging his palm into his crotch. Jisung smirks. He doesn't offer to help, and Minho doesn't ask.

"Maybe next time, you can touch," Jisung pants, reaching out to drag Minho down by the collar of his shirt.

Next time.

Minho blinks down at him. It feels like he's suffocating in the best kind of way. "But?"

"But for now, please kiss me."

#minho x jisung #minsung #minsung smut #minsung drabble #minsung fic #stray kids #skz #stray kids fic #stray kids smut #ksz #skz fic #skz smut #drabbles #chrisbangsbf #my fics #minho #jisung

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it-happened-one-fic · 11 months

Note

Congrats on 300! Glad your writing is finding an audience. I'd be happy to submit a request for your event! Can I have TWST, Earl Grey tea and Angel Food Cake? Thank you!

Thank you so much for the congratulations! I recognized your name as soon as I go this request from the various comments you've made on my fics and it made me so happy! I hope you enjoy this Earl Grey Tea and Angel Food Cake fic!

A Pretty Good Choice – Floyd

Type: Gender-neutral reader/ fluff/ romantic/ Earl Grey Tea and Angel Food Cake prompt

Word Count: 1922 words

Azul had come scrambling into Ramshackle, his pale blue eyes bright as he looked at me with raw excitement and a certain level of smugness that often seemed to come with success when one was dealing with Azul.

“I’ve done it! I’ve found a way to keep you here!” He stated those words with utter pride, which had me practically dropping Grim in shock.

In truth, we’d discovered that I couldn’t stay in Twisted Wonderland due to my status as a foreign entity. Crowley had been utterly delighted when he’d explained it to me.

“You see? I have, of course, been looking into the matter, and, as it turns out, we need not worry about sending you home! Rather, you will be sucked back into your world before long simply because you aren’t originally from Twisted Wonderland and have nothing to hold you here.”

His words had been a heavy blow because I’d become quite attached to the people here and to the friends I’d made quite some time ago. I no longer wanted to return home. Especially since I had no clue about what awaited me.

Everyone I knew, even my family, could be convinced I was dead and had probably already moved on, considering how long I’d been here.

To reappear now would throw everyone’s lives, including mine, into disarray. I wouldn’t even know how to explain what had happened, and I was almost positive that no one would believe me.

“Crowley told you it was just a matter of not being tied to this world, right?” Azul’s questioning dragged me out of my thoughts and back to the present. Causing me to nod even though I felt totally out of my depth.

“Yeah… He said that since there was nothing to hold me here, this world would eventually eject me.” Even the words tasted wrong, but I forced myself to remain in the moment.

Azul had said he’d found a way to keep me here. So maybe, just maybe, there really was a way.

I watched as the housewarden pushed his glasses up in what I could only call a smug manner, “Well then. All you have to do is get married.”

I gaped up at the young man as Grim let out a shocked yowl that perfectly matched my thoughts.

Azul rolled his eyes at both of our reactions and gestured for me to follow him, “Come with me. I’ll explain on the way to the Mostro Lounge.”

And explain he did.

Apparently, I would be entering into a contract with someone else that would be officiated by Azul and would essentially serve as an arranged marriage contract.

“You won’t actually be marrying someone, and should you find a partner who you wish to be with, you will be promptly released from the contract to marry that person. This is just a measure to keep you in this world,” Azul pushed open the door to his lounge as he finished smoothly.

I nodded slowly before frowning slowly, “And the matter of payment?”

Azul’s hand went to his chest in a feigned shock, “You think I would make you pay for such a service? Angelfish, I’m doing this to help you out of this truly unfortunate situation you’ve found yourself in. Let your partner-to-be handle the payment.”

So whoever was in this contract with me would be handling the payment… Well, Azul had said before that I had nothing of interest to offer him.

“And who is this partner-to-be?” At my words, Azul stopped. A genuine frown appearing on his face as he twisted to better face me.

“That’s the problem at hand. I brought you here to go ahead and sign the contract, but you’ll need to find a willing partner.” He looked back at me, worry shining slightly in his eyes in a way that reminded me that he was actually doing this because he cared.

Because I’d befriended the octatrio shortly after Azul’s overblot, and since then they’d been far more genuinely benevolent, though they did still like to be repaid for their kindness whenever possible.

“So I’ll be looking for someone willing to enter into an arranged marriage contract and foot the bill for your services?” My tone sounded wavering and uncertain to even my own ears, but Azul simply waved off my concerns, his own way of being comforting I supposed, before gesturing for me to sit at a table.

“You have plenty of close friends; I’m sure you’ll find someone willing. Just sit down, and I’ll be right back with the contract.” He twisted on his heel, looking towards the bar, “Floyd!”

At Azul’s call, the lanky young man in question looked up. His expression was initially one of boredom until he spotted me, at which time his eyes brightened.

It was odd that he hadn’t noticed me the moment I’d stepped into the room. Normally Floyd was almost inhumanly fast when it came to noticing my presence.

In fact, he’d often appear by my side with a smile on his face and my nickname on his lips before I’d even managed to spot him in the crowd.

“Get them something to drink while they wait,” After giving his orders, Azul glanced back over his shoulder at me with a grin on his face that told me he’d thought of something to sweeten the deal.

“Don’t worry, it’ll be on the house for today. Think of it as a celebration.” With only those words, he strolled off, not even giving me a chance to object.

And even if I had wanted to object, Floyd was already strolling over with a smile on his face as he whipped out a notepad and clicked his ink-pen in preparation, “What’ll it be, Shrimpy? I recommend something expensive since Azul is paying.”

I smiled slightly at his advice before shaking my head slightly, "How about something light… or maybe something to calm my nerves?”

I pondered my order out loud and got to watch as Floyd’s smile disappeared and a frown appeared in its place.

He sat his notepad down on the table and slid into the booth across from me, “What’s wrong? Having second thoughts about staying already? That’s no good, Shrimpy.”

Despite his light-hearted phrasing, Floyd’s tone was filled with something I was less used to. Concern.

Both his worry and questions startled me, causing my eyes to go wide before I shook my head vehemently, “No! No! Not at all. I definitely want to stay; it's just….”

I trailed off as I considered the situation that now lay before me, “It’s just that marriage seems so sudden. I haven’t considered it at all, and I certainly can’t think of anyone to ask to enter into this contract with me.”

I shifted awkwardly in my seat as Floyd’s gaze seemed to all but drill into me. Pushing me for answers and forcing me to sort through my own thoughts, “I mean, who would want to be in an arranged marriage contract, much less with me? And that’s not even considering the matter of paying Azul.”

The more I thought about it, the more it felt like I’d exchanged one massive issue for one slightly smaller but still very difficult problem. What made it worse was that if I didn’t find anyone, I would be back at square home.

Getting sucked back into my world even though I knew I wanted to stay here. Because I had people I cared for here. Floyd, Azul, Deuce, Ace, Grim… And that was only listing a small few of a very large number.

Floyd tilted his head, staying silent as Azul reappeared with a glowing yellow contract in his hand and a smile on his face. Or at least there was a smile on his face before he spotted Floyd sitting at the table that had no drink on it.

“Floyd, I thought I told you to get them a drink?” Floyd waved off Azul, eliciting a sigh from the housewarden before his smile returned, though gentler this time.

“Here Angelfish. You’ll just need to sign here,” He pointed at a dotted line as he laid the paper in front of me before offering me a pen.

I paused, hesitating before letting the pen’s tip touch down and I started carefully signing my name.

I had a myriad of concerns, but I had to at least try. Even if I couldn’t think of anyone, someone may yet show up who’d be willing to enter into this contract with me. Though who that was I had no clue.

I had barely pulled the pen away from the paper before Floyd had reached out, deftly spinning the paper so that it faced him.

“Floyd?” I questioned him aloud, but he didn’t answer. Instead, he continued on about his business, and I soon received his wordless explanation in the form of his signature on the dotted line right next to mine.

Me and Azul gawked at him as he nonchalantly unclicked his pen and pocketed it. Azul looked from the paper to Floyd and then over to me, while Floyd just grinned at me, completely unperturbed.

“Floyd, are…” I stumbled across my words, causing the grin on Floyd’s face to only grow as I fumbled, “Are you sure? This is an arranged marriage contract, you know? And-”

“I’m like you, Shrimpy~ I hadn’t put a lot of thought into marriage either.” His tone was a happy one as he leaned down until his arms were crossed on the table with his head resting against them as he continued to look up at me.

“But I like you, so if I had to get married, I think you’d be a pretty good choice. Doncha think?” His smile softened ever so slightly as he looked up at me, and I felt myself go still, my eyes widening as I looked down at him.

Half of me was still surprised by his impulsive decision, but the other half of me was beyond touched and even a little flustered as I looked across the table at the young man, who, I couldn’t deny, was one of the main reasons I wanted to stay in Twisted Wonderland.

I found myself smiling at him, fondness creeping into my tone as I answered him at last, “And I certainly can’t complain about this arrangement either.”

Floyd outright grinned at my words, sitting up and even leaning forward a bit with his excitement. His gaze was almost expectant, like he knew I had more to say.

And, to be fair, I did. Because how could I not when he’d just solved my issues with a single signature, “Thank you, Floyd.”

Azul let out a sigh at my soft words, shaking his head a little even though he had the slightest of smiles on his face as he looked between the two of us, “Then the two of you are sure?”

I looked up at him, nodding with a smile still on my face, as Floyd bobbed his head cheerfully and responded in his customary sing-song tone, “Absolutely.”

Azul looked down at the contract, still smiling, as he signed his own name on the only remaining line, sealing the deal and causing it to light up with a brilliant flash of magic as he worked his signature spell. “Well, I suppose there’s only one thing left to do then.”

He looked up at both of us as he finished, “We just need to tell Jade that he now has a sister-in-law.”

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