#well I mean mostly resolved angst but still

[irisintheafterglow]

End Game #9 (volleyball captain!gojo x you)

summary: during the final nationals match against kyoto, the captain wins a bet.

wc: 2.5k

cw/tags: mild angst/comfort, established relationship (pet name-angel), mostly just fluff and volleyball, swearing, more fluff and volleyball

note: HELLO VOLLEYBALL!GOJO NATION *crickets except for midi cheering alone at the back of the stadium* uh anyways i know it's been months since i updated this, but i wanted to give you all a gift for the new year starting with the series that brought me a lot of new friends at the beginning of my blog's creation! i can't thank you all enough for the support you've given this series and i hope you enjoy this last (official) iteration :))

likes, reblogs, and replies are appreciated <33

“Looks like they’ve gotten better,” you observe in slight disbelief while the scorekeepers flip the board to show 25-23. By some miracle, Tokyo managed to rip the fourth set from Kyoto’s hands right when it seemed that all was lost. It still didn’t help the queasy feeling in your stomach. “A lot better.”

“Or, we’re becoming inferior,” Yaga growls with fiery determination burning under his sunglasses. You slide the basket of water bottles from under the bench and stand to grab the box of clean towels. Your coach inhales one more time to speak and you already know what his command will be. “Deal with Satoru.”

“I’ll do my best.” From the start of the fourth set, Kyoto had Tokyo on the run again. Despite their best efforts, Tokyo was struggling to hold up against the relentless pace set by their opponents, fighting to maintain their resolve and willing the other team to break first. Between the time of your first practice match and Nationals, Kyoto’s players significantly improved, much more than your team’s. Though they’d made steady progress over the past few months leading up to these crucial games, it seemed that the slope of Kyoto’s improvement was steeper. It also didn’t help that, wherever you looked, you were surrounded by the most prestigious volleyball recruiters in the world with their shiny reading glasses and slender fingers tapping away at their keyboards. Both teams were essentially under a microscope, none more than the third years that were at their wit’s end trying to prove that they were pro-material. And, whether people acknowledged it or not, all eyes were on your boyfriend and captain of the Tokyo team, Gojo Satoru. 

“He’s overexerting himself to the point where he’s making mistakes,” Suguru says to you quietly when you hand him a bottle. You nod, both of you aware that he’s preaching to the choir. “To the point where I’m noticing, so that means they’re noticing.” He tilts his head up to the stands, where you catch a few Jujutsu Volleyball Society officials conversing with whom you could only assume were Olympic recruiters. The thought of them discussing Satoru’s abilities and reputation in blunt detail makes you wince. 

“Have you talked to him about it?” The vice-captain shakes his head, eyeing his best friend warily. 

“Haven’t had the chance to.” The corner of your mouth turns down and you follow his eyeline, recognizing the familiar fake smile and emotionless blue eyes while he charms some brave fans that pushed their way to the court’s barricades. “Even now, he isn’t taking a break.”

“Mmm, well, you know him,” you sigh. The group of lovestruck girls hand Satoru various items and printed photos for him to sign and he takes them, flicking a black marker over their surface with all the grace of an old Hollywood movie star. “It’s always about others, never himself.” 

“Except when it comes to you, then he gets to be selfish,” Suguru reminds you and you shrug. Your casual response causes his eyebrows to draw in concern, like he was alarmed by your indifference. His tone is much more unsure when he asks for clarification. “Right?” You inhale deeply and shake your head again, gathering what little thoughts you could from the jumbled mess in your mind. “Did something happen between you two?”

“No, no. We’re fine…I think,” you half-heartedly reassure him, but the skeptical raise of his eyebrows tells you he isn’t convinced in the slightest. “He’s just been off, lately,” you admit. “I think the pressure that’s been building up for three years is finally getting to him.” 

“Pretty inconvenient time to crack, don’t you think?”

“Burnout doesn’t wait for you to finish Nationals, Suguru,” you conclude, patting him on the back in farewell before you find Satoru. “Good luck in the last set. And, for the record, the evenness of your gameplay hasn’t gone unnoticed.”

“What do you mean?”

“Recruiters can see how reliable you are. If they don’t, they need their eyes checked,” you joke before maneuvering between players to find Satoru on the bench, in Yaga’s spot. His eyes are dulled from exhaustion, no matter how much he was trying to hide it. His forehead is covered in sweat and you kneel in front of him to wipe his face with a dry towel. “When’s the last time you drank water?”

“The last time you asked me if I drank water,” he answers and you know he’s trying to force his sing-songy lilt into his voice, but it falls flat onto the court floor. “Thank you, angel,” he murmurs as you swipe the towel over his eyes, allowing him a brief second of relief from the blinding fluorescents above. 

“Of course. I’ll let you get away with it this time, even though I miss those pretty blues,” you whisper and the smallest smile appears on his face. But he can’t bring himself to look at you, not when he’s on the brink of falling apart. It was killing him just as much as it was killing you, watching him stumble during the one moment where he needed to stand tall the most. The pressure was getting to him and his final appearance at Nationals was compounded by the scathing words of his father, the unimpressed stares of Jujutsu brass, and the intense scrutiny from the recruiters he was trying to win over. “Need anything else, captain?”

“A long fucking nap,” he groans and you hum in assent, letting his warm cheek rest in your freezing palm. “This’ll do, for now.”

“Alright, Atlas, but you’re gonna have to get back to holding up the world in about five minutes.” 

“Holding up the world is fucking exhausting,” he mutters. “Being captain is exhausting.” Before you can come up with another comforting response, his eyes suddenly fly open and peer at you with more intensity than you’ve seen within the past few days. He pulls away from your hand and looks at you, really looks at you, like he’s come to some revelation. “You called me captain.”

“What?”

“You called me captain,” he echoes slowly, a dazzling grin breaking out over his face that you didn’t realize you’d missed so much. You’re speechless, startled by his newfound enthusiasm from just one word. “You actually did it.”

“I guess I did,” you respond with obvious confusion.

“Say it again,” he says with all the seriousness of announcing a death. 

“Satoru–”

“Say it again,” he repeats and you don’t realize how close his face has gotten to yours, so close that you can smell the faint minty smell of the gum he’d stolen from your bag. “Please.” 

“It’s good to see you back to normal, captain.” His smile grows even wider and suddenly he’s kissing you, with both hands on your cheeks and leaning over you while you continue to kneel on the floor in front of him. Your face is set on fire, keenly aware of the thousands of eyes that can see both of you and this display of affection. Satoru doesn’t seem to care, though, and the glittering brightness of his eyes is all you focus on when he pulls away. 

“What can I say? You bring out a different side of me.”

“Cheesy lines too? You’re feeling better than I thought.”

“Nothing like winning a bet to light a fire in a man’s heart.”

“You know, if I’d known that was all it took to get you back, I’d have said it sooner,” you chuckle and his lips peck your nose until you gently push his face away. “I’ll ask about the change in behavior after you win. Now, go,” you giggle and he all but leaps from the bench, instantly in top-form and letting his voice boom through the building as he calls his team to him. 

“It’s fifteen points,” he reminds them, who muster up all their energy to look more confident after noticing the shift in their captain’s behavior. “Fifteen points at Nationals for the first time in who knows how long, so make ‘em count. Don’t let me take all of them,” he taunts and real confidence appears in his players, dead set on snatching the points away from Kyoto. “Let’s go!” 

And, just like during the practice match and the match at the beach, no one is safe from the sheer power of Gojo Satoru. It’s as if he’s woken from the dead, refreshed and wielding enough energy to elicit sparks from his fingers and flickering of the overhead lights. When you look at his eyes, they’re not the hollow pits they’ve been for the months leading up to Nationals. Instead, a dark shadow of unrelenting resolve covers his eyes and radiates from his body like an aura, sending shivers down the bodies of opposing players. In true Satoru fashion, he exploits every advantage he recognizes, whether that be a skill of his own team or the pitfall of the opposition. He knows you’re watching, too, and trusts your eyes like they were his own. Kyoto makes a mistake by calling a timeout when they’re down, 13-11, and Satoru makes a beeline for you; in hushed tones, you relay what you see before he can open his mouth.

“Todo’s hiding a limp on his right an–”

“Ankle, and Kamo’s primarily using his left hand to launch spikes. So, that means–”

“Something’s off with his right, maybe a jammed pointer finger or tweaked thumb. They’ll think you’re gonna take the final point of the game to show off to the recruiters, so if you fake a hit on the left edge, bait Todo and the front line to block you–”

“Suguru can blow past Kamo’s weakened right hand–”

“And the Tokyo Jujutsu team wins Nationals,” you conclude as the whistle blows, lightly swatting Satoru’s arm to urge him back onto the court. “Go, stupid. You’re almost there.”

“I’m gonna marry you one day,” he calls, skipping onto the court and yanking Suguru by the back of his jersey, pulling him to the side to confirm the plan. He shoots you one last wink before broadcasting a hand signal to the rest of the team behind his back. With Nanami, Megumi, and Yuuji in the front row and Suguru, Satoru, and Inumaki in the back, it was the ideal rotation to shift leverage to Tokyo. A deafeningly powerful jump serve from Satoru immediately throws Kyoto off balance, and it doesn’t take much for Suguru to send Todo’s unsuccessful hit to Megumi, who pulls the same infuriating dump that he achieved during the practice match. “That was bold,” Satoru says to his protégé with pure admiration, “even for me.” Megumi shrugs, but stands a little taller from satisfaction with his point. 

“Who do you think I learned it from?”

“Yeah, yeah. I know you think I’m awesome, even if you won’t admit it.”

“I was talking about Geto,” Megumi deadpans and Satoru’s face contorts into indignance that makes you laugh from your seat.

“He’s not even a setter!”

“I was kidding, captain. Let’s win already,” his student responds impatiently. And win, they did. The final play you discussed with Satoru pans out flawlessly, with all attention going to the captain of the Tokyo team in anticipation of the game-winning point, only to be sent to his right-hand man. The cacophony of cheering and cries of joy is eardrum-shattering, but you don’t care as the rest of the team rushes onto the court and buries Suguru in a dogpile. Your heart swells at the sight of the nods of approval from the recruiters given to Suguru and Satoru, whispering among themselves and writing down their contact information. Despite Yaga gripping his sunglasses so hard that the frames broke, it doesn’t seem to bother him as he slams his palm onto the players’ backs with pride. You even think you catch Todo teary-eyed from the other side of the net, yelling something about being happy for his best friend. Hours of celebration later, as you walk with your hand in Satoru’s down the quiet streets of your neighborhood, you finally get to ask him why calling him ‘captain’ had such a profound effect on his psyche. 

“Being happy about winning the bet isn’t enough?” You look at him doubtfully and watch his cheeks turn a little pinker. “Alright, fine. But, you can’t make fun of me for this, okay?”

“I promise,” you say, making a big show of hooking your free pinky finger in his. “At least, I won’t make fun of you in public for it.”

“That’s enough for me,” he concedes with a smile. “It’s just…winning at Nationals wasn’t the hardest thing I’ve done this year, not even in all three years of high school.”

“What’s been the most difficult, then? You were literally on the verge of burnout today, so I don’t know any other circumstances where–”

“Winning you,” he murmurs, stopping you on the sidewalk and turning you to face him. The streetlights are dim enough to where the moon shines off of his hair and his face seems to glow like a statue carved from marble. “That was the hardest thing I’ve done.” You blink once, twice, and still don’t understand. 

“What do you mean, ‘winning me?’ How am I harder to get than winning Nationals?”

“Nationals was my dad’s dream. It always was. I started caring about going to Nationals when we made that silly bet to get you to call me captain. But, I’ve cared about making you fall in love with me since you took a sip from my soda can during our first year.”

“I’m still not a fan of that fizzy sugar water,” you chuckle and he looks at you so fondly, so softly, that you’re glad his arms have found their way around your waist to hold you up and keep you standing. “You’ve loved me since our first year?” 

“I loved you before I knew your name in class. And then, today, I figured if I could get you to fall in love with me when I thought it would take a lifetime, I could win some National volleyball title.” His pretty mouth breaks into that lopsided grin that you’d fallen for time and time again. 

“‘Some National volleyball title,’” you echo, slightly delirious from how warm he made you feel. “As if I’m more important than that.”

“Because you are,” he vows with utmost devotion that makes you dizzy, kissing you under the spring moon like it was the first time he could finally see you clearly. “You’re more important than anything, and that’s the truth.”

He was infuriating, to say the least, but you’d found that you didn’t mind how much he irritated you as long as he loved you just as much. 

if you enjoy my writing and would like to support me, you can buy me a coffee on my ko-fi! you can also check out my full masterlist here :)

#gojo x you #gojo x reader #gojo x y/n #satoru gojo x you #satoru gojo x reader #satoru gojo x y/n #jjk x you #jjk x reader #jjk x y/n #jjk x gender neutral reader #satoru gojo #jjk volleyball au #jjk au

[realisticfanfictions]

Being Sanji's Girlfriend & Baratie's Head Waitress - Part 2.

Sanji x Waitress!Reader: Part One.

Working at Baratie wasn't without its challenges, and the fights that sprung up because of them weren't rare either. You and your boyfriend never sweated the small stuff, after all working in a high stress environment made you, well, stressed. But maybe some things can't be resolved that easily.

Tags: Sanji x Reader, Waitress!Reader, constant bickering, mostly fluff with some angst, (heavy) swearing.

A/N: I'm so glad the first one was well received! I'm pretty self-concious about my writing, but seeing everyone's hearts and reblogs has made me so happy! There's also been a ton of new people following this page, and I'm so appreciative you guys are liking my stuff enough to keep up to date with my writing <3.

Word Count is 5,427. Hope you enjoy!

"What the hell was that?" You knew that this made you look like a crazy girlfriend, dragging your significant other into the cold room and locking the door behind you. You'd gotten a few curious and slightly concerned glances from other staff, but by this point they knew better than to intervene. White fog spewed from your mouth as you spoke, giving you the appearance of a mighty dragon ready to burn down anyone who stood in her way.

Sanji, who hadn't fought you the entire way here, rubbed his face with his hand and shoved the other into his pocket. "I was just trying to be friendly." He shrugged.

A cold breeze caused you to flinch, but you refused to show any weakness. "Bullshit." You hissed and gritted your teeth, unable to fathom this man's arrogance. "I'm not dumb, Sanji-"

"And I never said you were." Both hands were now in his pockets and he finally met your gaze. He looked tired and you could tell he was chewing on the inside of his cheek - a habit you knew stemmed from his nicotine addiction. But his forced eye contact didn't last long and his gaze soon drifted to the corner of the cold room. He let out a small sigh. "I'm sorry. I can't help what I say to women-"

You held up a hand. "I don't care about you miserably failing at flirting. Well, I do care, but that's beside the point." You took a breath, counted to five and stared at your boyfriend's beautiful blue eyes. "I know that you're upset, and though I am very annoyed at you, I will say that I appreciate you telling me you're sorry."

"So it is about the-"

"Sanji." He slowly closed his mouth and subtly nodded. He was listening. "I know that you like women, and that you'll move heaven and earth for one to glance your way. I know that. I knew that when I started going out with you." You licked your suddenly dry lips. "What I get upset about, is that you went over my head and spoke to my customers in a rather vulgar way. I know you think it's beneath you, but I take a lot of pride in what I do. I'm good at it. And when-" God, your lips were so dry. "And when you go over my head, take over my table, insult the place that took me in when I had nowhere else to go-when we had nowhere else to go, and then ignore my discomfort and make a joke of it?" You met his eyes. "I am your girlfriend, Sanji. Something that you're meant to love and cherish- like how- I can't-"

Before you realised it, you found yourself slowly enveloped by the love of your life. "Hey," He shushed you gently as he cradled you against his chest. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you feel that way." He murmured and placed a kiss against your temple. "My love, you're shaking. I didn't realise I made you this upset. Please, forgive me."

You couldn't help but laugh. "I'm just cold, dumbass. And still pissed at you." Despite what you said, you still buried your head in his chest and soaked up his warmth. It was then you realised how long it'd been since the two of you had been alone like this. Just soaking up each other's warmth and committing the other's smell, touch and the feel of their skin to memory. You're embarrassed to admit you forgot just how much you love his cologne. "Guess this is what happens when we don't have sex for a while."

He gave a breathy chuckle and leaned back enough just to press his lips against your forehead and stare into your eyes. "Well, I'd offer to remedy that, but I'm afraid the cold will affect my performance."

"Like you need an excuse for a bad performance."

"Oh, really?"

"Really."

His usual, charming smile stretched across his face and he licked his lips, before hungrily diving in and punishing you with a particularly brutal kiss. He softly moaned into the kiss, and pulled back enough for you to see the devilish look in his eye as he bent down to press a kiss to your neck.

The door suddenly flung open and Pattie groaned. "I should've known." He exclaimed and threw his towel at the both of you. "Move. I'm trying to get some stuff for dessert."

Sanji grew a wicked grin. "What a coincidence. I'm trying to get me some dessert too." He chuckled and moved in to continue his assault, but was thwarted by an incoming barrage of hits from the disgruntled chef.

Backed by the sound of Pattie yelling in disgust, you laughed and shook your head, worming out of Sanji's hold and skipping out of the cold room with said blond on your heels. You both quickly ducked out of the kitchen and into a small hallway where you turned around to look at him once more. "Thank you for listening to me, Sanji. I may have blown my lid a bit too much back there." You fished around in your pocket and pulled out your lighter. "Go take a smoke break."

"Darling-"

You pushed it into his hand. "Take a break, and have a smoke. If not for you, for me. Because I honestly can't handle you when you're being all bitchy."

His shoulders dropped and a tired smile replaced his worried expression. He wrapped his hands around your own and placed a kiss against your knuckles. "Thank you, my love." He exclaimed and you waved him off with a smile.

"Whatever, you wallowing wag. While you're walking, watch the weather and water, and warn the workers if we're wayward. We don't want any wild winds, or another wreck this week."

He smiled. "You still don't realise you do that, do you?"

You blinked. "Do what?"

A hearty chuckle escapes him and he presses a kiss to your forehead. "Don't worry about it." That damn smile of his made your heart flutter and while you were confused, you returned his kiss with a quick peak of his lips and watched as he walked off. You didn't understand why he was so weird, but you guess it's just part of dating someone.

Before you could go back to serving, a faintly familiar face poked his head around the corner. You squinted your eyes and watched as he walked around aimlessly. "Excuse me, are you lost?"

The boy in the straw hat turned his head in your direction and smiled when he noticed you. "Oh! You're (Y/N), our waitress!" He spun himself around and hastily walked up to you, almost tripping on the aging floorboards. "I didn't get to introduce myself," He tipped his hat. "My name is Monkey D. Luffy, and I'm going to be King of the Pirates!"

That made you pause. "Oh." You dumbly said, not really sure how to respond. "That's... nice. But this is a staff only area-"

"You're a good fighter." The boy- Luffy you corrected yourself, interrupted and leaned in uncomfortably close. "Well, Sanji's a really good fighter, but you're pretty good too!" He made a pistol with his fingers and pretended to shoot. "You seem good with a gun. And the way you backed up Sanji and knocked that guy out? So good!"

Again, you weren't really sure how to respond. "I was only helping out, but thanks, I guess." You put your hands on your hips. "Is there something I can help you with?"

He tilted his head in confusion. "No, I'm fine."

You blinked. "But you're in a staff only area."

He nodded. "I am."

"...And you know you're not a staff member?"

He shook his head. "I'm not."

You sighed and squeezed the bridge of your nose. "I mean, why are you here?"

A smile returned to his face. "Oh, why didn't you just say so!" He waved his hand around as if announcing something great. His eyes wandered around the room, as if searching for something in the distance. You were intrigued. "I'm trying to find..."

You leaned in. "You're trying to find...?"

"Yes, I am trying to find..." His eyes slowly drifted downward until they met yours. They sparkled with great mysteries waiting to be unveiled, a sense of adventure and bravery and fearlessness that you couldn't help but admire. He smiled. "A toilet!"

Before you could stop yourself, you smacked him upside the head. "Don't pretend like it's some big, life-altering explanation, you dumbass!" With each word, you brought your hand down to slap him on any part of his body you could touch. "Besides, there's three signs for the bathroom on the way here!"

He held up his hands, trying to block your attacks. "Ow! I'm sorry! Stop hitting me!"

You rolled your eyes and stepped back, crossing your arms and glaring at him. "You're such an idiot. Fine, come with me. You can use the staff bathroom, it's right down this hall."

Luffy slowly uncurled himself and nodded. "Thanks a lot! I was sure I was going to crap my pants, you're a life saver!"

"I didn't need to know that." You sighed and beckoned him to follow with a finger. "So, King of the Pirates, huh?"

He nodded, his straw hat bobbing with him as you both walked. "Yep! We have a map to the Grand Line, and we're going to find the One Piece."

You laughed. "Only idiots with a death wish go after that thing."

"Hm, not really. I don't have a death wish." He replied with a shrug.

With a dramatic sigh, you playfully shove him. "Sure you don't, straw boy. What's next? You're gonna tell me you don't plunder and raid villages wherever you go?"

He shook his head. "We don't."

You quirked an eyebrow. "Don't yet?"

He shook his head again. "No."

"Fine then, where are you going to get money?"

"Finding the One Piece will give us all the money we'll ever need."

"And until then?"

"I don't know, but we'll figure something out."

You scoffed. "They always say that."

He tilted his head. "Do you know?"

"I do. You can kidnap a princess and random her, rob an orphanage, maybe even take a business hostage and demand money or you'll start executing patrons."

Luffy stopped and stared at you. "That's really dark."

You shrugged and continued walking. "That's what you have to do if you want to find a crazy man's last fuck-you to the government."

His smile turned into a frown. "You don't think it's real?"

"I think that Gold Rodger wanted to bring about the age of pirates, and he did." You explained. "Doesn't matter if it's real or not. Its impact on the world is more valuable than any treasure he ever got his hands on."

Within a second, he was in front of you with a cheeky grin. "Ah ha! So you do think it's real!"

A sigh escaped you. "I honestly don't care enough to believe if it's real or not. What is real is the pain, and death it's caused. Nations tearing each other and themselves apart just to find a glimpse of a shred of evidence that horrid thing is real. And men setting sail and abandoning everything just because they think finding a gold chest is worth losing their family over. Then those same men kill other men with families just like theirs, spreading their filth and disease to every home, town and village just because they can't stand the thought of a man doing the right thing by taking care of his family."

Luffy tilted his head. "You sound like you care a lot."

A tense silence filled the air and you stared at this strange, but oddly charming character. So innocent, so naive. He had no idea of the world you knew, the one that you grew up in. It's rare to find someone this optimistic, or sheltered. You pointed behind him. "Bathroom's there. Leave when you're done."

To say that you were affected by his words would've been both an understatement, and a poor choice of phrasing. You weren't affected, per say. They rubbed you the wrong way, and brought up memories you would rather just forget. It didn't help that they ordered one of everything on the menu, and you were constantly bringing out dishes to a smiling, unbothered Luffy who just shoveled food into his mouth. It was actually really impressive, and you were glad that they didn't come last week when the Baratie did that eating competition. You're pretty sure you probably would've gone out of business.

With a perfectly manufactured smile, you set down the plate of ribs on the only available space between piles of plates and stacked glasses. "And this is the final dish - our limited-time French-Style Ribs braised in red wine and cranberry." You straightened up and the plate was instantly pulled towards the centre of the table. The man in the pirate attire groaned, but he shoved a rib in his mouth and moaned. "I hope everything's been to your satisfaction. Can I get anything else for you tonight? A refill perhaps?"

The orange-haired woman smiled. "We're fine for now, thanks." With a nod, you turned to leave. "When does the bar close?"

"It's open all night, but we do a deep clean around three to four in the morning. So you may not be able to get anything on tap, but prepackaged drinks are always available." The words flowed off your tongue like a rehearsed speech, probably because it was. She smiled and nodded her thanks, before turning back to the conversation they were in. As you walked away, you spotted a certain red-haired pig-tail wearing waitress near the till. "Macy."

Said waitress flinched and slowly turned to you. "Yes, Ma'am?"

More than a little annoyed, you walked up to her and lent against the counter. "Why are you at the till?" She opened and closed her mouth like a fish, trying and failing to start a proper sentence until you stopped her with a hand. "Macy, there was one rule; don't touch the till. What are you doing right now?"

She paused. "Touching the till?"

You nodded. "Good job, you got something right." With a small glare, you pushed past her and looked at the total that she was charging, then compared it to the bill laying on the countertop. "Unless they've agreed to add a ฿65 tip on top of your 10%, I guess we've just found out who's been messing with the till."

"I-"

"You're done for the night." Her shocked expression turned into a bitter snarl and she began to tug at her apron. "Macy, you've got the body of a used fucking tube of toothpaste. No one wants to see you undress here, get the fuck out. You'll make the customers sick." She gasped, but you dismissed her with a wave and she stormed out of the restaurant. You sighed and opened the drawer beneath the counter, pulling out the book of paid receipts and bookings. Both luckily and unluckily, it was getting close to end-of-shift which meant that you had time to fix Macy's mess, but that the mess was probably smeared dog shit on a window at this point.

Grabbing out your pen and a calculator, you mentally prepared yourself for the long night ahead, when you felt something touch your back. "Hello, my darling." Sanji greeted with a kiss to the back of your neck, then rested his chin on your shoulder to watch what you were doing while his hand lazily stroked your side.

With a sigh, you turned your head to kiss him. "Hey, jerkface. Glad to see someone with a shred of intelligence." You greeted, then scribbled down some notes. "Someone's fucked the till again, and screwed the customers' out of at least three-hundred berri from what I can see."

His smile dropped and he reached for the book, tilting it so that he can see it. "Closer to five-hundred than anything. This table didn't even order the Lobster Thermidor, what the hell's going on."

You slammed your pen down in frustration and leaned back against him. "No idea, but I'm going to have to make some calls and refund tables." He wrapped his arm around your stomach and kissed the back of your ear which made you sigh and rub your face. "I need to make a list and figure out how much we fucked people out of money." You happened to look over at Luffy's table. They looked like they were toasting. "Can you bill them? It'd help a lot."

He smiled and took the piece of paper you had offered him. "Of course, my love. And give me a list of the rich pricks you want me to call. We'll divide and conquer."

"What did I do to deserve you?" You asked as he picked up the golden dish used to store cash.

"You, my love, didn't need to do anything." He pressed a kiss to your forehead and then your lips, before turning around and walking over to do as you asked.

Turning back to your mammoth task, now with a smile, you picked up your pen again and started to scribble down the sum total of every receipt that was put in by Macy. It was a good call by Zeff to bar everyone else but yourself from accessing the till. It was pretty easy to differentiate your neat and straightforward ones from Macy's abominations, but it still didn't make it any less painful. The Baratie didn't even serve quiches, so why would she even put that in there?

The telltale sound of Sanji's shoes smacking against the floorboards broke your concentration, and you looked up confused. "That was fast-" You were interrupted by him flashing you what was on the bill. You frowned at his abrupt interruption, but then squinted and jolted back slightly to look at your boyfriend. "What the shit is a 'treasure tab'?"

"We're going to find out." He said with a smile and walked past you to the kitchen. This was going to be interesting.

Just as you thought, the kitchen door slammed open and Zeff's wide, intimating frame appeared in the doorway. "Who the hell is Monkey D. Luffy?"

Luffy, sweet and innocent Luffy, popped his head out of his booth and waved his milkshake. "Here!" Zeff locked onto him and marched toward the young boy.

"You seem to be confused about the rules of the house," You and Sanji, who had just come out of the kitchen, exchanged knowing glances and you placed down your pen. Led by your boyfriend, you grabbed a jug of water while he grabbed a tray of complimentary scones and he slowly walked around the scene that was unfolding. "But Baratie doesn't offer credit. You eat, you pay." You both stopped at a nearby empty table. You started to examine the glasses in detail, admiring the way the light hit the material, while Sanji wiped the table with a piece of lettuce someone forgot to clean up.

Setting down his glass, Luffy looked up at Zeff. "I think you're confused." Sanji and you shared a look. "The meal has already been paid for. I just haven't given you the money yet."

Pretending to look around the room, you caught the stern, no-shits-given look Zeff was offering the kid. "Yeah, and how's that?"

Luffy smiled. "You can add it to my treasure tab."

You and Sanji snickered at the tone in Zeff's voice. "And what, pray tell, is that?"

"A way to get your ass beat." You mumbled and Sanji quietly shushed you with a smile, trying to hear the rest of what was being said.

Still not realising what's happening, Luffy kept talking. "I may not look like a big deal yet, but you're talking with the future King of the Pirates. And as soon as I find the One Piece, I'm gonna come back here, pay this bill in full, and with interest."

Zeff chuckled. "I got a better idea." And yanked Luffy out of his booth, dragging the confused pirate to the kitchen.

A sigh escaped you. "That certainly didn't disappoint." You commented and picked up Sanji's makeshift lettuce-rag, pocketing it to throw out later. "Guess we have a new busboy."

Sanji shook his head, but kept his eyes on the door. "Wouldn't be good at anything besides dishes." He said and paused for a second. You could see the metaphorical gears in his head turning, before he nodded toward the kitchen. "Hold on."

"Sanji, don't-" But it was too late, the love of your life had walked off, probably to rejoin the line. Your fists balled up and you let out a frustrated groan, your heels clicking as you followed after him. "Sanji! Don't piss him off. Sanji-"

The doors swung open as the blond barged in the kitchen with you on his heels. Your words fell on deaf ears and you rolled your eyes at Zeff who looked between you two confused. "Oy, oy. What do you think you're doing?"

You threw up your hands, but helped Sanji shrug off his coat. "I tried to stop him." You said as you wrapped his jacket around your arm and lent against the wall behind you.

The blond scoffed and held up a hand. "Com on, old man. Enough's enough-"

"Put the jacket back on, little Eggplant. You're not done with your shift yet." Zeff's face was tired and stern as always, and all you wanted to do was pull Sanji back and apologise for the extra stress. However, you knew that the two were stubborn and that would only cause more trouble than it's worth.

Sanji's tone suddenly sharpened. "Let me back on the line, or I walk." You almost said something, but considering you said something similar this afternoon, you settled for a glare.

"You can walk right back into the ocean for all I care. You cook another meal like that in my kitchen, it's going right where the last one did."

"You can kick me out of the kitchen all you like. I'll never be a waiter."

"Well that's fine by me, because you sure as hell are never gonna be a cook in my restaurant. Have you got that?"

Your heart broke seeing your boyfriend's face when he glanced over at you. He was so angry, and hurt, and upset. His hands were balled into fists, but you just shook your head. It wasn't worth it. His gaze shifted back to the man who had taken the both of you in, and then he turned heel, storming out of the kitchen via the hallway.

"So it was Macy, then?" When you nodded, Zeff sighed and held his face in his palm. The two of you were alone on the balcony overlooking the ocean. You were all on a thirty minute break before the next service, and you'd stumbled across the old man while trying to get some peace and quiet. The man you both admired and respected more than anyone was sat beside you tiredly rubbing his face. "And where is she now?"

You fought back what you really wanted to say, and simply shrugged, picking up your glass and taking a sip. "I sent her home for the night. Didn't want to see her fucking face, the red-haired bitch."

He shifted in his chair and leaned forward toward you, pointing a finger in your direction. "There is no talk like that in the Baratie."

You rolled your eyes and put your glass down. "It's not a big deal. Everyone here curses-"

"But you never use such vulgar language when talking about a woman." He said, his tone firm and leaving no room for arguing. "I always taught both you and that boyfriend of yours to never speak badly about, or to, a woman. Just because you're twenty-one now, doesn't mean a thing. Get that?" Ever since you were fifteen, he's drilled his way of life into your head. From scrubbing the decks every time you dropped food, to spending late nights learning the difference between the various cutlery the Baratie offered, it was almost like his life's mission to turn you into a mini-him. To this day, you couldn't eat salad with a table fork, even though the minute difference between a salad fork and a table fork were so inconsequential they were practically the same fucking thing.

You bit the inside of your lip. "Well that bitch-"

"Macy."

The condensation floating slowly down your glass seemed to be more interesting than his face. "Macy has ruined all the work I've done to make the Baratie a place where you can just sit down and enjoy a good meal with the best service around. You know, I've had to deal with so much shit. More than anyone in this goddamn place. All the harassment explained away as jokes and if I'm uncomfortable with it, I'm just 'not getting the joke'. And then having to spend hours listening to the most intolerable stories about slick, rich pricks with small dicks bitching about their toxic chicks with plastic tits. And expecting me to not spit or get sick when they talk about me like I'm some quick flick." You took a breath, counted to five, and licked your lips. "But it's not enough that she'll get away with it. You also won't let me complain about her."

He sighed. "She isn't going to get away with it." You scoffed and raised your glass to take another sip, but a hand under your chin guided your gaze to him. "Look at me." Hesitantly, you lifted your eyes to meet his. "She," He spoke slowly, his intense blue eyes piercing into mine in a way that made you feel small. "Is going to be dealt with." His hand released your chin and migrated upwards to rest atop your head, softly patting your head like he used to when you were younger. "You've done well, little Sprout." You sucked in a breath and nodded, but your pseudo-confidence wasn't fooling the old man. "And if any of these 'rich pricks with small dicks' ever bothers you again, tell me. Nothing is worth you being treated like a sack of shit over. Not the Baratie, not anything."

A fake chuckle wormed its way out of you, trying to lighten the atmosphere. "Thanks, Dad."

A smile spread across his face and he wrapped an arm around you, pulling you in and pressing his lips to your forehead. Zeff smelled like a thousand scents, oregano, paprika, and a dash of vanilla extract, but his warm touch and the feeling of his scruffy beard against your scalp only felt like one thing: safe. You hadn't realised you closed your eyes until you felt him pull away. "Now then, I've got some calls to make."

With a groan, he got up to his feet. "Are you sure? My waitress, my mistake."

He shook his head. "My Baratie, my mistake." He walked past, patting you on the head as he left the balcony.

It was time to face your boyfriend, and you were dreading it. With his coat jacket wrapped over your arm, you slowly made your way down the hall to the kitchen. The doors were swinging slightly, so you knew that someone had just walked in, and you took a deep breath, walking over to the entrance - ready to go in.

"...banned from the line." You paused when you heard Sanji's voice float through the air.

"But that meal you cooked was incredible!"

A smile graced your face and you lent against the wall just beside the doors. "The True Bluefin Sauté?"

"Yeah!"

"You tried it?"

"Yeah, of course I did! I couldn't help myself. I didn't think the food here could get any better. You know, you're a really good cook. Why is Zeff making you wait tables?"

"'Cause he's jealous. I should be running this place, but the old man's so stubborn it'll never happen."

"So, that's your dream. To be head chef of the Baratie."

A pause. "I guess-"

"No, it's not." Both men looked up at you when you entered the double doors.

The other voice who you now realised was Luffy looked at you confused. "It's not?"

Sanji laughed breathlessly and looked at the table he was sitting at, flicking open his lighter and closing it again. "It's not." He confirmed. You smiled and walked over to where your boyfriend sat, draping his coat over an empty chair.

"So you love to cook. You just don't want to cook here?"

The blond grabbed out a cigarette and looked to you where you had taken up residence next to him. When you nodded, he ignited the lighter you gave him earlier and lit the end of his cigarette. He took a drag and hummed. "There's... this place," He started and his eyes drifted to yours. You both shared a small smile. "Where you can find ingredients from all four seas. East Blue, West Blue, North and South - they call it the All Blue. Nobody knows where it is, but..." His gaze lifts heavenward. "There's fish there that have never been seen. You know, rare seaweeds, spices that have never been tasted. It's a cook's paradise, and I'm gonna find it one day." He looked back at you and placed his hand over yours. "That's my dream."

Luffy's gaze was soft, but also intense. "If you want to cook, you should cook. Don't let some stubborn old man stand in the way of your dream." He smiled. "Stand up to him! Tell him what you want."

"It's more..." Sanji looked over at you. "Complicated, than that."

The young boy shrugged. "I don't really do complicated either."

You scoffed. "For someone who claims to be a pirate, you don't like a lot of things that pirates are known for."

Luffy looked at you. "For someone who doesn't like pirates, you sure do act like one."

Before you could say anything, frantic banging on the staff exit caught you all off guard. Begging for help, a man tumbled in and fell to the floor, barely having the strength to cling onto the countertop. On instinct, you went to pull out your gun but stopped when your boyfriend raised a hand to you and marched toward the man. Being the good Samaritan you certainly weren't, Sanji and Luffy helped him up onto a chair. "Are you okay?"

The man's voice sounded croaky and scratchy. "I'm so hungry, please."

Sanji nodded and moved to the stove. "Okay, you got it, man. How does some corned-beef fried rice sound?"

Pattie, appearing from his break, quickly stood up and followed after him. "What do you think you're doing?" He demanded.

The blond didn't bother to look at him and you gave the pirate a warning look before moving to the fridge. "At Baratie, everyone eats." The love of your life explained as you rifled through the fridge for the ingredients he would need.

"And who's gonna pay for that? This is a business, we can't be giving handouts to every down-on-his-luck pirate that washes up."

"If a man is hungry, I feed him. Thank you, darling." He said when you handed him the beef.

Pattie looked at you for help, then back at him when you just shrugged. "Zeff kicked you off the line."

"Yeah, well, I don't see the old man here. Do you?"

The other chef looked at you once more, and you shrugged at him again. You both knew it was a losing battle, and so he waved his hand dismissively. "Fine, your funeral."

You couldn't keep your eyes off the strange pirate while he sat and ate, and explained what had happened to him. Sanji was way too nice a person for people like him to deserve. You knew pirates, and a part of you was tempted to hide the silverware.

"He's a good guy." Luffy, who was slowly becoming less and less of a pirate in your eyes, said and you nodded.

"Sanji's brilliant." The words came easily. "He's the kind of guy that only comes once a generation. He's a dumbass, sure, but he's a good dumbass."

He thought for a second, before turning to Sanji. "You know, if Zeff doesn't appreciate you, you should join my crew."

Your chair scraped as you stood and left the room.

A/N: I am genuinely loving writing this! As said above, I normally tend to leave the reader's backstory and personality ambiguous, but this character has just taken on a personality of her own! This one is a bit longer because I felt like there wasn't enough content in this upload to justify it. I wouldn't want to waste everyone's time with like, two conversations. I'm kinda happier with the longer/more in-depth parts because I get to spend more time building up characters and relationships, and I'm less tempted to accidentally write and spoil things that the OPLA fans haven't seen yet.

Also, I've grappled with the ages for a while now, and I've officially decided that this AU will have Sanji and (Y/N) be 21. Normally I'd leave the reader's age ambiguous, but since age is important to this story, it's needed to be put in there.

#opla sanji x reader #opla sanji x y/n #sanji x reader #opla sanji x you #opla x reader #one piece #anime #fanfiction #one piece fluff #one piece headcanons #writing #opla #opla sanji #opla zoro #roronoa zoro #monkey d luffy #monkey d. luffy #luffy #one piece luffy #with: luffy #straw hat luffy #strawhats #straw hat pirates #one piece netflix #one piece live action #sanji vinsmoke #vinsmoke sanji #sanji #black leg sanji #one piece sanji

[thursdayinspace]

So much to say about the Duane Barry episodes and Scully's abduction, but mostly I find it amazing how much relationship development they managed to pack into a handful of episodes that Scully is barely in at all. It's already set up nicely: the hostage negotiation, Mulder being frustrated because first he's asked to help and then has to find out they're withholding information from him. Once again, he's not being taken seriously; he has to turn to Scully again even though they're not even partners anymore. He still relies on her, she's still the only one he can really trust. She comes all the way out there with the information she digs up when she can't reach him. She talks into his ear to help him resolve the situation. Afterwards, when they find that implant in Duane Barry, they try to figure that out together as well. As we've seen throughout all the episodes before, they fall back into their partnership easily, like it's the most natural thing in the world for them. And then she's abducted and everything falls apart. That's where it really picks up and it becomes clear that everything up to this point has been little more than a (very well done and important) prologue.

Mulder's silence at the beginning of "Ascension" is almost frightening. It's certainly intense. Somewhere between withdrawn and hyperfocused, with a good dose of fear mixed in. He tells Scully's mother that she's not in her apartment, and after that we don't hear him speak again until a good way into the conversation in Skinner's office the next morning, a good five minutes into the episode even though he's in every scene before then. And when he barely puts up a fight when Skinner tells him to go home, you know he's going rogue. He does not trust them to find Scully, and he certainly can't sit and wait while she's out there with Duane Barry.

He pushes himself beyond his limits, almost falling asleep at the wheel but refusing to let Krycek drive -- he doesn't give up the tiniest sliver of control. When the tram operator won't let them take the tram up the mountain, Mulder has no problem showing him his gun. He pushes the tram beyond safety limits. Does his acrobatics out in the open who knows how high up in the air -- risking his life -- after Krycek stops the tram.

And holy shit the way he loses it when he spots Scully's blood and hair on Duane Barry's hospital band is truly scary, I don't think we've ever seen him that angry before. But on second thought, maybe angry is the wrong word. He's acting out of fear and panic. I don't think even an angry Mulder would choke anyone. He isn't thinking straight anymore, his responses are almost primal at this point. He hasn't slept, he's running on adrenaline, he's no closer to finding Scully and now he knows she's injured.

Finding out about Krycek, Skinner reopening the x files . . . it all seems almost secondary. Not as important as his meeting with Scully's mother and her telling him to keep the cross necklace. He didn't have anyone this entire time to lean on or to talk to. And he still doesn't, but this is the closest he gets. He and Scully's mom are in similar places. For them, this is personal. I love that they're bonding over this, over their love for Scully and their worry about her. (Whatever meaning you want to read into the word "love" between Mulder and Scully at this point.)

The beginning of "One Breath" is so intense, Mulder running into that room in the hospital to find her lying there unconscious, hooked up to a respirator. Anger fueled by blind panic. "Who brought her here?" "How did she get here?" "Who did this to her?" "Listen, if you’re hiding anything, I swear, I will do anything, whatever it takes, I will find out what they did to her!" I love the scene and I absolutely love the way it's acted, big thumbs up to DD. Getting her back could have been the emotional release of that arc, but she comes back in a coma. It spikes the angst to a whole new level. Before, he didn't know whether she was okay or not, he could hold onto hope. Now he knows she's not okay. Getting her back does not let him finally sit down and take a deep breath and process any of it. Nothing is resolved, the fight is just taken elsewhere.

I just want to take a second to think about the fact that he sigend her living will as her witness. That is. A very intimate thing to do. And that moment needs to get the credit it deserves. Knowing that they have talked about the event of her being unable to decide for herself, knowing she let him in, let him sign it, and the fact that he did it? That is a huge HUGE thing.

What is really intriguing is that Mulder and Melissa clash in the way they do, because you'd expect them to get along. I wonder if they would have gotten along better had they met under different circumstances. But here, Mulder is in a very different place. He tends to go to extremes when the stakes are high, his single-minded focus in this moment doesn't allow for anything but action. He still believes he can do something. He doesn't even go in with them when they decide to pull the plug -- he refuses to accept a reality where she dies. We see that again in the cancer arc, where he tells her as much when she tells him her cancer is untreatable.

If anyone would go to the trouble of putting together a list of the top ten most heartbreaking moments from the entire show, Mulder's visit to CSM and the way his voice breaks when he asks "Why her?" would have to be on it. "Why her and not me?" It's the way he says it, but it's also what's in that question that makes it so heartbreaking. Because that's what it all boils down to. He feels guilty. He asked in the hospital "Who did this to her?" And throughout these episodes, in his head, he has always considered that person to be himself. He did this to her. Something we get to hear again and again all the way into the revival when he tells her he wishes she'd left that basement earlier so she'd have been spared from all the things that happened to her. He feels responsible.

(Just a short digression: He is not responsible. I feel like that's a very important thing to remember. Something her brother should have been told in the cancer arc too. Holding Mulder responsible robs Scully of all agency and makes her nothing more than a loyal puppy. But unpacking Bill Jr.'s implicit misogyny, and why the way Mulder feels responisble for everything is not the same thing, that is for another post. If anyone has thoughts on that though, I'd love to hear them.)

A real Mulder moment is him choosing not to take revenge on the men responsible for Scully's abduction, after X pretty much hand-delivers them to him on a silver tray, but rather to go to the hospital after Melissa tells him it might be his last chance, that Scully is dying. He will choose Scully over everything every time. Sitting at her bedside, taking her hand, the way he speaks to her -- it becomes clear how deep the feelings go but also how fragile and undefined it all is between them. They're friends, they're partners, they've flirted, they've told each other some of their deepest secrets, and he has no idea how to be around her now. "I don’t know if my being here . . . will help bring you back. But I’m here." His pause there before "will help bring you back" kills me. He honestly has no idea. He can hope, but he just doesn't know if he'd be a contributing factor in her decision to come back or move on, if she even hears him, if it's even in her control. (I've always wondered when he says in the revival that he invented wishing someone back to life when she was in the hospital, whether he was talking about her cancer or about this moment, or maybe both.)

He gets his breakdown once he comes back home to his destroyed apartment. Sliding down the wall crying -- such a moment. There's no anger in that anymore. No action. He expects to be losing her at that point and all the fight has left him. Until he gets the phone call that she's okay.

Could the episode have benefited from a slightly longer scene at the end? Maybe. It seems a bit anticlimactic, after all he's been through, that he walks into her room, gives her that silly tape (such a Mulder thing to do), hands her the cross necklace back, and that's pretty much it. On the other hand, considering the scene by her bedside before, maybe it fits. He doesn't know where he stands with her, and she's with her family.

I do think the ending is a bit abrupt, but that can easily be forgiven with all that those episodes provided before that. If anyone can see more in that ending than I do, I'd love to hear it because I really don't quite know what to make of it. But they seriously sent Mulder on a journey there, and it worked. And it sets so many things in motion, for the plot and for their relationship.

#txf #the x files #x files #fox mulder #x files meta #thursday's x-files rewatch #I think I have to rewatch them again

[wildrangers]

"Slut!" // William Nylander

Word Count: 2.8K

Summary: Famous singer reader x our boy Willy

{For my 1989 Vaults Track Challenge}

Warnings/tropes: fluff, resolved angst (very minor), mentions of anxiety, strong allusions to sex but no serious smut (like PG-13-ish), cursing

You were used to attention but even you had a limit. You’d hit it a few months ago after the tabloids latched onto you being seen with a mystery man, aka Marc from your agent’s office. When your team published that to dispel the rumors, the media reframed it as you sleeping with him for favoritism within your agency. While they hadn’t actually been yelling “Slut!” at you, they may as well have been and you’d needed to get away from New York.

You’d escaped to Toronto because you enjoyed the city whenever your tour had passed through and decided it was busy enough to get lost in without attracting the press. You were hunkered down working on your next album, doing your best to lose yourself in the rhythm of the city and get back to what you loved most—your music.

Got lovestruck, went straight to my head

Got lovesick, all over my bed

Love to think you’ll never forget

Handprints in wet cement

You’d been walking your dog, Edith, when the air changed around you—you couldn’t quite explain it, but you could feel a group of people getting excited about something and it set you on edge—had you been spotted? You froze, eyes darting around as your breath fogged in front of you.

You spotted a group of maybe a half dozen girls giggling as they walked away from a tall, blonde man with two dogs. As you let out a deep sigh of relief, Edith spotted the other dogs and yanked the leash out of your grip, charging for them and their owner.

“Edith!” you called, heart in your throat, as you jogged after her. Luckily, you were in a quieter part of the city but you were still panicked until you saw the guy grab her leash.

“I am so, so sorry, thank you so much” you called out once you were in speaking distance of him.

“It’s no problem” he replied, smiling easily at you. “I was relieved when a dog was running over—when I heard someone yelling ‘Edith!’ I worried a grandma was really in trouble.”

You chuckled and shrugged, “I mean, she’s just an Edith, you know?” Normally, at this point, you’d disengage to avoid being recognized but his face was so open and you hadn’t realized until now how lonely you’d been holed up writing. “Who are these gentlemen?”

William introduced himself, as well as Banksy and Pablo. You discovered your buildings were near each other so when he offered to join you on your return there, you took him up on it despite your reservations.

“So, what do you do for work?” William asked after a natural lull in conversation and your pulse picked up.

“Oh, I work in the music industry, what about you?”

You felt him reassessing you and his cheeks suddenly flared pink, “I’m sorry, I thought you looked familiar but it didn’t click until just now.”

“Please, don’t be sorry” you laughed, your own embarrassment rising to meet his. “It was nice talking with someone as a human being.”

“Yeah, I get that” he sighed.

“Oh?” you asked, wracking your brain for how he could possibly relate to such a strange feeling.

“I play for the Maple Leafs” he explained and you nodded, pretending to know what that meant. He must have caught on because he let out a rich laugh that made you smile from the sound alone. “The NHL team here, this is kind of a hockey town.”

“Well, that explains the girls back there…” you mused, reflecting back on the frenetic energy that comes with a person meeting someone they only know through a TV.

“They were sweet” he shrugged and you glanced over, noticing his legitimate nonchalance.

“It doesn’t bother you?”

“Not really, it comes with the territory and 95% of the time people are nice.”

“Well, that’s good” you mumbled, mostly to yourself. While your fans were lovely, your mind flashed to all the times you’d been met with judgement and jealousy from girls who were into your famous exes. It was a bizarre, shame-inducing experience despite you doing nothing wrong.

“Hey look!” Will said excitedly, pulling you from your thoughts. “Come here, quick.”

You followed him in confusion towards a small section of sidewalk that had been replaced and was surrounded by caution tape. “What exactly are we doing?”

“Come on, we gotta do our hand prints, no?” he grinned and his genuine excitement made you smile too.

“Fine, but quickly” you agreed and he whooped before taking his left hand out of his glove, you doing the same with your right hand. You two quickly stuck your hands in, the wet concrete cold to the touch.

“My plan worked” he smiled and you tilted your head in confusion. “Now you have to come over, make sure we can wash that concrete off your hands. Can’t play guitar with chunks of that stuck to you.”

Lovelorn and nobody knows

Love thorns all over this rose

I’ll pay the price you won’t

You must have dozed off watching the Leafs game because you were woken by Will softly greeting the dogs. You stretched, letting the throw blanket fall around your waist as you yawned.

“I’m sorry, babe, did I wake you?” he asked quietly, placing a kiss to your forehead.

You hummed in response, wrapping your hand around the back of his neck to pull his lips to yours. His kiss was gentle and attentive—he always seemed to anticipate just what would make your heart flutter in your chest. He pulled away a moment later, his blue eyes shining with joy that warmed you from within.

It had only been a few months since you’d met and, if you were being honest, you were a little terrified by how quickly you were falling for him. Contrary to what the tabloids said, you normally guarded your heart quite closely. But with Will, it was beginning to feel like all you needed was him.

“Where’d you go?” he asked and you realized he’d sat down beside you, concern all over his face.

“I’m sorry, just got lost in my thoughts.”

“What were they saying?”

You hesitated, trying to decide how to phrase it, “It just worries me how much you mean to me already.”

“Oh, älskling” he replied, pulling you to him. Your arms wrapped around his middle and you buried your face in his neck, breathing in his scent. “What concerns you about that?”

“I’m scared of people finding out” you admitted softly.  

“Because of the media being assholes?” You nodded, pulling him tighter. “Y/N, people say shit about me all the time. It’s just what happens when you’re in the public eye.”

You sighed, pulling away slightly to look at him. He didn’t get it—how different it was being a famous woman versus a man. “What would the story be about you if it came out that we’re dating?” you questioned and he grinned.

“Just that I’m lucky to have somehow landed a woman that is way out of my league” he replied and you rolled your eyes, butterflies filling your stomach at the compliment.

“What do you think it would be about me?”

He took in your serious expression and paused to think before shrugging, “Tell me.”

“Y/N, dating William Nylander!” you proclaimed dramatically. “Another new man for the songstress! Will she ever settle down? How many famous men will she use for attention? What will her ex think? When can we expect the break up album?”

You’d tried being light-hearted but your voice cracked on the last word as tears pricked your eyes. “Hey, hey” he said quietly, embracing you again and running a soothing hand through your hair. “They can say whatever they want. Only we know what this is—how real it is. They can’t take that from us. But, if we keep hiding, think of all the things that fear is taking from us. You coming to a game, me being able to go to a show of yours someday. Me being able to take you out to celebrate a win or on a nice date.”

Tears flowed freely at his words, “I didn’t mean to hide us, I’m just scared.”

“I know” he replied, wiping away your tears. “And I’ve loved getting to know you and developing this relationship, just us two. But that’s not how relationships work—I want you to meet the team and me to meet your friends, see your home in New York.  I mean, if you’d want that” he said, faltering at the end.

You grabbed his face in your hands, placing a gentle kiss to his nose. “Of course, that’s what I want” you reassured him, getting lost in his deep blue eyes. And as he leaned in to kiss you again, you accepted that you’d likely get backlash in a way he wouldn’t. But you wouldn’t let that stop you from being with him fully.

But if I’m all dressed up

They might as well be looking at us

And if they call me a slut

You know it might be worth it for once

You were nervous as you left Scotiabank Arena with Steph and a few other girls. You’d felt safe up in the suite, watching the game with the other partners and families but away from prying eyes. Now, on the street surrounded by fans, you felt your anxiety rising. You could feel people watching your group, noting the WAG jackets—you couldn’t tell if they’d realized who you were or were just intrigued because of your relationship with a player.

As you saw Will’s car pull up to the curb, you confirmed with Steph which bar you’d all meet up at to celebrate the win before sliding into his passenger seat.

“Are you sure you’re up for this?” Will asked, eyes scanning your face.

“Yeah, I’m sure” you nodded, despite the nerves filling your stomach. His strong hand gripped yours as he pulled out, heading a few blocks away to the bar. You’d gone to a few closed team events to meet everyone—parties at people’s apartments, joining the girls for at-home brunch, etc. All to help you feel comfortable enough for this milestone.

“You look beautiful, Leafs blue suits you” Willy complimented as he pulled into a spot and you squeezed his hand in thanks. He quickly came around to your side, opening your door and helping you out as he always did, ever the gentleman—it was one of the things you loved about him. You paused for a second at that thought before deciding you had enough to worry about tonight without bringing the L word into it.

You were escorted to a private room where you enjoyed a few hours of joyful company, dancing and drinking, celebrating the guys and their hard work. You’d almost convinced yourself you’d overthought this outing—everything was going great, why had you been so worried? But by the time you were leaving, cheeks flushed from the warmth of the bar and the alcohol flowing through you, your fears were confirmed as cameras began flashing.

Will wrapped a protective arm around you as your name was shouted from all around, Steph tucking herself closer to your other side, bracketing you in their safety.

Send the code, he’s waiting there

The sticks and stones they throw froze mid-air

Everyone wants him

That was my crime

It was the following afternoon and you were spiraling. All those moments you thought were private were plastered across the internet. You and Steph cheering after a goal, you picking up John’s daughter so she could see the ice better, you shielding your eyes when Will had taken a hard check. Let alone all the photos they’d gotten outside the arena and of you walking into and out of the bar.

Even worse, a fan had gotten past your building’s security, knocking on your door shortly after lunch. Luckily, she’d been sweet but it still rattled you. Your building’s manager had apologized profusely, quickly changing all the codes into the building and retraining the staff on privacy procedures.

Will was at practice and wouldn’t be over until later that afternoon, leaving you to your own devices. You’d successfully fought off Googling your own name for hours before finally caving.

Y/N spotted with William Nylander—but is she still with Marc?

Y/N has gone through all of Hollywood’s men—she’s moved onto Toronto now!

When can we expect the Nylander album?

That last one had been the worst—as if your music was owed solely to the men you decided to be with, not something you worked tirelessly on. Your phone vibrated beside you and your shoulders sagged in relief as Will’s name popped up.

“Hey babe, are you almost here?”

“I’m outside, can you send me the new code? It’s a zoo out here.”

“Fuck, I’m sorry, I totally spaced, it’s 161152. I’ll call George to let him know you can come up.”

A few moments later, you were pulling Will into your apartment and locking the door behind him. You began to explain everything that had happened today but instead simply burst into tears.

“I’m so sorry, älskling—I believed you but I didn’t realize how crazy it would be. But we’re going to figure this out, okay?” And you let yourself believe him as he rubbed soothing circles on your back, his presence filling you with a sense of safety. “And I’m going to be taking your laptop away from you” he added, spotting what you’d been searching.

You chuckled through your tears, pulling away to grab a tissue from nearby, “I knew I shouldn’t but couldn’t stop myself” you admitted and he nodded. “I’m sorry about all of this.”

“Hey, no” he countered, gently gripping your face between his hands. “We knew this could happen.”

“I know but why would you want to put up with all of this?” you asked, emotion clogging your throat again.

“Because I’ll take anything and everything that comes with being with you” he answered, eyes serious as they held yours. You didn’t know what to say to that so you just wrapped your arms around his middle again. “Want to take a nap? I could use one after the last twelve hours.”

Half asleep

Taking your time

You’re not saying you’re in love with me

But you’re going to

A few hours later you were woken by kisses placed all over your face and gentle hands caressing your waist. “There she is” Willy mumbled into your ear and you giggled, turning your face so you could capture his lips with your own. His exploring hands made quick work of both your clothes and soon he was a comforting weight on top of you.

You’d obviously had sex with Will countless times by this point but this felt different somehow. You both normally favored faster, rougher sex but Will was moving so purposefully and slowly, seemingly drawing out the time you two were joined together, impossibly close.

Later, as you came down from your high and felt his rhythm falter, you opened your eyes to meet his and the look there stole your breath away. Such affection and care were in his deep blue eyes before he dropped his head to your chest, burying his face in your neck as he caught his breath.

“That was incredible, Y/N” he said softly and you pulled his face up to yours, pouring all your unsaid feelings into the kiss.

Half awake

Taking your chance

It’s a big mistake

I said it might blow up in your pretty face

A few nights later, you were curled up in Will’s bed, wrapped in his embrace. The dogs were fast asleep around you but you were clinging to wakefulness, enjoying the warmth of Will behind you after a long day in the studio.  

“Y/N?” Will said softly and you hummed in response, turning in his arms to face him.

You smiled up at him sleepily but felt yourself wake up a bit more at the intensity in his eyes. “Everything okay?”

“Yeah, I just…” he began, swallowing thickly. You frowned slightly at his nerves, reaching up to brush a piece of hair out of his eyes. “I just love you, that’s all.”

You fought back a smile, “Oh is that all?”

“Shut up” he giggled, hiding his face in your neck, pulling you even closer to him somehow.

You ran a hand through his hair, placing a kiss to the top of his head. “I love you too, William.”

“Yeah?” he questioned, pulling back just enough to gaze up at you.

You nodded before smirking, “You may come to regret it but yeah, I love you.”

He placed a gentle kiss to your collarbone before settling into your chest again, “I could never regret this, my love.”

A/N: My first Willy story! Thanks to those who sent support for this little series I'm working on to hopefully get out of this writing slump. I wrote this in a few hours so please let me know any feedback you have ☺️ 'Say Don't Go' with Lindgren next!

#william nylander #william nylander blurb #william nylander imagine #william nylander fic #nhl fic #nhl blurb #toronto maple leafs #toronto maple leafs fic #toronto maple leafs blurb #william nylander x reader #Taylor's 1989 Vault Track Challenge

[day-drawn-blog]

Epilogue II :

Moonlight burning the flower

Hold tight, don't fight the power -

'The Power'

Pairing: Astarion x Reader. This is set in Act I.

Tags: angst ... leading into some smut.

Part I : The outer layer. Mostly angst and jealousy.

Part II : Where you try to find meaning or draw boundaries.

Part III : maybe tonight I'll rest in peace.

Part IV : There is more to do and I still want to live.

Part V : our futures bound, our bodies known.

Part VI: These ain't my sins. I broke my chains.

Part VII: You are not mine and am I truly yours.

Part VIII : Your blood like wine, invites me in.

Part IX : I welcome my sentence, to give you my penance

Part X : I can't go yet...don't let me die

Epilogue I : Leave the flames and take a chance with me

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

You woke up. You recognized your tent. What happened? Is it morning? No, it was still dark outside. Oh that's right... you drank a lot, and passed out. There was a party, yes, that's right. Astarion broke your heart again. You felt disappointed. You had wanted someone to take you back to their tent. But you were in yours instead. So who had carried you in here?

And then you realized, that there was someone there...with you.

You recognized the familiar silhouette. His chest showing through his clothes, just like this morning. Wait, did you have your clothes on? What had happened while you were asleep? Yes, you had your pants on, and your underwear. Where was your shirt? That's right - you were hot and sometime after you were carried in, you had taken it off.

Was he the one who carried you in?

You looked at him. Your stirrings woke him up, and he looked at you with sleepy eyes. "Ah, you are awake, darling... I've been waiting". Honeyed words were not going to pull you in anymore. You sat up, resolved and looked away from him. "Why are you here?" You asked. He propped himself up as well. "Because ... you are such a handful". He smirked.

"Why are you not with her?" You asked point blank.

You were done beating around the bush. "Who"? He seemed confused. You could feel your pulse rising, anger. "Shadowheart." You sharply clarified. "Ha!" He laughed out loud, his usual cheerful self. "Why should I be with her?" "I saw you talking" you replied, not even trying to hide your resentment and jealousy. "I was apologizing to her...you know... about the whole... blood drinking secret situation" he replied, waving his hands about, looking guilty.

"You must really want her to forgive you." You said, bitterly.

"Well, that would be nice, yes, we are all allies after all. We need to journey together, I need to know I don't have an enemy in camp". He said, pragmatically, sitting up. It all made sense to you, but you refused to believe such a simple explanation. "And ... did she?" "I think so." The answer somehow made you unhappy. You were still hurt, it felt unfair.

"So ... you are here because she threw you away..."

You said, knowing full well, how much that would hurt. You could feel his eyes on you. You dared not look back at him. He was quiet. Even though you had wanted to hurt him you regretted saying that. "I was only with her, because I couldn't refuse her." He said, his voice low, serious. "I was never hers to throw away." "But you want her to want you, isn't it?". You were not done. That question was met with silence, and you dreaded to hear his response to that. He said something unexpected.

"Do you ...want me to want her?"

Taken aback, but you wouldn't back down. You wanted to prove, that you were unaffected, not jealous, that you were above it all. Too proud to admit, that you loved him, that you wanted to be his, and him to be yours.

"Yes. I do. I do want you to want her".

You lied, in anger. You stood up and walked away from him. "I want you to go to her, and beg for her forgiveness, and be with her every night. Make love to her till dawn, again and again, till she is done with you." You stopped to breathe. "Oh ... don't worry, I will still protect you.... I gave you my word after all, didn't I." You smirked, bitterly. You were near the door, looking for your shirt to wear and head out.

You did not want to stay in his presence a minute longer.

He said nothing at first, then he stood up and came up to you, and held your left wrist before you could wear your shirt. You tried wresting free but he wouldn't let go, not until you had heard what he had to say. You looked away, "I can want her, if you want me to." He growled. "I have done my master's bidding countless times before. Lured victims in for him. And I can give my body to do your bidding". He paused "but it will not be of my own free will." His grasp on your wrist tightened.

"I will fuck her or let her fuck me, if that is what you want".

"Every night, if you want me to..." He stepped closer to you. "Would you like that? Would that make you happy? Because you see... I would rather... fuck... you." He held your face in his hands. Clearly having seen through your facade. "I can go to her, if you ask me to, but I will always come find you ....of my own ...free will" His face was very very close to yours. "you taste ...simply delectable."

He came even close to you now, breathing you in.

"Here is a secret I've heard my master say. Sensient beings, can taste positively divine... when you indulge in... carnal pleasures". "Sadly, Cazador never let us drink from any of our victims before.... so I never had ...someone, of mine own." He looked at you, pouting, teasing. "You.... were more and more delicious... with every bite I took of you. But when I bit you... here" he touched between your breasts, "I almost lost my mind. And now... all I can think about... is how you will...taste... when I take you over the edge... till you lose yourself, in me... and scream my name from your lips....darling... I can't wait..."

He almost ripped off your bodice, unceremoniously.

Then he lifted you up, and took you back to your bed before you could protest. "Push me away anytime, my love". Then dropped down to kiss you. Kissed your breasts, the side of your breasts. And trailed kisses down your stomach. Then he unbuttoned your trousers, and with one glance at you, took them off you. Your legs on his shoulders, he kissed your thighs, lower and lower...

You braced yourself for what was to happen next.

Clutching the bedding around you, you inhaled sharply as you felt him tear your underwear off of you. He licked and kissed you down there. You loved every second of it, and did not hold yourself back. Your legs wrapped around him, he made eye contact and placed a hand on your stomach. His tongue felt electrifying. Finding your folds and you could feel wetness soak the blanket underneath.

You lay there naked, admiring his chiseled body. You knew where this was headed and you knew he would not stop unless you stopped him.

You would not stop him.

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

Might finish the smut, some important dialogue too.

#astarion romance #astarion x reader #astarion x tav #astarion bg3 #astarion angst #baldurs gate 3 #vampire #fanfic #fluff #astarion fanfic #astarion smut #smut fanfic #smut #vampire smut #baldur's gate 3 smut

[imagrindylow]

Dare

Happy Weasley Wednesday!!

Garreth Weasley / gn!Reader. 5k words

Content Warnings: Fluff and angst, hurt/comfort, injury, sickness. Summary: On a dare, Garreth tests one of his experimental brews on himself and lands himself in the hospital. The fear you have around his condition makes you decide to finally confess your feelings for him. A/N: There is a lot of Leander in this, I literally couldn't help myself. It was fun looking at his friendship with Garreth more.

~~~

Garreth mucking about with his potions ingredients trying to come up with new brews, or even just experimenting to see what could possibly happen when things were combined, was not a new or uncommon sight. On this day, he found himself in his room of requirement, doing the latter. He leaned over a bubbling cauldron, the steam flushing his face as he added pinches of this and that, just to see what reaction he’d be met with.

His best friend, Leander, sat sprawled out in an armchair near by, absentmindedly flicking his wand at the various seemingly random portraits that hung on the walls, tipping the witches and wizards in their frames and laughing at their startled expressions.

A fizzle and a crackling sound arose from Garreth’s cauldron, pulling Leander’s attention back to his friend. “What are you doing?”

“Oh ya know, just trying things out.”

“Was that supposed to happen?”

“Dunno. Just kinda throwing things in. Whats the worst that could happen?”

Leander shook his head. He was more than used to Garreth’s antics, but scoffed none the less at his friends disregard for inviting on whatever chaos could come.

Garreth wandered around his potting stations, picking stems and leaves from his various plants and tossing them into his cauldron along with the hodgepodge of things he had already added that he collected from the forest. He wasn’t sure what he was expecting… but the pleasant aroma that arose as he stirred the mixture, was not it.

“Huh. Interesting.”

“What?” Leander asked, watching with a look of intrigue on his face.

“It smells really good… For just an experiment, I’m really delighted it went well.”

“Yeah?” Leander asked, raising his brows, with a devious grin growing across his face. “Dare you to drink some.”

“Are you mad? Five minutes ago you were scoffing at me and now you want me to drink it?” Garreth sounded only mildly perturbed, and was mostly just teasing his friend. He couldn’t lie to himself, the temptation to taste it had already crossed his mind.

“You said it smells good. Doesn’t that mean it’s fine?”

Garreth looked around his workstation with the remnants of the ingredients he had added strewn about the tabletop. Nothing in the cauldron was inherently dangerous individually… Well, not very dangerous anyway.

“Ah, fuck it. I’ll do it.” He resolved. He smirked at Leander who was crossing the floor to stand by and watch more closely, and to get a whiff of the concoction himself.

“It does smell delicious…” Leander tilted his head, arching a brow and giving an approving grin.

He watched with his hands on his hips as Garreth dipped his ladle deep into the cauldron, gave it a final stir and lifted the utensil to his lips. He blew across the top to cool the mixture, the decadent rich scent right under his nose enveloped him, making him salivate.

“Here goes nothing.” Garreth said, pressing the ladle to his lips. His eyes squinted at the steam still floating off of the surface of the liquid. He tilted the ladle forwards, letting the sweet smelling liquid pour into his mouth, and he swallowed it.

Leander watched with bated breath for any reaction… And then Garreth’s eyes rolled back in his head. He took a staggered step backwards, dropping the ladle on the floor, before collapsing.

Leander sharply exhaled all of the breath from his lungs at the sight of this show. “Okay, so maybe it didn’t taste as good as it smelled. But that was a little dramatic, even for you.” He jested at his friend.

When another moment passed, and then another, and Garreth still hadn’t sat back up and laughed and yelled ‘gotcha!’ Leander started to panic.

He dropped to his knees beside his friend and shook his shoulders roughly. “Garreth.. Garreth! Oh my god what did I have you do? Fuck fuck fuck… GARRETH. GET UP.”

There was no response. He had to get him to the hospital wing now. Leander searched the shelves nearest the fireplace… Where the fuck is the floo powder? He didn’t want to spare the time to search too long, the shelves were kind of a mess... Leander cast levioso on Garreth’s unconscious body, hoping it would aide in bringing him to the hospital wing. He couldn’t even make it through the doorway without knocking Garreth’s head into it. Leander winced, lowered the other boy back to the floor, and scooped him up and hoisted him over his shoulder, opting to carry him instead, and made his way to the hospital wing as quickly as he could.

The trip seemed to take ages. Garreth was difficult to carry and the number of staircases was just outrageous. Leander’s steps became staggered by the time he had finally reached the faculty tower and once he made it to the hospital wing, he was on the verge of collapsing himself. Nurse Blainey rushed to them as soon as she caught sight of them. “Over her, put him over here.” she instructed him. “What happened Prewett?” She raised her brows and looked at him expectantly.

“I-I-I dared him to drink it, it was my fault. Is he going to be okay?” “Drink what, exactly, come on, out with it!” “Umm, I don’t know actually… he was just experimenting, throwing things into the cauldron… He said it smelled good, so I dared him to drink it…”

Nurse Blainey got to work while Leander tried to explain. She was muttering something about ‘blasted amateur potion makers’ and their ‘inability to brew up some common sense.’

The nurse’s first idea was to get him to vomit the potion back out. Leander stood back while the nurse tipped Garreth onto his side and unceremoniously prodded the back of his throat with her wand to trigger his gag reflex. This didn’t seem to work, he only drooled a bit. Her next attempt was pouring wiggenweld into Garreth’s mouth, down his throat. The liquid went down, but it didn’t seem to have an effect.

“Is he… is he going to be alright?” Leander asked. His voice was shaky and quiet, a mixture of anxiety, guilt and shame.

“How long has he been unconscious?” She asked, sounding worried, “This may be a job for St. Mungos.”

Leander looked horror stricken. His face lost all of its color as his eyes laid on his best friend laying still in the hospital bed. He cleared his throat before speaking, caught off guard by the gravity of her words. “Ugh, I dunno, must be going on 10 minutes…” He guessed, he didn’t know how long it had taken him to carry Garreth all the way here. “St. Mungos… that means this is really serious…”

“He’s poisoned himself.” She said point blank. “Go back now and retrieve a vial of whatever it is that he drank.”

Leander nodded. “Oh.. of course, I will. And then you’ll be able to reverse it?” He sounded hopeful.

“There are antidotes, but I don’t have every possible remedy on hand Prewett. Go get me the sample! Now! Off with you!” She ordered him.

He turned and hurried out of the hospital wing, sprinting back towards the room of requirement desperately hoping the door would appear for him. It had to, right? This was necessary. He was out of breath by the time he reached the hall where the door should be. The only thought in his mind was needing to help Garreth, fixing the result of his stupid fucking dare. The door appeared.

With shaky hands Leander pulled an empty vial from Garreth’s shelf and bottled a sample of the brew, corking it tightly, and began sprinting back to the hospital wing with it clutched firmly in his hand.

He took the stairs two at a time and made it back in seemingly no time. He was gasping his breaths as he handed the vial to Nurse Blainey. “Here… this is it.”

She nodded and took the bottle, uncorking it and smelling it. Her eyes narrowed. She couldn’t pinpoint what all was in it. “Very well. Back to class with you, now. I will do what I can, and if it comes to it, I’ll transfer him. Check back later.”

Leander didn’t want to leave, he didn’t want to leave his friend alone especially when it was his fault he was even in this mess. But he didn’t have it in him to argue. The overwhelming guilt he felt had chiseled away at his typically combative nature. He took a few backwards steps, eyes locked on Garreth, before turning and heading out of the hospital wing with his head sunk low and tears pooling in his eyes.

~~~

You noticed right away that Garreth was missing from dinner when you arrived in the great hall. You assumed that maybe he got lost in time while working on an assignment and you expected he’d appear at any moment. You didn’t exactly have plans with him this evening, but dinner wouldn’t be the same without the two of you shooting little glances at each other from across the room, trying to make the other laugh. It was just one of the many little games you two always played.

You filled your plate and ate your meal whilst chatting with friends absentmindedly, drawing your gaze to the doors of the great hall and scanning and re-scanning the Gryffindor table every few minutes, just waiting for Garreth to appear. But he never did.

After dinner you caught sight of Leander leaving the Gryffindor table, and you hurry to catch up with him, knowing he was close with Garreth as well and would likely know what was up. You grabbed his shoulder from behind and he turned to face you.

For a moment you just look up at him. You saw it in his eyes, something was wrong. “What happened, where is Garreth?”

He was more than a little taken aback by your sudden appearance and he furrowed his brow at you for a moment. He rubbed the back of his neck before he began to speak. “Um… He uh… Look, please don’t be mad at me, okay. I already feel bad enough…” You took a sharp breath in before exhaling slowly, trying to keep your composure. “Out with it Leander, what happened?” He couldn’t make eye contact with you as he spoke. “He was brewing a potion, after lunch, like, an experimental one. And... I… I dared him to drink it... and he just fell over. I took him to the Hospital Wing right away.”

There was a long moment of silence between the two of you as you stared up at him.

“Are you actually serious?” You shook your head and narrowed your eyes at him, gesturing with frustration as you questioned him rhetorically, “Why would you dare him to do something so stupid… ugh!! And why would he listen to you?”

You just couldn’t believe how either of them could be so senseless, so careless. Sure Garreth was a bit mischievous, but this was just something else. And Leander… You weren’t close with him but you had assumed, incorrectly apparently, that he had enough sense than to dare his friend to do something so downright idiotic.

You set your anger aside for the moment and became overwhelmed with worry over Garreth, you did everything you could to keep your mind from drifting to worse case scenarios. Leander snapping back at you pulled your head away from those dark thoughts.

“Look I already feel guilty enough and I already got lectured by Nurse Blainey.” He scolded you. “Now are you going to come see him with me or not, because that’s where I’m headed now.”

You scoffed. “Yes, I’m coming with you.”

The two of you made your way from the Great Hall up through the Faculty Tower and into the Hospital Wing. Although, when you arrived, it appeared all of the hospital beds were empty. You gave Leander a questioning look and his heart sank as though he knew something you didn’t.

Nurse Blainey saw you both approaching and walked towards you both to meet you. “I had to transfer him,” she said, looking at Leander, before she glanced at you.

“Transferred?” You asked, the look of concern on your face as you looked at the nurse started growing exponentially.

“To St. Mungos,” Nurse Blainey spoke. “I thought it would be the best option.” “Well, can… can we go visit him there?” Your voice was faltering, as you began getting choked up with your worry.

Nurse Blainey sighed, shifting her gaze between you and Leander. It was already getting late, you knew it was pushing it to even ask, but you were desperate to see Garreth, to see if he was alright. “Fine. Take the Floo Network. I’ll write you both slips, should you arrive back to the castle past curfew.”

You and Leander both began thanking her immediately. She walked over to her desk and started writing up notes for you both excusing you from curfew for the evening, and from a small container in her desk drawer, she gave each of you a small handful of floo powder.

They stuffed the excuse notes into the pockets of their robes and made their way to the fireplace. Leander went first, dropping the powder into the flames, stepping inside, and speaking St. Mungos Hospital, then disappearing. You followed right after.

Just a moment later the two of you were standing in the bustling and crowded lobby of St. Mungos Hospital. You didn’t speak a word to each other, just headed to the reception desk, where an older witch looked between the two of you. “Here to visit someone?”

You nodded. “Garreth Weasley.” You answered her. You watched as she scrolled through a long parchment with many names on it. “Weasley…” She searched the list. “Third floor, potion and plant poisoning ward.” She stated, then began giving directions to the closest staircase. You and Leander followed her instructions, heading down a long hallway, around a corner and up three flights of stairs. Once on the correct floor, the two of you headed to yet another reception desk, specific to that department, spoke with another employee, were instructed to take seats in the waiting area, and told that you’d be informed when you’d be able to visit.

The two of you shared a silent, concerned look. Neither of you had really anticipated this news… It had already been a few hours between the actual incident and your arrivals to the hospital. Why couldn’t you just go right back to see him now? Your mind was racing as you took a seat with Leander in the waiting area.

~~~

The wait was long, and mostly silent. Your thoughts were shifting between a few different things… anger at the idiot of a boy sitting next to you for causing this mess, and worry over the one you were here to see. Not to mention your feelings surrounding him. You knew you had a crush on Garreth before and always had, but now, overwhelmed with uncertainty over his condition, you really felt like this was more than just a crush. A lot more. What if this accident would keep him in here, in the hospital and away from you for awhile? That thought alone was unbearable, it made your stomach knot up just to think about.

You guided your thoughts to happy times you and Garreth had spent together to keep from dwelling on the terrible scenarios that kept trying to work their way into your mind. You thought of the first time he took you into Hogsmeade, just the two of you, back in fifth year shortly after you’d first met in Potions class. Gods that was so long ago. If this whole ordeal had shown you anything, it was that you needed to let Garreth know how you felt for him, finally.

As time passed slowly, you began to fidget and become more uncomfortable with the wait. It had been at least an hour since you took your seat in the waiting room, and you hadn’t gotten a single update since arriving. What was taking so long? Was something wrong?

You were slouched back in your chair, tapping your fingers on the arm rest and sighing with exasperation, apparently too frequently, because Leander eventually broke the silence, telling you firmly, “Cut it out already, will you?”

“Will you cut it out?” You snapped back at him, gesturing to his mere existence.

He looked puzzled. “I’m not even doing anything.”

“Your antics, your idiotic dares. Conjure up a brain, will you?” You huffed and turned in your seat facing away from him slightly.

He scoffed. “Yep, thanks, I totally needed that. So helpful.”

After several more long and excruciating minutes of silence, one of the healers walked out into the waiting area, and approached you and Leander. “You two are waiting to see Mr. Weasley, correct?”

You both stood up, nodding. “How is he? Can we see him?” You asked eagerly, anticipation rising for some hopefully good news.

“We’ve found an effective antidote and he will make a full recovery, and will be back at school with you first thing in the morning. But at the moment he is quite weak, and tired. He’d been sleeping, but is awake now. You can see him, one at a time. His room is down the hall and to the left, when you’re ready. Oh and do be considerate, it’s a shared room.” The healer nodded and headed away.

Immediately relief washed over your face and you turned to Leander, completely dropping the attitude that you had with him previously, and asked nervously, “Can I see him first?”

Leander narrowed his eyes and scoffed at you. “I’m his best friend, so I should go first. And besides, I need to apologize for all of this.”

You started speaking quickly, before your mind had time to process your words, “Well, I’m in lo-” You looked away and cleared your throat, trying to catch yourself before you said something completely stupid and embarrassing, but it was probably too late for that. “Um… Never mind.”

“Oh?” Leander asked with a smirk as a wide grin spread across his smug face. You didn’t have to finish your sentence. He knew what you were going to say. “Well if that’s so, I suppose you can see him first.”

You smiled at him and nodded, trying not to blush but really who can control that? “Thanks, Leander.” You told him, and headed down the hall in the direction the healer had motioned too.

The hospital room was a large one, with many beds and a couple of other patients, not dissimilar to the hospital wing back at the castle. You spotted Garreth right away and crossed the room to him quickly. He turned his head towards you when he heard the door open and gave you a rather surprised looking expression that grew quickly into one of happiness, despite the very clear appearance of exhaustion that was also present. He looked weak, was more pale than he typically was, and there was a bucket near his bed, indicating that at some point during his stay, he must have been getting quite sick.

You took a seat in the chair beside his bed. He looked at you with a lot of fondness as he spoke to you, quietly. “When they said I’d have a visitor, I did not expect you.”

You conversed in hushed tones, not wanting to bother anyone else in the room. “Well, Leander is here too. But they’re only letting us visit one at a time.” You sighed, feeling relieved to finally see that he’d be alright.

“Just couldn’t wait to see me back at school, eh?” He grinned, he was really quite glad you were here. “Well, it’s a nice surprise.”

His words almost always make you blush and this was no exception, but at the moment you still had a hard time wrapping your mind around his decision to try that damn potion in the first place… And now that you knew he’d be alright, it seemed like a decent time to bug him about it.

“Why’d you go and drink that potion? Why would you let Leander dare you into something so foolish?” Your words were quiet but stern, you narrowed your eyes at him, and watched his expression soften a bit as he took in your sentiment. He could see that you had been scared over him.

He gave you a warm smile, and spoke with a hint of teasing in his voice. He seemed flattered that you seemed to care so much. “It was pretty stupid wasn’t it?” He chuckled. “I have no good excuse, I just make bad decisions sometimes. I’m sorry if I worried you, though.”

You exhaled and sighed. “You did worry me! You really did.”

“Yeah. Well, It won’t happen again, I can promise you that much. Won’t be testing anything experimental on myself again. Nothing that experimental, anyway.” He still had a hint of humor in his voice that was irritating to you given the situation, as though he wasn’t taking this all as seriously as he should have been.

You didn’t reply, you were frustrated and emotional. You could feel tears coming on and you did not want him to see that. You got up and although you were frustrated, you spoke to him as calmly as you could, and excused yourself. “Leander is waiting to see you. I’ll send him in and I’ll be back once he’s finished… He’s got a lot to say, I think.”

Garreth nodded and you turned and headed out of the room and back towards the waiting area. Leander stood as you came towards him.

“Finished already?” He asked sounding more than a little shocked. He noticed your expression. “Everything alright?”

“It’s fine. He’s typical Garreth.” You said with a bit of annoyance. “You go and see him, I’ll wait and go back in once you’ve gotten a turn.”

Leander nodded and patted your shoulder as he walked past you and towards Garreth’s room. You sat back down and attempted to calm yourself. You couldn’t let yourself stay frustrated, you couldn’t, not if you wanted to tell him how you felt.

~~~

“Hey mate.” Leander greeted Garreth as he took the seat at his bedside. He began speaking right away, not even giving Garreth the chance to greet him back. He leaned forward in the chair, his elbows on his knees, guilt plastering his face. “Look, I’m… I’m really sorry about all of this. Never expected this to be the outcome of that dare. I hope you can forgive me, I’ve been so worried.”

“Calm yourself Lee, I’m fine. And – let’s be honest – I’d have probably drank it even if you hadn’t dared me to.”

“Crazy bastard.” Leander chuckled, “You had better tell them that because they’re pretty pissed at me, you know?” He said and gestured towards the direction of the door. “They uh… Yeah I think you really scared them, I think they care about you a lot.”

Garreth smiled. “Yeah? I care about them too.”

“Well, I shan’t keep you from them, then. I’ll see you back at school in the morning, yeah? We’re alright, mate?”

Garreth nodded. “Of course we are. Definitely.”

“Thanks.” Leander said with a relived expression. He waved and turned back, heading out into the waiting area once again.

You were surprised to see Leander back so soon. He sat beside you. “He forgave me. I’m going to head back to Hogwarts, unless you want me to wait and accompany you back once you’ve finished speaking with him again?”

“You go on. I’ll be alright and don’t need you to wait around. Thanks, though.”

The two of you parted ways, and you headed back to Garreth’s room yet again. When you arrived at his bedside, you pulled the curtains surrounding his bed area closed, before pulling up the chair and sitting down again.

“Hey, you.” He greeted, as you sat, looking around at the closed curtain. It seemed he approved of the added privacy. “Look, I really am sorry to have scared you.” His mood was much softer this time. You immediately questioned in your mind if Leander had said something to him about your little accidental confession. “And, it really won’t happen again.”

“I should hope not… I really was worried. I couldn’t keep my mind from replying these awful worst case scenarios. I’d be… pretty lost without you.”

“Is that right?” He grinned and his cheeks blushed a faint pink. “Well, I have no intentions of going anywhere. So I guess you’re stuck with me.”

“That wouldn’t be the worst fate, I suppose.” You teased him with a bit of a laugh.

“No, it wouldn’t, would it?” He sighed and smiled at you.

You were quite pleased with the little back and forth. It really showed more than anything that he really would be okay after all. He was his usual self, fun and playful. You reached for Garreth’s hand and took it, squeezing it and looked in his eyes. “I want to be honest with you about something.”

“Go on.” He squeezed your fingers in return, a grin spreading across his face as he waited for you to speak.

You ran your thumb over his knuckles. “I care about you a lot.”

“Yeah?” His eyes lit up, obviously pleased to hear you say it. The way he looked at you just made your breath catch.

“Yes.”

“Well, the feeling is mutual.” He was very matter of fact and spoke with a smile.

You didn’t say anything else for a moment. You weren’t sure if you really got your point across. You knew ‘care’ wasn’t strong enough of a word, but you were happy that he returned that sentiment. You were a bit lost in thought when he shifted over in his hospital bed and patted the edge for you to sit beside him. You raised your brows at him and he nodded, then you moved to sit beside him on the bed. He rested a hand on your leg, running his thumb back and forth across the fabric of your uniform. You could feel your face heating up with every gentle passing stroke of his thumb. You opened your mouth to speak and ended up confessing, “I more than care, actually.”

His face lit up. “I thought that might be the case, and the feeling is still mutual.” He moved his hands up around your waist and at that point you were ready to just give in to your feelings. You were dying to kiss him, and you were confident enough now that he wanted it too. You leaned forward towards him, gently cupping his face in your hands, you brought your lips to his in a slow, tender kiss.

This was the only true way for you to convey how you really felt. You let the passion behind all of your emotions come out in the kiss, and he eagerly reciprocated. His hands pulled you closer at your waist and ran up your back. You could feel him smile against your lips and he let out a quiet pleasured hum, like he was savoring every second. You deepened the kiss, your tongue finding his gently and your fingers twirling in his hair.

When your kiss broke after several long moments, you both had wide grins across your face, looking at each other warmly, still holding each other close. You pressed another quick kiss to his cheek.

“And here I thought you were angry with me.” Garreth whispered, a glint in his eyes as he looked over you, fully soaking in the moment between you.

“I was angry earlier, but… I have a forgiving nature. Lucky for you.” You teased him, whispering back, your hand resting on his chest with his fingers laced through yours.

“That’s right, lucky for me, indeed.” He took a deep breath, speaking more seriously now. “I am very lucky that nothing worse happened. But I’m also glad my antics earlier brought you to me, like this.”

“It’s funny how things play out, isn’t it? I was scared to lose you, and couldn’t go another day without telling you how I felt.” You admitted, looking at him fondly.

“Well, I’m glad you did. Finally.” He laughed, though still trying to keep his voice down as not to bother the other patients.

“Finally?” You chuckled. “You could have confessed to me, you know, at any point.” You chided, holding back a laugh.

“That’s right, I could have. But I was a bit nervous.” He admitted, squeezing your hands.

“Too nervous to talk about feelings, but not too nervous to drink a random experiment?” You jested, playfully shoving his shoulder.

He put his hands up in mock indignation, and spoke with a smile on his face. “That’s me. I don’t make any sense, and I’m a bit reckless, but you know it’s all part of my charm.”

From somewhere on the other side of the curtain surrounding his area of the hospital room, a harsh sounding voice shushed loudly.

You and Garreth shared a look, eyes wide. He covered his mouth, realizing your conversation had been growing steadily louder.

“You aren’t wrong.” You whispered. “But, it’s getting late, and I really ought to get back to Hogwarts. I should be letting you rest, anyway.”

He gave you his best pouty face, but nodded, you were right after all. “You really are stuck with me, once I’m back to school in the morning.”

“Good.” You kissed his lips once more, quickly and with a bit of a giggle. You smiled and waved goodbye to him as you drew back the curtain and headed back to Hogwarts.

#garreth weasley #weasley wednesday #garreth weasley x reader #garreth weasley x you #garreth weasley x mc #leander prewett #hogwarts legacy fan fiction #gn!reader #gender neutral reader

[lloydfrontera]

So I know that Lloyd haveing nothing in Korea is used narratively to contast how far he's come in Lorasia. But a part of me really wants him to have like one friend, or coworker, or cousin, or just someone that he was relatively close to. I think it would be cool if his choice to stay with the Frontera's more of an active decision rather than his only real option.

But mostly, I want this for Javier. We already know Javier was willing to drag Lloyd kicking and screaming back to Lorasia if he had to. So if while they were in Korea and he happened to see someone whom Lloyd had a strange connection with (or worse, they seemed to be actively mourning Suho's disapearance), I think it could add some juicy internal conflict.

I know this probably wouldn't work in cannon. But I just want Javier to be confronted with physical proof that Lloyd was a real person who had his own life before they became family.

ooohhh i do see where you're coming from that would've been fascinating to explore!

i mean it was fun to explore in cpsm, i think it was pretty well done there and i loved the way bk moon chose to approach rakiel's situation with his friends so i think he would've done a pretty good job had he chosen to do something similar in tged.

i see what you mean with making lloyd's choice to stay with the fronteras more of an active choice rather than his only option and i do think it would've been very poignant if he had to actually leave something precious to him behind to fully embrace his new family!

but i do think it would've slightly diminished the choice he did make in canon when it came to choosing who was he willing to sacrifice, javier or himself, to stop the restoration of fate. in canon it's a really tragic choice, because there's really not a good option for lloyd. he refuses to even consider letting javier die, so really it's between dying or going back to seoul and he makes it very clear that death would be the kinder option for him.

if he has someone he's close to back in seoul, a friend or family, someone who's actually mourning for him, then that makes his choice of dying seem less like the decision of someone terrified to being alone again and more like someone who doesn't care for the pain his loved ones are going through because of him.

if lloyd had had someone to go back to in seoul, then him choosing to stay in lorasia despite the danger he represents to everyone he loves there would've made him a lot more selfish than he is in canon where he genuinely feels like dying is his only real option because anything else would be even worse.

that being said. i am always down for giving javier even more mental issues about lloyd than he already has so adding an element of guilt and conflict to his resolution to keep lloyd with them at any cost is right up my alley <3

and the thing is javier kind of already has an idea of what lloyd's life was back in seoul. nothing specific of course but he pays enough attention to what lloyd sometimes lets slip out to know that it was Not Good. so i think that, at least subconsciously, he wasn't all that guilty about thinking of forcing him to come back with him if necessary.

of course it's still fucked up that he was thinking of dragging him back if lloyd had wanted to stay but it's okay i love it when he's a fucked up little guy <3

but if he'd had actual real proof that lloyd had had a whole life before meeting them... then yeah i think he would've been a little more conflicted about it. not enough to not be resolved to take lloyd with him anyway, not when the fronteras and the estate depend from it, but still. he would've felt more than just 'apologetic' about it.

in any case it would've been interesting to see! as i said i am always down for introducing even more angst into this already messy situation! thanks for sending me this!

#hey i got an ask #appledawn3464-blog #tged #the greatest estate developer

[etherealbelphie]

Late Night Cuddles (Ft. Mammon, Asmodeus and GN!MC)

Warnings: Touch-starved MC, Mammon being a tsundere and by extent, a bit of a jerk, self-depreciating thoughts, MC makes sure Asmo is gonna be SFW.

Length: 1.4k words

Genre: Slight bit of angst, mostly fluff and comfort though!

Summary: You need a hug.

A/N: Honestly I wrote the outline for this while I was feeling very tired and clingy, and I decided to polish it up. There isn't much plot, just some mindless, tooth-rotting fluff. I hope you enjoy it!

-Ethereal (✿◡‿◡)

Story below, please don't claim as your own!

You’d been in the Devildom for about three weeks now, and you were starting to feel a bit down.

Were you homesick? Was the lack of Vitamin D finally starting to get to you? Were you immensely stressed because you always had to be on guard during school?

None of that helped, that’s for sure. However, the real problem didn’t come to light until Simeon randomly hugged you upon seeing you. You immediately felt a hundred times better.

Oh. So that’s what it was.

Well, three weeks was a long time to go without physical contact.

While it was wonderful that you’d figured out what the problem was, that didn’t really help you solve it.

Though you were on decent terms with everyone, you weren’t sure you were close enough to straight-up ask for cuddles.  Even if you were, you were much too shy to do so anyways.

You managed to hold your resolve for about a week before you finally broke, rather late in the evening.  Yes, it might be awkward, but the worst they could say was no, right?

Not wanting to overthink it, you quickly sent a message to your closest friend in the Devildom.

***

You: Hey Mammon, this is going to sound kind of stupid…

You: I’ve been feeling kind of down lately, and I could really use a hug.

You: …Can I have a hug?

Mammon: What!?

Mammon: Pfft, why would I want to hug you?

You: I shouldn’t have asked.

You: I’m sorry.

You: Never mind.

You: Forget I ever said anything.

***

He started typing something else, but you didn’t wait for him to finish. You clicked the power button, making your screen go dark.

Turns out ‘no’ was not the worst thing they could say.

Your phone buzzed- probably Mammon- as you tossed your phone on the bed and stood up. You couldn’t be bothered to read his messages right now.

While he hadn’t exactly said no, it was pretty clear you weren’t getting a yes.

That was fine. You were fine. You didn’t need a hug anyways; you’d be fine without one. No human had ever died by ‘lack of hugs’.

Even though the very idea of receiving one made your chest ache, you would be fine.

Your phone kept buzzing—how many messages was he sending you, anyways? —as you stepped out of your room and began to wander.

It was honestly stupid of you to ask. You knew you weren’t close enough for that sort of thing, and you’d asked anyways. Now you’d gone and made things awkward, just like you knew you would.

Your wandering brought you to the kitchen, where you decided to make hot chocolate. Maybe the warmth of the drink would help you feel a little better.

You grabbed a mug from the cupboard and filled it with milk. Then you put it in the microwave.

While you searched for the hot chocolate powder, your mind began to drift again.

If you couldn’t even last a few days without a hug, how in the hell were you supposed to survive down here?

“Well, you’re up awfully late.”

You jumped, whirling around to face the voice behind you.

“Oh, I’m sorry darling.” Asmo frowned. “I didn’t mean to startle you.”

You shook your head, smiling. “Don’t worry about it, it’s fine.”

The microwave beeped, and you quickly jumped to shut it up. Yes, the entire household was probably still awake, especially if the text chains were anything to go by, but it still felt odd to make too much noise.

You placed the mug of steaming milk on the counter and added a few spoonfuls of powder. While you stirred it in, Asmo slid up beside you.

You could feel his eyes on you.

“Is something the matter?” He asked after a moment.

“I’m fine,” you answered just a bit too quickly.

“No…you’re not. Look at me?” He requested.

You turned your face towards him, though you don’t make eye contact.

Unsurprisingly, that doesn’t convince him.

“Honey, what’s wrong?” He asked softly.

“It’s stupid.” You answered.

He tilts his head slightly but doesn’t respond. That was surprisingly effective at getting you to continue.

“It’s just…I’ve been here a while, and I’m starting to feel a little down. Not enough physical contact. But—” you wave your hand “—I’ll be fine.”

“…Is that it?” Asmo asked, giving you a funny look.

You scoffed. “Yeah. I told you it was stupid.”

He gasped. “Sorry, no! I didn’t mean it like it was stupid or something! It’s just…if you wanted some physical contact, you could’ve asked me, you know!”

 “Not that kind of physical contact,” you elaborated. “I just want a hug…or maybe some snuggles,” you added quietly.

“No, no, I understand what you mean. And I still mean what I said,” He reassured you. “If you wanted some snuggles, all you needed to do was ask me!”

Suddenly he wrapped his arms around you, and you instantly melted. You felt him rub your back a little.

He giggled. “Aw, you should’ve come to me sooner, love.”

All too soon, he pulled away, and you couldn’t help the pout that appeared on your face.

“Now, how about some proper snuggles in my room?” He suggested with a smile.

You hesitated for a second, then nodded. You needed this more than you were embarrassed.

As soon as you confirmed, he beamed and grabbed your hand, pulling you behind him towards his room.

He closed the door behind you two, then turned to you. “Now, would you like to cuddle in the bed, or would you prefer the couch?”

“Maybe…the couch?” You suggested. “And maybe we could watch a movie?”

“That sounds lovely,” he agreed, sitting down. He scooted to one side, then reached his arm out. You took that as an invitation, sitting down beside him.

He giggled, pulling you so you were properly leaning against him. “Come on, don’t be shy,” he cooed.  

He selected a movie—some cheesy romcom— and as it progressed, you slowly began to relax, even nuzzling him now and then.

He ran a hand through your hair, making you hum contentedly. “There, see?” he purred. “Aren’t I the absolute best person to snuggle with?”

You nodded, starting to feel a little tired. It was awfully late after all.

He pressed a gentle kiss to your forehead. “You’re welcome to sleep here,” he said.

You nod. Maybe you’ll take him up on that offer.

Suddenly, a loud crash jolted you out of your sleepy daze.

“Oi, Asmo!”

You raised your head, blinking as the intruder came into focus.

“Have ya seen the human anywhere?” Mammon asked, too distracted by his phone to notice the human in question was right in front of him.   “They ain’t in their room, and they ain’t answering their messages-“

He glanced up to stare accusingly at his brother, but he saw you instead. Then he saw Asmo.

Then he realized the two of you were sitting together, and just how close you two were.

“What the hell is going on in here?” He exclaimed, closing the door behind him.

Starting to feel awkward again, you attempt to push away from Asmo. He doesn’t allow you to, keeping his arm snug around your shoulders and throwing a smirk to his brother instead.

“We’re snuggling,” he responded simply.

“Wha- why!?” He asked, coming further into the room.

“They were a little lonely is all,” Asmo responded sweetly, kissing the top of your head again. You blushed, but didn’t find it in yourself to protest.

“And ya didn’t ask me first!?” Mammon exclaimed, taking off his jacket and throwing it on a nearby chair.

“I did, but you said-“ He cut you off.

“Ugh, you dummy! If I knew you were gonna go ask one of my brothers—” he paused midsentence, kicking off his shoes and untucking you from the blanket.

He slid in beside you, tucking himself in as well. “If you wanted attention, you could’ve just asked for it…” he muttered.

You debate reminding him a second time of the earlier events but decide against it.

“Excuse me, I don’t remember inviting you.” Asmo scowled at his older brother.

“The human needs attention, and I don’t want the stupid thing to die,” Mammon said. “Now, c’mere so I can love you,” he mumbled, suddenly tugging you towards him.

“Hey!” Asmo protested, crossing his arms.

Mimicking his previous actions, you stretch your arm out towards him.

He easily complied, snuggling into your arms this time.

This certainly wasn’t how you were expecting your night to go, but you definitely weren’t complaining.

And next time you want attention, you know you’ve got two demons who are more than willing to give it to you.

Bonus:

These are the messages MC missed from Mammon.

Mammon: Wait, hang on.

Mammon: Fine.

Mammon: If you want a hug from me, then I'll give ya one. Only because you're asking, and not because I want one, got it!?

Mammon: Don't say the great Mammon never gave ya anything!

Mammon: Why aren't ya readin' my messages?

Mammon: Whatever, I'll be at your room in a sec.

Mammon: Wait for me, okay?

Mammon: Hey, where are ya?

Mammon: I told ya I was comin', didn't I?

Mammon: Your phone is buzzin'.

Mammon: I guess you left it here.

Mammon: Wait, you ain't getting these anyways.

Mammon: Whatever, I'll just come find ya.

#Obey me #obey me mammon #obey me asmo #obey me asmodeus #obey me mammon x mc #obey me mammon x reader #obey me asmo x mc #obey me asmo x reader #obey me asmodeus x reader #obey me mammon x mc x asmo #obey me mammon x mc x asmodeus #ngl kind of love this group together #obey me fluff #obey me comfort #obey me asmo fluff #obey me asmodeus fluff #obey me mammon fluff #obey me asmo comfort #obey me asmodeus comfort #obey me mammon comfort

[capypub]

Without Warning - Mafia!Joel Miller Scene 7

Mafia!Joel Miller x OFC

Rating: T (angst, discussion of drugs/weapons)

MDNI. 18+ content.

Summary: Joel knew this conversation would eventually have to happen...

Masterlist

“Joel, be real with me right now…are you like…dealing drugs or something on the side?” she questioned, knees still tucked against her chest, looking up at him.

He sighed, his body suddenly too warm as his chest tightened with anxiety. “I, um…” he began, trying to think.

“A real answer, Joel,” she insisted, giving him a pointed look, “I’ve been thinking about it while you’ve been gone…there are some things you dance around when I ask about it and I want to know why,” she explained, her voice a little shaky, but her eyes remained fixed on him. 

“Look, baby girl, you’ve got to understand,” he tried to plead with her, feeling like he might throw up with the amount of panic settling in his stomach as she waited so patiently for him to say more, so…emotionless.

There was a knock at the door. They both jumped, the tension in the room uncomfortably thick, as a second soft knock followed. When he didn’t immediately move, seeming frozen in fear, Indi got up to check the front door. There was a murmur of voices before she came back with two take-out bags. He had forgotten he’d ordered breakfast for them while on the drive back yesterday. She set the bags on the table before sitting on the couch and waiting for him to continue. 

“What are you hiding? Does this have anything to do with why Tommy’s injured?” she asked, her voice steady now, a passive curiosity that had him bristling. She sounded too calm.  

“Baby, please, j-just let…” he groaned, frustrated with his lack of words, “I don’t like keeping things from you, but y-you have to understand it’s for your own good,” he insisted, immediately regretting the words as soon as they left his mouth. 

“My own good?” she repeated, her brows furrowed as she scowled, “What is that supposed to mean?” she questioned, her sharp tone like a stab to his chest. 

“Please, baby, I want to tell you everything…but I can’t, okay?” he tried again, finally regaining control of his legs as he forced himself forward. 

She didn’t try to move away when he sat beside her, bringing an arm around the backrest of the couch, placing his other hand on her knee. The tiniest thread of relief he felt when she didn’t try to push him away was short-lived because now she was looking at him like he’d just kicked a puppy, the hurt in her eyes shattering any resolve he had left. The panic overtook his senses and he reached for her hands that had been curled in her lap, bringing both of them to his mouth, desperately kissing her knuckles and fingers. 

“Why not?” she asked, withdrawing her hands from him.

“It’s…dangerous,” he said, shaking his head with how pathetic that sounded.

“Joel, I��ve dated a drug dealer before, it’s nothing I can’t handle,” she tried to insist.

There were many things wrong with her statement in Joel’s mind. The spark of jealousy that appeared when she mentioned a previous boyfriend confused and agitated him. Of course she’s dated other guys before him, she was young, beautiful, smart, funny, an absolute dream. Knowing that this person was also most likely some low-level dealer who mostly catered to college students didn’t sit well with him either for some reason. The final thing that made his hands itch for his gun was knowing this guy had let her get involved with his business to some extent.

“I-I’m not just a drug dealer,” he clarified, squeezing her knee, trying to find something to ground himself through his scattered thoughts and racing pulse. 

She blinked slowly, hesitantly biting her lower lip, seeming to think about her next words. “You’re not a pimp too, are you?” she asked quietly, her head tilted down slightly as she subtly leaned away from him.

He couldn’t help the bark of laughter that escaped his mouth, bewildered how she could think of all the things he could be doing, pimping out bodies on the street would be one of them. His shoulders shook as he pursed his lips, trying to hold in another laugh. She glared at him, but it didn’t hold any heat, which gave him another thread of relief. 

“No, sweetheart, I’m,” he chuckled, “I’m not doin’ anything like that.”

“Then what are you doing that’s so dangerous and sketchy you can’t tell me?” she asked, looking a little pouty, but not nearly as angry or scared. 

He sighed again, shoulders slouching forward as he moved to rest both his elbows on his knees, leaning forward with his head in his hands as he tried to think. Neither knew how long they sat there in silence, Joel internally battling himself on how much she could know and how deep in the hole he was. Indi nervously chewed on her nails, every possible scenario flashing in her mind. The more she actually thought about it, the less she could say she knew about Joel’s actual job and what he was doing in Laredo for three weeks. 

“I’m going to make coffee,” she said softly, darting off the couch and into the kitchen, looking for any excuse to not sit still and spiral. 

The trickle of the coffee maker mixed with Indi moving around was a comforting background noise to Joel. He couldn’t even enjoy the domesticity of it all, too worried about her reaction to the truth. During the short amount of time it took her to brew two cups of coffee, Joel had decided he wanted to tell her the truth, give her the choice to continue what they had going, no matter how much the idea of being without her made his chest ache. 

“Feeling ready to talk?” she asked quietly, setting a mug of black coffee in front of him. 

“Alright,” he sighed heavily, looking down at his hands, still hunched over, facing away from her, “yeah, let’s talk…” 

She waited patiently, curling up on the other end of the couch with her legs close to her chest, her mug cradled in her lap. One glance to the side, he couldn’t tell what she was feeling, her expression too neutral for his comfort. 

“I…” he attempted, losing his voice instantly, his jaw shutting with a faint clack as he rubbed his hands together anxiously, “I do deal drugs and then some, b-but not the way you think, it’s more complicated than some punk kid selling weed out of his car,” he explained, turning his head to gauge her reaction.

She nodded slowly, patiently waiting for him to continue. 

He groaned, feeling stuck and frustrated with himself for letting it go this far. “I, uh, I run a business through the contracting business, pretty illegal stuff, not my proudest achievement but …” he said softly, nearly mumbling at the end. 

“But the money’s good,” she finished for him, a hint of understanding in her tone. 

He shrugged. “I mean yeah…plus…I’m good at it, it’s ugly and violent, but…I guess that’s what I’ve always been good at…” he said in self-depreciation. 

She was quiet for a moment, considering her words carefully. “What were you really doing in Laredo?” she asked. 

His jaw tensed, knowing that would come up at some point. “Selling guns to a gang across the border,” he answered, his hands balling into fists as he waited for the impact, the painful moment where she kicked him out, but it didn’t come. 

“Why did it take so long?” she asked instead, gentle and curious, seeming unbothered by his statement. 

“I, uh,” he closed his eyes, willing himself to be honest and not push her away, this level of vulnerability and honesty making him extremely uncomfortable, “I’ve been dealing with some shit from some rival groups, assholes trying to take my supplies…we had to make sure security was up to par down there,” he said, fidgeting under her gaze.

“So…does Tommy know about all this?” she asked, seeming to already have an idea of the answer. 

Joel laughed dryly, still refusing to meet her eyes. “Tommy’s my right hand.” 

“That’s why he’s injured, isn’t it? He was doing something shady with your guys,” she questioned, the pieces falling into place in her mind.

Again, Joel shook his head with a dry scoff. “Tommy shouldn’t’ve been in that warehouse to begin with…dumbass hasn’t been able to back down from a fight since middle school…”

She smiled softly, a relieving sign that maybe she didn’t completely hate him. “He told me he accidently got himself with a nail gun working on his shed,” she added with her own scoff and shake of her head. 

“A nail gun?” Joel repeated, finally looking at her straight, the hints of a grin tugging at the corners of his mouth as he thought about his brother’s stupidity, his shoulders shaking slightly as he shook his head with a snicker. 

They fell into silence again. He didn’t know how much to tell her now without overwhelming her. He thought he might be doing okay so far. She wasn’t crying or screaming or threatening to call the police. At the same time, she wasn’t showing much of any emotion, which made him nervous. 

“Joel?” she spoke up, setting her mug on the table, unfolding her legs, but not moving any closer. 

“Yes, baby girl?” he responded eagerly, leaning towards her, hoping she would give him something, a sign that things would be okay. 

“The food’s getting cold…” she said quietly, nodding towards the untouched to-go containers. 

He deflated. 

“Right,” he sighed, knowing she wouldn’t just jump into his arms and tell him everything’s okay, but a small part of him hoped she would just accept him and all that came with him, but he knew it wasn’t that easy, that it would never be that easy… 

They ate in silence, the sound of the morning news on the TV and the scraping of utensils the only sounds in the room. She didn’t ask anymore questions, she didn’t say a thing about what she was thinking and she wouldn’t look at him. She was unreadable in that moment, a blank expression the entire time, her eyes barely straying from the screen. But he could feel the tension, the silence wrapping around him uncomfortably, his whole body on edge. 

“ I need to get dressed, I have some errands to run,” she announced quietly after throwing the empty containers away, avoiding his gaze. 

“I’ll drive you,” he offered, standing up and starting to follow her back into the bedroom.

“I can take myself…but…thank you…and thank you for the food,” she said quickly, stopping in the doorway to her room, subtly blocking him from entering by leaning on the frame, “I’m sure you’re still tired from your trip and have some stuff to take care of yourself.”

She was being cold, distant and too polite to him. It drove him crazy. He didn’t like being on the receiving end of her “customer service” tone, feeling like she was a thousand miles away as she stood less than five feet from him. 

“Baby girl, please, c-can we just talk about this?” he asked, feeling a lump in his throat straining his voice as he lingered right outside her bedroom, watching her pull clothes from her closet, “I should’a told you sooner…I…I-I’m sorry.”

“I really need to get this stuff done, Joel,” she insisted, her back to him as she searched for a pair of socks.

He sighed, feeling absolutely crushed, that painful blow finally rearing its ugly head. “...alright, I’ll…I’ll, uh, see myself out I guess…” he muttered, his hands in his pocket as he turned to collect his things. 

He threw everything in his bag haphazardly, feeling like he was suffocating in the empty room. Zipping up his bag, he threw it over his shoulder, shoved his shoes on and went to leave. 

She followed him out, keeping her distance until he opened the door. Her hand catching his sleeve startled him, electric waves running up his arm and through the rest of his body. Turning around, he met her gaze, still eerily calm and unreadable. 

“I’ll call you later, okay?” she asked softly, her voice a little shaky, like she was close to tears.

“Please, please don’t make me leave you like this, Indi,” he begged, using her actual name, attempting to hold her hand, but she pulled away before he could get a grip on her fingers.

“I’ll call you later, okay?” she repeated, her voice cracking at the end as she placed her hand on his chest and gave a weak push. 

“Baby,” he pleaded, “don’t do this.” 

“Joel, please, just…go…I need a little time to think…”

He drove off, the tires screeching against the road as he sped away, the distance sinking the knife of her rejection deeper and deeper into his shattered heart. Even though she said she’d call him, he couldn’t help but feel like he’d lost her. All he could think about was the look in her eyes, the hollowness of her gaze as she shut the door behind him. He blinked back the beginnings of his own tears, roughly rubbing at his eyes. And then his phone rang.

“What?” he snapped, not even bothering to check the caller ID.

“Hey,” Tess’s voice responded, unbothered by his sharp tone, “We got one of the guys that tried to raid the warehouse on Jackson. Tommy ID’d him. Stupid fuck’s been talking all over town about the job, easy enough to find. Want me to take him to your place or the usual storage unit?”

He thought for a moment, his pain and heartbreak shifting into aggression. “Bring ‘m to the house…get my tool box out too. I’ll be there in 10 minutes,” he said, “Oh and Tess?”

“Yeah, boss?”and 

“Keep that motherfucker awake, I want ‘m to feel everything…” he growled into the line before hanging up, tossing his phone into the passenger seat forcefully.

Scene 8

#joel miller x ofc #joel miller x reader #joel miller imagine #joel miller fanfic #joel miller au #mafia!joel miller #last of us fanfic #last of us au

[dearestvante]

stuck with you; kth. | 02.

pairing: taehyung x fem!reader , namjoon x fem!reader genre: non-idol au, exes to lovers (?), roomates au, angst, fluff (??idk), miniseries warnings: short chapters, lowercase writing, swearing, kinda toxic relationship, unrequited love, fear of commitment, use of petnames (baby & honey), lil suggestive, taehyung is no longer an asshole, you kinda are tho (this sounds weird asfgsf you'll see) wc: 1.3k

masterlist.

losing you took a toll on taehyung, even though it was all his fault. too scared of change, of commitment, he chose the easy way out. and he had been regretting it ever since. he wanted you to hate him, to treat him like he doesn’t even exist, but you were too nice. yes, you might’ve been angry sometimes - rightfully, cause he was provoking you - but you didn’t hate him. it would’ve been so much easier that way to move on, but if he couldn’t, he figured, the best he can do is make sure that you do, and that you’re happy. it took some time to come to that conclusion, consodering he still pretty much hated your new boyfriend, but as far as he could tell, he made you happy, so he slowly came to terms with it. he tried, at least. from that moment on, there were no more jokes or insensitive comments made whenever he saw the two of you. he even apologized to namjoon, and to you for being such a dick. was it genuine? not really, but as long as that smile never disappeared from your face, he was willing to do anything.

slowly, the differences have been resolved, up to the point where you could ask taehyung to stay for dinner, with you and namjoon. it was a bit too quiet for a while, but as the night progressed, the ice broke. sure, there were a few times when taehyung had to hold himself back from saying something he would definitely regret later, but he did well. at least for a while.

after dinner, both of the boys helped you wash and put away the dishes. you said you would do it later but they insisted. during so, all three of you got into a conversation, which was - surprisingly - kept going by namjoon himself.

“so, taehyung, are you a student as well?”

“no, i dropped out” he replies, and quickly continues, after seeing namjoon panic. “no, it’s okay. my parents made me apply for business but i hated it and left”

“oh, that’s sad. so i guess you work?”

“i do” taehyung nods in agreement “i make album cover designs at a record label. same one that y/n works at. we even worked together for a while, actually”

“what?” namjoon turns to you, surprised. “you never told me you do designs!”

“and she’s really good at them too” taehyung continues, making you blush.

“no, i am not.” you say, with a shy smile forming on your face.

“you’re too humble, honey”

for a good second, that feels like an eternity for taehyung, and based on the look on your face, for you too, the whole room goes quiet. namjoon’s eyes dart between taehyung and you, both avoiding eye contact with him, but mostly with each other. he’s the one that breaks the silence, with a nervous chuckle, that pulls taehyung back to reality.

“i am so sorry, i didn’t mean to..” he says, his face turned towards namjoon, but still, his words are meant for you.

“eh, it’s not the worst thing you’ve ever said” namjoon shrugs, a bit confused as to why are you two acting so weird over, what seemed to him was just a slip of the tongue. and he wasn’t wrong about it, what he didn’t know - or couldn’t know - was the origin of that nickname, that was what made the whole situation so awkward. taehyung gave that nickname to you, after your first time together, saying you taste like honey. and no, not just your lips. you. every time he used it, even after it had become a habit, he thought about that sweet time you two shared. and so did you. your rosy cheeks always gave it away.

“i think we’re done” you say, trying to leave the kitchen as fast as possible, with namjoon following you closely.

taehyung leans towards the kitchen counter, with his face buried in his hands, mumbling nothing but these three words to himself.

“you fucking idiot.”

__________________________________________

when you first met namjoon, you thought he’s gonna be the one for you. wandering the hallways on campus, you were looking at the artworks displayed on the tall walls when he walked up to you.

“captivated by the brushstrokes of monet?” he asked, planting his feet next to you, looking at the painting.

“not really. it’s too peaceful and simple for me” you replied, glancing up at him, from the corner of your eye.

“oh?” he turned his face towards you now, soft smile spreading on it. “who do you prefer, then?”

“i like frida kahlo’s work” you replied, looking up at him, head tilted slightly.

“interesting. i’m namjoon, by the way”

“y/n” you nodded “nice to meet you.”

something about him caught your eye that day, at least that was what you thought back then. now, looking back, it seems like you only felt attracted to him cause he was nice to you. the reason you were at campus that day was because you applied for a new major, but you got rejected, again. if taehyung was there, he would’ve told you not to give a damn about it, cause it’s their loss, but he wasn’t. he broke up with you a few days before, so having someone else there that seemed to care, made you think that you’re in love again. you felt a tiny spark, and too afraid to let it die, you jumped into a new relationship, hoping it will last. namjoon was the perfect partner, someone you always dreamed of as a little girl. he was tall, handsome, kind and intelligent. his soft features turned even softer when he smiled, revealing two dimples, his eyes forming thin crescents. he was, what you would call, a picture-perfect boyfriend, who would make you feel loved and protected all the time. but for some reason, that wasn’t enough for you. that tiny spark that lit up when you met him, probably vanished soon after, no matter how hard you tried to revive it. it was time to face reality, the one in which you weren’t in love with namjoon.

__________________________________________

the movie has been going on for almost an hour now, but if someone asked you what is it about, you’d probably stare at them blankly, with no clue. your mind is a mess, it almost feels like it’s chanting one sentence to you, and the only way to make it stop is to say it out loud. soon enough, you start to feel more and more uncomfortable being so close to namjoon, so you pull away a little, which he notices immediately, stopping the movie.

“something wrong?” he asks, raising his eyebrow slightly.

“well..”

as you prepare to say the words, they get stuck in your throat, you’re starting to feel like it’s not right. you’re gonna hurt him if you say it. but if you keep lying and pretending, that’s even worse. he deserves to know the truth, he deserves someone who actually loves him. you suck in a breath and collect your thoughts. it’s now or never.

“i want to break up with you”

the chanting in your head stops as the words leave your mouth. you feel relieved, until you look back into namjoon’s eyes.

he scoffs. “it’s about your ex, isn’t it? oh, i should’ve known..”

“what? no, it’s not!” you deny, though he’s not entirely wrong.

“cut the crap, we both know that it is” he turns back to you, but you can’t read his expression. “you used me for rebound, and now that you’re on good terms with him again, you don’t need me anymore”

you feel tears burning your eyes and don’t even understand why. you just stare at namjoon, unable to say anything as his look turns from hurt to disgusted.

“don’t cry now, i don’t need your pity party” he gets up and rubs his forehead as he continues. “i would’ve never expected this, not from you. i loved you, i really did, but if that’s what you want, i can’t stop you.”

“i’m sorry..” you start walking up to him, but he stops you.

“just leave, please.”

__________________________________________

a/n. finallyyyyy the second chapter is here. it's not my best i know, but hopefully the third will make up for it. this week is kinda busy for me, but hopefully i can get back to writing when it's over (i really hope so cause my ideas are killing me i need to write ㅠㅠ). alsoo question, would you like some teasers/snippets from my wips? lmk if you do, til next time, take care ❤️‍🩹

#bts x reader #kim taehyung #taehyung ff #taehyung x reader #taehyung x y/n #bts x fem!reader #taehyung x female reader #taehyung x you #namjoon ff #namjoon x y/n #namjoon x reader

[intrepidacious]

✩ upcoming wips

main masterlist | navigation

i haven't been posting a lot lately because i'm a slow writer and life has been kicking my butt but i've wanted to let you take a peek at what i've been cooking up in the background!!

what little attention i have at the moment has been going into time after time but there's a lot of ideas constantly swirling around in my head and i've wanted a place to put some of them. shockingly, these aren't even all of my wips. yeah, i know.

this is just a snapshot of the most prominent fic ideas i've been working on at the moment which means that plots and especially titles might still get changed. also i'm not committing to any sort of schedule with these so keep that in mind :')

please feel free to ask questions about any and all of these and i'll do my best to answer <3

✩ one shots

a smile that cold - ransom drysdale x f!reader - au inspired by daphne du maurier's rebecca - (well, mostly by its musical adaptation, which is great) - i'm going full gothic/seasonally spooky vibes in this one - tropes: widower remarries, mystery, dark-ish (well, there's murder), perhaps a hint of spice - status: mostly done, but still missing a chunk in the middle

to home afar - bucky barnes x freader - the guernsey literary and potato peel pie society au - (oh yes we're going there) - i love this book and this au so much but i just haven't had the time to focus on it - tropes: 40s!bucky, dad!bucky, writer!reader, one (1) broken engagement, fitzsimmons appearance, hints of epistolary storytelling, pen pals to friends to lovers - status: about halfway done, still missing some connective tissue

all that's been (and all that won't) - bucky barnes x f!reader - buffy the vampire slayer au - tropes: slayer!reader, vampire hunter!bucky, friends to lovers, inspired by me rereading all the vampire knight manga so if you know those you'll see the twist coming, canon-typical violence - status: conception phase, some scenes written

stay here forever - 40s!bucky barnes x f!reader - a continuation of first date, last night - this was a plan ever since i posted that story and yet - tropes: friends to lovers, mutual pining resolved, tfa!bucky, kinda angsty, will probably get another part … - status: mostly written, missing connective tissue

just for spite - bucky barnes x witch!reader - originally inspired by a moodboard by @treatbuckywkisses - this has been sitting in my drafts for an embarrassingly long time - might end up being a collection of loosely connected one shots - tropes: post tfatws!bucky, practical magic vibes, there's a cat, slow burn? maybe? - status: first part done, some more scenes written

death becomes him - steve rogers x grim reaper!reader - inspired by a mix of meet joe black, elisabeth (the musical, not the movie), the fairy tale godfather death, and the show dead like me - this is such a weird idea and i need to write it so bad - tropes: canon-compliant-ish, slow burn, artist!steve, will probably include time jumps, dark-ish for obvious reasons - status: random scenes written

tomorrow - steve rogers x reader - inspired by the river song storyline in doctor who - (yes you read that right) - i love using my most random au ideas for steve, i think this works so well and i'm so excited about it - tropes: opposing timelines, kind of slow burn kind of established relationship, goes through steve's entire mcu timeline - status: scenes written, writing time shenanigans is tiring if that's all you do though :')

ghost light - lighthouse keeper!steve rogers x reader - (yeah) - this one is so random but i cannot stop thinking about it - tropes: retired!steve, maybe a little angsty but it's fine really, either writer!reader or barista!reader - status: vibes and like two paragraphs

mirror's image - endings, beginnings!frank x reader - fic based on "why'd you only call me when you're high" by the arctic monkeys - tropes: fwb, drug consumption, angst and spice, idk if this will have a happy ending or not - status: about one third done

✩ series / AUs

dear heart, it's me - anthology based on the amazing devil's album "the horror and the wild" - listen for vibes 😌 - will probably posted for a milestone celebration - pairings include: stucky, bucky barnes x reader, natasha romanoff x reader, wanda maximoff x reader, jefferson x reader, steve harrington x reader (more tbd) - status: one fic stuck in revision, three more started, real excited for one additional one atm

nothing else will do - continuation/expansion of my rewritten drabble - think medieval-ish fantasy vibes, once upon a time with some princess bride thrown in there - pairings include: outlaw/pirate!steve rogers x reader, knight!bucky barnes x reader - status: lots of daydreaming and some random scenes put onto paper

occupy my brain - continuing these two drabbles - ransom drysdale x reader - there will be at least two more chapters but i am aiming to keep this one short and sweet - status: it’s more or less planned out, if only someone would finish writing it down that’d be great

come fly with me - introducing my pilot!bucky au!! - i’m not sure where it came from either but i’m having fun and it grew out of my control fast - series of connected one shots within the same universe - (i also have plans for sam and steve with this one!!) - status: not a priority rn, but i have a couple of ideas floating around my brain

read you like a book - library au!! - you’ve already been introduced to this universe’s bucky and steve and i love them dearly - status: again, not a priority at the moment but they’re coming

something bout you - beloved - ngl returning to this one is probably gonna hurt but i still want it to exist - college au steve rogers x reader - this is my childhood friends fake dating au that i made up for ren - status: hopefully i will return to this one day after tat is done

i feel awkward tagging people in this but do feel free to reblog this and do tell me about your favourites lmao okay have a nice weekend 🫶🏼

#bucky barnes x reader #bucky barnes x you #steve rogers x reader #steve rogers x you #mcu fanfic #ransom drysdale x reader #ransom drysdale x you #writing update #intrepidacious

[lexinympho]

Swaddled Stray

Rengoku Kyojuro x gn!reader

Summary: You and Kyojuro have been living together for a decent amount of time, so what better way to add to the experience than to pick up the stray dog that's been wandering around your apartment lately?

WC: 1.3k

Tags/Warnings: Fluff, slight angst? (they kinda argue and talk about his dad), one mention of Kyojuro being a teacher, Kyojuro's pushy but he means well, one joke about a newborn baby

A/N: Not me being confused over how to end this💀I'm okay with how it turned out, though I kinda wish I took more time with it instead of pressuring myself with how long I've gone without posting a fic. Enjoy~

Something feels different. And you don't know what.

You unlocked the front door like normal, didn't trip over anything or walk in on something questionable, and you shook your umbrella off thoroughly before placing it down by the door. Every single pair of shoes you have sitting by the wall connected to the front door is in its rightful place, so are Kyojuro's. His coat and bag full of school work waiting for review are both hanging on the coat stand, again in their usual places without any visible abnormality. You haven't heard a peep from Kyojuro however, when he's usually so keen on greeting you the moment you walk in.

Your brain no sooner switches to analytical mode and you began scanning the area in front of you. There's a small trail of dirt and mud starting from the front door, crossing over with the house plant nearby, and trailing across the floorboards before stopping at a certain point. The previously mentioned mud mostly appears in the shape of small paw prints, clearly belonging to an animal that'd just been outside in the rain before coming in.

"Bark!"

Bark. Bark?

It suspiciously sounded like the young Miniature Schnauzer that's been lurking outside lately, the same one that's been chipping away at Kyojuro's resolve with it's clinginess and relentless pleadi-

Yeah, he brought the dog in.

"Shh!"

You hear your boyfriend further inside as he attempts to quieten the canine--whether to surprise you with it or keep it from disturbing the neighbors, you aren't certain. The sound of splashing water alarms you a bit and makes you finally walk towards the bathroom, all while making a mental note to clean the hazardous mess around you later. The minimal amount of awareness he seems to display with the half open bathroom door leads you to believe he hadn't heard your arrival.

Stepping closer and peeking in, you get a clear view of the four legged pup sniffing around and becoming accustomed to it's new surroundings, as well as Kyojuro rushing to clean up behind himself after evidently giving it a bath. The soaked white button up shirt tickles your diaphragm for a laugh when you imagine the time he had keeping the puppy still, but you resist and push the door open all the way to call out to him, "Kyojuro."

The head full of multicolored strands snaps in your direction so fast that you feel a phantom pain spike in your neck. "Welcome home!" He exclaims with a bright expression.

Your poker face nearly cracks at the sight of him knelt down on the floor and looking up at you in true elation, but you manage to keep your composure to address the elephant in the room (or rather, dog), "We talked about this."

"I know, but I couldn't very well leave him outside in that weather," he calmly states while nabbing the pup and wrapping a towel around it.

Composure: broken. Your shoulders drop when he says that, drying it without a sense of urgency or guilt for doing as he pleases again when you'd already spoken with him about taking in pets. "Kyojuro-"

"Neither of us are home long enough to care for him, I know," he stands and cradles it in his brawny arms, staring down at it as though it were his newborn child. "But we won't know for sure if we can make it work without ever trying."

"Yeah, but-"

"An apartment like this isn't exactly pet friendly." His smile remains firm as he looks you in the eye and refutes what you'd told him, "Pets are allowed here though."

You furrow your eyebrows at how comfortable the pup has already appears to be in Kyojuro's arms, something that'd be considered cuter if you weren't a little agitated. The apologetic look Kyojuro gives you aids in stopping any potential disputation though, and elicits a question that you truthfully should've asked from the start, "Why are so adamant on taking him in? More than anything, we hardly have *any* experience in taking care of dogs, or pets in general actually. Wouldn't you rather wait until we find a bigger place at least?"

Kyojuro barely takes anytime to ponder before pouting a little and holding the amazingly tame stray away from his chest to better look at him, "But then we wouldn't have this little guy."

This time sympathy seeps into your words when you utter his nickname, "Kyo, does this have to do with your dad not letting you or Senjuro keep a pet when you were kids?"

A contemplative aura comes over him for a bit when he answers, "Just a little. Between my dad throwing us into kendo and ensuring our grades stayed good, us adopting a pet didn't fit into his agenda. It's not as though he restricted our fun, but taking care of a pet is a huge responsibility."

"I thought you said he didn't like animals."

Kyojuro simply blinked and said, "Oh yeah."

You snort at his casual acceptance of his blunder before asking, "And now that you're out on your own, this is finally your chance to keep one?"

His big bright eyes darted to you and he asked directly, "Well, you said you wanted him, right?"

"I...guess?" You should expect his forwardness by now after months of dating, yet it still staggers you somewhat when it comes without warning. "I wasn't thinking of adopting right here and now though."

"But wouldn't be better to get to him before someone else does?" He puts on his pleading face, not too heavy but not too light, and the dog humorously seems to have gone along with him.

You purse your lips and give it some thought, "You've got a point..."

Buoyancy overtook his features when you didn't dispute him. "Then that's all the more reason to adopt him while we can, I always liked the idea of us having a dog anyways. You don't mind, right?" He transitioned to speak to the Schnauzer and held it up like Simba, an action it seemed to enjoy judging from the energetic swishing of his small tail poking out of the towel.

"Bark!" The sound echoed greatly in the bathroom.

You're pretty sure Kyojuro's too excited to analyze the downsides of bringing a dog into a temporary environment that isn't readily equipped for a dog. And you're absolutely sure he knows that, because he's Rengoku Kyojuro: the history teacher who got one glimpse of you, a total stranger, picking up sweet potatoes at a grocery store and decided on the spot that you needed to teach him how to properly cook the vegetable.

He didn't know you or how your cooking would compare to his mother's or his brother's, but he saw an opportunity through some inexplicable reasoning that only makes sense to him.

That stubborn optimism is likely what his students have to thank for their grades.

"I was never completely against the idea of bringing him in, but I am *not* looking forward to potty training," you commented as you smile and reach to pet it's considerably cleaner coat (which was washed with the bottle of dog shampoo you spot on the floor, something you know wasn't here before).

He reassures you, "I don't think it'll be difficult, Schnauzers are known for being easy to train."

"Oh yeah?" You can almost see yourself and Kyojuro constantly hovering over it, never growing tired of seeing him get his commands right and eagerly waiting for a treat to be thrown out with a *good boy.*

Which reminds you, "What do want to name him?"

The twinkle of mischief in the orange of his eyes keyed you in on Kyojuro's jestful suggestion, but you don't stop him from speaking his mind, "Tramp."

"No."

"But it fits."

You playfully roll your eyes, "I'd really rather not walk around in public saying tramp."

"What's wrong with-" Kyojuro gives it some thought before shrugging one shoulder and saying, "You've got a point."

©lexinympho 2022, please do not edit or repost my works anywhere on this platform or another

#demon slayer x reader #braincells are low tonight--no good fic titles today😭 #why didn't i write about the 3-3-3 rule--that would've been way more investing #«lexi's writing» #rengoku x reader #rengoku kyojuro x you #kyojuro x reader #kimetsu no yaiba x you #kny x reader #kny x y/n #rengoku fluff #rengoku imagines

[redheadspark]

For your Valentine prompt requests, 18 is totally Jack Russell. Especially if you know everything about him and he thinks there is no way someone who knows all the horrible (in his mind) things he's done could love him? But you do? Really? Like really, really? and he's just like 'i don't deserve you' and smothers you in hugs and kisses and you resolve to double down on showing him how wrong he is.

I have a lot of feelings about Jack ♥️

A/N - I think this is quite ideal for Jack! Thank you very much for requesting this, Anon!

Really?

Summary - Jack is sometimes in stunned belief you love him unconditionally.

Warnings - Just some fluff with the smallest hint of angst.

"How did we end up here?"

"Is that a rhetorical or a literal question?"

Jack smirked as he was next to him, his breath still a bit labored and the small sheen of sweat still on both of your skins. You drew up the sheet to cover mostly of yourself, though you weren't ashamed of your own body. Nor was Jack, whom was watching you with a hint of blush on his cheeks as he reached down to lace your hands together.

"How did we end up here....together as a couple?" He asked sheepishly, you thinking about it to yourself as he went on with his rambling, "I mean, one minute we're colleagues and working together out on the field. The next minute--"

"We fall head over heels and into bed together," You chimed in, Jack closing his mouth instantly as he looked at you with a hint of shock, "Sounds normal to me,"

Jack knew you had a hint of sarcasm with how you spoke, but you never for one to play with feelings or be too coy. So when you said that sentence, ti did throw him off. You two were dating for only a few months, it wasn't anything hot and heavy nor was it baby steps. It was natural really, your own pace that seemed to work. Jack never pushed or pried, nether did you.

With Jack, things were easy and smooth. He wasn't like the other boyfriends you had in the past that ended up unhealthy or messy. Your ex boyfriends were nothing but trouble, and you were glad to be rid of them. Now with Jack in the picture, it felt like a dream really. He was nothing but kind and attentive, and old romantic at heart with an older soul as well.

"Do you....love me...by any chance?" He asked you, almost wishing that he kept it to himself as you stared at his lovingly in the eyes. You grinned.

"Yeah, why?"

"Well, I'm sorry, I was just-- WAIT WHAT?!" He asked, you giggling as he moved over to lean over you on the bed, peering down at your form as you were staring up at him. You saw the look of disbelief mixed with delight in his eyes, maybe trying to convince himself he didn't hear what you said.

"You...you sure you love me?" Jack asked, you feeling your heart ache a little bit with how he asked. You knew Jack and all of his burdens' ll of his pain that he was and still was willing to go through because of his werewolf condition. He was bare with you when you two got together, telling you the good and the bad and the ugly. Yet you still listened and you stayed, knowing that he was more good than bad.

"My love for you," You said to him reaching up to frame his cheeks and feel his stubble against your palms and see his eyes go a bit big, "Is the one constant thing I have ever had in my life. I know you doubt yourself sometimes, especially when you think you can't have any love in your life because of who you are."

You've had this talk with him plenty of times in the past, especially when he had low nights. Jack always thought he was cursed to be alone for all his life, needing to deal with his Lychanthropy that wasn't going to go away. It broke your own heart to seem like that, hearing him say that he deserved to be alone. Jack was far too kind to be alone, far to good tot hose around him that would be mean back to him. Too full of love to not have it shared.

"I love all of you,Jack. There is nothing you can do that can make me love you any less," You vowed to him as he grinned widely at you, probably already accepting his fate with you. He leaned down to kiss you softly, with no urgency there in his kisses and his hands along your skin. It felt like liquid fire, you melting under his touch within seconds as his kisses were moving along your lips to your jawline, his finger moving to take the sheet from covering you up. You felt briar to him then as his lips still made their decent, Jack knowing he was never one with his words.

But he was good with his actions instead. So he would show you how much you meant to him.

The End.

Valentine Prompt Session

#jack russell x reader #jack russell x y/n #jack russell x you #jack russell x fem!reader #jack russell #werewolf by night fanfiction #werewolf by night #werewolf by night x reader #marvel cinematic universe #marvel cinematic fanfiction #marvel cinematic universe fanfiction #mcu writing #mcu fanfiction #mcu phase 4

[gaytedlasso]

well boy howdy here we go again ✨

Time to celebrate the fact that I am still a heavily active Destiel blog in 2022 and that 2,000 people decided that this was a valid decision. Love you all.

Let's party then! I learned my lesson last time about asking for angst because y'all came for my throat... that being said, angst is still invited to this. Nsfw work is the guest of honor. In fact, daring you to do your worst and test my nsfw immunity. Hmm maybe I didn't learn my lesson last time... My subtle nsfw prompts are listed last & in italics below ~

To join the party, tag your work #justcastiel2k or @ me

Aug 25: light - home - what if it was easy - deep

Aug 26: smoke - highway - if thy be a man - yeehaw

Aug 27: blood - trueform - what does it mean - grace

Aug 28: holy water - religion - I would be willing - knees

~

lawboy notes:

- due to personal circumstances addressed here, I do not want anything that focuses on the subject of grief that is not resolved or is not mostly addressed in canon. ie: widower arc is fine because we know Cas returns in canon, though including his return is preferred if it's a fic. 15x18 confession scene is fine. Anything post 15x18 is fine as long as it includes or alludes to Cas returning.

- no memory loss. no heaven endgame.

- the poems and songs linked are there for further inspiration and can be used in your work, or the phrases may also be used for an entirely different interpretation. If you quote the poems, the original must be credited & linked.

- any prompt can be used for nsfw creations and they must be tagged #minors dni or #mdni

- minors may participate, but are not allowed to use the nsfw prompts, create any explicit work, and must filter #mdni and #minors dni. you also don't have to follow me to participate in this

- no w* or w*nkl*ne, minors/adults, non-con

~

Can't wait to celebrate with you all! Feel free to send me an ask if you have any questions.

#god this is insane I'm just still here having a good time 22 months later #couple whatever notes #I’m obsessed with religious imagery and hymns and verses and all of that #don't hesitate to make fluffy and fun stuff too! give it all to meee #if y'all make smut literally do your worst I am immune but want it all #also. a/b/o is fine #sorry for all the rules/notes I just had some important stuff to address #my header turned out eerie as fuck and I love it #justcastiel2k

[langernameohnebedeutung]

Hi, I recently got into izombie (probably from you putting it on my dash) and figure you’re the right person for this question. While I love majority of the show, somewhere in the S3-4 range, it didn’t seem as good - not sure if the plots were weaker but the brain-effect on Liv seemed way stronger than before in a way that was less enjoyable to watch (and based on some fourth wall jokes, I’m guessing the network was neglecting them in S4?). On the other hand, I love both “good guy angsts about learning to bend morals without going too far” characters and “unrepentantly fun bad guys” so having both Major and Blaine(&company) in one show is amazing. I’ve finished S4 and it ended in a solid enough way to be a finale and I’ve heard that the end of S5 was bad so my question for you is… Is season five worth watching?

Heyo! :>

I love hearing that people watch izombie!! (especially if I play a role in that).

Hmm...my nuanced, honest opinion?

The issue of the brains becoming really dominant is a common criticism of season 4/the later episodes, so you're definitely not alone with that feeling (personally, I mostly dislike it in the way that we don't see how things actually affect Liv as our main-character for a lot of the times. But overall, I do like season 4 as the one where they were the most silly with their premise and had a little fun and we get some new dynamics, new characters, the whole Filmore Graves situation, Liv's whole Renegade gig, Ravi's part-time zombie thing, Blaine and Don E doing their silly little basement antics and also sad things like the Isobel arc - I won't lie, I had a good time with season 4 and it's definitely one I like to rewatch for the stand-alone episodes. I don't often rewatch a lot of season 5, it has to be said. But I generally tend to avoid finales. I am biased against final seasons).

And yeah, they had issues with the budget and management though I never really looked into the details. This is also something that can be felt in season 5 and the finale.

Season 3 has (I think?) a bit of a reputation as the weakest season of the show because it's kinda disrupted plotwise and some of the characterisation issues - so yeah, a lot of people share the sentiment.

When it comes to season 5: WELL. yeah. It's definitely not in the race for "best finale of all times". It's not going out with a bang, I'm honest (a lot of which is due to the budget issue, to be fair). BUT I also didn't hate it. There are some fun episodes, some answers to questions, some stuff is resolved.

If you want my honest opinion: If season 4 was a total drag for you to get through, season 5 (at least the first half) has a very similar tone. I don't think it's as over the top with the brains as they were e.g. with "Blue Bloody" (Liv on snobby old lady brain). But if you really don't want to relive that, I would also recommend you stop at the season 4 finale. With the season 4 finale, you're ending on a high note with all the characters being happy and successful and basically running Seattle.

If you want to know how the show really ends without investing a lot of time in season 5, I would recommend you watch "The Scratchmaker" (and perhaps "Death Moves Pretty Fast") and the finale and you will get the gist of it. On the other hand, another strategy might be to ignore the show-finale/over-arching plot and let the s4 finale be a spiritual finale for the show itself. That way, you can still enjoy some of the good season 5 episodes that are fun on their own, like the noir episode, the dancing episode etc. Those are pretty fun. I think most of the reason people say season 5 is bad is because of the finale and the plotlines that lead to it, not so much the per-week stuff.

Though, I admit I didn't hate season 5 It's by no means a work of art but honestly, izombie is not a show that I love particularly much for quality - I don't think it's some forgotten magnum opus - I mostly really love the characters and the ideas and dynamics. And I also still enjoyed those things in season 5.

As I said, first half of the season is close to season 4 in tone and style - then it reaches kind of a tipping point where you can tell it's taking the big steps towards the finish line. I think that's my biggest actual issue with that season. Because towards the end, they kind of rush it and introduce a lot of stuff in a really quick time. It's like - you should be resolving stuff now, not create more plotlines. I feel like the final 2 episodes should at least have been 3 but you can tell that this was also a budget issue.

Some of the strong points are that we get some resolution to older arcs, especially where Liv is concerned (I don't want to spoil). Peyton gets a bit more to do than in season 4 which I also liked though there are..................some more instances of a certain pattern of tropes I noticed they do with her character that once again happened in season 5. (Maybe I'll make a post about that one day but I don't want to be negative)

I think if you enjoyed Major and the whole Filmore Graves ethical quagmire in season 4, you will also enjoy him in season 5 because a lot is happening there. I do miss Chase a lot though. Don E gets a lot more character development and higher stakes in season 5 and we (and Blaine) get to meet his mother and learn more about him, which made me really happy. I really had a good time with Don E in that season. We even get a pre-Boat Party flashback with him and Blaine and Scott E.

As far as Blaine is concerned, a lot of people say that season 5 is his darkest, most evil season. It's a lot less "silly antics" compared to season 4 and a lot more "dude is really fucking losing it" and this is where a lot of fans say he really lost a lot of the compassion bonus he had with them. Though, personally I think it's all pretty on-brand and in character and there is a lot of call-back to his season 1 stuff. Also, having him narrate an episode was fun.

There are some new villains too, one character you already know from s4 becomes the main-baddie. And though while they don't replace Chase or Rita or Vaughn for me I did enjoy that character getting to go nuts a little.

#but yeah in short: if you want to end on a high note regarding everyone's storyline season 4 works #the actual show finale ends on more thoughtful tones #OR you can just watch the finale OR everything but the finale #depending on how invested you were in the murder of the week plots or the character dynamics - i don't think those were the issue #izombie #fandom

[pencil-down-a-paragraph]

whoops, you stole my heart

Flufftober day 3 prompt “‘wait, you love me?’ ‘I always have.’”

Warnings: Light angst, arguing, the mildest of hurt and mostly comfort.

Summary: After a close call on a heist, you accidentally admit something you didn't mean to.

AO3

...

“Of all the stupid–” the door rattles as you unlock it, passing into the entry of your shared apartment “What were you thinking?”

Mark kicks the door shut, yanking off his beanie. His hair sticks up messily. Not that it could ever be described as neat, you think.

“I was thinking,” He exaggerates the word, “That we were about to be caught, so I might as well take the attention off of you while you get into the safe! You should be thanking me!”

“For what?” you drop your duffle bag on the coffee table with a bang, wincing in the back of your mind and hoping you didn't crack it. You unzip it and point to the stolen, still locked, safe inside “Making the job more complicated? Not staying quiet when you could have just let the guards pass? Getting a gun pointed at you? Popping a party popper in his face? Where did you even get that, it was worse than the steak plan!”

“Those are fantastic plans!” He throws his hands in the air, annoyed expression on his face “Why does it even matter? We got the goods, we’re set for a good month!”

Your chest constricts. Of course it matters, of course it does. “You’re missing the point!”

“What point!?”

You don’t have an answer, no fears you’d care to say aloud. You stare at each other unmoving for a few moments in stubborn silence.

Mark breaks it, huffing and muttering a “Fine, whatever.” under his breath while he moves past you.

You pinch the bridge of your nose in agitation at the dismissal, though you know it was mostly your fault. “Honestly, Mark, you’re lucky I’m in love with you.”

“Whatever!” He calls again.

Then he trips, realizing at the same time as you. His forehead hits the doorframe with a dull thud. “wait! WAIT!”

You turn around, face ablaze, pointing at him “No–”

“You–”

“Mark–”

He points to himself dumbly, hanging onto the doorframe “You love me?”

“I’m–”

His expression is of comedic disbelief, openly shocked as he stares at you with wide eyes, argument seemingly forgotten with the revelation. His hair is still sticking up.

You don’t know how to answer, your first instinct is to lie, to take it back and go back to fighting over heists and safety. The silence drags on while you try to come up with something, anything to salvage this.

Your resolve crumbles when he whispers your name like a plea, forgoing his many nicknames for you for the first time in a while.

“...I do,” you finally admit “I–...I always have.”

He’s in front of you in a blink, looking down at you, dark eyes searching yours. You can see his freckles this close.

“You never…” Mark trails off, shaking his head slightly.

You swallow, choosing to look at the half dead plant illuminated by yellow lamplight in your window instead of at him. “It was never a good time.” you finally settle on.

“Not exactly a good time now, either.” He jokes weakly.

“No,” you murmur “It isn’t.”

This isn’t how you wanted it to go, if you even ever wanted it to ‘go’ at all. Everything you have with Mark is at risk in this moment, every following action about to rewrite everything between you two just because you couldn’t keep a hold on your own stupid feelings during an argument.

“I’m glad.”

You glance back to him, meeting his eyes.

“What?” You ask.

“I’m glad you told me,” Mark repeats “Even if it was while you were yelling at me about how stupid I am.”

You wince, eyes flicking down.

“I’m sorry,” you apologize softly, “I don’t think you’re stupid, Mark, I just–I see you there in front of watchmen, and I can’t…I can’t lose you, Mark.”

He says your name with a gentle squeeze on your shoulder, making you look at him again. He’s closer than before.

“Why do you think,” he asks, “I’m always trying to stand between you and guards?”

His name falls from your lips quietly. He takes your hand, bringing it up between you.

“I’ll always rather it be me than you,” he says with so much sincerity you feel like you may melt through the floor, “I thought that was obvious by now. I don’t know how you haven’t figured out yet that I’m in love with you.”

He’s–

Your heart practically explodes in your chest, stomach fluttering like it always does at the grin that suddenly grows on his face.

“I’m starting to think you were just distracted by how handsome I am,” He teases, which, he might be right, but hey.

“Shut up,” you scoff, ignoring how he tips his head next to yours, his forehead resting against your temple affectionately.

“Make me.” There’s a huff of his laughter, his breath puffing against your skin.

Your heart swells from the confession and the proximity. He lifts his head when you touch his face, your fingers brushing over the sprinkling of light freckles on his cheek and temple before stopping on his forehead. You swipe your thumb over the red mark left from the hit to the doorframe. He hums curiously, and you barely keep from melting when he leans into your touch.

“Doorframe did a number on you,” you say “Hit it pretty hard.”

“Can you blame me?” Mark grins “you kinda sprung your undying love on me.”

“I did not.”

“‘Oh, Mark,’” he mocks “‘I am completely in love with you and at night I dream of kissing you in the moonlight’. Just like that. I was there.”

A laugh bursts from you “I did not say that!”

“Right, right, you dream of kissing me under cheap lamplight. I forget I’m more of a classy romantic than you are.”

“I’m leaving.” you announce, trying to hide how flustered you’re getting.

His arms wind around your waist before you can do more than turn, pulling you against him chest-to-chest with no way to escape his strong hold “Oh, no you don’t, buddy. C’mon, I haven’t even gotten to tell you how handsome and/or beautiful I think you are.”

The blush relights on your face and you shove lightly at his chest. He laughs warmly, eyes sparkling playfully.

“Absolutely gorgeous.” He doubles down, leaning closer “Nearly as good-looking as yours truly.”

“You’re impossible,” You complain with barely hidden fondness, nose nearly bumping his “Stop that.”

He hums, heart stopping smile coming back mischievously. You don’t think time passes at all when he looks at you like that “Tell me you love me again and I might.”

I love you, you think

“Absolutely not.” you say, your fingers curl in his black sweater.

Mark wiggles his eyebrows and pulls back slightly. “Might do it for a kiss.”

You’d gladly take that offer, but you refuse to admit that. You retreat back to the only meager defense you’ve ever had against him “Shut up.”

His pretty eyes flick down to your mouth. “Make me.” He repeats.

This time you do. You meet in the middle, that grin still on his face, the one that always means running from cops and thrills and trouble. You don’t mind it though, you’ll just be trouble together, the way you’ve been since the moment you met.

#every single flufftober is going to be done out of order and no one can stop me #ahwm #a heist with markiplier #heist mark #ahwm y/n #ahwm mark #writing #fanfic #heist mark x y/n #flufftober 2023 #my writing