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#this is when he gets immature because if you try to spend time with him after you can expect some passive aggressive sass
paimonial-rage · 6 months
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from your character analysis ask meme, for alhaitham: Are they prone to jealousy? would he be too logical to be jealous? Would his jealousy be in vain or would it perhaps be a sign that his partner has crossed the line of sorts?
Definition of jealousy:
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I apologize for taking some time with this ask. I’m going to answer this in a more analytical format because I think this situation calls for it. I want to say that no, under normal circumstances, Alhaitham is not the kind of person to get jealous. In my experience, there are usually three triggers for jealousy:
1. Reader interacting normally with friends and hobbies and partner gets (unreasonably) jealous
2. Reader getting too involved with spending time with friends/hobbies not realizing they’re neglecting partner which gets them (reasonably) jealous
3. Reader specifically does things that will incite jealousy within partner by purposefully doing things like ignoring partner or flirting with others
Alhaitham would not get jealous under the first instance. Being a very independent person, he would understand and respect his partner’s need for it as well. The second instance would be the closest he’d feel to your definition of jealousy. While he’d be able to withstand it for a while, eventually he’d probably feel neglected and would pull you away to capture your sole attention.
As for the third scenario, while he would get upset and would get jealous, I don’t believe this would happen in a normal relationship. Personally, I would never flirt with someone that isn’t my partner just for fun, even if I’m close to them. I think that’s a very hurtful thing to do to someone that has feelings for you.
So long story short, no, I don’t think Alhaitham is prone to jealousy. Not that he’s “too logical” to be jealous. He just understands and respects people’s need for independence. That being said, he probably can end up feeling neglected if left alone too long.
#genshin impact#genshin x reader#alhaitham#alhaitham x reader#anon#character analysis ask meme#now as i always do i’m going to answer the part you’re looking for in the tags#the reason why alhaitham wouldnt be a jealous person is that hes both reasonable and he doesnt play games#when you enter into a relationship with alhaitham he will make time for you and seek you out#he's self-regulating in that way that he'll make sure to get his fill of you regularly#even if you are busy he'll find some way to slot yourself in your schedule#and like... the thing with him is that he really doesnt need much#itd take you turning him down consistently for other things for him to get jealous and feel neglected#this is when he gets immature because if you try to spend time with him after you can expect some passive aggressive sass#'hmm... you seemed to be having a lot more fun with them instead'#you'd have to make it up to him#add onto that someone flirting with you? he'd swoop in there to stake his claim#that being said i highly doubt this would happen often?#you'd have to be REALLY DENSE to neglect him up to this point#when he is feeling neglected expect him to be more physically touchy#he'd just want you near#haha#sorry this isnt much#i'm the wrong person to go to for jealousy asks#i'm not a person that finds jealousy attractive#unreasonable jealousy i find restrictive and childish#reasonable jealousy i find as a sign i am not doing my job as a significant other#my job as someone's partner is to make them feel loved and needed no matter what#so if theyre not feeling that that means i'm doing something wrong and i need to fix it
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mercuryislove · 2 years
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YESSS SILLY QUESTION SUNDAY. Last and before the beginning please 🥺
FINALLY i've dragged myself to my laptop (which means i moved it from my shiny new desk to my bed lmao) to do something productive even though it's after midnight. good evening. sorry for the delay :c and for what it's worth it's still too hot for a heating pad. send help.
last:
“So how do you feel now?”
“Hungover. Embarrassed. A little nauseous. The usual.” Yixing shrugged. “But better now that I've talked to you.”
the context for this is. um. lol. someone had a little breakdown and drank too much and made the World's Biggest Fool of Himself in front of a girl who happens to be named Sonam AFTER they already were not on speaking terms and he is making painful attempts to apologize for his stupid idiot behavior. Yixing sucks lol
--
before the beginning:
The two of them stood there for a moment, taking it all in, before noticing the blood dripping from her palm. She'd smudged a chunky red hand print on the floor when she first sat upright, and a second, cleaner one on the front of her thigh when she gripped it in a failed effort to stand.
Nobody spoke. Her eyes, bloodshot from the sleeplessness and the sobbing, darted between Josef and Luka before finally settling on the door with its broken lock behind them. They're old, she thought, I can outrun them.
Vera is stupid lol this is when she's finally confronted about her suicidal tendencies and SIGNIFICANT drinking problem after she disappeared for almost a full year
--
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thef1diary · 2 months
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Little Big Fan | Eight
— Little Big Allergy
Series Masterlist
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wc: 3.6k
Note: I am not a medical professional, so please let me know if something is incorrect
"Don't you dare think about cancelling, you are going on that date," your best friend's voice rang out of your phone on speaker while you were choosing a dress for tonight.
You turned to look at the phone, as if your best friend was standing there, "I'm not going to cancel, I just don't know what to wear," you responded, placing another dress against your body but frowning.
"Wear that one sexy red dress you have, who knows, you might just get laid tonight."
You shuffled through your closet, finding the red dress in the back, which was expected since you didn't wear it in a long time. You held it out in front of you, "don't you think it's too revealing for the first date? Maybe I could wear this next time."
It was a backless, short garment with two straps. While the back was revealing, so was the front, which featured two cutouts around the hips and exposed a bit of cleavage due to the lack of material.
Your friend hummed, "so we're planning a second date as well huh?" You could basically hear her smirk on the other end. "Well I hope this date goes well," you reasoned, but the jittery feeling didn't go away.
"You and Max are already good friends who happen to flirt occasionally, what could go wrong?" Then after a short pause, she added, "actually no, don't answer that. Try your blue dress, I bet he'd like to see you in blue."
After almost every interaction you've had with Max, starting from the grocery store, you've told your friend everything. Which is why when she suggested wearing blue, you weren't opposed to it.
Putting your red dress back in the closet for another time, which was hopefully soon, you held a navy blue dress in your hand, examining it before holding it up against your body.
While this one, like the red dress, had two straps holding it together, it was longer, reaching a few inches past your knees and including a little slit down the side for convenience.
"Alright, this is the one," you stated and continued conversing with your friend while you changed and began doing your makeup.
"So Bella is at Tyler's?" She asked, making you nod before realizing that she couldn't see you. "Yeah, she'll be there for the weekend."
"Oh how fun!" You could hear the sarcasm in her voice and chuckled, "it's fine, she should be spending time with her dad."
"The same one who called her overdramatic? Did you seriously have to have a kid with a guy like him?" This was a conversation you've had with her many times, and you would always reply with the same answer, "we were young and immature, but Isabella is the best thing that's ever happened to me."
"She truly is, which makes me glad that she turned out like you more than him." You chuckled, "oh trust me, I am glad about that too. It would've been a nightmare if I had to see a little version of him all the time."
"So, speaking of Isabella, how are you going to tell her that you are dating someone who happens to be her favourite person in her favourite sport?"
You groaned, "I don't know, I really don't know. I can't stop thinking about it, because of what Tyler told me," you explained. "Are you still believing his words? Actually scratch that, why are you letting your ex determine your future relationship?"
"God, why do you have to ask such questions," you muttered, taking a moment to think about your response.
"I don't want to believe him, I have a feeling something else happened that day which he didn't tell me about. Plus he's not only my ex, he's the father of my child. I don't think of him as anything more than that."
"Honestly that asshole shouldn't even be considered the father of such a beautiful little girl," your friend stated, and you couldn't help but agree with her.
"Anyways, let's not talk about him, I don't want to ruin my mood before the night even starts," you comment, with your friend humming in agreement.
"You're right, let's talk about Max!" She exclaimed, making you chuckle. That's whom you ended up talking about for the remainder of the time you were getting ready.
Even though she knew all the details right from day one, she wanted another whole story time of how you and Max met, leading up to when he asked you out. Instead of opposing to repeat the story, which you don't even know how many times you've told her by now, you happily told her all the details as if it was the first time.
A few minutes after you ended the phone call with your best friend, your phone rang again which you initially thought was a call from Max. However, it was a call from an unknown number.
You answered the call, and you were met with a woman's panicking voice on the other end, "is this Isabella's mother?"
"Yes, who is this?" You asked first, calming down the inner voices that instantly thought about the worse possible scenario involving your daughter.
"I'm Emma, I don't know if you know me but I am actually at the hospital, with Isabella." You tightened your grasp on the phone, as it was close to slipping away from your hands at Emma's words.
"What happened and which hospital are you at?" You instantly began moving around your house, finding your car keys as you waited for a response.
Emma told you the address as you were leaving through the front door. "She had a severe allergic reaction, and I thought it would be best to bring her to the hospital. I am sorry for disturbing you, I wasn't able to get in touch with Tyler."
You took a deep breath in, knowing that it was bound to happen someday, even though you would rather not have it happen at all. "I'm on my way, should be there in ten minutes. Thank you for letting me know."
It would've been pointless to argue with her, especially since she was the one who informed you of the situation at hand and had the decency to take your daughter to the hospital.
You rushed into the hospital within eight minutes, a record time for you, and you might've broken a few speeding laws but it was for a good reason. It didn't take too long finding Isabella, considering she was in the ER, with a frantic woman standing nearby, whom you assumed was Emma.
As soon as she spotted you, her first words to you was another apology, "I am so, so sorry, I had no idea she had a peanut allergy." That led you towards one question, well more than one but you started off with just one, "what happened?"
She sighed, before telling you how she spent the entire day with Isabella. "One of my friends came by and dropped off some baked goods, I swear I had no idea that it had peanuts in it."
You reasoned that if you calmed her down, it would calm you down as well, because the increasing dread in your thoughts would not benefit you in any situation. You put your hands on her shoulders, "I'm not blaming you for it, you didn't know."
You looked at the doors leading to the ER, "how bad was it?" Emma hesitated before muttering words that made your heart ache, "really bad, she started swelling up everywhere and then passed out."
You tried to sit down, but the need to know her well-being caused you to walk back and forth in the hallway.  Your phone buzzed in your hand, and you were about to ignore it until you recalled something really important.
"Shit!" Max was calling. Of course he was, after all he was expecting you to be home and ready for a date tonight.
"Hey, I'm standing at your front door, are you home or?" He started and awkwardly chuckled, causing you to shut your eyes, imagining how the night was expected to go. He was probably holding a bouquet of flowers, looking like an idiot standing by the door because you weren't home.
"Max, I'm so sorry, I'm actually at the hospital." There was no reason to lie, but even after telling the truth, you didn't feel any less guilty.
"What happened? Are you okay? Is Isabella okay?" His response was quick, and slightly surprising but you've known Max long enough that his kindness wasn't as shocking anymore.
"It's Isabella, allergic reaction," you briefly described, and heard some shuffling around on the other end before he asked for the address. "You don't have to come," you told him as you normally did, but he didn't agree again, saying "I want to."
You didn't argue with him, as your heart warmed at the fact that Max wanted to see Isabella himself, and stay right by your side until she was completely fine.
Quickly telling him the address as you noticed a doctor walking towards you and Emma, you hung up the call. "Which one of you is the patient's guardian?"
You stepped forward, "I'm her mother, how is she?"
"It was an anaphylactic allergic reaction, however everything is under control. We've administered epinephrine but we will be moving her to the ICU for a few hours just for observation purposes in case the symptoms are back."
You let out a sigh in relief, as did Emma. "Thank you," you nodded towards the doctor. Once they left, you sat down, the anxiousness leaving your body.
Looking at Emma, who was standing against the wall in front of you, you had another question brewing in your mind. "Where was Tyler when all this happened?" You asked, remembering that she called you only because she couldn't reach him.
"He said he had an emergency meeting come up," Emma spoke her words carefully, earning raised eyebrows from you. "He left you alone with my daughter?" You had to confirm the words you were hearing and scoffed once she nodded.
"It's not your responsibility to take of my child, it's his. You're not her guardian nor babysitter, you shouldn't have to do that." Emma shrugged as if it wasn't a big deal, "it's not the first time."
"How dare he?" You muttered under your breath before standing up and stepping closer to her. "We both have epipens for situations like this, and I am assuming that since you didn't know about her allergy, Tyler didn't tell you about the epipen either?”
Emma shook her head, "no, he didn't."
His lack of attention, led Isabella right to this moment. If he had told Emma about your daughter's allergy, or even what to do when she has allergic reaction, neither of you would be this worried about her health.
Emma, having realizing the depth of the situation, sighed, "I haven't been able to get a hold of him and if it weren't for Isabella constantly talking about you and telling me your phone number to the point where I had it memorized, I wouldn't have known what to do in this situation."
You pitied the woman standing in front of you, especially as you also knew that it was not her fault. You cracked a smile, "she talks about me huh?"
"Oh yeah, she considers you the best mother in the world, and based on her stories, I agree with her."
Then, you heard Max calling your name, walking towards you in a rush. He instantly wrapped an arm around your waist as if it was an instinct, "is she okay?"
Emma stepped away, picking up her phone for another useless attempt of calling her boyfriend.
You wrapped both arms around Max, bringing him in a hug, "yeah, she's okay."
Once he pulled back, he cradled your face with his palms, "are you okay?" You smiled, and your eyes filled with unshed tears because of his question. "Much better now."
Then, Max noticed your outfit which happened to be the dress you were supposed to wear on your date. "Wow," he breathed, his gaze unwavering, taking you in.
He was also dressed up, wearing a suit with a bow tie, and you couldn't help but reach up to touch it, "cute," you commented, making him raise his brows.
"Cute?" He repeated with a questioning tone. You nodded, biting your bottom lip to prevent a smile. "Cute and handsome."
"You are beautiful," he replied, watching as you avert your eyes because his gaze was intense.
"Oh, Max, this is Emma," you decided to introduce them, and added, "she's the one who brought Isabella here."
Max raised an eyebrow in question, "I thought Isabella was with Tyler?" He asked, directed at you more than Emma.
"Well, he wasn't home when this happened, only Emma and Isabella," you stated, and Max gauged your emotions for a moment, quickly recognizing the underlying rage you had directed at your ex. Max knew you'd be discussing this later, in the safety of your own house, so he didn't ask you to elaborate. 
A nurse came by, "Isabella is now conscious, and asking for her parents," they stated, along with the room number.
Emma looked at you and Max with a fond smile, before turning towards you, "I think I should get going now that you're here."
A genuine smile graced your lips, "thank you, Emma, for bringing her here and for staying with her even without him."
"Of course, she's the cutest little girl and I'm glad to get to know her." Both of you stood still for a moment, debating on whether or not you should hug her. Then, without thinking twice you initiated a hug that was easily welcomed by her.
You waited till she left your sights before looking at Max, "let's go?" You held out your hand but he shrugged, "she's asking for her parents, you should go."
You stepped forward and grabbed his hand, "you're coming with me," you decided for him. Although Max didn't pull away, he asked, "what if she doesn't want to see me?"
"Trust me, she'll be happy to see you," you convinced him and walked towards the room she was admitted in while holding each other's hand.
When you entered, Isabella's smile widened once she spotted you and Max. "Mama, Maxy!" She cheered, though quieter than usual.
A nurse stood by her side, monitoring her health and checking the IV drip inserted into your daughter's arm.
"Oh my angel, how are you?" You dropped Max's hand and walked closer to her, lightly kissing her forehead. Instead of a verbal response, she formed a thumbs up with her hand.
Then she looked at the door again, "is daddy coming too?" Isabella asked, sounding hopeful. You shook your head, "no sweetheart, daddy is not coming."
Instead of the usual deflated mood, she shrugged, "it's okay, Maxy's here." She held her arms around asking for a hug, only flinching for a moment since she forgot about the drip connected to her arm.
Max quickly stepped forward, bending over to hug her. "All good, Bella?" He asked, once he felt her arms wrap around him tighter. She nodded for a moment then shook her head against him, "it hurts," she whispered.
He brought his hand up to ruffle her hair before pulling away, "you are a very brave girl."
"Really?" She asked, and scooted over a little so Max could sit beside her. He nodded, "of course! Very brave."
She beamed, snuggling closer to him before looking at you. "Mama, come here," she patted the other side, and surprisingly the three of you were able to fit on the very small hospital bed.
A nurse was constantly in the room, checking in on Isabella's health from time to time and since there weren't any repeated symptoms of an allergic reaction, the three of you were out of the hospital in a few hours.
Max followed you in his car, and carried your sleeping daughter inside the house. Instead of taking her straight to her bedroom, he laid her down on the couch in case she wakes up and needs her mother.
It was safe to say that you were not going too far away from her any time soon.
You were in the kitchen, filling up a glass of water when he returned. He stood behind you, with his hands trailing down your sides before resting on your waist, and his chin on your shoulder. "Did I tell you how stunning you look?"
You hummed, "maybe a few times but I don't mind hearing it again."
He turned you around in his grasp, "well, you look breathtakingly beautiful."
You blushed, "you and your compliments," you chuckled. "What's wrong with it?" He asked, but you shook your head, "nothing, it's just I'll never get bored of hearing it."
He smiled, "good, because you'll be hearing at least one every day."
You tilted your head to the side, "every day? Are you sure you won't run out?" He shook his head, "not unless you keep finding ways to make me speechless."
Both of you remained in that position for a moment but then you frowned, "I'm sorry,"
"For what?" He tilted your chin up as soon as you averted your gaze away from him. "We weren't able to go on the date."
Max let out a sound in protest, "I'm pretty sure your daughter's health matters so much more than our date night. Plus the night isn't over," he added with a smile, confusing you even further.
"What does that mean?" He parted away from you and it quickly made you miss the warmth that his body provided you. "Why don't you go change into something comfortable," he suggested, almost pushing you out of the kitchen.
You weren't opposed to the idea, so you went upstairs to change after checking on your daughter. You found the most comfortable pair of sweatpants and a shirt, and removed your makeup as well.
Walking back downstairs, you saw Max waiting at the bottom of the stairs for you. He had removed his blazer and bow tie, unbuttoning the top few buttons of his shirt as well.
He held out his hand, waiting for your hand to hold his, and although you were confused, you wouldn't pass up an opportunity to hold his hand.
"It's not much, definitely not up to first date standards but we'll manage," he commented as he led you to the kitchen table where he had prepared two packets of instant noodles.
"I haven't been on a date in forever so anything you do will set my standards." You smiled when you noticed the lit candle.
"Well, then I will raise your standards next time by taking you out on a proper date." He held the chair out for you, waiting for you to sit before rounding the table and sitting down himself.
It took two minutes before Max moved his own chair right next to yours because he didn't want to sit on the opposite side. You chuckled at his antics but it was much appreciated.
"What's on your mind?" he asked once he saw you visibly thinking. You shrugged, "I don't think we should be discussing these thoughts on a first date."
"This is far from what a first date should be like, so there are no rules. I know you want to talk about what happened at the hospital," he prompted and he was spot on, so you agreed.
"I can't believe he actually left Isabella under Emma's supervision. Not that there is anything wrong with her, but it's not her responsibility!" Max nodded in agreement, "where was he?"
"In a fucking meeting," you exasperated, eating another forkful of the noodles. "It must've been very stressful for Emma," you sighed, finishing your short rant because you truly had no words for your ex's irresponsible behaviour.
Still, Max listened to every word. Once you were finished eating, he turned your chair towards him. "We can agree on the fact that he is an incompetent father."
"Yeah, I don't even know what would've happened if Emma wasn't there either. He surely wouldn't have left Bella alone right?"
Max shrugged, "hey, stop worrying about what could've happened. Bella's safe, she's okay." He placed a palm on your cheek, rubbing his thumb back and forth in a soothing motion.
You nodded, "you're right." Making eye contact with him, you were quickly lost in his gaze. While it almost made you want to look away, you couldn't.
"You know," you started, wanting to divert away from the current topic. He hummed, urging you to go on.
"I don't really care for an extravagant date, all I really need is you. I'm happy with this, with us." He smiled, to the point where you could notice the creases forming at the corners.
"I'm happy with us too, but I will be taking you out on an extravagant date because you deserve it, as well as much more."
You rolled your eyes playfully, knowing that it would be hard to convince Max otherwise, but you could think of a few ways to try when the time comes.
"Thank you for being here with me," you added, needing him to know about your appreciation. Your words also hinted at all the moments he shared with you, and Isabella.
He seemed to understand your hint, "I'm glad to be here with you, both of you."
Taglist: (continuing the taglist in comments) @xjval @mrsmaybank13 @cherry-piee @urfavnoirette @solphin @burningcupcakefire @nessacarty1 @dreamsarebig @omgsuperstarg @fanficweasley @redbullgirly @llando4norris @wonnou @randomgirlnumber13 @dark-night-sky-99 @chanshintien @leilanixx @gisellesprettylies @peachiicherries @monsieurbacteria6 @67-angelofthelordme-67 @arian-directioner @distancedss @morenofilm @sachaa-ff @lighttsoutlewis @teamnovalak @casperlikej @sadg3 @d3kstar @lewisvinga @lpab @queenofmanydreams @glitterf1 @honethatty12 @drunk-teens-doing-drugs @its-avalon-08 @yourbane @oconswrld @noneofyourfbusinessworld @ssrcsm @softtina @hockeyboysarehot @formulaal @namgification @tallrock35 @bloodyymaryyy @formulanni @ellouisa17 @phantomxoxo
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hannieehaee · 1 month
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Can I request this? A wonwoo oneshot where they had a fight at the company which leads to the oc to storm out and later wonwoo finds out that on the way home she got really sick but at the moment the oc is in the library. So wonwoo mission is to get the oc out of there but she’s giving him the silent treatment somehow😁
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content: established relationship, idol!wonwoo, afab reader, public argument, angst, fluff, etc.
wc: 987
a/n: i did my best to include all the main details of the prompt into a short drabble i hope u enjoy<3
masterlist
you knew you were being quite immature.
yeah, it was just a small altercation with wonwoo over some small thing, but that had just been what it snowballed into.
it had only been a few days since wonwoo got back from tour, having been gone for a few weeks with limited contact with you due to timezones and his packed schedule. you understood. you were no newbie at this. by now it had been a while since you had began dating wonwoo, so you were already an expert on the ins and outs of dating an idol. however, you still demanded some type of attention.
when wonwoo finally arrived, you had expected that maybe he'd try a little harder to spend time with you. while you understood that he was likely very tired from touring, seeing the way in which he isolated himself rather than dedicate at least a bit of his free time to you did hurt your feelings.
had he not missed you as much as you did him?
this led to a one-sided silent treatment. he, of course, didn't really notice as the two of you weren't spending much time together anyways. though you were still on speaking terms with him, you were very curt and short in your interactions. something which he, yet again, had no reaction to.
which is what led to an embarrassing argument just a few hours ago. at the company. in front of his members.
it wasn't anything too big. it was mostly complaints about his terrible time management when it cane to sustaining your relationship. already hurt and having made the mistake of not communicating your issues to your boyfriend, you snapped when you stopped by the company to get lunch with him, only to be told he already had plans with his members.
after an embarrassing rant in front of half of seventeen, you stormed out, leaving a very confused wonwoo behind and finally allowing him to realize that he had unknowingly iced you out.
it felt like shit, to be quite honest. you felt invisible to him. was picking a fight the only way to get him to react?
things weren't always like this. wonwoo had always been the most comforting person you'd known. maybe he was a little reserved and shy at times, but he was always showing you his unconditional love. whether it was through his words or through silent acts of affection, he had never made you feel unwanted or ignored.
even when he'd return from a tiring tour, he'd isolate himself with you. you'd lock yourselves away from the world and simply exist with one another, encompassing each other in the love you shared. this time around, wonwoo had somehow forgotten about you, simply sharing a living space with you rather than being your home.
the worst thing was that he was entirely unaware. the moment you confronted him, you could see the shock in his eyes. wonwoo hadn't even realized he had been withholding himself from you emotionally. the more frustrated your voice grew as you ranted, the more his confusion transformed into hurt. he was hurt at the realization that you'd been hurting because of him – all while he thought everything was fine.
this made you feel miserable as soon as you made your way out of the company. fully aware that you should've communicated your distress to him earlier, you still left, embarrassed at the scene you caused and hurt that he hadn't considered your feelings until you shoved them in his face.
was it so wrong of you to have wanted him to realize on his own? you thought he knew you better than anyone, so it shouldn't have been too difficult a task to realize. right?
and now you were alone.
upon leaving the scene, teary eyed and embarrassed that you had shown such a vulnerable part of yourself in such a public setting, – in front of some of his friends, at that – you went to the place that brought you most comfort. you needed silence, so you went to a secluded library in town.
you and wonwoo would sometimes frequent this place. as both a bookworm and the girlfriend of a popular idol, this was one of the only places you could really go with wonwoo. it was secluded and quiet, meaning that you could simply exist around each other while not being perceived by anyone else. the memory of your times together there made you feel unable to concentrate, so you simply sat in silence for a while.
it wasn't too difficult for wonwoo to find you there. he had assumed you wouldn't just go back home, so he searched from you in places he knew you loved. this had been his second guess, right after the han river, where you would sometimes walk together at night.
sitting in your usual spot, wonwoo quietly approached you, sitting next to you. neither of you said anything. the first contact between you two came in the form of wonwoo's pinky seeking your own, twisting it with yours in a sweet manner. there was no way for you to deny him, so you humored him, eventually holding his hand as his fingers graced your own.
"im sorry," he whispered, looking down at his lap.
"yeah?", you whispered back.
"i take you for granted sometimes. you wait for me here and you put up with my hectic life and i ... i forget that i should reassure you of my love. im so sure of how i feel about you that i forget to let you know every single day. it wont happen again," he finished, eyes now boring into yours.
"can you say it?"
"i love you. you'll never have to ask me again. okay? i love you."
"i love you too."
"let me take you home?" he asked, leaning into you as you sat side by side.
"yeah."
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literaila · 2 months
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small talk
gojo satoru x fem!reader
summary: satoru has never learned the definition of "small talk" and you don't care to teach him
a/n: i was requested to hold off on the angst, so i decided to comply (very gracious, i know) so take a flashback fic, in which our characters lack all of their trauma (also I'm working on the next actual part and it... might take a bit)
last part | next part
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second year, month two.
“c’mon, nanami, you owe us," you're saying, laying across the couch in nanami's room, feet sore from walking around all day. 
it's only noon, and you already feel like you've suffered through several weeks of this. your only two classmates siding with each other almost always. 
except for now, because you're pouting. trying to convince kento that being a recluse will get him nowhere in life--you would know. 
“no, i do not.” 
you roll your eyes. “sorry? who sliced the curse in two before we even got the chance to look?" you ask, rhetorically. "oh, you? that’s right.” 
nanami shakes his head, but you see his lips twitch—about to give (another) involuntary apology. if you keep up the whining, he'll probably give you his firstborn. 
“it could be fun,” haibara adds, chewing on some weird candy he picked up at the convince store by your mission. it smells like a rotted corpse, which is what you told him when he offered to share. 
“i seriously doubt that.” 
“well, i seriously don’t care,” you tell him, “this is the first time we’ve been invited. unless you want to spend the next two years getting wedgies—“ 
“gojo can’t even touch me,” he argues, arms crossed. his eyes are unyielding as he stares at you. “and geto is more respectable than that.” 
haibara laughs, probably at the mention of a wedgie. 
“well, i wouldn’t know. but i’ll find out tonight when we all go with them to… wherever they’re going.” 
because you showed up a couple of weeks after the two of them, much to your dismay, you haven't become acquainted with your seniors or any of their quirks. it's honestly unfair. but neither of them seems to care about their upper hand or the fact that you're tired of being stuck around them all of the time. 
“i have plans.” 
“no you don’t,” you snort. “we’re your only friends.” 
“that’s not relev—“ 
haibara hangs on nanami’s shoulder, smiling at him with his puppy dog eyes. “kento, we have to go. i want to ask geto a couple of questions, and y/n’s already annoyed.” 
you huff, crossing your arms. you have a good reason to be upset. 
nanami looks at you, then sighs. “i already told you, it was a grade four, it didn’t even look ‘cool’ like the one you and haibara exorcised last week.” 
“i’m not talking to you.” 
haibara laughs, going to sit down next to you, ruffling your hair. it’s irritating, how nonchalant he is about this. like nanami didn’t steal your mission right in front of you. 
and kind of adorable. you lean into him, resting the side of your body against his arm. maybe his energy will mix with yours. 
“y/n, i already apologized.” 
you turn your head away from him. 
“this is very immature.” he gives haibara a pleading look. 
you can feel it as he laughs against you. 
nanami sighs. “fine. this once. if you ever ask again—“ 
you jump up, moving beside him to squeeze him into a makeshift hug (which he doesn’t return). “i knew you’d come around,” you say. because you did. nanami is notoriously easy to break, despite his untouchable demeanor.
nanami sighs again. more forlorn. “this is going to be a disaster.” 
and obviously, haibara takes this opportunity to move to his other side, participating in the group hug.
in all honesty, you’d expected more. 
it’s not that you idolize your upperclassmen—if they can even be classified as such—but seriously, after a year they haven’t come up with anything more entertaining than dragging someone’s tv into the common room and playing mario cart? 
you figured there'd be more excitement here. a lot more break-ins, and more chances for heroics. 
but, you remind yourself, trying to sit pleasantly, this is the first time any of you have been invited. the first time you've spent with geto, Gojo, and shoko without yaga hanging over your break, threatening all of them to be nice. you just want a chance not to be the only new one around. the least educated, weakest.
so you might as well try and enjoy it while you can.
besides nanami and haibara, you don’t have a lot of friends. you didn’t, even before you started at jujutsu high. you barely even had a family. 
so you’ll take what you can get (even if it's three people who speak in code and seem to do nothing but fight).
“oh, how’d that mission you guys went on go?” geto asks after he’s beaten haibara at a fourth race. “where was it?” 
“harajuku,” nanami says, sounding more like he’s telling you his grandma just died. 
“get anything cool?” gojo asks, leaning his head back against the couch so he can look at you upside down. his sunglasses are sliding off of his nose, and you blink. 
“we left pretty quickly,” haibara answers, for all of you. “it was just a grade four.” 
“they sent all of you for that?” shoko, who is pretending to read some sort of biology book right in front of the tv, raises her brow at you. 
at least there’s some common ground there. being the only two girls in a fifty-foot radius creates its own sort of bond. 
you’re about to remark something snarky about nanami and his control issues, but haibara is eager to please, so he says to her, “nah, it was supposed to be harder. grade two, they said.” 
“been there,” she answers. 
geto raises a brow, but his eyes don't move from the screen. “no you haven’t?” 
“listening to gojo’s story about that ‘grade one’ he ‘exorcized’ is basically like being there.” 
“hey, that was true!” 
the two of them give the boy a look, then resume their activities. nanami taking haibara’s place—not without some convincing—and the rest of you watching. 
wow, what a life for jujutsu sorcerers. 
you laugh at the thought and ignore the weird look shoko gives you. 
eventually, gojo makes his way from across the room, his chin resting on geto's temple, and sits on the floor next to you, long limbs getting in the way. 
you barely glance at him with your brows raised, then look back to the screen. nanami is surprisingly good at it. and you find gojo kind of... bizarre. he's always laughing, always leaning against something, and just his presence right next to yours feels like an intrusion. 
“so,” gojo whispers to you, schemingly. “gabumons better than agumon, right?” 
you turn to him, tilting your head. “what?” 
“kind of an unpopular sentiment,” he adds, “but true. i mean, c’mon, metalgarurumon? freezing breath? so cool,” he says, like you’re supposed to know what it means. he's got that same grin on--the one you've watched from across the courtyard, shaking his hand, and probably even that time you caught him napping on the dining table. 
“…what?” 
“satoru, leave her alone,” geto says because this must be a regular occurrence.
“i’m just making small talk!” 
shoko snorts. “i don’t think you’ve ever talked small a day in your life.” 
gojo opens his mouth but apparently has nothing to say about that. 
he sighs, leaning his chin on a hand, and watching the screen again. clearly, his classmates have ruined all of his fun. how is he supposed to mess with you in peace with them around?
when he catches you staring at him a moment later—mostly bewildered because you’ve heard many rumors about satoru gojo, and none of them involve him being a grumbler—he grins. “your turn.” 
“to what?” you say, hoping he doesn’t mean the game. 
he leans toward you. “to make small talk.” 
“i don’t think your turns over.” 
“you’re supposed to continue the conversation. answer my question…” he hints. 
“you didn’t ask a question,” you say, “just made a statement about what’s-your-mon and who’s-your-mon.” 
he looks around, outraged, like you’ve said something completely insane. 
you cut in before he can add anything, “and you know that small talk is supposed to be about, like, the weather, right?” 
“the weather? you’d rather talk about that than cyborg digimon?” 
“…i think so?” 
“ignore him,” shoko calls. 
but you can’t. there's something about him that gets under your skin. and, it's satoru gojo, he's intriguing in his own, annoying way. 
“fine. how do you like the weather?” he asks, tapping his fingers against his chin, smiling at you again. 
you pinch your lips together. “it’s fine. rainy.” 
he throws his head back, groaning. “see? this is boring. and so is this game, because suguru just beats everyone.” 
“i think nanami won the last round.” 
he gives you a ‘really?’ look, and you shrug. 
“do you guys do this a lot?” 
“do what?” 
you gesture towards the tv. “sit around and do nothing.” 
gojo scoffs. “this is very important, you know. we take video games very seriously.” 
you take a look at geto—who’s sticking his tongue out while he handles the controller—and haibara, who’s pointing at nanami’s face and laughing. 
you must’ve missed something. not that you've been paying much attention to the game, anyway. 
you've been mostly obsessing over your expressions, trying not to say anything out of place, and figure out how to speak to any of these people without sounding foolish. 
which, so far, hasn't gone well. 
“what do you guys do, then?" gojo asks, sarcastically. "meditation circle?” 
you snort. “study, usually. or hand-to-hand combat. haibara and i need the practice.” 
“shoko won’t spar with me and suguru can’t anymore after we accidentally put a hole in the gym wall last time.” 
“that was you? how do you accidentally break through concrete?” 
he shrugs, winking at you. “suguru’s flying frog things are heavy.” 
“flying frogs?” you say, skeptically. 
“oh, child,” satoru pats you on the head. “you’ve got lots to learn.” 
“apparently,” you say, and turn back to the tv, and the debate the four of them are having about character types or something. 
but gojo doesn’t move from his spot. he sits next to you for the next hour, and you learn, for the first time, just how insufferable he is. 
especially with his smile, which you find yourself staring at every couple of minutes. 
*
next part | series masterlist
537 notes · View notes
feirceangel · 5 months
Text
Imagine | Harassed (Shanks)
Imagine doing some shopping when a strange man won’t leave you alone.
Warnings: some violence, reader is harassed and threatened, reader is a badass
Word Count: 1143
(Not my gif)
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You couldn’t remember the last time you stayed on an island this long. It must’ve been years ago, long before you met him.
Traveling had always been a desire of yours. To traverse the world, discovering different cultures and landscapes, that was your dream.
And you’ve been living it gratefully for years.
Of course, it’s always nice to spend more than a few days ashore once you have the opportunity.
Your Captain has business on this tropic island, and you’ve been enjoying the leisure time that this gives you.
Right now, you’re shopping at the local markets, admiring the bright jewelry and clothing that the various vendors offer.
A raucous laugh sounds off behind you. You ignore it, minding your own business, even as you hear a loud whistle.
“Hey, pretty lady,” a man’s voice says.
You continue ignoring it, instead reading the price of a beautiful red jewel.
This apparently aggravates the man trying to get your attention. He grabs your shoulder roughly, expecting it to be easy to turn you towards him.
You remain in place, stronger than the man anticipated.
After he removes his hand, you turn to him with a frown, “May I help you?”
He’s a tall man in a nice suit, not too shabby looking. Too bad his personality is rotten. Behind him are five more men in similar fashion. You take clear note of the weapons strapped to their sides.
“I was talking to you,” he growls. “I don’t like being ignored.”
“I don’t like being hassled,” you retort, crossing your arms.
“I was just saying how gorgeous you are,” he explains with a slimy grin.
You turn on your heel, “Thanks.”
“Hey!” He shouts, getting closer to you so that you can feel his breath. “Don’t you know who I am?”
“Do you know who I am?” You ask pointedly.
“You’re a pretty piece of ass that needs to be taught a lesson,” he scowls, stepping back. “And we’ll gladly be your teachers.”
Disgust washes over you.
“Are you trying to hit on me? Because you’re doing a poor job of it. And you’re wasting your breath- I’m already taken.”
“I could take you better than he ever could,” he tries to argue.
Your laughter is impossible to hold back, “You’re delusional, you aren’t even near his level. You should stop talking now.”
A smirk forms on your lips as you watch the man shake with anger. His eyes are alight with rage at being shot down and humiliated in front of his friends.
Meanwhile, you’ve mentally checked out, comparing the red of the jewel to your man’s hair. He loves seeing you in his colour.
A loud click goes off near your ear, the kiss of cold metal on your temple a warning not to move.
“You’re gonna regret speaking to me like that.”
You step back from the market stall, shooting an apologetic look towards the owner. The poor girl looks terrified.
One of the man’s lackeys has pulled his gun on you, standing much too close for comfort.
Unimpressed, you shake your head, “How immature.”
“I’m going to-“
He stops as a malevolent aura suddenly appears, causing sweat to form on his brow.
“What exactly are you going to do?” A deceptively calm voice speaks out, followed by footsteps as a red-haired man approaches.
The man in front of you has gone paler than a corpse, shaking just like the man holding the gun against your head.
“Red-Haired Shanks,” a man near you whispers in terror.
They seem to be grasping the situation now. Although, you could have handled the situation just fine on your own.
You smile at your man, who raises a quizzical brow.
“These guys bothering you?”
Before you can reply, the hassler interrupts, “Please, sir we had no idea-“
A gunshot rings out and the gun pressed against your head suddenly falls as the man collapses in a display of bright red blood.
Infuriated, you kick out, knocking the guy to the floor next to his dead buddy.
“Shut up. You should have respected me regardless of who I associate with,” you deliver a harsh kick to his side before pressing your foot on top of his chest.
“Scum like you are less than worms to me,” you grit out, adding more pressure until you hear a sickening crack of a broken rib and the man cries out in pain. “You never know when to quit.”
You reach out a hand towards Shanks and he hands you his sword without hesitation. None of this dimwit’s posse do anything to try and help their leader.
They know it’s a battle they could never win.
With a graceful flick of your wrist, the man below you is impaled through the heart. A clear message to anyone watching.
You fix your gaze on the remaining losers, “Don’t harass people, okay?”
They nod profusely, muttering nonstop apologies as they retreat quickly.
You crouch down to wipe the blood off of Shank’s sword, handing it back with a smirk.
“Darling,” he sheathes his weapon, moving closer to you and pressing a soft kiss to your cheek. “That was stunning.”
“Shanks, I was handling it just fine before you showed up,” you say, passing a glance over his shoulder to offer a smile to Benn Beckman. “But thanks for the assist anyways.”
“I know, but you know how I get seeing someone get so close to you,” Shanks says, looping his arm around your shoulders. “Especially when they threaten what’s mine.”
You grin, pressing your lips against his and nipping at him playfully.
“Why didn’t you deal with them sooner?” He inquires once you break away.
“Maybe I wanted to play the part of the damsel for once,” you tease. “Seeing you all protective and possessive gets me riled up.”
“Vixen,” he laughs, “You knew I was watching.”
“I always know, Shanks,” you wink at him. “Just like I know you’ll buy this for me.”
You show him the jewel that perfectly matches the shade of his hair.
He laughs, handing the money over to the shopkeeper, “I could never deny you, Y/n.”
He embraces you again and you lean into his warmth, inhaling the familiar scent of sake and sea breeze.
“I think I’ll have it made into a ring, that way everyone will know you’re mine.”
The grin that breaks onto your face is enough to brighten his whole lifetime.
He hugs you closer and presses a chaste kiss to your head.
He’d never let anyone else touch his treasure, he’d destroy anyone if they tried.
But he also knows you can fend for yourself, one of the many qualities that he adores about you.
You take his hand, leading him down the market, “Now you’re stuck shopping with me~”
He can’t think of anywhere else he’d rather be.
931 notes · View notes
osakiharu · 2 years
Text
WHEN THEY HAVE A CRUSH ON YOU !!
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part one | part two | part three
content : gender neutral reader, fluff, not proof read 
characters : mikey, mitsuya, baji, sanzu, rindou, ran
notes : ooo i hope y’all like this one i was a nervous to post it hehe :0
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˗ˏˋ MIKEY
- he’s convinced he doesn’t have a crush on you. like he knows he does and so does everyone else. but if you bring it up he’s like ‘whoa that’s crazy because they’re literally best friend so…’
- and then he’ll act like he’s already your boyfriend.
- mikey is the sort of person to not always look at people when they talk to him - he’s still listening but he doesn’t feel the need to make eye contact
- but he never looks away from you when you speak to him - he smiles and nods a lot because he wants to make sure you know he’s listening
- when you’re both talking about something you like he gets so excited and cuts you off by accident all the time
- he always wants to have your attention on him but he knows that can’t happen so he always ends up being way louder than he needs to just to make sure you remember he’s there
- he loves having you tell him about your day if you didn’t spend it together - he likes to check up on you a lot <3 (and to make sure there isn’t anyone trying to date you too)
- he hates the thought of anyone trying to ask you out on a date or also having a crush on you so he’s pretty possessive of you
- if someone does ask you out when he’s there he’ll say something like “yeah, nice try but they’ve already got a boyfriend.”
- if you’re ever mad at him for that he says stuff like “what? i never said it was me, did i?” / “i don’t like that guy, i’ve heard some shit about him.” (he probably hasn’t) / “come on, you weren’t seriously gonna say yes were you? you can do better than that, sweets.”
- he’s unintentionally more immature around you because he really wants to make you laugh and smile :(
- he never wants you to get involved with gang stuff so that also adds to his possessiveness - he just wants to keep you safe and out of harm’s way <3 (it surprises you how serious he is when he tells you not to stay out too late and stuff because of gangs or whatever)
- he pats your head and ruffles your hair a lot - mikey likes physical affection and he wants to be touchy with you but he doesn’t want to make you uncomfortable at all so he sticks to that as well as hugs
- if you initiate a hug he feels like he wants to cry - he could hug you forever and he gets sad when you pull away from him
- once you pulled him in for a long hug and he just sat there smiling into your neck trying not to fall asleep <3
- he also likes to lean his head on your shoulder <3
- if you initiate anything else beyond that like cuddling he’s happy to do it but he’ll never do anything without knowing you’re okay with it - the last thing he wants is to scare you off
- he asks you to meet up all the time and if you say you can’t he’ll be like ‘please, just for 10 minutes 🥺’
- either that or he just shows up at your house demanding to be let in
- takes him a while to accept his crush on you mainly because you’re so close and he’s worried about you being like ew wtf 💀
- he won’t confess unless he’s 100% sure you like him too - he would never want to do anything to your friendship
- if you don’t like him back he’ll be so crushed but he wont tell you that obviously - he’ll just be like oh okay that’s fine! and your friendship just continues as it is <3
˗ˏˋ MITSUYA
- gentleman. that’s it.
- mitsuya very much thinks you’re an angel <3 he loves every single thing about you and i feel like he gives you kinda unique compliments or he compliments you on things a lot of other people overlook
- he doesn’t just look at you as a whole person, he takes his time looking at every single bit of your personality and what you like or dislike and how you like to dress and what you like to do when it rains
- he wants his sisters to like you so bad :( like he knows you’re not dating but he gets so upset if his sisters decide they don’t like you for some reason
- he accidentally tells his sisters about his crush because he can’t shut up about you so if they see you when they’re out with him they giggle and whisper about how he should go and talk to you
- “takashi, go and talk to them before they leave!” “yeah, kiss them too if you like them that much!”
- he also really wants you to be best friends with his friends if you aren’t already, especially people like mikey, hakkai, baji, yuzuha etc
- he gets frustrated sometimes because he can’t always do the things he wants to with you - he would love to go shopping with you and buy you all the pretty clothes that you like or just treat you to something nice but it’s hard when it comes to money :(
- so instead he just gets you to talk his ears off about clothes and then makes them for you <3
- or if you complain to him about wanting to buy something but it was sold out he just makes it and surprises you with it
- mitsuya likes gift giving a lot me thinks<3
- he can never stop thinking of you. it gets to the point where he makes clothes to your measurements even if he’s just experimenting and plans on scrapping whatever he’s making after
- he does little things for you like carry your bags or pick things up for you when you drop them or ties your shoe laces
- he does get a little jealous when he sees you with other guys but he won’t ever do anything about it and usually he just shakes his head and moves on - he rarely gets jealous over things like that and he’s never upset or surprised when other people ask you on dates
- i feel like he would only really get upset over something like that if it was one of his friends asking you out
- he loves to spend time with you - mitsuya is very busy and he rarely has time to stop and sit down but he always makes time for you no matter what (he starts to get irritated really easily when he doesn’t see you for ages 😭)
- he likes to take you to the movies or to go for little walks in pretty places - his life is so hectic and he finds that you always make him feel relaxed and calm <3
- once when you were on one of your little walks he held your hand - it was mindless and he didn’t even realise he did it until you looked up at him
- when you didn’t let go he smiled like a complete idiot for the rest of the walk
- he eventually tells you about his feelings - he doesn’t make a big deal out of it but he’s secretly praying that you won’t reject him
- who the fuck would reject mitsuya though 🫶
˗ˏˋ BAJI
- he definitely acts like more of a gentleman than he actually is
- he’s already pretty intimidating so he doesn’t want to scare you even more by acting too bold or aggressive or something
- so he tries to be a little calmer around you and waits to tell you about his gang and stuff
- he tries really hard to impress you but half the time it doesn’t work or it makes you giggle even though it wasn’t supposed to 💀
- whenever he sees you out he always has to come and say hi <3 even if he’s with his friends and they have places to be he just can’t pass up the opportunity to talk to you <3
- he gets embarrassed when his friends start shouting at him to “hurry up and leave his partner alone” - he just stands there blushing like “ignore them 🧍‍♂️😐”
- if he catches you when you’re out at night or it’s dark he’ll always walk with you to wherever you’re going and scold you for being out late <3 not harshly though, he means well <3
- “why the fuck are you out this late? ’s like you want me to come ’n’ keep you safe!”
- he likes to give you things of his or let you borrow things from him
- even if you don’t ask for it he’ll be like 🤲 use this !! - you’re cold? okay have his jacket, he doesn’t need one anyways! you’re too hot? cool, he’ll tie your hair up out of your face and you can keep the band even though you already have a collection of his hairbands at home!
- if you accept his jacket he’ll think about how you looked in it for the next week. he’ll go and tell chifuyu and kazutora about it too
- he cannot shut up about you for a single second. sometimes his friends have to ask if you’re finally dating yet because the way he talks about you sounds like you’ve been married for ten years <3
- he wants you to be best friends with kazutora and chifuyu if you’re not already - either way they both love you <3
- eventually baji and his friends have a system going on - chifuyu will talk to you about manga and figure out which ones are your favourite and kazutora will talk to you about literally everything else.
- and then they go and tell baji everything so he can read your favourite mangas and take you to your favourite cafes and listen to your favourite album
- this is mainly because baji feels awkward when it comes to ‘getting to know you’ talk. he can’t stand it unless the first thing that is brought up is something he likes
- but also he likes to surprise you <3 like when he invites you over to help him with his homework he’ll put on your favourite music and you’re like “no way you like this too?? :D” and he just goes like “yeah it’s my favourite 😏”
- he panics if you start asking him too many questions though 😭
- he always uses homework as an excuse to see you as well <3 does he listen when you explain something? nope, he stares at you the entire time like a complete idiot <3
- if you’re struggle with the homework too then he’s just like okay 🤷‍♀️ we’ll struggle together then !!
- he’d rather struggle with you than have to ask him mum for the millionth time
- eventually he confesses to you and he’s pretty nervous about it :( but as soon as you’re like no way i like you too! he tells his mum about you like you’re gonna be married by next week 😭
˗ˏˋ SANZU
-in his head you’re already his. like you’re literally dating fym you’re single?
- he loves your attention. he needs it. like if he doesn’t get enough of your attention in a day it makes him super grumpy and he’s so nasty to be around 😭
- like if you don’t show up somewhere on time or you’re not there when he gets there (eg a group meet up) he will immediately ask someone where you are
- then you gotta deal with him messaging you afterwards because it ruined his day :/ he won’t blame it on you though, he’ll blame it on anything else imaginable 
- so yeah he asks you to meet up with him alone a lot just so he can have all your attention on him and he can flirt with you as much as he wants (without rindou telling him to shut up <3)
- he likes to ask you if you want to go on a walk with him and get food, usually something sweet like ice cream or candy - he always says that’s one of those ‘our thing’ moments, like it’s a special little thing y’all do together 
- share your food with him and he’ll think of it as a proposal. like once y’all shared a cake together and he was thinking “it’s like our wedding !” boy come on now 🧍‍♀️
- also if you give him literally anything he will keep it. it could literally be a piece of paper with ‘you stink’ written on it and he’ll put it up on his wall like a mini poster - if his friends come over he’ll be like “look, y/n wrote that ! bet they were trying to flirt with me or something 🫶”
- he also likes to give you things ! usually they’re nicer than a piece of paper, like a necklace or a bracelet - he really wants to give you a ring though 
-he likes giving you jewellery because he feels like it’ll make you think about him more (it does) which is exactly what he wants <3 doesn’t want you thinking about any other guys
- possessive? jealous? fuck yeah 
- he’s not likely to do much about it - even though he wants to beat the daylights out of any guy that tries to ask you on a date he won’t because he doesn’t want to scare you <3
- but he will come over and completely ruin any kind of conversation you were having and be like “let’s go home 👹” 
- he just makes up a bunch of nasty shit about them and gets you to believe all of it n then he’s like “yeah, he’s nothing but trouble, ‘s best if you stick with me, sweetheart <3″ 100% wants to keep you all to himself 
- he remembers the guy and makes a mental note to still beat his ass if he’s ever bored one day 
- he’s pretty straight forward about it and he has a pretty intense personality so he finds it hard to not show how he feels
- sometimes he literally doesn’t know how to act around you and he’ll be super loud and energetic, making sure he has your attention 
- he compliments you all the time - he will compliment you on anything and everything, from how beautiful you are, how nice you look in that shirt, how you did your makeup today, the way you write, how nice your voice is, anything 
- pretty touchy too - he likes to have an arm around your shoulder, he hugs you a lot, kisses your head
- won’t do anything you’re not happy with if course ! 
- he says you’re his a lot. like you could be having a cute little hug moment and he’ll go “you’re mine, you know that?” and then he acts like he never said anything 
- if you’re shorter than him he definitely bring it up a lot and calls you small n cute >:(
- do anything like that back to him, wether it’s a hug, a compliment, a kiss, he won’t know what to do with himself - he likes to think that if you do any of that to him he’ll be prepared and he’ll be super chill about it but no
- blushing and smiling like a lovesick idiot (he is one <3)
- once you gave him a kiss on the cheek and he couldn’t even look at you <3
- reject him and he’ll probably lose his mind idk - it’s fine if you don’t wanna date him i will 🫶
˗ˏˋ  RINDOU
- he doesn’t make any moves right away you make him nervous n shy <3
- he just admires you from afar but not for that long :0 - when he does eventually start to talk to you and stuff he’s nervous but you can’t really tell 
- he thinks you’re the most beautiful person he’s ever seen so he’s kinda like wtf do i do now 🧍‍♀️
- he’s good at maintaining his scary, tough looking faces (and then he goes home and wonders if he’s too intimidating and kicks himself for it)
- he has a little (big) soft spot for you 🫶 so it progressively gets harder for him to keep up his tough personality - once that starts happening people catch on so fast because they’re like no way??? he’s not bullying random people for once???
- his gaze softens a lot around you and he finds himself being able to relax in a different way with you compared to when he’s around his friends <3 he loves your company so so much
- at first he kinda tries to impress you with money though :/ it’s his go-to thing sometimes because everyone loves money right? - it’s not like he pulls it out his pocket and flashes it around but he tries to spend it on you
- he’ll buy you things and surprise you with them a lot and then acts like he wasn’t trying to be nice just in case you don’t like it 😭 - he’ll be like “i bought this for you, dunno why, though. don’t even like it that much.” 
- if you like it (you always do) he’s the happiest man on the planet <3 seeing you smile because of him makes his day and he’ll think about it for the rest of the week :(
- once he starts getting for comfortable with you and being able to open up more with you he just uses every excuse to touch you <3 you don’t know where you’re going? he’ll hold the back of your neck and guide you. you lean on him when you laugh? wraps his arm around you and keeps you there. 
- first time you hugged him he had a heart attack but he wouldn’t let go of you :(
- he likes to sleep a lot too so sometimes he puts his head on your shoulder or in your lap to see if you let him stay there and if you do he goes to sleep with a little smile on his face - if you try to move from under him he gets a little pout like >:( 
- he kind of lets you do anything you want to him <3 he lets you mess around with his hair, he’ll let you do his makeup, he’ll model your jewellery for you, he’ll listen to you talk about anything you want for hours on end 
- rindou loves for company so much n you make him so happy so he’s willing to put up with you doing whatever you want with him <3
- definition of ‘anything for you’
- likes comparing hand sizes a little too much… 
- he really wants you to like ran. he really does but it’s so hard for him to even get around to introducing you to him properly because rindou hates putting up with his constant teasing 
- and ran always threatens to tell you embarrassing stories about rindou and he doesn’t think he can deal with that - so he just has to tell you cool stories about ran and hope for the best 😭
- he loves it when you ask about his fights - he likes how he can make himself sound really cool and scary and you just sit and listen like :00
- ask him to show you his fighting methods and his up on his feet in .5 seconds - he will do anything to impress you this man is practically in love with you
- play fights with you as a result of that and as a way of flirting - he just teases you and calls you weak but then lets you win eventually 
- he thinks about you 24/7 so when he gets from from meeting up with you he messages you right away - it’s usually something like “today was really fun!”, “you looked really pretty today btw :)”
- he tells you about his feelings over text :0 he doesn’t make a big deal out of it he just goes “i really like you btw” and then throws his phone onto the other side of the bed and acts like he never sent it 
˗ˏˋ RAN
- a tease. a bully. 
- it’s always been his go to and always will be with you because he knows it’s what he does best
- he will take any opportunity to make fun of you and will eat up every single reaction you give him - you get shy? good, he likes that one. you get mad? cool, it’s hot. you get upset? thats cute.
- if you get mad or upset he’ll just take it further and go “aww i’m sorry, angel, c’mere and i’ll kiss it better, yeah?” asshole :/
- he silently kicks himself when he upsets you as a result of it though and makes a mental note to be a little nicer to you the next time he sees you (only for that one day though)
- if you’re shorter than him (most people are, he’s literally huge), even if it’s just by a little, he runs a marathon with it
- he’ll come up really close behind you and get things off shelves n shit
- “you probably couldn’t reach that could you, hm?” you could.
- also compares hand sizes but more to show you how much bigger than you he is so he can find something else to make fun of you for and go all like ‘aww look at you :(’
- shoves you about a lot too - he likes it when he does it a little too hard and you nearly stumble over so he can catch you and tell you to stop being so clumsy
- he genuinely doesn’t mean to hurt you but if he does he will give you an actual apology and giggle about it 
- “i’m sorry, sweets, don’t know my own strength do i?” 
- he doesn’t pick on you and make fun of you out of malice though, if it was he wouldn’t have a crush on you - he finds it the easiest way to express how he feels and joking around just comes naturally to him 
- eventually he stops being so much of an asshole to you (not completely obviously <3) and he becomes more genuine and you see a nicer side of him 
- instead he just starts making jokes about other people to try and make you laugh
- ran looks at you like you hung the moon and stars. he really does like you a lot :(
- he likes to have you close to him so he hugs you a lot - he likes to feel like he’s protecting you all the time 
- he stands very close to you too, wether that’s behind you or next to you - he likes to make sure you always know he’s always there so you don’t forget to give him attention but he also likes to have you by his side
- uses his tattoo to his advantage - he’ll sit with his hand up his shirt so it rides up and you can see it on his lower stomach and if he catches you staring he’ll ask if you wanna touch it or something 
- loves to get you to wear his clothes - he thinks you look so cute and if you wear them out he smiles like an idiot 
- if anyone else thinks they’re gonna be able to look in your direction they’re very wrong. you’re literally his at this point he doesn’t see the point in theme even trying
- he won’t do it in front of you but he will definitely scare off anyone who tries to make a move on you, he’s even told some people he’s your boyfriend already (that was an accident but he doesn’t really care)
- surprisingly, if you reject him he takes it like a champ
- he’s genuinely really sad but he’s not gonna bother wasting time trying to win you over when you’ve already said no once before
- might have to go and vent to rindou for a few hours though
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reblogs appreciated <3
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lucyrose191 · 5 months
Note
Oh oh, can you write a pt2 of your kimi raikkonen fic? The date 🥰
SPOKEN ADMIRATION| K.RÄIKKÖNEN
Author’s note; not too sure how I feel about this, it’s not my best work.
Pairing; Kimi Räikkönen x Fem!Driver!Reader
Summary; Whilst the rest of the grid are out partying and celebrating Kimi and Y/N spend some time alone getting to know each other in his hotel room together
Warning; Implied age gap but not specified.
F1 Master List , Part 1
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Y/N didn’t know if she understood Kimi correctly when he had invited her to his room for ‘a drink’. These days that could mean anything, if it was anyone else she’d assume they were asking her out as a sort of relaxed date to get to know each other but this was Kimi Raikkonen, possibly one of the hardest people in the world to understand.
Did he want to get to know her better?
She had never really payed much attention to men, she had most definitely been approached and asked out before but with a goal as ambitious as hers growing up she found it best to focus on racing rather than any other aspects of her life, racing was just more important to her.
She also wasn’t really a fan of how immature guys her age could be but Kimi wasn’t her age, their conversations had been pretty limited but she couldn’t deny that he was charming in his own way.
His ‘iciness’ had never deterred her in any way because she herself was like that too, in fact now that she thought about it she seemed to enjoy the press conferences much more when Kimi was there with her, their personalities, as blunt or ‘harsh’ as they could be, fit well together and she knew the journalists hated interviewing them together but Y/N found herself enjoying those interviews more than any others.
Taking a deep breath, Y/N looked at herself in the mirror, she hadn’t put much effort in her outfit, she thought if she was simply going to be spending the evening with Kimi in his room then comfort was the way to go and settled on a jogger and hoodie set, even if Kimi did want it to be a sort of date she doubted he’d have put in much effort as well.
Her hair looked great though and she had minimal makeup on and deemed it enough for the night.
Arriving at his hotel room, her nerves had skyrocketed, something she wasn’t familiar with as she was usually confident but it seemed all that confidence had left her tonight.
Not wanting to stand in the hallway of the hotel all night, she knocked on the door, it only took a few seconds for him to answer.
She was taken by surprise.
He was wearing a grey top with matching sweats but it was the glasses on his face that had caught her attention.
He looked hot.
"I didn’t know you wore glasses," she commented lightly as she walked past him into his room, taking notice of how uncannily tidy it was, she didn’t imagine him as a near freak but he surely wouldn’t have cleaned his room just because she was coming, would he?
"Just at night," he shrugged, gesturing to his bed for bed to sit whilst he walked round the other side where there was a bottle of wine and two glasses waiting.
Y/N gave him a funny look. "Since when did you drink wine? I thought you were into the hard stuff."
Kimi looked at her before looking towards the floor as though trying to hide a smile knowing she was right. "You prefer wine," he simply stated, like it was the most obvious thing in the world.
Y/N stood for a moment and stared, letting his words sink in. "I do-but, well, I thought you invited me here to try and get me drunk? I was expecting whiskey and jäger bombs."
Kimi sighed and took a seat on the edge of the bed, popping open the bottle of wine and filling the glasses half way. "I didn’t invite you here to get drunk," he muttered, turning himself around to hand over her glass before lying his body against the headboard, his own glass in hand resting against his stomach.
She took the glass and mimicked his movements, both lying next to each other as she thought about his words and what to say in return. "Why did you invite me here?" She eventually settled on asking, not really wanting to beat around the bush.
Kimi pursed his lips at her question, eyes trained on the ceiling as he tried to find the words, he couldn’t just blurt it out, that would be wrong.
Y/N turned her head and looked at him curiously, "Do you like me, like, are you attracted to me?" She asked bluntly.
She watched as a subtle pink tinge blossomed on his cheeks and tried to press down the smile that was trying to appear on her face.
"S’ppose so," he responded, his voice that usual Finnish gruff that seems to be more prominent when he tried to be nonchalant or brush a topic to the side.
"You suppose so?" Y/N asked, biting down on her bottom lip, feeling he mouth threatening to stretch wider into a smile.
She wanted to laugh when he simply shrugged in response, knowing that if this was going to go anywhere then it was up to her because getting this far was probably way out of his comfort zone and it seemed he was really trying. "Did you ask me here as a date?"
"It was just a thought- Sebastian thought it would be a good idea-"
"-This was Sebastian’s idea?" The smile fell from her face.
Kimi rubbed a palm over his face as he saw the look on her face, he raised the glass to his mouth and downed its entirety before sitting up and facing her properly.
"I wanted it, he pushed me. I’m glad he did. I hoped you’d be open to the idea but I know you aren’t interested in finding- I just thought-"
"You really aren’t good with words, are you?" Y/N smiled at him, finding his rambling quite adorable.
"You’re right though, I’m not really interested in finding someone, or well- I wasn’t but then you asked which took me by surprise and if you wanted to then I’d give it a go, us two. I’d rather keep it on the down low though, for now at least, until it’s something."
A half a smile had grown on Kimi’s face as Y/N had rambled, relief filling his chest at her words. He was honestly more than fine with keeping it quiet, whatever it was, it would be nice to figure out things without people prying and he wouldn’t want to be the cause of her receiving backlash.
He couldn’t give a shit about anything that’s said about him but Y/N has worked so hard to get to where she is and he didn’t want to affect that, besides he was planning on retiring in the next few year so after that then there’d really be no issue.
"Are you okay with that?" She asked, not knowing what his silence meant.
Kimi looked at her in the eye and nodded, revelling in the pure joy on her face.
"So, what does Kimi Räikkönen do when he’s not busy with his hobby?" Y/N tried to get to know him.
"Bwoah, I don’t know," he blew out a large puff of air as he thought before shrugging "Sleep."
Y/N rolled her eyes "Of course you do, that’s all I ever see you doing," she teased.
"I don’t want to talk about me, I want to know about you," he told her strongly which she relented to knowing that there was time for her to get to know him.
"Well, what do you want to know?"
"Everything," he immediately responded as though he didn’t even need to think about it.
Y/N looked down to hide her smile before looking back up into his eyes that were sitting intently on her, his eyes held a soft gaze that she had never seen him have before; not realising that it actually appeared quite often whenever she was around.
"Well," she began. "When I was younger, I used to be quite bothered about what the boys in karting would say about me but then my dad told me that it was stupid that I even listened when I was easily beating them on the track and would be able to beat them with my fists too if he allowed me to, ever since then I just imagined myself punching everyone whenever they said something about me, I still do it now, the amount of times I’ve imagined punching Will Buxton in the face is ridiculous." She laughed melodically causing Kimi to smirk.
"My favourite colour is light blue, it has been since I was born because my parents got told I was a boy and had gotten me a blue stuffed rabbit that I still have to this day. I’ve always wanted to drive for RedBull because Sebastian drove for the team and he was my favourite driver, I loved how ruthless he was."
Kimi was never going to tell Sebastian that because if he found out the woman Kimi liked had seen Seb as an idol then the German would never let him live it down.
"Something you might not like is that I actually hate partying and getting drunk because I got alcohol poisoning as a teenager and I love that you’re always yourself in front of the cameras and show exactly who you are and where you’re here, to race, you couldn’t care less about the fame and I admire that."
As she finished speaking she looked him in the eyes, appreciating the thoughtful look on his face and the soft curve of his lips.
They simply stared at each other for a while, shoulders touching and wine glasses long forgotten, Y/N still half filled.
It was a subconscious move in the way Kimi’s face inched closer to hers, he hadn’t even noticed but she did and mimicked him until their noses were lightly brushing against each other.
Eventually, it was Y/N that inched forward and pressed her lips against his. She had never experienced a fluttering stomach from a kiss before, right now was a first. There were butterflies flying around crazily in her abdomen and every thought had disappeared, leaving her a cloudy mind.
When they pulled apart for air, they kept their bodies close, not really wanting to lose their connection entirely, both searching the others eyes for any sign of regret but pleasantly found none.
Kimi lifted an arm and wrapped it around her shoulders, silently pulling her into his embrace.
Not much needed to be said between the two, there was now a clear unspoken agreement between the two that it was now the start of something that would potentially be great, if not the start of what could be their entire lives,
Both were looking forward to it, grateful that a simple night together could’ve made so much progress.
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rosazoldyckk · 1 year
Text
-Yandere! Killua Zoldyck X Reader Headcanons-
⚠️warning⚠️ mentions of obsessive/yandere tendencies, kidnapping, stalking and assassination.
Fandom: Hunter X Hunter. Character(s): Killua Zoldyck, Silva Zoldyck, Kikyo Zoldyck, Gon freecs.
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Killua's love for you is intense. This new and rather unique feeling confuses him, and as much as he doesn't want to, he asks his mother and father about it.
Well, safe to say that Kikyo is absolutely FURIOUS that Killua is even thinking about something so foolish. She dedicated her whole being to raising her sons so that they could be the best assassins the zoldyck's could raise, and the heir to the family is thinking about love?? OUTRAGEOUS!!
Silva however, Is much more relaxed than his wife is and even encourages Killua to explore deeper into how he feels about you. To Killua, his father just wants him to be happy and free however in reality Silva wants a secured future for the Zoldyck family. So long as his son remains 'obedient' then all is well. (And maybe Silva can use you as a way to blackmail Killua if he ever becomes a hassle for the family)
Anyways. Now that Silva is on board, Killua is free to do whatever he wants with you!
No doubt that Killua politely asked Milluki to retrieve some information about you. (And by politely asked I mean threatened to destroy Milluki's dolls) And after Milluki being the ‘wonderful’ big brother that he is, Killua now knows all of your family's dark secrets that even you don't know.
Gon is the first to know about Killua's crush on you and in short he's super happy for his best friend! Gon is also just as encouraging as Silva is, even trying to spend some more time with Leorio and Kurapika so that you and you and Killua can have some 'alone time' (Gon doesn't know how crazy Killua is for you.)
Spontaneously walked up behind you one day in York new city and cut off some of your hair. Everyone around to witness it, including you, thought that he was some sort of psychopathic stalker when he was actually trying to be sweet. Even after all this time he still has it in a small ziplock bag underneath his pillow.
He really likes sleeping in the same room as you. Even when you don't know that he's there. You look so impossibly adorable, what with your tranquil expression and your gorgeous body. Killua couldn't help but wonder how it might feel to have you so at peace in his arms, with your steady and gentle breaths pushing against him. He wondered how it might feel to have your hands so securely wrapped in his own, with the softness of your skin soothing his.
Goes without saying that he'd 100% kill for you or torture someone in your name. What else could he do to prove his love? Must he rip out his heart and lay it on a bed of roses for you to acknowledge his undying emotions for you? If he needed help, than surely Gon, Kurapika and Leorio wouldn't hesitate.
Let's face it. Killua wasn't asking you out. He was telling you, you're now dating. He’s got a forceful side to him when it comes to starting the relationship.
If you didn't want to date him, that's just too damn bad because how are you in a position to refuse him when he’s the heir to the worlds strongest assassin family?
"We're not a couple, Killua! Stay away from me!" You screamed. Killua giggled as he looks up at you, a wicked smirk plastered on his face. "Yes... We are, Y/N. I've chosen you." He steps closer, making you gulp. "You're mine now~"
Killua wears the pants in your relationship. Well, he made the pants. He's the dominant one out of you two and he won't have it another way.
He's not delusional, just a boy who’s in love.
Killua may be a little immature, but boy is he smart. Growing up the way he did really gifted him with the art of manipulation and gaslighting to get his way.
Sometimes, he likes to make you feel foolish and pathetic. As a powerplay move.
He informs everyone including his family that both of you are dating. Even if it is not technically true. If Killua says your his. Then sorry, but there’s not much that anyone can do to help you.
Killua also forces his affection on you. (If you can even call it that). His favorite form of physical affection is hand-holding.
His favorite kisses to give are kisses on your knuckles. It's a gentleman's habit he learned here and there.
Call Killua a gentleman, and he’ll hold the title with pride
He'd give you the most bizarre but most expensive gifts (mostly from rich and fancy people that he’s had to assassinate). A whole bar of gold, a diamond necklace, rare animals, flower stems, the fingers of the people he’s had to kill, etc.
Killua isn’t overly expressive when it comes to telling you how much he loves you, Y’know since he didn’t really grow up hearing the words ‘I love you’ on a regular basis. So I think the farthest he expresses his love to you is through his drawings, and the occasional makeout session.
Killua would come to your home in the middle of the night with his skateboard and wake you up just so that he can tell you about the assassin life and how difficult it is. (As much as it’s fun to talk to you, Killua’s purely telling you so that you think twice about ever leaving him)
Now let's talk kidnapping...
If you got to a point where you couldn't take Killua forcing himself on you anymore and trying to flee, he would surely track you down in a short amount of time and then have you tied up tightly somewhere.
It saddens Killua deeply, to think that his love for you simply wasn’t enough to satisfy you, but he makes a silent oath to himself that he will try and be better, the second that he finds somewhere that will make sure that you never leave his side ever again.
His next step would be to inform his parents that a "guest" will be living with them for a while. And as skeptical the family is (an no matter how enraged Kikyo is upon hearing your arrival) they welcome you into their home. (On Killua’s demand) They don't even blink twice at the ropes wrapped around you or the collar tightened around your neck.
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ozzgin · 9 months
Note
Hi it's me again.
I wanted to ask you if you could do a yandere baki characters with a pregnant reader because i love the concept. If i could request some characters i would ask for Retsu because he's the perfect husband : he's responsible, he can cook, he's perfect 😍. Katsumi because he's a family man, and as a yandere i'm pretty sure he would baby Trap you and you can't forget about yandere supportive grandparents. Hanayama would be the protective daddy's baby girl and he would spoil you so bad. But please whatever you decide to do, avoid doing Yujiro cause there wouldn't be much to write about this immature man.
I would love if you could come up with something from the start of the pregnancy until the first moment with the baby after labor. But i understand if it's to much to write
I hope this request will inspire you. Thanks for reading this, bye 👋.
Sure thing, I think you picked the perfect characters for it. I might’ve included Biscuit Oliva, but I’m horribly uninspired for the yandere part of it. Might update it in the future.
Yandere! Baki Characters x Pregnant! Reader Headcanons
Featuring Kaiou Retsu, Katsumi Orochi, Kaoru Hanayama. And a heavily pregnant reader!
[Baki Masterlist]
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Kaiou Retsu
Retsu has never been one to think hard about lineage. He himself was born and raised in a temple, without any known biological relatives, and nonetheless has built lifelong bonds based on loyalty and respect. Yet something about having his own offspring is intriguing and tempting. The idea itself wouldn’t be as attractive if it wasn’t for the fact that you’re part of the equation. Yes, that’s what makes it so special. Not the fact that he’s passing his genes, but that in doing so he’s further materializing his connection with you.
These thoughts come to fruition when you hand him a positive test. He looks at you with a serious, determined expression, but you can guess from the shaking hands just how overwhelmed he is. There’s no greater privilege than being a father to YOUR child. He offers you a deep bow and vows to become the best father figure you could ask for.
You try to tell him that he can take it easy, but this man stays true to his word. You look outside the window one day and see him doing his usual training, except this time he’s wearing headphones. Listening to music? As if! He got himself some parenting audio books in order to maintain his physique and improve his knowledge on the topic. Your fridge is overflowing with leftovers because he cooks several meal courses at once, just in case you suddenly crave a different dish. You’ve been approached by officers on the street and had to explain that the man stalking you is your husband, and he’s just worried you might get hurt on your grocery shopping trip. You sigh, exhausted.
A newly found sense of purpose floods his being upon holding the newborn. There it is, the concrete, ultimate proof of your love. The reassurance that you’ve chosen him, out of all the men out there, for this experience of a lifetime. Don’t worry, he will never forget it. He will spend the rest of his life demonstrating his devotion and adoration to you. You won’t regret your decision. Ever.
Katsumi Orochi
Katsumi has a complex relationship when it comes to family dynamics. He has known both the tragedy of losing a father and the joy of having one in his life to this day. He’s been plagued by grief and love at the same time and so for him, the image of a father becomes a labyrinth of feelings. Except that he’s not wandering alone, but with his darling (Y/N) by his side. His blindingly bright guide and love of his life.
When you surprise him with the news, he feels as if all pieces of the puzzle click together and he’s finally found an exit to the maze, an answer, a purpose. Naturally, being a father holds different meanings to different people. To him, having a child means that your fate has been joined with his. Whatever the future holds for you must now include him, soldered safely into your plans. Oh, what a blissful occasion. You’ve given yourself to him entirely and he will make sure to never break the trust.
You didn’t think he’d care for all the small details, but he does. He’ll be right next to you during all appointments. He’ll be holding your hand when you’re sick and unwell. He’ll be scribbling furiously and taking notes during the parenting classes you decided to attend. He wants to know everything and be part of everything. And you’d be fine with it if it wasn’t for the equally overzealous in-laws. The Orochi family has you under permanent surveillance, nearly worshipping the ground you walk on. You’re overwhelmed.
His hands carefully wrap around the fragile, soft body of the infant. Katsumi marvels at the size and lifts it slightly, in order to be able to view both the baby and the mother. His eyes narrow in a dazed smile, gazing at the sight in front of him. His family has taken many forms, volatile through time, expanding and shrinking. In this very moment, however, it’s this. Just you, him and the proof of your bond. He won’t allow anything else to interfere.
Kaoru Hanayama
Hanayama is very proud of his father as a yakuza leader, but never fully approved of the way he carried his duty as a parent and husband. He wants to prove that he can be a fearless, hard-hearted kumichou without stripping his kindness to his friends and family. Especially after meeting you, he’s convinced he could never have the heart to upset you in any way. The two driving forces in his life are the honor of his family and (Y/N)’s happiness.
And this oath might soon extend and bring everything together at once. When he hears your announcement, he closes his eyes briefly and pictures it. Unexpectedly, the meaning of family has been fulfilled in every way possible. He’s not afraid or nervous, in fact he’s welcoming it with open arms. He feels almost nostalgic, similar to when he inherited his father’s title and became responsible for his Group. He asks for the ceremonial cups to be brought, together with the best sake. From parent to child, he raises the small cup for his second sakazukigoto and you return the gesture with a solemn smile. You sheepishly remind him that you can no longer drink alcohol and he bows to apologize, flustered.
Hanayama will make sure that everything is at your feet. The whole branch has now been tasked to provide to your smallest wishes and desires. Not only are you his life companion, but you are gifting his Group with a new addition and he wants you to be aware of your importance. Sometimes he might become a little melancholic, wishing he could ask his mother for advice on how to proceed. When that happens, you hold his hand firmly and remind him that you’re just as clueless and you will figure it out together. Truly, what a blessing you’ve been in his life.
When the newborn child is placed in his arms, Hanayama can feel his knees weakened by emotion for the very first time. Not only is this small human his own blood and flesh, but a part of (Y/N) as well, serving as a promise of devotion. You’re all his and now he has a permanent reminder of it. He chuckles, slightly regretful that he can no longer parade you around with an obvious belly. He feels you tug at his sleeve. “Have you told Kizaki?” You ask, fatigued. “I told everyone, actually. They’re all outside.” You cover your eyes with your arm, not wanting to imagine the sight. Dozens of yakuza casually hanging out in the hospital yard. Welcome to the family, I suppose.
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spriteofmushrooms · 6 months
Text
Wei Wuxian sipped the wine Lan Zhan brought from Gusu in one of Jinlin Tai's many ostentatious peony gardens. He had found a branch in a ginkgo tree that was high enough that no one should see him at a glance where he still had a good view of the moon between the yellow leaves. It wasn't the worst way he could have spent his time at the Discussion Conference. Lan Zhan, for example, had to be xiandu. What could possibly be worse than that?
"Jin Ling, what's the matter now?"
Wei Wuxian rolled his eyes. Really, Jiang Cheng is such a wronged mother. He plays his part like a grand madam.
"Do you think Zizhen-ge is a better sect leader than I am?" Jin Ling hissed.
"What?" Wei Wuxian looked down. Through the branches, he could see Jiang Cheng's silver lotus guan glimmer with his head shake. "Where did you get that from? A-Ling, sit and explain."
"You complimented him in front of everyone," Jin Ling grumbled, but he flounced onto the bench.
Jiang Cheng folded himself gracefully, careful of the drape of his robes. "It's his first conference. All I did was walk him through presenting himself, like a junior should be treated."
"You liked his proposal."
"You like it, too, brat. Besides, a little support in the beginning keeps the old men at bay."
Jin Ling knocked his shoulder against Jiang Cheng's. "So it's not because you always wanted a poet for a nephew?"
Wei Wuxian couldn't see it, but he could imagine Jiang Cheng's face. But when Jiang Cheng spoke, it didn't match the tone he expected. Sad, but trying to joke. "After the poems Zixuan wrote?"
"A-Die wrote poems?"
Oh, oh, Wei Wuxian wanted to leave.
"Once he became enlightened, he was devout. 'Rain pearls on lotus leaves which bow gracefully/Thoughts of you collect and overwhelm me.' A-jie blushed for weeks." Jiang Cheng sighed. "The Jinlin Tai library should have them all somewhere. Please don't let Ouyang-gongzi read them."
Jin Ling huffed a laugh and threw his arm around Jiang Cheng's shoulder, which is when Wei Wuxian realized Jin Ling was taller and broader now. He hadn't seen them side by side in years. A light breeze stirred the gingko leaves and lifted the scent of peonies.
"Hanguang-jun didn't murder anyone with his eyes today," Jin Ling chirped. "Do you think he's starting to like politics?"
"Don't."
"Jiujiu..."
"He's the xiandu, Jin Ling. What do you think would happen if anyone overheard you disrespect him, especially while hosting the conference?"
Jin Ling groaned and threw his head back dramatically, jostling Jiang Cheng. Briefly, Wei Wuxian amused himself by imagining what Yu-furen would have made of her grandson. Then he gently slapped himself. "You're so boring, jiujiu! It's not like he respects either of us."
Jiang Cheng snapped, "I didn't realize you aspired to be so immature and irresponsible."
Immature? Irresponsible? Jiang Cheng had a lot of nerve! Wei Wuxian would tell him so, but then he would have to admit to hiding in a tree. Jiang Cheng would be so annoying about it, and Wei Wuxian really didn't want to bother!
"Aiya, jiujiu, if I can't complain to you about him, who can I? No one else sees what he's like."
Jiang Cheng leaned against Jin Ling, but then he ruined the picture by saying, "It's good that most people can't tell. If half of the sects ran to Zewu-jun with complaints about his beloved didi, he would leave seclusion before he was ready."
They were quiet for a few moments. Suddenly, Jin Ling burst out, "Do you really not care?"
Jiang Cheng paused. "About?"
"You know I spend time with—him!"
"You're sixteen, Jin Ling. Your memory should be good enough to remember every other time you've poked at this. And use his name; he doesn't actually appear every time you call."
"Wei-qianbei misses you!" Jin Ling grabbed Jiang Cheng's shoulders and started to gently shake him back and forth, but then Jiang Cheng pushed his hands away and stood.
"As you are clearly feeling better, I will leave first," Jiang Cheng hissed.
Jin Ling zipped in front of Jiang Cheng, blocking his path. "Jiujiu, I don't understand you at all! You want to talk to him, and he wants to talk to you. Why are you waiting?"
"He wants to talk to me so much that I learned about his elopement from gossiping disciples? He wants to talk to me so much that he lives in Cloud Recesses, which he hates? He wants to talk to me so much that he ignores Lan Wangji's hand on Bichen every time we meet?" With each question, Jiang Cheng prowled forward, and Jin Ling backed up.
"I don't think he hates Cloud Recesses..."
That's right; Wei Wuxian didn't. Lan Zhan was there, for one thing. And the juniors!
"That's because you don't fucking know him," Jiang Cheng snapped.
"Oh, and you do? When you won't even talk to him?"
"I was his assignment, Jin Ling. He either played with me or starved; he either trained to be the best or lost his position." Jiang Cheng laughed, dark and mean. "Not that I noticed."
"Jiujiu..."
"Let him live the life he wants, Jin Ling. Let me go to bed."
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twstowo · 3 months
Note
Hi, there! :D
Okay, I ended up getting crushed (in a good way) by the: True love's kiss, but he's not the one. But what if we up the ante on anguish and pain? In another example and characters?
That the boys who kissed the prefect (Sebek, Ace, Floyd and Cater) saw that his "best friend" (Silver, Deuce, Jade and Trey) managed to wake up the prefect by kissing them proving that him are his true love💔
I think that would be much more painful to see, that your most loved person already has their loved one and it's not you.
But hey, it's an idea that occurred to me, I'll leave it in your hands if you want to do it. No pressure! Your twst writings are so entertaining <3
♡︎I took way to long to write this, sorry!!! I just kept on writing more and more and more.
♡︎As an Angst fan this was purelly briliant, I might write this prompt with more characters in the future!
♡︎Warning: Angst ofc
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⋆⋅☆Sebek
When he learned of the spell that had befallen you, he hurriedly made his way to find you as swiftly as possible. Many were impressed by the unusual sight of him forsaking his duties, yet had they witnessed the concern etched across his face as he dashed through the school's hallways, it would have unveiled the depth of his worry.
Discovering you peacefully asleep in the infirmary, a serenity washed over you that made him yearn for the days when your exasperated expression met his loud voice, longing to hear your requests for help with homework. He sighed, a sigh not of annoyance, but rather of the realization that you had been ensnared by a sleeping spell – a rather foolish predicament, he mused. Nevertheless, his true sentiments lay in the admission that weeks ago, he had acknowledged his profound feelings for you.
Summoning the courage to kiss you, he envisioned your smile and your eyes meeting his. Yet, as he leaned in with hope, only to find you still unconscious, a surge of rage consumed him, making him leave the room with heavy steps.
By the end of the day, guilt had settled within him, recognizing the immaturity of his earlier outburst. Compelled to address his mistake, he visited you, only to be met with the sight of Silver tenderly kissing your slumbering form. Frozen in place, he observed the scene unfold until your eyes fluttered open, and you exchanged an enamored smile with Silver, your hand gently caressing his face.
Retreating from view without being noticed, he adopted an uncharacteristic coldness in his next encounters with Silver and you. In training sessions with Silver, he became a forceful contender, driven to win, yet even here, victory seemed to elude him.
With time, he allowed those emotions to vanish, redirecting his focus to his role as a knight, dedicated to safeguarding Malleus.
Love, he concluded, was never intended for one whose sole pursuit was the protection of his liege.
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⋆⋅☆Ace
Ace and Deuce were around when the spell hit you. They were a mess, trying to figure out how to wake you up. When they thought about the true love kiss, things got awkward. Ace noticed Deuce blushing at your sleeping form. He shook off the idea that Deuce might like you because, according to Ace, you preferred spending time with him. You always came to him first in the morning, helped him with school stuff, and he was sure that if he kissed you, you'd wake up because you loved him as much as he loved you.
So, why didn’t you wake up when he kissed you? And why did you wake up when Deuce did?
Was Ace that blind? He didn't even remember you and Deuce being that close. Well, except for when you chatted in class, sent papers to each other, or when Deuce started giving you cheek kisses. By the Seven, he felt so clueless.
To deal with his feelings, Ace decided to distance himself for a bit. He didn't feel good being around you two. However, being without his closest friends at Night Raven College felt weird.
Sure, Ace could make new friends, but would they ever be as fun as you two?
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⋆⋅☆Floyd
Floyd found himself carrying you like a sack of potatoes on his shoulder after overhearing that you had fallen victim to a sleeping spell. In an attempt to wake you up, he sought Azul's expertise to brew a potion. However, as he gently laid you down on the VIP room's sofa, he witnessed Azul becoming uncomfortably affectionate with you. Suppressing the impulse to grab you again, Floyd's told Azul to back off and quickly he got an answer. He listened as Azul explained that a love kiss could wake you up.
In typical Floyd fashion, he took those words like nothing, leaning down to kiss you without considering whether you reciprocated his feelings. In his mind, the two of you were unequivocally in love. So when you didn't wake up, he erupted into a fit of denial, accusing Azul of playing around with him regarding the concept of a love kiss as a cure. Despite his protestations, Azul reassured him that he wasn't lying. Frustrated, Floyd stormed out of the room, leaving behind an aura of annoyance that he redirected towards others, likely ending in detention.
Upon his return, still perturbed by your lack of reciprocation, Floyd witnessed Jade holding your hand as you sat on the sofa, engaged in conversation. Barging in, his gaze pierced you as he interrogated his brother about how you woke up and Jade, with a teasing look, disclosed that he had just kissed you.
Now, Floyd's annoyance escalated as he watched you, the person he harbored feelings for, being affectionate with his brother. In his perception, his own brother had betrayed him. Consumed by anger, it took him weeks to talk with both of you, maintaining a consistently sour mood. However, with time, Floyd moved on, losing his feelings for you. The three of you eventually resumed normal interactions, as Floyd couldn't sustain his frustration with his brother for long.
If Jade was happy with you, Floyd was fine with it.
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⋆⋅☆Cater
Cater sprinted to your side as soon as he heard the news of you being placed under a sleeping spell. Worry clouded his thoughts, preventing him from thinking straight as he entered the room. There you were, surrounded by Riddle and Trey, who appeared to be brainstorming a solution to wake you up. Cater observed as Riddle approached him, a slight blush adorning his face, to convey that the apparent cure was a love kiss.
The information left Cater at a loss, unsure of how to navigate the situation. Despite harboring feelings for you and being exceptionally close, he had always believed that your relationship was purely friendly. While he cherished your friendship, he couldn't shake the feeling that he was just one of many in your life. Riddle, always there to assist you with studies, smart, kind, and a housewarden, seemed like a more fitting companion. Adding to the mix were Ace and Deuce, who were constantly by your side, creating a tight-knit trio. Cater vividly remembered the day he invited you to the music club, eager to spend time with you. However, he watched as Kalim quickly captivated your attention with his lively personality. Even though he knew he could have joined the conversation, Cater felt a sense of exclusion. Seeing you so engrossed in Kalim, despite his own efforts to plan a special day for the two of you, made him question his place in your life.
So, he didn’t even entertain the thought of kissing you, he knew deep down that such an action wouldn’t awaken you. His assumption was quickly validated when he returned to the room after his classes to find you awake. And even after assuring himself that you would never love him back, he still felt his heart sank as he witnessed Trey fully captivating your attention.
Even in that moment, you didn’t spare a glance his way, never once acknowledging his presence.
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ilylovelyz · 10 months
Note
hey, i loveeee your storiessss💕💚💚🫶🏻 can you possibly do like sakusa makeup s*x? like i imagine him like being so clingy during it because he wants to makeup to you so badddddd!!
close to me.
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pair : sakusa x afab!reader
warning(s) : jus nice makeup sex, somnophilia, im sorry for not answering requests im still unmotivated
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sakusa is not one to whine and beg for what he wants. he thinks it's childish and immature. he would very much rather to just forget about whatever he wants instead of getting on his knees and begging.
but after the most recent argument he had with you, he might as well beg for your attention like some sad puppy because for the past two days, you've been giving him a harsh cold shoulder. he doesn't even quite remember what you two disagreed about. it was something small turned big, thats for sure.
it's his second night in a row on the small sofa in your living room. the minute you were fed up with the argument, you banned him to the couch. you didn't even want to sleep next to him. in the moment, he happily gave into your demand, huffing and puffing his way to the couch.
it was like two hours in when he already regretted his mistake. as much as he wants to look like, he's very touch-starved and social (with you), and the couch was a little too lonely and cold for his liking. he wanted to go and grovel at your bedside, but found himself standing there like a creep in the dark, pride stinging him greatly.
the morning after that, he tried talking to you, but was too awkward and embarrassed. he ignored the little pang of heartbreak he felt when you turned him away. he wondered how he could fix this issue that he created, but he was never great with relationships to begin with.
he sighs deeply, closing his eyes in hopes of falling asleep. but he can't. not on this stupid stiff sofa you bought simply for looks. not without you. and definitely not with this urge to just touch you again. he focuses on the time again. 1:02 am. he abruptly sits up, he's not going to spend another night like this.
he makes his way to your shared bedroom, the only source of light is the small pink nightlight placed in the hallway. you're scared of the dark. he quietly steps into the room, eyes softly making out the outline of your body underneath the futon. he's at the edge of the bed, trying to decide his actual plan.
his hand mindlessly reached to tap your waist, his hand rubbing against the cloth material of your shirt. his shirt, he can tell, it's too big on you. he crawls onto the bed, sitting on his knees as he quietly leans down to place a light kiss to your cheek. "y/n.. i miss you." he softly whispers against your cheek, hands caressing on the bare skin of your exposed back.
he places another kiss onto your forehead before he's pulling away at your panties, being careful to not potentially stretch them out with his strength. "y/n, i miss you." he breathes out, leaning down to place a kiss on your kneecaps as his calloused fingers rub against your folds. he pays no mind to the fact that you are sleeping, you'll wake up eventually. he's done this before with your consent.
his fingers prod and tease your puffy hole as his palm is rubbing against your clit. he places more mindless kisses along your thighs and pelvis, eager to show you his determination and love for you. "omi?" you croak, mouth falling open in a silent mewl when his fingers work their way into your core. he wastes no time to find that sweet spot of yours. he's determined to make you forgive him again.
"y/n, i'm sorry." he immediately says, hands leaving your needy walls so he could sit up and lean his forehead against yours as he lined his cock's tip against your throbbing hole. he closes his eyes shut when he sinks into you, ears listening intently to your surprised gasp. the two of you practically share the same air as his lips feather against yours, almost connecting but at the same time not.
he's desperate for you. he just wants you. he hisses when your hands clench and claw at his shoulders in pleasure. he softly smiles with content, thats how it should be. he throws your leg around his waist, hoping the new position will have him reaching deeper into you.
you moan and mewl at his deep and slow thrusts, pussy fluttering deliciously around him. he resists the urge to cum with you clenching so tightly around him, it's for you after all. he swallows down a cry of his name as he kisses you deeply, tongues slowly dancing with one another.
he takes one of your hands from his shoulder, his much bigger one holding yours with love. his forehead still glued to yours, he pushes his whole body weight against you, low eyes watching your lewd facial expressions.
"y/n, i love you." he whisperers as you cum around him. he clenches his eyes shut to draw away his own orgasm. it's all for you. he grunts as he can't resist anymore before he's spilling his warm seed inside of you.
"y/n- i fucking love you." he chokes out, hips pushing against yours before all but his lips come to a stop, passionately kissing and shaking against you as he lays on top of you, desperate to feel you close to him for longer.
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please leave a like and repost with tags :)
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dotieeee · 9 days
Text
The Gamemaker's Apprentice
Level 16
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Pairing: Dark!Young!Coriolanus Snow x You, named!Reader
Overall Warnings:
NON-CON, DUB-CON, Dark!Young!Coriolanus Snow, Snow himself should be a warning, lots of blackmailing, gaslighting, manipulation, obsession, possesiveness, eventual forced marriage, eventual loss of virginity, breeding kink, canon-compliant major character death, reader is named but has no physical descriptions in the fic so one might also consider her an OC but in 2nd POV, will have canon inconsistencies, drugging, somnophilia, and other stuff that may be added
Masterlist
Level 16 Warnings:
Non-consensual dom-sub dynamic (belt-flogging), alcoholic consumption, bullying
Replay Level 15
Ready? Level 16 Start:
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You didn’t really want to be here. Not at all, no sir.
You were a big fan of routine. Every day from Monday to Friday, Ms Rosenthal would come by at your home to supervise your studies. You’ve heard her compliment you many times to Uncle Cas about how you’re quite a few levels too advanced for children your age; you’ve been getting perfect scores in all your arithmetic tests; your reading and writing skills are superb.
Two months ago, however, Uncle had decided to take a pause on the routine and mentioned it was perhaps time to try something new: going to school for a day to see how you’d like it. This, you didn't understand. You’ve been doing exceptionally well with your studies, kept your nose clean and everything – so how come Uncle had to disrupt the way things were just because your psychologist told him to?
“Nellie is just eight and she needs to spend time with people her age, Mr Innis. She may be intellectually gifted, but besides her tutoring sessions, you may want to see her enrolled in any of our elementary schools and be around with other kids to prevent emotionally stunted growth.”
According to your research, the psychologist just called you aloof and immature.
But Uncle Cas pleaded that you give this day a chance. Just this first day of school, and he said if you didn’t like it, he wouldn’t pressure you to stay.
So far, except for odd stares from the other kids on the playground, you’d been left alone on a stone bench reading a book you had brought for comfort.
Algebra I For Beginners.
You wanted to be like your uncle working with computers one day, and he said if you wanted a leg-up, Algebra was the way to start. You took out a notebook and a pencil, intending to begin with an equation on page thirty-one, when you spotted several kids convening around the base of one of the slides, whispering among themselves. One of them, the blonde girl with pigtails in the middle, pointed to someone on the swing – a boy with thick brown curls and downcast brown eyes – followed by everyone else’s laughter. Anyone from a distance like yours could easily see that they were making fun of him for whatever reason – all of them except the tall boy with blond wavy locks and bright blue eyes, who ignored both the laughter and the boy on the swing, merely hanging back to observe. There was something a tad snobbish in his facial expression, but you couldn’t really tell. Maybe that’s just how he usually looked. You’d later discover how correct your initial assumption would be.
One of the kids, you didn’t see who, pelted the boy with brown curls with a pebble, but it hit the sand near him, loud enough to attract his attention.
From across the short distance you heard one of them say, “Hey, is it true they eat babies in the districts?”
Everyone, save the blond boy, burst into raucous laughter and went on to call him names you’ve only heard on television before, which made you frown a bit.
The boy was clearly minding his own business. Why would they bother him at all by calling him needlessly cruel names?
You abandoned your book and your bag and approached them.
“Excuse me,” you politely interjected. “What did he do?”
The girl with pigtails in the middle said, “Who are you?”
“That doesn’t matter,” you said.
They whispered among themselves, which you only caught glimpses of.
“You think she’s District too?”
“She doesn’t sound like it…”
“I haven’t seen her before…”
One of them quipped, “He’s District. Are you?”
“That shouldn’t matter, either. Everyone should be treated fairly.”
“You know what my father calls your type? A rebel s-sin..synthesiser,” a brown-haired girl said with contempt.
“I think the correct word would be ‘sympathiser,’” you replied with a tilt of your head, which earned an eye roll from the girl.
“Whatever, freak,” she said snootily. “Ugh, I’m leaving, this isn’t fun anymore.”
Everyone in the group groaned but they dispersed. The blond boy, however, stared at you with mild interest, which he tried to hide using a blank expression. You ignored him in favour of talking to the brown-haired boy – he could’ve stopped his ‘friends’ from calling him terrible names, but instead, he just stood back and did nothing.
“Don’t mind them,” you gave him what you thought was a friendly smile. “They’re all just huge shitbags.”
Both the boys seemed taken aback by your language. Your uncle always had to tell you not to say things like that, but you hear him use that kind of language all the time, especially in the kitchen. “My name is Prunella Innis. You can call me Nellie.”
You held out your hand to the brown-eyed boy, which he shook tentatively.
The blond boy confidently strode over to you and took out his palm. “Coriolanus. Coriolanus Snow.”
“Hi,” you flashed him the same smile and shook his hand lightly. You then turned to the other boy, who got out of his perch on the swing and introduced himself, sniffling.
“My name’s Sejanus Plinth.”
“I know,” Coriolanus said matter-of-factly. “I heard your family just moved to the Capitol.”
The boy named Sejanus nodded, but there was something sad behind his eyes. To try and make him feel better, you said, “Sejanus, huh? Mine did about two years ago.”
Both the boys gave you surprised looks; you shrugged it off and said, “So what? It certainly didn’t do my parents any favours.”
Sejanus actually cracked a smile, but Coriolanus’s real expression remained masked behind what you could tell was a fake smile.
A word you recently learned, ‘elitist,’ crossed your mind. You’d discover much later that assumption too, would be correct.
“You’ve been here since the middle of the war? I haven’t seen you in school before,” the curious blond asked.
“I’m homeschooled.” And if you had anything to say about it, you liked it better that way.
Sejanus bashfully showed a tiny brown bag. You peered inside and saw gumdrops. Your uncle didn’t hoard gumdrops as much as he did with chocolates, so you suspected that he didn’t like them very much. You took one, saying ‘thank you’, and Coriolanus took some after you.
“Am I going to see you around?” Sejanus asked you, looking somewhat hopeful.
Your smile faltered a little. “Probably not.”
Sejanus’s brows drew together. “Why not?”
“My uncle says I don’t have to stay if I don’t like it. And I’ve decided that I don’t.”
“So you’re going to keep studying…at home?” Coriolanus wondered with a tone that sounded like it was a foreign concept to him.
“Yes.”
You smiled at them both and went back to your bench to pick up where you left off in the book. Your uncle emerged not much later from the building with an expectant look on his face. That look immediately morphed into exasperation once he saw you begin packing your bag.
“Let me guess: the place didn’t even stand a chance.”
Nodding, you added, “The kids here are hostile; therefore I think the environment may be cutthroat.”
Your Uncle Cas sighed to himself and commented under his breath, “You know, sometimes I think your vocabulary is a punishment for my past actions…”
Ignoring this, you glanced up at your uncle with an innocent grin and asked, “So, do we get ice cream after?”
“A big, whopping ‘no.’ Not a damn chance.”
Uncle Cas only laughed at the pout on your face, but you glanced back at the boys named Sejanus and Coriolanus, nodding farewell to them both. The corner of Coriolanus’s mouth twitched upwards and Sejanus gave you a small wave. Your gaze lingered just a little on Sejanus’s warm brown eyes.
You would see both of them again in a few years’ time, but that little girl walking away from the schoolyard didn’t yet know that the boys would remain a permanent fixture in her life: one of them, taking her heart with him to his grave, and the other, forcibly twining with and shaping her entire future for the worse.
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Nine fifty-eight on a Friday night is quite a busy time for Club She Said. The girls-only membership club is already packed with well-dressed rich Capitol women with pretty drinks in their hands, chattering about and giggling among themselves. The company whom you invited seems to have arrived surprisingly earlier than you have and is sitting at the bar seemingly engaged in a lively conversation with the lady bartender.
“You’re early,” you comment as you take the seat beside her.
“It’s called ‘growth. You should try it sometime, it wouldn’t hurt,” Livia Cardew jabs at you as she sips her drink.
Your maid of honour, casually dissing you. You roll your eyes in mild amusement as she orders a drink called The Dark Lady on your behalf – a blackberry-lemon smash – and say, “This is a nice place. It feels cosy and...safe.”
Your eyes dart around the club, spotting nothing but female staff – waitresses, DJs, bouncers – plus the numerous cliques who seem to be having a blast catching up with their girlfriends over drinks without the presence of their male partners. You’re thankful Livia chose this place on your behalf – even with your fiancé’s money and influence, this is a place he’ll never be allowed to enter.
Livia grinned smugly at your compliment. “Well, with your ridiculous time limit, I figured we both deserve to spend it wisely and without your boyfriend breathing down your neck.” She gives you a dead-eyed look and adds, “Honestly, he’s the only man I know who gives his girl just a measly one hour and thirty minutes to be out and about on a Friday night. So, unless he’s horny and he wants to fuck all the time, he’s just being an ass.”
This, you can’t agree more.
The lady bartender arrives with your drink, elegantly presented in a tall, slender glass, garnished with fresh blackberries and a lemon wedge. You thank her and turn to Livia to reply, “What can I say, I hit the jackpot. Oh my, this is amazing.” You had just taken a sip of the drink, which is by far the best you’ve ever had, to which the bartender beams in thanks.
Livia lets out screech of excitement. “Wait till you try Better Than Sex...”
She then proceeds to explain the drink’s etymology in great detail – a drink made of coffee liqueur, chocolate liqueur, full-cream milk and cherry grenadine, garnished with whipped cream and chocolate shavings. She goes on from She Said’s cocktails to showing you photos of bridesmaids’ gowns which she fishes out of her purse.
“I think this one fits your theme best,” she says as she points to a photo. “Besides, I look fucking fabulous in that colour and cut.”
Then she starts pointing out to you who’s sleeping with whom in the club, right before she jumps into the topic of arranging your bachelorette party.
“What? Absolutely not,” you say. Images of you passed out, drunk, and being hauled home by a displeased Coriolanus cross your mind. You shiver inwardly in horror at the idea.
“And why not?” she retorts, clearly outraged. “How could you fucking pass on your own hen party? That’s like, the hen’s only chance to have a bit of fun before the cock locks her in a cage and throws away the key. Pun totally intended.”
She takes a long swig of her drink and holds out a pointer finger for emphasis. “Read: by ‘fun,’ I meant strippers.”
With your eyebrows raised, you shake your head and respond, “Try mentioning that when he’s around and see if you get more than the icy stare.”
“Oh, boo-hoo. He used to hire escorts all the time. Honestly, he’s such a hypocrite.”
It takes you quite a bit of convincing for her to finally drop it and relent.
“Ugh, fine. Forgive me for trying to take my role seriously,” she sighs as she rolls her eyes dramatically and curls her lips in mock disapproval. “Don’t blame me down the line if you start feeling unfulfilled for not trying out other dicks for size.”
The lady bartender brings another round of cocktails for two, and you both clink your glasses together before sipping. This is the most alcohol you’ve consumed not just in one night, but also your entire life. You haven’t even gone through your second glass halfway and you’re already feeling the proverbial buzz.
“Okay, Innis. Spill. I know you didn’t invite me out for drinks just to shut down my hen party-hosting skills. Plus, we’ll get to meet at that cake-tasting thing tomorrow anyway. What is this about, for real?” Livia, ever the sharp one, rests her chin on the back of her hand and stares at you inquisitively.
You meet her gaze nonchalantly and reply, “Nothing. I was just bored. Can’t wait to try the cakes out.”
There is truth to that, somehow, because aside from the wedding preparations, college classes, and Coriolanus dragging you along to these events he’s always invited to, he still hasn’t allowed you to freely roam the city, perhaps fearing you’d attempt to contact your uncle and make a run for it again.
Livia squints her eyes at you while inching closer and not breaking eye contact. “You’re a good liar,” she concludes, leaning back into her seat and nodding in approval. “I like it.”
She gestures to the bartender for another round of drinks – your eyes widen when you realise she just ordered shots – and says with a mischievous grin as they arrive, “Luckily for me, I have methods of extracting valuable information – methods, mind you, that have, so far, yielded me with satisfactory results.”
You shake your head in mirth, accepting the drink from her. She raises her glass as if taking you on a challenge.
“Mark my word: you are going to fold, Innis.”
“Bite me, Cardew.”
Both of you burst into fits of laughter and throw your heads back in unison as you empty the shot glass. Two more of those and eventually you tap out of the drinking spree, earning the scathing comment ‘lightweight’ from your drinking buddy, who isn’t too far from your level of tipsiness despite what she brags about. You decide to order a basket of bacon-jalapeño poppers to nibble on, and you manage to get through half the basket before Livia takes it away and places it behind her, well beyond your reach.
“Easy on the grease, will you please?”
You pout. “Hey, I wasn’t done with that.”
She just replies with a frown, “Watch your figure. Tigris won’t like it if she makes adjustments to your dress at the last minute.”
You finish off the piece you’re holding with a single bite and lean on the bar with a slumped posture.
“Or not. You know, maybe if you let yourself go, your boyfriend might just – ”
“It’s Sejanus’s second death anniversary tomorrow.”
A pause passes between you two, with Livia staring at you as if she doesn’t know how to react or what to say to what you just blurted without warning.
“‘District boy?’” When you shoot her a half-hearted glare, she corrects herself, her tone a little more mellow, “Sorry, force of habit. And not to be a bitch, but why do you care?”
Why, indeed? The first year, you had no trouble going through, but the second somehow seems like another empty hole in your heart, slowly growing and gnawing away at the rest of it. Like all the aches you experienced just a few months after his death has come back in full force.
“Shit.”
Livia’s curse is followed by a slump in her posture as she leans on the bar and processes the information. “So, you really love him.”
“I do. Or did. I don’t know anymore.”
She motions for two glasses of water which arrives instantly. You’re only too happy for something without any trace of booze in it and drink the entire glass in one go.
“So, you called me here,” your drinking buddy says carefully, “Because you don’t know what to do and you can’t really talk to your boyfriend about it because he’d get jealous.”
Once again, she’s spot-on. Except she missed the part where you suspect that your boyfriend might’ve also killed him. You give her just a single look and she instantly confirms her hypothesis.
“He won’t get jealous; he’ll just shut me down.”
“That’s the same thing.” She sighs audibly and stares at you sombrely.
“You’re a sucker for self-punishment, you know that?”
You merely shrug in response.
“I’m not invalidating your feelings and shit, but this isn’t helping you at all in this Snow-situation.” Livia empties the last remaining shot glass. “I know you miss him, okay? It’s pretty clear. But that’s not going to bring him back. Just because your first love is gone and you’re stuck with your sociopathic fiancé doesn’t mean you have to be miserable.”
Livia gives you a look that can only mean ‘get your shit together’ and orders one more set of cocktails. When they arrive, she takes one for herself and hands you the other.
“But that also doesn’t mean we can’t toast to his memory.”
You take the glass and raise it. “To Sejanus Plinth.”
She copies your movement, muttering, “To your District Lover Boy, Sejanus Plinth.”
You both empty your glasses at the same time and you almost slam the glass back on the table. Never in a lifetime did you ever think toasting to your dead friend over a fruity-boozy drink could feel so cathartic, but here you are.
“There. Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, get your shit together, Innis. You’re smarter than that.”
Despite her harsh reprimand, you find yourself chuckling, to which she just rolls her eyes, smirking exasperatedly.
“You know, he gives me so much grief for asking you to be my maid of honour.”
Livia lets out a shriek of glee. “I’d pay a fortune to have seen his reaction when you told him.”
“Oh, he was beyond m-miffed.” Your words are beginning to slur, indicating you probably had way too much of your capacity. “I was jus’ wondering why you accepted. Curious, ‘is’all.”
“If you’re asking if I’m over’im – ” her own garbled words are interrupted by her loud burp, which startles the waitress passing by – “Yes, I am. I’m over him, swear. But if I can get laid while I’m at it, why the fuck not, right?”
Guffawing, she adds, “Jus’ wanna see him suffer. ‘Magine the guy losing you? He’d spiral the fuck down. Honessly, I tried, m’kay? All this wedding prep – I already bumped into him sooo many times, made a loooot of passes, but no-ooo, he only has eyes for you.”
Side-eying you in jest, she adds, “No accounting for taste.”
You giggle. You actually giggle along with her as she shoves your arm playfully. Then, both of you share a look and dart like lightning to the washroom, throwing up in separate cubicles in unison. Having let some of that out, you begin feeling just a tad better even if the buzz still lingers.
You’re on the sink washing your hands when you notice the time on your watch.
Shit.
Shit. Shit. Shit.
“I have to go.” According to the time, you’ve gone thirty minutes over your fiancé’s time limit.
Livia lets out a groan as she emerges from her stall. “Yeah, me too. I’m so hammered. I already paid, you get the next one. And you better not pull a District and go cheap on me, Innis.”
“Trust me, Cardew. When I pay, you can go drown in it for all I care.”
She snorts in laughter on the way outside the She Said Club, where she says her driver is waiting in the parking lot.
“Look sharp, Innis. Your executioner has arrived,” she mutters so only you can hear.
True enough, you look into the icy blue glare of Coriolanus Snow, leaning against the service car door, the stone-cold smile on his face concealing his ire.
“Did you have fun, sugarplum?” he says as he approaches.
From behind you, Livia fakes a retching noise.
You, however, are rooted to your spot as you try your best to appear sober.
“Livia, pardon me, but I have to take my fiancée home.” Coriolanus’s falsely cheery tone is disarming, as usual.
“You heard him. To the gallows, you go.” Livia pats you on the back and mumbles a ‘good luck’ under her breath before addressing the male. “See you both tomorrow. Try not to tire her out too much tonight, will you, Coriolanus? She can’t miss this; you know how she lo-oooves cakes. Loves them.”
Inwardly, you groan the way she just tries to rile him up, but he seems to keep a level head as always. In fact, he goes on to give her a wider grin.
“You shouldn’t concern yourself too much with what my fiancée and I do behind closed doors, Livia, and I am well aware how important this is for her.”
Livia just blows a loud raspberry in his direction before getting inside her car and driving off. A firm, large hand immediately grips your arm and the now stern voice of your fiancé chills your blood.
“Come, Nellie. We will talk when we get home.”
And you all but get shoved into the car before it drives you both home, where you suspect he might just pop off.
To the gallows, you go, alright.
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Coriolanus Snow had never thought he’d see you again, but here you were, in the same year as him and in his class, sitting just a few seats before him to his right, listening aptly to Professor Cecil drone on about a linear equation on the board that he was well aware you’d be able to solve blindfolded and with hands tied behind your back.
You had left an impression on him when he met you in that playground all those years ago. Even if he remembered you using such colourful language unbecoming of a girl, there had already been something behind your eyes and in the way you spoke that he couldn’t pinpoint then.
He'd later discover the correct adjective: erudite.
Everything about you perplexed him to no end: your perfectly natural Capitol accent, your exemplary manners, your sharp wit, your gifted mind…
Your District origins.
Coriolanus had never thought someone of your calibre could emerge from such a place, yet here you were: an enigma he didn’t know what to feel about.
Festus elbowed him discreetly, distracting him from his thoughts and passing a crudely written note.
u crushing on district-homeschool freak?
Festus sniggered behind a closed fist to avoid drawing attention to himself. Coriolanus grinned imperceptibly and wrote down below the scribble a tasteful reply before handing it back to him:
Fuck off, kindly
The note comes back with more of Festus Creed’s infamous chicken-scratch handwriting:
really pretty though. too bad she’s district.
Coriolanus crumpled the note and tossed it in his bag and went back to staring at the back of your head.
Now, Festus’s former observation he could firmly attest to. You were undeniably easy on the eyes and considered one of the prettiest in his class. Over the next few weeks, he would find out that even the boys in the upper class agreed, with the way they would throw stares at you when you walk by them in the hallways. Unfortunately, he can’t confirm the part about you being District; you weren’t really forthcoming about your personal life to anyone yet. He’s heard of rumours circulating about you being born to a former Capitol actress, though, so the thought that maybe you’re not even District. Maybe someone else spread the idea of your District roots out of jealousy, and maybe you hinting at them when he first met you was just a way to make the real District rat feel good about himself.
Because if you were indeed not of Capitol origins, then that meant the Districts had the capacity to produce more children like you, which they could one day weaponise to try and overthrow the government once more. An army of district kids like you, putting the ones like Arachne, for instance, from the Capitol to shame…
Coriolanus shuddered at the thought.
He’d later discover another aspect of you: that underneath your well-mannered demeanour, you hid what he can only describe as intellectual savagery.
It was lunch break sometime in the first semester. You were alone at a table as usual, declining the nicer girls’ offer of sitting with them at their table.
Coriolanus sat with Festus Creed, Sejanus Plinth, and some of his other male classmates were sitting just a few tables away when Arachne Crane, for whatever reason, had just decided to cause a scene in her usual fashion, backed up by Juno and her other lackeys. The group seemed to have come from the Talent Show rehearsal and approached your table looking just about as menacing as a pack of squirrels ganging up on a rattlesnake.
“Hey, district-homeschool freak,” he heard Arachne call out, as she leaned on your table.
Coriolanus saw a hint of danger flash in your eyes before you stood with grace and an uncannily calm air.
“Oh, so she thinks she’s so tough, huh?” one of the girls quipped behind their leader, but he didn’t see who it was.
“Not at all. I’m just supposed to stand when somebody’s addressing me,” even your tone came off as non-confrontational. “It’s called courtesy, you might’ve heard of it.”
Arachne sneered. “Is that what they teach you at home? What else did they teach you, how to fold your laundry? How to be more submissive to your future husband?” The group laughed with her in a jeering manner.
Plastering a cold smile, you responded, “On the contrary, Arachne, they teach me Algebra II. We’re currently on the radian measure which you wouldn’t know because you’re not on that level yet. I could ask you what they teach you here, but judging by the way you talk, I’d say not that much. In fact, I fear for the state of the Capitol Academe.”
Arachne’s eyes narrowed at the insult. “Just because you have money for tutors doesn’t mean you’re smart.”
“True,” you said. “Money can’t buy intellect.”
“Well, it can’t buy class, either,” Arachne countered a little more loudly.
“I know. I can tell,” you said, clearly unfazed by her increasingly hostile behaviour. “Because you clearly have neither of the two. Are we finished?” You took a quiet, demure sip from your juice pack, before continuing, “Because this is boring me. That’s great Talent Show material, by the way: boring people to death.”
Arachne hid her hurt by scoffing, muttering, “Come on, this is pathetic.”
As they left you alone, you sat back down with the grace of a princess and continued your lunch like nothing happened. Festus kicked him under the table, grinning obnoxiously, and said, “What’s the matter, Snow? Scared that she’ll bite?”
Coriolanus curled his lips in a challenge and kicked him back, while the rest of the table chuckled, still in disbelief at what they just witnessed. He could’ve sworn it was this very moment that made you earn his classmates’ respect, even if you eventually revealed your underlying intolerance for blood and gore during a Hunger Games rerun in History class.
With his eyes glued on you across the mess hall, he couldn’t deny that the way you maintained your cool while hurling witty insults was a form of art you seemed to have mastered.
Later on, he would have his first proper conversation with you in an empty classroom when he arrived earlier than he had planned for a math period. You had been there earlier than he was, your razor-sharp focus on a fourth-year pre-calculus problem written on the board, your arms crossed in full-concentration mode. He watched you take a piece of chalk and attempt to correct what seemed like a solution written by a student.
It took him ten seconds. Ten seconds before he could stop himself and break the silence.
“What made you change your mind about attending school?” Coriolanus asked.
“Hello to you, too,” you turned to face him with a smile momentarily before shifting back your attention to the problem on the board. “Psychologist’s orders. She said I needed to spend time with people my age.”
As if he wasn’t already curious about you – or at least, matters concerning you – you had to add this to the mix.
“Why are you in freshman year?”
“As opposed to what, being locked up in an insane asylum? They have pretty rigorous qualifications that I haven’t met yet.”
It was this moment that he decided he liked your humour immensely. Coriolanus let out a genuine laugh, and you turned to grin at him before you writing a few more lines and returned the piece of chalk to the side of the board.
“No, I meant, why aren’t you in a higher year?” He clarified. “That’s clearly senior-level material.”
“It’s just math,” you shrugged. “Outside that, I’m just like everyone else.”
“I highly doubt that,” a voice said.
You both turned to the voice at the same time to find Sejanus Plinth standing at the classroom doorway.
Ah yes. The District rat.
Now, Coriolanus could confirm that he was, beyond a reasonable doubt, full-blooded, cloddish-accented, one hundred-percent District. The blond quickly masked the sneer of disdain forming on his face with his usual grin as a greeting. He spared you a glance and you both catch each other’s eye. He had thought for a moment that he’d seen a flash of recognition behind them – had you caught that scornful look he had for the District rat? But before he could even confirm, you were already smiling warmly at the other boy – that other boy who was leagues below who you deserved (even if you were part District). That boy with a bag of gumdrops you both briefly interacted with about six years ago who needed you to come to rescue him from almost being ganged up by a bunch of other children.
Sejanus Plinth, who would later grow closer to you and thus would divulge to his best friend the tragic events that would explain your need for a psychologist. Sejanus, who’d later reveal to him that he’s developed a crush on you. Private Plinth, who’d be too chickenshit to tell you until before he left for District 12 and ultimately stayed there.
The teenage Coriolanus might not have been aware then, but the two would have profound, lasting influences in his life: the girl, he’d fall madly in love with and force into marriage, and the boy, very much dead yet he’d still be competing with for her love.
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Behind you, you hear the apartment door slamming close and you almost jump at the noise.
You sit on the loveseat in the living room, where Oscar the cat greets you with a head bump on your leg. Before you can pet him, however, Coriolanus picks him up gently and exits, presumably to put him back inside his playroom. He soon returns, pausing on the other side of the coffee table and staring down at you with an utmost displeased expression. Nowhere near comparable as when he found you crouching inside a wooden crate in the middle of a botched escape attempt, but it’s still significant.
“Explain why you went over thirty minutes beyond what you were allowed to spend outside.”
With his hands inside his pockets, he draws to his full height and glares at you icily while he waits for you to speak up and defend yourself. You rub your face with your palms to appear more sober than you really are, but so far, the buzz is still there like an annoying fly you can’t swat off.
“How much did she make you drink?” He asks, crossing his arms in his growing impatience.
“Wha-no, she din’ make me do anything.”
Great. Because slurring your words when you’re being interrogated by a former peacekeeper leads to excellent results. Still, you can’t help but frown at the way he makes it sound like Livia forced you into it.
“Fine. How much did you drink?”
“Much.” Dammit. “I mean, plenty.”
Coriolanus pinches his nose bridge and exhales audibly. “You know you’re not a heavy drinker. You shouldn’t have allowed her to goad you into this. How could you be so irresponsible?”
“Stop talking to me like ’mma child,” you bite back and cross your arms. Inebriated or not, you will not be reduced to an invalid without an agency of your own. “I can think for myself.”
Letting out an aggravated sigh, he gives you a condescending glower. “This is exactly why I told you not to pick her. She is not a good influence on you, Nellie.”
You blink once or twice to process what he just said. You get to your feet, finally realising why he’s so upset with such a simple thing as you drinking out like a normal young adult on a Friday night.
“No, you don’t like her because I’m actually having fun with her. There’s a difference,” you conclude softly. The idea is so absurd, it sobers you up a little. “Remember when you said, I needed to reconnect with old friends or some shit? This is me doing that.”
“This is not about you making friends,” he admonishes in the same patronizing manner. “This is about who you chose as your maid of honour.”
You choose to stand your ground and glare at him. “I made it clear I’m not changing.”
“And I made it clear that I do not approve of your choice,” he says roughly. “Get her off the list and call Clemmie or Lys.”
“Or just call off this fucking wedding, how about that?”
As you harden your expression, he, in turn, gives you a look that you are aware does not bode well for you.
“I don’t like your language, Nellie.”
At this moment, you find yourself agreeing with Livia.
Who cares what he thinks?
“It’s my wedding too, okay?” you snap. You exit the living room quickly, intending to just get the argument over with and lock yourself in your room where he can leave you alone. Unfortunately, he follows you at once. “I can choose whoever I want in my own damn entourage. It’s the only thing in this...this charade that I get choice in and you’re not going to take that from me.”
Coriolanus catches up on you and grabs your arm, which you yank back without much force. “Do not talk to me that way – ”
“She’s the first real friend I’ve ever made since Seja – ”
But there’s something within you that catches you mid-speech. the temperature in the living room seems to drop several degrees, which matches the tone he uses.
“Carefully choose what you say next.”
So, you’re really not even allowed to talk about him as a friend, now. It almost physically pains you that even the man he once considered to be his best friend now refuses to even speak of him.
“Coryo, it’s his second death an – ”
“I know what fucking day it is,” he draws close and hisses in your face. “And you don’t get to use that tone on me. You don’t get to endanger yourself this way and step out of line.”
After his menacing tirade, Coriolanus pulls away. In a second, his fury instantly dissipates, replaced by a blank, even serene expression.
The calm before the storm.
“I can’t have my future wife misbehaving like this,” he says with a tone enough to chill your blood. He then closes the space between you two in a calculated manner, stopping merely inches away from you to stare down at you. “I should be nipping this in the bud.”
Your vision spins next, and you wonder for a second if the alcohol you consumed finally has gotten the better of you – until you notice an almost painful grip around your thighs: your fiancé had just hauled you off the floor and placed you over his shoulders. Before you can protest, you’re dumped unceremoniously into a soft surface. Disoriented, you make a feeble attempt to get off the surface, but you’re harshly flipped over on your stomach, unable to lift yourself off owing to being pinned down by something you can’t shake off.
You’re filled with dread the instant your mind processes what just happened: Coriolanus had just carried you to his room and is keeping you in place on his bed with his entire body draped on your back.
It's the alcohol you’d have to thank for your delayed response time.
Desperately, you claw at the pillow, as if it’ll help you out from underneath him, but you freeze when you feel his breath fan your ear with a whisper that sends shivers down your spine:
“I want you to count to from ten when I say so, sugarplum.”
You feel him pull back, the bed shifting slightly. It takes the rustling of a belt behind you to send you into hysterics; the feel of the cold, night air on your ass as your dress is lifted, revealing you in just your underwear, is enough to make you beg.
“Coryo, please, no – ”
Your words die in your throat as a sharp, white-hot pain lands on the swell of your ass, almost at the same time you hear a loud crack.
He's just hit your almost bare backside with the softer side of his leather belt, and it fucking burns to high hell.
You’re still reeling at the shock of it, but your hair is bunched and pulled, not enough to hurt but to gain your attention.
“Start counting,” he commands from behind you.
Ten. That means ten lashes of his belt. Nine more of this and you can barely handle one.
You sob out of fear, but you don’t know if it’s out of fear of pain or of him.
“Please, I won’t do it again – ”
A pained yelp escapes you the moment the belt lands on your ass again. Another hair pull, followed by his stern voice from behind you.
“Nellie, you’re prolonging this by not counting as I said. Now, I will not ask again: count to ten.”
Go to hell.
You don’t know what compels you to – perhaps it’s the thought of you being unable to sit for the next few days on any surface without wincing in pain – you inhale sharply, swallowing back the insult you’re planning to hurl, and whisper:
“Ten.”
Another cracking of the belt, followed by your cry as it hits you, followed by you shakily whispering a number. He repeats this without mercy and without reprieve – just pure malice and the intent of inflicting pain.
Sniffling, you manage to stammer “f-five,” bracing yourself for another, but it doesn’t come.
You lay flat on your stomach as you weep audibly in your helplessness and shame, belatedly realising he’s removed himself from you and has gone off fuck-knows-where. Just as you’re about to try and get up, he makes a re-entrance, having come from the bathroom. He’s completely shirtless now, eyes locked in and heading straight towards you.
You begin sobbing anew and try to crawl off the bed, but he’s instantly on you, pinning you down as he straddles your thighs with his own, taking your wrists and pinning them above you with a single hand.
“No, please…”
Directly over your ear, he whispers gently, “Sshh, shh, it’s over, sugarplum, I’m here to take care of you now.”
Despite your rather pathetic sobs, he continues cooing over your ear, while you feel something wet and cold being rubbed gently on your ass where the belt had hit you multiple times.
“It’s just a salve, my little sugarplum,” he explains. “It’ll help heal the skin faster and reduce bruising.”
The salve helps like he says, thank goodness, because after he’s massaged the area, it had numbed almost entirely – too bad it does absolutely nothing with the trembling on your hands. For the next few minutes, your fiancé strokes your hair, kisses your crown, and whispers what he thinks are comforting words, all of them a blur to you as you continue lying down on your stomach, unmoving and still trying to wrap your head around what just happened.
“You made me do that, my sugarplum,” he says, and you’re almost tempted to believe how contrite his voice is. “I will never hurt the love of my life – as long as you give me no reason to.”
You’re barely paying attention when he starts peeling off your dress entirely, even when he jerks himself off above you and spills himself on your bare back, even when he cleans you up and wraps you almost lovingly in his blanket and pulls you close to him in a cuddle you’re all-too-familiar with.
What you listen to aptly, however, is what he tells you quietly as he runs his fingers through your hair in this sick form of forced intimacy.
“I will move the wedding to a month and a half from now. Mid-October. In return, you get to keep your maid of honour, and I will lift your uncle’s exile the day before the wedding. That way, he can walk you to the aisle and hand you over to me, just like he should’ve done from the start.”
Just before you let yourself succumb to sleep in his arms, you make a mental note to ask Livia for a crucial favour as this last-ditch attempt to throw a wrench at your fiancé’s plans for the future.
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Sejanus Plinth felt a little guilty as he sat beside you on his bedroom couch. You were hunched over the coffee table poring over three open books at the same time, scribbling madly on a nearly full page of your notebook, essentially doing your part and more in this supposedly partnered effort of writing a ten-page analysis of some pre-Panem fantasy trilogy. It was obvious you had been spending the recent nights getting some work done on the paper based on the way you rubbed your eyes constantly and yawned into your palms. He was supposed to have written about three pages now, but he had barely scraped one and a half, and the open notebook he had on his lap was devoid of handwriting.
Yet he still couldn’t quite believe his luck that he had you in his bedroom, the first friend he had ever made since his family’s official move to the Capitol. His friend, the smart, quiet, sassy, pretty girl who had once defended him from one of the many bouts of name-calling by his own classmates and then vanished from his life. He had little hope he’d see you again, but here you both were in your second year, your friendship stronger than ever.
“You know, experts say that staring into paper has been scientifically proven to yield a ten-page book review.”
Your cheeky little comment did not go unnoticed, but Sejanus just flashed you an innocent smile he knew you couldn’t resist. You rolled your eyes at him and proceeded to sigh, before setting your pen down and heavily leaning back on the couch.
“I guess we could take a break,” you admitted as you rubbed your eyes, and grabbed a throw pillow, hugging it to yourself.
“Speak for yourself, I can go all day,” Sejanus joked. “I’ll go get us some food.”
He stood from his couch, but before he exited the door, he looked back at you and grinned, “Nellie, try not to fall asleep before I can come back, yeah? Ma worked hard on those strudels.”
You gave him a sweet, exhausted smile, and said, “Please thank her for me. Not that I won’t be thanking her later before I get home, but still.”
“I’m sure she’d like that,” Sejanus nodded when he finally closed the door behind him.
He released a breath he didn’t know he was holding and straightened the collar of his shirt. As if having you alone in his room – albeit for completing the essay together – had him feeling nervous enough before you even arrived, his Ma just had to gush over you just as soon as you crossed the threshold.
Of course, he’d revealed to them how he met you all those years ago, carefully omitting a few details, but when he told her last week he’d have you over to visit, she had wildly assumed you to be his girlfriend, which you weren’t. Something he had always been so adamant with her about. Besides, he knew he had zero chances on you, as gifted and as talented and as attractive as you are.
Sometimes, he’d find himself wishing that weren’t the case.
It wasn’t your looks or your brains that had him developing some sort of…feelings for you. You were a breath of fresh air in the Capitol for him, starkly different from the other girls in the school who were either vapid, vain, or arrogant, or all those three at once.
“So? How is it with you and your…friend so far?”
He hadn’t even crossed the doorway to the kitchen and his Ma was already on his case. He loved her with all his heart, and he was extremely grateful for her hard work, but she could scare you away even before he had made a move.
He met his mother’s expectant smile with a tired grin and replied, “It’s going great, Ma.”
His mother beamed at him – he didn’t have the heart to take this little joy away from her when she was so excited – and told him a maid would carry the tray of food upstairs for him instead and shooed him away from her kitchen.
“She’s really pretty, by the way,” she added just as he was leaving to go back to his room.
Sejanus found you resting your head on the couch’s armrest, hugging the throw pillow to yourself and in blissful slumber.
He didn’t have the heart to take this little bit of rest away from you, either.
Sighing to himself, he grabbed a fresh velvet blanket and tucked you in it before sitting beside you and observing you. He brushed a stray lock of hair away from your face and let his fingers linger on your cheek.
You didn’t wake up until about two hours later, and by then, Sejanus had made good progress on the essay since you weren’t distracting him too much. He then spent the rest of the day doing more staring than actual schoolwork, trying to commit this day to his memory, no matter how inconsequential.
Aside from the kiss he would eventually share with you, Sejanus would constantly remember in his last days just how soft your cheek was and just how he could’ve snuck in a quick kiss on them that day if he hadn’t been so faint-hearted.
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Enter Level 17 - soon
Next on Level 17 - Wedding bells toll, Snows going honeymooning on the beach, just filthy filthy smut (fucking finally lmaooo)
Author notes:
Please reblog and comment, it's always appreciated! Sorry for the delay as well, the next update will likely take about 2 weeks from now duw to work still being crazyyy. Thank you for your patience!!!
94 notes · View notes
allright · 1 year
Text
gojo gets jealous over the male characters you like in otome games. he knows it’s childish, but isn’t he known to be childish from time to time? (others would say he’s childish and immature all the time, but gojo would beg to differ.)
he doesn’t like how you spend so much time on your phone giggling and swooning over their voice lines when you could be spending time with him- your real boyfriend. why do you need a fake boyfriend, or boyfriends, when you have him? gojo won’t say he pouts because he does not pout, but he sits behind you, his chest pressed tight to your back and his arms wrapped snugly around your waist, and peers over your shoulder to see what the big deal is about the otome games you love so much.
“i’m way better looking than that guy,” gojo pipes up, his lips brushing against the curve of your cheek. you startle, unprepared for gojo to say anything out of the blue. once you process what he’s said, a puff of amusement escapes you.
“mm, you’re okay,” you reply, feigning indifference, but you’re unable to help the smile that slips into your voice.
“you’re so mean to me, baby,” gojo laments as he squeezes you tighter and nuzzles his face into your neck. you shriek, thrashing around in his hold, when he suddenly blows a raspberry into the crease between your neck and shoulder. “tell me i’m your one and only,” gojo says before he blows another raspberry into your skin.
“n-no,” you manage to gasp out, breathless from laughter. you try and pry gojo’s arms off of you, but he doesn’t budge at all. at moments like this, you curse that your boyfriend is the so-called strongest sorcerer on earth.
“c’mon, baby. all you have to say is satoru, you’re the only boyfriend i need. these otome men cannot compare to your greatness,” gojo dramatically says, openly grinning with manic glee. he loosens his grip around you, and you think your boyfriend has granted you mercy before you feel fingers dance over your sides.
“s-satoru, stop!” you exclaim, laughing uncontrollably from the tickling. “f-fine. satoru, you’re the only— HAHA—boyfriend i need. and you’re o-okay i guess.”
“wrong,” gojo says in a sing-song manner. “you should have said ‘my otome men could never compare to my lovely wonderful satoru.’”
“t-that is definitely not what you said,” if you could, you would roll your eyes at satoru, but you’re incapable of the action at the moment. gojo’s fingers dance across the underside of your ribs, moving faster and tickling harder the more you refuse to repeat him. “F-FINE. m-my otome men could never com-compare to my stu-stupid and dumb boyfriend i love.”
the tickling suddenly ceases all at once. your chest heaves as you try and catch your breath. you twist in gojo’s hold to face him and give your boyfriend the meanest glare you can muster. his smile only deepens at the sight. “you are the most immature man i have ever met.”
gojo leans in and pecks your forehead, still smiling that big stupid grin of his that you unfortunately adore. “and yet, you still wanted to date me.”
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hier--soir · 1 year
Text
under the night | four
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pairing: joel miller x f!reader, set in jackson after the end of tlou part I warnings/tags: [18+ only, minors dni] language, sex, angst, jealousy, immature/possessive!joel, canon typical violence [infected feature], violence, injury/blood, vomit, hurt/comfort, and so on and so forth word count: 9k part three | series masterlist | main masterlist
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The patrolmen in Jackson were dedicated. Every morning, on a rotational basis, a group of them ventured out past the gates of the settlement and explored set routes. They took down infected; they searched for essential items like soaps and medicines; but most all, they kept the town safe. Admittedly, when you first heard them called patrolmen you’d rolled your eyes, knowing damn well there were multiple women doing the job. But Tommy had just shrugged amiably, assuring you that those women weren’t bothered with the title.
That morning in particular, Joel and Tommy were scheduled to do a routine sweep of what they called the “south patrol”. Joel had never complained about how quickly he fell into the job upon his arrival in Jackson. It made sense to Tommy and Maria that he would join the team, considering the vast experience and knowledge he’d acquired in his year roaming cross country with Ellie. Never once had he begrudged his brother for being given a job and a place to live, and a warm home to sleep in.
Until, that is, he had to leave you in his bed for the sake of a fucking patrol.
“Fuck Tommy,” Joel grumbled into your neck. You laughed sleepily, pushing him off you.
“Get out of here, Joel,” you mumbled unconvincingly, rolling over to shove your head back into the pillows. It was earlier than you would’ve chosen to wake up, but you knew there was no hope of drifting back to sleep with the way the sun shone through his large bedroom window.  With a huff, he was getting out of bed, and you listened drowsily to the sound of the shower running, and then to the rustling of him pulling his clothes on.
When a silence settled over the room, you risked opening your eyes a crack, only to see Joel watching you from the doorway.  He stared forlornly, his eyes raking over your naked torso before you yanked the blanket back up to cover yourself.
“You’re makin’ this real hard for me you know,” he said, his forearm propped up against the doorframe. 
You cracked a smile, and let your eyes shut slowly, listening to the sounds of his boots padding softly down the stairs.
A week had passed since your first night together, and it was true that you and Joel struggled to spend more than one consecutive night apart. Laying in his bed, surrounded by the smell of him, you remembered the day after like you were experiencing the moment all over again.
The knock at your front door had come after 10pm, and you’d startled at the sound, wondering who would be bothering you so late. Cal had been out at Louisa’s, so you’d tentatively walked over to the door, opening it just a crack to glance out, and then tugging it open swiftly upon seeing Joel standing on your doorstep. 
“Hey there,” he’d offered a tense smile, eyes flicking down to your feet and then back up to hold your gaze.
You gripped Joel’s pillows and remembered the way he’d stepped inside your home, asking if you were alone.
“I can’t stop thinking about it. About the way you sounded… the way you felt. Can’t get you out of my damn head.”
You were drunk on each other, on the intimacy. Both enveloped in these new and devastatingly consuming feelings for one another that you were finally able to express. In the entire week, you’d only spent one night away from one another, because you had stood your ground and admitted you needed to spend some time with Cal.
From Joel’s bed, you listened to the sounds of Ellie messing around downstairs in the kitchen, no doubt trying to make herself something edible for breakfast. After the teenager had caught you leaving the house, you had been shy around her. You didn’t want your relationship to change because things with Joel had. Although Ellie had seemed enthused by the progression, you feared the dynamic would shift between you, so you tried to remain stealthy with your comings and goings from their home.
When you were sure the younger girl had left the house, you took your time with showering, and dressing for the day.
“Walk of shame,” Cal crooned lovingly from the kitchen table when you returned home. You flicked him off with a laugh, hanging up your coat. “Seriously, do you even live here anymore?”
“Fuck off, man,” you rolled your eyes, settling down in the chair opposite him. You accepted a mug of coffee with a grateful nod, and brought the liquid gold to your lips.
He chuckled quietly, pushing his bowl of oats towards you as a peace offering. You stole his spoon and cleared the rest of the food in minutes.
“How are you though?” he asked after a while, his eyes soft and genuine. You admired him, and the way his blonde hair was getting longer, flopping down over his eyes.
“I’m good, Cal,” you assured.
“You look happy,” he squinted at you, the teasing lilt returning to his voice. “You’ve got the glow of someone who’s finally made some fucking friends.”
“Took a leaf out of your book,” you winked.
Your heart felt full. For so many years, you and Cal had been one another’s salvation. You’d relied on each other for survival, for companionship, but amongst it all, there had been stretches of time so dire that you didn’t laugh for weeks at a time. To be sat with him, in your home, somewhere safe like Jackson, and laughing together… even after so many months there, it still struck you sometimes how lucky you were.
It was a few hours later, when you ventured toward the stables to check in on Dot, that you bumped into Tommy and Joel returning from patrol.
The brothers were putting away their saddles when you pushed the gate open.
Tommy greeted you warmly, although his smile didn’t quite reach his eyes. Your gaze drifted slowly from him to his older brother, trying to gage the tense atmosphere.
“Hey guys,” you wrapped your arms around yourself, shivering from the bitter weather. Joel leaned against the stable wall, fiddling with the bit in his hands, his eyes hard on Tommy. “Who died?” 
Joel’s eyes snapped to you, his expression grim.
“Woah,” you said lowly. “What the fuck, did someone actually die?”
“We found a body out there,” Tommy admitted quietly, stealing a glance over his shoulder to check if anyone else was listening.
“Where?”
His face seemed hesitant, as if he were unsure of sharing much information with you. He rubbed the back of his neck in the same way Joel did when he was trying to find the right words. “A few miles away. A woman. No one from here; we didn’t recognise her.”
“Bitten?” you asked quietly, your breaths short. The idea of anyone being outside those gates made your chest hurt suddenly, as the memories of life out there raced through your brain.
“No,” Joel answered gruffly, and you looked at him. “It must’ve been raiders, but the snowfall last night means there wasn’t much for us to do by means of tracking them.”
“We’re going out again tomorrow,” Tommy butt in firmly, staring at his older brother. “I want this shit figured out.”
You didn’t know what made you say it, but the words tumbled from your mouth. All fear forgotten, you blurted, “Let me come with you.”
“What?” Joel huffed sharply, glaring at you. “Fat chance.”
You scowled in his direction, looking at Tommy. “I lived out in the open for years, I can help you with tracking, even through the snow.”
Joel ground out your name, his eyes flashing with a warning that you couldn’t quite decipher.
“She has a point Joel,” Tommy held his hand up towards his brother, stopping the interruption he knew was coming. “Plus, we could use the extra pair of hands. Someone to watch our six.”
You would have never admitted it, but Tommy was right. The concern you felt for Joel all of a sudden was an unwelcome, painful feeling. After the past week, the idea of him going out past the gates made your throat tighten. You wanted to be out there with them, watching their six – keeping him safe.
“I don’t like it,” is all Joel said, eyes staring at the ground. “We can take Jesse.”
He’d rather have a 19-year-old kid on patrol with them, than you?
“Fuck, Jesse. I’ll be here tomorrow morning at 7,” you told Tommy, who nodded once.
“We should get going,” Joel pushed off the wall, and you looked to him in confusion. “I promised you I’d fix that leaky tap in your kitchen.” You didn’t remember ever having a conversation about your kitchen tap, but you nodded slowly anyways, sparing a glance in Dot’s direction before surmising that you’d check in on the horse properly in a few days.
“Fix her leaky tap my ass,” Tommy muttered, earning him a grunt from Joel. He put his hand on the small of your back and encouraged you out of the stables, leaving Tommy laughing as he finished packing up their equipment. 
Walking down the street in the direction of your house, you braced yourself for Joel’s frustration. You could tell he was tense in the stables, and unhappy with your decision. But you couldn’t help the way anxiety ticked away in your chest. Nothing good comes from wanting. Yet there you were, with Joel so close finally, and a reminder had been served to you that he could be taken away so fucking easily. Letting people in meant opening yourself up to pain, and you were suddenly terrified by how fast things were moving between you two; how much he meant to you after a single week of being anything more than friends.
“Joel,” you started quietly.
“We’ll talk about it later,” he said quickly, squeezing your shoulder before lowering his hand once again to rest on your lower back. You nodded slowly, glancing around the street and noticing Rosie Paulson, a girl around Ellie’s age, staring at the pair of you from her front porch. Instinctively, you brushed off Joel’s hand, putting a wider berth between you.  
“That Paulson girl is staring at us like we’re naked,” you explained under your breath, walking faster.
“Nosy fucking kids,” Joel grunted in response, not even glancing in the girl’s direction.
You remembered the impression you’d gotten of Joel when you first arrived in Jackson; that cold, private person who kept to himself. The other people in the town saw the same in him, and you knew it would’ve been cause for curiosity; for them to suddenly spot him walking around town with you by his side.
Your house came into view, and you started to chuckle. “So, what’s all this leaky tap business, Miller?”
He gave a short laugh and looked at you from the corner of his eye. “Honestly?”
“Honestly.”
“Needed an excuse to get you alone.”
You barked out a laugh and led him quickly up the stairs to the front door, unlocking it hastily. Before you were fully inside, his hands were on you, prying the zip of your jacket down.  He kicked the door shut behind him with a slam, and pushed you up against it, his fingers pressing against the skin underneath your shirt. All your anxieties blew away in the wind when you felt his hands on your body.
“Fuck,” you gasped in shock. “Your hands are fucking freezing.”
“Sorry, sorry,” he mumbled into your mouth, pressing his lips to your urgently. “Help me warm ‘em up.” 
Putting your hands on his chest, you pushed him off you. “C’mon,” you encouraged, leading him to your bedroom. It was a painful dichotomy; fearing getting so close to him, so quickly, and yet not being able to keep your damn hands off him. When you clicked the bedroom door closed, you turned to find him standing at the edge of your bed, watching you with dark eyes.
“I really didn’t want to leave this morning,” he spoke lowly. “Wanted to stay in those sheets all wrapped up in you.” Through the admission he seemed somewhat shy, a flush still rising in his cheeks when he bared his feelings to you so honestly. Though you’d spent your nights together, no conversation had been had about what exactly you were doing. You’d admitted you liked being near each other, but not much else. And you decided you were okay with not knowing; if it meant you got to have Joel in any capacity.
You hummed, stepping forward to place your hands on his cheeks, and running your fingers through the coarse bristles of his beard. He leaned in and kissed you gently, his tongue swiping along your bottom lip before pressing eagerly into your mouth. You sighed softly, breathing in the scent of him. Your heart still raced like it was the first time.
You stripped each other’s clothes off hastily, until you were clad in nothing but your underwear, and cold fingers didn’t matter anymore because your skin had grown hot with desire. 
You pushed gently on his chest and when the back of his calves hit the bed, he fell onto it with a huff of surprise. He shuffled backward until his head hit the pillows, and you crawled up to straddle him. Your fingertips trailed lightly over his skin and through the soft smattering of hair on his chest.  
His eyes flashed dark with desire, and he grit his teeth. You felt powerful astride him, with your hands pressing down on his shoulders to keep him pinned to your bed.
“This how you want it?” he rasped.
“What can I say,” you smirked. “Save a horse, ride a cowboy.”
He let out a sharp laugh, but it was cut off by a grunt when you ground down against him. You sighed at the feeling of him pulsing against your core, only two thin pieces of fabric separating you now. His eyes closed involuntarily, face relaxing at the feeling of you rubbing against him. But then they snapped open, trained on you again. You remembered what he’d said during your first time together. I don’t want to miss a single thing.
One of his hands left your waist and drifted between your thighs. He pulled your underwear to the side, and you exhaled heavily as one of his thick fingers dipped between your folds.
“Christ,” he exhaled. “You’re wet already, baby.”
“Can’t help it,” you whimpered, the pet name causing a flood of heat to rip through you. Your stomach tensed as he swirled his fingertip over your entrance, and spread the wetness upward, finally making contact with your pulsing clit.  He drew light circles around it at first, enjoying the way you held your breath at the feeling, and then would sharply gasp for air as he changed his rhythm.
“That feel good?” he asked, watching your expressions.
“So good,” you breathed, eyebrows pulled together tightly as you grinded against his hand.
He slipped a finger inside you, sighing huskily at the feeling of your walls tightening around him. You loved the sounds he made when his hands were on you; as if he would die happy just from having had the chance to touch you. After a moment, he pushed a second digit inside, curling them against your walls and scissoring them, stretching you out for him.
You kissed him messily, teeth nipping at his bottom lip, before running your lips down his jugular. You tried to stop yourself from leaving marks in your wake, although you knew Joel wouldn’t be bothered.
“Fuck Joel,” you huffed, lips pausing on his skin when his fingers hit a particularly sensitive spot inside you. “Stop.”
His hand stilled instantly, eyes searching your face in confusion.
“I need to fuck you,” you said firmly, pushing his hand away from your body and leaning back to tug your panties down your legs. Joel followed suit, desperately yanking his briefs down his legs before grabbing your hips to pull you back over him. Unintentionally, when you rested above him, the head of his cock nudged against your folds, and he moaned deeply.
“God,” you sighed, reaching down to grip him in your hand. You pushed his head through your folds, letting your slick coat his already weeping tip.
He groaned your name, fingertips digging into your hipbones. “Love how wet you get for me.”
You whined and couldn’t help but press your entrance down onto his head, longing to feel him inside of you. But common sense flared in the back of your mind, and you reached over desperately to grab a condom from the bedside table. Shuffling down to sit on his thighs, you ripped open the foil with your teeth, enjoying the way he stroked his cock and watched you with hooded eyes.
You knocked his hand away to roll the latex down his length, giving him a firm tug once it was on. Not wasting a second, he lined himself up to your entrance, and you sunk down onto his length.
You gasped, eyes shutting instinctively. For all the nights you’d spent together that week, it was the first time you’d ridden him. The position helped him hit a spot so deep inside that it had you seeing stars behind your eyelids.
“God damn it,” Joel spat, eyes rolling back in his head. One of his hands gripped the blanket, and the other held your waist in a vice grip.
“Shit Joel,” you whimpered. “You’re so deep like this, f-fuck.” Your breathless tone drove him crazy, and he begged you to move.
“You can take it, darlin’,” he encouraged. “Show me how well you can take me.”
You clenched around him, your slick dripping down and coating both of your thighs. Slowly, you lifted up before dropping back down, crying out as he instantly hit that spot inside of you again. Hungry for more, you got to work; lifting up and grinding down in a beautiful rhythm that had him making filthy sounds beneath you, reaching up to pinch and tug on your nipples. 
“Look so fucking good like this,” he grunted, his eyes flicking between your face and the way your tits bounced with every movement.
You grabbed his hands and shoved them into the pillows beside his head, leaning over him so he could suck one of your nipples into his mouth. He moaned into your skin, nipping gently at the painfully tight buds. With your torso bent forward, your clit brushed deliciously against the coarse hair at his base, and you couldn’t help but just grind yourself against him for a moment, letting out soft whines.
“That’s it, baby,” he groaned into your chest. “Fuck yourself against me.”
With the sensation of him deep inside you, and the friction on your clit, an orgasm hit you out of nowhere. You cried out in shock, gripping his shoulders as your body bowed into his chest.
“Fuck,” he yelled into your skin, his hands wrapping around your back to hold you to him. You’d come to learn that your orgasm was often what pushed him over the edge, and could tell he was holding back, waiting.
Your body was shaking as the pleasure rolled through you, and Joel’s mouth sponging kisses across your chest did nothing to lessen the intensity of the moment. As your body relaxed, he began nudging his hips upwards, making you whimper.
“Not done with you yet, baby,” Joel rasped, his fingers dragging down your back as he fucked up into you. He was so thick, so heavy, inside you, and even in the minutes after an orgasm, you had to steel yourself in preparation for another. With all your strength, your pushed herself back into a seated position.
“You’re too far away,” he grunted, attempting to push himself up so you were chest to chest.
“Uh uh,” you tutted breathlessly. Your hands were on his chest, holding him against the bed. “Thought you didn’t wanna miss a thing, Miller? Watch me.”
His eyes flicked down from your face to your chest, your stomach, all the way down to where you were connected. Sweat beaded on his forehead, and his neck was flushed red. You could only imagine that you looked the same way, as your chest heaved with exhausted breaths.
“So beautiful,” he breathed out, and your cheeks burned. The moment was almost too intense. Post orgasm, with him deep inside of you, saying words you struggled to accept about yourself.
“Fuck me,” you begged him, and he obliged.  
His grip on your waist was bruising, using his strength to hold you still while he thrust up into you. You were sure there would be fingerprint shaped marks on you the next day, and the thought made you shiver.
“Y’feel so,” he grunted. “So fuckin’ good for me.”
You leaned back and rested your hands on his thighs for leverage, moaning lowly at the new, tighter angle.
“Oh,” you sighed. “Oh, you’re gonna make me cum again, Joel.”
He cursed loudly, his rhythm breaking for a second before starting up again at a faster rate. “C’mon,” he encouraged, dark eyes bearing into yours. Holding his gaze, a shiver ran down your spine as you noted a hint of frustration. Joel was being rough, pounding into you with no mercy, desperate for you to cum again. It seemed the tension from the conversation in the barn hadn’t disappeared entirely.
Choked sobs fell from your mouth involuntarily as he bounced you on top of him. His teeth were gritted as he snarled, “Want to feel you cum all over my cock. I know you can.”
His words were enough to send you over the edge a second time, and a guttural cry tore out of your throat as you toppled into your orgasm. Joel followed close behind, his hips snapping messily into yours over and over again, while he let out rough curses and mumbles of your name.
Heavy breaths filled the air around you as you collapsed onto his chest. You left feather soft kisses along his collarbones, your eyes closed in exhaustion. He gripped your waist and spun you slowly so your back hit the pillows, before pulling himself out of you.
“I meant it,” he said a short while later. You’d cleaned up and were laying in bed, hands stroking each other’s skin absentmindedly. You looked at him in confusion. He reached out and traced a finger along the scar on your cheek. “You’re so beautiful.”
You cringed quickly, tucking your face into the pillow.
“Don’t do that,” he pleaded in a whisper. “Don’t hide from me.”
“It’s hard,” you muttered, still not meeting his eye-line. “This all feels very… intense.”
He nodded slowly, eyes watching you warily. “Is that… bad?”
“It’s not bad,” you rushed out. “It’s just different. It’s been a long time since I’ve had a… a you.”
“Long time for me too,” he said. You stared at each other for a moment, not saying anything. Finally, you leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to his lips.
“I need to eat something,” you mumbled into his mouth, eager to change the subject. “Or I’m gonna pass out.”
“Can’t have that. Need you to keep your energy up,” he replied, his palm gripping your ass quickly. “Can’t have you tirin’ out on me.”
You scoffed, jumping off the bed to tug on a pair of underwear and a random singlet.
As you walked down the hallway into the kitchen, he called out, “I’m hungry too!” You replied with a laugh, and a “yeah yeah!”
You rifled through the kitchen cabinets for a few minutes and contemplated heating up a can of soup, until your eyes landed on the bag of oranges you’d picked up a few days beforehand.
You grabbed one with an eager smile, and began pealing the rind over the sink, not noticing the front door opening in your periphery.
“Jesus, aren’t you cold, freak?”
“Shit!” you jumped, almost dropping the fruit. “You scared me.”  
Cal was leaning against the kitchen doorway, staring at you in incredulity.
“Not my fault you’re wandering around in your underwear with your head up in the clouds,” he was laughing.
“Shh, shh,” you hushed him with a snort. “Joel’s here.”
“Oh shit,” Cal said, eyes wide with mischief. “Grumpy old Joel Miller in our house?”
“Give it a rest,” you rolled your eyes, starting up on your peeling again. “How was your day?”
“It was good,” he trailed off, eyes flicking down the hall over your shoulder. You could hear Joel’s footsteps approaching the kitchen, but held focus on the orange, tearing white strands off the juicy flesh. Your cheeks flushed at what the two of you must’ve looked like; half dressed, with messy hair and tired eyes.
“Hey Joel,” Cal nodded politely, raising his hand in a wave.  
Joel settled directly behind you, and your eyes went wide when you felt his bare chest press against your back, and his hand come down to land on your stomach. His long fingers splayed against you, pinkie resting dangerously close to the band of your underwear.
“Howdy,” he said quietly. His thumb toyed with the hem of your singlet, brushing underneath the fabric along your bare skin. You turned your head slightly to see Joel out of the corner of your eye, but he was staring directly at Cal. Your heart started to beat a little faster at the sudden awkward tension in the air. What was he doing?
Joel’s face was devoid of emotion, even the skin between his eyebrows was uncharacteristically smooth. But everything his face hid, his body language screamed. His knee brushed against the back of your leg, and where the contact would normally have made you shiver, you found herself stunned into silence by what you realised was a clear display of possessiveness. Joel was marking his territory in front of Cal, and you wanted no fucking part in it.
“How are you?” Cal asked warily, clearly confused by the dynamic between the two of you.
“I’m grand,” Joel said with a tone of finality, and no indication of wanting to continue the conversation. Your brain flashed back to the first time you’d met him, and what you’d thought; rude motherfucker. The adoration you’d felt for the man only minutes before was long gone, replaced with a burning frustration at his behaviour.
The silence was agonising, but you didn’t know how to break it. Cal fidgeted, eyes glancing at Joel’s hand before looking to the floor uneasily. Your stomach twisted as Joel leaned down a pressed a chaste kiss to the side of your neck. Cal cleared his throat into his elbow and finally muttered something about heading over to Louisa’s. Willing yourself to move, you gripped Joel’s hand and pried it off you. You turned and stalked back towards the bedroom; the orange forgotten on the counter.
When he entered the room behind you, you spun around angrily. “What the hell was that?”
“What?” he asked innocently, hands raised in the air.
“You practically propped your leg up and pissed on me back there,” you grunted. “Like a dog marking your fucking territory.”
He said your name softly, arms lowering.
“Don’t say my name like that,” you said. “What the hell was that?”
“What, I can’t touch you?” he asked defensively.
“Did you see how uncomfortable he was? Your hand was practically up my shirt!”
“Well good,” he growled, and you paused, mouth falling open. “Maybe I wanted to set the record straight.”
“Set the record…” you stared at him wide eyed. “What the fuck are you talking about, Joel?”
His face relaxed suddenly as he realised how appalled you were by him, and he made a quick step toward you. “Okay, look,” he surrendered, hands reaching out to you. “I’m sorry, okay?”
“Why did you do that?” you pushed, stepping back.
He breathed your name again, his eyes darting to stare at the wall. He gripped his hands together in front of him, cracking his fingers roughly. “Look, I-I can’t help but think about you and him living in this house together sometimes… knowing what I kno-“
“Jesus Christ,” you interrupted, pulling a pair of trousers from the chest of drawers, and beginning to tug them up your legs.  
“Now listen,” he said from behind you. “I’m sorry, but-“
“But what, Joel?” you turned back, zipping your pants. “I was honest with you, before any of this started between us. I told you more about my history, including what happened with Cal, than I have with another person, ever. I trusted you, thought you’d take it at face value. But then here you are, on a weird possessive kick, trying to lay some sort of claim on me in front of him? Cal is like my fucking brother, I told you that.”
“I do trust you, but I doubt it’s the fuckin’ same for him,” he ground out, his face reddening. This wasn’t the soft spoken, kind man you had gotten so close with. He was frustrated and angry, and you didn’t like this side to him. “What am I supposed to think? How do I know that he’s not just holdin’ out hope, waitin’ for you to change your mind?”
It was as though all the tension from the past few hours bubbled up inside of you. The stern words in the barn, Joel thinking he could make decisions for you, stop you from coming on patrol. And now this. If anybody else in Jackson dared to do these things, try to tell you what to do, you’d have their fucking tongue for it.
“Because you’re wrong!” you shouted, unable to help yourself. Your chest was heaving with sharp breaths; the situation astounded you. Is he fucking serious? “And you know what Joel, Cal will always be in my life. He’s been with me for a long time before you, and he’ll be with me for a long time after you. And if you can’t fucking handle that, then I don’t know what to tell you.”
Your mouth had moved faster than your brain, and you regret the phrasing as soon as it came out. But it was too late to take it back, so you steeled your shoulders and held your ground. Joel’s face fell quickly, his mouth turning down in dismay.
After you, you’d said. After you.
His hurt expression made your chest ache, but he cleared his throat and covered it up in a second.
“Well then,” he nodded, bending down to yank his clothes off the floor. He dressed in silence, not looking at you again, before turning and walking out of the room. You watched him leave with wide eyes, tears threatening your water line. Left standing alone in the house, you could only wonder what the fuck had just happened. Maybe you’d been right; wanting never brings anything good.
The nightmares returned that night. After a long week of peaceful deep sleep, the fear was paralysing, and somehow, you’d forgotten just how awful it felt. You slept fitfully, drifting in and out with no reprieve from your own mind.
By the time 6am rolled around, you tore out of bed to start the day. Washing your face in the bathroom, you ran your finger along the scar on your cheekbone, glaring at your reflection. No matter what you did, it would serve as a reminder of how weak you’d been made to feel, all those years ago. You weren’t supposed to be beautiful; you were supposed to be strong.  
It was bitterly cold outside. As you trudged towards the stables to meet Joel and Tommy the wind whipped painfully against your skin. Shoving your hands deep in your pockets, you tried to ignore the feelings of regret you had over pushing so hard to come along on the patrol. The argument with Joel rung in your head on a constant loop, and you cringed to think of how tense things were about to be.
His pained expression flashed through your mind, but you willed it away as quickly as it came. You were angry with him. If he’d just told you how he felt, maybe you would have understood, but instead he acted like a child. You rolled your eyes thinking about it. Maybe it was for the best this had happened early on in your... situation with him.
“Oh, hey!” a voice called suddenly, and your head whipped around to spot the newbie jogging in your direction.
“Lincoln,” you nodded at him. “How’re you settling in?”
“Settling in well,” he grinned, his cheeks rosy from the cold. “Surprised to spot anyone else out and about so early.” You gave him a wry smile, doing your best to be polite. It was too early for small talk, and you’d heard from the girls at the stables just how chatty he could be.
“Headed out on patrol,” you said shortly, sighing quietly when he changed his course of direction and fell into step beside you.
“Oh, wow!” he said, too loud for your tired brain. “I thought I’d heard you worked at the stables?”
You could see the barn at the end of the street. So close.
“I normally do, just helping out Tommy this morning.”
“Well,” he stopped walking, and you found yourself pausing too, reminding yourself to be respectful. “I’ll leave you be. Be careful out there. Never know what kind of madness you might come across outside those gates.”
You stared at him for a second, brain struggling to catch up with his shift in tone. Lincoln’s cheery smile was gone, and his face seemed almost solemn as he gave the warning. 
When you didn’t respond for a moment, he spoke again. “You be safe then.”
“Always am,” you quipped, before turning to stalk towards the stables.
Joel and Tommy were already preparing the horses when you arrived. Tommy gave a friendly wave when he spotted you, beckoning you over.
“Morning, you remember how to use one of these?” he held a rifle out to you. 
“Yeah,” you nodded quickly, stealing a glance in Joel’s direction. He was adjusting the saddle on his horse, and didn’t acknowledge your presence. You shouldered the gun and let out a quick huff of exasperation. Fine.
“Joel saddled Dot up for you,” Tommy said. “We’ll head out in a second.”
Your annoyance waned ever so slightly, and you stared at Joel’s back curiously. He still didn’t turn; whatever he was fiddling with on Percy’s saddle must’ve been pretty damn interesting.
“That’s nice,” you muttered.
“Yeah,” Tommy muttered, gaze flitting awkwardly between the two of you when he noted your disingenuous tone. The contrast from when the three of you were last in the stables together was vast, and the younger Miller’s confusion was palpable. 
Joel didn’t say anything as you mounted your horses and rode out of the gates. You hung back, trailing behind their horses while you gained your bearings outside the walls of the settlement.
Large mountains decorated the scene, dusted so beautifully with snow that it would be picturesque if you weren’t so uneasy. It had been so many months since you arrived in Jackson, and being back outside caused your heart rate to kick up a notch. The landscape was vast, and memories of extensive stretches of time spent wandering aimlessly through the country played in your mind. So many cold winters spent hidden in dilapidated buildings, huddled underneath thin blankets, praying you wouldn’t lose your toes to the cold.
“So, we’re going back along the south patrol,” Tommy called back to you. “Same as what we did yesterday. Don’t worry too much about where we’re going, just follow us. Keep your eyes and ears open for anything strange.”
“Roger that,” you called back.
The three of you rode in silence for the first hour. You didn’t mind it much. Your shoulders were tense as you focused on your surroundings. Your ears were sensitive to the smallest of movements, body twitching at the slightest sounds.
“There she is,” you heard Tommy say up ahead, and your breathing hitched. “Fucking hell, the animals must’ve gotten to her.”
Dot trotted into step beside Tommy’s horse, and with a rolling stomach you looked down and spotted the body.
The dead woman was mangled, gory tears in her flesh clear even through the light smattering of snow that had fallen upon her. Animals had clearly gotten to her through the night, and you cringed to see the blood splattered on the bright white ground around her body. Joel was silent.
The three of you tied your horses to a nearby tree and set off on foot, looking for any signs the raiders might have left behind.
“I’m tellin’ you Tommy, we won’t find anything,” you could hear Joel grumbling under his breath up ahead. “She probably just fucking froze.”
“Let’s just be sure, Joel,” Tommy said firmly.
Joel exhaled heavily, and was turning his head to say something else, when you heard it. it was faint, almost too quiet to notice, but your ears pricked up.
Clicking.
Your feet ground to a halt. “Shut up,” you hissed.
“I beg your par-“ Joel turned to look at you for the first time, but stopped speaking when he saw the alarmed expression on your face.
You held a finger to your lips. Listen, you mouthed. Tommy and Joel shared a brief look, before Tommy gripped your jacket collar and hauled you forward to stand in between them.
“I thought they froze out here in the Winter,” you said quietly, eyebrows furrowed.
“Not all of ‘em,” Joel grunted.
“Alright, we move slowly,” Tommy whispered, eyes darting across their surroundings. “As quiet as possible. There shouldn’t be many, so we’ll sort this fucker out and then get back to the gate.”
“We’re gonna kill it?” you asked, eyes wide. Never in your years in the wild had you actively sought out any infected. When you heard clicking, you went the other way. “We should just head back now.”
“It’s part of the patrol. Gotta clear out any infected we come across,” Tommy told you, eyes apologetic. “You’ll be fine.” You refrained from admitting that it wasn’t you that you were worried about. As much as you and Cal had done your best to avoid them, you’d had to kill plenty of infected in your lives. But you were hit with the sudden realisation that you hadn’t even brought a knife with you. Jesus, I’m out of practice. 
Quietly as possible, you checked that your rifle was loaded, and the three of you walked toward the noise with your weapons raised. Your heartbeat thudded rhythmically in your ears, and the ache of anxiety grew in your chest. The clicking grew louder the further you walked, and your heart stuttered when they finally came into view. Not one, but two.
Your palms were sweaty against the rifle, and you cursed quietly, reaching down to wipe your right hand on the thigh of your pants.
“We’re good,” Joel whispered. You could see him watching you, out of the corner of your eye, but your gaze stayed trained on the duo up ahead. They were close together, twitching and writhing underneath a tall tree a few hundred metres ahead.
The way the creatures transformed with time never ceased to amaze you, in a morbid way. Fungal plates grew out of their heads, hues of bright orange and blue. After a year or so of infection, the fungus had solidified their bodies, making them stronger; more impenetrable. These should be the things that haunted your nightmares.
The three of you crept forward, and the infected were unaware of your presence, until a twig snapped painfully loud under your boot. They let out loud screeches, heads snapping in the direction of the sound.  
You grunted as your right side roughly bumped against Joel’s left, and you realised that you’d both moved to step in front of the other. “Get back,” he barked, staring through the scope on his rifle.
“I got the left,” Tommy shouted, all attempts at stealth thrown out the window. A deafening crack rang out as Tommy shot at one of the clickers. Joel took a shot at the one on the right but growled in frustration when the bullet sizzled just past it. He went to empty the bullet casing and swore when his gun jammed.
You could hear Tommy somewhere to your left, warning you that there was a third infected. Stepping forward, you shot at the one running at you and Joel. The bullet lodged solidly in its torso, but it was too close at that point, and within a second it was on you.
“Fuck,” you yelled, the wind getting knocked from your lungs as you landed on you back.
Your hands pushed at its neck, holding its snapping mouth as far from you as you could. It was snarling and screaming in you face, and white noise rushed in your ears. Its arms flailed, hands swiping viciously towards your face. It landed a heavy blow to the side of your head, and you screamed in pain. A thunderous shot rang out, and a wet sensation splashed across your face. Your head smacked back against the ground as you recoiled, the clicker collapsing above you with its head split open.  
The body was heavy on top of you, and a painful buzzing in your left ear had you grimacing in discomfort. You cupped your ears in attempt to soothe the ache. The weight on top of you finally disappeared, and you took the opportunity to roll onto your side. Warm hands were on your back, your arms, grabbing you.
Joel’s urgent voice finally reached you, calling your name, and you opened your eyes. His knees thudded heavily into the snow beside you, hands gripping the lapels of your jacket and dragging you into a seated position.
You stared at him in a wide-eyed daze. His hands ran over your body frantically, tugging your collar away from your neck to touch your skin, and checking your bare hands. He snapped your name, trying to get your attention. “Are you bit?”
Your face was so wet. As you slowly returned to clarity, it was all you could feel. And in a horrifying moment of realisation, it was all you could taste. The smell of metal and rot had invaded your mouth, your nose. You pushed herself back from Joel just in time to empty the contents of your stomach onto the snow between you.
He gripped your hair at the base of your neck, rubbing your back in short, rough circles. Somewhere far off, you thought you could hear speaking, but it was muffled.
“Is she bit, Joel?” Tommy was saying. Your stomach twisted violently, and you vomited again. When you managed to settle, Joel tugged you up onto your feet, his arm wrapping around your waist.
“Joel?" Tommy urged louder.
“She’s not fucking bit!” Joel yelled, his eyes tight with concern as he wiped the blood off your face with a rag. He walked hastily in the direction of the horses, and when you finally reached them, he tried to get you on his horse with him.
“I can ride,” you mumbled, your own voice sounding muffled.
“Just come wit-“
“I can ride on my own,” you asserted, allowing him to help you mount Dot.
The ride back to the gate was long. Joel rode right next to you, not speaking but never letting you out of his sight. The shock was wearing off, but you felt like you had vertigo; dizziness made you grip the reins tighter, and you prayed internally that you wouldn’t fall off. When the gate finally came into view, you could’ve sobbed from relief.
On Maria’s orders, you weren’t allowed to leave the gate check in point until the settlement’s doctor came and gave the all the clear. Tommy and Maria watched you like a hawk, but you paid them no mind. You were sat on the ground, cradling your aching ear, while Joel made futile attempts to clean up your face. He couldn’t do much though, without warm water. No one said anything. 
“You’ve got a perforated eardrum,” Dr Llewellyn told you, after shining a light into your left ear. It was leaking a clear, blood-tinged fluid that made your skin itch. “I’ll give you some antibiotics to help ward off any infection, but it should heal up on its own within a fortnight or so.”
“Okay,” you nodded slowly, accepting a small bottle of pills. “Thank you.” Considering you were covered in blood and brain matter and dirt, you were surprised by how unfazed Llewellyn appeared.
A low whistle rung out and you turned to look at Tommy. “I’m impressed,” he said quietly. “You held your own out there. We could use someone like you on the patrol team.”
“Tommy,” Joel started, but you interrupted him.
“Can you take me home?” His head swung to look at you and he was nodding quickly, gripping you hand to pull you up off the ground.
He was quiet, on the walk back. It wasn’t out of character, but you could sense a unique solemnity to it. One of his hands was on you at all times, and his head darted around constantly to see if there was anyone on the street who would spot you. Your demeanour would definitely cause alarm, and he wanted to avoid it if possible. The hearing in your left ear was almost entirely muted, and you walked in a daze, wincing at the headache pulsing in your skull.
Cal was still out when you got back, and Joel ushered you into the bathroom. He started the shower and helped you strip out of your ruined clothes. When the water was warm, and you were standing naked in the middle of the room, he turned toward the door.
“Joel,” you whispered, tears brimming on your waterline. As the shock wore off fully, you felt panic flare inside of you again. “Please stay.”
“Of course,” he hushed, putting his hand on your shoulder. His face looked tired, eyes and mouth downturned in concern. “Let’s clean you up, okay darlin’?”
You nodded meekly, allowing him to walk you into the shower and underneath the warm spray. He kicked his shoes and socks off, peeling his clothes off quickly before stepping into the stream of water beside you. Red and brown water ran down your body, and you shut your eyes quickly. You hair was matted thickly to your head, dried blood glueing it to your scalp.
Joel’s hands rubbed water into it, gently working out the tangles until it was clean. When the blood and grime was gone, he shampooed and conditioned it, nudging your head back softly to wash the suds out. You kept your eyes closed, tears still welling in them. The sense of failure and shame bubbled painfully in your chest. Why couldn’t you keep yourself safe? Why did you always get hurt? You felt like a fucking liability.
He pressed a quick kiss to your forehead, signifying that your hair was clean, and began rubbing soap over your body.
“Joel,” you said his name again urgently, voice thick with unshed tears.
“I’m here,” he soothed.
“I need you to check,” you said, voice so low he almost didn’t hear you.
“Check what?” he asked after a moment, his tone steely. Your eyes opened, and a tear rolled down your cheek as you stared at his blank expression. His hands had stopped moving.
“Please, just,” you gulped. “Check for bites. We might’ve missed something.”
 “You’re not fuckin’ bit,” he ground out.
“Please,” you begged, a sob racking through you body. “What if there’s one and we just haven’t seen it? Please.”
“Okay, okay, I’ve got you,” he acquiesced finally, realising that your panic wouldn’t subside until he did this for you.
With painstaking care, he resumed his ministrations along your body. Dragging the bar of soap along your skin, checking for bites on your neck, your back. His fingers traced the length of your arms, down to your fingers. His knees cracked loudly as he crouched beside you, hands brushing down your legs, checking.
When he stood back up, he wrapped his arms around you and tugged you into his chest. “You’re safe,” he murmured in your ear, grip tightening as you cried. “There’s nothing, you’re safe.”
Joel had you wrapped in a blanket and in front of the burning fire in your living room within the hour. He’d rifled through Cal’s room looking for a beanie, and gently tugged the navy hat on your head when he returned.
“He won’t mind I’m sure,” Joel muttered while dropping down onto the ground on your right side. He stared affectionately at how cosy you looked.
“He won’t. We share clothes all the time,” you said softly, gaging his reaction. He nodded slowly, eyes staring into the fire. The moment reminded you so strongly of the night a few weeks prior, when he’d found you wandering Jackson late at night in search of firewood, with a busted face.
“I’m sorry,” he said, the sincerity in his tone surprising you. His gaze held on the flames, but his hand drifted under the blanket to rest on your knee. “I was out of line, and I acted like a jealous kid. I don’t know what came over me.”
You didn’t speak for a moment, mulling his words over in your head. All the anger you’d felt towards him was so foreign now, after your near death experience, but you knew you had to talk about it. The way he’d held you in the shower, cleaned your skin... you weren’t ready be done with him.
“I suppose I’ve been relying on myself for so long,” he continued. “That I gotta … adjust to having other people in the picture. I had to adjust with Ellie, and now with you… I’m adjusting again. And it’s a good change; I want you in the picture.”
“You do?” you asked, wishing he would look at you. His cheeks were red from the warmth of the fire, and he cleared his throat nervously, nodding.
Finally, he turned his head to meet your eye. “I think I’ve wanted you in it since the first time I met you.”
You rolled your eyes, “That’s bullshit, Joel.”
“Okay,” he laughed quietly. “The fourth time I met you, then.”
You stared at each other. For once, you didn’t feel like hiding as his eyes slid over the features of your face, taking you in.
“Cal’s my family,” is all you said.
“And I won’t get in the way of that,” he held your gaze.
“Are you sure?”
He breathed your name. “It terrifies me to admit it but… I want you in any way I can have you. If Cal is your family, then I’m not going to fuck with that. I trust you.”
“He’s happy, you know,” you started, resting your hand on top of his. You chose your words carefully. “That you’re… in my life. He thinks you’re a good person.”
Joel’s eyes softened further, and he had the good grace to appear embarrassed.
“I need to say something though,” you continued, and his face tightened with alertness, hanging on your every word. “After everything that I’ve been through, the way I’ve lived… being in Jackson has brought order back to my life, Joel. And I need that. I need to feel in control of my life, and my decisions. If I want something, like going on a patrol,” his eyes darkened, but he stayed silent. “then I will. And you need to accept that about me. My decisions are my own.”
“They are,” he said firmly, squeezing your knee.
After a beat of silence, you gripped his hand tighter, and admitted, “I want you too. In my picture.”
He nodded, leaning in to rest his forehead against yours. “I know, darlin’.”
“Gonna have to stay on my right side though, with this bum ear,” you sighed.
“We can handle a perforated ear drum,” Joel chuckled quietly, his nose brushing against yours. “You stay on my left, and I’ll stay on your right. We only need two workin’ ears between us."
And as sweet as it was, the moment was broken by the front door of the house unlocking loudly, and Cal stumbled into the room. He took in the picture quickly, watching you both with a distressed look on his face.
“Cal?” you asked, eyes wide. You figured he'd heard what happened on the patrol and rushed home to see you.
“You okay?” Joel stood, taking in the younger man in confusion.
“Sorry,” he breathed heavily, pushing his snow slicked hair back off his forehead. “Sorry to interrupt.”
“Don’t apologise,” Joel said, offering a sheepish smile. Cal watched him warily, and looked to you.
“Someone’s gone missing,” he said, catching you off guard. Your shoulders tensed, and you nodded.
“Milena, right?” you asked. “I heard the other day. I thought she’d just left Jackson.”
“Who?” Cal frowned, his hands shaking. “No, it’s Rebecca, from the patrol group. I just ran into her husband; she didn’t go home last night, and he hasn’t been able to find her today. They’re putting together a search party.”
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part five | series masterlist
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