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buckyownsmylife · 3 years

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Young and Beautiful - Steve Rogers smut

The one where you were supposed to be a one-night stand, but Steve won't let that happen

Warnings: smut, and a little bit of angst.

A/N: this was our first ever patreon-voted fic, chosen for the month of May! My patreons at the $3 tier get to send me their ideas once a month and two of them end up being voted so I can write one of them each month. June’s fic is the one where Ransom needs to get a sugar mommy, and if you want to suggest a story for our July’s fic, please consider becoming a patreon! Thank you to my darling @sweetkingdomstarlight-blog for reading this over for me.

Y/N’s P.O.V.

The first time wasn’t a mistake, I could admit to that. Steve had been coming to the same bar where I worked for almost a year now. I knew who he was, of course. Everyone knew - he was hard to miss. But I think what he liked about our run-down place is that no one seemed to care about Captain America and the things he did when he didn’t have a bottle of beer in his hand.

Over here, he was just Steve. And Steve tipped well and drank a lot - I was sure he couldn’t get drunk, no matter how many beers I served him, but he never stopped asking me for more.

So, needless to say, he was adored. Adored by my boss, who was always around to keep watch of his customers and keep them in line. Adored by Luke, who guarded the entrance, for all the nights Steve helped him get rid of men who couldn’t keep their hands to themselves. And adored by all the waitresses, for precisely the same reason - and because I always shared my tips with all of them.

Even the kitchen staff adored Steve. Besides, it’s not like he was hard on the eye - all the girls (customers and staff) were constantly fawning over him, but he was nothing short of a gentleman, always.

Actually, he seemed to avoid the members of the opposite sex as best as he could, clearly not interested in whatever it was that they planned to possibly get to do with him. Well, except for me.

He never avoided me. I always figured it was because I was the guardian of the alcohol - we’d even joke about it sometimes, when he came to sit by the bar after politely declining someone’s advances.

“It’s just hard to understand how to date nowadays,” he commented one day after a pretty girl actually asked him out on a date right in front of me, but he refused. I shrugged as I wiped the counter, thinking if there was any advice I could give him.

“It really isn’t that hard. You go out to dinner, walk her home and when you step in front of her door, you ask her for some coffee. She’ll usually do it herself, but if you want to show your interest…” His frown was amusing, to say the least, but I held back my laughter so he wouldn’t be even more uncomfortable.

“A coffee?” Giggling, I nodded. “Before bed? But…”

“It’s a metaphor, Steve. A lady can’t very well invite you into her sheets, now can she?” He blushed three different shades of red when I winked, another giggle escaping. “I mean, she can, but we like to keep some things unsaid - innuendos can be very sexy.”

Two months had passed and if Steve made use of my lessons, I wouldn’t know. He never brought anyone to the bar and never left with any lady who approached him either.

“What can I get ya, Steve?” I’d always ask. I’d never once called him Cap or anything other than the name he used to introduce himself - even though I obviously knew who he was. He always took his time before answering my questions, even if they required a simple yes or no, which amused me to no end.

For a while, I actually believed a gun or one of the buildings the Hulk had undoubtedly thrown in his direction had left him with a difficulty of hearing. But then after my first question, he never seemed to have any problem understanding me at all.

“Just a beer,” he’d say, a small, soft smile as he tried not to stare too much at me, fingers tapping on the counter while I got his order. I appreciated his effort not to make me uncomfortable - I knew he’d seen how often men did that to me. I had no doubt that was why he only ever looked me in the eye from under those huge eyelashes of his.

“There you go.” Always the same routine, we never once deviated from it. Until one night when I was supposed to close the bar and he heard my boss instructing me to be careful.

“There’s been a lot of robberies this late at night. Make sure you lock everything up properly.” I saluted in jest, making the old man laugh and shake his head at me. “See you tomorrow, kid.”

There were only a handful of customers - Steve included, and he was the only one by the bar, so I threw him a quick smile as I wiped the glasses and started to clean the counter.

“Can I get you anything else?” I offered, but he only grimaced in response, leaving me confused. “Is there something wrong?” He stared directly at me without answering for a while before he was able to snap out of whatever it was that had frozen him.

“You’re supposed to leave by yourself at two in the morning?” I chuckled lightly at his concern, avoiding his gaze so he wouldn’t see how it warmed my heart that he’d be preoccupied over me, someone that was a little more than a stranger to him.

“It’s part of the job,” I reassured him. “Well, usually it’s part of Luke’s job. But whenever he has to leave early, it’s my duty to fill in for him.” He nodded, but didn’t make any movement towards leaving. Usually, he would be gone by now, but it wasn’t that extraordinary for him to stay until the hour I left.

This was the first time he stayed this long though, considering I wasn’t the one responsible for closing the bar and I only realized it when I looked around and noticed we were the last two people left in the room.

“Planning on drinking much more?” I joked, trying to gauge if he was going to be much longer, but he seemed startled by my question, looking around to verify the same thing I’d just noticed.

“Oh, no. Not at all.” I smiled, thankful that he was conscious and wouldn’t force me to stay even longer after my shift had finished. “I just figured I could walk you home. It is pretty late, after all.”

My heart warmed up at how sweet and thoughtful this man was. He had no reason to wait for me to finish my job just to walk me home, yet here he was. “Thank you, Steve,” I acknowledged, sending him a grateful grin. “Let me just check the bathrooms real quick. I’ll grab my purse and we can leave.”

He nodded, watching me do as I said and in no time at all we took off together in the direction of my apartment. I wasn’t worried about making small talk with him on the way there - I knew he was a good conversationalist from all the times he had stayed by the bar instead of taking his beer to a table, and I adored the stories he told of his missions just as much as I appreciated how he genuinely cared about what I had to say.

The walk to my place seemed shorter than ever before, and in a few minutes we were standing in front of my door as I searched for my keys in my bag.

“C-Can I…” He murmured as I looked for it, glancing up at him and smiling to signal he should continue even though I couldn’t give him my full attention at that moment. “Would you… Do you have some coffee?”

I was so shocked that my head whipped up to stare at him, eyes wide and unbelieving. Did Steve… Did he… Did he want to have sex with me? “I mean… in your apartment, do you have some coffee in your apartment?”

The thought was so extraordinary that the second I realized his intentions, a fire of desire warmed my lower belly, not because he was Captain America, but because he was an attractive and sweet guy that was way out of my league and I couldn’t believe he was into me.

He kept talking as I kept blinking at him, trying to process what was going on. “’Cause I’d really like to have some coffee… with you… If you want some too…”

His voice got smaller the longer it took for me to answer him, until it disappeared completely and he cleared his throat. “Nevermind.” He was about to turn around and make a run for it, I was sure, but I was able to grasp his wrist just in time, signalling him to stop because I had something to say.

“I would love to make you some coffee, Steve.”

So yeah, the first time wasn’t a mistake. He was way too fucking sweet and I got hot just by seeing how nervous he was to ask me for some “coffee”, incredulous that I was capable of affecting this giant man that much.

So as soon as we were in my apartment, I tied up my hair with the little hair tie I always kept on my wrist during work and got on my knees for him.

And I cherished every fucking second of it.

The way his mouth fell open in a gasp when I reached for his jeans, the little moans he let out as I licked his member… I couldn’t close my eyes, too transfixed by his expressions to miss anything.

The way he pulled me by my hair to devour my mouth, hands so eager to undress me that he ended up ripping my blouse, but it only made me giggle.

The way his groan sounded almost painful when he picked me up, shoved me against the door and penetrated me, filling me so beautifully I hit my head back against the wood and didn’t even notice it.

He got me to cum without almost no preparation, just from the thrill of it all, the stretch of his member inside of me. When I urged him to cum in my pussy, the look on his eyes was enough to get me to cum again, milking him dry as he emptied himself with a growl, forehead dropping against mine while he tried to catch his breath.

I was expecting him to leave immediately or maybe stay for an actual coffee. I wasn’t expecting him to pull out, drop to his knees and start lapping his cum from inside of me, eyes as focused on mine as I had been for him only minutes before.

Burying my fingers in his short locks, I tried to keep myself up despite the way my legs trembled, but Steve just adjusted them so they’d be over his shoulders and held me up with his face buried in me.

I had never cum so many times in a row. But then again, I had never had a man eat his own cum out of me.

I fully intended it to be a one time thing, and that was my plan. I thanked him for eating me out, made him some coffee, giggled at his stories about his friends and for a second it almost looked like we were back at the bar, only the counter was my kitchen table and I was allowed to sit on the other side.

He didn’t ask to stay the evening and I breathed a sigh of relief after I closed the door behind him, ignoring the slight empty feeling that momentarily hit me. This is what I wanted, I reminded myself, and by acting the way I expected him to, he had made it clear that he understood the rules of the dating world he claimed to know so little of.

This was a one time deal. Nothing more.

But then the first night we saw each other at the bar again, it was when he burst through the door to punch some guy who came in just as I was closing, trying to steal the money we had in the vault. I was so fucking relieved to see his face that all I could do was tremble in his arms after the police came to get the robber, and of course I couldn’t let him go after that.

He walked me home and I didn’t even ask anything, just stood on my tiptoes to kiss his lips, using my grip on his shirt to pull him in as he helped me with my clothes.

“You’re so fucking pretty…” He moaned, and perhaps that should have been my first sign, the one that alerted me to stop what I was doing and not make this into a mistake I couldn’t take back.

He hadn’t talked the last time. He had never complimented me before.

“God, your ass…” He groaned as he palmed it, helping me over his lap when he took a seat on my couch, until I could fuse the both of us and ride us to hysteria.

But I didn’t mind. I didn’t mind because it felt so fucking good to be desired by him, to have him inside of me, cumming deep into my pussy only to eat it all out of me again.

It didn’t take long for me to learn about the errors of my way, though. In fact, it started the very next day, when he walked into the bar grinning from ear to ear and made a beeline in my direction.

“Hey, baby,” he greeted, and my eyes went wide as two saucers, especially when I saw him lean over the counter like he intended to peck my lips.

“Hello, Captain.” I quickly turned my back to him, facing the shelves of liquor to pretend that I was looking for something. My heart sank to my stomach as I took in what was happening, what I had just done in my effort to put some distance between us as if last night had never happened. “Can I get you anything?”

The time it took for him to answer almost had me looking at him from over my shoulder, but I restrained myself. “Yeah, you,” he finally said, and I breathed out in surprise. “Why are you acting this way?”

I panicked for a few seconds, reaching up for an already clean glass to attack it with my rag. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I tried to reassure the both of us, still incapable of looking him in the eye.

But I could see his massive body by the end of the counter from the corner of my eyes, where he always sat, and I saw him tap the old battered wood with his fingers - fingers he had used to spread me open for his tongue to reach - as he thought.

I hoped he would let it go. I hoped he would not.

“Fine,” he relented, and I froze, uncertain of what he meant. “I’ll come back tomorrow.” My head snapped up just in time to watch him leave, and he didn’t even look over his shoulder.

I tried to tell myself it was for the best. He needed some time to get over whatever the hell it was that he thought he was feeling and tomorrow things would go back to normal. But that wasn’t what happened.

He came back with flowers the next day, and I didn’t have any reasonable excuse not to accept it. He didn’t push for anything, just gave me the bouquet before asking for his usual drink. And then he proceeded to stay the entire evening right there, where he always sat, carefully watching my every move.

For the first time in a while, I broke two glasses in a single evening.

The day after that, he came with a box of chocolates. I couldn’t hide the smile because they were my favorite - I didn’t know how he knew it until he reminded me.

“You told me you liked them right when I started coming to this place.” His eyes were so heavy with a sad feeling that I couldn’t recognize that I had to avert my gaze. It messed with my heartbeat, it left my throat feeling dry.

“Thanks, Captain,” I softly acknowledged it, and I saw the way his grip on the box tightened. I saw it in the way it was slightly crumpled when I took it from his hands, but he didn’t say a word.

There was only so much that he could take, though. And I knew that. It didn’t help that my boss had caught onto his intentions and started to push me to go out on a date with him.

“Why don’t you give the poor guy a chance?” He’d incite, much to Steve’s utter glee.

“Yeah, Y/N. Why don’t you go out with me?” Steve urged, and although he never asked when my boss wasn’t around to initiate the teasing, I knew he wondered.

And the truth was that I wondered about it too. Because everything was screwed up now. When I gave him his beer and our fingers brushed, mine were left tingling. When I looked his way to find his gaze already on me, I shivered.

So yes, the second time was undeniably a mistake, but there wouldn’t be a third time. I’d make sure of it.

Steve’s P.O.V.

I was tired of waiting. I knew I had wanted her since the first time I laid my eyes on her, when I decided to stop at this rundown bar in the hopes of one night of crappy beer without being bothered by anyone asking for autographs or pictures.

I’d come here almost every night when I could escape the tower to watch her work, slowly getting her to warm up to me, and I fell for her personality in the process.

The way she clearly saw me as Steve, and not my title.

The way she always laughed at my stories and shared what had happened in the previous nights with the raucous customers.

The way she seemed to care about everyone and everything that came into contact with her.

So what started as desire became something deeper and for the first time since I was unfrozen, I found myself eager to understand what dating in this new century was like. I asked Sam for advice, and even Tony for any tips he could give me, but their general ideas didn’t matter to me when all I wanted was one single person.

Her.

So I asked her for her thoughts on the matter and was surprised with myself when I put them into practice. I was even more surprised when she accepted my advances and welcomed me into her embrace.

I was sure I’d never been happier than that evening.

But to have her pretend nothing had happened and even worse - treat me like a stranger after I had learned the taste of her skin? Nothing hurt deeper than that.

And still, I understood. I realized then that she hadn’t seen the situation the way that I had. She had thought all I wanted was a one-night deal - well, two-night deal - because I had never shown her anything to make her think differently.

So I set out to do just that. My way this time. And I was just about ready to ask her on a proper date when I was forced away for a whole damn month, having to resort to my hand and my memories of her body to get through the cold nights on the field.

The second I was back in the city, I only had one thing in mind. To get what I wanted, in whatever way she would let me.

“Can we talk?” My voice sounded clipped to my own ears, and maybe that’s why her mouth opened in surprise - or maybe it was seeing me at the bar so early, when there was barely anyone around, after being absent for so long.

“Sure,” she finally accepted, shrugging like it was no big deal, but I knew better than that. She might not know it, but I could read her perfectly, and I knew she was hiding her true feelings even to herself. I knew those feelings were deeper than she had ever felt. I knew they made her scared.

“Not here.” She stopped cleaning glasses then, frozen for a second before she looked around, taking in the fact that no one else was going to need her for a while. There was nowhere to run and maybe I was a jerk for doing this during her work hours, but I was a desperate jerk and I couldn’t wait a second longer.

“Okay.” She sounded small, and I knew what she was expecting to get out of this conversation. Closure, in one way or another. For me to finally let go of her. But I wouldn’t.

I wanted her too damn bad to let her escape like that.

“Go out with me.” I asked the second that the office door was closed behind us, and she immediately started shaking her head. “Yes, please,” I insisted. “Let me show you that I want more from you. I want so much more.”

“I can’t give you more,” was her answer, and she still avoided my eyes as she spoke. “One night, you even had two. That’s all I can give you. Please don’t ask me for anything more.”

“Why?” I asked, and the frustration in my voice was enough to get her to meet my eyes for the first time that evening. “Why are you trying to avoid this? I know you want me, Y/N. You wouldn’t have slept with me if you didn’t. So just tell me why.”

“I can’t,” she insisted, moving towards the door, but I grasped her hand to stop her before she could slip through it - much like she had done that first night, when I thought I’d screwed up any chance I had to ever be with her.

“Tell me why you’re holding yourself back from me,” I ordered, anger and desire creating an explosive cocktail inside of me, making my voice hoarse. I saw her shiver. I watched her break.

“Because it was too fucking good and I swear to God, if you get your mouth on me again, I’m gonna marry you.” Our expressions mirrored one another, eyes wide, mouths hanging open. She couldn’t believe she had let out her feelings like this. I couldn’t believe there was all there was to it.

I dropped to my knees before her.

“Come here.” I shoved her jeans all the way down to her ankles, sending the button flying somewhere. I couldn’t tell where and I didn’t care. All I wanted was to show her that there was nothing wrong with wanting this, with wanting me because as long as she allowed me to, I’d give anything to be with her.

My tongue was so hungry to taste her sweetness again. I licked a stripe between her lower lips before I could even get my hand there, spreading her with my fingers for easier access.

God, she was heavenly. I watched her let her head fall back against the door, much like the first time I was able to be in this position, and my heartbeat fluttered at the realization that this time, I was much closer to getting what I really wanted from her.

“I’ve been terrified of my own feelings for long enough,” I decided to confess, parting from her clit to be able to speak but slipping two digits inside her hole, filling her up, preparing her to welcome me. “I can wait for you to come to terms with yours. But I can’t keep myself away,” I warned, quickening my movements as I chased away the taste of her in my tongue. “So don’t ask that of me.”

Her moan had my eyes sparkling with excitement. I lowered my head to suck her button, see the way it made her thighs tremble on each side of my face.

“So fucking sexy,” I moaned against her cunt. “Come for me, sweetheart. Drench my face.” Her little cry of ecstasy denounced she was about to do just that, so I twirled my tongue around her clit, rubbing my digits against her sweet spot as her body tensed under my ministrations.

“There you go…” I whispered, fascinated with the way she looked after her release. It was like she glowed from the inside, muscles relaxing to accept my caresses when I finished cleaning her with my tongue and rose to my full height.

“Next time you try to pretend something between us didn’t happen, I’m gonna bend you over the counter and spank your ass in front of all of the other patrons,” I warned her before nibbling her earlobe. “Go out with me,” I tried again, and she took a deep breath before answering, looking up at me from under her eyelashes.

“Okay.”

#my fics #steve rogers smut #steve rogers #smut #patreon one-shot #steve rogers x reader #steve rogers reader #steve rogers reader insert #steve rogers reader inserts #steve rogers fanfiction #steve rogers one-shot

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etherrreal · 3 years

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“5:00am”

Pairing: ushijima x reader Genre: fluff Summary: looking back, you’re not sure what made you think that jogging with ushijima would end in anything but complete and utter disaster, but it’s too late to go back now WC: 5k Warnings: brief mentions of non-serious injury, a little blood, implied smut, too many paragraphs about ushijima’s hands A/N: first fic gang! this was supposed to be like 500 words but as the blog title suggests, i’m a liar -Dawn

You’re not sure what possesses you to go jogging with Ushijima at the ungodly hour of 5AM –and on a Saturday, no less– but here you are, tugging a windbreaker over your tank top and leggings while he waits for you by the door.

Most of it, you’re sure, is just because you miss him. The two of you have been so busy lately –you with your new job, him with the whole professional volleyball thing– so this is the first weekend in a while that you’ll actually be spending together.

It’s only natural that you want to spend as much time as possible with your boyfriend before your respective commitments are back to pulling you both in opposite directions, as they have more times than you’d like to admit in the past four months you’ve been dating.

Or maybe 5AM-you, lacking caffeine, sleep, and any sense of real judgment, is just losing your mind.

Ushijima certainly seems to think so, if the look he gives you when you volunteer to accompany him on his routine morning jog is any indication. He’s far from the most expressive person you’ve ever dated, but you’ve been with him long enough to register the surprise on his features; the way his pretty olive eyes widen a fraction and the way he pauses to watch you, like he’s trying to gauge how serious you are.

“What?” you ask as you join him by the door, removing your slippers.

He raises an eyebrow at you. “You hate running.”

“Running? Absolutely. Jogging, however, I think I can handle, especially if it’s with my handsome boyfriend who I haven’t spent nearly enough time with lately.”

With your slippers out of the way, you move to reach for your sneakers next. A quick glance in his direction confirms that he’s still giving you that same bewildered look, a crease forming between his eyebrows. It makes you falter as you pick up your sneakers, wondering if you’ve made a mistake.

Now that you think about it, he does usually jog on his own. The two of you are no strangers to working out together –if him doing push-ups with you perched comfortably on his back counts as working out– but you’ve never actually joined him on a morning run before.

Is this something he prefers to do alone? Are you overstepping his boundaries by inviting yourself along before checking to see if it was okay? Suddenly, you find yourself wishing you would’ve asked first.

“Do you...not want me to go with you? Because if you’d prefer to go alone, that’s totally fine, I’ll just–”

He catches your wrist before you can put your sneakers back down, and the rest of your sentence is lost somewhere between the fingertips he presses against your skin and the other hand he uses to lift yours.

It’s almost criminal, you think, the way a single touch from him is enough to completely derail your train of thought, whatever you were babbling about suddenly the furthest thing from your mind. You think you shouldn’t be as phased by it by now, not after all the time you’ve spent together, but no such luck.

Really, it’s his hands that are the problem, now that you think about it. His hands, steady and calloused and strong, but still so undeniably gentle and patient when it comes to you.

It’s hard to pick your favorite feature of Ushijima’s when he looks the way he does –all tanned skin, broad shoulders, and chiseled abs– but his hands are pretty high up on your list. They have been from the moment you met him at Iwaizumi’s housewarming party last year.

You had obviously seen him before, though you never actually spoke to him until the party. It was mostly during high school volleyball matches between Aoba Johsai and Shiratorizawa, courtesy of your childhood friendship with Oikawa and Iwaizumi.

You remember spotting Ushijima and thinking he looked so serious and unapproachable, even more imposing than he did in the photos of him featured in that Monthly Volleyball magazine you used to watch Oikawa vandalize with ridiculous-looking mustaches and devil horns.

When you saw Ushijima at Iwaizumi’s party, he still looked serious, not to mention larger and even more intimidating in person, but his hands were warm and kinder than you were expecting, careful in the way they wrapped around yours when he introduced himself. It was only hours later when those same hands reached for yours again to help you off the couch that you realized you spent the whole night with him.

Now, months later, you’re standing with him in his stupidly expensive apartment, half-panicked that you might’ve overestimated his desire to spend time with you. But Ushijima’s hands are still steady and warm against your skin, even now, reassuring in a way you don’t think you’ll ever get tired of.

“I’d love it if you joined me,” he says, pressing a soft kiss to the back of your hand, and if you weren’t smiling before, then you definitely are now.

You pull on his hand to tug him down towards you, a request that he silently obliges. You perch on your toes to reach him and deliver a chaste kiss to his lips, smiling against his mouth. When you pull away to look at him, you find him smiling, too, in that soft and subtle way of his that you’re so glad he’s chosen to share with you.

“Just promise me you’ll be careful,” he adds. “We’ll be running for a while, and I don’t want you to get hurt. You’re clumsier than most.”

Sadly, he’s not wrong. You are pretty clumsy, almost cartoonishly so. He’s watched you bang your leg on his dining room table practically every time you pass it, heard you curse to yourself after accidentally knocking down every item in his shower. At this point, holding your arm in his is as natural to him as breathing, just so he’s there to keep you from tripping over your own two feet.

And while you definitely appreciate the concern, you don’t think it’s entirely necessary, at least not for this. Sure, you have a bad habit of falling on your ass more often than not, but you’re also able to do so without sustaining any major injuries. You’re confident this time will be no different.

Besides, it’s just one jog. You’ll survive, even if your muscles might hate you for it later. Still, you know he worries about you, which is why you reach up to give him another quick kiss.

“Deal,” you assure him once you pull away. Then, you grin, voice taking on a more teasing edge as you look up at him. “As long as you promise not to be embarrassed when I leave you in the dust. You know, since I’m just so naturally athletic.”

Ushijima’s never been the best at detecting sarcasm, but with you, like so many other things, it’s different. He can tell you’re joking by the way you giggle and wink at him, and when he huffs out a quiet laugh, you smile and sit down to put on your sneakers.

He surprises you when he kneels to tie them for you before you get the chance to do it yourself.

“Careful, Wakatoshi,” you warn him, not for the first time. “If you keep being so sweet to me, you’ll never be able to get rid of me. You might just be stuck with me forever.”

“That’s fine,” he says, like he’s already considered the consequences before and has chosen to accept them. “You’re the only one I can imagine being with for that long, anyway.”

He moves on to tie the laces on your second sneaker, taking zero responsibility for the way his words make your heart flutter in your chest. He always does this: says stupidly romantic things with barely any prompting and absolutely no consideration or even awareness of the effect they have on you.

His voice doesn’t change when he says them, either. He uses the same blunt tone he always does, like it’s a simple fact, like he’s asking you to pass him his phone charger instead of alluding to a potential future with you.

It just makes you fall that much more in love with him.

Not that you’ve actually told him yet. You’re still waiting for the right moment. You wonder if maybe this might be it, but then he stands up and turns away from you to open the door and the opportunity is gone.

Maybe that’s for the best. This morning, you decide that you can handle jogging with your pro-athlete boyfriend or confessing your love for him, not both. The latter will just have to wait for dinner tonight, assuming you make it back in one piece and your legs don’t just fall off from the sudden exercise.

You stand up and follow him out the door.

Ushijima insists you both take the time to stretch before you actually start running, so you spend a few minutes doing so in the empty lobby. You pretend to struggle with a few of them, just so you’ll have an excuse to have his hands on you.

You’re almost positive he sees through your little ruse, if the amused look he gives you is any indication, but he doesn’t complain, guiding his hands over your body to help you bend and stretch like he can’t see the grin on your face.

Once you’re all warmed up, you’re ready to start jogging. You follow behind him as he leads you along his usual path down the block, the streets noticeably empty, save for the occasional passing car.

You know the only reason you’re able to keep up with him is because he’s slowing down for you, but you don’t let it bother you. He’s a professional athlete, after all, and you’re the kind of person who doesn’t even like to run to catch the bus, so it’s to be expected. Still, you give it your all, remembering to keep your breathing steady just like he taught you.

And you have to admit, your aversion to any sort of cardio aside, jogging with Ushijima is actually kind of fun.

For the first five minutes, at least.

Then it all goes to shit.

You’re not sure how it happens, either. One moment, everything is great. Sure, you’re already feeling a little sweaty, and maybe your lungs are screaming at you just a tiny bit –the price of inactivity, and all that– but you power through it because, in the words of so many great orators before you, mama ain’t raise no bitch.

But then you trip on something –a pothole in the street, your own foot, who the hell knows– and suddenly you’re wiping out for the entire world –or maybe just your boyfriend and that one stray cat you passed, which is still pretty embarrassing– to see.

Ushijima’s quite a few feet ahead of you now, because as much as he tried to slow down for you in the beginning, you figure he just can’t help but speed up a bit. He’s not the type to do anything half-assed, not even a casual morning jog. You’re almost grateful for it in a way, because it means he doesn’t actually see you trip and stumble like a baby deer learning to walk for the first time.

He does, however, hear the yelp that escapes your throat, making him glance over his shoulder just in time to see you fall forward. He runs back towards you, but he’s too far to reach you in time, and your knees hit the pavement hard, your hands shooting out to catch yourself as best as you can.

You don’t even have to look to know that the skin on both your knees and your palms is scraped up. There’s also a shooting pain that starts at your ankle and darts right up your leg, reassuring you that you most definitely stepped on it wrong.

Ushijima is by your side in an instant, normally stoic face scrunched up with worry. He helps you twist yourself into a more comfortable position on the sidewalk, though it does little to ease your embarrassment or your annoyance with your own incoordination.

“I’m okay,” you try to reassure him, but that’s not entirely the truth. Your palms are stinging and your ankle is throbbing, not to mention the fact that your knees currently resemble a cat’s scratching post. “It’s not as bad as it looks.”

The look he gives you is doubtful, and you know for a fact he doesn’t believe you at all. “You’re bleeding.”

And holy crap, you are. It shouldn’t be a surprise to you, since you felt the entire thing, but the sight of the blood on your knees and palms still stuns you a bit.

“Come on.” He wraps his arms around you, pulling you up with ease you would normally marvel at if it didn’t make you feel so pathetic. “We’re going back. I’ll be able to treat your wounds and take a better look at your ankle.”

“Whaa– but we’ve barely even started jogging!” you protest, pouting despite the stinging of your cuts. “I told you that I’m fine, Toshi. I can still walk–”

You try to put pressure on the ankle you rolled and immediately wince. You almost stumble forward again, but this time Ushijima is there to catch you, holding you against him with his arms around your waist.

“No, you can’t. You need to treat your injuries, so stop being stubborn and let me help you. We’re going back.”

You bite the inside of your cheek, eyebrows drawing together in frustration –mostly at yourself– but stubborn as you are, you know he’s right. There’s no arguing your way out of this one, not that he would listen to you in the first place. He’s always been protective of you, which means he won’t be budging on this.

You heave a defeated sigh but nod at him anyway, relenting. He helps you hobble along with your arm around his shoulders and his arm around your waist for a few steps before he seems to think better of it.

In one fluid motion, he’s picking you up in his arms, holding you bridal style against his chest. And while normally his arms are one of your favorite places to be, the fact that he has to carry you like this all because you’re an idiot who can’t watch where you’re going is doing nothing to ease your already damaged pride.

You try to convince him to put you down and let you walk on your own, but unsurprisingly, he doesn’t agree. Your face, which is already warm with embarrassment, just seems to heat up even more. Your mortification only increases when you spot his apartment building a few streets later.

God, the two of you were running for what, maybe five minutes? Six? And now you’re already back home? Talk about embarrassing. And right after you promised him to be careful, too.

The fact that the pothole –which you are now deciding to blame for your fall, because you don’t think your ego can handle anything else– had the audacity to trip you and then not immediately swallow you whole to save you this embarrassment is honestly disrespectful, at this point.

Ushijima was right earlier. You do hate running. And you hate yourself even more for believing that jogging at any hour –least of all 5AM– would end in anything other than complete and utter disaster.

Your only consolation is that it’s so early, chances are that no one else saw you trip and almost eat shit in the middle of the street. It’s the little victories that count, you suppose, though you might just have to burn this outfit later to rid yourself of the reminder. You’re not sure how you’re ever going to live this one down.

Thankfully, the universe seems to take some pity on you, since you don’t pass any of Ushijima’s neighbors in the lobby. He maneuvers you into the apartment, managing to close the door behind him and remove his sneakers without putting you down.

When he does finally let you go, it’s to place you delicately on his bed. He disappears from the room and returns a moment later with a first aid kit and an ice pack, while you flop defeatedly onto your back against his pillows, pouting.

“I can’t believe I actually fell.” You groan, throwing an arm over your eyes. You feel the bed dip beneath his weight as he sits beside you, but you still don’t move. “The one time I willingly decide to run, and this is what happens. We didn’t even make it past the supermarket!”

“Don’t be so hard on yourself. It could’ve happened to anyone,” he says, opening the first aid kit. His voice is as straightforward as ever, but you know he’s trying to comfort you in his own way. “Besides, it could’ve been a lot worse.”

“Worse than twisting my ankle and making a fool of myself five minutes in?” You shift to prop yourself up on your elbows and raise an eyebrow at him. “How?”

“You could’ve twisted your ankle and made a fool of yourself two minutes in instead.”

The bluntness of his response makes you snort, cracking a half-smile as you push yourself to sit up fully. “Good point.”

You watch as he gets to work, mesmerized by how careful he is with you. He takes your palms in his hands, wiping away the blood gently and cleaning the small scratches it reveals. The scrapes on your knees, which he moves to next, sting more, but he moves slowly enough that it doesn’t overwhelm you. He’s always taken such good care of you, and this time is no different.

After all of your scrapes are covered, he examines your ankle, which is unsurprisingly the worst of your injuries. When he helps you tug your sneaker and sock off, you can both see it’s already swelling.

It’s not broken, he assures you, but it is lightly sprained. You’ll need to rest and compress it until you’re ready to walk on it again, but the ice should help with the swelling. He lifts your ankle on top of a few pillows to keep it elevated, covering it with the ice pack.

He moves higher up on the bed to sit beside you against the headboard, searching your face for any signs of discomfort. “How does that feel?”

“It still hurts, but it’s not as bad as before,” you answer. “Honestly, I think my pride is more damaged than anything else.”

You lean back against the pillows propped up on his headboard and sigh, unable to stop the guilty frown tugging at your lips. As grateful as you are for his help, you also feel really bad that he had to stop and take care of you at all.

If you hadn’t insisted on joining him on his run, then none of this would’ve happened. You would still have two normal-sized ankles, and he would be able to finish his run without having to worry about you and your chronic clumsiness.

“I’m sorry I ruined our jog,” you find yourself apologizing, fiddling with the hem of your shirt guiltily. “It was supposed to be cute and fun, but all I did was screw it up. I’m sorry you had to come back to take care of me.”

Ushijima shakes his head. “Taking care of you isn’t a burden. There’s no need for you to apologize.”

His hands reach for yours, large enough to engulf your own as he turns them over. His eyes follow the path his fingertips trace lightly over the band-aids covering the scratches on your palms. “If I hadn’t gone on ahead of you–”

You press a hand against his chest to stop him, his eyes flickering back up to meet your own.

As endearing as his concern is, he’s not the one at fault here. You don’t think anyone is, really, except for maybe that damned pothole you may or may not have tripped on. More importantly, you don’t want him to blame himself for this.

“Nuh-uh, nope, none of that. I’m the one who tripped, remember? It’s not your fault I suck at running. Or any kind of physical activity, actually.”

You pause, tilting your head thoughtfully as you mull over your own words. He watches the mischievous smile he’s learned to love appear on your face, hears the teasing edge seeping into your tone as you lower your voice just a bit.

“Except maybe the one that involves you railing me into the mattress,” you add with a smirk, playful and just shameless enough in a way that never fails to draw him in even more. “That one, I don’t mind, for obvious reasons.”

He sighs, though your words don’t surprise him. “I really wish you wouldn’t word it that way.”

“Too late~”

You’re practically singing as you grin at him, grabbing his chin and bringing his face closer to yours.

He mutters something about you having a one track mind, but you don’t miss the amusement in his eyes or the fond little smile he casts in your direction. He doesn’t stop you from pulling him in either, allowing you to rest your other hand on the side of his face.

“Thank you for taking such good care of me, Wakatoshi.”

You meet him halfway for a loving kiss that you hope is enough to express your gratitude, one he doesn’t hesitate to return. When you break apart, he rests his forehead against yours.

And right when you think you can’t possibly love him anymore, he promises quietly, sincerely, “Always.”

As usual, he gives you no time to recover. He kisses you on the forehead and then stands up, announcing that there’s something else he needs to go grab before leaving the room.

Honestly, you’re hoping it’s food. You’re starving, and after all of this morning’s excitement* (see also: trauma), there’s nothing more you want than to cuddle up alongside your boyfriend while enjoying a plate of your favorite breakfast food.

To your surprise –and slight disappointment– when Ushijima returns, it’s not with food or anything else to treat your injuries, but rather with a set of keys. He sits beside you again, opening his palm to offer them to you.

“Well, those aren’t pancakes.” You take the keys anyway, twirling the ring around one of your fingers before raising an eyebrow at him. “Are these what I think they are?”

“The keys to my apartment,” he confirms. “I want you to move in with me.”

Your eyes widen. It’s not the last thing you expected him to ask you when he offered you the keys, but it’s definitely not the first one either.

When he first held them out to you, you thought maybe he was just giving you a copy of your own to hold onto, just in case you ever needed them. You’ve thought about offering him the same a few times before, just so he could let himself into your own apartment whenever he comes over instead of you having to get up and open the door for him.

But that’s not what’s happening here. It looks like Ushijima’s chosen to skip the exchanging apartment keys step entirely in favor of just straight up asking you to move in with him. And while part of you is thrilled by it, your heart hammering in your chest with excitement at the prospect of getting to wake up next to him every day, of getting to come home to him, there’s another part of you that’s wondering if maybe you’re moving too fast.

It’s not that you don’t trust him, or that you doubt how much he cares for you, because you don’t. Your previous partners couldn’t even spell commitment, much less agree to it, but Ushijima’s not like them.

He told you, not too long after the first few times you went out together, that he doesn’t believe in dating casually or wasting his time. If he’s with someone, it’s because he sees a future with them. Hearing that was a bit intimidating at first, but it was also extraordinarily refreshing.

Asking you to move in with him, you know, is just another step towards that future. And while the idea excites you, making you feel more secure and adored than in any of your past relationships, there’s a part of you that’s still a bit hesitant.

After all, what sets you and Ushijima apart –more than your senses of humor, more than your completely different levels of athletic ability, as evidenced by the ice pack and bandages you’re currently sporting– is the fact that you, unlike him, often get caught up in the “what-if’s” of a situation. Whenever you have to make a decision, you psych yourself out by imagining every little thing that could possibly go wrong.

He calls your name, tearing you from your thoughts. He’s looking at you like he already knows what you’re thinking, like he can see the tangle of anxiety you feel nestling into your bones. Maybe that’s why he reaches out to take the hand that’s not holding his keys, lacing your fingers together.

“Are you okay?” he asks. “You haven’t said anything.”

“I know, I know, I’m just...processing.” You give his hand a quick squeeze, moving the keys around in your other palm. “How long have you been thinking about this?”

“Since my last away game.” He answers right away like he doesn’t have to think about it, like he just knows. Not for the first time, you find yourself envying his conviction. “I went straight to your apartment from the airport, and you were already there, waiting. I realized how much I liked the idea of getting to come home to you, and vice versa. I’ve been waiting for the right time to ask you to move in since then.”

“Wakatoshi, that was last month. You’ve known since back then?” You stare at him with wide, wondering eyes, your cheeks already warming at the implication, growing even warmer when he nods. “And you don’t think it’s too soon? You’re not the least bit hesitant about living with me?”

“Hesitation is only necessary for those who are unsure of their desires. I know what I want, and that’s you, if you’ll have me.”

If you’ll have me. He says it like it’s easy. Like he’s already yours, to love and to be loved by.

And he is, you realize. He has been for a while, just like you have. You knew you were in love with him this morning, and you’ve known it for weeks before that, too. You just weren’t sure when or how to bring it up, but now you are.

“I’d like that. I like you– wait, that’s not right.” You release his hand, and he stares at you in confusion, the corner of his mouth curving downward. You’re quick to smooth it away with your thumb, your eyes earnest and full of affection as you correct yourself, “I love you, Wakatoshi.”

The confusion in his eyes quickly transforms into surprise. You’re not sure what stuns him more: your confession itself, or the confident, doubtless way you say it. You smile at him and take his face into your hands, careful to move his keys so they don’t scratch him.

“I’ve known it for a while. I just wasn’t sure when to bring it up, but now I am. I don’t expect you to say it back unless you’re ready, but–”

“I love you,” he says confidently, unwaveringly, and now it’s your turn to be stunned.

You blink, taken aback for a few seconds before your lips begin curving into a goofy smile. “Really?”

He hums affirmatively, and after that you can’t do anything besides kiss him. He’s quick to return the gesture, moving his mouth against yours and winding one arm around your waist to pull you closer. He pulls back from you right when you’re about to deepen the kiss. You try to pout, but it’s hard to do so when you feel as giddy and over the moon as you do now.

“Does this mean you’ll be moving in with me?”

“Of course.” You beam at him. “I’d love to move in with you, Wakatoshi.”

He smiles, his arm moving up to wrap around your shoulders, and your own smile grows brighter as you lean into him, cuddling against his side and resting your head against his chest. Things between you are quiet for a few moments, both of you basking in the comfortable silence.

You’re shifting his keys in your hand when a thought occurs to you, and you can’t help the laugh that escapes your chest.

“So this is why you let me go running with you this morning,” you tease. “You knew that if I did injure myself, that would just make it harder for me to leave, so I’d have no choice but to say yes to moving in. How sneaky of you.”

“You volunteered to join me–”

“I know, Toshi, I’m just kidding.” You grin, tilting your head to look up at him. “So, what do you say we go make some breakfast in your kitchen? I’m starving.”

“Our kitchen now,” he corrects, and your heart flutters in your chest for what must be the tenth time in the hour or so you’ve been awake this morning. It can’t be healthy for you. “And I’ll be the one making breakfast. You stay here and rest that ankle.”

He kisses your forehead and stands up to head into the kitchen. You frown at the loss of his warmth, but another look at the keys in your hand has you smiling again.

Maybe jogging isn’t so bad after all.

Written by: Dawn

#ushijima x reader #ushijima wakatoshi x reader #haikyuu x reader #ushijima imagines #haikyuu imagines #ushijima x y/n #ushijima x you #haikyu x reader #haikyuu!! x reader #haikyuu #haikyuu!!#hq x reader #our writing #ushijima fluff #ushijima wakatoshi fluff #haikyuu fluff #dawn writes

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aminiatureworld · 3 years

Text

Frustration

Characters: Childe, Diluc, Xiao, gn!reader

Word Count: 2,068 words

Premise: Commissions don’t always go as planned, much to your frustration. Luckily there’s someone there to make you feel better.

Author’s Note: So I’ve been thinking of writing Genshin stuff for months now but haven’t, for various reasons mainly that being how much this blog is already a bit of a disarrayed mess. But after awhile I decided another fandom won’t hurt. Besides I think it’s better to write something than nothing, even if the fandom keeps changing. So… yeah?

This particular scenario was basically my day today. The characters have been chosen out of my own personal will. I was going to do Zhongli as well but I’m exhausted so if this is well received perhaps I’ll do that another day.

Also I’m so tired I’m halfway to a headache and feel a bit floaty so sorry if there are grammar mistakes and such. Anyways, hope you like!

Character Banners in progress

Ao3 link in reblog

Childe

“I’m gonna kill someone.” You muttered, slamming your weapon down on the table, causing the ginger next to you to start.

“As long as that person’s not me I’ll be glad to help you.” You weren’t sure whether you found the comment worrying, insulting, or charming, and decided not to reply, instead throwing yourself in the chair across from Childe, usually reserved for customers or some member of the Fatui higherups, though today you could care less.

“Hey, am I not good enough?” Childe half whined half joked. You only grunted before getting up and walking over to his chair, plopping yourself on his lap and promptly picking at a stray thread on his coat which had caught your eye and was now becoming an increasing source of irritation.

Taking this as a sign Childe gently pried your nails away from the offending thread. Placing your palms in his gloved hands he smiled and placed a kiss on your forehead. “Want to tell me about it?”

“It’s this stupid ley line! You know, the one in the stone forest? I was commissioned to keep an eye on it, normal stuff, but this one seems absolutely crawling with all sorts of slimes and the like, hilichurls too and a stray bandit here or there. They keeping breaking the damn thing and the minute I fix it they’re back again. At this rate I’m not going to finish it!” You chewed on the inside of your cheek, thinking of the hours you’d spent fighting with the thing. You’d even let out a few tears of frustration in the process, and having nothing to show for it was intensely irritating, to say the least.

“Poor darling.” Childe’s smirk was timeless, but there was a softness to it that you took as confirmation that he understood. I mean if anyone was going to understand it was going to be a member of the Fatui. As much as you disliked the group on principle, you did have to admit that Childe was certainly a hard worker, and running around at the whims of the far off Tsaritsa certainly had its trials.

Slumping against his chest you allowed yourself to relax a bit, some tension brought out simply by the act of telling someone about the frustrations that were building up, like someone shaking a corked bottle. Childe kissed your hands, a welcome distraction, before giving you a peck on the nose. You smiled at that, squeezing his hands. It felt good to have someone to complain to, to have someone who understood. But that was Childe, surprisingly understanding. And always looking for a fight.

“So…” as if on cue Childe spoke up, tone becoming truer, his smile becoming more foxlike. “You have something you need help fighting I hear.”

“Don’t let this get you any ideas.” You smirked right back. “I can still whip you when it comes to sparring at you know it. Besides, won’t I get in trouble if you’re there.”

“Give me half the commission rate and we’ll call it square.”

“Such a steep rate!” You gasped in fake horror, nevertheless lifting yourself off the chair. Childe was up no sooner, giving you a mischievous grin.

“Well of course! I can’t have you fleecing me out of my money. Not when I’ve already given you my heart, which is quite expensive by the way.” Giving you a quick forehead kiss he took your hand then, giving some half assed excuse to the poor desk clerk when they asked where he was going. “I have to save someone some trouble.”

You scoffed at that, but it was true. Childe was saving you a lot of trouble, and keeping your pride in some sort of piece. That was Childe. Wild, passionate, aching for a fight, perhaps not a great person – no in fact decidedly not so. But he was also surprisingly caring, reliable, and steadfast. And that was all you could ask for in the moment.

Diluc

“Do you know where in Monstadt someone is supposed to find 50 Windwheel Asters?”

Diluc whipped his head up at that one; out of all the things he expected you to say that was certainly not one of them. It was almost closing time at the Winery, and this was normally the time when you came up to see him, chatting about this and that, waiting for him to close the ledger so you two could have some time together. In the entire history of your relationship there’d never been an evening that began such as this.

“There should be some around here, and Windrise if you’re in for a bit of a hike. But 50 is an awful lot, and I’m not sure the florists would be happy if you carted off with all their flowers.”

“I know.” You raised an eyebrow, leaning against the wall, picking at your fingernails. “I know that finding 50 of anything in a day is a hard task. But I was given a short noticed commission by some wealthy tradesman who’s passing by and wanted some flowers for a gala or some such thing. It’s important for the Guild that I complete these you know, and I’m not looking forward to telling Katheryne about it tomorrow.”

You sighed, glancing out the window of the Winery. You thought of all the places in Monstadt the view was perhaps loveliest here, cozy, with a view of all that made Monstadt, the planes, the forest, even a glimpse of the waterways that ran through it. But right now all you could think about was how in such a vast swath of land you’d still failed to meet the goal, you’d still turned up empty handed.

“Would you sit next to me?” Diluc’s voice broke you out of your depressing reverie and you sat down in the chair adjacent to his – a recent addition to his office – laying your head somewhat awkwardly on his shoulder, running your hands through his soft hair. You two sat in silence like that for a bit, the steady flow of Diluc’s pen keeping your eyes occupied while your hands braided and twisted at random, gentle and absentminded.

Finally the ledger was closed and Diluc turned to you. Smiling he massaged your left shoulder slightly, eliciting a sigh from you.

“You shouldn’t blame yourself for things like this.” He began, his tone soft and low. “No reasonable person on Earth would ask you to gather so many flowers in a day. Even Flora doesn’t sell that many to a single customer without an order, and her whole job consists of selling flora. You’ve watched me work long enough, do you think I’d sell 50 kegs of wine to a tradesman on site?”

“No, of course not.” You mumbled. “But it’s my job to do the unconventional requests, how can I pick and choose at random? I can’t very well complete only half of my commissions.”

“Of course not, but nobody expects you to simultaneously catch 50 flowers out of thin air either. The Guild has its own regulations and rules you know, and I wouldn’t be surprised if this was a violation of one. No one doubts your prowess my dear. You’ve slain Eyes of Storms and have scaled mountains taller than most people in Monstadt might ever imagine. You done what might be considered impossible to some many times. So you should trust in the Guild and in the people of Monstadt. They aren’t well likely to turn their back on you over such a ridiculous request.”

You hummed a reply, resting your hands on Diluc’s. All he said was probably right of course, Katheryne could very well tell you how ridiculous such a request was, and no harm would come to your reputation. But your relationship with Diluc was still young, there was still so much to learn about the other, and so hearing such confident praise from him felt like a sort of gift, recompense for such a frustrating ordeal. Humming once more you leaned your head on his shoulder again. Tomorrow you would go and tell the Guild about the debacle, and let the man know the ridiculousness of his request. But tonight you just wanted to rest with the person you cherished the most. That was all you wished for.

Xiao

“Something’s wrong.” Xiao’s voice was purposefully flat, and you wondered not for the first time how the adeptus in front of you had become so good at reading your mood, especially considering the fact that he admitted himself that his grasp on human emotions was a tricky one. He always seemed to know when you were upset at least, and your initial urge to attempt to hide your frustration immediately blew away.

“It’s been a rough day.” You admitted, standing next to him on the Wangshu Inn’s railing, letting the cool evening breeze cool you down. It’d been an obnoxiously hot day, and you were glad for any bit of fresh air. Xiao said nothing, but you could feel his gaze on you, waiting for your decision as to whether or not you’d let him know the reason you were upset. Not that it was really a question, at this point you couldn’t imagine a time when you didn’t tell Xiao practically everything, from the most mundane to those things that loomed largest in your life. You’d never met someone you trusted so much in your life before, and it felt rather freeing, knowing that he didn’t mind a bit, something that had scared you when you first began opening up to him.

“It’s just a commission, nothing ground shaking. Thankfully.” You added on, thinking of when Liyue had almost been swallowed whole; the moment when it seemed all would fail, before the miraculous traveler had bound the adept and the citizens of Liyue together. It was something you weren’t likely to forget, and something you never wished to relive. “That being said.” You added on. “It’s something that, well, is distressing me a lot.”

Xiao stood patiently as you explained to him that your deceptively simple commission of delivering food to someone had managed to go horribly awry after a group of Cryo slimes had left the food frozen solid, with the angry customer unwilling to pay or wait for a replacement.

“It wasn’t too expensive thankfully.” You remarked. “I mean it was just food. But it feels silly, and a bit embarrassing. I mean of course I should’ve paid, I don’t begrudge that. I just don’t understand how I managed to screw up something so fundamentally simple. It seems… somehow a bit of a slap in the fact. I mean, aren’t I any good?”

“Of course you are.” Xiao’s answer was firm, but not unkind. Instead it held in it the certainty of one who’d lived thousands of years, and whose trust in you was absolute. Drawing closer, the adeptus glanced around, making sure there was no one around, before slinging an arm around your own, drawing you close and running soft circles around your shoulder.

“You’re a great adventurer.” He remarked, voice filled with as much serious as there was fondness. “I’ve seen many warriors, many adventurers come and go in my time. Those whose feats will fill the pages of books and the staves of songs long after they themselves have been reduced to ashes. Those who will be called great heroes. All of them fell sometimes. And, if you must fall, I’d rather it be over something so simple as a botched food delivery.”

You glanced up into Xiao’s eyes. Normally he was reticent with words, even moreso with gestures. Every word let you deeper into someone’s life, into their past, their personality, their soul. No word was careless with Xiao. And as you stared at eyes filled with pride and love and worry, suddenly you felt as if what had just passed was small, oh so very small. There would be another commission, just as there would be another tomorrow. There’d be another failure most likely too. Many of them even. But they were small stones in a great big pond, quickly sinking out of sight and out of mind.

“I love you.” You breathed, and Xiao’s face seemed to open all of a sudden, shedding a thousand cares and a thousand worries. He pressed his forehead to your own.

“I love you too.”

#I'm so so so tired #sorry for not writing for so long #and having no good schedule of works of fandoms #I'm sorry #genshin impact #childe #diluc #xiao #genshin impact fanfiction #genshin impact x reader #scenarios #my writing

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crab-in-a-pocket · 3 years

Text

reserved farmer headcanons + meeting the bachelors for the first time!

wanted to make some generally reserved farmer headcanons to kick off this blog and bc i see a lot of very friendly farmers out there and i... am not one of them LMAO

additionally, there's reference to a supposed volatile relationship with a (former?) loved one (projection time!)

also i forgot to open my askbox bc idk how to tumblr ?? i think it's open now (i hope).

tw: drinking and alcoholism, references to past trauma, one Bad Word (sh^t!)

when you first meet everyone, it's a quiet greeting and maybe a witty remark, but you don't stay for any chit-chat

close-lipped smiles are your signature move, along with the Man Nod whenever you run into someone

you are, of course, a nice and courteous person but you don't feel the need to say hello to everyone every damn time you pass by them because, really, you're too busy rushing to Pierre's for some seeds or lugging around foraged beach stuff

okay, maybe some of them think you're a little cold and an introvert who has... problems

but you're not! you are a strong and emotionally stable farmer who gets Shit Done and prefers to observe over participate and think over talk!

mayor lewis is extremely puzzled and almost mistakes you for someone else-- it's been over a decade and people change too much, too soon. he makes a remark about a wishing well your grandfather had built long ago (remember the well? how you fell in it that one time?) and you nod along politely (i didn't fall, i climbed in because i desperately needed my wish to come true)

it's nice to meet people who aren't as temperemental as the tides. maybe, for once, you could have a proper relationship with someone.

alex

easily the most annoying and extroverted person in town what with his obsession with sports and loud, brash personality but you two get along fabulously because you had that same passion for gridball in college before you were too busy being a corporate slave

he's a little surprised that you sit next to him at the saloon but he goes along easily and the conversation flows between the two of you easily, ranging from future plans (thinking of going pro... think i'll make it?) to the weather without sounding like you're making fake smalltalk (i wanted to play pro, too, and here i am now. if you really want it, you'll have to leave this all behind)

there's something genuine about him that's intriguing and it leaves you wanting to find out and see what the real alex is like inside because you can see through that wall he's made

and there's something enigmatic about you, who is reserved and quiet and seems to be a simple open book, when in fact, you are a very attractive onion with many, many layers

sam

you think he's immature. a wildchild, a manchild, a wildmanchild, really. sam, on the other hand, is drawn in by your calmness and how in-control you appear to be-- when you offer to play a game of pool when sebastian doesn't show up, he's delighted at the opportunity to know you better

okay, so he is immature and a wildmanchild but there is a softness in him that surprises you every time he shows it-- which is frequently around you

he has a soft smile to counteract his proud one and he's so in awe of how you get so much stuff done every day (i don't know how you do it, that's gotta be tough), every week, and every month (you'd like the responsibility, i think. to me, it's one big project i need to finish)

he has instant crush on you because you're so cool even though your line of profession really doesn't evoke much awe. i mean, you're attractive, you are so in control of your life, and you have a really cute smile whenever he compliments you-- how could he not?

shane

bit bold of you to sit next to him at the saloon because every knows he's can be a real asshole, but he glances at you with a hint of awe and more than a hint of annoyance. you elect to ignore this and choose to order a whisky on the rocks (if you don't drink, call it apple juice)

whisky: shane's a touch impressed because you look like a lightweight. well, it's nice that someone can hold their liquor. he makes a remark about it (planning on getting drunk, huh?) and you raise a brow at him, looking a little haughty and tell him that it's your drink for the week. he's annoyed at your remark and starts an argument that surprisingly, settles down into a civil conversation

apple juice: he snorts at that and makes a remark about meeting penny for your lessons the next day. you play along and sip at your drink, making witty remarks (thank yoba for hangovers. it's the non-drinker's edge, really. just like not having liver failure). he's not sure if he should be annoyed or impressed at your cool-as-a-cucumber personality, not sure if it's too big city or too closed-off

you offer to buy him a pizza if you can take a away his beer-- at any rate, he looks like he'll end up with liver failure the way he's going. shane aquiesces and devours the entire pizza. your conversation is slow and punctuated with his loud chewing but you're pleasantly suprised that he's quite smart and well-read about whatever you're interested in

the fourth time you sit next to him, he turns down your pizza and doesn't say a word. neither do you and it's almost like it's back to square one until you realize that he hasn't made a single salty remark about anything. you decide to try again the day after tomorrow-- nothing comes too quickly to people like you and shane.

sebastian

it was the necklace you wore that caught his eye. a shining teardrop stone hanging off a gleaming silver chain. he had spoken before he could stop himself and watched as you smiled and told him he was right-- it is supposed to be a Yeti's tear.

you're pleased to meet someone who is also a homebody and a touch more reserved than a lot of other people in town. he's easy to get along with (oh, you're kidding, you really have the signed edition?) and he's got pretty good taste when it comes to literature-- after all, who can refuse a good sci-fi book? (of course i do, i'm dedicated fan)

oddly enough, your conversation is quick and eager and not all reserved. instead of the companionable silence everyone assumes you two to have, you two nearly talk over each other because you finally have someone to complain to about everyone's over-friendliness and he finally has someone who understands what it's like to be trapped in a small world

you tease him about the corporate rat race and he fires back at you about being a part of it. you like sebastian and he likes you-- it's as simple as that.

elliot

he had heard of you through leah who had heard of you through emily who had heard of you through gus who had heard of you from lewis. it was a long grapevine and he's not sure how much of the truth was preserved and it's almost a relief to meet you because, to be frank, he's tired of being the town's newcomer.

first-- you're not peppy and overly cheerful at all. second, you are definitely not hot-tempered. and third, there's something so fascinating about you, something hidden under your calm, pragmatic character. he finds a kindred spirit in you, save for the flowery words and, admittedly, the vanity.

you're amused to meet a writer living on the beach. the cabin was built by one of your grandfather's old friends, a rather surly man who had taken a liking to you when you were much younger. while the hut is in no way fancy, you can't help but consider how pretentious and, contrastingly, humble the writer must be. pretentious in such a way that he thinks living in a sandy, damp shack is a way to beat writer's block (it's odd, it's rarely a choice people make) and humble in such a way that he accepts and bears with living in a worn house with little complaint (it's admirable, if not a little silly!)

you find yourself in his company late at night when you can't sleep and it's so easy to open up to him because he's kind, he listens, and most importantly, he's not embarassed to admit he's got faults, at least to you. you let him see past your collected facade and into your cracked heart far sooner than you think and elliot doesn't mind at all

harvey

you might be the most mysterious person in town simply because of the way you present yourself. he finds himself always stuttering a little whenever you're around because of the way you watch him, set in a relaxed stance, your gaze flat and cool. later, he realizes that it's your resting face. he wonders about what you'd look like if you smiled-- really smiled

he's touched at the fact that you buy him coffee whenever he had to patch you up-- which is frequently, given your liking for the mines. you're adorable when he gives you general anesthesia. he had run out of local anesthesia and you needed a fair amount of stitches and though you told him that you have a high pain tolerance (stitches are far more painful than you think. i really don't want to put you through that), he insisted and you let him (fine, fine. get on with it, doctor). you had let out several inappropriate jokes under anesthesia and your cheeks had hurt from laughing non-stop

harvey's entranced. there's no other way to put it-- he's bewitched by your bright character hiding under that collected facade. he never pries for your secrets because he's got secrets, too. you like harvey because he's sweet and compassionate and even though he has to put up a firm, professional affectation, he wears his heart on his sleeve.

you see him as a friend at first, all platonic and it seems to be the end of it. but one day, as you hand him a coffee, he laughs and smiles and hands you a coffee just the way you like it. you're falling for him so hard and fast you think someone's put a spell on you that makes you notice the minute expressions on his face and mull over the way he talks to you. you're in love with him-- you can only hope he feels the same way too

#stardew elliott #stardew harvey #stardew sam #stardew shane #stardew alex #stardew sebastian #stardew headcanon #stardew farmer #sdv hcs #sdv headcanons #sdv sebastian #sdv elliott #sdv harvey #sdv sam #sdv alex #sdv shane #sdv reserved farmer #sdv farmer #my phone hates me but here :D

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amintyworld · 3 years

Text

Mentors - Dream SMP Hunger Games AU

A/N: So this started as a one page drabble, then it turned into a six page fic. Oopsies! Anyway this is meant to be a sort of prequel to ‘The Victor’ drabble I submitted over at @dreamsmp-au-ideas, but can be read as stand-alone. Anyway, I wrote this in the span of an entire DAY because I have no self-control when it comes to writing and this AU has sparked some Middle School nostalgia in me. Anyway, hope you enjoy and please check out the blog where the AU idea came from, they’ve given me a LOT of inspiration for fics to write. -Minty

TW: Talk/mention of death, fighting, depression/loss, threats of death, slight insanity. (Tell me if I need to tag anything else!)

Summary: Tommy’s an angry orphan, Wilbur grows a soft spot for Tommy, Sam is the only braincell left in District 7, Tubbo has Dadschlatt and needs a lot of hugs, Phil earned the achievement ‘Oh no Feelings’.

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

Tubbo intertwined his fingers as he walked with the guards toward the white porcelain-like door. The shock of his name getting pulled hadn’t exactly faded yet, and the dread of the logical conclusion he’d drawn up in his head did not exactly help matters. He knew he was dead - he’d never trained for combat, he wasn’t agile or fast, he knew next to nothing about surviving in the wilderness, or even whatever the Gamemaker threw at him for that matter. His fate was completely sealed the moment that boy with devil horns picked his name out of the bowl.

He took a breath, his hand on the door handle. Time to say goodbye.

As soon as he shut the door, he could feel his father’s comforting hand on his shoulder. “Hey, kiddo.” His voice was gentle, warm, and kind. Tubbo’s emotions couldn’t help but become unplugged at the voice as tears ran down his cheeks and he clung to his father tightly, afraid to let go. Schlatt wrapped his arms around Tubbo gently, rubbing his back to give him some comfort. “Oh Tubbo, I know kiddo, shhh...”

“I’m so scared, Dad.” Tubbo’s voice wavered as his body shook with sobs, and Schlatt’s heart broke at his son’s voice.

“I know buddy, I know.” Schatt moved so he could brush his hands through his son’s hair. “But… but you don’t have to be. I know you can do it, I know you can win.” A few tears slipped down Schlatt’s cheek. “You’re so much smarter than any of those meatheads in the Capitol, probably in any other District in Panem. You’re so much stronger than you know, kiddo. I know you can do it. Just survive, I know you can outthink any of them, I know you can win. Just survive, win, and I’ll be waiting right here when you come back, okay?”

“And… and we can finally make s’mores?”

Schlatt’s face broke out into a smile through tears. “Yes, yes we can make as many s’mores as you want! We… we’ll… I’ll show you the bee farms, and I promise I’ll be there every single night for dinner, no more late hours at the office. I swear.” Schlatt’s hands squeezed Tubbo’s shoulders. “But you gotta win and come home, okay?”

Tubbo’s eyes blurred with tears as he scanned his father’s face, words dying in his throat, not knowing what to say. “Dad, I-”

Schlatt pulled him down into another hug as the two wept, holding onto each other for dear life, not daring to let go. Then, a soldier appeared in the doorway. “He’s got a train to catch, Mr. Ram.”

Schlatt breathed deeply, pulling away from the hug to run his hand through his son’s hair one last time, taking in his face as he brushed a bit of hair out of his face. “I…” He bit his lip. “I love you, Tubbo. Don’t forget that, okay?”

“I love you too, Dad.” Tubbo gave a quick hug to his father, wrapping his arms around his neck.

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

When Wilbur was assigned as a mentor for District 7, he was more than a little nervous. The other Victors from Victor’s Row assured him he’d do just fine, but still, he was not exactly looking forward to it. He’d met the escort and advisor a few days ago, someone from the Capitol named Sam. For someone from one of the richest districts in Panem, Sam didn’t exactly dress in high fashion - no bright colors or extravagant hairstyles. Instead, he simply wore a clean formal vest and slacks. He gave Wilbur the firmest handshake he’d ever been given in his entire life, and despite the situation seemed almost cheerful.

If he remembered correctly, he was supposed to settle in his personal car on the train and meet Sam in the dining car. Sam seemed to have every detail of their trip planned out perfectly, which Wilbur more than appreciated. He was already dealing with enough as it was having to mentor two kids and try to get them sponsors while basically reliving the worst time in his entire life. Ths screams, the blood… the memories were… they were not good.

They called him insane, unstable. The One Who Went Mad. When he used to panic and whimper and mutter to himself, they used to laugh at him. They thought what he’d been through, the things that he’s seen, and the nightmares that plagued him were nothing more than a funny joke. They loved his pain and suffering. Wilbur didn’t like when they laughed at him like some stupid monkey in a cage. That’s why he preferred to just stay home most of the time. But at this point mentorship was unavoidable, it was under Capitol orders.

It was a bit early before he was due to meet up with Sam in the dining car, and he craved a cup of black coffee. His mind whirred a bit from the familiar fancy train cars, and he needed something to clear his mind from remembering. When he opened the door, however, he didn’t expect to see one of the tributes already here this early. From his blond messy hair and his bright blue eyes, he assumed this was Tommy, the boy. Wilbur held up his hand to show he meant to harm before he moved past the teen sat near the window towards the tea cart, fiddling with the french press. Successfully pouring the pitch-black liquid in a very expensive looking teacup, he cradled it in his hands as he moved to sit across from the teenage boy, still focused on the train station outside the window. “Uh, interesting view?”

Tommy looked over at him for a moment, eyes narrowed in annoyance. “Something like that.”

Wilbur sipped the bitter coffee thoughtfully. He took a breath before speaking. “You know, you’re allowed to say goodbye to your friends and family in the Governor’s office, if one of the Peacekeepers made a mistake I’m sure there’s still time for you to…”

“No.” The teenager’s voice seemed firm, staring out of the window. “They didn’t make a mistake.”

“Uh, well…” Wilbur felt the awkward tension in the room rise. “You are a… bit early, we don’t leave for another half-hour…”

“Well, I didn’t exactly have anywhere else to go. No one to say goodbye to, so I guess they just skipped that part for convenience.” He looked almost angry as he turned back to Wilbur. “Do you mind maybe not staring at me?”

“I’m trying to talk to you.”

“Well, I don’t want to talk to you.” Tommy snapped. “You shouldn’t just start up a conversation just because you feel bored. I’m not paid to be your fucking entertainment.”

Add this to the number of reasons Wilbur didn’t want to be a mentor - teenagers. This kid certainly had a mouth on him.

Wilbur’s eyes narrowed in anger as he gripped his teacup, trying his best to stay calm. “Well, whether you like it or not, you’re all of Panem’s entertainment now.” Wilbur quipped as he moved to walk away. “So maybe you should learn to be a bit more likable.”

As he began to walk across the car to move toward a table in the corner of the room, he felt a heavy weight on his back as he lost his grip on his cup as it landed on the metal ground of the car with a loud crash, the coffee staining the expensive carpets. He felt punches on his back and head as someone tried to pin him down. Wilbur sighed in frustration. With ease, he jabbed Tommy’s side, putting him off balance, and flipped the kid over, grabbing his arm and pulling it behind his back. Tommy struggled against Wilbur’s grip, angry. He could see tears in the teenager’s eyes as he practically growled at Wilbur. “Take it back you bitch! Get off of me and fight! Take it back or I’ll kill you! I’ll kill you!” Tommy’s anger slowly disappeared as he began to cry, his body shaking as he sucked in breaths, slowly realizing what exactly he said. “I’ll… I’ll…” Wilbur’s heart couldn’t help but ache at the sight of the poor kid, bringing back memories of that time, that feeling of being trapped.

The door at the other end of the train car flew open, to reveal Sam and the girl tribute from the Reaping, Sarah. “Wilbur, what are you doing?” Sam questioned as Wilbur quickly got off of Tommy, holding out his hand for the teenager to take.

“Uh, right.” As Tommy’s eyes met Wilbur’s the mentor noticed how they scanned across his face, confused at Wilbur’s sudden change from annoyance to kindness. Wilbur smiled slightly. “Let’s save the real fighting for the arena, yeah?” Tommy hesitated before taking Wilbur’s hand as he helped him up, getting even more confused as he quickly wiped off his tear-stained cheeks.

“Sarah Teller and Tommy Innit, meet your Mentor, Wilbur Soot.”

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

Tubbo formally met his other tribute mate, a girl he knew from those fancy business dinners Schlatt would host - he never really talked with her much then, but it was nice to see a familiar face, that was for sure. Her name was Crystal.

They arrived and settled in without much really going on. Their advisor, the one with the devil horns a few hours earlier was their advisor, Bad. They were very confused at first why anyone would name their child that, until Bad insisted it was a nickname for ‘Badboy’… Tubbo couldn’t say he didn’t believe the advisor with some of the fancy and absurd names that seemed so popular in the richer districts. “Now, the best part is that even though you are both chosen as tributes, you’ll be able to see all the Capitol can offer before you’re in the arena. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!”

“I guess it’ll be kind of cool to see the Capitol.” Crystal agreed as she took a sip of a fruitful smelling juice of some kind. Her eyes furrowed as if she was focusing intently on the next words out of her mouth. “I mean, this year economy-wise wasn’t particularly the best for them, seeing as their main exports have been plagued with attacks. It’ll be interesting to see how they fair under unseemly conditions.”

“E...Economy?” Tubbo asked in a silent question to his fellow tribute, whose face flushed in embarrassment.

“My father is the head of exports for District 3. Knowing about stocks and stuff is kind of his thing… then, I guess, it became my thing.” Crystal shrugged, and Tubbo thoughtfully bit into a buttered crust of bread. “I don’t really think that’ll be too helpful in the Games, though.”

“Speaking of the Games, where’s that old man… I told him to meet us here almost an hour ago.” Bad thoughtfully added with a sigh. “He’s going to miss dinner completely if he doesn’t hurry up.”

Almost as if on cue, the car door slid open, and in walked a tall broad blonde-haired man who looked completely mentally checked out. He yawned as he reached over the table to grab an apple and one of Bad’s homemade muffins from the basket. He looked over to the two kids and gave them a slight smile and a two-fingered salute as if to say ‘hi’. “Crystal, Tubbo, this is Phil Craft, your Mentor,” Bad said, quickly gesturing to the man, anger bubbling to the surface. “Phil, where have you been?” Bad demanded, leaning over to snatch the muffin out of Phil’s hand. “No muffins until you eat actual food! We’re in District Two tomorrow and they expect us up and ready by 9 am sharp-!”

“Alright, alright! Stop freaking out, okay?” Phil pinched his nose in annoyance, turning his gaze to look over at the two teenagers again. Phil met Tubbo’s eyes and smirked. “Also, you said I needed real food?” Phil threw the apple up into the air as it caught wind on his arm, traveling over his shoulder blades and taking off of his opposite hand, landing in his mouth as he sunk his teeth into the apple flesh. “That count?” He asked between chewing as Tubbo and Crystal couldn’t help but smile and laugh, clapping to applaud Phil’s trick.

“You bail on us for a whole hour, show up to eat a single apple, and then got back to your little hermit hut?!” Bad’s voice raised slightly. “What do you even do in there that’s more important than this, huh??”

Phil’s playful smile dropped for a moment, replaced with something more melancholy as Bad clearly struck a nerve. There was a tense moment of silence before Phil resumed his happy persona. “Well, I didn’t mean to be a bother and disrupt your dinner. Now that I have my apple and my muffin, I’ll take my leave.” He looked over to the two tributes. “I’ll see both of you in the morning.” Phil smiled before quickly exiting the room once more, leaving a slightly irritated Bad, and two very off-put tributes.

Tubbo couldn’t sleep. The day’s events weighed too heavy on his mind - the Reaping, saying goodbye to his father, dealing with the thoughts of his own inevitable fate. He missed Schlatt’s warm embrace, he missed how his father ruffled up his hair just in the right way to say ‘I’m proud of you, kid.’ He missed home and its faint smell of motor oil and coal from the factories that always seemed to seep in through the windows and cracks in the walls just right. He didn’t feel safe here, he was in one of the fanciest bedrooms on a train that he knew he’d never be able to get a ticket for years, and yet nothing about this place felt safe.

He was being chased by something, something with claws and teeth that whispered nothing but death. But Tubbo didn’t want to die. Even if he knew it was his fate, Tubbo did not want to die. So he ran, his legs quickly getting sore and tired from overuse, yet he pushed on. He heard whispers in his ears, taunting him, laughing at his pathetic escape. Tears ran down Tubbo’s eyes as he pressed his hands over his ears and continued to run, something pinned him to the ground, claws sinking into his back as he whimpered in pain. A chill ran down his spine as the monster growled close to Tubbo’s ear. His heartbeat quicker as he begged, no pleaded to whatever was out there, please please I just want to live-!

He awoke with a start, looking around, tears streaming down his face as his body shook with an adrenaline rush. His hands found their way over his heart, making sure he was still alive as arms wrapped around him, shushing him and holding him close. “Woah there, Woah there… it’s okay, it’s okay. It was just a nightmare, it wasn’t real, shhh…” The panic in Tubbo’s chest slowly quieted as he wrapped his arms around the person, needing comfort desperately. The figure seemed startled for a moment before brushing back some of Tubbo’s hair out of his eyes. Tubbo looked at the figure for a moment, confused.

“Phil?”

“Hey mate.” Phil smiled warmly. “That was quite the nightmare, yeah? You were flopping around like a fish out of water.”

“But…” Tubbo sniffed, pulling away to wipe away his tears. “But why? How?”

“You sounded like you were in physical pain, I was worried. Can’t have a tribute dead before they even get to the arena, you know. Would really throw off the whole schedule.” Phil half-joked as he looked down at the mattress, not being able to meet Tubbo’s eyes at that moment. Tubbo’s gaze was focused on his mentor.

“Why’d you help me, we just met today for like two seconds at most-”

“It doesn’t really matter that much, I was just passing by-!” Phil dismissed quickly before Tubbo’s tone got more serious.

“Phil, if you’re going to be my Mentor you’ve gotta at least tell me the truth. I need you to tell me the absolute truth when it comes to this because I don’t know what the fuck I’m doing, what I’m up against, how I’m even supposed to survive, but you do. I need you if I ever stand even a chance of getting home. Please.” Phil let out a frustrated sigh.

“You reminded me of my son, that’s all. When he used to be a tribute.” Phil said, looking toward the ground. “He’d have nightmares, he was so scared but I told him I’d never leave his side, so when he got picked I went with him as his Mentor.” Phil sucked on his cheek. “I thought that if I went with him, talked him through it, got every single sponsor I could, he’d…” Phil sighed. “I just didn’t want for you to have to deal with the nightmare alone, no one should have to handle everything alone.” Moving off his bed, he looked over. “I’ll be across the hall, okay?”

“Oh...Okay.” Tubbo said, nodding. “Thanks.”

Phil nodded back as he turned and Tubbo saw Phil’s hand move toward his chest quickly, was he putting his hand over his heart or something…? As Phil moved toward the door, one question stood on Tubbo’s mind, he bit his lip for a moment, considering.

“Phil, wait-!” Phil turned around, and Tubbo saw Phil’s hand wrap around a necklace of some kind he didn’t notice before, in the shape of a heart. “Did… did he survive? Your son?”

A tense silence followed.

“I think that’s enough for tonight,” Phil said. “No more questions, you need to get some sleep.”

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high-functioning-lokipath · 3 years

Text

SH - Songfic! One-sided!John x Reader, Sherlock x reader - Someone Like You - Word Count: (including lyrics) 1,278

I heard that you're settled down

That you found a girl and you're married now

I heard that your dreams came true

Guess she gave you things, I didn't give to you

"Hi John! It's Y/N! How're you?" You'd lost contact with your best friend/crush after he went to war. You knew he'd survived because you may have scoured the internet for anything on him and found his blog with info on where he lived now. You lived in America now and simply didn't have the money to travel there. It took you a long time though to track down his number. Even so, it took you years to work up the nerve to call. Once you did, and once you started catching up, you almost wished you'd left the memory as it was.

Old friend, why are you so shy?

Ain't like you to hold back or hide from the light

It took him hours on the phone to finally admit that he'd gotten engaged. The wedding was in a few months. He asked if you wanted to come but you said you'd never have the money and not to worry. He seemed happier than ever being in a relationship but he didn't seem to want to talk about it with you. You finally said your goodbyes and you cried yourself to sleep.

I hate to turn up out of the blue, uninvited

But I couldn't stay away, I couldn't fight it

London. You never thought you'd be back here. It smelled right. It felt right. But you were scared. John had told you where he lived. But you decided to go meet his famous ex-flatmate first. Sherlock liked you. He actually approved of you. Of that you were both glad and flattered. You loved John. Sherlock was nice but you hadn't felt the spark you had with John. Maybe you just didn't want to. The one thing that did draw you closer together was that you both were dealing with the inescapable and quickly approaching loss of John.

I had hoped you'd see my face

And that you'd be reminded that for me, it isn't over

John knew. He'd always known. He loved you too when you were younger. But ever since he came back from Afghanistan, he was scared. Scared to see you and fall back in love. He didn't want to burden you with the broken man he'd become.

Never mind, I'll find someone like you

I wish nothing but the best for you, too

He found Mary and couldn't believe it. He actually loved her. She had helped him immensely and changed his life. She reminded him of you in some ways. But he realized he had moved on.

"Don't forget me, " I beg

"I'll remember, " you said

Sometimes it lasts in love, but sometimes it hurts instead

He still thought of you. When you called he was happy to hear from you. But he just didn't love you anymore. You realized you'd waited too long. You had been too scared and he hadn't been able to wait for you.

You know how the time flies

Only yesterday was the time of our lives

We were born and raised in a summer haze

Bound by the surprise of our glory days

Growing up, John and you had been inseparable. School, weekends, summer vacations, graduation; you did everything together. You couldn't imagine living without him.

I hate to turn up out of the blue, uninvited

But I couldn't stay away, I couldn't fight it

I had hoped you'd see my face

And that you'd be reminded that for me, it isn't over

Somehow, John still didn't know you were in London. It had been months since you arrived. Sherlock invited you to stay with him at 221B and you accepted. You helped Sherlock with his best man speech and he begged you to come with him to the wedding. You hesitantly accepted after much convincing.

Never mind, I'll find someone like you

I wish nothing but the best for you, too

If only you could have recorded John's surprise when he saw you arrive early with Sherlock. You took your seat of course, since Sherlock had Janine to walk in with but it was actually kind of fun to watch the preparation. As you watched them run around making last minute adjustments, you found yourself watching Sherlock, not John. Sherlock was quite the man. Tall, handsome, kind in his own way, and helpful to his true friends. Your spirits began to lift and you could almost feel your heart letting go of John.

"Don't forget me, " I begged

"I'll remember, " you said

Sometimes it lasts in love, but sometimes it hurts instead

It still hurt watching the vows and you knew you'd never forget your love for John but you had a newfound joy. Sherlock had been quite nice and friendly with you over the past few months. You'd learned to read him fairly well and perhaps he liked you. Maybe this relationship would be the one to last. But you knew you couldn't wait too long.

Nothing compares, no worries or cares

Regrets and mistakes, they're memories made

Who would have known how bittersweet this would taste?

At the reception, Sherlock introduced you to Greg, Molly, and Tom. You knew Mrs. Hudson of course. You sat with them and watched as Sherlock delivered his speech. After Sherlock played his special waltz for John and Mary, you saw him wandering a little.

"Sherlock!" You called out, seeing him head for the door. "Leaving so soon?"

"I, um, I'm not really needed here any longer. I was just going to-"

"I need you." He looked at you quizily. "To dance with me and keep me company. Please Sherlock?"

"Alright," He replied. You headed back to the dance floor together. He put one hand on your waist and took your other hand in his. Midway through the song you closed your eyes, enjoying the moment. You sighed contentedly. "Are you alright?"

"Quite."

"I am," He paused for a moment "I am pleased you're feeling well considering, erm," he cut himself off, not wanting to address the matter directly.

"I've found someone new," you replied simply.

Never mind, I'll find someone like you

I wish nothing but the best for you

"Don't forget me, " I beg

"I'll remember, " you said

Sometimes it lasts in love, but sometimes it hurts instead

"Are you sure you want to pursue this?"

"Yes, Sherlock. I've thought it over all day."

"Only today? I don't think you know what you're getting into."

"Trust me, Sherlock."

"Ok, I suppose we could try," he replied. A small smile was playing on the corners of his lips.

Never mind, I'll find someone like you

I wish nothing but the best for you, too

"Don't forget me, " I begged

"I'll remember, " you said

Sometimes it lasts in love, but sometimes it hurts instead

"So, you and Sherlock, huh?" John asked. His feelings were obviously mixed. Slightly jealous but happy for you both.

"Yep," Sherlock replied for you, popping the P.

"Well, I wish you the best," John replied whole-heartedly.

"I wish you and Mary the best as well, John." You gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. "Thank you."

"For what? I'm the one who broke your heart," he said guiltily.

"If it wasn't for you, I'd have never met the love of my life." He smiled. "You may want to start writing your best man speech, John," You joked. "I don't see this relationship fading at all. This one's built to last."

#sherlock bbc #sherlock x reader #sherlock imagine #john watson #john watson x reader #songfic #someone like you #angst with a happy ending

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thequeenb · 4 years

Text

Pairings Poppy x MC

I could hear notifications from all the directions. At first i am confused but then each and every student turn around to look at me. Zoe beside me is frozen looking over her screen. Its The T isn't it?

I am used on being in that blog but no one ever looked at me that way. So i open my phone and as i do i regret my decision immediately.

Hello Loves,

You dont know me but i sure know one of you very very well isn't that right Bea Hughes?

Our dear Bea made her grand entrance into Belvoire thinking her dirt wont get in the surface.

Oopsie! Dont mind me i am just here to deliver the winner of our competition! Didn't you all bet who would sleep first with Miss Kingsley? My oh my do i have a winner.

Congratulations Bea Hughes, you are officially the biggest whore of this university but not for long, The Dean have been informed and guess what? You lost the crown but you won at love yay!

Lets all give Bea a warm goodbye. Dont get too carried away loves,

Kisses, The T.

I stare at my phone in horror as Zoe grabs my hand leading me to our dorm. Everything fades as i feel my pulse quickening. What the fuck am i going to do now? Am i expelled yet? Oh my is Ina alright? I can hear people cheering, others whispering and others read in total shock.

Before i can think further Zoe sit beside me on our sofa running her hand through her hair. "Bea listen to me we can still fix this, there is no proof of what happened--"

But she gets interrupted as our door knocks. "Dont open the door! Not now Bea" but i ignore her completely not thinking straight. I crack the door open and all i can see is two guilty eyes looking deep into mine.

"Ina.." i breath out as she enters the room

Zoe stands up awkwardly and Ina gives her a look i cant begin to describe. Her hair is a mess, her mascara is running down her face and her eyes look so tired.

"Can you give us a moment?" She manages to say calmly and Zoe does as she is told leaving us completely lost and alone

Ina collapses to the sofa exhaling deeply. What have i done? I was so caught up into my own fantasies and desires that i led both of us to this.

"I spoke with the Dean" she finally breaks the silence between us and i look up at her, tears threatening to escape my eyes showing my vulnerability

"She will investigate this matter further.. until then we should both leave"

I stay quiet until i feel Ina move towards me. She sits beside me not daring to even touch me "I dont want you to think that any of this was your fault Bea"

I can't look at her in the eyes, i avoid her gaze. One Mistake led to me getting expelled. Way to go Bea. I sigh wiping my own tears, this university was an opportunity for me to change my life academically and financially. But i blew my chances by giving in to my desires

Ina stands up gathering her purse "Goodbye Bea, take care of you" Thats all? She isn't mad at me? She isn't mad that she lost her job? No wonder i like mature women. I cover my face with my hands as i hear the door close. What the hell am i suppose to do now?

I gather all my strength as i walk towards my room. Zoe is nowhere to be found but i don't want to open my phone. People send me nasty messages, cruel ones. Most of them say how much of a whore i am and others are just asking how good Miss Kingsley was. Disgusted, but no i am the disgusting one, who kept pushing her professor to sleep with her. Now she lost her job, and i have to say goodbye to my dream university.

I take my suitcase out folding effortlessly my T-shirts. I wonder what Poppy is thinking. I am sure she will be more than glad i am out of the way, i am sure she is the one behind this all. I sigh heavily as i continue packing, that until i hear a soft knock on the door

Thinking that its Zoe I open it wide ready to be confronted by her warm hug but i freeze when i see Poppy standing in the hallway.

"What else could you possibly want?" I ask as i massage my temples. Gosh i feel so tired

Poppy's expression is slightly different. Maybe if you haven't seen her bitchy face daily you wouldn't notice the difference but i do and i honestly can't deal with her right now

Without another word she just pass through me and into our living room. She never lose that elegance about her, she is walking like she owes this place

"So Miss Kingsley" she says as she crosses her arms shooting daggers with her glare

I roll my eyes "Oh please i know well that you uploaded that"

Poppy looks surprised but she is back to her ice cold expression in seconds "Listen Newbee--"

"Ugh shut up!! For once close your mouth can you? Not only Miss Kingsley is losing her job, i have been expelled!" I take a step forward, anger flowing through my veins

"But you just take and take and take without thinking who do you ruin!" My voice now rose as i take steps closer to her

"And don't worry, this 'Newbee' is leaving forever and you will be forever satisfied" i spit out as i collapse to the sofa. I want to cry badly but i don't want to be vulnerable Infront of Poppy.

Surprisingly she is silent, until she finally takes a sit beside me. "Can you please just go? I have a lot of things to pack, let alone explain to my parents the situation"

I dare to look at her and her eyes are wet with tears "It was Carter, he did it"

"Ha! Nice one, why would he even do that? He stood up when Chloe--"

Poppy sighs heavily "I broke up with him because of you"

I gasp standing up as i fell my blood boiling "I swear i dont like Carter why would you even--"

"No Hughes! I know that, Gosh you are so annoying" she says standing up as well coming towards me

Taking a deep breath i feel the tears ran down my face. I don't want to leave this university, it was my only chance to change my scene. I knew that i wouldn't fit in, God i wish i would have never step a foot here. I am quick to wipe them away remembering Poppy is still here

But then i feel a hand on on back patting me uncomfortably "We will find a way out of this Bea" she says softly giving me a weak smile. I can now see clearly that she had been crying

"What the hell do you want Poppy? You dont need to do anything for charity as you say" i move away from her grip and she sighs again, this time because of annoyance

"Its your fault anyways! Why did you even sleep with professor Kingsley? What does she has that i dont?" As she spit these words out she places her manicured hand over her mouth before she says more

My mind goes blank. Did Poppy Min-Sinclair just admit she is jealous? I chuckle at the thought trying to brush these ridiculous imaginations away but then i see how horrified she is.

"Poppy.." i open my arms for a hug but then she dodges away. Ugh why did i even try

"Don't! This is Gucci and you will get mascara all--" but then she stops taking a deep breath

Instead she opens her arms and i lean in hesitantly. The woman i saw as a rival for so long is hugging me. The same woman who tried to humiliate me Infront of thousands of students. The same who tried to kick me out of this university is now the one pulling me closer to her

I can smell her sweet perfume that makes my scenes dizzy. Her hands are caressing my back and i am overwhelmed by the warmth she radiates. Maybe its the expensive coat but then she pulls me incredibly close burying her face on my shoulder

I am still surprised, maybe i am dreaming am i not?

"I like you Bea..i don't want you to go" she whispers in my ear and i get goosebumps. What did she just say??? I am totally hearing things right?

I want to slightly push her away and look at her eyes to find answers to my questions but she holds me tight

"Ugh dont look at me, i cant believe i even said this" she is totally embarrassed

"Oh Poppy--"

"Don't you dare say you like me too the way you look at Professor Kingsley--" but i dont let her finish. I get free from her grip and i place my hands on both sides of her face

"Do you mean it or is this a joke?" I say looking deeply into her eyes. She melts into my touch and thats when i lean in brushing my lips against hers. At first they are gentle but as time passes our kisses become more heated.

I pull away and i watch her shudder against me at the loss of contact "I asked you a question" i say breathlessly as i gaze at her sparkly eyes

"I mean it" she says trying to catch her breath

"You ruined my coat now it will smell like you Hughes"

"Is that a bad thing?" I chuckle but then i see tears running down her face

"No! Dont look at me its angry tears, why the hell did you kiss me!"

I try to comprehend what just happened but then Poppy holds me against her in an instant "i wont allow anyone to kick you out"

I smile as i hold her closer to me "I know, because thats your job"

We both laugh wiping eachother's tears and finally i see the real Poppy. The one without her dogs around her or other students expecting her to be harsh. Its just Poppy and me.

Tag list: @lolimugly @origmansello @greatestflirt-hero @mvalentine @otakufangirl-12 @sugarplumpnhoneybun @princessstellaris @coldbatfriendroad @lilyspencerswife @indecisive-choices @i-loveeveryone @kiara-36 @ognenniyvolk @somewillwin @it-lives-in-braidwood-manor @justastranger-passing

#queen b #queen bee #poppy min sinclair #poppy x mc #play choices #choices fic #choices fanfiction #request anon #pb #my fics

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thejudgingtrash · 4 years

Text

@aph-usa-is-my-dad Thank you, thank you! 🙇🏽‍♀️

Alright lads, looks like it’s time for hot takes part III!

Here’s Part 1//Here‘s Part 2

Apollo won’t get Zeus position. Why is everyone wishing for that? And why should he? All of you really want to romanticize/project yourself onto him, huh?

Casual Reyna >>> praetor Reyna

Grover has the fattest ass in the Riordanverse, I don’t make the rules

People lack of basic reading skills part III

The fact that adults in New Rome let kids rule the fucking place is still mindblowing

Rick apologists are lame. People calling out shit isn’t an attack on you. Stop defending a product‘s/public figure‘s honor. Defending Rick Riordan is the equivalent of you defending the honor of a snickers bar. Dude doesn’t know you and dude doesn’t give a fuck about you. You are a walking dollar bill at best

Romans are still fucking wacky and despite Camp Jupiter being superior allegedly it’s a whole damn chaotic mess. Where are the supposed civilized Romans because I don’t see them?

Camp Half-Blood >>>> Camp Jupiter, especially when Percy trains in his summer vacations and beats praetor Jason’s goddamn ass who’s been training for 12 years

Why did Riordan even try to make Jason appear to come close to Percy’s level? The imbalance of power is so abundantly clear and makes Jason seem even smaller in that regard. Riordan is truly Percy’s biggest hater

The fact that CHB also glamorizes child soldiers in a more fun and relaxed way. Yikes

Nico is a white™ (again, he is European)

Rachel was annoying but didn’t deserve the blatant hate.

Annabeth should’ve had another possible love interest to spark some pissed Percy. Luke doesn’t count. Percy’s jealously revolves around (the possibility of) her not being around him (e.g. the hunters), not him ”losing“ her to someone else romantically speaking

Silena is the OG Aphrodite kid, fuck the rest

Amazons >> hunters by a slight margin. They’re also an awful bunch

The execution of the hunters is so bad omg, just let me revamp them, Ricardo

If a different take on a headcanon/characters really offends you/paint that much of a different picture of op, then I’m not sorry (only exception if the headcanon is based on discriminatory means. Someone saying they don’t like A and someone using slurs and being a douche are two different things)

The entire Aphrodite cabin is pan FYI

Team demigods who receive periods would probably be extra fucked when it comes to monsters and stuff. Let’s address this

Why exactly couldn’t the gods handle their own shit? Hunting monsters in your area makes sense as a demigod job. But stuff like retrieving Hermes‘ staff (especially when the dude is the speedy traveler guy) makes no goddamn sense

Let’s face it: Annabeth is the only good female character that Riordan pulled off. Also wasn’t she based off his wife? If so, that’s why.

The lack of irl examples for his POC and other women is abundantly clear as he can’t lure everyone from his environment into the stories especially because he has no irl connection to minorities. So he fabricated stuff/did his 5 mins of wiki and got it severely wrong. Clock that tea!

Camp Half-Blood t-shirts belong to the trash. Orange is Yellow‘s cousin and both are ugly to the max. Let’s just switch colors of both camps. Let the Romans deal with the hideous shit

Chiron and Paul are Riordan‘s self-inserts

Tbh giving Hazel super mist powers and tying Frank to Poseidon was stupid

Skater!Percy is pretty much canon but I just can’t envision it? The thought of it is cute and so 2000s but my brain goes fjfldlsöwlwbvd (and tbh gymnast!/dancer!/Parcours!Percy >>>>> skater!basketball!Percy)

People are forgetting that Percy is the unpopular kid both in the mortal realm and at camp and partially chose to be so? Let me remind you of the truth real quick

Beckendorf and Silena are the horny bastards of the Camp Half-Blood. Issa fact

The gods not really immortalizing Chiron and simply saying that he’ll live as long as he’s needed turned him into the cryptic fuck we all know. That’s why he barely helps out (On that note a tiny Chiron essay)

A headcanon, regardless of how popular it is, isn’t factual/reality. So fighting over different takes of the exact same issue is rather pointless but you do you. Some popular blog having an opinion with a large following doesn’t automatically negate your sentiment

Piper being ”unconventional“ as in hating make-up and being dressed up is in itself more than fine but the execution was lacking and her coming off as pretentious and annoying was the result

Piper also has no taste in men if she thinks that amnesia brick boy Grace > Percy. Just no. Lesbians claim haaa

If I see another Amandla or Zendaya or another biracial/lightskinned face claim for Hazel I will lose it

Everyone and their mother having a crush on Percy fuels them Gary Stu feelings, just saying

The fact that Riordan casually drops the abuse that Percy has suffered from like some fucking tic tacs just to never be spoken about should be a reason enough to whoop his ass

Not maturing and darkening HOO (there were good thoughts but also many whacky executions) was the biggest mistake Riordan had made. He should’ve went the Rowling route and transitioned from kids books to YA

The whole fire stick thing that Riordan ripped off from Meleager and slapped onto Frank was terribly executed

A lot of you people should open up more to jokes and not take everything all too seriously

The fact that people seriously ship/ped Reyna x Apollo is proof enough that this fandom should burn

Why do Luke discussions at this point still exist? You’re essentially glossing over the same four things

Hyping up fanfics to the max is a terrible idea. Also don’t shy away from giving writers constructive criticism

Stoner headcanons are here to stay and slay!

On one hand seeing discussions from the science side of PJO talking about the biology, physics etc. is super interesting but on the other hand getting heated over the illogical basis of ”magic“ is pretty much a waste of time

Riordan‘s world building is truly awful

Frazel is a crime against humanity

If you don’t get someone‘s post actually look op up and read the tags? No need to spam the exact question to everything

Fat Frank stays. I get it, Greek gods are hot, they are conceited and choose to fuck people that they perceive as attractive, so their offspring also has some higher levels in the beauty realm. But why not explore the opposite? Why does every character need a makeover or a blessing that gives them enhanced looks?

Clarisse‘s thigh can break ya neck

Also Riordan is Annabeth’s biggest hater. Let’s throw all of her most important possessions away to proof that the smart one can survive without any of it. Sure, but the emotional attachment to the stuff still remains especially when everyone else is walking out of Annabeth’s life

Making Leo another horny bastard was an accurate portrayal of your casual 16 year old boy. Annoying, but realistic

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merakiui · 4 years

Note

hey!! i was lucky enough to stumble across your blog, & i'm enjoying your writing!! could i request something for a first date w/ sian? maybe something more casual, like a cafe!

(I’m glad you like it! Hopefully this is what you had in mind with your request! I went for a “friends to lovers” vibe in a modern setting if that’s okay. Please enjoy and thank you for such a fun request!)

Courtesy Coffee (Sian)

You met under unpleasant circumstances. Sian was in a rush to get to his destination, and you were staring down at your phone with a cup of iced coffee in your other hand. Like that banal trope in shoujo manga, the two of you crashed into one another, and your drink spilled all over his outfit. As complete strangers, it was obvious that the one who was drenched would be incredibly frustrated. That was an exact observation, only Sian didn’t feel the need to use a filter that day.

“Are you kidding me? Watch where you’re going!” he had yelled, gripping his soaked shirt and glaring daggers at you. “How am I supposed to show up to work looking like this?!”

Anyone would feel frightened with his exasperated tone of voice and the intimidating aura that surrounded him, but you weren’t one to surrender immediately.

Straightening your shoulders, you met his heated stare. “I’m sorry. At least it wasn’t hot, right?” Hoping to dispel his anger, you smiled a little. “I can buy you a clean shirt if it’ll make you feel better.”

He puffed his cheeks out, suddenly bashful as he avoided your gaze. “It’s the least you could do! Seriously, this is the worst. I smell just like your stupid coffee.”

“Hey, don’t diss my iced coffee. It’s delicious and you know it.”

“If it’s so good, why is it all over me?” he snapped, crossing his arms. “This’ll stain, you know!”

“I offered to get you another shirt.”

“It’s not just on my shirt, you moron! I can’t face my colleagues like this. You have no idea what they’ll say.”

“Suck it up then!”

“No!”

You sighed heavily, gripping your empty coffee cup. “There’s no need to be difficult. Just let me get you a clean polo and slacks. Unless you’d rather parade around in wet, coffee-smelling attire. You’re making a scene with all of your yelling.”

“You were just yelling, too. Fine, whatever. I guess you can do that.”

Even as you spied his blush, you couldn’t ignore your thoughts. Is he seriously embarrassed by the fact that I’m getting him clothes? Anyone would do this to repay the damage.

“That’s all I needed to hear. Oh, and for the record you’re the one who should watch where you’re going.”

He didn’t take those words too well. Regardless, that was how you met the guy with a loud mouth and an even louder personality. You ran into him twice after that incident, and each time he seemed to stumble over himself. He tried to thank you for the clothes, but all he could manage was a huff and an angry comment about how the fabric was uncomfortable. Weeks later, that same boy just so happened to feel bad about starting a few shouting matches with you during those three times you interacted. He saw you in a café by chance and secretly covered your drink fee, making the barista promise not to reveal his identity. It was a sweet gesture, despite being anonymous and a bit of a shock on your end. You’d never experienced the magic that was receiving your drink for free, but it was great nonetheless.

You enter work that morning with a cheery disposition, passing by coworkers and even engaging in kind banter with those who aren’t the friendliest. You clock in and make your way towards the elevator while scrolling through an online article. Hearing a familiar ping, you glance up, urging whoever’s inside to hold the door. There are four other people crammed within the area, all of whom are silently waiting for the elevator to rise. You push the button for your floor and relax. Momentarily, you glance around the enclosed space to see if you can recognize anyone from your department. Your eyes sweep from one person to the next, and you spot polite Nine at the very back.

You’re compelled to greet him, but someone stands in your way. Someone who bears an uncanny resemblance to the guy who was showered in iced coffee two weeks ago. You gasp and turn away, hoping he won’t notice you.

No way! We work for the same company? What’re the odds? This must be a bad omen! I don’t want to start another fight with him, you think, having done your best to erase those memories.

The elevator pings, and you’re completely distracted. Though you don’t miss the hand that taps your shoulder. Your gaze follows his arm. It’s that guy again.

“Hey. This is your floor, isn’t it?”

The number doesn’t lie, but Sian’s memory might as he struggles to recall your familiar features. It clicks just as you bolt out of the elevator, the doors slipping shut and obscuring your backside for good. Sian blinks rapidly as his face heats up. That was...

Coffee idiot! he thinks. There’s no mistaking that stupid look on their face. He’s thrown into a bad mood at once, internally grumbling as he remembers that day. Even if he changed into new clothes, he still smelled of coffee. It was embarrassing, and his bothersome colleagues wouldn’t leave him alone. And now we work in the same building. Maybe I should just quit so I don’t have to face them.

"Can you believe it, Youssef?” you ask your deskmate, having ranted to him while typing up the progress of this week’s publication. At least that’s a monetary positive for the company. You can’t say the same for your mentality, though. “I do something nice in return and he yells at me. And then we meet again—twice—and he’s still rude.”

Youssef tilts his head, a childish gesture for someone his age. “Are you sure you’re not incorrectly reading his actions?”

“I’m positive. When have I ever been wrong?” You frown as your fingers slow their pace on the keyboard. “I just found out today that we work in the same building. This is totally unfair. Why do I have to bear the burden of knowing this information?”

“I’m sure he means well. What does he look like? I might know him.” You describe him to your helpful colleague, who nods and taps his chin in thought. His expression lights up with recognition. “If I remember correctly, his name is Sian, and he’s in the marketing department. We’ve only talked briefly, but I can assure you he’s quite diligent with his work.”

“Well, everyone’s got their own personality outside of their jobs.”

“I suppose, but it’s not polite to label someone based off of such little knowledge,” he advises lightly, turning his attention back to his computer screen. “Rather than using all of your energy painting a bad image of him, you should spend that time getting to know him. It’ll fix any negative impressions you may have.”

“Something tells me he wouldn’t like that...”

Since then, you haven’t run into Sian once. At first you made it your mission to keep an eye out for him, but now that you’ve been busy with this new project you can’t be bothered to let his image clutter your mind. So you brush him aside like a cobweb, certain you won’t bump into him again. Your floors are far enough apart, so it’s unlikely that that’ll happen. But you’re not always the luckiest, and fate tends to tease those who aren’t on good terms with one another.

You’re close to running late on a rainy day, having missed the train, so now you’re doing everything you can to catch a taxi. Cars speed by on the road, and you fail to flag down a vehicle. Dejected and soaked to the bone, you drag your feet along the slick sidewalk, wishing for your next paycheck so that you can put it towards a used car. Speaking of cars, one slides past you as it makes an effort to park along the walkway. In doing so, the tires kick up a huge puddle, effectively soaking your lower half. As if the day couldn’t have gotten any worse. The car almost moves out of the spot before it halts, and the window steadily rolls down to reveal the face of your greatest enemy.

Well, he’s not technically your greatest enemy, but it really feels like it in that moment.

“Do you need a ride?” As if correcting himself, he quickly adds, “I’m not doing this because it’s you! I’m just sympathizing.”

Does it matter? you wonder, bitter and cold and wet. Karma is so brutal.

“You’re Sian, right?” You approach his car, peering in at the flustered man. “From marketing.”

“Y-Yeah. So what?”

“I’m in publishing.” Awkwardly, you look up at the cloudy sky. “It’s really coming down. The forecast didn’t call for this much rain.”

“Are you getting in or not?”

“But you’re a stranger,” you jest, fixing him with a pout. “I don’t want scary Sian to kidnap me.”

He glowers at your joke. “I’m leaving now. I don’t have time for this.”

You hold back a chuckle, tearing open the door before he can drive off. “Wait! Sorry, I’ll get in. I can’t stand another minute in this rain.”

The window slides up, and he sets the car in motion after you’ve buckled up, easing back into the flow of traffic smoothly. Now that you’re sitting there with the AC blowing cool air at your face, you shudder. Oh, how wonderful it must feel to be in clothes that are warm and untouched by the rain. In his peripheral, Sian catches your shivering form, and he switches the AC from cold air to hot. You might not dry as quick as one would hope, but at least it’s something.

The silence is utterly tense. You almost expect him to bicker with you like he did in the past. Instead, he’s focused on the winding road ahead. Though you don’t miss the pink hue that tints his cheeks and gradually rises to his ears.

“So,” you say, if only to get a conversation going. “How’s work?”

“Fine, I guess. How did you know who I was?”

“My friend Youssef.”

“Oh.”

“You probably don’t know me. I’m (Name).”

“I already know.”

“Really? Stalker.”

“I’m not a stalker!” he exclaims, glaring hard at the windshield. “You’re kind of hard to miss.”

“What does that mean?”

“You’re always so loud at our company parties. How can anyone ignore that?” Sian then proceeds to bless your ears with a story from this year’s holiday party. A few departments got together and went out for drinks and karaoke. Naturally, you had a drinking contest with your colleagues, which led to a tipsy night of bad singing and stumbling from one bar to the next. You were surprised Sian remembered that, mainly because you couldn’t recall seeing him there. And it’s been months since that rowdy night. “Do you see my point?”

“Don’t remind me. That hangover hurt my soul.”

He quirks a smile at that. “It’s not flattering when you sing high notes in the wrong key.”

“Like you could do any better.”

“I can because I was sober.”

“Yeah, yeah.” You roll your eyes, gazing out at the scenery that passes by in a blur of dull colors. Without meaning to, you eye Sian’s reflection in the window, taking note of his side profile. He’s actually quite handsome when he’s calm and not acting so stubborn. “I guess we’re even now.”

“Even?”

“I spilled coffee on you, and you splashed me when your tires hit that puddle.”

“Am I supposed to buy you clothes now?”

“If you’re offering...”

“I wasn’t offering!”

“Don’t worry. I’ve got a spare uniform in my locker.”

I wasn’t worried to begin with, you coffee idiot, Sian thinks, gripping the steering wheel. He keeps track of your occasional trembling, and he can’t help but feel troubled. You’ll catch a cold if you don’t dry off soon. Suddenly, he regrets pulling up beside you and accidentally sending water flying in your direction. This time it was definitely his fault, wasn’t it? Sian wants to make it up to you, but it’s impossible. He’ll die of embarrassment before he succeeds in performing a good deed in front of you.

Truthfully, he’s always noticed you. The very first instance was last year at the company’s drinking party. You were glued to Youssef’s side, engaging in idle chatter with him and another guy he wasn’t too familiar with. At the time, Sian thought your behavior was obnoxious. No one wants their younger coworker clinging to them. It just made you look like an attention-seeking puppy. Although you were definitely upbeat at that party. He had watched you chug an entire pint of beer like it was nothing and then join in on a pointless game of Ten Fingers with enough energy to put a child to shame.

He thought you were annoying at first, and yet there was something captivating about your personality. He’d never had the guts to approach you outright, so when he ran into you that day all of his frustrations just spilled over. He was angry at himself for not having the courage to talk to you at every company party, and now that he had a chance he couldn’t think of what to say. He hadn’t mentally prepared anything! So he said the first thing that came to his mind, which passed through his unfiltered lips in a very abrupt manner.

But you didn’t show any fear. You hardly flinched. Instead you met his words with a few of your own, and that’s what ruffled Sian’s feathers. You were so good at communication, and he was very much unskilled, usually relying on phrases he prepared in his head. It’s not like he couldn’t talk. He could when he was interested in a certain subject or whenever he was reading from a page, but in front of someone he admired... Sian knew he’d make a fool of himself.

Now that you’re sitting in the passenger seat of his car, he has every opportunity to say what he wants. Yet the words scramble in his brain, and he can’t calm his racing heart. Before he can think of anything witty, the building comes into view, and the parking garage has never seemed so dismal. Sian’s kicking himself as he parks, disappointed with how he handled that situation.

“Thanks for this. I’ll go on ahead.” You unbuckle, holding your briefcase and squeezing water from your blazer. “I’m sorry if I got your seat wet.”

“It’s...fine.”

You’re going to walk away and then he’ll become the coffee idiot. He opens his mouth to say something that’ll stop you, but you turn around at the right moment.

“Let’s get coffee sometime in the future. You deserve it after all the trouble I gave you,” you propose, smiling earnestly. And I feel guilty for my initial judgement. Youssef was right.

Sian’s eyes widen, and he struggles to remain stoic. “Oh, uh...”

“That’s okay with you, right?”

“I guess. Whatever works for you.” He shrugs.

“Great!” You retrieve a pen from your case and close the distance between the two of you. Humming, you snatch his hand, spreading his fingers so that his palm is wide open. And then you scribble something on it, grinning in satisfaction. Sian stares at you the entire time, his face blank and head filled with static. “Text me the days you’re available. See you later!” You tuck the pen away, hastily dashing in the direction of the elevator.

Sian stands there for a moment, slack-jawed. He forces himself to look down at his hand. Your number is written on his skin in smudged ink. His face erupts in a flurry of red. That coffee idiot...

------

“It’s not a date,” Sian mutters as he walks to the café. “It’s not. Stop thinking that way.”

But maybe it is a date, the voice in the back of his mind whispers, goading him into believing so. He dressed as casually as possible, but he still hopes it’ll impress you. There are plenty of fears that flood his head, and he almost turns around as soon as he gets to the entrance. But he’s come this far, and he’d regret it forever if he left now. This might be his only chance; he can’t afford to pass it up. So he pushes open the door in search of you. It doesn’t take long to locate your form amongst the few who are inside. Sian’s pulse rushes into overdrive, and he clenches his jaw.

It’s not a date. Act natural.

You look up from your phone just as he slides into the seat across from you. A warm smile blossoms across your face, and you tuck your mobile away. “Sian, you made it! I was worried you wouldn’t come.”

“It��d be rude if I didn’t show up after you made all those plans.”

“Yeah, that’s true. Well, thank you. Now I won’t have to feel bad about Monday morning.”

You had felt bad? Sian’s cheeks must be burning intensely bright now, but there’s nothing he can do. “It’s your fault for being an idiot.”

You chuckle. “That makes two of us. One idiot ignored the forecast, and the other wasn’t watching where he was going.”

“Whatever. Just so we’re clear, I’m not as stupid as you.” He crosses his arms and huffs. “And you don’t have any taste. I mean, iced coffee? Really?”

“It’s good!” you insist. “You’re missing out. Everyone knows iced coffee is better than hot coffee.”

“Is it now? I don’t agree with that statistic.”

“You’re allowed to have your own opinion, Mr. Sian,” you tease. “Give me your drink order. I’ll go get it.”

“What? No way. I’ll pay.”

“As if! I’m treating you.”

“You already bought me clothes.”

“And now I’m going to buy you coffee. It’s to say thanks for picking me up during that storm.”

“I would’ve left you on that sidewalk if I knew you were going to make it a hassle now!”

“Just accept my kindness!”

Sian shuts his mouth, giving into your demand. He grumbles his order, and you’re very happy as you make your way towards the register to get the two of you drinks and pastries. He watches as you pay, releasing a soft sigh. It’s hard to say no to someone you’ve admired for so long. Sian’s not sure when he started to like you, but he’s certain these recent interactions have only added fuel to the burning fire residing in his heart. It’s embarrassing to think he’s even on a romantic outing with you, but it’s not like the two of you are close friends. So then what does that make this?

When you return to the window table, setting down the drinks and a plate with two strawberry bread puddings, he’s shaken from his daydreams. This is actually happening. It’s not just another fantasy he’s imagined while witnessing you drink your sanity away at parties.

“I’m not sure if you like strawberries, but I—“

“I guess it’s okay,” he interrupts, trying to hide the fact that he actually likes it very much.

“Good!” You ease into your chair. “You’re not as bad as I thought you were.”

He raises an eyebrow as he takes a sip from his latte. “Huh.”

“You seemed really upset when I spilled my coffee on you. But anyone would be, so it’s completely understandable. I thought you hated me because of that. When we saw each other again, you were pretty sensitive.”

“I’m not sensitive!” he snaps, proving your point. “That was a white shirt you ruined.”

“Will you feel better if you dump coffee on me?”

“What? Why would I do that? I’m not going to do something as petty as that!”

“Aw, so you do care.”

“I don’t. Get lost.”

You break out into a laughing fit, genuinely amused at his coldness. Even if he doesn’t want to show it, he’s quite nice, and you’re relieved that he didn’t turn out to be a bully seeking revenge. Then again, it’s been weeks since that incident.

“It’s not funny!”

“Sorry, sorry. You’re just so expressive. It’s hard not to laugh.”

A furious red darkens his face, and he decides to fumble with his fork in order to give his hands something to do. The bread pudding is surprisingly delicious. He fumes in his embarrassment while he eats.

Eventually, the two of you converse about work and that project your department took on. Sian listens to your rambling as you go on and on about how irksome it is when last-minute changes are made to a finalized draft. He enjoys every story you tell him, and by the time the plate is empty he feels as if he’s grown closer with you. Could this be the beginning of a friendship? He’s hit with a sudden wave of inspiration for lyrics that will never be sung. At least they can fester on a page in his notebook, where he’ll return on countless occasions to proofread and debate over the meaning of each line. Oh, how he’d love to share his music with you. It’ll take a while before he does something as bold as that, though.

“I just got an idea! There’s this awesome bar thirty minutes from work. I usually go with my friends because they’ve got a bunch of games you can play. Board games, card games—you name it. We should go one of these days.”

“R-Really?”

“Yeah! You seem like a fun guy to hang out with. Card games might sound boring, but they’re actually really fun when you’re playing for money. And when you’ve got a few drinks in your system.”

Sian struggles to hide the giddy smile that threatens to split his lips. “No... It sounds perfect. I’m actually really good at Slapjack, so be prepared to lose miserably!”

“Is that a challenge? What should we wager?”

"How about a meal? Loser has to pay for the winner’s lunch.”

“All right. It’s a deal. I’ll keep you updated on my schedule so that we can choose a weekend to meet up.”

“Sure!” Sian’s face won’t stop heating up and he can’t slow his erratic heartbeat. “I mean, I’ll only do it so I can get a free lunch. It’s not like I’m agreeing for your sake.”

“Yeah, yeah. Whatever floats your boat.”

His chest feels airy and light, almost as if he’s in a dream. Your words weigh on his conflicted heart. How can anyone make plans so easily? If the roles were reversed, he’d be an absolute mess. It’d be so embarrassing; Sian would probably want to curl up and disappear if he ever tried to ask you out on his own volition. You probably don’t even feel the same way. After all, this is merely two coworkers having a normal conversation. But he can’t get stuck in the friend zone. That’d be the worst outcome to all of this. So in the meantime he’ll do his best to act cordial. He can hide his shy demeanor and fluffy feelings behind a blunt attitude.

“All of this planning makes it seem like we’re a couple,” you muse with flirtatious intent. Leaning back in your chair, you gauge Sian’s reaction. Just as you figured, he’s turning crimson. It’s honestly endearing to see him get so flustered. “What do you think, Sian?”

“I... I don’t know. Don’t say stupid things! It’s really annoying.”

No matter how sharp his words are, you know he doesn’t mean it. After all, his expression clearly refutes those claims.

“Sian and (Name), sitting in a tree—“

“Shut up!”

If this isn’t a date, then what’s with all the flirting?

Sian’s going to have to take a cold shower when he gets home to lower his body temperature. And to scrub away the embarrassment that’s washed over him like rain.

It’s not a date. It’s just coffee with an acquaintance. Yeah. Just courtesy coffee.

He couldn’t be any further from the truth.

#after l!fe #afterl!fe #afterl!fe sian #afterl!fe x reader #afterl!fe the sacred kaleidoscope #afterl!fe sian x reader #sian x reader #oneshot

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lulusoblue · 3 years

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this isn’t me vagueing or anything, or I’m not intending to because people have previously expressed the same of what I’m about to rant on, and I don’t want to @ or refer to any blog specifically for reigniting my bafflement of this take because this isn’t a personal grudge match against anyone, just a general *what* of this concept, but

jesus h christ on a stick, why do people want BioShock Infinite’s Elizabeth to have been a racist?

I get an AU fic of another timeline where Comstock’s motives weren’t messy as fuck and he didn’t just plan to force his messiah with a spinal shock collar from the word go, like “what if” stuff, but like saying she should have been racist in the original game and actually wanting this change because it would “improve” her character?

like, disclaimer because I am a white woman who may not have a say in things like this anyway, but honestly the racism angle was a huge mistake in Infinite in the first place, and should never have been done in this game because the lead writer is a white man and I can bet my bottom dollar he most likely did not consult anyone on race or racism beyond what historically accurate heinous racist acts to not depict in the game so players could “sympathise” with the flying racists getting their dues post-Finkton.

You know how important the racism of Columbia is to him? How relevant is it to the ending of the game? Answer: it isn’t. BioShock 1’s ending has the failings of Rapture relevant to the ending regarding the player’s choices. The ending of Infinite, however, focuses on Elizabeth, Booker and the multiverse, where nobody mentions the Vox or how Columbia was a failure or anything. Nothing with the Vox Populi or Columbia’s hubris is linked to the game’s ending. Both are left feeling superfluous. It was just something to stick into the background rather than be a story element that properly tied in with the story’s real focus. If you wanted Levine to write a better racism story I would have to ask you why??? Do you trust him to?????

What reason was there that we switched from extreme nationalism and its consequences in the demos as late as 2012 to “racism bad but the victims of it are also bad if they fight back” in 2013? Who fucking knows. Probably shock value, because I don’t see how time and resources would cause such a change from what Irrational put out there in interviews leading up to release. Given how Levine tried to retcon Daisy’s story in Burial at Sea (and keep in mind Black Lives Matter didn’t start as a movement until a few months after Infinite’s release and before BaS Episode 2 was released) he certainly didn’t commit to “Daisy and Comstock are the same”. If he had conviction for his “both sides” story, he wouldn’t have tried to rewrite it to Daisy choosing to play monster as a necessary sacrifice for her cause (which itself is its own can of worms with how it now plays out).

Considering as well how we had that article revealing how long it took to get a playable build out of Irrational thanks to Levine’s lack of solid direction, as well as the recent revelation that he had never read Ayn Rand when making a game about a city BUILT ON HER IDEOLOGY, I’m pretty sure the poor writing around Columbia’s racism and the Vox Populi in the final game was just made up as he went along to push out a finished product, because it had been five years at that point and 2k was piiiiiiissed.

Then we have how Elizabeth is your companion character, your escort mission. Friends, do you know how escort mission characters were viewed back pre-2013? Bad. The AI could just look at a player funny and they’d draw a 5 page comic on how awful a character they were and post it to deviantart. One of the worst levels in BioShock was when we had to escort a very killable Little Sister with a fishbowl filter on our FOV, and one of the major complaints people had with BioShock 2 was how they had an OPTIONAL escort mission to get more mutation juice. We didn’t start getting games with escort characters like Elizabeth or Clementine or Ellie, characters people actually cared about and WANTED to protect, until around 2012-2013.

You think the people creating Elizabeth, the escort mission character built to be a likeable, enjoyable to be with and empathise with her character, who can never get hurt or kidnapped in combat and actively helps the player, should have had her been a racist??? In a post-Mass Effect world??????

Ashley Williams is a woman from a military family. She is a proud member of the Alliance military who has concerns on working with aliens after having had no prior experience working with aliens. However, you can ease those concerns and help her warm up to building alliances in the first Mass Effect game. Ashley grows to trust alien squadmates, and even without your character’s influence will regard two anti-alien groups with disgust for their outright racism and human centrism.

And here’s the kicker, even with that nuance to her character, in a game of plenty of other more overtly racist and prejudiced characters? ASHLEY IS STILL THE BUTT OF THE SPACE RACISM JOKES. She had flaws, she developed, she proves her loyalties to the point of refusing to work with you when you’re forced to join one of the human centric groups, AND SHE’S STILL MOCKED FOR SPACE RACISM. EVEN IN PROMOTIONAL MATERIAL SHE’S RETROACTIVELY REGARDED AS BEING DIFFICULT TO WORK WITH. THAT IS HOW MUCH THE FANDOM AROUND MASS EFFECT HAS AFFECTED HOW ASHLEY IS SEEN.

And you want Infinite to have Elizabeth be very obviously racist with real life racism? (which is the vibe i’ve been getting) Like, you think all the people behind Elizabeth’s design, her game functionality, her interactions and personality, would give players ammunition to hate a character you’re supposed to enjoy having around on purpose? You think they’re going to give the actual racists and bigots and nazis of the internet a mascot????? Because we already had the facebook header image debacle for a Columbian propaganda poster, you KNOW they would.

And personally I don’t think it would make great character development, because the game is not in the format for that kind of exploration of character’s story. BioShock Infinite is not an RPG with you making dialogue choices with squadmates where you feel like you really influenced them to see the error of their ways. Infinite is a linear shooter. There is no real sense of the passage of time in a linear shooter, the player will experience it like it really doesn’t happen in the span of 20 hours.

Unlearning racism and religious brainwashing is not a quick fixit, and a quick fixit is how it would feel in the 20-40 hours you take to play through the entire game. If Infinite had had Elizabeth going from “I’m racist” to “*sees a black person suffering* maybe racism is wrong???” to “i am no longer racist, I see the error of my ways, you can like me now” in the span of what feels like less than a day to players in a linear game, people would be super critical of the pretty white girl getting cured of her bigotry way too quickly and how the game makes it like we’re supposed to applaud her for being so brave and mature and open-minded, and how much Levine really doesn’t understand nuance or anything about how internalised racism works.

BioShock Infinite’s final release proved that the Vox Populi should not have been handled the way they were. Yes, more media should be discussing and making audiences aware of what is racist, and how irrational it really is when you get down to it, but BioShock Infinite should not have been that media. It was originally written for two opposing sides in a city built on extreme nationalism, much like how BioShock was for objectivism, and then changed relatively last minute. It was written by a white man who’d already written the franchise’s only gay named character as a horrific monster of a man (Cohen) and has expressed how autism is what made a person evil (Tenenbaum). It was written with Elizabeth in mind, a main character who was literally designed to be an escort mission players would actually enjoy, most likely from Day 1 given how much behind the scenes stuff we know of her.

I wouldn’t trust someone like Levine to write a story of a character unlearning racism over the course of a game’s story, i don’t think he should ever have touched a story where racism is a such a prominent element with a 100 foot pole.

#in which i rant #bioshock #bioshock infinite #elizabeth comstock

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bwemph · 4 years

Text

It’s a Date

Pairing: Poe Dameron x Reader

Word count: 3,831

Summary: You and Poe go stargazing, but things take a turn for the worst when the First Order makes an appearance.

Warnings: Mild torture, betrayal

A/N: This is a fic from my old blog Purpleocity. All future fics will be posted here at bwemph :)

Rathides. The Resistance were stationed here to replenish provisions and fuel. Around the ships that had just landed stretched a small city, fitting for the similarly small planet. Though, outside the city was what drew most to this quiet, middle of nowhere place.

Long, rolling hills stretched far as the eye could see under a peachy sky with spindly clouds being dissolved by the dwindling sunlight.However, the real sights were the night skies. The sky turned ebony, and light pollution was minimal, revealing millions of bright stars twinkling in the inky atmosphere. It was rumored that one could see numerous galaxies and nebulas from the right viewing point.

This is what prompted you now as you strode with purpose through the hangar in search of a certain pilot. You glanced down at your watch to make sure you weren’t short on time before your shift was to begin–you were definitely cutting it close. When you looked up from your watch, your eyes landed on Poe Dameron, exactly who you were searching for. BB-8 was handing him tools as he tuned up his X-Wing. You recalled Poe mentioned a strange buzzing sound the other day, so you assumed that must be what he was fixing.

You silently approached and hugged him from behind. He froze in surprise before he realized whose arms were wrapped around his waist. “Hey, Doc.” He wiped his hands with a rag before turning to hug you back. He pecked a greeting kiss to your lips. “What’s going on?”

You grinned. “I just wanted to see you.” You tapped the end of his nose, making him squint and scrunch it a little with a soft laugh. You giggled before going on, “And I have a proposal for you.”

“A proposal? Isn’t that my job?” Poe quipped.

“Any day now, Dameron,” you teased back, your eyes flickering to the ring on the chain around his neck. He winked in response, one side of his mouth curving upward. “Anyways,” you cleared your throat, “I heard the night sky is incredible this time of year on this planet. I was thinking maybe you and I could go stargazing tonight?”

Poe smiled, brushing a few stray hairs away from your eyes. “Alright, I’m in.”

“Well, you don’t take much convincing.” You mirrored his chuckle, biting your lower lip. “It’s a date.”

“Yes ma’am.”

You noticed the approaching ship that landed outside, realizing in the ship were a few officers returning from a mission. Several were wounded and being rushed to the infirmary. “Looks like that’s my cue to leave.”

“See you later.” He pressed another quick kiss to your lips.

You gave a rushed, “bye” before jogging off toward the med bay.

“Alright, someone prep this man for surgery. We need to operate immediately,” you heard a medic instruct, pointing to an empty operating room. You strode down the hall as another doctor rushed by with a wounded soldier of some alien species. A groaning pilot staggered down the hall and held his side as a nurse strode along beside him. Several instructions and orders were being relayed across the medical ward in the background as you glanced down at your watch and noted the convenient timing of your shift.

You felt a hand on your shoulder and turned to see a nurse with tan skin and bronze hair holding a few documents.

“We’ve got a woman in need of some attention if you wouldn’t mind taking that on”

You nodded. “It’s what I’m here for. Where’s Doctor Ginn?”

“Assisting a surgery. So is Doctor Dymos. I have a feeling we’ll all be pretty busy for a while since there’s still have more officers that have yet return.”

You nodded again. “Sounds like that mission went badly.” With that, you strode to the room you were pointed toward to find a woman with striking blue eyes slouched against a wall. She grimaced as she looked up to meet your gaze.

“Really, Tatina? You’ve gotta quit getting yourself hurt on these missions.” You laughed softly as you crossed to the brunette.

“I swear, I don’t have a death wish,” she chuckled. “We were ambushed.”

You settled next to her, beginning to tend to her wounds. “What happened out there?”

“Stormtroopers. Somehow the First Order found out we were about to attack. They got to us first.”

You brushed Tatina’s brown locks behind her shoulder, cleaning a wound right at the crook of her neck. “It seems like they’ve been aware of our every move lately. Did they trace you back here?”

“I hope not,” Tatina said, her eyes wide. “We got out as quick as we could.”

You hummed. “I don’t doubt it. You guys are pretty beat up, though. Especially Lieutenant Rourke. He’s part of your squadron isn’t he? How did you manage to stay in this good of shape?”

Tatina looked at her hands and shrugged, a mistake. Her breath caught before quickening. “I’m not sure. The odds were in my favor, I guess.” She offered a little laugh.

“I guess so,” you agreed, finishing the last of Tatina’s wounds. “That should keep you for now. Next time, try not to die.”

Tatina scoffed. “As if I try at all.”

You shrugged and stood. “Well, with how often I see you, I’ll admit I’m a little suspicious,” you joked. “Take care of yourself, Tatina.”

“I always do.”

You shot the soldier a wink before leaving.

You glanced at your watch, realizing your shift was supposed to end an hour and a half ago. You left your quarters after changing into your own clothes and started down the hall in search of Poe. You turned a corner and stopped short, toe to toe with the pilot. You felt your cheeks get a little warm at how close your faces were. Your lips were just short of colliding with his.

“You’re late.” He touched your arm, running his fingers down to lace with yours.

You sighed, your thoughts running back through today’s events. “I know. This Toglomian came in with some serious injuries and we needed to operate immediately. It took us forever.” You looked at your hands tangled together, smiling as you looked back up. “But, I’m here now and I’m all yours.” You sealed your lips to his to punctuate your sentence.

Poe hummed, a hand going to the side of your face. “I like the sound of that.”

You rolled your eyes. “Come on!” You pulled on his hand eagerly. “What are we waiting for? There’s zillions of stars out there waiting for us!” You practically dragged him down the hall.

The stars were endless. There was almost no space in the sky the stars didn’t cover. Between the stars, planets could be seen, peeking down at you. Galaxies and nebulas also scattered themselves about the sky, glowing rich colors.

“Isn’t this just gorgeous?” You folded your arms beneath your head as you gazed in awe at the sky. “There’s so much life out there. It’s so strange that as much of it that we’ve travelled through, there’s still an infinite expanse out there that we’ll probably never live to see.”

Poe hummed a response.

“It’s just…wow,” you went on, feeling unable to tear your gaze from the sea of stars. “It’s one of those things that’s just so beautiful you can’t look away, you know?”

“Yeah, I know exactly what you mean.” His voice was serene, almost as if he were in a trance.

You broke your gaze away from the sky and looked to Poe, who was turned on his side and smiling softly at you. You felt your cheeks flush and watched him prop himself up on his elbow. You followed his example.

“You are so beautiful.” He caressed your cheek, closing the space between you two. He kissed you so tenderly, and yet you felt your heart was about to explode right out of your chest from the adoration in the kiss. You returned the kiss, your passion seeping in. Poe pulled you closer to his chest, letting a hand roam your body. He guided you down to your back and hovered over you, smiling before leaning down to kiss you again. However, before he met your lips, a ship appeared from light speed in the sky. Your eyes widened. Poe followed your gaze and let you sit up, unconsciously interlocking his fingers with yours. A shuttle descended from the ship and made to land nearby.

“We gotta go,” Poe said, tugging on your arm and pulling you toward the base.

The shuttle you tried to elude landed in front of you, keeping your chace brief, and several Stormtroopers poured out. You and Poe raised your hands in surrender while while the Troopers aimed their blasters.

“Excellent job, trainees,” a familiar, very smooth voice said. A woman with long brown hair stepped around the barrier of Troopers. “Captain Phasma will be proud.”

Your eyes widened in surprise. It took you a moment to process the situation. “Tatina? Wha…”

Tatina shifted her weight. “It’s Jayne, actually.” She looked down her nose at you, but the antagonistic look in her eye wasn’t entirely genuine.

“You-you’re with the First Order?”

Jayne sighed, crossing her arms. “I’d consider myself more of an ally.” She hesitated. “I’m sorry, Y/N. I’ll be missing having you stitch me up every other day.” She offered a small smile before looking to the trainees. “Let’s get them to Commander Ren. If he gets impatient I’ll be left to deal with the repercussions.”

The last thing you remembered before it all went dark was being hit over the head, and hearing Poe’s grunt as he felt the same.

Jayne led the trainees off the shuttle, watching a couple transport the now unconscious prisoners to a cell. She met Kylo as he strode into the hangar and watched the Troopers head toward the prisons. He removed his helmet to look down at Jayne, a smile threatening to curl his lips.

“Well done, love,” he praised, caressing her cheek. She savored the touch, as it wasn’t typical for him to show affection while on duty. “You never disappoint me.”

Jayne gave a proud smile. “That’s pleasing to hear.”

A ghost of a smile appeared on Kylo’s lips before he rested a hand on her shoulder to push past.

“Commander,” Jayne blurted, catching his hand, “do me a favor?”

“Of course.” His voice was soft again as she stepped forward, his demeanor shifting a little at the use of his title.

She watched the Troopers disappear around the corner. “Once you’re done with them, the prisoners,” she shuffled a little, “send them back. We’ll have no benefit from keeping them here or killing them.”

A look flashed across Kylo’s face that Jayne couldn’t quite discern. He took a step toward her, his looming nature leaving her unphased. “Are you empathizing with the Resistance?”

“No,” she responded cooly, “just the doctor.” Kylo raised an eyebrow, prompting her to go on, “I endured no shortage of wounds during my time undercover. She took care of me. Please, let her and the pilot go. Just this once.”

“They’ll die anyway.”

Jayne sighed. “I know. Please, just give them the illusion of hope.”

Kylo’s expression hardened as he nodded once. He sighed and strode off the direction of the prisoners.

A chill went down your spine as you woke with a start. You looked around as your eyes adjusted to the dark. You realized you were on the floor. You sat up and squeezed your eyes shut at your pounding headache.

“Y/N, you alright?” Poe asked, his voice rasping a little.

You nodded shortly, then furrowed your brow as you spotted a red streak on his face where his dark curls clung to his forehead.

“You’re bleeding.” The concern was evident in your tone as you leaned forward and inspected the wound closely. In your mind, you started running through all the possible treatments for his wound.

“I’m fine, I’m fine,” Poe assured, catching your wrists as you reached forward to examine his head further. He pressed a soft kiss to your knuckles on both hands. “You’re bleeding too.” He gestured to the spot on your head that mirrored his. You reached up and felt the sticky red substance on your forehead as well, looking down at your fingers.

“Where are we?” you asked.

Poe sighed. “Some sort of holding cell within the First Order, I assume.”

You were about to say something when your head turned at the sound of heavy footsteps approaching. They echoed through the rest of the presumably empty cells ominously. A dark, looming figure paused at the door: Kylo Ren. He used the Force to open the door and stepped inside, stalking forward. He stood over you, and you couldn’t help but inch backward to escape the heavy gaze of the Commander. He took a moment to inspect the pair of you closely before heaving you to your feet.

“Y/N, no!” Poe protested, lunging forward. Kylo Force slammed him against the wall, leaving him unable to do anything but watch. You held back a frightened yelp as Kylo looked deep into your eyes through his dark helmet.

“I want answers,” he spoke, his voice deep and distorted. “The more compliant you are, the sooner I’ll leave you be.”

You felt your feet lift from the ground as Kylo used the Force to paralyze you (Though, you were already practically paralyzed by fear).

“I’m not telling you anything,” you hissed between strained breaths.

Kylo’s chuckle was low, almost inaudible. “You don’t have to.”

You gasped as you suddenly felt his presence in your head, intrusive and overpowering. He poked through a few of your thoughts, staying at the forefront of your mind while you fought to keep him from going any further. He was subtle at first, trying to slip through the places you left unguarded. You cried out as Kylo took a more aggressive approach, shutting your eyes tightly as though it might help.

“No, no, stop,” Poe rasped, his panic betraying him and seeping into his tone. He fought the Force that kept him in place. “You will not hurt her.”

Another cry escaped your lips despite your resistance. Kylo stopped and observed one of your thoughts for a good long time, realizing Poe was at the forefront of your mind, even before the Resistance or the information you were trying desperately to keep.

“You’re right,” Kylo crooned, dropping you. You landed on the cold floor with a thud and a small grunt. “I’ll hurt you. I imagine she’ll sing then.” He was too pleased with himself as he strode toward Poe, driving him to his knees. “Right, Doctor?” Kylo glanced to you.

“She’s a nurse, how can you expect her to know anything?” Poe blurted, tripping over his words and now looking afraid.

“Oh, I think she knows something.” Kylo ignited his lightsaber, the red glow highlighting the crimson streaks on Poe’s forehead. “Speak now, and your precious pilot will be left unharmed.”

“Don’t give him anything!” Poe urged, “Think of the Resistance!”

A conflict stirred within you, and you felt your heart pounding as Kylo threatened to run Poe through. You hesitated just a moment too long before Poe’s scream echoed through the cell as Kylo touched the crossguard of the saber to Poe’s shoulder.

“Poe!” you shrieked, tears blurring your vision. He grit his teeth and fruitlessly tried to escape the pain. Sparks flew and the smell of singed fabric and flesh wafted through the air and intermixed with Poe’s cries.

His head fell forward when Kylo removed his saber, awaiting a response from you.

“You’re not easily persuaded,” Ren observed. “No matter. I’ve got all night.” He circled Poe for a moment, calculating his next move as if this were a game of chess. He slunk to Poe’s left side, sinking to eye level. “Unless you have something to say, pilot.” Poe kept his gaze fixated on the ground, his shoulders rising and falling with each irregular breath. “Very well,” Kylo said with a shrug, again using his crossguard to burn a patch into Poe’s ribs. Kylo dragged it slowly and shamelessly across Poe’s side.

He cried out again, his voice breaking before Kylo withdrew his lightsaber and then landed a slash across Poe’s left arm. Kylo let the Force subside around Poe, watching him collapse to the ground. He groaned feebly.

You clamped a hand over your mouth, fighting with everything in you to escape the Force, but you were left helpless to the situation.

Kylo raised his saber as if he were going to strike Poe across the back, but you blurted at the last moment, “Alright, I’ll talk!” You tried to contain a sob. The red light contracted, leaving the shadows to consume the cell again.

“Go on then.”

You held back tears. “Our ship is located in Chaxnuss City.” You paused to take a breath. You sniffled.

“When are you leaving?”

“Tomorrow afternoon.” Your voice shook. “We’re refueling and restocking on food.”

“You’re vulnerable, then.”

You let your head drop. Poe helplessly tried to push himself from the ground. You found yourself unable to look at him at all.

“Tell me,” Kylo said, using the Force to tilt your chin up, “when can I expect you to be at your least immune to an unfortunate attack?”

You took another shaky breath. “Dawn,” you admitted with a quiet sob, “just before dawn.”

Kylo nodded, satisfied with the information he received. “Guards!” he called. He stalked away almost silently, murmuring an order to the two Troopers who marched in.

They paced forward, seizing you and Poe. You were towed down several halls and corridors before you were taken back to the hangar, where you were put on a shuttle and promptly dropped back onto Rathides.

You looked to Poe, whose breathing was ragged and labored. You stumbled over, throwing his arm around her shoulder. He groaned softly and staggered alongside you.

“It’s gonna be okay, don’t you worry. You’ll be okay,” You assured yourself more than Poe.

When you finally reached the ship, you wasted no time calling in a handful of other medics to assist you in taking Poe to the med bay.

Poe grimaced as you helped him remove his shirt to assess his injuries.

“You doing okay, Dameron?” you asked in hopes of keeping him conscious. You inspected his shoulder wound a little closer, trying your best to keep your eyes from flickering across his chest despite your concern.

He gave a half smile. “You think some creep in a mask can get rid of me that easy?” he teased, his voice low and raspy.

You laughed softly. “Well, a girl can worry, can’t she?”

BB-8 beeped a greeting as it rolled in, seeming relieved that Poe was alright.

“Hey, buddy.” Poe smiled at his droid.

It cheeped back in a scolding tone something along the lines of “how dare you get captured without me?”

Poe chuckled at his droid’s comment, but then there was a tense silence that lingered a few moments. Poe broke it as you began dressing the wound on his shoulder, “You didn’t have to do that for me,” he spoke softly, “you didn’t have to tell him all that.”

You avoided his eyes. “I know. I just…I couldn’t keep watching him do that to you.” Your voice shook as you recalled the sight. You tried to distract yourself away from the subject by moving on to Poe’s other wounds. They wept a little blood, but at this point were mostly either cauterized or clotting.

“Hey,” Poe’s hand went to the side of your face in spite of his injuries, prompting you to meet his gaze, “thank you.”

You blinked back more tears, smiling a little. “Any time.” You pecked a kiss to his lips before continuing fixing up his wounds.

Later, you went in search Leia, guilt thoroughly wracking your insides. “General Organa?” Your voice shook as you approached.

Leia turned and looked at you, a small smile curling her lips. “Doctor, I’m pleased to see you’re safe.”

You nodded in thanks, one of your shoulders raising slightly. “General, I…” You sighed, holding back even more tears. That seemed like all you had been doing tonight. “I told Ren everything. Our location, our vulnerability, our–”

“I wouldn’t worry about it too much, Doctor.” The General placed a comforting hand on your shoulder. You looked up hesitantly. “We’ve finished fueling and we’ll be leaving within the next hour or so. Anything you told him isn’t going to matter.”

You breathed a sigh of relief. “Oh, thank the stars.”

“Besides,” Leia smiled, “you saved my best pilot. I couldn’t ask for more.”

Your head dropped as you realized you suddenly felt shy. “What would we do without him?” You rubbed your arm and shuffled your feet a little.

Leia nodded in agreement. “We were lucky this time. Next time, maybe stargaze a tad closer to the ship when we’re on a foreign planet. You never know when reinforcements will be needed.” She winked. “Now, go ahead and take the rest of the evening off, Doctor. You need it.”

“Thank you, General.” You nodded in thanks before turning to leave.

You collapsed onto your bed after showering and changing into something clean and comfortable. You let your eyes close for a minute while you tried your hardest to avoid thinking about what happened earlier that night. You couldn’t seem to get the image of Poe writhing on the ground out of your mind. It was seared into your brain like the burn on his side. You decided to go check in again. It would keep you from worrying too much.

You strode to his quarters, finding him out cold and tangled in his sheets. You smiled and watched the subtle rise and fall of his chest before he stirred. You quietly padded over to his bed and settled on the edge. You brushed a few of his curls away from his forehead. Poe slipped his hand into yours as his eyes fluttered open.

“Hey,” you breathed.

Poe moved over and gestured to the empty space next to him. “You okay? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

You sighed as you lay next to him. “Just concerned about you, I guess.”

“Well, no need to worry. I had a really good doctor fix me up.” He pecked a kiss to your nose.

You smiled, your face heating a little. You rolled onto your side to look at him. You ran your fingertips over his chest. Your lips found his cheek before you hid your face in the crook of his neck. “Thanks, babe.”

“And as soon as we land on another planet, we’ll go stargazing for real.”

“Promise?”

“Promise.” He sealed his lips to yours for a moment.

“Well then,” you broke the kiss for a fleeting moment, “it’s a date.”

#poe dameron #poe dameron x reader #poe x reader #oscar isaac #star wars #the force awakens #the last jedi #rise of skywalker

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sevenincubistolemyheart · 5 years

Text

Tainting Purity Chapter 4

Au: Demon

Tag list: @bangtans-apollo @xsunnyhoseokx @wilhelminalucinda @xsmilebitesx @okgoogul @mariacorbi @spiritualotaku @littlekitten8590 @felic-ci @saturated-pink @fckyouartclass @saraisthoughts @godrics @theshiningmoonsblog @winterseoul @nomimits7 @miss-delacour @apphiaasensio20 @novakitten0901 @thatonebibabe @2seokkyo @marvelkatwoman @vannilacake @books-are-way-better-than-movies @bluespidergirl56 @io-is-lame @avalanet @psiphidragon @livingbubbles-blog @inutiledediscuter @korkorky @iie-wakarimasen @pvrple-kookie @yoongiismytruelove @amiraclerenee @eltrain80 @shelley-hennig14 @bts-edits-bitch @frankenstein852 @oii-f-eli-x @kaykay-loves @saywheaaat @ireadfanficsonthisleavemealone @noonaduck

Rating: M

Potential Triggers: Kinks in this chapter include degradation, mentions of degradation and more marking. Things do get a bit violent for a bit. Check the masterlist as I update for all the triggers in the series up to that point.

Pairing: BTS x Reader/OT7 x Reader

Genre: Supernatural, Drama, Romance, Angst, Fluff, Hurt & Comfort

Length: 5.5k+

You shimmied into the tight black dress in the bathroom adjacent to your own; it'd taken them a shockingly small amount of time to get it together. It was really sweet- Namjoon had even repurchased all the books now surely either burned or sold by your old family and the others all had helped design the room and with moving in all the furniture.

It felt more like home than your old one ever did and that scared you just the tiniest bit.

You thought you'd be prepared when the boys had warned you of the club's…unique nature. You were wrong. You weren’t sure what was to be expected exactly; but to say your poor eyes would not be forgetting the images of leather clad men and woman alike; as well as the variety of what looked like torture implements on the wall next to you...yeah. These images would definitely haunt your thoughts for a while. Sure; you enjoyed bondage but pain was never something that triggered an aroused response for you and while you’d never judge others for having such a kink...the thought of Humans being hurt for a demons enjoyment and food in the soundproofed rooms you could see from the entrance; even if mutual; was a bit unsettling.

Yoongi must have noticed your discomfort as his hand slipped into yours quickly when no-one was looking and he nuzzled into your neck briefly before he was forced to pull away just as fast; probably feeling eyes on him. Still. It definitely helped your initial panic and soon you were finally relaxing a bit.

...Until you abruptly realized you were alone.

The music was near deafening as you wove your way through the crowd, heart beating out of your chest in pure terror. Where had they gone!? They were just surrounding you for God’s sake, how had they disappeared so quickly? You could feel the other demons leering at your vulnerable form, the skin-tight black dress you’d gotten at Jin’s suggestion not helping your panicked state in the least. You knew you were spiraling. Your breathing was picking up, and you suddenly felt unbearably light-headed. Where was their table? They said they had a special place right?!

This wasn’t good. You couldn’t lose yourself here, not when several demons were looking for the briefest chance to get their hands on you. Wasn’t the Mark supposed to stop this from happening!? If they had lied just to get a piece of your soul you swore you’d kill them.

Even the music seemed to be taunting you.

‘Maybe you think that you can hide, I can smell your scent for miles’

‘Baby, I’m preying on you tonight, hunt you down, eat you alive.’

A very typical club song, sure, but here, at this moment? It wasn’t helping your disheveled state as you were quickly growing frenzied between your panic at losing sight of the boys and your fear at being left to fend for yourself in a horde of demons, the majority eyeing you down like you were indeed their next meal.

“And what have we here? Seems like a cute little Human has wandered in where she shouldn’t~”

A seductive male voice purred into your ear, sounding like pure velvet. You shuddered, feeling nauseous as you tried to jump away at the icky feeling going through your veins. No-one had been this close to you except for the boys and you wanted it to stay that way.

Apparently, this demonic stranger had other plans as he held you firmly against his front with ease, using his inhuman strength to press you back into him by your captured waist with only one hand. He hissed suddenly and adjusted his grip as your bare back brushed across his chest, keeping enough distance between your bodies now that you wouldn't touch again but he could still control your movements.

“Release me now, or you’ll regret it!” You warned, cursing the waver in your voice.

You felt the male's lips caress your neck, quirking upwards into a cruel smirk at your threat.

“Oh? Look at the adorable little Human trying to tell me what to do. Don’t you think you ought to respect your elders?”

His voice was playful, but there was an aggressive edge to his voice now and his grip had tightened slightly. You’d gotten under his skin.

Good.

“Go fuck yourself! I give respect to those who’ve earned it and you’ve done anything but. I’ll ask you one last time, let me go now! I’m not here alone!!” Your voice grew a bit higher as you felt yourself starting to move. He was tugging you somewhere. You suddenly locked eyes with another demon, dressed in a suit much nicer than deemed normal for this place.

Could this be him? The owner the boys had told you about?

Didn’t matter, a quick glance of your surroundings told you that you were approaching the door. You needed to act.

“H-Help me, please! I belong to the Bangtan Clan!” You shouted suddenly, cheeks flaming at your somewhat derogatory confession, though the boys had warned you in advance that this was how Demon society viewed Humans. Immediately the kid’s eyes sparkled, and he smirked darkly.

For some reason, it made you shudder, even as the demon who’d once been dragging you howled in agony. You turned to look only to have your face gently guided back to face your savior.

You found yourself surprised. He was so...so young looking. Not a child, but he definitely looked like a teenager. It was even more evident up close.

“Now now, no need for a delicate flower such as you to see such gore. Come, I’ll take you someplace safe.”

His voice was casual as if he didn’t care but you could tell he’d taken pleasure in harming the demon holding you captive. Still, you couldn’t bring yourself to feel bad.

“So um...you’re a Nogitsune right?”

Of course, that was the first thing to slip out of your mouth.

He seemed more amused than offended at your question, however, eyes darting up to examine your expression before he held out his hand for you to take.

“Why don’t we get somewhere more quiet first? Then I’ll answer any questions you have.”

You hesitated but forced a smile and nodded taking his hand in your own. You shivered unwillingly. His hands were cold like he wasn’t even alive, yet they were clammy so clearly, he was. He easily walked through the crowd and it parted for him without preamble, clearly not wanting to anger him.

You had a good idea as to why after his display earlier.

It wasn’t long until you were safely tucked away in what you could only guess was his own room. He dropped your hand, opting instead to flop on the large bed to sit.

“So, you were curious as to what I am, were you? Heh. What’s that saying about curiosity and cats?”

There was a dark undertone evident in his voice that made you swallow as he clearly knew exactly what the expression implied but he laughed suddenly, his demeanor changing almost instantly as he grinned cheekily at you.

“Ah, forgive me! I didn’t mean to frighten you, delicious as your fear may be. I’ve got an image to keep up after all. I’m the owner as I’m sure you put together. You may call me Void just as your owners do, no need for formalities.”

You nodded, trying not to dwell on the fact that he thought of you as their pet more than as a person. He’d saved you. That was all that mattered.

He made himself more comfortable, leaning back on his elbows and spreading his legs in a subconscious show of his confidence. “To answer you’re prior question pet, I am indeed a Nogitsune. No doubt your masters saw to your education on the subject?”

At your nod, he smiled calmly and let out a deep sigh as he threw his head back.

“I’d recommend learning some way to control your anxiety when you get that frightened next time. I was drawn to you and your fear immediately. Sure, it helped me find you easily enough, but others of my kind would see you as...well.”

He met your eyes abruptly and narrowed his eyes to emphasize his seriousness, licking his lips “The perfect food source.”

“Alright Void, that’s enough. I’m pretty sure she gets the picture.”

Namjoon’s voice greeted your ears and you’d never been so relieved as you turned to join him at the door. There was joking in his tone but also a clear edge of dominance. “I’d ask that you kindly refrain from calling our girl pet. You’ve caused quite a stir in the younger ones.”

Void raised his hands in surrender, an indecipherable smirk tugging at his lips. “Of course. Forgive my mistake. It won’t happen again.”

He bowed to you, making you blush as he rose, winking your way. “Apologies to you as well miss. Have a good night...and do call for me should anyone ever try to harm you again. I’d be more than happy to intervene.” His eyes were so overjoyed when he said it...you didn’t doubt his words at all.

You could barely manage a shaky smile and nod as Namjoon took a firm hold of your wrist and dragged you out to the bar where the others waited. Jimin instantly tugged you towards him, disguising his hug as a chokehold as his arm went around your throat but you recognized it for what it was. “Don’t you ever fucking run off like that again. Or you won’t walk for a week.” He hissed, eyes cold and dead, nothing like the cheerful boy you typically knew.

Jungkook scoffed, voice thick with irritation. “You’re the one who said she should leave the house. Pets don’t get to leave the house till they’re trained.” You swallowed hard as he shot a disinterested glare your way.

All of them were different, they had to be and thankfully they’d warned you in advance.

Still didn’t prepare you for the way your body reacted to their degradation, despite trying to hold it back.

Your thoughts drifted to the large Mark now forever engraved onto your back, and you couldn’t help but wonder if it’d truly made any difference at all.

Your eyes glazed as your mind thought back to the time when it’d all happened, a mere 3 hours ago now.

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“You're sure you want to do this?”

Jin asked for what felt like the 30th time. You couldn't blame him for being overly cautious though. He was just looking out for you and making sure this was something you wouldn't ever come to regret.

You nodded, swallowing any nervousness you had left. You trusted these boys with your life. They'd already protected you once… why should you doubt them now?

“Lie on your back on the bed, make sure you're in a comfortable position since we're going to have to paralyze you. We could accidentally kill you if you make a sudden movement we're not prepared for. It's unlikely with our enhanced senses but I'm sure we'd all rather be safe than sorry.”

Namjoon's voice was soothing despite his demands and you compiled without complaint, doing exactly as they asked. It was admittedly a bit embarrassing for you to be seen shirtless by all of them at once since you hadn't had a session with all of them together but since they'd all seen your bare upper half at one point or another, you weren't nearly as flustered as you thought you'd be.

“Let’s go through the process once more, just to be clear.”

Jimin piped up and you almost groaned but you nodded reluctantly, knowing they were just as nervous as you, especially the younger ones. Jungkook hadn’t even commented on your half-naked frame that’s how you knew he was more on edge than he appeared, arms crossed and expression neutral. Your attention was once again taken, this time by Yoongi.

“Alright. It’s pretty self-explanatory. For our part, we’re sharing pieces of our soul with her but we need to be careful not to overwhelm her with too much of one soul. It has to be entirely even otherwise the Mark could fail. We’ll be biting the shape of the hexagram. You can bite at whichever point you wish, but Seokjin gets the bite in the center, as he’ll be finishing off the Mark and drawing the shape with her blood right after. As for you…” He turned to look at you, expression serious. “It’s going to hurt. The initial bites won’t be too unbearable since we’ve marked you before but once Seokjin seals the Mark by drawing the hexagram in your blood it'll be burned in whatever place it deems it should go. The Mark has a mind of its own in a sense. It’ll depend on where you instinctually need it. For us, our Marks appear where we’ve bitten you most recently and we’ve experienced far more pain than your fragile Human body so it will barely have an effect on us.”

You nodded in understanding, as did the others and took a deep breath, watching as the boy's eyes all changed to their natural black and approached your form.

“All set? I’m going to paralyze you now babygirl.”

Namjoon’s voice was the only warning you got before you felt control over your body fade. You tried to tense at the odd sensation but true to his word you were completely paralyzed from the neck down until he released you.

Hoseok stepped forward first, winking playfully at you which made you crack a smile before he licked the area he intended to bite, making a shiver go through you despite your body staying completely still. It was an odd sensation but you were quickly brought back to the present as Hoseok’s teeth glinted when they sharpened before he bit down. You bit your own lip at the pain but it wasn’t enough to make you cry out anymore. It was more instinct to tense, like when you got a shot, or right before you ripped a bandaid off. He pulled back after Taehyung growled low in his throat, licking your leftover blood into his mouth and pressing a kiss to your ear with a mumbled. “So far so good pretty girl.”

Taehyung stepped up next, leaning over your motionless body to observe Hoseok’s initial mark as he pondered where he wanted his to go, choosing the bottom left point as opposed to Hoseok’s center top. Once he knew where he was marking he wasted little time and dove in, taking your skin gently between his teeth and pulling slightly in an attempt to numb the area before he bit down. Thanks to his thoughtfulness, his hurt less than Hobi’s though you still sighed as he pulled away. He seemed less messy as well, none of your blood lingering on his lips like with Hoseok.

Namjoon strode forward, a pillar of confidence and fearlessness for the others to follow but you saw the way his eyes lingered a bit too long on the two bite marks already present, noticed the way his shoulders were tensed. “Hey. You gonna bite me or what?" You teased lightly, even though when his eyes met yours there was nothing but gentleness held within your irises. You didn’t want to make it obvious you knew he was on edge to the others...he valued his pride too much and you knew he wouldn’t like for the others to ever see him as weak. He smirked at you but his touch was gentle as his warm palms met your skin, trying to keep you still despite there not being a need. His own way of showing you comfort, you assumed.

“Oh, I’m gonna bite you alright.”

He flashed his sharpened teeth your way before using his enhanced speed to bite you on the bottom center beside Taehyung’s mark, making you yelp though it was over as quickly as he’d started.

Jungkook was impatient and anxious both, you could easily tell. He didn’t try to hide it as Namjoon did and therefore the others offered him comfort before he even reached you. Jin ruffled his hair as he passed while Taehyung poked the boy's side to make him jump and grin briefly just before he reached you. You raised an amused eyebrow his way, a giggle bleeding into your words as you teased him. “I never knew you were ticklish Kookie~” You taunted, even using the nickname the others used to mock him further. He smirked at your retort, clearly relaxing as he cracked his neck and laughed.

“Careful. You're totally paralyzed right now cutie. It’d be way too easy to take advantage of that to see just how sensitive you are. Something tells me you’re worse than me~”

You scoffed even as your cheeks colored at his correct assumption and he hummed at your lack of response knowingly before leaning down to sink his teeth beside Hoseok’s mark to the right, though the squeeze he gave your side as he bit down distracted you from the pain and made you barely feel it. He sent a smug grin your way as he retreated, sticking his tongue out childishly. “Told you so!”

Yoongi stepped up next, all calm nonchalance as he took in your state for a moment before smiling fondly and kissing the area next to Namjoon’s mark, the final one to the left. He suddenly changed course though and bit down on the remaining spot beside Hoseok’s instead, catching you off guard though you were so focused on the surprise the sting was a mere afterthought. Cat-like eyes gazed meaningfully into yours before he leaned down again, this time towards your face and you found your cheeks heating as he pecked your forehead, an uncharacteristically gentle gesture from him, especially in front of the others, not that you were complaining.

Jimin cooed at you as he approached, eyes disappearing as he grinned at you despite his earlier worries. Apparently, seeing the way the others had soothed you and your teasing disposition also brought him comfort as well. “You’ve really got Yoongi-hyung wrapped around your finger huh?” He giggled even as said male hissed with a venomous glare.

“Shut it.”

Jimin continued, unabated.“That’s okay! I know I love you the most!” His declaration was so sincere your cheeks turned darker and your gaze flicked away from his for a moment in embarrassment. When you looked back, he simply giggled again and bent over you to create the final mark before Seokjin’s. You felt his warm breath caress the bottom left area Yoongi had abandoned in favor of taking you by surprise. He took his time, unlike the others, giving where he was planning to bite kitten licks until you wanted to squirm before he bit down. It stung, but he quickly soothed it once again with his tongue, eyes apologetic as they flashed red at the taste of your blood on his tongue.

Seokjin didn’t step forward for a moment, merely meeting your gaze from a bit across the room. Eventually, he did, but he took his time getting to you and once he reached you he reached down to your face, examining your expression before he mumbled. “...There will be no going back once I do this. The following pain will be agonizing. You’re aware of this and still wish to go through with it, yes?” You nodded instantly, knowing even a moment's hesitation would be enough to make him question you anew. He was truly serious and being his full self, he only got this eloquent when he deemed the situation dire enough.

“I’m ready when you are.”

He nodded and without further preamble his teeth were buried in your skin briefly, creating the final mark. He didn’t waste time, not rushing but clearly wanting to make this go as quickly as possible for you. He applied pressure to the small wounds now creating a full hexagram right above the center of your breasts to draw out more blood to complete the Mark. His eyes flickered, going between their typical black and red as he drew the symbol. He met your eyes before completing it, and only at your nod did he draw his now reddened index finger up in the final swipe.

All was quiet for a brief moment. There was nothing but peaceful bliss that you took in gratefully.

Then you felt as if the fires of Hell itself were licking at your back and screams of agonizing pain burst forth from your lips. You didn’t beg, didn’t whine. Between the violent thrashes of your head you could make out the guilt-ridden expression of Jimin, the frightened one of Jungkook, Yoongi clenching his fists at his sides so as to hold himself back from helping you, Hoseok’s hard expression despite his leg going a mile a minute, Taehyung’s frantically moving hands above your body; wanting to help but knowing he couldn’t touch you with pure agony of his own clouding his expression. You didn’t want to be the cause of their pain. You turned your gaze to Namjoon, meeting his eyes. He was holding back better than some of the others and if it weren’t for the way he tongued the inside of his cheek you would have been none the wiser. You caught his gaze and you knew he didn’t want to do as your eyes were asking. You snarled at him through the pain as you saw Jimin look away from your tormented body with a cough you fucking knew was a stifled sob. “Do it damnit!!”

Namjoon growled in irritation, but you knew it wasn’t directed at you. It was at himself, for not being stronger, for making you have to ask him at all because he was a coward.

He flicked his wrist and his eyes followed suit to the floor as your voice abruptly faded, going completely silent as tears blurred your vision, both from the horrible pain, and the suffering you were causing to your family perhaps even more so. The flames licked higher, engulfing the entire middle of your back now and causing the tears you’d desperately tried to hold back to cascade down your cheeks unabated.

You closed your eyes, intent on riding the pain out only to open them again as you felt a hand brushing away your tears. You glared at Yoongi, cursing him for trying to be so fucking strong when you could feel the way he was crumbling apart inside, bit by bit at seeing you in such a state. You suddenly wished for your voice again, if only to scream at him to leave, to stop putting himself through this.

You felt another hand, this time holding your own. Somehow you recognized who it was without even needing to raise your head. Jimin. As your other hand was grabbed by Hoseok you realized why you felt so especially connected to the boys, now more than ever. It was the Mark at work, compiling the things you’d noticed about the boys over the past 2 weeks and making it as easy to read them as breathing to you. Was this what they’d been able to do to you since the beginning? The thought made you wince. Seokjin began petting your hair and you realized dazedly despite your uncontrollable sobbing that the pain was dying down. You didn’t know how long it had gone on for, and truthfully, it didn’t matter. It was almost done, finally. The realization only made you cry harder.

As you began coming back to yourself from your pain-filled nightmare you suddenly realized Jungkook had been tearfully mumbling to you, along with Taehyung.

“You’re gonna be okay, it’s only for a little bit longer. Please hold on.”

You’d never heard Jungkook so vulnerable save that time in the dressing room, and definitely never this soft-spoken, even then.

Taehyung meanwhile was trying to distract you. “Hey, when you come down from this, let’s play video games together okay? You can join Jungkook and I in our matches! It’ll be a lot more fun if you join!”

Unfortunately, their quiet voices weren’t loud enough to drown out Namjoon’s fuming growls at Seokjin.

“I fucking told you she wasn’t ready Seokjin and you assured me she’d be fine. That she could handle it! Does she look like she’s handling it!?”

Seokjin was nothing but calm as he pet your head, soothingly running his long digits through your hair as he observed Namjoon with calculating eyes.

“Quite frankly, I don’t think you’re handling it Namjoon. I warned both you, and her how bad the pain would be-”

“She was going by a Human’s view of agonizing not a demons!!”

Jin pursed his lips.

“...It means the same thing Namjoon. I get that you’re worried but you need to calm down. Your elevated panic is only going to make her feel worse.”

Namjoon glared daggers at Jin for a moment who merely stared back impassively until Namjoon huffed and collapsed in the nearby armchair, clearly exhausted.

“Can you knock it off!? You’re both making her upset.” Jimin now was hissing at the two.

It wasn’t long until the others joined in and just as they were about to break out into full-on shouting your voice croaked out.

“If someone doesn’t check and make sure this fucking Mark thing worked so help me I’m going to kill all of you.”

Your voice was quiet and hoarse from your earlier shouting but the boys’ heads all snapped to you the second your voice escaped. You chuckled weakly. “Wish I could take a picture right now with what a rare sight this is. All of you quiet. Haha…” Your laugh trailed off into a cough, and Namjoon was the first to reach you despite being the farthest away as he helped you to sit up, touch gentle as if he were afraid he’d break you. As he sat you up his eyes widened in surprise before he smiled.

“...Well, it worked alright.”

He held out his hand and immediately Yoongi placed his phone in his palm which Namjoon used to take a picture of your back, now with a large black hexagram in the center, taking up most of your back. He showed it to you and your eyes widened in awe. “Wow...it’s big.” You confessed.

Yoongi suddenly let out the air between his teeth harshly in surprise making you whirl to look at him and whimper as a brief burning sensation occurred in the area just below your collarbone above your left breast. 6 other small burning sensations followed all over your body though no mark appeared as you were merely experiencing the phantom pain of them receiving their own Marks.

Their Marks became scorched in their skin much faster than yours but theirs were also significantly smaller.

After all was said and done they let you relax for an hour or so before mentioning if you didn't want to go to Void's, they could notify him and wait. You denied this, immediately.

"No way! The whole reason I got this Mark was so we could do this and show demonkind I'm yours."

You blushed a bit at the blunt confession and only turned darker as they smirked and Jimin cooed at you. They all smothered you with affection and attention but all too soon they were piling into a limo with you in tow, skin-tight black dress making you fidgety.

"You'll be okay Babygirl. Please try not to worry. We won't let you out of our sight. If for some reason we do get separated just yell that you belong to the Bangtan clan. Void will intervene. It's not ideal; but at least we'll know you're safe.'

Namjoons voice was quiet and subdued but confident and his words had indeed proved true in the end.

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Now you were all at the bar and you looked up in surprise as a girl you didn't recognize came up to Namjoon. "I have a victim prepared for you."

Namjoons eyes flicked to the frightened male in her grasp and you saw his lips twitch upwards in cruel amusement before he waved his hand towards you.

"I appreciate it as always Azra but it won't be necessary any longer. We have a permanent pet now. I'm sure Void will enjoy a new toy though. "

Azra apparently, looked at you and pursued her lips in analysis before she nodded.

"...I see. I understand Master Namjoon."

You stiffened and Yoongi curled his arm around your shoulders in a feigned motion of strength though you knew it was a comforting gesture. No-one called him that but you. Azra must have noticed your quiet fury since she giggled. "Sorry- forgot you were Marked pretty thing. I'll be careful from now on." She said, holding back her laughter with difficulty though her words were genuine.

You relaxed slightly and Yoongi's arm reluctantly left your shoulder as he turned to talk to Hoseok who was next to him. The boys were all sitting in oddly ornate chairs despite everyone else sitting in simple bar stools. You supposed they got special treatment as they were so close with Void. You were situated on your own but flinched before relaxing as Taehyung lifted you momentarily before gently placing you on his lap as he sat down in the seat you'd previously been occupying.

"Thanks for keeping my seat warm for me kitten. Glad to know you're at least good for something other than keeping us fed like a good little slut."

The whimper that fell from your lips was anything but fake; as was the smirk the boys all briefly shared at your reaction. Maybe the Mark wasn’t so good after all. It ensured you’d never be able to hide a reaction from them again, not that you ever really succeeded beforehand, but at least the sensations they knew you were feeling were muted to them. Now you were positive they could and would always be able to feel every last remnant of the tingles and pleasure they made you feel.

Somehow that only served to turn you on more.

Just as you were starting to squirm a little too much on Taehyung's thigh, an unfamiliar hand interrupted you as he reached towards you; specifically aiming for underneath your dress. You cowered back into Taehyung who let out a low, demonic snarl that made you shiver. He rubbed your arms soothingly, but his black eyes never left the daring demon who was roughly forced to his knees by a tall woman with red skin much to your surprise. An ifrit.

"Apologize."

She hissed lowly, and you shivered slightly at the demonic sound even though you'd heard it many times by now.

Your mind was spinning as she forced the demon's head to the floor by his neck in a humble bow. Why did she care about how another demon treated Taehyung? He could take care of himself.

Speaking of…

He stared impassively down at the now bent over boy.

"...I never want to see him in this club again."

You turned to look at Seokjin, startled by his coldness. Sure; they'd said to be prepared for cruelty but you'd been expecting a slap on the wrist and that was it.

Hoseok scoffed suddenly and you were surprised to feel Yoongi pulling you onto his lap instead and hiding your face in his chest.

You attempted to pull back but he held firm and you quickly learned why as you heard a tortured scream from the male.

"That's what's going to happen to you if you so much as think of our catch again."

Without even seeing Hoseok you could visualize his sneer as he spat the words out.

"Y-You can't do-"

The sound of skin on skin graced your ears and you whimpered as Yoongi pushed you deeper into him, shushing you quietly.

"We can and will do as we see fit. Deny us again. I can assure you you won't like the results."

Jimin's voice was filled with venom. You don't think you'd ever heard him sound so terrifying even when he'd threatened you.

"Take him away. I never want to see him again unless he's begging for mercy."

Namjoon dismissed him and you heard the demon starting to plead in the distance. Yoongi's grip finally loosened and you hadn't realized you'd begun trembling until Jungkook's hands gently cradled your own.

"I-I'm fine don't-"

"My Lords, Sir Void has prepared a room for you to retire."

You blinked and looked to the boys in confusion.

"Lords?"

You heard Taehyung chuckle to your right as Seokjin blinked at you.

"Sorry kitten; I guess we forgot to clue you in, given your our little slut and all." He smirked suavely, though you saw the way his eyes flicked to the demons watching his every move intently, wordlessly showing you that he was acting this way out of obligation and you'd need to follow suit.

"We're the next rulers of Hell. Aren't you lucky to be serving such respectable masters, hn?"

Your doe-like gaze and shock didn't need to be faked as your mouth went dry.

They...They were what!?

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A/N: And there you have it; chapter 4!!! It’s been a long time coming and there’s a lack of smut and teasing as in some of the prior chapters but I hope you like it nonetheless since I worked my ass off on it!

Please leave feedback guys- I’m a bit desperate here after all the bad shit I’ve been going through and some nice discussion and fun back and forth about what you think would really be freaking nice. Love you guys!!

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auroraawrites · 4 years

Text

secret feelings (harry potter x reader)

gif not mine. all credit goes to the owner!

requested by anon: can you please write one about harry, how you guys are like besties and you get jealous of cho and harry but you don’t wanna speak about it since it’s not your place, so you start talking to other people instead and harry’s like ??? idk what i did but pls give me your attention HHAJSKSW

warnings: a little angst, but nothing else really

author’s note: to the anon that requested this, thank you so much for sending in your request! i hope you like it ♥ i changed the timelines for this a little bit i hope you don’t mind. it’s also a bit long so sorry about that i just got too excited [REPOST BECAUSE TUMBLR DECIDED TO DELETE THE ORIGINAL ARGH]

—

flopping down into the armchair beside hermione, you let out a sigh of exasperation, a pout making its way on to your features, “you couldn’t imagine the earful i received from flitwick just now. honestly, you set a few things on fire and all of a sudden you’re a ‘danger to the classroom miss. y/l/n’,” you say, mimicking professor flitwick’s high squeak. hermione shot you a stare and you offered her a small shrug in return.

sitting up, you glanced around the gryffindor common room, the smile returning to your lips as you took in the festive atmosphere. it was almost christmas and the fire crackled impressively in its hearth as if to show off to the crowd of first years that sat in front of it. stockings adorned its mantle and fairy lights twinkled red, green, red, green all across the common room, their changing colours reflecting off the faces of the laughing students that sat below them. turning in your seat to get a better look around the room, the frown returned to your features once more as you failed to spot the head of messy black hair amongst the crowd.

still searching for harry, you tug at hermione’s sleeve, “where are harry and ron?”

“ron’s up in his dorm. apparently, he and-” the hitch in her voice caused you to turn around and your heart dropped at the sight of her pitying smile, “-cho chang got into an argument about quidditch and now he’s fuming upstairs.” she finished.

your heart gave a lurch. “and harry?” you asked, already knowing what she was going to say.

“i’m sorry y/n. he’s with cho in the room of requirements,” she said, reaching out a hand and placing it overtop of your own. hermione, like what seemed to be every other student at hogwarts but harry, knew about your crush on the boy who lived. unfortunately, it all seemed in vein considering how obsessed he was with cho chang, a pretty, black haired ravenclaw girl a year above them.

pulling your hand out of hermione’s grasp, you shook your head and stood up. tears stung at the corners of your eyes and you blinked them away angrily. this is ridiculous. if harry wanted to spend his time with cho chang then who were you to stop him? muttering a quick goodbye to hermione you rushed back out of the common room, not knowing where you were going but knowing that you just needed to get away.

striding through the hallways of the castle, you had no particular destination in mind but your body seemed to know where it was going. soon enough, you arrived at the door to the room of requirements, your steps slowing and dread building in your stomach. unknowingly, you were thinking so hard about harry and cho in the room of requirements, that it had presented itself to you. almost against you will, your hand raised, shaking slightly as it hovered above the door handle.

letting out a slow breath you slowly pushed the door open a crack, peering into the room, you heart pounding as you took in the almost empty room. there was harry and cho, standing in the middle of the room, kissing. harry’s hands were cupping cho’s face and she was pushing herself against him, the pair locked in a tight embrace.

it felt as though an arrow had been shot through your chest. your heart felt like it was being squeezed by an invisible force and suddenly it felt hard to breathe. making sure not to disturb the pair, you backed out of the room, the scene replaying itself over and over in your head as you made yourself back into the common room.

passing the concerned hermione with a shake of your head, you rushed up the stairs to your dorm and fell forwards into your bed with a small sob. harry had made his choice without even giving you a chance.

—

two weeks had passed since the fateful night that you caught harry and cho together, and you were determined to not let it get to you. anytime you saw harry in the hallways you pointedly walked the other way. hermione acted as your barrier between you and harry, pulling harry away from you if he got too near.

since then, you’d made the point to sit with dean and seamus during classes. they were quite fun and their constant jokes and arguments about quidditch made it easier for you to distract yourself from the situation at hand. sitting in charms beside the pair, you found yourself laughing at the mouse that dean had whizzing through the air. out of the corner of your eye, you noticed harry shoot you a desperate look trying to catch you eye, but you made the point to turn the opposite way towards the now howling pair of boys, a feeling of triumph coursing through your veins.

three more days had passed and if you were being honest, you missed harry. before all this, you had been the best of friends and without him, it felt as though you were constantly forgetting about something important. it had been hard, not running into him. he’d done his best effort to corner you alone but you always made the point to be with someone else and flee the moment you saw him coming down the hall. honestly, you knew you were being a little immature but the hurt and pain from what you had seen were still there and even though harry had stopped hanging around cho, it was a hard thing to forget.

humming, you ran your hand through your wet hair, breaking the knots as you made your way back to the gryffindor common room from the baths. it was the first time in weeks that you were walking back anywhere alone. you were almost at the portrait when suddenly a hand grabbed your wrist and pulled you into an empty corridor, a yelp escaping your lips as you slammed into a hard chest, “wha-”

“i don’t know what i did but whatever it is, i’m sorry!” harry’s unmistakable voice echoed through the empty corridor and your heart gave a lurch at the sound. refusing to look him in the eye, you attempted to pass him, only to be pushed back into the wall, his arms placed on either side of your head, trapping you in.

“just talk to me! tell me what i did y/n!” his voice was growing more frustrated with every word.

suddenly it was like the dam you built against your feelings broke and all of the things you were trying not to think about rushed back into the forefront of your mind, “tell you what you did? really harry! as if i hadn’t made it obvious enough already! i like you, okay?” it was like a floodgate had opened and the words poured out of your mouth, “you know, for someone who’s supposed to be the chosen one you really are thick. i’ve liked you since first year but all you want to do is sneak around and snog cho chang!” tears streamed down your cheeks as you stared at him.

you could see the wheels turning in harry’s head as he finally made the connection between your odd behaviour and the kiss that you had witnessed. his face fell as he took in your tearful appearance and his arms moved from the sides of your head to pull you into him, “i’m so sorry y/n. you don’t have to believe me when i say that i - both cho chang and i - realized our mistake as soon as it had ended. she told me how she felt and i agreed. and the past few weeks with you and i not talking, i’ve realized how stupid i’ve been. i tried to tell you but you kept your distance really well,” a blush now filled your cheeks as you peered up at him. “i guess what i’m trying to say is y/n, will you consider giving me another chance?”

“yes,” you said, and stood on your tiptoes and pressed your lips sweetly against his in answer.

#harry potter #harry potter x reader #harry potter oneshot #harry potter imagine #oneshots #imagines #imagine #request #angst #fluff

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