#this also reminded me that i have another among us piece i need to finish

[linkemon]

Anagapesis (Getō Suguru x Reader)

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ᴀ ʟᴏᴏᴋ ᴀᴛ ꜱᴜɢᴜʀᴜ'ꜱ ᴛʜᴏᴜɢʜᴛꜱ ᴛʜʀᴏᴜɢʜᴏᴜᴛ ᴛʜᴇ ᴠᴀʀɪᴏᴜꜱ ꜱᴛᴀɢᴇꜱ ᴏꜰ ʜɪꜱ ᴛɪᴍᴇ ᴀᴛ ᴊᴜᴊᴜᴛꜱᴜ ʜɪɢʜ, ʜᴏᴡ ʜɪꜱ ᴡᴏʀʟᴅᴠɪᴇᴡ ᴄʜᴀɴɢᴇᴅ ᴀɴᴅ ᴡʜᴀᴛ ʟᴇᴅ ᴛᴏ ɪᴛ.

ɴᴏᴛᴇꜱ:

ᴀᴅᴅɪᴛɪᴏɴᴀʟ ɪɴꜰᴏʀᴍᴀᴛɪᴏɴ:

ᴏɴᴇꜱʜᴏᴛ ᴄᴏɴᴛᴀɪɴꜱ ꜱᴘᴏɪʟᴇʀꜱ ꜰʀᴏᴍ ᴛʜᴇ ꜱᴇᴄᴏɴᴅ ꜱᴇᴀꜱᴏɴ ᴀɴᴅ ᴍᴀɴɢᴀ ᴠᴏʟᴜᴍᴇꜱ ᴀʙᴏᴜᴛ ɢᴏᴊᴏ'ꜱ ʏᴏᴜᴛʜ.

ɢᴇᴛᴀ ᴀʀᴇ ᴛʀᴀᴅɪᴛɪᴏɴᴀʟ ᴡᴏᴏᴅᴇɴ ꜱʜᴏᴇꜱ ᴡᴏʀɴ ᴡɪᴛʜ ʏᴜᴋᴀᴛᴀ.

ꜰʀɪᴇɴᴅʟʏ ʀᴇᴍɪɴᴅᴇʀ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴍʏ ᴡᴏʀᴋꜱ ɪɴ ᴇɴɢʟɪꜱʜ ᴀʀᴇ ᴛʀᴀɴꜱʟᴀᴛɪᴏɴꜱ. ɪ ᴛʀʏ ᴍʏ ʙᴇꜱᴛ ʙᴜᴛ ᴀɴʏ ᴛɪᴘꜱ ᴀʀᴇ ᴡᴇʟᴄᴏᴍᴇᴅ.

"Love is the most twisted curse of all."

Gojō Satoru

— Happy birthday, [Reader].

The girl turned around, tilting her head in a way that made it clear that she was surprised by his wishes.  

Suguru looked around the open corridor. Silence, broken only by the chirping of crickets and the occasional song of night birds. Darkness, illuminated by the glow of the few lanterns permanently lit next to the most important buildings. The red of the columns reflected a familiar colour against its background. At this time of night, most of Jujutsu High was fast asleep. Although, who knows, maybe Gojō would be on his feet at this time. You never knew with him friend.  

Today, Suguru was an exception among the dormant crowd. He had been gone a whole week since he went on a solo mission to get rid of one of the curses. He was lucky to catch the last bus at this ungodly hour. All this to be on time. For [Reader's] birthday.  

— Thank you, Suguru. I had it on the calendar, but… — The unfinished sentence hung in the air.  

— You have forgotten. — he finished.  

The teenager nodded.  

— Shōko and Satoru bought me a cake and some trinkets. Honestly, it could be anything. Not that I remember what present anyone gave me last time — she sighed. — I still have half a piece. — She pushed him a plate.  

— Satoru didn't eat all of it? — he mocked.  

— I managed to save some.  

The boy accepted the cake. She had been giving him sweets in bulk ever since he told her about what he thought curses tasted like. His technique was to eat evil. It was hard to describe. It's a bit like eating a rag that someone scooped up vomit with, or like someone stuffed slime into his mouth. The mud seemed to want to flow out of him every time. But he always stubbornly swallowed them. He couldn't get used to it. No matter how many times he did it, there was always an aftertaste. A bitter, vomit-inducing stench that no one else could smell. It was impossible to get rid of it. The piece of cake he was eating now wouldn't be able to kill it. But it wasn't about its earthy sweet taste. It was more about who it came from. The mere fact that [Reader] won another piece for him from the voracious Gojō was nice. This act alone soothed the disgust of the curses he had to eat today, more so than the sweetness.  

— I have something for you. — He pulled out a wrapped diary from behind his back. — I saw you were running out of space in your notebook, so I bought a new one.  

— Thank you. — She smiled, tearing off the paper and flipping through the gift.  

It was always a good choice. The amount of things she wrote down increased day by day. He wished she could at least put them in something that looked nice since she was running around with a notebook everywhere. He covered it with stickers and asked his friends to sign it. Let at least this one be different from the rest. A little livelier. More colourful. With happy sides.  

— You're not happy — he stated.

— Don't get me wrong, Suguru. It's a very nice gift. I just... sometimes I wish I didn't need it at all. — There was a note of melancholy in her voice.  

Recently she forgot all her previous birthdays along with the date. Her technique was powerful. However, with high power came a high price. The more important things in her life she forgot, the more cursed energy she had at her disposal. 

Of course, she could still celebrate her birthday. She had its date at hand. She wrote down the previous events a long time ago so as not to forget. However, reading even your own thoughts and memories was a bit like listening to yourself trying to convince you that you are right even though you think otherwise. She once described it as like watching herself in photo from childhood. You have the idea that it's you but you still feel like it's a different person.  

— I know you're sorry but you did what was right. You saved someone's life. I'm sure if these people knew how you helped them, they would be very grateful to you. — He grabbed her hand.  

The hand was unusually warm. Especially in the cool night air.  

This family will probably never know that they came close to one of the most cruel deaths. They probably saw something completely different. Like most ordinary people who rarely saw the true nature of curses.  

It once occurred to Getō that if he were in her position, he might want to quit. However, the girl hotly denied it. There were so few jujutsu sorcerers. Everyone was worth their weight in gold. She believed she was born with this gift for a purpose. Especially since she didn't come from any of the big families. Someone had to help people who couldn't defend themselves.  

— You're right. Thank you again for the gift. I'll definitely find it useful. It's time to make a new list because I'm almost at the end of the previous one. — She put her head on his shoulder.  

[Reader] yawned long and closed her eyes. The glow of the lantern danced in her hair. He heard her steady breathing.  

— Put me in — said the boy.  

— Huh?! — The girl raised her head in surprise. — You know I would never do that, so I don't know why we're even talking about it.

— If you are ever in need — he saw she was about to interrupt him so he gently placed his finger on her lips, silencing her — I want to be on that list just in case.

He was important in her life. Or at least that's what he wanted to believe. Enough that sacrificing her memories of him could one day help her gain a huge amount of controlled cursed energy.  

The list was kind of a preparation. A list of what a high school student could sacrifice if necessary while fighting curses. The piles of scratched paper in her dorm room were a testament to how she evaluated everything in her life. She had to constantly determine what knowledge or memories were important to her and whether she could devote herself to them. And after everything, she crossed them off the list, only to come back to them in the form of notes.  

— This could save your life someday. And even if you forget me... I will always be there to remind you of myself. You won't get rid of me that easily — he laughed.  

— You'll never be on that list, Suguru. She looked deep into his eyes. — There are many things I can sacrifice but not you.  

He didn't answer. On one hand, it wasn't the declaration he wanted to hear but on the other, it evoked a nice feeling. He just squeezed her hand tighter, staring straight ahead. The sweet taste of the cake was still fresh in his mind, even though he had long since finished eating a piece.  

Birthday

***  

— This is not training! — [Reader] protested. — Yaga-sensei will murder us.  

She laid between Getō's legs. She didn't seem dissatisfied with their current situation at all. The boy thought she was just complaining. She had to. As a matter of principle.  

— What are we doing? — Suguru asked teasingly.  

— Flying — the girl replied.  

— On what?  

— On the Rainbow Dragon… — she replied, still unsure of where this exchange was heading.  

— So we're flying on a curse. We're training — Getō concluded, amused.  

He had had enough fighting for today. The exchange of blows was exhausting. Especially since he couldn't use cursed energy. Otherwise, the opponent wouldn't get much out of it except a stay in the hospital. She had to save her memories for the missions. So, in high school, all she could do was learn hand-to-hand combat. No special techniques, just the simplest ones. For a long time, she had been practicing fighting curses only in the field.

— We'll come back if you want it so badly but you don't look unhappy — Suguru said.  

The dragon gave him a quick glance. Bulging eyes stared in anticipation. The most powerful curse in his arsenal wasn't very intelligent but it could understand that much. It wanted to know if it should turn back. Its mustache fluttered in the cool air.  

— I don't feel like it — [Reader] said. — Maybe I'll just blame it on you once we're down.

The corners of Getō's mouth twitched upwards. He only nodded. Let her have it. They always got up for training when it was still dark. They still had a little time before sunrise. Maybe Yaga-sensei won't come to check if they're actually practicing. After all, the forests surrounding the jujutsu high school were still surrounded by darkness. Shades of navy blue and gray danced around, making teachers not want to leave their comfortable beds.  

— Hold on. It's a bribe — she said, handing him a lollipop.  

It was one of those big, tacky looking ones. A huge red heart let him know that she must have bought it in her hometown. They loved such stall things there. It was a custom among sorcerers to bring souvenirs and sweets from distant places, where they often had to spend a lot of time.  

He accepted the sweetness. The taste seemed to melt on the tongue. Or maybe he just convinced himself that. After all, could this actually wash the vomit and the smell of shit off his tongue? He knew it didn't but he could always pretend.  

Exorcise and absorb. Exorcise and absorb. Exorcise and absorb… And so on. He had been doing this for so long that over time he stopped remembering times when he hadn't done it. Moments when there was no dirt.  

— I had an argument with my grandparents. — [Reader]'s head turned slightly in his lap.  

It was an unexpected change of topic. However, he felt that something had been wrong for several days. When she returned after the weekend off, she didn't look happy. She went to her hometown because of obon. All Souls' Days were usually a busy time for jujutsu sorcerers but students visited homes whenever possible. As long as they had them and this was no different.  

— I thought you were getting along well. What was it about? Suguru asked.

— We were sitting at the table. The grandparents built an altar for the parents. You know how it is on obon. They became sentimental and started remembering old stories. I didn't expect this. Some time ago I read the notebook but not that deeply. They were angry that I didn't remember them. They said some unpleasant words. After dinner everything returned to normal. At least on the outside... but I guess it's still there inside me. Do you think I did the right thing?  

Getō knew perfectly well what thinking was behind [Reader] sacrificing the memory of her parents. Of course they were important to her but it was difficult to find something valuable to sacrifice in exchange for using the technique in a very powerful form. The girl assumed that since a lot of time had passed since their death, she would not need these memories that much. When the choice was to die by the curse or live and forget, the second choice seemed better.  

— It's not your fault. They will simply never understand us. I'm sure that if they knew that thanks to this you were saving other people's lives and your own, they would never say such a thing. Of course I'm not trying to justify them but we also have to try to look at it from a different perspective. 

Suguru had never before considered how wide the gap was between their world and the world of ordinary people. Involuntarily he thought about his parents. He visited them very rarely. They also had no idea who he was. To them, he only went to one of the many high schools in Tokyo. If he tried to tell them the truth one day, would they understand? Of course, he knew perfectly well that this would never happen. No one up would allow this. They couldn't see the curses but this hypothetical question began to bother him. Would [Reader's] grandparents believe her? Would his mother and father think he was weird? Would they be able to understand the important work they do? Would they hear any words of thanks? He couldn't find the answer.  

— You're probably right. Next time I will read more about my parents and there will be no problem...  

Getō involuntarily started stroking her hair. There was something calming about it. Her closeness seemed to dispel the confusion that had formed in his mind. Why was he even thinking about such things? This world was set up like this a long time ago. There was no point in nitpicking any further.  

Parents

***  

Getō wasn't sure at first whether celebrating the summer festival in conjunction with the mission was a good idea. Until he saw the joy on [Reader's] face. Exorcising curses was never fun but this time it was especially tiring. The ones they encountered should have been of a much lower class. The initial interview did not predict everything. So when they finally finished, they were exhausted. Suguru's idea of rest was to sleep all day long but Shōko and Satoru dug out information about the festival together and that was it.  

So now he stood outside one of the booths, watching the girl buy a supply of dango sticks. The voice of the seller praising sweets came to him as if from a distance. Could he blame himself anyway? Even though she was tired, she looked beautiful. Dressed in a flowing yukata, which Ieri helped her put on because, as she admitted, she had sacrificed this rarely useful knowledge some time ago. Getō sincerely hoped that she was dressed up like that mainly because of him. Maybe he didn't try to dress so formally but he brought a white, ironed shirt with him especially for this occasion. If only his other two friends would stop significantly nudging him about this, it would be wonderful.  

— Hold on! — She pressed three sticks into his hand.  

— The rest wanted too? — he asked, looking at the dango.  

He hadn't seen Satoru and Shōko for some time. He suspected they hid somewhere to give them some privacy.  

— NO. I bought them for you. - She took her portion furiously.  

He smiled to himself. Yeah. It was her way of fighting his bitter taste of curses. Apparently she figured that if she increased the amount, she would somehow be able to kill the stench from today. He already knew that, as always, she was wrong and that it wouldn't help but he tried anyway.  

He offered her his arm. Walking in geta required balance. Judging by the hard day, he felt that the girl wouldn't last long in them anyway. Together they went into the crowd of people in search of more booths and stands. The way was lit by colourful lanterns, casting a dull light on the faces of the guests passing them.  

— One more time, Suguru. — She tugged on his shirt sleeve as they tried to catch fish with a paper pole for the third time.  

Yeah. Good old sales techniques of not wanting to lose.  

— Maybe that's enough? Do you want to go bankrupt? — He rubbed his temple.  

Koi fish lazily bubbled beneath the surface of the small pool. As if mocking failure.  

— I thought you were the one paying — [Reader] groaned, finally giving up on the fun.  

However, she didn't seem concerned. It was time for the fireworks show. They wanted to get good seats. The hill still seemed relatively unpopulated. They had a view of the beautiful, clear night sky. The air smelled of summer.  

— We have great friends, no questions... It was their idea and they ignored us — the girl complained, sitting on the grass.  

The boy didn't comment on it. He felt that [Reader] knew why they did it after all.  

— I'm exhausted…  

— I told you to put on normal shoes — Getō sighed. — I'm not carrying you on a piggyback ride all the way back.  

He would do it. He knew full well that he would be ready to carry her back to the hotel with her funny geta in his teeth if he had to.  

— No... I'm exhausted from all this cursing today — the girl said.  

— Have you ever wondered what would happen if you didn't have to? Suguru asked suddenly.  

— What do you mean? — She glanced at him sideways.  

— If you didn't have to save anyone and use your technique.  

It had been on his mind for some time. Exactly since the day Riko died. She died for nothing. Toji got rid of her in front of him. One bullet to the head was enough and it was over. Why did it hit him so hard? He had only known her for a few days. Other than that, in the end, the barrier stayed in place. The next vessel was prepared a long time ago, so everything ended happily.  

What exactly did they need all this for? What if their problems could be easily solved? Why would someone with more power subordinate his life to those who lived in careless ignorance? It seemed to him that everyone was sitting around and pretending to be stupid. There were so many solutions to get rid of the problem, which they kind of created themselves by hiding. Ordinary people were starting to look a bit like monkeys in his eyes. Locked in a cage of ignorance. Silly. Only suitable for certain activities. The primitive ones. When did his worldview change so much?  

— Who would save ordinary people if I wasn't there? — [Reader] asked.  

— What if they weren't there? — he continued.  

— You mean if we were all jujutsu sorcerers or no one was able to wield cursed energy? 

If average people didn't exist on this earth. If only the jujutsu sorcerers were left there. That's what he wanted to say. However, he could already see the lack of understanding in her eyes. No one shared his dilemma on this matter. She was the only one he had any hope of understanding. Because of her gift. Now he knew he was wrong. 

— Never mind. I guess I'm tired. — He waved his hand dismissively.  

— Hmmm...  

— You better tell me what you forgot about today — he changed the topic, not wanting to think about it any longer.  

Those were considerations for another time. Not until the fireworks were being prepared to go off and more and more people were gathering around.  

— I won't sayyy...  

— You always say that. What do I have to do to change your mind? — Getō looked at her curiously.  

— You'll laugh — she said shortly.  

— You wound me. — Suguru theatrically placed his hand over his heart. — Have I ever actually laughed?  

— Should I count? — [Reader] raised an eyebrow.  

Maybe he actually laughed a few times. However, it wasn't that often. Or so he thought...

— I promise I won't.  

— I sacrificed my first kiss...   

He didn't let her finish.  

— Are you telling me that that curse was defeated by the power of your youthful love? — Getō could barely contain himself from laughing.  

— That's why I didn't want to tell you! — I knew you'd make fun of me. — She hit him with a wooden geta. — He was a very nice boy from primary school. Unlike you!  

Or at least that's what the notes in the notebook said. Not that she could ever recall in her mind exactly what it was like. The whole set of emotions associated with it were sort of buried when she obtained a huge ball of cursed energy to exorcise the curse.  

— Why do you compare me to him? — Suguru tilted his head. — We haven't kissed yet.  

These words caused exactly the reaction he expected. Maybe even a little better. Momentary surprise. Excitement. Desire. Twinkling sparks, which, as it turned out seconds later, were the reflection of colourful fireworks that rose into the air. Has the summer air always been this hot? He felt [Reader]'s breath the moment she grabbed him by the collar of his snow-white shirt, which he now silently thanked himself for. She pulled him towards her. Their noses collided but it didn't matter anymore. The loud noise of gunshots seemed to come from a distance. The only thing that mattered was soft lips. He took her face in his hands and deepened the kiss. She was sweet. Tasted dango.  

They moved away from each other slightly. Thousands of lights were just flashing against the dark sky. Gold mixed with red and green. The subsequent explosions were larger than the previous ones.  

— Does this mean I'm your new first kiss? — He smiled, straightening his shirt.  

— You're insufferable, Suguru — [Reader] said.  

But then she kissed him again.  

First kiss

***  

Suguru slid completely down the side of the building. With the last of his strength he held the stump of his right arm. Not that it matters. If he doesn't bleed out, Satoru will be done with him. He didn't know what was better for him. He told him everything he wanted. It wasn't much. He handed over his student's ID. It was the least he could do. No matter how you look at it, Okkotsu Yūta was a good jujutsu sorcerer. Regardless of the circumstances, he was glad that the youth was so strong. It's just a pity that he won't be able to take over Rika. With such a great curse on his side, he could fix society. Change the world. Get rid of the monkeys. It's a sad necessity but who else could do it but him? They could live in perfect harmony. If only he could...  

The sun was setting below the horizon. The last of his strength seemed to hang over him. In red colour. Like the blood dripping helplessly onto his clothes. The darkness of the coming evening seemed to blur all shapes around. Or maybe his eyesight was just getting worse? He wasn't sure. Yet the shadow of [Reader] was clear. She stood over him. He finally wanted to go blind. To not see that look. Full of sadness. Filled with anger. And above all, betrayal. 

— Back in the village... I thought it was a mistake. Suguru would never do that. That's what I kept telling myself… — she began.  

She meant monkeys. The same ones that attacked Mimiko and Nanako. Just because they could do more than them. For skills beyond their perception. He felt no regrets. He did what had to be done. The two of them were worth more than the one hundred and twelve stupid creatures that tormented them. Even more important than his parents. Unaware of nothing like the rest. They were a sacrifice he was willing to make. There could be no exceptions. 

— When Shōko and Satoru told me about your meeting, I didn't want to believe it was you either...  

They saw each other in Shinjuku. When he revealed to them what he was going to do. In fact, now that he thought about it, he didn't know why he did it then. It did him no good. He partially revealed his plans. Maybe it's part of his mania for grandeur. Did he just want others around him to know that he was the one who would save the jujutsu sorcerers? NO. After all, he was doing it for all of them. He was just the one who did the dirty work.  

— Even when we last saw each other, I thought I could turn you away from this path.

He actually knew why he told them his plans. Somewhere deep down he hoped. [Reader] seemed to think she can change him. And him, that he can convince her. Make his point. That she will see clearly and realize that he is right. That it is not worth sacrificing your life and memories to save ungrateful monkeys. They will never thank her because they don't understand the world they live in. One day she will die somewhere in a pool of blood, not remembering anyone or anything. And ordinary people will still produce curses for jujutsu sorcerers to fight against. In a senseless crusade. Without end. Because there was no one to put an end to it.  

He failed. Everyone was so stubborn. They had the truth in front of them but they didn't want to see it.  

— Back then… before… I really loved you, Suguru. — She looked at him with eyes full of tears.  

— I love you too, [Reader]… — he said, his voice much quieter than he wanted.  

What if everything had turned out differently? If Riko hadn't died that day. If he hadn't met Tsukumo. If he hadn't lost Haibara. He didn't save the girls. He didn't leave high school. He didn't try to get Rika... If he could turn back time, he would do it again. Even if in a different way. But maybe there was a life somewhere where he would stand next to her. Where he could avoid those tears. Clenched teeth. The taste of all those curses on your tongue.  

With his bleeding hand, he took a candy from his coat pocket and put it into his mouth. He couldn't taste the sweet taste. Bitter mud rose above it. No wonder. After all the curses he had recently absorbed and released, it couldn't be otherwise. He didn't think anything could change him. How miserably he clung to his old habits. It was one of those things that lost him. And even now he couldn't shake it off.  

— That night in high school… you said I could put you on the list. — I didn't think this day would ever come. — She smiled melancholy.  

What he wouldn't give to take back his words. He wasn't ready to be forgotten. Not by her. He won't be here soon. He won't remind her who he is. He will be reduced to notes. Up to a few, maybe a dozen or so sheets of paper in old notebooks. To some photos. Assuming she didn't destroy anything. That his name wasn't crossed out and the ink in the photos won't be smudged by tears.  

— [Reader]… — his breathing was getting shallower — curse me a little. — He smiled with the last of his strength.  

Maybe he could stay here anyway. Satoru once told him that there is no curse in this world as twisted as love.

He saw the glow of her technique in her eyes. He couldn't forget it after all these years. When she opened eyes, they were still full of undried tears. She turned her head directly towards him. Immediately after, she read something on a small piece of paper in her hand. She probably needed to give herself instructions on what she should do with him. Had she even erased their current conversation from her mind? He still managed to notice that it was a page from the notebook he bought her for her birthday all those years ago. Colourful. Underlined many times. How ironic.  

The man sighed for the last time. There was pure indifference in those eyes. He found that it hurt more than the cursed energy that shot through his body in that second. He still felt the bitter taste of curses on his tongue. Why wasn't the candy sweet when she crossed him off her list? 

Getō Suguru

#suguru geto x reader #jujutsu kaisen x reader #jujutsu kaisen 0 #gojo satoru #shoko ieiri #spoilers #oneshot x reader #geto x reader

[ask-missparker]

You walked in and my heart went boom! / AU series

Pairing: Charming!Nikolai x Snow!Amelia

Summary: The looks turned into letters from one another became secret meetings away from the walls of the hills. Until one night, they were crumbled among them.

Note: They go by Nicholas & Amara sometimes

Setting: Enchanted Forest

Extra characters/mentioned: Captain Hook!Jeremy, Mr. Smee, King Midas, Princess Jemma and etc.

———

——

‘I have never been one to try and grab the spotlight, but all of it happened on a hot night. Tried to focus on the mission to steal the jewelry and I stumbled into you. Your eyes dazzled as you were captured by the loom and my heart secretly went boom. Tryin' to catch our eyes at the sight outside of the ballroom, despite the band top volumes. Sometimes I wonder how many nights I can spend without seeing you, but when I remind myself, even without you I am not doomed.’ - Love, Nicholas M.

Amara Snow—Amelia, would smile to herself at rereading the letters he sent her and the ones she return by morning light. Her heart belonged not to her fiancé, but yet another. The Dark Prince’s charming and awfully wildly dashing hearted brother. He was a little insane and jumped first into danger based on her letters and stories she’d hear from him in the late hours of the night and yet, that was comforting to her.

Tons of letters stacked and or hidden pieces in the desk of her vanity. She’s write in her letters back, ‘Helpless! Look into your eyes (Oh, look at those eyes). And the sky's the limit. Down for the count, and we’re drownin' in 'em. You can sometimes see past the falsely shows and sneak your way into the halls, even if your mind wondering how I’m even it. Every week gets better with every note that you write me, rushing into my room and my heart will go boom. Sometimes my mind will just rewind and remember those nights for the rest my days, hoping to see you again like it’s a play.’

Charming Nicholas—Nikolai smile opening up the letters as short much they seem, he knew she meant every word. His life was never easy and cheerful, always trying to find a sense of peace and belonging. He found it in the woodsy hills of the kingdom, living in caves and then old vacant homes for a reasonable price of shelter. Yes, his brother wanted him gone out of pure jealousy and villainous pride, having posters to reward whoever could find him firsthand. He never thought he would find some company nor comfort out here until he stumbled into her by accident, the same princess he stole from, making him believe there was still good in the world.

Resulted in him slowly but surely start to open his heart and small home to others he seemed, such as Cinderella one night and The Huntress who speared his life. Helping out people in need like he used to before running away from the castle and trying to be of service. Yes, it seemed like it was a small gesture to many but yet it spoke to who understood what he meant.

He stood on the ground near the old house he called home, reading one of his love’s letters. He chuckled and snorted as thoughts filled his head, when suddenly an impulse decision came to mind. To see her again. It’s felt like a lot to do, bring flowers, sneak into the castle walls of King Midas, and arrange an agreeable plan to have them escape into the night together. He just needed to see her again, tell her a few short words in person.

And he smirked knowing exactly who to call.

Hook.

He was a young man based on honor and loyalty but couldn’t resist a good challenge, no matter how small.

As well as the thought of golden treasure hidden behind locked doors in the castle of Midas.

———

With that he found his one handed friend leaning against a barrel of beer at the marketplace. He seemed like he just finished buying some fruit and ready to head back to his ship.

“Hook!”

Jeremy, also known as Hook, turned around to sound of the accent being the one to belong to his friend. He raised a eyebrow smiling softly, “Yes, Nicholas? What is it that you want?”

“Why do you assume I want something?” Nikolai reply with a matching smile.

“The way your captain’s hat is tiled and your suit is fitted for a dueling requirement for today. You know I’m open to hearing what it is.”

“That’s why your my friend. I want to do something tonight but I need your help.”

“I’m listening.”

“I need safe passage on your ship to do so.”

He snorted, “Nicholas, Nicholas, Nicholas! Why it is that we need my ship for this and not steal a carriage?”

“We need to go to the half side of the forest near the bay of the Kingdom.” He added half smirking.

“And what for? Don’t tell me it’s for another girl now?”

Nikolai was silent and smirked sheepishly with a wink. Jeremy snorted loudly and nodded, “Of course it is. What’s this lovely lady have to offer?”

He explained glancing around as he did, “She doesn’t know I’ll be coming. And we not being to any home but Midas’s castle.”

That seemed to catch Jeremy’s attention as the brightest grin filled his face. He always wanted to sneak into Midas’s castle to steal from treasure from the bottom of the home and never found a reasonable time to do so, until now. The blonde nodded leading him onto his ship as they chatted, deciding where they would get in and then get out.

Better yet, getting some drinks and food once the trip was over. In Nikolai’s eyes, his friend wasn’t just a pirate but a knight with a heart of gold.

—————

At the castle, Amelia was wondering around in her brown dress as her fingers played with a tiara talking with Jemma who talked about her latest story riding the horses in the stables and going on a picnic with her love afterwards.

Jemma asked, “How was the last time for you with Fitz? He seemed stuffy..he told me that at the party he was more focused on bringing in new guests than dancing.”

“Ah yes. He was mainly having a headache wanting to head home instead as I tried to help him nurse the pain. I talked with other royals as he went to use the restroom.” She explained, “But he seemed more like he wanted to dance with you.”

“We did dance that night but his father hasn’t noticed anything yet.”

“I hope he does…”

“How about you? You seem to glow lately, what it is that is making you a bit lighter?”

“Let’s just say I met someone who makes me smile. I hope you meet him one day.”

Jemma grinned, “Ohh how darling! Is he a knight? A prince? A baker?”

The girl blushed in return, “No, yes, and no..he is a artist that’s much I will tell you.”

Both ladies giggled, walking past their chambers into the maid grounds to visit the staff of the castle and get something to eat. What they didn’t know is that King Shaw’s guardsmen were listening in on them every now and then to report back to their royal office, as one of them casually walked in on one of princess’s rooms to accidentally glance at a letter that seemed to be semi-finished…

———

A couple of hours past, Jeremy and Nikolai were on the ship having a round of views as they sailed the seas. Hook’s crew were friendly to the ex-prince turned bandit, ordering him rum and all types of snacks they brought of board, as their captain discussed his plans to enter the vault of riches underneath the castle without being seen or shot at, needing half of his crew to distract the guards meanwhile the other follow them to collect the treasure of diamonds and gold. Having at least two of his crewmen follow Nikolai up the stairs and across the front tower head for he can see his lovely lady and possibly get any insight needed on the royals.

Hook’s crew followed suit with the plan, some knowing that their captain tend to have a mind of his own possibly stealing more than jewelry on the way out of the home. Once they arrived at the castle, Jeremy step foot inside with his crews behind him knocking out any guardsmen around, he had to use his swords to wack a few leaving a scar on a face or two. He shrugged.

Running down the halls and across the stairwell to the bottom of the castle, Hook and his men sensed it far and well, a room filled with riches of many. It was locked but Jeremy used his sword to slice the first handle and cracking open the combination to the second look with his hook, swinging some guards on his way in.

As he stepped into the room, he placed his sword back in the handle glancing over a fallen knight and rolled his eyes. He scoffed, “If you were my men, I would’ve never made you down so easily. But I would say, your men did put up an impressive swing, for royals..I guess.”

Mr. Smee, his former right hand, called him off as one of crewmen, LightFoot, found the set of riches they were looking for. To say Jeremy’s jaw dropped was an understatement.

He had seen plenty of times riches, potions, jewels and items of many. But the moment he kneeled down to run his fingers across it, he knew this was all very breathtaking. King Midas was known in tales for turning anything and everything into golden suns, stealing and sometimes sharing his own foundation with others as rare as it may seem, he did.

“My gods…” He muttered, never wanting to leave the place in order to bring it all home but he knew he had to be fair. He can’t take it all in one sitting and thinking possibly striking a little deal with the king sooner or later, but not tonight.

Jeremy stood up opening his sack as he piled in as much as he can could, ordering his men to do the same. As Hook was scanning the room, even finding a sword on the wall to take, he noticed a small pile of golden coins and yellow diamonds likes the ones he past earlier on his way in. However rounding the inner layers of diamonds stood a oceanic blue one, more than one, that called his name. Picking it up, Jeremy noticed two out of six large diamonds were engraved in rings.

He smirked, “He will love this..”

The ring was grand yet elegant and perfectly fine for a gift, a promise ring one might say. Mr. Smee noticed his Captain face and nodded liking the thought of him being pleased with himself especially after finding a satisfying reward such as a ring.

~~~~~~~~~

To say Nikolai was grateful for his company tonight to the castle was unbelievable thing but he was. He was lucky enough to be accompanied by theses men in moments like this. As he made his way through the whole deeply him halls, he swung his sword in his hand and use his shadows to guide him through the staircase. He had thwe two men walk his six from the narrow ends.

In his pocket, he held a small handful of daisies as he made his own way between the columns in the deep deadly silence. He bit the bottom of his lip, entering the tower head of the castle ready to make a left turn to find his lady when two knight stopped them, he was able to take them down as a 3rd ordered him to follow him to a decorative room filled with trinkets, tables, a warm fire and the king.

He expected for it to be Midas but it was Shaw. He was confused asking where was Midas’s chambers as Shaw said he was out on leave for the next couple of nights with his son and will return in the morning, he was requested to watch over the castle while he was gone. Nikolai asked what exactly he wanted with him, lying about just here to see a friend.

“Enough. I know everything.” King Shaw said holding up a letter in his handwriting with a small doodle in the corner, “You’re clever to not use your own name, I had to do some digging to find a match. You poisoned her heart and now her marriage, because your pathetic behavior towards one another. I’ll have you know love is disease and like all diseases, it can be released from the body in one of two ways.”

Nikolai was silent wanting to hold his tongue but spoke up, “Sir. Love is not a disease or any kind, people don’t want to accept that it’s—”

“Foolish boy, it is. Only two ways to stop it, a cure or death. Do you know where your beloved is right now? She is right now that hall wishfully unpacking away her things for official stay, for a new life with her husband.”

“She will never know I’m here…”

“Oh yes she will because you’re gonna walk down that hall and crush her stupid little heart.”

“You hate your daughter that much?”

“She’s not my daughter. Never was, if she were, she’ll know when to listen and stay shut!”

“….”

“You’re gonna sneak in and tell her that you received her letters. Tell her why your here. Because you don’t love her, never did. Never will.”

“…it was break her heart in two…what if I don’t? You’ll kill me?”

“Oh no. Then I’ll turn you over to your brother for that precious reward for your capture. It’s will save both of you the trouble, if you just tell her the truth. It will cure all of this.”

“And if you kill me?…that will only make her love me more and run away from her wedding day, leaving you with no choice but to go after her head as she tries to bring me back to life..but if you have her killed by accident, Midas would break your deal for those riches..”

“Ah, you are smart. No wonder you are so badly wanted for your crimes against the prince. Now go.”

——————

The room was pretty quiet. Dark, as the only shining down was the ones coming from the moon and light setting stars stirring in the night. The Princess Snow was holding up her favorite brown skirt from her bags smiling to herself. She looked over her shoulder hearing the door crack open, expecting it to be one of knights or Jemma coming to feed her mind with her latest book of discoveries. But to her surprise, it was Nicholas—Nikolai who stepped in shutting the door behind him with a soft smile on his face walking over to her.

She blinked in disbelief letting out a breathless sigh, “Nicholas…”

“Amara..” He replies with a nod still smiling softly, “.. I uh, I got your letters and I came to see you. Surprise.”

“It is a surprise. H-how did you get in?”

“I have my tricks.”

She walked over pulling herself closer, gently placing a hand on his cheek as he placed both hands on her hips in a almost tight manner not wanting to let go soon but he must.

“You came! Y-you came to see me.” She said about to lean in to press a kiss to his cheek but he stopped her.

“Wait, Snow.” He said as one hand slipped to hold her wrist, “Us. It can’t happen. I can’t be with you.”

“W-what? No..it can happen. All our talks and sneaking off to see one another shows that we can work..I know it will be tough and might cost—”

“I won’t be the one to cost you, your happiness. I am a prince and your just some farm girl, it can never work out.”

“Yes it can. You came all this way to see me, it was for a reason..I love you and now that I know you love me to—”

His face fell to a neutral yet serious face, no emotion written as he cut her off again with no smile, “I don’t.”

“Wha..” She replies with tears pooling a small shower within her eyes.

“I don’t love you. I come from a family of lies, I was only playing cards here. I will never be in your heart , Amelia, that’s too cruel of fate.”

“B-but..no. Nikolai please..”

“Go live your life. With me, because I’m not in it.”

“Y-yes yo-you are…we were gonna..we were gonna..”

“Gonna what? Live happily ever after like in the fantasy your heart made up? I’m sorry, love. It won’t be true. Fill your heart with love for someone else, someone who can love you the way I never have…and never will.”

Before she can say anything else to his face, he removed her hand from his cheek and the other from her waist walking out of the room stone cold. She was left there holding herself whimpering as light sobs came into the air of the room, sitting down on her bed unable to breathe nor believe what she heard. As Nikolai walked out shutting the door behind him, he can hear the crying noise along with her voice as he fought his body to rush in and comfort her, and just gave a nod to King Shaw…

~~~~~~

He kept his face netural on, gripping his sword tightly as his eyes water and a sense of anger filled his shoulders wanting to release it somehow. He wasn’t one to feel this way unless it was personal and this, it felt personal.

He walked out of the castle walls, allowing the tears to finally fall as he took one last glance at the castle, tower head where he left a crying Amelia. He wanted his numb himself of this pain and needed to do it quick.

The crewmen follows him out and onto the harbor where Captain Hook stood there grinning at the jewelry in hand about to ask how did it go with his lady but paused seeing the booking look of regret and pain on his face.

He knew that look all too well himself as he placed hand on his shoulder and said, “My friend, it will be alright. You need a drink.”

“No, i don’t need a drink. I need food, and a lot of it..and a tree to stab with my sword..” Nicholas replied with a light glare looking down at his grip.

“We can go down swinging later, drinks and food now. You need it, we all do.”

“Okay..yeah, I..I do think I need to take a breather for a moment.”

Jeremy smiled hearing that, clasped his shoulder letting his friend rest his head there knowing the pain of heartbreak himself. I wished he got an answer to what might’ve led him to feel this way too but knowing his past and the crossroads that they both faced, he can already pictured he was forced into a room of decision making. He knew that drinks and food of any kind would satisfy their stomachs tonight, later they can duel it out in the woods to release whatever bowling emotions within.

Nikolai followed him, entering the town’s deep well kept bar passing the men and women inside to themselves a booth, a couple of Hook’s crew members stepped in to have a round themselves. That night beers, chicken legs and singing was done in that bar at full volume. It numbed the rubbing sadness against his chest, he lied to her face saying that he didn’t love her, but the truth is…

…he did. He doesn’t know when or how but he will find a way to get her back, even if he has to wait for it. But for now, he sat and drank his feelings away like the honorary pirate that he is. Jeremy brought the first couple of rounds talking about his nicely designed ring he took from that treasure room he will give to Cole when the timing is right as Nikolai chuckled softly. He knew what they were doing.

Meanwhile Amara Snow—Amelia stood in front of her full body mirror whipping away tears that kept coming. She wanted to stop the thoughts that came across her mind but the words were so recent in his mind like cutting a freshly squeezed orange. She sipping the glass of water in her nightstand as it felt like a small headache was coming on. Yes the words were said but there was an uncertainty laced over his body language even though his face coney something completely different.

There was this bit in the bottom of her stomach, a swirling dizziness and foggy touch to it all just didn’t even bother to get her a warning. It hurts, the harshest of his tongue and the face he gave her was serious, numbness filled with a slight hint of glassy eyes, as if he wanted to tell her something else to this speech. She thought it was his brother then she into the hallways to find Shaw speaking softly with his guards, she sighed as it clicked. He said something that changed his mind..

And she basically seemed like she lost him. But a strong part of her wants to rush out and find him, reason with the man she claimed to love. But she had a wedding to attend. Her own little wedding with no say to even what type of dress she could wear, but she doesn’t know if she sneak off into the woods or worse, find a way to suck it up and go ahead with the plan.

Either way, she will probably enter up sniffling a tear.

——

So here it is! I had this conversation in my head for a while and had to make the fic sooner or later. What do you guys think?

Yes, in my head Jeremy & Nikolai have a small bromance and it’s called ‘CaptainCharming’!

Remember to like, share and comment with your thoughts

Tags: @missstrawbs2001 @purpleprincessonfyre @meiramel @gcthvile @rickb-chaos @gaminggirlsstuff @wizzzardofoz @thechoooooosenone @luna-d-marsh @rooster-84 @thecavalrywife @cherrysft and etc

#hamilton lyrics #fanfic #danielle campbell #fanfic series #romantic fanfic #ouat au #thomas doherty #lincoln campbell #captain charming #ask missparker #once upon a time #season 1 fic #ouat s1 #captain hook #snow white #prince charming #king midas

[sanddusted-wisteria]

Unpotable [oneshot]

GN!Builder/Qi; crack

Warnings: None

Also on AO3

Summary: Unpotable Summer Sand Tea: A strange green gooey substance sprawled out on a plate. Everything about it implies its impalatability, but its forbidden nature compels you to try it.

In which Qi somehow manages to mess up tea. Cut him some slack, though, he's only made it…several hundreds of times before…

A/N: Happy update! One of the new mechanics added is that your spouse can cook for you! Which is really sweet. Only issue is that not every spouse can cook all too well (Qi downright admits on multiple occasions that he cannot cook)…and they always have a chance of flubbing the dishes. One of Qi's options is summer sand tea…and yes, he can somehow screw it up. The description for bad food is generic across all the dishes, but it really seems to fit for the tea. I've had this half-finished since I've been beta testing this update, but the update came out sooner than I expected, so here you go! Enjoy!

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

It’s gelatinous.

The builder slowly tips the glass sideways. The green substance stays put, until at about a 60 degree tilt, when it starts to slide out. They quickly right the glass again. The jelly falls back down to the bottom with a quiet flump.

The builder blinks and looks up at Qi with a look of barely-restrained horror.

“I…don’t know how this happened,” Qi says, pursing his lips.

It’s tea. At least, it’s supposed to be tea.

“D…Does all your tea end up looking like this…?” the builder asks meekly.

“N-no, no! It doesn’t. The pitcher is perfectly fine, see?” He holds up the fresh pitcher of tea. It’s all still liquid in there.

“Uh-huh…” The builder goes back to staring at the peculiar stuff in the glass. They shake it around a little, and the mystery goo jiggles with it.

…Does it still taste like tea?

They lift the glass towards their face.

“No.”

Would it feel like jelly in their mouth? Or would it just dissolve instantly?

“Do not.”

Is it chewy? Crunchy on the inside? Sticky? Gummy?

“I implore you.”

Was this like one of Fang’s weird potions that turns them different colors? Or maybe it would turn their bones to jelly…or knock them out…or melt their tongue off…or—

Qi snatches the glass out of their hand with an exasperated look on his face. “H-How about we safely discard this substance and not risk our lives consuming it?”

The builder freezes, tongue halfway out. “Aw, come on! It’s for science!”

“Science does not involve pouring unknown substances down every orifice. And kindly remind me to bar you from entering the Research Center whenever I’m running any experiment with chemicals.”

The builder snorts. “You know, I still have that bottle of sulfuric acid you gave me somewhere…”

“I’m confiscating it immediately.”

“Aw…” The builder slumps, but they can’t hide the mischievous grin on their face.

Qi lets out a sigh. It wasn’t everyday that he was the voice of reason among them. He inspects the glass again with a frown. “Hold on…”

The builder raises an eyebrow.

After a brief turnover of the glass, Qi's eyes widen. “Ah, that makes sense. This is one of my glassware pieces.”

The builder feels the blood drain from their face. “...From your home office…?”

“Yes, I was wondering where this one went. A couple days ago, I used it in an experiment where—”

“We need to pour that tea into every glass we have.”

“Eh? Wh-what—?”

“How much glassware are you missing?”

“Um…I believe I’m still missing one other glass— Ah.”

And so begins a process: line all the cups in the cabinet out on the table, pour a little tea into one of them, and swish it around a bit. If nothing happened, rinse and repeat with the next one.

Glass number 6 turns the green tea a very unappealing brown.

The builder and Qi exchange a look.

“...We need to label these.”

“...Indeed. Lest we want to suffer an unpleasant demise.”

The builder looks down at the pitcher. It’s almost empty now. “Shame about the tea. Wasted a whole lot of it.”

“Unfortunately so. I…can brew another kettle?”

The builder smiles and nods. “We’ll just drink straight from the pitcher this time.”

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

A/N: Btw, sometimes some spouses have a chance of making "gourmet" or better than average dishes with better perks. After trawling through the text file of the game, there appear to be no such options for Qi's dishes (summer sand tea, milk chestnut, tea porridge, tea egg). So poor Qi can always mess up his dishes, but can never make anything better than average.

It's okay tho we still love him

#the use of the word 'unpotable' kills me #this liquid is diseased #my time at sandrock #mtas fanfic #mtas qi #shady's fics

[hauntedkoalaturtle]

10 Tips for Making a Good merakitmainan Even Better

One of the important elements in retaining facts, in transferring it into your short-term memory, is repetition.™

No, it does not audio incredibly remarkable or cutting - edge but there it's. Uncomplicated repetition is essential to remembering a little something.

That means that you might want to discover means of repeating the exact same factors when you're coaching. However it needn't be dull. It doesn't mean You need to just retain stating exactly the same matter again and again all over again.

Among the list of methods you are able to do it really is to make in various things to do which permit folks to evaluate the things they've discovered. The main element is to get the learners associated by themselves in order that they're processing the knowledge, which can be also crucial in remembering it, in lieu of just listening to you.

On the list of main means of carrying out This is certainly with some type of quiz, where you request men and women questions or they check with each other. But which is not the sole approach. Allow me to share 8 ideas for evaluate functions which you can use. Be at liberty to make use of them as your own, I have borrowed them from Other individuals myself!

1. Snowball fight.

Get individuals to put in writing questions about the fabric on pieces of paper. Then they screw the papers up into balls and toss them at each other ( Carefully ) similar to a snowball battle. Once they've finished, Every person picks up the ball closest to him or her and reads out the issue, then has to reply it properly.

2. Image quiz.

A favorite of mine is the picture quiz or Pictionary. This is when you draw an image representing an idea you have discussed, even perhaps working with a visible you have currently used. Then people have to convey just what the concept was and let you know all about it.

As opposed to just drawing your individual, you may set persons in teams and get them to make up a picture quiz for one another. Or you may get All and sundry inside of a staff to face up and draw a little something for his or her team to guess.

three. Newspaper posting.

Place people into smaller groups and possibly give each a subject or give them all precisely the same matter. Talk to them to jot down a short newspaper post about this that has a headline. It is possible to provide them with distinctive papers to repeat, e.g. The Sunlight and The Times, to determine what distinctive variations they could come up with.

4. Ad.

Get groups to produce a poster or maybe a written ad based upon your subject matter. As an example, if you've been speaking about management, get them to jot down an ad for just a supervisor, location out the attributes necessary.

5. Alphabet.

Give groups the letters in the alphabet ( or, if you wish to make it more quickly, give teams a bit of the alphabet, e.g. A - File ) and request them to think of a term for every letter from the alphabet which pertains to what you've been speaking about. The team with X and Z may well struggle but people today ordinarily think of a little something!

6. Visible aids.

A quite simple technique, give groups matters and ask them to produce 1 powerful Visible help to summarise the topic, which individuals could use to remind them of your vital Concepts. You could possibly request them to generate these on parts of A4 paper, which you could possibly photocopy so All people could just take one again for their place of work with them.

7. Sketches or scenes.

Ask little groups to organize quick sketches or scenes For example key points from the teaching, e.g. superior and negative examples of conduct, customer meetings, ways of working with equipment or some process.

When you've got enough time and also the assets, you can record these on the DVD to maintain as reminders ( set them on YouTube? ).

8. A poem or tune.

Talk to people to make up a poem or simply a music regarding the topic. When you've got time, you could even talk to them to exercise an accompaniment employing objects to help make audio ( e.g. percussion within the squander paper bin ) and add a dance schedule.

All these things will increase variety and delight on your coaching and, simultaneously, will increase the probability of your learners retaining whatever they've realized. Making use of variety will also assist you to make certain those with various learning kinds can entry the fabric.

Do have the team included as much as you possibly can simply because this can make all the primary difference during the influence of the educational. Also, You will be shocked at individuals's creativeness. Any time I request teams to think of Strategies for visuals, tracks, sketches, and so on. I am generally amazed on the factors they think of and they are often a great deal more Imaginative and intriguing than anything at all I would have believed up myself.

Probably the most frequent thoughts I get concerning the matter of advanced male chastity is about how desirable can it be to have a chastity piercing, like a Prince Albert, to be sure the safety of the machine.

The considering behind it is pretty uncomplicated: many of the safer, critical, and so high-priced chastity products need The person to have a piercing in his penis And so the chastity unit can be locked into place properly.

In all probability the most common mix is really a Prince Albert piercing (where by the securing pin enters the penis by way of a hole inside the underside of The pinnacle and exits with the urethra), but there are actually equipment suitable with frenum and ampallang piercings, way too.

So, this raises a few inquiries.

Initial, why would any person do this?

Effectively, the answer to this is simple: it will make the equipment Considerably safer.

Most chastity equipment - even complete belts - is often escaped by a person who's determined to do so, presented he takes advantage of adequate lubrication and will endure a bit agony.

It's probable there are many equipment for which this isn't accurate but I've nevertheless to encounter just one.

But a tool secured which has a piercing is as protected a chastity machine as you might be at any time going to get, simply because the penis is held prisoner having a metal pin essentially passing through the flesh.

Along with the equipment' layout suggests there is no way to get rid of the unit devoid of removing the pin very first, Unless of course you are willing to tear your personal flesh (hardly any Males would want to do this, I am guaranteed).

And for men seriously interested in long-expression and long-lasting chastity, a secure device is a component of your thrill.

There is one area about remaining locked in the secure gadget that really does flip Gentlemen on. The feeling of having no Charge of their particular orgasms is intoxicating for them.

Just bear in mind: no chastity unit is or at any time may be one hundred% safe, indicating no male is at any time retained inside a chastity system towards his will.

There isn't any doubt keretaapi some units are more secure than Some others, and It truly is most likely numerous could only be taken off or escaped from with the assistance of resources.

Although the tools needed are easy and many Males probably have them by now lying all over within their garage. Moreover, getting rid of the system will be completely Safe and sound, also, As long as he took care.

Even a device which employs a piercing pin to maintain the penis protected might be taken off merely by reducing the pin (which may be performed basically and securely using a set of tinsnips or wire-cutters, say).

The second basis for the piercing is For a lot of Males and girls It really is symbolic - which symbolism is incredibly highly effective.

In a significant proportion of associations where they observe male chastity, Element of the dynamic is the lady "owns" The person's penis, or not less than has every one of the "legal rights" about it.

In these situations owning the penis pierced, whether the male genuinely wants to have it done or not (bearing in your mind he normally has the choice in reality, and so It truly is just Component of the game) is symbolic of the facility-Trade.

Naturally, you don't need to be pierced to delight in chastity, and You do not even require a device.

The idea you do is just One more fantasy propagated by different people who have their own agendas for seeking you to acquire into their technique for contemplating.

My partner, John, was pierced but he never ever truly settled in the product, so we took the piecing out and he at this time wears a Lori #2C, which can be designed for un-pierced Adult men.

At the moment He's in long-phrase orgasm denial and The rationale he doesn't escape is he will not wish to.

Male chastity is de facto about two folks who love whatsoever dynamic they elect to put into practice and is just a scenario of becoming informed about Risk-free, sane and smart tactics.

#Youtube

[paradoxical-machine]

Day two: Teeth! I got kinda lazy with this one, and had a whole other concept for it, but it didn’t work out so I downplayed the teeth aspect of it in favor of a general “horror”

#goretober #blood #blood tw #teeth #teeth horror #i think thats the right tag to use #ask to tag #among us #my art #while messing around with sketches i had a great idea for a later prompt #itll take a lot more work #so ill be working on it for a few days along side the other prompts #i might slightly rearange the prompts to make it the last day or something like that #this also reminded me that i have another among us piece i need to finish #maybe i can repurpose it to fit with a goretober prompt #also in case anyone wanted to know what the original concept for this was #the character was supposed to have rows of teeth all over their arms and stomach #but then i realized how much of a pain teeth are to render #paradoxical art

[duskamethyst]

at last.

a/n: in celebration of reaching 200 followers. thank you. i’ve started this piece months ago but constantly failed to find the will to continue whenever i opened the draft. however, the response i’ve received from my other works gave me the drive and i knew i had to finish this.

word count: 4.1k

genre: smut, nsfw, fluff

pairing: musician!semi x f!reader

warnings: mirror sex, soft dom

summary: you and semi are in a band together. though having feelings for the male, you’ve always kept it professional until one night...

“thank you for tonight! you guys were amazing!” you speak through the mic enthusiastically, waving to the crowd as they cheered on and begging for an encore at the same time. “we hope to see your faces again when we come out with new songs soon! please continue to support us! we love you!” your lips curl into a huge smile, stepping off to the back of the stage while waving your fans goodbye before the staff hands you a towel to wipe off your sweat and a mineral bottle to cool off.

it’s another amazing night in a different city for you and the band. the feeling of having people enjoying your music and your voice is overwhelming and to have such wonderful bandmates to join you in this journey for three years now has you feeling beyond blessed.

the band started small, having the drummer and bassist as your high school besties while the guitarist, semi eita was later picked up along the way when one day you blasted on your socials and the small music stores stating the band needed a new guitar player. your band was pretty well-known in the town you live in, showing up and performing at a few gigs and now you’re much more familiar in the industry and often play in different cities. 

semi was one of the few candidates that was chosen to be part of the band. much to everyone’s surprise, playing the guitar wasn’t his only talent. semi was able to write lyrics, produce and sing and that’s what made him stand out among the others. while making the decision with your band mates, you guys knew not to pass up on him and today it proved to be the right decision you guys had made. 

to describe semi eita, he’s incredible. a genius and a sight for sore eyes. hell, he could even pass to be a model if he was into it. you knew that his addition to the band could garner more fans through his skills and looks. on his first night at the gig as the guitarist, you noticed how some of the girls there were ogling him and especially recording him through their phones, even the older woman who was practically forced to be there almost every night by her husband paid more attention (and you believed it was because of semi’s presence) as your band performed. maybe the fangirls could start off by drooling over his looks before they could slowly support the band entirely, hence building a bigger fanbase. 

you feel a little bad for him. you believe that semi is more than just his looks but you can’t really blame people for liking pretty things– it’s only natural. semi has a burning passion for music and what he does and he works tirelessly for the band. he gives his all when he writes lyrics and he uses most of his time by himself inside the studio, learning and enhancing his skills further. you often accompany him in the studio, offering your opinions when he shares the new lyrics he came up with and the studio would be filled with harmonizing voices of yours and his. 

a weird fuzzy feeling engulfs you when you learn that semi had always especially asked for you to join him in the studio and never the other guys, but you alway shrug it off; reminding yourself that it’s only because of work and nothing else.

though no matter how much you try to deny your feelings, you know you’re already head over heels for semi eita.

you sigh and put down your luggage as soon as you walk into your hotel room before looking out at the window to see the fans that were swarming as you arrived earlier begins to dissipate slowly. as you’re smiling and being lost in your thoughts, you start to hear strumming sounds from the other side of the room– undoubtedly semi’s. 

it’s way past midnight and you’re all tired from the tour and the recent performance. while all you can think about is getting inside the tub and having a good night sleep, semi on the other hand can only think about the next show and creating new music. though he’s much more new to the industry compared to you, he works so diligently and it makes you feel a bit guilty and shameful. so you decide to come up to his room and see if he needs anything– or maybe just to persuade him to stop thinking about work and go to sleep. 

“eita, it’s me.” you say as you knock on his door. you hear the strums come to a halt before he opens the door for you. “gosh, you look terrible.” 

it’s only partly true. his hair is disheveled and he only has his jeans on from earlier but you try so hard not to check him out and quickly walk inside his room. semi closes the door as he turns to you, “you’re not asleep yet?” 

“no, i heard you were playing and that’s why i’m here. you know you should be sleeping instead, right?” you sit on the couch where he was sitting earlier. sheets of paper are spread on the coffee table and you pick up the one with the lyrics that he wrote. 

“sorry,” he apologizes as he sits next to you and notices the one that you’re reading. “but it’s good that you’re here too.” 

ignoring the little skip your heart made, you refuse to look at him and read one of the lines out loud in an attempt to play cool.

“i’m alone,

“i just wrote that one in the van earlier.” he scratches the back of his neck as he laughs nervously. his eyes never tearing from you, just watching while you scrutinize through his little work.

i’ve nowhere to go,

but you gently held my hand.”

you smile as you finish reading the last line of his incomplete lyrics and turn to look at him, “i wonder what it sounds like?”

“ah, i haven’t figured it out much but i think it could go like this.” he grabs the guitar from where he left earlier and places it in front of his chest before slowly strumming a few chords. you watch as his fingers sweep up and down across the strings, his black nails that you painted weeks ago are only left with little residues. 

it sounds exactly like you heard in your room earlier. his voice and the tunes he’s making fills the room and it sounds absolutely beautiful. you can sense the longingness in his work this time around, a little different from what he used to play but a little change doesn’t really mean bad– it feels like something that many people can relate to.

you gleefully clap your hands as he stops playing and a faint blush creeps up to his cheeks which he hopes you don’t notice. 

“what’s your inspiration this time?” you ask as he puts back down the instrument.

“well…” semi sighs and leans further into the couch. “someone special to me– the reason i started pursuing this.” 

a heavy lump suddenly forms in your throat, making your stomach churn at the thought of semi having someone special in mind but you quickly shake off the feeling. you’ve always been close with the male, he was easy to get along with from the start and semi would agree that out of all the members, he spent the most time with you; though it's only because it’s strictly on a work basis and you respect that, and you remain professional.

“must be. you’ve never written anything so personal but tell me all about it! you know i won’t judge.” you force a smile, hoping that it’s not too obvious and instead semi laughs at your eagerness to know about his little puppy love. 

“it’s not even that great. i feel like it’s rather ironic– the reason i pursue this is also the reason we can’t be together.” he looks at you as he speaks, as if searching for something.

“damn, that sucks so bad.” you lean back to the couch with him and gaze at the ceiling while imagining the type of person semi would like and start to mindlessly compare yourself to them– putting you down even further.

“you get it, right? on top of that, i think we would lose some fans if we start to date.” he continues as he rests his arm behind your head in a more relaxing manner. he hopes that he emphasized the word clearly so he could get a reaction from you.

however, you only laugh a bit at his consideration. you can already imagine the online articles being bombarded about semi being in a relationship, not forgetting the snarky remarks and lashes he and his partner might get on stan twitter and the thought makes you shudder.

“but i would want to see you happy... even if it’s not with me.” you mumble lowly before realizing what you just blurt out on the last part. “i mean- i mean- i was thinking from a fan’s point of view, of course!”

the sight of you being bashful and constantly avoiding to make eye contact with him is endearing to him. he can’t help but to laugh and it provokes him to tease you instead. his hand creeps up to pull and tuck away the strands of hair behind your ear, instantly drawing your attention to the male next to you. you’re waiting for him to speak but he only stares quietly at you with a gentle smile across his face. 

“what?” you’re surprised at how meek you sound and you know he notices it when his smile turns into an amused shit-eating grin. 

“really? you’d be happy for me?” he asks, leaning his head down on the arm he has hanging on the couch back. 

“um, yeah? since you’re my–”

“friend?” he cuts you off in an instant. “i’d be happier to at least know that you’d feel jealous, though.” 

jealous? you blink and nervously laugh at the poor joke, “why would i be– you’re funny. anyways, go to sleep!” 

semi’s lips tug into a frown as you stand up from the couch and when you’re about to take a step away, semi grabs your wrist and pulls you back to him. he wraps his arms securely around you and buries his face at the nape of your neck, inhaling the very faint scent from your expensive perfume you had on before the show. 

“you’re so close, yet so far.” his hot breath fans against your skin as he murmurs with a hint of frustration lacing his voice. 

thinking not too deeply into it, you disregard the butterflies in your stomach, “yeah, i think you can put that in the song.” you attempt to reply coyly, concealing any suggestions of you being a total nerve-wreck right now. 

“god dammit.” semi curses. he turns your face to look at his, “this isn’t about work anymore.”

“what–” he presses his lips on yours and his arms pull you closer to him which your body wastes no time but to completely melt into.

semi pulls away to take a breath, locking his brown eyes with yours as he speaks. “stop making me feel so lonely.”

“i’m… sorry…?” your apology comes out unsurely, not knowing where this conversation is leading up to and it’s making you feel apprehensive more than anything. there’s no way he’s confessing, right?

semi sighs as he runs his fingers through your hair, “i used to only play the guitar as a hobby but you’re the reason why i even thought about getting into this band.” 

you’re out of words to speak from the abruptness and remain quiet before he continues, “i thought i’d be happy enough just being close to you but i realized i wanted more than that. am i being selfish?”

you break free from his grasps and turn to the blushing male before curling into his chest. semi’s body is still as he processes what’s happening and slowly relaxes as he wraps his arms around you again.

“no, eita, no. you’re not.” you reassure. “i really had no idea.” 

“then, can i kiss you again?” 

“whatever you want, eita.” you mutter under your breath before he gently cups your chin with his fingers and pulls you into a deep kiss. 

for the second time that night, you feel as if you’re on cloud nine as your wet tongues twirl against each other in your mouths. a faint taste of tobacco and beer still lingers on his tongue but you pay no mind to it when you’re too busy drowning into your own ecstasy. 

semi manages to push you down on your back without breaking the kiss and props on his knees before his hands wander all around your body. a gasp passes your lips when he squeezes your breasts against your shirt and his lips move down to nip on your neck. 

“e-eita...” you breathe and the male pulls away to look at you with heavy lidded eyes– and they’re filled with desire. 

“whatever i want, right?” he whispers and you nod your head before he delves back down to litter bruises on your skin. “and what i want is you.” 

warmth surfaces on your cheeks as you hum in response, a subtle reply to tell him that the feeling is mutual. as soon as semi lifts up your shirt, he quickly tips down to tug your bra and latches his mouth on your hardened nipple while his fingers tweak the other. the stimulation causes your body to jolt in pleasure and you can practically feel yourself drenching in your panties.

semi glances up at you expectantly when he notices your thighs are pressed together underneath him. with his other free hand, he lifts up your denim skirt and rubs circles on your clit against the damped fabric. 

you mewl and tug his hair gently as your hips desperately grind against his finger for relief. 

“does it feel good?” he speaks softly. “you’re so wet for me.”

“y-yeah.” you mumble a little bit in embarrassment after he pointed it out but semi finds it to be endearing as he lets out a breathy chuckle. 

“i’ll make you feel even better,” he grins, bending your knees up and spreading them apart. “but i need to hear it.”

you nibble your lip anxiously, “please?”

“please what?” he coos, though he’s already settling his head down between your thighs while he looks at you with passion filled eyes.

your lips feign a pout but your pussy twitches when you feel his finger pulls your panties to the side, “please make me feel better.”

“good enough.” he smirks before spreading your puffy folds and sticks out his tongue to lap off your essence. 

a loud moan rips from your throat as he sucks on your clit and purposely teases it with quick flicks with the tip of his tongue. your legs start to tremble and try to close together but to no avail since semi holds them apart from crushing his head. 

there were nights where he could only touch himself while imagining how you would sound like writhing underneath him but tonight, you made his dreams turn into reality. your moans and whines are like music to his ears and they’re better (and he knows it would be) than what he expected. now semi is driven even more to hear what more beautiful sounds you can produce for him.

semi groans when he slips one finger inside your tight hole and you cry in surprise as you feel his finger brushing in and out through your walls. he can feel that the walls are already sucking him greedily while your hips jerk to fuck yourself with his finger.

“god, you’re so fucking hot.” he grunts, inserting another finger and fucks you ruthlessly. you can feel your orgasm building and threatening to tip over when his finger curls, hitting your g with every drag. 

“fuck, eita–” you pant as your toes curl over the unbearable stimulation and causes your body to shake. 

“feels great, hm? i want you to cum all over my fingers.” he toys with the swollen bud before harshly sucking it.

“mmhh– gonna cum!” your eyes screw shut as your orgasm finally crashes down and your pussy gushes and flutters around his fingers.

your breathing turns erratic and a whine escapes your lips from the emptiness when semi pulls out to lick his fingers.

“you taste so fucking good.” he groans, hovering above you and crashes his lips onto yours so you can taste your own juices from his tongue before he pulls away breathlessly.

“i want to make you feel good too, eita.” you whisper almost innocently and push him back so he can sit down on the couch. semi watches you as you kneel beside him to unbuckle his belt and proceed to unbutton and unzip his jeans swiftly before he helps you release his throbbing dick from its confinements. 

you nearly gawk at the size of his cock; thick and veiny, tip flushing red with a bead of precum. you give a few strokes with your hand and a sharp hiss rolls off his tongue as soon as he feels your tongue swirling around the slit and slowly taking a fair amount inside your mouth. 

“fuuuuck.” he sighs as he sinks into his seat further, eyes closed shut as he lets you take over. you offer the pressure needed by pressing the bottom of the length with your hand and hollowing your cheeks while your tongue runs up and down the rest of his cock, slobbering it with your saliva. 

“oh, fuck– baby. that feels so fucking good.” tears prickle from the corner of your eyes when you force yourself to take deeper into your mouth and his hips jerk when the tip hits the back of your throat. semi’s hand finds itself on top of your head; he makes sure not to tug your hair too hard as he guides you bottom to top and a pop sound is audible when he pulls you away just before he feels like he’s about to cum. 

he wipes the tears from your eyes and kisses you while pulling his jeans and boxers all the way down before continuing to carry you off from the couch with him and leads you to his bed. 

“can i?” he looks at you concerningly and you nod your head yes.

“take it all off.” he commands once he puts you down on the bed. what seemed to be the gentle semi is long gone but his dominating side makes you undeniably excited so you easily oblige, peeling off your clothes until you’re bare and naked in front of him.

“on your knees.” he orders again and you submissively get on your knees but he stops you before you can lean down on the bed. “face the mirror.”

you turn your head to see the large mirror in front of the bed and shift again as he climbs on the bed and props behind you. 

“i want us both to see how pretty you look when i’m balls deep inside you.” he grins.

a soft mewl rolls off your tongue when semi smears your juices through your slits with his cock. he grabs your hips for leverage as he slowly penetrates into your hole and you bite your lip hard when you can feel his girth stretches you out both painfully and deliciously. semi gives you a moment to adjust and after receiving the green light does he begin to move his hips. 

“i’ve waited so long for this.” he growls, black nails digging deeper into your skin that'll be able to leave crescent marks by the end of the session as he pounds his cock into your cunt erratically. 

your cheek is pressed down and your hands clutch the bed sheet as you feel his veins brushing against your walls and his tip kissing your cervix with each thrust. semi’s breathing is already ragged from above you, hips diligently rolling into you as he picks up the pace. 

“look at you, baby– fuck– i’m so lucky.” you moan at the praise, subconsciously feeding to your ego; to be desired by semi and to have semi fucking you into oblivion. 

“s-so good.” you whine, glancing up to the mirror to see yourself but what you’re mostly able to see is the man behind you. his toned abs, ash blonde bangs almost covering his eyes and brows furrowed in focus as he ruts into you mercilessly like a feral beast and it’s fueling your arousal even further.

a mischievous smile etches on his lips as his hazy eyes light up once they meet yours through the reflection, “i don’t think you can see yourself that well.”

you feel your body being lifted up abruptly before he makes you stand on your knees with your back against his broad chest. in front of you, you can clearly see the mess he has made out of you; hair unkempt, pussy slopping and dripping down his balls and the sheets from where your bodies are connected. 

“better.” he smirks through the mirror. both of your eyes fixed on the reflected image ahead; your tits bouncing up and down as he continues to thrust into you while his arm wraps around your torso to hold you in place. 

“so– pretty. my baby– my muse.” he says in between grunts and takes one hand to cup your face. “can you see my cock go in and out of you?” semi intends to show you how lewd it looks by pulling out his thick cock slowly and pushing back inside your pussy in an agonizing pace. 

“yes, fuck– eita.” you sob, staring at the mirror ahead as you see his cock glistens with slick when he pulls out from your stretched cunt and fills you back in, edging you at the same time. 

“and what happens when i touch you here?” he coos, reaching down to press your clit with his thumb. a shock of pleasure washes through your body, making your eyes roll back and your head thrown back to his shoulder. “come on, you can tell me.”

“it’s-it’s gonna make m-me cum.” you whimper as your hips roll desperately against his finger and each time he plunges into you. 

“and you’re gonna sing my name when you do, right?” 

“yesyesyes– please, just–” semi cuts you off by continuing his pace again and the knot in your stomach tightens at the feeling of being stuffed full when he rams deep inside you along with his ministrations on your throbbing bud.

his other hand pinches your pebbled nipple and causes you to keen in pleasure and you finally open your eyes to look at the mirror again to see the compromising position you’re in and the way he manhandles you; having absolute control all over your squirming body with both his hands and his cock– and it got your vision turning white as you tip over the edge. 

“eita!” your lips part into a scream as your pussy flutters around his cock and come undone. the walls squeezing him elicits a low growl from his throat and he holds your body with both his arms as he remains to fuck you in order to chase after his own high.

“fuck– that’s it.” he kisses your head when you let out a choke from the overstimulation. “i’m gonna fill this pretty pussy.” sporadic thrusts begin to stutter as his balls tighten and his cock twitches inside you to indicate that he’s close to reaching his orgasm and a loud moan rips from his throat as he finally comes undone. 

semi stills for a few moments inside you, catching his breath and regaining composure before he lifts your body slightly to pull out his softening cock. your trembling knees fail to keep you up so your body falls down on the mattress and semi chuckles at the sight as he joins next to you. 

“you did so good for me, love.” his sharp, brown eyes gazes adoringly into yours and a soft smile tugs the corner of his lips as he caresses your hair. “was i too rough?”

“just a little,” you blush. “but i liked it.”

semi sighs in relief and draws closer to give a chaste kiss on your forehead, “i’ll run a warm bath for you, alright? then we can go to sleep.”

you nod your head, feeling warm and fuzzy when he holds you in his strong arms before he leaves for the bathroom. as you wait and hear water filling the tub, your mind wanders how you’re going to break the news to your manager about your blossoming relationship with semi. 

and semi thinks about the same thing too. 

whatever it is, it doesn’t matter to him. 

as long as he has you.

duskamethyst © 2020 • do not modify, translate or repost anywhere.

#semi eita #eita semi #semi #semi x you #semi x reader #semi x y/n #haikyuu smut #semi eita smut #hq smut #haikyuu!! smut #hq!! smut #r; writes #semi smut #semi fluff #semi fanfic #semi eita fanfic #semi ff #haikyuu semi #haikyuu fanfic

[moosoobi]

Battle Royale

(1) Fresh bread, French Prince

G.Lafayette : Hamilton the musical

Sometimes when you work on a project, there are moments when you need to take a break and work on something else. That’s really the case with In The Night, I have all these ideas but sometimes I feel confined to ITN (I literally have not started Chapter 3 when this is posted). And thus this fic was born. I hope you enjoy! 

Y/N and Lafayette’s POV 

Bridgerton inspired AU (watching the Bridgerton series would probably help in understanding ideas of ‘courting’ and finding a suitors) 

Odd social structure (dukes are essentially owners of land which was popularized in London, Washington is considered a president, and Lafayette is now a prince!) 

not my cover image 😟

Word count: 4k

Literally the biggest thanks to @deja-you for proofreading and some great feedback, ILY 🧎‍♀️

—-the Washington residence

The dreamy clouds would stream across the sky as Y/N began to read the newest article from Thomas Paine, the most notorious writer known for acknowledging every piece of gossip and whispers among the noble colonists. 

The pamphlet felt newly written, as few spots of the odd-smelling ink would smudge. Though Y/N was not awake, a young boy delivered this meticulous pamphlet to the Washington residence before dawn. 

As the daughter of the president, being the center of noble gossip was nothing new to her, in fact, gossip was never the center of her attention either. But something about this pamphlet in particular would surely catch her eye. 

She began to read:

‘The scene for this courting season is looking quite interesting. Now that these young ladies are finally of age, they will indeed add competition to the scene.’

Ah yes, the annual  courting season. A time for women and men to make their move and commence into the adult world. While many aren’t satisfied with their partners, reputation seems to grow higher than feelings. 

‘Many pertinent names are included in this season, and I’m honored to document the presence of these people.’ 

‘The Schuylers: all three of the incredible General Schuyler’s daughters are finally entering the courting scene simultaneously. During the war, many soldier boys would fall head over heels to impress them, and many were unsuccessful. I’m ecstatic to observe the lucky men to take the hand of Angelica, Elizabeth, and Peggy Schuyler.’ 

‘The Payne’s: Miss Dolley Payne has finally been granted entrance into this courting season. Many theories and speculation suggest that her arrival to the scene at the same time as the other great names was not a coincidence.’ 

‘And finally, the most significant family joining us this season,’ 

Y/N sucked in a breath 

‘The Washington’s: His grace’s pride and joy, Y/N, will be the most imperative competition this season. The pressure of being the president’s daughter, as well as the stigma of conceiving an heir, follow her wherever she resides. Nonetheless, Y/N Washington is an extraordinary star among the courting scene, and it would indeed be foolish to throw away your shot.’ 

‘It’s just common sense.’ 

‘-Thomas Paine’ 

It would take Y/N a couple moments before her squeals of excitement could be heard across the residence 

Shortly after, the rumbles of Y/N racing down the stairs would cause her parents, George and Martha, to take suspicious glances at each other. Y/N finally reached the dinner table where her parents were finishing up their morning tea. 

“What’s got you going so early, dear? I usually have to pull you out of bed around this time,” Martha questioned 

“Sir Payne wrote about me in the paper! My entrance to the courting scene seems to be the most glittering cluster of ink in this pamphlet” She squealed 

Y/N excitedly, yet also harshly, slid the pamphlet over to her parents, moments later they would observe her words to be true 

“That’s great, dear” Her father, George, looked up from the paper with a smile. “I know you’ll represent the Washington Family name well, although it’s a shame you’ll have to lose it when you get married” he sighed 

“Oh lighten up George, Y/N will be the talk of the town, I’m sure she’ll attract some worthy gentleman” 

“Damn right he better be worthy.” His eyes transferred from Martha to Y/N 

“Remember Y/N, very few are prepared to handle a Washington, you can even ask your mother.” 

Y/N couldn’t hold in a giggle as Martha rolled her eyes. Both Y/N and George watched as Martha arose to place her porcelain dishes in the sink

“Well I must be soo blessed to have to take care of two of them.” 

George turned back to Y/N and slid her a letter across the table, keeping another letter in his opposite hand, which was still unopened

 “May I ask what this is?” She held up the letter. Even the feeling of the paper could tell Y/N that it came from the colonial gentry. The scent faintly reminded Y/N of champagne and flowers, and the seal was a sparkling coral-pink shade. The letter appeared to be already opened 

“The Schuyler’s are inviting you to a small tea get-together, whatever you kids call it.” 

Y/N opened the envelope, searching for the details. How exciting was this, to be among the best of the best, especially in the greatest city in the world. Before she could reply, George began to speak again

“I’ve already requested for two escorts to accompany you on your way to the Schuyler residence.” Y/N turned to him in confusion 

“Huh?” She questioned “escorts?”

“Now that you’re officially in this courting season, your safety could be potentially in danger. I’m just trying to make you comfortable” He retorted 

“Father, I’m sure I’m capable of walking on my own. I mean, the Schuyler residence isn’t even that far and-”

Y/N was interrupted by multiple knocks on her door. She shot a ‘this isn’t over’ glare to her father before wandering over to her front door. She opened the door and found a surprise

The Duke of Monticello and the Duke of Manhattan, my father’s two trusted secretaries. Dropping the formalities, Y/N addressed them by their first name 

“Thomas? Alexander? Don’t tell me..” she turned back to her father. Jefferson and Hamilton stood at the doorway, both with flowers and nervous in the presence of Washington 

“Father, I’m starting to question whether you worry for my safety, or worry for your pickiness of my suitor.” Thomas and Alex attempted to hold in their laughs as if their lives depended on it 

“Of course I do!” He held a hand to his chest as if he was hurt “although I do owe them a favor-” a smirk spread across Thomas’s and Alexander’s face, yet was quickly faded as Washington addressed them 

“But no funny business with my daughter. If I hear of any shenanigans from either one of you, you both have serious consequences.” Y/N turned back to the dukes, both of them appearing drained of color. 

“Let me get dolled up and we can be on our way” Y/N swiftly ran upstairs, leaving Thomas and Alexander alone in the presence of their boss. Those poor, poor, boys

Five minutes later, Y/N glided down the stairs in her fancier skirt. Her corset gave her an amazing shape, and her hair made her appear to be a celestial being. She caught the dukes’ eyes lingering on her for a little too long. Luckily, Washington wasn’t around. “Let’s keep our focus on what’s really matters, guys” she laughed 

“R-right...” they said in unison, both turning away and pretending to be interested in the furniture in the house. Y/N had never seen the two secretaries so calm around each other, it made her realize the power the Washington’s have in the colonies. A simple order from a Washington could probably end wars, especially if it’s capable of making Jefferson and Hamilton contain their pride 

“Your graces?” She held out her hands, signifying that she was ready to depart. The dukes held out their forearm and elbows for her to take. Y/N intertwined her arms into theirs, and they headed for the Schuyler residence.

A few minutes down the path and Alexander Hamilton decided to break the silence 

“I still can’t believe you’re entering this season, Y/N. I mean, I still remember running around those horrid military camps all those years ago” he chuckled. It’s true, it’s been all these years since the war and so much has changed 

“I like to believe I’ve grown into a wonderful, young woman, don’t you think?” I batted my eyelashes towards both of them 

“Of course darlin’” Jefferson cut in “but just because we’re your honorable colleagues doesn’t mean Hamilton and I won’t be lining up for your hand” 

“Don’t be so sure. I heard this season has a few aggressive competitors on both sides. The Schuylers, the Paynes, even the Madisons! I might have to step up my game. In the meantime, both of you have to keep an open mind.” 

Thomas and Hamilton stared at each other, surprised by her response. 

“And If I find out that both of you placed bets on which one of you will earn my hand, I’ll be reminding my father to collect both of your heads.” 

Their heads hung in defeat “alright, alright darlin’ I think I kind of like my head attached to my body. No need to get violent.” 

“Plus I don’t think any of you can truly handle a Washington.” Y/N giggled, her arms still intertwined with theirs

“If Jefferson and I don’t scare away the competition, I’m sure your father will” Alexander chuckled, Thomas visibly reacted to the joke as well 

“Oh come on, the two most popular dukes of the colonies have nothing on a suitor that is truly worthy of me” she scoffed 

“And where would you find such a worthy contestant? Someone better than a duke?” The three stopped in front of the Schuyler residence 

“Don’t kill my hopes, a Washington has her ways” Y/N removed her arms from Thomas’s and Alexander’s, heading for the front door. As soon as she was greeted by General Schuyler herself, she waved goodbye to the clashing dukes 

“She’s so mine, Hamilton.” Thomas stated 

“I’m sure you should be worried about your tomcat nature, Jefferson, don’t get too ahead of yourself” Alex retorted

Jefferson audibly scoffed before wandering with him into the city 

—-France

3 weeks prior to Y/N reading that exciting pamphlet, Marquis de Lafay-- Now Prince Lafayette sat around a table of French nobles and officials. It felt like ages since he’s been in the colonies, and it has only been a few years ever since the French Revolution had ended. Yet instead of abolishing the monarchy system in France as Lafayette promised to the colonies, he and a few other nobles replaced the previous royal family. 

Lafayette was later titled as a Prince, as were other leading men of France, but he urged to continue being addressed as the ‘Hero of two worlds’. 

But with a new era upon the people of France, came the countless government meetings and conflicts that he had to resolve. 

“Your Majesty? Are you even paying attention?” Secretary Robespierre whispered over his shoulder, causing him to visibly straighten himself out. 

“O-Oui. Why wouldn’t I be?” Lafayette laughed nervously, scratching the back of his head. Robespierre rolled his eyes before whispering again. 

“This is our last meeting of the day. With all due respect sir, can you get yourself together?” 

“Okay, Okay.” Lafayette sighed with boredom 

He missed the colonies dearly, sometimes he wished he never left at all, but seeing his country yearn for a revolution compelled him to sail across the Atlantic once again. He often daydreamed of his riskier lifestyle with his closest friends and soldiers, as well as the feeling of awe while serving directly under General Washington. Never in his life did Lafayette think he would miss the adrenaline rush of stealing cannons and leading fully arm battalions. 

His teenage memories of fooling around in those military camps, wandering the streets of New York City severely intoxicated, and the best memories of all, the memories of escorting the General’s daughter, Y/N Washington, to buy bread and pastries for him and his fellow soldiers. 

Oh, what could she be doing now? 

If it weren’t for the revolution at hand, Lafayette would’ve surely bent a knee once she set foot onto the military camping grounds. Lafayette held such a high respect for Y/N when they first met, especially since she was the daughter of his most admired general. The women in France just couldn’t compare to her heavenly beauty, and her kindness was unbeatable. She was the greatest treasure that Lafayette had stumbled across during his time in the colonies. Although many noblewomen would attempt to take a bite of him, Lafayette stayed loyal to his non-existent promise to Y/N.

A quick quill-slam to the table, and he was quickly drawn back to his reality. Why should he worry about his previous General’s daughter anyway? Lafayette was now a Prince, he could have anything he wanted. But the moment he set foot in France after the American Revolution, he lost the most precious things he already had. He yearned for glory, but at what cost? The cost of abandoning his bonds in the colonies? 

He sighed, standing from the meeting table and wandering to his quarters. Secretary Robespierre followed closely behind him. Sensing an odd tension from Lafayette’s mood, Robespierre attempted to address his situation

“Do you need anything, your majesty?” Lafayette froze in his tracks, weighing his two options 

“Actually...” Lafayette turned to face him “Schedule me a ship to the colonies. The earliest one you can find.” 

Robespierre tilted his head in confusion, letting the last sentence sizzle in his head.

 “I’m sorry, what?” 

The prince in distress sighed with fatigue. “I’ve decided I’m heading to the colonies, tout suite.” Lafayette kept his gaze strong  

‘B-but sir, you have so much to take care of-” Robespierre was notably panicking at this moment. “-and the recent shortages-”

“Mon Ami, there are at least three other ‘crowned princes’ who are perfectly capable of maintaining this nation. One prince gone won’t hurt the economy”  Prince Lafayette stated firmly 

Robespierre debated for a moment before confirming his thoughts “Alright. I’ll notify you when the earliest ship can be sailed. But what shall you do about the gossip? Perhaps they will believe you are not responsible enough for this role.”  

“Let the people speak as they please. In the end, I’ll remind them who’s in charge.” Lafayette began towards his quarters once again, Robespierre stayed behind to script all of his thoughts. 

Finally in his study, Lafayette dipped his quill into the nearest container of ink and started to write. 

‘To the Great General Washington, It’s been ages since we’ve last written…’

Maybe Lafayette will be able to have a taste of his old life. 

---the Schuyler residence

Giggling echoed throughout the Schuyler residence as the 5 girls enjoyed their tea. 

“Have you gals read Payne’s newest pamphlet? We’re the talk of the town as of now” Angelica, the oldest Schuyler, smiled with satisfaction. Her luminous complexion complemented her coral pink gown. 

“I never expected our courting debut to be so..” Eliza searched for the right words “..turbulent among the talkers..” she took a sip of her tea 

“I’m still stunned by the feedback” Y/N laughed nervously “My father even requested his two most clashing secretaries to escort me here, they didn’t even argue once” she said in awe 

The top 5 girls of the season all sat in one room. Though they would eventually become each other's courting competition, they were great friends nonetheless. During the war, Y/N would stay in the Schuyler household while their fathers were out of town daydreaming of being free from the king, attending a few balls together, and watching soldier boys trip over themselves. After the war ended, Dolley Paine became a mutual connection through their high ranking families. The 5 got along way too quickly. 

Peggy held up the tea pot “another fill, ladies?” Y/N and Dolley nodded, both taking their turns to fill their cups. 

“Awee, look at you Peggy, you’ll make a perfect wife” Dolley teased. The rest of the girls laughed it off, yet Y/N didn’t feel at ease with that statement. 

“You don’t actually think we will all get married that quickly, do you?” Y/N looked around to see their confused expressions. “Guys?” 

“Well..” Angelica pondered for a moment “I believe that it’s ideal to marry on your first season” 

Peggy had to stop herself from spitting out her tea 

“That soon? But we’re so young, and-” Eliza interrupted

“And we’re ladies. Society expects us to do nothing more and nothing less with what we’re given” Angelica takes a content sip of her tea once again “I don’t make the rules around here.” 

The silence was awfully louder than the conversation. 

“Alright.” Dolley smiled “I guess we'll just have to make this next few weeks extra special, right?” 

Y/N took a deep breath “the best of the best.” She muttered

Peggy turned to her and nodded, and Eliza was quick to join. Y/N faked a smile at the girls, ‘I guess that’s just how it is’ is what she thought, and Angelica would raise her glass for a toast 

“A toast to the best courting season?” The 4 other girls raised their glass as well. 

Though many hours were filled with laughter and giggles, Y/N couldn’t help but imagine how much her life would change within the next few months. And just by entering this season, Y/N will give up her youth and give someone her hand to please someone. To please herself? To please the people? To please her parents? She had no clue 

She stared out the window, remembering those nights of staying at the Schuyler residence, watching those drunk soldiers stumble across the street. Many of them were her friends, friends she had met through her fathers rank. She smiled at the thought of the most memorable gentleman she had met while at those camps. 

‘The French Foreigner’ is what they used to call him, but only before he became comfortable in the colonies. ‘Marquis de Lafayette’ was his title, and Y/N always loved the sound of his name rolling off her tongue. 

“I don’t know what my father told you, but I’m sure I don’t need you to accompany me simply to buy bread” Y/N stood stubbornly 

Lafayette gently grabbed her hand and raised it to his lips 

“I just want you to be safe, mon ange, I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if you got hurt..”

 He kissed the back of her hand, maintaining eye contact. Y/N appeared as if she just experienced a revelation “..shall we be on our way, mademoiselle?” 

She took a moment to think, her head still in the clouds. Y/N slowly nodded “Alright.” The two intertwined arms and headed into the city 

Oh how she missed the old days. Y/N hated to admit it, but she truly believed she met the most exquisite gentlemen during the war. Whenever she’d stay at the camps with her father, a small group of soldiers would always keep her company. A tailor, an abolitionist, two immigrants, the camps were definitely a mixing pot. 

At that very moment, Y/N prayed she’d be able to find someone like the men at her fathers military camp during this courting season. 

Y/N jumped at the tapping on her shoulder

“Y/N? Don’t tell me you already have suitors lining up out there for you” Y/N shook her head and laughed 

“I just spaced out. That’s all.” She attempted to change the subject “What were we talking about?” She questioned 

Peggy interrupted “Next week's ball, the first ball of the season. Do we show up in our best, or do we build suspense until the last seasonal ball?” Peggy debated 

“Let’s take one ball at a time, shall we?” Eliza proposed her idea 

“Well for the first ball, I suggest….” All the girls gathered around Angelica to hear her plan

—-Lafayette’s quarters (France)

Prince Lafayette neatly folded his clothes as he was departing for the colonies within a few hours. He remembers the excitement he felt when he traveled to the colonies for the first time, having to dress like a pregnant woman in order to board the ship, but he still cringes at the imagery. 

He elegantly stuffed his belongings into his shoulder bag. He stood back to admire his rushed work, but he felt as if he was missing something. 

Lafayette looked around his quarters, his eyes became glued on his treasured gun, gifted to him by General Washington himself. The wooden hilt was stained with god knows what, but the gold trimmings were shining in the afternoon sunlight. 

He’d already have French soldiers accompanying him, he was a prince after all. Would he need such weaponry? 

“I do not see why not.” He muttered to himself before stuffing it into his bag with the rest of his belongings. Lafayette dusted off his fancy clothing and stood in triumph, well, before a woman cleared her throat behind him. 

Lady Adrienne stood at the doorway to his study, her emerald green skirts creased against the doorframe. Lafayette and Adrienne previously courted before he left for the colonies, which ended up being her last straw. Lady Adrienne attempted to stop him, since she was a loyalist to the monarchs of France, but Lafayette refused to listen. 

“que veux-tu? I'm busy at the moment.” Lafayette covered his bag with a nearby coat, crossing his arms. 

“I heard you’re going back to the colonies. What’s so special across the ocean that you can’t have here? You’re a prince for god sake” 

“It’s none of your concern, get out of-”

“Last time you left for the colonies- left me for the colonies- you just weren’t the same when you came back.” she was on the verge of yelling

Lafayette sighed, having already been through this conversation ever since he came back to France. 

“This is nonsense. I need to be alone as of now.” Lafayette turned away from her to continue packing his belongings. She had a hurt expression on her face; part of her mind refused to believe he wasn’t her suitor anymore. Ever since he left for the colonies. 

She slowly began to advance towards him. “That is no way to talk to your previous courting partner, Lafayette.” Her tone was strong yet unsure. 

“It’s Prince Lafayette to you, and there’s a reason why we’re not courting now..” He was notably irritated by her presence. 

Lady Adrienne wasn’t leaving his quarters until she was given an answer. 

“Was I not enough for you to stay in France…?” she rested a hand on his shoulders, Lafayette visibly cringed. “What’s in the colonies that you can’t have here?” 

Lafayette swiftly turned towards her, brushing her hand off of his shoulder in disgust. “I don’t have to answer to you—“ he attempted to retort

“—Don’t tell me you’re still mad that I had more faith in the monarchs of our country rather than you” 

Lady Adrienne rolled her eyes annoyingly, Lafayette blood had already begun boiling long ago. She started moving closer to Lafayette, attempting to trap him in his room, and forcing him to stay in France. Although this was her main plan, she wanted an answer, and she wanted it now. 

“Your own lover didn’t believe in you. Is that why you’re so upset? It’s quite the reaction for something so minuscule—” she scoffed. 

Lafayette snapped

“—as a matter of fact, you weren’t my lover. It’s not you, its...” 

Lafayette, clearly frustrated, struggled to hold up under his old friend’s gaze. She saw it in his eyes, the way they lightened when he thought about the colonies. 

She saw a similar light in them the day he returned from France. Perhaps it was the praise he obtained for the foreign war, or perhaps some treasures he discovered, or maybe someone.

“Lafayette... Did you find another partner in the colonies?” 

The panic was visible in his eyes, but there no was no reason to panic, he thought. 

Lafayette brushed up against lady Adrienne, his lips were millimeters from her ear. He began

“Our relationship ended from the moment I set foot on that ship, and I do not regret it one bit..” 

He stepped out of her reach and continued to pack away his belongings, Lady Adrienne was frozen with shock.

“My business in the colonies is my business only,” He stated strongly. “And you are free to believe whatever you want, it would benefit me in the least to care about what you think. Am I being clear?” 

Lady Adrienne could only stand in silence

“Security! I’d love for you to escort this maiden out of this quarters at once!”

He’d never forget the hatred in her eyes as she was humiliatingly taken away. Lafayette kept his mind on his current task: the colonies await his arrival. 

—to be continued—

#alexander hamilton #thomas jefferson #hamilton #hamilton fanfic #hamiltrash #daveed diggs #thomas jefferson x reader #hamiltonau #lafayette x reader #alexander x reader #hamilton masterlist #battle royale #so hyped for this series #sorry to in the night chapter 3 for not starting you HAHA #hamilton the musical #george washington #daveed x reader #somewhat Ig #hamilton musical

[ddarker-dreams]

Deal With The Devil. Yan Hades Giorno x Reader

Warnings: Isolation, implied kidnapping, forced marriage, brief non explicit sexual themes, and mentions of death.  Word count: 3.2k.

Time alone is better than time spent in the company of someone you despise. 

Skillful fingers run over the wilted stems of your carnations, a frown on your face at the current lifeless appearance. Dull shades of grey slowly turn to a vivacious green where your fingers pass over. Next are the petals, which are all but gone, a far cry from the flora’s typical beauty. At your delicate touch, it’s as if the hands of time are set in reverse. Soft fibers tickle your bare your skin, petals flourishing anew, now with a rosy glow. Standing from your bed, you return the revitalized carnations to their previous position on the windowsill. 

The bright, pastel colors are in stark contrast to the obsidian colored walls that trap you. Darkness, like an everlasting night, cannot be cast aside by your pretty decorations. No matter how hard you try to do just that. The lone sources of illumination in the underworld, torches or lanterns, have also earned your scorn. How you had taken the sun for granted, the natural warmth it provided ethereal in comparison to this manufactured light. Sighing, you push the negative thoughts away, aware they do nothing for you. Wallowing in your grief harms the precious flowers you create.

The onyx marble flooring beneath your bare feet is cold and unnatural. Closing your eyes for but a moment, you remember how blades of grass used to feel in the summer and spring. Those blissful days traversing fields without a care in the world feel like centuries ago. You’ve tried to recreate grass as it is on the surface, but with mixed results, and now stick with forming flowers instead. 

You take a mental inventory of the surrounding flora to check for problems. These creations of yours are a reliable pastime and bittersweet memory. No matter the life you instill into the delicate blooms, in the underworld, they wither away at an accelerated pace. Your days are spent reviving them or creating new bouquets to decorate this dreadful bedchamber. What else is there to do? 

Nothing, you answer the question yourself, scowling. As if on cue, your poppies wilt at the sharp turn in mood, petals falling onto the ground and crumbling to dust. So the cycle continues. Understanding the passage of time when there is no sun is difficult, but if you were to guess, those poppies were just a few hours old. While you consider what to replace them with, a pair of eyes watch from nearby.

“In my brief time down here, this would be my first time seeing such beautiful flowers.” A feminine voice praises. Your eyes widen, head whipping around to find the source of the words. In front of your canopy bed stands a wispy figure. It takes the faint form of a human being, though lacking color and partially transparent. 

It takes a second of tentative thought for you to realize what this apparition is. A soul. Not just any soul, a soul of a mortal, you presume. You haven’t spoken to a mortal in some time now. How did a soul manage to find its way to you, hidden away in the depths of the underworld’s palace? As if sensing your bewilderment, the soul speaks up.

“Is it true that I am speaking to the daughter of Demeter?” The soul questions. You nod, pushing down the agony of hearing your dearest mother’s name. “Then it seems I have hope after all.” 

Silence settles in after the soul’s relieved statement. You take the time to contemplate the possible meaning of this soul’s words, reaching no conclusions. “How is it that you’re here?” 

“... You will not call on his guards?” 

Biting your bottom lip, you swallow down the bile that threatens to rise in your throat at the passing mention of him. “I will do no such thing.” 

“Then lend me your ear for but a moment,” the soul’s voice is tinged with melancholy. “I am dead now, yes, but I was once alive. At that time I was Sotiria. I mothered three children, each splendid in their way, the lights of my life... I do not say this for complaining’s sake but to offer perspective. I never was given a decent lot in life, the child of a sickly widow whose face I can no longer remember. 

Poverty was all I knew until I drew my final breath. I took work equally as it came, whether it was working the fields or being a companion to men at night. Anything for the sake of feeding three hungry mouths. But it was never enough. My youngest, Cyril, fell ill. To keep him alive I had to be by side at all hours. And so it goes… at my wit’s end from starvation, I had no choice, you must understand.” 

Sortiria’s voice grows weaker, barely reaching your ears as she finishes her sentence. “I coveted, and I stole. Nothing more than I would need to keep my children alive for another day. When they caught me, well,” she motions to her phantom-like form with a pained smile. “I was killed.” 

Your heart aches at her plight. “How terrible...” 

“Yes, I’d agree so,” she doesn’t linger on the topic, eager to move to her final point. “But it need not end this way.” 

“There is a reason I stand in your presence now. I heard rumors, waiting among the listless souls for Charon to ferry us to judgment. Rumors that gave me hope where I had none. That the god of the underworld had taken a wife, a wife who boasts a compassionate heart. You, [First].” 

The pieces she’s presented you with fall into place. Your lips part, the world around you spinning, as Sotiria presents a final plea. “Please, go to him and ask that I may return to my body. That I may return to my children. Us humans have taken to praying to you for mercy when knocking on death’s door. I implore you, hear my prayer now.” 

“I will not speak to him, no, I refuse to speak to him. Even if I did as you asked, who is to say he will listen to me? My cries for freedom have been denied, how would this be any different? I hear your prayers but have no power to answer them. My matrimony did not make me the goddess of the dead.” 

Neither of you dares to mention Giorno by name, remaining cautious of what could happen, as he’s made aware every time his name is spoken. Even the mortals fear him, you think. And for good reason. You wonder if that’s how this was presented to the humans. A requited romance between the daughter of Demeter and Giorno, a union that gives hope to those dying. None of them know the truth, that you’re forced to remain here, tucked away from the wistful life you once had. That his self proclaimed adoration is nothing but suffocating and self-serving. 

“You and you alone are the apple of his eye,” Sotiria insists with utmost urgency. “He will heed your words more than anyone else’s.” 

“He has refused me everything of value that I have begged for.” The words are spat out with venom. You fail to notice that with your growing temper, the flowers you tended to prior shrivel up at unprecedented speed, a reflection of your distraught emotional state. Your chest heaves with each strained breath, fists clenching by your side until your nails pierce your skin. Does Sotiria not understand? How could anyone empathize with how the sorrow you feel? You stand in this saturnine chamber that remains your prison, Giorno the steadfast ward. 

“I can not speak on what I don’t know,” she lowers her head. “But I do know this. You have his favor. You are his wife -- whether it was by your design or not -- and he holds affection for you in his heart. Go, speak to him, I beg of you. If not for my sake, then for my children.” 

“But--” 

“I can’t spend any more time here,” Sortiria looks around, her already faint form disappearing. “Please.” 

Then she is gone. 

You stare, eyes wide as a doe, at the spot Sortiria once occupied in your dim room. Nothing of her remains but the convicting call for action. Her words ring like funeral tolls in your mind, unrelenting, and weighing down on you. There’s no denying the effect her request has on you. Sortiria’s dedication to her children reminds you of your mother, who has tried everything to get you back. An ache in your chest pushes you forward, your legs moving subconsciously to the door. 

She risked eternal damnation to speak with you. Leaving your room that never remains locked, you’re met with a similar color palette of midnight black and crimson red bricks. Hell flame is blinding at first, but when your eyes adjust, you catch the demonic guards stationed at your door looking in surprise. Giorno has granted you the freedom to traverse his palace as you please, but you rarely take him up on the offer, preferring to spite him by remaining in your room. When he searches for your company he knows where to find you. Loneliness haunts Giorno Giovanna like a plague, never warded off successfully until he acquired you. 

No one dares question your intentions, averting their gaze to avoid eye contact as you travel down twisting halls. Your heart pounds against your ribcage through the journey, not knowing how Giorno will react to your uninvited appearance. This would be the first time you’ve sought him out of your violation. While wandering his palace, you can’t help but notice the difference in decorum compared to your room. He had tried to make adjustments to your personal space so that it would reflect a different aesthetic than the underground, fully aware of your displeasure with the gloomy architecture. 

Not that it matters, you think. Nothing could make up for what Giorno’s taken from you aside from permanently returning to the surface. Rounding a sharp turn, you hold your breath at the sight. Cerberus towers in this grand hall and immediately picks up on your presence. The daunting creature lowers itself to the ground, three pairs of eyes piercing through you. A tense moment later, it seems content to let you pass, recognizing your position as Giorno’s beloved. 

Behind Cerebrus is where your true challenge lies. Two monumentally sized doors that lead to Giorno’s throne room stand in your way. Taking a deep breath, you close your eyes, Sortiria’s words reverberating in your mind. Perhaps you are soft on the mortals, as your mother once warned you, but she was guilty of the same. Should you be successful, and Sortiria lives to tell the tale, you wonder if your mother will visit her and ask after you. 

The doors open when you take a step forward. This palace is an extension of Giorno, you’ve come to realize, bending to your whims to please you. While lacking the necessary preparation to make a sound argument, you have an idea of what may convince Giorno to do as you bid. Any confidence you may have had from knowing you have his favor melts like ice in the spring when his eyes land on you. These eyes, that belong to one of the universe’s most powerful gods, feel heavy and cumbersome. Giorno nods his head in acknowledgment, a good sign. You wish you could hear his thoughts. His sculpted face is impossible to read as ever, in comparison, you feel like an open book. 

You manage to force out a cordial greeting despite your petrified state. “I was hoping to have an audience if you’re not otherwise occupied.” 

Giorno sits on his sizeable throne, presence imposing yet regal. In contrast to his spun gold hair, the throne is dark as twilight, embedded with rubies and numerous precious gems. He isn’t just the god of the dead, you remind yourself, but also the god of wealth. That’s all Giorno has ever felt like to you, some distant figure. Nothing more, not now or ever. His attempts to kindle an intimate relationship with you have been discarded like weeds. Now in his physical presence, reverence takes place of the disgust you normally feel towards him. 

“If it pleases you.” Giorno’s voice is undeniably soothing, every syllable ringing clear as a bell. At his confirmation, you tread forward, over an expansive vermillion carpet. The walk feels like an eternal punishment. He takes the time to scrutinize your body language. You didn’t expect anything different, fully aware that he’d be taken aback by this bold arrival. Doubts in your head cry louder as you lessen the distance. That after all this time, he might see fit to punish you for this final act of entering his throne room without an invitation. Interfering with Giorno’s work might be the final insult he tolerates. You are his wife, but what respite has that granted you before? 

You bow your head down as a show of respect. “I apologize for arriving unannounced.” 

“Your presence is a welcome one,” Giorno seamlessly dismisses your concern. “Though, I might add, unexpected.” 

Despite your best efforts, your posture goes rigid, likely playing into what Giorno designed. Your husband is as pleasant as he is efficient in his conversations, you’ve learned. It’d be a fool’s wish to think otherwise. Sortiria’s words, though you wish they didn’t, held truth. All have come to know Giorno’s affection for you through his special treatment. It’s a blessing and a curse.

“I would’ve come sooner, but I feared you were busy.” 

Giorno gazes up at your through golden eyelashes, voice lowering as he speaks from the heart. “I will always make time for you.” 

Is it wise to start with your true request? The clock’s ticking and you need to decide without further delay. Anxiety and regret battle for dominance in your mind, but you keep it at bay, recalling the true priority. A mother’s tender love for her offspring. There’s nothing more important to you than doing right by this tormented soul. Sortiria’s words resurface, “Us humans have taken to praying to you for mercy when knocking on death’s door”, she had told you. You were but a minor goddess until this point, and content as you were with that, there was nothing of astonishing value for you to offer the world. Creating and maintaining gardens was all you could do. Now, you have a real chance to do good, to reunite a family. The prayers offered up to you until give strength.

“Would you please stand?” You ask with a sheepish smile. It’s a simple request to test the waters and also a way to feel less intimidated. Giorno blinks but voices no complaints. From his throne, he stands, still towering over you but feeling less intimidating. You step forward, raising your hand and placing it to his cheek. His skin is cold and smooth to the touch. It reminds you of the flower petals you adore so much. There’s no denying Giorno’s beauty, you must confess, it’s almost like his face is perfectly sculpted art. You can tell he doesn’t know what to do with himself.

“Truth be told, there’s something that troubles me deeply,” you confess, to which he frowns. “That’s what I wanted to speak about.” 

Giorno prompts you to continue. “And that is?” 

The worst he can do to me is say no, you tell yourself. He’s had no difficulty doing that in the past when you’ve begged for freedom. No harm would come to you -- any spite Giorno might feel would be directed elsewhere -- but that doesn’t bring comfort. Sortiria would be punished if Giorno believed she was taking advantage of you. Sentenced to eternity in Tartarus. 

“A single request. I wish to reunite a soul with her body, so that she may continue her life that was cut short,” you rub your thumb over his cheek. “Please do me this one good.” 

“Sortiria, was it?” Giorno takes your stunned silence as confirmation, not that he needed any. The two of you were careful not to mention him by name. So he knew all along? It shouldn’t come as a surprise, but you still feel disheartened, blood draining from your face. 

“It’s a rare occurrence that I permit a soul to leave the underworld,” he explains what you already know in a calm tone. “[First], you know I hate to deny you anything, but--” 

“I wasn’t done.” You interrupt without thinking, overwhelmed by enough emotion to drown out logic. Giorno’s mannerisms and subtleties can be picked up on after all this time you’ve spent with him, and you know he was going to politely reject your request. Neither of you utters a word. It’s a split-second decision, but you set your qualms aside, considering the greater implications. 

“Giorno,” you call him by his name for the first time, his eyes widening at the slight nuance. “If… if you do this for me, I… I will allow you to finally consummate our marriage.” 

Your face feels like it’s on fire from the lascivious suggestion. There’s nothing else you can offer Giorno that’s valuable enough to convince him. Nothing other than yourself that is -- which you’ve vehemently refused him up until now -- swearing you’d sooner cast yourself into Phlegethon than let him lay with you. You hear your heart pounding in your ears as you await his final response. Giorno’s eyelids flutter shut, eyebrows scrunching together. 

“This means that much to you?” He asks, not entirely convinced himself. This fiery passion you’re portraying is new. Days of passively tending to your flowers gave him a different impression of you. Now, faced with a cause you truly believe in, you’re willing to do anything. 

“It does,” you confirm without further hesitation. “Please give me this single happiness.” 

You don’t dare breathe until Giorno speaks again. He reopens his eyes and appears deep in thought. Dread clouds your mind, dominating any thoughts that might bring you comfort. You’ve done the best you could. 

“Very well.” Giorno bends to your whims after a long moment’s deliberation. Joy blossoms in your chest, a genuine smile gracing your features. He places his hand over yours, shivers running down your spine from the cool sensation. The negotiations are far from over, as Giorno returns his attention to your prior claim. He wants to test your conviction and see if you’ll give him a piece of what he’s ached for.

He squeezes your hand gently, voice so quiet that only you could hear it. “Is what you said true?”

It’s the only viable option, is how you reaffirm yourself. A degrading option, you recognize, but no one aside from the two of you would ever know. It’s been a long and good fight that you’ve put up. Denying a god his desires is not an easy task by any stretch of the imagination. Goosebumps dot your skin, reality feeling so far away, as you seal your fate. 

“You have my word.”

Giorno smiles -- in a way you’ve never seen before -- an unidentifiable gleam in his omnipotent eyes.

“Then I will see it done.” 

#giorno #Giorno Giovanna #giovanna giorno #yandere giorno #yandere giorno x reader #giorno x reader #giorno giovanna x reader #hades x reader #greek god au #JoJo's Bizzare Adventure #jojo's bizarre adventures #jojo's bizarre adventures imagines #jojo's bizarre adventure x reader #yandere jojo's bizarre adventure #JJBA #jjba x reader #yandere jjba x reader #yandere x reader #yandere god x reader #yandere #my stuff

[mystery-star]

Actions speak louder than Words – Spock [SMUT]

Pairing: Spock x reader (female)

Warnings: Smut

Words: 3647

A/N: After talking to @elysiansith about Spock Smut, I just had to write this piece. Lol.

Please do not repost my work on other sites or platforms!

-

Although you knew Spock would find it illogical that you worried about what he’d think you still couldn’t help it. You just had to ponder if your betrothed would like it that you agreed to go to a dinner with Lucas, a friend of yours. In the end you really had to tell yourself that it was just a dinner among friends and that he would need to accept that since it was your life. And deep within you also knew that Spock truly wouldn’t mind who your dinner partner was, after all you were wearing his engagement ring around your neck and not someone else’s. Yet it surprised you that when you were eating and laughing with the other Ensign, Spock asked if he could sit at your table as well

“Uh” your friend answered and you could see his struggle. Of course he didn’t want to be mean and he probably also didn’t dare to say no to a superior officer, although you were all off work now. And of course he also didn’t know of your relationship to the half-Vulcan. “Actually uh… we’ve been planning this for a long time. We just want some time for ourselves. It’s a date actually… I don’t know if you’re quite aware what this is but…” he trailed off and you glanced at him in surprise, not sure what to say. You had asked him if it was a date, of course more jokingly, and he had answered in the negative. There was a lump in your throat and you didn’t know what to do or say. Luckily, Spock reacted and sat down on one of the free chairs at the table for four. (Technically, Lucas could blame himself for not choosing a table for two)

“I am quite well aware of the definition of a date” he replied calmly as he picked up his spoon. You had to bite back a grin because Lucas face was hilarious “Besides, I do not believe that Ensign (Y/L/N) seems to be aware that you have intended for your meal to be a date”

“Well uh… but… most people first go on a date as friends before it is a real one. It may sound illogical to you but that’s what humans do. And many other species too that don’t care about logic. No offence” you could hear the desperate undertone and knew that he wanted to get rid of your fiancé yet not say it out aloud. Much to his dismay and your amusement, Spock started a short lecture about how important consent was and that he did not think it was a good idea if he ‘secretly’ had planned for this to be a date when you weren’t aware of this. “Alright look, I wanted to see how it goes before I ask her out officially. I didn’t want to ruin my chances”

“You do not stand a chance anyway” Spock said and while you knew it was true you had to admit it sounded mean.

“And how do you want to know that? I bet you’ve never asked someone out on a date and even if you did the person would be abnormal to say no. Unless they’re Vulcan too but I doubt Vulcans even do dates” Spock only raised an eyebrow and did exactly what you had thought he would do.

“(Y/N)” he said after turning to you “Would you agree to accompany me to a date tomorrow?” you chuckled

“Yes, I’d like that”

“You what? That’s not how it works, you can’t just ask her out. She’s my date” he grabbed his plate and glanced at you “Come on, let’s go” you glanced at Spock

“I…” you started

“Oh you want to be his date now? Fine” he spat “have fun with the talking robot”

“Luke” you hissed, not wanting to fight with him, besides, some people were already glancing into your direction and discussing

“I’ve never even been interested in you, just look at you, you’re not even attractive” you let out a huff

“Luke” you tried again “Stop the bullshit”

“Says the one who just agreed to a date with him. I’ve liked you for a long time but now, as I finally brought up the courage to ask you out, you choose him” you sighed

“I didn’t choose him. Well at least not now” you looked at your friend “We’re getting married when the five-year-mission is over” now it was easy to tell how had been listening to your conversation because said people either gasped, almost choked on their food, dropped whatever they were holding, let out another surprised sound or just were too baffled to do anything. And Luke was one who did the last thing. He stared at you with his jaw wide open.

“You-you…” you sighed

“Yes Luke, we’re betrothed” you placed a hand on Spock’s arm, gently rubbing it with a smile

“How is that possible?”

“From what I know of human courtship a couple will become engaged after they have agreed to marry each other. Therefore, (Y/N) has become my betrothed after accepting my proposal” Luke looked like he was about to say something but then he gave a weak nod and then left the mess hall. You sighed and looked after him, torn between staying and going after him.

“I made him angry” you muttered

“No, (Y/N). It has been my doing that drove him away, for which I apologize, as well as having interrupted your meal” he squeezed the hand that still was on his arm “For this reason, I shall do anything necessary to preserve your friendship with the Ensign” you smiled

“Thanks” you looked around, then turned to him “Maybe we should leave too… everyone’s staring” you mumbled “By tomorrow, almost everyone will know”

“That sounds quite likely. However, it is favorable since it will detain others from attempting to court you” you grinned and let go of him, whereupon he picked up his meal and got up. You did the same and followed him to his quarters, trying to ignore the looks of everyone else.

“But why did you come and join us?” you asked him once you were eating in his quarters

“After I have heard that he intended for your dinner to be a date, I found it logical to ensure that he would not attempt something you were not comfortable with” you smiled

“Or maybe” you continued “You were jealous or worried that I could leave you for him. I know you’ve once asked me if I’m really sure if I want to marry you because you could not give me what a human could” he raised an eyebrow “I think that maybe you don’t enjoy the fact that other men could want me the way you do because they don’t know I’m in a relationship” while you had meant not much by the words, except for a bit of playful teasing, you were surprised by his action. Abandoning his meal, he got up and came over to you, extending his hand to you. “What are you doing?”

“From your statements I have concluded that it might be necessary to remind a few males that you are not available for a relationship” you too got up, still not sure if he was thinking what you thought he was. However, when he pulled you closer and kissed you, you knew that he actually had had that idea in mind. You found yourself smiling and ran your fingers through his hair while he was pulling up the skirt of your uniform. After a while, you pulled away, wanting to take it off but he obviously misunderstood “In case I did something you do not approve of, I would like to apologize” you shushed him with a finger to his lips

“You’ve done nothing wrong. In contrary, I broke away so that we can take this even further” you smiled and slipped out of your uniform and tried to relieve him of his own too but he took hold of your wrists. Now it was your time to apologize but he didn’t let you finish by kissing you again and leading you to his bed. He gently lowered you onto it but before you laid down, he opened and took off your bra, letting it fall to the floor. It almost made you giggle, because he never dropped or threw something. Okay, you saw him throw something once on a planet; you had been more or less ambushed by some weird alien animals and all of the landing party had thrown stones at them what luckily scared them away. But when your fiancé’s lips moved along your neck to your chest your thoughts were back in the here and now. Since you had no more strength to stay in a sitting position, you lay down and tried to pull him even closer. He reacted with a deep growl which made you smile and shiver at the same time. At times you were still surprised that he did not think it was better to wait with sex until you were married. But he had told you what it meant to his people and that he would not do it lightly. To your dismay, he took his time with trailing kisses all over your chest while he let his hands roam over your abdomen or your thighs. “Spock” you whimpered, hoping he’d also do something to alleviate the burning between your thighs. You felt a low rumble vibrate through his chest and the he lifted his head, much to your disappointment “No” you whined, trying to move his head back to your body. “Please” he raised an eyebrow but complied.

“I am certain you are aware of the chemical and biological processes that occur within your body during coition” you had to pull yourself together to not roll your eyes. Of course he had tried to bring said process closer to you on several occasions and you felt like he had listed up all hormones that were involved. While the explanation had not really interested you back then, you enjoyed it more this time. You even had to bite back a giggle at his words and you wondered if that was supposed to be a form of dirty talk. Not that you minded though, it was quite pleasant to hear his voice while he was pleasuring you. What you didn’t like however, was how he told you to be patient because if he did not give your body enough time to prepare he would only hurt you. Now you couldn’t help an eye roll.

“But it sure doesn’t hurt me if you just touch me?” at first it seemed like he hadn’t even heard you or chose to ignore you but then he trailed his right hand, that was currently on your stomach lower and pulled down your underwear a bit. He lifted his head again to look into your eyes while he moved his hand to where you wanted it most and you threw your head back, letting out a weird grunting sound as you dug your fingers into his wrist. “Oh hell yes” you breathed, what caused him to raise an eyebrow and mutter something that most likely was ‘fascinating’. You wondered what he could find so fascinating, seeing that by now, he should know how you can react to his touch. And you too found that maybe it was time to make sure he got a move on as well. For that, you pulled his head down to yours and kissed him. When his left hand came up to the side of your face, you didn’t hesitate to grab it and lightly traced the pad of his first two fingers with the tip of your own. A wicked smile crept on your face when you noticed how he stilled and closed his eyes for a moment, obviously trying his best to stay in control but you weren’t done yet. Slowly, you brought his hands to your lips and started trailing kisses along the inside of his forefinger. Once you had reached the bottom and were on your way up he let out a growling sound.

“(Y/N)” he started but his voice broke off, probably because you now had his two fingers in his mouth. Among humans that surely was something playful, maybe even a bit sexy. For a Vulcan, however, it meant much more. Which was why you soon heard him mutter words under his breath and was trying to shuffle out of his clothing with just one hand. His actions made you grin and you released his hand, pulling his lips down to yours again while you grabbed the hem of his shirt to lift it over his head, which you only could when he parted from your lips. He also used that chance to rid himself of the rest of his clothing and before you knew it, also your panties were gone.

“What about the ‘I’ll hurt you if your body can’t prepare properly’ sorrows?” you teased

“Your actions have proven that you do not seem to mind” you smiled

“Well okay, you’ve got me there” you jerked your hips up, a silent plea to continue and to your relief he positioned himself and moved his hands to yours, pinning them down onto the mattress above your head and intertwined his fingers with yours. He only looked down at your for a while, prompting you to wiggle your eyebrows “That is all?” he raised his eyebrow and then pushed into you, making you squeeze his hands and let out a long moan. After a few gentle thrusts, your fiancé buried his face in the crook of his neck, obviously trying to accomplish his initial goal, to make others aware of the fact that you were taken. You wanted to do something as well but with his own lips trailing all over your neck, you couldn’t (better said didn’t want to) move your head too much and your hands were still pinned down. So basically all you could do was to wrap your legs around his thighs, trying to pull him closer to you. Finally, he released your hands and let his own wander along your chest, respectively stroking the side of your face with the other. “Spock?” you breathed and took his hand in yours, intertwining your fingers.

“Yes?” he asked pausing with his movements to look at you

“Don’t stop” you muttered, jerking up your hips slightly “But-but I just wanted to say that I love you” he raised an eyebrow and you feared that you had something wrong. A part of you whished you had not said it because you had told him before that you loved him but he had never really answered. Also today he seemed like he would not answer but then gave a nod and leant down to kiss you.

“I too wish to inform you that I hold great affection for you” you smiled

“You do know that’s the first time you reply to my ‘I love you?’”

“When you have expressed your feelings for me for the first time after we started our relationship, I have needed time in order to contemplate how I could best formulate what you mean to me” you smiled

“You mostly do that through actions. That counts too. Somehow even more than words” you leaned up to peck his lips “But speaking of actions” you chuckled and wiggled your hip again “Because as you’ve once told me, a woman can suddenly ‘lose’ all the progress she’s gained towards an orgasm if you stop for too long. And that could cause a problem for you because you promised me that you’d always hold back your own orgasm until I came. Because men don’t really ‘lose’ their progress that much if they stop. At least humans” you also knew that this probably wouldn’t be a problem for him. As a Vulcan, he could hold back his own orgasm for as long as he wanted. At times you even needed to tell him to just let go because he had been determined to go on for two rounds, at least two for you but you had convinced him that you liked it better if you both found release. He too seemed like he wanted to remind you about this but you shook your head and pressed a finger to his lips “Actions. Not words” you reminded him

“As you wish” he gave a nod and resumed his earlier pace while his right hand wandered to the side of your face, his fingers getting into position for a meld “May I?”

“Sure” you breathed and only moments later you were flooded with all of his feelings and sensations. Sometimes you didn’t know if that was what you liked most about having sex with him, to know exactly what he was feeling and thinking. And he too was an expert at reading you and sometimes knew what you wanted even before you did. It was especially helpful in the beginning when he had just sensed when he needed to stop or noticed that you were actually fine with something not even you had been too sure about before trying it out. One thing that did bother you a little, however, was that he always ended the mind meld a little after your orgasm because he didn’t want you to be overwhelmed by his own sensations, which could be quite intense apparently. Yet somehow you knew that he probably was right because even his actions were getting rather emotional and much unlike his controlled and composed self when he too approached his release. Somehow you didn’t want to know what must be going on inside his mind at that time. You felt his amusement and he mentally reminded you that you’d better focus on what was and not what could be “Right, sorry” you replied out loud.

“If you are getting distracted so easily I suppose it is imperative that I ensure it does not happen again” you swallowed and before you could even really process what exactly he meant, he increased his pace again while he let go of your face and moved his hand down to your clit again instead. You bucked your hips and as if he was not yet doing enough, Spock also brought his mouth back to the side of your neck, this time on the other than before. It felt like all the sensations were getting too much at the moment and you let out a muffled cry and tossed your head back. Apparently, Spock had thought he hurt you because he stilled for a short moment then continued his actions, even fiercer than before. You weren’t sure how you managed to handle all of it and were grateful that you could fist your hands in his sheets, to have something to keep you grounded or you’d have gone crazy. You started whimpering as you felt your orgasm approach. Of course also your fiancé noticed and while he got a little less fervent in his ministrations, he turned more sensual instead. Not much later, the bliss of your orgasm consumed you and only shortly after, Spock stopped altogether but stayed in the mind meld and wanted to know if you were okay. You could only answer after you had calmed down a bit.

“Yes” you breathed out and grabbed his wrist “But I’d be much happier if you continued to reach your release as well. I surely told you that every time” you pulled his head down to peck his lips. He responded with a nod and then ended your meld before he resumed thrusting into you until he too came with a deep growl against your neck. For a moment he stayed like that, trying to steady his breathing, before he let go of you and lay down beside you, pulling you against him so that your chest rested against his. He leaned his forehead against yours, making you smile “Thank you” you whispered, gently stroking the side of his face, then letting your hand wander over his neck to his chest.

“You do not need to thank me, (Y/N)” he replied, burying his nose in your hair. You moved your hand down to his heart which still beat even faster than usual

“I suppose I should go and get cleaned while you can have a moment to yourself to bring your emotions into order and let logic overrule all else” you teased, ruffling his hair with a giggle.

“We can do so later as well. I wish to hold you for a while longer”

“Of course” you nuzzled his neck and pecked his skin there. For some seconds you were silent, then spoke up again “I somehow don’t want to leave. Can I sleep here tonight?”

“If you have believed that I would want you to leave, you are mistaken”

“That’s settled them. I sleep here. But maybe we should finish our dinner first” you smiled and moved closer “I just hope no one says something about the hickeys tomorrow. Especially not my date” a short giggle left your mouth

“I am certain that he will not mind” he lifted his head to peck one of the countless hickeys on your neck “Seeing that I myself am responsible for them”

“Just next time I’m on an accidental ‘date’ with someone, you should give it to them straight that I’m taken” a big smile crept on your face “Although I admit that it is kinda funny and cute to see you being jealous and trying to hide it” you pecked his lips “And don’t try to deny it because as I told you earlier, actions mean more than words. But know what? I still love you”

#spock #spock x reader #spock x you #spock imagine #spock smut

[hualianff]

Distant Faces

The Lonely (Instrumental) – Christina Perri

After much deliberation, HC finally decides what to give XL on his birthday: a painted portrait of XL and his parents during Xianle’s most prosperous days. Even though HC tries his best not to remember his life during those times, he knows XL loved his parents despite how everything turned out. 

It’s been over 800 years, after all. 

XL had offhandedly mentioned he can’t even remember the details of his parents’ faces anymore. The way his mother’s eyes shone chocolate brown in the sunlight; the way his father scowled in disapproval but never in a malicious manner. The way his mother held him when he felt sad, let him cry on her shoulder. The way his father looked proudly upon XL as his son.

Admittedly, XL had a complex relationship with his father. They didn’t always see eye-to-eye, especially towards Xianle’s inevitable deterioration. XL can cry because he misses his mother, but with his father, it’s more than that.

It’s regret.

It’s shame.

It’s anguish for the tension that kept his father at a distance that now seems insignificant.

But being the kind of person XL is, he’d rather remember the positive aspects of his relationship with his parents than the hardships.

Especially because he feels like he failed them in the end.

HC cannot relate to XL’s experience of having loving parents who genuinely cared for him, much less the loss of such parents. An abandoned child like himself had to bear the burden of living from a young age. HC did not grow up nurtured or fawned over; HC endured his cruel existence by looking after himself. 

After meeting XL again after his third ascension, HC now knows what it’s like to be loved–fiercely and unconditionally. To imagine losing XL gives HC a palpable semblance of what XL felt when he woke up completely alone on the day his parents passed. Over the decades, XL has briefly talked about that day, though never in full detail. Partially because XL’s mind has blocked out the trauma, but it is also simply too painful to remember.

Originally, HC heavily debated whether gifting his husband the portrait was even a good idea. The last thing he would want to do is upset or offend XL. HC wasn’t even sure he could properly replicate the king and queen’s faces.

Ultimately, HC decided to go through with his plan. He hopes that if anything, this painting can help XL recall his parents’ faces and the fond memories he had with them. Perhaps it could serve as an outlet for healing from the years XL suffered on his own. Everything HC does is for the happiness of his husband.  

After going through one of his earliest memories via his butterflies, HC spent days sketching, outlining, and painting the portrait. He miraculously managed to portray the details as accurately as possible—MQ and FX themselves confirmed. The two heavenly officials failed to hide their teary eyes, MQ abruptly turning away while FX furiously rubbed at his cheeks. It’s one of the few instances HC holds his tongue when around the two martial gods.

There is no shortage of people who celebrate XL’s birthday when it arrives—heavenly officials, Ghost City, and worshippers alike. HC spends the entire day by his husband’s side, visiting as many festivals to witness the joyous ceremonies. Worshippers place extra lavish offerings on their altars while XL’s friends personally deliver their gifts at Puqi Shrine. (The designated location for heavenly officials.)

Once it’s evening and the festivities have calmed down, only two remain inside Puqi Shrine. HC has taken the liberty to cook a quick meal for them to share. He ladles soup into XL’s bowl, then scoops rice topped with fried fish onto his plate. 

“Thank you for making us dinner, San Lang. It looks delicious,” XL says, eyes sparkling. HC smiles warmly.

“I would be a fool to not spoil Gege with wonderful food, regardless if it’s his birthday or not,” HC solemnly says. “Though I do hope he enjoys the fish and soup.”

“There are no doubts about that,” XL replies before eagerly spooning some broth into his mouth. His eyes visibly widen as he sputters a bit, spoon lowering back into the bowl. “Oh, that’s hot!”

“Careful, gege. Allow this dutiful husband to blow on it.”

They finish eating with satisfied slurps and chewing, keeping casual conversation between bites. Before XL can get up to clear off the table, HC snaps his fingers, every dish already washed and placed back in the cabinets. 

They are finally alone, energy spent and stomachs no longer empty. HC’s eyes shift to the corner of the room where a covered, flat object is propped against the wall. 

“Gege, I have one last present for you.”

“That’s been here this whole time? Wow, it’s so big!”

HC doubts himself even as he hands over the wrapped gift. He watches with bated breath as XL carefully works open the covering with nimble fingers to reveal what’s inside.

Once XL sees the entire painting in all its glory, his hand flies over his mouth. His initial excited smile upon tearing away the wrapping paper is replaced with a tense frown, the type when someone is trying their best not to cry. 

A ragged sob escapes his lips.

XL can’t stop staring at their faces—his parents’ faces—who he hasn’t seen in centuries. Who he never got to say goodbye to. He touches the canvas, paints dried and glossed over with a finishing product that gives the image a sleek sheen. He touches their familiar faces, pleasant smiles etched onto their lips, and then his own, placed between his father and mother, smiling widely: happy.

XL hugs the canvas to his body, closing his eyes, and cries his heart out.

HC’s heart shatters at the sight of XL breaking down, though it was almost a guaranteed reaction. He doesn’t hesitate to rush forward to embrace his beloved from behind, nuzzling against XL’s temple as his smaller body trembles uncontrollably. But before HC can express his pitiful apology, he hears quiet, repetitive mumbling among XL’s broken sobs.

“Thank you,” he says. “Thank you.”

“Gege-”

“Thank you.”

“-breathe, my love.”

“Thank you.”

Over and over again. Nearly nonsensical through ragged chokes and desperate gasps for air. HC shakes his head as tears wet his own cheeks, as if to say a thank you was not needed. He rubs up and down XL’s arm, occasionally pausing to massage his neck, anything to comfort him in his sorrow. XL suddenly grasps onto HC’s wrist, an anchor from the barrage of overwhelming emotions washed over him over the last few minutes.

HC eventually rasps out a remorseful, “I’m sorry.” He doesn’t know what for exactly. For triggering XL’s tears. For the death of XL’s parents. For the loneliness and grief XL has experienced and never had the proper closure to.

XL continues weeping without a sound. For the fear of ruining the portrait with his tears, XL carefully places the painting on the table. He gives the painting one last lookover, lower lip wobbling. XL bites his lip to suppress the whimper threatening to erupt from his throat. 

How could he ever forgive himself?

“Me too,” a son whispers to his parents. 

Half an hour later, XL and HC are situated in their bed at Paradise Manor. Per XL’s request, HC skillfully hung the painting up next to their wedding portrait. Two pieces juxtapose two different eras; one, a window to the past; the other, a relic that will remain timeless.

Someday in the future, XL will have the strength to commemorate his parents with more than just a fleeting prayer. He will describe them with words and stories that do them justice. He will honor their legacy not by following in their footsteps (for they have long disappeared against the force of time), but by practicing the values they bestowed upon him while simultaneously learning from their faults and mistakes.

However, for tonight, HC wraps XL in a snug blanket burrito, holding XL from behind as the former prince mourns in silence. HC doesn’t push his beloved. He merely squeezes XL’s hand to remind him he has someone to listen to him. The last thing XL requests before falling asleep is another portrait of his parents, this time with both him and HC sat in the middle. 

“Father...Mother...if you could see me now...see how happy I am,” XL tiredly thinks, sleep beckoning him to surrender to the darkness. “You guys really...would have loved him.”

(Special thanks to @no-one-says-hi and @iaintnosidekick for listening/helping)

(Inspiration)

#tgcf #heaven official's blessing #hualian #hualian au #xie lian #hua cheng #cerdrabbles #happy birthday Xie Lian !

[stylistiquements]

There was the silence and there were the stars | Corpse husband x reader -Among Us AU

Among us AU : There was something. Something in the silence and the harsh coldness -that only space was capable of- that turned your brain into a sarcastic and bored mess. Maybe that’s why you found yourself so interested by any sabotage pulled on the crewmates, maybe that’s what made him so interesting to witness. He was different from the rest of you. Different to an extend you were about to understand.

❚ Word count : 4.2k ❚ Warning : A bit angsty but you will get that fluffity fluff and touch starve feeling you require I promise ; swearing ❚ Note : there will be no mention of death or killing as it is basically a real life Among us, just some shenanigans. Y/C : your/color

A/N : This little thing was inspired by -⭐️ anon. It was a fun thing to write even though it took me way too long because I asked my brain “sir may I pls have the focus capacity I need” and brain said no (: so yeah, this is litteraly just me ranting n complaining about space. This is a bit angsty but as what if is way too happy for me that was a nice opportunity. I hope you won’t mind and appreciate it anyway. As always just let me know. As it’s my first time writing like a one shot thingy I’m really curious to know. Also it’s supposed to be proofread but if you find any mistake just take ur glasses off. Thanks. Enjoy the wild ride. 

You met him again. He was fixing wires while you were downloading some files on the computer. Difficulties happened regularly around here; various oddities that occurred from time to time, sometimes a few times a day. It would go from doors closing mysteriously to no electricity, you never knew which one it would be. Those inconveniences used to draw a smile on your lips, a grin you tried your best to hide from everyone else. The sound of the urging siren resounded in your head like a call, reviving the last spared spark left in your brain. At this point, you were pretty sure it was one of your crewmates’ doing, too many coincidences for any other options to be left. You didn’t mind though. The game started months ago but still amused you to this day. 

He never let a word escape his mouth. To your awareness, no one knew anything about him, no one had ever heard the sound of his voice which you could only dare to imagine since the two of you met. It felt silly, you fabricated this voice inside your head, a half-finished melody you played to keep your mind busy. It would have sounded just as an old piano would. So slightly out of tune that maybe, if you didn’t care enough or wished for it not to be true, you wouldn’t even notice. 

You called him black. It resonated with the color of his suit and the darkness that emanated from his soul. Not that he looked like a mischievous character, but rather like someone who would have been gnawed by life for years. A shade that reminded you of the bittersweet feeling 4 AM forced you to taste. Describing that presentiment was a challenge you couldn’t take. It was one of those things that had to be felt, not narrated. 

Shit.

He caught you staring again. How could you look any other way? There was something with him that appealed to you, that pulled your eyes toward his direction every time. Probably only a peak of unwarranted curiosity you couldn’t really be blamed for, probably the oh-so mysterious aura that floated so carelessly around him. He always had this way of sneaking in and out, just as if he was nothing but his own shadow. 

Yet, being near him was easy. Silence only felt comfortable when he was in your surroundings. The whole world stopped existing -and it had in fact since the first day you two met.

He had dark charcoal hair which fell so perfectly in curly strands around the two horns that crowned over his head. Paired with two ruby hued eyes, he truly was a sight for sore eyes. A wicked and breathtaking beauty, so unique it gave you the impression that he wasn’t even human. 

He used to hop in a vent after finishing his tasks. As if his true home was there; a secret hideout for him and him only. You didn’t even know it was a thing before you watched it with your own eyes. Who wouldn’t blame him. If you could have escaped that warmth deprived place too, even for 5 minutes, you would have. 

That’s why you never asked any question about it nor tried to investigate further. Being stuck in space was only a kid’s fantasy, nothing a fully conscious adult would inflict to themselves. Which, in itself, was pretty much self-explanatory about everyone’s mental condition in here.

It was also a pre-established rule, no questions. No one ever expressed it out loud, but you would have to be a fool not to guess it. Every crewmate grew accustomed to the deadly silence only space had to offer. A giant timeless hole where nothing really happened. With nothing but the smell of technology and the constant purr of engines as the only distractions left. See, living in a spaceship was no ordinary lifestyle : days and nights melted into each other until it became nothing but a groundless concept. The crewmates perceived it as comforting for some reason. You used to shrug it off, no questions. How unethical would you be to disturb their peace? 

If you had to be honest, you would probably say that you felt bad for Black. Nothing like pity, but being alone in this stark and brutal silence for this long must have been pretty life-consuming. That’s why, even though it made your cheeks and the tip of your ears flame up in a raw and unforgivable tint of pink, you always kept looking into his eyes for one more second after he noticed you. Just to be sure he knew that he wasn’t alone in this shit hole. You stared into the depth of those ruby eyes, hunting for silent answers to questions you weren’t even sure of in the first place. He never quivered, only stood motionless until his task was completed. Just locking the eye contact. After that, he always ran away as silently as he existed. Leaving your head disturbingly empty. 

Every single time. 

Something changed one day. You were about to prepare some test samples when it happened. He jumped off a vent and you followed his movements from the corner of your eyes, too distracted to remember about the task that was assigned to you. He ran to the door and proceeded to shut it. Within the last second, the one that always lasted hours, he put an index in front of his mouth. Silently asking for you not to say a word. And before the steel door could obstruct your vision completely, you noticed a smile on his lips. A smile that made the whole spaceship turn inside out, draining the blood out of your body in a painstaking, almost sore way. There you stood, intoxicated by stupefaction and trapped as a cat. 

Black mutated you into a self-depreciating joke : in here, you were only interestied in the impostor. The only one who made your day a little better was the one giving nightmares to the others. 

It was him, from the beginning. It was him and he smiled. A grin that twinkled maliciously from his lips to his eyes, wounding your heart in an insoluble way. It made every prejudice you had about him crumble : he was no longer that miserable existence you sensed he was but a quiescent sun that could radiate all around him once unleashed into the world. How did he do that? How could he be both the tunnel and the light at the end of it?

When red came to the rescue, she described you with a glare. She judged you in the not-so-pleasant way. You could always count on those glares to know their opinions about you. Because their judgment would have to be expressed one way or another. She thought you looked suspicious, with your half poured concoction into a hand and the rest of it in the other, just staring blankly into the void. You wouldn’t blame her for that. 

It stuck with you for days, filling your empty mind with the sight of a smile that could no longer be experienced. The scene shamelessly repeated itself in your mind until it became nothing but a progression of disassembled images, forcing you to taste the astonishment over and over again. The problem was, you hadn’t seen him for days. And, even though you wanted to know what happened, you couldn’t ask. That was the rule. 

What would you say anyway ? Black is the imposter and I watched him close medbay’s door ? Yeah, I don’t think so. You should have stopped him in the first place -and you would have if you weren’t just mesmerized.

So, you took each day -or night … or piece of time, whatever you wanted to call it since it was no longer existent- with composure. Forcing yourself to do any task with a meticulousness that didn’t look like you. Just to make sure your brain was busy enough not to think about it or him. Being trapped in a place and being trapped in your own mind are two different wrestles, yet in here those two intertwined perfectly. Just like the rest of it, it didn’t even make any sense : the guy smiled at you for ten seconds and here you were, an absolute clutter of questions and recollection. You were probably just too bored and he, as always, was the perfect distraction. That must have been it, right?

You walked in admin. Your heart skipped a beat before your eyes could process who stood in front of them. 

Look what the cat dragged in. 

His hair twirled flawlessly above his face, almost hiding a grimace that indicated so transparently his mind. You leaned against the door frame and crossed your arms, unabashedly watching him as he swiped his card frantically while sighting heavily every time that “bip” of failure rang. 

Eventually, he looked at you with an expression you couldn’t quite read. You tried anyway, staring at him as if he was some sort of work of art that needed to be decrypted. From the way his chest moved heavily under the pressure of the irritation to the way his glowing eyes witnessed you. This expression on his face gave him a funny look, a scowl which made the laugh that tickled your throat hard to hold back. 

“Y-you have to do it slower. Otherwise, it won’t work” you stuttered. “I guess it’s harder since …” 

You walked to him carefully, so carefully you forgot your words. Just as if he was a wild animal who could run away if scared. Making sure no step would fall out of line. He was so close, so close, maybe if you tried to catch him this time he would stop running away. 

“Since it’s not my job, right ? Is that what you were about to say ?” he asked with a low voice, a voice you would have never dared to picture for him. Not the broken tone you pictured but a melody so sweet and so unique it felt like it was made just for your ears to enjoy, taunting you to dive into his mind.

“Do you need help” ? 

“I- hum- You’re not supposed to help me, you know ?” he stuttered, visibly amused, judging by the way his eyes wrinkled under his smile. 

“Are you gonna lock me in the room once again ?” He shook his head as a chuckle escaped from his lips. “Then who cares” you finally breathed.  

Your fingers brushed against his warm skin as you grabbed the card. You tried to appear unbothered, hoping so intensely for the swipe to be a first try success. That way, maybe he wouldn’t notice the way you breathed heavily under the weight of your pounding heart. But those red eyes piercing through the depth of your soul were hardly bearable for those like you who suffered from unbeknownst afflictions. 

You grew aware of his every move, the way those eyes fell on you, the perfume that emanated from his skin, the sound of his slow yet noticeable respiration.

You gave him his card back and he captured your fingers in the palm of his hand, making it impossible for you to escape his grip. Hiding those blushing cheeks from a sight that seemed to see everything was a defiance only the proudest people would be capable of. It wasn’t your case, but you counted on preserving the last sane cells left in your body. 

“Your secret is safe with me.” You whispered, avoiding any eye contact.

“I know that.”

 A simple answer that would never be enough to satisfy you. Yet, before you could review the best option of an answer, he left. Just as he always did, he walked away silently -still this time it seemed to last an eternity- while you just stood there inertly as you watched his black silhouette disappear into the endless gray hallways. 

You finally caught the breath you had been holding this whole time. Leaning over, you observed your reflection into the screen of the digital tablet as you rubbed your hands together, hoping for that strange spike of electricity that ran through your fingers to fade away quickly. A mess.

“There you are, Corpse” green said as he sat cross-legged in black’s secret place “I’ve been looking for you.”

Corpse was the name green chose for Black, feeling like it would be the most suitable image for the one who always worked in the shadow. Not the most refined nickname, yet black ironically related to that. Silent as a Corpse, he thought. A level of sarcasm that amused him and which probably led to him immediately falling in love with it. 

Corpse observed the little sprout on the top of Green’s head. It floated lightly and followed his every move. What a little freak. Just a thing deprived of any sort of self consciousness, out of this world just like he felt he was. Corpse remained fixated on it, hoping he could get as self-aware as it was. The last impromptu reunion he had with you was nothing he had planned, nothing that should have happened. He wouldn’t exactly call it a mistake and still, he had no one else but him to blame.

“Did something happened with y/c ? You seem a little flustered.” Green asked, pulling Corpse out of his overflowed mind. 

“I don’t know, I think I kinda fucked up.” He replied with a shrug. “I’ve been spotted.”

“Was it really a mistake ?”

Green was the only one who was granted with the privilege of learning how to understand Corpse. Because, deep inside, they grew up to be the same kind : the kind that didn’t belong here. Two sides of the same coin. 

Green’s social intelligence, on the other hand, Black didn’t like it that much. Thanks to that guy, he would be able to work comfortably in the darkness, where no one could see him, but it also meant that he saw clearly what was going through Corpse’s mind. Actually, it didn’t take him too long. 

What was the surprise when he realized it was you who lived rent-free in his thoughts? See, in Corpse’s eyes you were different from the others : too conscious about the reality that happened before yours eyes. It made you interesting to observe. What a delightful sight it was to watch you rolling your eyes in your crewmates’ face, to notice the serious look you had when you were focused on a task, the way your eyes sparkled every time a new sabotage was made. He wouldn’t track you, yet he would never resist a peek once your paths crossed. It happened often, more than you actually realized.

Yet, Corpse was no fool. You and him never belonged together. You were destined to a bright destiny and he was the obscurity. That’s why he was more than careful not to get too close, not to see his bare mind get burnt under the exposition of those peculiar feelings in the pit of his stomach. 

That’s why his previous reaction made no sense to him. But what could he say? You took him aback when those words were directed at him. You made his short-circuited brain unable to be sensible anymore. He just wanted to know what your touch would feel like under his fingers. Why was his skin blazing with electricity now ?

Corpse swallowed it all. From the blossoming feeling inside his body and mind to the warmth and the softness of your skin. He couldn’t feel that way. “I’m not really sure.” he finally said, as honest as he could be with himself. 

He would spend his next few days planning with Green, cornering you to a small part of his brain. You couldn’t be there, you had no right to be. The game was progressing faster than they anticipated it. It made him thrilled, accepting the challenge no one but the two of them could bear. 

However, a new unwanted seed grew into his mind. The idea that, maybe, you were only by his side in this game. That, maybe he would never be able to witness your existence in the real world.

“Have you ever noticed how weird the stars look sometimes ?” Corpse asked as he joined navigation. You jumped and your mind turned into a scattered place stuck between a task you battled to achieve and the proximity left between the two of you. Your heart beat in rhythm with his echoing, never ending footsteps. Still you had, indeed, noticed. “It’s like they’re not even real” you answered with a smile that made your voice higher. A melodic lift that betrayed your intention of ever finishing your job. 

When you finally looked at him, his lips moved into a satisfied curve. Shivers tickled your arms and your neck. Maybe because he was just standing so perfectly still in front of the glass window. So perfectly still that, among all those celestial bodies, he appeared to be the most beautiful one.  “Mind keeping me company for a bit?” Your mouth betrayed you when the question escaped your grip. But Corpse snorted faintly and shook his head.

“From all the people in here you want to spend time with me ? That’s probably not your wisest decision.” He said as he tried to muffle a high pitch laugh with a hand that covered his mouth.

See, that’s the words he had been afraid of since the first time he saw you. The words he would have to turn into derision since he knew he would have no strength to refuse. Yet, you stood there with those glimmering eyes and those eyebrows that arched in a strange manner, cutting every single inch of air out of his lungs. Even if he wanted to say no -and he should- he wouldn’t have been able to.

It was never meant to happen, not judging by your two so hostily opposed nature. Fuck that shit. Who cared about that speech when you were here and you were so beautiful?

You moved closer to him, a strenuous and slow tense that shouldn’t be disregarded. You’ve had seen the same scenery for months yet never it made you feel the same way as you did at that very moment. Because those balls of lights floating into the void shimmered in his ruby hued iris just as a dozen of fireflies would. He made your world a little blurry, narrowed to his presence at your side.

“You forgave me really easily the last time we met.” He noticed. “That’s a little sus if you asked me.”

“Well, what can I say ? You’re the only distraction I have left, so I’m not really in the position to hold grudges.” You shrugged sarcastically. 

“You’re really funny, I have to concede that” he said as his smile made its way to his eyes. 

Your brutally honest words intertwined with his chuckles and crewmates never heard the spaceship as lively as that time. That time when you got to discover who Corpse really was. A man who hid his blooming existence behind a silence.

“Why did you stay silent this whole time ?” You dared to ask before the silence fell upon the two of you, a silence that maybe you wouldn’t be able to endure this time.

“Because I never wanted to lie”

“I- ...hum- there’s really nothing I could say against that, right ?”

With every grin, every chuckle, every abrupt eye contact, your proximity kept embedding his mind a little deeper until you stole the stars’ show completely. It’s no good, you held his breath hostage when he realized he could feel the warmth stemming out of your skin. So tempted to get closer and witness it with further clearness. 

Thus, he lifted a hand that starved connection. He tried to close the gap between your two touches so prudently, so discreetly that you didn’t even notice. A touch, that would go beyond his movement, more like a proof he needed to make sure someone like you really existed in a shithole like this.  

He was so close. 

Yet, the alarm rang before he could embrace the object of his desire. “Better check that out quickly” you said with a sigh. Somehow, it felt peculiar just knowing that, this time, you were the one running away. A sense of some sort of joke played by space. As if space hadn’t done enough. When Green cut the communication, he couldn’t realize -If only he knew the double meaning of that sabotage. Ah, the irony of it all. 

“I’ll see you soon” Corpse informed you, more of a promise than a farewell and he stayed there long enough, staring numbly at his hand.

You ran until the communication room, holding this bittersweet feeling on the tip of your tongue. You tried to swallow it and almost found yourself praying that no one would arrive before you could. This way, maybe your fugue would make more sense. 

Blue was already sitting on the floor, trying to find the good frequencies. “I’m already on it.” she said on a plain, monotone voice. Of course, she fucking would be. 

Now what was left to do ? Corpse was probably already gone and-and the silence … the silence had returned. A dead, cold, cruel silence. It tested out your nerves, built up some pressure down your throat that made keeping your composure barely possible. Corpse slipped between your fingers again. The game was no longer a funny and pleasant diversion from the plain, austere daily life you had. You grew tired of that cat and mouse game. You just wanted him.

After going back to the oh-so empty navigation room, you completed your tasks. And you were finally done. You wandered around for hours, days -who knows-, searching for a purpose. 

The game was coming to an end, you could feel it. Something in the air changed, it became dryer than ever. Unbearable on your skin that ached for something you couldn’t apprehend. The crewmates were agitated, everyone kept running around day and night just to make sure the last tasks would be completed as soon as possible. New difficulties were triggered almost as soon as the last ones ended. Chaos. 

Just as if he wasn’t ready to end the game so soon, as if he didn’t want to get the hell out of this place as much as you did. From time to time, you almost found yourself eager to ignore the alarm. Taunting him one last time by neglecting his call. 

Maybe that way he would show up, maybe that way he would stay with you. Yeah, maybe that way he would stop being nothing but an ephemeral being that almost made you wonder if you finally gave up on your mind to the silence. Because at that moment he only felt like a chimera your brain created to protect you. Because you were just so fucking bored.  

You gave up on that idea, turning on the CCTV as you sighed. Just to see more colorful suits running around, trying to hold their shit together for what appeared to be the ultimate hour. Despite all the sabotages, it seemed like your number made your strength. You imagined Corpse’s face, probably piqued. A dark frown covering his pretty eyes. It made your lips twitch for a second. Who knew it would end this way ? Definitely not you. 

Yet that amused smile faded away when you heard the familiar sound of the door closing, locking you in yet another time. You rolled your eyes and turned around, unprepared to witness who locked themselves with you. His body laid against the door, guarding it as his chest moved frenetically under the weight of his rushing breath. 

“This is the end” he whispered frantically under his breath. He doesn’t look as worried as you thought he would, but it didn’t matter. You moved impulsively toward him, never stopping until he snaked a hand around your waist and slipped the other one in your back. That way, this time, there were no escape. 

He let his head rest in the hollow of your neck, soaking the divine and comforting warmth you had to offer. His warm breath on your skin sent shivers through your body which responded by squeezing him a little tighter, holding him as close to your heart as humanly possible. You could feel his, beating so fast.

“This is the end.” His whisper grounded on your skin. 

He lifted his head to dive into your eyes with the same sweet smile you offered him. The one which expressed the happiness, the relievment it felt to embrace him. 

“If it were for you, I would do it all over again.” You said, pressing your forehead against his, sharing a breath as you closed your eyes. One last attempt to memorize everything about him. You sensed his smile, so wide you didn’t even have to look at it to see. He left a trail of kisses on your cheeks and your hand wandered in his hair as a faint gasp escaped your lips.

Corpse looked back at you. And then, as his thumb drew light circles on your cheek. With glowing eyes that translated all the adoration he felt for you, he whispered “Maybe it was just meant to be”. And then, he closed the distance between the two of you, brushing your lips softly at first before capturing them completely once he was sure you felt the same way as he did. A kiss that tasted like 4AM and home. 

“I’ll find my way back to you, my love. I’ll find you in the real world.” He promised.

#corpse husband #corpse #corpse husband fic #corpse husband x reader #corpse husband x you #corpse husband x y/n #among us au #corpse x you #corpse x reader #corpse x y/n #corpse scenario #corpse imagine #corpse among us #corpse fluf #corpse angst

[ldouble]

Slumming It | Kevin Atwater X Reader (Chicago PD)

summary: When pulled into an undercover op for the Intelligence Unit, you couldn’t be more excited. The only person who catches your hesitation is your boyfriend. A lot is unsaid in the bullpen, your relationship being one of them.

gif is not mine :)

“You keep looking at me like that and they’re gonna know you’re slumming it with a uniform.”

Your words were punctuated by the complete zip of the knee high leather boots. But it wasn’t till the hell smacks the concrete of the locker room does Kevin look up at you, unimpressed with your statement.

You tilted your head at him, hoping it aided your humor. All it did was send the little eye contact held fleeting.

“I’m not slumming it with a uniform.” Kevin shook his head toward the ground, until he realized what he just said. “I’m not slumming it with you, either.”

Your hands found the other boot, a sigh escaping your lips at how much the tight fitting accessory is going to fit. “You’re tripping up, Atwater,” It glided up with little effort, giving you the chance to cross your legs and look across the room. “I can see Ruzek getting on your ass already.”

“Can you stop with-”

“Or is Halstead sending a sly smirk at you?”

Your light heartedness has no place in the backlit changing room and even little place in a situation like this. Joking about your boyfriend’s friends finding out about his relationship, with you standing there dressed like a hooker, all while working an undercover op...you should’ve stuck with commenting about how the color of the dress did absolutely nothing for your eyes.

Still, Kevin would’ve found a way to call you out. He was quiet but that just meant he spent more time listening. He was done with your ill timed jokes.

“Sorry.” You bit your lip, knowing you pinched a nerve. You didn’t know what to worry about more - the way you just embarrassed yourself in front of a member of the Intelligence Unit or how you insulted your boyfriend.

You hated that the latter took priority.

You found Kevin’s eyes, too dark to read. But the look he was giving you - an analytical gaze mixed with what looked like frustration with the furrow in his brow - had you resorting back to your go-to.

“We uniforms aren’t used to working anyone other than a partner.”

You could hear the worry in your voice growing as each word entered the space. If the tone didn’t solidify his assumption, the choked laugh you gave did it. Nothing said “Can I do this?” like a meek laugh.

Girlfriends worried.

Cops did no such thing.

Straightening your posture you released your hair held in a tight ponytail. Shaking it out, you offered a smile. “Having your team at my disposal just got to my head for a second.”

Kevin pursed his lips, his arms crossed defensively over his chest. He looked great, done up in his own undercover wardrobe. Of course, his wasn’t as extreme as yours.

You were pretending to be a hooker. Short dress, fishnet stockings and heels that were nearly half your height. And that wasn’t including the heel. You hadn’t looked in the mirror after Trudy bombarded you. The amount of lipstick you could just feel on you made you want to wipe it off.

Kevin on the other hand was just supposed to be him. Tall and handsome, a drink of water to fit in right among the elites of this Hookah Bar you were raiding. Minus the badge, you could’ve sworn this look of a blazer and dark jeans had made an appearance at your front door. As well as your bedroom floor at one point or another.

He walked forward, hands finding your shoulders gently, his eyes pouring into yours. He took your breathe away. Or maybe that was the anxiety creeping up on you.

“We’re not at your disposal. We’re on your side.” You couldn’t help but lean into his palm as it crept up your shoulder. “We have your back.”

“Better you than this dress.”

Again, he didn’t find it funny. You sighed, nodding in all seriousness. “You have my back.”

Giving up on the idea of convincing him with a look of complete and utter confidence (you were saving that for the mission) you strode past him, grabbing the furry white jacket off the end of the bench.

On your way, you gave him some of the rope to tug at.

“That easy to tell I’m nervous?” You asked, slipped the fur over your shoulders.

He followed your steps, the pink handbag looking teeny in his grasp. “You uniforms got no damn poker face.”

You chuckle at that, feeling better with him in a joking mood. It was forced, you could tell by the way his tongue was sticking out between his lips, but you didn’t call it out. Humor came to everybody in their own ways. Yours was easier to cling to.

“Yeah, well without a uniform I’m sure it’ll get better.” You accepted the bag, twirling it in your fingers.

“Better?” Kevin asked with offense. “Gonna be the best. Why else would we bring you up?” He whispered in your ear as you made your way to the garage.

You pretended to think for a second before turning around, tiptoeing backwards and tracing his collar.

“For you to oggle me.”

The sound of the door opening snapped you back to reality. This was work. You might’ve been pretending to be a hooker but you weren’t on the job yet. Definitely not with a colleague who you would never do such a thing with.

Kevin caught the door, holding it open for you. As you walked past you gave your best respectable-just-another-day-in-the-office smile. But upon his next words, it was hard to keep it up.

“Like I’d show them I’m slumming it with you.”

----

Slumming it, you were definitely not.

You had quested the expensive dress placed in your locker. Why did a hooker did a $500 piece of clothing that barely covered her ass? Because as a high class hooker, expensive taste breeds....expensive tasters.

Men. With money.

But there was only one man you wanted.

He had money, sure.

But he also had guns.

A whole warehouse and business of illegal firearms. Chicago, ever the “Heart of America” was this guy’s selling point. Everything shipped here and then shipped out.

But a man he was. A man with needs. Expensive needs on short time. Besides, he had cash to burn. Made sense he booked it to this club, paid for a girl, had his way with her, and then was onto a business deal with a couple AK-47s by dawn.

Lucky you, getting a front row seat to it all.

You really hoped all you got was a seat. You really didn’t want to have to go to bed with this guy.

Jay would hopefully make sure of that. Imploring a deal on this guy’s “night out”. Who could resist making some money while spending it on something as pretty as me?

You gulped, remembering your first date with Kevin. He paid for the meal, quoting something similar. He couldn’t believe I had said yes to going out. He insisted on paying.

Tough as nails he was in his bullet proof vest. Beneath it, a teddy bear with manners of every mother’s dream.

“Aye, mami, how you doing?”

You turned to the fourth? fifth? guy who approached you, resisting the urge to roll your eyes. He was security, like every other guy who had hit on you yet, and not your target.

They really thought protecting their bosses wasn’t their job. Trying to catch the runner ups was their priortiy.

“Looking for something a bit better than that.” You heard Ruzek say over the comms.

“She’s got standards,” You looked over your shoulder toward Kevin, posted at a table near by. He sent a quick wink before finishing his statement. “As every girl should.”

“High ones, too.” You whispered.

You knew he was rolling his eyes, more so at you chiming in than your hint at your secret boyfriend’s height, but missed it since your view became full by another presence.

“Hi to you, too.”

Bingo.

You smiled at the man you had waiting for all night. One glance at his opening jacket, shimmering from the gun strapped in on both sides, and you knew this was the one. You’d been studying his face for weeks, of course. But nothing said arms dealer like...arms.

Arms that you felt wrapping around you.

Arms that you had to embrace.

It wasn’t the guy that had you nervous. Or the situation. Hell, you felt fine pretending to be a hooker. You had your team behind you.

You also had your boyfriend watching. That’s what made you resistance to accepting the embrace, taking in the fluttery whispers, and nodding at the invitation to his booth.

It was one thing to go undercover and flirt. A whole other when doing it in front of the one person you were undercover with and wanted to flirt with.

You were a cop first, you reminded yourself as you sat down on the plush velvet sofa. You were a cop, you repeated at lips found your neck.

Where the hell was Jay? Swooping in to make this deal? Get you out of this?

“Hey man, hate to intrude here.”

You froze for the first time at the sound of that voice.

A voice you loved to hear. But not here. Not with some other guy all up on you.

The dealer let his grip loosen on you and as he turned toward the newest addition to the booth you got your first clear look at it.

Your secret boyfriend.

Currently playing an undercover role he was not assigned to. All while you were undercover as a hooker attempting to get in good with a well known criminal.

The rest of the team was having just as much of a frenzy on your ear piece. Out of the corner of your eye you saw Jay panicking, not so much as ten feet away.

Kevin must’ve beat him to it.

Something told you it wasn’t the want to be the bad guy. Rather, break up the bad guy and you.

He had your back. Too much this time.

The target felt the same way, attempting to shake him off and coming back to you for more.

Your eyes met Kevin’s - more hallow than earlier - over the shoulder of the suspect. It sent you freezing again. What were you to do? Blow cover to save a relationship just as hidden? Or keep this going and lose something you never would’ve really had?

“I like seeing you work.” You giggled, gently pushing him off of you. Your eyes glimmered with fake admiration (really anxiety bubbling up) but it did the trick. You didn’t even have to use your line about how you would work for him later.

Taking the bait, he spun and began chatting with Kevin.

Unfortunately, he liked his work and play mixing. A hand found your leg, circling your knee. Kevin’s gaze never left the dealer’s but you could tell it was killing him. The toothpick, which had been loosely hanging out his mouth earlier, was now being gritted together so loud you could hear it over the music.

What was more obvious than his clear discomfort? The hand sneaking its way up your leg. No amount of disco lights or smoke from nearby bongs could hide the manly grasp on your thigh.

Even when he lifted your skirt up you couldn’t flinch. He was so close to admitting it all. He’d skimmed the numbers and the details but if Kevin pressed a little bit harder...

“Tell me more.”

Kevin’s eyes had swiftly found the connection on your leg. It wasn’t obvious enough for concern but his tone was. It was distant. Unfocused. Everything a dealer didn’t want in a deal, no matter the environment.

“You don’t seem interested in enough.”

“I am.” You giggled.

Damn. You were too quick to jump. He gave you a disapproving look and you could see it all falling. Everything you had worked for. Gone because you were trying to protect this case more than your real relationship.

“Not as much as me, girl.” Kevin spat.

He caught both of your attention’s, scooting closer. “I want armory. I know you have it. I can swear on the things you’re gonna do to this girl tonight, you can get it to be by tomorrow.”

OK, you weren’t the only one putting work before romance.

The thought scared you for a second but you had more to worry about. Most importantly, the feverish squeeze of your thigh that bloomed from the exciting prospect of a business deal.

The guy said it himself, shaking hands with Kevin and giving all the details we needed for a case.

You were stunned how good this was going. It was all falling into place.

Kevin seemed just as shocked too, sitting there silently...which was very unlike the bold player he was pretending to be.

Of course, no story has a perfectly happy ending.

The fault in the plan, the lack of calling out the safe word to trigger the team flying in.

The word slumming (your choice) barely crossed your mind before the guy’s lips were on yours and he was hurting you with such force.

You felt trapped for what felt like eternity (with your boyfriend looking on at least) but what was really seconds before he was ripped off of you.

“Get your hands off of her!” Kevin threw the guy on the ground, the gun in his belt loaded and aimed at his head.

He looked back at you once his hands were up, breathing heavy. OK, it had messed with his head as much as yours.

A little too much, though.

Because the next thing you knew, Kevin was kicked to the ground and the dealer was grabbing his own gun.

Thankfully, you were wearing a uniform more fit for the job.

In seconds you clashed with the arms dealer, hitting down hard on his hand to realize the gun in his grasp while simultaneously grabbing the other pistol from his pocket. Just as you lifted it up to aim it, Kevin was forcing him onto the booth, hands behind his back.

“Chicago PD!” Had just left your lips as the rest of the team came by. You breathed out, no longer having to play it cool.

Kevin was also given a break when Jay came in to take him away. In two steps he was in front of you, releasing the gun from your hand and pulling you close.

“I’m never letting you out of that uniform ever again.” He muffled into your head before tipping your chin up.

You smiled, cutting the distance between your lips till they grazed his when you spoke. “You can try all you want but I know you love seeing me out of it.”

Kevin pulled your close, squashing whatever space lay between you two.

“Woah, what’s going on here?” Ruzek called out with a holler, bringing you both to reality.

Out of the corner of your eye. you saw Kevin stumble a hand flying over his head as he thought on his feet.

You took a step forward, a hand on Kevin’s chest. “Kevin is slumming it with me, a uniform.”

Laughs erupted from the team, Voight shaking his head.

Kevin saddled up beside you, pulling you close once again.

“How many times I gotta say I’m not slumming it with you?”

“A million. “You shrugged. “I did have to lower my very high standards for-”

You words went unfinished as his lips found yours again.

You didn’t mind, thought. There’d be another undercover case sooner or later. You could tell him then how it was you who lucked out.

The End

#kevin atwater #kevin atwater x reader #chicago pd #chicago pd fanfiction #chicago pd fanfic #chicago pd one shot #jay halstead #adam ruzek #hank voight #chicago pd nbc #kevin atwater one shot

[captain-lovelace]

i know nothing of there might be giants, what are like, the top five must-listen songs for people about to make playlists of theur faves? (or just any fuve songs you wanna rec or feel like talking about tbh)

This took me forever to answer but here goes!

Ok so like I said there’s almost 40 years of songs (and their most recent album came out in 2021), I have not listened to a lot of them, and most of the songs could apply to a character in one way or another so I have chosen a few and have described the character type that they remind me of as well as some extras that could describe a specific kind of dynamic. And then for good measure a few more that I just like. I have also added some lyrics to demonstrate what I mean. Here we go:

1. Kiss Me, Son Of God— very good for corrupt leaders/cult leaders/corporate evil types/incredibly egotistical characters in general. I associate it with Cutter from Wolf 359 even though it’s more explicitly religious than might strictly apply to him.

Lyrics: I built a little empire out of some crazy garbage/Called the blood of the exploited working class/But they've overcome their shyness/Now they're calling me Your Highness/And the world screams, "Kiss me, Son of God"

2. Push Back the Hands of Time— lyrics describing a car crash and the subsequent trauma and inability to move on from the event. Very good for any sort of trauma that causes a character to develop a desire to go back to a specific moment and change it all. I have it in one of my OC playlists because his entire life has been shaped by a moment like that.

Lyrics: You would give up your right arm to go back/To when you had a right arm and You wanna sing to drown out the car horn/Squeeze your eyes shut and scream like a newborn

3. Aaa— Curiosity and panic. This is the one with a comment on the music video that read “a first person POV of what it’s like to be chased through the woods by They Might Be Giants” and that is what it feels like. I don’t have a specific character I apply this to but it is Very Emotion. Unfortunately I do also associate it with Among Us though.

Lyrics: What's this button do?/I wonder what's inside this ticking package that's addressed to me?/How are sausages made and what am I made of?/I'm gonna find out now

4. We Want A Rock— look this isn’t a character song though I guess it could be. It’s taking up a spot that could go to other songs because it’s a song for me. I want a rock to wind a piece of string around.

Lyrics: Everybody wants a rock to wind a piece of string around

5. Stuff Is Way— Ok I’m not really sure what to say here but I know for a fact this one applies to at least one character because someone tagged the post I made saying they’d put it in a character playlist. And they have the biggest brain on earth.

Lyrics: You say, stuff is way/Way to go/Go away/Who had you was?/I yes you would/It was catastro, catastro-feeling good

Bonuses: Am I Awake, Hate the Villanelle, Brain Problem Situation, I Broke My Own Rule, Careful What You Pack, Climbing the Walls, No Answer, I’m Impressed, Hopeless Bleak Despair, Finished With Lies, there’s definitely way more but this is what I can think of right now

Dynamics/relationships:

1. Darling, the Dose— the dose is poison and the poison is love <3

Lyrics: Make no mistake, I still need you the most/Time has the power to bind us too close/The dose is the poison we've had more than most/Darling

2. Mrs. Bluebeard— love leading to Betrayal and Murder

Lyrics: Most people wouldn't hang the corpses up for review/Dearest, I can only hope most people are nothing like you

3. I Love You For Psychological Reasons— title really says it all

Lyrics: Flammable undiagrammable sentiments pass between animal beings/Hard to explain but it's plain that/I love you for psychological reasons

4. Answer— ok I really like this one because it can be read either as a sincere plea for someone to realize that the person they’re looking for has been there the entire time OR (more likely) as a self-centered asshole being like “trust me even though I am nothing like what you want in a guy I am the answer to all your prayers”

Lyrics: All this time/Interested agents have been eavesdropping upstairs/When will you recognise that I am the answer to all your prayers?

5. Another First Kiss— this is one of my favorite TMBG songs. It’s just so. Soft. I’ve listened to it more times than is maybe healthy.

Lyrics: I could tell you "We belong together."/And I could tell you "You belong with me."/But we've run out of things to say/And we'll be happy anyway so/"How 'bout another first kiss?" she said

Others: Madam I Challenge You to a Duel, I’ll Be Haunting You, When Will You Die, I’ll Sink Manhattan, Birdhouse in Your Soul (this IS a love song in addition to being literally about a blue canary night light don’t @ me), You Don’t Like Me, She’s An Angel, They’ll Need a Crane, Take Out The Trash (this one is also apparently available in Simlish? Wild), and once again, many others

Again though I am serious: I am not a TMBG expert and there is probably at least one TMBG song that applies to most characters, even if it’s not listed here. Do recommend people to listen to these ones though!

#horus answers asks #anon #answering this took. FOREVER #tmbg

[wave0fg00dvibes]

Baby - Spencer Reid x Reader

Request: Spencer’s daughter tries to tell him that she’s “not a baby anymore.” He doesn’t take it too well.

A/N: I’M FREAKING BACK, BABY! It has been so long and I’m so very sorry. Here is some tooth-rotting fluff for y’all because I love you. I actually wrote this for the lovely @thekatherinewinchester​ as a part of @imagining-in-the-margins fic swap, and it was SO fun to write. It also really helped me to have a deadline. I think I’m going to try to do that more often!

Please leave feedback if you have any! Lots and lots and LOTS of love, as always.

Category: FLUFF

Content Warning: None

Word Count: 1.7K

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

The first time our daughter attempted to assert her independence, she had just turned 6 years old.

A morning routine with two young children was often chaotic, to say the least. However, the first day of school was always a special one. For some reason, something about this particular September morning made me extra grateful and reflective, even among the disarray. 

1 ½ year old Grayson sat in his highchair, babbling nonstop. Though he had only just started eating his applesauce, it completely covered his face and arms. Before I knew it, he was using his spoon to fling the food onto the floor. 

Was that an issue on the top of my priority list right now? Nope.

Ava sat at the kitchen table, swinging her legs and eating her cereal with the enthusiasm of an excited 1st grader. Her polka dot dress and matching headband were neatly and meticulously adjusted, revealing the hidden nerves within her initial excitement.

The small TV on the counter was tuned into the local news, though no one ever really listened. Even if anyone wanted to pay attention, Grayson’s babbling would probably drown it out anyway. It was mostly just background noise. But, selfishly, I liked to know the state the world was in before my husband left our home each morning to go make it better, safer. I liked to at least have some idea of what he was going to encounter, even if it meant certain days were filled with anxiety and worry. 

Dealing with the unease and stress was a small price to pay for the unceasing love and immeasurable happiness.

To be honest, I never imagined a world where I’d be simultaneously getting our children ready for the day and scrambling eggs for Spencer as he slept in after a long night of work. I never imagined his severe, draining job would let us have even a sliver of happy domesticity. But, as I scraped the last of the eggs onto his now-full plate, I reflected on how lucky the universe had deemed us. This shouldn’t be a reality, and yet, I couldn't imagine our life together any differently.

“Mama?” The voice of my sweet girl snapped me out of my reflective moment. 

“What is it, Ava?” I asked, momentarily pausing my motions. She turned around in her chair to face me, eagerness lighting up her small face.

“I’m really excited to go back to school.”

I couldn’t help but smile. She truly was her father’s daughter in every capacity.

“I’m so glad! You’re going to have an amazing day!”

Her bright, golden eyes sparkled, and she turned back to finish her cereal.

Spencer would definitely be up soon. There was no way he was going to miss the sendoff of his favorite girl on her first day of 1st grade.

There wasn’t a single doubt in my mind that Ava was going to blow all of her teachers away. I insisted on keeping her in kindergarten for her first year of school so she could make friends and get used to that type of social environment, but now that she was starting more difficult content, I knew all bets were off. She was absolutely going to skip grades, make breakthroughs, and undoubtedly change the world. 

But, thankfully, that was a conversation for another day, and one Spencer was undoubtedly going to have to help me through.

At that very moment, my sweet husband rushed into the kitchen, fastening his tie as he jogged. Even in his disheveled haste, the elation in his face and pep in his clumsy steps revealed that he was just as excited about this day as Ava, if not more.

Grayson babbled in the happiest tone he could muster at the sight of his daddy, and I couldn’t help but smile right along with him.

“Good morning, buddy!” Spencer smiled, crouching to meet Grayson’s eye level and pinch his chubby, applesauce covered cheek.

The tiny gesture took me back to a time when Spencer’s cares and worries were much different. Back then, he would never have thought to voluntarily reach for the grubby face of an infant, no matter how cute. But, six years and two kids later, this was a beautiful reminder of how much we had both changed, and how lucky we were to grow together and not apart. 

However, in true Spencer Reid fashion, as soon as he was done making silly faces at our son,  he padded over the sink to rid his hands of the sticky, grimy applesauce.

Everything may be different now, but some things never change. 

As I packed Ava’s lunch, I felt his eyes on me from behind. Before I knew it, he lightly turned me away from my task and wrapped his arms completely around me, leaning down to rest his head on my shoulder.

“Thank you.” He softly whispered.

Forgetting the rush of the morning for a moment, I let myself sink into the embrace. For though our lives plowed forward at seemingly a million miles an hour, moments like these kept me grounded, sane. 

“For what?” I asked.

“The extra sleep. The food. The babies. Everything.” 

The case they returned from last night must have been a nasty one. Spencer was a very affectionate person, but something about this profession felt heavier. 

Nevertheless, even after so many years, he still had the ability to make my heart skip a beat.

I pulled back from the hug to smile up at him, running my hands up his arms to get lost in his hair. His eyes reflected utter joy and gratitude, despite the fact that he had undoubtedly seen some horrifying things for the past few days. 

“I love you so much.” The words flew out before I could stop them. Of course, I meant them with my whole heart, the phrase just seemed so mundane compared to my ever-growing, aching love for him. 

The love in his eyes and sparkle in his smile told me he knew. He always knew.

He pressed a slow, firm kiss to my lips, hands coming to rest gently on my hips as we slowly swayed together. 

“I love you too.” He whispered, and before I could fully savor it, the restless world started turning again. 

Stealing moments with him would forever make my heart sing, but today needed to be about our sweet girl and nothing else. After all, according to her the first day of 1st grade marks the “beginning of the true educational journey.” Lord knows we couldn’t miss a second of that.

Spencer quickly walked over to the plate I had ready for him, setting it across from Ava at the table and kissing her head as he passed.

“Good morning, baby! Are you excited for your first day?”

Ava was silent. I felt the air in the room change as she put down her spoon and looked up at him, features completely serious. Somehow, I knew what was coming before she even opened her mouth, and Spencer was not going to like it.

“Daddy. I am not a baby.”

As expected, Spencer choked on the small piece of egg he had just attempted to swallow. In spite of the sad punch of the reality that my sweet girl was growing up, I nearly snorted, covering my mouth with my hand so as to not offend her.

Spencer looked absolutely dumbfounded.

“But, you are technically my baby-” He attempted to explain.

Ava was not having it. She took a deep breath, pushing her bowl of lucky charms aside so she could fold her hands in front of herself on the table. 

“The term ‘baby’ is applied to infants from birth to the age of 1, and then sometimes to toddlers from ages 1 to 4. I am 6 now, daddy, so technically I have already let you get away with it for an extra year.”

Oh, my girl. What a little firecracker she was. No one in the entire world besides her could silence Dr. Spencer Reid with one sentence.

Spencer sat there at a loss for words, fork still in hand, clearly trying to formulate a coherent sentence. 

“But…”

The school bus pulled up in front of our house with impeccable timing. 

“Ava honey, the bus is here!” I gladly interrupted, shoving the lunchbox into her backpack and zipping it up.

Her poor father. I had never seen his jaw drop for so long before. 

But, as always, there was no time to unpack in the current moment. That would have to be a later conversation. 

Ava excitedly got down from the table, running to put her dishes in the sink before grabbing her backpack and putting it on with complete elation. I lifted Grayson from the highchair, quickly wiping off his applesauce-covered face with the ratty old t-shirt of Spencer’s I was wearing. By that time, Spencer had slightly snapped out of his trance in order to help Ava put on her sparkly converse shoes and matching coat. 

The four of us were greeted by the autumn breeze as we stepped out onto the front porch. Spencer and I instinctively bent down to simultaneously kiss her cheeks, and she hugged our necks with the fervor of all the love in the world. She gave Grayson a small cheek kiss as well before turning away to start her new educational adventure.

“Have the best day, sweet girl!” I yelled after her as she sprinted down the driveway to the bus. She waved in reply. Though I couldn't have been prouder of her, I couldn’t help but notice the new missing piece of my heart that seemingly got on the school bus with her. 

It was at that moment that I realized Spencer hadn’t said a single word since his baby proclaimed otherwise. He still looked like he had seen a ghost.

“You alright there, old man?” I playfully nudged him with my shoulder, bouncing Grayson on my hip. 

“But she… she is my baby…”

I smiled, knowingly, trying to hide the small pain that struck my heart at the thought of Ava growing up. There were no words I could say that would calm his racing heart in the moment. So, I held our smallest baby a little bit tighter and leaned up to lightly brush my lips against Spencer’s.

“I know. Me too.”

#spencer reid x reader #spencer reid x you #spencer reid #criminal minds x reader #Criminal Minds Fanfiction #criminal minds fluff #spencer reid imagine #spencer reid fluff #spencer reid fanfiction #spencer reid fanfic #criminal minds self insert #criminal minds imagine #spencer reid request #spencer reid x y/n

[avengersassemble-fics]

Stark’s Girl

part 014/015 “one more time, captain”

previous part // next part

masterlist

word count 3.9k

an: this part does include dialogue from avengers endgame, which is not my work nor do i claim it to be!

It’s been five years since the Blip. You had been back by Natasha’s side for almost six months now, and she was grateful for every moment. There were days where she would break down (which until recently was unheard of) and you would be there by her side. And she had done what she could to help you out with your trauma. Before you accepted her offer of coming back, she had put two and two together when she recognized the faces on the news to the faces that had adorned a spare room in that house of yours in Ransdorp. Natasha had a past of her own, no doubt about that, so she could relate to how you had felt when you admitted on your own time what you had been up to those few years after Siberia. 

It wasn’t an easy conversation, at one point you had broken down into sobs and reminded her a lot of herself when she had taken some time after a mission gone wrong years back. She mostly understood the shame that coursed through you, but one thing she made you understand was what HYDRA had done, the things you did because of them, wasn’t your fault. Natasha also made sure to tell you the blackouts weren’t your fault either, and she understood why you did what you had done. Although it was trauma you would have to live with, she knew the feeling better than most of losing your years to programs like that.

All of this was to say that both women had a newfound respect and understanding of one another. It became easier to work alongside one another, being able to almost anticipate one’s actions and decisions as they occurred. No one had seemed to really get Nat like that since Barton.. Which was why she was so hell bent on tracking him down.

Natasha had come to the realization about a year ago that Barton had gone off the radar because his family was among those they lost. When bodies started piling up (not due to your hands) and some of the known details were faint signatures of Barton’s handiwork.. Nat made it her mission to find him. Because this was not him. And although he was taking down some questionable people, they weren’t responsible for Thanos.

“Listen fur-face,” Carol Danvers threw out that regained Nat’s attention. “I’m covering a lot of territory. The things that are happening on Earth are happening everywhere, on thousands of planets.”

“All right all right, that’s a good point,” Rocket remarked. Nat stole a glance your way to which you only offered a shrug as Carol continued.

“So.. You might not see me for a long time,” she redirected towards Nat. Natasha nodded her head and leaned forward on the desk she sat behind. 

“Alright.. Well this channel is always active. If anything goes sideways, anyone’s making trouble where they shouldn’t, it comes through me.”

Everyone agreed and one by one the holograms disappeared. You took a seat in front of the desk, and Nat redirected her attention to Rhodes. “Where are you?

“Mexico,” Rhodes answered. “The Federales found a room full of bodies, looks like a bunch of cartel guys. They never even had a chance to get their guns off.”

Nat shrugged her shoulders and sat back in her seat. “Probably a rival gang.”

“Except it isn’t,” Rhodes countered. Natasha’s eyes shift, and your gaze shoots up at her. “It’s definitely Barton.. What he’s done here, what he’s been doing the last few years.. Nat, the scene he left?.. I gotta tell you, a part of me doesn’t want to find him.”

Natasha grabbed the sand which she had prepared just earlier and bit a piece off. She just needed to focus on something other than what Rhodes was telling her, she didn’t need anyone to see her cry right now. “Will you find out where he’s going next?”

“Nat,” Rhodes tried to warn.

“Please,” Natasha pleaded. You glanced Rhodey’s way and he met your eyes. You offered a grim look, and he sighed.

“Okay.”

And with that Rhodey’s comm broke off too. You watched as Nat placed the sandwich back down and sighed deeply, all before her face began to scrunch up into a sob. You were quick out of your seat and moved around the desk and kneeled by her side. “Nat.. Nat we’re gonna find him.”

“I just don’t know why he couldn’t come to me,” she sniffled and rubbed at her eyes. “I know this must be hard for him, losing Laura and the kids, but he could’ve come to me.”

You reached your hand out to rub her shoulder and let out a small sigh. “Sometimes it’s hard to let those you care about see in you in those dark places.”

Nat finished rubbing under her eyes and grabbed the sandwich off her plate again with her other hand. “Is that why you’ve been avoiding the talk with Steve?”

You bit back the smile and stood. She had done what she did best, diverted the conversation from herself to something else. “You’re still on about that?”

“Oh come on, I’ve seen the way you look at one another,” Natasha prodded as you went to gather your things. “How much longer are you going to wait to be happy?”

The question made you pause, and before you could respond Nat perked up at something behind you. You glanced over your shoulder and was met with none other than Steve Rogers, hands in his pockets, and with a small smile on his face. 

“Speak of the devil,” Natasha joked. Your gaze immediately went back to her and you gave her your best glare, while Steve raised his brow at her. They were so easy to mess with, she thought. “Here to do your laundry?”

“And to see some friends,” Steve replied. You held your things closer to your chest as Steve came further into the room.

“I’m actually getting ready to leave for Tony’s,” you threw out there. “I promised to go see my favorite niece.”

“Are you going to be okay making the drive this late at night?” Steve asked. Natasha rolled her eyes to herself and took a hefty bite of her sandwich. If she had to watch another pining episode she was going to make sure you two never heard the end of it. You, on the other hand, smiled at his sentiment.

“Oh I think I can manage,” you told him. You offered your farewells, and started back to your room to grab your bag and head out. Steve watched you leave before looking back at Nat who was waving him off.

“Meet me in the kitchen, I need a drink,” she told him, and took her sandwich with her towards the kitchen area. Steve chuckled lightly, and followed in your steps to the residence area. He was just catching you outside your room, and he took a deep breath and pulled something out of his pocket, clutching it in his fist. You heard him approach and looked his way, shutting your door and offering a smile.

“Hey,” you managed before Steve got up to you, and his serious expression made your smile fall. “Are you okay..?”

“Seven years ago I asked you if one day you’d want to get away from all of this,” Steve started. You remembered the conversation far too well, and immediately shut your mouth in a tight expression. A heaviness filled your chest, but you tried your best to ignore it. “From this life where we were needing to be more than just us… Do you remember?”

“Yes-”

“I told you that I would wait for you, no matter how long it took, no matter what happened, because.. Because you have been the best thing to happen to me since I came out of the ice. You taught me how to live again,” Steve continued.

“Steve,” you whispered, but he kept going.

“I love you,” he admitted, finally looking into your eyes. They were darker than usual, and you could see he meant it. “I couldn’t go another day without telling you. Because.. You feel like home.”

Steve grabbed a hold of your hands, and you watched as he placed something into your palms. He retracted his hold on you and your fingers curled over the soft velvety box in your hand. You looked up at him with curious eyes, and slowly used your thumb to open the box and let out a small gasp.

“Steve,” you whispered, staring down at the contents.

“It was my moms.. SHIELD saved it when I went into the ice,” Steve explained. You carefully ran your finger over the gold banded ring that practically shined up at you. You hadn’t seen a more beautiful piece of jewelry, and did your best to fight back the tears. “I’m not expecting an answer.. But I just wanted you to see that I meant it. It was always meant for you anyway.. Maybe we still have a shot at that normal life.”

Your gaze went back up to his, and he smiled softly at you. You were speechless as one of his hands grabbed onto your arm and he leaned down to press a chaste kiss to your forehead. And then you watched him take a couple steps back, before he turned around and went back the direction you both had just come. 

You were shocked, which even then felt like an understatement. Steve just.. Proposed. Inadvertently? Well it was purposeful, and if Natasha knew about it you were going to kill her for not saying anything. It took you a while to reclose the box and carefully place it into a pocket in your bag, it was delicate and you wanted to take care of it.

And well.. It certainly kept your mind occupied on your drive to Tony’s cabin.

Tony had left your room untouched for the most part, which was a welcomed thing to come into. You weren’t up for too long, forcing Tony to go to bed, but you did spend some time scrolling through your phone. Steve was right when he had said he wasn’t expecting an answer right away, you half expected a message of some sort but things seemed relatively quiet from his end. It was harder to fall asleep that night, you found yourself drifting off to what would happen if you said yes.

You’d want to move somewhere quiet, like what Tony did. That would give you a chance to refocus yourself.. Would that even be something Steve would be open to doing?.. Could he get you the same help he had gotten Barnes (Natasha said he felt at peace for once)? Hell, if they could just wipe out any lingering thoughts of Hydra you’d never have another problem in your life.

What’s more.. If you said no would this be what you life is like? Alone, and longing for the maybe’s that could have been? Which was better? Risk getting involved again, or risk never having that connection to someone again? It wasn’t the ideal question to fall asleep to.

When morning broke and sunlight peeked through the blinds, you woke up and found yourself sitting among the sheets and staring at the open box in your hands. The diamond that sat in the middle and gleamed in the sunlight made you sigh, it felt as if it was screaming at you that you knew what you wanted to tell him.

Did you?

You snapped the box closed and hid it in a drawer beside the bed and decided to change into something other than sweatpants for the day. After finishing and bounding down the stairs you ended up behind your favorite little niece, and scooped her up into a bear hug from behind. “There’s my little sleeping beauty!”

“She couldn’t wait to see her favorite aunt today,” Pepper remarked from the kitchen amongst the giggles that erupted from her daughter. You peppered kisses on Morgan’s head, and Pepper turned around as she was drying what you assumed was breakfast dishes. “Tony barely had to tuck her in before she was out.”

You set Morgan back down on the ground and she went back to messing with a toy on the breakfast table. You ruffled her hair and went to grab a cup of coffee before resting your hip against the counter besides Pepper. “How has he been?”

“A little stir crazy,” Pepper admitted to which you nodded lightly and sipped at your warm mug. “He put up this picture of the kid and I catch him getting lost looking at it.”

“And how have you been?” You asked. Pepper glanced your way and smiled.

“Hoping one day he’ll finally rest his mind.”

Eventually, you brought Morgan outside who immediately ran towards her tent and disappeared inside. You went towards the shed with an open door, and leaned against the frame, taking in the sight of Tony wielding what you could make out was a helmet. “Work never stops for you, does it?”

Tony glanced over his shoulder and waved you in, which you accepted. You came up behind him and gripped his shoulders and gave him a squeeze. “You’re supposed to be retired, old man.”

“It’s just a little project,” Tony tried to assure you. You couldn’t help but scoff, and pointed your thumb to a corner of the room.

“Says the one who built me a new suit last year,” you teased. Tony used one hand to back hand your side playfully and you laughed. You stood beside him now, and grabbed a picture frame sitting on the shelf over where he worked. It was a picture of the two of you when you were younger, barely big enough to fit the frame, and slightly discolored. You ran your hand over the front before putting the frame back and rubbing your hands together. “Can I talk to you about something..?”

“Anything, kid,” Tony said, overly engrossed in the task in front of him. You took a deep breath and shrugged your shoulders, not that he could even see you.

“When did you know that.. Well that you didn’t want to wait anymore? To start a family?” 

Tony immediately stopped what he was working on, taking off a pair of clear protective glasses and setting his tool down. When he turned to face you and rest his elbow on the table, he tilted his head and scrunched his brows. “Excuse me?”

“Come on Tony, I’m being serious,” you told him.

“Yeah well so am I!” Tony exclaimed and stood. You watched as he stood from his stool and started to pace back and forth. You crossed your arms and huffed. He was acting like such a child! As if he could read your thoughts he stopped and pointed a finger at you. “It’s Steve isn’t it? Is he pressuring you or something?”

“What? No! Why would you even think that-”

“Because he’s hard headed and doesn’t know when to stop,” Tony said, cutting you off. You shook your head and scoffed.

“Tony please, this isn’t about you two-”

“I told him if he messes with your feelings again.. I swear when I get a hold of him,” Tony started pacing again and you rolled your eyes and started towards him. “He has some nerve-”

“Tony,” you stopped him dead in his tracks and made him face you, finally getting a hold of his gaze. “He didn’t do anything to me, okay? If anything.. He’s been trying to make up to me what happened.”

Tony sighed and his expression softened, but you shrugged. “I know he lied to us about knowing what happened to mom and dad… But you always told me that I wasn’t what Hydra made me, that what I did wasn’t me but them… Tony, why is Barnes so different?”

“Steve lied to us,” Tony said in a low tone. “He lied to protect his friend but what about us, huh? We weren’t his friends? We didn’t deserve to know the truth?”

“He handled it wrong Tony, I know. I’m just saying does that outweigh all the good he did for us,” you offered. Tony sighed and looked away for a moment as if annoyed. You grabbed a hold of his hand and it forced him to look back at you. “He’s trying.. And you told me that sometimes just trying was a good start.”

Tony sighed and raised a brow at you. “I hate it when you throw things back in my face like that.”

You chuckled and Tony  used his free hand to cover the hand holding his. “Look I’m still iffy on the idea but.. If Rogers is who you want to be with then who am I to stop it? I’m a family man now anyway, I have bigger fish to fry.”

And with that his phone buzzed in his pocket, and while he fished it out you laughed little. “She’s turning out too much like you.”

“Scares me to death everyday,” Tony replied while checking the message from Pepper. “Time to feed the munchkin anyway, we can continue this talk later when I’ve had a couple drinks.”

Tony and you walked side by side to Morgan’s play tent, and after finally getting her out. Tony whisked her up when you felt your phone buzz, and you pulled it out to see a notification from Natasha. It was weird, she normally didn’t bother you when you were with Tony, she always said to focus on family time. You fell back a few steps and read her message.

Nat: Heads up, you got incoming.

“Incoming?” You muttered to yourself as you came up the steps behind Tony. You nearly knocked into him. You followed his gaze to the car coming to a stop in front of his cabin, and watched Steve, Natasha, and someone else get out. Steve’s expression was serious, hell all of theirs were and Tony didn’t look amused. Natasha offered a nod to Tony and he turned to you, and you took Morgan from him with a smile. “Let’s go see mom, hm?”

You quietly walked inside and set Morgan at the table and met Pepper’s look before she returned to watching out the window. You ruffled Morgan’s hair and returned back outside, the screen door thumping closed behind you. The three visitors started up the stairs as you rejoined Tony’s side.

“Sorry for dropping in unannounced,” Steve offered. Tony glanced your way with a look. You could only shrug. What? You didn’t know they were coming. But if they did then.. Something was up.

“We have something though that we think might work.. To get everyone back,” Natasha said. Your breath hitched, and when you looked over at Tony there was a hint of something in his eyes. The third person stepped forward and nodded at the both of you.

“Have you two heard of the Quantum Realm?”

It was.. A long explanation. Everyone was gathered in a circle at this point, and in all honesty you had a hard time following along. There were stolen glances between you and Steve, and each time a feeling grew in the pit of your stomach. But you forced yourself to pay attention because this was big.. Could it work though?

“Now, we know what this sounds like,” Scott had finished up before Steve cut in.

“Tony, after everything you’ve seen, is anything really impossible?” He asked. Tony was looking out to the lake near his home but when addressed he looked back at the group and gripped onto the railing.

“Quantum fluctuation messes with the Planck Scale, which then triggers the Deutsch Proposition. Can we agree on that?” Tony asked. You glanced at everyone else and cleared your throat.

“Maybe for those of us not fluent in quantum mechanics, Tony?” You asked. Tony sighed and tapped his fingers on the wood.

“In layman’s terms, it means you’re not coming home,” was all he offered.

“But I did,” Scott offered. Tony shook his head at that.

“No, you accidentally survived,” Tony corrected. “It's a billion to one cosmic fluke. And now you wanna pull off a... What do you call it?”

Scott cleared his throat. “A time heist..?”

Tony scoffed in a joking manner and rubbed his forehead. “Yeah, a time heist. Of course, why didn't we think of this before?”

“The Stones are in the past. We can go back and get them,” Scott tried to reason.

“We can snap our own fingers. We can bring everyone back,” Natasha chimed in.

“Or screw it up worse than he already has, right?” Tony asked. Steve shrugged his shoulders.

“I don’t believe we would,” Steve said.

“Gotta say, sometimes I miss that giddy optimism,” Tony said in a sarcastic tone. Everyone went back and forth for a while. Tony shot down every claim, and the rest tried to tell him there’s always a chance. The back and forth didn’t stop until the screen door was pushed open and Morgan came up to Tony’s side.

“Mommy told me to come and save you,” she said. You couldn’t help but smile and cross your arms. Tony picked her up and pat her back.

“Good job, I’m saved,” he reassured her. He refocused on the group and offered a shrug. “I wish you'd come here to ask me something else. Anything else. Honestly, I... I missed you guys, it was... Oh, and table's set for seven.”

.”Tony, I get it. And I'm happy for you, I really am. But this is a second chance,” Steve tried again, but Tony shook his head.

“I got my second chance right here,” Tony told him. You could see Steve accept his denial and then met Tony’s gaze. “I can’t roll the dice again.”

Tony excused himself and the porch fell silent. You watched him disappear into the house and looked back at the group in front of you. No one knew what to say, but Natasha was the first to speak. “Sorry for interrupting your weekend.”

“Well when you have a hell of a plan like that I don’t expect you to wait normal business hours,” you replied. Natasha sadly smiled and you sighed. “Tony has everything he’s ever wanted.. I don’t know if I can sweet talk him into helping.”

“We know,” Steve offered and gave a sad smile. “We just wanna do it right.”

“Tony may not be on board but.. If there’s a chance? I’m in,” you offered. Nat reached out and pat your shoulder and as if knowingly, she turned around and pulled Scott with her. You took a couple steps towards Steve and he straightened up a bit. “Nice to see you back, Cap.”

“One last mission,” Steve whispered. You smiled and looked behind him at the car he had come in and Natasha smirked at you. You met Steve’s gaze again and slowly lifted her young to rest on his cheek. On your tiptoes and with the sun basking in the sky, you leaned up and placed a gentle kiss on his lips. Steve had leaned into your touch, his lips pressing against yours as if it would be the last. After a couple seconds you pulled away and you both lingered close.

“Go save the world one more time, Captain.”

- - - - - - - - - -

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[fullmetalscullyy]

royai week day 4 - communiqué

summary: roy has an announcement to make to everyone

rated: g | words: 2084 | tags: royai, post-canon, romance, marriage, marriage announcement, marriage of convenience, kinda? bc they just have~ to do it but it works out for them, basically royai using royai to further their agenda

read on ao3 | read on ffnet

“Good afternoon,” Roy greeted with confidence into the microphone atop the podium in front of him. Hundreds of pairs of eyes stared back expectantly, and while that should have been unnerving, his excitement at the upcoming announcement kept the feeling at bay. This communiqué had been a long time coming, crafted from years of subtle diversion, and playing a tactical game. Now, it was coming to fruition. It was all still part of their game, but Roy had a personal stake in this part of it too. It was still a win for both parties involved.

A huge personal win.

Up there, on the podium, he was completely exposed. While that was dangerous for someone like him with such high political standing, Roy trusted the eyes that were watching his back implicitly. He does not turn complacent, but is more than confident in their abilities. He trusts each and every one of his subordinates to ensure the day goes well and without incident.

“Today’s announcement,” Roy continued, “will hopefully put to rest any fears you may have had regarding me assuming the role of your leader. Fuhrer Grumman has led this country exceptionally well over the last five years but feels ready to step down. As you all know, I have been named his successor and will make a promise to you all now, this country’s citizens, that I will do my utmost to ensure I do my best by you.”

There was a pleased applause after he finished, accompanied by a quiet murmur.

He meant every word, but that was not the reason Roy had taken the stage that day.

“I would also like you to know that I’ve heard the rumours surrounding me,” he smirked, letting his gaze sweep across the crowd before him. Out the corner of his eye, he noticed how this had piqued the interest of those in the audience with the various media outlets. Their ears perked up at the mention of rumours, understandably. “I am aware of the public’s opinion on a bachelor like myself being given the title of Fuhrer. However, I have come here today to offer my reassurances.”

Some people in the crowd turn to one another, momentarily confused by what he’s saying. Roy smirked to himself, thinking of his own private joke before he opened his mouth to finally reveal to the world something he has wanted to for over two decades.

“As you can imagine, this will be a busy transition period for us, so I hope you will extend your respect, as well as privacy, to both myself and my new fiancé as we navigate this new chapter in our lives. I can assure you though, an official date for my upcoming wedding will be announced soon.”

It was like the crowd had frozen. A few jaws went slack, and mouths parted in shock as they processed the news faster than others.

“More news will come in due time. Thank you.”

With a simple bow of his head, Roy stepped back from the microphone and turned to look at the stunned officials up there with him. Breda and Havoc approached, nonplussed by the news, and started to escort him off the stage.

There was a split second where the world was completely still, as everyone was still processing what he’d just announced. Then, everything felt like it exploded. The crowd erupted into applause and cheers. Cameras flashed in desperation to capture the moment that Roy Mustang, the most eligible bachelor in Amestris and a well-known womaniser in his younger years, announced he was engaged, and his wedding would be announced soon.

Roy can hear some of the questions being yelled by the reporters.

“Who are you due to marry?”

“What’s her name?”

“General Mustang! When did this happen?”

He ignored them all, for all would be revealed in due time. It was enough for now that it had been announced. Roy never planned on revealing anything else other than that today anyway. He would have loved to. He can’t wait for the day he can finally give the order to give the announcement, but he must hold off. The mystery will drum up interest in their favour. It will draw eyes to them and get people talking. No other Fuhrer had caused quite as much a stir as he had, and Roy wasn’t even officially in office yet. He was popular and well liked among the masses. Not as much as the Fullmetal Alchemist, the alchemist of the people, but Roy’s work over the years had built up a perfectly crafted reputation for him. It played well into his plans.

A womaniser who announces he’s settling down with someone who is a complete mystery. It was interesting news. Especially for the imminent ruler of the country.

The public ate it up, desperate to know. Out the corner of his eye he could already see heads bowed together in excitement as they gossiped about the news while Roy walked off the stage.

He was led by his security team into a private room within the building behind them. Havoc gave him a quick nod in response to his order, reaching for the door handle and pulling it closed behind him. Breda was down the hall, already speaking into microphone after microphone in order to soothe public relations about the surprise announcement. Poor guy, but he did volunteer. Having Breda assure them, but give nothing away, would only cause more intrigue. If Roy went out there and spoke to them all, they’d never let him leave.

His shoulder slumped now he was away from prying eyes. Not with fatigue, but just to relax. The initial phase had finally started, and his plans were set in motion. While he did have a personal stake in this and was more than happy to go along with it, it could certainly be draining. But then again, nothing had ever been simple between them.

The door opened as he was pouring himself a glass of water. He reached for a second glass and smirked, not turning around because he knew who it was who’d entered. His order to Havoc was to permit only one person entrance to the room.

“Did you really have to do it so dramatically?”

There was a grin on his face as he turned on the spot, coming face to face with his fiancé. Well, according to the country, she was still his fiancé. Nobody, except from them and his team, was aware that they were already married, and had been so for a while. While touring Aerugo last month they’d taken a clandestine trip to one of the islands off the coast to the south. It was just the two of them, the team, and his mother in attendance. Gracia had made the trip, and so had Edward and Alphonse, along with their respective families. Everyone who mattered most to Roy was there to witness them come together as a couple.

Marriage was not the be all and end all for him and Riza. They already knew where they stood with each other and what their relationship was. They had done so for years, and the ring that nestled comfortably on the end of his dog tags proved that. The legal document was just a formality at this point and given his current position as leader of the country, it would be necessary. So, they’d compromised. A private, personal ceremony for them to do things their way, exchanging the rings they’d already given each other years ago. The grand wedding that was yet to come was for the masses, not for them. Once the official ceremony happened, he would move the ring onto his ring finger where it had always belonged and where he’d always wanted to wear it.

Riza’s lifted one eyebrow expectantly, awaiting his answer.

“They expect a show,” he shrugged, “so I’m going to give it to them.”

“So, our official wedding is just a show,” she deadpanned.

His expression softened at her light teasing. “Our official wedding has already happened,” he reminded her. “In case you had forgotten, we are already legally married.”

“I hadn’t,” she placated as she approached him, “but you need to stop talking about it so openly. You were the one who suggested keeping it a secret, and the walls have ears,” she replied cryptically. Once close enough, she brushed a piece of invisible lint off his immaculate uniform and his shoulder tingled where she’d ran her hand over it.

“Let them listen,” he shrugged again. Roy lifted a hand to rest upon her hip as he grasped one of hers, lifting them both to rest between their bodies. He bent his head forward and kissed the backs of her knuckles, a small, fond smile playing on his lips. “It doesn’t matter now that our news is out.”

“Part of the news is out,” she reminded him. “You were quite adamant about only revealing some of the truth so early on,” Riza smirked. “It will be a busy transition period for us, after all,” she quoted back to him with mock sympathy.

His eyes rolled fondly.

“So,” she continued, extracting her hand from his and taking a step backward to put some distance between them. Roy felt like a petulant child, pouting at her actions. “We must keep up pretences and give ourselves the time and space we need to adapt to our new circumstances and navigate through it.”

“You’re no fun,” he complained, his tone nearly a playful whine.

“I know, dear,” she replied, sounding like she didn’t particularly care he felt that way. Roy was only joking though, of course.

“How did it look from up there?”

Riza’s perch had been on the roof of the building behind him, on the lookout for anyone who may wish harm upon him, along with her own elite security team.

She snorted lightly. “I will admit, it was entertaining to see the looks on their faces.”

“They were very surprised,” he chuckled, pleased with himself.

“It’s never a dull moment with you.”

“I would hope not because you’re stuck with me now, fiancé,” he grinned.

“Unfortunately,” she deadpanned quietly. When he scowled at her, she laughed loudly, her smile reaching her eyes.

For a moment, Roy is enraptured by her beauty. Her grin lit up his whole world and the sound of her laughter pulled at the stings of his heart pleasantly.

He is married to this woman, he thought to himself, and still couldn’t quite believe it.

After so long… After so many years of ignoring feelings and holding back – or trying to – now he didn’t have to.

Although it was his plan to delay the information given, he really wished it wasn’t. He wanted to go back out there and tell everyone how much he loved and cherished this woman before him.

All in due time. And the pay off when that day finally comes will be so worth it.

They’ve both waited for so long. Roy could stick it out for a few more days. What was more important was holding this woman close and loving her so freely like he has always wanted, and Roy planned to do just that.

Riza smirked and didn’t shrug him off as Roy wrapped his arms tightly around her frame. He pulled her close and kissed her, trying to convey just how much he loved her with one kiss alone. She hummed against his lips pleasantly as her arms lifted to loop around his neck. One hand slowly, tantalisingly, trailed up the back of his neck, making him shudder. She noticed and grinned against him. When her nails scratched lightly against his scalp and Roy groaned, Riza’s smile widened. She knew exactly what she was doing to him. She could play him like a fiddle, but Roy didn’t mind at all. There’s no way he was going to stop her ministrations when they felt so good.

“I love you,” he breathed. His chest heaved with his breath and the words almost got stuck in his throat, both from the emotions overwhelming him and their passionate kiss.

“Love you too, Roy.” When she pulled away to look at him, Roy didn’t let her move far. Their noses were almost touching but he could see her expression soften. She looked so happy and content. So in love. Which was exactly how he felt too.

They both couldn’t wait to start this new chapter in their lives together.

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