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chrollohearttags · 1 year

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𝖗𝖊𝖛𝖊𝖗𝖇 • 𝖊. 𝖏𝖆𝖊𝖌𝖊𝖗: chapter four

synopsis: after a successful performance at Rolling Loud, (y/n) is approached by a member of the talent agency with a proposition that she can’t refuse. Because of this, she finds herself sacrificing her prior plans with EJ. Where she fears that she’s pushed the rapper away. But passing time and building tensions cause the pair to reveal their true feelings that they never got to reveal in person.

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cw: language, mentions of alcohol and weed, sexual themes, phone sex, masturbation, dirty talk

wc: 7.4k

📝: I know you guys have been waiting patiently on this one and I promise I’m not tired of it or anything, full fic chapters just take a bit more time and I didn’t want to rush or half ass it. So I hope y’all enjoy.

“And what would you say if I told you I wanted you just as bad..would you hold it against me?” “When I want to fuck the shit out of you? Not at all..”

“What exactly do you have in mind?..”

the first words to fly from (y/n)’s mouth amid this mystery man’s proposition. True enough, he may have been a representative on behalf of your talent agency but you didn’t know him from a hole in the ground. And why come here of all places? Wouldn’t this be better suited for an office. Still, you’d hear him out for the hell of it. “We want you to star in one of our artist’s new music videos. He begins rolling out his album this week and he’ll be dropping the lead single. We figured what better way to get people talking than to have a rising star like you alongside him.”

what should have been a compliment seemed a bit backhanded in your eyes. Naturally, it made sense to have someone popular as yourself next to him to garner attention but you couldn’t help but think that he was picturing you as more of a controversy piece than anything. Homie hopping through different rappers was not a good look. leaning against the doorway, you’d furrow your brow a bit, folding your arms as well. He could sense that you were a little hesitant of the idea but he was sure he’d sell you on the idea eventually.“I’ll be honest, that performance tonight was incredible. What you did out there was beyond words. It’s only been an hour and the internet is going crazy. You’re a big deal, miss (l/n)..I wouldn’t take it lightly. In fact, he specifically requested you.”

for a moment, you’d sit with his words and just ponder on what he meant. Naturally, you were a bit skeptical that this mysterious man just approached you out of nowhere and asked to be in a music video. The problem wasn’t exactly the offer itself as you were deeply flattered but rather the fact that it was only being extended to you..“No offense, Mr. Smith, but I wasn’t the only one on that stage tonight. My girls were equally as amazing so where is their video shoot?” Truthfully, he couldn’t argue with you there and he understood why it came off a bit shady but there was another part he hadn’t told you. Merely chuckling, Erwin leaned over against a nearby stand. “I agree, everyone has done so wonderful. But simply put..you’re our client and the group as a collective, is not. Truth is, we want to get the ball rolling on this as soon as tomorrow morning. The second he’s done here, he’ll be boarding a flight and headed to L.A and we hope you’ll join him. The way I see it, the more the merrier so if the other lovely ladies would like to tag along and star in the shoot, we’d be happy to have them. Whether you decide to invite everyone or do it on your own..you only have an hour to make your decision. We know it’s sudden notice so we’ll pay you quite amicably..twice as much as the club gig plus full expenses covered. We want to ensure you’re taken care of. So, does that sound like a deal?” after hearing those terms, your mind was all but made up! You had made a pretty good grip off of that club appearance plus the brand deals that followed after so to double that..you were game. Looking up at him, (y/n) flashed the big time executive a smile and assured him that not only would you be there but you’d have the rest of the crew with you. with that, the two of you parted ways for the time being. Leaving you to make a couple calls and get things in order. you couldn’t believe you had been presented with something like this and that this artist had requested you personally! It felt like such a huge honor. Although, it did beg the question….

who the hell was the rapper you’d be working with?! He never told you that part. Surely, it couldn’t have been EJ because he definitely would’ve said something or asked you himself. Which still left a handful of artists signed to them that could be performing tonight. Speaking of, the one person’s set you wanted to see was up next so you’d shoot a text to your group chat, telling all of them to call you immediately and that it was important.

hopefully, they'll answer on time and you could make a break back to the hotel to get packed and board that flight in less than an hour. You had never been on such a tight schedule but it was a sign of things to come you supposed.

maybe you were finally about to ascend into that next level. That your star would be rising a lot sooner than you thought. Now was no time for contemplation anyways. You had to go get this money!

a few moments later, your phone would begin ringing and it was Niesha calling. A complete shocker that she was the one to pick up. But it’s when you swiped over and the video connected, that you’d be greeted by all of their drunken, smiling faces. “(Y/NNNN), hey bookie. What’s wrong?” Niesha, slightly slurring her words as loud music and lights thumped behind her in the background. It seemed like they were having a good time and you hated to disturb that but this was important.

“Hey, listen. I know it’s soon but can y’all make it to the hotel in an hour? I just got us a good ass gig. They said they’ll fly us out—“

however, before you could finish your little rundown, you were interrupted by the sounds of faint groaning. “C’monnn, (y/n). We just got done working. Take a break for a little bit. You’re gonna run yourself in the ground, baby.”

now normally, your best friend never led you astray or gave you some dumb advice but with this much riding on it, you were not trying to hear that bullshit! “Y’all, I’m serious. The man from my talent agency just offered me a spot in a music video and said that if we can all be there, we can all be in it.”

even though you were speaking, there was no way she or anyone else was hearing you. Nor did they care to, honestly..that’s when the more level headed member Brianne jumped in and sounded off. It just wasn’t with the result you expected.

“(Y/N), listen..can’t believe I’m saying this but Niesha’s right. We need a break. You’ve been working real hard and so have we. It’s Rolling Loud weekend. It’s some good parties, go enjoy them and enjoy yourself. It can wait.”

“No, Bri. This can’t wait! Y’all, please. I’m trying to get us paid. You know imma break bread with y’all first.”

that’s when you’d see those pink curls step back into frame and that you were about to get unfiltered advice from the one who always gave it to you straight..

“(Y/N), baby. I’m sorry. I’m sure it’s cool and a legit offer and all but we have three performances in the next month that you have us booked for. You gotta give yourself some time to rest and have fun. Bitch, life is too short to be working all the time. What good is some money if you ain’t here to spend it?” She had a good point and you hated it..but still…you had to take the chance!

“Nieshaaaa, don’t do this.”

“I’m not doing nothing. You know I’m right..”

just then, you’d see another person enter the frame and they were calling for Niesha..pulling her into a bunch of kisses and gently grabbing her waist when they did. “I’ve been looking for you.” And she looked thrilled to see them too. It was the blonde dude from earlier and it was safe to assume she had been doing more than ‘talking’ to him.

“Girl, as you can see I’m kinda busy. Imma call you later, bitch. Byeee.”

before you could stop her, she’d disconnect the line and you were left looking dumbfounded…that was utterly pointless. There was no way you’d get them all corralled and of coherent mind in an hour. As they were right now, they’d do nothing but give Pole Assassins and yourself a bad rap.

letting out a deep sigh, you’d regroup and cut to plan b; taking this gig solo! You wanted to share this with them but you couldn’t beg four grown women to act right. Besides, they had been going hard and you admittedly had been pushing them so maybe they had earned a break, even if you didn’t want one.

just then, your never ending train of thought was derailed by the sounds of loud screaming and chants. Along with that same voice that had you swooning not too long ago.

“Rolling Loud, make some fucking noise!”

EJ’s set had already begun and you didn’t want to miss a single second. It was very rare that he’d even make an appearance and judging by the volume of those shrieks, everyone shared the same sentiment. Rushing over to a nearby tv screen streaming the performance, you’d see him moving across, hype as ever and completely in his element.

one of his newest singles that had been making its rounds was his first track and of course, you knew every word. He left you in awe every single time. That’s when another realization crossed your mind and crushed you all the same…

the two of you had plans! Plans to hang out and hopefully get to know one another better..something you had been looking forward to but obviously, work came first. You couldn’t just abandon such a big opportunity for a man, not even someone as famous as him.

not only would it just be utterly stupid but you’d be a grade A hypocrite as well. Soon, your smile began to fade and the excitement you felt listening to his voice faded to white noise. Right now, sticking around wasn’t an option. You’d only further hurt your own feelings, thinking about someone who was nothing more than an acquaintance to you and time was getting shorter. This was far more important.

taking one final glance back at the screen, you’d then shoot off to grab your things. You could make it back to the hotel in about ten minutes, get your things packed and meet them in the lobby before time was even up. You wanted to show the agency you were serious about building your brand. Anything else would have to wait..

“I’m sorry, EJ. I’m sure you, of all people, understand what it’s like. I’m sure we’ll kick it again soon but right now, I gotta go.”

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12:35am, departing from Miami International Airport

Just as Mr. Smith had promised, you found yourself boarding the steps of the private Boeing 747 jet a little after midnight. For a while, you’d be saying goodbye to Miami and headed to the second infamous Sunshine State.

what awaited you was a mystery, as it’d be your first time doing a music video. Not only that but starring in one as well. All of these huge opportunities are coming your way and yet, you couldn’t help but feel a bit of anxiety and guilt. You knew that it was of no fault of your own that your girls chose to stay behind but you weren’t the type to switch up on the people you started with just because of a little bit of money. But now wasn’t the time to sit and contemplate your decisions. You had to go into work mode and get your mind right. Once you made it to the top step and onto the mahogany carpets of the plane, you were greeted by two faces you had only seen in pictures and friendly gestures. “So you did make it..man, I’m so glad.”

it was none other than rapper Prince Cee, aka Connie Springer. He, along with the man sitting across from him, Onya The God, were both a part of the same collective as EJ and were super talented. You were a fan of their whole group and couldn’t believe that it was him requesting that you be in his video. Although you hadn’t been formally introduced, neither of them had a problem standing up to greet you with a giant hug. Dressed in all of their designer clothes, chains swinging from around their necks and smelling like Baccarat cologne, you couldn’t help but shudder a bit..was this man and his whole crew this fine?!

“Well don’t be a stranger, lil mama. Go ahead and get comfortable, we got a long flight and I know you probably tired.” and he’d be correct. After being in seven inch stilettos for nearly an hour, twirling nearly twenty feet in the air, exhausted would be an understatement. How your girls had the energy to go party after performing, was insane. But you’d accept Onya’s offer and take the third seat across from them. You had only been on a few planes in your lifetime but this was nothing like you had ever seen. Red leather seats that resembled sofas, foot rests, silver buckets housing unopened bottles of champagne and a spread of delicacies that they were more than happy to share. just then, you’d hear the pilot signaling for takeoff and you’d feel the plane began to lift up.

“Yeah. I appreciate you guys inviting me for this..I honestly can’t believe it.”

“Ain’t no problem, baby. You was our first pick when they asked us. We know it was a little bit late to but we happy you decided to come.”

Connie, who was in the midst of opening some champagne, poured you all a glass once the fluid fizzled out. After such a successful performance and the beginning of his album rollout, he was going to enjoy this tiny break and celebrate to his heart's content. Just for the occasion, he had been given a new chain that was currently laced around his neck.

meanwhile, you sat cross legged away from the two gentlemen, taking a bite of some snacks before engaging in the conversation. “What about your homegirls though? They didn’t want to come?”

to which you’d simply shake your head as you sipped your drink. “They had something else they were working on so they couldn’t make it.” Not wanting to let these strangers in on their laxed attitude and refusal to show. You didn’t hold it against them. If they wanted to rest and play, that was fine by you. But nothing was going to stop your grind.

“That’s too bad. Would’ve loved to had the whole crew but we gone have fun, promise. If it’s anything we can do to make you feel comfortable or make it easier, just let us know. We wanna take care of you.”

if it were one thing you were incredibly grateful for, it was these guys’ kind hospitality. You were admittedly a little scared to take this leap alone but you didn’t have to be so closed off. They were like coworkers; employed under the exact same talent agency as yourself but to them?

“Yeah, we like family now!” Connie, who had raised his glass to propose a toast on behalf of yourself, their performance and the pending success of the album. Prompting both you and Onya to follow suit. You were so excited for what was to come. There was a nine hour trek to California so it was best to become friendly.

the three of you eventually began talking, drinking, listening to music and just having a good time. They were both so respectful and nice. Complete opposite of what the media portrayed of their personas. They asked about your pole dancing, told you how crazy you guys’ dance went and that they’d love to have you on stage with them some time. it made you feel so much better about things and that you felt as if you made the right decision. However, it wasn’t until he brought up a mutual acquaintance that the guilt kicked right back in.

it was when you asked about what type of concept he was going for in the shoot and what to expect that it came about..

“Well we just wanted this shit to look like one big party..cameos from all our friends…have some pretty women slide through. Just have fun. We even tried to get EJ in it but his ass don’t even know how to just relax and play.”

EJ! The same EJ you had just stood up without so much as a word! How the hell could you have forgotten that he had just invited you out.

taking a hard swallow, (y/n) tossed the remainder of your champagne down your throat and kept your eyes focused on the two of them, so as not to appear nervous. You were incredibly frustrated with yourself right now. “EJ was going to be in the video?”

“That’s what we had planned. We asked him to get on this flight with us and come out but he said he had something more important to do. That he had plans tonight and tomorrow.”

right then, your heart damn near sank..you were almost certain said plans were hanging out with you and selfishly, you just abandoned them to chase a dollar. Could’ve at least had the courtesy to apologize but with you all thirty thousand feet in the air, you doubted any correspondence would make it through to him at this altitude.

the best you could do was perform some damage control when you landed and try to apologize. But with someone like him, excuses probably didn’t mean much. He struck you as the type of person who was very strict in his boundaries and you had once, maybe twice as best to do him dirt before dismissing you altogether.

“I’m telling you, that man don’t know nothing but work. Only way he’ll pop out at a club is if they pay him. He won’t do parties, it’s always serious with his ass.” Connie expressed as he rubbed the back of his neck, seemingly uncomfortable with his friend’s behavior.

“Is it that bad?” Pretending to be oblivious to his behavior, even though you witnessed and heard it from his mouth firsthand. Chuckling as you took a bite of a strawberry.

“He wouldn’t even let me record on the first day because I showed up five minutes late and he hated the song! Kicked me out and told me don’t come back until I had something better.”

now you couldn’t help but laugh a bit because he himself had told you that he didn’t play when it came to recording and producing for people. He hated having his time wasted and he said from his own admission: “I won’t put my name on some bullshit. I refuse. Waste my time with some dumbass song and I’ll put you out.”

it would take only one conversation to realize how much of a no nonsense person he was. So it came as no surprise that he didn’t want to participate in this. As to why he didn’t want to go to his little friend’s get together and why he preferred to chill with one person. Which made you feel all the more worse because he looked so excited to hang out.

“Don’t worry, he’s not as bad as you think. He’s actually pretty cool when you get to know him. He just stays to himself and don’t really be with all the drama. Would be nice to see his ass relax though. Be making me fucking nervous..gone fuck around and have a heart attack before he turns thirty.”

Onya, shaking his head as he drank the remainder of his glass. It seemed that these dudes cared deeply for Eren, as your friends did for you. When they told you to take it easy, they meant it from a place of love. Not of laziness..maybe when you got back to Miami, you’d take some time off and possibly get a rain check for your ‘date’. That’s if he’d even talk to you again!

for now, you’d enjoy the venture through the skies and the remainder of your long night.

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meanwhile, a blacked out sedan transporting the Grammy award winning rapper was slowly peeling from the parking lot of the arena when it was bum rushed by a bunch of rabid fangirls. “We love you, EJ!” “Marry me!” Could be heard from behind the glass as Eren attempted to ignore it. This was all but inevitable every time he made a public appearance. Hence why he preferred to stay home! He had just finished up his surprise headline performance and it was every bit of the amazing experience everyone knew it would be.

he had ‘crashed’ his friends’ performance, coming out during him and Prince Cee’s joint song..only to steal the show and finish out the night with a few of his own tracks.

somehow, it always ended like this. Him chasing women off with a stick and not being interested in the slightest. “You’re a lucky man, Mr. Jaeger. Not many people can say they have women chasing them down the street.” Currently, he was sitting spread legged in his seat, nonchalantly igniting his blunt as his assistant chimed off.

he wasn’t concerned about them at all. Half of them just hopeless groupies; probably married or had a man and was hoping he’d snatch them up instead. It wasn’t uncommon for artists to hook up with fans but he’d never do such a thing and cross that boundary. Besides, he didn’t want something everyone else could have.

“Mhm. If you say so.” He really wasn’t in the mood to entertain anyone right now. Except the one person he had invited out..yet, when he left, there was no sign of (y/n) anywhere. He assumed that you’d be waiting for him backstage or in his dressing room. Perhaps it was wishful thinking of a dynamic that didn’t really exist between you two like that.

maybe he had been a bit too forward with inviting you to kick it with him..seeing that he was visibly annoyed, his faithful assistant Floch tried to change the subject.

“So Mr. Springer has already left to shoot his video, he told me that he wished you would’ve joined them but he knew you’d probably decline..” as he was rambling, Eren just peered down at his phone, mindlessly scrolling at nothing..hoping he’d get a response from the one person he wanted to hear from. Not paying him any attention until he said something that piqued the artist’s interest.

“They left with some girl who’s supposed to be the lead. She was stunning too..I seen Mr. Smith from the talent agency talking to her. I think she was one of those pole dancer girls from earlier.” Just then, his head rose up slowly and he’d shoot him a glare.

“What did you say?” And by his tone, Floch became terrified because he wasn’t sure if he had something wrong.

“I—uh, just saw Mr. Smith talking to her. Apparently Mr. Springer asked her to be in his video so she left.”

“What’s her name? The redhead suddenly shifted in his seat; he had to think about it for a moment but just then it clicked as he recalled seeing a name inscribed on the back of her jacket.

“(Y-y/n)..I believe.”

just then, he felt a feeling that had never registered with him before..was this sadness? Jealousy?…less known over a woman?! He barely even knew this chick and here he was getting possessive and upset that she left to go be in a music video with one of his friends.

and he knew Floch wasn’t saying any of this to be condescending or funny because he had no idea about the little bond that had formed or the rumors that were circulating. He was a true professional to his core and made it his mission to stay out of his boss’ private affairs.

however, Eren was losing his mind a little. On one hand, if he became irate, it’d give away the fact that he had developed a bit of a crush on the influencer. On the other, he couldn’t believe that Connie would ask for you specifically, especially when he was somewhat aware of what went down.

“..I see.” nodding his head and glaring aimlessly from the window. Letting a smirk crack across his lips eventually..hell, all he could do now was charge it to the game and go on about his business. No time to be jealous or get in his feelings. Instead… “Hey Floch. Set me up a flight to Atlanta. First thing in the morning.” For now, he had to get you off his mind and he knew just the way how.

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page break and time skip

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“Beautiful! Love it, guys.” the voice of the video director echoed through a megaphone at studio set six. You all had just finished out the remainder of the music video you were shooting. Things were wrapping up and it was yet another task you could check off your goal list. Saying you were the star of a music video was going to be huge.

“Aye, (y/n). That was perfect. Thank you so much, beautiful.” “Yeah, you did your thing, ma. We appreciate you.”

the two gentlemen you had attended with came over and greeted you with giant hugs as a show of their gratitude. It had been a few days since you touched down in Los Angeles and it was nothing like you had pictured. Then again, you were here partaking in work rather than leisure. You were behind studio walls instead of walking Rodeo so naturally, it all looked different. But it wasn’t all too bad.

plus, with the hefty paycheck that Mr. Smith had deposited to you, you had no complaints!

“No, thank you both for inviting me. This has been so much fun and I can’t thank you enough for the opportunity.”

needless to say, the shoot was a success. It involved a pool party, riding a motorcycle and you even dancing on Prince Cee’s lap. And you couldn’t lie..it had been a hell of a long time since you’d had a man grip your waist like that so you enjoyed that part a little too much! It’d be a shock for sure when it was finally released to the world to see yourself being felt up by him.

but this was just business and nothing beyond it. People do that all the time. Once they finish all the editing, it’d be released later this week, along with two new songs from the duo and you were so excited for both of them. You had no doubt that his album would be a huge hit. You were truly rooting for them.

“It’s all good. Like we said, we family now and you did us a big favor. Let us take you to dinner tonight and show you around. I know you said you ain’t never been out here before so we gotta take you to one of the best spots out here.”

“I’d really like that, y’all. Thank you so much.”

with that, plans for the evening had been set in motion. It would be nice to actually get out and enjoy LA before you had to leave..and who knew the next time you’d be able to visit? It was around seven at night over here on the west coast and you couldn’t help but wonder how your girls were spending their night. You had heard from them earlier in the form of a FaceTime call..all of them congratulating you on the video and saying they couldn’t wait to see it. meanwhile, they had been partying nonstop. Sailing on yachts, going to clubs and Niesha was being pampered by her little producer boyfriend. You were truly happy for them and loved to see their smiles.

but you also couldn’t help but to think about how a certain someone was doing. The second you touched down, you sent Eren a text apologizing for standing him up. Explaining that it wasn’t intentional but you had a job come up and if he were still interested in hanging out once you got back to Florida, you’d love to.

however, it went unanswered and you felt terrible. He wasn’t like everyone else nowadays. You couldn’t go stalk his social media or see what he was up to because he was so tight lipped about his life. Which you couldn’t fault him for at all but it didn’t stop you from worrying. You guys were constantly texting and even talked on the phone. Per your last conversation, you seemed fairly close but maybe he was mad at you. Someone like him didn’t put too much stake in people so you were probably not even on his mind now.

which sucked to think about…because he was a lot of fun. He made you laugh and not to mention, his playful flirting invoked feelings in you that hadn’t ever been there with anyone else. You saw his comments he had left on your last video from Rolling Loud and it made you laugh a little. “👀 damn.” Because the two of you knew it was a troll but everyone else was scrambling to make him out to be a simp.

“Alright, everyone! Thanks so much for your hard work. We’ll see you all next time.”

with that, the entire crew gave themselves a round of applause and proceeded to clear out of the set room. You’d probably head back to your hotel, get changed and grab a late night dinner at one of these lofty, upscale restaurants with the two guys. However, nothing could have prepared you for what was really about to take place when you made it back to your room and retired for the evening. Things were about to get much more heated than you expected.

two hours later…

it was nearly ten o'clock when you finally made it back to the Chateau Marmont; one of the city’s finest resorts and where you had been resting these past few days. It was beautiful..rich with history and decor. It was an absolute haven and although you were enjoying all of the amenities it had to offer, you were most looking forward to being swaddled up in the comfortable bed. Having settled in for the evening, (y/n) began removing your makeup and getting ready for bed. Connie and Onya were nice enough to treat you to a five star dinner, letting you order whatever you wanted and being all around gentlemen.

but it was as you were putting your hair up that you’d see your phone ringing and it was a FaceTime call.. “..at this time of night?” Questioning as you went to accept the call with a furrowed brow and confused expression on your face. Still, you were more than happy to see it!

“Eren..what a nice surprise!”

“I could say the same. Didn’t think you’d pick up, honestly.”

on the other end was the one person you had been hoping to hear from. It’d be nearing a little after one am on the east coast so he must’ve really wanted to talk to you. As always, he was facing a blunt, taking the roll between his pretty lips and lying in bed, shirtless. He had that exhausted drawl and deep tone that you’d heard the first time around. “Well I was just getting ready for bed. Just got back from dinner so I’m ready to lay down.”

smirking at your response before blowing another cloud from that spliff. You hated how attractive he made everything look! Including the facial hair he was starting to grow out and his long locks cascading around his face. However, you couldn’t help but feel a bit of guilt..you just disappeared on the man without so much as a word the other night and here you were pretending nothing had happened!

“I don’t blame you. How’s LA?” The words felt condescending because of your own conscious eating away at you. You ended up confessing that you took the flight in your text and that you were sorry but maybe he hadn’t forgiven you for that. A pang in the pit of your stomach resonated and you were growing nervous. “It’s pretty nice. Can’t complain, honestly.” “I’m glad to hear that.” His words trailing off as he lazily eyed you up and down yet again. He always did have a habit of doing so when you were in his view. As sexy as you were, he couldn’t help it.

eventually, you couldn’t take the tension and addressed the elephant for yourself. “Yeah..listen, I’m sorry about the other day. I didn’t mean to dip on you like that. They just asked me so quick that I—“but your explanation was quickly halted by a hand into the camera. Truth was, he didn’t care. You didn’t owe him any sort of answer. He was not your man nor was he the one paying your bills so that bag came first. He understood that better than anyone..

“Why are you telling me? I’m not mad at you, mama. You did what you had to do.”

widening your gaze, you’d be taken aback by his reaction. Most guys would’ve been feeling a way or swearing that you were on some sneaky shit..even if you weren’t dating! Hence why you strayed from relationships. But this man was much different! “You’re not upset?…but I— “but you what? Done your job?”

when he put it that way, he made you realize how silly it sounded. Leaning up into the camera as you walked back to your bed, Eren glared directly at you. “I’ll be honest..had you picked hanging out with me over something like this, I probably would’ve never spoken to you again and I’m being serious. Besides, you did the little bald bastard a favor so don’t feel bad.”

still, his statement was so matter of fact that you couldn’t help but laugh a little! “Wait? Why not?” But the answer was simple. It was such a pet peeve, among many other ticks of his when women would rather cling on to him for a come up, rather than make her own way. And vice versa. That’s why he fucked with you so heavily. He saw your work ethic and it was so sexy. It was so attractive how you maneuvered and handled your business. Also, he knew your homegirls were back in Miami partying with his best friend so the fact that you made this trip alone was commendable.

in fact, he was glad you did so he could finally get the one on one time he had been craving..he would’ve never been able to do so with four other women running around. What you didn’t know, was that he too had made a little trip himself: to Atlanta to help out with another friend’s project. Who was ironically beefing with the man who you had just shot a video with! It was amusing to him because the disagreement wasn’t even serious and having to record these two idiots throwing slams at each other in a track over something so trivial was hilarious.

that and he was a bit salty with Connie for nabbing you away. Especially when he had some things he wanted to say to you..preferably in person but it’d have to do right here..

“Well you know me..I gotta get mines. But I promise the second I’m back in Dade, imma come see you. I might take a little break so I’m gonna need you to help me relax.”

hearing you say those words invoked something in him..feelings he had been all but trying to conceal. But there was no need. It was obvious that tensions were boiling over between you two and there were only so many subtle innuendos you could throw before someone got the hint…

inhaling once more, Eren laid back against his pillows, raising the phone a bit and you were angled to where your head (and exposed chest) were sitting upright; amply cupped in that tank top you had on. (Y/N) was hoping to play it coy because you didn’t want to appear as easy but hearing his voice again and having these talks..you couldn’t help but to feel some level of intimacy. It was a bit forward for just a friendship but it wasn’t as if you two were even remotely close to a relationship either.

so what exactly was this?…why did you feel so comfortable with him? Why did you want to be more open than you already were….

you’d have your answer shortly when the topic got a bit more escalated. “Shit, you’re not by yourself. I mean, I’m up in Atlanta at the moment but for sure..I got you, gorgeous. We’ll have to link.” That tone causing tingles up your spine again. Truthfully, you had been drinking a bit and having pent up, unreleased feelings were getting to you.

moving a hand down to your stomach, you’d toil with the thin material as he watched you through the camera. Eventually watching his own disappear downward. It was crazy how much sexual frustration and attraction the two of you were harboring right now. Yet, neither of you wanted to make the first move! Was it respect? Shame? Worry that the other might not view you the same afterwards? Still, he had to go for it because he had been waiting days to see that pretty face again and it didn’t help when you posed the question:

“..I’m down. So what you tryna do?” Almost as if you two were playing a game of chess and you had just set the pieces in motion for him to make his move. Almost as if you were hoping he’d take the bait and initiate this intimate moment.

“What you mean?”

“When I get back. What you got in mind?”

furrowing your brow and biting at that lower lip so gently, (y/n) waited patiently for what he had to say. And it’d be an unexpected answer. Peering over his shoulder once as to not make sure anyone was around, Eren stared back at you; glazed, glossed over green eyes barely even open but he was looking right through you and knew what you both needed.

“I mean, if we being real..we don’t even have to wait. Cause I’ll tell you what I want right now.” Closed mouths didn’t get fed in his opinion. It was obvious that you weren’t scared or acting all innocent so why should he? Why should he hold back on how he felt about you? So another man could come swoop you away when he obviously wanted you so bad? Hell no. Instead, he’d make certain that even though you were miles and states apart, EJ the Don would be the only one on your mind for days to come!

“Talk to me then.” Slickly setting the stage for him to get his sentiments off of his chest. “Tell me what’s on your mind, sweetheart..”

his lips cracked into a faint smile at the mention of the moniker, licking his tongue around them before he focused on you again. “I already told you, baby. I don’t do rumors and I don’t bite my tongue..”

you hadn’t felt anything like this before. Someone who wasn’t afraid to tell you exactly what he wanted. “What if we quit all the playing and did what was on both of our minds?..cause I’ve been thinking ‘bout you like crazy..” the more he spoke, the more you craved this man. The urge to say the hell with morals and touch yourself to the sound of his sexy voice. Which was the exact goal!

“And what would you say if I told you I wanted you just as bad..would you hold it against me?” “When I want to fuck the shit out of you? Not at all..”

just then, a pang would catch in the pit of your stomach and you’d begin to part your legs slightly. That alcohol was working its way through your body and going straight to your pussy so if that’s what he was on, you’d meet him right there!

not to mention that he got out of his head when he was high so he wasn’t responsible for what he said right now. Both of your views were jolting a bit as you shifted around in the sheets; (y/n) massaging your own breasts as you popped them from your shirt and Eren grasping at his covered crotch, that wouldn’t stay that way though because when you began whispering those sweet nothings to him through that speaker, you’d have this man acting out of character and coming out of his clothes. And vice versa..

“Then I guess I can tell you that I wanted to fuck on you the first night. That I would’ve let you get this pussy if you asked for it..” moaning softly into the mic whilst letting your idle hands scale your bare skin. Those thin panties hanging at your waistline by now…and your fingers dancing across that aching clit and slippery folds.

you proceeded to tell him all the things you wanted him to do when you made it back into town. Including letting him eat you out until you came all over his face, how you wanted to look him in his eyes while you suck it slow and even rub up on his chest while you rode him. All of which had him jerking himself off from the other end. When he readjusted the camera, you could see his fingers cradled around his swollen cock and to no surprise, he was big! Longer and thicker than anyone you had ever seen..thinking about all of that being inside of you had you frothing in more ways than one. And when you’d see him pump that pre-ejaculsting tip appear in your view as he swiped it with his thumb..(y/n) sank your fingers inside of that tightness. Putting it in the perfect position for him to watch you finger yourself. but you weren’t alone. Having come completely undone, Eren let out a gently grunt, even laughing because you were exactly the type of woman he had been waiting for! A freak in private but about her business in public? Perfect..and now it was his turn for confessions.

“Shit…damn, baby. Well since we’re being honest. I’m fucking you on sight. Putting my tongue all over that pretty body…I swear I’m giving you all this dick..” finding yourself whimpering at his words as you closed your eyes and imagined the scenario. He talked you through it so well and you just knew things would be even better had you been in his bed. “You look so good playing with that pussy..you that wet for me?” Teasing as he heard your sweet cries and sloshing wetness. It was so sloppy; dripping with arousal, all due to thoughts of him.

“Y-yeah..this all you.”

“And those titties..they’re so fucking pretty. God, I want you so bad.”

admitting through heavy huffs as his pumping grew faster. The two of you went back and forth, exchanging filthy words and freaky thoughts until neither of you could stand the swelling pressure any longer. “F-fuck! Imma come..” letting out from behind those hotel room walls and hoping no one heard him yelping like a little bitch, Eren raised his back from the mattress as he stroked himself into a mind numbing climax.

but just as he released everywhere, you followed shortly behind with your own squirt soaking those fingers and the sheets. Having full blown fucked yourself to tears! Needless to say, it had been a while since you’d came so it was a lot to come down from. The orgasms ripped though both of your bodies and left you trembling. Unashamed and unabashedly reveling in that afterglow together. But once your favorites met yet again, he’d give you that warming smile and the realization hit as to what just happened.

both of you having exponentially increased your own highs. And not wanting to come down anytime soon. “I swear you’re trouble..goddamn.” But it was him that had awoken that sultry side. Making you act in ways that you never would have normally…and he’d keep it happening until neither of you could even stand anymore stimulation and nearly fell asleep. Having steamy, nasty phone sex for nearly an hour. It was an insane experience! Disheveled and discombobulated, you guys eventually had to hang up and get some rest. “Goodnight..sweet dreams.” Giving him a kiss into the camera. “Trust me, imma sleep very well..” Eren’s lids half shut and dimmed in pure bliss as he returned your peck.

once you both disconnected and bid adieu, (y/n) sat with those feelings and thoughts as you glared up at the ceiling. Who knew how this would lead up and where this left you two but one thing was for certain: things would never be the same!

.･*:｡.･*:｡.･*:｡.･*:｡.･*:｡.･*:｡.･*:｡.･*:｡.･*:｡.･*:｡.･*: .･*:｡.･*:｡.･

if you made it this far, thank you so much for reading! please check out some of my other stuff in the masterlist. Likes are appreciated but reblogs would mean the world and help me out a TON! Also, considering leaving a little something in the tip jar if you’re feeling extra generous! 🫶🏾

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538 notes · View notes

cambrianboyish · 1 month

Text

what if changing history had tumblr

eraserhead-official

My friend told me to make this account. I have no interest in this website otherwise.

eraserhead-official

why are my students on here.

eraserhead-official

there are “edits” of photos and videos of me. what is happening.

(6 notes)

hawksofficial

i’m in a rivalry right now. no one talk to me

hawksofficial

intern says i shouldn’t say things like this on the official tumblr but i dont think she gets my whimsy and my joy

hawksofficial

we apologize for the previous messages, they are not official on any capacity and will be deleted shortly.

(3056 notes)

shadowedfangirl

im having such a normal one rn

journalisticintegrity follow

you do realize that a villain you have connections to is on this very site, right? suspicious.

shadowedfangirl

dude ur gonna have to specify theres like four

#prev em. ahaha

(23 notes)

kingesplosionmurder

the-darkness-consumes-me

a weight has been lifted off of me knowing i am not the only one with a shadow quirk

kingexplosionmurder

of course only a loser extra like you would have a tumblr

todoroki-shoto

? why do you have a tumblr then

shadowedfangirl

yeah why do you have a tumblr. lol

kingexplosionmurder

SHUT UPPPPP YOU SUCK SO MUCH

#prev I LIKE MY BLOG TO BE ORGANIZED, YOURE JUST SAYING SHIT

(25 notes)

shadowedfangirl

the-darkness-consumes-me

a weight has been lifted off of me knowing i am not the only one with a shadow quirk

kingexplosionmurder

of course only a loser extra like you would have a tumblr

todoroki-shoto

? why do you have a tumblr then

shadowedfangirl

yeah why do you have a tumblr. lol

kingexplosionmurder

SHUT UPPPPP YOU SUCK SO MUCH

#prev you literally tagged this as reblogs. do you have a tagging system

(25 notes)

kingesplosionmurder

the-darkness-consumes-me

a weight has been lifted off of me knowing i am not the only one with a shadow quirk

kingexplosionmurder

of course only a loser extra like you would have a tumblr

todoroki-shoto

? why do you have a tumblr then

shadowedfangirl

yeah why do you have a tumblr. lol

kingexplosionmurder

SHUT UPPPPP YOU SUCK SO MUCH

#reblogs

(25 notes)

pikachuuuuuu

shadowedfangirl

im having such a normal one rn

journalisticintegrity follow

you do realize that a villain you have connections to is on this very site, right? suspicious.

shadowedfangirl

dude ur gonna have to specify theres like four

#FOUR????

(23 notes)

kendo1b

alien-queen

i need her carnally

alien-queen

who said that.

copycat22

so many people in 1a reblogged this…unbelievable. you’re all exposing yourselves to the masses

kendo1b

monoma you reblogged this like 34 times. you blew up everyones phones

(276 notes)

shadowedfangirl

im having such a normal one rn

journalisticintegrity follow

you do realize that a villain you have connections to is on this very site, right? suspicious.

shadowedfangirl

dude ur gonna have to specify theres like four

(23 notes)

blooderotica

leagueoflegends002

did she fucking block me

blooderotica

LOSER!! she didn’t block me…i actually think she likes me better than u

blooderotica

wait a minute.

copycat22

alien-queen

i need her carnally

alien-queen

who said that.

copycat22

so many people in 1a reblogged this…unbelievable. you’re all exposing yourselves to the masses

(276 notes)

almightyfanboy

alien-queen

i need her carnally

alien-queen

who said that.

(276 notes)

uravity

alien-queen

i need her carnally

alien-queen

who said that.

(276 notes)

shadowedfangirl

“ohhhh y/n go to therapy youre keeping all your emotions to yourself and you can’t trust other people it’s not healthy” have you considered i need to Survive

shadowedfangirl

im very mentally well

(1 note)

blooderotica

leagueoflegends002

did she fucking block me

blooderotica

LOSER!! she didn’t block me…i actually think she likes me better than u

almightyfanboy

my first post on the tumblr!

#intro post #i dont know how to use this website…

(2 notes)

tiredandhungry

you’ll never guess what i am today

shadowedfangirl

shinsou please

(12 notes)

pikachuuuuuu

alien-queen

i need her carnally

alien-queen

who said that.

(276 notes)

tiredandhungry

you’ll never guess what i am today

(12 notes)

hawksofficial

i’m in a rivalry right now. no one talk to me

hawksofficial

intern says i shouldn’t say things like this on the official tumblr but i dont think she gets my whimsy and my joy

(3056 notes)

todoroki-shoto

i think this place is neat.

shadowedfangirl

todorokiyourenotsupposedtoputyourfullnameontheinternet

todoroki-shoto

im not?

(11 notes)

shadowedfangirl

im having such a normal one rn

#constantly having a normal one

(23 notes)

obsidian-within

(205 notes)

#changing history mha

49 notes · View notes

sherifftillman · 1 year

Text

busy streets and busy lives • ralph penbury x reader

A strange day at work gets even stranger when you meet a man who claims he's from 1926. With no certainty as to when he can get back, you decide to take him in until that time arrives.

masterlist | prev. | next

Tags: Timewasters (series), modern!au, slow burn, mutual pining, idiots in love™, fluff, some angst, swearing and mentions of adult themes throughout, eventual adult content, alcohol content, drug content, penbury is a fanon surname

Word count: 10.6k

A/N: 5½ months. 12 chapters. 107,600 words. All for a silly little idea I threw at my friends in a discord server. Thank you for being here. <3

Also, there's a part in this that's VERY reminiscent of a certain photo that released today. (spoiler alert, it's in the chapter card lol) I swear, I wrote that almost a week ago and the video just HAD to drop today of all days, DIDN'T IT. If Joseph Quinn is in my walls, please get him out of there. That's not a safe environment for him.

“Right, so, hang about…” Connor holds his hands out in front of him, moving one out to the side as if physically placing events into a timeline. “So, back in 192-whatever, Ralph meets Nick and that lot, who we went to school with, who have… Travelled through fucking time,” he sounds exhausted just at that phrase. You nod, and he moves his hand to continue, “Ralph falls head over heels for Little Lauren. That works about as well as anybody would expect,” he raises his eyebrows at Ralph, who shies away a little. “And Ralph joins the Army.”

“French Foreign Legion, to be exact,” Ralph pipes up.

“French Foreign Whatever, yeah,” Connor nods, moving his hand again. “He hates it, he runs away back home, he ends up meeting Homeless Pete.”

“Wait!” Grace’s boyfriend suddenly shouts, waving his hands around and making everyone jump. He points to Ralph. “That’s why your name’s always been in the back of my head! You lived in the fucking Waterstones building?!” Ralph nods. “So, you were filthy stinking rich, and you left that?!”

“Well, I… I may have left out some details about… I may have… Sort of given up most of my material possessions to Laur- the other Lauren,” he gestures to Connor’s girlfriend, who makes an expression that shows Ralph she understands that she’s not who he’s talking about. “Um, before I had left. Well, after I had left for the Army, but before I… Ended up here.”

“You were really down bad, weren’t you, mate?” Connor asks, cocking his head, and Ralph cowers back into his seat.

“Yes, well. That’s all well into the past now. Ninety-seven years in the past, to be exact!”

“Fucking mental,” Scott says under his breath. “Anyway, Connor, keep going with your…” He waves his hands in front of him.

“Yeah, so, you’ve not got nothing, Lauren rejected you and you still left her everythi- God, how did you survive without us?!” Connor shakes his head. “So you bump into H.P., who brings you to our time. You get rescued,” he gestures to you, “and…”

“Can I ask,” Scott’s partner raises a finger, looking at you. “What made you take him in, then?”

You look at Ralph and shrug. “I dunno, look at him! Who’d say no to that face?” You squish his cheeks in one hand, to his indignation, and you hear the soft laughs of your friends. “But… Yeah. Once I’d found H.P. and gotten as much of an explanation as I’ll ever get out of him, it was just… So much to wrap my head around. And I couldn’t just leave Ralph to the streets, he’d get killed!” Ralph suddenly looks very fearful, grabbing a cushion to hug to his chest. “And then next thing I knew, he was setting off alarms in the flat on his first day there, so I couldn’t exactly leave him home alone, so I had to bring him with me to Anna’s that night. I barely had the time to text you lot in advance, I couldn’t exactly leave you a voice note saying “by the way, time travel exists and I’m bringing a man who was born in the Victorian era, see you at 7!” And then the days were getting ahead of me, and I couldn’t even make any sense of it myself, let alone trying to teach any of you about it, either.”

“So, what, does he have to go back at any point? To like, restore the fragile balance of the time-space continuum or whatever sci-fi nonsense this actually proves?” Grace asks.

“Well, we thought so, and that’s why we were always so vague about him “going home”,” you explain. “But then, after Brighton, he almost - he could’ve gone home, and by all we knew back then, he should’ve -” You don’t see Ralph wince in pain at that word. “- but H.P. tol- well, told,” you hold up your fingers as air quotes, “Ralph that since the others had never returned to their own time, without consequence, he decided to stick around.” You smile comfortingly at him and he reaches out to hold your hand.

“Easily the best decision I’ve ever made,” he smiles back. “Staying with you, well, all of you!” He looks around the room. “I truly… I cannot put into words how deeply it hurt to omit the truth from you all for so long, but… Well, everything just seemed to be going so well for me, for once, and I feared that… To let that slip, I might… Lose you all,” he lets go of you to wring his hands in his lap. “Entirely selfish of me, I completely understand if you all think differently of me, now -”

Anna interjects with a sympathetic, “You’d have to do a lot worse to get rid of all of us.”

“Yeah, you’re the one stuck with us, Ralphie!” Scott jokes.

“I mean…” Lauren starts, pausing for a moment. Ralph’s face goes on an emotional journey of potential heartbreak, fearing he’s lost one of his best friends. Lauren remains stoic as she finally continues, “Yeah, it’s pretty shit that pretty much the foundation of why we’re friends is a lie.”

“Literally the only thing that Ralph and I kept quiet was the whole time travel thing, because, well, it still sounds stupid saying those words out loud,” you shake your head. “But everything else, it’s all been pure Ralph. Nothing else is based off any lies, it was just to… I mean, what would you have done if he’d have told you that night you met him, that he’d got here by getting in a lift with an old man in 1926 and ended up in 2022?!”

“I’d think he was off his tits,” Lauren admits in a quiet voice, much to Ralph’s confusion. “Yeah, alright, I guess, it’s… It’s complicated, innit?”

“Tell me about it,” you reply, exhausted, and the others laugh.

“It is a bit shit,” Connor acknowledges Lauren and then the pair of you. “But we’d all probably have done something similar. I mean, fuck me, I’d probably have left him with H.P. and let him be someone else’s problem. Good job I never found you first, eh!” Connor’s light-hearted smile falters at Ralph’s fearful look.

“Again, I completely understand if any of you feel duped into being my friend and wish to use your own agency to - just, please, direct all of your disappointment towards me and not -”

“Ralphie, babes, we’re saying we get it. Kinda. I dunno, this is all messing with my head a bit,” Grace blows out a breath, and everyone makes general noises of agreement. “But of course we still wanna be friends with you, you big nelly!”

“Yeah, we love teaching you words and things you’d never know. Now that we know why, we can teach you way more!” Scott’s eyes glisten mischievously.

“I mean, I know I’m the one who technically turned you into a bit of a Swiftie, but I’m not letting go of that any time soon,” Anna jokes, which causes Ralph to finally let out a small laugh. “And besides, whose head am I gonna pat without you around?!”

“I never meant to deceive you all,” Ralph says quietly.

“We know,” Connor reassures in the same tone, “but you didn’t really trick us into anything. And hey, it could’ve been worse. I’d rather you were a secret time traveller than a secret serial killer!”

Ralph finally lets himself smile at Connor, who returns it. He sits up a little more confidently. “I can’t tell you what a relief it will be to never have to worry about what I say anymore!”

“I mean, still, this information can’t leave the people in this room,” you explain, gesturing around to everyone. “There’s all sorts of legalities that I’ve never been able to figure out, like a passport,” you gesture to Connor and Lauren, “or setting him up with a bank account, or medical stuff -”

“I mean, surely there’s people out there who were never registered at birth or whatever, right? Maybe we just play Ralph off as one of those?” Anna asks.

“Maybe. But who do we say he is? If we call him a Penbury, as in we try and say that he’s his own relative, his last technical record from 1926 is that he enlisted, went MIA and was presumed dead,” you shrug.

“Shit, yeah, your mum does all that stuff, doesn’t she? Have a look, see what his sister’s stuff says, maybe we can sneak him in that way,” Scott leans in, and everyone else starts shuffling closer, too.

Ralph, having been sat dumbfounded for several minutes, finally finds his voice. “Sorry, but now I’m the one who’s rather lost. So… Not only are none of you ousting me, you’re planning to deceive the law for me?!”

“Yeah, didn’t you hear Anna earlier? You’re family,” Connor smiles affectionately at him, and Ralph’s ears turn pink as his lower lip trembles.

You log into your mum’s ancestry account and once again look up Ralph’s name, your eyes going wide when you see the name next to him. “Okay, so Victoria’s got about six surnames, so I’m sure we can slip you in there somewhere,” you shake your head. Having only looked at his census before, you look through the data they have on Ralph and gasp loudly. Everyone’s gaze snaps to you as you flip your phone over to show them a photo of Ralph, dated February 1926, looking exactly how you remember he did the day you met him, dressed head to toe in Army uniform.

“Oh, you could totally say that you’d been digging up family stuff and you think you’re a dead ringer for… How many generations back would that be?” Anna asks.

You count on your fingers, “Okay, so 1901… Let’s say 30 years per generation, that’s like 3 to get to you being around our age… Which would make OG Ralph your potential… Great-grandpa.” You grimace at the same realisation that Connor and Scott come to, as they point and laugh at you.

“You’re dating someone old enough to be your -”

“He’s twenty-six! Please don’t make me think of it any other way!” You wince, making everyone laugh. “Three generations of unregistered babies is a bit of a stretch…” You shake your head. “Let’s just table this for now. He’s not going anywhere for the time being, are you?” You turn to ask Ralph, who violently shakes his head, still blinking his tears away. “There we go. So, let’s just let everything… Sink in, for now. And we’ll keep thinking of what to do in the long run.”

Ralph hugs everyone goodbye extra tightly. You offer an extra apology to all of your friends, yourself, but they all echo the earlier sentiments that they would have done the same if they were in such a predicament. That they probably would have talked you out of keeping Ralph fugitive for as long as you have. That, if anything, they’re grateful you never gave them the chance to advise you, because if you’d listened to them, none of you would have him in your lives, and one thing everyone in the room agrees on is that life’s been far better with him in it. You have to practically frog-march Ralph out of the door as he starts getting misty-eyed again.

Once you and Ralph are laying in bed, you cuddle up to him, wrapping your arm around his torso. “How you feeling, now?”

“I can’t feel much less than spectacular with you in my arms, my love,” Ralph smiles as he holds you even closer to him.

“Not just all the mushy stuff, you big sap,” you tease. “I mean, like, having to tell everyone.”

“Ah. Yes, well. That went far better than I ever imagined,” he admits softly.

“Wanna admit now that you mean a hell of a lot more to people now that you’ve found the right ones?” You look up at him with a grin.

He squeezes his arm around you to prompt you into leaning up to kiss him. Once you break away from him, he sighs happily. “I suppose, it’s a comfort to know what real friendship is supposed to feel like.”

“Exactly. You don’t give up on the right people. And you’re our right person,” you nuzzle into his neck and he buries his face in your hair.

“That sentiment is more than mutual. Goodnight, my love. Pleasant dreams.“

“Night, Ralphie. Love you, too.”

The next morning, you and Ralph both have the day off, a rare occurrence that you’re extra grateful for today. Of course, you’d love to spend it doing more of what you’d been doing just yesterday, but you’d rather be extra safe and get Ralph some protection, as well as your own birth control. And you needed to go into town for some other things, anyway. You decide to take Ralph with you, though - mostly, so that you can coach him into being able to buy his own condoms without spontaneously combusting on the spot.

Ralph wants to ask his boss something, too, so you head to the old high street where his shop is. While you do love his colleagues, you know that Babs will insist on you two staying for a cup of tea. And then another. And then she’s made you lunch. And then you’re spending your whole day off at Ralph’s workplace. Which honestly, has been fun when it’s happened before, but you do have things on your personal agenda today. And then when they’re done…

You wave to Babs through the shop window when you hear some vaguely familiar voices approaching.

“Nah, bruv, I think your mate Pete got his maths all mixed up, this ain’t when we left here.”

“Maybe we’re in whatever year he just wanted to come back to.”

“Nah, mate, I told him, clear as mud: take us back to the present day.”

“Okay, but Jase, you do realise we’ve travelled back and forth between multiple decades since -”

“Shhh, shut the fuck up, someone’s right there! We should just ask them.”

“Fantastic idea, sis. What do you want to do, rock right up and say, ‘Hello, completely normal and unaware person. Could you, for no strange reason whatsoever, happen to tell me what year it is?’?!”

You’d most certainly know that voice anywhere. Looking over at your high school crush, you smirk at Nicholas, his sister and his friends as you tell him, “March 15th, 2023.”

All four of them look incredulously at you. You can see some cogs turning behind their eyes until, finally, Jason shouts your name out. You grin and nod at him, and he yells, “Fuckin’ ’ell! How the fuck are you?!”

“Yeah, I’m alright. Still kicking about, you know how it is. What about you lot? You must’ve been… Busy.”

“Yeah! Yeah, um… Quick question, how did you…?” Nicholas starts, but pauses, trying to think of how to articulate himself.

After a few seconds, Lauren scoffs, “How’d you know to tell us what the date is so calm, like?”

“Well…” You singsong in a high-pitched tone as the door to the costume shop swings open again. Ralph emerges, to a series of shocked gasps.

“Fucking hell, doesn’t he look the spit image of -”

“Yeah, if you just slick his hair right down, and put him in a bow tie and a straw hat, I reckon - Here, you wouldn’t happen to have a great-grandad or something called Ralph, would you?”

“Wait!” Lauren shouts, holding her hands out. She studies Ralph intricately, who looks as though he’s still processing the sight in front of him. “You look just like Ralph, but all modern-like…” She points to him, and then to you. “And you know that we’ve been… In a different time…” She sticks her head out and squints her eyes back at Ralph. “Are you -?” He nods, still stunned into a wide-eyed silence.

Horace raises his arms in an excited greeting. “Ralph! My boy! We thought you’d died!” He pulls him into a hug that sweeps him off his feet. Ralph hangs against Horace’s body as though he were a ragdoll, his face still bewildered. “Let me take a good look at you,” he says as he puts Ralph down, before letting out a single cackle. “Ha, look at you! Look at this jacket, these chains! You’re a proper modern man, ain’t ya, with your sunglasses and your - How’ve you been, what you been up to?!”

“How did you get here?!” Nick asks in disbelief. You recap very quickly how Ralph found Pete - deliberately redacting that he’d attempted to return home to them - and ended up here, where you’d found him and taken him in.

Just as you finish explaining, someone approaches you with an, “Excuse me?” They tap your arm, but lean around you to look at Ralph and nod with a smile, “I thought that was him! Ralph from Twitter, right? Oh my god, I wish my phone hadn’t died, or I’d so ask for a selfie with you!”

Four confused faces look over at Ralph, but you wave the stranger off with a, “Not to worry! I can take one on his phone for him to tweet, if you want? And then you can save it for yourself when you’re home?”

“Oh my god, would you? That’s so sweet! Thank you!” They gush before posing for a photo with him. You quickly get their Twitter handle to include in his tweet, and wave them off as they walk away with a spring in their step.

“What was all that, then?” Jason asks with amusement. “Ralph from Twitter?!”

“Long story. I never told my friends Ralph was from the 1920s, so they thought anyone his age should be on Twitter by now. He kept tweeting inane shit that he thought he was Googling, people found it hilarious, and now he’s sort of social media famous,” you explain with a shrug, to everyone’s laughter.

Lauren looks Ralph up and down, not unlike the way Ralph looks at you, and rubs her hands together. “Famous, eh? I like the sound of that. Sounds like we’ve got some catching up to do, eh, Ralph?”

You feel rage burn through you at the audacity that Lauren has, clearly only interested in Ralph for a chance at fame herself. At how she could so outwardly come for your man - though, granted, Ralph’s been too shellshocked to make that much clear.

You, yourself, start to freeze up as you look over at him. What if this is it? The validation he’d been craving for so long? A second chance at the love he’d felt so strongly about losing, he’d fled the country. If he was willing to risk losing it all after having his heart broken, what else would he be willing to lose to win her back?!

Finally, after what feels like an eternity of silence, Ralph takes a deep breath in. “I don’t think there’s anything more to be caught up on.” He holds your arm to smile warmly at you, “You captured everything perfectly, darling,” before leaning in to kiss you. Jason and Horace hoot and holler, while Lauren makes a disgusted face.

“Fair enough. Rather you than me, anyway, I’d probably get sick of him after a while,” she sneers.

“Good job I won’t, then, eh!” You flash a sickly sweet grin at her as you wrap your arms around one of Ralph’s, hugging it tightly.

“Looks like you really are out of a shot, mate,” Jason grins at Nick, who shoves him.

“Give over, that was -” he flusters, and you laugh, which he sighs at. “Okay, well, so as to explain myself and not sound like a complete lunatic, I, uh… Might have had a bit of a thing for you in school, but I was always too chicken to do anything about it. And even though that was years ago at this point, apparently I’m not allowed to live it down,” he forces a smile on his face, making you laugh harder.

“If it’s any consolation, that was mutual, by the way,” you smirk. You feel Ralph tense under your grip and bury your head against his bicep. “But I don’t think it was meant to be, in the end.”

“God, can you imagine, in another universe, it would’ve been you and Nick, Jase and Victoria, and Lauren and Ralph!” Horace laughs before faltering. “But then who’s left for me?”

You shake your head. “What are you lot planning on doing in terms of living somewhere?”

“Dunno, we brought some stuff over from different time periods in the hopes we could make some big money off some antique dealers,” Nick gestures to the bags they’d placed on the ground while talking to you.

“Good luck, things have changed a lot in the last, what’s it been, six years for you? Yeah, the housing market’s a fucking nightmare,” you shake your head.

“Paying over a thousand pounds a month to live in a shoebox, I ask you,” Ralph mutters under his breath in disgust. You shoot him an offended glance and he simpers back, “But I’d live in a matchbox if it meant living with you, my love.” You grin back, angling your cheek for him to kiss it, to more retching sounds from Lauren.

“Well, I was wondering if we could chance our luck with Ralph’s place, but seeing as though our only way in would be claiming Jason’s son left it to us in his will, when he’d be older than us in this time…” Nick shakes his head, and you and Ralph look incredulously at him.

“Sorry, what?! Ralph’s place?! You mean the big fuck-off mansion they lived in? That’s a Waterstone’s now, and even if it was, there’s no way you’d afford a place like that -”

The others look at you in confusion. “Victoria told us that the house was destroyed in an air raid,” Nick explains slowly.

You shake your head, pointing towards the bookstore. “Go look for yourself, plaque’s still there, and everything. She ended up spending all the Penbury fortune, went flat broke.”

“Explains a lot,” Lauren mutters under her breath.

“Yes, well, anyway!” Jason raises his hands up, as well as his voice. “I’m on about the one that Victoria ended up getting when he di- well, ‘died’, I guess,” Jason holds up air quotes over the word ‘died’. You both stand there in stunned silence, so he explains, “Vic said she found a letter from your dad, before the place got bombed, or… Whatever the fuck actually happened to it, it doesn’t matter, now. The letter was meant to go to his lawyer but I guess he never got to give it to him before… Well,” he gestures, and you both nod in understanding. “Anyway, so in this letter your dad had written, it said that he’d bought an extra place, for if you were to ever go off to war and want a place to come back that was all your own,” he gestures to Ralph, who swallows hard.

“Father bought… Bought me a house?!” He asks, stunned.

“He wrote some bullshit in there about how it might help you start a family and keep the Penbury name intact, that your… ‘pursuit of a wife would be easier if you already had a place of your own’,” Jason pulls a face and shakes his head.

Ralph nods in understanding, pressing his lips together with a faltering, “Now that sounds like Father.”

“So, when you ‘died’, Vic claimed that she had the right to inherit that house, and that’s where we lived. And, um… I sort of… Gave you a nephew?” Jason smiles weakly at Ralph. “But he went off and started his life elsewhere, and fuck knows what happened to him.”

“Hmm, I thought I could maybe blag our way into claiming that Jase is entitled to inherit it, too, because of the family name, but I doubt it, if JJ never came back for it. I seriously doubt Victoria’s still going,” he shakes his head. “Never mind, we’ll just start flogging this stuff and go from there. Anyway! Insane to see both of you, together, at the same time, but, y’know. Glad to see you’re both well, now.” Nick smiles at you both, and you nod.

“Good to see you guys, too! Helps put things at ease that the whole time travelling thing doesn’t make the universe implode on itself.” They laugh, and you look over at the building next to you before nudging Ralph. “Hey, they could probably try selling some of their stuff to your shop, couldn’t they?”

“There’d be no harm in trying,” Ralph agrees. “Though I should warn you, the owner is a tad… Eccentric.”

Lauren scoffs, “Fuck me, if Ralph’s calling someone eccentric, they must be a raving fucking lunatic!” She picks up one of the bags and heads to the door, slapping Ralph’s arm as she walks past him. “See you around, yeah?”

“Y-Yes, of course. All of you,” Ralph smiles, shaking the other men’s hands as they all pile into Ralph’s workplace.

Your mind starts trying to work in rapid fire, trying desperately to connect dots that seem impossible to connect. Thankfully, Ralph for once manages to keep you on task, even managing to buy what you’d asked him to - though instead of working up the nerve to seek out a cashier, he’d opted for the equally challenging task of trying to operate a self-service checkout while you frantically Google every little bump in the road you come across - though on incognito mode, of course, just in case.

Once you’re sitting down together in a cafe, waiting on your lunch, you finally try and articulate your train of thought to Ralph. “Look, all you need to prove that you’re a rightful heir is a name, a story that you’re related, and three months’ worth of proof that you live somewhere. So, granted, we’re gonna need to find something to sign you up to that’ll mail you stuff, but after that, in just three months, we might be able to get that place!”

“Well,” Ralph starts, wringing his hands together on the table. “Babs was telling me something about - about the taxes she has to file, apparently there’s some sort of form I have to be given at the end of the month, I didn’t say anything because she’s the one that pays me, but she had said something about deducting it from my pay already, it’s a… System I couldn’t wrap my head around,” he shakes his head. “But she did say… That if I’m asked to prove anything about my pay, she also has my official pay slips in her possession.”

You look at him incredulously. “So, what, they have your work’s address on them? As if you live there?”

“Not quite… She asked for our address some time ago, and I assumed it was in case of emergencies so I told her, and so I suppose that’s what she’s submitted on the slips. She said that she never sends them because there’s no point, if we want them, we can simply ask her.”

You’re practically vibrating in your seat with excitement. “So, we can take those… With your name on… Make up some story about how we found a photo online of your great-grandad who looks just like you and found out he owned that house…” You grin at him. “And it’d be ours!”

Ralph deflates a little. “I wish I could share your enthusiasm, my love, but I fear our luck has run out by now. I mean, surely I’d need a legal record, too!”

You shake your head furiously. “It only says they might ask, online. And you’ve charmed your way out of identification before on countless occasions, what’s one more time?! “

“It’s just an awfully big risk, I mean, what if we get caught? What if we’re imprisoned, questioned - would they even believe what happened with me? It’s just too close to being impossible!”

“Exactly!” You slap the table a few times before grabbing Ralph’s hands to hold them. “Everything about us is just shy of being impossible. You are a 26 year old man who was born in 1901. I am someone who’d given up entirely on love until I literally walked right into meeting my literal soulmate.”

Ralph smiles bashfully, “I wouldn’t have thought you believed in soulmates.”

“That’s my point! I didn’t either! I never would have! But you make the almost-impossible entirely possible. You made an entire life for yourself here where you are loved and admired by literally thousands of people, including the most ride-or-die friends you could have asked for. That are, probably right this second, also researching how to keep you here as long as we possibly can. Who can say they’ve got friends like that, hm? You think Victoria and all her little pals would put that much effort into keeping her around?” Ralph shakes his head. “Right. Because you’re special, Ralph. I know it. We all know it. Just… Come on.”

“But there’ll be inheritance tax, surely,” he counters, “and then, what? I haven’t paid tax in… Ninety-seven years!”

“So, if that happens, we do what Anna says. Once we’ve established that you’re definitely entitled to the house in the name of Ralph Penbury, we spin a tale that you were never registered. Sure, you’d probably be lumped with a load of tax to pay back, but…” You tut out a breath as you think before gasping, clapping and holding his hands again. “What if, we get the house, but I tell my parents we’re buying it, rather than inheriting it?! Get them to give me a loan for a deposit, you use it to start paying off tax stuff, and then instead of all our money going on rent, you can pay the tax people back and I can pay my parents back.”

“It all sounds rather hair-brained,” Ralph states, but with a smile that says he believes in the cause.

“It’s completely hair-brained,” you admit with a nod. “It’s insane and out there and nobody in their right mind would actually think it works. Which is what’s gonna make it work. Right?”

“It’s just - It’s the risk,” Ralph shakes his head, but you pull his hands up to your mouth, kissing his knuckles.

“Ralph Do-You-Have-A-Middle-Name? Penbury.” He laughs. “I am so… Ridiculously, madly, insanely in love with you that I would be willing to put my entire life on the line for you. I would quite literally risk it all.”

Ralph’s ears burn red as he smiles bashfully. “And you call me the hopeless romantic.”

“God, I know. I guess you’ve corrupted me, too,” you pull a face, and he laughs.

“You’re right, though. What sort of man would I be if I didn’t heed my own word? Though I may have far less to put on the line… I would do anything for you, my love. As long as I still have you, I will have everything.”

“Trust you to out-fluff me,” you smirk. “So, you’re willing to give it a shot?”

He takes a deep breath in, and finally nods. “Very well. Whatever happens, we shall have each other, always.”

You kiss his hands again with a grin. “Always.”

~~~

The clang of metal against metal as the door shuts behind you makes you jump out of your skin. “Jesus fucking Christ, warn someone when you’re doing that, won’t you?” you glare over at the uniform-clad man as he wrenches his key out of the lock.

“If it’s too loud for your delicate little ears, sunshine, don’t stay so close,” he sneers.

“Got no choice, have I?” you ask, rolling your eyes and gesturing down, and an almost wicked smile creeps along the man’s face.

“That’s what you get, ending up in a place like this where people like you don’t belong,” he tuts, shaking his head. “If you can’t hack it…”

“Oi, dickhead,” a voice calls from behind you. “You’re all done, now, ain’t ya? If you want to keep that face of yours arranged the way your mother made it, you’ll jog on.”

He looks at you with a smug frown, waggling his eyebrows, “That really the sort of thing you want to be known for? Dangerous reputation around these parts.”

You groan, leaning down to press your forehead into the knuckles holding your car door open as you’re standing halfway in it. “Just get that lorry of yours out of my parking space before I get done for being on double yellow lines, yeah?” The man kisses his teeth as he clambers back into his vehicle and drives away. You pull a face as you put on a mock voice, “‘Get a man with a van’, they said. ‘It’ll make your move so much easier’, they said. Prick. Thanks for helping me deal with him,” you simper at Ralph’s friend Charlotte as she scoops up a box from the pavement.

“Yeah, well. Someone’s gotta put pricks like that in their place, and it sure as shit ain’t our Ralphie,” she scoffs, and you chuckle. "Want me to go grab him so you lovebirds can say goodbye?” She says in a joking tone, pulling a kissy face at you.

You laugh, “Says the person who can’t go twelve seconds without sucking on Yankee-Doodle’s face in there,” you waggle your eyebrows.

“You’re lucky I like you, d’y’know that?” she teases, sticking her tongue out at you before turning on her heel, laughing as she faces away from you and sees Ralph emerging out from the front door of his townhouse. She wolf-whistles as the two cross paths, which Ralph looks very confused at, to your amusement.

“Sorry I have to go into work,” you pout your lower lip out in a frown as he approaches you. “They’re just so short-staffed, and I -”

“Don’t you fret, my love,” he interjects, leaning in to press a quick peck to your lips. “You must go where you are needed. Not to worry, we will remain hard at work here, and then when you return, you can relax in your new, furnished home.”

“Our home,” you correct him. “It is yours, after all. I just can’t believe that this is all real.”

“I’ve felt that way for some time, myself,” Ralph admits softly, stroking your cheek with the backs of his fingers, and you feel yourself physically melt against your car door.

“Right, I’m going before I end up feeling even worse about leaving you guys behind.” You pull Ralph in for another, longer kiss, carding your fingers through his curls as he cradles the back of your neck. A laugh bubbles between your lips as you murmur against him, “This isn’t helping!”

“Ah, what’s one more minute of them not having you?” he smiles coyly at you, and you raise your eyebrows at him.

“What if they said that about me coming back home to you, hm?”

Reluctantly, Ralph steps away. “Very well. Have a wonderful day, darling. Travel safely.”

You turn your nose up and shake your head. “Nah, think I’m gonna finally live life on the edge today.” Ralph gives you a look that tells you he isn’t amused, and you grin back, blowing him a kiss. “Be good!”

“When aren’t I?!”

~~~

You’re not sure that you’ll take the train every time you have to go to work, now; despite it being quicker, having to actively pay both ways and being sandwiched amongst so many people just doesn’t seem worth it. Still, today of all days, you wanted to get home as quickly as you could, despite all the local landmarks tempting your inner tourist. You’ve got all the time in the world now to explore them, and besides, it’d be far more entertaining showing them all to Ralph.

You unlock the door and are immediately greeted by the smell of something cooking, something really good. You step through the hallway and into the kitchen, leaning against the doorframe as you watch Ralph reading from a recipe book, squinting close to the page as he drags his finger across each line of his next instruction, his mouth moving along with every word. "Looks like you could do with some glasses," you pipe up, and Ralph yelps in surprise as he looks up at you.

"Hello, my love! Welcome home! Um, I didn't hear you come in, my apologies, I'd have met you at the door if I'd have known."

"It's okay," you soothe as you stride over to him, pulling him into a deep kiss. "What's this in aid of, is everyone staying for dinner?" A pang of disappointment strikes your chest. As much as you love yours and Ralph's friends, you were sort of hoping to have your first night in the new house alone with him.

"Not tonight, darling, this is in aid of you!" Ralph smiles over at you. "Since I have been learning, and you have been working so hard at your shop, especially juggling it all with sorting out the house and you've still been the one to make countless meals for us, I thought I would try and make your favourite meal."

You let out a small, happy whimper, kissing his cheek. "As long as it hasn't been stressing you out. Do you want any help?"

"Well, I suppose now that you mention it, I do need somebody to stand right there and just look casually beautiful, and - well, would you look at that, you're a natural!" He beams over at you, leaning in to kiss you again.

You grin bashfully, hiding your face in his shoulder. "God, look at what you've done to me! You've made me all mushy and shit."

"Happy to help, my love," he smiles, pressing one more kiss to your head before returning to his recipe.

"Sure you don't want me to help? Read things out or anything? I don't want you straining your eyes," you frown.

"Well, it's not as though I can get my eyes tested, is it?" he asks as he continues preparing food.

"But if it's just a case of reading close-up, you can get reading glasses over the counter in the shops," you explain.

"But aren't glasses rather… Unseemly?" he asks with knitted brow.

You shake your head. "If anything, the right ones would make you appear very, very… Seemly," you pull a face, not knowing if that was the correct term to use or not, and Ralph laughs gently.

"Just go and get comfortable, my love. I will call for you when dinner is served."

"Oh, yeah, forgot we have a dining room with a table, now," you smirk. "Just look at us, living the high life!"

Ralph gasps, "Oh, speaking of! Hannah left us a housewarming gift, she donated her tee-vee so that we could have one in our bedroom, as well!"

The way Ralph elongates the letters in TV so deliberately will never not charm you. "That was nice of her! How come?"

"She's moving in with that girl she met last month. All seems a bit fast-moving, if you ask me."

You look at him incredulously. "Look who's talking!"

"Yes, Hannah did point out something similar to me," he admits, ears blushing.

You chuckle as you navigate your way through to your new bedroom. It seems strange, your familiar furniture against such an unfamiliar backdrop. Every room looks so dated - naturally, it hadn't been touched since the 50s, apparently. Still, that Pinterest board you've been working on for years is finally going to go to good use.

Your heart swells when you see the bed littered with rose petals, a classic touch that has Ralph written all over it. You explore all the dressers and wardrobes in the room, familiarising yourself with where Ralph and your friends have decided to unpack your things. You open up your underwear drawer, thumbing across the carefully-arranged bras with a smile. Finding a particularly intricate number, you fish for its matching underwear, and decide to change into it. Ralph did ask you to slip into something more comfortable, right? You find something flattering to put over the whole set and rejoin him downstairs.

He's stirring something in a pan, looking rather proud of himself, when you get back to the kitchen. This time, you tap your knuckles against the door to make your presence known, so as not to surprise him. However, once he sees you, Ralph immediately drops the utensil he's using back into the pot with an almighty clatter, his jaw visibly dropping. You smile bashfully and he clears his throat, "Forgive my reaction, my darling, but you look positively ravishing."

In Ralphspeak, you know that's the equivalent of him calling you the closest thing to sexy he's probably willing to say. At least, for now. Maybe you've still a little corruption left in you. Still, it's enough to cause your heart to race. "You like?"

"I love. I mean, of course, I love you no matter what, but…" He blows out a breath that tickles the curls that hang across his brow. "You really do look absolutely delectable."

After a lingering moment, you manage to tear your eyes away to look at what's cooking. "Speaking of, so does this! You sure I can't be of any help?"

"Not at all, my dear, it's just about ready to serve. And just in time, so I can no longer fear about getting too… Distracted," he smiles coyly, looking you up and down the way he always does. There's something a little different in the way he looks at you, though. A different sort of gleam illuminates his eyes. One that makes you want to wolf down your food, drag him up to the bedroom and pull him on top of you.

But still, he's worked hard on this meal, and he looks so proud of himself. Though he dishes up, he still rushes ahead of you into the dining room to make sure he pulls out your seat for you, guiding the chair back with you as you readjust it and kissing your cheek before lighting a candle you vaguely recognise as an old secret Santa gift that you never ended up using, and going back for your food.

You exchange stories about your day: you, about the stresses of working short-staffed on a weekend during a school holiday, meaning a terrifying crossover of screaming babies and toddlers, chaotic children, less-than-trustworthy teenagers and overly-entitled adults; Ralph, about all the different ways your friends almost broke almost every piece of furniture you own while trying to get it into the house. Both equally stressful for you to recount.

At first, once you're done, Ralph insists on cleaning up after himself, but after a lot of pouting, eyelash batting and gentle touches, you coax him out to sit in the living room - another whole room dedicated to one thing, you've not lived like this since you moved out of your parents' - and cuddle up to him on the sofa.

Your embrace barely lasts a minute before your lips are on his, again. He’s desperate to get as close to you as he can, clawing at your clothes as he presses the kiss open. Holding the back of his neck to steady yourself, you move yourself up to straddle his lap, letting your tongue slip into his mouth and moaning at the sensation of his against yours. He echoes you as his hands slip down your sides to squeeze your hips. You buck them under his touch, feeling his erection grow beneath you.

He chokes out a soft, “May I?” as his fingers curl around to grip at the fabric of your top. You nod, sitting back and holding your arms up to let him take it off of you. He starts trying to fold it up behind you but, impatient, you take the garment from him and blindly throw it behind you, holding his face to kiss him again.

He takes your hands into his own and guides them back down, his kisses moving from your lips, down your jaw and to your neck, where he finds an especially sensitive spot and stays there, kissing it over and over again, all while muttering sweet nothings to you. “You are so very beautiful, my darling… How fortunate I am to be this intimate with you… Just exquisite in every conceivable way…" You rock your hips faster at his words, throwing him off his train of thought entirely as he sits back and watches you lustfully.

His gaze isn't trained on your face, though. Instead, he's transfixed on the way your breasts move, both from your heaving breaths and from grinding on him. Biting your lip, you wrap a hand around the back of his neck and start pushing it towards you as his tongue just pokes out enough to wet his lips. "Wanna put that mouth to better use?" You ask as you guide him closer to your chest.

He gasps in soft delight, looking up at you gleefully. "Are you quite sure?" You nod and his face melts into one of pure ecstacy. "Thank you, my love," he mutters before taking one of your nipples into his mouth.

His plush lips press against your flesh as he kisses, sucks and licks at your nipple. Biting back a moan, you rest your hand in his hair, ruffling it slightly and muttering with a smile, “You like that, don’t you?” He hums out an mm-hm that vibrates against your skin, and reaches up to play the other nipple between his finger and thumb. You keen towards him, grip tightening and head bending down to him as you groan loudly, “Fuck, that’s it, good boy!” Words you’d never have thought you’d say in such a context fly out of your mouth so easily, and you could swear he sounded like he was chirping with happiness as you said them.

He moves away from the breast he’s suckling on, pressing one more brief peck to your wet, hardened nipple, and starts to focus on the other, still brushing the other nipple with the backs of his knuckles. You whine, whimper and moan as your still-clothed cunt begs for sweet release. You’re constantly amazed at how quickly Ralph can bring you to an apex few had ever even managed to. “God, Ralph, need you so bad.”

“Of course, please forgive me, got rather carried away there,” he mumbles apologetically to you, but the kiss you press to his forehead tells him there’s nothing for him to be sorry for. Ralph looks around, his brow furrowing. “Um, I don’t wish to diminish the mood at all, but there doesn’t seem to be an awful lot of… Space, here.”

You cock your head, smiling coyly. “You wanna go to the bed you prepared for this exact occasion?”

Ralph returns a smaller, more sheepish smile, his ears tinting. “Ah, you noticed. I suppose, of course you did, it would be difficult not to. Still, was it alright? Or too much?” His face falls. “It was too much, wasn’t it?”

You fleetingly frown in thought. “A little, yeah.” Your expression quickly changes back into a grin, though. “But it was your brand of too much, which makes it perfect.” You lean back to unbutton his shirt. “Unfortunately, my brand is not being patient enough to wait that long.”

“I wouldn’t say that of you, you were rather patient with me all those months,” Ralph notes pointedly, and you laugh.

“Yeah, you used it all up!” You climb off of him, slowly sliding the bottom half of your outfit off, but leaving your underwear on. Looking over at him gawking, you smirk, "You sure you want this? Not exactly dressed for the occasion."

He reaches up to stroke the pad of his thumb across the intricate design of your underwear. "Of course, you had been wearing a matching set, but it was I who became so impatient that I missed out on seeing it in full, my deepest apologies, my love, I - well," he suddenly, hurriedly slips himself out of all his clothes, leaving them in a heap by his feet, making you giggle again.

"Maybe I'll still let you see it," you tell him suggestively, hooking your thumbs into the elastic of your panties. "Maybe I'll wear it all again and take some photos on your phone." With nothing left to cover it, you watch Ralph's cock twitch at the idea and bite your lip to compose yourself. "Maybe," you continue as you slowly push your underwear down your thighs, "I'll leave a video or two, as well." You watch his face as you let them fall past your ankle, stepping out of them and walking back over to him. "What do you think?"

"I think you spoil me, my love," he smiles softly. He reaches down to the jeans he'd all but ripped off of himself, fumbling through a pocket until he pulls out a condom and starts to put it on himself.

Watching the act of him wrapping it around himself and sliding it down is almost enough to totally distract you from your initial thought. Almost. "Did you really just have a condom just sitting there in your pocket? And you make out like I'm the horndog!"

Ralph blushes, "Yes, well, I sort of… Hoped we would… Christen the place, so to speak.”

You climb into his lap, hovering yourself to line up with where he’s holding his shaft. “I like that idea,” you smile softly before sliding yourself down onto him. You both let out staggered moans as you let yourself get used to the sensation of being filled by him, before kneeling yourself up to the point where you can just about feel his tip still inside you and then sinking yourself back down.

His hands grip your hips tightly as he moans your name. You repeat the motions a few times, revelling in the way it feels to drop onto him, having him enter you so deeply and so quickly. You soon start to feel an ache, though, and decide to pace yourself, keeping him bottomed out inside of you and grinding against him until you feel rested enough to go again.

You can see Ralph’s mouth constantly silently moving, as though he wants to keep complimenting you the way he always does, but he’s too blissed out from feeling you clench around him, your cunt gripping his cock tightly with no intention of ever letting him back out of you again. You especially try to make sure you commit the face he makes every time you pull yourself out just to fuck yourself back down onto him again, to your memory, knowing that just remembering the way he reacts to you would be enough to turn you on, if you ever needed anything to fuel your imagination.

At one point, while you’re rocking your hips with him inside you, you finally manage to get yourself at just the right angle to hit that sweet spot that Ralph is always able to find. Keeping yourself at the same angle, you move yourself even faster, moaning louder and more often.

Ralph seems to notice, and does his best to hold you in place as he bucks his hips up underneath your weight. You curl yourself forward, arms wrapped around his shoulders and face buried in his neck as he fucks you from where he sits beneath you. Knowing how good it makes you feel when he mutters sweet sentiments to you, you mumble against his skin, “Feel so good, Ralphie… You always know how to, you’re fucking amazing… So good to me, so sweet, my Ralph, no-one else’s… My sweet and handsome boy, knows just how to please me, fuck.”

."He whimpers and whines, music to your ears as you feel your climax start to build again. “Oh, god, Ralphie, I’m so clo- Oh my god,” you groan as he starts to massage your clit in rapid circles. “Oh, fuck, yes, so good to me, thank you… Wish I could, do more for you.”

“- Already do the absolute most, darling,” he soothes. “’M already embarrassingly near to finishing, myself.”

You shake your head, “Nothing to be ashamed of, not at all, god, please cum for me, Ralphie, and I will for you, please?” Ralph completely falls apart beneath you at your words, moaning your name and digging his fingers bruisingly into your skin. You feel yourself becoming one with him as you ride out your orgasm.

He wraps his arms around your hips, cradling you on his lap, and you rest your forehead against his as you both breathe heavily, intertwined in body, in breath, in spirit. You’d never, ever thought you’d even ever contemplate the idea a year ago, but in this moment, you really are certain that Ralph is your one true soulmate.

He leans in to envelop your lips with his own in a sweet and passionate kiss before muttering, “Forgive me, my love, but I do rather need to take care of…”

You whine indignantly, but stand to climb off of him. “Suppose I should actually change into something comfortable now, eh?” You ask humorously, and you hear his laughter from where he’s throwing his used condom away in the bathroom. The downstairs bathroom that you now have in the townhouse where you live with the love of your life. This was always pipe-dream material, but here you are. Living it.

You run upstairs, taking a moment to again admire the state of the bed and think about all the ways you plan to christen it later, and look through clothes to get changed into. Opting for a tank-top-and-pyjama-bottoms combination, you take yourself to your en-suite and freshen up as you get changed.

When you open up the door again, Ralph is just pulling a white shirt over his head, and you smile fondly at his choice to pair it with a very familiar pair of sweatpants. “Those were the first clothes I ever gave you,” you recall, and he looks at you with a similar expression.

“I believe that was also what you had chosen to wear the first night I met you, as well. When you gave me your bed without knowing anything at all about me,” he reminisces.

You giggle, “Oh, yeah, you wouldn’t even look me in the eye because you didn’t want to be ‘improper’, now look at you!” You tap his nose teasingly, and his ears flush red.

“Oh, hush,” he frowns, but the air of a laugh hangs in his voice. “You really were - I mean, to take me in as you did, in my time of need while knowing absolutely nothing about me, especially after Mister Peter told you my far-fetched reasoning for being here…” Ralph wraps his arms around your waist. “Giving me the life I have now, the friends I have, the - everything,” he sighs wistfully.

“Yeah, well. You try looking you right in the chocolate buttons and saying no to that face,” you smirk, and he laughs. “It’s like I said when we went to the inheritance people to get this place. With my gift of the gab, and your gift of the… Face, the charm, and the everything else you’ve got going for you, we’re unstoppable,” you beam.

“I still can’t believe you were able to talk them around like that,” he looks at you adoringly, and you shrug.

“The amount of backlog they so obviously had, and the amount of effort it would have taken if we hadn’t convinced them to cut some corners with us, it was a doddle,” you shrug. “I could tell they weren’t the brown-nosing type, they weren’t gonna go back to check every little part of what I said we’d set out to do was legitimately within their procedures.”

“A skill set like that is wasted on your little clothes shop,” he frowns, leaning forward to kiss your forehead, and you laugh.

“Yeah, well. Maybe it’s time I look for something new that’s a bit more local to this area,” you nod. “I don’t think Babs’d let you quit, though.”

“Heavens, no, she’d be out for my blood!” Ralph exclaims, and you laugh loudly.

Once you’re back at the sofa, cuddled up beneath a blanket and watching TV together, even though you’re curled up against Ralph’s chest, you can sense something’s bothering him. “You alright?” You ask him.

“Couldn’t be better, darling,” he replies, but the tension you feel beneath your cheek betrays his lie.

“Nah, c’mon, tell me,” you sit yourself up next to him, and he sighs heavily.

“Well, I was just thinking of how… I mean, yes, we have a house now, at least, but I’m still not legally a person, am I? I know we said we wouldn’t openly use that story about me never being registered and so on unless it were absolutely necessary.”

“Yeah, we agreed, only if you need serious medical treatment,” you nod.

“R-right, but what about the other things?” He asks warily, twiddling his thumbs.

“Like holidaying? We can survive not going abroad, Ralph,” you laugh.

“Not just that… What about… Well, we could never be truly wed, or be a family,” you hear his voice get weaker, shakier.

“Sure, we can,” you wrap your arm around his shoulders and pull him so that he nuzzles into your neck, stroking his hair. “Okay, so we couldn’t get, like, legally married, but so what? We can still use the same bank account as if it were a joint one. I could easily change my name by deed poll. We could still throw a wedding in every other aspect, just without the signing the register. And as for the other bit, I mean, you can register with just one parent and add another later, if we do get away with your story about neither of yours registering you.”

“You seem rather sure in your knowledge, there,” he notes with a hint of amusement.

“Yeah, well… Maybe I looked into it all a little.” He looks over at you with a knowing grin, and you feel yourself get sheepish. “What?”

“Nothing, dearest,” Ralph chimes. “Just seems a little… What’s that word that you call me all the time?”

“Sappy? Tell me about it,” you shake your head, and Ralph laughs.

“It’s an honour to make you feel that way, darling,” he leans over to kiss you. After a few minutes, he breaks away to stroke your cheek with his thumb as he holds your face. “You seriously see a future - of us? With me? I -”

You pull him in for another kiss, laughter bubbling between you as you do so, “Yes, you big dafty!”

He chirps happily. “Well, I suppose I’ve a lot to do, then, haven’t I!”

You take a deep breath in as you brace yourself to potentially let Ralph down. “Yeah, but… look, when I said I was looking into it, I meant as in, like, way into our future, yeah? We’ve got bags of time, I just want to enjoy it all with you, you know?”

To your surprise, Ralph scoffs at you. “Well, naturally. Did you think I would propose to you in this manner? Without so much as a ring? Or even your family’s blessing?”

“Oh, well, that won’t take long at all,” you smirk. “I bet you, when we go have dinner with Mum and Dad next week, by the time we even tell them that we’re together now, Mum’ll be asking you what colour her wedding outfit should be!”

A proud smile bursts onto Ralph’s face, but it quickly fades. “Do you think they’ll fear that us getting a house together is too big of a commitment too quickly?”

“Again. Ralph. They love you,” you reiterate to him, squeezing his hand. “And once they find out you’re responsible for us moving to Southwark, where they are? Dad’ll have gotten himself ordained by the time they bring out desserts just to make sure you’d become a permanent part of the family.”

Ralph’s heart swells hundredfold at the sentiment as he embraces you in yet another kiss. “I suppose I am rather overthinking things, aren’t I?”

“Just a tad,” you scrunch your face up, and he laughs.

“I mean, it’s really no different than when we were living at your flat, really, is it?” He chuckles, and you shake your head.

“Except we could have a pet, now,” you muse, and Ralph sits up straight, his face full of excitement.

“Could we get a cat?!” He beams at you, making you laugh.

“God, you and cats, what is with that?”

“I have a theory,” he muses. “Since Cheese and I got along so well so quickly, I think because we were so similar, he put in a good word with all the other cats. That’s the only explanation there could possibly be.”

After a brief hesitation, you laugh, “Sorry, in what way are you so similar to our old neighbour’s cat?!”

“Well, both of us were sort-of confined to our little flats, neither of us technically supposed to be there. I think he could sense that of me when I first met him, back when I… Upset that neighbour of yours.”

“Because you burnt your toast so badly that you almost suffocated the ninth floor with smoke?” You ask with raised eyebrows, and Ralph slinks back into his seat bashfully.

“Well, I’ve learned now, haven’t I?” He points out.

“That, you have. I’m so proud of how far you’ve come,” you hug his arm, shuffling up to his side. “With everything. How you’ve learned to cope with all this modern stuff, all the stuff you never got to learn growing up, and just… I’m really pleased you’ve been starting to love yourself as much - well, almost as much as I love you,” you simper, resting your head on his arm. “Ugh, god, I really am a sap now, aren’t I?”

Ralph chuckles, pressing a peck onto the top of your head. “At least we can both be, together, eh?”

You sigh contentedly as he wraps his arms around you, pulling the blanket around to make sure you’re both comfortable. You look around at the walls, imagining what decorating with Ralph is going to be like in the coming few weeks, and then picturing the photos you’d hang on there. Travels with Ralph all across the country. Your eventual engagement photos, because of course Ralph’s going to make that moment as photogenic as possible so you’ll have something to capture and savour that memory forever. Wedding photos, all your friends and Ralph’s all dressed up to the nines, singing and dancing the night away to celebrate the pair of you. Pictures of your eventual babies, some with Ralph’s eyes and some with his hair but all of them with his warm, kind smile. Those kids’ first moments, their first smiles, first steps, first day at school.

You break yourself away from your trance-like train of thought to see Ralph’s watching you with all the love that could possibly exist in the world currently living in his gaze. “I’m thinking of the same, too, my love,” he whispers excitedly, as though he’s able to see into your mind telepathically. “I can’t wait for the rest of our lives, either.”

#ralph timewasters #ralph timewasters x reader #ralph timewasters x you #ralph timewasters fanfic #ralph timewasters imagine #ralph penbury #ralph penbury x reader #ralph penbury x you #ralph penbury fanfic #ralph penbury imagine #ralph timewasters fluff #ralph penbury fluff #bsbl #fic: bsbl #ralph timewasters smut #ralph penbury smut #*myfics #fic: ralph

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kaetor · 10 months

Note

hey can you tell us about nine hours nine persons nine doors for the nintendo ds

omg . yeah i can <3

things in this game

morally grey soduku

awesome complex characters

weird girls who KILL!!

autism

the titanic!!!

a guy with white hair and trauma (his name is santa)

if youre remembering that tumblr post with the prev tags yes its him

you've heard of one set of insane siblings in a media but what if there was TWO?

women who haunt the narrative and are doomed by the narrative and are changing their fate in the act of telling it

a guy named junpei wakes up on a sinking ship with eight other people. they have nine hours to solve puzzles and get through nine locked doors to get out. hopefully along the way they will figure out who put them there why they put them there and discover a nine year old conspiracy, and maybe, save someone's life in the process

i will not say the plot because it's a mystery & so much of what is good about it reveals all the plot BUT . awesome video game that uses it's medium to tell an awesomer story that reveals it's layers as you play through and you'll finish it and think back to something random a character said at the beginning and go OUGHHHH AUHHHGGGGGHHH AHHHHHHH

uh. do YOU wish that other video games made more use of their bad endings? do YOU want to feel SMART about MATH without having to do anything particularly complex? do YOU want to be able to confuse your friends by being obsessed with a man named SANTA?

#ze #cleb talky #anyone better at reccomending things than me feel free to share ze propaganda

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onedaughterofman · 1 year

Text

You, forever (Chapter VII: Zenith interlude)

Pairing: Papa Emeritus IV x g/n reader

Summary: The Clergy takes something from Copia, but he refuses to let go.

Warnings/tags: Mostly fluff, some angst here and there. Mentions of blood, some sexual innuendos. I put my whole heart and pussy into this. It was supposed so be "short and sweet". It's more than 6K words, I think.

PREV CHAPTER HERE

“Cardinal? Care for a dance?”

Draped in ceremonial robes and surrounded by a faint, golden glow, a Sibling of Sin stands right in front of him. The Cardinal lifts up his head, focuses for a brief moment on their face before looking away again.

The music coming from the ballroom is distant, barely above an echo in the air. This party is supposed to be for him, Imperator said. A celebration of his arrival at the Ministry and a welcoming to his recent role as the head of the Ghost project. They are celebrating the release of Prequelle, the general favorable reception it caused on the public.

Despite that, the Cardinal is hidden away from the rest of the clergy and Siblings. He’s on a bench, and the halls continue for a long way to his right and left following a labyrinthine path. A part of Copia wishes he could mingle with the rest of the guests and celebrate, but he’s positively not in the proper mood. Even if Prequelle is a work born from his blood and sweat, he can’t help feeling that there’s something missing. He tried hard, so hard to make something good, but people are still clinging to the past.

During tedious days and interminable nights, he paid attention to the critics and reception. It didn’t matter how hard Imperator tried to shelter him from the negative reviews, focusing exclusively on the praises and applause. Copia read everything, listened to each complaint.

At last, there’s no way to escape the truth. He’s not Terzo. Not Primo or Secondo, either. He’s not the mastermind behind Infestissumam, the rebel innovator behind Meliora or the messiah that brought Opus Eponymus to life, relaunching Ghost.

No. He’s only Cardinal Copia, creator of nothing but a mild disco-flirtatious album that lacks the raw power or lyrical profundity of his predecessors.

What a disappointment. He doesn’t deserve this stupid party or even his appointment as the new frontman. A brief noise forces his head to shift again. Next, he notes you are still standing there, staring at him with dark pupils and piercing eyes. The strength behind your gaze makes his shoulders tense, and he struggles to summon the right words as he swallows. You follow the movement of his throat, the way his muscles contract and relax.

Fuck. What did you say to him?

“I’m sorry,” Copia stutters, after a beat. “I’m not… I’m not good at dancing.”

The phantom of a smug smile appears on your lips, vanishing almost as rapidly. You nod slowly, taking a few steps forward until you take a seat right next to him. The Cardinal instinctively scoots away, putting as much distance as he can without standing up.

Without mercy, you move a bit closer. There’s that small, tight smile in your lips again, and your stare is heavy on his skin.

“Is that so? Because I saw you in the Rats video and that looked a lot like knowing how to dance.”

Oh, Satan. What do you expect from him? Are you here to laugh, to mock him? Is this part of some cruel joke, or a bet?

He’s too old for this.

You are too, but some people never grow over their mean phase. He’s about to excuse himself and sprint away when you finally look away, eyes locking into the paintings on the wall. Copia does the same, analyzing the minor details in the frame before observing the painting.

The infinity is built in front of his gaze. A red snake, swallowing its own tail, symbolizing the never-ending circle of life, death and rebirth. Just like the snake, Copia feels terribly trapped in an eternal cyclic path that will just lead to his own demise. The recent, tragic and sudden passing of the Emeritus lineage has struck hard in the Abbey, causing all kinds of speculations

If he’s not cautious, Copia will end up just like them, he fears.

In the distance, the music changes. The piano is a bit softer, carrying the melody with grace. Your head follows the rhythm, foot tapping on the stone floor. “I must admit I didn’t know what to expect when I first watched the video,” you continue, whispering. The tone of your voice is soft, hushed, as if this was a secret no one else should discover. “I never saw any Papa doing something like that before.”

That’s it, then. You’re here to remind him how different he’s from the rest, how he doesn’t fit along the Emeritus’ heirs. The Cardinal gathers a deep breath, feeling the air burn in his lungs before exhaling. It’s useless for you to come here to taunt him, when he already knows anything you may say and more. He knows he’s extremely different, too unusual or particular. It doesn’t matter how hard Imperator insists he’s suitable for this job, Copia knows she’s wrong.

And here you are, to solidify his theory. No one in the Clergy agrees with his designation. He’s…

A failure.

“I like it.”

The music stops for a moment. The echo travels through the air, following the interminable corridors until it disappears down the hall. Copia studies your face, searching for any clue of sarcasm or a lie, but not a single trace appears. Your mouth is stretched in a smile, and your eyes are sincere, shining with the reflection of the faint golden light.

“You left me speechless for a while, Cardinal.” You continue, averting your gaze. An air of familiarity clings to your body and hair, slowly tearing at his walls. You’re not the frightening, intimidating person he initially thought you were. No, you’re calmer, way kinder. “That’s why I was hoping you might dance with me. Everybody's having fun tonight. It’s a shame you’re here all alone.”

“We can try it, if you want?”

The words leave his mouth before his brain can process them. Copia's mouth is agape while he's fighting to produce a coherent thought. The way your face lights up at his proposal doesn’t make things easier for him, but he achieves the strength to continue. “I mean, I still remember some of my dancing lessons.”

“I knew it!” Your hand lands on his arm, a fleeting and yet burning touch, marking his skin with your emotion. “You looked so professional in that video! You took lessons?”

“A long time ago. Sister thought it would help me become a bit less… shy? I don’t know, truly.”

“I assume it didn’t work.” The mischief coats your words, and he smiles in return.

“No, but it was a good workout. I still work-out, you know. Lots of walking inside the Ministry.”

“You do have a nice, toned body.”

The confession seizes him by surprise. Being raised inside the Ministry has made him almost immune to all sorts of lascivious, hedonist behavior. He has heard and seen things that will be forever branded in his memory, no matter how hard he tries to forget them. However, he’s not used to that being directed at him.

He should get used to it, probably. He’s read the comments some people make about his clothing and moves. They are... creative, to say at least. Tremendously interesting.

“Ah, si. I also… run a bit,” Copia says, when the silence becomes excessively oppressive on his back. “And I do some thrusting, here and there.”

You chuckle.

He has made you laugh, and it’s a breathtaking sight to behold. “Not that I need the training,” the Cardinal continues, moving a bit closer. “My junk works just fine. More than fine. Uh…No complaints.”

When you laugh once more, Copia fears the entire world has come to a stop. He sees you in slow motion, notes the way your lips stretch and your hair sways following the movement of your head. He swallows, but his mouth is incredibly dry.

You’re beautiful.

“Do I know you? No, sorry. I mean, can you tell me your name?”

You do. “I’ve been serving the Ministry for a while, but I’m mostly cleaning and cooking. I’m afraid Sister Imperator doesn’t trust me in clerical duties.”

“Why not?”

“Apparently I speak awful Latin and get lots of herbs and incense confused. I need to study more diligently, she said.”

“Well, if you need any extra help, you can ask me. I know some stuff.”

“I’d be honored, your Dark Eminence.”

“No need for that. Cardinal it’s okay. Or just Copia.”

“Copia.” The way you mention his name, pronouncing each sound with a slow, clear intonation is music to his ears. The Cardinal fears he might become addicted to it. He knows he has just met you, but he’s passionate at the core of his heart. He can’t help but to yearn for love, for someone to adore during days and nights.

It might be a fantasy, but he keeps his hopes high. Maybe, you can become the one he’s been searching for.

“So, dancing lessons?”

Holding onto your hand, Copia follows you through the corridors.

Your hand is warm between his fingers. Copia holds onto it, following you through the empty corridors.

“Thank you for helping me hide from Imperator.”

“You’re welcome,” Copia says, breathless from all the running. “But I don’t see why we are running. I thought you did well in your Latin lessons.”

“I did, that’s the problem! She thinks I cheated!”

He laughs, absentmindedly leaning closer to you.“I’m sorry for being such a good teacher.”

“Then I’m sorry for being such a good student.”

Steps resonate in the distance. You flinch, drawing a short breath before your hand jolts to grip his forearm. The Cardinal hurries behind you, rapidly hiding from whoever is wandering the Ministry. It’s only when the noise fades he realizes how close he is, how your fingers are still closed on his flesh and your bodies are almost pressed together.

The air is not enough to allow him to breathe. Copia opens his mouth to let out a slight gasp, fighting to calm the frantic beating of his heart. He can’t move. In the enclosed space, he doesn’t know where he wants to go, if he wants to put more distance between the two of you or to lean closer. His hands hoovers over your body, fingers twitching in an effort not to touch you. He wants to, but doesn’t dare.

To resist his desire becomes harder when you look at him through your lashes. From this distance, you can feel the heat radiating from his body, smell the way his perfume mixes with the minty scent of his aftershave. The Cardinal averts his gaze, staring at the stone wall. He’s extremely nervous, timid.

“Copia?” You whisper. That sultry, half lidded stare burns on his face like fire. “Thank you.”

Without saying anything else, you lean to place a kiss on his cheek. It’s a soft gesture, a chaste one, full of innocence and tenderness he never experienced before. You begin to walk away, turning around to call for him when he remains in place.

“Are you coming?”

Dumbfounded, he follows.

“Come on! Faster!”

“Come on! You can go faster!”

The wheels on the tricycle don’t agree. They creak and whine, almost as if they were about to fall off the frame and roll into nothingness. It's natural. The frame is not meant to support the weight of not only one, but two adults.

Yet, your nails dig in the Cardinal’s shoulders, as you cling to him for dear life. You laugh loud and the sound echoes on the walls and before disappearing into the hallways. Copia’s voice alerts you shortly before he turns on a corner, hoping not to crash and wreck anything. He can’t explain to Papa Nihil why more and more vases and decorations keep getting broken in the vestibules.

Oblivious to his worry, you merely chuckle louder, gripping onto him with more strength. “Faster!”

“I’m the only one pedaling here!” He yells, breathless. The muscles on his legs burn and ache, but not as much as they will tomorrow in the morning.

Oh, well. A bit of pain is nothing when he can enjoy the comfort of your body pressed against his back or hear the sound of your chuckles. You look so cheerful, gull of joy. It makes his heart race and sing.

“I thought you said you worked out!”

Upon hearing your words, Copia continues. A dead end halts him on his tracks. The wheels produce a sonorous screech on the floors, leaving behind marks. You climb down from the tricycle, and a sad, disappointed expression manifests on your face. Copia doesn’t like seeing it. He despises it.

Even if your feet make contact with the ground, your hands remain on his shoulders, toying with the collar of his cassock. The gesture sends shivers down his spine, electrifying his body. “We’ll have more space to ride outside,” he says, hoping you’ll accept his invitation.

“A race, then?”

You run without waiting for him to signal the beginning of the competition. He grants you some advantage before following at full speed.

On the patio, you run. Copia’s voice is carried by the wind, no more than a faint counting sound in the distance.

You're extremely thrilled he’s taking some time to indulge in a foolish game with you. He’s been exceptionally busy lately, so full of stress with all the tours and his clerical obligations. Sadly, you almost don’t have time to spend with him, even if he tries to dedicate a few minutes of his days to you.

Crouching behind a big statue, you cover your mouth with your palms in an effort to muffle the noise of your panting. All your efforts are fruitless, because Copia takes no time to find you.

His fingers tickle at your skin, over the ribs, and you jump in place both from the sudden contact and the surprise. “This is unfair! You always win.”

“Si, certo. I used to play here all the time when I was a child, there’s no corner I don’t know. Most orphans preferred the playground near the west entrance and not this one because it’s close to the Chapel of Rituals, so nobody bothered me.”

In a swift movement, your fingers close over his wrists, pulling him closer. Copia falls on the soft ground, green grass staining the white material of his suit. Despite that, you don’t stop tugging until his head is set on your lap. Even if he attempts sitting up, you don’t let go. You merely move your hands from his arm to his face, ghosting over his cheekbones and nose before setting down on his hair.

Gradually, your nails lightly scratch at his scalp. Copia’s eyes go from wide open in surprise to half lidded, all fluttering eyelashes. “You need some rest, Copia,” you mumble, making him nod.

“I know, I know. There’s so much to do.”

He’s right. The clerical duties are never ending, so heavy on his shoulders. More than once you have discovered him passed out in the library or in his office, head against the hard wood of the desk and hand clutching a pen. The Cardinal’s shoulders are always so tense and high on his body, from carrying both Nihil’s and Imperator’s expectations.

If only you could do anything to relieve him from some of that pressure, you would. You have been gaining more and more responsibilities, but it’s never enough to grant him respite. “I’ll tell you what,” you offer, when you think he might start snoring softly at any moment. “When this is all over, we’ll go to the beach. I heard the Ministry owned a beach house not too far away from here.”

Eyes batting open, he furrows his brows. “Where did you hear that?”

“Imperator mentioned something when she was talking with Papa Nihil the other day. I might have eavesdropped.”

A deep, slow sigh it’s the sole answer you get. “It doesn’t matter” you cut him before he can complain.“Promise it. When you have time, we’ll go to the beach.”

“I don’t like the beach.”

“Because you have never been there with me.”

The glint in your eyes, he clearly sees it. There’s so much hope and excitement within your pupils, it’s impossible to deny you. Hell, he’d accept anything you propose, asking only for you to gaze at him in return. “Okay, okay,” Copia whispers, looking elsewhere. His lips stretch in a timid smile. “When this is over, I’ll take you to the beach. But then, we’ll have to go somewhere I want.”

“Where?”

“Let’s go get rigatoni affumicati al pecorino, from that nice Italian restaurant near here,” he declares after a beat. “ Do you want to?”

“Deal. But first, the beach.”

“Vabbè. The beach.” Your palm is warm and soft when his fingers make contact with your hand. He takes it gently, placing his lips on the back of it. The black makeup leaves behind the faint mark of a kiss. “I promise it.”

There’s so much echo around. Step after step, your shoes make a loud noise that breaks the heavy silence of this place. Almost as if he was sensing your uneasiness, Copia’s fingers caress the back of your hand, moving to graze over the palm. “Only a bit more,” he murmurs. “Watch your steps, my dear.”

“It’d be easier if I wasn't blindfolded.”

“You didn't complain about it last night.”

Copia abruptly stops before you can reply. His hands move to your head, deft fingers swiftly removing the blindfold. Nothing prepares you for what you see.

The space is large and broad around you. Illuminated by candle light and a few faint lamps, there’s a fountain in the middle of the room. From right to left, you note some tunnels extend for meters and meters before disappearing in the dark distance.

Where's this place?

Has it always been here, hidden under the main building?

“I know this is not like the beach.” Copia speaks up from behind you. His fingers bend around your shoulders, pulling you lightly until your back meets his chest. As always, he’s gentle and tender, an incredibly comforting presence. He makes you feel giddy inside, so at ease. “But I thought it was a nice sight anyway.”

“Are we under the Abbey?”

“Si, ecco. A whole system of tunnels goes even beyond the fences. It’s supposed to be an escape route, used during the old times in case of an attack. Nowadays it’s mostly abandoned and closed, unless you have permission to be here.”

“Do we have permission?”

“I do. Don’t worry. I’m the only one who comes here.”

“That’s selfish of you. Maybe I want to come too.”

“I can help you with that, very well.”

His arms are strong when he surrounds you in a hug, tilting your head until his lips find yours. Copia lets out a few chuckles against your skin, closing his eyes to thoroughly enjoy the coziness of your body next to his. In front of your eyes, the water of the fountain dances to its own song. The statue of the Fallen Angel stands watchfully in the middle of it, beautiful and magnificent.

Just like Lucifer fell from the heavens to the ground, searching for freedom and truth, you feel yourself falling for Copia. If he’s your damnation or the promised land, you don’t care. As long as you can have him close, worship him and walk by his side, then nothing else matters.

Nothing can offer you absolution or console, if it’s not him.

“Thank you for showing me this.” Your voice is scratchy, coarse from the lack of use.

“Prego,” Copia replies, holding closer. “This place was always a shelter for me, to hide when things became too bad. I want you to have it too.”

The murmur of the water travels through the air, lulling you into a sense of peace and safety. In your lover’s arms, you cling to these private moments you get to expend together, away from the rest of the Clergy. Now and forever, the light from memory will conduct you through the shadows.

In moments like these, away from the world and outside expectations, you feel incredibly free.

Over the muffled music, the water is a constant buzzing in your ears. It’s dusky in the tunnels, more than usual, and a part of you wonders if Copia dimmed the lights on purpose to allow himself to camouflage into the shadows.

The entrance to the main room stands in front of you. Written in stone, an ancient warning lays carved in somber color for your eyes to see.

“Lasciate ogne speranza, voi ch'intrate.”

You take a step forward. The distant ticking of the clock it’s the only sign of time passing. Under the Abbey, everything seems to be put on a stop. “Copia?” You call, and for a long moment there’s no reply. “I know you are here.”

“Si, uh. I was just…”

“Hiding?” Your chuckle is full of air. “You need to stop hiding during celebrations prepared in your honor. Everybody is up there wanting to congratulate the new Papa Emeritus the IV.”

“Lo so, believe me. I just need some air.”

Distorted, the melody of the piano keys hardly manages to resonate in the underground. You don’t recognize it, only acknowledging it’s a slow ballad. Your hand extends in Copia’s direction, floats in front of his face until his eyes look up to meet yours. There’s sadness clinging to his factions, drenching him in a unique kind of sorrow you fear you’ll never completely understand.

This man, as much as you love him, remains mostly a mystery. He has shared a few details, scarce information about his childhood and teenage years. How someone who has been through much can remain kind and cheerful it’s something you can’t comprehend.Every so often, you feel as if the world’s weight was balancing on his tense shoulders, oppressing his true nature into dust.

The Clergy clearly searches to transform Copia into the perfect frontman, a well curated marionette they can maneuver round and round. There’s a bitter glint behind your irises, a misery you hope he can’t discern in the shadows.

If your love could guard him, then not a god or Satan would be able to touch a single hair of his head.

Then, you’re just a human. Another Sibling of Sin, someone who performed their vows not too long ago and who comes from nowhere.

“We met on a night like this. Do you remember?”

Copia’s hair follows the movement of his head when he nods leisurely. He holds onto your hand, tenderly cradling the palm to his cheek. His eyelids are pressed together when he snuggles closer, lessening the deep crease of his brows.

“How could I forget it?”

“Was I the first person you danced with? After you were ordained as the new leader?”

“Yes.”

“Can I be the first person to dance with you, now that you have become a Papa?”

As if your words had struck him right on the face, Copia’s eyes flutter open. “Please,” he whispers, through gritted teeth and quivering lips. He’s scared, terrified even, and now he’s clinging to you as a life line.

It’s okay. You can be his anchor, his sheltered place. Everything will be alright, for as long as you are together.

Even if the music is muffled by the sturdy stone walls, you begin to escort him through the vast room. Your voice rises in a melody you heard him singing, nights and nights ago. Copia seems surprised that you recall it, but how could you forget the way that song draped around your aching heart and eager soul, touching every nerve of your sensitive core?

If he composed it for you or not, you don’t care. That’s the song you love, the one you’d sing forever and ever if you were ever granted life eternal. The humming travels up your chest, throat and mouth, exiting your lips and filling the silence before getting lost into a distant echo.

Clinging to your body tight and circling around the room, you dance.

Copia’s body is squeezed tight against you. Laying in bed, limbs tangled and hair tousled, the two of you struggle to regain a regular breathing rhythm.

For a long moment, you stay silent. There’s a thick veil of worry covering your skin. He realizes, sensitive as he always is to your emotions. Copia clutches your hand between his, caresses the back of it without breaking eye contact. “What’s wrong, my dear?” He asks gently.

There are no words in your mouth, nothing logical that can explain why your throat is filled with anguish. It’s most likely nothing, you know it, but your heart beats rapidly and heavy inside your chest.

“I think it’s going to rain soon.”

“Why do you say that? There’s not a cloud in the sky tonight.”

“The wind has changed,” you murmur, averting your gaze. “And I’m worried.”

“About what?”

“Your trip. How long will you be gone?”

This time, his facial expression is the one that denotes concern. “Not too long, and there’s no need to worry,” he comments, squeezing your hand. His fingers curl around your wrist, pulling you closer. “Sister will be there with me. It’s just a dumb meeting with some members of the Clergy, to plan the next tour and album.”

“Let me go with you, then. No one should object to a Sibling of Sin accompanying their Papa.”

“You’ll get bored.”

The same conversation, time after time, is what bores you the most. Why can’t Copia allow you to travel with him? That is something you don’t fathom. A part of you suspects it has to do with Imperator’s presence always following him like a shadow.

“I mean it, Copia,” you stand firm, sitting up. “ I miss you so much when you are gone. Why can’t I go instead of Imperator?”

“She’s the one behind the whole project, I can’t ask her not to go.”

“Then why does she despise me so much?”

As usual, he remains silent. “She doesn't,” Copia states, but there’s an undeniable doubt in his voice.“She has an old vision of how things should be.”

“She has a vision of me dead, I’m telling you.”

“Come on, don’t say that.I’ll be okay and will take care of you. Do you trust me?”

Yes.

“Of course I do, Papa.” The mention of his title, the one he holds in the highest regards, causes him to feel as if he’s about to burn and melt into the silky sheets. His heart is about to explode in a whirlwind of emotions and excitement. Copia is happy, so moved and sensitive every time you call him that.

“Then believe me when I say this. Everything is going to be alright. I’ll be back from my trip soon, and then we might even have some time before the tour. You know what that means?”

“Our beach trip?”

“Yes, why not.”

“It’s winter, Papa.”

“That won't stop me. If it’s not the beach, I’ll take you somewhere else.”

“Okay. Maybe somewhere warm. I really think it’s going to rain soon.”

The next morning, the clouds are distant in the blue horizon when Copia takes one last look at the Ministry before stepping into the car.

Dark clouds float above his head. It’s going to rain soon and the drops of dew that cling to the air are almost frigid cold, dampening his clothes and hair.

“They are looking for you.”

The ghoul maintains his distance. The sturdy boots barely produce any noise against the moist ground, due to the carefulness of his walking. He advances slowly, step by step, as if he’s dealing with a hurt and scared animal that might bolt away at the first sign of danger.

Maybe the ghoul is right. Copia feels like a wounded and terrified creature, about to dissolve into dust. His body is closed tight, holding him together by threads that may break and disintegrate with the slightest wrong movement.

Still, he breathes.

“Saltarian and the rest are wondering where you are.”

“How… How did you find me?”

Without hurrying, the ghoul outstretches one hand. He’s not wearing any gloves, and his silver jewelry shines under the pale glow coming from the lamps. One finger points to himself, right at the chest, over the place where the Emeritus’ sigil has been branded on his skin. “We’re bound together by our deal,” he says. “I’ll always know where you are. That way I can come when you call me.”

“Then the others know where I am too.”

Under the black night sky, the ghoul stands still. Through the dark glass of his mask, his pupils emit a dull light that can barely be discerned. Copia focuses on that glow, on the way the ghoul’s head tilts in his direction as he lowers his body to the ground. Sitting on the dirt, the creature only stares at him.

Next, his fingers toy with the long sleeves of his uniform, rolling them up his arms. Copia follows the action, silently. “Do you remember when you summoned us?” The ghoul questions. His body irradiates heat, reaching a temperature that would be too hot for any normal human. Copia feels half tempted to lean into him, because he’s freezing to his bones.

“Sí, I do. I was terrified,” he admits, narrowing his eyes and breathing through his mouth. It’s a bad habit. He knows it, but he can’t help himself. The oxygen isn’t enough. It’s never enough,

“Then you remember our deal, right?”

“You serve me, and in exchange I let you inhabit a human vessel to roam through the earth.”

This time, the ghoul moves his head slowly. His tongue clicks. “Not exactly. We are summoned here to look after the Ministry’s best interest and ensure the safety of Papa Emeritus. In exchange we are provided with a body to possess and energy to feed off. It’s simple, but the contract is up to interpretation, as it always is.”

“Why are you telling me this?”

“Because the Clergy has issued a command in your absence. They told us to stop you from leaving the Abbey’s ground, no matter what," the creature confesses. “And right now, you’re very close to abandoning our profane land.”

Copia stiffens, skin pale. He’s struggling to inhale and exhale, almost shaking.

“Where is Sister? Has she arrived?” Copia whispers through his teeth. Each syllable is hard to pronounce, because his jaw is almost as tense as the rest of his body. The cold stone causes his teeth to clatter and stomach to shiver, but he doesn’t want to step out of his hiding spot and go back inside the building.

No. His shelter is safe, while the abbey is dangerous. Copia doesn’t know who he can trust in anymore, who might be waiting for him in the shadows. The ghoul shakes his head, solemnly.

“Something horrible happened,” Copia adds, and his companion only nods. “I know something happened.”

Word by word, his shoulders rise as his head drops. The dirt is wet, wetting his clothes. “I can’t find them anywhere,” he mutters, quivering. He wants to disappear, to curl up in a hole and die from anguish and pain.

You can’t abandon him, you can’t simply go and never come back. Copia needs you, more than anything in this world, more than anyone else.

Love me, his soul screams. Love me and never leave me. Never cast me aside, never ignore me.

Love me

Love me.

“I smell blood on the dirt.”

No.

“Not too old. It’s recent. A few kilometers from here, down the south.”

Copia stands up, but the demon grabs him by the sleeve of his jacket before he can move. The sharp nails leave behind marks, slicing through the cloth. “I have to go,” he pleads.

“You can’t leave the Ministry grounds. That’s the order.”

“Let me go.”

“Even if I do, the others will follow you. And I’m not going to lie, most of them don’t care if they have to drag you back by force.”

The reasoning falls into deaf ears. Copia struggles with all his might, but it's useless in the face of an eternal, inhuman being. “I’m the one in charge here. It’s an order!", he yells, desperate. "I command you to let me go!”

“No, you don't. You can’t even use the binding magic right. It’s a sad attempt.” There’s a glimpse of something in his voice, a bitten emotion that doesn’t quite match the ferocity of his nature. He’s not aggressive, or indifferent. He’s almost sorrowful.

“I don’t understand! You are my ghoul. You serve me!”

A deep sigh is the only reply he gets. “My loyalty is to you, but contractually I serve the Ministry's interests. The pact doesn’t mind who’s in charge of it, if it’s you, another Papa or some old human behind the shadows.”

“Then come with me. That way you’ll be certain I’m safe. No harm done to anybody in the Ministry.”

“You don’t get it, right? To ensure Papa Emeritus’ safety is not the same as to obey you. If you ask most of us, an easy way to keep Papa safe is to lock him inside the Abbey and forbid him from doing something crazy, like going outside in the middle of the night when it’s about to rain.”

Like a marionette with no strings, Copia's arms fall to his side. The creature's grip on his flesh lessens, but the sting of sharp claws remains. “If something happens to Papa Emeritus, if you get sick or injured and can’t perform, then the Old One’s message won’t be spread. There is a tour coming soon. It would be a problem to lose you.”

In the wind, the top of the trees dances in a serpent-like manner. Copia focuses on it, trying hard to match the movement with the rhythm of his air intake.

It's useless. Nothing can bring him peace if you are not around. “But I have to find my beloved.”

“That’s the problem here. You’re not only Papa Emeritus IV. That’s merely a title you endorse. Sadly, right now my duty is to stop you from leaving, not to care about Copia’s feelings and wishes. They don’t serve the Clergy or Satan.”

“I have to find them, please. You said you smelled blood. They need help.”

“I smell blood under the dirt, permeating the ground. It’s not fresh, just recent. I don’t think they need help anymore.”

No.

It can't be.

He won't believe it. Hasn't he given enough? Hasn't he given away his name, his face, years and years of his life to serve this Ministry? Hasn't he done enough?

Copia is asking only for one thing in return to his efforts: you.

They can't take you away.

No one can.

“Silenzio!” He yells. In the darkness, his eye emits a faint pale glow. “Tell me where they are, now. I’ll go.”

The ghoul's bared teeth shine when he growls, in a silent warning. His muscles are tense under his tight skin, almost as if he was ready to pounce and devour him to the bones. “Alright," he breathes out, after a beat. "No need to get so mad, I said my loyalty is to you and not to the Clergy.”

“Why?”

“Maybe I spend too much time with humans. I’m starting to feel things I’m not supposed to, like empathy and pity. It might be your fault. You always treated me like a friend and not a servant.”

“You’re like family to me.”

Instead of offering comfort, his words seem to shatter the creature's spirit even more. “Something I learnt from humans is that even family can stab you in the back. Don’t trust us. We’re not like you in the end.”

Copia listens carefully when the ghoul tells him where to go. It's not far away, but it is beyond the Ministry's fences. He can make it before it begins to rain, probably, but it will be a tough journey.

It doesn't matter. He can't fail.

“One last thing. The tunnels under us, you know them right?”

“Yes.”

“Most of us would consider them part of the Ministry’s grounds. That way, you can get farther away without any ghoul on your heels. I’ll try to distract them as much as I can, but there’s no guarantee.”

“Thank you. For everything.”

“I hope you don’t regret it. This won’t go unpunished for me.”

“I’ll reward you when I get back.”

Without agreeing, the infernal creature begins to walk away. He doesn’t turn around when Copia speaks up, only tilting his head to examine him through the corner of his eyes.

“You said you spent too much time around us, and that’s why you’re experiencing new feelings.” Copia inquires. “Would it be too bad to be a bit more human?”

For a small eternity, an infinite of seconds that weigh as much as his sorrow, the ghoul stays in silence. After that, he swallows. His fists are pressed against his body. “It’s dangerous,” he says softly. “What happens when you lose everything that makes you yourself?”

Copia doesn’t know what to reply. His gaze pierces into the creature, searching for any clue. He detects nothing, only a rare sense of humanity.

To discover humanity in a demon, that’s something he was never prepared for. Copia feels his blood freeze when he witnesses him go without looking back. Before completely disappearing in the distance, the ghoul’s voice continues in an incredibly gentle manner, almost breaking at the end

“You die.”

NEXT CHAPTER

Ps: Sorry for writing a nice ghoul and then implying they died. That wasn't very fluff of me.

Next chapter is probably the end! This is a wild ride. Be prepared, maybe? And, as always, thanks for the support! This wouldn't have been a multi-chapter fic without it <3

#ghost band #ghost band fanfic #ghost band x reader #papa emeritus iv #cardinal copia #papa emeritus x reader #cardinal copia x reader #evil cardinal copia #antichrist copia #nameless ghouls #my writing #my fics

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tyquu · 1 month

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tag game! (

thanks @stealingpotatoes for the tag :]

Last Song: Valentine, Texas - Mitski

Currently Watching: Idk, aviation disaster video documentary number 89 or something (there are a lot of them, i've lost track)

Three Ships: Skybridger, Thranto, Anidala

Favorite Colors: Orange, Green, Pink, and Red :]

Currently Reading: The Thrawn trilogy - Timothy Zahn

Currently Consuming: media wise, as listed above ^^. Food wise, i am unsure... i don't believe i have actually had breakfast this morning whoops.

First Ship: Oughh,, preciousmetal shipping. (Pokespe specifically idk, i've never played pokemon but i did read)

Place of Birth: Hospital

Current Location: Also shithole england!!! (in response to prev)

Last Movie: Dead Poets Society (my sibling made me watch it and all i can say is i wish i was not burdened with the gift of midway movie joke turned prophecy)

Currently Working On: Sorting out my affairs. (I have been what i can only describe as the university equivalent of court martialed and have been in extended mental free fall for like, the last five days lol)

tagging: @mustasekittens @loth-creatures @gherkinlizard or anyone who wants to do it (no pressure tho ofc)

#tag game #ty tidibit

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landograndprix · 10 months

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where your heart truly lies ✾ l.n - vi

❧ in which you and lando are not together, right?

❧ brief mentions of cheating but nothing too much. Saw new content of lando yesterday, had a break down, he looked boyfriend af, couldn't make him more of an asshole, bon appetite.

❧ prev part - next part

☆☆☆☆☆

y/nusername

liked by francisca.cgomes, landonorris and 25,651 others

y/nusername kickin' it with kiks 🏜

tagged: francisca.cgomes

view all 301 comments

norry4 say it with me now: we're all clowns 🤡

bott_ass we've been bamboozled huh

julieeeexo no because I knew kika from somewhere but couldn't figure out where from..girls been with the same agent and have been in many videos together 💀

y/nnorriss y/n really said I'd never date a man like Pierre but I know someone who would

pierreswifey okay so they're coworkers? 👀

yourbestfrienduser 'work'

y/nusername working hard or hardly working?

maxfewtrell knowing you, probably the latter

y/nusername I didn't ask you but pop off queen

chilisainz so no drama? man, I wanted some tea..

oscarp81 so now we're moving on to charles..right? 👀

hannahh it's kinda worrying me that y'all are so obsessed with getting y/n to date another driver 😭

landoscar right, especially since her actual soulmate us being a dick and driving into people on purpose cause he's jealous as fuck 💀

☆☆☆☆☆

taglist @honethatty12 @alilstressyandlotdepressy @spideyspeaches @babyvinnie @summerslike11 @waratah-vroom @beatricemiruna @thecubanator2 @lunamelona @leclercdream @pedrileclerc @chelseagirl98 @azxulaa @mxsonxmountx @fleetastic @mycenterfold @oliviamarner @18754389 @scuderiahm @saschaa-ff @oscarissacsslut @fluffyspaceprincess @emely-b @chaosamu @livster @dangeroustacoalienbiscuit @celestialams @gentlemonsterjennie1 @fangirl-madz @dance-on-the-moonlight @allywthsr

if your name is crossed out, I was unable to tag you!

#lando norris x reader #lando norris x y/n #lando norris x you #lando norris smaus #lando norris fanfic #lando norris imagine #lando norris au #lando x reader

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deviantrevolution · 2 months

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hello and welcome to my sideblog dedicated to detroit: become human! i make gifs, videos, memes and take screenshots of the game, and will occasionally share some of my own writing and things that inspire it. all posts are tagged according to the media type, character(s) and/or ship(s) for easy searching. i track #userlucid, so feel to tag me in your creations!!

—bio

lucid

they/he

aro/ace

gifmaker

writer

professinal procrastinator

prev. rk1k

—byf/dni

basic byf/dni rules (racists, anti lgbtq+, pro-israel, etc.)

empty blogs will be blocked, unless i know you

character/ship bashing is not welcome, at all

i will occasionally reblog or post nsfw content, so i'd prefer minors NOT to follow or interact with me

no one is allowed to repost or use any of my edits under any circumstance unless i give explicit permission to do so, and even then i reserve the right to say no. please respect my wishes

do not mention other characters or ships on posts that aren't about/for them (e.g. saying connor would look so good in a scene when the scene is of markus, or this should have been hankcon instead of rk1k)

like above, do not complain about whatever it is you don't like about certain characters/ships/scenes/dialogue on posts made about them. keep it to yourself or make your own post

—links

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lover-of-mine · 8 months

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Fuck it Friday!

I was tagged by @captain-hen @eddiebabygirldiaz @wildlife4life @honestlydarkprincess @wikiangela @disasterbuckdiaz thank you <33333

Okay, so I sat down planning on finishing this fic but it gained a new layer and I got distracted making a video, but yeah, the whump Buck is all I can think about so here's more oskaoskoas prev snippet

Maybe he’s just stupid for deciding hoping for the best was the way to go. He’s moving, getting smaller pieces of the ceiling out of the way as he goes, but he knows there’s no way he’s getting Buck out of there alone. And he has no idea what kind of injuries the biggest piece is hiding. Because it seems like half the ceiling is on top of Buck. On the less horrible side, it seems like Buck fell between two cars that seem to have also taken part of the load. The crushed cars also give Eddie something to climb to get to him, so he waits to panic until he lands next to Buck��s head, taking in the way his whole bottom half is hidden by concrete. There’s a nasty gash on the side of his face, but he’s not really trying to figure out the extent of Buck’s injuries yet, he just yanks his glove off before bringing his hand to Buck’s pulse point on his neck, saying a silent prayer to every saint he can think of and nearly crying out in relief when feels the surprisingly steady rhythm of his pulse against his fingers.

imma tag @bucks118 @housewifebuck @cowboy-buck @try-set-me-on-fire if they feel like sharing <3

#911 wip #buddie wip #writing #trapped fic #anyway #im having fun with this #so lets see how the weekend moves #maybe ill have a whole new fic for you soaksokasokas #fuck it friday

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leviathans-watching · 2 years

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chaos causer | chapter 3

includes: mammon x gn!reader (no pronouns mentioned)

wc: 2.5k | rated t | m.list | series m.list | ao3

a/n: only one more chapter after this! to be added to the taglist, click here

taglist: @macherise @thebixchyravenclaw @lemon-irl @paige-the-plant @furblrwurblr @blorbostation @beelzebubisbestboy @multifand0m-gal0re @yourtypicalnpc @t-misaki @megacuntsandwichuniverse @lemon-girl @mygfmika @itsmeninerz @evilsailorsenshi (i can’t tag bolded names)

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please reblog <3

You settle next to Mammon, biting into one of the carefully prepared appetizers. It’s delicious, and you hum in satisfaction as you make quick work of devouring the rest of it. Mammon watches you amusedly, handing you a napkin.

“Thank you,” you say, wiping your fingers.

“So, MC,” Diavolo begins, and you shift your attention to him. “Have you been in the Devildom before?”

You have, but you’d also insinuated you’d never met a demon before with the brothers, so you should probably stick to that story. “No, never!” you say. “I was a little nervous about coming down here because I’ve heard stories about demons eating human souls and all of that-” you see Beelzebub shift guiltily “-but Mammon was really good about reassuring me. And he was right, you guys are all so nice!”

“Thank you.” Diavolo grins. “Have you been to the Celestial Realm before?”

“I have,” you say, and Simeon perks up a little. “It’s absolutely gorgeous, though I’m just as impressed by everything down here. I can remember times when travel between the three realms was practically unheard of, and it’s crazy to think about. Is it true that you’re behind most of the diplomatic efforts to improve relations between the realms?” You’re actually curious about this; you’d heard of Diavolo’s attempts and projects since ascending to the throne and you weren't going to pass up a chance to actually question him about it.

“Well, not entirely,” Diavolo says humbly. “But yes, I do believe I kickstarted most of it. Ever since I was a child I’ve wanted peace between the realms.”

You widen your eyes. “You’re a really cool guy, Lord Diavolo! I’m so glad I got this chance to meet you. You’re kind of like, my hero!” You speak breathlessly, purposefully acting a little coy. Next to you, Mammon continues to eat, looking for all intents and purposes unaware of your antics. You know better, though.

Time to amp it up.

“Mammon,” you tease, nudging him, “you never told me that Lord Diavolo would be this cool! And handsome,” you add after a beat, giving Diavolo a little half smile. He straightens in his seat, brow furrowing, but you’re paying more attention to Lucifer, who’s not even bothering to try and hide his scowl. “Maybe you shouldn't have brought me here! I’m getting all sorts of… ideas.” With that, you flick your eyes around the room slowly, meeting each of the brothers’ eyes in turn.

Mammon just laughs. “Babe, you still think I’m the most handsome, doncha?”

“Sure, babe,” you say, patting his arm, and Mammon’s mouth twists with what could be a smile before he regions control of his expression, playing the painfully unaware act incredibly well. Like you, he’s noticed the looks all of his brothers are sending each other. Solomon is watching the show with avid interest, as if he’s found some particularly unique specimens.

You go back for more appetizers, surely taking more than what is socially acceptable, and honestly, you don’t even care because they’re just so good. You explain this to Mammon, who nods at Barbatos.

“He made all of ‘em, so you should be tellin’ him that, not me.”

You take his advice, making sure to lay on the praise thickly. Barbatos indulges you politely, a fixed smile staying firmly on his face. He retreats a few moments later, back to Diavolo’s side, and you watch them speak for a moment, both looking in your direction. You pretend you don’t notice, drawing an unwilling Leviathan into a conversation.

“Like, video games?” you ask, and Leviathan nods.

“Yes, have you ever played them?”

You laugh. “Oh, no, that kind of stuff is a little, uh, introverted for me. I tend to prefer real people’s company, you know? But,” you add, a beat too late, “I’m sure they’re perfectly fine for people like you.”

You know you’re being an asshole, but committing to the bit is important to you and you’ve never been one to do things halfway. Leviathan gives you a funny smile, and it only takes a few seconds for Asmodeus to steal him away, sending you a shrewd, disapproving look.

“MC,” he says, circling closer to you, like a shark to its prey. You’re used to his shenanigans, though, so the act doesn’t bother you. “Imagine my surprise when I saw you walk in tonight. And then when you began acting in a manner entirely foreign that what I’m used to.”

“You’re not going to let me get away with this, are you?” you ask, and Solomon shakes his head with a laugh. Behind him, you see Lucifer hovering just out of hearing range. You lower your voice anyway. “What’s it matter to you? I can’t imagine you’re asking me out of the goodness of your heart.”

“Of course not,” Solomon says, as if the very idea is ludicrous. “But, you see, I’ve put a lot of effort into establishing rapport with the various demons in this room and I need to know if you’re going to ruin anything.”

You tilt your head back, regarding him coolly. Back in school the two of you had verbally sparred often, so this back and forth was nothing new. “What I do shouldn’t affect you.”

“But it’ll affect someone?” Solomon presses. “Mammon? Is he your target? I’ll say, he isn’t what I’d call your type.”

“Mammon’s with me on this,” you say unwillingly, wondering if there’s any way to get out of this without relaying the whole plan. Probably not, knowing Solomon. He’s a shark who’s smelled blood.

“What do you have up your sleeve?” Solomon wheedles. “Surely you can tell an old friend like me.”

“Old friend.” You snort. “If that’s what we are then Mammon and I are married.”

“And that means?”

“Mammon and I aren’t together,” you finally say. Solomon’s eyes widen and a smirk grows on his face.

“Oh ho? You’re not?”

You scowl, crossing your arms. “No.”

“So then why are you here? It is because of Diavolo? You seemed awfully into him earlier,” Solomon wheedles.

“Please,” you scoff. “As if I’d have to resort to such tactics. No, I didn’t want to sit through another holiday season alone so I put up an ad.” Solomon’s expression is practically scandalous, and you make a face. “Not that type of ad, idiot. One where I’d be your fake date and cause trouble to your family. I didn’t think anyone would take me up on it, so imagine my surprise when I get a message from the Avatar of Greed.”

“So, you’re purposefully trying to cause problems?” Solomon asks, and you nod. “That’s a relief,” he says. “You just became much more bearable to be around. It all makes sense, now.”

“Yeah, yeah,” you say. “I’m being a prick. Big surprise there.”

“You said it, not me.” Solomon raises his hands, palms upturned. “Is there any way I can help? You know I can’t resist a bit of fun.” He steps closer to you then, too close to be normal, and you know Lucifer is still watching.

You push him back with your fingertips. “I’m not sure. If you can see a way to make me look bad, then by all means, go for it.”

“Alright,” Solomon agrees, as Mammon wraps his arm around you, looking between the two of you.

“Everything alright?” he asks, and you nod.

“Everything’s perfect,” Solomon purrs. “I was just getting to know your date better, isn’t that right, MC?”

“Exactly,” you agree, not at all believably. You’re interrupted by the first course being brought out, and you all gravitate towards the food, which looks and smells absolutely amazing. You’ve had Devildom cuisine before, but nothing like this. You make sure to continue to be a general nuisance (and menace) to everyone, while Mammon pretends not to notice. Often, Solomon says something that perfectly sets you up to say something much worse, but he does so subtly enough that you're sure no one catches on. While it’s true that he’s a very skilled sorcerer, his skill with words is often more dangerous and goes unnoticed most of the time.

At some point, you get the urge to use the bathroom, and thankfully, Mammon can point you in the right direction. You head to it, humming. The evening is going perfectly - for you - and your mind is spinning with ideas of how you could make it worse. When you open the door, drying your hands on your pants, you’re surprised to see Lucifer awaiting you.

“It’s all yours,” you say brightly, moving aside, though you know he’s not waiting in line.

“I wished to speak with you alone,” Lucifer says, and you gasp.

“My, my! How forward.”

Lucifer scowls darkly. “Why are you here?”

“As Mammon’s date, duh,” you respond, and Lucifer arches a brow.

“And yet you’ve paid more attention to half of the others in the room than you do him.”

“It’s not like Mammon’s noticed,” you say. “And what’s it to you, anyway. It’s not as if you actually care. Or are you just worried about him looking bad in front of Lord Diavolo?”

Horns begin to form on Lucifer’s head and his massive wings unfurl into the hall, but you’re not scared. Intimidation doesn’t work on you and you’re confident in your ability to escape this encounter unharmed, should Lucifer try to use force. Not that you think he actually will. He seems all talk, especially whilst in Diavolo’s castle.

“I’m not sure where you got the idea that that’s how it is around here, but I assure you, that’s untrue. I’m simply worried for Mammon.”

“Right. But for some reason I don’t believe you,” you saw slowly. “Maybe because if you were actually worried for him, you’d take it up with Mammon himself.”

Lucifer is not pleased with your lip, that much is clear. “Insolent human,” he hisses. “What is it that you want with him? Money? Fame? Whatever it is, you won’t get it.”

“Wow, you really have a high opinion of Mammon if that’s what you think his partner would want,” you say, hands on your hips. Lucifer’s lips pull back, exposing his teeth.

“I was completely and utterly prepared to give you a chance until you started acting so completely without decorum. I don’t know how it is in the Human Realm, but down here we’re not usually so transparent.”

“So he’s a hypocrite too,” you mutter, before looking up at him. “I haven’t done anything, Lucifer. Try and go to Mammon with any of this and he won’t believe you, now will he? In fact, I think he’ll be more inclined to believe me than you at this moment.”

“What have you done to him?” Lucifer bites out. “Mammon’s not that gullible or unaware. You must have tranced him somehow.”

“Baseless accusations now, Lucifer?” Your tone is syrupy-sweet. “And here I thought you were supposed to be the one in charge. But if you’re losing your cool so easily… well, that just calls your merits into question.”

“Is that a threat?”

“Threat?” you echo with a laugh. “No, of course not.” He stares at you, eyes burning red in the light. You stare back, uncowed. You’re still not scared and know you’ve got him bested in every verbal argument he could try to make.

Mammon hides his smile in his glass as he watches Satan try to hide his displeased expression while conversing with Solomon. Everything is going perfectly! He’s gotta say, he really admires your ability to get under their skin. He’s never seen anything like it, and he’s seen a lot of crazy things.

Speaking of, where are you? It’s been a while since you said you were going to use the bathroom. He looks around the room and sees Lucifer’s absent as well. A sinking feeling begins to form in his gut. He looks around once more, and Simeon catches his eye. Simeon flicks his head towards the bathroom hallway, and Mammon strides across the room quickly, afraid of what he’ll find.

Lucifer better not be doing anything to you! You’re just a human, and surely Lucifer wouldn’t go that far! Right?

Mammon turns the corner and freezes for a moment when he sees Lucifer leaning over you, in his demon form. He shakes himself out of it, rushing over.

“What’s going on?” he barks, and both you and Lucifer look at him, startled. You don’t seem harmed in any way, nor do you seem scared, which makes him feel a little better, but he needs an explanation as to why Lucifer was over you like, clearly hostile.

“Lucifer and I were just having a little chat,” you say, so pleasant it’s scary. “Weren’t we, Lucifer?”

“Mammon, I must speak with you privately,” Lucifer says, ignoring you, and protectiveness courses through him.

“Whatever you need to say can be said right here,” he insists, pulling you closer to him, and Lucifer looks between the two of you, lips white with how hard he’s pressing them together.

“Your date should leave,” is what Lucifer settles on, and Mammon had to force his satisfaction down to display the correct amount of indignation.

“What?” Mammon bristles. “Why?”

Lucifer looks mildly pained. “I’m sorry to tell you this, but MC is not a good person. I think you’re being used for your status as an Avatar and being taken advantage of.”

Mammon looks from Lucifer to you.

“I don’t know why he’d say that,” you say convincingly, lip quivering. “All I wanted to do was make a good impression on your family!”

“Stop with the lies,” Lucifer says harshly. “Mammon will not be manipulated that easily. I can’t believe you’d try to do this to him and believe you’d get away with it! I will not just stand by and let you do this to him.”

Mammon stares at Lucifer, lips parted. Lucifer was… protecting him?

“Mammon,” Lucifer repeats, “I’m sorry. You deserve more than a partner who will flirt with other people in front of you. Who will cheat you out of money. Who will shamelessly use you to elevate their own status. You deserve someone who will love and appreciate you in the way that you deserve, who will treat you with respect and decency! I know I’m not always the best at showing it, but Mammon, I care about you. Which is why I’m telling you this.”

Mammon’s speechless. Never had he expected this night to lead to Lucifer saying something like this! He feels bad, both for deceiving Lucifer and putting you in a spot where his anger is directed at you.

“The truth is,” Mammon begins, but you cut him off, slipping your hand into his.

“It was all an act,” you say, “I was only pretending to do those things to make sure he has a good family. I really love Mammon and wanted to make sure he’s being treated right by those he surrounds himself with.”

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